#DORK 59: Firefly / Serenity

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#DORK 58: Game of Thrones Season 6

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Team USA Roster for 2016 Rio Olympics

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers

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"Live" Reaction to the Celtics #3 Pick

I'm an idiot. Didn't go live apparently. Watch on #Periscope: Untitled https://t.co/GmyfnZTHnZ

— Rich Keefe (@Keefe21) June 24, 2016

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#DORK 57: O.J.: Made in America

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BIG NEWS: WWE Suspends Roman Reigns After Violating Wellness Policy

Believe That! Today the WWE announced over Twitter that Joe Anoa'i (Roman Reigns) will be suspended for 30 days, effective immediately, for a violation of the company's wellness policy.
What exactly did he do? Who knows, the company rarely ever leaks that information out. It could be anything from smoking weed to using steroids, all that matters is that he did something that isn't allowed and he got caught.
Luckily for him (and the company, I guess), the Triple Threat match at Battleground between the former members of The Shield has already been set, and the event takes place a few days AFTER Roman's suspension is lifted, so he can still compete in that. But how does this affect the build up for the match? I personally found it odd to have this main event a "B Show" PPV considering this is a dream match built for WrestleMania but with Summerslam right around the corner it seemed like something funny would happen anyways to at least carry the feud into Brooklyn anyways. But with Roman being so out of favor with the crowd and now being handed this suspension, how does this hurt him moving forward?
Sadly, today is Tuesday, so we'll have to wait until at least next week's Raw to find out anything really, but it'll be interesting to see how Vince and the boys will work around this one.

Little Besse

Keefe's 2016 NBA Mock Draft

Before we get started, a quick breakdown of what you got here.  This is how I WOULD draft it if I were the GM for all 30 teams, not how I expect the draft to go.  Also I am not predicting any trades (which of course there will be), so the Celtics won't take 8 players... but if they did, here is who I would have them take...

Round 1

1. Philadelphia 76ers - Ben Simmons, F, LSU, Freshmen

Despite some issues (shooting, not making the tournament, trying to angle for LA) I still think Simmons is the best player in the draft and who Philly should take.  They have all kinds of problems and need to figure it out, or don't, doesn't really effect me.

2. Los Angeles Lakers - Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke, Freshmen

Just a string bean of a guy, but so was/is Kevin Durant.  That is obviously an unfair comparison, one he will have to deal with.  He may not even stay in LA long, as LeBron will sign with the Lakers and then he will trade Ingram for Carmelo.

3. Boston Celtics - Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma, Senior

People act like he came out of no where this year.  Not true.  He was Big 12 Player of the Year as a Junior, he improved every year he was at Oklahoma.  Best shooter in the draft, sign me up.

4. Phoenix Suns - Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky, Freshmen

I also love this guy.  The "Blue Arrow" and if the Celtics draft him, well, he'd just be the "Green Arrow" almost makes too much sense.  Not a super-athlete but his shooting ability should make him an NBA starter in short order.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia, International

6. New Orleans Pelicans - Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington, Freshmen

Unreal athlete whose stock is flying up draft boards.  I'd be worried about his poor rebounding (and Tyrus Thomas comparison) but his potential is too high to pass up at #6.

7. Denver Nuggets - Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State, Freshmen

I love shooters.  There aren't many in this draft.  After Hield and Murray there might not be another one that even goes in the lottery.  If I'm the Nuggets (and I am in this scenario remember) I'd pair up Emmanuel Mudiay with the next best shooter IMO, Malik Beasley.  (Maybe trade down for him, but I'm not here to orchestrate deals.)

8. Sacramento Kings - Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, Junior

I'm not even sure he's as good as Marcus Smart, but that may not be a horrible thing as I am very pro-Marcus Smart.  I'd be concerned about his injuries and his jump shot, will probably struggle to score in the NBA but can make play for his teammates and defend.

9. Toronto Raptors - Timothe Luwawu, SG, France, International

This is based more off of need for Toronto than me being a huge fan of... who is it, Tim Luwawu?  I don't claim to be well versed in the international players outside or scouting reports and the occasional YouTube video, but Luwawu feels like the next best guard in the draft and the Raps may be saying goodbye to DeMar DeRozan.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah, Sophomore

Sneaky lot of big men in this draft and Poeltl is right at the top.  He was very productive last year at Utah (17 points 9 rebounds) and is more than just a plotting 7 footer as he gets up and down the floor.  And if you're curious it's "Ya-kob Per-del"  I know, confusing.

