In any case, the Cavs have a big decision on their hands; botching the first pick can set your franchise back for years, just ask Michael Jordan and Kwame Brown. They are off to a good start, as most would say comfortably that they nailed the Kyrie Irving pick a couple of years ago.

Here is the rest of the draft order from #14-2: Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors), Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trailblazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic

By: Frank Santos

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Could David West be playing with the Clippers next season?

The Los Angeles Clippers appear poised to make moves this offseason in order to keep superstar point guard Chris Paul from leaving. They have already dumped coach, Vinny Del Negro and now there are whispers in NBA circles that Clippers management will make and aggressive run at Indiana Pacers power forward, David West.

The Pacers can offer David West the most money and West has said he likes his situation in Indiana. The Pacers have a young team and appear to be a consistent presence in the Eastern Conference for years to come. However, the caveat in this situation is Chris Paul. If Paul resigns with the Clippers then NBA insiders believe West could want to listen to a propose offer that could reunite the former duo. West experienced his best years being Paul’s pick and roll buddy in New Orleans.

Via ESPN:

The Pacers’ veteran leader openly loves his situation in Indiana, which certainly gives Indy justified cause for optimism when it comes to re-signing the 32-year-old this summer. Yet the whispers are already swirling that Chris Paul‘s Los Angeles Clippers, in particular, are going to make a hard run at West in the offseason.

Indy will certainly have the ability to pay West more to convince its locker-room sage to stay, given that the Clips would presumably have to structure an offer with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to nontax teams. But you have to figure that the former Hornet — who rose to All-Star prominence playing alongside CP3 — is going to want to hear the details of a proposal pitching a reunion with his old point guard … as long as Paul himself, of course, decides to stay. If Paul re-signs with the Clips as most league insiders continue to expect, L.A. will be seeking to add the final piece or two to cement itself as a contender with some staying power.

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Photo Credit: detnews.com/AP

Victor Oladipo, when he is not doing his best Usher impression or getting insane Michael Jordan comparisons, showed drastic improvement this year at Indiana, and led them to be one of the juggernaut of the past NCAA season. Oladipo, a quality defensive-minded guard, who also has shown some promise on the other end of the floor, combined with what many have said to be a weak draft, has made him a presumed top-5 pick in this year’s draft.

The Portland Trailblazers, who will have their official draft positions after tonight’s lottery drawing, will probably not be in the range to draft Oladipo unless they get extremely lucky in the drawing.  However, reports say that you should not count Portland out of the Oladipo sweepstakes, as they are highly considering trading up to grab the former Hoosier if necessary, according to probasketballtalk.com.  Chris Haynes of CSN Northwest had the original report, and provides us with more details:

Sources close to the prospect say the Trail Blazers, among a few others teams, “really like him” and are “considering moving up to get him.”

It appears the interest is mutual, as Oladipo seemed very intrigued with the possibility of joining Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard, and the rest of the young core in Portland when he was reached for comment on the report. More from Haynes:

When Oladipo was reached for comment, he acknowledged being aware of the interested teams that weren’t in position to take him. If Portland did pull off the move, Oladipo is all for it.

“I would really love to go to Portland, and I’m not just saying that,” he said convincingly to CSNNW.com. “I hope, and I don’t think I’m dropping that far, but if they decided to move up somehow, I think that would be a great situation for me. It’s a place where you can just concentrate on basketball.”

In a draft that most consider not very deep, it would be wise for the Blazers to consider trading up to grab their primary target, which appears to be Oladipo. The only conflict would be what the Blazers would have to give up in return for the ability to draft Oladipo. The Blazers primary roster issue is their depth, and they can hardly afford to cut into their core in order to acquire Oladipo. However, a trade that doesn’t involve Lillard, who is probably untouchable, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Nic Batum may be worth the gamble. Oladipo paired with Lillard would give the Blazers a very promising, young back-court to build upon.

The Blazers journey for Oladipo will start tonight, when they officially find out which position they will be drafting from, and thus how much work will need to be done in order to get within Oladipo’s draft-range.

Update: The Trailblazers received the 10th pick in this year’s draft.

By: Frank Santos

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Photo Credit: collegebasketballtalk.com/AP

UCLA swing-man Shabazz Muhammad had a fairly disappointing first and only season with the Bruins before deciding to enter this year’s NBA Draft. However, Muhammad, in an extensive profile by Michael Lee of the Washington Post, displayed he does not lack confidence, and still considers himself the best player in the draft:

Here is more details from Lee’s profile:

“I know I’m a great player,” he said. “I’m a guy that believes he’s the best player in the draft. I’m going to tell you the truth.”

