NBA Draft Lottery: A Look Ahead For The SuperSonics

Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 20th) at 5pm PST, Kevin Durant will have the honor of representing the Sonics at the NBA Draft Lottery. The Supes have a great chance of obtaining the number One overall selection (19.9% to be exact). Here's a look at what they may do if they get the #1 pick.

Option 1: The Sonics select Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State

This would make the Sonics an interesting team. The Green and Gold would have 3 athletic players at 6'9" or taller. With Jeff Green, Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley, this team could run the floor extremely well and have great length on defense. The team would present match-up problems for their opponents as well. Teams would have to contain Beasley and Durant from the inside out, and Green could play his game as a distributor and spot scorer from the inside. The team would be pretty solid defensively. Durant is able to guard smaller guards, having being forced with the task of guarding Steve Nash. Beasley could guard smaller Centers and all Power Forwards, while Green could take the task of the Small Forwards. Overall, this would be a great team to watch, and could turn into a tough one to play.

Option 2: The Sonics select Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

The Sonics have not had a competitive Point Guard since the Gary Payton trade of 02-03. With Rose, the Supes would add a PG who could drive the lane, dish assists, AND play defense (something they've been lacking from that position). The one problem I can see with this pick is the lack of 3-pt shooting. Durant is not a great outside shooter, although he has had moments when he uses good shot selection. Rose would only add to this problem, only shooting 34% from downtown in his only season in college.

Option 3: The Sonics trade the pick

If the Sonics trade the pick, its because they feel they can fill 2 roles equally well with this draft. Keep in mind, the team also posses the #24 pick in the First Round, and multiple picks over the next 3 years. If the team trades down, look for it to be with Memphis, another team with 2 First Round selections.

Look for the Sonics to try to move the #24 pick, to either advance in the picking order or fall back. If DeAndre Jordan, Kevin Love, or D.J. Augustin fall towards the bottom of the lottery, look for them to be aggressive.

Even if the Supes don't win the right to the #1 pick, they are guaranteed to get either Rose or Beasley if they get the Second pick. Even if they aren't in the top 2, this draft is very deep and they can get great value to build around.