Just put the finishing touches on the lottery portion... been working on this off and on the last couple of days (since the lottery came out and I had time to think everything over) in spare time. Some of these picks aren't what many predict right now, but by draft night, if most teams hold their picks, I could see it ending up something like this. 1. Washington-- Eddie Griffin The more I think about it, the more I see Griffin as the top guy. I know Brown has some freakish attributes, but Griffin overall has so much potential. Offensively, defensively, post up, perimeter-- he has it all, from either forward spot. I know he has some character problems, but let’s not forget MJ was the master of dealing with players of bad character (Pippen, Rodman, etc.), and if he comes back as expected he and Barkley could show Griffin the ropes. 2.Clippers-- Kwame Brown I know the popular pick is Curry. However, I see Curry as someone who may be drafted too much on size, and his game seems too unrefined to be a star in the NBA. Plus, Olowokandi has been making great strides at the center position for the Clippers, so I see them looking more for a PF in the athletic mold of a Kevin Garnett, with a very versatile game. That describes Brown very well. 3. Hawks-- Shane Battier This may sound high, but I see this as the type of pick the Hawks would make. They have some very young players with a lot of potential-- Battier could fit very well as the glue of that team. He would fit in with the high scoring Terry and potentialing high scoring Dermarr Johnson. The Hawks are set up front with Theo Ratliff and Nazr Mohammed. They have a great young shooting guard in Jason Terry, and a solid point in Brevin Knight. However, Toni Kukoc is aging at the small forward spot, and Dermarr Johnson may be a few years away. Battier could step in there and contribute immediately, and even if Dermarr is also ready to contribute, I could see the Hawks simply operating without a true PG, and just giving Terry or Dermarr the duty of bringing the ball up the floor. Hawks go safe. 4. Bulls-- Eddy Curry I’m not particularly impressed with Curry, but I could definitely see him going to the center deprived Bulls assuming he’s still on the board. Big body, soft touch, good upside. If the Bulls can let someone else start at center and bring him along slowly, he may have a good shot to contribute in a few years. I doubt he’d contribute superstar numbers, but 15/10 type numbers with a couple of blocks won’t be out of the question. 5. Warriors--Sagana Diop Diop may have bust potential, but the Warriors have got to get stronger up front. Marc Jackson is probably gone, and if not, he isn’t very physical anyway. Erick Dampier? Always hurt. Danny Fortson? Always hurt. Adonal Foyle? Good shot-blocker but not much else. They could use a PG, but no superstar PG’s are in this draft. I see them going big, and after Curry, Diop is probably the next best prospect there on the board. 6. Grizzlies-- Jason Richardson This could be exactly what Memphis needs-- an electric scorer with great athletism, and solid defense. I know many think of the Grizzlies being set at SG and SF with Dickerson and Rahim, but the Grizzlies had some of their best success last year going small with Bibby, Dickerson, and another guard from the 1-3 spots, and Rahim/Swift and Austin/Reeves at the 4 and 5. Plus, the future of Rahim as a Grizzlie is not looking good. Richardson can be another young star to go with the young core. They could use a big man badly, but I don’t see one of the top centers dropping this far, and it’s too early for Woods or Haywood. 7. New Jersey-- Rodney White With Richardson, the only premier SG in this year’s draft, off the board, the Nets in my opinion look big, where they could use a center preferably, and if not a power forward, and play Martin at center some. Or, if Van Horn is truly looking like he is gone, this could be a replacement for his slot in the lineup. Rodney White is a good fit here. With the Nets needing immediate help, I don’t see them going for Chandler here. White is very versatile, and can play from both the post and perimeter. Good range on his jump shot, but also toughness inside. I could see New Jersey going a lot of ways, including possibly trading down to draft Woods or Haywood, but if they keep their pick, White is probably the best option. 8. Cleveland-- Joe Johnson The Cavs need a scorer who can get fans in the seats badly. They have a star PG in Andre Miller, and good big men in Clarence Weatherspoon, Chris Mihm, and when he’s healthy, Zydrunas Ilguaskas. But, they will not make the playoffs with Matt Harpring, Wesley Person, and Lamond Murray being the major contributors from the swingman spots. They need a one on one player who can handle the ball, shoot with range, and just be a natural scorer for them. With time, Joe Johnson can definitely be that guy. If he’s around this late, I see the Cavs plucking him off the board. 