Friday, June 27, 2014

2014 NBA Draft liveblog



By Rick Morris

A number of FDH Lounge Dignitaries and other 21st Century Media Alliance talents participated in this liveblog, including myself, Jason Jones, Chris Galloway, Paul Pasek, Mike Ptak, Raymond Smalley and Jeff Sack.

Raymond
Thank You Mr. Thursday Night and I call you that because the last draft chat like this we did started on a Thursday night bahahaha... Until this draft begins let's all enjoy this video of the player Mr. More Than A Fan thought should be chosen ahead of John Wall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy98SUO8WVo

Rick
Harshin' on Mr. Hot Takes! We are underway already.

Raymond
Hot tags???? I went to give Hawk one but he was busy leaping off of something!

Rick
I love me The Walker, but typical ESPN beating everything into the ground, it will probably trigger violence in me by night's end.

Paul
The Cavs need to take Wiggins

Rick
Speaking of violence triggers, Paul, that's another one. If my Cavs blow The Mulligan by not keeping the pick AND taking Andrew Wiggins, that will do it as well.

Paul
Just like if they traded Hot Rod back in the day

Rick
How great to NOT see David Stern at the podium in the first round! #ChangeCanBeGoodYo

Jason
Before this gets going, is anyone looking (hoping) for anyone not named Wiggins?

Rick
Be forewarned, I am prepared to organize a public shunning against such people.

Raymond
Mohammed el-Mohammed el-Mohammed Bin Bazeer.

Jeff
When was the last time an NBA Commissioner was cheered at the start of the draft! Wiggins’ Liberace Tuxedo Jacket may become more iconic than James white suit!

Jason
I love the suit Wiggins is wearing.

Rick
Ah, Rece Davis brings up Lebron and blames it on "Cavs fans" driving the conversation. #ESPN #TheBallsOnHim

Raymond
Since Jason referenced fashion would a request that you visit and like Modern Midwest Maven be too far off topic bahaha.

Rick
This must be what it feels like to be on a lunar surface when your spacesuit pops. I seriously can hardly breathe. #JustTakeWigginsYouDummies

Paul
No doubt. C'mon. ...

Rick
Twitter spoiled it -- WIGGINS!!!!

Chris
Good.

Jason
Doing a happy dance.

Rick
NOW KEEP THE DADGUM PICK!!!!!

Paul
Finally.

Jeff
WOOT WOOT!

Chris
There is a chance...

Rick
Bill Simmons with the obligatory douche move of acting like the Cavs might move him.

Jeff
He is truly awful as a commentator, want to sissy-slap him.

Jason
Now, there is still a question I've held on to: what is he, really? The draft broadcast just listed him as a SG. Every preview show I watched said SG. I think he's a SF with position flexibility. So what's the consensus?

Rick
SF at the pro level, could start by toggling between the two positions.

Jeff
He's a three in my book.

Jason
I F@%#ING HATE SIMMONS. He's an editorialist, not an analyst or commentator.

Rick
How do you plan on proving the critics wrong? "Well, for starters, Jay, I'ma be smart enough not to fool around on any motorcycles." #TooSoon

Rick
Really shocked that Andrew Wiggins' parents didn't say that they could celebrate with "a big family-sized bowl of poutine." #TakeOffEh

Jeff
Gilbert just tweeted his welcome to Wiggins, the pick is staying.

Rick Morris SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP! Thank you, Dan Gilbert, even if you overrode your whole organization. Now make this the only time you ever do that. #YeahThatllHappen

Jason
Did that punk Simmons just say that Jabari Parker is "always in shape,” is he delusional or just an ass?

Rick
He's trolling. That's the problem with Bill Simmons right there. As a historian, he has genius-level hoops knowledge -- just read his book. As a commentator, he's a goof who can't stop trying to amuse himself.

Raymond
Ric, do your impersonation of Bill Simmons impersonating Chelsea Handler bahahaha.

