2012 NBA Draft: Team Grades - Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks: John Jenkins, Mike Scott
Jenkins was bound to be picked somewhere around this range, but I don't see why the Hawks would draft someone in the first round that plays the same position as arguably their best player. However, Jenkins might be the best pure shooter in the draft, so he still can and will produce for Atlanta. Mike Scott was a solid pick at #43, averaging 18 ppg and 8 rpg at Virginia his senior year, and could work his way into the rotation this or next year. GRADE: C+


Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Jeffrey Taylor
I thought that Thomas Robinson would be a better pick at #2 than Kidd-Gilchrist, given that he's a player that can produce now. MKG works very hard and there's no denying that he could be a star three years from now, still a solid pick. Taylor is also a small forward, but is more of a shooter and played great defense for Vanderbilt.  GRADE: B-

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals Provide No Surprises

Soccer fans looking for potential upsets will be left disappointed as the first stage of knockout process in UEFA Euro 2012 saw all the favorites move on. 

The first game of the knockout stage saw Portugal take on the Czech Republic in a tightly contested affair. So close in fact, that the first and only goal of the game came from Cristiano Ronaldo’s header in the 79^th minute. The Czechs put in a very respectable effort, fighting for possession in the middle of the pitch, and even double sometimes triple teaming Ronaldo. In the end though, Portugal earned the victory, a deserved one at that. The Portuguese looked more lively early on and took the game to the Czechs. While it seemed the deadlock would continue, the star man stepped up in the crucial moment.   Joao Moutinho the creator for Ronaldo’s diving header that sends Portugal through to the next round. 

2012 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

1. New Orleans Hornets: PF Anthony Davis, Kentucky; 6'10", 222 lbs


It's fair to say that Davis is the clear #1 selection for the Hornets and that won't be changing.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: PF Thomas Robinson, Kansas; 6'9", 244 lbs


The Bobcats could improve at many positions, but they can't ignore the way Robinson matured this season. He averaged 18 ppg and 12 rpg, all while leading the Jayhawks to the National Championship game. Not to say Beal or Gilchrist couldn't go at this slot, but a big like Robinson can produce now and fit perfectly with the Bobcats.


3. Washington Wizards: SG Bradley Beal, Florida; 6'5", 202 lbs


It's safe to say that it's been a tossup between Beal and MKG for the Wizards, but after the trade they made with the Hornets, bringing in Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, SG is their weakest position. With John Wall at PG, Beal will help spread the floor, letting Wall get into the lanes to score or kick it out for an open jumper.


4. Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky; 6'7", 233 lbs


The Cavaliers will be taking whoever isn't picked between MKG and Beal. Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the most hard-working players in this draft, and will prove that in Cleveland. He has a great ability to get to the basket and will also be very exciting alongside Kyrie Irving on the fast break.


5. Sacramento Kings: SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina; 6'8", 228 lbs


Originally, it was looking like the Kings would take Drummond, but after workouts and interviews, they don't want to take another risk at a center like they did with Cousins. Barnes fits well with Sacramento, who often had three guards in the starting lineup this year. While he doesn't excel at one thing, Barnes is the type of player that can do it all, which will be asked for a lot from this team.


6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Nets): C Andre Drummond, Connecticut; 7'0", 279 lbs


Portland may be having flashbacks with this pick, thinking of Greg Oden and his injuries, but Drummond is exactly what they need. They've struggled to get a consistent big man alongside LaMarcus Aldridge that can anchor the defense, and he can do just that.


7. Golden State Warriors: PF John Henson, North Carolina; 6'10", 216 lbs


This is a tough spot for the Warriors. The top six picks all seem to be guys that will be worth the spot they're picked at, but after that, nothing is certain. Golden State will go with the best player available at this spot, and as of right now, it's Henson. Given the injuries to David Lee and newly-acquired Andrew Bogut, he will be added security who can work into the starting lineup over the next few years, while still getting plenty of playing time.


