Derrick Rose and Luol Deng delivered a dramatic 1-2 scoring punch to lead the Bulls over the Atlanta Hawks. The Bulls regained the series lead, and are back in charge, leading the Eastern Conference Semfinals 3-2.

MVP Derrick Rose had 33 points and 9 assists, and Luol Deng finished with 23 points. All signals are pointing to the Bulls being primed to close this thing out in game 6.

Carlos Boozer finally showed some signs of life, after more or less hibernating through the playoffs thus far. Sure Boozer is injured, but when you make millions of dollars, and a chance at a title is on the line, we should expect to see some Willis Reed type heroics, right?

The Hawks will have to fight to stay alive in Atlanta during game 6, but will need their team leader Joe Johnson to step up if they are going to have any chance to do so.

Joe Johnson continued to be the anomaly of inconsistency, playing a somewhat normal game, putting in insignificant 15 points after being dominant in game 4. Johnson is key to the Hawks survival, but his knack for being inconsistent hurts their chances.

Johnson exploded with 34 points in game 1, and followed that with 16 and 10 in games 2 and 3. He then had a monster game 4 by dropping in 24, but then faded back into obscurity with 15 in game 5. Jeff Teague continued his unexpectedly solid play for the Hawks, dropping 21 points with 7 assists.

Not to sound like a personal attack on Joe Johnson, but the man is getting paid fat cash and he should be consistently pouring in 20-plus points a night during the most important part of the season. Star players are what you rely on in the post season, and Johnson is being paid superstar money by Atlanta.

The Bulls organization can pat themselves on the back for lucking out and not being able to sign Johnson last summer. They are doing just fine without him.

Now that the first round of the NBA playoffs has closed, things are tightening up on the NBA. Taking a look at the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and how these teams match up, I will give you my predictions.

Barring major unexpected play from someone we would never imagine (imagine Joel Anthony or Zaza Pachulia dropping in 20 plus points – that sort of out of nowhere) these series seem pretty lopsided.

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

This is the round where the Celtics should start to feel the adverse effects of the Kendrick Perkins trade. Luckily for Boston, Miami is missing a legitimate center, and is throwing the rag-tag combination of Big Z, Joel Anthony, and Erick Dampier praying that there are enough fouls and an occasional scorer to help lessen the pressure on Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh.

If Bosh can perform, Miami could advance. However, it will be highly unlikely that Bosh will hold up against the defensive monster that is Kevin Garnett.

Wade has also had a terrible time this year against Boston. I hate to ever bet against Wade, but if there ever is a time, it is during the playoffs against a superior defensive team. Ray Allen shoudl keep Wade busy on both ends of the floor: Wade will chase down Allen as he launches a barrage of three point attempts,  and Allen locking down Wade while on defensive side of the ball.

Boston has the distinct advantage at the point guard position with Rajon Rondo. There is nothing Miami can offer up to stop Rondo. Bibby and Chalmers are pretty much sacrificial lambs being sent out to the slaughter against Rondo.

James and Paul Pierce should be a battle for the ages: James seeking out revenge with backup, and Pierce looking to use every trick in his book and throw it all at James with maximum determination.

As far as matchups go, it is Celtics with the advantage all the way.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks

It’s scary to imagine the Hawks continuing on like they did against the Magic, especially without Kirk Hinrich, who went down with a hamstring injury. But man, wouldn’t it have been great? Don’t count a warrior like Hinrich out just yet, as he would love to upsurge his former team.

Derrick Rose will likely to continue to dominate if his ankle holds up. That being said,and if the ankle is good, there is nothing the Hawks can do to stop Rose. Much like Rondo vs. the Heat example, Rose has nothing in his way, and will dominate this series, and could potentially have more explosive series than his first round. His confidence is at an all time high and in untested waters. Very scary stuff to think about.

Luol Deng is the silent assassin playing more or less like an All Star-like supportive role so far in the post season. Deng should pose problems to Josh Smith if he stays out on the perimeter and drives inside, as perimeter defense is a weakness of Smith, and something the Bulls will look to exploit. Smith is prone to fouling and trying to make plays while trailing, so look for him to find himself in foul trouble.

Joe Johnson will face a myriad of Bulls defensive aces such as Ronnie Brewer and Keith Bogans. Surely Johnson will get his, but at what cost to his energy and overall team chemistry? If Johnson gets frustrated by the Bulls smothering defense, he might shoot himself, and his team, out of the offensive scheme. Jamal Crawford is facing a similar situation.

