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Latest ESPN.com mock draft
Verrrry interesting. Katz and Ford say "Baby Shaq" is at the top of the
Celts' list if Banks is off the board, which they predict. Then Katz says
the Celts like Mo Williams at 20, which left Ford speechless. Personally,
I've been intrigued by Williams for a while. Everyone agrees he's a likely
lottery pick next year. He's that kind of talent. He's a true point guard.
But he's young and struggled a little on a messed-up Alabama team last
season.
The other interesting thing is Ford's note that the Celts are among the
teams who have fallen in love with Chris Bosh. Hence the rumors of Antoine
for Antonio Davis and the No. 4 pick. I haven't seen enough of Bosh, but if
he's the Garnett/McDyess combo everyone claims, then he's definitely worth
it.
Fascinating stuff. This draft is getting really confusing.
Mark
1. 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
Chad Ford's Pick: General manager Jim Paxson and coach Paul Silas are
quickly developing a game plan for James. They plan on playing him at the
point, using Ricky Davis at the off guard, and Darius Miles at small
forward. Dajuan Wagner will come off the bench. Paxson believes that if
James eventually will be a NBA point, he might as well dive into the deep
end of the pool now.
Andy Katz's Take: James' biggest concern is ensuring that he and Coach Silas
understand one another as soon as possible. James should play in the summer
league to get his feet wet in the NBA. If he does, the Cavs will have a head
start in their exhausting rebuilding process. James also needs to get with
Wagner, Davis, Miles and Carlos Boozer to make sure this crew can mesh well
enough to win.
2. 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
Andy Katz's Pick: The question will be how much playing time Milicic will
get as a rookie. Milicic needs to play summer league ball so new coach Larry
Brown has confidence in him going into fall training camp. Brown's affection
for international players could grow in August when the U.S. is in Puerto
Rico trying to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. Brown, head coach of Team USA,
may have even more of an appreciation for Milicic's game after the
international tournament.
Chad Ford's Take: The only question left with Darko is how much he'll
contribute in year one. Brown isn't fond of rookies, but Darko isn't your
ordinary rookie. After playing two years in the senior league of Yugoslavia,
he should be able to give the Pistons solid minutes right out of the gate.
3. 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
Chad Ford's Pick: The Nuggets rolled out the red carpet for Anthony last
week and gave even more signs that he's their guy at No. 3. However, as the
trade offers keep rolling in you have to begin wondering whether the Nuggets
are getting closer to that offer they can't refuse.
Andy Katz's Take: The Nuggets might not keep this pick, but if they do, they
will select Anthony. Denver would be making a major mistake by selecting
anyone else. Anthony is the most suited to contribute next season as the top
collegian in this draft. He should help the Nuggets immediately and put them
on the road to recovery. If the pick gets shipped out of Denver, the Nuggets
better get someone who can score.
4. Toronto Raptors
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: Bosh's workouts have gone well, and the Raptors need
someone who can come in and contribute next season. He's a shot-blocker,
defensive rebounder and a developing offensive presence. The Raptors once
had Keon Clark, and Bosh has a chance to bring a similar presence back to
Toronto. The Raptors could look at Chris Kaman or T.J. Ford, but Bosh is
more of a sure thing for a team desperate for production out of this
position.
Chad Ford's Take: Sources inside the Raptors told me Tuesday that Bosh had
moved to the top of their list. A strong workout Wednesday did nothing to
change their minds. Still, there is a lot of talk about the Raptors trading
the pick. Several teams like Boston, Portland, Detroit and Dallas are really
high on Bosh.
5. Miami Heat
Maciej Lampe
Forward | 7-0, 240 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18461>
Real Madrid | Poland
Chad Ford's Pick: Pat Riley's been in denial for too long. He's been
searching for a big three that shoots the ball from the perimeter since
Lamar Odom worked out for him four years ago. Lampe, at 18, may be raw, but
he's probably the best prospect left on the board. He's got the size (7-0)
the body (265) and that sweet touch from the perimeter. The only question?
Can the Heat wait a year on him? If the answer is no, they'll go with Dwyane
Wade.
