in NBA Betting Trends

With the 2007-08 NBA online betting community an in-depth look at the upcoming 2008 NBA Draft, scheduled to take place on June 26 at Madison Square Garden.

Many of the top 10 players selected in this year’s draft could make immediate contributions for the respective teams in 2008-09 regardless of which team eventually selects them.

Some of these players could go on to become perennial all-stars, while others will eventually turn into productive role players and others still, journeymen, at best.

Here is a look at the likely Top 10 draft selections for the 2008 NBA Draft.

1. Memphis - 6-3/180 lbs

If the Heat land the top pick, star players Dywane Wade and Shawn Marion, reportedly want Rose to give them the ball next season. Rose is already better than half of the starting point guards in the NBA if you ask me, though his free throw shooting is horrific.

2. Kansas - 6-10/220 lbs

If the Sonics get Beasley, they could have something really special brewing with a trio of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Beasley next season. This kid can do it all from shooting threes’ to posting up and scoring on the low block, though his dedication has been questioned on more than one occasion. Personally, I think Beasley should be the top pick of the draft.

3. Stanford - 7-0/245 lbs

Lopez is just what the Timberwolves need, an athletic big man who can score the ball at will and has a motor that won’t quit. Unfortunately, going to play alongside a bunch of young players that have no clue whatsoever like the Timberwolves’ youngsters, isn’t going to help Lopez at all.

4. USC - 6-5/195 lbs

Despite being embroiled in a major controversy about receiving gifts and the like while at USC, Mayo is a player with immense talent who can play both backcourt positions and already has an NBA body and game to match. Memphis, New York and Los Angeles could also be landing spots for Mayo depending on the lottery order.

5. Arizona - 6-2/182 lbs

Bayless is a lottery lock and arguably the best guard in the entire draft at either backcourt position, no offense to Rose and Mayo. Bayless, an explosive leaper, is a serious threat on offense when he has the ball in his hands, but will need to improve on his decision-making in the pros. Bayless will undoubtedly flourish under new Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni next season if New York selects him.

6. Indiana - 6-2/190 lbs

Gordon is undeniably the best, scoring guard in the draft at either backcourt position and could develop into a special player at some point of his career, though his decision-making, passing and often casual defense will need to improve in the NBA. Gordon could combine with superstar forward Elton Brand and point guard Shaun Livingston next season to give the Clippers one of their most potent teams in recent memory.

7. Milwaukee Bucks - Danilo Gallinari – SF - Armani Jeans Milano - 6-9/209 lbs

I know the Bucks just grabbed an athletic 6-9 small forward in Yi Jianlian in last year’s draft, but this team needs to accrue some players with some sort of backbone as they will be playing for no-nonsense head coach Scott Skiles next season. Were it up to me however, I’d take former UCLA freshman star Kevin Love, who certainly has plenty of heart and desire. If the Bucks listen to Skiles and actually learn to play some defense, there is no reason why this offensively talented ballclub can’t reach the playoffs next season.

8. UCLA - 6-9/255 lbs

Love is just what the doctor ordered in Charlotte, where the Bobcats have gotten almost nothing out of big men, Emeka Okafor and Sean May the last couple of seasons because of injuries. The Bobcats could be in line for a postseason berth next season if they take to head coach Larry Brown’s ‘old-school’ teachings and defensive philosophies.

9. Texas A&M - 7-0/240 lbs

Great, just what the Bulls need, another long, athletic frontcourt player to go along with the team’s slew of them in players like Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas. Jordan has plenty of talent and height, but what he doesn’t have is experience. Jordan will take at least a few years to develop. Still, the BetUS NBA betting community should recognize the fact that the Bulls are talented and should make a return to the postseason in 2008-09.

10. LSU - 6-10/220 lbs

While Randolph showed that he certainly has an immense upside after averaging over 15 points per game as a freshman. The Nets need talented frontcourt players, particularly at center and power forward in the worst way and Randolph fits the bill to a tee. Too bad this team still has head case Vince Carter on the roster.

Check out the BetUS Locker Room this week for the remaining two parts to this three-part 2008 NBA Draft special.

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