To be honest, I think many would be surprised how many athletes feel this way throughout sports. Many players feel they are invincible, and unbeatable. I could almost guarantee Nate Robinson thinks he’s the best point guard in the league, because that is the type of confidence that is required to perform at a high level.

Muhammad had other interesting comments in the piece, including explaining the controversy about his age. Muhammad was alleged to be 20 instead of 19:

“I don’t know what it was,” Muhammad said, when asked about being listed as 19 last season. “Somebody asks me, I’m 20. I mean, you look at my license, it’s 1992. I can’t say I’m 19 and somebody looks at my license and it says 1992 unless you can’t count.”

I see Muhammad very similarly to Harrison Barnes from last year in the respect that his game may be more molded for the NBA style of play as opposed to the college tempo. Barnes flourished with the Golden State Warriors this year because his slashing style was more conducive to professional basketball. While I think Barnes is a much better prospect than Muhammad, I do think Muhammad will be a better pro than people assume, and will definitely be a better professional than he was a Bruin. The best player in the draft? That’s probably a stretch; Nerlens Noel may have something to say about that.

By: Frank Santos

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(Credit: Washinton Post)

Barclays Center, the home of the Brooklyn Nets, is filled with modern day luxuries to enhance the game day experience for fans. After all, they are trying to one up the New York Knicks in every facet for New York City supremacy. Almost every new arena has amazing features. But Barclays Center is going one step further, as apparently the area vents pump out a “signature scent.”

Via Deadspin:

DNAinfo reports that the Barclays Center has its own signature scent wafting through the HVAC system, meant to “enhance the consumer experience and build brand identities.” That phrasing is gross, but it is often said that scent is the most evocative of the senses. The sickly-sweet fragrance that one ticketholder compares to Axe body spray? That’s the Nets’ madeleine.

Maybe the scent made the Nets players light headed, and that explains why they were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls. Maybe Jay-Z is pumping ROC men’s and women’s fragrances through the vents so they will subconsciously go buy them. Whatever the case, the ultimate game experience for a fan is the team winning. Memo to the Nets: More W’s, less perfume.

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The Conference Finals are upon us and in many cases, are the best part of the NBA Playoffs.  The second round of the playoffs started off very promising with every series being tied at 1-1; but then four teams took control and none of the series lived up to their potential.  Here is hoping that the Conference Finals both go to seven games.  Here is how the teams rank:

1) Miami Heat -  After losing Game 1 to Chicago, the Miami Heat won the next four games with relative ease.  Dwayne Wade is not healthy, but can still take over late in games like he did in Game 5.  Lebron James was not as dominant as is expected of him, but he was still the best player on the court. The rematch versus the Pacers will be very physical and will expose the Heat’s lack of size; but the Heat are too talented and have the best player in the world.  P ick: Heat in 6

  2) Memphis Grizzlies -  The Grizzlies know what they are; a big, strong, and physical team that plays from the inside-out and plays defense on every possession.  Tony Allen’s defense on Manu will be a matchup that could decide the series. Memphis will need to be efficient on offense and hit open shots, but they are ready for this moment.  Pick: Grizzlies in 6

  3) San Antonio Spurs –  All season I have thought that the Spurs were a great basketball team, but old and not a good matchup versus the Thunder or the Heat.  This is still true, but fortunately for the Spurs, the Grizzlies play slower than they do and do not have the wing players to expose their lack of athleticism.  Tony Parker will need to be huge in this series, but the key will be Tim Duncan.  Can Duncan go head to head with Randolph and Gasol for 7 games? 

  4) Indiana Pacers –  The Pacers have been waiting for this series for over a year.  Last season it seemed that they would eliminate the Heat, but their inexperience was exposed by Lebron and Wade.  What has changed?  Paul George is no longer the second option, he will be the primary defender on Lebron, and will carry the offense.  The Pacers will play hard and be very physical, but their lack of scoring will prevent them from advancing to the NBA Finals.

  5) Oklahoma City Thunder - Westbrook’s importance to this team should never be questioned again.  The Thunder lost their leader and could not close out games versus the Grizzlies.  They do have a lottery pick and Lamb waiting, but signing Kevin Martin this offseason has to be high on their priority list.

6) Chicago Bulls –  The story was Rose throughout the season, but it should have been Jimmy Butler.  His emergence, Rose’s return, and Coach Thibs gives the Bulls hope for a championship run next year.

  7) Golden State Warriors -   The Warriors were the surprise of these playoffs.  The combination of Curry and Thompson put the fear of God in Coach Pop and the Spurs, but the rise of Barnes should scare the entire NBA. 

8)  New York Knicks –  The Knicks are old, injury riddled, and were out-coached in the playoffs.  Keeping Shumpert healthy and resigning Copeland this offseason are very important to the Knicks future.

Ruben Parga @RFParga82

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