8. Toronto Raptors: SG Dion Waiters, Syracuse; 6'4", 221 lbs


The Raptors could really use a SF at #8, but none are really available that could go this high. DeMar DeRozan is pretty big, so they'll move him over to the three spot at times to make room for Dion. He was a good shooter last year for Syracuse, and has been moving up people's draft boards like crazy.


9. Detroit Pistons: C Meyers Leonard, Illinois; 7'1", 250 lbs


With the #9 pick, the Pistons are really looking for someone to pair up alongside Greg Monroe. They might like Henson more at this spot if he drops, but they won't mind at all if they take Meyers. He had a great sophomore season for Illinois, and will look to improve even more as he enters the NBA.


10. New Orleans Hornets (from Timberwolves): PG Damian Lillard, Weber State; 6'3", 189 lbs


Although Jarrett Jack had a great season, there's no way he's the future PG to be sharing the franchise with Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon. With it being a tossup between Lillard and Marshall, the Hornets should be taking Lillard due to what his offensive abilities can do for a team that otherwise lacks in that category.


11. Portland Trail Blazers: PG Kendall Marshall, North Carolina; 6'4", 198 lbs


Portland will be praying that one of the top two point guards will drop down to them at this spot, and there's no real reason that Kendall Marshall won't. The Trail Blazers have complained about their PG play last season, and Marshall does a great job running an offense and finding the right guys, despite his lack of offense.


12. Milwaukee Bucks: C Tyler Zeller, North Carolina; 7'0", 247 lbs


Given the fact that they traded Bogut away, and Ilyasova is a free agent, there's no way that the Bucks don't go for a big man with this pick. With Henson and Leonard off the board, Zeller is easily the best pick in this situation.


13. Phoenix Suns: SG Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut; 6'5", 179 lbs


The Suns are still in the mindset of keeping Steve Nash this offseason, and SG is their main weakness. Lamb was a great shooter at UConn last season and will fit perfectly into the Suns' system as long as Nash is still on the team.


14. Houston Rockets: PF Perry Jones III, Baylor; 6'11", 234 lbs


Houston could really use a center like Zeller or Leonard at this postion, but if they're gone, look for Perry Jones to stay in Texas for at least a few more years. PJ3's draft stock rose and fell very quickly throughout the season, mostly because scouts questioned his laziness, despite his undeniable talent. The Rockets have some ability to take a little bit of a risk on this pick, given that they have another selection just two picks later. If he never had motivation before, Jones has plenty of naysayers to prove wrong now.

Nkemdiche Chooses Clemson...But Will He Actually Suit Up For The Tigers?

The top high school football player in the nation, defensive end Robert Nkemdiche of Grayson, Georgia, committed to the Clemson Tigers on June 14th. This came as a shock to many, as it had been speculated that Nkemdiche would wait until National Signing Day to announce his decision. It also leaves some doubt as to whether or not the star will actually play his collegiate football for Clemson. With 7 months until Nkemdiche will have to sign his letter of intent, there will be plenty of time for him to brood on his choice.

Before his sudden commitment, most recruiting experts had Nick Saban as the odds-on-favorite to land Nkemdiche, who has been called the best defensive end prospect since Julius Peppers. Between Saban's fantastic recruiting record and the influence of Nkemdiche's high school coach, Mickey Conn (an Alabama grad), it seemed that it would take a massive recruiting upset for Robert to choose anywhere but the national champions. With most followers of Nkemdiche's recruitment set in for the long haul, he took a visit to Clemson and abruptly announced his commitment.

Any followers of Nkemdiche on Twitter can tell you that he has one eye on the NFL, even as a high school junior. Clemson has had a solid record of producing pro DE's recently. Among those selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft since 2007 include Andre Branch, Jarvis Jenkins, Da'Quan Bowers, Phillip Merling, and Gaines Adams. Still, Dabo Swinney pulled a huge recruiting coup in luring Nkemdiche from the draw of the SEC. Alabama were considered favorites, with LSU, Georgia, and Ole Miss also thought of as possible destinations. Clemson had always been in the picture, but not many figured he would end up in ACC version of Death Valley.