9. Detroit-- Tyson Chandler I know Chandler isn’t as physical as you’d want someone 7’1 to be, but he has too many star qualities to fall too far. 7 footers with that kind of athletism and ability to run the floor come around very seldom these days. The Pistons could use help now, but their need for a future star alongside Stackhouse combined with Chandler’s value this far down on the draft board will be too hard to pass up. 10. Boston-- Jamaal Tinsley Tinsley won’t ever be a star, but the Celtics desperately need a PG, and Tinsley is definitely the best available in this draft. Very solid player who can distribute the ball well, has a good jumper, and is unselfish. Solid pick. 11. Boston-- Pau Gasol I’ve read the Celtics were very impressed with this guy after scouting him, and Europeans tend to compare him to Dirk Nowitzki. I haven’t seen him, so there isn’t a ton to comment on, except that the Celtics could use a solid SF with a good perimeter stroke and scoring game alongside Pierce and Walker. 12. Seattle-- Zach Randolph Sonics have to go big here. Ewing is gone, and Baker for all intents and purposes is as well. They have one solid big man in McCoy, but they could use someone alongside him. The Sonics often give younger players a chance, and a young physical guy like Randolph could develop well with Rashard Lewis, McCoy, Shammond Williams, etc. Nate McMillan also said the team wanted to get tougher, and Randolph could provide that. 13. Houston-- Loren Woods Surprised? Perhaps. But the more I think about it, the more I agree with HP about the types of players Rudy will draft. With Dream almost sure to be gone, and Cato practically dead, we have to look big at some point this offseason. Rudy always likes guys with championship experience, 4 years of college ball, etc. He also likes big men with a good touch from the outside and around the basket. Woods provides all of this for the Rockets, along with a good shotblocker. And if we can work to get him bulked up, watch out. I think Haywood is also someone the Rockets originally consider, but he isn’t near as much of a Rudy type player as Woods is. He doesn’t have quite the desire, hasn’t stepped up as much in big moments, and doesn’t have near the offensive touch of Woods. This pick could be traded though. ------------------ President of the Mo Taylor and Jason Collier fan club! Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! 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If the Rockets trade for the #4 pick who do you think they will draft? ------------------ President of the Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford,Larry Hughes, and Charles Woodson fan club.
Well, thing is, I don't think the Rockets will trade for #4 if Battier, Griffin, and Brown are off the board. Knowing the Rockets, they won't make a deal for a pick around 4 or 5 until they know exactly who's on the board at that time. Unless they can land Battier or Griffin, I'm starting to think the Rockets go big. And something tells me Rudy will be more interested in a battle-tested center with championship experience, good offensive touch inside and out, etc. over high schoolers like Curry, Diop, etc. I know Curry gets a lot of hype, but the time I saw him, I was not all that impressed. He has a nice game around the basket, but seemed to overpower his opponents to score most of the time, which won't be happening against NBA caliber big men. I'm not too sold on how much he'll score against NBA quality centers... I've followed Rudy for years now, and his draft strategies are very complex. But, when you look at this team and his tendencies, I think Woods may be our guy if we keep pick 13 and draft from that spot. I could be wrong-- I just have a feeling on this one... ------------------ President of the Mo Taylor and Jason Collier fan club! Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more!
If we get the #4, that depends. Did we give up Cato (please God!) to get that pick? Then maybe Diop. If Battier is available, though, I say we take him. ------------------
Great post, Cat. You know, I've bumped around and checked out a couple of sites that have the Rocks drafting Woods, and I'm starting to warm up to the thought of Woods in a Rocks uni. He blocks shots, rebounds, CAN SCORE AND CATCH A PASS (Unlike #13. Do you realize that Cato's disrespecting Wilt by wearing his #? ), athletic. He could be the type of player who thrives in the NBA vs. college, and is at least as good a prospect as Mihm was last year. ------------------ [This message has been edited by Live (edited May 23, 2001).]
I scared of any basketball player who looks like he comes from Somalia. Loren Woods is nothing but skin and bones and will get destroyed banging down low in the NBA. I'd rather have Haywood, Johnson, or Collins. ------------------
Is Ducan a Little on the Slim Side? Was He about Woods Size coming out of College? ------------------ When I was Little I call in a local sports show and told them the Rockets should Trade Otis Thorpe for a Lottery Pick. They found me to be stupid.
