The 2009 NBA Draft has wrapped and now it’s time to break down the picks and see which teams and players made off like bandits and which teams just got left standing.
Each of these first three categories is broke down into four parts: the lottery (L), the remainder of the first round (R1), the first half of round two (2F) and the second half of round two (2S).
>The Best Picks
L: Ricky Rubio - #5 to Timberwolves
R1: Ty Lawson - #18 to Nuggets (via Timberwolves)
2F: Dejaun Blair - #37 to Spurs
2S: Jack McClinton - #51 to Spurs
>The Worst Picks
L: Tyler Hansbrough - #13 to Pacers
R1: Taj Gibson - #26 to Bulls
2F: Sergio Llull - #34 to Rockets (via Nuggets)
2S: Sergey Gladyr - #49 to Hawks
>The Steals
L: Jordan Hill - #8 to Knicks
R1: Jrue Holiday - #17 to 76ers
2F: Dejaun Blair - #37 to Spurs
2S: Patrick Mills - #55 to Trail Blazers
>Winning teams
Minnesota Timberwolves
-Great guard draft with Flynn, Rubio and Ellington. Other three picks wil help them down the road.
San Antonio Spurs
-The Richard Jefferson pickup was nice but the Spurs stole Dejuan Blair and Jack McClinton in round 2. These guys are two that could have gone in round one.
Oklahoma City Thunder
-James Harden is a better pick than most people think at #3. The helped their depth by adding Robert Vaden via a trade late.
>Losing teams
Los Angeles Clippers
-They drafted Griffin, he's not THAT big of a difference maker. Not making any other moves was a dumb decision.
Atlanta Hawks
-The Hawks have a lump to get over that Jeff Teague won't help with. They needed another point or maybe a way to grad some round two picks.
Houston Rockets
-With no picks, the Rockets made moves thrice in round two, giving up only future considerations or money. But did they help themselves at all with Jermaine Taylor, Sergio Llull and Chase Budinger?
>Winning players
Jonny Flynn - #6 to Timberwolves
-Flynn does not have to be a huge player right away. Coupled with his other rookie teammates and what Minnesota already has, Flynn can develop naturally.
Taylor Griffin - #48 to Suns
-Thank god his brother is who he is because Taylor should not have gotten drafted, let alone so early in round two.
>Losing players
Blake Griffin - #1 to Clippers
-Can you win as a Clipper?
Stephen Curry - #7 to Warriors
-Unless they pull the trigger on a trade for Amare Stoudamire, the Warriors have just left Curry on an island by himself.
>Who got left out that should have gone
Tyrese Rice – Boston College
Dionte Christmas - Temple
Ben Woodside – North Dakota State
Jerel McNeal - Marquette
Orlando Mendez-Valdez – Western Kentucky
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
> Dear NBA, this is Ben Woodside
Dear NBA,
I am scouring the Mock Draft boards and I don't see his name. I'm looking, maybe he's listed under something different? But I don't see the phrase "Almost Upset Kansas," I don't see "Made Sherron Collins look like his bitch," I don't see "Best Low-to-Mid Major player in the country," and I don't even see "Captain Underrated."
So I certainly don't see "Ben Woodside."
Over four years, I saw Woodside patrol the court a handful of times against the local IPFW Mastodon team who have shared both Independent and Summit League affiliations with Woodside's North Dakota State. And no, I've never particularly been a fan of his. Then again, that may have been due to the fact that Woodside's skill and maturity (even in his freshman season) was just that far ahead of everyone else on the court. He never was flustered, never showed signs that he was worried about he or his fellow Bisons when they went the limit in this year's Summit League title game with Oakland. Instead, he calmly stepped up and knocked down a buzzer beating 15-footer to send the Bison to their first NCAA Tournament in their first year of tournament eligibility.
I watched him calmly put up 37 and almost beat Kansas in the opening round of that tournament. Oh yeah, he scored 60 in the 2008-2009 season against Stephen F. Austin.
So, why don't I see his name?
