http://cbs.sportsline.com/u/ce/feature/0,1518,5249732_54,00.html IMHO, these guys are crazy. I.E., we have two guys who could start at PF somewhere, if not here, already, why should we get another PF candidate. This only works if we groom EG for a Garnett style small forward. Whoever wrote this was on crack. 1. Chicago Jason Williams, G, 6-2, 195, Duke The Bulls get the franchise point guard they have long coveted and are building a nice young nucleus. Williams is already quicker than most NBA point guards. 2. Golden State Yao Ming, C, 7-5, 280, Shanghai Sharks San Francisco's Asian population should aid Ming's transition. Given Gil Arenas' emergence at the point and the team's hole at center, Ming would likely be the top choice over Duke's Williams. 3. Memphis Dajuan Wagner, G, 6-3, 200, Memphis Wagner falls right into the Grizzlies' lap, allowing him to continue his love affair with Memphis fans. He and Pau Gasol will make the Grizz an exciting team. If Memphis doesn't secure a top-five selection, it loses its pick to Detroit. 4. Denver Qyntel Woods, G/F, 6-9, 230, NE Mississippi C.C. The Nuggets miss out on the draft's three biggest gems, but Woods' potential is a nice consolation prize. He'd give Denver a player who can create his own shot and cause an array of matchup problems with his versatility. 5. Houston Drew Gooden, F, 6-10, 230, Kansas Adding Gooden to a frontcourt that already includes Eddie Griffin and Maurice Taylor gives the Rockets a promising future. Expect him to make his biggest contributions on the boards early in his career. 6. Cleveland Chris Wilcox, F, 6-10, 220, Maryland Wilcox is the most athletic frontcourt player to come out since Antonio McDyess in '95. He's further along than last year's top two picks, Kwame Brown and Tyson Chandler, and still has a huge upside. 7. New York Caron Butler, F, 6-7, 235, Connecticut The Knicks would love Ming, Wagner or Wilcox but might have to trade up to get them. Butler emerges as the most logical choice, although that doesn't always mean much to the Knicks brain trust. His presence would make Latrell Sprewell expendable. 8. L.A. Clippers (from Atlanta) Curtis Borchardt, C, 7-0, 230, Stanford This pick comes over from the Hawks as part of the 1999 deal for Lorenzen Wright. Nabbing Borchardt gives the Clips some insurance in case the price to retain Michael Olowokandi gets too high. 9. Phoenix Nickoloz Tskitsishvili, F, 6-11, 220, Benetton Treviso Native of the country of Georgia, touted by European scouts as another Pau Gasol. He just turned 19 and has a vast array of skills. Has yet to officially declare for the draft, which he'd have to do since he isn't 21. 10. Miami Marcus Haislip, F, 6-10, 230, Tennessee Has great raw skills and should star in individual workouts. He's strong and agile, which should make him a tough defender. That's all Pat Riley needs to hear. 11. Washington Melvin Ely, F/C, 6-10, 256, Fresno State A solid defender with an NBA-ready body and improving offensive skills. There are questions about his desire, but that's nothing working for Michael Jordan can't fix. He'll be the first senior selected. 12. L.A. Clippers Amare Stoudemire, F, 6-10, 240, Cypress Creek (Fla.) H.S. The young get younger. Stoudemire is clearly the top player left from a potential standpoint, which fits nicely with the Clips' drafting philosophy. Los Angeles is loaded with precocious talent. 13. Milwaukee Chris Marcus, C, 7-1, 285, Western Kentucky The Bucks need to get tougher down low and jump at the chance to grab someone who clearly fits that need. Marcus is still raw, having only played the game compettively for five years, but he has an NBA-ready body. 14. Indiana Kareem Rush, G, 6-6, 214, Missouri Rush slipping to the Pacers would be a major coup for Isiah Thomas' club. He'd be the eventual successor to Reggie Miller and could begin his pro career as an apprentice. 15. Houston (from Toronto)* Carlos Boozer, F, 6-9, 280, Duke The Rockets get this pick as part of the Hakeem Olajuwon deal and use it to acquire another big man in Boozer as the frontline continues to get a makeover with an infusion of young talent. 16. Philadelphia Jared Jeffries, F, 6-9, 220, Indiana The Sixers nab a reward for their injury-riddled season by being in a position to draft the talented Jeffries. He'll need to get stronger and adjust to the pro game, but his versatile skills can't be denied. 17. Utah Maybyner Hilario, F, 6-10, 240, Vasco da Gama The 20-year old Brazilian is a gifted athlete who will only get stronger. "Nene", as he's called in his native country, blocked Jermaine O'Neal three times in international competition. He's got a huge upside. 