Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Draft News- 5/31/2005
Stock Rising:
1. Louis Williams- SF High School -May crack the late first round
2. Julius Hodge- SF North Carolina State- In the 25-30 range
3. Monta Ellis- G High School- Rumor is the Celtics at 18
4. Tiago Splitter- F Brazil- 10-15 range
5. Joey Graham- G Oklahoma State- 10-20 range
6. Danny Granger-F New Mexico- anywhere from 7-14
Stock Falling:
1. Martynas Andriuskevicius- C Zalgirius- OUT OF DRAFT
2. Chris Taft- C Pittsburgh -Weak Work Ethic,Character concerns
3. John Gilchrist-PG Maryland- Character issues
2002 NBA DRAFT GRADES
Yao Ming – A- Has all the tools that will make him a great player in the league. Needs to get stronger to help him bang down low. Surpassed my expectations. Little timid at times needs to get tough, if not still a good choice here.
Jay Williams-F- Had a very bright future, will not be the same player again after the accident. May make it back next season but even thats questionable as he had to re teach himself how to walk three months ago.
Mike Dunleavy- C- His rail like frame kept him out of the post his first 2 seasons, where he had success in college. Progress has been made but still a big question mark at this point as too how good he will be. Breakout year may be coming.
Drew Gooden- B+-Good player when he feels like it, coming off his best season so far for Cleveland. 14 ppg 10 rpg shold be a double double machine for years to come.
Tskitishvilli-F- One of a few F’s given out, basically this kid was Euro hype that played like Euro-trash. He couldn’t even get minutes on a monstrosity of a team in Denver. So far the bust of 2002.
Wagner-Inc.- Decent rookie year, came off the bench for the Cavs early in the season and was like microwave Johnson. Now it seems like hes permanetely stashed on the IR. May come around though but never will be a PG.
Nene Hilario- B- At least Denver got one right in 2002. He had a great rookie season once he got good minutes. Just a monster around the basket and once he finds a shot and a go to move, double double machine.
Chris Wilcox- F- Who? Did not do anything for LA this year or his rookie year which was a big surprise to me, as he was a man among boys playing for Maryland . In hindsight he needed one more year to get himself ready for the league. Playing behind Brand also doesnt help his cause. Getting drafted ahead of Amare also didn’t help his grade out. He has shown flashes though.
Amare Stoudamire-A+- Could anyone have predicted that this kid would have as much of an impact as he had. A lot of people were knocking him when he declared but he proved them all wrong. His strength and athleticism are unbelievable. If he keeps developing, especially offensively, he will be unstoppable.
Caron Butler- B- My 2002 preseason ROY played quite well for Riley down in Miami. Did not get much hype but was a great value for the 10th pick in the draft. Now in LA averaging 15 ppg 6 rpg.
Jared Jeffries-D- Came out too early, finally started to come around for the Wizards. May turn out to be a scrappy player that stays around for a while. Not worth a lottory pick though.
Melvin Ely-F- I dont even know if hes still in the league, either way a disastrous pick and a disastrous draft for the Clippers considering who they could have had.
Marcus Haislip-F- Another El Busto here, not much too say about a player who is out of the NBA after being a lottery pick.
Fred Jones-C- His career highlight is winning the slam dunk contest but hes turned into a solid player for the Pacers, will get more of a role next year without Miller around.
Bosjan Nachbar-C- -Serviceable player,in hindsight not a first round talent but at least hes still in the league.
Jiri Welsh-C- Another unspectacular player, was supposed to be a great shooter, but never really panned out. Hes not a bad shooter by any means, or a bad player but just solid overall. Can help out a team just needs to find his niche.
Juan Dixon-B(-)- Tough,solid player. Not a star like he was in college but an instant offense type of guy who can light it up. Pretty good pick considering how bad this draft was.
Curtis Borchardt-D- Doesnt play much at all. Can a player be considered a bust if everyone knew he was a bust before the draft. Why he got drafted in the first round? 7-0 240lbs.
Ryan Humphrey-F- Had great workouts to get himself drafted this high, hasnt done a damn thing in the league yet. He is still in the league somewhere.
Kareem Rush-C- Good shooter, doesnt really do much else. Will be in the league 10 - 12 years and have a decent career and retire without anyone even noticing.
