While most mock drafters simply forecast the first 30 picks, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld doesn't stop after the first round — in his latest mock, he predicts all 60 selections, from Anthony Davis at No. 1 to Kris Joseph at No. 60. He also shares a few more items of interest in his NBA AM column and via Twitter. Here are a few highlights:
- After Neil Olshey reached an agreement in principle with the Clippers to remain their GM, the Blazers increased their offer, forcing Olshey to reconsider. According to Kyler's sources, Clips owner Donald Sterling was offended by the tactic, with the two sides eventually breaking off talks.
- The new CBA will make maximum contract offers more rare, tweets Kyler, who thinks it's extremely unlikely James Harden would receive such an offer if he hit restricted free agency.
- Most teams with multiple first-round draft picks are looking to trade one of them. The Celtics, in particular, would like to move one of their picks or move up in the draft.
- As I pointed out when I previewed the Celtics' offseason, Boston's best chance to retain its veterans and improve the roster is if Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen agree to re-sign for about half of their 2011/12 salaries.
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If they do cut the salaries in half they would be able to improve the roster with some key additions and maybe an addition of Chris Kaman/Roy Hibbert. I know Garnett is playing like his old self right now but eventually that will stop. Even at a reduced level he is still more productive than most big men in the NBA. Also, if he had a Kaman or Hibbert paired with him down low he wouldn’t have to work as hard. Keeping the big 4 together is huge since their is a big chemistry situation there. They know each other and even in decline, on lower salaries they are worth it.