Buzzmaster

  (1:35 PM)

Hellooooooooo and welcome to the NBA draft! Join us on Wednesday, June 28 to chat live with all the top draft prospects moments after they are chosen!

Buzzmaster

  (6:07 PM)

We will also have Chris Sheridan joining us at 7 p.m. ET to break down all the last minute news and notes before the first picks are made!

Buzzmaster

  (7:01 PM)

Okay, hoops fans, it's time to tip off! Any thoughts on the early action we've seen so far?

crowded backcourt (in Boston)

So now we've got Sebastian Telfair, Tony Allen, Delonte West, Orien Green, Gerald Green, Paul Pierce, Wally Szczerbiak for 3 positions, while relying so much on Kendrick Perkins and Al Jefferson at the 4 and 5. Shouldn't a big be a bigger priority if we wanted to compete immediately? For some reason, I'd still rather have Delonte West at the point with Brandon Roy playing some 2...

Chris Sheridan

  (7:06 PM)

Greetings from Madison Square Garden, where Russ Granik calls the second round for the final time. I'll be chatting here through the first pick, and then we'll have a steady lineup of players coming through. Should be an exciting night. Bring it on.

nick

when does this thing actually start?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:07 PM)

31 minutes and counting, Nick.

James Crow

I?m looking into the crystal ball and I see that somehow Portland is going to continue messing up draft picks, even with the 4th and 7th pick overall.

Soliq

Any New York fans..I think Knicks should give this away pick and maybe say goodbye to some players like..Curry..they need Hakeem under there!!

Chris Sheridan

  (7:12 PM)

I'm fairly certain theyll take Adam Morrison at No. 4, which is a good pick that could end up being a great one. Adam was talking yesterday about how people are so quick to dismiss a guy with the ablity to drop 30 on any given night. Not sre what they're up to with the No. 7 pick, but I can say I don;t expect them to shut down the phone lines now that tey've done one deal. There's a lot more trading left to be accomplished, and Z-Bo won;t be playing there on opening night.

Jamie

The poor Knicks won't have great pick next year since they swap with the Bulls...nice trade

Chris Sheridan

  (7:15 PM)

Hey Jamie, the Knicks also gave the Bulls the right to swap No. 1 picks next yar, which takes New York out of the Greg Oden mix before he's ever evn played a game for Ohio State/ Also, the Knicks own another o. 1 to Utah (which got it from Phoenix), and that pick becomes unprotected in 2010. So it's a bleak future for the Knicks on three of the next fve draft nights, but enough New York fans show up each year to put on a good show. Tonight I expect them to chant "Fire Tho-mas" when the Commish comes out to announce the Bulls' pick at No. 2. A couple years ago, their chants of "Fire Lay'den" drowned out Stern's announcement of LeBron James at No. 1.

Rich

Any luck that the Lakers will make a trade today

Chris Sheridan

  (7:17 PM)

I think theylre going to be one of the teams in the sign-and-trade mix for Al nHarrington, who will come in at No. 2 on my updated Free Agent Top 25 list that'll be on the site Friday. Big Ben Wallace is still holding own the No. 1 spot, and I'm becoming more convinced each day that he's leaing Detroit. You folks in chicago like him? Cz the Bulls might be able to swoop in and get him if the Pistons don;t bring a big enough offer.

ART-LOS ANGELES

Chris-as a relative of a recently fired knick coach, I took great pleasure seeing the Knicks sink to the the bottom in the East. I am waiting for the "fire Thomas" chants. How many games do you predict the Knicks will win next year. 22 would be great.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:18 PM)

I just came from an ESPN Interactive event at which Bill Walton said the Knicks are loaded, and if they could get a leader like SHaquille O'Neal on the team they'd win the championship. No, really, he said that.

gswfan4ever (San Jose, CA)

Any latest news from the Golden State Warriors? Any chance they select Ronnie Brewer from the Arkansas Razorbacks? What do you think of Brewer?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:20 PM)

The latest I've heard is that the Murphy-Chandler trade, with the teams also swaping No. 1 picks, is dead. They probably have he most to offer to the Hawks in a sign-and-trade for Al Harrington, and they're in the mix on iverson.

Rachelle

So I can type whatever i want and no one is going to see it lol

Chris Sheridan

  (7:21 PM)

That's what you think, Rachele. We read everything here at ESPN.

