Live At The Fieldhouse: Draft Night
by Tom Lewis on Jun 26, 2008 5:55 PM EDT
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PrintI'm blogging to you live from the Fieldhouse, which is decked out more like a grand ballroom than a basketball arena right now. Come on by throughout the draft and leave your reactions in the comments on this post.
Also, check out Pacers.com for pick-by-pick blogging from Conrad Bruner and other observations from your friendly local blogger. Here's a copy of the Pacers.com Draft Guide for your perusal.
UPDATE: The Pacers select JERRYD BAYLESS!!!!!
Gotta love it! The crowd at the Fieldhouse express unanimous support for the pick. The positive vibes keep flowing. YES!!!!
UPDATE II: The Pacers traded Bayless and Ike Diogu to Portland for Brandon Rush and Jarrett Jack. Diogu just wasn't a good fit for Jim O'Brien's system so in essence the Pacer pick up Rush, who they loved after workouts and a strong point guard to back up TJ Ford. Former Carmel High stand out, Josh McRoberts is also included in the deal coming home to the Pacers. d
I'm a bit stunned, as I was looking forward to seeing Bayless. Hard to judge this early, though. There must've been a reason Bayless dropped, now the Pacers add two players who are able to contribute at the NBA level.
UPDATE III: Oh, yeah, the Raptors selected Roy Hibbert for the Pacers. I was hoping they would go this way instead of with Kosta Koufos. Need a defensive minded big to help out Foster.
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This really needs to become a "game thread" a la SN's most fun blog - Lookout Landing.
Unfortunately…there aren’t the same crazy rabid posters here that can get a couple thousand posts in a single baseball game.
BREAKING NEWS #1 & #2
“The Clippers and Sonics have an agreement in place to swap picks as long as the Wolves take O.J. Mayo at No. 3. If Mayo isn’t drafted at 3, the deal is off, according to two sources close to the information. The other potential problem is that the teams have not yet agreed on the draft protection for the 2009 pick that the Clippers would send to Seattle.
With the No. 4 pick, expect the Clippers to take Eric Gordon of Indiana. They’ve coveted him as the type of dominant scorer they’ve been looking for.
The Sonics will take Brook Lopez or Jerryd Bayless at No. 7. However it seems Lopez will be the guy.”
“The Bucks and Nets have also done a deal that could have a big impact on the draft. The Bucks are sending Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson, according to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein.
That means the Bucks may be less likely to take Joe Alexander at No. 8. He’s a small forward like Jefferson and they may decide to go with a guard now—either Russell Westbrook or Jerryd Bayless.
The Nets have the No. 10 and No. 21 picks. Look for them to make a run at Joe Alexander if he’s on the board at 10. He’d be the perfect complement to Yi and Sean Williams in the frontcourt.
The Bucks have been eyeing Alexander and still could take him at No. 8. However, sources say it’s more likely that they’ll add another guard. My guess is that Russell Westbrook doesn’t slide past the Bucks unless Kevin Love somehow drops to them at 8.”
-Both via ESPN’S Chad Ford
Lucky
I wanted to be there, but I am going to be on “New house sub-pump watch” for a while. No backup right now, so I have to chill down there for tonight.
This is the anti-2007 draft (which I did not watch). I will be glued to the TV.
http://naptownsfinest.com
My man!
Stephen Graham is on the working the Fieldhouse floor like a seasoned politician. Pictures, hugs, plenty of smiles. Gotta love the guy.
Softball Game
Want to the be there Cornrows, but I’ve got a softball game @ 7:30 that needs my “skills.” Hopefully I return to the car to find out we didn’t pick Koufos.
by bobbybeingmanny on Jun 26, 2008 6:38 PM EDT reply actions
The party is on...
The VIP level is about full. Long lines all over the place as the folks wait for their shot at the buffet and adult beverage stations. One of my favorite Pacers, Stephen Graham has been working the line in front of where I’m sitting. Obama has nothing on Stevie when it comes pressing the flesh and working the crowd.
A video with Larry Bird’s comments on the pre-draft process is playing now. When talking about individual workouts, Bird mentioned that he’ll talk with Kevin McHale (Minnesota GM) or Danny Ainge (Celtics GM) and they’ll swap info on players they’ve worked out and which guys might be worth bringing in for a workout.
Now, if Bird could just get McHale interested in a trade…
Granger was worked in Guitar Hero
Some kid took him down then killed him by saying he (danny) wan’t that good.
Ugh! The dream is over
Russell Westbrook goes early at number 4. Expect that pick to go the Clippers unless Larry makes a monumental move. Still hoping…
Calm me down, Seth.
