If the Lakers had their choice of any players in tonight’s game to join the team next year, my two top choices would go to Ohio State players — Greg Oden (sorry Drew) and Mike Conley.
But basketball remains a team game, and Florida not only has four starters with NBA talent but they play well as a team. The whole is better than the sum of their parts. They pass well, find the open man and rotate well on defense. They can beat you any number of ways, but it starts with the fact they shoot well — 59.1% on two pointers over the course of the season. If Oden’s shot blocking can change that, Ohio State has a chance.
But I don’t think he can, Florida will make the extra pass and find the open man. Which is why I’ll take the Gators to pull away in the second half and win handily.
But then again, I’m coming in third in my office pool behind a guy who cares more about any Chelsea midfielder than the entire NCAA field, so take it with a grain of salt.
skigi says
I was watching the Florida-UCLA game the other day and Joakim Noah is a MADMAN on the break. He runs the floor as well as any big man I have ever seen. Now he may not have the body to muscle his way past the likes of Shaq and Dwight Howard, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with effort. His energy level on the floor is outstanding. I would take Noah on the Lakers in a heart beat.
Goo says
I think Noah will end up being a not shitty Marcus Camby..which will be good for about $750 million…
Goo says
Sorry I must have pressed enter to early or something and it cut off the rest of my post…which basically talked about how I think Noah will either need to add range or strength to keep up in the NBA and that Conley will be alot better than people think…I wish him and Oden could end up on the same team though it won’t happen
JONESONTHENBA says
Noah is the perfect player for Phoenix. He’ll probably be available to them at number 5 (where they are likely to pick this year). I wouldn’t be surprised to find him there.
The Lakers really need an all-defensive type defender that can shoot the three. Corey Brewer is that type of player. The Lakers need to figure out a way to move up and get him.
http://nba.aolsportsblog.com/2007/04/03/corey-brewer-will-a-perennial-member-of-the-nba-all-defensive-te/
JONESONTHENBA says
Also, I think before Phoenix settles for Noah, they are going to try and package Marion and their two picks for Kevin Durant. They are going to be running into salary cap issues soon, and this would give them an opportunity to dump Marion before he opts out after next season, and also get a player who has the potential to be one of the best players in the league after a few years. Bill Simmons mentioned this on a podcast with Chad Ford. If Phoenix get’s Durant I’ll probably shoot myself. Amare and Durant playing next to each other for the next 10-15 years, with Steve Nash in the mix at least for the next 3-5 years. That’s crazy.
Here’s the Ford/Simmons podcast:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/player?id=2819032
And here’s a link to a post where I break down Phoenix’s Salary Cap situation:
http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/01/22/why-the-suns-will-trade-shawn-marion-in-the-off-season/
JONESONTHENBA says
My bad, Phoenix actually has THREE first round picks! The rich get richer.
Goo says
Didn’t we have this problem last year with Brandon Roy?