Tony

what about the celtics and phily trade involving iverson would that happen

Chris Sheridan

  (7:23 PM)

The Telfair trade makes Delonte West expendable to a certin degree, and the Sixers have loved him since he was at St. Joe's, but don;t see them putting together a package including Iverson in which they;d get back West. It would take too many other pieces to make it work, and with LaFrentz gone to Portland, that's one last high-salaried guy you could throw into a Celtics-76ers deal to make the money work.

shaun

how 'bout you answer some questions about the bulls for once.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:26 PM)

OK, Shawn. But you forgot to include one. But I'll ask you to read what I wrote 20 minutes ago about Ben Wallace, and I can assure you the Bulls are trying their darndest rght at this instant to move Tyson Chandler. I also heard from another team today that four plaers on chicago ain;t going anywhere _ Hinrich, Deng, Nocioni and Gordon. Now a Garnett deal could alter that list, but those are the guys they're apparently dead set on building around.

Akash

how much longer till the show gets rolling?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:26 PM)

11 minutes, Akash

david

Is there any chance of the Rashard Lewis - Shaun Marion trade happening?

Jason (Sacramento)

What are the chances that the Kings will do somthing on the trade or free agent front?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:29 PM)

The Suns are trying to move some money, but I'm hearing it's Kurt Thomas not Marion _ who is available. As for Lewis, I'm pretty sure they;re going to lose him one way or another. He can opt out a year from now, but Seattle would probably be best served by moving him in a sign-and-trade next summer.

poe in Portland

ok... now seriously... we all want to hear more about the Garnett rumors. Please feed us with what you have. I'm drooling over here.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:32 PM)

There's been a Garnett-to-Chicago rumor going aound the league all day, and I'm getting different readings on it from different places. I will say this, whether the Timberwolves realize it or not, this is he night when they can get more for KG than they ever could before or ever will again. If Chicago is really offering both No. 1s and Chandler, that's nothing to dismiss out of hand.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:33 PM)

Davis Stern just walked onstage, and he's wearing another pink tie. This is like the ninth consecutive time I've seen him wearing a pink or lavendar tie. What's up with that?

Doug

Not long ago there was some talk about Iverson going to Atlanta, is that possible or even likely.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:37 PM)

The Hawks ownership battle is throwing a huge wrench into everything, including Ierson talks, Al Harrington sign-and-trade scenaios, etc, so it's all a mess down there. Was glad to see that Billy Knight tried to enlighten everyone through an e-mail to his season ticket holders, a typicaened no one. Hey Hawks fans, even Knicks fans take pity on you.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:39 PM)

There goes Bargnan at No. 1. A couple of poters have asked if I thought he's be the same type of non-factor as Darko Milicic was his first couple of years, but there's a big age difference. Andrea wil be 21 when next season starts, while Darko was 17 when he was drafted.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:40 PM)

How bout Stephen A. already getting on Bargnani, saying he better start eating meat and potatoes.

Julio (Chicago)

To all the Knick fans out there...THANKS for taking "CURRY"...for two 1st round picks!! Un-bull-ivable!!!

Chris Sheridan

  (7:42 PM)

The booing has already begun. Just think Buls fans, you get to do this next year, too.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:44 PM)

ALERT: Andy Katz just went onn the air saying the Bulls are trading the No. 2 pick to Portland for Victor Kyrapa and the No. 4 pick. So Aldridge is going to be a Blazer, and I think the Bulls will take Morrison at No. 4.

Sam

There has been talk of the Pacers taking a SG. Why would they do this if they have Fred Jones?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:45 PM)

Fred is a free agent and might b outathere, and the;re trying to move Stephen Jackson, that's why.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:45 PM)

Someone just walked into the chat room with a new Bucks cap. Pretty darn red, that thing, but it's still better than putple. Why couldn;t they just go back to forest green?

jeremy (minnesotan in LA)

morrison a bull? why wouldn't they just take tyrus thomas, who'll still be available and they're known to covet?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:46 PM)

One of us will be right in a few minutes, jeremy. we'll see.

Ryan

why would the Blazers pass on the home town star? How could they do this to their few fans?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:49 PM)

I guess they weren't sold on Morrison being as goo of a player long-term as Aldridge. They don;t really care about their fans anway. The last couple of years should have at least taught you that.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:51 PM)

Wow, Misrrison to Charlotte at No. 3. He'll be miserable there. Miserable. And he'll say something politically incorrect (by North Carolina standards) by Nov. 15 that'll have him in hot water.

Edgar (chicago)

Why did Jordan take Morrison? Does he see his nemies Larry Bird in him?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:52 PM)

Morrison had a superb worout in Charlotte against a lot of the best prospects. I'm sure that weighed heavily.

Erik

Okafor, May, Felton, and Morrison. Sounds like a future championship team.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:54 PM)

What about Primoz? You a hater of Slovenians, Erik?