Gordon gone, Donnie Talkin, Danillllllll-boooo
Everyone is saying we are going with Rush with Augustin and Bayless still on the board…... if that goes down im saying see ya later Mike Dunleavy??? Whats he playing, bag packing?? Lets do some tradeeeessss!
Brent Jonathan Beck
Cornrows
Can you get the crowd to start chanting Bayless please?
Bobcats are guaranteed to take Lopez, Nets are guaranteed to do something stupid, and it looks like Bayless will be on the board…. get the chants going!!! COMBO guard dropping ITS PERFECT…... we got a 1 and a 2 but the only combo is Marquis…. bust city in terms of that trade!
Brent Jonathan Beck
Memphis
I’m not a Love fan that high. He will be a role player.
Bayless could be phenomenal. He’s dropping like Granger. Gonna make GMs hit themselves in the forehead. Coulda had Jerryd Bayless.
http://naptownsfinest.com
Ooooh
Augustin over Bayless and Lopez? I’m thinking MJ may be addicted to something other than gambling.
http://naptownsfinest.com
its makes sense
Larry Brown pick not MJ think about it, Larry Brown molding him frmo day 1, uh oh
Brent Jonathan Beck
Start the chant!
BAYLESS, BAYLESS, BAYLESS, BAYLESS
(Brook was crying, ENOUGH SAID)
Brent Jonathan Beck
In Other News
I’m 6 for 9 in my picks. Damn you Memphis. Pick Eric Gordon and I’ll be perfect.
http://naptownsfinest.com
I'm Nervous
C’mon Nets! You don’t need a point guard! You just drafted Marcus Williams! Don’t give up on him yet! PLEASE!!!
http://naptownsfinest.com
yeah but...
Im afriad they might go Rush if so I will be pissed, pretty nuts we are picking between two guys projected at Seattle for weeks!!!!!
Brent Jonathan Beck
BAYLESS!!!
WERE GONNA GET BAYLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNREAL!!! ITS GOTTA GO DOWN!!! NO RUSH, NO ONE ELSE, BAYLESS ALL DAY EVERY DAY!
BAYLESS PLEASE GOD!!!!!!!
BAYLESS BAYLESS BAYLESS
if they dont go Bayless I will be pissed off and will not know what to say!!!!
Brent Jonathan Beck
Brook Lopez
Damn he’s got a deep voice. Combine the Rock, Obama, and David Palmer from 24. That’s him.
http://naptownsfinest.com
I am so excited!!!!!
Dude was at three all monnnnthhh!!!!! This is a steal and a half
Brent Jonathan Beck
Besides Rose or Beasley Dropping
This is the best possible outcome for the Pacers. A combo guard is exactly what we need.
http://naptownsfinest.com
YES!!!!!!!!!
Shades of Danny Granger dropping down the board. Unanimous approval here at the Fieldhouse.
Crowd went crazy!
More big cheers when Stacy Paetz mentioned his size and defensive prowess. JOB addressed the crowd and without saying anything about the trade, did say that everyone will be excited and proud about the players wearing Pacers uniforms next year. Now for pick 17!!!!
Current Projected Lineup
PG: Ford/Tinsley/Diener/Graham/Flip
SG: Dunleavy/Bayless/Rush/Owens
SF: Granger/Williams/Daniels
PF: Murphy/Diogu/Baston
C: Foster/Nesterovic/Harrison
http://naptownsfinest.com
2 more picks
‘til we’re up again. Lopez, Hibbert, Koufos, Donte Green, and Arthur are still left on the board. I’m liking this draft.
http://naptownsfinest.com
Saw a fan wearing a Tinsley jersey
with Ford covering the name on the back. Those 90% off Tinsley jerseys may need to be altered. Robin Lopez goes 15!
I Think
the Pacers would send a good message if they started selling Ford #11 jerseys.
http://naptownsfinest.com
wait wait wait!
start this chant now
JORDAN, JORDAN, JORDAN, JORDAN.JORDAN, JORDAN, JORDAN, JORDANJORDAN, JORDAN, JORDAN, JORDAN !!!!1
WE WANT DEANDRE!!!!!!
PLEAAASEEEE if he slips for the 6ers get him
Brent Jonathan Beck
Not Jordan
He’s got bust written all over him. Start this one:
“DARRELL ARTHUR! DARRELL ARTHUR!”
http://naptownsfinest.com
Ahhh my bad I didnt see you on that one!!!
