drafting

["Gene Kirkpatrick" <gkir@tjc.tyler.cc.tx.us>]

Thanks to Joe for remembering and recommending my draft analysis.  Since I seized upon Chuck? Foreman, the running back out of Miami (many years ago), I've smugly assumed that I can spot talent.  Many of this list can, too.  That's why we're here and occasionally so opinionated.  (I grew up in an area that included Bob Pettit and Elvin Hayes and later Cotton Nash, Joe Dumars  and Karl Malone).

My picks from the last few years have included Desmond Mason, Stromile Swift, Richard Jefferson and Tinsley of this year.  Those were not picked as the best players, altho' I would have chosen Swift #1, but players who would thrive in the pro game.

We're all limited by the players we can see a lot of.  Mason and Tinsley were on TV a lot in big 12 territory and I came to trust their abilities.  Swift could be like Antawn Jamison and break out big time; if there's any truth to our interest in a trade for him, I would be ecstatic.  He could play 4/5 on a running team and give us an awesome edge.  Vitaly and Forte for Swift?

Having seen our three rookies, I'm very pleased.  They all seem to be basketball players.  I think we have room for each of them to grow and produce.  Johnson, obviously, is special--maybe the best player on our team in terms of pure bb talent which includes brains and self-control/attitude.

Looking for a pf/c this year.  Someone like Porter with a little offense.  Cheers,  Gene