Rick Morris Yes, that'll put as many asses in the seats as my impression of Groundskeeper Willy as an Attitude Era pro wrestling fan.

Raymond
Nice pick Philadelphia... Take the next four to six months off..... Oh wait..... #Awkward

Rick Morris Vegas should set an over-under total for the number of games played by Embiid and Noel this season.

Jason
If Embiid's injury proves to not be a big issue, Philly has an interesting defensive twin towers situation.

Rick
Not gonna lie, would have like to see Gilbert tweet something to Wiggins like "unlike the last highly-billed 3 we had here, I believe you'll have the balls to bring a championship to town!"

Raymond
Cleveland fan interviewed a few weeks ago: Of course we would welcome him back.... He won his rings so why shouldn’t we....

Raymond
Because he was supposed to win them for you #JustSomeThoughtsForTheMind

Rick
Alliance member Tom Denk on Twitter: I'm sure working in a city known for it's fatty foods and cheese will do wonders for Jabari Parker's intense diet.

Jeff
The navicular bone injury is a killer for a big guy. They keep bringing up Jordan/Bowie in 84, but total different body types. That's a lot of stress on a big's feet.

Jason
Wow, that was stupid.

Rick
More Denk: Now the Cavs have #1 pick, it's clear Dan Gilbert pulled a great long con with the Mike Brown hiring.

Raymond
And my first WHATTTTTTTTTTTT that can be heard down the street!

Rick
Eh, aside from Exum, there was no real consensus at 4. Welcome to the topsy-turvy second tier.

Jeff
You can work on shooting, he'll be a three in the Association. Orlando has holes throughout the lineup....

Jason
No consensus is one thing. But Gordon, although a top 10 player, was a reach. On the high side, he's Blake Griffin as a SF while shooting a disgraceful FT%. There are at least 3 players available far and away a better choice.

Jason
YAY!!!! Exum goes to a team I don't care about

Rick
^ Eurohater

Jeff
Hope he doesn't turn into another Darko....

Rick
They have different heights, weights, skin tones, skill sets and name spellings, but other than that, they might as well be twins!. #IKeedIKeed

Jason
SIX OUT OF 74!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Raymond
And the Los Angeles Lakers select... Lebron... Carmelo... D-Wade..... Jimmy, those players are available through free agency.... Then what the hell are we doing here bahahaha.

Rick
THAT SUCKS! Chris, your Celtics got a potential franchise player. As a chowd-hater, I am bent.

Jeff
Only comparison is they never knew how to play Darko. They fell in love with a guy who basically was displaying the skill-set of a small forward and they tried to make him a big. Bill Simmons, 0 guard??? How about a hybrid?

Jason
Jeff, believe it or not, that's not the first time I've heard the Darko line today. Exum has the measurables. He's turnover prone, slightly out of control on offense, and not a big assist giving point guard type. There is upside but 10-20 upside, not 5.

Paul
If Jalen's last name was Toilet, would he be wearing one on his lapel?

Jason
I hate Smart to Boston. Probably because I'm such a Rondo guy

Rick
I don't know, Paul, but based on his commentary, it should be.

Jeff
Is my childhood team putting Rajon on the block? Should have taken Randle.

Rick
Biggest thing that sucks is hearing a bunch of drunk a-holes call him "Mah-cus Smaaaaaaht" throughout his career.

Jason
Exactly my sentiments, Jeff.

Jason
You could run him next to Rondo, as some believe he's a Wade-type. But I think Rondo's on the block.

Jeff
Unfortunately, so do I.

Jason
Just don't want to see him go to the Lakers or Heat.

Jeff
Good pick for Lakers.

Jason
There's a great story that involves Rick and I about Rondo, Shannon Brown, and a pair of deceased head phones.

Jason
Love Randle.

Jeff
The kid has averaged over 20 triple-doubles per season, he IS a head-case but its due to competitive instinct.

Jason
Ok, let's see who gets shafted by getting drafted to Sacramento.