Andy Katz's Take: This may be way too high for Lampe. The Heat is high on
Lampe, but this could be too big a leap. The safer picks are Ford or Kaman.
Riley needs help right away and can't afford to wait a few seasons for Lampe
to develop. The difference is, Lampe is as mature as most players in this
draft. He'll understand Riley's teaching and will work hard for minutes.
Picking Lampe at five would be a gutsy move and could be questioned.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
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: This should have been Pavel Podkolzine, but the Siberian
giant withdrew from the draft. The Clippers are always hard to figure, and
the obvious answer would be Ford or Kaman here. But the Clippers could go
with the best available talent left on the board, and that's Wade. Positions
don't mean much on the Clippers, because players come and go so quickly that
there usually isn't a long-term commitment. Wade is a versatile wing who can
score in a variety of ways. His personable demeanor would be a hit in L.A.
Chad Ford's Take: I know there has been a lot of talk coming out of L.A.
about Wade, but I think it's smoke. They've loved T.J. Ford for a long time.
GM Elgin Baylor saw first-hand what a little guard like Earl Boykins could
do. A combination of Ford and Marko Jaric at point guard gives the Clippers
the best of both worlds.
7. Chicago Bulls
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: I'm not sure if the Bulls will actually have this pick on
draft night. But if they don't, it's because Memphis has traded up to grab
it. Either way, it looks like Pietrus is the guy here. The Grizzlies have
him ranked as the No. 5 prospect on their board. The Bulls are more divided,
but if Wade and Lampe are off the board, he's a slam dunk.
Andy Katz's Take: No arguments on this pick. The Bulls could trade Pietrus,
but they have been scouting him extensively. The last-minute trip to France
by B.J. Armstrong proves the Bulls' commitment to Pietrus. He's playing in
the French playoffs and will be well-seasoned for the Bulls, or whomever he
lands with next season. His productivity on the wing makes him a possible
impact player next season.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
T.J. Ford
Point Guard | 6-0, 162 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18444>
Sophomore | Texas
Andy Katz's Pick: This will shock some of the Ford loyalists in Austin, but
he has a chance to slide down a few notches. The Bucks would love to get
either Ford or Kirk Hinrich. If given the choice, they would go with Ford,
who could replace Gary Payton and team up with Sam Cassell. The questions
dogging Ford are his size, strength and shooting -- but his quickness and
floor leadership can erase the doubts.
Chad Ford's Take: With owner Herb Kohl trying to sell, Gary Payton is as
good as gone. Kohl won't want to give Payton a lucrative long-term deal
while the franchise is still up for sale. If Ford is on the board, Milwaukee
is doing back flips. They love him. However, I don't believe he'll slip past
the Clippers at No. 6. If he's gone, I think KU's Hinrich is the guy. He has
impressed them in workouts and has the experience to step in right away.
9. 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
Chad Ford's Pick: No one was happier than Kaman when Podkolzine pulled out
of the draft Thursday. Kaman was battling Podkolzine for this pick, and it
appeared the Knicks were leaning toward Podkolzine. Now, Kaman is the
logical choice. He's the only big man in the draft who could make a
difference for the Knicks in the short term.
Andy Katz's Take: The Knicks have to get a player who can produce next
season. Kaman is the anti-New Yorker, loving a calm, quiet Midwestern
lifestyle. But he'll have to get used to the critics. Kaman won't get past
the Knicks, unless they saw some blatant flaws in his game. They could
consider Nick Collison or Hinrich at this spot, but it's hard to imagine
Kaman sliding past the Knicks.
10. Washington Wizards
Kirk Hinrich
Point Guard | 6-3> | 186 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18442>
Senior | Kansas
Andy Katz's Pick: Hinrich would be a steal for the Wizards. Eddie Jordan
should love coaching a guy like this. He can push the basketball like Jason
Kidd and is a crafty defender. Hinrich is a combo guard, but that shouldn't
matter in Jordan's system. He can play, regardless of the exact positioning
on the court. The Wizards' general manager situation puts this pick in flux
a bit, but they still will go with the best available player more than with
need.