I think it's great that his home state Timberwolves and also the Oklahoma City Thunder have brought Woodside in for workouts, showing they aren't scared off by his 5'10'' frame. And yeah, he has worked out in front of representatives from the majority of teams in the league in camps this summer. But why in the hell is there not more interest in this kid?
The OKC is not going to take Woodside at number three, so unless they trade for a pick, that workout is pretty much for naught. Yes, Minnesota is the most logical, he's a homerun local pick with the 45th or 47th pick and I pray that is where Woodside goes as he can be very useful on a team looking for an identity with young players who need some peer guidance. Portland should be another team on the lookout for Woodside at 55 and 56 and what about Utah? I'm told by a friend with much more knowledge of that franchise that if Kyle Korver bolts, they may need another shooter so taking Woodside at 50 wouldn't be a stretch pending on who they take in the first round.
Either way this pans out, Woodside is going to get a shot this summer and there is little doubt in that. He will get a spot on a summer league roster, may get invited to camp and might even slip onto an opening day roster. But Ben Woodside deserves better. The second round is a crap shoot of longshots and ANYBODY could go ANYWHERE. So all I am saying is this: take Ben Woodside. It's not a request, not a plea, it's more like an order. Slip outside of VCU's Eric Maynor and find me a more poised, reliable, adult point guard who can also score off the dribble and I will tell you that you are lying.
Dear NBA, this is Ben Woodside. Get used to him, he's no joke.
I am scouring the Mock Draft boards and I don't see his name. I'm looking, maybe he's listed under something different? But I don't see the phrase "Almost Upset Kansas," I don't see "Made Sherron Collins look like his bitch," I don't see "Best Low-to-Mid Major player in the country," and I don't even see "Captain Underrated."
So I certainly don't see "Ben Woodside."
Over four years, I saw Woodside patrol the court a handful of times against the local IPFW Mastodon team who have shared both Independent and Summit League affiliations with Woodside's North Dakota State. And no, I've never particularly been a fan of his. Then again, that may have been due to the fact that Woodside's skill and maturity (even in his freshman season) was just that far ahead of everyone else on the court. He never was flustered, never showed signs that he was worried about he or his fellow Bisons when they went the limit in this year's Summit League title game with Oakland. Instead, he calmly stepped up and knocked down a buzzer beating 15-footer to send the Bison to their first NCAA Tournament in their first year of tournament eligibility.
I watched him calmly put up 37 and almost beat Kansas in the opening round of that tournament. Oh yeah, he scored 60 in the 2008-2009 season against Stephen F. Austin.
So, why don't I see his name?
I think it's great that his home state Timberwolves and also the Oklahoma City Thunder have brought Woodside in for workouts, showing they aren't scared off by his 5'10'' frame. And yeah, he has worked out in front of representatives from the majority of teams in the league in camps this summer. But why in the hell is there not more interest in this kid?
The OKC is not going to take Woodside at number three, so unless they trade for a pick, that workout is pretty much for naught. Yes, Minnesota is the most logical, he's a homerun local pick with the 45th or 47th pick and I pray that is where Woodside goes as he can be very useful on a team looking for an identity with young players who need some peer guidance. Portland should be another team on the lookout for Woodside at 55 and 56 and what about Utah? I'm told by a friend with much more knowledge of that franchise that if Kyle Korver bolts, they may need another shooter so taking Woodside at 50 wouldn't be a stretch pending on who they take in the first round.
Either way this pans out, Woodside is going to get a shot this summer and there is little doubt in that. He will get a spot on a summer league roster, may get invited to camp and might even slip onto an opening day roster. But Ben Woodside deserves better. The second round is a crap shoot of longshots and ANYBODY could go ANYWHERE. So all I am saying is this: take Ben Woodside. It's not a request, not a plea, it's more like an order. Slip outside of VCU's Eric Maynor and find me a more poised, reliable, adult point guard who can also score off the dribble and I will tell you that you are lying.
Dear NBA, this is Ben Woodside. Get used to him, he's no joke.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
> 2009 NBA Mock Draft
Take it for what it is...it's an odd collective of players this year and pretty much a crap shoot in guessing, even with just two days until draft time.
