MiddleClassSports.com

David Stern takes the podium to deliver an opening speech. The New York crowd is jeering him. Stern squirms. Why is he still talking?

Okay, finally the Bulls are on the clock. Will they use the full five minutes, even though they know they are taking Rose? If they do, they are the new villains of the NBA.

JVG is on Valium, I think. He is talking so slowly I’m sleeping between words.

We see the Bulls draft room. They are sitting there, watching the television, as the ESPN guys critique their roster and try to determine who they should move. I’m waiting to see if they break out laughing at one of Jay Bilas’ suggestions.

Derrick Rose goes first. Here is my take on this: Everyone is excited about him going home to play in Chicago. I’m not sure that is a good thing. I don’t know about Rose’s upbringing or the neighborhood he grew up in. But don’t we see many athletes get in trouble because they can’t break away from the friends they grew up with? If there is any trouble in Rose’s past, it will haunt him in Chicago.

The Heat do the predictable thing with the second pick and choose Beasley. He played his college ball in Manhattan, Kansas. Going from Kansas to Miami will be a culture change, but if he wants to play basketball, he’ll keep out of trouble.

The Wolves select OJ Mayo, even though they don’t need a guard. Mayo doesn’t look thrilled with the team he’s been selected by. I’m not sure I like that. I do like the small glasses, though. My question is this: I know Mayo wants to be in the NBA, but will he play hard in Minnesota?

Seattle has six picks in the draft. They pick next at 4. They choose Russell Westbrook, the second Pac-10 player chosen. Now, here’s where anything can happen. The draft order will be very unpredictable from here on out.

Stephen A. is asking one question to each pick after they are chosen, and it is always the same: What are you? Did ESPN give us a Stephen A. windup doll that is capable of asking only one question? And if they did, are you as glad as I am? This is a huge improvement on the regular season version of Stephen A.

Memphis, at 5, choose Kevin Love, the third Pac-10 player in a row to be chosen.

This draft is boring. The ESPN crew is out of sync. I don’t think five minutes between picks is enough for them. It’s more than enough for me.

New York picks next. Maybe things will get interesting now. The New York crowd does not want Danilo Gallinari. Will the Knicks bow to the will of the crowd? For entertainment’s sake, I hope not.

Doris Burke is doing the family interviews. She’s perfect for that. She has a gentle voice/touch.

With the sixth pick, the Knicks select…Danilo Gallinari. Let the boos begin! I love it! This is what I was waiting for! Get used to this, Danilo. You’ll be hearing it all season.

Are you wondering how Fran Fraschilla became ESPN’s international guru?

Poor Danilo. In his interview, he said, “New York is the best city in the world.” The crowd? More boos. At least Danilo is trying.

Eric Gordon, sporting a sweet white suit, goes seventh to the Clippers.

On ESPN’s bottom line, where the selections are scrolling across the screen, they are promoting Tuesday’s WNBA game. Do they think that will make more of us want to watch a WNBA game?

Joe Alexander goes eighth to Milwaukee. From West Virginia to Milwaukee. I hope he’s okay with that. In his interview with Stephen A. (hereby known as just A for the rest of this Notebook), he said “I can’t wait to get to Milwaukee.” Now that’s what I want to hear from a draft pick.

Finally, a surprise! Charlotte picks DJ Augustin, when everyone thought they’d pick Brook Lopez. Lopez looks like he’s on the verge of tears. What he is thinking? Is he thinking about the dollars he’s losing with each pick chosen? Is he wondering if he made a mistake by going pro? Is he afraid his brother, Robin, will get chosen before him?

Lopez is the tenth pick, going to New Jersey. Now, we wait to see where Robin will go. Those two guys played together at Stanford. Brook is going cross-country. Where will Robin go?

Doris Burke interviews Robin Lopez, who lays some smack on his brother. Good stuff. Brook is a “steal,” according to Jay, at number ten.

At 11, Indiana goes with Jerryd Bayless, the fifth Pac-10 player chosen so far. Anyone still wondering why the Pac-10 was the best college conference last year?

Jason Thompson goes at 12 to Sacramento. He shot up the draft boards. A week ago, he was projected to go in the second round. Thompson is the first senior chosen. By the way, he went to Rider. When was the last time a senior from Rider went in the lottery?

Portland chooses next. They go with Brandon Rush. Good pick for them. He is an athlete that will fit into the athletic team that Portland is building.

Jay’s six best available players are all big men. Will we see a rush on big men?

Anthony Randolph goes at 14 to Golden State.  The lottery is over.  That means that The Interactive Notebook is over for tonight!  Thanks for joining me for the lottery portion of the draft.  Enjoy the rest of the night!