| 1) Derrick Rose, Chicago |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Steve Francis |
| I just don't see Rose as a number one pick. Solid starter in the league sounds about right, but he won't be a Paul or Deron. Looking at 16 and 8 dimes a night for him in a couple years. |
| 2) Micheal Beasley, Chicago |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Carlos Boozer/Elton Brand |
| Beasley would be my first pick and since I can't find anyone else is designated as my favorite player of the draft. Sure he isn't that tall but he is a beast and has good skill. Though I don't see him on NBA championship teams look for a 20+ scorer and multiple All-Star. |
| 3) OJ Mayo, Minnesota |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Steve Francis |
| The scouting report from Omaha was that he looked a little slow. I think he'll be decent. Best case is a Billups type career where he can score and defend. Questionable leadership skills though. |
| 4) Brooke Lopez, Seattle |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Brad Daughtery |
| Are you ready to rock Oklahoma City? I actually like this pick even though he wrecked my player picks. He isn't that lumbering and if nothing else he can be a solid defensive presence. I can see Lopez averaging 14 and 10. |
| 5) Kevin Love, Memphis |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Scottie Pippen |
| Outlet pass anyone? People question if he will be big enough to score a lot - he probably won't average more then 16. But the stuff that doesn't show up in the stat book is what he brings. |
| 6) Russell Westbrook, New York |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Rajon Rondo |
| Well he did tear up the college game averaging a whopping 12ppg. As you can tell I don't think this is going to be a good draft class. Anyways I don't see Westbook being special at all. |
| 7) Jerryd Bayless, Clippers |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Gilbert Arenas |
| In a couple years this could be a good pick. If he has half the blogging skills of Arenas we are in good shape. The problem is though he may not be a PG, which would turn him into a tweener. Get some handles, son! |
| 8) Joe Alexandar, Milwaukee |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Googs |
| He is the guy who really moved up the draft board. But at least I get to say Googs again. Alexandar will average 10 and 8 and be a good role player. |
| 9) Danilo Gallinari, Charlotte |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Detlef Schrempf |
| Haven't seen him play but he sounds decent for a Euro. If he could join the Lakers and The Machine watch out. |
| 10) Anthony Randolph, New Jersey |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Tayshaun Prince |
| He is raw. Which basically means that no one has any idea how he will turn out. I see him making an All Star game one time. |
| 11) Brandon Rush, Indiana |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Tony Dumas |
| This will be a nice pick. He will be way better then JaRon. I see him being a third option on some championship teams. |
| 12) DJ Augustin, Sacremento |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Travis Best |
| DJ can start at PG for a solid basketball team. He is a disher more then a scorer which goes against the recent PG trend. |
| 13) Mario Chalmers, Portland |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Every backup 2 guard |
| He is only getting drafted this high because of the shot. But look for a solid career as a backup guard. |
| 14) Kosta Koufas, G State |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Kenny Anderson |
| The best name in the draft also will be in the most posters for the wrong reasons. Remember all the great soft 7 footers that dominate the NBA right now? Me neither. |
|
2007 Recap/Other Notables: I nailed the pick of Al Hortford. He is solid and could of been
ROY. And was right on with Hawes. My outside the lottery picks were terrible. But give it time
to develop. Don't read my earlier predictions about Gerald Green, I was busy booking bets with Donaghy
. Look for Brewer to still turn out ok and Yi the Chairman started off surprisingly hot. The non lottery pick I like most is Darell Arthur. I think he will be a solid NBA player. My personal favorite is CDR. Look for the 7 footers McGee and Jordan to be nobodies in the league. Look for Robin Lopez to lead the league in curly fro punk outs. I like Jamont Gordon and James Gist as deep sleepers. I am rooting for Bill Walker to do something. |
| 1) Greg Oden, Portland |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Patrick Ewing |
| I really like the age limit, you can actually see the players play before they get drafted. Oden is special and I don't think we've seen the beginning. His defense will be awesome and I think his offense will progress to a 22ppg in a couple years. I see a single championship with the Blazers. |
