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ESPN insider mock draft and news
1. Washington Wizards
Likely candidates: Trade, Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, Rodney White
Michael Jordan, you're on the clock. You say you miss the game, the pressure
and all eyes watching you. Well, welcome back. Jordan's neck is
uncharacteristically stretched out as the Wizards have the unfortunate task
of making the first risk, um, we mean pick.
Jordan worked the phones frantically yesterday, but it now seems that his
most logical trade partner, Vancouver/Memphis, is out the mix. The Wizards
are still in discussions with the Sonics, Magic and Bulls, but as of early
this morning, nothing seems to be developing.
If the Wizards keep the pick, Jordan seems to have settled on high schooler
Kwame Brown. He's had Brown in to work out twice against Tyson Chandler, and
Brown seems to have the edge. Of course the real edge may be trade value.
Brown is perhaps the most coveted player in the draft and Jordan could use
him as trade bait.
Jordan seems ready to take a pass on the guy he really likes, Charlotte
forward Rodney White. Jordan has been working the phones for weeks searching
for a trade partner who would allow him to draft White in the mid-lottery.
So far he's come up empty. Would he actually just go ahead and draft him at
No. 1? It doesn't look like it.
With the first pick in the 2001 NBA Draft the Washington Wizards select:
Kwame Brown, Glynn Academy
<<...>>
Eddy Curry's friends with the Clippers' Darius Miles and Quentin
Richardson
2. Los Angeles Clippers
Likely candidates: Eddy Curry, Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler
Are the Clippers finally getting lucky? After having the best draft in
recent NBA history last year, the other L.A. team is poised to score big
again this year. They are set at the point, shooting guard and small
forward. Former first pick Michael Olowokandi continues to improve ever so
slowly at center, but the Clippers still have a huge hole to fill at power
forward.
Some late night trade talk had the Clippers discussing a deal with the Nets
that would ship this pick and point guard Keyon Dooling to New Jersey for
All-Star point guard Stephon Marbury. As of this morning, it appears that
those talks have stalled.
L.A. native Tyson Chandler has all of the buzz, but do the Clippers really
want him? They already have two skinny big men in Darius Miles and Lamar
Odom, and a league source told Insider that the Clippers aren't completely
sold on him. Yes, he's a seven-footer who runs like a gazelle, but his
offensive skills are surprisingly limited and his timidity (some say he was
just saving his virginity for the NBA) raises a lot of questions.
The Clippers seem to be leaning toward Eddy Curry, who is a good friend of
Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson. They've been lobbying for Curry all
summer, and for good reason. If the Clippers do select Curry, it doesn't
necessarily mean the end of Olowokandi; some scouts think Curry is better
suited for power forward in the pros. Curry has the body, athleticism and
offensive prowess to make an immediate impact on the Clippers without having
to match up with the Shaqs and David Robinsons night in and night out. His
workout in L.A. was phenomenal.
Strong workouts by Kwame Brown have the Clippers drooling. Given his overall
skills, physical maturity and size, he would be the perfect fit for the
Clippers at the four, but it looks like Washington will have already snagged
him.
The LA Clippers select: Eddy Curry, Thornwood HS
<<...>>
Pau Gasol, 20, led FC Barcelona to the Spanish club championship
this season.
3. Vancouver Grizzlies (via Atlanta)
Likely candidates: Eddy Curry, Pau Gasol, Shane Battier
Atlanta GM Pete Babcock has been insisting that he's done with the youth
movement. Apparently he is. The Hawks will trade this pick (along with
Lorenzen Wright and Brevin Knight) to the Grizzlies for Dream Teamer Shareef
Abdur Rahim. The deal won't be officially announced until July 1 (when Rahim
loses his base year designation), so Atlanta will be choosing for
Vancouver/Memphis.
The Grizzlies' top target is center Eddy Curry. However there is a very good
chance that the Clippers will take him at No. 2. Tyson Chandler also is an
intruiging prospect here, but if Curry is gone, expect the Grizzlies to take
F.C. Barcelona's Pau Gasol. The Grizzlies are looking for a big man who can
put the ball on the floor and shoot the NBA 3. Given the many draft busts in
Vancouver history (remember Antonio Daniels, Steve Francis and Bryant Reeves
. . . do you even remember Stromile Swift?) Gasol seems to be a safer bet
than Chandler.
The Grizzlies also continue to talk to the Pistons about swapping picks.
