Latest from Andy Katz

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Some interesting stuff here. He also did another mock draft yesterday, after
the deadline for underclassmen to withdraw. You really should check it out.
It's notable as much for the names not included in the first round (Sam
Clancy, several Euros we've seen mentioned)... meaning some of those players
may be available for the C's. Katz is the most plugged-in of the draft
analysts. Anyway, check out the rumored Memphis-Orlando trade. Am I missing
something about Mike Miller? He's a decent player, but worth the No. 4 pick
and Stromile Swift? I wouldn't think so. But Jerry West is a
superdoopergenius, so what do I know?

p.s. I agree that the Celts seem to be a step behind in the Euro market.
Pitino was aggressive, hence the Nowitzki gambit, but their picks in the
second round have seemed like guesses (Ben Pepper??!!) rather than educated
picks. It seems like every team in the league has a promising foreign
prospect either on the roster or soon to be on the roster after a season or
two of seasoning. Anyway, I suggested a question along those lines to Josh
for the next time he talks to Wallace.

Here's the Katz stuff:

Houston has the unofficial OK to draft Yao Ming, but still has a few
remaining hurdles with Yao, the Shanghai Sharks and the Chinese Basketball
Association, according to sources close to the situation. The Rockets have
no say in what happens to Yao's money once they pay him. If he has to give
more than 50 percent of his money to Chinese organizations then that becomes
his issue, not the Rockets. ... Miami guard John Salmons is becoming a
potential lock for the first round after stellar workouts with Denver and
Phoenix. The 6-7 point guard can play three positions and his stock is
climbing over the past week. ... Fresno State junior guard Chris Jefferies
hasn't worked out well, according to scouts who have seen him. Teams are
questioning his conditioning and the strength of his knee, which means he
could end up as a steal in the second round. ... Toronto worked out Mladen
Sekularac Tuesday in L.A. and the team was impressed with his shooting touch
but not wowed by the workout, which was an audition more than a competitive
situation. It might hurt his chances for the first round. ... Golden State
needs to decide whether or not to keep the 2005 first round pick from the
Sixers or take the No. 16 this season. ... Latest trade rumors are Phoenix
drafting Amare Stoudemire for Portland at No. 9 and Memphis packaging the
No. 4 and Stromile Swift to Orlando for Mike Miller and the No. 18.