David Hann For Governor

The Republican Party made a mistake in the past 10-years when they ran candidates who were good politicians that could speak to conservatives. Theses candidates were reasonably successful for a time, but when the chips were down these big government pragmatist Republicans such as George W. Bush, John McCain and Norm Coleman acted to nationalize the housing, banking and auto industry in the name of corporate bailouts.

Republicans everywhere need to change their candidate selection strategy. Instead of good politicians who can talk like conservatives, we need good conservatives who can talk like politicians.

Winnowing out those who talk a good game can be difficult, but one good indication is who shows up at conservative, rather than political events. In the six years since I’ve been back in Minnesota I have been heavily involved with conservatives causes regarding public education, global warming and energy issues, and the plight of conservative students on campus. I have always been impressed to know that State Senator David Hann has stood with me.

I have seen Sen. Hann at a number of events where he is the only elected official to be found. I have been surprised to be sitting across the table from the Senator at an intimate strategy session where he sought us out. I have even encountered Sen. Hann at important gatherings out of state where only a handful of Minnesotans are present. There are a number of campus issues that I don’t even bother to bring up with elected officials (they are simply too complex to quickly explain), but with Sen. Hann, he is already familiar, knowledgeable, and seeks out more information on those issues when he knows you are in that environment. They say 90% of success is just showing up, and for conservatives, they can count on Sen. Hann to be there for them.

Just “being” a conservative is not enough to win elections. You have to be able to communicate and speak to Minnesotans. I have much respect for Rep. Tom Emmer; if you are a conservative and hear one of his fiery speeches you will be energized, pumped up, and ready to go win one for the Gipper! Sen. Hann does not have Rep. Emmer’s passion and fire. But when a moderate Minnesotan hears Sen. Hann speak, they will see and hear a thoughtful, intelligent, calm demeanor that appeals to their core values. His speaking style reminds me of Gov. Pawlenty’s ability to speak with calm authority to all Minnesotans.

It is fair to describe Sen. Hann’s look and demeanor as moderate. More importantly, he is a conservative first through his deeds, his actions, his knowledge, and not just his words. He is exactly the kind of candidate Republicans need to elect. And I am proud to endorse and promote his candidacy.

2008 NFL Draft - Billi vs. Chilli Part 3

Since 2006 I've been tracking my draft vs. the actual Vikings draft. As last year, I'm late to the table as the 3rd game of the season starts tomorrow. I will do my best to ignore information know after the draft and give my honest evaluations of my roster's needs. First we need to compare our respective rosters - and I also have the option to accept trades the Vikings actually made, or reject them (so long as I own the pieces that were given up). I considered adjusting my draft position based on projected results (my team does not have AP, my team would have more losses) but I'm not sure how to do this without terribly skewing the results.

My Roster vs Actual Roster by Position

QB

Brady Quinn vs. Tarvarious Jackson

Brady threw 8 passes last year and Jackson played 12 games. Yes I know now that Chilli benches T-Jack after week 2, but I never liked him - see any previous post on Vikings. I will not claim that Quinn would have been much better than Jackson in his rookie year. I'm not a fan of playing rooking QB's, so he may have only thrown 8 passes on my team. But the fact remains, Quinn is still a prospect and T-Jack never was.

I also wasted a 3rd round pick in 2006 on Omar Jacobs who was gone before the 2006 training camp ended. Chilli wasted a 6th rounder by letting the Cheifs grab Bobby Thigpen on waivers.

Advantage - Me. I have a prospect, Chilli has crap and let the better QB (Thigpen) walk for nothing.

RB/FB

Michael Bush vs. Adrian Peterson
AP was the best offensive player in the league last year. Bush didn't play a snap in 2007. Bush had a nice game in week two of 2008, but I don't know that. What I know is that I have a good college running back coming off a terrible leg injury. I'm hoping he's an adequate backup to Chester Taylor. Taylor is AP's backup, so...

