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Rox draft tidbits...from ESPN Insider

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by NJRocket, May 15, 2002.

  1. NJRocket

    NJRocket Member

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    check it out...


    5. Houston Rockets
    Draft Needs: Center, small forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Mike Dunleavy, Caron Butler, Nickoloz Tskitishvili, Qyntel Woods, Curtis Borchardt
    The Skinny: They'd love to get their hands on Dunleavy, though there's a chance he wouldn't be available here. If he's gone, they'll take a long look at Tskitishvili. Coach Rudy Tomjanovich traveled all the way to Italy a few weeks ago just to get a good look at him. The team is looking for an athletic big small forward with a shooting touch. They also love Butler and Woods isn't out of the question. Both players can put the ball in the basket, are strong and can play multiple positions -- a big requirement for any Rudy Tomjanovich player. Woods has the upper hand in athleticism and upside, but Butler is the more proven player. They could still use a center, and Borchardt is the only guy worth taking at this time.

    15. Houston Rockets (from Toronto)
    Draft Needs: Center, small forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Maybyner "Nene" Hilario, Chris Marcus, Jared Jeffries, Melvin Ely, Bostjan Nachbar
    The Skinny: The team owes the Grizzlies a pick either this year or next and would love to send this pick to the Grizzlies. However, the Grizzlies don't have to take it. They could roll the dice and hope that the Rockets' unprotected pick next year is higher. The Rockets think they're a lock for the playoffs next year if they're even remotely healthy, but right now, the Grizzlies are leaning toward waiting. Remember, the Grizzlies will likely have to ship off their pick to Detroit next season. Expect the Rockets to address their need at small forward with pick No. 5. so they'll try to go big here. If Marcus or Hilario is still available here, either's a steal. Ely is more likely to be around and he can play both the four and the five. If the Rockets go big with pick No. 5, Nachbar might be their man here. Rudy T is itching to go international with at least one of their picks.
     
  2. CriscoKidd

    CriscoKidd Member

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    thx for the info. What do they have written for the 4 teams ahead of us?
     
  3. Deckard

    Deckard Blade Runner
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  4. DCkid

    DCkid Member

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    Cool. Thanks for the info. Can you post a link or just post the entire article. I would like to see what they said about some of the other nba teams too. Thanks.
     
  5. DearRock

    DearRock Member

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    And folks made it look like I was crazy to suggest taking Curtis with our first pick.
     
  6. bsb8532

    bsb8532 Member

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    I think they'll get the best SF available with our first pick and with the 2nd pick we'll try to move up to get Borchadt or Hilario who are the only 2 guys with the talent to become starting centers anytime soon.
     
  7. UTweezer

    UTweezer Member

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    I had a dream last night that we got the 7th picked and Yao Ming went #1 to GS.


    I hope at the least...we get the 5th pick
     
  8. DearRock

    DearRock Member

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    I do not know if NJ has 1-14 but this is what I found: 14 - 28



