Pierce

[Vinny Natale <vnatale@map.com>]

Paul Pierce, g-f, Kansas
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6-7, 220 -- 16.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg

Some NBAers consider him the best player in the draft due to his
versatile inside-outside game. ... Has good chance to be an
All-Star. ... Needs to find NBA role, though -- is it small
forward or shooting guard?. ... Draws comparisons with Charlotte
Hornets' Glen Rice. ... Needs to improve his ballhandling
ability, but can break down a defender off the dribble. ...
Posted career-highs in scoring average (20.5), rebounds (6.7) and
field-goal percentage (51 percent) in his final (junior) season.
... "He can easily knock it down from 18, 19 feet," says Toronto
Raptors director of scouting Jim Kelly. ... Needs to work on
defense.



2. VANCOUVER GRIZZLIES - With this pick devalued because
Olowokandi isn't available, the Grizzlies try to trade down so
they can take Vince Carter of North Carolina. If that doesn't
work, they'll choose Paul Pierce of Kansas, the best all-around
player in the draft.




Vinny      

vnatale@map.com