Vancouver tried to get a deal in place to exchange its No. 6 for Detroit's
No. 9 and an agreement that the Grizzlies would be off the hook on the pick
they owe the Pistons next year. Dumars has balked at a 6-for-9 swap but
might be much more willing to do a 3-for-9. If that happens expect Detroit
to look at the same usual suspects: Curry, Chandler, Gasol and Eddie
Griffin.
The Vancouver Grizzlies select: Pau Gasol, F.C. Barcelona
4. Chicago Bulls
Likely candidates: Tyson Chandler, Shane Battier, Eddie Griffin, Rodney
White
Four is a lonely place to be and Jerry Krause knows it. After getting stuck
with Iowa State's Marcus Fizer last year, Chicago has tried just about
anything to either move up or out of this position. Insider has learned that
the Bulls were talking with the Supersonics late Tuesday night about a deal
that would send this pick and Jamal Crawford to the the Seattle for All-Star
point guard Gary Payton. If Tyson Chandler is still on the board, the Magic
might be able to get a deal done that sends Rookie of the Year Mike Miller
and Orlando's No. 15 to Chicago for the No. 4.
The Bulls have had discussions with several other teams, including the
Wizards and Clippers, who both insist that Elton Brand be included in any
deal. The Bulls are reluctant to deal Brand until later this summer. A
league source confirmed an earlier Insider report that Bulls GM Jerry Krause
is still hoping to work out a deal that would send Brand and forward Ron
Artest to the Knicks for free-agent Allan Houston and center Marcus Camby.
The Bulls would then turn all of their attention to luring Kings free-agent
Chris Webber with their remaining cap room.
If the Bulls are stuck with No. 4, they'll chose among the top four small
forwards in the draft. If Tyson Chandler falls to here, he may be too hard
to pass up, but it isn't impossible. Chandler had a poor workout in Chicago
and Krause has historically put a lot of weight on workouts. Furthermore,
Chandler is likely to have the least impact of any the top four small
forwards in the draft.
Brand has been quietly lobbying for Shane Battier. While that makes sense on
numerous levels, it could be a public relations nightmare. Battier is a
solid player, but he's not Mr. Excitement. Unless your idea of excitment is
a night spent sipping lattes at Barnes and Noble. Besides, Brand is bland
enough for the entire team.
There is some buzz for Rodney White in Chicago. We're sure Michael Jordan's
endorsement has Krause thinking that he could grab White and try to get a
deal done for Kwame Brown later. Eddie Griffin had the best workout for the
Bulls, but character questions seem to be scaring teams away.
The Chicago Bulls select: Rodney White, Charlotte
5. Golden State Warriors
Likely candidates: Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol, Shane Battier
The Warriors remain one of the biggest mysteries in the draft. They have a
glut of big men, a shaky shooting guard in Larry Hughes and are in desperate
need of a point guard. They're aren't in love with anyone at the point, so
expect them to just go ahead and draft the two best players available..
The word around the NBA is that Golden State remains high on high school
phenom Tyson Chandler. Chandler would provide some athleticism to the
Warriors at the three slot. He's a big project that must bulk up, but his
potential seems unlimited. Given all of the shuffling at the top, Chandler
could this far.
The backup plan was to grab Spaniard Pau Gasol. However, it now looks like
he could be gone at No. 3. The other player that intrigues Golden State is
Shane Battier. Given all of their youth, the Warriors need a leader like
Battier to teach them how to win.
The Golden State Warriors select: Tyson Chandler, Dominguez (Calif.) HS
6. Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
Likely picks: Jason Richardson
The Grizzlies are still in the center of the trade talk storm. Whether they
take Gasol or Curry at No. 3, expect the Grizzlies to grab Michigan State
guard Jason Richardson here. This might be the surest pick in the draft
barring an unexpected slide by Chandler.
If the Grizzlies do opt for Richardson, he would give them an explosive
Vince Carter-like athlete to pair in the backcourt with Mike Bibby. The
Grizzlies have explored trading Michael Dickerson and would need someone to
replace him. The Grizzlies also are taking a second and third look at
DeSagana Diop. Diop has dropped on most draft boards because of his rawness
and questions about his injured foot. But no one disputes that if Diop keeps
up with his current learning curve (he's played organized basketball for
only four years), he could surpass Eddy Curry as the draft's best center. Of
course that's how the Nets thought about Yinka Dare.