Chad Ford's Take: The Wizards need a little help everywhere. If Hinrich is
on the board, I think they'd snatch him up in a heartbeat. New head coach
Eddie Jordan likes to play up-tempo, and no one in the draft does that
better than Hinrich. However, if Hinrich goes to Milwaukee at No. 8, I think
the Wizards will play it safe and draft his teammate, Nick Collison.
11. Golden State Warriors
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: No one completely understands what goes through GM Garry
St. Jean's mind. But it's always safe to take the road less traveled with
the Warriors. If Gilbert Arenas leaves, they'll need a point in the worst
way. But guys like Luke Ridnour and Reece Gaines haven't wowed them. So,
like the last two years (with Jason Richardson and Mike Dunleavy), they go
with a player that just so happens to play at a position where they don't
need any help. It's the Warriors' way.
Andy Katz's Take: This would be a surprise. Collison could go higher at No.
9 but is coveted by Seattle at No. 12. The Warriors would probably go with
Ridnour in this scenario, because they could be in need of a point guard,
depending on Gilbert Arenas' situation. The Warriors could also consider
Gaines. Collison is worth picking at No. 11, but he's a better fit in
Seattle at No. 12.
12. 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
Andy Katz's Pick: The Sonics' first choice is Collison, but they won't turn
down Sweetney. They love his power game and his ability to get to the
free-throw line. The Sonics' brass made a special trip to D.C. last week to
see Sweetney work out. They weren't going to come across the country to
watch a marginal pick for their position. Sweetney could be an anchor for
the Sonics' inside game.
Chad Ford's Take: I know there are a lot of rumblings that Seattle prefers
Collison or even Brian Cook to Sweetney. That's fine, but it doesn't make
much sense. Sweetney's game is the antidote for what ails the Sonics. He's
tough, scores with his back to the basket, rebounds and gets to the line
(and makes his free throws when he's there). I hope for the Sonics' sake
that Collison is off the board when they pick.
13. Memphis Grizzlies
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: Who knows what the Grizzlies do here? They're trying to
move up to get their hands on Pietrus. If they don't, they have to find
another athlete who can swing between the two and three. Pavlovic is
considered the best shooter in the draft and is an above average athlete.
Put him on the court with Jason Williams, Mike Miller, Pau Gasol and
Lorenzen Wright, and you have one of the best shooting teams in the NBA.
Andy Katz's Take: Not sure about this pick. The Grizzlies would grab Lampe
if he were still on the board, and they could consider Gaines or Sweetney,
if the Georgetown forward were to fall. Ridnour is still on the board in
this scenario and could get some attention. Pavlovic was considered more of
a middle first-round player, but something must be clicking for the
Grizzlies with Pavlovic the final two weeks.
14. Seattle SuperSonics
Marcus Banks
Point Guard | 6-2, 200 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18487>
Senior | UNLV
Andy Katz's Pick: The word is Banks, the UNLV senior point guard, is moving
up. He was originally talked about at No. 16 or 20 to Boston. But Banks is
being discussed as a possible selection at No. 14. The Sonics are a bit
scared of Leandrinho Barbosa, because of his inability to speak English
well. The Sonics might have a hard time skipping over Ridnour, but Banks is
the better athlete.
Chad Ford's Take: He's the hottest name in the draft right now. But is the
hype getting out of control? First Phoenix loved him. Then Boston. Now
Seattle? Banks reminds some of a poor man's Baron Davis. He can get to the
basket at will, but his lack of size and floor-general skills have some
wondering what all the hype is about. I think they'd be better off taking a
flyer on Barbosa, whose size and athleticism make him stand out. He's a
bigger project than Banks, but the Sonics can afford to groom him for a
year.
15. 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
Chad Ford's Pick: We've had Gaines pegged to Orlando for the past two months
and see no reason to change now. His ability to play the one and the two,
his size and athleticism and that smooth outside jumper should earn him some
minutes in Orlando during year one.
Andy Katz's Take: This one seems to be more of a lock than any other pick
outside of the top three. The Magic scouted Gaines extensively while he was
working out in Florida after the season ended. Gaines is an active guard who
can play the point after handling the ball on numerous occasions last
season. Gaines could help the Magic forget about a few of their recent
blunders in the first round (Curtis Borchardt and Jeryl Sasser).