| 2) Kevin Durant, Seattle |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Dirk Nowitski |
| Will be a scoring machine. I think his defense can be top notch as well. I look for about 7 All NBA teams for Durant. I don't see him as the type to lead his team to championships though. |
| 3) Al Hortford, Atlanta |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Elton Brand |
| I am a fan of Al - I am designating him my favorite player of the draft. He played well against Oden and though he may lack a little size and speed I think he makes up for it in heart. I see him putting up 18/10 for a while. Not a franchise player but a player to always count on in big games. |
| 4) Brandon Wright, Memphis |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Marcus Camby |
| If he can get the effort into his game, he could be unstoppable. That intensity needs to be there though. I see him making an All Star team or two and leading the league in blocks. He doesn't even need to jump with those arms! |
| 5) Corey Brewer, Boston |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Scottie Pippen |
| Anyone that can play D is alright in my book. Maybe he is no Bowen, but Brewer will be a heck of a ballplayer. I see him being better then Battier and may not put up the numbers to be an All-Star, will be highly respected and will be a 'Big Shot' type player. I just worry if he can shot and score well enough to impact a lot of games. |
| 6) Yi Jianlian, Milwakee |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Keith Van Horn |
| I don't see him being a Chinese Brad Lohous, but I don't see him being that great either. Look for 10-14ppg and 8 or 10 boards a game at his best. |
| 7) Joakim Noah, Minnesota |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Jerome Williams (JYD) |
| Now that his stock has dropped its easier to see that Noah will provide scrappy play. I see him winning some championships and rocking the Afro Puffs. |
| 8) Mike Conley, Charlotte |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Tony Parker |
| No way should he go at #3. He is good but not this good. I see him being solid throughout his career maybe a 15 pts 7 dimes guy. |
| 9) Jeff Green, Chicago |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Lamar Odom |
| I was really high on him until he sucked it up in the NCAA Tourney. He has the skills, but just didn't have the agression. I see him being a solid starter with some triple double potential. The 6-9 range is a good value for him. |
| 10) Julian Wright, Sacramento |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Tim Thomas |
| He is long which is good. He plays in spurts and dominantes sometimes which is good. But I just don't think he'll make a good NBA player. Look for a Tim Thomas type career. |
| 11) Spencer Hawes, Atlanta |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Bryant Reeves |
| This will be a great wasted pick. I mean the upside has to be Chris Kaman right? I suppose he isn't as flat footed and slow as some other lumbering big men, but don't expect Hawes to even contribute for a couple years. |
| 12) Al Thornton, Philly |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Al Harrington |
| Didn't get to see him play much, but from the highlights he looks pretty sweet. He doesn't seem to smart so that is why I don't see that high a ceiling for him. |
| 13) Thaddeus Young, New Orleans |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Paul Pierce |
| Haven't seen him play much, but I think he'll be better then some picks above him. As I read more about him he is emerging as a player I think will have a lot of success. Give him some time to develop and he could be a smooth scorer. |
| 14) Javaris Crittenton, Clippers |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Kenny Anderson |
| I am tossed on him. Sweet name and a silky PG are usually signs of greatness. But after Shawn Livingston I don't know. Speed is taking over the NBA now, but I think Javarias will be a top 5 point guard during his prime. |
|
2006 Recap/Other Notables: Well as expected the class hasn't been that great. Bargoni
turned out to be pretty good. And I think Ty Thomas will be too. Brandon Roy was ROY as he
was solid all year round. Morrison pretty much sucked. One of the best rookies was Paul Milisap
a second round pick for the Jazz. Foye turned in a so-so performance so I was disappointed. I was
kinda blah on the entire draft so I think I nailed that. Otherwise its still too early to tell. In the 2007 non lottery my favorite players are the USC guys Nick Young and Gabe Pruit. Acie Law might be drafted in the lottery, and he will be solid even if not. Aaron Brooks will be a wasted pick. I would like to see Alando Tucker get some run. Derrick Byers will be a solid pick and honestly I think McRoberts can be a solid 6 or 7th man. Other guys who I like are the Nevada Sessions and Fazekus pair. And my third sleeper duo is BC Williams and Dudley. I guess I like dynamic duos. Morris Almond will become a name in the NBA. I don't see Rodney Stuckley or Jason Smith doing anything. |