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin / Oklahoma
Griffin is pretty much the only guarantee at this point simply because of his basketball maturity and potential. He is a scorer who can come in and help the team while not clashing with stars like Baron Davis. Potential wise, he has the most long term of anyone in this draft, but the Clippers need to know he won't be a quick fix for their ailing franchise unless they add more around him this offseason.
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet / UConn
Memphis is in a unique spot where they need something, they just don't seem to know what. They already have a strong foundation of highly skilled young players with the likes of Rudy Gay and Mike Conley. So without needing to take a player like either of those two, they can gamble a little on Thabeet who still needs some tweaking, but isn't the prototypical "project player." And, it doesn't hurt that he is a 7-footer that can move around better than most at his height.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - James Harden / Arizona State
While it's hard to pass on Ricky Rubio here, I just don't see a need for him in the OKC with Russell Westbrook leading things at the point. So with so many other voids to fill, they need to go for the best pure athlete here and that's Harden.
4. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio / Spain
If I were making a draft pick, Rubio would be my guy. He has strong ball handling skills and unparalelled international experience for someone of his age. He has the most imediate upside in my opinion of any of the top picks. The Kings luck out here that Oklahoma City already has a young point guard and Rubio drops to four.
5. Washington Wizards - Tyreke Evans / Memphis
Smart money says that Evans goes here, even if the proposed trade to the Timberwolves goes through. He's another athletic player who has the intangibles and can score, which both teams need. He accents Gilbert Arenas well if Washington does stay here and he replaces Randy Foye in the scoring capacity if the T-Wolves ship Foye to Washington in part for this pick.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Jordan Hill / Arizona
Minnesota needs a lot of things, most notably another big to help Kevin Love down low. Hill is not going to be a prime time scorer in the NBA, but he can rebound well and be a shot blocker. It makes sense to take Hill here and free up the later first (2) and second (2) round picks. However, if they don't pull the trigger to get the 5th pick, they might want to take someone more athletic here instead of drafting for size.
7. Golden State Warriors - Brandon Jennings / Italy
It has been years since the Warriors have drafted an effective player, which is what Jennings would be as he fits in well with the up tempo style that made the Warriors one of the league's best offensive teams a year ago.
8. New York Knicks - Jrue Holiday / UCLA
The Knicks need a strong combo guard. Stephen Curry is the 'duh' pick here. The Knicks have a habit of dissapointing their fans with the draft held in New York yearly. All that said, I expect them to make another bad move, pass on Curry and allow the Big Apple faithful to boo the UCLA freshman right off the stage.
9. Toronto Raptors - Stephen Curry / Davidson
Toronto needs another super freak athlete in the mold of former players Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Unfortunatly, if the Knicks get stupid like usual, it is too hard to pass up Curry who would really be a steal at nine.
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Demar DeRozan / USC
With the trade of Richard Jefferson for three guys who won't do much, the Bucks really need a score now guy and fast rising projected points Jonny Flynn and Ty Lawson won't be that guy. The fluctuating DeRozan is the best bet of someone who can help earlish and oftenish.
11. New Jersey Nets - Terrence Williams / Louisville
New Jersey is the most solid of the lottery teams and Williams fills their only real void at the 2-guard.
12. Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Henderson / Duke
Charlotte has been a team not so much of habit in the past, outside of the no brainer Emeka Okafor pick in their first draft. That said, it is hard to predict what the hell Michael Jordan may do here. Best bet is they stay inside and get a state of North Carolina guy who also fills a need at the shooting guard area.
13. Indiana Pacers - DeJaun Blair / Pittsburgh
With the aging Jeff Foster and the ill-used Josh McRoberts and Maceo Baston likely out of the post and out the door to free agency, the Pacers need to go big. DeJuan Blair doesn't fit the mold of any of those three, but maybe that is what is needed for this team that still needs to clean up the rough edges from last offseason's overhaul.
14. Phoenix Suns - BJ Mullens / Ohio State
I personally don't see the draw of Mullens, who I can't even call a disspointment at Ohio State. But many others do. With Shaq aging and potentially out the door this summer, Phoenix needs another big behind Amare Stoudemire. With Blair out of the equation, Mullens is the next highest post on most people's radar.