After the Gunner Kiel recruiting fiasco of last year, Nkemdiche's early decision leaves plenty of room for doubt that the prodigy will actually sign his letter of intent for Clemson in February. And this doubt is not unfounded. With access to Twitter, the commoner now has the ability to gain insight into the personality of big time athletes. Nkemdiche does not seem to shy away from the spotlight and it is reasonable to believe that he may not like the shift of focus from him to other undecided recruits. Also, at one point he had set his announcement date for May 18th after the Grayson High School spring game because he "knew where he wanted to go". Soon after, however, his announcement was cancelled and news came out that it was possible that his announcement would have to wait all the way until National Signing Day.

These abrupt changes of heart cannot be reassuring to Clemson fans who have seven longs months to sweat out before they can feel secure that Nkemdiche will suit up for the Tigers. Meanwhile, Nick Saban, Les Miles, Mark Richt, and others are sure to be in the star player's ear.

Written by Patrick McBride

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Washington Wizards

Players Returning

PG John Wall
C Nene Hilario

Key Free Agents

none

2012 Draft Picks

#3, #32, #46

Team Needs

SF, SG

The only way to describe the play of Washington's SFs this season is terrible. There is no doubt in my mind that the Wizards should be taking Michael Kidd-Gilchrist from Kentucky. Not only because he's from John Wall's former school and they should have solid chemistry, but mainly because he is flat out the best player available at that spot and he just so happens to be playing the position that the Wizards need so badly. They might even be able to draft a solid SG with their #32 pick like Will Barton out of Memphis or John Jenkins from Vanderbilt to get some great playing time as well. Washington still has one year left of Rashard Lewis's terrible contract, therefore no cap space, but this may be one of the more exciting young teams in the NBA for years to come.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Utah Jazz

Players Returning

C Al Jefferson
PF Paul Millsap
PG Devin Harris

Key Free Agents

none

2012 Draft Picks

#47

Team Needs

SG, SF

The Jazz made a great run to make the playoffs this year, but were just unfortunate to run into a red-hot Spurs team. It's hard to find a glaring weakness in this team, because even though they're weak at the SG and SF, they still have young and developing Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks. Most likely the main reason that this happened is that they really won't have too much cap space in the offseason and only have one pick in the draft, and it's a mid-late second round pick. The only big moves I could see them doing is maybe trading away Millsap or somehow obtaining a backup to Devin Harris. As long as their youth at the swingman positions develops and they can stay healthy, they'll be fine for this upcoming season.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Toronto Raptors

Players Returning

PF Andrea Bargnani
SG DeMar DeRozan
PG Jose Calderon

Key Free Agents

PG Jerryd Bayless

2012 Draft Picks

#8, #37, #56

Team Needs

SF, C

As far as it goes being a true PG, Jose Calderon is pretty close to the real deal, especially when you consider the roster he's working with. He's great at orchestrating the offense and finding the right guys in the right places. DeRozan is still working his way into becoming one of the better young SGs this league has to offer. They really need to beef up their front court, considering Bargnani just isn't physical enough to bang inside and grab rebounds, and Ed Davis is seeming like he could be a solid sixth man for most of his career. The problem with that, is that Meyers Leonard from Illinois may be too much of a reach at #8, and nobody else is really available at that slot. Their next hope is that Harrison Barnes will drop to them, or they'll just pick up Jeremy Lamb. They will have some wiggle room with cap space, but let's be real, no free agent that's a real difference maker will be signing to Toronto this offseason.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Sacramento Kings

Players Returning

SG Tyreke Evans
C DeMarcus Cousins
SG Marcus Thornton

Key Free Agents

PF Jason Thompson (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#5, #36

Team Needs

SF, PF

The picture above says it all. The main issue for the Kings would be the logjam they have in the backcourt. They have a scoring PG Isaiah Thomas starting, alongside combo-guard Tyreke Evans who really needs the ball in his hands to be successful. To make matters worse, a pure scorer SG Marcus Thornton is in the starting lineup as well. They really need to start John Salmons at SF every game, and let Thornton come off the bench and lead the second team with his scoring and energy. As far as roster moves go, the main concern will be drafting a big man to go alongside DeMarcus Cousins, with finding a future starter at the SF position being the next priority. They should be drafting either Andre Drummond or Jared Sullinger, whoever they believe will work alongside Cousins the best. With the #36 pick, they'll take the best SF available. Either way, this team is still a few years away from making any noise.

 Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: San Antonio Spurs

Players Returning

PG Tony Parker
SG Manu Ginobili

Key Free Agents

PF Tim Duncan

2012 Draft Picks

#59

Team Needs

Youth

The Spurs had a great run this season but came up just short of making the Finals. They keep playing much better than most people anticipate in the offseason, especially with Parker making a run at getting the MVP this past season. With the draft pick, they'll most likely just take someone from overseas and develop them for a few years. They have a little bit of cap space, and they have been talking about being interested in Kevin Garnett, but most likely they will keep the same group of players back for next season. As long as they continue to develop their youth in Tiago Splitter and Kawhi Leonard, in addition to controlling the minutes and games of their older players, the Spurs will be back in the top of the West for at least one more season.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Portland Trailblazers

Players Returning

PF LaMarcus Aldridge
SG Wesley Matthews

Key Free Agents

PG Raymond Felton
SF Nicolas Batum (RFA)
PF JJ Hickson (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#6, #11, #40, #41

Team Needs

PG, SF, C

The biggest need for Portland will come at the PG position, since they have been very open on how disappointed they were last season with it. Their need at SF should be filled by matching any reasonable offer Nicolas Batum will agree to. Therefore, in the draft, they should be looking to take a PG and big man at the #6 and #11 spots. Even though PG is their biggest concern, it seems like they can wait for the #11 pick and still get either Kendall Marshall or Damian Lillard from Weber State. That leaves them taking a big man at #6, which will be Andre Drummond if he's still there or Jared Sullinger if he's not. They should still have some cap room left over, but expect them to try to fill out the roster with some solid backups and look to improve their rookies throughout the season on the way to a run at the playoffs.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Phoenix Suns

Players Returning

C Marcin Gortat
SF Jared Dudley

Key Free Agents

PG Steve Nash
SF Grant Hill

2012 Draft Picks

#13

Team Needs

PG, SG, PF

The main thing for the Suns this offseason is trying to keep Steve Nash. They will be drafting someone that would fit as if Nash is on the team, and the same will go with free agents until he decides that he wants to sign elsewhere, if that happens. At the #13 pick, Phoenix is wanting to take SG Dion Waiters out of Syracuse. His stock is rising quickly, though, so they could go for a Moe Harkless or Terrence Ross if Waiters gets drafted before their pick. As for free agency, it seems that Jamal Crawford and the Suns' front office have a mutual interest, which will help beef up the perimeter scoring. Hopefully they can also sign a PF to share the position with Markieff Morris to get some more presence inside. Now, if they end up not re-signing Steve Nash, all hell could break loose. They'll have to re-sign Aaron Brooks who is their restricted free agent that played in China last year. And then with the extra money they have, they could go after a big name free agent like Eric Gordon or OJ Mayo. The way they go about re-signing Nash this offseason dictates the team's future, and it could be the end of an era if he goes somewhere else.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Philadelphia 76ers