Johnny (San Francisco)

Sorry, It's the Non-PC comments made by most in North Carolina, and his response there after, that will land Morrisson in hot water

Chris Sheridan

  (7:54 PM)

Fair enouh point, Johnny We'll have to wait and see.

Mike

Do you think MJ also seriously considered how intense of a competitor Morrison is?

Chris Sheridan

  (7:56 PM)

Absolutely, Mike, and I;m sure his intelligence and confidence were bg facors, too.

Chris Sheridan

  (7:58 PM)

I'm off to the draft floor to wok the room a litle bit. We'll have Bargnani in here soon, and Morrison, and other, so stick around. Next up as chat moderator is, drum roll please ...

Buzzmaster

  (8:00 PM)

It's everyone's friend, the Buzzmaster...

Buzzmaster

  (8:02 PM)

We'll have the prospects in here as soon as they finish with their press conference duties, so hang tight. Until then, what are SportsNation's thoughts on how things have unfolded so far?

Ed

I'm shocked that Brandon Roy has slipped out of the top 5.

George

I am surprised that Atlanta keeps drafting forwards. Why not Brandon Roy

Guy

I was hoping Chicago was going to trade Duhon and the 16th pick to Boston to get the 7th pcik and then trade both their picks and chandler for garnett. Then get Ben Wallece in free agency. That would make them contenders.

Buzzmaster

  (8:04 PM)

Garnett and Big Ben on the front line? Sounds like an okay duo...

jon

i was hoping for the garnett trade also, but i think tyson will be on his way out soon, no matter how much i love him

Brian

I can't believe Shelden WIlliams went 5th. Isn't that a little high for a career role player. He'll at best give you 10 pts and 8 rebounds

Jonner

brutal first pick by the raptors, truly disappointing

Buzzmaster

  (8:08 PM)

This from ESPN.com's Andy Katz: If Brandon Roy is selected at either six or seven then Houston will send the No. 8 to Memphis, likely for Marcus Williams of Connecticut...

Buzzmaster

  (8:08 PM)

And as soon as we post that Roy comes off the board...

TJ

GREAT pick by the wolves!

ed

should have picked foye

Scott (iowa)

Smart, Roy will be a stud!! Now trade KG to the Bulls, Please!!

William

KG, McCant's and Roy. Good start

ti

Wolves win Championship next year-B Roy my boy will post 10 triple doubles easily

Buzzmaster

  (8:11 PM)

Wow...Nothing like a little confidence...

Rico

TI is on something...

Pete

The Grizzlies' big deal in the works is to trade up for Marcus Williams? What is Jerry West thinking?

Ron

Marcus can run the point.....

LAClipsFan818

1 thing I've learned is to never question J. West in the draft ....

Ed (H-town)

But who does that leave Houston with? We could get Gay or Foye!

dan

boston should pick gay here...

Buzzmaster

  (8:20 PM)

They take Foye, who is now headed to the Blazers as a result of the Telfair trade...

Kevin Sheets

Gay is being badly overlooked

the coops overseas

Houston should gobble up Carney if they want a sleeper!!!!!!

Sean

WE WANT JJ

Dan

Wonder if the sportsguy is banging his head against a wall cuz of the Cs

Buzzmaster

  (8:23 PM)

So the trade doesn't go down and the Rockets get Rudy Gay..

Brandon Francis

Big mistake selecting Rudy Gay...I think he is overrated.

rob

gay is a steal at 8...he might not have motivation, but he does have talent

Agie(LakersKobeRules)

rockets needed a PG, but gay is a solid pick

Rob

With T-Mac, Yao and Rudii, Houston is gonna be stacked if they can ever stay healthy

Bobby

Gay seems to be a top flight player. Only problem is he plays just like t-mac

DMYZE(NC)

Golden State needs a big man in a bad way!!!

Buzzmaster

  (8:29 PM)

Gay is headed to Memphis via trade in return for Shane Battier...Thoughts?

Gooding

I take that trade in heartbeat!!!1

m

shane battier? a poor man's jerome kersey!!!!!!

Joel

I hope you're kidding.

dsigns

Horrible trade for Houston, keep him as much as Tmac is hurt

Sparty

bad trade for both teams

zach

and golden state selects patrick o'bryant?

Matthew

does anyone else think patrick o'bryant is completely overrated and will be the bust of the top 10?

Jonathan

Yes.

miami

i do

Mike

no, I watched O Bryant kill my Jayhawks, he is a very good player, and is what Golden State needs

Buzzmaster

  (8:34 PM)

Hang in there, it won't be long before we start getting the players in here to take a few questions so send those along...Andrea Bargnani should be here in a couple minutes...