The Vancouver Grizzlies select: Jason Richardson, Michigan State
<<...>>
Eddie Griffin's stock is dropping
7. New Jersey Nets
Likely picks: Jason Richardson, Rodney White, Eddie Griffin,
The Nets are in the midst of a myriad of trade discussion but as of early
this morning, nothing seemed to be falling into place. The most recent
scuttle had them shipping of Stephon Marbury to L.A. for the Clippers' No. 2
pick and point guard Keyon Dooling.
If the Nets stay at No. 7, they're hoping that either Jason Richardson or
Rodney White falls. However, they could land a nice consolation prize in
Eddie Griffin. He may be the most talented player in this draft, but
questions about his strength and attitude have caused his stock to slip. The
New Jersey Nets select: Eddie Griffin, Seton Hall
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Likely picks: Joe Johnson, Kedrick Brown, Vladimir Radmanovic
Conventional wisdom has Arkansas's Joe Johnson falling to the Cavs here.
Cleveland is in desperate need of athleticism in the backcourt and Johnson
seems to have the right combination of athleticism, height and shooting
ability. Johnson seems to have redeemed himself after a few poor workouts
and should be the Cavs' pick.
Insider has also learned that JUCO star Kedrick Brown has received a promise
to be drafted in the top 9, which means that either Cleveland or Detroit has
its eye on him.
Though this may seem a little high, we hear that the Cavs were blown away by
Yugoslavia's Vladimir Radmanovic's workout. Despite public statements to the
contrary, the Cavs would take Pau Gasol here, but it no longer looks like
he'll be around.
The Cleveland Cavaliers select: Kedrick Brown, Okaloosa-Walton J.C.
9. Detroit Pistons
Likely picks: Shane Battier, Joe Johnson, Kedrick Brown, Troy Murphy
The Pistons are said to be infatuated with Rodney White and Eddie Griffin.
They too are trying to move up in the draft, and may secure a deal that has
them swapping for Vancouver's No. 3 or No. 6. To get it done, they'll have
to give up their rights to the Grizzlies' No. 1 pick in 2002.
Detroit is also said to have a thing for Arkansas's Joe Johnson. What that
means for Jerry Stackhouse is anyone's guess. And, the Pistons could be the
other team in play for JUCO star Kedrick Brown.
But if Shane Battier slides all the way to No. 9, he'd be hard to pass up.
It will be interesting to see what Detroit does if he falls in their lap.
Battier refused to work out for the Pistons. Will they make him pay? Or will
they make him Grant Hill's successor? If they pass on Battier, he could be
in for a major, major slide.
The Pistons also love Notre Dame's Troy Murphy. Murphy is said to have
worked out as well as anyone the Pistons had in. It's a little early here,
but its not impossible.
The Detroit Pistons select: Shane Battier, Duke
10. Boston Celtics
Likely picks: Joe Johnson, Kedrick Brown, Troy Murphy
Assuming that the Celtics keep both their 10th and 11th picks, they could go
several ways.
The latest scuttle has the Celtics selecting standout JC swing man Kedrick
Brown. He has an NBA body, is shooting the lights out in camp and could be
the ultimate sleeper of the draft. If the Celtics take Brown, expect them to
trade him to Portland for Bonzi Wells. However, the latest is that Brown
won't be around by this pick.
Boston will take a look at an athletic backcourt player. Joe Johnson's stock
has slipped just a bit and he would be a strong pickup here. He has the
shooting touch and athleticism to come right in and contribute at the two.
Troy Murphy also has turned a lot of heads. He's dropped weight, put on
muscle and has had impressive workouts. The Celtics like him, but they like
Radmanovic more (see below).
The Boston Celtics select: Joe Johnson, Arkansas
11. Boston Celtics (from Denver)
Likely picks: Vladimir Radmanovic, DeSagana Diop
The Celtics want Pau Gasol, but aren't willing to trade both their 10th and
11th picks to get him.
There's a better chance than ever that they'll settle for the other foreign
kid Vladimir Radmanovic. Radmanovic could be more of an inside force than
Gasol and still has a deft shooting touch.
Big man DeSagana Diop is a high school kid who's on a big slide right now.
It's very unlikely that he'll be gone before here, but the Celtics might not
be willing to wait for him to develop.
The Boston Celtics select: Vladimir Radmanovic, FMP Zeleznik
<<...>>
Vladimir Radmanovic is one of the biggest risers in the draft
12. Seattle Supersonics
Likely picks: Vladimir Radmanovic, Troy Murphy, Steven Hunter, Michael
Bradley
The Sonics have become very aggressive in talks to move up into the top four
picks in the draft. They are after one of the high school big man and would
love a shot at Kwame Brown or Eddy Curry, but the latest has Seattle sending
Gary Payton to Chicago for the Bulls' No. 4 pick and point guard Jamal
Crawford.