    14. Indiana Pacers
    Draft Needs: Athletic two guard, backup point guard, size
    Top 5 Candidates: Kareem Rush, Frank Williams, Melvin Ely, Fred Jones, Jiri
    Welsch
    The Skinny: The Pacers don't have any glaring holes. They're young, but have
    solid players at every position. They ran into some problems this year after they
    shipped off Travis Best, but they'd prefer to add a veteran point guard to back up
    Jamaal Tinsley. Reggie Miller isn't getting any younger. While Ron Mercer has
    performed well, they'd still like to get more athletic in their backcourt. Could Rush
    provide some of the versatility, outside shooting and athleticism that they lost
    when they shipped off Jalen Rose? Oregon's Jones is also a super athlete, but
    doesn't quite have the range of Rush. Czech combo guard Jiri Welsch is super
    tough (something coach Isiah Thomas demands) and has the ability to play three
    positions. If he had NBA three-point range he might be the top candidate. If the
    Pacers opt for size (most teams do) Fresno State's Ely might be a nice pick up
    here.
    15. Houston Rockets (from Toronto)
    Draft Needs: Center, small forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Maybyner "Nene" Hilario, Chris Marcus, Jared Jeffries,
    Melvin Ely, Bostjan Nachbar
    The Skinny: The team owes the Grizzlies a pick either this year or next and
    would love to send this pick to the Grizzlies. However, the Grizzlies don't have to
    take it. They could roll the dice and hope that the Rockets' unprotected pick next
    year is higher. The Rockets think they're a lock for the playoffs next year if they're
    even remotely healthy, but right now, the Grizzlies are leaning toward waiting.
    Remember, the Grizzlies will likely have to ship off their pick to Detroit next
    season. Expect the Rockets to address their need at small forward with pick No.
    5. so they'll try to go big here. If Marcus or Hilario is still available here, either's a
    steal. Ely is more likely to be around and he can play both the four and the five. If
    the Rockets go big with pick No. 5, Nachbar might be their man here. Rudy T is
    itching to go international with at least one of their picks.
    16. Philadelphia 76ers
    Draft Needs: Center, backup power forward, sharp shooter
    Top 5 Candidates: Chris Marcus, Melvin Ely, Kareem Rush, Bostjan Nachbar,
    Marcus Haislip
    The Skinny: Marcus would be a coup if they could get him here, but he's likely
    gone. The Sixers still lack perimeter shooters that Allen Iverson can drive and
    kick to. If they choose not to re-sign Matt Harpring this summer, that will be an
    even bigger need. Nachbar has a solid shot, but doesn't quite have consistent
    NBA three-point range. Rush has a little more range, but is a bit undersized to
    swing to the three. Ely is a tough defender who could back up Derrick Coleman
    and Dikembe Mutombo. Haislip would give them lots of strength and upside in
    the interior.
    17. Charlotte Hornets
    Draft Needs: Backup point guard, backup power forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Frank Williams, Dan Dickau, Jiri Welsch, Melvin Ely,
    Marcus Haislip
    The Skinny: The team struggled when Baron Davis was out. Williams, on
    defensive intensity alone, might be a nice pick up here. Dickau would give them
    more offensive fire power. A Dickau-Davis backcourt would shoot the lights out.
    Welsch is getting rave reviews and his ability to play three positions is
    appealing. Ely and Haislip could be groomed to eventually replace P.J. Brown.
    18. Orlando Magic
    Draft Needs: Center, power forward, point guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Melvin Ely, Amare Stoudemire, Marcus Haislip, Frank
    Williams, Dan Dickau
    The Skinny: With Patrick Ewing and Horace Grant both contemplating
    retirement, the team is still searching for a low-post presence. Stephen Hunter
    was disappointing in year one, but they still believe that he can turn into their
    power forward of the future. Ely is a wide body who can play center as well as
    the four. Darrell Armstrong continues to wear down. Last year's pick, Jeryl
