The Second round pick....

Possibilities I'd look at: Pete Mickeal, Chris Porter, Dan McClintock, Dan Langhi, Jamal Magloire, Hanno Mottola, Jabari Smith, Primoz Brezec(sp?), Mark Madsen, Karim Shabazz and Antonis Fotsis are all likely to be there.

Guys who *COULD* maybe fall if we had luck on our side: Donnell Harvey, Soumaila Samake, Dalibor Bagaric, Jaron Rush

I'll admit I don't know much on Bagaric, Brezec, and Fotsis but I'll share what I do know (mostly from Telebasket scouting reports)-

Bagaric-7'1'' 220 lb. center, who has 3 point range, 18-10 guy in Europe, 20 years old, face up moves, and some post up moves on offense, but as you can probably tell, not a banger. Good shot blocker/intimidator, not very sound of defense positioning wise, big wingspan, pretty raw. (From the sounds of it, he'd fit our team pretty nicely) Expected to go late round 1.

Fotsis-6'9'' 205 19 year old SG/SF. Listen to this description from CBS Sportline, from last year (he pulled out last year.) To me it sounds like the description of most Rockets-Another uncommitted defender, Fotsis has the skills necessary to defend well, but is not disciplined enough to master the finer points of "D". He is however a solid offensive player. He can handle the ball, both in the open floor and in traffic and is an unselfish and sound passer. His shooting quality is NBA level and he possesses a three-point offense as well. Preferring a run and gun style of game to the more physical NBA game, he nonetheless can play at the NBA level and contribute. Still improving, he has the ability and talent to become a successful NBA small forward. Pretty interesting? Keep in mind this was from last year. A guy from Europe (allegedly) says he's watched Fotsis, and said that he has some skills on I think it was Thompson's board.

Brezec-7'1'' 215 lb, 21 year old PF/C-mobile big man who started as a shooting guard (crazy?!?!) can pass, and finish fast breaks, athletic, mainly LACKS STRENGTH, hard worker, slightly above average defender, good rebounder, not a very good post player, doesn't get much PT (neither does Fotsis).

Bagaric sounds intriguing to me, doubtful to be there, but who knows. Another player is Turkoglu, but I think Turksan will scare CD and Rudy from another Turkish player. At least I hope so.

I think it'd depend on who we take round 1 to decide where we pick. If we were to pick Miles, Johnson or Miller, we'd go big in round 2, that's a given. We could also go big if we picked Moiso, it'll depend on who's there.

Also note-Smith was allegedly measured at 6'9''.


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Nike

Man, I thought I was draft-happy until I "met" you on here. Your and TexaSalsa's draft enthusiasm has me about as hyped up for this draft as any since the Olajuwon and Sampson drafts.

We may have to create a new category for you, Salsa, MManal, and rocketfan34... The Boys of Summer?

Seriously, you guys are bringing up some players I'd never even heard of (and probably never will again, LOL!).

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Just shut up and post

 

DoD-Who am I bringing up other than the Euros that you haven't heard of? Langhi was SEC Player of the Year. Mickeal/Porter are obvious, McClintock is a big 7 foot center who's been excellent in the camps, Shabazz is Closs minus the fro, Mottola is a senior talent many expected to be a lotto pick, Magloire is just a big dude with a mean streak, Smith/Madsen have been discussed. Harvey is a mega talented Florida PF, SamSo is a extremely raw 7'2'' center playing in the IBL right now, and Rush was a swingman for UCLA.

I got a little pumped for this draft, because I think it'll be pivotal for the Rockets success in the future.

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Dr Drunk im speechless. i think im honored. hahaha its all good. the reason im so hyped up is because there is nothing else to talk about here except free agents. haha the boys of summer i like that. not much else 2 do though.

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--TEX

 

I would expect the Bulls to take any decent European players with 32, 33, or 34 (their three contiguous second round picks). With 5 total draft picks, it would seem to be an effective way of deferring some talent for later, as the Europeans seem to be more willing to play in Europe (naturally). Also, a number of the top European players are still under contract, which would further help the Bulls retain their rights.

Add to this Chicago's strong history of selecting European players, and I don't expect many good European players to be left behind when the Rockets pick at 38.


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[This message has been edited by Ottomaton (edited June 06, 2000).]