18. Orlando Frank Williams, G, 6-3, 205, Illinois He could develop into a strong leader like Orlando head coach Doc Rivers. The Magic have been searching for a point guard to help relieve some pressure from Darrell Armstrong, who they feel is better suited as a spark plug coming off the bench. 19. Charlotte Roger Mason Jr., G, 6-5, 200, Virginia A solid combo guard who can get to the basket at will, Mason gives the Hornets some depth behind Baron Davis and David Wesley. He was forced into point guard duty at Virginia because of injuries last season and responded well. 20. Toronto (from Seattle) Sam Clancy, F, 6-7, 240, Southern Cal The Raptors use this pick, acquired through New York as part of the Mark Jackson deal, to grab Clancy, an incredibly strong athlete who would join Keon Clark and Jerome Williams as jumping jacks in the Raptor frontcourt. Though undersized, he plays with tremendous heart. 21. Phoenix (from Boston) Dan Gadzuric, C, 6-11, 235, UCLA Despite spending four years in college, Gadzuric is very raw and has very few offensive skills. Still, he's a terrific athlete who could be molded into a solid defender. 22. Portland Jamal Sampson, C, 6-11, 235, California The Blazers take a flier on Sampson, who only played one year at Cal but has great potential. They'll hope he develops like Jermaine O'Neal did, and maybe this time they'll hold on to their young talent. 23. Minnesota No pick The Timberwolves forfeit this pick as part of the penalty for attempting to circumvent the salary cap in signing Joe Smith. 24. Detroit** Marcus Taylor, G, 6-3, 195, Michigan State If he doesn't withdraw from the draft, Taylor would be a safe gamble for the Pistons, who would keep the Lansing product home. Taylor will eventually be a solid point guard and could be brought along slowly. 25. New Jersey Tayshaun Prince, F, 6-9, 215, Kentucky It's hard to forsee what kind of pro Prince is going to be, but if his lanky frame can survive in the NBA, he's a steal this late in the first round. New Jersey has made all the right moves lately and continue to improve by taking the best available player. 26. Denver (from Dallas) Fatih Solak, C, 7-0, 270, Besiktas Solak is an unknown commodity because of the contrasting opinions regarding his game. He's just 22 and has a large frame that can be built upon. With Meng Bateer already under contract, the Nuggets are scowering the globe to find a center. 27. San Antonio Darius Songaila, F, 6-9, 245, Wake Forest Songaila has proven his merit in both the ACC and international competition, and is probably one of those players that will end up being more effective than most expect. The Spurs are looking for frontcourt depth, especially with Malik Rose's contract up. 28. L.A. Lakers Casey Jacobsen, F/G, 6-6, 215, Stanford Jacobsen might be a defensive liability in the NBA, but his offensive skills fit perfectly with what the Lakers covet. He'd be the sniper L.A. has been seeking since Glen Rice left town and could play selective minutes to mask his porous defense. 29. Sacramento Juan Dixon, G, 6-3, 160, Maryland The Kings don't need much, but picking up a winner like Dixon is a no-brainer. He can cause havoc in passing lanes with his pesky defense and would be a great addition to the team's up-tempo style. Sacramento could also wait on him to learn the point. * - pick could be conveyed to Memphis ** - pick could be conveyed to Atlanta
We should have our own mock draft 2002 thread, at least for the first fifteen selections, and have some sort of prize for whoever gets closest to the real deal, or gets the Rockets' picks correct.
1. Chicago Yao Ming If you pick first, you have to take Ming if not for your team, then to trade 2. Golden State Jason Williams No matter what they say, if Williams is still up there they'll take him. Arenas is capable, but they have to take Williams here. 3. Memphis Dajuan Wagner Why not continue his career here. Wags is a scoring machine. He'll notch the Grizz a few more wins. 4. Denver Qyntel Woods If he's the next T-Mac, then, well, they got a steal. Fact is, they'll have a scorer to compliment Dice very nicely. 5. Houston Caron Butler Just watch, this guy's stock will soar before the draft. Rockets get an athletic, mature small forward ... 15. Houston Melvin Ely I would cry for joy if he slipped to 15 (well, not really) but seriously, he's a very athletic and talented big man
I could understand taking Gooden for a trade with Seattle for Rashard Lewis, but Carlos Boozer? Talk to the thumb and see which way it's pointed. They have no concept of what the Rockets need. Even if we couldn't pull off a trade, there's several second tier centers available or even Dan Dickau to help out at PG. However, the scenario listed was just too unreal to even consider.