Qyntel Woods-D+- Back then the blazers took the sketchiest player available philosophy. Woods lived up to that unfortuntely for the Blazers no on the court. Is on the bench for the Heat last time I checked.
Casey Jocobsen-C-- If there is one player in this draft who has found his niche its Jacobsen. If I was taking bets before the draft on who would be the first to be waived I would probably take him even though he is a spectacular shooter. Good pick here.
Tayshaun Prince-A- Maybe the best pick in the draft in terms of value. A classic "tweener" he gives hope to all those who get that label every year. Solid all around, future all star.
Nenad Kristic-B- Essentially his rookie season this year, over 10 ppg. Great pick this late in the draft, will be around for a while/
Frank Williams-D-- Summer League All Star, at least he has that going for him. Has a place in the NBA not sure about right now but hes sort of like a poor man's Jamaal Tinsley.Very Poor.
John Salmons-C- Role Player for the Sixers. Has a future even though he didnt break out like he was supposed to, hey maybe it was Jim O'Briens fault.
Chris Jeffries-F- Out of the league, was he ever in it?
Dan Dickau- B- This late in the Draft he gets a B,Looks like a player, took him some time but now hes actually a coveted PG in the free agency market. Playing on the Hornets really helped his cause.
Second Rounders Of Mention
Carlos Boozer,Dan Gadzuric,Flip Murray,Lonny Baxter,Matt Barnes, Jamal Sampson, Darius Sangolia, Rasual Butler
2001 NBA DRAFT GRADES
1. Kwame Brown- D-- Start with a bang. 7ppg and 5rpg is just unacceptable for a number 1 overall pick. He has been given his chance and hasn’t come through. Being suspended in the playoffs this year due to a mysterious “injury” doesn’t help his cause. Someone will take a chance on him next year though but I don’t see him ever breaking out. Save him from the F though for the all the abuse and humiliation he must have taken from MJ.
2. Tyson Chandler-C- Very good defensive player when healthy, has had issues with his back. Fairly limited offensive game which if he did have he would be a star. Similar to stats to Kwame Brown overall but because of injuries you’d have to think his stats would be higher. Not a good value number 2 overall, though.
3. Pau Gasol-B+- Solid down low presence not dominating though. Career averages of 18 ppg and 8rpg on a team that hasn’t really featured him much until this year. Shot selection and shooting were question marks for him, however he’s over 50% on FG’s for his career.
4. Eddy Curry-B+- Legit NBA center, not many left. Has improved every year since he joined the league. Conditioning issues will always be there, and now the heart condition but hopefully he can make a nice recovery and contribute.
5. Jason Richardson-B+- Finally a played drafted that wouldn’t be considered “soft”. Great athleticism, won dunk contests, also has improved every year. 22 ppg last year for Golden State, maybe next year they can win some games. Solid pick.
6. Shane Battier-B- One of the best college players I’ve seen in my lifetime, comes to the NBA and brings those same intangibles every night. Never will be a star but he will be in the league for a long time, and will eventually help win a championship. Safe Pick.
7. Eddie Griffin-D+- Had a ton of talent, came out too early. Looked like a total bust but after all the off the court issues has become somewhat of a role player who may have a career ahead of him if he can stay focused. Still doesn’t warrant the #7 pick in the draft.
8. Sagana Diop-F- The BUST of the draft, one of the biggest busts in recent history. Still in the league due to his height, but career averages of 1.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg come on now!
9. Rodney White-D- Not much too say for him, he was getting some time this year didn’t really do much with it though. Comes off the bench and gives you awful shooting percentages and no other meaningful stats. Came out too early, doesn’t an F though when compared to Diop.
10. Joe Johnson-A- Good pick here, Celtics traded him a little early though much like they did with Chauncey Billups. Johnson is about to cash in on the free agent market and has turned into a solid all around player especially his 3pt shooting at 47% this year.
11. Kedrick Brown-F- Celtics promised him they’d take him here, and they could afford the gamble with three first rounders but he never played with any confidence and his shooting was brutal. Eventually traded to Cleveland, not much of a future in the NBA.
12. Vladimir Radmonovic-C- Offensively he gets a B, but for a 6-10 player you’d expect a little more on the rebounding side from him. Spreads the floor well, played in the perfect offense in Seattle. Good player.
13. Richard Jefferson-A- All star talent, injury this year set him back a bit, but never less a great player on both sides of the ball and always gives his best effort. Great finisher around the rim.