 

I don't believe Utah will let hometown hero Mottola fall past their two picks late in the first round, but if some of the teams grab Euros, and teams draft for need, we could see some interesting players fall to our postion at #38. Here's my list of who I would take, in order, if they are still there (although I seriously doubt Peterson, Collier, Thomas or N'Diaye will be there):

<OL>
[*] Morris Peterson: SG, 6-6 210, 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He is an effective offensive player who can score both inside and outside and he led the Big Ten in three-point percentage. Peterson is an unselfish player who moves well without the ball and is also a good defender. He uses his athletic ability well as a scorer and is effective around the basket. Peterson needs to improve his passing and outside consistency. His stock has really fallen in the past few weeks. If he's there, and I don't beleive he will be, you have to take him, even to develop him as trade bait.

[*] Jason Collier: PF, 7-0 243. Collier is an excellent shooting big man who is a power forward, despite his 7-0 size. He needs to improve his low post game, but he will force an opposing big man to defend him on the perimeter. He has three point range and is a very good rebounder. However, he is not the shotblocking threat that you would expect from someone with his size. The Indiana transfer needs to show a bit more of a 'nasty' streak at times. Collier is averaging 16.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game. He is shooting 46.1% from the field. I'd love this guy for our second pick. This is the kind of big man that Rudy says he wants.

[*] Etan Thomas: PF 6-9 247. Thomas must also make the move to power forward in the pros. He is a strong low post player with big hands. The size of his hands hurt him as a free throw shooter. He is an aggressive defender and quick leaper, which makes him one of the top shotblockers in the country. However, he also tends to get into foul trouble. He has good strength and has been compared to Brian Grant. Thomas is an aggressive defender and quick leaper, which makes him one of the top shotblockers in the country. He uses his strength well and has shown improvement as an offensive player. Thomas was plagued by injuries early this season, but he has bounced back to help lead the Orangmen to their strong start. Thomas is averaging 14.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.9 blocked shots per game. Thomas would fit in nice. He's a taller, defensive version of KT with fast hands and good footwork, but has less of an outside shot.

[*] Mamadou N'diaye: C, 7-0, 235, 9.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots per game. N'diaye is a good shotblocking and rebounding center who has improved as an offensive performer this season. He started the season strong, but he has not scored more than 12 points in his past eight games and has just two double figure efforts in that time. N'diaye has not attempted more than five in a game since that time. He has good footwork and strength with a good upside. N'diaye would be my favorite pick, if he came to us, even though he'd need some time to develop, but I doubt it due to teams picking for need.

[*] JaRon Rush: SF, 6-6, 205, 12.1 points and 5.7 rebounds this season. Rush is an athletic forward who is a very good rebounder for his size. He has three-point range, but needs to improve his ballhandling and his mid-range game. Good athletic SF, but a little too much like Anderson. But if he's there, we take him, even for future trade bait.

[*] Scoonie Penn: PG,5-10, 185 15.6 points and 4.3 assists per game in 99-00. Penn is a solid all-around player who does everything well. He is a good penetrating playmaker who can score as well. A bit undersized, but he has good leadership skills. However, this season, he has struggled a bit as a shooter and he was left off the 30 Wooden Award finalists after a so-so start. Penn is an excellent rebounder for his size, but his assist numbers should be higher. However, he does have a good assist-to-turnover ratio for the Buckeyes. Penn needs better representation. At one time, he was projected to go in the lottery. You have to take him, due to his talent.

[*] Corey Hightower: SG, 6-8 200, 23.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Hightower is listed at 6-8, but may be closer to 6-7 and 200 pounds, which may also be inflated. He has very thin legs and arms. Hightower is a very good ballhandler and passer, although he sometimes tries to be too flashy. Hightower has excellent shooting range and has the ability to make the NBA three-pointer. I think we could move him to SF, even though he plays at guard. Not exactly a great fit, but if we didn't get Miles or Miller at #9, he could be a good pick.

[*] Jason Kapono: SF, 6-7, 215, 16.0 points, 47.4% from 3-point land, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Kapano is one of the top outside shooters in college basketball with unlimited range. He has the ability to carry a team when hot. He has good court vision and is not afraid to take the ball to the hoop. Kapono needs to improve on the defensive end and ideally could use another year or two of college experience. I'd love to get Kapono. He'd do very well at SF for us. He wouldn't be a star, but a good role player.

[*] Chris Porter: SF,6-7 218, 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Porter is an explosive leaper and outstanding athlete. He has good strength and is a good rebounder. He is an excellent offensive rebounder with good timing and he has the ability to get the second or third rebound. He is very strong, despite his 218 pound frame. Porter needs to expand his range to play more at the small forward spot, since he lacks the bulk to play significant minutes at power forward. Another SF I hope falls to us, although I doubt it. He'd also fit in very well with the team, and run with Francis.

