Melo Has No Zen: And Other Thoughts from the 2015 NBA Draft

What the hell happened yesterday in the Barclays Center? Actually, a better question would be what the hell didn’t happen yesterday? Boogie Cousins was suppose to be the Lakers’ new hope. George Karl was suppose to impose his dictator-like will and turn the 2015 Sacramento Kings into the 2013 Denver Nuggets (literally; with Ty Lawson and everything). I was suppose to hit on more than 10 percent of my draft picks ( 😦 ).

(Editor’s Note: Rest assured, I will not be quitting my day job.)

Even though the big dominoes do not fall in Brooklyn last night; a lot still happened. Now, I’m not going to give out grades to teams based off of how teams drafted. I’m also not going to grade prospects on how I think they will develop. If Wednesday’s mock draft has taught me anything is that I am not Tom Cruise in Minority Report. 

(Editor’s Note: And you can’t replace Precogs with a Magic 8 Ball. Enough though they appear to be virtually the same thing. I mean, why else would they randomly float in water? Think about it.)

In all seriousness, this year proves that no one can really project how a player will develop. Just look at Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, and our very own Jimmy Butler. I can count on one hand ( zero is the magic number) just how many people thought these three would be max-contract players and the prized free agents of 2015. Instead, I am going to go team by team and give my immediate thoughts about them. No projections, no grades, just thoughts, ideas, hopes, dreams, likes, dislikes: things like that. First up:

1) Minnesota Timberwolves:

Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Tyus Jones, and Zach LaVine appear to be  the young foundation for the mediocre T’Wolves. Not to mention that those players are surrounded by intriguing prospects like Shabazz Muhammad, Gorgui Dieng, and Adreiane Payne. Add in the still developing Ricky Rubio and sprinkle in some sage-like wisdom from KG on his farewell tour, and Flip Saunders may have something cooking in the Twin Cities.

2) Los Angeles Lakers:

By picking D’Angelo Russell the Lakers have not only positioned themselves to trade for an asset that can help the team “win-now” (BOOGIE!!!), but they have also positioned themselves to be successful when Kobe Bryant decides to hang them up. O, and they have oodles of cap space, which always helps.

3) Philadelphia 76ers:

Three big men enter: one or two big men leave. By adding Jahlil Okafor, the Ballin’ Bennys (please let that nickname stick) and Sam Hinkie have made the team’s front court situation very awkward. Maybe Embiid learned how to shoot threes during his rehab. Maybe Noel and Okafor are the new Sampson and Olajuwon or Parrish and McHale. Either way, something has to give and I think one of these guys is leaving Philly very soon.

(Editor’s Note: It’s not him.)

4) New York Knicks:

I have no idea why Melo is mad. The Knicks possibly took the best player in the draft (Porzingis) and a young player who can help them win now (Grant). If he doesn’t like their draft picks, then maybe he should pull a LeBron and start recruiting some high profile free agents (Love, Aldridge, Monroe, Jordan, etc.). Trust the Zen Master, Melo, he has 11 rings to your none.

5) Orlando Magic:

I know I said I wouldn’t give out any grades, but Mario Hezonja single-handedly changed my mind. Just watch this:

And this:

And read this:

M.Hezonja "I should be the first pick at the NBA draft". I agree 🙂 http://t.co/dF0RJn7odJ—
Alen Alibasic (@AlenAlibasicCRO) March 23, 2015

The Orlando Magic get an A+ grade in swag this year.

(Editor’s Note: I am President of the “Super Mario Hezonja Fan Club” and in no way is this review a bias reflection of that fact.*)

6) Sacramento Kings:

FREE BOOGIE!

7) Denver Nuggets:

Emannuel Mudiay’s arrival in the Mile High City signals the end of the Ty Lawson era, and even he know it.

@Deadspin @TyLawson3 says "I'm going to Sacramento" pic.twitter.com/wT4zledFes

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) June 26, 2015

8) Detroit Pistons:

Does anyone else think that Stan Van Gundy just traded his old Caron Butler for a newer, upgraded version?

9) Charlotte Hornets:

Do you guys think that Michael Jordan is aware of what he’s doing? He loves picking the “best player available” even when they really aren’t.

