Paul George reaction

It only took ten selections for the first big suprise of Thursday's NBA Draft - the Pacers' selection of Paul George. While even avid college basketball fans may not have ever watched George star at Fresno State for two seasons, his potential is unmistakeable once you see him play.

His most common NBA comparison is Danny Granger, and you can see a lot of DG in his game. He's long, athletic, and he can score, but will need some polish to become a complete player. Because of the Granger comparisons, some Pacers' fans have panned the pick, but the Blue and Gold need talented players - regardless of their position.

George immediately becomes Granger's backup, and may eventually push for a starting spot alongside Granger if Brandon Rush continues to struggle.

What's the Scenario?

With the NBA Draft just a few days away, the Pacers find themselves in an interesting spot. With rumored trades involving Jonny Flynn and Minnesota as well as Oklahoma City, the Blue and Gold aren't short on options. Here are some of the scenarios:

Pacers Draft Scenario #1: Keep the pick, roll with the point guards they already have.
The Pacers really have two options at #10: a big or a wing. Potential wing prospects include: Avery Bradley (Texas), Gordon Hayward (Butler), Xavier Henry (Kansas), and James Anderson (Oklahoma).

Pacers Draft Scenario #2: Keep the pick, and draft a point guard with one of the 2nd round selections.
There is no one in the 2nd round that could be an immediate NBA starter. Possible 2nd round options: Terrico White (Miss. State), Willie Warren (Oklahoma), Grevis Vasquez (Maryland), Matt Bouldin (Gonzaga), Sherron Collins (Kansas), and Denis Clemente (Kansas State).

Pacers Draft Scenario #3: Trade down, and if Murphy is included in the deal, draft a power forward.
This is a fantastic draft for bigs. Patrick Patterson (Kentucky), Cole Aldrich (Kansas), Ed Davis (North Carolina), Paul George (Fresno State), Ekpe Udoh (Baylor), Hassan Whiteside (Marshall), and Daniel Orton (Kentucky) all could fall somewhere in the late teens or early 20's.

Pacers Draft Scenario #4: Draft Luke Harangody.
Hey, he played four years, was super productive, and has limited upside - this fits the recent trend of Pacers' First Round picks.

Ultimately, I think the Pacers are going to deal the pick, probably for a starter-caliber point guard. The question is whether or not they'll get a pick in return. It's a shame that in a draft full of NBA-ready forwards, the Pacers biggest needs are in the backcourt.

Rob Job

So, raise your hand if you're tired of officiating controversies...

Just a handful of weeks after Jim Joyce's imperfect gaffe ruined a piece of baseball history, the "human element" has struck the world of sports again. It's been over 48 hours since Koman Coulibaly inexplicably disallowed what would've capped an improbable rally by the Americans in their match against Slovenia.

With Slovenia reeling in the 84th minute, Maurice Edu toed in the soccer equivalent of a walk-off homer, only to have it waved off for an apparent offsides. After surveying the video replays, the call was changed to a foul (think Scottie Pippen on Hubert Davis). Looking more closley at the tape, it was Slovenia that was draping the Americans on that free kick - Michael Bradley was essentially bear-hugged by a defender. In a game where the slightest trip results in a yellow card, the Slovenian players were given free reign like Dale and Antonio Davis jockeying for a rebound.



Sure, the Americans should've never been a position to have to rally against Slovenia, the smallest of the 32 countries participating in the World Cup. However, in the world's biggest sporting event, calls like this are inexcusable. Say what you want about Team USA putting themselves in a bad position with a horrid performance in the first half, but that doesn't change the fact that soccer is a 90-minute game and the Americans won that match in the 84th minute.

There was considerable outcry afterwards, but some of the blow was softened by Algeria's stunning 0-0 draw against England. Team USA still controls their own destiny, but would've been virtually guaranteed a trip to the Round of 16 had Coulibaly done the right thing.

R.I.P. Coach Wooden

I have nothing to add to the recent conversation about the passing of John Wooden. I never met Coach Wooden, but know several who did. All I can say is that I've never heard of anyone say a negative word about John Wooden the person, and that's the best thing you can say about the true essence of the man.

R.I.P to perhaps the greatest product of this great state of Indiana.