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.
