ESPN

Chad Ford

  (4:00 PM)

Aloha everyone. I'm here in Secaucus for the 2009 NBA Draft Lottery tonight. I'll take a few NBA Playoff questions first and then we'll spend the rest of the hour talking draft.

Blake (Chicago)

Cavs in 6, Lakers in 7. Agree or disagree?

Chad Ford

  (4:02 PM)

I'm picking the Cavs in 5 over the Magic and Lakers in 7 though I think this will be a very close series.

qdeezy420 [via mobile]

why does everybody keep sleeping on the magic?it think that they r gonna give the cavs a run for their money.dont b surprise if its the magic against the lakers.

Chad Ford

  (4:04 PM)

I don't think anyone is sleeping on them. When they're good, they're very good. But I haven't been that impressed with them in the playoffs. Yes, the beat the reining champs ... but if Kevin Garnett was healthy, the Celtics blow them out. The way the Cavs are playing right now, I think they'll cruise.

Jose (El Paso, Texas)

Hey chad just wanted to ask you what do you think about Jerry West comment about LeBron surpassing Kobe? You think Kobe is shocked to her that from West?

Chad Ford

  (4:05 PM)

No, because it's the truth and I think it happened last year, the year Kobe won MVP, not this year. Kobe's great, but he's getting older and LeBron can do EVERYTHING. I think he has a chance to be better than Michael Jordan.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Can the Lakers match the intensity the Nuggets are going to bring to this series? If Denver steals one at Staples the Nuggets could run away and hide.

Chad Ford

  (4:06 PM)

That's the question. I think the Lakers have the talent and they certainly have the depth. But they haven't had the drive. The thinking is that they'll step up their focus and intensity against the stiffer competition that Denver brings. But it's a big if right now. A big if.

Joe (Orlando)

And if we had Jameer Nelson healthy, that would have put it back to a dead-heat series.

Chad Ford

  (4:07 PM)

Uh ... no. Jameer Nelson does not equal Kevin Garnett.

Kenny [via mobile]

Is it me or has Carmelo Anthony developed into a superstar during the playoffs?

Chad Ford

  (4:09 PM)

Yeah, he's getting there. He's been really great the entire second half of the season. I think having a leader like Chauncey Billups helped. I don't think he'll ever be as good as LeBron or DWade ... but he could be a Top 10 player in the league.

Noah (Los Angeles, CA)

For the sake of the best possible basketball, what teams would you want to land Rubio and Griffin in the lottery today?

Chad Ford

  (4:12 PM)

I think Griffin's folks would tell you that the Knicks are the top spot for him. So would Rubio's. Everyone wants to play in New York, especially when Mike D'Antoni is there. Best fit for Griffin? He'd be good on the Wizards and would be a perfect fit for the Pacers.Best fit for Rubio? Sacramento and Golden State.

Dan (Chicago):

What's up Chad. I was just wondering if there's even a consensus #2 pick in this summer's draft. I say no.

Chad Ford

  (4:13 PM)

I think it's Rubio as long as he gets his buyout done. A few teams have Hasheem Thabeet there, but it's unlikely he goes 2 in my opinion.

Jake, LA

Is there any team in the lottery that Chad Ford the fan would like to see win the lottery

Chad Ford

  (4:15 PM)

I don't know about Chad Ford the 'fan'. I don't really have a favorite team. But Chad Ford the 'journalist'? Knicks all the way. Would love the crazy conspiracy theories it would generate and it would be good for about 10,000 words of hilarity from Bill Simmons.

Brooklyn, New York [via mobile]

What do you think the draft order? Do you think it's fair, or do you think the NBA should change it up?

Chad Ford

  (4:17 PM)

I personally think that the worst three teams should have an equal shot at the No. 1 pick. I think when teams like the Bulls leapfrog much worse teams it's pretty unfair.

Sam Miami, Fl

If the Kings receive the number 1 pick everyone is saying they are taking Griffin. I don't get why they would do that, they selected Jason Thompson who I believe has a tremendous upside last year. And we are currently in a time dominated by point guards which the Kings badly need. Why not take Rubio who looks like he can be a potential star in this league?

Chad Ford

  (4:19 PM)

Because Jason Thompson is not Blake Griffin. Remember a few years ago when the Blazers passed on Chris Paul and Deron Williams because they already had a point guard (Sebastian Telfair). How did that work out for them? You should never draft for need when there is a superior talent out there. But I do agree that Rubio would be a good fit in Sacramento and is the most likely pick for them at No. 2 if they get it.

