The new ESPN mock draft

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

I hope this shows up. Katz and Chad Ford alternate choices in this mock.
It's pretty interesting, and I think the two writers probably are a good
counterbalance. Ford goes overboard on the international players, while Katz
goes overboard on the college seniors (natural biases, considering Ford's
forte is covering the Euros and Katz's is covering college basketball).

They think the Marcus Banks rumors are legit and have him going to the Celts
at 20. They say the Celts also love BYU's Travis Hansen. They have Pavlovic
going to the Celts at 16, which also could be true. This is an interesting
quote from Katz on Ainge's drafting philosophy: "Ainge isn't going to draft
unskilled players, or simply just athletes. He wants shooters and scorers,
and Pavlovic could end up being the right player for the Celtics." That's
good news. It also seems to take the raw high schoolers out of the mix, as
well as Badiane. 

The other interesting thing is the early mentions for Banks in this mock.
They first mention him in relation to the Magic at No. 15-the first time
I've seen him even discussed in that range. The Banks-Hansen stuff adds a
little credence to those trade-down ideas, since those guys might be
available a few spots lower. For example, if they really wanted to end up
with those two, they could take, say the 25th pick and a future
first-rounder for the 16th pick, then take Banks at 20 and Hansen at 25. A
lot of options.

Overall, I think this mock makes a lot of sense. I don't see any real
head-scratchers. It's sure to jumble some before draft night, but this seems
like a pretty good read on things at this point.

Mark





	NBA Mock Draft II
By Chad Ford and Andy Katz
ESPN.com
Send an Email to Chad Ford
<http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/writeback?name=Chad+Ford>  
Monday, June 9
Updated: June 9
12:56 PM ET 

CHICAGO -- Nothing is certain -- well, except LeBron James in the Cavs' new
colors. So, with the Chicago pre-draft camp in the rear-view mirror and 2=
weeks still to go before the real thing, Insider's Chad Ford and ESPN.com's
Andy Katz break down the first round as it could unfold June 26. 
We'll have two more mock drafts before draft night. Today, Katz makes the
odd-numbered picks, while Ford fills in the even-numbered picks. 
Note: For players who participated in the Chicago pre-draft combine, heights
(with shoes) and weights listed are official combine results. Non-combine
participants are listed with their roster or media-guide measurements. 
Cleveland Cavaliers



LeBron James
Small Forward | 6-8, 240 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18425> 
St. Mary/St. Vincent (Ohio) High School 





Andy Katz's Pick: The Cavs need plenty of help, but they have to get James
to lift the spirits of the employees and the fans. James brings instant
credibility, whether he becomes a star next season or not. Paul Silas is
probably the perfect coach to massage James' ego. James isn't used to losing
so the transition will be tough at first, but he'll get plenty of minutes to
learn from his mistakes. 


Chad Ford's Take: James already has made a major impact on the organization.
For the first time in years the arena is selling out, the team has a
big-time coach, and fans finally have some hope. Even one of James' future
teammates has gotten into the act. Darius Miles has been in the gym since
May 1 working on his jump shot and conditioning in preparation for the
increased expectations with the coming of the King. 


Detroit Pistons



Darko Milicic
Power Forward | 7-1, 250 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18423> 
KK Hemofarm | Serbia 





Chad Ford's Pick: No one is more stunned than Carmelo Anthony that Joe
Dumars & Co. have already decided on Darko -- before Anthony even comes to
visit. But if you know Dumars, you understand why he's sold on the 7-foot-1,
17-year old Serbian. Dumars has been following Darko all year and is in love
with his tough, aggressive play in the post. The team needs a go-to guy in
the paint in the worst way, and Darko will be able to give them that sooner
than you think. Besides, Anthony would take playing time away from another
Joe D favorite, Tayshaun Prince. 


Andy Katz's Take: The Pistons would have been pleased to take either Milicic
or Anthony but are willing to give Tayshaun Prince a go over the next
season. Milicic answers the inside scoring questions and could cause some
matchup problems when he's facing the basket in a lineup with Ben Wallace
anchoring the interior. Milicic is only 17, but he's probably more ready to
make a contribution than any other international teenager in the draft. The
Pistons won't announce Milicic like the Cavs did with James, but they might
as well go public with this done deal.