Jason
He's tough. He's like a young raw Barkley, without the polished game he hopefully develops.

Jason
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason
This is going great for my fandom.

Jason
Exum and Stauskas are the two players I am most skeptical of.

Raymond
First Big Ten Player in the draft is of course from UM!!!! Congratulations Nik Stauskas!!!! #GoBlue Emily Ray #WillOhioevenhaveaplayertakeninthelottery

Jason
Why the HELL is Vonleh still on the board?

Jason
Nice.

Jason
They still need a swingman, though.

Jason
Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, with MKG, Gerald Henderson, CDR. Off-balanced but it could be worse. Could be 5 years ago.

Jason
Wow, didnt see that coming this soon.

Rick
That headphones story was choice. Jason and I were anchoring the 2006 draft on Sports Talk Network and when Rondo got taken right before the Cavs, he spiked his headphones. And actually, they were HIS headphones, not the network's! Meanwhile, I'm droning on awkwardly waiting for Jason to make his way back over to the mics.

Jason
AAWWWWW McBUCKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason
Wally World? You are underselling yourself, Dougie.

Jason
This has not been so terrible to this point, but it’s about to get crazy. Reaches and values abound.

Rick
Jason, what's hilarious is that you get Dougie Baskets when I thought you were going to get Stauskas.

Rick
OH HOLD THAT NOTE! Dougie to Chi-Town!

Jason
...starting with McDermott leaving Denver for Chicago.

Jason
Man, that’s upsetting.

Jeff
Not a guy that I would be proud to compare my game to.

Paul
Now he's in Chitown. Sorry, Jason.

Jason
I don't hate the Bulls, I was just excited to have a local team guy other than Ty Lawson to be excited about.

Jason
Saric just signed an extension to stay overseas (I think).

Jason
I love how Saric's biggest trait is that he is "offensively arrogant."

Rick
Saric to Philly, per Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

Rick
^Eurohater #KeepTrollinTrollinTrollin

Rick
Also, I'm sure we're all wondering why Dougie would want to compare himself to some Miami of Ohio slug.

Jason
Seriously, though, in what facet of life would 6 for 74 be either acceptable or the kind of result you would repeatedly pursue.

Jeff Sack Detlef was a hell of a player.

Rick
True, and these guys are suspect based on recent track history, but there will always be exceptions to the rule.

Jason
In the sense of full disclosure, 6 of 74 is from 1994-2014.

Jason
Did you ladies just hear Broussard? Kyrie, Wiggins/Waiters, Lebron, K-Love (and he would sign a long term extension if Lebron were there). Let the spin begin.

Rick
No, I think Wiggins is the bait for getting Love.

Jason
Not to pile on with the Exum bit, but his commercials have already overstayed their welcome.

Jason
That's fine, and I'm down for that, but is Wiggins enough to sign the extension?

Rick
Just like The Walker bumper music. And it's killing my love of a song I really dig.

Jason
I love the idea of Kyrie, Waiters, Wiggins, Love. I'm just skeptical.

Jeff
James is not going back to Cleveland and every other source has said that negotiations for Cleveland to get K-Love have ended.

Jason
TJ Warren, the first of the picks going earlier or later than you might think.

Jason
Broussard was claiming that this is new information. Kevin Love would sign a "long-term extension" if Lebron were there.

Jeff
I've known Chris since he worked at the Beacon-Journal, but that's a reach.

Rick
From the great Bruce Arthur on Twitter: Eventually Philadelphia will draft so far into the future that their draft pick will be arrested for a hovercar DUI.

Jason
I've dealt with Broussard in the past, and I'll be polite and keep it respectful. He has always rubbed me the wrong way.  And he's no David Aldridge

Jeff
But Aldridge is a DIVA.

Rick
More Bruce Arthur: Wait, LeBron wouldn't leave Miami to be a mercenary? This was just said?

Jason
NICE.

