Stoudemire's injury curtailing NBA looks By Jerry Brewer | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted June 14, 2002 Email this story to a friend Printer friendly version RELATED STORIES Been there, done that 9 times Jun 14, 2002 2002 NBA PLAYOFFS Previews Scores Statistics | Teams Injuries Odds NBA FINALS: Nets vs. Lakers coverage Photos: Lakers | Nets A lingering shoulder injury is costing Cypress Creek High School phenom Amare Stoudemire valuable time as tries to enhance his NBA draft stock. Stoudemire, a 6-foot-10 power forward who is expected to be the only high schooler taken in the first round, bruised his shoulder on a dunk attempt during a workout with Houston almost three weeks ago. The injury came during the third of nine individual workouts his agent, John Wolf, had already planned. During the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago last week, Stoudemire said he expected to be healthy enough to resume playing this week. But he canceled a Saturday audition with the Denver Nuggets, who hold the No. 5 and No. 25 picks in the first round. "Stoudemire is still assessing the injury," said Jeff Weltman, the Nuggets' assistant general manager. "He hasn't done any workouts post-Chicago." Weltman said the injury was legitimate and he didn't think Stoudemire was trying to avoid the Nuggets or hide from any team. "Everybody else is in the same boat we're in," Weltman said. "It's not that he's saying, 'I don't want to come to Denver.' " The injury will not bump Stoudemire, who is considered a top-20 lock, from the first round, but it does hinder his stated goal of being selected in the top 10 of the draft. "If I don't go top 10," Stoudemire said, "teams are going to regret not taking me." Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel Do you think he was looking so good when he was here for his workout that Rudy told Mr. Mean to go in and flagrant 2 him so he would drop to #15 ?
I really hope he drops to #15, and we take him... I'd prefer Stoudamire over Nachbar or anyone else, unless Hilario somehow drops that far. I realize he's another project, like Griffin and Ming, but I believe he'll be a star in this league. Hopefully we can get a good SF through trade or Free Agency... although if we picked up Stoudamire with the #15, I'm sure whomever would want him as part of the deal. And if we are getting someone like Odom, perhaps that would be worth it... but I think Stoudamire's a keeper.
Sounds like trading KT for a decent three and then picking up Amare might be a possibility. Hmmm....if Houston picks him at 15, you might wonder about some under-the-table work. In CD we trust. (Standard disclaimer: I do like Kenny. But we aren't going to need his offense in the future and a bruiser like Amare could be very useful)
I have been decidedly against the drafting of Ming. However, since we *appear* to be locked in with him I do think that we sholud use the #15 on a bruising post. I am hoping that there is some way that CD can move up enough to get Hilario, but Stoudemire is a great choice if Nene isn't available or we can't move up. Getting either of those guys allows Mo to be moved in the future and gives us a plethora of options at the 4 and 5, with Ming being finesse, Amare banging and Eddie combining both. The second rouder should be used on the most athletic wing available (maybe a Jones or Yarbrough?). PS-Disregard if there is a way to get hold of Woods, maybe Stoudemire and KT for whoever pix Qyntel?
hopefully this doesn't hurt his stock. he's a guy who could potentially push a good sf down to us. [raise stock] Dude's got mad hops [/raise stock]
Stoudamire is the stud I'm sure they're looking at. Hilario will be gone by 8. Potential KT trade-up with ??? might get us in the Wilcox ballpark, but that'd be a longshot. Cannot trade Eddie G. for any prospect on the board, though, unless it involved keeping our Ming-pick and getting Odem here. Is Odem a free agent next year? If he is, stay away!!! The guy that appears to be instant-impact (in that 3 - 10 range) is Gooden. I heard he's amazing people in workouts with his versatility and quickness. My gut tells me he'll be a Battier-type 3, only with more athleticism. Trade KT and 15 to NY for the 8???