Denver Nuggets



Carmelo Anthony
Small Forward | 6-7=, 234 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18433> 
Freshman | Syracuse 





Andy Katz's Pick: The Nuggets could flirt with drafting Pavel Podkolzine,
and they will bring him in for a workout. Going with a future
all-international frontline with Nene Hilario and Nikoloz Tskitishvili is
intriguing, but probably unlikely. Instead, the Nuggets will go with the
sure thing. Anthony should be more ready to produce as a rookie than any
other player in the draft. The few diehard Nuggets fans are actually excited
about landing Anthony. And his arrival should help in the recruitment of
free agent Gilbert Arenas, who wants money, playing time and a chance to
win. 


Chad Ford's Take: After Pavel Podkolzine's unbelievable workout in Chicago,
a few were quietly whispering that Nuggets' GM Kiki Vandeweghe might grab
the 7-foot-4 Siberian. It's pretty unlikely. Not only would it be a
public-relations disaster, but it would also put Vandeweghe's rebuilding
program back a year or two. Still, both Anthony and Denver seem
uncomfortable with the fit, which is why trade rumors keep flying around.
Toronto, Miami and Chicago would love to move up. Can they make it worth the
Nuggets' while? 


Toronto Raptors



T.J. Ford
Point Guard | 6-0, 162 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18444> 
Sophomore | Texas 





Chad Ford's Pick: GM Glen Grunwald's job is on the line. The Raptors have to
improve now. They'd love to add Anthony to the mix, but unless they move up,
they only have two choices that could bring an immediate impact. One, they
can trade down (or out) and acquire a more established player like Stromile
Swift, or they can take Ford and hope he can make a quick transition at the
point. Rookie point guards normally don't fare well in the NBA, but Ford is
so intelligent, he has a great chance. The Raptors were blown away by Ford's
improved shooting at a private workout on Thursday. 


Andy Katz's Take: Grunwald made an impassioned plea of forgiveness to the
fans after the last home game this season. He told them the Raptors wouldn't
go through another season like 2002-03. The Raptors aren't that far away
from returning to the playoffs behind a healthy Vince Carter, regardless who
becomes the head coach. That's why Toronto has to add a player who can help
them next season. They can't afford to take a project or someone without
name recognition. Selecting Ford makes the most sense, because it answers a
number of their pressing needs. 


Miami Heat



Chris Bosh
Power Forward | 6-11=, 225 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18511> 
Freshman | Georgia Tech 





Andy Katz's Pick: Podkolzine piqued Pat Riley's interest during his workout
in Chicago, and the Heat is expected to go through an extensive interview
process with the Siberian center. But Miami can't afford to be too patient.
Like the Raptors, the Heat need someone who can come in and make a
contribution as a rookie. They got that type of player in Caron Butler a
year ago and could do the same in Bosh. He's a shot-blocker and a developing
low-post player. He won't be as physical as Podkolzine, but he's more ready
to aid in the rebuilding process. 


Chad Ford's Take: My head says Bosh could be a real star in a year or two.
But my heart says Podkolzine here. Riley and company were blown away by his
workout. The Heat will have him in late this week to test his knowledge of
the game, ability to read game tape and his general intelligence. If he
passes the test, I just don't know how the Heat could pass on the kid. 


Los Angeles Clippers



Pavel Podkolzine
Center | 7-5, 303 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18544> 
Siberia 





Chad Ford's Pick: If Miami passes on the big fella, the Clippers will snatch
him up at No. 6. Clippers scout Fabrizio Besnati discovered him in Russia
more than two years ago and has been on the Clippers to draft the kid for
the last six months. Will Pavel's workout on Friday be enough to wake GM
Elgin Baylor out of his perpetual slumber? 


