Well, the NBA season is now over, but unlike most sports the off-season begins with a bang as the draft is less than a week away. Before I get to my draft preview I would like to reflect on a view observations from the Finals:
- Dwyane Wade is a pretty darn good basketball player
- So is Dirk, but Wade has the upper hand because it's harder to keep the ball out of his hands. Miami did a good job of putting a couple people on Dirk before he even had the ball to make sure he wouldn't get it...you can't do that with Wade
- I kinda have to apologize to Mark Cuban, I had a little cough last week while watching the game. Wade was dribbling, I was watching him, I coughed and apparently I was called for a foul on Wade
- If they are already going to give Wade every foul, why not just do this every time down?
- Very surprised how ABC showed the replay of the last second shot by Jason Terry (that would have forced overtime) a total of zero times. Potential game tying, series/season altering shot that rimmed in-and-out...I wonder if it had anything to do with Gary Payton having that firm grip and pulling on Terry's jersey while he floated away for the shot
- I do NOT think the NBA is rigged...but they definitly need to make some changes to the way they officiate before they lose a lot of fans
- Congratulatoins Miami, you won, and you beat a better team. I am moving on now
What makes draft previews so hard is trying to decide which angle your story will approach. You can either try and predict what the teams WILL do, or give your opinion on what they SHOULD do. Predicting what teams will do gets fairly tricky, because some teams make bonehead moves in the draft (happens every year), so I will focus on who each team should draft. This way I get to explain my logic. Enough jibber-jabber, let's get on with it.
(Before I get started, I almost guarantee that there will be plenty of trades in this years draft that shake everything up, this post is what each team should do if there were no trades at all. Otherwise I would tell the Pistons to package Carlos Delfino and Kelvin Cato for the #1 pick)
(Hold Shift while clicking on links)
1. Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani - Italy (6'11'' PF)- What they really need is a point guard to replace the soon to be departed Mike James. But the only guard you can even consider this high is Brandon Roy. Often compared to Dirk (like every other tall European that can shoot), Bargnani has plenty of upside. Unlike most European prospects, he actually plays a lot in the Euro league, so scouts have actually been able to track his progress. If he fills out his frame and can bring his shooting touch across the Atlantic the Raptors could have a great frontcourt for the future with him, Bosh and Villanueva.
2. Chicago Bulls: Tyrus Thomas - LSU (6'9'' PF)- Absolute athletic freak. In my first ever internet posting I wrote about this guy and how he could carry LSU in the NCAA Tournament. He didn't let me down. By far the best defensive player in the draft, Thomas would fit very well with Scott Skiles' tough team mentality. Only one thing worries me, if his offensive game doesn't progress a little the Bulls will basically be drafting another Tyson Chandler. All signs point to this not being a problem as many stories have focused on this guy's heart and determination.
3. Charlotte Bobcats: Brandon Roy - Washington (6'6'' G)- Roy is, in my estimation, the best player in the draft. He did absolutely everything for Washington this past year and if you saw their two games in the Tournament you would know it. The total and complete package. He can dribble, shot, defend, rebound, pass, you name it. New owner/personnel advisor Michael Jordan can't screw this one up after his Kwame Brown debacle in Washington DC.
4. Portland Trailblazers: Adam Morrison - Gonzaga (6'8'' F)- Unless the Trailblazers want to revert to their Jailblazer days and totally lose their fan base, they had better pick Morrison. Many Portland fans have actually started a pro-Morrison campaign called "Draft the Stache". Morrison is a local hero that could inject life into a dead organization. He brings fire to the court, has the tools to be a stone cold scorer in the league, and really cares about the game. Don't expect him to revive the franchise on his own like LeBron, but this local product can definitly get them going in the right direction.