14. Troy Murphy-B- has pretty much turned out as he was supposed to. Tough rebounder, hasn’t shot real well, supposed to have 3 pt range. Injury prone but with a full season will be a double double machine.
15. Steven Hunter-C(-)- Good workouts projected this nobody into the first round. Big space eater/defensive presence not going to hurt a team with him in as long as he’s coming off the bench but that’s it. Not much offense to his game.
16. Kirk Haston-F- Thought of as someone who could disrupt a zone defense with his shooting. Too slow, had no defense to his game, couldn’t create his own shot. Out of the league.
17. Michael Bradley- D- Hasn’t really done much in the league but really hasn’t had much of a chance yet. I know there are teams out there who still believe he can play. Ill give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.
18. Jason Collins-C- Serviceable big man, would be better coming off the bench than starting. Smart player, knows what his role is and does it OK. Doesn’t have the best skills or athleticism but gets by.
19. Zach Randolph-A- Character issues aside, great player. Steal this late in the draft. One of the best rebounders. especially on the offensive glass in the league. Ideal power forward. Got his big contract now he must come thorough for the Blazers. Stats slipped a little this past season.
20. Brendan Haywood-C- True Center. Not dominating by any means but a solid 7-footer who will get the double double on occasion, otherwise very inconsistent and a terrible FT shooter. Could be worse though.
21. Joseph Forte-F- The final and probably most awful of the Celtics three first round picks. Forte was essentially an undersized SG who had the brain capacity of a twelve year old. Never picked up the offense and was a complete headcase who is now out of the league. Brutal pick here considering the PG’s that were available. Also Gilbert Arenas was available!
22. Jeryl Sasser-F- He was drafted as a PG with good size (6-7), who may be moved to play SG if needed. Had decent workouts that got him in the first round and a guaranteed contract. Turned out he was too undisciplined to play the point and his shooting too sporadic to play SG.
23. Brandon Armstrong-D- Came to NJ in the Richard Jefferson trade with Houston. Stuck around with NJ for three years, which says little except when you look at the previous two picks histories. Armstrong wasn’t a terrible pick though at #23 even if his stats don’t show it, he came out too early and was thought of as someone who could be a solid sixth man type. Out of the league now.
24. Raul Lopez-C- Decent pick here for Utah. The grade slips due to the PG’s still available at this point. Lopez is more of a backup to me and is also injury prone but he has shown he has what it takes to play in the league. Only played 31 games in his second season but he looked solid as a rookie. Next year will prove his worth.
25. Gerald Wallace-C- Came out after one year in college. Give them a C for the pick though he didn’t play much in Sacramento. Petrie knows how to draft talent and in this case he found a raw player who needed a chance to develop. Sacramento was not a good fit, but now in Charlotte he is a high energy player who can play multiple positions. I bet Sacramento would like to have him back at this point.
26. Samuel Dalembert-B- Another one and done college player. Was a limited offensive player who had plenty of defensive presence in college and that was about it. Strictly an “upside” pick here that didn’t look like much until last year. Offense still hasn’t come around and probably wont at this point, but very valuable player in a league desperate for big men.
27. Jamaal Tinsley-B- Tinsley fell this far and to the Pacers, who needed a PG this was a great pick. Coming out of college teams shied away from Tinsley due to his shooting concerns. He still and will never be a great shooter but he’s great off the dribble and can penetrate and find the open man. Shooting has improved slightly each year.
28. Tony Parker-A- The best pick in the draft. Was only 19 when drafted. Future All Star player who can score as well as distribute effectively. Not a good 3 pt or FT shooter but very effective either driving or shooting mid range. One of the quickest players in the league. Can step up in the big game.
Notable second round selections:
Trenton Hassell, Gilbert Arenas, Brian Scalabrine, Mehmet Okur, Earl Watson, Bobby Simmons
Sunday, May 29, 2005
3rd Revision- Reflects recent news
2.
For a team with so many holes, Paul is the impact player with the most upside that they need. Great leader can score and distribute effectively. Atlanta has a surplus of SF/PF types, so M. Williams is not an option at this point.
3.
Rumored to be the pick here. Charlotte really wants this pick. Portland needs an impact player right away. Green isnt that, but the potential is too much to pass on. Superstar potential. Portland also seems to be high on Martell Webster. Also this pick could potentially go to Boston in exchange for Paul Pierce.