Arsene87 [via mobile]

earlier this year caron butler said the only player who can help the wizards is blake griffin. if they don't land him do you think they'll trade the pick to get an established vet or shop go towards a youth movement and remake the team?

Chad Ford

  (4:21 PM)

Griffin would be great in Washington. I think he would make them a serious playoff threat. After Griffin? I think Rubio would help them. Arenas could move to the two and they'd be set. I also think they could use Thabeet's shot blocking. If they do land Griffin, I wouldn't be surprised if they immediately started shopping Antawn Jamison for a big man.

Miles(Orange County)

If the Clippers get the 1st pick how do they reuin Blake Griffin? Tell him to spend all of his free time with Zac Randolph and Ricky Davis?

Chad Ford

  (4:23 PM)

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the Clippers is the LAST place Griffin wants to land. Not sure what you do with Zach Randolph. No one wants him via trade. It would be a mess. Will love to see Griffin's face if the Clippers get the pick. We'll see his acting chops then.

Kyle (Edmond, Oklahoma)

Chad, if the Thunder do win the lottery, are you going to join the mob claiming the lottery is rigged? I'm willing to listen to the haters it if we can keep Blake at home...

Chad Ford

  (4:26 PM)

I'm not sure the Thunder matter enough yet for David Stern to rig the lottery for them. But it would be a great fit for Griffin and obviously you'd be looking at the best young team in the league, with the possible exception of the Blazers. A core of Griffin, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Wow. Sam Presti has been great there.

Patrick (Minny)

Hi Chad, What's the best case scenario for MN? Obviously it means landing the #1 pick and taking Griffin but then what? Can he play with Jefferson? Do they package the other 1st round picks they have and 1 of them for a different elite player? Anyone other than Amare (another pf) that might be available on draft night? Not to mention Love as well. If you're the Wolves GM (It's still open btw if you're interested) if the MN Miracle happened, what do you do after landing #1?

Chad Ford

  (4:28 PM)

Yeah, Griffin is a bad fit. Their two best players are both fours -- Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. I think they'd keep Griffin -- he's a nice compliment to Jefferson who can play some center and move Love. Package him with Mike Miller and they should be able to get something really good.

Nick (St. Paul, MN)

Who's going to be making the decisions for the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft day?

Chad Ford

  (4:30 PM)

Good question. Dennis Lindsey and Tom Penn both pulled out. Who knows ... Bill Simmons and I will throw our hats in the ring. But will it really matter in the draft? With the exception of Love, they really couldn't draft much worse.

Krish (Memphis)

Blake Griffin is a better fit with the Grizzlies than in Indiana or Washington.

Chad Ford

  (4:31 PM)

They do have the biggest need for a four and I do love a line-up with Conley, Mayo, Gay, Griffin and Gasol. However, I just think that no one aspires to be a Grizzly right now and there's no evidence that when these guys get ready for their contract that the team is willing to start paying again.

Ben (SF)

In your team capsule article, you said if the Clippers got the #2 pick and Rubio, you said they'd call the Warriors offering up Baron. Now I know the Warriors are a mess, but would they even answer that call? I mean, do the Warriors even know who is supposed to be answering the phone?

Chad Ford

  (4:33 PM)

That's pretty funny. They do have a GM now ... I don't know him at all so I really can't comment. But yeah, that's a messed up team.

Jon (SF)

Chad, assuming the Warriors stay at 7, which PG is the best fit for them? You have them taking Jennings, but it seems that he is the type of player that might be in Nellie's doghouse all year. Any chance of Maynor taken that high?

Chad Ford

  (4:35 PM)

Jennings has great upside. PRobably the best of the remaining point guards, though you could make an arguement for Jrue Holiday too. You look at the pieces with Monta Ellis, Anthony Randolph, Brandon Wright and Andris Biedrins and that's a lot of young talent. Maynor is much more ready and I'm a fan, but I think both Jennings and Holiday go ahead of him.

Jon (Moscow, ID)

Who to the Knicks draft at there slotted position, 8?

Chad Ford

  (4:36 PM)

I think the money is on Stephen Curry, though Tyreke Evans, DerMar DeRozan and Jrue Holiday probably have more upside. Mike D'Antoni loves guards with high basketball IQs who can shoot and I think of the group, the gives Curry an edge.