Even if Johnson can get by his defenders, he will be greeted at the rim by the imposing and crazy-eyed Joakim Noah Not a good situation for Johnson. If Noah adds some offensive put backs and scores a bit, he will have done more than put the Bulls over the top.

Al Horford poses the biggest threat against the Bulls, as he is a monster anyway you look at it. The thing to consider, though, will be if he his impact will register based on how the Hawks supporting cast will be contained. High output from Horford faces the potential to be negated by Chicago’s swarming team defense.

Finally, if Carlos Boozer wakes up, the Bulls could sweep.

Prediction: Bulls in 5.

Josh Smith has got to be a complete moron if he thinks he has any chance of winning the appeal to his $25,000 fine.

His logic behind his appeal is more outlandish in nature, and shows Smith could have benefitted greatly from a college education:

“I was upset,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of players, past and present, doing the same thing. I wish they had sent me a memo saying I couldn’t do it before I did it.”

Really Josh? You are actually saying you wish they sent you a memo? Lets think about this dude. You spontaneously grab your nuts after hitting a three, and justify it because people have done it before as to why you think you shouldn’t be fined?

People kill people. People commit many types of crime. Some get caught, some don’t. Those are hard realities that exist in life. Most of the people who get away with these heinous acts usually make sure they are not being recorded by television cameras.

Josh Smith you are a NBA player on a national spotlight. You’re a member of an elite league currently in a scrupulous-police-like-state aiming to curb the poor image of the NBA in the Post-Arenas Gun Era.

Did you get that memo, Josh Smith?

Jason Kidd made one of the better head’s up basketball plays in recent NBA history.

With 1:37 remaining in the 4th quarter, down by two points, 95-97, Jason Kidd noticed Mike Woodson standing on the court, and decided to drive into him. Kidd caught him with an elbow to make sure the referees noticed within the plane of the playing field, catching Woodson red-handed.

It is illegal for coaches to be on the floor, and as sometimes refs are lax about calling the technical foul if they are on the opposite end of the action, but it is an automatic call if the coach obstructs play on the court.

Kidd used the rules against coach Mike Woodson. (ESPN)

Tempers instantly flared up and Woodson started giving Kidd an earful, eventually needing to be restrained as coaches and players separated him from a smirking Kidd.

Naturally, a crowd of players gathered to surround the ruckus, but ultimately, and fortunately, things didn’t escalate between teams beyond that.

Coaches are notorious and reputable for being influential over their team. At times they will get heated up by a referee’s call they have a disagreement, and draw a technical foul by arguing it. The coach will do this with the intention of helping his team to get calls made evenly in most cases.

However, how many times have you seen a coach critically hurt his team by making a fundamental mistake and violating a rule, being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Here are the videos, for your enjoyment:

There are 7 players making their first ever all star appearance during the 2010 NBA All Star Game: Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Gerald Wallace, and Zack Randolph.

Those noteworthy, yet snubbed, include David Lee of the Knicks, Chris Kaman of the Clippers, and Mo Williams of the Cavaliers. Better luck next season guys!

DERON WILLIAMS

Deron Williams joins fellow Olympian Kobe Bryant in Dallas. (Credit: picapp.com)

Deron Williams is long overdue. He had a legitimate grief for not being named to the game for the past two years. They finally got it right! I might be biased, but that is because I think Deron Williams is the best point guard in the business. No disrespect to Steve Nash or Chris Paul, but when I see Williams play, I feel he is more of a pure point like Nash, but has the ability to overtake a game like Paul. Only time will tell if I am right or not, but Williams size and strength play to his favor over Paul over the long haul. KEVIN DURANT

Sorry David, your All Star chances are "Rejected!" (Credit: picapp.com)

Kevin Durant is not only deserving of an All Star nod, but people should seriously consider putting his name in the MVP hat this year. He is playing brilliant basketball, has a current of 19 games with 25 points or more, his team is a respectable 24-21 and tinkering on the brink of playoff contention.

More importantly, Durant has focused on defense, and as he told me during this twitter interview, and is committed to working hard to improve on every facet of his game. His off season work has proven to be effective this year as his defense is vastly improved this season.

