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Mayo and Arthur during the introduction press conference.
Posted 6/10 at 1:23 PM
One of the most prevalent subplots pertaining to the 2008 NBA Draft is the question surrounding the Miami Heat and their #2 selection. Depending on which rumor you read, they’re going to draft Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo or trade the pick. Since the Grizzlies have been one of the teams to be a potential trading partner with the Heat, I decided to reach out to the Miami Heat fan blogger Vivek Wallace, who runs the site Crazy from the Heat.
Just a note, Vivek does not work for the Miami Heat and his answers are merely his opinions, not those of the Miami Heat.
CA: Who do you expect the Chicago Bulls to take, and why?
VW: I think Chicago will go with the native son, Derrick Rose, and consider using Kirk Hinrich in a trade for a seasoned vet to shore up another area of the roster. Since Chicago already has forwards (Andres) Nocioni and (Tyrus) Thomas, I just don’t see a true need to bring in (Michael) Beasley. Questions about Hinrich’s passion as a member of the team will undoubtedly land him somewhere else if it’s possible.
CA: The impression is that the Miami Heat want Derrick Rose instead of Michael Beasley. Is that a fair assessment?
VW: This rumor started when Dwyane Wade was asked about his interest among the elite collegiate players and he responded by stating that the guy he wanted was “still playing.” He was referring to Derrick Rose who was in the National Championship game taking place that following evening. I can’t say whether or not the assessment is necessarily fair for the simple fact that it probably didn’t represent the true intent of the team.
CA: Assuming Chicago takes Derrick Rose, drafting Michael Beasley would provide a glut of power forwards for the Miami Heat (Beasley, Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem). Would you prefer the team draft Beasley and try to move Haslem or Marion, or would you prefer the team trade Beasley?
VW: I don’t think the Heat draft Beasley in the #2 spot because the report is that the organization wants to see Wade and Marion together for a full season. They’ll probably go with the two of them, pick O.J. Mayo as the point guard, and potentially use Haslem in a trade to bolster the front court, maybe adding someone to split time with aging center Alonzo Mourning. Of course this is only a contingency plan if Rose does go to Chicago, as I firmly believe he will.
CA: NBA Draft rumors are tough to trust. However, the consensus seems to be that the Heat want Derrick Rose, and if they can’t get him, they would prefer O.J. Mayo. As a Heat fan, are these the two players you most covet for the Heat as well. If not, then who?
VW: I think the Heat truly want Derrick Rose, but I just don’t think he’ll be there after the number one pick. Considering the need of the Miami Heat franchise, I think they want someone like Mayo if Rose is no longer on the board. Mayo’s size, ability, and perhaps the one intangible he has over Beasley and Rose - his experience - all make him an excellent backcourt partner with Dwyane Wade and a quality caliber person to run the team’s offense.
CA: If the Heat do decide that they’d rather have O.J. Mayo than Michael Beasley, would you prefer the Heat simply take Mayo with the 2nd pick, or try and trade down?
VW: It all depends on what other teams are offering. If the Miami Heat can get a decent veteran and still be able to land Mayo, I think they take that deal all day long. If no good offers are on the table and Rose goes first, there’s no doubt in my mind they grab Mayo at the #2 spot.
CA: Chad Ford from ESPN.com suggests that the Heat could possible trade with the Memphis Grizzlies if they think they can get Mayo with the 5th pick. What players on the Grizzlies would you want, along with the 5th pick, in exchange for Michael Beasley?
VW: Well, if the past is any indication, Pat Riley has silently been a huge fan of Mike Miller for quite some time and I see him pulling strings to get him if such a deal could be made.
CA: Who do you think are the Top 10 players in this draft?
VW: In no specific order, Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love, Jerryd Bayless, D.J. Augustin, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, Anthony Randolph, and DeAndre Jordan.
CA: What do you think the Miami Heat need to do to become a contender again in the East? Are they looking to rebuild, or simply re-tool after an injury plagued 07-08 season?
VW: I think the given consensus is that the team is looking to re-tool, and to do it quickly. Rebuilding is not even a mere possibility after the team’s most dreadful season in the history of the franchise. The Miami Heat is looking to become relevant again, and the feeling is that anything less than a playoff appearance equates to a bust. In order to solidify those plans, the Miami Heat will need to develop some major team chemistry and make sure that the roster contains a good blend of youth, athleticism, and solidarity by way of a strong defensive disposition to compliment the up-tempo game that new head coach Erik Spoelstra is trying to implement.