15. Detroit Pistons - Jonny Flynn / Syracuse
Flynns is climbing most Mock Drafts, but a good deal of teams don't need a point and that is hurting both he and Ty Lawson. But with his freak vertical and more than average wingspan, Flynn has the potential to be a very different kind of hybrid combo guard in the NBA. That potential is too much for Detroit to pass on with Rodney Stuckey at the point and a seemingly unhappy duo of Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince on the wings.
16. Chicago Bulls - Earl Clark / Louisville
Welcome to the crap shoot part of the draft where nobody has any idea who really is going to go where. The Bulls don't need anything other than depth, so they can afford to take a risk here on a guy that isn't as reliable won't be a prime time player until he puts in some work.
17. Philadelphia 76ers - Eric Maynor / VCU
Does Andre Miller stay? Does it matter? In NBA terms, he's aging a bit so Philly needs to take someone who can run the point in a couple of years if not right away. With the holes at the 2 spot, they also need a point who can score. Maynor is mature and reliable.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Johnson / Wake Forest
He's a top 10 pick in some Mock Drafts and Minnesota should have already addressed their post issues in the lottery, so take a chance on Johnson here; he's athletic, young and can be molded.
19. Atlanta Hawks - Ty Lawson / UNC
Hawks need depth at point behind Mike Bibby (should he return) and most other teams don't really need a true point, so the Hawks could luck out here if Lawson really does slip.
20. Utah Jazz - Jeff Teague / Wake Forest.
Almost every Mock Draft has Tyler Hansbrough here, but I am not sold that he will be worth even a pick this high. Utah does not draft well, which is sad because they could lose tons in free agency. The smart pick is a "just in case" post (not Hansbrough), but I don't see Utah making the smartest pick, still Teague will not be a bad decision.
21. New Orleans Hornets - Austin Daye / Gonzaga
New Orleans also needs a "just in case" post pending their offseason moves and the big men are getting pretty thin here.
22. Dallas Mavericks - Darren Collison / UCLA
Even if Jason Kidd comes back, Dallas needs someone who will be their next floor general with Kidd and Jason Terry at their ages.
23. Sacramento Kings - Omri Casspi / Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Kings can play around here a little if they do indeed land Rubio at #4, so trading this pick to try and bring in a couple reliable guys wouldn't be a bad idea. Granted, this is a team that hasn't made a good pick since Hedo Turkoglu in 2000, so who knows what they might do.
24. Portland Trail Blazers - Sam Young / Pittsburgh
Portland has never shyed away from the International player, but I think they will stay more conventional here. And no, conventional doesn't mean smart.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Demarre Carroll / Missouri
OKC is still a year away from really knowing what they need. Until then, they need to keep playing around with different options and Carroll is the best player available at this point.
26. Chicago Bulls - Tyler Hansbrough / UNC
Chicago has a decent set of guys in the post already and could benefit from Hansbrough's game while not needing him to provide too much too quickly.
27. Memphis Grizzlies - Patrick Mills / Saint Mary's
Going big early if they take Thabeet means going small late, which has to mean Patrick Mills if he is still available. Combo'ing him with Conley and Gay could prove highly effective.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves - DaJuan Summers / Georgetown
It is the final person in the Kevin Garnett 7-for-1 deal and it's probably one of the most relevant. Minnesota has three to four first round picks so can have both an aggressive and wait and see attitude. This is the best spot for them because they have who they want, now they can get someone else who just slipped because of other picks.
29. Los Angeles Lakers - Rodrigue Beaubois / Cholet (International)
What do you need when you've just won a NBA title and three of your four free agents are likely staying put? Best guess is another point who can add depth with Jordan Farmar's oft-odd play and Derek Fisher not getting younger.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Toney Douglas / Florida State
Cleveland has this pick so that they can either: (1) add an athletic player who plays defense to their mix on the wing or (2) throw it away. Douglas could fit either mold.