5. Atlanta Hawks: Randy Foye - Villanova (6'4'' PG)- After bombing in last years draft by passing on Chris Paul the Hawks need to nail this one. Foye has the potential to revive the franchise. His game is actually very similar to Dwyane Wade's and the college numbers are fairly identical. Foye is a super athletic combo guard that if paired with Joe Johnson could really help this team take off. The Hawks have rumored to have already decided on Shelden Williams, I really hope that is for trade purposes. I don't know if Shelden and Al Harrington's foreheads can fit on the same team.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gay - UConn (6'9'' F)- Last year they took a great underachieving talent in Rashad McCant's...why not make it two years in a row. Before the college basketball season Gay was widely thought to be the number one pick. On talent alone, he should be. Gay, however, seems to be struck with extreme indifference, meaning I honestly don't think he cares about basketball at all. If being next to Kevin Garnett gets him to play, then it's a perfect pick.
7. Boston Celtics: LaMarcus Aldridge - Texas (6'11'' PF)- Aldridge is actually a pretty solid player, that could very well go higher in the draft. Still rather thin and weak, Tyrus Thomas made him look like a middle-schooler in the Elite Eight. Boston is set in the backcourt with young talent and Paul Pierce. Al Jefferson should finally be able to take over the 4 and that would allow Aldridge to step in and make an impact right away. The Celtics are in a good position because they don't really have a glaring need and they can basically sit and wait to see which of the top seven players falls to them.
8. Houston Rockets: JJ Redick - Duke (6'5'' G)- It's good to see that JJ is getting an early start on being a professional athlete by spending a few nights in jail. Despite his rough week, he actually is a pretty good fit for Houston. JJ wouldn't be able to run a team alone, but if he could play off Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and get open shots off ball rotations, he could be very successful.
9. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Williams - UConn (6'3'' PG)- Golden State thought that they had a fairly good team last year, but they never seemed to gel. To me the reason is obvious, Baron Davis. He isn't really a 'gelling' player. Davis would be a perfect fit on the Knicks with the other ballhogs. Golden State can phase Davis out by taking a pro-ready leader like Williams.
10. Seattle Supersonics: Shelden Williams - Duke (6'9'' PF)- Do I think that Shelden Williams is really worth a top ten pick...no, not really. But you know what you are getting with him. He is a solid player, that works hard, goes after rebounds and loose balls and can block shots. Seattle seems to like those bruisers in the front court and Williams is definitly an upgrade over last years combo of Danny Fortson and Reggie Evans.
11. Orlando Magic: Ronnie Brewer - Arkansas (6'7'' G)- The best news I heard from the Orlando Magic this offseason...we have three untouchable players Jameer Nelson, Dwight Howard and Darko Milicic. Orlando will make the playoffs next year, and Darko will probably start most games and contribute heavily. If they want to play the small PG Nelson they would need a big 2 guard to help out the defense. Brewer is a good defender, can get to the hoop and is a good enough ball handler to assume PG duties if Nelson and Arroyo are hurt/in foul trouble.
12. NO/Oklahoma City Hornets: Patrick O'Bryant - Bradley (7'0'' C)- The Horents don't really have any big men thanks to Chris Anderson's crack addiction. O'Bryant would be a perfect fit. He is super athletic for a seven-footer and proved he can play with big guys in the Tournament. Would be a great compliment to Chris Paul and David West.
13. Philadelphia 76ers: Rodney Carney - Memphis (6'7'' SF)- I told my roommate Derrick "Cowboy Troy" Johnson that if the Sixers traded Allen Iverson that I would burn my Sixers shorts in our driveway. I hope it doesn't come to this. If they can squeeze one more year out of Chris Webber (like they did this last year) and bring back Iverson, pair those two with explosive wings like Igoudala and Carney, this team can make a run at the pathetic Atlantic Division. Carney and Igoudala can be the next Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson.
14. Utah Jazz: Cedric Simmons - NC State (6'10'' PF)- Apparently Carlos Boozer isn't well liked in Utah. Cleveland fans are saying at least he didn't screw over your extra-generous blind owner. I understand he has been hurt a lot, but when on the court he has been excellent. Simmons is still developing offensively, but would bring a lot of athletic ability to a front court that lacks...well, athletes. The Jazz are closer to being a contender than most people think.