AL HORFORD

Horford's relentless hustle earned him an All-Star appearance. (Credit: picapp.com)

Al Horford is the quiet force in the middle for the Atlanta Hawks. He is one of the most athletic, self sacrificing big men in the NBA today. He might have lower statistical output than David Lee, but coaches understand how good Horford is. He is a walking talking double-double who would be putting up crazy numbers if he got to play his natural position, power forward. Plus, it never hurts your chances if your team has a winning record of 29-15. David Lee knows the Knicks suck, and if anyone on a losing team deserves an All Star bid it’s Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors. DERRICK ROSE

Rose is emerging as one of the leagues best in his 2nd season. (Credit: picapp.com)

Derrick Rose is the Chicago Bulls lately. He has shaken off residuals from his preseason ankle injury while steadily increasing his scoring from 16.2 in November to 23.5 in January. The result is  a 9-5 record thus far during January.

There are few players in the league that possess the “all-in-one” game that Rose has. He will defend his skills challenge this year during the all star weekend as well. I would not be too surprised to see a slam dunk contest in his future. The dude can fly.

RAJON RONDO

It's plays like this that make Rondo an All Star. (Credit: picapp.com)

Rajon Rondo has been an All-Star since day one of the NBA season. He is a vicious defender, leads the league in steals, and is only 0.3 APG away from averaging a double-double on the season. Rondo is on an elite Celtics team in the East, and he is an integral role of the team being so. His selection comes as no shocker. GERALD WALLACE

Wallace joins Duncan among the leagues elite stars. (Credit: picapp.com)

Simple fact: Gerald Wallace is a downright nasty basketball player. He rebounds (11.0 RPG), scores (18.6), and is an all-around stat machine (1.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 1.2 BPG). With the Bobcats contending for the playoffs, Wallace is a extremely deserving All Star. An winning argument could be made for him being an all star for a few years now. Now that Charlotte is winning, Wallace finally gets the nod.

You will also be able to see his insane dunking ability in the 2010 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Competition.

ZACH RANDOLPH

Randolph has revived his career in Memphis. (Credit: picapp.com)

Last, but certainly not least, is Zach Randolph. Randolph has had a stigma surrounding him his entire career. He has been considered a distraction, selfish, or a long list or other words I dare not type, by teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

This year Randolph appears to have matured, taken the Grizzlies under his wing, and is making Memphis a team nobody wants to play. They currently rank 7th in the Western Conference playoff standings, and if San Antonio does not get it together soon, the Griz might rise higher before the end of the season.

The Boston Celtics (25-8) head into Philips Arena to face off with the Atlanta Hawks (22-12) tonight at 8:00 PM EST. The game will be broadcast live on the ESPN television network,  and can also be caught on ESPN360.com.

Tonight’s match up pits two Eastern Conference rival forces head to head for what looks to be a tight battle. Boston had beaten  the Hawks 9 straight times on their home floor until  the Hawks beat Boston 97-86 November 13.

Eastern Conference rivals clash tongight on ESPN. (Credit: picapp.com)

Atlanta had been faltering of late and snapped a 4-game losing streak after purging their woes against the New Jersey Nets, 119-89. The Hawks now face a real challenge against Boston, and if they can build on their momentum after “clearing their slate” against the Nets, they should be able to compete in this potential playoff series atmosphere game.

The Keys for Boston to win will be based on the performances of Rasheed Wallace and Bostons reserves stepping up to make solid contributions. With Garnett and Marquis Daniels listed as out, and Paul Pierce, Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo, and Eddie House all listed as day-to-day, the depleted and beat up Celtics will be in dire need of their bench to step up.

Can Joe Johnson take Atlanta over the top? (Credit: picapp.com)

Atlanta ‘s roster has no one listed with any significant injuries. Look for Atlanta to push the pace and keep applying a fast pace game on the Celtics. With Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford running and gunning, a depleted and exhausted Celtics team wil have to dig deep in order to compete by the time the 4^th quarter rolls around.

Look out for Josh Smith and Al Horford using their agility and athleticism in the paint tonight to get Rasheed into foul trouble early. A few tick tack foul calls might also send Rasheed into the technical foul zone. All of these events wil factor into Atlanta’s favor.

This game will represent a mid-season litmus  test of where these teams rank against each other. If Atlanta hits on all cylinders, it is hard to imagine Boston smothering all of the Hawks offensive weapons sans Kevin Garnett.

Sunday night the Boston Celtics were handed a loss at the buzzer by a ridiculously clutch fade away shot by Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers. There was not much to say. The Clippers stayed in the fight, and made tough shots before and after Rajon Rondo choked on consecutive free throws with 1.5 seconds left.