Just outside the first round/potential late first round picks (in order): Chase Budinger (Arizona), Wayne Ellington (UNC), Nick Calathes (Florida), Marcus Thornton (LSU), Victor Claver (International), Taj Gibson (USC)
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin / Oklahoma
Griffin is pretty much the only guarantee at this point simply because of his basketball maturity and potential. He is a scorer who can come in and help the team while not clashing with stars like Baron Davis. Potential wise, he has the most long term of anyone in this draft, but the Clippers need to know he won't be a quick fix for their ailing franchise unless they add more around him this offseason.
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet / UConn
Memphis is in a unique spot where they need something, they just don't seem to know what. They already have a strong foundation of highly skilled young players with the likes of Rudy Gay and Mike Conley. So without needing to take a player like either of those two, they can gamble a little on Thabeet who still needs some tweaking, but isn't the prototypical "project player." And, it doesn't hurt that he is a 7-footer that can move around better than most at his height.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - James Harden / Arizona State
While it's hard to pass on Ricky Rubio here, I just don't see a need for him in the OKC with Russell Westbrook leading things at the point. So with so many other voids to fill, they need to go for the best pure athlete here and that's Harden.
4. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio / Spain
If I were making a draft pick, Rubio would be my guy. He has strong ball handling skills and unparalelled international experience for someone of his age. He has the most imediate upside in my opinion of any of the top picks. The Kings luck out here that Oklahoma City already has a young point guard and Rubio drops to four.
5. Washington Wizards - Tyreke Evans / Memphis
Smart money says that Evans goes here, even if the proposed trade to the Timberwolves goes through. He's another athletic player who has the intangibles and can score, which both teams need. He accents Gilbert Arenas well if Washington does stay here and he replaces Randy Foye in the scoring capacity if the T-Wolves ship Foye to Washington in part for this pick.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Jordan Hill / Arizona
Minnesota needs a lot of things, most notably another big to help Kevin Love down low. Hill is not going to be a prime time scorer in the NBA, but he can rebound well and be a shot blocker. It makes sense to take Hill here and free up the later first (2) and second (2) round picks. However, if they don't pull the trigger to get the 5th pick, they might want to take someone more athletic here instead of drafting for size.
7. Golden State Warriors - Brandon Jennings / Italy
It has been years since the Warriors have drafted an effective player, which is what Jennings would be as he fits in well with the up tempo style that made the Warriors one of the league's best offensive teams a year ago.
8. New York Knicks - Jrue Holiday / UCLA
The Knicks need a strong combo guard. Stephen Curry is the 'duh' pick here. The Knicks have a habit of dissapointing their fans with the draft held in New York yearly. All that said, I expect them to make another bad move, pass on Curry and allow the Big Apple faithful to boo the UCLA freshman right off the stage.
9. Toronto Raptors - Stephen Curry / Davidson
Toronto needs another super freak athlete in the mold of former players Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Unfortunatly, if the Knicks get stupid like usual, it is too hard to pass up Curry who would really be a steal at nine.
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Demar DeRozan / USC
With the trade of Richard Jefferson for three guys who won't do much, the Bucks really need a score now guy and fast rising projected points Jonny Flynn and Ty Lawson won't be that guy. The fluctuating DeRozan is the best bet of someone who can help earlish and oftenish.
11. New Jersey Nets - Terrence Williams / Louisville
New Jersey is the most solid of the lottery teams and Williams fills their only real void at the 2-guard.
12. Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Henderson / Duke
Charlotte has been a team not so much of habit in the past, outside of the no brainer Emeka Okafor pick in their first draft. That said, it is hard to predict what the hell Michael Jordan may do here. Best bet is they stay inside and get a state of North Carolina guy who also fills a need at the shooting guard area.
13. Indiana Pacers - DeJaun Blair / Pittsburgh
With the aging Jeff Foster and the ill-used Josh McRoberts and Maceo Baston likely out of the post and out the door to free agency, the Pacers need to go big. DeJuan Blair doesn't fit the mold of any of those three, but maybe that is what is needed for this team that still needs to clean up the rough edges from last offseason's overhaul.