11. Orlando Magic - Skal Labissiere, PF, Kentucky, Freshmen

This guy was projected to be the #1 pick in some places before the college season started.  But then, sadly for Skal, the college season started.  He sucked.  Just an awful player.  However by the end of the season he started to show off some of what everyone had been talking about.  7 footer, who can run and shoot.  Still a project, but could be worth it.

12. Utah Jazz - Wade Baldwin, G, Vanderbilt, Sophomore

In a draft without a ton of great guards (or perhaps players), Baldwin could see himself go in the lottery.  More of a combo guard with crazy wingspan (6'11 while he's just 6'3).  He can defend and is a solid shooter (40% from 3).  14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists last season.

13. Phoenix Suns - Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette, Freshmen

I've read 3 player comparisons for Henry Ellenson: Kevin Love, Brian Scalabrine, Brian Cardinal (The Janitor).  Jesus Christ guys, we can only compare him to other white players?  Sad times.

14. Chicago Bulls - Dejounte Murray,  G, Washington, Freshmen

Murray is another great one-and-done athlete out of Washington, like Criss, who should be criticized for missing the tournament.  However he's an intriguing player who can play both guard spots, he'll need to add muscle but has the ability to create highlights.

15. Denver Nuggets - Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Gonzaga, Sophomore

Arvydas Sabonis' son!  It'd make me feel older if Arvydas wasn't already like 50 years old when he joined the Portland Trail Blazers.  Younger Sabonis was productive with the Zags last year (17.5 points, 11.8 rebounds.)

16. Boston Celtics - Diamond Stone, C, Maryland, Freshmen

I like Diamond Stone and I'm not sure why.  Probably the name.  He's in the Kendrick Perkins role but if you are looking for a big body to take up space, score a few buckets and maybe be an enforcer I think Diamond is the guy.

17. Memphis Grizzlies - Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor, Senior

Won't be a flashy pick but Prince is a guy who could step in and defend the scoring wings around the league.  Feels like a 0 time All-Star but 11 year career type of player.

18. Detroit Pistons - Isaiah Whitehead, G, Seton Hall, Sophomore

Most have him going in the 2nd round so this is one of my big leaps (along with Beasley) in this 1st round.  Whitehead went to the famed Abraham Lincoln High School (Marbury, Telfair, Stephenson) where he was a McDonald's All-American before going to Seton Hall.  He improved significantly from his freshmen year to his sophomore year and helped the Pirates win the Big East.  He's tough, can score, defend, I'd take him in the 1st round.

19. Denver Nuggets - Jaylen Brown, SF, California, Freshmen

On the flip side of Whitehead, here's Jaylen Brown.  Everyone thinks he's a Top 5 pick, only problem is, he sucks.  To be fair, the only games I saw Brown play start to finish were in the Pac-12 Tournament and NCAA Tournament, where HE WAS HORRIBLE.  He put up 14.6 points per game, while shooting under 30% from 3 and 65% from the FT line.  Not a fan.  Has BUST written all over him.  But I've been wrong before, so I'll take him here at 19.

20. Indiana Pacers - Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame, Junior

Little guy had a nice season for the Irish (16 points, 5 assists).  Not a great shooter but won't kill you like some others (JAYLEN BROWN).  Could be a solid back up PG in the league.

21. Atlanta Hawks - Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia, International

Good ole Ivica Zubac.

22. Charlotte Hornets - Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State, Freshmen

One of these potential picks you have to make.  Probably more D-League than NBA next year but in the 20s may be worth a shot.

23. Boston Celtics - Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State, Senior

I usually don't like drafting college seniors in the first round, but in this scenario I have the Celtics taking the 2 best college players/ seniors from last year.  C's don't have a lot behind Jae Crowder right now and I think Valentine could bring some of that toughness and physicality to the position.  He can defend 2's and 3's and is ready to help out next year.  I didn't love him during the season but have started to talk myself into him.