16. Boston Celtics
Sofaklis Schortsianides
Center | 6-10, 287 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18546>
Greece
Andy Katz's Pick: The easy thing to say here is that Schortsanitis is going
too high. Well, the Celtics like him and are looking to go big with one of
their two picks. Schortsanitis wouldn't have stayed in the draft if he
weren't getting a decent guarantee. Boston fills the void. Schortsanitis can
board and is still a work in progress. If he is in shape, he could
eventually be a contributor next season.
Chad Ford's Take: Schortsanitis and Banks are the two guys at the top of the
Celtics' list right now. Banks would be their choice if he was still on the
board. If he's not, and Luke Ridnour's available, I'm not sure they could
pass on the Pac-10's POY. This is awfully far for someone like Ridnour to
slip. He's an excellent shooter, puts his teammates first, and his flashy
style would be popular in Boston. I don't disagree with the "Baby Shaq"
pick, I just think it's more likely he goes to them at No. 20.
17. Phoenix Suns
Zarko Cabarkapa
Power Forward | 7-0, 235 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18463>
Serbia/Montenegro
Chad Ford's Pick: The rumor has been flying around for weeks that Cabarkapa
is the Suns' guy. Apparently everyone in the West feels like they need a
Nowitizki-type player, and the Suns have Cabarkapa pegged as that guy.
Cabarkapa is a fine shooter, has a great handle and is pretty mature at age
22. Nice player who can fit several roles.
Andy Katz's Take: The Suns are linked to a promise for Cabarkapa. This pick
shouldn't be a total surprise. The Suns aren't expecting to get a major
player, let alone a definite role player, for next season. Phoenix could
really take its time working Cabarkapa into a major contributor for next
season. Phoenix could also opt for high school seniors Ndudi Ebi or Travis
Outlaw ... or Brian Cook and Luke Ridnour, who also are still on the board.
18. New Orleans Hornets
Luke Ridnour
Point Guard | 6-2, 175 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18434>
Junior | Oregon
Andy Katz's Pick: Ridnour doesn't make a lot of sense here with Baron Davis
fully entrenched. But Ridnour can't slip too far. He's too good. The Hornets
could trade this pick. If they absolutely want no part of Ridnour, they
could still go after Jarvis Hayes, a steal in this draft so far. Carlos
Delfino would make sense, but the Hornets aren't big on the international
scene. Brian Cook, Josh Howard and David West are all possibilities.
Chad Ford's Take: I don't see Ridnour slipping this far. If he does, I still
don't think the Hornets take him. They'll need to replace P.J. Brown, and it
will be tough to pass on Illinois' Cook here. Cook has worked out well
wherever he's gone, and his stock is on the rise. By draft night, Cook might
not be available this low. But right now, I don't see the Hornets passing on
him.
19. Utah Jazz
Brian Cook
Power Forward | 6-10, 240 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18450>
Senior | Illinois
Chad Ford's Pick: Utah has to start thinking about a long-term replacement
for Karl Malone. Cook worked out well in Utah, and the team believes he's
gotten a bad rap. On talent, Cook's the best player left on the board.
There's a good chance Cook is gone by this pick, though. They also like
Pavlovic (likely gone), Boris Diaw, Carlos Delfino and Josh Howard. Jarvis
Hayes would also be tough to pass up if he slips this far.
Andy Katz's Take: Cook wasn't in the first round in our second mock draft.
But it's hard to keep him out of this one. He has played well in his
workouts, according to various sources. Cook has the potential to flourish
in Utah. He's not going to replace Karl Malone, but he certainly gives the
Jazz a different look. Having a power forward shoot 3s on a regular basis
could give Cook a specialty label.