Wow, As high as you are on Jefferson, you don't have us picking him. IMHO, the C position is what we should look for, but most don't seem to think so. Right now, there are 12, 10 players making the all-star squad because there are no big men. That alone shows how many good centers there are. Before I thought that this would be the draft to cure the league of this(Haywood, Woods, Curry, Chandler, Ming were all hailed as superstars earlier) ------------------ Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion
Cat, do the Rockets want Joe Johnson? If so, how far up do they need to trade up to get him. IMO, he looks like a very good fit. Oh, and I don't think the Rockets will let Hakeem wander off into the sunset. If so, can we wait until next year on a center? And, assuming we keep the Dream, would Rudy choose Woods or Diop if they are both available? ------------------
And, assuming we keep the Dream, would Rudy choose Woods or Diop if they are both available? Read Clutch's thread in the Rockets forum, and the Chronicle article on Dream. The handwriting is on the wall-- Dream is gone. He can't and won't get near what he wants here, and even if hypothetically we get a gift and he stays, you can't count on Dream now for more than 50 games per season, and 25 minutes per game when he plays. Even if he stays, which I seriously seriously doubt, we have to have an upgrade from Kelvin Cato at the backup center spot, and Collier may not be ready yet. Whether or not Hakeem stays or goes, we still need another quality center to compete next year. I know we can't count on Cato for anything, and I'd prefer not to put too much weight on Collier too soon. Joe Johnson and Richard Jefferson are both some flashier picks, and both, especially Jefferson, should have very nice careers. But, athletic 6'7-6'8 small forwards with good potential come along almost every year in the draft, free agency, etc. We actually already have one in Dan Langhi. But big men do not come around this often, and in a draft filled with big men, I think the Rockets have to take advantage of a spot that sooner or later has to be filled for us to compete. And when you look realistically at all the big man who will be available for the Rockets, Woods to me is the one that looks like a guy that Rudy would pick. A battle tested senior, championship experience, versatility, good inside and outside touch, and a good shotblocker. And let's not forget he had Tim Duncan as his mentor for a year at Wake Forest. If hypothetically Woods and Diop were both on the board, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see Rudy take Woods. Diop to me is the high schooler with the biggest bust potential as well. The more I think about it, the more I see Rudy staying around the 13 spot and going after Loren Woods, unless they by some miracle could trade up and get a Battier, or possibly Griffin or Brown. And even then, unless the pick is top 3, I don't think the Rockets will make a deal until draft night, because they'll want to see who's on the board. It'll be interesting to see if the Chronicle, Clutch, or someone has a report on Woods' workout with the Rockets today... ------------------ President of the Mo Taylor and Jason Collier fan club! Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more!
Cat, How would Miller, Swift, Mihm, Fizer, Miles and D Johnson have been in this draft order if they would be in this year's draft? Mango ------------------ Get it right or just don't do it! Resistance is futile....you will be assimilated. Start more Webber threads! [This message has been edited by Mango (edited May 23, 2001).]
Cat,great analysis on Woods,but I would only pick him if he bulks up with real muscle. I still think that the Clippers will pick Curry instead of Brown.Kandi has improved but they still lack scoring and rebounding at the center and power forward spots.Brown is very talented and has a great upside,but prefers to play on the perimeter,that's why I think Curry will be the 2nd round pick. The Clippers already have two versatile players in Miles and Odom,Miles could develop into a Garnett like player,while Odom is a natural small forward. ------------------
Ok I think Loren Woods is a good selection at number 13, but with the 18th pick the Rockets should pick JOseph Forte if hes still available. He has great potential, and just cause of his little slump in college his stock went Down. I mean Think of the Line up 1.Mobley/Francis 2.Forte/Mobley 3. Francis/Forte Pf Godwilling Chris Webber 5. If the dream Leaves Cato/Woods, BUt i think the Rockets will let Cato start the season and by mid season Woods should take Catos starting Role. Anyways my point being Forte has awsome potential and The Rockets play Small alot. And with Francis Forte and MObley in there gurads will be catching their breath on Offence. And Running the fast break would be awsome since Mr Anderson wont be back Forte would be a perfect fit. What do you think?? ------------------