Mireya

I think that is a good pick for Seattle

frank

Here is your bust of the top ten, this guy has nothing but length

Chris

he is so raw, i dunno he's gonna be like mamadou n'diaye

Rena

WTF! Marcus Williams is still available!

NsnareRay2006

Why does Seattle keep drafting centers, 3rd yr in a row picking a center? Sounds like the NFL LIONS w/ WR's

Pat

Hilarious! The Jazz had me worried all week they were going to take another "Project" center. Thank you sonics!

big blue

marcus williams should have been taken by seattle

Buzzmaster

  (8:42 PM)

Redick to Orlando...Good move for them to get a perimeter shooter?

Buzzmaster

  (8:43 PM)

Okay, we're going to have Patrick O'Bryant with us first so let's have the questions...

Christian

How do you plan on adjusting your game from Bradley to the NBA?

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:47 PM)

I don't think it will be that hard because Coach had us playng an up-tempo NBA style so I think I'll be ready for it.

Brandon

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOUR GOING TO BE STARTING FOR YOUR NEW TEAM

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:48 PM)

That's something you hope for, but in reality probably not.

Clint

What do you think is the biggest area of your game that you need to improve upon to be sucessfull in the NBA?

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:49 PM)

Probably my strength. The players in the NBA are a lot stronger so I think I have to work to compete with that.

Adam

As a kid, did you think in your wildest dreams that you'd be a top 10 draft pick one day?

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:50 PM)

Absolutely not. That's something you dream about but the odds are so high that it's a privilege just to be here.

Bobby T

Did you have any workouts with Golden State, and/or have an idea they were going to select you?

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:51 PM)

I worked out with them just yesterday morning, but even today I still had no idea where I was going.

L.A. Harry

What is the strongest part of your game right now going into your rookie year?

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:52 PM)

Probably rebounding and shot blocking. I think that's what I do best and that's what's gotten me to this point.

eddy (seattle)

do you believe you can match up with the big men of the west like Duncan, Yao, Kaman?

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:53 PM)

It will be a challenge. They are some of the best big man in the world but it's a challenge I'm up for. And hopefully one day I'll be in that same list of great big men.

Patrick O'Bryant

  (8:54 PM)

Thanks t everyone for the questions and i will talk to you guys later.

Buzzmaster

  (8:55 PM)

And our thanks to Patrick...We'll have more players very shortly so keep the questions coming!

jay-z

philly.... must be trading A.I. they drafted a project, not a guy that can help now. what a waste of a pick.

akshay

i think philly needs to trade webber

Paul

i have never even heard of the guy philly drafted

Jim

I do not get the Sixers pick????

Buzzmaster

  (8:57 PM)

Adam Morrison is here so send your questions!

Stone

Congrats Adam, are you excited to play for Jordan the young Bobcats?

Adam Morrison

  (8:59 PM)

He's the greatest and I think Charlotte's a good fit for me so I'm very excited.

Chris J

what sort of impact do you think you can have in your first season?

Adam Morrison

  (9:00 PM)

I feel like I can help with scoring right away and bring a level of intensity to the team. And I'm very excited to be a part of that organization.

smoke dogg

adam are you going to get a haircut before you play in the nba or will you leave it 'bogut style'?

Adam Morrison

  (9:01 PM)

I'll leave it Bogut style and see what happens...

Daoud Shuja

Congarts on going to the Bobcats. How do you think Gerald Wallace and Felton will compliment your shooting abilities?

Adam Morrison

  (9:02 PM)

Gerald is a great athlete and slasher and that will shrink the floor and Felton is an excellent pure point guard who can also shoot and that will open up the floor for the rest of the guys on the perimeter.

G$

Congrats AdamI think that you are a great fit in Charlotte and I can't wait for you to show all the critics and haters that you are a superstar. What do you think your biggest challenge is going to be at the next level?

Adam Morrison

  (9:03 PM)

The speed of the game and the overall strength of the players. I just have to get used to how fast the game is played at the NBA level.

Steve

Are you prepared for the "mental toughness" MJ demands of his players?

Adam Morrison

  (9:04 PM)

I'm going to go in with the right attitude and listen and do everything that's asked of me. But, obciously, it' MJ and I'm probably not ready for his level of intensity.

eddy (seattle)

how huge, do you think, was your workout performance in charlotte in their decision to take you 3rd overall?

Adam Morrison

  (9:06 PM)

I felt like it was a good workout and it was huge. But people don't realize how much tape they watch, too, so that was big, too.