Advantage Chilli - big time

WR/TE
My Roster - WR Maurice Stovall, WR Dwayne Jarret, TE Ben Petrick
Chili's roster - WR Sidney Rice, WR Aundrae Allison, WR Chandler Wilson

Stovall is a 3rd year vet who has produced very little in Tampa. He played in 5 games and only had 10 receptions in '07. This year he is 4th on the Bucs depth chart. Jarret played in only 4 games for Carolina in his rookie season and had 6 receptions. This year he is 4th on the depth chart. Patrick played 5 games for the Cardinals in his rookie season and is the backup TE this year.

Rice played 11 games his rookie season for the Vikes and outperformed everyone with 31 receptions. He is currently second on the Vikes depth chart. Allison had 5 receptions in 8 games last year and is 5th on the Vikes depth chart. Wilson was cut during training camp.

Woe is us, both groups are pretty poor. I need Jarret to step up and I have a decent TE in Patrick. Rice is the best player of the group, but still unproven while Allison and Stovall are just roster filler at this point.

Advantage - Chilli

O-Line

My Roster - T Winston Justice, C Greg Eslinger, G Josh Beekman
Chilli Roster - T Ryan Cook, G Artis Hicks

Justice has been the back up T in Philly the past couple of years, but they have pro-bowlers at both positions. He is well known for a disasterous start against the Giants last year when 8 sacks were given up, most on his watch. In my system, he would have played RT and thus avoided that Sportscenter moment. He is well liked, still developping, and a better RT than any option on the Vikes current roster. Eslinger is with his third team in three years serving on the Houston practice team. Beekman is presently the primary backup G in Chicago.

Hicks lost his starting job in game 3 last year and is improbably the starting LT while McKinney is suspended. Cook is the starting RT, and not highly regarded. He's pretty terrible.

Advantage Me - Justice and Beekman provide real starting options. Beekman is a backup now, but has been starting in Chicago due to injuries to the starters. Both have long term potential. Justice would most certainly be my starting RT, Beekman would probably backup Herrera.

D-Line
My Roster - DE Mark Anderson
Chilli Roster - DE Ray Edwards, DE Brian Robison

Anderson is the primary backup DE for a very deep Bears line. He had 12 sacks his rookie season and followed up with 5 in year two as a backup. Considered a top notch pass rusher, probably a starter on most teams - would definitely start on my team.

Edwards had 3 sacks his rookie season, and 5 last year as a starter. Edwards beat out Erasmus James for a starting position last year and with Udeze recovering from cancer is starting this year. Robison is the primary backup DE this year and had 4.5 sacks in his rookie season as the 2nd backup.

Advantage Me - Anderson is far and away the best DE. Edwards is probably overmatched as a starter but will get his chance this season. Anderson allows me to consider other options than trading for Jared Allen.

LB
My Roster - ILB Abdul Hodge, ILB Brandon Siler
Chilli Roster - OLB Chad Greenway, OLB Rufus Alexander

Hodge had a rough rookie season and spent 2007 on the IR after surgeries on both knees. He now resides on Cinci's practice squad. Siler was largely a special teams player for the Chargers during his rookie season and appears to be doing the same this year.

Greenway is a very solid OLB starter for the Vikes who might end up being great. Alexander was cut by the Vikings after training camp.

Advantage Chilli - I have a serious hole in the LB corps.

DB's
My Roster - CB Ashton Youboty, CB Kenny Scott, CB Anthony Arline
Chilli Roster - CB Cedric Griffen, CB Marcus McCauley

Youboty played special teams for the Bills during his rookie season and became the nickel back last year. He continues as the nickel back this year and continues to show upside. 7th round picks Scott and Arline never reported to training camp.

Griffen has been starting at CB the past two years, but to mixed results. McCauley has struggled to hold down the nickel spot for the Vikings.

Advantage - Chilli. Youboty and Griffen are a wash, but McCauley is useful as a 3 or 4th CB.