14. Phoenix Suns - BJ Mullens / Ohio State
I personally don't see the draw of Mullens, who I can't even call a disspointment at Ohio State. But many others do. With Shaq aging and potentially out the door this summer, Phoenix needs another big behind Amare Stoudemire. With Blair out of the equation, Mullens is the next highest post on most people's radar.
15. Detroit Pistons - Jonny Flynn / Syracuse
Flynns is climbing most Mock Drafts, but a good deal of teams don't need a point and that is hurting both he and Ty Lawson. But with his freak vertical and more than average wingspan, Flynn has the potential to be a very different kind of hybrid combo guard in the NBA. That potential is too much for Detroit to pass on with Rodney Stuckey at the point and a seemingly unhappy duo of Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince on the wings.
16. Chicago Bulls - Earl Clark / Louisville
Welcome to the crap shoot part of the draft where nobody has any idea who really is going to go where. The Bulls don't need anything other than depth, so they can afford to take a risk here on a guy that isn't as reliable won't be a prime time player until he puts in some work.
17. Philadelphia 76ers - Eric Maynor / VCU
Does Andre Miller stay? Does it matter? In NBA terms, he's aging a bit so Philly needs to take someone who can run the point in a couple of years if not right away. With the holes at the 2 spot, they also need a point who can score. Maynor is mature and reliable.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Johnson / Wake Forest
He's a top 10 pick in some Mock Drafts and Minnesota should have already addressed their post issues in the lottery, so take a chance on Johnson here; he's athletic, young and can be molded.
19. Atlanta Hawks - Ty Lawson / UNC
Hawks need depth at point behind Mike Bibby (should he return) and most other teams don't really need a true point, so the Hawks could luck out here if Lawson really does slip.
20. Utah Jazz - Jeff Teague / Wake Forest.
Almost every Mock Draft has Tyler Hansbrough here, but I am not sold that he will be worth even a pick this high. Utah does not draft well, which is sad because they could lose tons in free agency. The smart pick is a "just in case" post (not Hansbrough), but I don't see Utah making the smartest pick, still Teague will not be a bad decision.
21. New Orleans Hornets - Austin Daye / Gonzaga
New Orleans also needs a "just in case" post pending their offseason moves and the big men are getting pretty thin here.
22. Dallas Mavericks - Darren Collison / UCLA
Even if Jason Kidd comes back, Dallas needs someone who will be their next floor general with Kidd and Jason Terry at their ages.
23. Sacramento Kings - Omri Casspi / Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Kings can play around here a little if they do indeed land Rubio at #4, so trading this pick to try and bring in a couple reliable guys wouldn't be a bad idea. Granted, this is a team that hasn't made a good pick since Hedo Turkoglu in 2000, so who knows what they might do.
24. Portland Trail Blazers - Sam Young / Pittsburgh
Portland has never shyed away from the International player, but I think they will stay more conventional here. And no, conventional doesn't mean smart.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Demarre Carroll / Missouri
OKC is still a year away from really knowing what they need. Until then, they need to keep playing around with different options and Carroll is the best player available at this point.
26. Chicago Bulls - Tyler Hansbrough / UNC
Chicago has a decent set of guys in the post already and could benefit from Hansbrough's game while not needing him to provide too much too quickly.
27. Memphis Grizzlies - Patrick Mills / Saint Mary's
Going big early if they take Thabeet means going small late, which has to mean Patrick Mills if he is still available. Combo'ing him with Conley and Gay could prove highly effective.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves - DaJuan Summers / Georgetown
It is the final person in the Kevin Garnett 7-for-1 deal and it's probably one of the most relevant. Minnesota has three to four first round picks so can have both an aggressive and wait and see attitude. This is the best spot for them because they have who they want, now they can get someone else who just slipped because of other picks.
29. Los Angeles Lakers - Rodrigue Beaubois / Cholet (International)
What do you need when you've just won a NBA title and three of your four free agents are likely staying put? Best guess is another point who can add depth with Jordan Farmar's oft-odd play and Derek Fisher not getting younger.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Toney Douglas / Florida State
Cleveland has this pick so that they can either: (1) add an athletic player who plays defense to their mix on the wing or (2) throw it away. Douglas could fit either mold.