24. Philadelphia 76ers - Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey, International

Read a comparison to Gordon Hayward.  That's kinda a interracial comparison, right?  Least they did't say Hedo Turkoglu

25. Los Angeles Clippers - Gary Payton II, PG, Oregon State, Senior

He's obviously no where near the player his father was, but GPII filled up the box score as a Beaver and I think will be a useful piece at the next level.  Most mocks have him in the 2nd round but I'd take a chance last 1st, especially for a team that is currently good, like the Clippers.

26. Philadelphia 76ers - Thon Maker, C, Australia, International

Raw.  Maker is 7'1 and 215 pounds.  I'm 5'11 and if I have a big breakfast, 215 pounds.  That can't be good.  For either of us.

27. Toronto Raptors - Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse, Canada

Richardson can shoot it a bit, even though his overall numbers weren't great.  So let's call him streaky.  But at 6'6 with a 7 foot wing span he makes for an interesting prospect.  Throw in the likely departure of DeRozan and it'd make since for Toronto to look at this spot.  (Had them taking Luwawu at 9.)

28. Phoenix Suns - Caris LeVert, G, Michigan, Senior

Big guard who can guards PG, SG, and SF.  Another skinny guy, lots of them in the draft, needs to mix in a protein bar and arm/chest day.

29. San Antonio Spurs - Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina, Senior

I haven't like a North Carolina player out of the draft since maybe Vince Carter or maybe Rashad McCants (yikes!), but Brice Johnson was so productive (17-10) plus he feels like such a Spurs pick.

30. Golden State Warriors - Ben Bentil, F, Providence, Sophomore

Not a lot of love for Ben Bentil in the 1st round and I'm not sure why.  One of the knocks on him is that he's an undersized PF at 6'8.  But if you look around the league, that's what a PF is now.  All teams play small, and what a fit he would be with Golden State.  He's already an established offensive player, he put up 21 points per game last year, 33% from 3, 78% at the line, can rebound a bit, and his wingspan gives him a chance to defend bigger dudes.


Round 2
31. Celtics - Cat Barber, PG, North Carolina State, Junior
32. Lakers - Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt, Junior
33. Clippers - Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky, Sophomore
34. Suns - Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas, Freshmen
35. Celtics - Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain, International
36. Bucks - Malcolm Brogdon, SG, Virginia, Senior
37. Rockets - Paul Zipser, SF, Germany, International
38. Bucks - Kay Felder, PG, Oakland, Junior
39. Pelicans - Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV, Freshmen
40. Pelicans - Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV, Sophomore
41. Magic - A.J. Hammons, C, Purdue, Senior
43. Jazz - Guerschon Yabusele, PF, France, International
43. Rockets - Daniel Hamilton, SF, UConn, Sophomore
44. Hawks - Ante Zizic, C, Croatia, International
45. Celtics - Wayne Seldon, SG, Kansas, Junior
46. Mavericks - Georgios Papagiannis, C, Greece, International
47. Magic - Joel Bolomboy, PF, Weber State, Senior
48. Bulls - Robert Carter, PF, Maryland, Junior
49. Pistons - Zhou Qi, C, China, International
50. Pacers - DeAndre Bembry, SF, St. Joseph's, Junior
51. Celtics - Alex Poythress, F, Kentucky, Senior
52. Jazz - Jarrod Uthoff, F, Iowa, Senior
53. Nuggets - Isaiah Cousins, G, Oklahoma, Senior
54. Hawks - Sheldon McClellan, SG, Miami, Senior
55. Nets - Michael Gbinije, SG, Syracuse, Senior
56. Nuggets - Zach Auguste, PF, Notre Dame, Senior
57. Grizzlies - Fred VanVleet, PG, Wichita State, Senior
58. Celtics - Georges Niang, F, Iowa State, Senior
59. Kings - Perry Ellis, PF, Kansas, Senior
60. Jazz - Kyle Wiltjer, F, Gonzaga, Senior