I think its a toss up for real for the 76ers taking him…. but come on!!!! I would be so happy about this teams future with DeAndre
PS
Robin has a personality Brook does not
Brent Jonathan Beck
But
Bayless is much more proven than Jordan. Jordan will be like Tyrus Thomas. Great athlete but can’t apply it on the court.
http://naptownsfinest.com
Portland fan here
Don’t get too attached to Bayless. How’s Jarrett Jack sound to you?
"Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist." -- RIP George Carlin
We traded Bayless
Chad Ford said we traded Bayless and Diogu for Rush and Jack
That's what the Portland press is reporting too
According to Blazer’s radio guy Brian Wheeler, who’s stationed right outside fo the Blazer’s war room.
"Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist." -- RIP George Carlin
And Josh McRoberts too?
"Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist." -- RIP George Carlin
The just does not make sense....
Why didnt we just draft Rush then… I am pissed off, Rush better be the next Reggie
Brent Jonathan Beck
Wow....
I am not really happy right now…. great job Bird, I was excited for an hour… If I was at Conseco I would booo so loud and long
Brent Jonathan Beck
I'm Pissed
That’s shit! We don’t benefit from switching Jack and Diogu! Why didn’t we just take Rush then?
http://naptownsfinest.com
Yeah
I like Hibbert only if we are keeping Bayless…. if its Rush and Hibbert I am pissed at Larry Bird
Brent Jonathan Beck
I Haven't Heard Anything About That
Have they said anything about it on ESPN? Am I not paying attention?
http://naptownsfinest.com
Hmmm... I don't see much upside w/ this team.
But it should be good in just two or three years. Ford, Rush, Granger, __, Hibbert. I think that’s a Top 4 in the East team in 2 or 3 years. It probably won’t be great, but they’ll be good.
Maybe they'll lose enough next year to get lucky and draft Blake Griffin.
Or win enough to draft ::gulp:: Hansbrough.
I Won't Believe It 'Til It's Spoken
I went to Jerryd Bayless’ Wikipedia page, and I saw “He was taken by the Indiana Pacers at 11th. He was soon traded to the Portland Trailblazers.” I thought it was just someone trying to be funny.
Hopefully this is like Herbstreit talking about Les Miles going to UM.
http://naptownsfinest.com
I was so happy
it will be hard for me to sleep tonight now if we got the steal in Bayless and coughed him up, seriously Rush better be Reggie Miller
Brent Jonathan Beck
Ack, no mention here at the Fieldhouse
They haven’t discussed Hibbert yet either. I know they like Rush around here, so this isn’t a shocking deal, if true.
man if it happened why wouldnt they have gotten the 27th???
This sucks!!!!!! Fire Bird fa sure….. I was happy now im mad….. but people sad the same when they went with Reggie over Alford…. im just looking for the bright side of this madness goddddd
Brent Jonathan Beck
What a surprise!
Van Gundy: ‘I like Ike Diogu’
Great job, lets under utilize him to the point his stock lowers…. sweeeeet I guess Rush fits in with the age… Weird though Kareem and Brandon…
Brent Jonathan Beck
Mixed reaction to the deal
but mostly hands up and mouths opened in shock. I will say that Diogu was not a good fit with Jim O’Brien as coach, especially with JO out of the low post.
Meh
I loved the Bayless pick and they trade him.
I’m not at all happy about Hibbert.
I think we could have done better than Ford for JO
All in all, I’m not optimistic.
Bayless made us have the chance of being great, so did DeAndre
Larry Bird really is starting to seem like a bad GM
Brent Jonathan Beck
What do we do with Dunleavy now, the only way I will be happy is if we make a trade with Miami for Beasley at this point because....
Who is our Power Forward?????
Brent Jonathan Beck
Something is up
There has to be a trade in the works, only way this makes sense.
One more thought....
We really have position ourself amazingly for the TANK this season…......
I guess the FieldHouse should start chanting Rubio or DeRozan cause this is straight dumb in my mind…. what is Birds philosophy get the oldest players possible?
Brent Jonathan Beck
here we go
Josh McRoberts coming to Indy. Again.
Dont forget he had an ACL injury with surgery.......
We just put our future around a guy with an injured neck and one with an injured knee and gave up our PF who everyone was supposed to love…....
Brent Jonathan Beck
Yeah
That is what I am talking about I am simply outraged…. they had the chance of adding season ticket holders with Bayless… now with Rush and Hibbert they are going to lose season ticket holders if anything
Brent Jonathan Beck
i cant even believe what jus happened
what a fuckin joke, p-ardon my language but u have to be kidding me with this…that interrupted my yahtzee game with my girlfriend…ruined my night…...unbelievable
No offense...
