It's that time of year again

The NBA Draft is tonight and I must say that after months of trade rumors, speculation and enough mock drafts to make even Chad Ford puke, its time to do the deed. The draft comes to us from MSG, the center of the sporting universe. I prefer the NBA draft over the NFL version since its only two rounds and there's a much higher percentage of guys I know from following them in college. The NFL one is great no doubt but after you've seen 26 offensive lineman taken, you're about ready to punch Mel Kiper in the face. Plus, so many of those guys will never sniff action in the NFL. There's still plenty of busts in the NBA but the two rounds makes it seem much more important to be drafted. Plus as people have always said, basketball players are much more marketable than football players since they're not covered up by tons of pads.I'm not going to do a straight mock draft or just who the Celtics should get (its already been done very well). Rather, I'd like to put down my thoughts on a bunch of the players that'll be drafted so I can look back and see how my prognostications stand up after years of NBA action for these guys.
Everyone knows Greg Oden and Kevin Durant will be great NBA players, that's about as safe a bet as saying Lindsay Lohan will probably relapse again after her latest rehab stint. Using nbadraft.net as a resource, I'll look at some of the other picks they think will be made in the two rounds.I can say with some certainty that based on a couple factors (being out of college myself and thus having way more free time, no straight from high school draftees and thanks to the internet-hello YouTube) I have a broader knowledge of this draft class than ever before. This makes me no expert by any means but at least I can speak with some experience of having seen these guys play in games.

The Florida guys-Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taureen Green. All four should be in the NBA for years with the first three having pretty good shots at being starters for years to come. I feel like Horford (based on his solid offensive game) and Brewer (sheer versatility) are the most sure-fire bets from this group and from the class as a whole. Noah as everyone knows is an energy guy, solid defender and rebounder but I really doubt that he'll be able to score much in the NBA.

Mike Conley Jr.-I was bummed he came out after his freshman year. Anyone who closely watched Ohio State during the tournament knows that he carried the team in March Madness, not Oden. If Conley can ever develop an outside shot, which you have to feel he will since he's only 19, he could be an all-star for years to come. His ability to drive to the hoop and distribute were nearly unstoppable on the college level. It'll be different in the NBA. He'll have to work on his shot or else he could become a poor man's Jason Kidd that can do everything except consistently knock down shots. You can't blame him for leaving after his buddy Oden left too. It would be awesome if the Blazers could get both of these studs.

Jeff Green-many people's biggest memory of his college career will be how bad he shit the bad vs. Ohio State in the final four and that's too bad. Green is a great all-around player, the Big East player of the year. He can do a little bit of everything and he is very polished for a three year college player. He'll have a solid pro career.

Julian Wright, Brandon Wright-both guys are pretty intriguing because of their skills. Julian is more well-rounded with the passing and dribbling ability, almost unheard of for a big guy like that. Brandon is flashy as well but his game has some serious holes. He's really skinny (200 lbs.) and has no shot whatsoever outside of 5 feet. Julian with some more bulk could be great on a run and gun team. Brandon seems like he will be Stromile Swift, a dunking sportscenter stable that can't do anything other than that. Brandon should have stayed at Carolina another year.

Al Thornton-reminds me of Ryan Gomes, with even more talent. He's a four year player from a crappy team (Florida State) that had to do everything. He's very versatile and looks like he'll be fine in the NBA where he'll have some talent around him.

Acie Law IV-either he or Conley is the top point guard. people seem to forget how clutch Law is, something you can't teach. an underrated defender and passer, he can play. should be a nice NBA player, a Chauncey Billups type.

Josh McRoberts-honestly, why did you come out? so Duke was awful last season, you didn't do anything to improve your stock last year. this was a strange move. the guy has nice skills but he is way too raw for the NBA. he'll be buried on a bench and wonder why he didn't stay at Duke for at least another year.

Jared Dudley and Sean Williams-two Boston College players that could go late in the first round. Dudley is the classic college overachiever while Williams is also a familiar archetype-the talented fuck up. Dudley stayed at BC for four years and played second fiddle to Craig Smith until his senior year when he led a pretty bad BC team to a respectable season. Williams got kicked off the team twice for smoking weed. not the worst thing in the world but I wouldn't want to invest millions in a guy, who has repeatedly messed up already. he's got amazing shot blocking abilities though so he'll have a spot somewhere.

Aaron Brooks-nobody has talked about him before the draft. he'll go in the second round but he should make a team. he's an unreal scorer, who would be a perfect backup to someone like Steve Nash or Tony Parker.

Aaron Gray-just since I went to Providence College and saw them get dominated by Pitt. the last few seasons, I had to diss this schmoe. used to be a first-round talent but that was before the scouts actually watched him in games. he sucks. he's a big goof, who lucked out by being 7 feet tall. ah genetics. he won't do anything in the NBA, you can count on that.

Herb Hill-Providence College's unknown star, who came out of nowhere his last two years at PC to become a really nice player. I actually had a class with him my freshman year so I'm pretty happy just to see him drafted. he's an excellent post-scorer, rebounder and able defender. he'd be perfect on the Suns or Warriors. I just hope he gets a chance because like Gomes two years ago, he can play, he just needs a chance.

Demetris Nichols-sharpshooter from Syracuse can play, remember I said that. As Daniel Gibson showed in the playoffs, every team needs a guy, who can consistently come off the bench and score (particularly threes). Nichols can fill it up, he was bogged down with underachieving teams at 'Cuse.

Glen "Big Baby" Davis-admit it, you hated this fat slob after LSU made the final four two years ago. he was on tv about as much as Paris Hilton when she went to jail. still, he's a great character and no joke, he can ball. he's obviously built for the NBA, whoever drafts him (which could be anywhere from mid-first round to mid-second round) will get a good player. just make sure to hide the sweets from him.

D.J. Strawberry-Daryl's son isn't a great offensive player but he will make millions on his defense. he is one of the best defenders in the nation and that ability could make him the new Bruce Bowen for years to come.

One other thing you can count on, Stephen A. Smith yelling a lot and being made at the Sixers for some dumbass move they make.