Andy Katz's Take: Podkolzine's workout in Chicago will go down in pre-draft
camp folklore. Podkolzine's overall mammoth size created such a buzz that
NBA personnel were talking about the draft changing as soon as they caught a
glimpse of him. Podkolzine's workout with former UNLV coach Billy Bayno was
aggressive, diversified and productive. While questions remain about his
endurance, whether or not his body can take the pounding and just how much
he understands the game, he's still worth the risk. The Clippers were the
first to discover him, and Besnati should get a bump in pay from Donald
Sterling for his efforts. 


Chicago Bulls



Dwyane Wade
Shooting Guard | 6-4>, 212 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18440> 
Junior | Marquette 





Andy Katz's Pick: Wade could end up being the best player in this draft next
season. Sure, Anthony is ready to score, but so is Wade, who has leadership
skills that should play well in Chicago. If the Bulls start talking trade
with some of their perimeter players, then Wade becomes even more valuable.
He's not an exceptional shooter, but he finds a way to get to the basket and
finish. There is still a chance the Bulls could package this pick or go with
a foreign product like Michael Pietrus. But right now, it's still too hard
to pass on the proven Wade. 


Chad Ford's Take: Wade's going to be a big-time NBA player, but the Bulls
won't take him here. They're high on France's Mickael Pietrus right now, and
for good reason. He's taller than Wade, is a better defender and he's got a
better perimeter shot. GM John Paxson was in France this weekend getting yet
another look at Pietrus. Wade does have some nice intangibles and a
freakishly long wingspan, but I think the size issue hurts him in Chicago.
With an already crowded backcourt of Jay Williams and Jamal Crawford, why
draft yet another combo guard when you already have two fighting for playing
time? If the Bulls, however, decide to trade Williams or Crawford, Wade
would start to make more sense.


Milwaukee Bucks



Kirk Hinrich
Point Guard | 6-3> | 186 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18442> 
Senior | Kansas 





Chad Ford's Pick: Gary Payton is all but gone, and they're running out of
patience with Sam Cassell. And with owner Herb Kohl contemplating a sale,
the Bucks are in the youth-mode right now. So the team would be remiss to
pass on one of the best point guard crops in recent draft history. Right
now, Hinrich is No. 2 on their board behind T.J. Ford. That may change this
week when Hinrich, Luke Ridnour, Reece Gaines and Marcus Moore square off in
a big-time workout. But until then, Hinrich is the guy. 


Andy Katz's Take: Hinrich should be a star in the league. Next to Ford, he's
the quickest end-to-end guard in this draft. Hinrich has the hops to compete
above the rim in the NBA, and his game will play well in the uptempo league.
Hinrich loves to rip-and-run off rebounds and find the open man. He's a
shooting/slashing point who can cause defenses to react to him before he
finds a shooter in the corner. The Bucks desperately need another flashy
player like Hinrich with Payton's situation in flux and Cassell on the back
end of his career. Hinrich would be a hit in Milwaukee, because of his
strong midwestern roots and values.


New York Knicks



Chris Kaman
Center | 7-0=, 252 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18447> 
Junior | Central Michigan 





Andy Katz's Pick: The Knicks need help after last year's bust of a draft.
They traded Nene Hilario and got damaged goods in Antonio McDyess and Frank
Williams. Kaman said he's ready to contribute, and he better be if the
Knicks take him this high. He claims he's not going to be just another
player taken because he's tall. If that's the case, he better be a
legitimate scoring forward. Knick fans might groan a bit when this pick is
announced in the Garden, and they don't take kindly to projects. They need
Kaman to produce immediately. If there is any trepidation with this pick
then don't be surprised to see someone like Michael Sweetney or Nick
Collison shoot up this high.


Chad Ford's Take: The Podkolzine workout was the best thing to happen to
Scott Layden. He couldn't afford to take the risk on yet another Euro
project, and with Pavel now expected to be off the board earlier, the guy
Layden really likes falls to him at No. 9. While Kaman doesn't have the
trappings of a superstar, his unbelievable footwork, ability to shoot with
both his left and right hand, and his above average athleticism for a big
man will make him a solid center in the league. 