    Sasser, is reportedly a bust. Williams would give them the size and defensive
    tenacity they thought they were getting in Sasser. Dickau would give them
    another offensive backcourt weapon. His defense, or lack thereof, may scare
    them away.
    19. Utah Jazz
    Draft Needs: Power forward, shooting guard, backup point guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Kareem Rush, Jiri Welsch, Sam Clancy, Bostjan Nachbar,
    Casey Jacobsen
    The Skinny: If last year's pick, Raul Lopez, is able to wiggle his way out of his
    contract, the Jazz's point guard problem will be solved. Shooting guard/small
    forward will be a bigger problem. There's a chance they could lose both Bryon
    Russell and Donyell Marshall this summer to free agency. DeShawn Stevenson
    is still a major project and the Jazz would like to hedge their bets there. Rush
    would be a steal if he's still around. Welsch has that toughness that Jerry Sloan
    demands in his players. Nachbar can swing between the two and three and
    gives the Jazz a much-needed sharp shooter. Jacobsen may be the best
    long-range shooter in the draft and could end up filling the role Jeff Hornacek
    once did. They also need to start thinking about replacing Karl Malone. The
    team loved Clancy's game last year and despite a dislocated knee cap, they
    could take a chance on him here.
    20. Toronto Raptors (from Seattle)
    Draft Needs: Point guard, center, shooter
    Top 5 Candidates: Dan Dickau, Jiri Welsch, Bostjan Nachbar, Boris
    Diaw-Riffiod, Rod Grizzard
    The Skinny: They signed Alvin Williams to a long-term deal last summer, but
    clearly he isn't the answer at point guard. They need a floor leader and Dickau
    could be a slam dunk here. With the success of Steve Nash, teams will be
    looking for clones. While Dickau isn't as quick as Nash, he's a better shooter, is
    tough as nails and has experience. Welsch is also intriguing here. With the loss
    of Chris Childs this summer, they'll need a combo guard. Nachbar, Diaw and
    Grizzard are all athletic swingmen with big upsides. The Raptors spent a lot of
    time in Europe this year and are reportedly high on both Nachbar and Diaw.
    Nachbar's shooting should give him the edge.
    21. Portland Trailblazers
    Draft Needs: Center, point guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Melvin Ely, Dan Gadzuric, Jason Jennings, Jamal
    Sampson, Frank Williams
    The Skinny: The team is loaded with players, but would love to find a big body
    to bang down low. If Ely is still around, he's a steal here. Gadzuric has the
    potential to be great, but in four years at UCLA he seems to have only scratched
    the surface. Arkansas State's Jennings is a wildcard here. He's big, strong and
    may be the answer. Sampson doesn't have the strength to bang, but he's got a
    lot of potential and the Blazers can afford to wait. Their other need, size at point
    guard, isn't as dire. But Williams defense will get him a long look here.
    22. Phoenix Suns (from Boston)
    Draft Needs: Athletic power forward, backup center, backup point guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Dan Gadzuric, Jiri Welsch, Frank Williams, Bostjan
    Nachbar, Sam Clancy
    The Skinny: The team is hoping to get its hands on Chris Wilcox or Nene
    Hilario with their lottery pick. If the team does get one of the two, they could
    afford to gamble on Gadzuric. He has the athleticism they've longed for in a
    center. With the loss of Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers, the team could use a
    scorer of the bench. Welsch and Williams could provide some welcomed
    backup for Stephon Marbury. Nachbar probably will be gone by now, but he
    would give them a scoring punch that Rogers provided.
    23. Detroit Pistons
    Draft Needs: Point guard, center
    Top 5 Candidates: Dan Dickau, Frank Williams, Jiri Welsch, Roger Mason Jr.,
    Tito Maddux
    The Skinny: The Pistons may end up sending this pick to the Hawks. If they
    keep it, they'd love to get their hands on Dickau. He's probably gone at this
    point, which will be too bad. The Pistons desperately need his energy and