15. NO/Oklahoma City Hornets: Shannon Brown - Michigan State (6'3'' G)- This would really be a perfect fit for the Hornets. While I was always a bigger fan of Brown's college teammate Maurice Ager, Shannon is a better fit on this team. His uber-athletic ability alongside Chris Paul could be very dangerous. Chris Paul almost did it last year on his own, if he gets this draft, watch out.
16. Chicago Bulls: Rajon Rondo - Kentucky (6'2'' PG)- Last year Rondo made the wise decision to go back to school to improve his game, this year he made the unwise decision of leaving early. Blessed with long arms, big hands and tremendous athletic ability (40 inch vertical), Rondo has the tools to be a great defender. Scott Skiles will like his tough mentality and defense, he won't like that he can't shoot. Rondo was the only point guard that I saw catch multiple ally-oops this season.
17. Indiana Pacers: Thabo Sefolosha - Switzerland (6'6'' SF)- Athletic swing man is touted as the most NBA-ready european talent. Indiana has a fairly good international scouting department, so they should have a good read on this one. What is tough to foresee is the fact that it appears the Pacers are ready to drop an A-Bomb on the franchise and just start over (aka trade Jermaine O'neal), an event that could change everything.
18. Washington Wizards: Hilton Armstrong - UConn (6'11'' C)- The Wiz have had great guard play the last few years as Gilbert Arenas has become a star. What they really lack is some talent up front. Armstrong is a good enough defender to make an instant impact, his offensive game may never develop into a force, but he could help bulk up this team.
19. Sacramento Kings: Mouhamed Saer Sene - Senegal (7'0'' C)- Another possible pick for the Wizards, seems like a better fit on the Kings. Saer Sene has only played basketball a few years now, but he is a physical specimen. Super athletic, strong with a 7'8'' wingspan he projects to be a Samuel Dalembert type player...just a lot better. Put his shot blocking behind Ron Artest's D, and have fun scoring on the Kings.
20. New York Knicks: Maurice Ager - Michigan State (6'4'' G)- The Knicks already have about 5 scoring guards on their roster, but Jalen Rose and Jamal Crawford may be on their way out and Ager can fill in for them nicely. One of the better players in the Big Ten Conference last year, his all-around scoring ability is what GM/coach Isiah Thomas looks for in his guards.
21. Phoenix Suns: Sergio Rodriguez - Spain (6'3'' PG)- Nicknamed the "Spanish Magician" Rodriguez is the perfect fit for the Suns. Has a reputation for making dazzling plays off the dribble and pass while falling in love with the three point shot. He is only 170lbs so he would have trouble playing defense in the NBA, but this is Phoenix, where defense is optional. Nash won't be able to play forever, and Leandro Barbosa's contract runs out next year, so Rodriguez is basically a need.
22. New Jersey Nets: Oleksiy Pecherov - Ukraine (6'11'' PF)- I don't know that much about this guy at all, but every draft report I read has him going much higher than this. What I find interesting is that the same draft reports compare his game to Keith Van Horn's...I wouldn't use a lottery pick on Keith Van Horn.
23. New Jersey Nets: Shawne Williams - Memphis (6'9'' F)- A very versatile player that can play 1-4 on the court. Williams really excelled in his only year at Memphis, but may need a few years to develop his game to an NBA level. If he does the Nets will look back and laugh in five years when they see what a steal this pick was.
24. Memphis Grizzlies: Jordan Farmar - UCLA (6'2'' PG)- Memphis needs to get Pau Gasol help. Every player on that roster other than Pau is expendable. If Bobby Jackson can stay healthy and Farmar can step in an run the show, this team may be looking at their first ever playoff win. I was never a Farmar fan...I think he looks like a tool...but he is a good basketball player.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyle Lowry - Villanova (6'0'' PG)- Cleveland would probably rather have Farmar, but their need for a Point Guard is high. Eric Snow is on the downside of his career, Damon Jones is passed his downside and LeBron needs at least a little bit of help...maybe.