20. Boston Celtics
Maurice Williams
Point Guard | 6-1, 185 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18456>
Sophomore | Alabama
Andy Katz's Pick: Williams doesn't deserve to be this high. But this
prediction is based on conversations with those who are close to the
Celtics' situation. Williams hasn't wowed any scouts during workouts, but
teams have long memories. He's a smart, and savvy, point guard who made
better decisions last season. He doesn't have a guarantee. The Celtics could
still grab Barbosa or Troy Bell with this pick. But the word is they could
go with Williams.
Chad Ford's Take: Huh?
21. Atlanta Hawks
Jarvis Hayes
Shooting Guard | 6-7, 220 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18435>
Junior | Georgia
Chad Ford's Pick: They'd love to get a big point guard here and probably
should snatch up Boris Diaw. However, Hayes may be too tempting to pass if
he slips this far. The Hawks have needed a consistent 3-point threat since
they lost Steve Smith. Hayes' perimeter shooting, combined with his size and
athleticism at the two, will be a nice complement to Jason Terry in the
backcourt.
Andy Katz's Take: The Hawks would love this scenario. They heard Hayes could
be slipping for no other reason than timing and promises. Yet, he would be a
hit here, having grown up in Atlanta. Hayes could be the sleeper of the
draft. He can score from inside and out. He's a hard worker, and he's a
fourth-year junior, meaning he'll be more mature than a lot of other players
in this draft.
22. New Jersey Nets
Zoran Planinic
Small Forward | 6-7, 220 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18548>
Autodorozhnik Saratov | Russia
Andy Katz's Pick: The Nets have liked Planinic for a while, and he stopped
working out after his visit to New Jersey. He tweaked his back, but that
didn't hurt him with the Nets. The workout went well enough that he could
have locked himself up a spot in the first round. New Jersey could use
another point guard if they lose Jason Kidd. If not, they've got a
developing player who could help them in a year or two rather than being
forced to play too early.
Chad Ford's Take: Planinic is another hot name in the draft at the moment.
Insider first reported the Nets' love affair with Planinic last week. It
looks like things are still hot and heavy. His workouts have been described
as scintillating by several teams. Planinic, at 6-foot-7, has the size,
shooting touch, athleticism and versatility that the Nets covet at the
point. He should be able to step right in and contribute behind Jason Kidd
and Kerry Kittles.
23. Portland Trail Blazers
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: The rumor is that high school power forward Travis Outlaw
is the man here. I had him down, but then I got to thinking. If I'm Steve
Patterson, and I'm trying to change the image of the "Jail Blazers," do I
really draft a guy named Outlaw? The more I thought about it, the more it
drove me to change the pick. I don't believe Barbosa will fall this far, but
if he does, he's a steal at 23. With Antonio Daniels leaving, and Jeff
McInnis and Damon Stoudamire on the way out, Barbosa has the size,
athleticism and energy the Blazers crave at point guard. He may be a year or
so away, but the Blazers can afford to wait.
Andy Katz's Take: Not sure about this pick. Barbosa could easily be a
second-round pick. Teams aren't necessarily going to promise a point guard
who can't speak English a first-round slot. Letting him slide into the
second round wouldn't be a crime. The Blazers are rumored to have promised
Outlaw this pick, but that seems farfetched. So, too, would an Ndudi Ebi
selection. The more likely scenario is for the Blazers to take either David
West or Josh Howard. They have to think senior, experienced and either
rebounder or scorer.
24. Los Angeles Lakers
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: The Lakers covet Schortsanitis and Cook, but they're not
around at this point in this mock draft. Los Angeles would have to look at a
collection of David West, Mario Austin, Howard and Jason Kapono. Howard
might be the most ready to contribute next season. His workouts have been
solid, and he's still a more versatile scorer than anyone else in that
group. The Lakers could use an athletic, energized veteran college player in
their lineup.
Chad Ford's Take: After taking Kareem Rush in the first round last year,
it's hard to believe they'd grab yet another swingman this year. Not when
several big men are on the board. David West, Mario Austin and Malick
Badiane will all get a look here (as will Baby Shaq, if he's still around)
but I think the pick will ultimately be Zaur Pachulia. Pachulia, a big man
from the country of Georgia, could give the Lakers their next Vlade Divac.
With Shaq's long-term health and future up in the air, it's never too late
to start developing someone.
