So It Begins...

We have our first developments of the 2011 NBA Draft! Here they are:

- The Cavaliers plan to take Kyrie Irving at #1 (obviously), but the surprise is that they now plan on taking Jonas Valanciunas at the #4 spot. I'm surprised not because I think Valanciunas isn't talented enough to go at #4 (he definitely is), but because he won't be released from his contract in Europe until January at the earliest. This may imply a number of things. 1) The Cavs don't care if this pick results in an immediate impact. 2) They anticipate a lockout may make this complication irrelevant. 3) Valanciunas is simply too talented to pass up.  I find it hard to believe that Dan Gilbert isn't trying to improve immediately, especially after his prediction of a title before Lebron manages one, so I have to believe it's option #3. They must be enamored with Valanciunas's game, so they are willing to risk playing a year without him.

- There may be some issues with potential lottery pick Bismack Biyombo.  Though he terminated his contract with his former Spanish League team in April, the team has decided to sue and a court date has been set. What does this mean? He may not get immediate clearance to play in the NBA. Yeah, I'd call that a minor issue if a team was considering drafting him with a top pick.

- John Hollinger tweeted that the Wizards invited staff members from the Czech Republic embassy to the team draft party. Now, I don't know much, but I'm pretty sure they aren't doing that to celebrate drafting Kawhi Leonard. Get ready for Jan Vesely Wizards fans.

- We have our first trade! Here are the details:

Charlotte Bobcats receive: 7th overall pick, F - Corey Maggette
Milwaukee Bucks receive: 19th overall pick, G - Stephen Jackson
                                              G - Beno Udrih, G - Shaun Livingston
Sacramento Kings receive: 10th overall pick, G - John Salmons

In my opinion, great trade for Charlotte. They now have two top-10 picks (7 and 9), and picked up Maggette.  The Bobcats need talent, and these picks should go a long way. Don't be shocked if they try and trade up either. The Bucks dumped a tough contract (Salmons), but Stephen Jackson is not at all pleased with moving to Milwaukee. (Not exactly an improvement from Charlotte. Just as dull, but much colder.) Awful move by the Kings though. Salmon's contract sucks. And they went from the 7 to the 10 spot. Maybe this was a set-up move to get Tony Parker? We'll see, but according to sources, the Kings plan on taking Jimmer Fredette at the #10 spot. I'm sure he and Tyreke Evans will get along famously.

There are plenty more trades and other updates on the way. Stay tuned NBA fans.

(Side note: My mock draft is going to get destroyed.)