Before the draft I know DE Udeze will miss the year recovering from cancer. T McKinnie's arrest happened before the draft - I figure he'll miss 2-4 games (ended up being four games).

So here are my team needs:

QB - I could use a backup.
RB - I'm deep, but I don't have a star.
WR - I'm weak but deep. An elite WR or TE would be good.
OL - McKinnie's situation is a problem. It may be time to cut him...
DL - I need depth after losing Udeze.
LB - I really need another solid starting LB.
CB - I could also use a very good CB.

5 Reasons Why Vikings Will Fall Short in '08

I'm going to try to get three Viking's posts out before the season gets too old. This is my current predictions. The second will by the continuation of my draft vs. Chili's draft. And finally a roster comparison, the 3rd annual one, of my roster vs. Chili's. But for now, why the Viking's aren't all that good.

1 - Tarvaris Jackson is not a good QB

I don't mean T-Jack isn't good now, everyone knows that. I mean T-Jack will never be a good QB. He will single-handedly give away winnable games this year and do very little to scare the secondary away from run defense. Until the Vikings realize this, they will continue to miss the play offs.

Caveat (I'll be proved wrong if...) I'm not wrong.

2 - The Receiving corp isn't much better

Yeah, Bernard Berrian is an upgrade as he provides a legitimate number two receiver to the roster. The problem is, that top spot is still unfilled. And what's the old cliche, a tight end is a young QB's best friend? Well, the Vikes have a young QB, but I'm pretty sure Visanthe Shiancoe has no best friends. This void at TE will kill the Vikes.

Caveat - Sidney Rice has real potential. If he has a breakout year as a legit #1 reciever - the playoffs could be reached.

3 - The O-Line is a mess

Artis Hicks will start at LT for the first 4 games while Bryant McKinney serves a 4 - game suspension. Artis Hicks lost his job as starting right guard to Anthony Herrera early last year for a reason - the reason is NOT that Herrera is talented. Herrera could start on 2, maybe three teams - the Vikings are one of them. RT is also suspect with Ryan Cook. Chili reached by spending a 2nd round pick on him two years ago - when a 7th would have done the job. Cook is too slow and his mistakes are masked by extra blockers and that T-Jack is mobile and the right hander has a front row view to Cook's mistakes. Birk is still good, but not the Pro-Bowler he once was. Hutch is awesome, but that is all.

Caveat - T-Jack's mobility and the gameplan offset the damage till McKinney comes back in week 5.

4 - The running game is only as good as AP's health.

Chester Taylor is a good back, and the Vikes can run with him as the primary option, but he's no AP. He'll get yards, but he won't change games. AP has missed significant time in every season since he was a freshman at Oklahoma. I wish him health, but AP had better hope for change.

Caveat - AP stays healthy

5 - Can the D-Line meet expectations?

The D-Line will be very good, but expectations have them leading the league in sacks and masking a mediocre secondary. They essentially have to be the best line in the league, or at least rival the Giant's performance of last year. Here's the thing, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams will always be double teamed. Pat Williams can push a single defender back, but he's not getting around anyone. This leaves it to Ray Edwards to make plays one-on-one. In short, the difference between a good line and a great line is whether Ray Edwards can make plays in isolation. This is an open question.

Caveat - Ray Edwards has 10+ sacks.

Prediction - 8-8

Republican Dirty Tricks

Republicans Glen Taylor and Kevin McHale teamed up to deal a decisive blow for the vast right wing conspiracy last night by swapping draft picks with the Memphis Grizzlies and thus ending the Gay-Love era before it could really start. This victory for family values means that Memphis merchandise sales will plummet as every equal sign and rainbow will not be plastered over with a Grizzly logo. A sad day for egalitarian love and bumper sticker makers everywhere.

Feeling Out the Second Round

Right now the Bulls are on the clock, but in a few hours the Wolves will have two early second round picks - the 1st and the 4th of the Second Round. Here are some players that might be available...