26. Los Angeles Lakers: Guillermo Diaz - Miami (6'2'' SG)- Diaz isn't a true point guard, but you don't really need on in Phill Jackson's offense. He is a scoring guard that can get to the hoop and finish. Improved shooting has pushed him into the first round. Steps in an upgrades the Laker supporting cast immediately. Owns a 45 inch vertical (that is NOT a typo).
27. Phoenix Suns: Steve Novak - Marquette (6'11'' F)- Purest shooter in the draft...and this is a draft that includes JJ Redick. Steve missed 18 free throws in his college career...and he is a four year starter. Had the rep of shooting over shorter players from weaker teams, until he exploded for 41 points against a premier defensive team in UConn. Considered more of a second round pick, but Novak doesn't miss open shots, and players on the Suns get a lot of open shots...it's a good fit.
28. Dallas Mavericks: James White - Cincinnati (6'7'' G/F)- Fits the Dallas swingman mold along with Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels. I can honestly say that I think White is the best dunker ever. Still needs to work on this jump shot, but with all his other tools and world class athleticism, he will make a good pro.
29. New York Knicks: Leon Powe - California (6'7'' PF)- If not for his two knee surgeries his freshman year of college, Powe would be a sure-fire lottery pick. Good ball handling for a power forward and has a decent mid range game. Very strong with good leaping ability, comparable to a young Larry Johnson.
30. Portland Trialblazers: Mike Gansey - West Virginia (6'4'' SG)- As I previously said, Portland needs a major image change for their franchise. If the get Morrison and Gansey they get two very hard workers that just know the game of basketball. Gansey won't overwhelm you athletically, but he can just play. A very crafty player with a good shooting touch. Portland has plenty of athletes, but not many really solid basketball players, this pick would help change that.
- Dwyane Wade is a pretty darn good basketball player
- So is Dirk, but Wade has the upper hand because it's harder to keep the ball out of his hands. Miami did a good job of putting a couple people on Dirk before he even had the ball to make sure he wouldn't get it...you can't do that with Wade
- I kinda have to apologize to Mark Cuban, I had a little cough last week while watching the game. Wade was dribbling, I was watching him, I coughed and apparently I was called for a foul on Wade
- If they are already going to give Wade every foul, why not just do this every time down?
- Very surprised how ABC showed the replay of the last second shot by Jason Terry (that would have forced overtime) a total of zero times. Potential game tying, series/season altering shot that rimmed in-and-out...I wonder if it had anything to do with Gary Payton having that firm grip and pulling on Terry's jersey while he floated away for the shot
- I do NOT think the NBA is rigged...but they definitly need to make some changes to the way they officiate before they lose a lot of fans
- Congratulatoins Miami, you won, and you beat a better team. I am moving on now
What makes draft previews so hard is trying to decide which angle your story will approach. You can either try and predict what the teams WILL do, or give your opinion on what they SHOULD do. Predicting what teams will do gets fairly tricky, because some teams make bonehead moves in the draft (happens every year), so I will focus on who each team should draft. This way I get to explain my logic. Enough jibber-jabber, let's get on with it.
(Before I get started, I almost guarantee that there will be plenty of trades in this years draft that shake everything up, this post is what each team should do if there were no trades at all. Otherwise I would tell the Pistons to package Carlos Delfino and Kelvin Cato for the #1 pick)
(Hold Shift while clicking on links)
1. Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani - Italy (6'11'' PF)- What they really need is a point guard to replace the soon to be departed Mike James. But the only guard you can even consider this high is Brandon Roy. Often compared to Dirk (like every other tall European that can shoot), Bargnani has plenty of upside. Unlike most European prospects, he actually plays a lot in the Euro league, so scouts have actually been able to track his progress. If he fills out his frame and can bring his shooting touch across the Atlantic the Raptors could have a great frontcourt for the future with him, Bosh and Villanueva.