Washington Wizards



Michael Pietrus
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 210 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18464> 
EB Pau-Orthez | France 





Chad Ford's Pick: Who really knows what the Wizards will do? Without a coach
or GM, it's hard to predict. The Wizards need a point guard in the worst
way, but Pietrus will be tough to pass on here. He's the best player left on
the board, plays tough defense and has the superstar potential everyone else
on the roster lacks. I personally expect Pietrus to be off the board here.
If he is, the Wiz will grab Wade.


Andy Katz's Take: The big question is who is making this pick? No one seems
to know less than three weeks out from the draft. The Wizards have done a
better job of scouting Europe of late and need help with a scoring wing.
Pietrus is a good scorer from the perimeter and also can drive and play
defense. If Michael Jordan were still in control, the Wizards probably
wouldn't go foreign. They still might not, but Pietrus is the likely
candidate at No. 10. If the Wizards decide to stay local then don't be
surprised to see a big man like Sweetney or Collison, either. Washington
could end up shipping someone up front if they go big in this draft.


Golden State Warriors



Luke Ridnour
Point Guard | 6-2, 167 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18434> 
Junior | Oregon 





Andy Katz's Pick: The Warriors know that taking a guard all but ensures
Gilbert Arenas will leave. But they can't take a chance and pass one up in
hopes Arenas will stay. Ridnour is the best available point guard at this
pick, and he's too good for the Warriors to pass up. He would play well in
Eric Musselman's system. Ridnour is just a tad behind Ford and Hinrich in
end-to-end quickness. He'll give the Warriors a Steve Nash-like, heady point
guard who will play well in the Bay Area. The name recognition in the Pac-10
city will be key for the fans who will quickly get attached to Ridnour's
floppy hair. Reece Gaines is a possibility here, but every indication is
that Ridnour is ahead of him.


Chad Ford's Take: This is a tough call. Right now all signs point to the
Warriors losing Arenas, which makes point guard a priority. The problem with
Ridnour is he's not even close to being ready to be a starting point guard
in the NBA. Besides, word is coach Musselman isn't enamoured. If Arenas
stays, Ridnour actually makes more sense. If he bolts, Musselman is pushing
GM Garry St. Jean to lure a veteran like Gary Payton and use the pick on a
kid like Maciej Lampe, who could turn into something special in a few years.


Seattle SuperSonics



Michael Sweetney
Power Forward | 6-8, 262 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18448> 
Junior | Georgetown 





Chad Ford's Pick: He's got the chance to be an Elton Brand-type player. He's
a little undersized, but his huge wingspan and clever inside game make up
for it. That's exactly what the Sonics need. Remember, undrafted rookie
Reggie Evans started 60 games for them last year. Sweetney will give the
team toughness, rebounding and an inside scoring threat.


Andy Katz's Take: The Sonics want Hinrich with this first pick, and trading
up isn't out of the question. But if Hinrich and Ridnour are gone, the
Sonics will go big. Leandrinho Barbosa is a possibility, but probably not
likely at this spot. The Sonics will probably decide between Sweetney and
Collison. Both would be ideal choices for the power-position deprived
Sonics. Sweetney is a low-post scorer who attracts double teams and eats
rebounds for lunch. Collison is more of balanced scorer and a great find at
the back end of the lottery. But the Sonics might go with more of a
traditional low-post presence in Sweetney.


Memphis Grizzlies



Maciej Lampe
Center | 7-0, 240 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18461> 
Real Madrid | Poland 





Andy Katz's Pick: Jerry West will likely fall in love with Lampe's
competitiveness, drive and hunger to succeed in the NBA. Talk to Lampe and
you'll be shocked that he's only 18. He was the youngest player, at 15, to
sign with Real Madrid and is as worldly as any player coming from overseas.
He was born in Poland, grew up in Sweden and played in Spain. He's ready to
make the jump, but not begging for the chance. If he is not projected to go
in the lottery, he has no problem going back to Spain for another season.
He's a shooting forward who would cause a bit of a glut for the Grizzlies
but would give them another young, talented European with the coveted
"upside" quotient.


Chad Ford's Take: Jerry West has spent a lot of time targeting the Euros
this year. They're high on both Pietrus and Podkolzine and will try to move
up in the draft to grab them. However, Lampe would be a great score here.
His shooting ability from the perimeter, combined with his size, makes him
an intriguing prospect. 