How would Miller, Swift, Mihm, Fizer, Miles and D Johnson been in this draft order if they would be in this year's draft? Many of them would be in similer positions to last year-- granted they might drop a couple of spots, but assuming they showed the same promise as last year, many would still be high picks. Dermarr Johnson has many similer attributes to Joe Johnson this year-- good versatility, good stroke, good ball handler, limited experience. Swift, with the athletism and physical dominance he showed in college, would still be top 5-6, although whether or not he'd be 2 is questionable. He might still be, as teams might opt for the experienced player with skill over the high schoolers. Hard to tell. Miller is a lot like Battier-- not necessarily in his overall game and characteristics, but in the way that they're viewed by NBA stats. Miller last year, and Battier this year, are guys who have had the experience leading their teams to the championship (or game in Miller's case). And while neither is likely to be stars, they both could be looked at as guys who should defniitely contribute something. Now, to be fair, Battier was a senior, and Miller a sophomore (last year), and Miller is obviously more versatile. They have their differences. However, Miller had much the same perception last year as Battier this year-- a solid SF with championship experience who should be able to come in and contribute something. Probably not a star, but a good contributor. Both of them are comparable in where they'd go this year and last year. The guys I could see falling are Mihm, Fizer, and particularly Miles. High schoolers are drafted so much on potential, and never really seen against top competition in college. Even more importantly, when you see them in high school, you mainly see a one on one game with these players in an offense and defense made specifcally to their strengths. In the college game, you get to see how they exist in a team environment where they have to adapt. If Gerald Wallace would've declared last year, he might've been picked ahead of Miles. Now, after a year in the college ranks, people can see the flaws he has in game that could be hidden in high school by his tremendous athletism, one on one ability, etc. Miles will be one heck of a player in the pros, and in the long run imho will be the best player from last year's draft. But, if he went to college and were to declare after one year, he might suffer from the same fate Wallace is this year. And in a draft loaded with big athletic centers and power forwards, Mihm and Fizer to me would be the guys most likely to drop from the top 10 to the 13-20 range. They both have very solid games-- but NBA scouts, esp. before draft time, place such a premium on size and athletism that they can sometimes forget about the fundamentals. Fortunately, Rudy is one of the few that isn't that way, as one can see after taking Collier and a first rounder in this very deep draft over Pryzbilla and Moiso. That move looks ingenius right about now. But, on topic, Fizer to me would be overshadowed by some of the other power forwards with a little better size (Randolph, Chandler, White), and Mihm would be overshadowed by some of the centers with more athletism and mobility (Curry, Diop, Woods, possibly Haywood, etc.) ------------------ President of the Mo Taylor and Jason Collier fan club! Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! [This message has been edited by The Cat (edited May 23, 2001).]
I want to play the ClutchCity Draft Pick 'em game. Lhutz's draft card last year was hilarious. ------------------ All hail Fadeaway's Cyberfish -- your 2000-2001 BobFinn* Fantasy Basketball League Champions!
Fadeaway, You mean this one? http://www.clutchcity.net/mockdraft.cfm?xMockID=204 We need to do this again this year... ------------------ President of the Mo Taylor and Jason Collier fan club! Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more!
I know this is a rockets board, but as an informed Celtics fan, I can tell you that nearly every mock draft is mistaken in having us take Jamal Tinsley at ten. Boston is not going to draft for need, but even if they did, it wouldn't be Tinsley. That have four point guards on the roster now, and Antoine Walker handles the ball most of the time anyway. (Coach O'Brien has even said he will play twon at PG for part of games next year.) So while I do expect us to take Pau Gasol, should this mock draft hold up I expect our other pick will be from the Woods/Randolph/White/Johnson group. ------------------ Josh Ozersky Celtics Columnist bskball.com
im not an informed or big celtics fan. but the PGs the celtics have are currently not that good. anderson is washed up and ready to retire.. he needs a new situation. the rest are backup PGs.. so in my opinion the celts will take tinsley. antoine walker has a reputation for liking to shoot and take alot of shots... shouldnt there be a guy like tinsley to set him up well? tinsley gets every1 involved.. i don know if u asked me.. the celts have to make an adjustment at PG. their backups while im sure r solid arent starting material. and anderson looks and plays like he doesnt want to be there. are you sure they have no intrest in tinsleY? ------------------ --TEX
Jozersky, Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Antoine ask to run the point at the end of the season and O'Brien agreed to it? I'm pretty sure they tried it against the Pacers, which isn't exactly the ideal team to try it against considering their point is Jalen Rose. They probably will run Antoine alot at the point, but Tinsley still does make sense unless the Celts are confident in Milt Palacio as their backup, which I think they are. ------------------