[*] Jamal Crawford: G, 6-6, 190, 16.6 points, 4.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds last season. Crawford was suspended for 14 games this past season and had said that he would come back to Ann Arbor before deciding to make himself eligible for the NBA draft. Crawford has said that he will remain in the draft, if he is a projected top twenty pick. He was named third team College Basketball News All-Freshman. He is an excellent athlete who can play both guard spots. He needs more experience and another year of college would undoubtedly help him at the next level. Crawford also needs to become a better outside threat, after shooting just 41.2% from the field and 32.7% from three-point range. This guy has "potential" written all over him, and "could" develop into a very good player, but that attitude thing concerns you. Houston could turn him around.

[*] Jamaal Magliore: C/PF 6-10 243. Magliore took his name out of the NBA Draft to return for his senior season. He has come alive offensively recently and has been named SEC Player of the Week twice this season. Magliore needs to improve his face-the-basket game to play more minutes at power forward, since he is just 6-9 without shoes. However, his 7-7 wing span allows to play taller than his listed height. He is averaging 13.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots per game. Smith is an active big man with good low post moves. He gained some needed strength in the offseason. The former junior college transfer is a good passer, averaging 2.5 assists per game. I like Magliore, but I think he'll be taken. If you don't like Mihm, you'll sure not like Magliore, but he's a good person with a hard work ethic.

[*] Pete Mickeal: SF, 6-7 220. Mickeal is a solid all-around forward who is an excellent defender. He needs to continue to improve his perimeter skills to make the move to the next level. He is an aggressive player who has been a winner throughout his career. Mickeal won two national junior college title and hopes to finish his career with a NCAA crown for the Bearcats. Mickeal is averaging 13.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Another SF who could be a role player.

[*] Jabari Smith: C 6-11 255. Smith needs to become a better free throw shooter and do a better job at getting to the charity stripe more often. He is averaging 13.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game. An intriguing pick. It would take him a few years, but he could develop into a good role playing center, like TMass.

[*] Mark Madsen: PF,6-8 235. Madsen's nickname is 'Mad Dog' and it is not hard to figure out why he has earned that title. He is a dangerous low post player who uses his body well. Madsen is the type of player that teammates love and opponent hate, due to his scrappy and physical nature. He missed eight games after suffering a hamstring injury in the season opener. Madsen is not overly athletic and needs to expand his shooting range. He is a below average free throw shooter. He is not much of a passer and needs to be better at recognizing the double team. Madsen averaged 13.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. He has been called a smaller version of Chris Dudley. Madsen is averaging 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He is shooting 58.8% from the field. Could be a good pick, although he wouldn't be an upgrade of KT. But you got to love that nickname.

[*] Khalid El-Amin: PG 5-10 203. El-Amin does not look like one of the top point guards in the country. He is short and chunky. However, you cannot measure his heart. El-Amin possesses great energy and is a true leader. He led Minneapolis North to three consecutive state titles in high school and helped the Huskies win their first-ever NCAA title last season. El-Amin is an excellent leader who wants to have the ball in his hands in the closing minutes of a game. El-Amin is an excellent free throw shooter, which makes even tougher in crunch time. He uses his strength well and has improved his outside shot. He has a good assist-to-turnover ratio and finishes plays well. El-Amin sometimes has trouble defending quicker guards, but can create matchup problems on his own, due to his strength. The former McDonald's All-American toyed with the idea of entering the NBA draft last season and many expect him to turn pro after this year. The Huskies signed Taliek Brown, one of the top point guards in the country, as an insurance policy in the early signing period. He averaged 16.0 points and 5.2 assists per game. I know we don't need a PG, but we could develop him as future trade bait, just as we did Drew.

[*] Jerly Sasser: G 6-7, 217, 17.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Sasser is a versatile player who has excellent size at the point guard spot. He is a very good rebounder, but he needs to be more consistent and improve his outside shooting. He has yet to shoot over 30% from three-point range in his career. He finished the season shooting 17 of 58 overall, but went 0 for 17 on three-pointers in his last four games. Same as the last guy.

[*] Craig Claxton: PG 5-11 180. Claxton was named America East Player of the Year for the second time in his career. He won the honor in 1998. Claxton is a very quick player who can take the ball to the ball and draw fouls. He went to the free throw line over six times per game. He is also a good outside threat, who finished seventh in the conference in three-point percentage. 'Speedy' is the favorite for the Francis Pomeroy Naismith Award, given annually to the top player under six feet tall. He improved his outside shooting so much that he attempted 122 threes this season, compared to just 30 the previous two seasons. He will play in the Desert Classic and is a possible late first or early second-round pick. He averaged 22.8 points and 6.0 assists per game.Same as the last guy.