Seattle SuperSonics



Leandrinho Barbosa
Point Guard | 6-4, 185 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18545> 
Barcelona | Brazil 





Chad Ford's Pick: With two first-round picks, the Sonics can afford to
gamble with their second. The Sonics replaced Payton with Ray Allen this
winter and moved Brent Barry to the point. That's a short-term fix. The
Sonics would like to start developing a young, tough point guard, and
Barbosa has the most potential. He's strong, quick and an explosive leaper.
His long wingspan will help him on defense. While some worry about his
awkward shot, lack of big-time competition and fledgling English-speaking
ability, the potential to be the next Payton is there.


Andy Katz's Take: Barbosa is a long, rangy point guard and would fit in
Seattle if the Sonics can't get Hinrich or Ridnour at 12. Barbosa is
probably the next point on the list. The biggest question is his English. A
point guard has to speak the language to be successful in the NBA.
Basketball has its own language, but Barbosa must be able to communicate.
The Sonics could get turned off by the language barrier and might look at
someone like Gaines instead if the decision is close. Taking an
international player like Barbosa with their second pick in the first round
makes sense because there isn't as much pressure to play Barbosa next
season. 


Orlando Magic



Reece Gaines
Point Guard | 6-6, 205 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18451> 
Senior | Louisville 





Andy Katz's Pick: Gaines has the potential to sneak up higher in the draft.
But he has been slotted behind Ford, Hinrich, Ridnour and Barbosa. If he
drops this far, the Magic likely would snatch him up before Boston. The
Magic also could take a look at UNLV's Marcus Banks, or Boston College's
Troy Bell. But the Magic have taken a keen interest in Gaines since he has
been working out at the IMG Academy in nearby Bradenton, Fla. Doc Rivers
wants players who can contribute right away and don't need babysitting.
Gaines fits the criteria.


Chad Ford's Take: Doc Rivers loves big point guards, and unlike Jeryl
Sasser, Gaines can both play the point and shoot the ball. The team will
also take a look at Banks with this pick, but in the end Gaines' versatility
wins out.


Boston Celtics



Alexsandar Pavlovic
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 207 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18481> 
Budcunost | Serbia 





Chad Ford's Pick: The Celtics need a lot of things -- a center, point guard
and the elusive third scorer. At this point in the draft, the scorer is the
best player left on the board. Pavlovic has great size and athleticism at
the two, and he's one of the top shooters in the draft. His experience
playing in the Euroleague this year should allow him to come in and play big
minutes right away in Boston. GM Danny Ainge fell in love with him at a
workout two weeks ago and immediately scheduled to bring Pavlovic back just
days before the draft. 


Andy Katz's Take: The 19-year old Yugoslavian is one of the best shooters in
the draft. The Celtics are looking for scoring help on the perimeter, and
Pavlovic fits the profile. His agent, Marc Cornstein, looks at him as
another version of San Antonio's Emanuel Ginobili. If that is the case, the
Celtics would have quite a find in the first round. Ainge isn't going to
draft unskilled players, or simply just athletes. He wants shooters and
scorers, and Pavlovic could end up being the right player for the Celtics.
The sleeper players still on the board could be Jarvis Hayes and Collison.


Phoenix Suns



Ndudi Ebi
Power Forward | 6-9, 195 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18424> 
Westbury Christian (Texas) High School 





Andy Katz's Pick: This is a tough call. Ebi certainly didn't look like he
was heading into the draft when he had a sluggish and downright dull workout
last week in Chicago. But everything he said indicated he would stay in the
draft. Phoenix has plenty of time to develop players and doesn't need
immediate help next season. The Suns were non-committal on their interest as
rumors swirled they had made various guarantees. If Ebi gets word he's
guaranteed to go in the first round, he'll stay in the draft. If he's
clearly in the second round, he will pull out. If that occurs, don't be
surprised to see Zarko Carbakapa in this spot. 