C Roy Hibbert - His stock value has rebounded, but not to the lofty levels he was at last year. Had he skipped his senior season Hibbert would have been taken 7th by Minny or 10th by Sacremento. He'll likely go 12-20 and the Wolves will have to trade both 2nd round picks to move up and grab him if he's not gone to Sacramento at 12.

SG Chris Douglas-Roberts - He may slip to the second round, but I could see him going late teens to Washington. I find it unbelievable that Boston would let him slip out of the 1st round as he is the ideal replacement for Ray Allen. But if he does, the Wolves should pounce. Glut of SG be damned, this one can score AND play defense.

PF Serge Ibaka - He's a virtual lock for the second round after his agent said he will be playing in Europe next year, but he's a first round talent and Seattle at 32 won't let him slide. He's a real talent but does need time to fill out and refine his skills, so a few years in Europe will be good.

PF Joey Dorsey - Will probably be available with either pick, undersized, but has the reach and the muscle to play down low. Not an offensive player, but may be the next coming of Ben Wallace (the good afro version, not the crappy dreadlocked one).

C DeVon Hardin - Has legitimate size and athleticism (unlike Richards) and a poor offensive game. But no problem, AlJeff can score and this guy can play D and rebound while allowing AlJeff to be the 4.

SF Bill Walker - may not fall past Detroit, but if he has kicked his injuries he could be the answer at the 3, or the next version of Gerald Green. At least he won't go 15th.

C Nathan Jawaii - The Aussie will stay down under for a few years developping his game, but will be a beast when he enters the league.

SF Nic Batum - Could go as high as 13 to Portland, or could drop like a rock based on his heart condition and low production levels. Might be something after a few years in Europe.

If the Wolves want help now - CDR, Dorsey and Hardin are the choices. If sheer talent is the priority then go with Ibaka, CDR and Walker.

Final Pre-Draft Thoughts -UPDATED ALREADY!

*This year's draft is up in the air. It starts at the top where Chicago will likely take Rose, but that's not 100%. And then there is the drama that is Miami, the second pick, Beasley and Mayo. Here's hoping the Wolves exit the theater with Beasley, but who knows!

*So far three draft picks have changed hands. The #27 was sold by New Orleans to Portland. Charlotte traded a future "protected" pick (not sure how protected) to Denver for this year's #20, and Indiana acquired pick #17 from Toronto in the Ford/O'Neal trade. So essentially my mock is dead and believe there will be at least two more deals before the day is done.

*Deal #1 revolves around Portland. Fact is they have too many quality players on the roster (Martel, Outlaw), coming to the Roster (Rudy Fernandez and Oden), too many draft picks (13, 27, 33, 36, 55), are soft at SF, and weak at PG (Blake, Jack, Rodriquez). They are also flush with cash. I could see them using cash, the picks, and one of their many players to grab Memphis' pick at #5 - and grabbing Russell Westbrook to be the future PG. I could also see a deal with the Wolves that centers around Outlaw, and as many as 4 of their picks for the #3. Gallinari is a potential target, as is an established PG or SF.

*Deal #2 revolves around the Miami Heat. Can they trade the #2 pick and get the goods they want? Apparently, the #5, PG Kyle Lowry and SG Mike Miller aren't enough to move. Of course at 5, they could lose out on Mayo and Bayless. Miami is holding out for PG Mike Conley, who the Griz won't move. If I was Riley, and liked both Mayo and Bayless - I'd make the trade for Lowry et al. You get the point you need, and nice scorer in Miller, and one of your boys (Bayless) will drop to 5, but even better if you take a real big man like Love or Lopez and bench Blount. Here is my hunch, Riley is smitten with Mayo and will take him no matter what. Bayless is a smokescreen to make others think Miami has other options they like - but they don't.