He loves picking guys who are All-Americans; guys who have won at the college level.

Guys who have won National Championships.

Guys who have a few wrinkles to iron out. Like there shooting ability, toughness, etc.

Or guys who may not have “NBA” athleticism, but sure do have “NBA” skill.

All because he is secretly haunted by his dark past. Haunted by the one player that made the GOAT an utter failure. He’s truly tormented by…

…The One That Got Away.

10) Miami Heat:

What type of black magic does Pat Riley practice. Is he like Bette Midler from Hocus Pocus? Or maybe Severus Snape from Harry Potter? He does have some Alan Rickman in his face. No, he is most definitely Gandolf the Grey. There is no way you win that many championships if you’re not Gandolf. Man, I could only imagine what he said on that phone call to Justise Winslow as he was spiraling into a free fall out of the lottery…

11) Indiana Pacers:

I know Larry Bird runs the Pacers. I know they essentially have their 2013 core returning minus Stephenson and West. And I know they have a hole at the power forward, but how do you not draft Cameron Payne at 11? He’s everything the Pacers need to take the next step. I guess I just need to trust the three-eyed Larry.

12) Utah Jazz:

Trey Lyles may not have three point range yet, but neither did Trevor Booker before he came to Utah. At the age of 27 he only managed to hit a career high 34 percent for downtown, and he did stuff like this:

I think Lyles will be fine.

13) Phoenix Suns:

Booker is a solid pick for a team in desperate need of three point shooting. And boy can this guy shoot the J.

14) Oklahoma City Thunder:

He could be Russell Westbrook insurance, D.J. Augustin insurance,  or Anthony Morrow insurance; either way Billy Donovan and OKC got another great young basketball player. The Thunder should be a force next season.

15) Atlanta Hawks:

(Editor’s Note: Guess Al Horford called in sick. Way to step up Kent Bazemore.)

I think it’s sad that their new uniforms are more noteworthy than their addition of Tim Hardaway Jr. With that being said; he is a great scorer and Atlanta could definitely use more of that.

16) Boston Celtics:

I guess Danny Ainge is trying to build a team full of Marcus Smarts. I mean that’s not the worst basketball line-up in the world. That title is a two-way tie between the “Baby Bulls” (starting Eddy Curry at center, Marcus Fizer at power forward, and Tyson Chandler at small forward), and the 2009 T’Wolves (Rubio as “New Isiah Thomas” and Jonny Flynn as “New Joe Dumars”).

17) Milwaukee Bucks:

Greek Freak: check. Jabari Parker: check. Jason Kidd: check. The Bucks could have drafted Larry Sanders again and it wouldn’t have mattered. The Deer have such a strong core that any other young player they manage to develop is just gravy.

18) Houston Rockets:

The Rockets need a secondary ball-handler off the bench, yet they took a jack-of-all trades small forward. Why might you ask? Because Daryl Morey doesn’t care about team needs. He views players as assets and he wants to best assets in the league. Dekker will find a place, either for Houston or another squad, but by tip off of the season opener, Dork Elvis will fill that need.

19) Washington Wizards:

The Wizards felt that replacing Paul Pierce was a more pressing need than finding a great third guard or back up big man. It’s hard to argue that logic with “small ball” becoming the league’s newest scheme. Oubre Jr. lacks a lot of polish and skill, but the talent and athleticism are there. I mean, you can’t be a scrub with shoe game like that.

20) Toronto Raptors:

Not much to say about this pick. The “Drakes” filled a team need. Now they need to be major players in free agency in order to round out the rest of their roster.

21) Dallas Mavericks:

Justin Anderson might be one of the bigger steals in this draft. He’s a 3 and D wing, with the potential to grow into a team’s third or fourth option. With Monta Ellis and Al-Farouq Aminu testing free agency, the team has some holes at the guard and forward spot.

22) Chicago Bulls:

Bobby Portis was suppose to be a lottery pick, and now he’s Chicago-bound. Does this mean one of the Bulls’ front line talents (Gibson, Noah, or Gasol) on their way out? Or is Portis insurance in case all three are too beat up to be effective?