Yeah the only reason people gave a faint cheer at Conseco is because they dont want to admit how outraged they are when they made the drive out to an arena in hopes of seeing something awesome happen like us getting Bayless…. only to find out we get Kareem Rush’s little brother, a mediocre point guard, and Josh McRoberts…. I dont care if he is from Indy…. his 1.5 career point average is going to do us nothing…...
Brent Jonathan Beck
Wow im going to watch something else... I dont even know what to do with my nigh...
I feel like the excitement building up has been months and we have walked away with a slow sub par overrated center….... a descent shooting guard with a recent ACL injury…....... a hometown horrible NBA power forward…. and a point guard who couldnt even beat out Steve Blake for starting minutes…. STEVE BLAKE
Brent Jonathan Beck
This will trick your mind by soothing you...
Reading McRoberts high school profile when people thought he would be good…
“Originally a shooting forward, McRoberts is using his talent to develop into a highly-skilled power forward. A strong rebounder and outlet passer, McRoberts also has power and skill. An above average athlete, he is efficient and can make big plays. McRoberts can finish with either hand in the post and has impressive up-and-under moves. ” — 8/18/2004
Brent Jonathan Beck
Welllll.....
we pretty much gave up Monta Ellis for a 35 year old Eddie Jones in my mind…. amazing Larry
Brent Jonathan Beck
Scouts Inc.
Has Rush ranked as the #10 ranked prospect
Ford thinks Rush could be like Joe Johnson
Let’s hope for that.
Impressive draft
Brandon Rush is an excellent guard and Hilbert is Indy’s new man in the middle. Add to it Jack and McRoberts, and this was a very productive night for the Pacers.
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how is it growing on you?!?!?!
i hope im wrong, and jack actually puts up good fantasy numbers, but come on!!! they had bayless a top 5 guy!
Now
They have a more scoring and passing (Rush and Jack) and an excellent big man.
Please, relax. This was an excellent draft. This is about winning, not getting people excited. Excitement comes with winning.
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So is Westbrook and Mayo and Gordon and...
This is the tweener draft to end all tweener drafts.
Of course, I think the Blazers got the better end of the deal because I am a lame homer, but I really, really like Brandon Rush and he’ll have a Danny Granger type impact. Underrated right now, he’s a winner for sure.
Unless you wanna lose a good young player
I don’t think you’re moving Tinsley for something you’ll like…
Not trying to be mean, just don’t think he’s moveable.
Yes!
He will get a ring next year. It’s good to see him get a guaranteed contract.
http://naptownsfinest.com
by Colts Homer on Jun 26, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
My Take
Rush is a fine player. However, Bayless is a great player. Hopefully Jack does something, but he is worse than Bayless IMHO. McRoberts will be cut. Diogu wasn’t going to do much. I’m pretty down on this trade. We did not improve from this draft. Pacers fans will suffer until Bird is finally gone.
http://naptownsfinest.com
Larry is addressing the media after the 41st pick
Looking at this trade, the Pacers basically traded Bayless for Rush and Jack since Diogu wasn’t in the plans to play. Plus, Jack is the same size as Bayless and can play defense. Obviously, Rush will eventually determine how this trade is remembered, but since the Pacers were sold on Rush it probably looks even better to them.
Not as sexy a night, but actually quite practical. I do think the Pacers improved tonight. And no, I’m not being fed lines. I’m by myself in the press room sorting out thoughts.
Errr...
Again, don’t wanna rain on your parade, but Jack has been a really bad defender normally.
He has an AMAZING work ethic though, a 90% FT shooter, plays with a lot of heart.
Decision making problems, bad fast breaker, and defense have been his negatives. I like Jack a lot, but he wouldn’t have played over Rudy Fernandez in Portland. I wish him the best.
Still
I bet he’s better defensively than what the Pacers sent out there last year. Plus, he actually plays games.
It's the Blazers.
I think you have to look at how bad the Blazers are, and they had a terrible coach/system. Maybe with a little structure and hard work Jack could be better.
Projected 2008 Roster
PG: Ford/Jack/Diener
SG: Dunleavy/Rush/Daniels/Graham
SF: Granger/Williams
PF: Murphy/Baston/McRoberts
C: Hibbert/Foster/Nesterovic
http://naptownsfinest.com
Bird actually got people to like him for once
and he blows it…the projected 2008 roster sucks…Everything would’ve been great if it wasn’t for that second trade!
It's all speculation.
Jerryd Bayless could be a huge bust. No one ever knows. Brandon Rush could be awesome or awful. No one knows for sure.
yupp.......