2. Chicago Bulls: Tyrus Thomas - LSU (6'9'' PF)- Absolute athletic freak. In my first ever internet posting I wrote about this guy and how he could carry LSU in the NCAA Tournament. He didn't let me down. By far the best defensive player in the draft, Thomas would fit very well with Scott Skiles' tough team mentality. Only one thing worries me, if his offensive game doesn't progress a little the Bulls will basically be drafting another Tyson Chandler. All signs point to this not being a problem as many stories have focused on this guy's heart and determination.
3. Charlotte Bobcats: Brandon Roy - Washington (6'6'' G)- Roy is, in my estimation, the best player in the draft. He did absolutely everything for Washington this past year and if you saw their two games in the Tournament you would know it. The total and complete package. He can dribble, shot, defend, rebound, pass, you name it. New owner/personnel advisor Michael Jordan can't screw this one up after his Kwame Brown debacle in Washington DC.
4. Portland Trailblazers: Adam Morrison - Gonzaga (6'8'' F)- Unless the Trailblazers want to revert to their Jailblazer days and totally lose their fan base, they had better pick Morrison. Many Portland fans have actually started a pro-Morrison campaign called "Draft the Stache". Morrison is a local hero that could inject life into a dead organization. He brings fire to the court, has the tools to be a stone cold scorer in the league, and really cares about the game. Don't expect him to revive the franchise on his own like LeBron, but this local product can definitly get them going in the right direction.
5. Atlanta Hawks: Randy Foye - Villanova (6'4'' PG)- After bombing in last years draft by passing on Chris Paul the Hawks need to nail this one. Foye has the potential to revive the franchise. His game is actually very similar to Dwyane Wade's and the college numbers are fairly identical. Foye is a super athletic combo guard that if paired with Joe Johnson could really help this team take off. The Hawks have rumored to have already decided on Shelden Williams, I really hope that is for trade purposes. I don't know if Shelden and Al Harrington's foreheads can fit on the same team.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gay - UConn (6'9'' F)- Last year they took a great underachieving talent in Rashad McCant's...why not make it two years in a row. Before the college basketball season Gay was widely thought to be the number one pick. On talent alone, he should be. Gay, however, seems to be struck with extreme indifference, meaning I honestly don't think he cares about basketball at all. If being next to Kevin Garnett gets him to play, then it's a perfect pick.
7. Boston Celtics: LaMarcus Aldridge - Texas (6'11'' PF)- Aldridge is actually a pretty solid player, that could very well go higher in the draft. Still rather thin and weak, Tyrus Thomas made him look like a middle-schooler in the Elite Eight. Boston is set in the backcourt with young talent and Paul Pierce. Al Jefferson should finally be able to take over the 4 and that would allow Aldridge to step in and make an impact right away. The Celtics are in a good position because they don't really have a glaring need and they can basically sit and wait to see which of the top seven players falls to them.
8. Houston Rockets: JJ Redick - Duke (6'5'' G)- It's good to see that JJ is getting an early start on being a professional athlete by spending a few nights in jail. Despite his rough week, he actually is a pretty good fit for Houston. JJ wouldn't be able to run a team alone, but if he could play off Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and get open shots off ball rotations, he could be very successful.
9. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Williams - UConn (6'3'' PG)- Golden State thought that they had a fairly good team last year, but they never seemed to gel. To me the reason is obvious, Baron Davis. He isn't really a 'gelling' player. Davis would be a perfect fit on the Knicks with the other ballhogs. Golden State can phase Davis out by taking a pro-ready leader like Williams.