Just outside the first round/potential late first round picks (in order): Chase Budinger (Arizona), Wayne Ellington (UNC), Nick Calathes (Florida), Marcus Thornton (LSU), Victor Claver (International), Taj Gibson (USC)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
> Diego proves himself legit
I don't care what anyone else says, including the judges in tonight's split decision...Diego Sanchez is legit.
I don't mean he was just legit tonight in his mostly one sided slugfest with Clay Guida.
I don't mean he is just legit at his semi-new home of the 155 weight class.
I mean he is legit as one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters.
On tonight's Ultimate Finale Live, Diego opened up running through Guida like a machine. He swung and swung and swung until he busted Clay up and probably broke his nose. Then Diego delivered a vicious head kick that put Guida on his ass and forced commentators Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg to proclaim what a "great chin" Guida had for taking that kick. Great chins are nice and all, but the only way you ever find out who has one is if they are taking shots.
Me personally, I don't know what kind of a chin Diego Sanchez had tonight. Because even when he was not controlling the fight, only in the second round, he was landing cutting elbows from the bottom that made Guida bleed like a stuck pig.
Now, Diego is likely on to challange the winner of this Fall's BJ Penn/Kenny Florian title fight and both of those guys should be worried for the Lightweight division's real top dog. Penn is solid, but aging. Florian is GREATLY improved from the guy Sanchez toppled for the original Ultimate Fighter crown. But neither is as explosive, hungry, deep and relentless as Diego Sanchez. Right now, I may only rank Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva as people who I know could beat Diego (taking into consideration they are close in weight class and/or Diego's non-fighting weight...I know he wouldn't fare well against heavyweights but only because they are so much bigger).
In the latest edition of Fight! Magazine, they have a new reader poll for the Top 10 Pound-for-Pound fighters. Next month, Diego should be on it. I question the additions to this list of Frank Mir (9) and even Fedor Emelianenko (2), the second of which doesn't even face the stiffest competition in his weight class seeing as how Affliction is weak.
He has won four straight, is 10-2 in the octogon and is now coming off two straight Fight of the Night performances. The man is legit and I feel bad for whoever has to stand in his way next.
I don't mean he was just legit tonight in his mostly one sided slugfest with Clay Guida.
I don't mean he is just legit at his semi-new home of the 155 weight class.
I mean he is legit as one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters.
On tonight's Ultimate Finale Live, Diego opened up running through Guida like a machine. He swung and swung and swung until he busted Clay up and probably broke his nose. Then Diego delivered a vicious head kick that put Guida on his ass and forced commentators Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg to proclaim what a "great chin" Guida had for taking that kick. Great chins are nice and all, but the only way you ever find out who has one is if they are taking shots.
Me personally, I don't know what kind of a chin Diego Sanchez had tonight. Because even when he was not controlling the fight, only in the second round, he was landing cutting elbows from the bottom that made Guida bleed like a stuck pig.
Now, Diego is likely on to challange the winner of this Fall's BJ Penn/Kenny Florian title fight and both of those guys should be worried for the Lightweight division's real top dog. Penn is solid, but aging. Florian is GREATLY improved from the guy Sanchez toppled for the original Ultimate Fighter crown. But neither is as explosive, hungry, deep and relentless as Diego Sanchez. Right now, I may only rank Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva as people who I know could beat Diego (taking into consideration they are close in weight class and/or Diego's non-fighting weight...I know he wouldn't fare well against heavyweights but only because they are so much bigger).
In the latest edition of Fight! Magazine, they have a new reader poll for the Top 10 Pound-for-Pound fighters. Next month, Diego should be on it. I question the additions to this list of Frank Mir (9) and even Fedor Emelianenko (2), the second of which doesn't even face the stiffest competition in his weight class seeing as how Affliction is weak.
He has won four straight, is 10-2 in the octogon and is now coming off two straight Fight of the Night performances. The man is legit and I feel bad for whoever has to stand in his way next.
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