Parker etc.

["j.hironaka" <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

Below are a few reports on Tony Parker, who looking to be the fourth French 
player in a row drafted in the first round. Andy Katz has him joining Moiso 
in Boston with our 21st pick. He is listed at 6-0 and anywhere from 165 to 
180 pounds.

I don't know if you guys read the hatchet job article on Eddie Griffin on 
ESPN. Surprisingly virulent, given how Griffin's own quotes in the article 
weren't so damning and every incident mentioned has been hashed through 
before without him seeming like the only bad guy. I wonder/hope if this 
will affect his draft position? This could really throw off some teams' 
draft boards in the 5-9 range if he slips down, causing a Jason Richardson, 
Joe Johnson, or even Griffin himself to wiggle free.

In general the consensus top-10 is starting to shape up more as a top-12 
(with Radmanovic and Murphy), which is good news if it allows Boston to get 
the two guys they most covet.

Plus you also have Kedrick Brown.

Plus you have Detroit having worked Brendan Haywood out twice, holding the 
#9 spot and badly needing a center. Maybe the idea really is to swap down 
with Houston at #13 so the Rockets can swipe Gasol before us.

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ESPN
Tony Parker
Extremely quick ... Has average body structure but is an athlete. Needs to 
put on some weight to compete at the NBA level ... Has talent in every part 
of the game ... Great vision of the court. A very good passer, with great 
overall fundamentals ... Consistent performer on the perimeter. He's quick 
and efficient in open-court situations, can penetrate and finish using his 
body to protect the shot despite his lack of size that actually affects him 
a little bit when trapped ... His ball-handling skills are solid and 
dependable, has control of the ball and an effective pull-up jumper, 
especially off pick and rolls. Has excellent leadership qualities and plays 
for the team. Can control the game at will. Outplayed U.S. opposition at 
2000 Hoop Summit.

Maurer Scouting
Tony Parker
Strengths:Lighting quick point guard who loves to push the ball up the 
court .... Has very good leadership skills can take a group of strangers 
and mold them into a team like he did in the 2000 Nike Hoop Summit .... 
Looks for open teammates when the defense clogs up the lane against his 
penetrations if nobody is open Parker can easily hit a 17-foot pull-up 
jumper .... Solid defender blessed with quick hands, and good foot 
quickness .... Has good ball handling skills protects the ball well and 
makes good desicions passing the ball .... Is a threat to steal the ball at 
any time due to his ability to read passing lanes ... Can spot up and hit 
the 3-point shot .... Sees the floor well due to his court vision and looks 
for open teammates ..... Good finisher can switch hands and protects the 
ball in penetrations ....Unselfish could average more points but chooses to 
set teammates ....
Weakness: Could be a post target for bigger NBA point guards ..... Strong 
players give him fits on defense due to his lack of upper body strength 
.... Even though he has 3-point range he doesn't hit it with consistency 
.... Could stand to add 5-10 pounds of weight on his thin frame ..... Has a 
tendency to rush himself offensively which can result in turnovers .... 
Lack of size hurts him as he has problems passing out of traps and double 
teams .... While he has played some good competition this pales in 
comparison to the talent he will face in the NBA .....