4.
Starts right away for the Hornets. Magloire, J.R Smith & Williams is a nice nucleus to build around. New Orleans thrilled to get Williams after they traded Baron Davis last season. Promise is in place so that means that Marvin Williams slips one more spot.
5.
Charlotte could use a PG among other things. Brevin Knight is solid but doesnt have the upside D.Williams has. Felton is rising on some draft boards but since Marvin Williams is the best player available here they take Williams and try to use thier second first rounder on a point guard.
6.
PG is thier number one concern. Felton falls nicely to Utah and is starting from Day One. Felton would be great in a fast paced offense like Phoenix but Utah would work just fine. The Celtics are reportedly real high on Felton but have no realistic chance to get him unless Pierce is moved.
7.
Assuming Donyell is back, Granger is still the choice. He can step in right away at the SF position. Last years number one pick Rafael Arujo may start at center, the talented Bosh at PF and Granger who has been improving his stock starting at SF or backing up Donyell. PG remains a need but with another first rounder they can address that later. Granger has been unconsious in workouts, reportedly hit twelve NBA threes in a row.
8.
We all know how much Isiah loves PF, he simply cannot resist Vasquez here even with Sweeney waiting. Vasquez can also play center. Experienced player here, this isnt's Skita or Darko here.
9.
Team is ready for breakout year. Stacked with players everywhere. Can afford to take a chance on Villanueva who is one of the most versatile players in the draft. Andriuskevicius was a strong possibility as well before pulling out of draft. Golden State may have a promise in place to Channing Frye.
10. LA Lakers Jarrett Jack- PG
Experienced PG who could help LA immediately. Jack is the fourth rated PG in the class but considering Chucky Atkins is the only PG on the roster they almost have to take Jack. Celtics have shown interst in Jack as well.
11.
After a strong draft last year, SG is priority now. Wright is big, athletic and should make an impact right away. Nice combo with Howard and Francis. Joey Graham could easily go here as well. Wright may not be here at this point due to strong workouts.
12. LA Clippers Channing Frye- C Arizona
The pieces are coming together for the Clips. Channing may start or backup Kaman/Brand. Hakim Warrick is my sleeper pick here. Frye has had impressive workouts, rumored to go to Golden state at #9.
13.
Nice acquisition by
14.
Finally back in lower part of the draft and they decide to go foreign with the pick to beef up the frontcourt. Ton of talent here with Koralev, thought to go much higher. Is the best player on his current team.
15. New Jersey Johan Petro- C France
Need a big desperately, may look to trade this pick. If they keep it its Petro. Chris Taft is a strong possibility here also. Either one is not a polished player, I'd actually prefer Petro at this point.
16.
Already taken Granger with their first pick now would like a PG. If he stays in, Roko is the pick here. Another player with potential buyout issues.
17.
Bird and his staff are not afraid of taking a HS stud, instead take Hakim Warrick to add some athleticisim to the Pacers. Right now Warrick is all over the place on scout's boards. Recently held workouts with Danny Granger, they both showed thier strengths and did not hurt thier stock.
18.
Ainge and/or his staff have been fixtures at Ellis' games down in Missisippi. Rumored promise to Ellis here if hes still on the board. I believe if he stays in, he has a guarantee from someone and Boston makes sense. Jarrett Jack may go here if LA doesnt select him, with Delonte West moving to the off guard where he fits in better. Sleeper pick: Hakim Warrick if still on the board. (I know the C's have a ton of swingmen but you know Ainge likes the defensive type plus Warrick is the best athlete in the entire draft)
19.
Jerry West need a PG but with Swift potentially gone Diogu is the choice here. Memphis would love if he turns out to be the player he is compared to, Elton Brand. Had solid measurements which was a big concern. Is staying in the draft.
20.
Looking for a swingman type, Graham fits the bill here. Solid defensively which this team needs. With the way his workouts have been going there is no way he is still around this late. Think of a more well rounded Tony Allen.
21.
Need bench help, gamble here on HS player a possibility. McCants is the choice, Joe Johnson insurance. McCants has been slipping as of late but someone will roll the dice on him.
22.
Buyout issues, but has skills, can afford to be stashed in
23.