25. 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
Chad Ford's Pick: The Pistons addressed their frontcourt with Darko. Now
they'll move to their backcourt. Hansen had a great workout in Detroit last
week, and the team likes him. At 25 years old, he has the maturity and a
nice perimeter shot that could help the Pistons right away. They'll also
take a long look at Boris Diaw and possibly Carlos Delfino here.
Andy Katz's Take: Can't agree here. Carlos Delfino could be the answer. The
Pistons would be going with Hansen over Delfino, Austin, Boris Diaw, West
and Dahntay Jones. Their pick is more likely to come out of that group.
Hansen was impressive in Portsmouth, Chicago and during workouts, but he
still could have a hard time cracking the first round. He's an outstanding
hustle-play guard. He can make shots and handle the ball. Larry Brown will
like him and use him if they draft him.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves
David West
Power Forward | 6-9, 240 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18446>
Senior | Xavier
Andy Katz's Pick: The Timberwolves finally have a first-round draft pick,
and they're not going to waste it on an unknown. They want a player who
knows what he's doing on the court. West is a steal this low in the draft
and could be a first-team, all-rookie player if he comes close to his
college potential. The Timberwolves could also look at Austin, Hansen or
even Troy Bell. But going with a foreign player in this spot seems unlikely.
Chad Ford's Take: With Anthony Peeler leaving, the T-Wolves really need to
find a shooting guard who can help right away. I don't think West is the guy
here. Someone like Carlos Delfino or Josh Howard are better fits. I like
Delfino here. I think he's the most underrated international prospect in the
draft. He's got great size, is super tough and has a nice outside stroke.
The T-Wolves would be crazy to let him slip away.
27. Memphis Grizzlies
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: I think Delfino will be off the board by here, but if he
isn't, Memphis will take him, even if they draft Pavlovic or Pietrus with
their first pick. Delfino is a Jerry West-type of player. He's smart, tough,
mature and can shoot it. If he's gone, Boris Diaw will be the guy.
Andy Katz's Take: The Grizzlies could end up going with two foreign players
in the draft. That's not a shocker, considering both players are skilled.
But don't be surprised if they're out shopping these picks, or at least one
of them. Delfino is a first-round talent, but remember: Austin, Ndudi Ebi,
Kendrick Perkins, Jones, Bell, Malick Badiane are all still on the board.
28. 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
Andy Katz's Pick: The Spurs could weigh Pachulia against Kendrick Perkins.
Pachulia is a load inside and hasn't played as much basketball as a team
like San Antonio would have liked. Pachulia does have low-post scoring
ability, and the hope is the Spurs can groom him to fill some of the void
left by David Robinson. Picking Austin, Perkins, Ebi or Malick Badiane are
all possibilities.
Chad Ford's Take: The Spurs will snatch up Pachulia if he's on the board. If
he's gone (and I think the Lakers will grab him at 24), they'll have several
interesting choices. One is to go with someone like Josh Howard or Travis
Hansen, if they're on the board. Two, take a veteran big guy like David
West. Three, go really big with Serbia's Slavko Vranes. At 7-foot-6 with
shoes, Vranes would be the tallest player in the NBA.
29. Dallas Mavericks
Malick Badiane
Power Forward | 6-11, 225 | Draft Player Card
<http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18449>
Senegal
Chad Ford's Pick: Something's fishy here. Badiane's decision to stay in the
draft almost certainly means he's a first-rounder. He's a strong, athletic
rebounder and shot blocker -- just what the Mavs need. The downside is he's
a few years away. But Mark Cuban can afford to wait because ... well ...
because Mark Cuban can afford everything.
Andy Katz's Take: No shocker. Badiane is tied in tight with the Dallas
scouting staff. Badiane is a raw athlete who still is learning the game. His
basketball IQ is still not up to speed, but he's long, lean and could be a
defensive pest. He wouldn't have stayed in the draft without a guarantee of
going in the first round. This dumped Ebi, Outlaw, Perkins, Jones and Diaw
to the second round. We've got one more mock draft, but the guarantees for
Ebi, Outlaw and Perkins haven't been uncovered yet.