(Editor’s Note: Does anyone else think this guy could be the love child of Tom Haverford and Roy Hibbert? Bobby Portis is “Entertainment 720”. Make this a thing.)

23) Portland Trail Blazers:

Would you rather have a tenacious wing defender who can’t score, or a nimble big man who can’t defend the rim? Portland chose the later, but in the wake of the Warriors’ championship I believe they should have chosen the former. Being able to guard four or five positions has great value. Then again, when you dress like Rodney Dangerfield from Caddyshack, it makes you wonder.

24) Cleveland Cavaliers:

Just finished ordering my Rakeem Christmas Cavs Christmas Day jersey. It’s Christmas on Christmas. I wish this was made up.

25) Memphis Grizzlies:

(Editor’s Note: My favorite owner in the NBA…because he’s the dreamiest.)

Jarell Martin’s highest comparison was to that of Jeff Green. The Grizzlies have Jeff Green. Do they need two Jeff Greens? Or are the Grizzlies writing something on the wall in permanent marker?

26) San Antonio Spurs:

They took an European player whom they can stash for several years. And Popovich wins the draft again.

27) Brooklyn Nets:

Kudos to Billy King and Lionel Hollins for finally making a trade that screws over the other team. Hollis-Jefferson may not set the scoreboard on fire, but he could step out on the court and guard players like Carmelo Anthony, Jimmy Butler, and Kyle Korver today. He needs a few months of training before he gets up to LeBron’s level.

28) Golden State Warriors:

Kevon Looney, a potential top 10 pick at the beginning of the season, fell all the way to the Dubs at number 30. The rich keep on getting richer.

29) New Orleans Pelicans:

The Pelicans drafted Branden Dawson in the 2nd round, but the biggest acquisition thus far is new head coach Alvin Gentry. He was the architect of the Warriors world-beating offense, and now he has the league’s most versatile and unguardable player at his disposal.  Long live The Brow!

30) Los Angeles Clippers:

The Clippers didn’t have a draft pick, some big names may leave the team in free agency, and their new uniforms look like they were made at Kinkos. This might be their year after all.

My First and Only NBA Mock Draft

Unlike last year’s draft, 2015 has the potential to be the most interesting in recent memory. Plenty of teams are trying to trade for veterans and draft picks a like in order to establish themselves a potential playoff contenders. Teams like the Knicks, Lakers, Kings and Nuggets have been burning up the rumor mill, trying to make drastic roster overhauls. Other teams, like the Timberwolves and Magic, are trying to build upon already impressive young rosters. And the Philadelphia 76ers are…still rebuilding…I guess. No one really knows what they are doing, but apparently, it’s all part of the plan. Without further delay, here is my first and final 2015 NBA Mock draft.

1) Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, PF/C, Freshman.

This appears to be the only lock in the entire draft. With reports of the T’wolves making promises to Towns and his camp, the Kentucky freshman appears to be guaranteed in Minnesota next season. Wiggins, Rubio, LaVine, and the 7’0″ big man from the Dominican Republic will form a tremendous core for Flip Saunders to build upon.

2) Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, Duke, C, Freshman.

With reports that the Laker’s front office is “80-20” in favor of drafting Okafor over Russell, it appears that barring any trades this will be how it plays out. If this was 2005 and not 2015, Okafor would be the consensus number one overall selection. However, with low-post building blocks becoming a thing of the past, the Lakers are still making the smart choice with this pick. The Duke big man may not have as much potential as Towns or Kristaps Prozingis, but Okafor has the highest floor of anyone in this draft. He should help to cushion the blow when the Kobe Bryant era ends.

3) Detroit Pistons (trade with Philadelphia 76ers): Kristaps Porzingis, Sevilla, PF, Age 19.

• DET receives 3rd overall pick and SG/SF Hollis Thompson.
• PHI receives 8^th overall pick, Brandon Jennings, and 2016 Top-10 protected 1st round pick.