Monday night things did not fair much better as the young Golden State Warriors, led by Monta Ellis’ 37-point explosion, took the Celtics down to the wire and winning 103-99. Boston is now on a 2-game losing streak against less than mediocre teams. They have been without Paul Pierce while this streak has occured.

Man, we stink without the Truth! (Credit: picapp.com)

Paul Pierce has been out of the line up since having a procedure to drain fluid from his knee. Evidently, the knee infection is rather serious. The reality is the Celtics are far from good without Pierce.

Boston is having trouble winning without him, and making matters worse, they have dropped 2 games in a row to two teams with losing records. In a situation where one would think a championship caliber team should course-correct after a close loss against the Clippers, the Celtics were unable to find a answer to stop Monta Ellis and his Warriors.

The Clippers team is better on paper than their record would indicate, however, the Warriors simply stink this year.

The Warriors are an abysmal 9-21.

It gets you wondering about whether or not the Celtics can win against quality teams without Pierce. Boston heads to Phoenix for another road game Wednesday.

This is bad news for the Celtics, as The Suns annihilated the Lakers Monday 118-103, and looked incredible while doing so. This is a game the Celtics must be looking at and dreading, based on their current 2 game lull against bottom tiered teams.

Can a healed knee can heal a losing streak? (Credit: picapp.com)

With 4 out of their next 5 games being on the road, Boston needs to get it together, or pray that Paul Pierce returns from his knee surgery without lingering residuals.

They will face Phoenix, Toronto, Miami and Atlanta. All of whom are far better than the Clippers or Warriors on any given night.

Pierce makes this team championship caliber and without him they could not defeat a Warriors team decimated by injuries. Even with Rajon Rondo dropping in 30 points with 15 assists, the Warriors got the better of them. Celtics fans had better hope Pierce comes back soon.

This Thanksgiving Day match up pits teams with identical records (11-3) against each other at 8:00 PM ET at Philips Arena, broadcasting live on TNT.

The Hawks have a chance to show the nation how it can perform against the defending Eastern Conference Champs. The winning team takes sole possession of first in the Southeast Division, making this game the most important of this young season.

I'm calm, no seriously, I am not about to freak out or anything… (Credit:picapp.com)

Orlando (5-2) has the better road record than Atlanta (4-3) and is taking a 5-game winning streak into Atlanta tomorrow. This should help the new and improved, calmer, Stan Van Gundy continue to keep his newfound cool.

Atlanta had their 7 game winning streak snapped when they lost in New Orleans last Saturday. This can be accredited to the amazing play by Hornets’ rookies Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison.

It will be interesting to see how the Hawks match up against the Magic. Here is a position by position breakdown featuring which team has the advantage:

1. Jason Williams vs. Mike Bibby (Advantage: ATL)
2. Vince Carter vs. Joe Johnson (Advantage: ATL)
3. Michael Pietrus vs. Marvin Williams (Advantage: ORL)
4. Rashard Lewis vs. Josh Smith (Advantage: ORL)
5. Dwight Howard vs. Al Horford (Advantage: ORL)

This game will satisfy the most insatiable cravings of NBA appetites. You will have tons of outside shooting, powerful play in the paint, and of course we can all wait to see if Stan Van Gundy implodes. This game will have tons of rough play and many hard fouls.

What the? Stan is actually pretty calm. This really scares me. (Credit: picapp.com)

This is a must watch game. Tomorrow you will be surrounded with good food and great people, and have the opportunity to watch the most important game of the year thus far. Have a drumstick and beer in hands, and make sure to get your fill of food and NBA action.

Enjoy your thanksgiving, and make sure to not miss this Game of the Week!

This summer marks the continuation of major spending reform (and not for the better) in the NBA. The Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, and Richard Jefferson deals exemplify that liquidating huge contracts for scrap (or crap) heaps, and aiming to win it all now, is THE popular trend–the rich getting richer. Ben Gordon, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, and many other free agents will land large deals, but who can afford to pay them?

Teams are preparing for next summer by dangling expiring contracts via trade to desperate teams.  Assessing the chances to land a marquee name–LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili–in 2010 is becoming commonplace, and as a result unthinkable trades are being made.

But let’s not forget, there is top-notch talent available this summer, and Protect the Paint will now evaluate who we think the most relevant free agent is for the teams with the most spending power. Lets face it, money talks, or else the free agent walks.

