Driving > Disco

So, its NBA draft time again and surprise, surprise, the Grizzlies are there. Although they did stumble a couple of years ago (2003-2006) and break their streak of 8 straight playoff misses, we are now 44 wins, 120 losses and 2 years removed from that quasi-success (they are, afterall, 0 for 12 when it comes to the playoffs).

So without further ado, I present Who ya got? NBA Draft 2008 Edition. The Grizzlies are sitting at #5, and while a lot can change between now and 6pm CST tomorrow night, there are a couple of scenarios floating around the L right now. Here, in no particular order, are a couple of them.

1. Chicago/Miami takes Rose/Beasley, Minnesota takes a side of Mayo, Seattle goes for Brook Lopez and the Grizz take Kevin Love. I wasn't anywhere near sold on this deal about this time last week. While Love is good, I don't think he's worthy of the fifth pick in the draft. But, after a lot of research, I think what you see with Love is what you get. You're getting a big, who is capable of rebounding, playing some D, grabbing rebounds, blocking a shot or two with a decent shot and a suprise 3 pointer. I think this would qualify as you're not getting a Hall of Famer, but you could worse.

2. Chicago takes Rose, Miami takes Beasley, Minnesota gets some Love, Seattle goes for the Mayo and Memphis takes Gordon, Westbrook or Bayless, then wraps that pick up with Mike Conley and Mike Miller, in the ultimate .70 cents for a buck deal (lets just say we are not ending up with the buck) in exchange for Beasley and some corpse.

3. Rose, Beasley, Love and Mayo get got, and Memphis goes for Eric Gordon. From what I saw of him at IU, he was ok, but never seemed to be able to take over a game when it mattered most. Add that to the fact that he is a 6'3" shooting guard and you've left me thoroughly underwhelmed. He'd be an ok pick at #15 or #25...but #5...no thanks.

4. Rose, Beasley, Love and Mayo are gone, and Memphis, with only one shady Euro on the roster (none other than Marc gasol)[EDIT: How could I forget you, Darko?], goes for the biggest reach of a pick in recent memory, Danilo Gallanari. I'm not going to say that I think he is a bust...because I had not even heard of him as recently as LAST WEEK. A 6'9" small forward from Europe? What's not to like? Questionable shot selection? Check. In love with the 3 point shot? Check. Complete lack of defense? Check. Where do I sign up? NBA general managers see a name they can't pronounce and something in their brain translates it into "Dirk Nowitski." They are always ready to take a gamble on an unknown Euro because he might turn into someone that can what, barely get you to the finals once and lose? I guess the only upside to picking this dude (really any dude) here and not trading anyone is that you don't trade half the team in order to gamble on a rookie, or worse, cut cap space.

Well, I see that Jermaine O'Neal just got traded for T.J. Ford, so I guess all bets are off. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put on my Gasol jersey (original black & teal colors), curl up in the fetal position in the corner of the closet and weep silently in the dark.