The Pistons really want to try an compete for a playoff spot next year. The Pistons have a few key free agents they would like to bring back (Reggie Jackson, Greg Monroe), but a lack of the cap space to do so. Stan Van Gundy seems to be a bigger fan of Reggie Jackson than of Greg Monroe. Monroe is an awkward fit next to Andre Drummond leading to Van Gundy acquiring Ersan Ilyasova this offseason to provide better floor spacing. However, acquiring Porzingis may put this team over the top. Porzingis has the potential to be a new breed of power forward (think Nikola Mirotic with Nerlens Noel type athleticism). He may not be a franchise player, but Porzingis can be a border line all-star for years to come. The 76ers acquire an asset (Brandon Jennings), a future first round pick, and they still get to draft the player they want (more on that later).

4) New York Knicks: D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State, PG/SG, Freshman.

The Knicks surprisingly end up drafting their man when Russell falls all the way to them at 4th overall. Russell really adds talent to a very barren roster. Plus his skill set should help make players like Carmelo Anthony and Tim Hardaway Jr. much better next year. Plus it helps when he can do things like this:

(Editor’s note: !!!!!!!!)

And this:

(Editor’s Note: I always grab my ankles when I see this. I want to make sure they are after the video.)

Good job New York; you finally got lucky. Now please, don’t screw this up.

5) Orlando Magic: Justise Winslow, Duke, SF, Freshman.

With Tobias Harris set to hit free agency and new head coach Scott Skiles taking over, Winslow seems like the obvious draft choice. His defensive ability will make him a perfect fit for Skiles’ defense, while his position and burgeoning offensive skills make him the perfect replacement for Harris.

6) Sacramento Kings: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, C/PF, Junior.

I really wanted to put in a Ty Lawson to Sacramento trade in this post, but nothing really worked out. The Kings don’t have the assets to pull off a trade of that caliber. However, that does not mean the Kings won’t make a trade this Thursday. I just believe the trade will be more of a salary dump (Rudy Gay) in order for the team to make a run at Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic. Cauley-Stein is the pick because the team appears to be set on adding a point guard via free agency and the two-guard spot is maned by both Ben McLemore and Nik Stauskas. Plus it helps that Boogie is really good friends with WCS.

7) Denver Nuggets: Stanley Johnson, Arizona, SF, Freshman.

With the Nuggets entering a rebuilding stage, the team should be focused on adding talent to their roster. Johnson is arguably the most talented player left on the board. He also projects to be one of the best defensive players in this draft, a skill set new head coach Mike Malone would like to fully utilize.

8) Philadelphia 76ers (trade with Detroit Pistons): Emmanuel Mudiay, Guangdong Southern Tigers (China), PG, Age 19.

Mudiay has been Sam Hinkie’s guy since last year. Before heading to China, the talented point guard was considered the number one overall prospect in this year’s draft class. An ankle injury and questions about his shooting ability have caused his stock to fall. However, the 19 yeard old fills a huge need for the eternally rebuilding 76ers.

9) Boston Celtics (trade with Charlotte Hornets): Mario Hezonja, FC Barcelona, SG/SF, Age 20.

• BOS receives #9 overall pick and Jeff Taylor, and Marvin Williams.
• CHA receives #16 overall pick, #33 overall pick (2^nd round).

He’s being compared to Jimmy Butler and Kobe Bryant, and the Celtics need someone of that caliber on their roster. They are also thin at the power forward and the wing. This trade nets the Celtics another body at small forward, as well as a replacement for Brandon Bass. Charlotte can dump some salary and remain in range to draft the player they truly want.

10) Miami Heat: Myles Turner, Texas, C/PF, Freshman.

When Chris Bosh was out of the lineup last year due to blood clots, the Heat’s offense suffered greatly. They needed a front line player who could help space the floor an allow for Dwayne Wade and Luol Deng to cut to the paint. Turner is that type of player. Not only can he space the floor, but his face-up game will allow for him to seamlessly integrate with Bosh and Hassan Whiteside in Miami’s front court.

11) Indiana Pacers: Cameron Payne, Murray State, PG, Sophomore.

Payne is this year’s mid-major draft darling. His shooting stroke needs some work but he can attack the basket with ease, and he is a pick-and-roll maestro. The Pacers need some more scoring power next to Paul George, and a better point guard option then George Hill. Payne provides Indiana with both, as well as allow the team to run some interesting two point guard offensive sets like Pheonix and Toronto.