Need help right away. Petrie will make the best of this spot and grab Julius Hodge to help spread the floor. Hodges has been rising after impressive workouts.Abused McCants so bad he had to fake illness.
24.
PG remains a need but nothing at this spot jumps out. Take a chance on Taft for help at C/PF. Taft was once a lottery pick but poor workouts sunk his stock. At this point he's worth the risk.
25.
The Ray Allen situation is the key here. If he goes the Sonics can forget about the season anyway. Went with HS stiff Swift last year, now the pick is Miles. Seattle is clearly in rebuilding mode with this pick here. If not, Francisco Garcia or Ryan Gomes may get in here.
26.
Can afford to gamble, take Blatche. Already have a lot of bigs but that can never be a bad thing. Ryan Gomes may sneak in the first round here. Backup G remains a need. This is the best case scenario for John Gilchrist.
27.
The nightmare ends for May here. After seeing 3 of his teammates selected he goes to a team that could use him.Last years number one pick, Humphries destined to be trade fodder. Felton and May playing together again in Utah.
28.
Love to go international, not this time. Simien replaces the ageless Horry at PF. Measured a solid 6-9 with shoes on. Angelo Gigli is the rumor here.
29.Miami Andrew Bynum- C High School
Turns out to just slide into the first round.
30.
Solid pick at number thirty. His draft workouts have been impressive so far, really showing off his scoring ability. They already have a SG/PG combo is Crawford and you could even make the case that Marbury is as well. Strange pick here but I can defenitely see it happening.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
1.
2.
For a team with so many holes, Williams is the inpact player with the most upside that they need.
3.
Would love M.Williams to fall but another local product would do just fine. Will backup Knight for about the first week of the preseason.
4.
Starts right away for the Jazz. Boozer, Kirelinko, Harpring couldnt be any happier with a legit PG.
5.
Normally they would take the player with the sketchiest character. For the second year in a row,
6.
With TJ ford coming back, PG is not as much as a focus right now. They need a lot of help, a 7-3 big is not a bad place to start.
7.
Assuming Donyell is back, Vasquez is the choice. He can step in right away at the PF position. Last years number one pick Rafael Arujo will start at center.
8.
We all know how much Isiah loves PF, he simply cannot resist Taft here even with Sweeney waiting.
9.
Team is ready for breakout year. Can afford to take a chance on Villanueva who is one of the most versatile players in the draft.
10. LA Lakers Raymond Felton- PG
Absolutely have to go with a PG here. Chucky Atkins is the only legit PG on the roster.
11.
After a strong draft last year, SG is priority now. Wright is big, athletic and should make an impact right away. Nice combo with Howard
12. LA Clippers Channing Frye- C Arizona
The pieces are coming together for the Clips. Channing may start or backup Kaman/Brand.
13.
Nice acquisition by
14.
Finally back in the draft picture and they decide to go foreign with the pick to beef up the fronfcourt.
15.
Need a big desperately, may look to trade this pick. If they keep it its Petro.
16.
Thrilled to see him slip,
17.
Bird and his staff are not afraid of taking a HS stud, instead take Hakim Warrick to add some athleticisim to the Pacers.
18.
Ainge has been a fixture at Ellis' games down in Missisippi. Rumored promise to Ellis here if hes still on the board.
19.
With Jason Williams and Earl Watson likely gone, Jerry West has to go PG with the tough Jack.
20.
Looking for a swingman type, Graham fits the bill here. Solid defensively which this team needs.
21.
Need bench help, gamble here on HS player a possibility. McCants is the choice, Joe Johnson insurance.
22.
Buyout issues, but has skills, can afford to be stashed in
23.
Need help right away. Petrie will make the best of this spot and grab Francisco Garcia to help spread the floor.
24.
PG remains a need but nothing at this spot jumps out. Take a chance on Leni-Ukic for help.
25.
The Ray Allen situation is the key here. If he goes the Sonics can forget about the season. Went with HS stiff Swift last year, now the pick is Winston.
26.
Can afford to gamble, take Blatche.
27.
The nightmare ends for May here. After seeing 3 of his teammates selected he goes to a team that could use him.Last years number one pick, Humphries destined to be trade fodder.
28.
Love to go international, not this time. Simien replaces the ageless Horry at PF.
29.Miami
Turns out to just slide into the first round.
30.
This ultra thin swingman will contribute. Solid pick at number thirty