    scoring punch at the point. Williams and Welsch would give them a tough
    defender to go along with Chucky Atkins. However, they'll probably be gone by
    here as well. Mason, Maddux and Smush Parker are the best remaining point
    guards, but they all might be reaches in the first round.
    24. New Jersey Nets
    Draft Needs: Shooter, backup point guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Freddie Jones, Casey Jacobsen, Juan Dixon, Tito Maddux,
    Steve Logan
    The Skinny: The team is pretty set at every position but could use a more
    consistent long-range gunner for Jason Kidd to drive and dish to. They thought
    Brandon Armstrong was the answer last year, now they're not so sure. Jacobsen
    is probably the best shooter in the draft. Jones isn't nearly the shooter Jacobsen
    is, but he's a great athlete. Dixon has the jumper and the intagibles that could
    allow him to come in and contribute right away. Kidd still needs a blow or tow a
    game and Fresno State's Maddux or Logan would be able to give the Nets a
    different look with Kidd on the bench.
    25. Denver Nuggets (from Dallas)
    Draft Needs: Athletic guard, center, big small forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Boris Diaw-Riffiod, David Andersen, Freddie Jones, Dan
    Gadzuric, Tayshaun Prince
    The Skinny: The Nuggets are hoping to address their backcourt needs with
    either Jay Williams or Dajuan Wagner early. With their second pick, don't be
    surprised to see them take a chance on a foreign player who they can develop
    overseas for a few years. That's why Diaw looks like a real possibility here. If
    he's gone, Andersen got some good buzz over in Bologna and you can always
    use size. They also like Welsch and Nachbar, but they're probably gone by now.
    Jones would give them such much needed athleticism. Gadzuric is all about
    upside. Prince, Rod Grizzard and Chris Jefferies are all projects, but the team
    wouldn't mind getting its hands on a young, athletic small forward.
    26. San Antonio Spurs
    Draft Needs: Center, small forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Dan Gadzuric, Jason Jennings, David Andersen, Juan
    Dixon, Tayshaun Prince
    The Skinny: David Robinson is on the decline. At this point in the draft, there
    isn't much they can do to replace him. If Gadzuric is around here, he may be
    worth the gamble on his upside alone. Jennings would be a big body who could
    at least spell Robinson some next year. Andersen is an intriguing big man. He
    can't play center, but Duncan can always swing there. Prince would give them a
    multi-dimensional athlete should Bruce Bowen head out the door. Dixon's
    defense and leadership is always a bonus on a veteran team.
    27. L.A. Lakers
    Draft Needs: Power forward, backup center, shooter
    Top 5 Candidates: Casey Jacobsen, Sam Clancy, Carlos Boozer, Dan
    Gadzuric, Jason Jennings
    The Skinny: Shaq is hurting and the Lakers may need to see what they can do
    to give him an extra five minutes of rest a game. If Gadzuric is around, he could
    be a big help. Jennings would give some added muscle. If Mitch Richmond calls
    it quits this summer, Jacobsen may be able to provide the sharp shooting that
    the Lakers still miss. Clancy has the skills to give the Lakers so help down low,
    but the team wishes he was a few inches taller. If Boozer slips this far, he might
    be a real steal here. He's got the low-post game the Lakers lack and he's a hard
    worker on the offensive glass.
    28. Sacramento Kings
    Draft Needs: Backup center, power forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Dan Gadzuric, Darius Songaila, David Andersen, Kei
    Madison, Jason Jennings
    The Skinny: The Kings can go any direction here. They're still kicking
    themselves that they let Jerome James slip through their fingers. If Gadzuric is
    still around, he'd be a big help. I hear they really like Songaila, which makes a lot
    of sense given the predilection for international players. Ditto for Andersen.
    Madison is a real wildcard here. Lots of scouts seem intrigued by his upside.
    With Geoff Petrie's recent draft record, he can do no wrong.
     