Chad Ford's Take: When you have a little of everything, you can gamble a
little bit at 17. That's why no one is really sure where the Suns will go.
Over the past week, I've heard that the Suns had "promised" this pick to
Ebi, Marcus Banks, Boris Diaw and Zarko Cabarkapa. Ebi, however, makes the
most sense. His upside is enormous. He's long, athletic, a big-time
shot-blocker and is an aggressive defender. While he's a few year away from
competing right now, the Suns have the time to be patient.


New Orleans Hornets



Nick Collison
Power Forward | 6-10, 255 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18443> 
Senior | Kansas 





Chad Ford's Pick: The team will most likely lose P.J. Brown this summer to
free agency. Collison is the same type of hard-working, no-nonsense,
blue-collar player who can step right in and contribute. While teams will
always question his strength and athleticism, Collison's knowledge of the
game and intangibles make him this year's Shane Battier. 


Andy Katz's Take: Wow, what a steal for the Hornets. Getting Collison at No.
18 would be unheard of, and clearly a stroke of good luck for New Orleans.
Collison said he doesn't need to go higher in the draft as long as he gets
to the right team. He would make perfect sense in New Orleans and could
flourish running the floor alongside Baron Davis. Collison may not drop this
far. If he doesn't, Jarvis Hayes is a natural with the Hornets. New Orleans
could also look at Brian Cook and Mario Austin at this spot.


Utah Jazz



Jarvis Hayes
Shooting Guard | 6-7, 220 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18435> 
Junior | Georgia 





Andy Katz's Pick: Hayes has lottery talent, but the influx of international
players likely will push him down a few notches. Hayes skipped the Chicago
workouts and wasn't invited in the physical-only group. That usually means
he'll end up right in the middle of the first round. Hayes is a big-time
scorer and should help the Jazz feel less stressed about the potential
departure of Karl Malone. Hayes has a pro body that can handle the pounding
of being a more physical small forward. 


Chad Ford's Take: The Jazz know Calbert Cheaney isn't the long-term answer
at the two and Deshawn Stevenson still hasn't done enough to earn Jerry
Sloan's trust. They like Pavlovic, but it looks like he won't be around when
they pick. Enter Hayes. He's one of the best shooters in the draft, has
great size for his position. His questionable handle and a lack of defensive
prowess cause him to fall this far, but the Jazz can afford to take the risk
if he stays in the draft.


Boston Celtics



Marcus Banks
Point Guard | 6-2, 200 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18487> 
Senior | UNLV 





Chad Ford's Pick: J.R. Bremer is nice, but the team needs a real point guard
in the worst way. The most prominent rumor in Chicago was that Banks skipped
the pre-draft camp because he had a promise from Ainge at No. 20. Ainge
denies it, but there's some teeth to the rumor. Ainge knows the Mountain
West players well and has supposedly fallen in love with the kid many scouts
compare to a poor man's Baron Davis. 


Andy Katz's Take: The Celtics need to grab a point guard with one of their
two picks. The best points will likely be gone by the time they pick at No.
16, leaving a point a must at No. 20. Boston could give serious thought to
Boston College's Troy Bell, but the early word is that Banks might be ahead
of Bell on the Celtics' depth chart. If Bell's Chicago camp success pushed
him ahead, Boston won't hesitate to take him at No. 20. The darkhorse at
this spot is BYU's Travis Hansen. The Celtics likely would only take him if
they do get a point at No. 16. Hansen is a favorite of Ainge. 


Atlanta Hawks



Boris Diaw
Shooting Guard | 6-9, 220 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18465> 
Pau Orthez | France 





Andy Katz's Pick: Diaw is a combo guard and is considered quite a passer.
The Hawks weren't thrilled with last year's first-round pick Dan Dickau. But
Dickau was hurt and never really given the chance to flourish. He has to get
more minutes next season to re-discover his shot. Drafting Diaw would put
less pressure on Dickau than a ready-made senior who doesn't have as much
time to develop. The Hawks could be patient with Diaw and not force his
maturity on the court. 