12) Utah Jazz: Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, Wisconsin, Senior.

Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors appear to be two of the three building blocks of Utah’s future. With Gordon Hayward (the 3rd building block) and Rodney Hood being the only players who can affectively stretch the floor, the Jazz need someone who can provide spacing for their offense. Enter Kaminksy, Naismith Player of the Year and media darling. His three-point shooting and passing ability will allow him to play with both Favors and Gobert.

13) Phoenix Suns: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, SF, Junior.

With Gerald Green on the way out of the door, the Suns desperately need shooting from the wings. Enter Dekker, who shot 33 percent from three at Wisconsin last season, but is capable of shooting much better (39 percent his freshman year). He’s a player who can come off of the bench and play next to Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe.

14) Oklahoma City Thunder: Devin Booker, Kentucky, SG, Freshman.

The Thunder have been the hardest lottery team to gauge and I believe that is because they are just going to take the best player available. Kevin Durant missed most of last season with a variety of injuries, and the team is two-deep at every position, therefore I believe they are going to draft who they deem as the best prospect left on the board. In this case, it’s Booker. He’s a very similar player to Anthony Morrow, but with higher upside. Booker should pair nicely with Durant and Westbrook.

15) Atlanta Hawks: Trey Lyles, Kentucky, SF/PF, Freshman.

With DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap testing free agency this off-season, the Hawks need to prepare for one, if not both, to leave the team. Enter Lyles, the Kentucky combo-forward. Lyles exhibits traits from both players, and he’s young enough to develop into a solid player in Atlanta’s offensive system.

16) Charlotte Hornets (trade with Boston Celtics): R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, SG, Junior.

After trading Gerald Henderson to the Trail Blazers earlier today, the Hornets are going to draft his replacement. Hunter has had a lot of great workouts the past few weeks, and a lot of teams in the bottom of the lottery showed interest. One of those teams was the Hornets. At the 9th pick, Hunter would represent a huge reach. However, at the 16th pick Hunter would to be a great value, especially for a team that struggled to hit three pointers like the Hornets did last year.

17) Brooklyn Nets (trade with Milwaukee Bucks): Kevon Looney, UCLA, SF/PF, Frehman.

• BKN receives #17 overall draft pick.
• MIL receives #29 overall draft pick and PF/C Mason Plumlee.

The Nets have been trying to use Mason Plumlee to move up in the draft for weeks now. The Milwaukee Bucks are a playoff with plenty of wholes to fill and not enough cap space to fill them. Jason Kidd was the coach who drafted Plumlee in 2013, and his brother Miles was aquired by the team at last year’s trade deadline. Sometimes the stars align too perfectly. Plumlee would bolster the Bucks front court, while the trade would allow the Nets to acquire the ultra-talented, extremely raw Kevon Looney to replace Plumlee and the soon-to-be free agent Thaddeus Young. Looney was a top-5 pick before this season, and while the talent is there, the overall skill is not. In desperate need of youth, the Nets take a flyer on a player who could be part of the next wave of stretch-fours in the NBA.

18) Houston Rockets: Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, PG, Freshman.

https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/8D654E84961163273426530705408_24f3f5c0203.5.1.8454209517965518300.mp4?versionId=yf9BuNHeDQHPx.Xgo_WatTmu6WfsGGDY

The Rockets hopelessly need a secondary playmaker behind James Harden. Grant fills that need, as well as provide versatility and shooting for both guard positions. The addition of Grant would force Jason Terry back to shooting guard, and allow for Patrick Beverly to strictly play with James Harden.

19) Washington Wizards: Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas, Sophomore.

When Nene was hurt in these past playoffs, the Wizards survived by playing small ball with Paul Pierce at the power forward and Otto Porter Jr. at small forward. With Pierce gone, the Wiz need to draft an insurance policy and eventual replacement for Nene. Portis man not have three-point range, but he does have a good jumper, and a budding face up game to compliment Marcin Gortat.

20) Toronto Raptors: Jarell Martin, LSU, SF/PF, Sophomore.