If the Sonics stay at 12, they'll likely settle on the best big man left.
Vladimir Radmanovic lit it up when the Sonics worked him out. They love him.
Problem is, so does Boston.
Steven Hunter had a stellar workout in Seattle and has moved ahead of
Brendan Haywood and Loren Woods on the draft board.
Troy Murphy might be the default pick if Radmanovic isn't available. Seattle
feels Murphy has the intangibles and has proven that he has the athleticism
to compete in the NBA. Villanova's Michael Bradley is also in play, and
could be a factor if Murphy and Radmanovic are off the board.
Finally, a league source told Insider that the Sonics are enamored of
France's Tony Parker. They would love to get a point guard that would allow
them to either trade Gary Payton or move him to shooting guard. This is
awfully high for Parker to go, but his rave reviews continue and he might
not last past Orlando at 15.
The Seattle Supersonics select: Troy Murphy, Notre Dame
13. Houston Rockets
Likely picks: Shane Battier, Richard Jefferson, Vladimir Radmanovic,
DeSagana Diop
A lot of what the Rockets do will depend on what they think their chances
are of landing Chris Webber or re-signing Mo Taylor. Chances are good that
Taylor will re-up and we think Houston will be a very serious player for
Webber.
Given all of that, Richard Jefferson looks like a great pick for the
Rockets. Jefferson is an absolute athletic phenomenon (Bill Walton called
him the best athlete in the history of college basketball . . . of course
that was Bill Walton) and proved he can play NBA style defense. Put
Jefferson together with Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley and watch out.
Rudy T would have loved to get his hands on Vladimir Radmanvic. Don't be
shocked to see the Rockets try to cut a deal to send their Nos. 13 and 18 to
Boston for the Celtics' Nos. 11 and 21. The Rockets could then sneak up and
grab Radmanovic. The Celtics wouldn't mind moving up a few slots to No. 18
to get a better chance at snagging France's Tony Parker.
There is also a distinct possibility the Duke forward Shane Battier could
slip to here. It seems like Rudy T, who understands the value of college,
would be very hard pressed to pass on Battier.
If Jefferson, Battier and Radmanovic are gone, expect the Rockets to take
the best player available. Michael Bradley had a strong workout for the
Rockets and Brendan Haywood is still very appealing at this point. And don't
forget that DeSagana Diop may still be hanging around.
The Houston Rockets select: Richard Jefferson, Arizona
14. Golden State Warriors (from Indiana)
Likely picks: Shane Battier, Richard Jefferson, Joe Forte, DeSagana Diop
Golden State still needs a point guard to take control of the team, but a
source close to the Warriors told Insider that they would likely pass on
taking a point guard in the first round. They don't feel Iowa State's Jamaal
Tinsley or St. John's Omar Cook is worth the 14th pick and will instead
draft the best player available.
In the very unlikely chance that Battier is still dropping, it will all stop
here. Golden State considered taking him at five and wouldn't let him pass
this point.
If Battier's gone, expect the Warriors to go for more help in the backcourt.
Richard Jefferson would add more athleticism. If he's gone, UNC's Joe Forte
is good insurance against a Larry Hughes meltdown. High schooler DeSagana
Diop would be the best big man on the board. Given all of their injuries,
why take a guy who just recovered from a bum foot? But given that it's the
Warriors, that's probably exactly what they'll do. UNC's Brendan Haywood is
the best big man on the board.
The Golden State Warriors select: DeSagana Diop, Oak Hill Academy
<<...>>
Hunter is one of the draft's fastest risers
15. Orlando Magic
Likely picks: Steven Hunter; Zach Randolph, Tony Parker, Loren Woods
The Magic by all accounts will go big this year. They're trying to go really
big by trading up for the top pick in the draft. As of this morning, they've
been unsuccessful, though they've dangled Mike Miller and this pick for the
No. 1. Jordan could be eyeing Tinsley here.
At this point it's tough to gauge who'll be available. Zach Randolph is a
big project but has the wide body to bang inside, something the Magic have
needed desperately since losing Ben Wallace. A league source told Insider
that Randolph has caught the Magic's eye and it's unlikely they'll pass on
him if he's still around at 15.
That is, however, unless the Magic feel they have to grab Steven Hunter.
Hunter's stock is rising so quickly he may not even be around at 15.