If this is the case, MN is doing the right thing by sticking with Mayo at 3 and/or being very open to trades from the Knicks or Clips who badly want Mayo. This effectively kills any chance Seattle or Memphis have of jumping the Wolves for Beasley unless they give away a blue chip player. More and more I believe MN will stick it to Miami and force them to draft Mayo at 2 or they will make a nominal face saving trade - such as giving up Houston's second round pick in next year's draft (received in the Green/Snyder trade) to swap places.

*Deal #3 involves the Wolves. First off, they are doing the right thing by not trading before the first two picks - if Beasley is at 3 you take him unless you are bowled over with picks and players (Memphis gives up Conley and the 5 or Portland gives up Oden or Roy type of offer). But if Miami does take Beasley at 2, or trades to someone who does - the Wolves should trade down. The Knicks at 6 are at a nice spot, but have little other than future picks to offer - not a great partner. I like the Clippers offer of the #7, the top-10 protected Wolves pick owed the Clips from the Jaric trade, and a top-10 protected pick from the Clips next year. That would be a nice haul and the Wolves could choose from Westbrook, Love, Alexander, or Lopez. All of which are deals or make sense at 7, but not at 3.

*Another nice idea I heard was a three way with Golden State and Milwaukee. Milwaukee would land the 3, Golden State would get Jianlian, and MN walks away with the #8, the #14, and Brandon Wright (might also have to give up one or both second round picks). This deal is better than the Clips offer, but more difficult to pull off.

*The last big idea out there is the Wolves going for broke and trading Al Jefferson to the Bulls for the #1 pick. I love this idea! AlJeff is good at two things, scoring and rebounding. And because he's good at two things instead of just one, he's the best player on the Wolves, but he's not the kind of guy you can build around. The Wolves desperately need guys that are good at two or three things - such as defense, passing, scoring and rebounding. Beasley and Rose are those kind of players, and you could get both for Al Jeff and giving Miami their protected 1st rounder from the Blount trade back. But this won't happen, too bad.

*I predict an exciting night for the Wolves. They will either walk away with Beasley or a boatload of talent from trading the #3 pick. Either way, this team will be all the more exciting to follow tomorrow morning.
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SHEESH! I didn't have this thing out 15 minutes before two of my scenarios blew up!

*First, the Clippers and Sonics are swapping #4 and #7 with the Sonics getting a protected pick for next year. But ESPN reports that the deal is off if the Wolves pick Mayo at #3 - which probably won't happen! So Seattle took the initiative away from the Wolves by locking up a contingent deal with the Clips. This is a black mark against McHale.

*The next big trade is New Jersey Sending Richard Jefferson to the Bucks for Yi and Simmons. No picks exchanged, but it blows away my three way with Golden State possibility. I love the Deal for the Bucks. Simmons was overrated and expensive while Yi won't amount to anything. The Bucks keep their 8th pick, probably too late to get Westbrook to be the PG, but they now have the luxory of taking the best player available - my guess is Bayless. Their starting 5 is set and impressive -
PG Mo Williams - 17.2 PPG 6.3 Assts
SG Michael Redd - 22.7 PPG 4.3 RBD, 3.4 Assts
SF Richard Jefferson - 22.6 PPG, 4.2 RBD, 3.1 Assts
PF Charlie Villenuva - 11.7 PPG, 6.1 RBD
C Andrew Bogut - 14.3 PPG, 9.8 RBD

They could take Bayless, have him replace Redd, and try trading Redd... easier said than done with his contract.

I don't know if this team can mesh as it will require Mo Williams to pass more and shoot less - and I have no idea about the defensive toughness of this group - but Skiles will certainly instill some. But I like this team much better with Jefferson than with Yi. Other than dumping about $10million, I don't get this deal for NJ - unless it is a "get young pieces now so when we move to Brooklyn and sign LeBron he'll have decent support in Devin Harris and Yi". This deal might make sense in NJ 3 years from now. But in the mean time NJ goes from playoff contender to officially rebuilding and MKE becomes a contender immediately.

