I figured that I would let Ray Allen and the ever-disturbing ankle picture marinate a bit before making the final pick of the second round.  After LeBron James went first overall, we’ve seen a bunch of top-notch point guards a big men fly off of the board. 

Ideally, I would like to pair James with a stellar free throw shooter to help my glaring weakness that’s inherent from the sole selection of the King.  However, unless you reach for someone like Chauncey Billups or Vince Carter at this slot, you’re pretty much going to have to wait on a shooter.  Plus, if you go small, you’re stuck waiting another 22 picks before adding a big man…which could then turn ugly.

But not as ugly as the man I’m drafting with the 12th pick of the second round:

Carlos Boozer, PF/C, Utah Jazz

Last year, Boozer didn’t get his name called by the DroppingDimes Mock Draft until the second pick of the sixth round.  Dennis made the selection pretty much because I wouldn’t touch him with any of my picks, even though they were mock.  Well, I’ve matured a bit in my mock drafting ways and have decided to take the plunge on the money-grubbing big man.  If you were one of the people to land Boozer in the sixth round (or later), pat yourself on the back because you had one of the more consistent big men in the game last year.

It’s no secret that Boozer had a heck of a season by registering 20.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a steal per game while converting on 56.1% of his field goals.  What’s truly a surprise is that the big man played in 74 of the 82 games for the Jazz after putting up seasons of 51 and 33 games respectively…after signing a huge deal, promptly after screwing Cleveland. 

One of the “pros” of last season’s mock draft was that Boozer’s flexibility as a power forward and a center offers a ton of value for fantasy owners.  Several outlets have hinted towards the fact that he may in fact be only power forward eligible this season, which would significantly reduce his value being that he struggles to block shots (0.3 per game last year). 

So, if the former Blue Devil, and current con artist, maintains the almighty “C,” I have no reservations pairing him with a baller with whom he should be sharing the real hardwood…in Cleveland. 

No.  I’m not bitter.  At all.  Seriously.  OK, maybe a little bit.

(Picture courtesy of the wonderful CarlosLoozer.com)

Previous Picks
NOTE: Fantasy basketball mock draft teammate in bold.

1.1. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
1.2. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
1.3. Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns
1.4. Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston Celtics
1.5. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
1.6. Gilbert Arenas, PG, Washington Wizards
1.7. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
1.8. Amare Stoudemire, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
1.9. Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat
1.10. Chris Bosh, PF/C, Toronto Raptors
1.11. Elton Brand, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
1.12. Yao Ming, C, Houston Rockets

Previous Picks this Round

2.1. Pau Gasol, PF/C, Memphis Grizzles
2.2. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
2.3. Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets
2.4. Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers
2.5. Rashard Lewis, SF, Orlando Magic
2.6. Dwight Howard, PF/C, Orlando Magic
2.7. Josh Smith, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks
2.8. Tim Duncan, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs
2.9. Allen Iverson, PG, Denver Nuggets
2.10 Carmelo Anthony, SF, Denver Nuggets
2.11 Ray Allen, SG, Boston Celtics