NEW YORK--We're a little less than 75 minutes from the start of the draft and the top prospects are standing on the stage at WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden being photographed. Most of the players look pretty serious. Of course Michael Beasley is smiling and seems to be cracking jokes with some of the guys.
These guys have been trying to kill time all day. They had a meeting with the NBA this morning and then a luncheon with commissioner David Stern. The players and their families are staying at the same hotel as many of of the out of town media. Many of the players and their families were lounging around the lobby. ESPN cameras were following Beasley, since they are chronicling his pre-draft experience in a series of short videos.
The "green room" here is situated right by the stage, which is right by the media.
Check back the blog for updates. Obviously there will be more to report once the draft starts. Mike will be reporting from AmericanAirlines Arena and I'll be giving you updates from the Garden.
7 p.m.: Beasley is sending text messages. This place is really alive. O.J. Mayo has a large contingency here and they're waving signs congratulating Mayo. West Virginia coach Bob Huggins is seated at forward Joe Alexander's table. Huggins, who recruited Michael Beasley to Kansas State, shared a long embrace with Beasley. Supersonics forward Kevin Durant, last year's No. 2 pick, is here. He and Beasley played on the same AAU team and are close friends. Memphis coach John Calipari is here to support Derrick Rose.
7:08 p.m.: ESPN reporting that Miami still shopping No. 2 pick. Heat is reportedly talking to Clippers about a trade that would include Shawn Marion for Elton Brand and the team's first round picks. ESPN also said that Heat wants Rudy Gay, Mike Conley Jr. and the No. 5 pick for Miami to part with the No. 2 pick. Not a surprise that ESPN also is saying that Chicago will take Derrick Rose.
7:37 p.m. The Heat's Dorell Wright is here in the crowd.
7:39 p.m. The Bulls select Derrick Rose first overall. Beasley is clapping.
Beasley said he felt really relieved to go the Heat. He started thinking that he would fall to third or fourth because of the trade rumors.
Beasley's mother Fatima Smith was in tears and really pleased that he will wind up in Miami. She said she would move to South Florida but be in the "shadows."
Beasley said he had a lot of trouble sleeping last night and while smiling a lot he looked mentally spent from all the pre-draft craziness.
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