I could've swore I heard the announcer, who was along side Dunleavy Sr. during the Charlotte-New Jersey game, say, "...like your son, who is eagerly awaiting the NBA Draft." Dunleavy Sr. didn't respond, so I didn't know what to think.
He hasn't announced one way or the other yet officially, though before (during the season), it was assumed that he would not come out this year and instead test the waters in the following (2003) draft.
I think it would be a mistake for Dunleavy NOT to enter himself in this year's draft. Any time that you are considered a lock as a top 5 lottery pick, you should take full advantage. Dunleavy is coming off of an amazing season. His name, and stock are sky-high right NOW, but who's to say it will be like that this time next year? Look at it this way. He might not be as good playing for Duke next season without his boys J-Will, and Boozer returning. Their absences could greatly effect is affectiveness on the Blue Devil squad next year. What if he was to injure himself during the college basketball season? His draft stock would plumet. I think the best thing for Dunleavy to do is enter the draft right now. Of course, he might be staying in school for several reasons, including: a degree, a chance at another national championship, a chance to show that he can be "the man" for the Devils, or just to improve his overall game to be more NBA ready when he enters, just like his bro Battier did. The only reason I want him to come out, is that it makes this draft even deeper. Granted, we could have the opportunity to pick him, which would be a really good fit for us, but it also helps our chances of getting the player we want at #5 in either Woods or Butler, and the guy we desire at #15 in Stoudamire.
Man, I still don't get how Dunleavy is considered a "lock" to be top five material. I think he is a mid-first rounder. While I think for Houston's purposes he could be a good fit, I don't see how any team could consider him as anything other than a complimentary player.
The board felt the same way about Mike Miller a couple of years ago. If Woods is gone, I wouldn't mind taking Mike Jr.
I wouldn't say Mike Miller has proven himself to be anything other than a complementary player either. He is a role player that benefits from McGrady. Miller just won ROY because he happened to be in one of the weakest draft classes of all time. I am with Prempeh. Even if Dunleavy Jr. declares, I am positive there will be someone better to take at #5, even if it means just trading them for a vet. Now, at #15, if he manages to drop that far, I would definitely take Mike.
Mike Dunleavy will be better than Miller. I think they are equal shooters, however Dunleavy' size will make it easier for him to get his shot off, as well as the fact that Dunleavy is a slightly better ball handler.
Unloading the 15 pick to Memphis might be our best option, I don't think anyone here believes unless Griffin or our Draft Pick turn awesome overnight that we will be a playoff team next year. As for Dunleavy, He could be the safest pick at 5 or 6, Ming Williams and Wagner should go 1-2-3, Dunleavy could be a good fit in Houston. If History means anything 1st White Players Drafted overall (non Euro) 92 - Christian Laettner 93 - Shawn Bradley 94 - Eric Montross 95 - Bryant Reeves 96 - Todd Fuller 97 - Keith Van Horn 98 - Raef LaFrentz 99 - Wally Szczerbiak 00 - Mike Miller 01 - Troy Murphy The Whities have gotten better over the years 2nd White Players Drafted overall 92 - Tom Gugliotta 93 - Bobby Hurley 94 - Eric Piatkowski 95 - Cherokee Parks 96 - Steve Nash 97 - Austin Croshere 98 - Jason Williams 99 - Jeff Foster 00 - Chris Mihm 01 - Kirk Haston
I certainly wouldn't be happy with MD unless it was with the 2nd pick (especially if then he was shipped to Vancouver to complete a trade). I just don't think he compares at all in talent to Butler, Gooden, or Wilcox--whom we should get a shot at with our first pick. I would take Bordchart and maybe Jeffries over him too. And though Miller isn't anything special as another said, he has a lot of things in his game (even at the college level) that Dunleavy doesn't--and they are probably only a year or two apart in age. I would take Miller over Dunleavy from what I have seen out of Dunleavy. I am not sure about Moe's point but most of the players on that list do suck and are not worth a lotto, let alone a 5 pick. Further, after our season 2 years ago I don't know how anyone could not have reasonable optimism that we could get the 7th or 8th seed in the west next year with a "normal injury year" and modest progression of last year's high picked rookie and a couple of more new solid high picked rookies.
