Draft News

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1002,90%257E36015,00.html

We're just waiting to see what we get," said Kim Hughes, the Nuggets'
player personnel director who soon will relinquish that role. "If we get
one, two or three, that would be great. If we get 11, we wait (for the
Celtics to decide). And I doubt if we would know early. People are
speculating that they may use it. I don't buy that right now. I think it
is probably 40 percent they use it and 60 percent they wouldn't."

Nunyo Demasio on the Lottery Picks:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/134297335_play20.html

Lottery winners? The top 13 players in the draft

By Nunyo Demasio
Seattle Times staff reporter

The NBA announced Friday that a record 58 underclassmen (two more than
last year), plus 17 international players, made themselves eligible for
the June 27 draft. The list includes a record six high-school players.
Once again, few college seniors will be chosen in the draft. It's too
early to try to predict the order of the draft, but here are 13 top
players in alphabetical order:

Shane Battier, 6-8 forward, Duke, Sr. Comment: Probably the only senior
who will be a top-five pick. Makes plays and has strong will.

Kwame Brown, 6-11 forward, Glynn Academy, Brunswick, Ga. Comment: May be
a top-three pick because of his 250-pound frame, skills and fancy
footwork.

Tyson Chandler, 7-1 center, Dominquez High School, Compton, Calif.
Comment: Enticing athleticism will make him one of the fastest centers.
Top-five pick.

Eddie Curry, 6-11 center, Thornwood High School, Evanston, Ill. Comment:
At 290 pounds, has size that can't be taught, but conditioning has been
questioned.

DeSagana Diop, 7-0 center, Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va.
Comment: At 310 pounds, is often compared to Shaquille O'Neal. The
Senegalese has played basketball for only a few years, but already has
post moves.

Joseph Forte, 6-4 guard, North Carolina, Soph. Comment: A tad small for
shooting guard, but can create his own shot, slash and has a good
jumper.

Eddie Griffin, 6-9 forward, Seton Hall, Fr. Comment: A good chance at
being the No. 1 pick, especially if he convinces teams he doesn't have a
bad attitude.

Troy Murphy, 6-11 forward, Notre Dame, Jr. Comment: Sweet jumper, yet
plays tough inside. Court savvy makes up for average athleticism.

Zack Randolph, 6-9 forward, Michigan State, Fr. Comment: Couldn't play
defense in college, but will be drafted on offensive potential.

Jason Richardson, 6-6 guard, Michigan, Soph. Comment: Athleticism evokes
comparisons to Vince Carter, but doesn't shoot nearly as well.

Jamaal Tinsley, 6-3 guard, Iowa State, Sr. Comment: Top point guard in
draft has excellent ballhandling and passing skills, but an average
shot.

Rodney White, 6-9 forward, Charlotte, Fr. Comment: Soft touch belies his
230-pound frame. Coming from mid-major program, his workouts will be
crucial.

Loren Woods, 7-1 center, Arizona, Sr. Comment: Shot-blocker didn't
improve much from junior season, but he's talented enough for first
round.

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