Arizona's Loren Woods also had strong workouts, as did UNC's Brendan
Haywood, but the Magic like Hunter better.
One more sleeper here is point guard Tony Parker from France. Parker wowed
scouts in his workout in Orlando, and the Magic, along with most of the NBA,
are now projecting him as the top point guard in the draft.
The Orlando Magic select: Steven Hunter, DePaul
16. Charlotte Hornets
Likely picks: Richard Jefferson, Jeff Trepaigner, Joe Forte, Michael Bradley
The Hornets don't have a lot of needs. They say they are looking for an
athlete to help David Wesley at the two. Local product Joe Forte is often
mentioned, but given the emergence of Eddie Robinson, it's less likely that
the Hornets will go with a shooting guard. However, if Richard Jefferson
were to fall here, he might be too good to pass up. The Hornets were also
extremely impressed with USC's Jeff Trepaigner's workout.
Our guess is that Charlotte will do everything in its power to ship out
Derek Coleman, leaving some room at the four to develop a player. If Michael
Bradley is left at this spot, he would be a steal. Zach Randolph would be a
nice developmental project for the Hornets and could eventually fill the
shoes of P.J. Brown.
The Charlotte Hornets select: Michael Bradley, Villanova
17. Toronto Raptors
Likely picks: Steven Hunter, Brendan Haywood, Loren Woods, Zach Randolph,
Michael Bradley
With the possibility of losing both Antonio Davis and Charles Oakley this
summer, expect the Raptors to opt for size. Most of the top big men will be
gone here, but both Loren Woods and Brandon Haywood should be available.
Steven Hunter's stock is on the rise and the Raptors could give him a
serious look if Orlando passes him by at No. 15. Zach Randolph, Haywood and
Woods all have skeletons in the closet and the Raptors will have to be
careful.
A league source told Insider thatToronto likes Randolph the best of the
players likely to be left on the board, but they are concerened that he'll
pout if he has to go to Canada. They love Michael Bradley, and would grab
him if he's still around. If he's not, they're stuck with Haywood or Woods.
Woods is the better player, Haywood has more potential.
The Toronto Raptors select: Brendan Haywood, North Carolina
18. Houston Rockets
Likely picks: Zach Randolph, Steven Hunter, Brendan Haywood, Loren Woods
If the Rockets grab an athletic swing man (like Jefferson) with pick 13,
look for them to grab the best available big man at 18. Most of the top
prospects will be gone, but either Hunter, Haywood, Randolph or Woods should
still be around. The Rockets were impressed by Woods' workouts. Everyone in
Houston is praying he doesn't turn out to be the next Ralph Sampson.
The Houston Rockets select: Loren Woods, Arizona
19. Portland Trail Blazers
Likely picks: DeSagana Diop, Brendan Haywood, Loren Woods, Zach Randolph,
Jason Collins
The original hot rumor was that the Blazers had promised Kedrick Brown that
they won't let him slip past 19. Now that it looks like Brown won't slip
past nine, it's difficult to discern if the Blazers are still in the
picture. If they are in the hunt for Brown, then they'll likely be selecting
here for someone else.
Assuming for a second that the Blazers keep this pick, they'll see if one of
the bigs slip to them here. There's a good chance that Zach Randolph or
Jason Collins will be available. Given all the controversey about Randolph's
weapon charges as a prep, he may be the perfect fit for the Blazers.
But more likely they'll settle for Stanford's Jason Collins. He has a
certain stability to his game that the Blazers are in desperate need of.
He's also got an easy going attitude that should help relieve a few
chemistry issues.
Gerald Wallace was a sure fire lottery pick last year. But a year at Alabama
raised questions about his jump shot. After a terrible workout in Chicago,
where he couldn't sink a 5-footer, it's hard to believe Wallace would go
this high, but one league source thinks Wallace's athleticism could surpass
Jason Richardson's and Richard Jefferson's. If only his game did the same
thing.
The Portland Trail Blazers select: Jason Collins, Stanford
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
Likely picks: Zach Randolph, Jason Collins, Steven Hunter, Loren Woods
The Cavs will try to land an athlete with the No. 8 pick, but if they don't,
Jeff Trepagnier, Gerald Wallace and Gilbert Arenas all shoulc be candidates
here.
Otherwise, with questions still swirling around Zydrunas Ilgauskas, expect
that Cavs to add another wide body. Randolph isn't a center, but he'd be an
absolute steal here. Hunter may very well be gone. It's possible that Jason
Collins will still be on the board, but would the Cavs really take another
risk on a guy with a history of injuries?
