With the fifteenth pick in the 2008 SBNation NBA Mock Draft, the Phoenix Suns, represented by Bright Side of the Sun , select...
Danilo Gallinari, Small Forward, Italy. 6-9, 209 lbs.
Bright Side of the Sun says:
Some days you wake up and the birds are singing, the sun is shining, and Danilo Gallinari is available at 15.
Yes, the Suns need size. We also need a backup point guard. We also can't play defense. Luckily, Gallinari provides us with none of those things. Instead, he gives us an Cylon-cool competitor who gives the Suns not only more depth at the wing (where we depend on the uber-durable Grant Hill and uber-fiery Boris Diaw) but also a toughness that we're, allegedly, lacking. Also, his high skill level, experience in the Euroleague, and great basketball IQ means that he will be able to fit in quickly with a veteran squad.
There are very good arguments for some of the other picks, especially Robin Lopez, who would have given us another big and likely a better defensive prospect. But this pick is about attitude and skill, and, unlike Bargnani, Gallinari is the Extreme Italian who also happens to be the most skilled player available this side of Michael Beasley. The Suns are two years from a massive rebuilding project (35M dollars of the books!) and will need leaders who can step up in place of our retiring elders. Gallinari, with his ferocious Italian scowl, is that man.
So yes, we chose a man who doesn't fit any urgent need for our team, because we think he is meaner than everyone else. The fact that he is Ridiculously good at basketball is just icing.
The Philadelphia 76ers, represented by Ridiculous Upside, are on the clock.
The Golden State Warriors, represented by Golden State of Mind, are on the clock.
The 2008 SB Nation Mock Draft so far:
1. Chicago Bulls- Blog-A-Bull: Derrick Rose
2. Miami Heat- Peninsula is Mightier: Michael Beasley
3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Canis Hoopus: OJ Mayo
4. Seattle Supersonics- Ridiculous Upside: Eric Gordon
5. Memphis Grizzlies- 3 Shades of Blue: Kevin Love
6. New York Knicks- Posting and Toasting: Russell Westbrook
7. Los Angeles Clippers- Clips Nation: Jerryd Bayless
8. Milwaukee Bucks- BrewHoop: Anthony Randolph
9. Charlotte Bobcats- Queen City Hoops: Joe Alexander
10. New Jersey Nets-Nets Daily: Brook Lopez
11. Indiana Pacers-Indy Cornrows: DJ Augustin
12. Sacramento Kings- Sactown Royalty: Marreese Speights
13. Portland Trailblazers-Blazers Edge: Brandon Rush
14. Golden State Warriors- Golden State of Mind: DeAndre Jordan
15. Phoenix Suns- Bright Side of the Sun: Danilo Gallinari