Buzzmaster

  (9:07 PM)

Next up is Sene, so let's have some questions for him...

Buzzmaster

  (9:07 PM)

Check that, it's time for Andrea Bargnani!

Josh (Lawrence, KS)

Andrea, what parts of your game do you think needs the most improvement for you to be a star?

Andrea Bargnani

  (9:09 PM)

The low post game. I've always played in front of the basket so I think that is the main thing for me to improve.

Phil

Question for Andrea: What are your thoughts about playing in front of Toronto's large Italian community? Was this a consideration for you when you thought about where you'd like to play?

Andrea Bargnani

  (9:10 PM)

That will help my transition for sure. It will make things easier for me. I went to Toronto two weeks ago and it's a great city.

CC

Andrea- do you know much about the game of Chris Bosh and the rest of the Raptors? What do you think your role will be next year?

Andrea Bargnani

  (9:12 PM)

Chris is a great player who can play with his back to the basket and he is a star. It will be nice to play with someone with his experience. This year I'll just try to help the team as much as possible. I played a lot of minutes in a good league in Italy and I will try to do the best I can in Toronto.

Matthew

Andrea...in what way will the NBA change your current off-the-court lifestyle?

Andrea Bargnani

  (9:13 PM)

A lot. The lives of NBA players are a lot different than basketball players in Italy. It's more like the soccer players are treated in Italy.

Hende (OH)

When and where did you pick up speaking English? You did a good job at the desk.

Andrea Bargnani

  (9:14 PM)

Thanks. I started in primary school. But I still don't think my English is that good. I know it's not that good and it's something I have to improve.

Mike (OH-IO)

Congratulations on being drafted first overall. Do you think that you have something extra to prove, since most of America and Canada has never seen you play?

Andrea Bargnani

  (9:16 PM)

True. A lot have never seen me play compared to the guys from college. I have everything to prove.

Buzzmaster

  (9:17 PM)

Thanks to Andrea...Next up is Mouhamed Sene!

Kevin

What current NBA player(s) would you compare yourself to?

Mouhamed Sene

  (9:18 PM)

Myself. But I like Kevin Garnett. I watch him a lot.

Tim (OR)

What is the most intriguing and exciting aspect of becoming an NBA player?

Mouhamed Sene

  (9:20 PM)

I've always wished to be an NBA player. I liked the Showtime Lakers and I like the faster, more athletic game. That's my game. I only started to play ball four years ago and all my friends in Senegal were talking about the NBA.

Jake Lipp (OH)

Do you think you can make an impact in the NBA right away?

Mouhamed Sene

  (9:22 PM)

Yes. That's what my dream is. To come and give everything I can to the Sonics as a defender who can block shots, run the floor and run the floor. I will work on everthing and improve from day to day.

Buzzmaster

  (9:22 PM)

Next we have Shelden Williams!

Moaz (Toronto)

You have been compared to the likes of Antonio Davis, do you think your play is similar to his?

Shelden Williams

  (9:25 PM)

That's been the comparison for the last couple of years and we have the same body type and aggressiveness. But I think I have more on the offensive end than Antonio did in the NBA.

Nathan

What part of your game needs the most work to transistion to nba play?

Shelden Williams

  (9:26 PM)

Preparing myself menatlly and physically for the obstacles that arise in an 82-game schedule. College is 35 games or so and that will be a big transition.

Szotyi16(HUN)

When you was a child, did you thinked ablut what will you be when you will grown up? Did you thik, that you will play in the NBA?

Shelden Williams

  (9:27 PM)

LIke any young kid I pretended to be MJ and other players, but when I was as sophomore or junior in college was when I realized I had the opportuinity to be a pro player.

Buzzmaster

  (9:28 PM)

Now it's Thabo Sefolosha...

Damon

Did you think you would be drafted this early?

Thabo Sefolosha

  (9:29 PM)

It was a surprise to me, especially going to Philly. I thought it would be somewhere around 15 but I really didn't know.

Clement (HK)

What other area do you think you can improve to make youself a superstar?

Thabo Sefolosha

  (9:30 PM)

My shooting, and I also have to work on my body. Those are the two big ones.

HJ (Switzerland)

How dou you feel being the first "swiss" guy in the nba? btw, we all are very proud over here!

Thabo Sefolosha

  (9:31 PM)

Thanks! I hope this can help people in Switzerland have some hope that things like this are possible in the future.

Buzzmaster

  (9:32 PM)

Cedric Simmons is here!

Mike (OH-IO)

Were you surprised to be drafted as high as you were?