Updated NBA Mock Draft

My 14th and 20th pick in the draft decided to go back to school, so here is the updated version:

1 - Chicago: PG Derrick Rose
It would make sense to take Beasley, but I get the feeling they lost faith in Hinrich. Look for a Hinrich/Gooden trade to Inidana for Jermaine O'Neal and his awful contract. I could also see the Bulls trading Hinrich or Gordon to the Clips for the 7th pick and a bad contract (Cutino Mobley).

2 - Miami: SG OJ Mayo
I believe the hype. I think Riley is nuts, but he's going to take OJ over Beasley. I for one liked the Marion/Beasley/Wade trio with Boozer replacing Marion next year. Add a pass first point guard and this team is on. Instead you'll have two scorers in the backcourt and a lousy front court. This would be greatest NCAA tournament team ever.

3 - Minnesota: F Mike Beasley
The recent measurements had him undersized for a 4, but that's okay when Al Jefferson is your 4. Essentially Minnesota gets Carmelo Anthony without the tats. I'll take it! If OJ is available here as sanity demands but Riley rejects - take Mayo and trade Foye (trade Foye anyway, but that's another post).

4 - Seattle: PG Jerryd Bayless
Everyone has Bayless here, but I don't believe it. Yes the Sonics need a PG, but I don't believe that the Sonics believe in Bayless. I predict trade for a decent PG or a C.

5 - Memphis: PF Anthony Randolph
ESPN claims they like Love, but I see them going more athletic to keep up with Conley and Gay. They also have Marc Gasol coming over, so this team could be set in a year or two once they gel.

6 - New York: PG Russel Westbrook
But they really want Bayless. I could see Seattle making the swap and then taking Brook Lopez here.

7 - LA Clips: SG Erik Gordon
I can also see the Clips trading for veteran help or taking SF Galinari to replace Maggete.

8 - Milwaukee: SF Joe Alexander
I had the Italian here, but they wise up and take Alexander. Might be a reach, but this works better for the Bucks.

9 - Charlotte: C Kevin Love
Because he's better than Brook Lopez.

10 - New Jersey: C Brooke Lopez
The Nets beg to differ.

11 - Indiana: PG DJ Augustine
I previously had DeAndre Jordan here, but it seems that he's finally been exposed.

12 - Sacramento: SF Danilo Galinari
No PG's to choose from and Galinari is a value at 12.

13 - Portland: SG Nic Batum
They can leave the 6'8" Frenchy in France and roll with their loaded roster.

14 - Golden State: PF Darrel Arthur
They lost out on Chase dropping out of the draft, but they get an awesome talent in Arther who will be huge down the road.

15 - Phoenix: SF Brandon Rush
He's ready to play now, but they'll probably trade this pick.

16 - Philadelphia: C Mareese Speights
He's big and Philly needs big - but might go back to school.

17 - Toronto: SF Donte Green
If your like me and don't believe in Andrea, this is a good pick.

18 - Washington: C Robin Lopez
I was oringinally thinking hometown fav Hibbert, but he can't run with the Wiz.

19 - Cleveland: C Kosta Koufos
He's from Ohio.

20 - Denver: C DeAndre Jordan
Not a bad risk pick to eventually replace Camby.

21 - New Jersey: C Roy Hibbert
They need bigs... now they have one.

22 - Orlando: PF JJ Hickson
Allows Orlando to play big, but they still need a decent PG.

23 - Utah: SG Bill Walker
Could also play the 3 when Boozer walks.

24 - Seattle: PF Serge Ibaka
Everyone thinks they'll take a big foreigner and stash him. I agree.

25 - Houston: C Javale McGee
Can Mutumbo go another year? Can Yao get through a whole season?

26 - San Antonio: PF Alexis Ajinca
Could actually become a player in the future, but wouldn't they rather have Ryan Gomes?