The teams with the most cap space are:

1. Memphis ($18 mil)
2. Detroit ($16.6 mil)
3. Atlanta ($14.8 mil)
4. Oklahoma City ($14.7 mil)

Other teams with significant room are:

1. Utah ($9.2 mil)
2. Portland ($8.1 mil)
3. Miami ($6.7 mil).

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Memphis is going to need every penny they have if they hope to lure a major free agent to play for the Grizzlies. We’re talking about a small market team and a perennial losing franchise. It is doubtful any free agent of substance would be willing go there. What’s the draw? Don’t say Mark Gasol. Beale Street is pretty nice though.

Whoever Memphis signs, they will likely pay more than that player’s true market value. Additional revenue is the only thing luring a player to the Grizzlies. The only destination less attractive may be Milwaukee where Brandon Jennings hardly looks (or sounds) like a savior.

BIGGEST NEED: New Location. If the Grizzlies were located in a larger market, we’ve got to believe more players would consider playing there. Until then, have your checkbook ready Griz. They do have the money to offer Hedo Turkoglu a salary he could not refuse. The combo of Turkoglu, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay is solid yet entirely unrealistic.

DETROIT PISTONS

Wednesday’s breaking news of head coach Michael Curry being fired implies Joe Dumars wants to insure free agents will want to come to Detroit. It is well documented that Curry ruffled more than just one player’s feathers. Apparently, Dumars plans to let Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace walk.

Iverson and Wallace are in the twilight of their careers, and locking either one of them into a long-term deal makes absolutely zero sense when the Pistons are building around Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Acquiring a third scoring option who is entering/closer to his prime is what Detroit needs.

Gordon's offensive skills would help Detroit (Credit: chi-ball.com)

GREATEST NEED: Ben Gordon or Hedo Turkoglu. Ben Gordon is ideal for Detroit. He is a young, capable scorer who would give the Pistons a solid trio of offensive weapons to build a bright future around. Turkoglu might not make sense with Rip Hamilton and Stuckey already there, but he is a major factor why Orlando went to the finals and the Pistons can afford him.

ATLANTA HAWKS

After recently acquiring Jamal Crawford from Golden State, it raises questions if Atlanta will re-sign Mike Bibby. Crawford gives Atlanta another 4th quarter scoring threat, easing the defensive pressure on Joe Johnson.

Atlanta can let 30-year-old Bibby walk, and re-sign key reserves Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray. Retaining Pachulia gives Atlanta depth in the post, which is a necessity for playoff basketball.

Will Childress play another year in Greece? (Credit: lowposts.com)

GREATEST NEED: Keeping what they already have (re-signing Pachulia and Murray). These two players are too valuable and affordable not to re-sign and the Hawks need to save their coin for Johnson who can opt out next summer. Josh Childress returning from Greece would give them back-court flexibility.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

OKC cannot afford to spend too much on a major free agent. The Thunder need to spend frugally in order to retain the core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook. It is an unconditional must. This being said, signing a mid-level free agent would be the wise move for OKC and there are several available. One in particular would fit nicely with the Thunder’s nucleus.

Millsap would thrive playing with the Thunder (Credit: deseretnews.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Paul Millsap would immediately add a tough rebounding presence and the blue-collar attitude that the young Thunder need. Adding Millsap makes the playoffs a possibility, especially considering Yao Ming’s injury in Houston puts the Rockets 2010 playoff hopes in major jeopardy opening up a spot for another Western Conference team. Millsap gives any team he’s on many second (and often third) chance opportunities on the offensive end. If Boozer opts out of Utah, then expect the Jazz to match any offer made on Millsap.

UTAH JAZZ

The Jazz faced potential free agency disaster, but both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided against opting out and will stay. Luckily for Utah, Boozer’s injury-plagued 2008-09 season and lingering questions of his ability to stay healthy is most likely all that prevented him from bailing and receiving a large offer elsewhere. Does he care about money more than winning? He did bail on LeBron. That should answer that question.

Okur–a big man who can shoot–must believe his best chance for another title (he won a ring in Detroit) lies in Salt Lake City.

Mehmet Okur won't abandon the Jazz. (Credit: nba.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Staying healthy. A healthy Jazz are as good as any team in the NBA. Re-signing Milsap as insurance for the fragile Boozer would be huge, but chances are good a team with more cap room will nab him.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Portland is a young team on the rise. They made the playoffs, and in doing so, exposed their greatest weakness.  Depending on which players they decide to retain the rights to, they could go as far as $15-30 million under the cap. They will not advance past the 1st round with Steve Blake as the starting PG. The Blazers have a solid leader in two time All-Star Brandon Roy, but they need a savvy veteran who can bring the ball up court.