Cedric Simmons

  (9:33 PM)

No. When I first put my name in they said I would be a first rounder. I thought I could have gone a little higher.

dubbs

what are you looking forward to the most in your first year in the NBA?

Cedric Simmons

  (9:34 PM)

Just learning as much as I can from the players around me, improving my game each day at the highest level of basketball.

Jake (NY)

What do you think it will be like playing in the city of New Orleans which is being re-built. Do you think you can be part of this re-bulding for both the city and the basketball team?

Cedric Simmons

  (9:36 PM)

I would love to give back to the community because without the fans there would be no basketball. Chris Paul put it best when he said we're playing for two cities, OKC and New Orleans.

Andrew

How long did it take you to decide to enter the draft or not?

Cedric Simmons

  (9:36 PM)

It didn't happen so fast. Me and my parents were undecided and there were a lot of uncertainties. It took us about three weeks.

Buzzmaster

  (9:37 PM)

Time to talk to Rudy Gay...

David

Rudy, there was a lot of talk about you going anywhere from 1-10. What do you think about where you ended up?

Rudy Gay

  (9:40 PM)

The competitor in me wanted me to go higher but I'm happy with where I ended up.

k

hey Rudy how do it fell to know your going to be playing with T- Mac

Rudy Gay

  (9:40 PM)

He's one of the players I look up to and I want to see how we complement each other on the floor.

Atlanta Joe

Rudy, how do you feel you can create an instant impact on the court? Do you believe it will be your defense or offense that makes the bigger impact for Houston?

Rudy Gay

  (9:42 PM)

A little of both. My versatility is what will help me at the next level.

dwayne(new jersey)

i think you are a talent, What must you improve to be an all-star in the NBA?

Rudy Gay

  (9:43 PM)

My hunger. My versatility will help me a lot, but I need to get more hungry.

Carl (Baby Bulls!)

Do you see yourself competing in the Slam Dunk contest in the future?

Rudy Gay

  (9:44 PM)

We'll see about that. To be determined...

dc13(illinois)

how big of an impact do you see yourself making in your first year in the NBA?

Rudy Gay

  (9:45 PM)

I see myself having a big impact. I'm a versatile player and I can bring a lot of things to the floor that are important in the NBA game.

Buzzmaster

  (9:45 PM)

Next up is JJ Redick...

Adam C

Is the back ok and will it hold up to the 82 game season??

JJ Redick

  (9:49 PM)

It's great. I've been pain free for a couple of weeks and once it heals completely I don't think it will come back. I definitely think I'll hold up over 82 games.

Chad D

How excied are you to be able to play with Dwight Howard? You should get a llot of open looks playing with him.

JJ Redick

  (9:50 PM)

I'm excited to play with Dwight. He's one of the best young players in the league and he'll command double teams. And I'm also excited to be playing with Jameer Nelson.

josh

what do you want to be your biggest strenghts besides your 3 pointer

JJ Redick

  (9:51 PM)

My intangibles. I think I have a great competitive spirit, a desire to win and a strong will.

Kevin

Do you agree with the notion that you are merely a shooter at the NBA level?

JJ Redick

  (9:52 PM)

No.

Mike (Columbus, Ohio)

Were you surprised that the recent back problems didn't cause you do be drafted further back in tonight's draft? Congrats, by the way.

JJ Redick

  (9:54 PM)

No. I saw two of the top back doctors in the country and they gave me the go-ahead. They were very positive and they reported that back to the teams.

Matt

What do you think will be the hardest thing to adjust to from college to the NBA?

JJ Redick

  (9:55 PM)

The strength and athleticism at that level. I can improve my strenght and I have to keep myself in great shape to compete with those great athletes.

Austin

How much of an advantage do you think you had being able to play for Coach K?

JJ Redick

  (9:56 PM)

Playing for Coack K was great. He pushed me every day to become a great player.

Kevin K

A lot of people are saying you are to small to play in the NBA, how do you respond to this, and how well do you think you will be able to get open looks against more athletic players?

JJ Redick

  (9:58 PM)

I'm 6-4 without shoes so I'm not that small. I'll have to use my conditioning and my shot fake to get open shots off.

Buzzmaster

  (10:00 PM)

Olexsiy Pecherov is with us now...

Kahron

Oleksiy, How soon do you think you will be able to contribute?

Olexsiy Pecherov

  (10:03 PM)

I need some time. Most playes need a year to become great players so I'll keep working hard and see what happens. I want to become a great player as soon as possible so it's in my hands to make that happen.

Jon

Which NBA player do you think your game most resembles?

