2014 NBA draft/off-season thread

[Boom_70]

It was obvious even to the most casual viewer such as myself that announcements of picks by Silver were being delayed to allow time for ESPN blather about the last pick. I think Orlando's number 12 pick was shown on the graphic as in during some blather, a commercial break, and then more blather before it was announced from the podium. Closer to five minutes than two, I'd say.

That lag time has just about always been there. I went to Pacers draft parties as a fanboi looser in the late 80s, and Donnie Walsh would tell the fans there the pick (or the trade) before it was officially announced by David Stern. (Twitter obviously not a concern then.)

It was like watching a Dave Aldridge report.

 

[MisterCreosote]

I didn't watch the ESPN broadcast, but this is pretty funny:



Apparently, Embiid was on a tape delay from his home, so when they cut to his reaction, he was stone-faced and kind of depressed looking. They cut away from the feed before it could catch up to his actual reaction.

 

[heyabbott]

If NBA All Star Weekend is "Black Thanksgiving" as defined by Michael Wilbon and David Aldridge, then NBA Draft Night is Black Graduation.

Congrats to the 60 graduates

 

[SEC Guy]

I didn't watch the ESPN broadcast, but this is pretty funny:



Apparently, Embiid was on a tape delay from his home, so when they cut to his reaction, he was stone-faced and kind of depressed looking. They cut away from the feed before it could catch up to his actual reaction.

That's funny. He did look upset when the pick came in.

 

[Webster]

Steak, the ESPN and NFL Network guys agreed not to tip picks, so Jason La Canfora was the closest thing to Woj at NFL Draft. And at no point was he on top of picks the way Yahoo was -- live TV was a three-minute stagger behind the info Woj had on Twitter ... Ford had some picks ahead of the podium as well, but it was a good night for Woj.

Who really cares if you have a pick 90 seconds before Silver announces it?

 

[Michael_ Gee]

The big sports Websites battle for those 90 second scoops just the way the wire services did in olden times. It's competition, the lifeblood of our society.

 

[SEC Guy]

I don't really see it as a "scoop" but it gives people a reason to tune into social media while watching these things. It actually makes the whole experience kind of enjoyable. Instant information, instant reaction, instant commentary.

 

[TigerVols]

Is it me, or can anyone else see Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel tripping all over each other in the Sixers frontcourt?

Maybe, for the 15 minutes they'll be on the court together before one of them gets hurt.

 

[SEC Guy]

What's the over/under on the date when Noel and Embiid are on the court playing together?

I'd be stunned if it's during the 2014-15 season.

 

[franticscribe]

Is it me, or can anyone else see Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel tripping all over each other in the Sixers frontcourt?

Maybe, for the 15 minutes they'll be on the court together before one of them gets hurt.

Over/under on the number of games before they're going for the same rebound, have a mid-air collision that results in dual career-ending injuries.

 

[Steak Snabler]

Is it me, or can anyone else see Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel tripping all over each other in the Sixers frontcourt?

Maybe, for the 15 minutes they'll be on the court together before one of them gets hurt.

Over/under on the number of games before they're going for the same rebound, have a mid-air collision that results in dual career-ending injuries.

Noel's career has to start before it can "end." (For that matter, so does Embiid's).

 

[Stoney]

Is it me, or can anyone else see Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel tripping all over each other in the Sixers frontcourt?

They won't be able to play together, but I don't think it matters much. Their plan is to suck in the short term anyways, and one of the two will be traded before they're ready to compete again.

This could actually work out quite brilliantly for the Sixers. Taking Noel last year guaranteed another top lottery pick this year, while simultaneously stockpiling the big man projected pre-injury as the 2013 No. 1 overall pick. And taking Embiid virtually guarantees another top lottery pick next year, while simultaneously stockpiling the big man projected pre-injury as 2014's top overall pick.

By this time next year they could find themselves possessing arguably the No. 1 overall talent in three straight drafts (PLUS this year's Rookie of the Year Carter-Williams), and just think of the trade offers they'll get from big man-starved teams if Embiid and Noel get healthy and blossom around the same time.