NBA Draft Highlights

For the first time in NBA draft history, the first three picks were college players who just completed their freshmen years. The Chicago Bulls chose Memphis guard Derrick Rose as the first pick overall. He was followed by Kansas State's Michael Beasley, who went to the Miami Heat, and O.J. Mayo of the University of Southern California who was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"We actually talked about this earlier," Beasley said. "We all grew up together and we all grew up playing against each other and we all made a pact together that we would all be here. Just to see it all fall into place and see it all happen is kind of crazy."

Five of the top seven selections were freshmen, as were 10 of the first round draftees, both NBA records. More information can be found on the Official Home Page of the NBA.


Draft 2008 Lottery Picks (courtesy of NBCSports.com):

1. Bulls, Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis.
2. Heat, Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State.
3. Timberwolves, O.J. Mayo, SG, USC.
4. Sonics, Russell Westbrook, G, UCLA.
5. Grizzlies, Kevin Love, C, UCLA.
6. Knicks, Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy.
7. Clippers, Eric Gordon, G, Indiana.
8. Bucks, Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia.
9. Hornets, D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas.
10. Nets, Brook Lopez, C, Stanford.
11. Pacers (later sent to Portland), Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona.
12. Kings, Jason Thompson, PF, Rider.
13. Blazers (later sent to Indiana), Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas.

Carmelo Anthony arrested for DUI

NBA star Carmelo Anthony was arrested early Monday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence. The All-Star player for the Denver Nuggets was stopped on Interstate 25 after weaving in and out of his lane and failing to dim his lights. The arrest came just hours after his worst game of the season.

Anthony was ticketed and released at the scene after failing a series of sobriety tests, said Detective Sharon Hahn. Those arrested for DUI in Denver are not jailed, but Anthony is due in court May 14.

"Carmelo apologizes to his fans, the Denver community, his teammates and the Nuggets organization for the distraction this is causing them," said Anthony's attorney, Dan Recht.

He also said Anthony had taken a blood test and the results would be available in several weeks, but, for now, "Carmelo will try to stay focused on his family and his team."

The Nuggets organization said they were aware of the arrest but declined to comment. The team is in the midst of a heated playoff battle and are currently a half game ahead of the Golden State Warriors for the last spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

This is not the first such problem for Anthony. In February he was given a speeding ticket for driving 25 mph over the posted speed limit in Araphoe County. His hearing is scheduled for next month. Last season he was in a brawl in Madison Square Garden, punching the New York Knicks' Mardy Collins, leading to a 15-game suspension.