Olexsiy Pecherov

  (10:04 PM)

I like Dirk Nowitzki a lot. He's a great player from Eurpoe and he's a great example for me with his skills, and to keep working hard to become a great player.

Chad

Is it going to be hard playing in the U.S. with your family back in Ukraine?

Olexsiy Pecherov

  (10:05 PM)

When you go to a new place there is a lot to get used to, the city and the atmosphere and everything else. I want to bring my family here for the first few months and I think that will help me a lot. I was in this situation in Paris, my first trip abroad. It was tough for a while but once I met some people it became easier.

James

What do you see as the strongest point of your game?

Olexsiy Pecherov

  (10:07 PM)

I think I can score and I am confident in my shot. Also, I like to rebound and block shots. But there are a lot of little things about basketball and to be great you have to work on everything. I want to be a complete player and I will work hard to make that happen.

Buzzmaster

  (10:08 PM)

Thanks to Olexsiy ...Now we have Randy Foye...

Racine

Hey Randy, congrats! I always like your game. What is it that you're looking to improve on at the next level?

Randy Foye

  (10:14 PM)

A little bit of everything. I'm looking to work on my shooting, my ballhandling, just becoming a well-rounded player and not someone who just does one specific thing.

Chris

Congradulations Randy, just wondering, any betting between you and Kyle Lowry about who would be drafted first?

Randy Foye

  (10:16 PM)

Not really. We pretty much knew how it would happen with my stock going up. And he's calling my cell phone right now!

Zack

Hey, Randy how do you feel you and KG can compliment each other and whats your thoughts about playing in Minnesota

Buzzmaster

  (10:21 PM)

Randy's been pulled away so we won't get to that last one, but Ronnie Brewer is here!

Mike (New York)

What does it feel like not just to reach NBA level but also be drafed in the first round?

Ronnie Brewer

  (10:23 PM)

It's a dream come true. You think about this you whole life and to finally have it come to pass is a great feeling.

patrick

how will your impact be on your first season?

Ronnie Brewer

  (10:24 PM)

I think I can have an immediate impact. They need a wing player and I think I can step in and contribute in some fashion...

RJ

Ronnie, congrats.How do you feel about playing in SLC and for Sloan?

Ronnie Brewer

  (10:26 PM)

It's a great city, they have great players, and Coach Sloan is a great coach. He's strict but I'm willing to do what he says to try to get better as a player.

Chris

Being a former NBA player, how has your dad helped you in this process? What advice has he given you as you enter your first season?

Ronnie Brewer

  (10:27 PM)

He's taught me a lot not just about on the court but on the court. He's told me that being a rookie is tough but patience is a virtue and good things will come if you wait your turn.

Buzzmaster

  (10:28 PM)

Now it's Hilton Armstrong's turn...

Jeremy

I know you have good shot blocking, but what are you gonna have to do to improve your scoring in the NBA?

Hilton Armstrong

  (10:29 PM)

Just have confidence in my abilities and trust my game.

Thomas

Congrats Hilton! Are you excited about playing with Chris Paul? Also, what position do you see yourself as in the NBA?

Hilton Armstrong

  (10:31 PM)

Thanks. I'm very excited. He's a good young player who can make other players better. I know he will help my career.

Matt S

What do you think will be the hardest thing about being an NBA player?

Hilton Armstrong

  (10:32 PM)

Probably the physical strength of the players. They're grown men who have been lifting for years and I' have to get stronger to bang on the block with them.

Ben (CT)

Are you suprised to have been picked before Williams? Congrats and what will you buy with that big pay check?

Hilton Armstrong

  (10:34 PM)

I'm surprised I went before Marcus. He's a great poin guard. He knows how to make anyone a better player no matter who it is. The first thing I'm doin is helping my mother purchase a house.

Buzzmaster

  (10:36 PM)

Many thanks to Hilton...We'll have more players ASAP!!

Buzzmaster

  (10:47 PM)

As we wait for the rest of the players to filter into chat let us say thanks to everyone who's sending questions. We've had nearly 80,000 submitted so far and we're sorry we can't get to them all!

Buzzmaster

  (10:50 PM)

Okay, as we get into the second round let's talk a bit about which teams have done the best so far. Your vote goes to...

Matt

Portland, definitely. They've made some impressive moves thus far.

Dan (Cincinnati)

Chicago, they just started great right off the bat with Tyrus Thomas

SpartanSean

Cleveland. Brown will be LeBron's Pippen.

Adam G, MN

Minnesota. Foye and McCants for the future looks great, and a championship could come soon with Davis, Foye and KG

Buzzmaster

  (10:57 PM)

We're now joined by Joel Freeland!

Derek

How will you adjust coming over from England to the US?

