So here we are; that crux in time when not much is happening in the world of what I like to call “real sports” (real sports include the following: Basketball, Football, Hockey. But NOT baseball or golf).

Well as I was saying, not much is happening so what does one do to pass the time? Research. That’s right, I like to hunker down with a nice copy of the latest draftees, and pull out my trusty hi-lighter and go to town on the sucker. It can be a gratifying process getting to know the most recent 60 players to be invited to the NBA, after all, some of them will be great one day.

1. One will be what has now been coined: “the Paul Millsap of the draft” - the second rounder with the “power” (also has been coined the Carlos Boozer of the draft as he as a second rounder)
2. One will be the: “Tony Parker of the draft” - great player that made it into the late 20’s of the draft
3. One will be the lowly: “Michael Olowakandi of the draft” - aka BUST!
4. Another will be the: “Carmelo Anthony of the draft” - the guy that was passed over by the first pick of the first round of the draft (see Darko Millicic drafted at 2 by the Pistons)
5. But let us not forget our John Stockton, and Karl Malones of the draft - the great players that were the “teens” of the draft. (drafted at 16/13 respectively).

So shall we begin?

1. My “Paul Millsap” award goes to: Richard Hendrix at 49 by the Warriors - if he hustles, he will make the team and crack the rotation, he will have to contend with Anthony Randolph though. Runner up - CDR - Chris Douglas-Roberts - I would’ve loved to see him go to the Jazz, but what do we need another SF/SG for anyways?

2. My “Tony Parker” award goes to: Mario Chalmers - picked at 34, Mr. Kansas was left on the board by a few teams in the first round that could’ve used a talented PG (see Sonics - Boston). Runner up- Donte Green - once a “teen pick” he slipped grievously to the Grizzlies at 28 (later traded to the Rockets). Although not a “team leader” by trade, he could be a slap yourself in the face missed pick for many teams.

3. My “Michael Olowakandi” or, BUST of the draft: Eric Gordon - what can I say, the Clippers are cursed, if they would’ve somehow gotten Derrick Rose, he would BUST too.

4. The “Carmelo” of this draft is of course Beasely: the Bulls needed Beasely, and they passed. Sure people told them to go one way, and they did like the sheep that they are, but you had an opportunity to fill a need with TALENT! And I’m not talking Tyrus Thomas talent (whom I knew would bust).

5. And now for the “Teens that will lead”: a three-way tie: Jerryd Bayless (i know 11 isn’t a teen), Roy Hibbert at 17, and JJ Hickson at 19. I can see Bayless leading his team in a year or two, the athleticism meets the team standards of the Blazers. Hibbert will start this year, and while battling foul trouble, he will set rookie blocked shot records and be a presence. Hickson will out play Anderson Varejao, Joe Smith and be the Al Thorton of the draft.

Got any awards to hand out for moi?