Chad Ford's Take: No one knows for sure what the Hawks are doing here. They
still don't have an owner or a GM, which makes it a little hard to project
what they want. Diaw is really a 6-foot-9 point guard, which should get
Hawks fans smiling. Diaw isn't really a threat to score, but with Shareef
Abdur-Rahim, Glenn Robinson and Jason Terry in the house, who needs him to
be? Pair him in the backcourt with Terry, and the Hawks' point-guard woes
could be over.


New Jersey Nets



Viktor Khryapa
Small Forward | 6-9, 220 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18548> 
Autodorozhnik Saratov | Russia 





Chad Ford's Pick: Last year the Nets drafted Yugoslavian center Nenad
Kristic sight unseen. It turned into a major, major home run when Krstic
went from project to Euroleague star last year. The word in Chicago is
they're high on Khryapa, a versatile forward who can play the three or four
with a nice shooting touch, long arms and great defense. Khryapa plans on
staying in Moscow one more year. That won't scare the Nets away after the
way Krstic played last year. 


Andy Katz's Take: The Nets were successful in getting one of the sleeper
Europeans out of last year's draft with Krstic. They didn't need him last
season and kept him overseas. They would do the same with Khryapa and not
have him come over for a season or two because of contractual issues. But
that's fine with the Nets, since they would be getting a future 3-point
shooter and small forward. New Jersey doesn't need immediate help. If the
Nets wanted to take someone for next season, they would have some
tantalizing prospects like David West, Josh Howard or Brian Cook still on
the board. 


Portland Trailblazers



David West
Power Forward | 6-9, 226 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18446> 
Senior | Xavier 





Andy Katz's Pick: Portland has to think image with this pick. David West
comes with no baggage, and he's a legit scoring forward. The Blazers have
made too many picks that involved question marks on a personal level. West
was a model citizen at Xavier, was a four-year guy and enters the NBA as a
mature and developed forward. Portland could get a similar good-character
player in Josh Howard, if it wanted to go for a big guard. 


Chad Ford's Take: I don't think David West will sneak into the first round.
I understand West is a good guy and a proven college commodity, but as long
as Bob Whitsitt is hanging around (he was in Chicago at the pre-draft camp),
I still don't believe the Blazers have changed their stripes. Besides, West
hasn't proven to anyone he can play small forward in the pros. The review
from a few recent workouts was that he's still not comfortable on the
perimeter. I think the Blazers either try to trade up into the lottery to
get their hands on Podkolzine, Bosh or Lampe, or they take a chance on
Illinois' Brian Cook, another guy with lottery talent and a questionable
head.


Los Angeles Lakers



Sofaklis Schortsianides
Center | 6-10, 287 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18546> 
Greece 





Chad Ford's Pick: Nicknamed "Baby Shaq" by the Greeks, this 6-10 (or 6-8,
depending on who you believe) power forward is the type of bruiser Shaq has
always wanted at his side. At 17, he won't get any playing time in L.A. next
year, but he is the type of talent who can help the Lakers tremendously down
the road. If his agent really believes he's falling this far, however, he
may pull him out of the draft before the June 19 deadline. If Sofaklis is
gone, the Lakers will probably grab Zarko Carbakapa. 


Andy Katz's Take: If Baby Shaq drops this low, agent Marc Fleisher might
pull him out of the draft. The big questions continue to be how tall he is,
with various reports listing him 6-6 to 6-10. The Lakers will likely go out
and get a free-agent power forward, but they could do with a project at the
same position. If Schortsianides ends up being a hit, the Lakers have struck
gold with a late first-round pick. And, why shouldn't the team with Shaq get
his namesake?


Detroit Pistons



Travis Hansen
Shooting Guard | 6-5=, 200 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18517> 
Senior | BYU 





Andy Katz's Pick: Someone always makes it into the first round out of the
Chicago camp. Bell, Hansen and James Lang seem to be the most discussed
candidates. Hansen fits the profile of a hard-working guard who can do just
about anything. He can make 3s, hit the mid-range jumper, dive on the floor
for loose balls and take a charge. He would fit in well with Detroit's
system under Larry Brown and be a hit on a team trying to win a title next
season. 


