posted June 20, 2008 at 17:58 EST in NBA Articles

It’s been so long since I did a Furious Seven, that I felt it was about time to crank one out. And what better to attack than the 2008 NBA Draft betting extravaganza, my favorite non-sporting sports event out there? Instead of giving you the gist of who’s taking who, why not just rank the best seven players in the draft, regardless of team need? Sometimes taking the best player available is the best choice. Just ask all the teams that passed on Deron Williams.

1. Derrick Rose (PG) – Memphis Tigers

Players who make everyone on the floor better because of their presence get special consideration in my book. Rose was the piston that drove the Memphis engine up and down the floor, and his potential and intangibles are already surfacing. Fantastic leadership ability, ferocious intensity, grounded roots and a will to win encompass Rose’s resume. On top of that are his proven play making skills, his deft shooting ability and his size, which make him a Deron Williams in the making.

Chicago, honestly, would be certifiably [words I can’t use in a public forum] if they were to pass on Rose. He’s a Chicago native and easily the most versatile player on the board. Plus he’ll make everyone on any team better because of his ability to distribute the rock and create opportunities.

2. Michael Beasley (PF) – Kansas State Wildcats

His nickname is, “The Beast”. What more could you possible want to know? That’s the best nickname ever. The Beast – a terrible American lager, or a wicked, awesome basketball player. I love this game.

3. O.J. Mayo (SG) – USC Trojans

Whomever gets him is getting a proven scorer. Mayo’s personality flaws were discounted when everyone realized he had nothing to with his agent’s failings, while his inability to push USC over the edge are being overlooked because he was asked to do too much as a Trojan. Mayo averaged 20.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His best bet would be to put on a team that is lacking a definitive scorer. Minnesota, anyone?

4. Kevin Love (C) – UCLA Bruins

I find it insulting that Love has fallen so low on so many draft boards. How many times do we have to bank on “potential” before we start investing in proven commodities. Kevin Love is not Bryant Reeves. Not even close. He’s a big, smart, basketball hogging rebounder with a soft touch and an disgustingly impressive talent when passing the ball.

For all of his knocks about his low “athletic ceiling”, those are completely offset by his proven talent and understanding of the game. He’s a great basketball player, damn it! What more could you ask for? A higher vertical?? He’s 6-foot-freaking-ten with pterodactyl arms!

5. Joe Alexander (SF) – West Virginia

Alexander is a significant athletic talent, certainly not short on energy. His skills are raw, but his desire to win was certainly proved during March Madness. His will to win is outstanding, and at 6-foot-8 and 220 lbs., he’s got an ideal frame for the NBA position at small-forward. He’s difficult to grade due to the top-10 teams (other than Milwaukee, but who wants to play there anyways?) pretty much being solid at small-forward, but Alexander’s potential and talent are undeniable. That’s why he’s here.

6. Jerryd Bayless (PG) – Arizona Wildcats

The scouts love Rose, but Bayless isn’t that far behind. He’s not as proven as Rose is, but his size and handle are impressive. He’s listed as the dreaded “combo guard”, but he brings up the ball and runs the point as well as anyone. The reason he gets the “combo” tag is because he can shoot the lights out too.

At 6-foot-3, with tremendous speed and a thick frame, Bayless shows the promise of rewarding his betting faithful with a high basketball IQ. The only reason that Bayless would drop is if teams are stupid enough to pass on a big point-guard with an excellent shot. With the NBA’s current draft record at GM, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bayless fell.

7. Anthony Randolph (PF) – LSU

As a teenage freshman, the powerful Randolph bullied his way to 15.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. What I like about Randolph is his tenacity and his vicious nature, which are both intangibles required to be a bruiser at the power-forward position. Randolph is a tad undersized, weighing in at 197 lbs. with a 6-foot-10 frame. But if you could measure a guy purely on intensity and intangibles, Randolph would be way up the list.

You’ll find the latest 2008-2009 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!