Players Returning

SF Andre Iguodala
PG Jrue Holiday
SG Evan Turner

Key Free Agents

PG Louis Williams
C Spencer Hawes

2012 Draft Picks

#15, #45, #54

Team Needs

C, PF

To trade or not to trade? Another season has passed for the Philadelphia 76ers, and All-Star Andre Iguodala is still with the team. Will this finally be the summer the much maligned "superstar" is sent packing? A promising playoff push for the 76ers says no. Philly got their first playoff series victory since 2003 by becoming only the fifth #8 seed to defeat a #1 seed. They then followed that up by taking the rival Boston Celtics to seven games in the conference semi-finals. Now the hot debate is; was the playoff run just fool's gold or was it the start of a successful run? With a few good moves the 76ers could definitely be a contender in the coming years.  Andre Iguodala has already established himself as a defensive stopper and all around good player. Jrue Holiday is improving  every season and many peg him to become a top PG in the near future. This leaves Evan Turner, arguably the most important of the three. The former #2 overall draft pick has generally been disappointing his first two years in Philadelphia. If he could stabilize his game and become a consistent contributor the 76ers would have a solid group 1-3. This leaves their frontcourt which needs some work. Center Spencer Hawes is a FA and has gained interest from teams around the league, some say he could even 7M per year which Philly will not pay. Elton Brand will likely get amnestied this off-season. While consistent, his time in the NBA is probably over. This leaves the two frontcourt spots open, which Philly would address in the draft and free agency. If Illinois big man Meyers Leonard falls to 15, Philly shouldn't even wait to make the pick. If not Perry Jones is a possibility. Lastly is the Louis Williams limbo. Williams said he will opt-out, but also said he is willing to re-sign given the right deal. It's rumored he could earn up to 7M in FA so the 76ers will have to replace him as well. His volume scoring will be missed, and something they'll have to replace.

By Joseph Williams

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Orlando Magic

Players Returning

C Dwight Howard
SF Hedo Turkoglu
SG JJ Reddick

Key Free Agents

PF Ryan Anderson (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#19, #49

Team Needs

PF, SG

Jameer Nelson still hasn't decided yet if he wants to decline his player option for next year, and they pushed back the deadline until after the draft. Another concern is matching an offer to Ryan Anderson, which they should as long as it's reasonable. In the draft, I could see them going after a PF like Arnett Moultrie from Mississippi State just in case Ryan Anderson leaves or even Dwight leaving in the future. They don't have too much cap flexibility, so they may have to make a big trade if that's what it takes to keep Dwight on the team. Either way, the Magic are in a huge mess without a GM or a coach signed to the team yet.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

Players Returning

SF Kevin Durant
PG Russell Westbrook
SG James Harden

Key Free Agents

none

2012 Draft Picks

#28

Team Needs

PF

The Thunder really don't seem to need to make many moves this offseason the way the team has been playing. They don't have too much wiggle room with cap space, so they're going to most likely just try to re-sign their low priced free agents and find someone in the draft just like they've been doing. Expect them to draft a forward that can backup Ibaka and maybe Durant as well. Royce White from Iowa State could make a good fit, and we'll be seeing them in the Western Conference Finals yet again this next season.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: New York Knicks

Players Returning

SF Carmelo Anthony
PF Amare Stoudemire
C Tyson Chandler

Key Free Agents

PG Jeremy Lin
SG Landry Fields

2012 Draft Picks

#48

Team Needs

PG, SG

Given the team's struggles this past year, re-signing Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields will be crucial. However, due to Linsanity, he may get a bigger contract than he actually deserves. I don't see a reason why Fields shouldn't stay with the Knicks and even take some control at PG along with Iman Shumpert. There have been some rumors that they might sign Steve Nash with the MLE to reunite with Stoudemire, but they won't have too much else to spend and they don't have any solid draft picks, either. They will need to get things together internally to be able to compete with the best of the East this year.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: New Orleans Hornets

Players Returning

PG Jarrett Jack
C Emeka Okafor

Key Free Agents

SG Eric Gordon (RFA)
C Chris Kaman

2012 Draft Picks

#1, #10

Team Needs

PF, SG, SF

It's safe to say that Anthony Davis will be a lock for the #1 pick in the draft. They also have the #10 pick in the draft, the Hornets will either try to grab a forward like Perry Jones III or maybe reach for PG Kendall Marshall from UNC. Once the draft is over, New Orleans will work on signing Eric Gordon, in which they should match any offer he signs to, because he's worth it and more for the franchise and the future of the team. Maybe not instantly, but this Hornets team will be exciting to watch for years to come.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves

Players Returning

PF Kevin Love
PG Ricky Rubio

Key Free Agents

SF Michael Beasley (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#18, #58

