The draft is over, and it's hard to imagine anyone more disappointed than Josh McRoberts. Originally pegged to go somewhere between 17 and 21, McRoberts tumbled all the way out of the first round, going to Portland in the second at #37.
On the bright side, he'll be reunited with his AAU teammate Greg Oden, who of course went first overall. The Blazers also picked up Vandy's Derrick Byars, giving the team three interesting additions.
Portland had reportedly considered trading Zach Randolph, who has been productive but a pain at times, which would open up minutes.
Hold the presses! He's Isaiah's problem now, as Randolph, Dan Dickau, and Fred Jones are off to the Knicks for Steve Francis and Channing Frye. Getting rid of Francis is a good move, but when McRoberts tosses him the ball, that's the last he'll see of it.
Obviously he fell further than anyone dreamed, but so did Carlos Boozer, and things have worked out okay for him. McRoberts is at his best as a complimentary player, and he'll have a ton of guys to pass to on this team. Best of luck to him on the coast!
In other Duke-ish draft news, Shane Battier's Rockets only had one pick and took Aaron Brooks from Oregon. Boozer's Jazz may have continued their tradition of canny drafting, picking up Morris Almond, a coveted shooter, and 6-10 Herbert Hill from Providence, a big man who has really improved dramatically at PC and who may have more room to go.
Chris Duhon and Luol Deng's Bulls went big, picking up Joakim Noah and Aaron Gray, nephew of former Duke guard Steve Gray. They also snagged JamesOn Curry.
Shelden Williams' Hawks picked up Al Horford and Acie Law. Horford will provide significant competition for the Landlord.
Grant Hill and J.J. Redick will welcome UNC's Reyshawn Terry to the Magic, where he will carry their bags for a year. Works for us.
No doubt Dahntay Jones will be happy to see Mike Conley join him in Memphis.
Elton Brand's and Corey Maggette's Clippers picked up Al Thornton and two-time NCAA assist leader Jared Jordan, who will could give some competition to Daniel Ewing, if he makes the team.
Billy King's Sixers picked up Thaddeus Young, a promising but uneven talent, and then traded Daequan Cook to the Heat for big man Jason Smith.
Danny Ferry's Cavaliers had no pick. Same for the Pacers, home of Mike Dunleavy.