Kyler On Draft, Olshey, Harden, Celtics

While most mock drafters simply forecast the first 30 picks, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld doesn't stop after the first round — in his latest mock, he predicts all 60 selections, from Anthony Davis at No. 1 to Kris Joseph at No. 60. He also shares a few more items of interest in his NBA AM column and via Twitter. Here are a few highlights:

  • After Neil Olshey reached an agreement in principle with the Clippers to remain their GM, the Blazers increased their offer, forcing Olshey to reconsider. According to Kyler's sources, Clips owner Donald Sterling was offended by the tactic, with the two sides eventually breaking off talks.
  • The new CBA will make maximum contract offers more rare, tweets Kyler, who thinks it's extremely unlikely James Harden would receive such an offer if he hit restricted free agency.
  • Most teams with multiple first-round draft picks are looking to trade one of them. The Celtics, in particular, would like to move one of their picks or move up in the draft.
  • As I pointed out when I previewed the Celtics' offseason, Boston's best chance to retain its veterans and improve the roster is if Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen agree to re-sign for about half of their 2011/12 salaries.

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