10. Seattle Supersonics: Shelden Williams - Duke (6'9'' PF)- Do I think that Shelden Williams is really worth a top ten pick...no, not really. But you know what you are getting with him. He is a solid player, that works hard, goes after rebounds and loose balls and can block shots. Seattle seems to like those bruisers in the front court and Williams is definitly an upgrade over last years combo of Danny Fortson and Reggie Evans.
11. Orlando Magic: Ronnie Brewer - Arkansas (6'7'' G)- The best news I heard from the Orlando Magic this offseason...we have three untouchable players Jameer Nelson, Dwight Howard and Darko Milicic. Orlando will make the playoffs next year, and Darko will probably start most games and contribute heavily. If they want to play the small PG Nelson they would need a big 2 guard to help out the defense. Brewer is a good defender, can get to the hoop and is a good enough ball handler to assume PG duties if Nelson and Arroyo are hurt/in foul trouble.
12. NO/Oklahoma City Hornets: Patrick O'Bryant - Bradley (7'0'' C)- The Horents don't really have any big men thanks to Chris Anderson's crack addiction. O'Bryant would be a perfect fit. He is super athletic for a seven-footer and proved he can play with big guys in the Tournament. Would be a great compliment to Chris Paul and David West.
13. Philadelphia 76ers: Rodney Carney - Memphis (6'7'' SF)- I told my roommate Derrick "Cowboy Troy" Johnson that if the Sixers traded Allen Iverson that I would burn my Sixers shorts in our driveway. I hope it doesn't come to this. If they can squeeze one more year out of Chris Webber (like they did this last year) and bring back Iverson, pair those two with explosive wings like Igoudala and Carney, this team can make a run at the pathetic Atlantic Division. Carney and Igoudala can be the next Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson.
14. Utah Jazz: Cedric Simmons - NC State (6'10'' PF)- Apparently Carlos Boozer isn't well liked in Utah. Cleveland fans are saying at least he didn't screw over your extra-generous blind owner. I understand he has been hurt a lot, but when on the court he has been excellent. Simmons is still developing offensively, but would bring a lot of athletic ability to a front court that lacks...well, athletes. The Jazz are closer to being a contender than most people think.
15. NO/Oklahoma City Hornets: Shannon Brown - Michigan State (6'3'' G)- This would really be a perfect fit for the Hornets. While I was always a bigger fan of Brown's college teammate Maurice Ager, Shannon is a better fit on this team. His uber-athletic ability alongside Chris Paul could be very dangerous. Chris Paul almost did it last year on his own, if he gets this draft, watch out.
16. Chicago Bulls: Rajon Rondo - Kentucky (6'2'' PG)- Last year Rondo made the wise decision to go back to school to improve his game, this year he made the unwise decision of leaving early. Blessed with long arms, big hands and tremendous athletic ability (40 inch vertical), Rondo has the tools to be a great defender. Scott Skiles will like his tough mentality and defense, he won't like that he can't shoot. Rondo was the only point guard that I saw catch multiple ally-oops this season.
17. Indiana Pacers: Thabo Sefolosha - Switzerland (6'6'' SF)- Athletic swing man is touted as the most NBA-ready european talent. Indiana has a fairly good international scouting department, so they should have a good read on this one. What is tough to foresee is the fact that it appears the Pacers are ready to drop an A-Bomb on the franchise and just start over (aka trade Jermaine O'neal), an event that could change everything.
18. Washington Wizards: Hilton Armstrong - UConn (6'11'' C)- The Wiz have had great guard play the last few years as Gilbert Arenas has become a star. What they really lack is some talent up front. Armstrong is a good enough defender to make an instant impact, his offensive game may never develop into a force, but he could help bulk up this team.
19. Sacramento Kings: Mouhamed Saer Sene - Senegal (7'0'' C)- Another possible pick for the Wizards, seems like a better fit on the Kings. Saer Sene has only played basketball a few years now, but he is a physical specimen. Super athletic, strong with a 7'8'' wingspan he projects to be a Samuel Dalembert type player...just a lot better. Put his shot blocking behind Ron Artest's D, and have fun scoring on the Kings.
