Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 25

The Wizards just signed my guy John Wall to a 4 year/$168M contract, and I'm pretty pumped about it. So for the 25th Jersey Appreciation Friday, I thought I would feature the uniforms the Wizards wore during John's rookie year. Not the current ones, but the ones you would envision Gilbert Arenas wearing. People forget the dark days of Washington basketball, and these uniforms serve as a reminder....they're still pretty cool. Click Here

Podcast #31

-What Am I Wearing?
-Jimmy Butler Trade
-Ricky Rubio Trade
-Chris Paul to the Rockets
-Austin and Doc Rivers
-Phil Jackson
-NBA Draft Thoughts
-Free Agency Predictions
Guest: John Toomey
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Predicting the 2018 NBA Awards

Now that the first ever NBA Award Show is over, it's time to look ahead to next year. Out with the old, in with the new, they say, so let's jump into the future with these predictions.

NBA Sportsmanship Award: Mike Conley Jr. 

Mike Conley is a pro's pro. Since he came into the league in the 2007-08 season, he has never received a technical foul. I thought he should've won this year. (Though as most of you know, I'm completely fine with Cardiac Kemba Walker winning). Mike Conley always seems to be the bridesmaid. I think 2018 is the year where he will shine as a true gentleman. 

Best Style Award: Draymond Green

Draymond got a head start on the competition already by wearing a turquoise blazer with black golf shorts last night. Style is all about confidence, and if Green had the confidence to pull out that look, then I see him as the clear favorite for the Style Award next year. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Hakeem Olajuwon 

Bill Russell was the obvious choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award. We get it, Bill. 11 titles, 12 all-star selections and 5 MVPs. Congrats. Now the NBA has a real choice to make. Jerry West can't receive because he's still involved in the league. To put it in perspective, it's hard for me to even think of someone to nominate. Let's see, um, Hakeem Olajuwon? He's out of the league, he's won a championship and he was up there with Bill Russell when he accepted his award. Perfect! 

Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award: Kevin Durant

Durant may seem like a stupid pick here (and it probably is), but you got to remember that he's planning to give up some of his salary in order to keep Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston on the Warriors. Sounds like a "No 'I' in team" type of guy to me. 

NBA Executive of the Year Award: Dave Wohl

The accuracy of this prediction is dependent on three things: 1) The Clippers keep Chris Paul. 2) The Clippers keep Blake Griffin. 3) The Clippers make the Western Conference Finals. If Wohl manages to accomplish the first two, he will will finish at least top 3. Keeping an aging, ring-hunting Hall-of-Famer and a disgruntled superstar after both opted to test out free agency would be a huge boost to Wohl's reputation around the league.

Kia NBA Rookie of the Year: Lonzo Ball

I think Markelle Fultz is a star in the making for Philadelphia, but I chose Lonzo Ball for Rookie of the Year because he's the most likely double double candidate in the class, and because the Sixers are going to end up like the Warriors on a much lesser scale. Last season, the Warriors had so many good players that they all cancelled each other out for MVP consideration. This is going to apply to the Sixers with Fultz and Ben Simmons, and who's left after that process? Lonzo Ball. 

Kia NBA Sixth Man Award: Lou Williams

Despite strong contention from every NBA fan base ever, I'm giving it to Lou Williams. Lou Williams was nominated for the award this year, but fell to his teammate Eric Gordon. Williams is a microwave scorer that has potential to take over a game. This quality was somewhat lost because he was traded from the Lakers to the Rockets mid-season. Next year, he will have adjusted to the system and should be a Sixth Man favorite. 

Kia Most Improved Player: Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal is already an awesome player and counterpart to John Wall, but I think he shatters expectation this season and becomes an All-Star. We aren't going to see another Giannis-like rise next year, but Beal may come close. This is also going to be magnified by an improved Wizards team from last year. (Yes, I'm still high on the Wizards). 

NBA Coach of the Year: Jason Kidd

The Bucks have quietly become one the Eastern Conference's most promising teams. The core of Malcolm Brogdon (this year's Rookie of the Year), Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo (this year's Most Improved Player) is going to wreak havoc for many years to come. The luck heir of this fortune is Jason Kidd, who will quickly reap the benefits after his team becomes a top-4 squad in the Eastern Conference.

Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

This just makes sense. Gobert has had to wait his turn and respect his elders before, but the 2017-18 season will become his block party. With Gordon Hayward and George Hill most likely gone, the Jazz are going to let many more eager drivers into the Gobert Zone, where they will be embarrassingly denied time after time by Rudy Gobert. 

Kia NBA MVP Award: Russell Westbrook

I would like to get creative with this prediction, but we have to face reality and notice that Westbrook is perfectly lined up for another MVP. He has no help whatsoever (I don't care how many teammates he brought up on stage last night), and if he keeps putting up triple doubles, there's no reason why he shouldn't go back to back. 