Team Needs

SG, C

Ricky Rubio's season-ending ACL injury really put a damper on the Wolves' season, but he should be back by the start of the season and ready to step up his game in his second season in the NBA. With Derrick Williams doing a fine job at SF, it seems that Minnesota will either let Beasley walk, or include him in a sign-and-trade, specifically to the Lakers. If they let Beasley walk, they'll have a good chuck of cash to spend on a nice free agent. Look for them to get a perimeter scorer at the 18th pick, like UCONN's Jeremy Lamb if he drops or Terrence Ross from Washington. Either way, the T'Wolves could make a serious run at making the playoffs next year.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Milwaukee Bucks

Players Returning

PG Brandon Jennings
SG Monta Ellis

Key Free Agents

PF Ersan Ilyasova

2012 Draft Picks

#12, #42

Team Needs

C, PF

Trading Bogut away and Ilyasova becoming a free agent are two things that are going to make this offseason crucial for the Bucks. Their first move to fill this hole will be to draft Tyler Zeller at #12 as long as he's still there. They will have decent cap room to sign a big man or even re-sign Ilyasova if he's willing. If they can't get any quality big man this offseason, Milwaukee will have to suffer with just Drew Gooden and Larry Sanders on the way to another mediocre season.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Miami Heat

Players Returning

SF LeBron James
SG Dwyane Wade
PF Chris Bosh

Key Free Agents

none

2012 Draft Picks

#27

Team Needs

C

The Heat don't really have too many options to improve the team, but it seems like they're pretty close to the best a team with their contracts can get. They'll be crossing their fingers that Fab Melo can drop to the 27th spot in the draft. If not, they might just take the best player available. They might go after a veteran with their MLE, but don't expect them to make any trades to big moves this offseason. Miami will be just fine as long as they can improve together as a team.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Memphis Grizzlies

Players Returning

SF Rudy Gay
C Marc Gasol
PG Mike Conley

Key Free Agents

SG OJ Mayo (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#25

Team Needs

SG, PF

The Grizzlies number one priority of the offseason is going to be to sign OJ Mayo. Most likely Memphis will match any offer Mayo gets, unless some team gets crazy and offers him the max. Next will be to re-sign either Marreese Speights or Darrell Arthur to back up Zach Randolph, since both of them will be restricted free agents as well. With the draft pick that they have, I could see them going for a PG or SF to come off the bench since they lack depth at both positions.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Los Angeles Lakers

Players Returning

SG Kobe Bryant
C Andrew Bynum
PF Pau Gasol

Key Free Agents

PG Ramon Sessions

2012 Draft Picks

#60

Team Needs

PG, SF

There have been plenty of rumors going around that the Lakers are going to try their hardest to get the best value in trading Pau Gasol, but there aren't too many specifics on just where he might go yet. Ramon Sessions is declining his player option to play for the Lakers this season, but he says he's still interested in signing with the team. Given that the Lakers have the third-highest payroll this season and the last pick of the draft, it seems like the only way they're actually going to improve the roster will by through trading.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Los Angeles Clippers

Key Players Returning

PG Chris Paul
PF Blake Griffin

Key Free Agents

SG Nick Young
PF Reggie Evans

2012 Draft Picks

#53

Team Needs

SF, SG

The Clippers took a risk with Chris Paul and it worked our fairly well this season, and now they have one more offseason to convince him to stay with the team. Nick Young played his role very well, so the Clippers are going to try to sign him at a reasonable price. The problem is that they won't have too much cap room and Nick Young forfeited his Bird Rights. They also only have one draft pick and it's in the second round, so the Clippers best shot at improving the team will be by making a trade, maybe sending off Mo Williams or Caron Butler.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Indiana Pacers