Chad Ford's Take: BYU's "Eminem" has wowed scouts with his great combination
of athleticism, strength, defensive prowess and long-range shooting skills.
The Pistons have to replace Jon Barry with someone, and at 25, Hansen has
the maturity to contribute now. Still, I have a sneaking suspicion the
Pistons' international scouts are in Dumars' ear, urging him to take another
foreign player. Guys like Zaur Pachulia, Zoran Planinic, Alexsander Vujacic,
Zarko Cabarkapa and Carlos Delfino are still on the board here.


Minnesota Timberwolves



Carlos Delfino
Shooting Guard | 6-7, 215 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18547> 
Fortitudo Bologna | Argentina 





Chad Ford's Pick: The 6-7 two guard from Argentina is underrated because of
a late-season ankle injury. The NBA scouting circuit missed him completely,
and that's too bad, because the kid can really play. He's tough, has a great
handle, shoots the lights out and is an excellent rebounder. His
inconsistency really bothers a lot of scouts, but he's too good to pass up
here ... if his agent leaves him in the draft. 


Andy Katz's Take: The Timberwolves are back in the first round for the first
time since 1999, when they took William Avery from Duke. That didn't work
out too well. The Timberwolves could go in a number directions, and the
early read is to go international. Delfino has to prove that an ankle injury
isn't serious enough to prevent him from being in the first round. If it
isn't, then he's got a shot to be here. If not, the Timberwolves could go a
safer route with either Howard or Cook.


Memphis Grizzlies



Josh Howard
Small Forward | 6-6=, 202 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18449> 
Senior | Wake Forest 





Andy Katz's Pick: Howard is a big guard/small forward who should come in and
give the Grizzlies instant credibility. Jerry West wants experience with one
of his two picks. If he goes with Lampe at No. 13, then he has to go with
one of the seniors at the back end of the first round. Howard was the ACC
player of the year, and that should count for something with the veteran
general manager. Howard should interview well and give the Grizzlies a
strong locker room presence. 


Chad Ford's Take: The ACC player of the year is what he is -- a pretty good
shooting guard with long arms (a 7-foot-2 wingspan) and a great feel for the
game. Sounds like a Jerry West player, but I'm not sold the Griz go this
route. I think Hansen probably will fall to them here, and they'll snatch
him up in heartbeat. West loves him, and his upside is better than Howard's.


San Antonio Spurs



Zaur Pachulia
Power Forward | 6-11, 250 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18549> 
Republic of Georgia 





Chad Ford's Pick: The Spurs can go in any number of directions here, but
with David Robinson retiring, Pachulia makes a lot of sense. He's a talented
big man who could turn into this year's Nenad Krstic if he stays in Turkey
for another year and hones his skills. Of course, Pachulia may be pulled
from the draft if he is projected to slip this far. 


Andy Katz's Take: The Spurs could use a center with the departure of
Robinson. Pachulia was nearly in this spot a year ago but pulled out of the
draft. The 6-11 teenager would be a traditional low-post presence. The Spurs
wouldn't need him to be a major player next season and could afford to wait
for him to develop. The Spurs, like the Nets, are a team that doesn't need
immediate help. Pachulia could turn out to be a worthy gamble. If Cook or
Austin are still available, don't be surprised to see one of them go near
the end of the first round.


Dallas Mavericks



Malick Badiane
Power Forward | 6-11, 225 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18449> 
Senegal 





Andy Katz's Pick: Badiane got mixed reviews for his private workouts in
Chicago. His representation claims he is moving up in the first round. He
might be, but the more likely scenario is for him to go to Dallas with the
round's last pick. Badiane is close with the Dallas scouts and won't stay in
the draft if he's not certain he'll get picked in the first round. He has
the potential to be a strong presence in the post by controlling the
offensive backboard. If he brings a nasty streak, the Mavs will covet him. 


Chad Ford's Take: The 6-11 African had one great workout and one so-so one
last week, but it doesn't really matter. Mavs director of scouting Amadou
Fall has a great feel for him and believes he's a talent. Badiane's still
very raw offensively, but he has Ben Wallace potential because of his
stength and explosivness in the paint. That's what the Mavs need, but like
several other international players, he may pull his name if he slips this
low.