  9. NJRocket

    NJRocket Member

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    1. Chicago Bulls
    Draft Needs: Point guard, depth everywhere
    Top 5 prospects: Yao Ming, Jason Williams, Mike Dunleavy, Dajuan Wagner, Qyntel Woods
    The Skinny: Sources in Chicago say that Jerry Krause is in love with Yao. Would he select him over Williams if the Bulls get the No. 1 pick? The Bulls still think Jamal Crawford has a future and Jalen Rose can always play the point. Krause's vision of a huge frontline that has Tyson Chandler at small forward, Eddy Curry at power forward and either Yao or the Clippers' Michael Olowokandi at center may make Yao the first foreign player ever to go No. 1 in the draft. Another scenario has the Bulls drafting Yao and sending him to a team like the Knicks or Mavs who desperately need a big man. If the Bulls could get a young veteran in return, that could be the way to go. If Yao's gone, Williams is the obvious second choice. The Bulls also like Dunleavy. After failing to trade for Wally Szczerbiak and missing out on Mike Miller in the draft, Dunleavy could be that white guy they've longed for.

    2. Golden State Warriors
    Draft Needs: Point guard, power forward, center
    Top 5 Candidates: Jason Williams, Yao Ming, Drew Gooden, Chris Wilcox, Curtis Borchardt
    The Skinny: They want Williams and if they get the first pick in the draft, he'll be a lock. If they can't get their hands on him, they'll likely take Yao. He makes a lot of sense from a number of different levels. He's better than any big man they have, is young and will draw in the fans. From a marketing perspective, he's a slam dunk. From a talent prospective? He's still a serious question mark. If the Warriors slip any further, they'll face some serious question marks. Maryland's Chris Wilcox or Stanford's Curtis Borchardt could help down low.

    3. Memphis Grizzlies
    Draft Needs: Center, depth everywhere
    Top 5 Candidates: Jason Williams, Yao Ming, Drew Gooden, Qyntel Woods, Chris Wilcox
    The Skinny: Drafting Yao makes a lot of sense, but the word from his camp is that he'd rather stay in China than play in Memphis. Drafting Duke's Williams would create an immediate conflict with the other Jason Williams. Maybe that's why he changed his name to "Jay." This is way too early to grab either Borchardt or Marcus, so don't be surprised if the Grizzlies try to trade down or out of this pick altogether. If they do keep it and stay at No. 3, Gooden is probably the most likely choice.

    4. Denver Nuggets
    Draft Needs: Athletic guard, center, big small forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Jason Williams, Dajuan Wagner, Qyntel Woods, Mike Dunleavy, Nickoloz Tskitishvili
    The Skinny: The Nuggets still have a decent shot at the No. 1 pick and would take Williams in a heartbeat, despite what they say. If he's not around, Wagner may be the next best thing. He's not a true point guard, but the Nuggets need help at both backcourt positions. They want to make a run at Jason Kidd next year anyway, and a Wagner-Kidd backcourt would be lethal. The team is also high on Dunleavy, though he doesn't give them the athleticism they're looking for. Woods is the other real intriguing prospect here. If he really is the second coming of Tracy McGrady, he'd be a great fit in Denver. The wild card may be Tskitishvili. Nuggets assistant GM Dave Fredman has a track record of going forward and Tskitishvili's skill for a 7-footer are so intriguing, he may be worth the risk. If they draft a player like Gooden or Chris Wilcox, that's a pretty good indication that they feel Antonio McDyess will bail next summer.
     
  10. NJRocket

    NJRocket Member

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    6. Cleveland Cavaliers
    Draft Needs: Athletic forward, scoring guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Mike Dunleavy, Caron Butler, Dajuan Wagner, Chris Wilcox, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario
    The Skinny: The Cavs will try to move Lamond Murray this summer. They have Ricky Davis, but he can play either shooting guard or small forward. A player like Dunleavy or Butler would be perfect. Wagner would be intriguing just because the Cavs desperately need players who can slash to the basket. No one in the draft is better at attacking the basket than Wagner. Wilcox will also get a look here. The team has Tyrone Hill and Chris Mihm, but it really covets a running mate to help out Andre Miller. A Miller-Wilcox tandem would be a nightmare on the break. The Cavs love Gooden, but he probably will be gone. One sleeper might be Nene. He's working out in Cleveland and the Cavs rushed out to get the first look at him. This may be a little high for him to go, but his upside is enourmous

    7. New York Knicks
    Draft Needs: Center, power forward, point guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Yao Ming, Curtis Borchardt, Chris Wilcox, Dajuan Wagner, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario
    The Skinny: Expect Scott Layden to make a major push for Yao. Yao has identified four teams -- the Knicks, Bulls, Warriors and Wizards -- as teams he'd like to play for. The Bulls, Warriors and Wizards all wouldn't mind trading their pick if it brought in some veteran help. Yao is the type of player and shot blocker the Knicks have coveted since Patrick Ewing's glory days. If he's not around, Borchardt would be a decent backup plan, but his history of foot injuries will likely raise some concerns. Wilcox, if he's available here, would give the Knicks a young, strong and dynamic power forward. He'd be very difficult to pass up. Nene is a bigger project, but he'll likely still be around. There are a lot of rumors about Wagner and the Knicks floating around New York, but they're mostly hype. Unless Layden can find a way to move Charlie Ward or Mark Jackson, he just can't afford to put another guard on the roster.

