It was a given that before Lamar Odom's waivering about the draft, that he was the top pick. Chicago disagreed. Vancouver disagreed. Charlotte disagreed. It's amazing that David Stern did not say at the draft... "With the 4th pick in the 1999 draft, the LA Clippers have finally done something right." HINDSIGHT: Chicago will do okay. In 4 years, there are not going to be that many bruisers to get into Elton Brand's way. Vancouver *ouch*. They should have never had to deal w/ this ordeal. I was just in Vancouver, it's beautiful (Whistler's nicer ), but Stu Jackson was told something, and he foolishly ignored it. They could have chosen strong impact players for the next 8-11 picks (including Odom). Obvious superstars such as Odom, were still out there. They've made the best out of a bad situation, but MD and Othella aren't going to get them in the playoffs in the West. Charlotte may be okay in 6 years, but at this rate it doesn't seem like Davis will astound for a while, whereas Scerz- dropped 50? points on the Utes. Figure it out. Congrats Coach Silas, but if nothing happens in 2 years, you'll hear the criticisms. Out of the three teams that chose before the Clips, this will have been a mistake for Charlotte and Vancouver. Odom will be the ROY of the year (Francis' role/height will hinder), and Charlotte and Vancouver will begin to feel like the Blazers of 1984 in about 2 years. But the Houston Rockets are the damn luckiest team out of all five. Steve Francis, and that nervous shudder during the playoffs last year. Too bad we couldn't have traded Pig/Roberts/Mack for Odom too.
Isn't it amazing how one different draft pick for another team (Van) can have such a dramatic effect on the future of another (the rockets). If the Grizzles had selected Odom and he wanted to go to Vancouver, Charlotte would have taken Francis and the Clips would have Davis. The grizzles would have a very bright future with Shareef, Bibby and ODom. How scary would the Hornets be if it had panned out this way, Jones and Francis in the back court. And the clips would have got there PG and Davis would be getting minutes Most importantly the rockets would not have francis and who knows what might have happened with Pippen as a consequence or not getting Francis.