WWE Money In The Bank Predictions

Let me tell you a little something about myself. Yesterday (June 17th) I went under the knife and had a procedure performed on my ear to restore some hearing that I've lost from a perforated ear drum suffered last summer. Could I have complained that whole year and made things about myself? Of course. Could I have mailed it in this week and written a short blog briefly giving my picks or just not written a blog at all because of my surgery? Of course I could have. But that's not who I am. I consider myself to be the work horse on this blog. Yeah, I know, I write one blog a month and about 95% of these posts are from Rich. But that doesn't mean I'm not working. Every breath I take is for this job. Knowing I would be getting operated on I decided to type this blog ahead of time just incase I was so fucked up from surgery that I couldn't even type my name. But then something magical happened. As I slowly opened my eyes, coming out of the haze I was put in from the anesthesia, I had a revelation. All of the sudden, the entire Money In the Bank PPV flashed before my eyes. I saw every match, perfectly detailed, right there for me. I realized that they blog I wrote prior to the operation wasn't my true work. I feel reborn as a blogger. I feel as if I am the Muhammed of WWE Predictions. It's as if Hulk Hogan's racist horny finger touched my shoulder and said to me, "Let's make these picks brother!" So here I am on a Saturday morning rewriting this blog to give you the most accurate predictions for Sunday's show. Let's take a look at the card while I rewrite this in one take.


Pre-Show

Dudley Boyz vs. Lucha Dragons

I didn't even know this was a potential match for the show and it was added on last minute. But typically the exciting faces win these matches to get the crowd pumped up so there you go.

Prediction: Lucha Dragons


The Golden Truth vs. Breezango

Another last second add that also wasn't part of my prophetic vision, but I think The Golden Truth finally gets their first win here on the grandest stage of them all.

Prediction: The Golden Truth


Main Card

Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

They made it! They are off the pre-show. Everyone's favorite feud lives to see another PPV. Hopefully this is the official end of the feud and Corbin finally goes over with a win and we can all move on from this disappointing program.

Prediction: Baron Corbin


Apollo Crews vs. Seamus

Seamus is mad that time has passed him by and the former WWE champ is fading away with all of the NXT call ups coming. After losing his MITB qualifier he attacked Apollo Crews before his qualifier which was supposed to be a factor in why Crews lost his match but Crews couldn't have sold the injury worse and the loss looked too clean to be convincing. Originally, I was totally ok with Crews losing because I figured he'd benefit more from a singles feud like this than getting lost in the crowd of the MITB participants while getting worked on the mic and ultimately not winning the match. However, this feud has seen like no TV time so I feel like Crews gained nothing like this. Regardless, I think Crews needs this win more than Seamus does, especially heading into the brand split where he is sure to get more of a push.

Prediction: Apollo Crews


Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs. Becky Lynch & Natalya

Remember when Charlotte broke free from her dad because she has proven that she can win on her own? Well here she is in a tag team match with the woman that helped provide a distraction that lead to her defeating Natalya at Extreme Rules.
When you break it down, this match is really about Becky Lynch and Charlotte. The future of the women's division lies on the shoulders of these two and Sasha Banks. With Sasha already established as a threat waiting in the wings, it's important that Becky can get this win to put herself back into the picture as a true contender. I'm guessing that she catches the win over Dana Brooke which will create a divide between Charlotte and Dana and lead to a true race for the Woman's Championship.

Prediction: Becky Lynch & Natalya


New Day(c) vs. The Vaudevillains vs. The Club vs. Enzo & Cass -- Tag Team Championships

This seems like the perfect way for The New Day to drop the belts, right? Well guess what, it isn't. The New Day have slowly been clapping their way towards the record for the longest tag team title reign in company history set by Paul Burchill and Brian Kendrick and this team deserves that record way too much to not get it. I'd say The Club are most likely to take the belts if The New Day can't retain strictly because there's no way all members of The Club lose on Sunday. But I'll address the rest of that later..

Prediction: It's The New Day, Yes It Is!


Ruse(c) vs. Titus O'Neil -- United States Championship

Well I'll be damned. Just a few months removed from his incident with The Chairman of the Board, Titus O'Neil is back to lose a championship feud. Talk about a real rags to riches story.
I don't think this match will be a typical Rusev (when he isn't in Vince's dog house) blowout, but I just don't see a legitimate reality where Titus takes the belt here.