The Cavs' would love to have Arizona's Loren Woods. Woods' stock is falling
a bit and he'd be a nice pickup for Cleveland, but he probably won't be
around.
The Cleveland Cavaliers select: Zach Randolph, Michigan State
<<...>>
Tony Parker #6 is now considered the top pick in the draft
21. Boston Celtics
Likely picks: Tony Parker, Jamaal Tinsley, Omar Cook
This would be the Celtics' third dip into this draft. Much of what happens
at 21 will depend on what the Celtics do at 10 and 11. They were hoping to
trade at least one of their picks to move up, but so far they've been
unsuccessful.
If looks like Boston will be to find its point guard here. France's Tony
Parker has caught the Celtics' eye and is their No. 1 target with pick 21.
Tinsley is another possibility. Boston likes him and its looking more and
more likely that he'll be around when they pick here.
Cook is all over the board and the Knicks are talking with Boston about
trading up to grab him.
The Boston Celtics select: Tony Parker, Paris Racing Basket (France)
22. Orlando Magic
Likely picks: Tony Parker, Jamaal Tinsley, Omar Cook
Orlando has tried hard to move this pick to a team that doesn't have a
first-rounder. The Magic have talked to New York and Minnesota, but haven't
gotten any takers, yet.
Orlando would likely grab a point guard here. The Magic love Tony Parker,
but he'll probably be gone. They may be able to land Tinsley, who by most
accounts had his best workout in Orlando. Like Cook, Tinsley just doesn't
work out well; he needs to be in a game situation.
Cook is the default here, though the Knicks may become more interested if
he's still around
The Orlando Magic select: Jamaal Tinsley, Iowa State
23. Houston Rockets
Likely picks: Jeff Trepagnier, Antonio Fotsis, Terence Morris
This is the Rockets' third time on the board. If they haven't drafted that
athletic swingman they covet, there's a chance that they would take USC's
Jeff Trepagnier or Alabama's Gerald Wallace
If the Rockets strike out on Radmanovic, don't be surprised to see them take
a long look at Antonio Fotsis, a 6-11 shooting guard who just keeps going.
He's very raw, but given that the Rockets have three picks, they might be
able to afford to take a chance.
The big sleeper here is Maryland's Terence Morris. Projected last year as a
lottery pick if he came out, Morris slid off the chart during his senior
season. However, a source close to the Rockets said that Houston may give
him a shot to pair up again with former teammate Steve Francis.
The Houston Rockets select: Terence Morris, Maryland
24. Utah Jazz
Likely picks: Jeryl Sasser; Kenny Satterfield, Raul Lopez, Trenton Hassell
The Jazz may begin to retool and could use an infusion of young talent in
several areas. Last year's pick, DeShawn Stevenson, looks like the real
thing and in another year will be seeing serious time at the two. That is,
if he stays away from 14-year-old girls.
The Jazz are praying that either Jamaal Tinsley or Tony Parker falls to
them, but it isn't likely.
The Jazz were hot for SMU point guard Jeryl Sasser last year and are still
impressed enough to take him here. They are also high on Kenny Satterfield,
but given that his agent is arch-nemesis Dan Fegan, expect them to pass.
Trenton Hassell could give the Jazz another shooter. There was a lot of talk
about Raul Lopez coming to the Jazz. However, a letter sent out by Real
Madrid yesterday, reiterating that he five years remaining on his contract
with a $5 million dollar buyout, likely scared off the Jazz.
Which leaves us with St. John's point guard Omar Cook. The Jazz know he
wouldn't be happy in Utah, which is why they'll likely strike a deal with
the Knicks that gets them out of the first round this year. They already
have 13 guaranteed deals and don't want another project this late in the
draft.
The Utah Jazz (for NY?) select: Omar Cook, St. John's
25. Sacramento Kings
Likely picks: Jeff Trepagnier, Gerald Wallace, Brian Scalabrine
When you get this deep in the draft, for the most part you stick to the best
player available. Depending on how the Chris Webber saga works out, the
Kings could have needs at the four and, if Doug Christie doesn't re-sign, at
the two.
However the Kings continue to want to get more athletic and an athlete like
Gerald Wallace or Jeff Trepagnier would suit them well here. Both are top
notch athletes and know how to score. They could provide some welcome backup
for Christie at the two slot.