Joel Freeland

  (11:00 PM)

I played in Spain, Grand Canary Island. I feel I'm not yet NBA ready but I'm willing to work as hard as I can to be able to reach my goal, which is finally playing in the NBA.

Jason

Do you feel you are at a disadvantage to NCAA players as you've only had one year of competitive experience?

Joel Freeland

  (11:01 PM)

I don't feel that at all. My great upside is that I have a great competitive edge. I think I can equal or do better than most college players in that area.

Steve (Boston)

How do you prepare mentally for playing in the NBA?

Joel Freeland

  (11:03 PM)

It will come with time. I have a year or two to prove myself and that will come along with the rest of my progression.

stephen

What did David Stern say when you handed him the England jersey?

Joel Freeland

  (11:04 PM)

He asked me where I had played in previous years. He didn't take much notice of the jersey!

Buzzmaster

  (11:05 PM)

Now it's Maurice Ager's turn!

MIchelle

congrats! what do you think you need to improve in order to make it in the NBA?

Maurice Ager

  (11:07 PM)

Just continue to get stronger and learn the game.

Mextalian,

Wow, u were emotional, what was goin through ur mind?

Maurice Ager

  (11:08 PM)

I knew they were about to call it because people were starting to gather around, and it just felt good to hear my name called.

Brit (MA)

How do you feel Dallas' up tempo offense fits your game?

Maurice Ager

  (11:08 PM)

Perfectly. That's my game.

chris

do you feel your tough games in the big ten will help you transistion to the association?

Maurice Ager

  (11:09 PM)

That will be huge. I played in a lot of big games over four years in the Big Ten and that will be a hig help for me.

rob

With the Mavs lineup its unlikely you'll start right away. What do you think is the hardest thing you will face from being a star in college to a backup in the NBA?

Maurice Ager

  (11:11 PM)

It's an adjustment. I have to learn the ropes, continue to work hard and learn the ropes to work my way in there.

Tad

Do you feel your defensive skills will be strong enough toguard the more athletic players such as Wade, Kobe, or Lebron?

Maurice Ager

  (11:11 PM)

That's one thing I have to adjust to. I'm ready for the challenge. though.

Buzzmaster

  (11:12 PM)

From Maurice to Marcus...Marcus Williams is in the chat chair!

Toph

What does it feel like to be the heir apparent to Jason Kidd?

Marcus Williams

  (11:14 PM)

It's phenomenal being in a situation where I can learn from one of the best. It can't get any better than that.

Dan (Cincinnati)

What exactly was going through your head as you were slipping in the draft, because I was positive you were a top 10 talent

Marcus Williams

  (11:16 PM)

My family was with me and they just told me not to worry about it, that I would end up in a better situation. And look where I am now, playing with on of the best PGs in the NBA.

Bobby V.

Has playing for an NCAA contender given you an edge in toughness needed to compete on the nba level?

Marcus Williams

  (11:17 PM)

Night in and night out you can't slip up and you have to go hard every game, and I think I stepped up when my team needed me. That showed the Nets what I can do in pressure situations.

brett

How does it feel that you will get to play with Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson at the wings?

Marcus Williams

  (11:19 PM)

It was a joy playing with Rashad, Denham and Rudy, and now to know I'll be playing with two All-Stars is an unbelievable feeling.

Jared (IA)

How does it feel to be able to play with your college teammate Josh Boone?

Marcus Williams

  (11:20 PM)

We talked about that during the season. Once he got picked he started blowing up my phone and we were both excited that it might happen.

Alex

What is the first thing that you're going to buy once you get your contract negotiations done?

Marcus Williams

  (11:21 PM)

Whatever my mom wants.

Buzzmaster

  (11:23 PM)

Thanks to Marcus...

Buzzmaster

  (11:24 PM)

Let's hear some more from SportsNation...Which teams have had the worst drafts tonight?

AngusH

There is only one answer; the Knicks.

Nick D.

Definitely the Knicks.

Patrick

Philadelphia

Tony (BK,NYC)

knicks, plain and simple

RR

Portland. They should just start their own college and compete in Division I NCAA. Looks like they'll be fielding a college team.

Ian (Manchester, NH)

Portland had a great draft if you ask me.

Shea

Sonics

Buzzmaster

  (11:31 PM)

Okay, folks, that's going to do it for our chat tonight. Thanks to all the players who spent time with us tonight, and thanks most of all to everyone who sent in one of our nearly 80,000 posts. Sorry we couldn't get to them all! Enjoy the offseason and check back with SportsNation tomorrow for post-draft analysis with Chad Ford.