Andre Miller is a massive ugrade to Steve Blake (Credit: ESPN)

BIGGEST NEED: Andre Miller or Jason Kidd. Miller would instantly bring leadership and make Portland a title contender as the Blazers mature. Miller has a lot of game left in the tank, and with $8 million to spend in cap space, they could afford to sign him.

With Jason Kidd coordinating the offense, there is no telling where the Blazers could go. Odds are Kidd remains in Dallas or signs with the New York Knicks. Kidd is already in New York and ready to begin negotiations.

MIAMI HEAT

Miami obviously has no interest in spending any money this summer. Their top priority is re-signing Dwyane Wade. The irony might end up being that in not making moves to secure talent around Wade they may lose him. Wade has made it abundantly clear in the media that he wants players provided for him now, not later. What Miami really needs is a low post presence. A solid center would immediately seal up a lot of loose ends for the Heat.

Marcin Gortat can start and make a difference in MIami (Credit: pablonasportowo)

BIGGEST NEED: Marcin Gortat or Anderson Varejao. With Orlando recently acquiring Vince Carter, Orlando will have trouble matching offers for Gortat. With Cleveland making the O’Neal trade they have no chance of paying Varajao the money he wants. Gortat has proven to be a solid performer when filling in for foul-prone Dwight Howard, and could be an affordable solution to fill the void in the middle in Miami. Varejao’s athleticism and defensive prowess might be the better move for Miami. He can give them what last year Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t.

The Orlando Magic  rose out of the Southeast division into the NBA finals this year. The possible return of Josh Childress to Atlanta (they still have his rights as a restricted free agent), roster moves made by Miami, and the future of Hedo Turkoglu’s free agency ventures all will factor into this summers moves.

There is plenty of  room for teams to rise and fall in this division. If Washington starts the season healthy they are Protect the Paint’s choice to have the biggest turnaround year, possibly turning a 19 win last season into a 50 win season.

Jordan Hill’s game would be a nice fit in Washington. (Credit: ESPN)

Washington Wizards (19-63)  With the  #5 pick  Jordan Hill or James Harden looks like the most promising for the Wizards. Adding someone with size and or scoring ability is a good contingency plan for an injury riddled roster.

At the 32 pick it is not too far-fetched to see someone like Patrick Mills or Darren Collison being  selected for additional depth at PG. This might be a wise choice as Gilbert Arenas’ knee is an unknown factor.

Charlotte Bobcats (35-47)  Charlotte is stacked at the forward position. They should focus to find smart, athletic and defensive minded guards that can play for Larry Brown. With the 12th pick look to see Charlotte selecting Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, or Terrance Williams.

It is a possibility that Raymond Felton Leaves leaving the Bobcats with DJ Augustine and little else at the point. This philosophy should hold up with the 40th pick as well, and North Carolina Tarheels’ Wayne Ellington and Danny Green could be available this deep.

Ty Lawson is a champion in the NCAA. Can that translate to the NBA? (Credit: themixtapemonster.com)

Atlanta Hawks (47-35) In a deep draft for guards, a PG reserve for Mike Bibby would not be bad with both  the 19th and 49th pick. Marvin Williams and Josh Childress are restricted free agents.

Rumors for Josh Smith being moved also can play into Atlanta moving up in draft order.  With people worrying Ty Lawson might be injury prone, look for him to still be available at pick 19.

Joe Ingles could surprise the NBA (Credit: draftexpress.com)

Miami Heat (43-39) holds the 43rd and 60th (via Indiana). Vastly improved with a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade. The heat must ask if Mario Chalmers is the long term answer at the point, and if Michael Beasley is a more natural fit at the 3. The Heat could look for a big like Joe Ingles or Josh Heytvelt.

If all quality bigs are gone by pick #60, look for Miami to have another “steal of the draft” type Guard in Jodie Meeks or international players Rodrigue Beaubois (France), Nando De Colo (France), or Patrick Beverly (Ukraine).

Orlando Magic (59-23) Orlando has no picks in this years draft and will make retaining free agent Hedo Turkoglu their main objective. Look to see potential trades involving Rafer Alston including picks or future picks. Other than that, the Magic stand pat (no pun intended, Pat Williams)