[*] Eduardo Najera: PF, 6-8 235. Najera is a strong inside player with a nice outside shooting touch. However, he has struggled a bit this season, making just 21% from beyond the three point arc. Najera was one of the most improved players in the country last season. He is a good passer and all-around player. The Mexican native has good instincts and a real feel for the game. He is not afraid to be physical, but can play with finesse as well. He is a good outside shooter for his size and is an underrated passer. Najera needs to avoid foul trouble. He has a nice hook shot and a variety of offensive moves. Najera needs to improve his athleticism and quickness. Najera, who has played for the Mexican national team the past few summers, is averaging 18.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. He is shooting 44.5% from the field. I hope we aren't down to this point on the list, but if we are, Najera could make the team.

[*] Schea Cotton: SG, 6-6, 215, 15.5 points and 4.6 rebounds a game this season. He is an athletic player with excellent strength. He has worked hard to improve his outside game, which had been the big knock on his game. He averaged 15.5 points and 4.6 rebounds a game this season. He shot 42.9% from the field and 71.7% from the line. Same as El-Amin.

[*] Harold Arceneaux: SF 6-6 215. Arceneaux was named both Big Sky Newcomer and Player of the Year after transferring from the junior college ranks last season. His is an effective scorer around the basket and has a good mid-range game. He made a name for himself, scoring 36 points in their upset win over North Carolina and notching 32 points versus Florida. Arceneaux has an excellent first step and is a very athletic player. He needs to continue to improve his outside shooting and passing skills to be more comfortable at the small forward spot in the NBA, but scouts like his scoring ability. He has bounced back from a slow start (just 14.1 points per game and 44.9% shooting after eight contests) to score 30 or more points seven times this season. Arceneuax is averaging 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He could make the team, but he's a lot like Anderson, but not as good.

[*] A.J. Guyton: PG 6-1 175. Guyton has stepped up his game this season and was named co-Big Ten MVP. He is a very fluid player with good quickness. He moves well without the ball, utilizing Indian's motion offense to get open. He is a very good catch-and-shoot player. Guyton is a good all-around shooter, ranking among the Big Ten leaders in field goal, three-point and free throw percentage. In addition, Guyton is a good passer who has the ability to play both guard spots. However, he needs to do a better job of getting to the free throw line and he needs to improve his playmaking skills to play point guard in the pros. He is an athletic player who is good in the open court. Defensively, he does a solid job, although his steals are a bit low. He averaged 19.7 points and 2.3 assists per game.Same as El-Amin.

[/list=a]
After the last Turk we took, I don't want to take anymore foreign players, unless they've already been acclimated here in college, like Dream did.


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the more I know, the more I know I don't know...

[This message has been edited by Sherlock (edited June 07, 2000).]

 

The chance of Peterson being at pick 38 is roughly the same as us trading Kelvin Cato for Duncan in a sign and trade, then signing Grant Hill for an exception, and then becoming the NBA Champions next year.

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Cheaters never win. Unless you play for LA that is.

 

The Euro players are who I was referring. Outside of Tsakalidis and Olumide, I really haven't even tried to keep up with anybody else. The guys at home are easy enough to follow, but that's about where I draw the line.

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Just shut up and post

 

I must admit, I've never seen any of those guys play. But if the reports on Bagaric are right, I sure wouldn't mind him.

Sherlock-great notes, but one thing: Thomas a taller KT? Thomas is a defensive minded PF, that needs to work on his offense. KT is more of an offensive PF, that has poor defense. I agree, Collier is gonna be a guy that falls.....but how far? I don't think he'd fall to round 2, but stranger things have happened. Porter won't need to fall to us...with him being measured short at 6'4'' and change, he should be there at 38.

More guys who could fall-Michael Redd, Ernest Brown, VERY VERY VERY slim chance, but Desmond Mason (height)

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I wouldnt mind drafting Corey Hightower, he can score really well but doesnt have that great of a defense. He is a nice player to play backup small forward. Do you think since rudy is looking for big men that can score from the outside, maybe he might be thinking of Najera?

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Hightower "sounds" like the type of 3 I would like us to get: great ball handler, great range (shot 3's at better than 40%), and is bigger than Shandon. How did you see him not fitting in, Sherlock?

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Now you are right about the Cato/Duncan deal and on signing Grant Hill but don't say my Rockets won't be champs next year!



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I'm tha hip hop attracta, rapper slash acta, right back at cha!