CA: Just to get an outsider’s perspective, what do you think the Memphis Grizzlies should do to improve their roster? Do you think it’s in their best interest to try and trade up for Michael Beasley, or is there a player that will be available at the 5th pick that you think they should target?
VW: The #5 pick brings to mind a beautiful memory of the Dwyane Wade acquisition, so one would think that there can be a player with future greatness snagged at that spot. The trouble is, since Dwyane Wade in 2003, maybe only one other player, if that, has made a noteworthy contribution to his team at this spot, and none with championship implications. That being said, if there’s a possibility to trade up, I think, without question, they should take it. Currently, the Grizzlies roster needs frontcourt help badly. If Chicago does grab Rose, I think the Grizz should try to make a deal with the Miami Heat for that #2 spot where they could obtain the services of Beasley. If they can’t get Beasley, they need to use the #5 pick to get the best big-man available.
CA: Lastly, just to torture us Grizzlies fans who’ve been disappointed in the lottery the last two seasons, how excited were you on lottery night when the Heat ended up with the 2nd pick?
VW: Well, guess it goes without saying that we were gunning for the #1 spot, but picking at #2 is a franchise first and if we were able to land Wade five years ago at #5, I can only hope whomever we pick up at #2 has an even bigger impact. I was a bit stoked, and still am, but it means nothing if we end up picking a guy who turns out to be average, and the players picked before and immediately after us turn into studs. We’re happy, but make no bones about it, there’s a rabbit tail in one pocket, and my hand is crossed in the other!
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The Grizzlies can’t afford to trade too much talent to get the #2 pick. Losing Rudy, Hak or Mike would be devastating. Shouldn’t we stick with the #5 pick and still add a quality player like Mayo, Love or Brook Lopez?
Getting mike beasley wud help with our offense (and help sell tickets), but we’d b giving up 2 much for him. 4rm wut i no, we’d be giving up miller,lowry,and our #5 pick for him. 2 me finding players like miller(some1 who can catch fire from 3-pt range @ anytime) and lowry(a quick, explosive guard) r rare 2 find and i wudn’t trade them for him!
Do not trade up add as much talent as u can we cant give players away for 1 guy we need every talented body we can get if that means no MB then so be it.manage your cap space make better moves draft wisely then we must see what happens.no time to gamble.
First, I can assure you that Rudy Gay isn’t in the conversation. I think Kyle Lowry and/or Mike Miller are. If we do decide to trade Mike Miller, the team needs to address a 3-pt. shooter. It might make it worth it to re-sign Juan Carlos Navarro.
if mayo is there at pick 5 we take him then trade i feel we trade mike conley to indiana for their lottery pick Shawne Williams to sure up a backup small foward behind Rudy Gay and draft either Deandre Jordan or McGee and then Draft either Dorsey or Brandon Rush or Bill Walker at the 28 pick. Also sign a good free agent. Griz plz consider that
Get two remove three (Jason, Kwame and Casey) nothing else. Get Joey and Brooke and let’s roll. You will have two great post man. Think, before you make another mistake. (Pau)
Joey would be a bad pick in the first round. Brook Lopez would be a WORSE pick at the #5 spot. If you can’t trade Miller and Lowry and the #5 for the #2 and get Beasley then you take Love at #5 and look to sign someone in the FA that can up the wins. Mayo won’t be available and no other options make sense. It’s either Beasley or Love
What are the chances of the Grizzlies getting Monta Ellis?
Yeah we need Monte Ellis, and trade up to acquire Beasley. Ellis, Gay, and Beasley. Can we deal Darko?
Grizz will have the money for Ellis but Heisley probably won’t spend. Darko can’t be dealt because his contract is too ridiculous.
Ok. Enough with the “can’t lose players” nonsense! We have to trade up. You give up No.5 and a star like Miller, you get a franchise in Rose. Rose + Rudy = Positive. Being a memphis tiger star, you keep him here… you fill seats. Management would be stupid not to make this move. Rose brings money & wins! Too much logic to argue.