News broke that Martin has received a 1st round promise from a team in the bottom part of the draft. Many people believe it to be the Memphis Grizzles, but I believe the Raptors are that team. Martin might be a tweener, but he does fill two positions of need for the “Drakes”: the forward spots. Martin  kills two birds with one stone, and adds talent to a roster on the verge of contention.

21) Philadelphia 76ers (trade with Dallas Mavericks): Rashad Vaughn, UNLV, SG, Freshman.

• PHI receives #21 overall draft pick, 2016 and 2017 2^nd round picks.
• DAL receives Brandon Jennings and Jerami Grant.

This trade allows for the 76ers to acquire another talented young player to help with their rebuild, while the Mavericks replace the production lost from Rajon Rondo, Monta Ellis, and Al-Farouq Aminu. This trade also allows for the Mavs to save what little cap flexibility they have left, preparing them to make a run at an upper-level free agent prospect (LaMarcus Aldridge? Dwayne Wade?).

22) Chicago Bulls: Tyus Jones, Duke, PG, Freshman.

Aaron Brooks appears to be hitting the open market, and the Bulls are in need of a dependable backup to Derrick Rose. Enter Jones, who is fresh off leading Duke to a National Championship. Jones could serve as a calming force for Chicago’s second unit, as well as DRose’s possible replacement.

23) Portland Trail Blazers: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, SG/SF, Sophomore.

With news of the team trading Nicholas Batum to the Hornets, the Blazers are in need of a cheap replacement. RHJ has the skill-set to be the next Tony Allen, and he comes as a cheap alternative to Batum. The money saved could be used for Portland to pursue they’re own free agents, or possibly bring in their replacements.

24) Cleveland Cavaliers: Terry Rozier, Louisville, PG/SG, Junior.

With J.R. Smith opting out of his contract, the Cavaliers have the opportunity to add a player who can replace his production, while providing a better complement to Matthew Dellavedova and Kyrie Irving. Rozier can effectively play both guard spots, as well as score in bunches.

25) Memphis Grizzlies: Kelly Oubre Jr., Kansas, SG/SF, Freshman.

Oubre has top ten talent, but produced like a second round pick this past year at Kansas. The Grizzlies are a team that needs to swing for the fences due to their inability to attract free agents. Look for Memphis to take a swing at the former Jayhawk in hopes he plays up to his potential.

26) San Antonio Spurs: Jonathan Holmes, Texas, SF/PF, Senior.

The Spurs draft targets are always very tough to gauge. Holmes is a versatile prospect who could fill a variety of weaknesses for the veteran ball club. They also could trade the pick…or draft an international prospect to draft overseas…or trade down. They can literally do anything because Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford seem to be the best drafters in NBA history. Whatever they decide to do, it’ll be the right decision.

27) Los Angeles Lakers: Justin Anderson, Virginia, SG/SF, Junior.

Without much depth at small forward, Anderson seems like a give-me at this point in the draft. The junior can provide a solid 3-and-D presence for a team trying to win-now. He also possesses just enough potential to grow into a rock solid starting wing.

28) Boston Celtics: Chris McCullough, Syracuse, PF/C, Freshman.

With their second pick of the round, the Celtics try a hit a home run by drafting McCullough. Despite the fact he tore his ACL last season, the Syracuse product displayed the ability to help space the offense while blocking shots from both the weak and strong sides on defense. Boston can afford to let the McCullough grow and develop into a stronger player.

29) Milwaukee Bucks (trade with Brooklyn Nets): Delon Wright, Utah, PG, Senior.

Jason Kidd has a thing for long, athletic point guard prospects who can’t shoot. Wright could be next in a line on this long list on point guards Kidd is trying to develop. The Warriors won a championship because of their interchangeable and versatile defense. Drafting Wright would allow for the Bucks to create a similar defensive scheme.

30) Golden State Warriors: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, PF, Junior.

After winning the NBA finals, the Warriors don’t have as many needs as people would believe. However, with David Lee seeking a trade, the Dubs need to find someone to fill his void. Harrell would add toughness and athleticism to the defending champs, as well as the ability to play more small-ball. Harrell has the toughness to play center in small line-ups, without the Golden State giving up their defensive identity.