27 - New Orleans: SG Chris Douglas Roberts
A nice wing man to replace Mo Pete.

28 - Memphis: C Nathan Jawai
The Aussie Center adds much needed depth to the front court in a few years.

29 - Detroit: PF Jason Thompson
Small school, good defender, and Ben Wallace is going away soon.

30 - Boston: PG Mario Chalmers
Because Sam Cassel has to go.

2nd Round - 4 picks only

31 - Minnesota: PF Joey Dorsey
Small, but a beast in the blocks. Pairs up nicely with AlJeff.

32 - Seattle: PG George Hill
He's from a small school but has been burning up the workouts. Provides a nice backup to Bayless or option to move Bayless to SG.

33 - Portland: C Omer Asik
All about the secret stash - can be left overseas to develop.

34 - Minnesota: C Devon Hardin
A defensive specialist with freakish size and a 4.0 student...

Blowing it Up! T-Wolves Style

Watching the NBA Playoffs has been illuminating. They have taught me that the Wolves are no where near competing at that level. The Wolves are lacking:

- A player you can trust at both ends of the court.

- Defense of any sort.

- A guy with the court vision and unselfishness to make others better.

The Wolves are all one-dimensional, selfish, and don't play D. The only legit big man (AlJeff) has acknowledged his poor defense, and outside of Jaric (who should never play), no one plays perimeter D. Brewer offers some hope since he was a tenacious NCAA defender, but his lack of minutes, disorientation, and awful shot kept him on the bench and unproven (does the kid lack the mental toughness to play or is this a case of awful coaching?).

Regarding court vision, this usually comes from the point guard or the best player. KG and Kobe are two such non-PG's who have the vision and ability to get their teammates easy shots. AlJeff is the best player, but dishing and creating for others are not part of his game. Sebastion Telfair was good enough to displace Marko Jaric, but Telfair is still widely considered one of the worst point guards in the league. Foye didn't get enough reps at the point due to injury, and in some cases I'd be willing to role with his development. However, I think he's a shoot first guy and evolving into a creator will be a very tall order.

So blow it up! Blow it all up!

#1 Announce to the world that you believe there are three quality players in this draft - Beasley, Mayo and Rose - and that you will be taking who ever is left at 3. This will stop Miami from monkeying around and increase the odds of landing Beasley. If Miami wants Mayo, they have to take him at 2.

#2 Offer a trade of Randy Foye and Antoine Walker to the Clippers for the 7th Pick, the Wolves top-10 protected pick, Cutino Mobley (bad contract) and Dan Dickau (needed $700k to make it work). The Clips make this trade to get a scoring 2 to replace Maggette (Thornton grabs the 3 spot), also Foye is a combo guard who can play the point backing up an ailing Shaun Livingston, and they dump their bad Mobley contract for Walker's expiring contract (who might actually provide Mobley like production at the 3 if they make a playoff push).
Potential Spoiler: Clips sign Gilbert Arenas or Knicks take Westbrook.

The Wolves do this to get back their at-risk draft pick and pair Mobley with Hudson and Madsen creating $18M of relief after the 09/10 season. The main reason they make this trade is to grab UCLA PG Russel Westbrook - a highly athletic, pass first, intense defender. Westbrook immediately upgrades the perimeter defense, give the Wolves the option to run, and has shown the ability to learn and grow into the position. Yes, he'll need time to develop, but that only helps the Wolves get good draft picks until the team is ready to compete in 2010.

#3 Trade the 1st and 4th second round picks to Phoenix for the 15th pick. Phoenix is already $12M above the salary cap before adding a mandatory 1st round contract. They could use the two early second rounders to get players overseas who won't need to be paid and can develop for the post Nash/Shaq era. Maybe Phoenix can get someone at 15 to help next year, but I doubt it. Brandon Rush would be the best bet, but how does he add depth to a team with Barbosa, Hill, Bell and Diaw at those positions?