David (Lake County)

With the 1st pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Knicks select........Stephen Curry.

Chad Ford

  (4:37 PM)

Let's not go that far. They'd take Griffin No. 1 and I think they'd grab Rubio if they get the No. 2 pick

Aman (Toronto)

What do the Raptors do? Can they get an immediate rotation player at the 9 spot?

Chad Ford

  (4:39 PM)

Maybe. I like Tyreke Evans, DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday, James Johnson and DeJuan Blair there. All of those guys could help and at least one of them should be there when the Raptors draft.

David (Toronto)

Is Chris Bosh good enough to bend over backwards and keep?

Chad Ford

  (4:41 PM)

Yes, but if you think he's going to bolt next summer, I think Bryan Colangelo has to get something for him now. I think a few teams including the Knicks, Bulls, Warriors and Pistons could put together attractive packages. I think Bryan Colangelo will be listening to offers. I think there's a good chance Bosh bolts.

Luke (Madison)

Who is in play for the Bucks assuming they stay at #10?

Chad Ford

  (4:42 PM)

There's a good chance they lose both Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva to free agency. They just don't have the financial flexibility to pay them. That leaves a pretty big hole at the point and power forward positions. I think DeJuan Blair, Jrue Holiday, James Johnson, Eric Maynor and maybe Jonny Flynn are in that group.

Andrew (Somerset)

Hey Chad, who do you think a good fit for the nets would be, that is if they are still number 11 pick?

Chad Ford

  (4:43 PM)

I expect it will be DeJuan Blair or James Johnson. They need a tough, physical forward.

John(FL)

Who do the Bobcats look at if they stay at 12.

Chad Ford

  (4:45 PM)

I have them taking Gerald Henderson ... they have a need at the two and Henderson does something Larry Brown demands ... he plays great defense. I personally think it's too high for Henderson, but they appear to be fans. Terrence Williams is another possibility.

David Indy Indiana

Is it possible that the Pacers end up with Jrue Holliday? Or do you think that they should trade down a little, give away Tinsley, and maybe draft DeJuan Blair?

Chad Ford

  (4:47 PM)

Holiday's a good fit, but I think he's gone by then. I think Maynor, Flynn, Ty Lawson are probably the point guards they have to choose from, or if they want toughness ... Blair.

Eric (Pittsburgh)

In the last two months, why has Dejuan Blair fluctuated so much on your draft board? In your top 100 I've seen him ranked 12, 30, 20, 17, 16 and now 12 again all while the seasons been over.

Chad Ford

  (4:49 PM)

I base my Top 100 off of conversations with NBA scouts and executives. They've been all over the place. Lately his stock has been on the rise once reports (you can read mine from Monday) came that he had lost weight, toned up and was more explosive than he looked in college. That was the big issue with him. Given that there are no more tough physical bigs out there, I think he lands in the lottery.

Matt (AZ)

Chad please let the suns strike lottery gold! PLEASE!

Chad Ford

  (4:50 PM)

Don't count on it. The Magic struck gold in 1993 with a 1.5 percent chance of winning the lottery. The Suns have a 0.5 percent chance. In other words, the Magic were three times more likely to land the the No. 1 pick than the Suns.

Rich (SLC, UT)

Is Flynn around for the Suns when they (most likely) pick?

Chad Ford

  (4:51 PM)

He's a possibility. I think Earl Clark and Austin Daye would be too. And I hear Steve Kerr likes Blair .. a lot.

Eugene (Pleasanton, California)

Who do you think will win the lottery with the first pick?

Chad Ford

  (4:53 PM)

OK ... I'm going to play our Mock Draft Lottery Machine once. Whatever comes up is my prediction for the night. Hold on ...

Chad Ford

  (4:54 PM)

OK ....NO. 3 Sacramento KingsNO. 2 Washington WizardsNO. 1 OKC Thunder!!!!!Blake Griffin stays home! Seattle fans slit their wrists ....

Kantad (NYC)

Chad:I expect your first mock draft to go up tonight at 9:01 eastern standard time!

Chad Ford

  (4:55 PM)

It's coming ... 10 minutes after the lottery the full first round will be leading the ESPN.com NBA page. Be patient.

Chad Ford

  (4:56 PM)

Gotta run everyone. Heading over the NBA studios. Good luck to everyone tonight. You'll need it.