First of all, I'd be upset if the Rockets took Gooden over Butler, Stoudamire, or Wilcox. I like all three of those guys with the fifth pick. Eventhough, Stoudamire and Wilcox aren't really centers it at least won't be yet another soft big man. I just want some rough, big man. I don't care if they are power forwards or centers. Rudy can decide which one of the three would be the best when the Rockets start working 'em out. Second of all: Hey Nugzfan, who are the Nuggets going to draft? Why would you draft Qyntel Woods? He sucks! Seriously, he would be my first choice for the Rockets, but I have a feeling he will go before the fifth pick. By the way, I heard some guy on the radio going on about how he saw Ming play and that he looked like a skinny, awkward, uncoordinated, softee. I am EXTREMELY skeptical about how good this guy is really going to be. I'm anxious to hear how he does in his NBA workouts.
Have you ever noticed that on nbadraft.net, they say Boozer is mostly comparable to Mo Taylor? What-ever!
It's not that far off. Big-bodied guys who don't play physical enough. Boozer plays physically offensively, but he's really soft on the boards.
wait til the order! i keep saying that. you guys will not pick 5th. we wont pick 4th - its very unlikely. anyways, who are the nuggets going to draft? no idea. the whole team is taking 2 weeks off, then coming back to pick a new coach and get ready for the offseason. kiki hasnt even mentioned one draft picks name. who do I want? right now its 1. woods 2. wagner 3. ming (just jumped williams IMO) 4. williams 5. butler
So if the Nugs pick 4th they'll wind up with Williams? I find that doubtful, he won't make it there. Wagner is more likely.
i don't think this is nugz' draft order, i think he was listing who he wants for denver in what order. could be wrong though. anyway, i want woods as of now although i have been forgetting one important question about him, can he shoot? i mean 6-9, 230, and a SF already has me drooling, if he has a shot then damn. After that give me Butler. *yeah i know we sucked too
Why is everyone so down on Gooden?! Granted, Wilcox out-played him in the Nat'l Semis, and showed the world that Gooden needs to get stronger and tougher. But Wilcox is a horse, there is no shame in that guy out-playing you. Just give credit where credit is due. Its as if the previous 30 some odd games, where he dominated the toughest conference in the NCAA (sorry ACC fans, but the Big 12 was tougher this year), mean nothing. Once again, there is no shame in getting your butt kicked a bit by a talent like Wilcox! I'd be estatic if the Rockets drafted from a pool of Butler, Gooden, Wilcox, or Woods.
You would rather have Woods than Ming or Williams? I could understand Ming(So many questions about his being able to adapt to the NBA game), but over Williams?
Because obviously how he performed in the 1 game everybody watched of him against the best defensive front line in college BB is far more important than his performance and improvement over the last 2 years. Really, I think it is because Gooden isn't sexy. He has a fine, if less than spectacular, all around offensive game. What really sold me on him though is his 1-1 defense I saw in the Oregon game against smaller quicker players. I see a fine 1-1 or team defensive NBA player and very well rounded offensive player, I would be thrilled if we end up picking 6th and he is on the board. Wilcox is a great talent but what people forget is he has 1/4th the polish in his offensive moves and none of the offensive court awareness that Gooden does yet they are only 1 years difference. As long as the tape doesn't lie (both are the 6'10") I would put my stock in Gooden before Wilcox. Wilcox is a freak and might be the next McDyess, but I would take may chances on Gooden being the next Sheed on the proper level of mood regulation medication.
That mock draft gives me an idea (although I'm sure Rudy and CD have already considered it). If the Rockets pick 5-6, and if New York picks 7-8, we could draft Wilcox then trade him to New York for Butler + something else. Of course, the Rockets would need assurances that the Cavs wouldn't be taking Butler. I'm sure the Knicks would do it, since they're so desperate for big men. Hey, if the Rockets can get Butler AND something extra out of their first pick, that'd be great!
What if Hilario looks like a stud? What if we can get him with #5 and Jeffries with #15? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. The possibilities.
There are questions about how a young 7'6" 260+ lber who can shoot will adapt to the NBA game, but there are no questions about how a junior college small forward will adapt? There are questions about just about everyone in this or any draft (except maybe Shaq and Tim Duncan). It is just a matter of what the risk is versus the upside. My guess, worst case (assuming no injuries) for ming, he is a solid rebounder and shot blocker who can't score except on dunks. Still twice as good as cato. Worst case for Woods, he is like that JC player the Celtics drafted last year who we have heard nothing about. Best case for Woods, Tracy McGrady. Best case for Ming, Wilt Chamberlain. Now explain to me why anyone who needs both a SF and a C would choose Woods over Ming?
