Hi:

I just went to 'www.dcprosportsreport.com/NBAMocks.htm' and checked out the 50 updated mock drafts since the lottery took place.  Some of you may be interested in my findings.  Basically, I was looking for two pieces of information from each mock draft -- 1) which player they have the Blazers taking; and 2) when they think Russell Westbrook will be taken.  Here's what I found:

Blazers select:

   Joe Alexander -- came up 11 times

   Donte Greene -- 8 times

   Kevin Love -- 8 times

   D.J. Augustin -- 5 times

   Darrell Arthur -- 4 times

   Chase Budinger -- 4 times

   Nicolas Batum -- 3 times

   DeAndre Jordan -- 2 times

   Russell Westbrook -- 2 times

   Anthony Randolph, Danilo Gallinari, and Marreese Speights -- 1 time each

Russell Westbrook was selected as:

   the #6 pick (Knicks) -- 2 times

   the #7 pick (Clippers) -- 8 times

   the #8 pick (Bucks) -- 1 time

   the #9 pick (Bobcats) -- 3 times

   the #10 pick (Nets) -- 2 times

   the #11 pick (Pacers) -- 15 times

   the #12 pick (Kings) -- 15 times

   the #13 pick (Blazers) -- 2 times

   the #14 pick (Warriors) -- 1 time

   the #15 pick (Suns) -- 1 time

I agree with those of you who are opposed to the Blazers getting even younger next year.  In fact, with Oden and Rudy coming over I'm not sure we need another rookie at this time, especially at point guard.  Remember, we've still got Koponen to groom.  A veteran defensive presence at either the `1' or the `3' is what I'd most like to see for the 2008-9 season.

Is it too late to get Devin Harris?  How about giving up Jarrett Jack, Travis Outlaw, and our #13 draft pick for him?

2008-9 salaries, according to HoopsHype:
   Harris - $ 7,800,000 (last year of contract)
   Outlaw - $ 4,000,000
   Jack - $ 2,002,623
   pick #13 - $ 1,739,160 (roughly - it's what last year's #13, Julian Wright, makes now)

So, it looks like the numbers match up pretty well.  Would you do it?

Do you think New Jersey would?  We know that Rod Thorn likes Jack.  Along with Travis, with the #13 pick they should be able to get some frontcourt help in the form of Roy Hibbert, Anthony Randolph, or maybe even Kevin Love.  Or Batum, Westbrook, etc.

Here's how our roster would shape up then (assuming Darius won't be back):

1st stringers:  
   Oden
   LMA
   Webster
   Roy
   Harris

2nd stringers:  
   Pryz
   Frye
   J. Jones
   Rudy
   Blake

3rd stringers:   
   Raef
   McBob
   Wafer
   S. Rod
   Freeland / 2nd round pick / tominhawaii

Is this championship material yet?  Would we need to add one more piece in '09?

P.S.  This is a great website.