Prediction: Rusev


John Cena vs. AJ Styles

This has match of the year potential. But it also has dusty finish written all over it. Neither man has a clear case to lose this match. Cena is fighting in his return from injury while Styles is coming off of a brutal loss to Roman Reigns for the title. That's where I think the dusty finish comes into play. Yeah AJ agreed to fight 1 on 1 against Cena, but he's working as a heel now, and since when do heels play by the rules? That's why I see The Club finding their way down the ramp and AJ snaking a win. I know Cena doesn't lose and barely loses clean, but if his feud with Kevin Owens was any indication, Cena will lose a match to help put over these up and coming talents.

Prediction: AJ Styles


Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Cesaro vs. Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio -- Money In The Bank Ladder Match

The PPV's titular match is typically the hardest match to predict every year, and even more so in 2016. Let's take a look at the current betting odds for the match.

Dean Ambrose -1200
Kevin Owens +760
Chris Jericho +3500
Cesaro +9000
Sami Zayn +10000
Alberto Del Rio +10000

Ambrose and Owens are the heavy favorites and they have the most compelling cases (pun intended) to win the match. Obviously Dean is the popular pick due to his two former Shieldmates fighting for the title in the main event and the WWE Universe's demand for an eventual Shield Triple Threat for the belt. Owens on the other hand is possibly the most popular wrestler on the roster and adding the briefcase to his arsenal could make him incredibly dangerous and give him the push he more than deserves. But when do the runaway favorites ever win this thing? Del Rio was promised a main event push when he re signed with the company but I don't think that's now. Sami Zayn is being built up as the underdog and winning this briefcase would destroy that entire arch. Cesaro and Jericho are both interesting options here. Y2J is the veteran who invented this match and winning this could be the cherry on top of his Hall of Fame career and he's a guy who could legitimately lose his cash in and keep on going. Cesaro is the fan favorite in the match and has been deserving of a push for what seems like years now.
Gun to my head, I probably take Dean Ambrose here. I know I said the favorite never wins, but this is too perfect of an opportunity for a Shield main event. But that pick isn't bold at all. You know what is though?
That's right, we're back for another batch of Besse's Be Bolder Predictions Brought To You By Butterfinger!!!
Warning: Butterfinger is pissed that I never get these right so I'm turning up even more for these.
Now hear my out on this one. Remember about a month ago when there were SEVEN slots for the MITB ladder match? But now there are only 6 competitors and the company made no mention of the missing seventh wrestler. You know who I've been missing? Bray Wyatt. That's right boys and girls, Bray Wyatt is making his return tomorrow night as the forgotten seventh man. I don't have much of a description for it because it's pretty straight forward. At some point during the match the lights will go out and the fireflies will come on and Bray will make his way down to the ring with his brothers. They'll provide the security while Wyatt climbs the ladder and grabs the briefcase.
This is exactly what the Wyatt Family needs to establish themselves as the monster stable they're supposed to be. It's time for a Wyatt championship run.. they're here.

Prediction: An Unreal Match


Roman Reigns(c) vs. Seth Rollins -- WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Ah yes, the main event we've all been waiting for that is sure to disappoint. Not necessarily because of the performers because Seth Rollins is a god and Roman Reigns is ok but nowhere near Seth's level, but because this is clearly going to stretch out until Summerslam, so having a clear, definitive finish just wouldn't work. I don't know exactly how this one will end whether there's a no contest, disqualification, or maybe a cash in???? It's brutal that I can't pick Rollins to win back the title he never lost, but knowing that this match won't end clean provides me the closure that I need. So I reluctantly say..

Prediction: Roman Reigns Retains


Sorry for the wait on this one. Like I said, I was busy fixing my hearing. It'll be an unreal experience hearing the crowd boo Roman Reigns at full volume for the first time. There were those minor changes to the pre-show and I think I covered all of the matches. Nobody hit me up about MITB until Monday night though because I'll probably be watching Game 7 instead. Maybe I'll start pumping out more WWE content too, don't hold your breath though. Enjoy the show.

Blessings,

KButter

#DORK 56: Overwatch

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#DORK Video Announcement

Euro Cup Is Underway!

Sweet goal from England's Eric Dier.

#DORK 55: Arrow, Flash, Legends and Supergirl

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