The Grizzlies would have to give up more than Miller and the #5 pick for the #1 pick overall. Plus, are the Bulls interested in Mike anyways? The Heat may be interested; not sure bout Chicago though.
I’m pretty sure Chicago is set on Rose and not interested in giving up the #1 pick. So Miami is our best bet and getting beasley would do wonders for our offense.
I’m not sold on Monta Ellis. He can score, don’t get me wrong, but the Grizzlies have had no problems scoring the past two yeasrs. Our weakness has been rebounding and defense. I don’t know how Monta Ellis helps that.
Grizzlies fans need to use their heads..Michael Beasely is a 5 star player, Kyle Lowry is a 2 or 3 and Mike Miller is 3 star,....If we dont get Oj Mayo, Michael Beasely, or CDR..this draft will be another grizzlies bust..
YO
I would like to keep Mike Miller. All i think we need is some attitude. A big man who can play off. and def. I think if we can trade up and Beasley that would take us to the next level.
Tell’em they can have anybody but Conley, Gay, and Miller. And they MUST take Darko or Cardnal also.
GUYS...WHAT ABOUT THE PURE SCORING TOUCH OF GORDON AT #5??
gay, Gordon, miller..PRO!
Dont take that Gordan wait and try 2 get the better Gordan ,Ben. Use the cap wisley take a big with the pick if u cant trade, up Mr Lopez looks great 2 me and will to the fans when they see him play add size and more size.
so you are saying that ben goron is going to be up for grabs???...i have been trying to find all the information but i just dont see who we can get that is going to change our recored...i think we need to get beasley at all costs as he is going to be a melo one day(maybe not as good but he will be good)
also i just watched the vid of kevin love in the workout and he looks betta than i thought and he has good range which could be very handy as we need a big man and he can strech the D and open things up........but we really need a PF ey??
anyways...hit back and fill me in on your views!
I think Ben Gordon is a restricted free agent this year, although I’m not high on undersized shooting guards. I like Kevin Love. I feel like he’s the safe pick if we can’t work something out for Beasley.
Will u take 20 to 25 points a nite 2 go with what ever we do in the draft people get hung up on size to often instead of seeing what a player can really do in chicago Gordan lit it up every nite off the bench this guy is a scorer period.WE NEED THAT KIND OF TALENT
To T BEN IS RESTRICTED BUT HE TURNED DOWN CHICAGO 50 MILLION BECAUSE HE WANTS AND DESERIVES A BIGGER ROLL ON A TEAM THIS GUY IS LIKE ALLEN IVERSON ON ANY NIGHT HE CAN LITE IT UP THE GRIZ HAVE THE MONEY SPEND IT ON BIG BEN GORDAN GIVE RUDY SOME HELP MILLER IS A STAND STILL SHOOTER BUT GORDAN CAN GET HIS OWN
yes but i think that if we are going to get gordon we have to trade miller, lowry and #5pick for beasley!..so that gordon can start for us instead of coming of thebench..startin line=1.conley2.gordon3.gay.4.beasley.5brown(we need to get someone good here, maybe FA pool!)
TRADE MIKE M HE HAS 2 B A PART OF WHAT BRINGS MICHAEL B TO MEMPHIS SO I AGREE ON THAT MOVE THAT LEAVES ROOM 4 A NICE BIG GUARD IN THE DRAFT ,CAN U SAY COURTNEY LEE OR CDR THAT WOULD MAKE US STRONGER AND MORE ACTIVE ON OFFENCE AND DEFENCE REMEMBER THIS NAME EARLY 2ND RD DJ WHITE PF.
well.i think that we should get jawwi!!..i live in AUS and i watch him play and he is a little minni shaq(but not so minni) he is a good player and if anyone says that we shouldnt get him at 28 then you have got NO CLUE!! hint* his betta than brown*!!
I HAVE NEVER SEEN NATHAN JAWAI PLAY BUT FROM WHAT I’VE READ AND HEARD IS THAT HE IS QUICK OFF THE GROUND AND HAS A VERY WIDE BODY AND VERY GOOD AROUND THE BASKET WITH A LITTLE TIME HE COULD BE A STEAL AT 28 BIG WIDE QUICK AND STRONG THOESE ARE GREAT TOOLS FOR A MAN 6’10 275 LETS HOPE THAT HE HAS THE DESIRE 2 BE SPECIAL.