Jason
Payne is probably my favorite big. Not going to say best, but favorite.

Jason
Can't wait to see where PJ Hairston goes.

Rick
Apparently pre-draft medical tests turning up a bad case of "tweener-itis,” which is really sinking Gary Harris.

Jeff
Payne is a Danny Ferry-type of athlete.

Rick
Harsh, Jeff! #ThatsTooColdScorpio

Rick
I think I overheard my first "MAH BAY-BEE GONE GET PAIIIIIIIIID" from the green room.

Jeff
LMAO, no Rick, not comparing them as players. He is the kind of guy that he will build around!

Rick
Jeff, I am laughing my nards off!

Jason
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxFKBYPEgRo
I don't think Ferry could have done that in his wildest dreams.

Rick
DENVER GETS A EURO! #Karma

Jeff
Sorry, Jason.

Jason
Figures. The second most Euro’ed team grabs another one. A slow big man.

Jason
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, Denver's trying desperately trying to avoid taking on any salary from rookies. Draft-and-stash.

Rick
Somebody should tell San Antonio they're wasting their time with Euros. #KeepTrollinTrollinTrollin

Jason
No. See Rick, you're twisting things around. Euros or non-Americans can play. My issue is taking them in the top 20 is absurd. Parker 30th pick. Manu 60th pick and so on. Best Spurs players taken high, Duncan #1. Leonard top 15 (I think).

Jason
C'mon Celtics PJ Hairston!

Rick Morris Yes, and I draw a four-line response out of Jason! #DontFeedTheTrolls

Jason
Four lines is pedestrian for me. When you start counting in 'paragraphs,' then we've got something.

Jeff
Rick, there have been some incredible Euro players in the Association. But it reminds me of what Paxson said after he drafted Diop the  year after he picked Langdon and got booed by the fans. The first thing Paxson said to we in the media was I can't win, I get booed when I pick a college senior and then get booed when I pick a high school senior. It was at that point that I said to another reporter, yeah but they both suck.....

Rick
Jim Paxson: "My taste buds are funny. They don't like it when I gargle vinegar mixed with Chlorox and they don't like it when I eat poop. It's like, 'Hey, make up your mind!'"

Jeff
Bill Simmons is a tool, but I like the pick of Young as well.

Jason
I would've preferred PJ Hairston there, but it’s not a bad pick.

Rick
As a real chowd hater, I'm pretty pissed. The other teams allow the Celtics to go 2-for-2. #Conspiracy

Jason
Gary Harris to CHI? Who needs Melo?

Rick
Tremendous value for the Bulls.

Jason
Oh ok, both Jusuf and Gary Harris to Denver makes up for losing McBuckets....but just a little bit

Jeff
He should give the Nuggets a great back-court with him and Lawson.

Rick
Oh, Harris to the Bulls. Nice for them.

Jason
Stop encouraging Fran. "Kudos for this great pick. He was the MVP from the..... ... .....He is 2 years away from being 2 years away" I bet if Fran did a mock draft, the first 20 picks would be Euros.

Rick
The Kevin Durant of Brazil! [Jason's head explodes]

Rick
Fran is good people. #FormerAssistantCoachAtTheHarvardOnTheHocking

Jason
Hold on. I need a moment to pick up brain matter off my living room floor...

Rick
When I heard the Durant reference, Jason, I lost my shiznit thinking of you!

Jason
Not EVERYONE from Ohio U is God's gift to that particular thing.

Rick
No. But most of us!

Jeff
How do you call a raw kid with a possible huge upside to Durant? The kid was Association ready from day one, not a four-year project.

Rick Morris "He still can't really score, but other than that, he might as well be KD's twin!"

Jason
McGary is not someone you'd describe as 'talented'. He's a bull in a china shop. He plays hard and that's great. But don't describe him the same way you would Wiggins, Parker, Embiid.

Rick
Now I can't shake the mental image of someone using air quotes on the last word of this sentence: "He's not exactly someone you'd call ... 'talented.'"

