Last year at this time, I played ESPN's draft calculator a lot to see whether the Blazers, picking seventh, had a shot at the #1 or #2 pick. I was pleasantly surprised to see how often it came up, so while I was shocked, stunned, and stupefied when we won the #1 pick, I wasn't terribly surprised.

This year, we have the #13 pick. Could lightning strike twice? I ran ESPN's draft calculator 50 times. It came up the #13 pick 49 times. One time out of 50, it came up as... the 14th pick. You can try it yourself at:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/lottery2008/mockdraft

Looks like KP better plan on having the #13 pick this year. If we won the lottery again, I think both Ralph Nader and I would be calling for a federal investigation.

I would like to see the Blazers draft Russell Westbrook, but he may not last to #13. The player ESPN seems to think we want at that pick is Danilo Gallinari.

Who?

The thumbnail report ESPN provides on Gallinari says that he "reminds scouts of Toni Kukoc because of his fantastic basketball IQ. He has point forward skills, can score from just about anywhere, and has excellent leadership qualities. Despite his rather ordinary athleticism and a so-so 3-point shot, he's easily the best international prospect in the draft."

That's not a very encouraging review, but the guy can't be too awful, because NBAdraft.net has him going at #9 to Chicago and DraftExpress.com has him going #6 to the Clippers.

I'll express in Italian my opinion of Gallinari: NOOOOOOO!

If we have to start adding players who are slow-footed and can't dunk, they'd better at least be able to shoot the three. And who ever heard of a Euro who doesn't like to shoot the three? We already have players at small forward (and point guard) who have weaknesses. Why add another?

Still, ESPN at least seems to think Gallinari is going to be the best player available for us at #13.