I was excited for a little bit now I am not to be honest its all up to what Brandon Rush does….. I dont even know if he is better than Corey Brewer or Nick Young right now… I youtubed him and he doesnt even have a mix! no high light type, just a dunk here and there, I dont get it…..... Bayless would have been able to come in for Dunleavy and Ford now we have Jack coming in for Ford??? and Rush for Dunleavy….. and slow motion Roy Hibbert…... Mark my word whoever takes DeAndre got the steal of the draft….
Brent Jonathan Beck
Confirmed?
Is that confirmed? I might do backflips.
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Which Team? Where's the Source?
http://naptownsfinest.com
by Colts Homer on Jun 26, 2008 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I cant believe that.. Im in los angeles and was so Jacked for Jerred. I was excited to get rid of JO’s contract. Now.,..this. I thought we would trade TINSLEY, not the future. And Bayless seems llike such a good, level headed kid.
One things for sure….portland is going to be freakin good for the next 5 years at least. Thanks Larry.
Portland Could Be the Best Team in the League
PG: Rodriguez/Bayless/Blake
SG: Roy/Webster
SF: Outlaw
PF: Aldridge/Arthur/Diogu
C: Oden/Frye/LaFrentz
And a few more picks.
http://naptownsfinest.com
???
How did we not get any of the Blazers extra 2nd round picks with all of this…. this is just stupid…. im angry… angry… angry… DeAndre Jordan is sitting there and we dont even have a chance.. it stinks
Brent Jonathan Beck
And he fell
All the way to the second round. Should tell you something.
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Portland could start winning a lot of championships...... great help Bird
now they might get DeAndre Jordan….. what a pick up
Brent Jonathan Beck
yeah oh well
WE are built around a lot of youth…. It looks to me like we are in the running for sure for Rubio or BJ Mullens next year….. let the games begin
Brent Jonathan Beck
Im just not sure how many wins Hibbert and Rush will give us
And anyone else notice the Pacers have gotten the least amount of press during this entire show???? That 41st pick was on a commercial, that havent shown or talked about one active player on our team…. speaks loudly for us…. we need a top three next year
Brent Jonathan Beck
PS
I wonder how many more people would have bought the season tickets with the autographed number one overall pick jersey had it been Bayless instead of Rush…. maybe if they throw Hibberts on there another family will buy the package
Brent Jonathan Beck
That is my last hate..... im sorry I feel bad I need to stary being positive....
Cornrows give us the scoop on what Bird says.
Brent Jonathan Beck
I bet the Pacers
and Blazers worked out a deal to “reserve” Bayless… They call it a proposed trade on Espn, i wonder if bird gets the picture the fans aren’t too happy and maybe he’ll back out
If thats possible…
they are both "speculation" and thats BS since JO already confirmed it
he said he cant talk about either
Brent Jonathan Beck
Why can't
The NBA be like Football and Hockey where if a trade is made during a draft its official right that second. It’s annoying how players have to where the hats of another team when the trade is already agreed upon.
We are going to be the worst team in the NBA next year by giant lengths......
just think about what the Heat did with Dwayne Wade…... lookin like we are going to get a 25% chance at Rubio…........ woo woooo
Brent Jonathan Beck
Look at the bright side
Rush
A proven winner
National championship MVP
Big 12 Player of the year
Im going to look at it as a building year….. and I honestly think with his comments earlier this week about Rubio mean it is tank city all year and Dunleavy and Tinsley are the next moves
Brent Jonathan Beck
Personally....
I have been watching non-stop video on Rush and he has really grown on me…. I guess the excitement of Bayless was just real awesome and now I was stunned and bummed that went down…. Ill put up a bunch of stuff on Rush tomorrow production graphs play type DNA etc…. I havent watched any on Hibbert yet though
Brent Jonathan Beck
The only downside to Rush is he likely won’t be much more than an average NBA player. His potential is limited and right now he projects to be a solid role player for the team that drafts him. Rush also suffered a torn ACL at this time last year, which could scare a few teams.
Good call Larry…. you got us two players who can play now but will suck in two years in comparison to the other possibilities… I hope Bayless makes multiple All-Star teams
Brent Jonathan Beck
Do you know why Granger slipped in the draft??
He fell because teams didn’t know if Granger was healthy or not.
i slept on the whole thing
and i have to say, teaming up granger and rush is pretty intriguing to me, and i do think jack isnt bad…i just dont understand the trade with toronto now??? You can’t play tj ford and jarrett jack in the backcourt at the same time…another move is bound to happen, to me it just doesnt make sense…welcome brandon..
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