    8. Atlanta Hawks
    Draft Needs: Point guard, depth up front
    Top 5 Candidates: Jason Williams, Mike Dunleavy, Dajuan Wagner, Chris Wilcox, Caron Butler
    The Skinny: Must send this pick to the Clippers unless they get into the top 3. If they do land a top 3 lottery pick, they'll pray for Williams. If Dunleavy declares, he'd be an intriguing prospect. With his ball-handling skills, he could play a point-forward position similar to what Toni Kukoc does when he's healthy.

    9. Phoenix Suns
    Draft Needs: Athletic power forward, backup center, backup point guard
    Top 5 Candidates: Chris Wilcox, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario, Amare Stoudemire, Curtis Borchardt, Nikoloz Tskitishvili
    The Skinny: The Suns were encouraged with the play of second-round pick Alton Ford toward the end of the season, but they still continue to covet a long, athletic big man. They love Wilcox and may be willing to trade up to get him. Hilario may have the most potential, but we're not sure the Colangelos have the patience to wait for him to develop. Ditto for Stoudemire. Borchardt could both provide the Suns extra depth in the middle, though that's less of a priority with the late development of Jake Tsakalidis. Tskitishvili doesn't quite fit a need, but we hear that the Suns have been scouting him extensively.

    10. Miami Heat
    Draft Needs: Athletic small forward, point guard, backup center
    Top 5 Candidates: Caron Butler, Jared Jeffries, Curtis Borchardt, Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Chris Marcus
    The Skinny: Pat Riley has pined for a tall small forward in the mold of Lamar Odom for the last few years. There really isn't a player in this draft that fits the description exactly. Jeffries may be the closest, but doesn't have the athleticism that Odom does. Considering he was recruited by Bob Knight, however, means he must have the discipline that Riley covets. Butler is the guy with the most intangibles and provides the scoring punch the Heat desperately need. If he's still available, it will be a miracle. Tskitishvili has the versatility of Odom, but doesn't play defense -- a big, big no-no for Riley. Borchardt and Marcus could provide the Heat with some insurance in the middle should Alonzo Mourning struggle with his health.

    11. Washington Wizards
    Draft Needs: A big small forward, point guard, backup center
    Top 5 Candidates: Jared Jeffries, Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Curtis Borchardt, Chris Marcus, Melvin Ely
    The Skinny: The Wizards would love to get their hands on Butler, but it's looking more and more like he will be long gone by here. Jeffries is a bigger project, but would give the Wizards the size they covet at this position. Tskitishvili is even a bigger project, but he probably has an even bigger upside than Jeffries. Marcus is another obvious choice here. Brendan Haywood had a great year for Washington, but it can always use size. If all those guys are gone, Ely may be the answer.

    12. Los Angeles Clippers
    Draft Needs: Backup center, shot blocking, backup power forward
    Top 5 Candidates: Curtis Borchardt, Chris Marcus, Amare Stoudemire, Melvin Ely, Marcus Haislip
    The Skinny: The Clippers will likely have two picks in the lottery -- expect them to go big with both of them. The Clippers own this pick and will likely get the eighth pick in the draft from the Hawks (unless they grab one of the top 3 lottery spots). They are inundated with guards and small forwards but could use some depth up front. They already have their eyes on Stanford big man Borchardt. He won't be available at 12, but they might be able to nab him with the eighth pick. If he's gone, Marcus isn't a bad consolation prize. Don't be surprised if the Clippers take a long look at Stoudemire with their 12th pick. With Elton Brand anchoring the power forward position, they have plenty of time to develop the ultra raw Stoudemire.

