You spin me right round, baby right round…

June 29th, 2006 | Posted by PostmanE

The NBA Draft. The hope for your team’s future. The first step in a long process of franchise-building (Bobcats) or the final step in a run at the top of the league (Bulls?). Drafts are an inherently exciting device, chock with intensity and intrigue and surprise.

Last night did not dissapoint. While the Raptors did what Chad Ford said they would do since the lottery came out and selected Andrea Bargnani at the top spot, the Bulls got a little tricky with their two No. 1 picks. John Paxson and company drafted LaMarcus Aldridge only to trade him for the player they wanted anyway, Tyrus Thomas, and Victor Khyrapa. Thanks Portland! Later, they traded to get a guy, who, according to our immediate video-based impression, looks amazing. Jay Bilas agreed, which is always fun.

Those were only two of the trades, though. Commissar Stern - did I say commissar? I meant commissioner - was forced to rattle off deal after deal in the first round, usually with a distinguishable look of bemusement on his face. (Also hilarious was Stern and Dan Patrick’s little exchange in the early part of the first round; Stern was nice enough, I guess, for a guy who knows he could have Patrick killed with a snap of the fingers.)

I could go on and on about all the wheeling and dealing, but most interesting to R and I were the absences of Kevin Pittsnogle and our hometown guy, Marco Killingsworth, anywhere in the draft. We didn’t expect ol’ Marco to get drafted; he’s 24 and peaked during the Duke game in December. We did expect Pittsnogle to get the nod, though, considering his size, versatility and consistent success in college. Lack of athleticism probably killed him, but man…that dude was good, despite his ridiculous tattoos. Unfortunate.

But alas, the draft is over, and Screamin’ A. Smith has finally ceded our eardrums. HOWEVA, it’s back to work today, just another fun day at the Postm -

(On phone) Hello? Oh - hey R. Huh? Alright, I guess. Yeah. I know. It’s not personal, it’s business. These things happen. OK. Talk to you later man.

(Hangs up.) OK - sorry. I’ve gotta go. R just traded me for the rights to Bassie Telfair and cash consideration.