Jason
Jordan Adams. Very nice pick

Rick
Good fit for Memphis.

Rick
The Rodney Hood plummet was shameful, so many teams who missed out on him. Utah is officially a playoff dark horse next year already.

Jason
I'm not a big Shabazz Napier guy. I think he's an average PG as a prospect. I really liked him at Charlotte, oh well. I can continue to not think too highly of him as he's about to be a member of the Heat.

Jeff
Thabo Sefolosha is Swiss?

Rick
I'll be dad-gummed. Yes. Yes, he is.

Jason
Are you really that high on Rod Hood?

Jason
Charlotte is winning the draft! Noah Vonleh and PJ Hairston!

Rick
Yes. No excuse for him not going in the lottery. Add him and Exum to their core and they could be an above-.500 team with good coaching.

Jason
I bet if it weren't for the injuries, Jozy Altadore could play basketball. Physically he's like the Lebron of soccer. Gratuitous soccer reference.

Jason
Cleanthony Early to the Clippers. No source, just saying that's what should happen next.

Rick
I had him going 24, Jason, and that seemed low. Not low enough, apparently.

Jeff
The MLB analogy was lame, as most star players skip Triple A

Jason
Did you hear that? Fran just claimed that the Euro leagues are better than the NCAA for prospects. "If the NCAA is AA baseball, this kid's been hitting .300 in AAA."

Jason
Any chance Early lasts til 33? I'd take him in a heartbeat, knowing he'd come off the bench.

Rick
I can't imagine that happens. Of course, he'd be great as a rotation guy, even with the glut that's there. And if he could log good minutes at SF, so much the better.

Jason
I was prepared to be excited with a guy like DeAndre Daniels to play that rotational 3 spot.

Rick
It should be illegal for Kyle Anderson to drop to San Antonio. I don't know why, year after year after year, teams that don't even need the good fortune are able to feast off the ignorance of others. I don't hate the Spurs by any means, but as a future title obstacle (once again!) for my Cavs, I'm pissed.

Jason
I am really pessimistic about Kyle Anderson. He has to be every bit as crafty as he seems to make it.

Rick
Well, San Antone will get every ounce out of him.

Jason
3 picks to go and I want Cleanthony Early something awful. Value is great.

Jason
Oh, if anyone can its San Antonio.

Jason
Best Available going into Round 2: (my opinion)
Cleanthony Early
Jerami Grant
Jarnell Stokes
Jordan Clarkson
Glenn Robinson III
Spencer Dinwiddie
Russ Smith
Lamar Patterson
Keith Appling
DeAndre Daniels
James McAdoo
Patrick Young
Nick Johnson
DeAndre Kane
Xavier Thames

Jason
Two picks to go…

Rick
McDaniels to Philly, here's hoping the Cavs "vote Early and often!"

Jason
EARLY EARLY EARLY EARLY EARLY!

Rick
Don't get your hopes up, Jason. Cleveland teams so rarely make the obvious one that they need to do and they already hit their quota for the next five years with Wiggins.

Mike
Joe Harris.

Rick
My Morris Reverse Jinx didn't work, sadly enough.

Jason
Yeah...that pisses me off a little.

Rick
A little? He wasn't even in your Top 15 available heading into the round!

Jason
Like Alton Brown, I don't want any part of "uni-taskers". Harris is just a shooter. He's Steve Kerr.

Rick
He won't even crack the rotation. #AWaste

Jason
I was really impressed with the Bucks following up Jabari Parker with Lamar Patterson. For like 3 minutes. F'ing Bucks.

Jason
I have 6 draftable players for 3 draft picks. Get ready for UFA phone calls

Jason
I really like Xavier Thames. I don't know where he fits, but I like him.

Jason
Russ Smith, Austin Rivers, Tyreke Evans is a nice little group of a scoring 1-2-3.

Rick
Goodnight, everybody! Heckuva chat as always.

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