Players Returning

SF Danny Granger
SF Paul George

Key Free Agents

C Roy Hibbert (RFA)
SG George Hill (RFA)
SG Leandro Barbosa

2012 Draft Picks

#26

Team Needs

C, SG

The Pacers gave a great effort this year, but they have had time to lick their wounds and are hungrier than ever. The main concern for Larry Bird and the front office will be to keep Roy Hibbert. Compared to centers of past years, a few teams will most likely be offering him the maximum contract he can get. After the success they had this season, and given the money they have to spend in the offseason, I don't see them letting him walk. They're going to want to keep George Hill on the team as well, but they won't be willing to spend too much on him and there's a good chance he'll be gone. Look for them to draft a SG or a backup to Hibbert and be ready to compete with the elite in the playoffs next year.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Houston Rockets

Key Players Returning

SG Kevin Martin
PG Kyle Lowry
PF Luis Scola

Key Free Agents

PG Goran Dragic
SG Courtney Lee (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#14, #16

Team Needs

C, SF

The first thing the Rockets need to do is settle their differences with Kyle Lowry. He has a beef with Kevin McHale that needs to be taken care of right away. They have two draft picks in the middle of the first round, so maybe they can take a chance on one of them. They have a big hole to fill at the center position, so they'll try to take Tyler Zeller from UNC if he's available. If not, maybe they'll go after Zeller's teammate John Henson or Arnett Moultrie from Mississippi State. Don't be surprised if they trade up or down, though, given their circumstance. Also, they'll have some cap room this offseason to work with, so they have a lot of potential to improve their roster.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Golden State Warriors

Key Players Returning

PG Stephen Curry
PF David Lee
C Andrew Bogut

Key Free Agents

SG Brandon Rush (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#7, #30, #35, #52

Team Needs

SF, SG

The Warriors made a blockbuster trade by sending Monta Ellis to the Bucks in return for Andrew Bogut, finally clearing up the backcourt to let Stephen Curry do his own thing. Now the main thing the Warriors will have to do is stay healthy. This season, Curry and Andrew Bogut played a combined 38 games out of the 66 games played this year. Their most glaring weakness is the small forward position, and they'll look to improve on that in the draft with Perry Jones III or Harrison Barnes if he happens to drop to them. If this team does stay healthy, they have a great chance at making a run for the playoffs next year.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Detroit Pistons

Key Players Returning

C Greg Monroe
SG Rodney Stuckey

Key Free Agents

none

2012 Draft Picks

#9, #39, #44

Team Needs

SF, PF

The Pistons had another disappointing season, and it looks like this upcoming season won't be too much different. They don't have much money to spend in free agency, so they're going to have to rely on making the most of their draft pick and improving their young players like Monroe, Brandon Knight, and even Jonas Jerebko. There won't be too many small forwards to choose from at their slot, so it looks like the Pistons will be looking to draft Jared Sullinger or Perry Jones III with their #9 pick to beef up their frontcourt for years to come.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Denver Nuggets

Key Players Returning

PG Ty Lawson
SF Wilson Chandler
SF Danilo Gallinari

Key Free Agents

C JaVale McGee

2012 Draft Picks

#20, #38, #50

Team Needs

SG, C

The Nuggets gave the Lakers a run for their money by pushing it to Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs. Re-signing McGee will be their first priority in keeping a young core of players, including Lawson, Chandler, Gallinari, rookie Kenneth Faried, and perimeter defender Arron Afflalo (all 26 years old or younger). Maybe they can draft a scorer at SG to spell Afflalo like Doran Lamb if he's available, but as long as they keep JaVale, we'll be seeing them again competing in the playoffs.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Dallas Mavericks

Key Players Returning

PF Dirk Nowitzki
SF Shawn Marion

Key Free Agents

PG Jason Kidd
SG Jason Terry

2012 Draft Picks

#17, #55

Team Needs

PG, SG, C

The Mavericks front office has a lot of work to do this offseason. It looks like they're going to go hard after Deron Willliams, which would be a great upgrade from Jason Kidd. To fill their void at the center position, they will look at Roy Hibbert, but it will be tough to get him considering he's a restriced free agent this summer. Mark Cuban will still have a good amount of cap space to work with and a decent draft pick, so expect him to make noise as usual and put out a great team yet again this upcoming season.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers

Key Players Returning

PG Kyrie Irving
C Anderson Varejao

Key Free Agents

PF Antawn Jamison

2012 Draft Picks

#4, #24, #33, #34

Team Needs

SG, SF

Every single Cleveland fan should be cheering that Antawn Jamison's contract has finally ended. Rookie of the Year winner Kyrie Irving will be coming back alongside fellow rookie PF Tristan Thompson. When you add this in with C Anderson Varejao and a plethora of draft picks, it looks like Cleveland could be bouncing back from "The Decision" a lot faster than most would have expected.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Chicago Bulls

Key Players Returning

PG Derrick Rose
SF Luol Deng
C Joakim Noah

Key Free Agents

C Omer Asik

2012 Draft Picks

#29

Team Needs

SG, PG

In the best case scenario, Derrick Rose won't be healthy until some time in January. Bulls fans would love to have that scenario, compared to the worst case being that he won't come back at all during the 2012-13 season. Because of this, the Bulls are going to try their best to sign a veteran PG and draft a SG to beef up their backcourt and keep the team towards the top of the East.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Charlotte Bobcats

Key Players Returning

PG Kemba Walker
SG Gerald Henderson

Key Free Agents

PG DJ Augustin

2012 Draft Picks

#2, #31

Team Needs

SF, PF

The Bobcats just posted the worst season in NBA history, so the only way to go from here is up, right? Kemba Walker had a solid rookie season, as did Bismack Biyombo. Put that together with an improving Gerald Henderson and the #2 pick in this year's great draft class, and you have a team that just might not be the worst in the NBA next year.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Brooklyn Nets

Key Players Returning

SG MarShon Brooks

Key Free Agents

PG Deron Williams
SF Gerald Wallace
C Brook Lopez (RFA)

2012 Draft Picks

#57

Team Needs

PG, C, SF

The Nets are a long way from entering Brooklyn by storm. MarShon Brooks is the only starter currently under contract for the next season, however with Brook Lopez being a restricted free agent this summer, it would be hard to believe that the Nets wouldn't match any offer he's given. The only way Deron Williams comes back is if they can somehow bring in another star or two alongside him. Sorry Nets fans, but it's going to take more than just a move to Brooklyn to make some real noise in the NBA any time soon.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Boston Celtics

Key Players Returning

PG Rajon Rondo
SF Paul Pierce

Key Free Agents

PF Kevin Garnett
SG Ray Allen

2012 Draft Picks

#21, #22, #51

Team Needs

C, SG

There is a good chance that we've seen the end of Boston's Big Three. Not only have Garnett's and Allen's contracts expired, but also the contracts of Mickael Pietrus, Marquis Daniels, and other role players as well. However, if the Celtics can't seem to sign either one of Garnett or Allen, they might not be in as much trouble as you might think. They have many big contracts coming off the book which gives them plenty of money to spend in free agency, not to mention two first round draft picks that could turn out very well given the depth of this year's draft.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Atlanta Hawks

Key Players Returning

SG Joe Johnson

PF Josh Smith

C Al Horford

Key Free Agents

PG Kirk Hinrich

2012 Draft Picks

#23, #43

Team Needs

SF, PG

The Atlanta Hawks have some great pieces on their team, but to really turn themselves into contenders, they're going to have to move on from Marvin Williams and look for someone else to start in replace of him. Also, with the loss of Kirk Hinrich, they could use someone to backup the young Jeff Teague. Given the right pieces, this team can still stay in the mix with the top Eastern Conference teams for years to come.

Written by Wes B.

Welcome to FromTheNoseBleeds

I'd like to personally welcome anyone who happens to stumble across FromTheNoseBleeds, your source for the latest news in the sports world. FTNB will be run by myself, Joseph Williams, and many other great contributors. This blog is meant to provide you with the latest news, rumors, and updates from around the sports world. I myself will focus on Philadelphia area sports but you can also expect great content on the national scene as well. Articles, columns, previews, podcasts, you name it we'll have it. Right now were working on NBA draft previews for all 30 teams, and ready to get started on the right foot. So if you happen to stumble upon this blog, be sure to come back, because it's going to be a fun ride.