20. New York Knicks: Maurice Ager - Michigan State (6'4'' G)- The Knicks already have about 5 scoring guards on their roster, but Jalen Rose and Jamal Crawford may be on their way out and Ager can fill in for them nicely. One of the better players in the Big Ten Conference last year, his all-around scoring ability is what GM/coach Isiah Thomas looks for in his guards.
21. Phoenix Suns: Sergio Rodriguez - Spain (6'3'' PG)- Nicknamed the "Spanish Magician" Rodriguez is the perfect fit for the Suns. Has a reputation for making dazzling plays off the dribble and pass while falling in love with the three point shot. He is only 170lbs so he would have trouble playing defense in the NBA, but this is Phoenix, where defense is optional. Nash won't be able to play forever, and Leandro Barbosa's contract runs out next year, so Rodriguez is basically a need.
22. New Jersey Nets: Oleksiy Pecherov - Ukraine (6'11'' PF)- I don't know that much about this guy at all, but every draft report I read has him going much higher than this. What I find interesting is that the same draft reports compare his game to Keith Van Horn's...I wouldn't use a lottery pick on Keith Van Horn.
23. New Jersey Nets: Shawne Williams - Memphis (6'9'' F)- A very versatile player that can play 1-4 on the court. Williams really excelled in his only year at Memphis, but may need a few years to develop his game to an NBA level. If he does the Nets will look back and laugh in five years when they see what a steal this pick was.
24. Memphis Grizzlies: Jordan Farmar - UCLA (6'2'' PG)- Memphis needs to get Pau Gasol help. Every player on that roster other than Pau is expendable. If Bobby Jackson can stay healthy and Farmar can step in an run the show, this team may be looking at their first ever playoff win. I was never a Farmar fan...I think he looks like a tool...but he is a good basketball player.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyle Lowry - Villanova (6'0'' PG)- Cleveland would probably rather have Farmar, but their need for a Point Guard is high. Eric Snow is on the downside of his career, Damon Jones is passed his downside and LeBron needs at least a little bit of help...maybe.
26. Los Angeles Lakers: Guillermo Diaz - Miami (6'2'' SG)- Diaz isn't a true point guard, but you don't really need on in Phill Jackson's offense. He is a scoring guard that can get to the hoop and finish. Improved shooting has pushed him into the first round. Steps in an upgrades the Laker supporting cast immediately. Owns a 45 inch vertical (that is NOT a typo).
27. Phoenix Suns: Steve Novak - Marquette (6'11'' F)- Purest shooter in the draft...and this is a draft that includes JJ Redick. Steve missed 18 free throws in his college career...and he is a four year starter. Had the rep of shooting over shorter players from weaker teams, until he exploded for 41 points against a premier defensive team in UConn. Considered more of a second round pick, but Novak doesn't miss open shots, and players on the Suns get a lot of open shots...it's a good fit.
28. Dallas Mavericks: James White - Cincinnati (6'7'' G/F)- Fits the Dallas swingman mold along with Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels. I can honestly say that I think White is the best dunker ever. Still needs to work on this jump shot, but with all his other tools and world class athleticism, he will make a good pro.
29. New York Knicks: Leon Powe - California (6'7'' PF)- If not for his two knee surgeries his freshman year of college, Powe would be a sure-fire lottery pick. Good ball handling for a power forward and has a decent mid range game. Very strong with good leaping ability, comparable to a young Larry Johnson.
30. Portland Trialblazers: Mike Gansey - West Virginia (6'4'' SG)- As I previously said, Portland needs a major image change for their franchise. If the get Morrison and Gansey they get two very hard workers that just know the game of basketball. Gansey won't overwhelm you athletically, but he can just play. A very crafty player with a good shooting touch. Portland has plenty of athletes, but not many really solid basketball players, this pick would help change that.
posted by The All-Manac at 9:32 AM
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