How the Wolves use this pick depends on who they get at 3. If as expected they get Mayo, they take SF Bill Walker (unless Joe Alexander or Galinari fall this far) to be the offensive counterpart to Brewer at the 3. Walker becomes the scoring catalyst 6th man. If the Wolves get Beasley, they take Chris Douglas-Roberts. The sweet shooting, intense defending shooting guard (think Rip Hamilton) gives the Wolves the option of playing small with Beasley at the 4 or being the 6th man behind Brewer.

#4 Trade Ryan Gomes to San Antonio for the 26th pick. San Antonio does this because they get a quality guy to tag team with an aging Bowen to help right now.

#5 Trade Rashad McCants to New Orleans for the 27th pick. NO gets a SG that can actually score and is cheaper and better than Mo Pete or Pargo. Rashad is also ready to contribute now.

#6 Option A - trade both new picks to Washington for the 18th pick and take C Robin Lopez. Lopez is the defense first big man who matches nicely with Al. Robin is used to accommodating
the scoring big and allows AlJeff the easier defensive assignment.

Option B - Not everyone believes Lopez is a legit NBA defender, so instead keep #26 and #27 and use one on PF Joey Dorsey - the defensive and rebounding machine in the mold of Ben Wallace, and the other pick on a guy who has fallen too far (many possibilities, but CDR, Hibbert, Walker, Nic Batum, Brandon Rush or JJ Hickson could fall down to here.) Here the Wolves grab a gritty guy in Dorsey and some value while trusting in 2009 draft position to grab BJ Mullen or Hasheem Thabeet as true centers.

New Look Wolves - #3 Pick is OJ Mayo - (Most likely scenario)

Depth Chart -
PG - Russel Westbrook (Sebastion Telfair)
SG - OJ Mayo (Cutino Mobley)
SF - Corey Brewer (Bill Walker)
OPTION A
PF - Al Jefferson (Craig Smith)
C - Robin Lopez (Chris Richard)
OPTION B
PF - Joey Dorsey (JJ Hickson?)
C - Al Jefferson (Chris Richard)

Scrubs: Jaric, Buckner, Madsen, Dickau, (Smith)

Look at the front court. This could be the meanest perimeter defense in the league - yes, even as good as Detroit's. Westbrook and Brewer already have defensive reps, but what people forget is that Mayo shut down Bayless (8pts, 3 asts, 6 turn overs/ 10 pts, 2 asts, 3 to's) and Rose (9pts, 4 asts, 5 to's) head to head. He can cover and stop anyone. The backcourt is also much better with AlJeff taking the easy assignment and Lopez or Dorsey covering the scoring threat.

Yes, only AlJeff and Mayo can really score - but with Walker off the bench, Brewer and Westbrook improving their shots, and early draft picks in 2009 and 2010 - I like the potential. Start with D, then work on the jump shots.

AlJeff makes this option difficult, but this team could run. You could do the SSOL (seven seconds or less) offense with lock down D. At least the team would be exciting while they play brutal defense and tire out their opponents.

New Look Wolves - #3 Pick is Beasley

You could go big or small

Big lineup:

PG - Russel Westbrook 6'4"
SG - Corey Brewer 6'8"
SF - Mike Beasley 6'8"
PF - Al Jefferson 6'10"
C - Robin Lopez 7'0"
6th man - CDR 6'6"

Small lineup:
PG - Russel Westbrook 6'4"
SG - Chris Douglas-Roberts 6'6"
SF - Corey Brewer 6'8"
PF - Mike Beasley 6'8"
C - Al Jefferson 6'10"
6th man - Lopez or Dorsey

The advantage here is you have three legitimate scores in AlJeff, Beasley and CDR, and they all have distinct scoring styles - in the low blocks, from anywhere, and a sweet shot. This team with Westbrook and Brewer developing and Beasley being convinced to be a solid defender, could be the starting lineup for years to come.