Now That They Have the Cup, How Do the Hawks Stay Champions?

The Blackhawks are currently 4.95 million dollars under the cap going into next year. Unfortunately, they have 10 free agents (6 unrestricted, 4 restricted) going into this offseason including key players like Brandon Saad and Johnny Oduya. If the Hawks truly want to compete for a championship next season, tough decisions must be made. It’s far from impossible for the Hawks to field a better team than they did last year, but specific things must be done in order to achieve that goal.

1) Trade Sharp and Bickell without hesitation.

Patrick Sharp is an alternate captain, but he’s also the fourth highest cap hit on the roster. Bryan Bickell is a player who has gotten more penalty minutes (186 minutes) than points scored (133 pts), yet he is making four million dollars a year for the next two years. Both players have been vital to the Blackhawks during their championship runs, but both players have seemed to over stay their welcome. At 34 and a three-time champion, Patrick Sharp should be in demand this summer. He is only one year removed from a 78-point season. Bryan Bickell may not be as potent and effective as Sharp during the regular season, but he has 39 playoff points to his name. Most teams would die for that kind of playoff production. Both players must be traded this summer in order for the Hawks to survive this tumultuous offseason.

2) Possibly trade Corey Crawford.

Now I know what you’re thinking: why trade the best goalie Chicago has had since Ed Belfour? Well, because a) he would net a hefty return, and b) he makes six million dollars a year until 2020. That means his contract doesn’t end until he turns 36 years old. The Hawks should strike while the iron is hot. Unless he’s Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur, Crawford is sure to decline rather than improve or plateau. Crawford could net the team some lost draft picks or cheap, young players to help bolster Chicago’s flanks. Either way, I believe that defending champs need to part ways with their world-class goal tender.

3) Effectively use draft picks, and don’t trade anymore.

This year, the Hawks have the 54^th overall pick in the NHL draft. Going forward, the team must hold onto their draft picks, unless they want to become 100 percent dependent on free agency. That doesn’t mean the team can’t find a productive player at the 54^th pick this year. Here is a list of players the Hawks have found in the 2^nd round or later since 2002:

• Brandon Saad: 2^nd round pick (43), 2011
• Andrew Shaw: 5^th round pick (139), 2011
• Marcus Kruger: 5^th round pick (149), 2010
• Niklas Hjalmarsson: 4^th round pick (108), 2005
• Corey Crawford: 2^nd round pick (52), 2003
• Duncan Keith: 2^nd round pick (54), 2002
• This looks like a pretty solid list. This year, the Hawks have a great shot of adding a playmaker, but they increase their odds by keeping and developing their 1^st round picks. If the team truly wants to establish a dynasty, then they need to keep, develop, and succeed with their own draft picks. All in all, the Hawks are in bad shape this off-season, but if they can make some risky moves, and reestablish their commitment to the amateur draft, than the Chicago Blackhawks can continue to be a modern day dynasty.

The Booth Review: Vol. 5

1) Six Like Jordan

The Chicago Blackhawks are your new Stanley Cup champions. On Monday night, the Hawks finished off the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0. Duncan Keith won the Conn Smythe Trophy after becoming the first defensmen in eight years to score at least 20 points in the playoffs, all while averaging a ridiculous 31 minutes per game. To put that into perspective, Keith played a total of 715 playoffs minutes. He is one of only four players to do that in the entire history of the NHL. He’s also the first defensemen since the legendary Bobby Orr to score the game-winning goal in a clinching game in the Stanley Cup finals. Keith deserves every hockey award ever created and the Hawks would not be champions without him. Three cups in six years; the Chicago Blackhawks are truly a modern day dynasty.

2) Dub City: Home of the New NBA Champions

The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers last night 105-97 to win the NBA Championship. This is Golden State’s first since 1975. Steve Kerr became the first rookie head coach to win a championship since the Lakers’ Pat Riley in 1982. Andre Iguodala became the first finals MVP that didn’t start every game, and was the first MVP since Dennis Johnson in 1979 to win the award without averaging at least 10 ppg in the playoffs. Iguodala’s defensive abilites and point guard-like skillset helped give the Warriors the edge it needed to defeat James and the rest of the Cavs.