The Sacramento Kings select: Jeff Trepagnier, USC
26. Philadelphia 76ers
Likely picks: Alvin Jones, Samuel Dalembert, Kirk Haston, Brian Scalabrine.
The Sixers would love to grab a shot blocker here. Larry Brown was the first
to get on Steven Hunter's band wagon, but Hunter will be long gone .
Georgia Tech's Alvin Jones, Ohio State's Ken Johnson and Seton Hall's Samuel
Dalembert are all possibilities, but Brown believes one of them will slip
into the second round. That's why Philly traded for the Clippers' second
rounder.
The Sixers were impressed with the workout of Indiana's Kirk Haston. He has
the ability to play down low and is an excellent shooter. Brown thinks he
could fill the role once envisioned for Toni Kukoc. The Sixers are also high
on USC's Brian Scalabrine if Haston is gone.
The Philadelphia 76ers select: Kirk Haston, Indiana
27. Vancouver Grizzlies
Likely picks: Trenton Hassell, Gerald Wallace, Andre Hutson, Ousmanne Cisse
If they pass on Jason Richardson at No. 6, expect the Grizzlies to grab
Austin Peay's Trenton Hassell at No. 27. He's had two very good workouts for
them.
Otherwise, expect the Grizzlies to go athletic if Alabama's Gerald Wallace
is still available. They said they are looking for athletes and Wallace is
definately one of those. He should be fine as long as Jason Richardson is
knocking down his jumpers.
The Vancouver Grizzlies select: Gerald Wallace, Alabama
28. San Antonio Spurs
Likely picks: Trenton Hassell, Gerald Wallace, Terence Morris, Antonio
Fotsis
No telling what the Spurs will look like next year. Sean Elliot will likely
retire, Avery Johnson could be gone and who knows what's going through Derek
Anderson's head. San Antonio seems fairly well set up front and could use
more athletes like Anderson. Gerald Wallace has a great NBA body though he
wouldn't have an immediate impact. Trenton Hassell could continue to slide
and if he does, he seems like a slam dunk here. The Spurs are said to be
intrigued by Terence Morris and think he could be the next Sean Elliot.
Fotsis is a big project, but the Spurs have time to develop him at the small
forward position.
The Vancouver Grizzlies select: Antonis Fotsis, Panathinaikos (Greece)
NEWS:
Trade talks began boiling over Tuesday night as the NBA teams zeroed in on
their final preparations for the 2001 draft tonight.
The hottest talk centered around Atlanta and Vancouver. ESPN Insider
reported last night that the Grizzlies were prepared to send Shareef Abdur
Rahim to the Hawks in return for Atlanta's No. 3 pick, center Lorenzen
Wright <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3116> and
point guard Brevin Knight
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3186>. Grizzlies
officials confirmed to the Memphis Commercial Appeal that the deal was done.
"It was extremely difficult to trade Shareef because he's such a wonderful
kid who has given so much to this franchise," Grizzlies president Dick
Versace said, "We called him and told him and thanked him for what he did
for us." The deal won't become official until July 1st, when Rahim's base
year status changes.
The Hawks will likely select F.C. Barcelona forward Pau Gasol
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/player?playerId=10009> for the Grizzlies
with the No. 3 pick. However, if high school center Eddy Curry
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/player?playerId=10004> falls to No. 3,
the Grizzlies might snatch him up for themselves. The Grizzlies also have
their own No. 6 pick and are expected to grab Michigan State shooting guard
Jason Richardson <http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/player?playerId=783>.
"We'd like to get players who will make us more athletic, we'd like to play
more above the rim," Grizzlies coach Sidney Lowe said. "With the new rule
starting next season allowing zone defenses, we'd like to get another
outside shooter even if it's a '4' player (a power forward) who can step out
and knock down the shot. We'd like the best player available. But it's safe
to say if we draft someone with size early that we'd go with a smaller
player later in the draft, or vice-versa."
Hawks GM Pete Babcock had said for months that he's done with the youth
movement in Atlanta. Apparently he got what he wanted. Combine Rahim with
Theo Ratliff <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3020>,
Jason Terry <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3333> and
Toni Kukoc <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=2148>, and
Atlanta has one of the more formidable starting fives in the Eastern
Conference.