Butler Trade Brings Uncertainty to Bulls, Excitement to TWolves

I have been waiting years for the day the Bulls decided to wake up and trade Jimmy Butler. Thursday's NBA Draft that sent Jimmy Butler packing to Minnesota should've been an awesome event. Instead, I'm left with more uncertainty than before. Let me explain.

First off, I wish Jimmy Butler nothing but the best with the Timberwolves. I wanted him traded, but I loved him here in Chicago. It's always tough to lose a star like him, especially since he wanted to stay here. That being said, I am happy that GarPax (the Bulls's terrible front office who should've been fired years ago) chose a direction instead of wasting away in Basketball Purgatory. We could've done better with the deal, but I think the crop we got is pretty good. Kris Dunn is a great defensive guard who is a jumpshot away from being a solid starter in the NBA. Zach LaVine, despite his recent ACL tear, is already a bonafide offensive powerhouse with athleticism through the roof. The Bulls also got the 7th overall pick, which was used on Arizona stretch 5 Lauri Markkanen. Personally, I would've like them to take Dennis Smith Jr., but Markkanen still has tons of upside because of his sweet shooting stroke. Overall, the deal was fine for me, but I don't understand why we gave up the 16th pick. For a team that is rebuilding, draft picks, no matter what round, are essential to development. It probably won't matter in the grand scheme of things (unless Justin Patton becomes an all-star), but just having the assurance of picks is a necessary part of a rebuild Chicago's front office still isn't getting.

This was exemplified by Chicago inexcusably selling the 38th overall pick to the Warriors for $3.5M. The pick was Jordan Bell, a valuable prospect whose athleticism the Bulls could've utilized. Instead, we get $3.5M to use on what? Re-signing Nikola Mirotic? I sure hope not. He has regressed every year he's been in the NBA, doesn't play defense, and can't shoot for 7/8 of the season. But that's what it's looking like because GarPax announced their intention of bringing Mirotic back to Chicago. It's these types of decisions that continue to make Bulls fans so angry. We do something right for a change, and then we screw something else up. If this is the way the Bulls handle this rebuild, then Chicago fans are in for a rough 8-12 years. Hopefully, the new Big 3 of Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen can lead us back to relevance. 

Please excuse that prior Bulls rant.

Now for the Timberwolves, this was a perfect deal for them. They get rid of two risky assets in Dunn and LaVine and receive a top 10 NBA player in Jimmy Butler. They now get to pair him up with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins under coach Tom Thibodeau, who coaching Jimmy in Chicago. This couldn't have gone any better for Minnesota. On top of that, the core of Butler, Towns and Wiggins can lure big name free agents. Kyle Lowry, perhaps? Butler was said to be in contact with him earlier in the week. Maybe Minnesota can emerge as a Western Conference Semi-Finals threat as soon as next year. I certainly will be keeping an eye on them. 

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 24

This week's Jersey Appreciation Friday goes to the Sacramento Kings purple jerseys. Not only did they have a great draft (De'Aaron Fox, Justin Jackson, Harry Giles), but they also have a top 10 color combination in the NBA. The purple, black and white has been the only positive thing about the Kings in recent years. (I like the old ones better, but the new ones are cool too). This is more of a franchise appreciation post than just a jersey one. But the times are changing. The Kings have gained a new fan in me, and I want a De'Aaron Fox jersey.    Click Here

NBA Mock Draft

I feel safe that a mock-draft-ruining trade isn't going to happen in the next hour, so I decided to publish my mock draft tonight because I got too eager. Let's get into it. 

1. Philadelphia 76ers: Markelle Fultz- The way the 76ers got the 1st overall pick this year makes me want to sever my ties with the Bulls and join the Process. I can't put into words how awesome Fultz (Phultz) fits with this team. The 76ers are getting a star and maybe a championship down the road. Actually I'll call my shot now. The Philadelphia 76ers will be your 2022 NBA Champions. (As long as LeBron retires). 

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball- There have been whispers of the Lakers taking someone else at 2 and pissing off the entire Big Baller Brand, but Lonzo should and will be the pick here. If my words don't convince you, look at their most recent trade that sent D'Angelo Russell to Brooklyn. Like it or not, Lonzo Ball is going to be a Laker. 

3. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum- There have been subtle hints throughout the draft season suggesting that the Celtics are taking Tatum over Josh Jackson. First, Tatum actually worked out for Boston, and second, Ainge said that they would have taken this player at 1 had they not traded with Philly. Jackson has been heavily involved with the Lakers, while Tatum has been flying under the radar. I think Boston agrees with me in that Tatum is the best wing in this class. 

4. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson- You can basically flip Tatum and Jackson either way, but as I stated earlier, I believe Tatum goes to Boston at 3, leaving Josh Jackson to the Phoenix Suns. Jackson can develop into a very good NBA player. It all depends on his scoring ability. Regardless, this is a great pick for the Suns. 

5. Sacramento Kings: De'Aaron Fox- Unless they pull another catastrophic Georgios Papagiannis move like last year, Fox should be selected here by the Kings. A player like Fox can be the guard that transforms Sacramento, but he needs his jump shot to improve. To me, Fox's  maturity stands out as one of his many strong points, something this organization's last Kentucky star struggled with (i.e. Demarcus Cousins). The Kings need this type of leader. 

6. Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac- I feel like the Magic have fallen off the face of the earth since Dwight Howard left. Unfortunately, this trend will continue as Isaac isn't that known around the casual NBA community. Isaac is a few years away from making an impact, but he can turn into a solid NBA stretch power forward. Personally, I would take Dennis Smith Jr. here, but the Magic seem set with Elfrid Payton for the time being. 

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lauri Markkanen- I love this pick for the Timberwolves. Markkanen is a big guy who shoots it really well from beyond the arc. Pair him up with Karl-Anthony Towns, and you have yourself the best shooting front court in the NBA. You also add that to a core of Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine. I'll call my shot again. Minnesota Timberwolves–2024 NBA Champions. (76ers repeat in 2023, beating Minnesota, Wiggins toughens up and gets over his championship hump in 2024). 

8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina- I feel bad for this poor lad. It's hard enough getting adjusted to a new country, let alone the New York Knicks. There is so much wrong with that team right now that it's hard to imagine them not Georgios Papagiannis-ing this pick, but Ntilikina is the perfect fit for the triangle, and should give the Knicks defensive stability for a few years until Phil Jackson runs him out of town. 

9. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr.- I'm a. If point guard guy, so I naturally love this pick for the Mavs. Dallas is in dire need of a scoring guard to help out an aging Dirk Nowitzki, and Smith fits that bill. Smith had a tough year at NC State and showed it. People have been slamming his body language since April. Look, Russell Westbrook has questionable body language too and he turned out just fine. 

10. Sacramento Kings: Zach Collins- Collins makes sense here as the Kings have needed a big guy ever since they traded Demarcus Cousins to New Orleans. Collins is a 7-footer, can shoot and a rim-protector. He and De'Aaron Fox can lead the Kings back to the "Respectable NBA Organization" status that they haven't sniffed in years. 

11. Charlotte Hornets: Malik Monk- This would be a home run for the Hornets, as they lack wing shooting and athleticism. Monk is the stone that kills two birds in that regard. With Dwight Howard in the middle and Kemba Walker at point, Monk should find a nice home in Charlotte. 

12. Detroit Pistons: Donovan Mitchell- This pains me to write because I want Mitchell to fall to the Bulls at 16, but it's not realistic he falls past Detroit at 12. There are questions about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's future as a Piston, and Donovan Mitchell can fill his role and add a bit of defense too. 

13. Denver Nuggets: Justin Jackson- I'll be flat out honest and say I haven't watched a Nuggets game since they lost to the Warriors in the First Round of the 2013 Playoffs, but Justin Jackson seems like a good fit here. The Nuggets are set at the guard position and they have Nikola Jokic in the middle, so a wing like Jackson would fill out that roster well. 

14. Miami Heat: John Collins- The Heat's current power forward is Luke Babbit, which...can be improved upon. John Collins is a freak athlete and would be a nice defensive fit next to Hassan Whiteside. 

THE POINT WHERE EVERYONE STOPS WATCHING THE DRAFT BECAUSE IT'S TAKING TOO LONG. 

15. Portland Trail Blazers: OG Anunoby

16. Chicago Bulls: Luke Kennard

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Jarrett Allen

18. Indiana Pacers: Terrance Ferguson

19. Atlanta Hawks: Justin Patton

20. Portland Trail Blazers: TJ Leaf

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ike Anigbogu

22. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles

23. Toronto Raptors: Tyler Lydon

24. Utah Jazz: Johnathan Motley

25. Orlando Magic: Semi Ojeleye

26. Portland Trail Blazers: Derrick White

27. Los Angeles Lakers: DJ Wilson

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Bam Adebayo

29. San Antonio Spurs: Ivan Rabb

30. Utah Jazz: Jawun Evans

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to respond via Twitter (@bobsbballblog) or hit up the comments section. I'll respond to everything!

Podcast #30

What Am I Wearing?
The 76ers/Celtics Trade
Jimmy Butler Rumors
Kyle Lowry's "Zero Interest"
Trading Porzingis
Paul George's Early Decision
Top 16 Mock Draft
Guest: John Lichtenstein
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