    13. Milwaukee Bucks
    Draft Needs: Hard-working, athletic power forward, bulky banging center, backup point guard.
    Top 5 Candidates: Chris Marcus; Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario; Marcus Haislip; Frank Williams
    The Skinny: Some inside the Bucks still believe that had Sam Cassell, Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson had been healthy, this team would be headed for the NBA Finals. George Karl isn't so sure. Either way, drafting where the Bucks will likely be drafting, there won't be anyone available who can come in and make a major impact. No one is blaming Anthony Mason, but the team will lose Darvin Ham this summer and it could use a workman-like banger. Both Hilario and Haislip are incredibly stong (Haislip can bench 400 pounds) and can jump out of the gym. On potential, either player might be a steal at this point in the draft. Marcus is projected as a center, but the Bucks could use the bulk in the middle. Stoudemire probably won't be around here, but he'd be almost impossible to pass on if he was. The Bucks will let Rafer Alston slip into the sunset, providing an opening for a backup for Cassell. It's quite a reach to project Frank Williams here -- but he's got the defensive tenacity that reminds some of Karl's favorite player, Gary Payton.

    14. Indiana Pacers
    Draft Needs: Athletic two guard, backup point guard, size
    Top 5 Candidates: Kareem Rush, Frank Williams, Melvin Ely, Fred Jones, Jiri Welsch
    The Skinny: The Pacers don't have any glaring holes. They're young, but have solid players at every position. They ran into some problems this year after they shipped off Travis Best, but they'd prefer to add a veteran point guard to back up Jamaal Tinsley. Reggie Miller isn't getting any younger. While Ron Mercer has performed well, they'd still like to get more athletic in their backcourt. Could Rush provide some of the versatility, outside shooting and athleticism that they lost when they shipped off Jalen Rose? Oregon's Jones is also a super athlete, but doesn't quite have the range of Rush. Czech combo guard Jiri Welsch is super tough (something coach Isiah Thomas demands) and has the ability to play three positions. If he had NBA three-point range he might be the top candidate. If the Pacers opt for size (most teams do) Fresno State's Ely might be a nice pick up here.
     
  11. NJRocket

    NJRocket Member

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    thats the whole article about the draft...enjoy...im surprised so many teams are really considering taking Dunleavy top 5...then again, i wanted Harold Minor over Horry:p
     
  12. Band Geek Mobster

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    Uh...posted in the wrong thread...:eek:
     
  13. rimbaud

    rimbaud Member
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    Wy on earth would Atlanta take a PG when they already have Terry, who is better than any pg they could draft? I don't understand why the media has been so slow to realize that Atl no longer needs a PG.
     
  14. DCkid

    DCkid Member

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    Who do they have playing 2 guard? To me, it seems like Terry is more of a 2-guard than a point guard.
     
  15. NJRocket

    NJRocket Member

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    DC Kid is right... Terry's a 2 guard and they aren't thrilled with Jacque Vaughn
     
  16. rimbaud

    rimbaud Member
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    Sorry, Terry is the 1. They moved him back a bit after midseason and he played well there. The team has said he is their pg, he has said he will be a pg from now on, etc. He played very well at pg in the last quarter of the year...why wouldn't you be happy with ~ 20 and 7 at the pg position (from a young player)?

    DC,

    Glover, Dermarr, and Newble played the 2 at various times during the season. What they need is consitency at the 2 and 3 spot, along with a healthy Ratliff...making their priority 2, 3, or 5 - depending on where they pick and who is available.
     
  17. CriscoKidd

    CriscoKidd Member

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    Thanks NJ and DR. I can't read enough about the draft. :)

    Lamond Murray on the block is interesting. I wonder what it would take to get him? Maybe if we get a pf with the first pick we could do a KT for Murray swap, and try to get one of their backup centers while were at it.
     
  18. BigM

    BigM Member

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    dude are you new? we're not happy ourselves with a young point guard who gets 21,7,6? :D
     
  19. rimbaud

    rimbaud Member
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    How dare you insult me in such a manner. I have been coming to this site for the past 8 years...show some respect.
     
  20. lpbman

    lpbman Member

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    yes how dare you:rolleyes:
     

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