3) LeBron’s Back Must be Sore

After last night’s crushing defeat at the hands Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game becoming the first players in Final’s history to lead all players in those categories. Although Andre Iguodala won the MVP award, it was James who was truly the best player on the court. The Cavaliers were, to put it simply, outmatched talent-wise by the Warriors. That is not to take away from the anything Golden State has done in the finals, but the series would have looked much differently if Kyrie Irving and/or Kevin Love were healthy.

4) “ [K]hris Sale: Can the Man Get Some Help, Please?!

Chris Sale became the first pitcher since 2001 to strike out 12 batters or more in four straight games. How is he repaid for his all-star efforts: with a late-inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday night. A two-run home run from Asdrubal Cabrera in the 7^th inning sealed it for the South Siders. Sale is 6-3 on the season and leads the team in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. If the Pale Hoses don’t find a way to turn this season around, then one has to wonder if the lefty from Florida is willing to take his services elsewhere. At 26, Sale is in the prime of his career and with the Sox currently in last place in their division, one has to wonder if the Sox are willing to rebuild. Only 8 games behind the division leading Royals, if that lead grows then the Sox should have no choice. But, until that point, Sale and the rest of the Sox elite like Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia don’t have to worry about enduring a rebuilding campaign.

The Booth Review Vol. 4

1) An Overactive Blatter

After the arrests of several FIFA officials, Sepp Blatter stepped down amid corruption allegations and in possible involvement in these criminal cases. Now it is being reported that Blatter accepted a 10 million dollars bribe from then-South African President Thabo Mbeki. Investigators are looking into Russia’s and Qatar’s Wolrd Cup bids to see if there was any bribery involved

2) So Nice, They Crowned Him Thrice

For the 1^st time since 1978, a new Triple Crown winner has been named. American Pharoah is the 12^th recipient of the prestigious award after winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. His margin of victory was the 4^th largest margin of victory in Belmont history. Hopefully we won’t have to wait another 37 years to witness around Triple Crown victor.

3) Can Lighting Strike Twice?

Game 3 is tonight at the Mad House on Madison, and the Hawks are trying to regain their momentum from Game 1. Ben Bishop is still questionable for tonight. If that’s the case, the Lighting will turn to 20-year-old Andrei Vasilevskiy in goal. Chicago needs to capitalize on his inexperience and start off strong. It will be hard for Tampa Bay to win two games on the road, but if they can split on this road trip then they have a great shot of putting the Hawks away at home. Game 3 starts tonight at 7 pm.

4) The King Defends his Kingdom

39 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists: that was LeBron James’ stat line at the end of last night’s overtime thriller at Golden State. The Cavaliers won the game 95-93. Stephen Curry easily had his worst game in the playoffs, and Matthew Dellavedova continues to cement his status as a NBA cult hero and Australian living legend. The most impressive part of this game has to be LeBron James. Minus Kyrie Irving, with only 12 healthy bodies on a 13-man roster, and forced into using a 7-man rotation, James and the Cavaliers gutted out a gritty road victory. If the Cavs can win these next two games in Cleveland, the team has a great shot of winning the series in six games. LeBron James is three more Superman-like performances away from bring Cleveland its first professional championship in 60 plus years.

5) Can a Cyclone Leave its Mark on Chicago?

On Tuesday, Fred Hoiberg was named the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls. “The Mayor” represents a departure from Tom Thibodeau’s defense first, “my way or the highway” coaching style. Hoiberg is an offensive guru and player’s coach. If he can help boost the Bulls offensive, and if the front offensive can diversify and strength the roster, the Bulls should be on a short list of front runners for the Eastern Conference Championship.

6) Is Something Burning?

The White Sox currently sit in last place in the division at 25-30, 7.5 games behind the 1^st place Minnesota Twins. The Sox still have a chance to make up some ground, but they need better play from some of their offseason acquisitions such as Jeff Samardzija, Melky Cabrera, and Adam LaRoche. If the Sox can get some more production from so keys positions, they can turn this season around. If not, Robin Ventura should pack his bags because he won’t be around to manage next year.