* Grizzlies trading for No. 3 selection
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riz.htm', 'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Ron Higgins/Memphis Commercial Appeal
Bulls, Sonics talking trade
A league source told Insider Tuesday night that the Bulls and Sonics were
having serious about All-Star point guard Gary Payton
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=259> going to the
Bulls with the Sonics receiving the No. 4 pick and point guard Jamal
Crawford <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3407>. The
Bulls have had discussions with several teams, including the Wizards and
Clippers, but those two are insisting that Elton Brand
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3324> be included in
any deal, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The Bulls are reluctant to deal Brand until later this summer. A league
source confirmed an earlier Insider report that Bulls GM Jerry Krause is
still hoping to send Brand and forward Ron Artest
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3339> to the Knicks
for free-agent Allan Houston
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=1282> and center
Marcus Camby <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3084>.
The Bulls would then turn all of their attention to luring Kings free-agent
Chris Webber <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=1272>
with their remaining cap room.
* Jordan pushes to land Brand
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84,154970,00.html', 'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Sam Smith/Chicago Tribune
* NBA DRAFT
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', 'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Roman Modrowski/Chicago Sun-Times
Nets still taking offers for Marbury, Van Horn
The Nets continue to talk to several teams about trading All-Star point
guard Stephon Marbury
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3099> and forward
Keith Van Horn <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3169>.
ESPN's David Aldridge reported Tuesday that the Nets and Clippers were
talking about a deal that would send Marbury to L.A. for the Clippers' No. 2
and point guard Keyon Dooling
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3409>. According to
the New York Post, the Nets have also discussed a deal that would send
Marbury and their No. 7 pick to L.A. for the Clippers' No. 2, Corey Maggette
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3336>, Quentin
Richardson <http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3417> and
Keyon Dooling.
However the Nets said there's no deal . . . at least not yet.
"Absolutely not true," Thorn told the New York Times. Thorn, would not
comment about whether the Nets have had discussions with the Clippers,
admitting that he is fielding offers but adding, of Marbury, "We are not
shopping him."
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets have talked with the Nets
about trading all three of their picks (No. 13, 18, 23) for the Nets No. 7.
The Rockets will only it do it however, if one of the players they covet
(Rodney White or Eddie Griffin) were to fall there.
* Marbury may be moving
<javascript:launchBrowser('http://newyorkpost.com/sports/nets/42485.htm',
'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Fred Kerber/New York Post
* Nets Looking for a Player (at Any Size)
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tml', 'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Liz Robbins/New York Times
* Feeling a draft
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58', 'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Jonathan Feigen/Houston Chronicle
Magic moving up to number one?
The Magic were the other team desperately seeking to move up, down or
sideways. The Magic were talking with the Wizards, Bulls and Clippers about
a deal that would nab them one of the top four picks in the draft.
Their primary target is high schooler Kwame Brown. The Magic will have to go
through Michael Jordan to get him.
"No matter how good you are, the time is now to improve the team, whether
it's a small step or a big step," said Orlando GM John Gabriel. "This is one
of a few drafts where there are some really attractive big players at the
top. You might not have this chance again in quite awhile. We won't drag our
feet."
The Magic have been dangling Mike Miller, Bo Outlaw and Michael Doleac
around the league but that won't be enough to get Jordan to bite.
* Magic try to make big waves
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spt-magic27062701.story?coll=orl%2Dsports%2Dheadlines', 'sitelineWin', 700,
550)>
Tim Povtak/Orlando Sentinel
Knicks trying to nab another point guard
The Knicks are in the market for a point guard, again. Insider has learned
that the Knicks are talking to the Jazz
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=Uth> about a trade that will
send Utah's No. 24 draft pick to New York for cash and a future pick.
The Knicks are expected to pull the trigger if St. John's point guard Omar
Cook <http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/player?playerId=456> is still on
the board at 24.
The Jazz have 13 guaranteed contracts on their roster and aren't enthused
about anyone they'd get 24th in the draft unless point guard Jamaal Tinsley
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/player?playerId=896> or Tony Parker
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/player?playerId=10012> were to slip to
them. If Cook is gone, the Jazz may go ahead and select Real Madrid point
guard Raul Lopez <http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/player?playerId=10010>
and let him develop in Europe for a few more years, according to a Salt Lake
Tribune report. Lopez has a four-year deal with a $5 million dollar buyout
this season. The buyout decreases each year of the contract.
The Knicks and Mavs have also been discussing a trade that would send point
guard Howard Eisley
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=2653> to New York in
return for point guard Charlie Ward
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=2649>, the New York
Post reported.
* Manning Is on Move -- Apparently
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, 'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Steve Luhm/Salt Lake Tribune
* Knicks close to making Ward a Mav
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'sitelineWin', 700, 550)>
Peter Vecsey/New York Post