First ROund Ending--Winners and Losers

The first round is coming to an end and not suprisingly, the Rockets have made some wacky moves. However, very surprising, other teams that normally do poorly have excelled. SOme comments

1) THE MAVERICKS--SO far this draft is working out very well fo rthe MAvericks. Of course, it helps when your owner is willing to dish out big bucks to buy draft picks (Somebody please buy Collier-haha). But seriously, they add Etan Thomas (almost the exact opposite of Nowitzki at PF--much needed), COurtney Alexander, an immediate scorer who should have been taken before 13 in my opinion. Add Donnel HArvey, a hard working banger, plus their current core of Nowitzki and FInley, and the Mavericks are well on their way to major respectability. Will they make the playoffs before the Roxs?? Looks probable at the moment.

2) THE CLIPPERS- The Clippers have made some interesting choices. By takind Miles at the 3, they basically screw up the rest of the draft. Then they add RIchardson and trade for both Dooling and MAguettee (also Derek Strong). Plus they have LAmar Odom. Its amazing isnt it. Two strong drafts by the Clippers in a row. However, I think there are still some questions. Miles is young and plays similarly to Odom. Richardson has a different game but is also a swingman. Dooling is a great PG, but like to shoot first (you would think the Clippers would want someone who thinks plass first--i.e- Sppedy Claxton, but Dooling is really good). Overall, a pretty solid draft for the CLippers. If these moves dont add up to more wins, though, the Magic make off like bandits again by banking the CLips pick in stronger drafts.

3) I think the Sixers made out with a great pick for their position. Of course, the Sixers need help at everywhere but SG and C (yet they still make the second round of the playoffs!). Claxton gives them and extremely quick PG who does think pass first. OF course, they already have one of those, but I think Claxton may end up being better than Snow because of his speed. THe ability to drive the lane and hit Iverson for a jumper or Ratliff on the way to the rim will help a lot (Snow isnt as much a penetrator). Now the Sixers have 2 solid guards in case one goes down (ala the playoffs)

4) As much as I hate the JAzz, they always make solid picks and I think DeShawn is a steal. With Utah's ability to develope strong players (and DeShawns youth to be developed), Utah adds a young, extremely athletic SG with an NBA body already. He should be one of those later picks that just shines from this draft.

5)The Raptors- MoPete is an experienced shooter who knows how to win. He's got good size for a SG and should really help the Raptors bench and team overall (especially if/when TMac goes). A good pick fo rhte position.

SOme Oddities:

6) Chicago really did screw things up and maybe themselves too. I mean, Fizer is a great PF but a medicore SF. You can rant all you want about the triangle offense, but he will be a liability on defense and it is just senseless to pick a guy to back up another guy (if the Bulls are thinking the Fizer can play the 4 some too). I mean the Bulls need to fill positions and they pick a position where they are already very strong. Very strange.

7) I would think that Orlando could have had a better draft. THis is just speaking on terms of the draft. They did get Miller (although I would have gone with Demarr), but they traded away everyone else. I think they could have made out better. That being said, they did excellently in terms of freeing up cap room. Maybe they know something here. PLus, they got a future 1st rounder form the CLippers. Good moves by Orlando overall.

8) How many foreigners have been taken? I mean this is ridiculous. I know a lot of these guys have game, but c'mon. Most wont even be able to play in the states next year or even the year after that. I mean, the Kings are on the board, with Richardson, Peterson, Mason still there, but they take some freakin Turkish guy who may be signed for the next 8 years in Turkey. How does that help them move up from their 8th seed. Only plus is maybe Webber will also be dissapointed!

Other teams that made solid, no brainer choices in my opinion include NEw Jersey, Vancouver and Atlanta. Portland got a steal with Barkley in my opinion also.

As much talent as Moiso has I am afraid Pitino will ruin another possible star by failing to teach any defensive qualities and failing to assemble a TEAM instead of just talented players. I dont really think the Knicks improved either. They kind of already have 2 PGs of Stricklands caliber. WHo knows.

Now of course, the Rockets. How disappointing. I was not pleased with Pryzbilla at all. Alexander would have been a much smarter pick due to trade value, as evidenced foremost by Dallas' desire to get him. That said, we did trade him, but for COllier. I think all big white guys are the same really, so maybe Pryzbilla is much better than COllier, but probably not. At least we got a future pick from Milwaukee. I really dont care if it is top ten protected and Milwaukee will most likely be in the playoffs anyways. IT should still be a top 20 pick and who knows when we will get our picks from Detroit and Orlando. That means we could possibly have 4 draft picks next year. That could be an enticing package. PLus it is a very deep draft and there should be solid talent throughout the first round. It is very dissapointing. Hopefully some of these Indiana rumors will come to fruition, but I will go to sleep tonight much sader than I had hoped.

Eager to hear others responses.



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When I die I want to go peacefully like my grandfather. Not screaming like the passengers in the back seat!