| 1) Andrea Bargnani, Toronto |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Dirk Nowitzki |
| Another weak draft class. I haven't seen much of this guy but I think he will be ok. Would be picked around 8 other years. See him as a 18 7 guy with good skill but soft. |
| 2) Adam Morrison, Chicago |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: KVH (Keith Van Horn) |
| Obvioulsy has heart even though he cried after the NCAA loss. But I just don't think he can create enough shots to be the next Larry Bird. He will be good though, again just not as the number one option. Look for a high scorer that hurts you on D. |
| 3) Brandon Roy, Charlotte |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Dennis Johnson/John Starks |
| When Roy was more towards 7 or 8 I liked him better. I still think he will be a workmanlike/heart two guard for some good teams. Not an A guy more of an all around teammate. |
| 4) Tyrus Thomas, Portland |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Kenyon Martin |
| I am a big fan of his - he looked great in the ncaa tourney. I really hope he doesn't land in Chicago. If he can learn to be a little more skilled athetically will be an all star for years. Great defender when staying out of foul trouble. Needs to be more consistent as well. |
| 5) Shelden Williams, Atlanta |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Ben Wallace/Elton Brand |
| Was higher on him in the 10-14 range. I always like drafting for D because it seems to translate better in the NBA. He is a bull that actually can actually score a little. Will be a nice compliment player. |
| 6) LaMarcus Aldridge, Minnesota |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Channing Frye |
| He will be a good player. I seem him being a double double machine. May be too soft (Candy-like) to be a multiple all star. Good skill for a big guy. |
| 7) Rudy Gay, Boston |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Marcus Camby |
| Ok I know he is shorter then Camby but I see him being a guy that is always hurt. If you can't do it in college what are you gonna do in the NBA? Can jump but is content being the third option. |
| 8) J.J. Redick, Houston |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Kyle Korver |
| Can shoot and is a better athlete then people think, but you better have a strong defensive guard to pair up with him. I think JJ will really help a team although it may take a couple years. Won't be a big scorer though. |
| 9) Patrick O'Bryant, Golden State |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Channing Frye |
| Another soft big man. This draft is full of them. Though he represents the MVC I see another mediocore big man. |
| 10) Cedric Simmons, Seattle |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Nene |
| Actually don't really know anything about him. But I will say he is raw. I see a backup big man in this league who has a couple good years in him. |
| 11) Ronnie Brewer, Orlando |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Josh Howard |
| With the way Howard played in this years NBA finals, I think Brewer will get picked this high. He is in that athletic mold and will be the type of player that doesn't always need plays ran for him. |
| 12) Hilton Armstrong, New Orleans |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Elden Campbell |
| You know a 7 foot high school center has to go in the lottery. Basically this guy is raw but huge and that will get you drafted. Look for Bynum to have a decent career. |
| 13) Marcus Williams, Philly |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Sam Cassell/Mark Jackson |
| Was the the best on the UCONN team. Scored a lot in the tourney but have seen him distribute well. I think he will be a nice PG in the league and will be clutch. Can't turnover the ball as much as he does now. |
| 14) Randy Foye, Utah |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Ben Gordon/Dwayne Wade |
| My favorite player in the draft. Though he may be a little short he does have Wade like athletic ability. Fearless and can shoot. I will be estatic if the Jazz get him. |
|
2005 Recap/Other Notables: Still hard to tell as this was not the best class except for Chris Paul blew up.
Of course he had all the opportunities too! So that surprised me. As well as Mavin Williams dissapointing and
Bogut right on course to be fairly decent. Frye was better then I thought he would be. I kinda stunk up my predictions
on Hodge and Jarrett Jack. But I did have David Lee as a sleeper and he turned out to have a nice year. I think it
will just take time to see who will emerge from 2005. In the 2006 non lottery my favorite player is Mardy Collins from Temple. I think Rondo will suck. Pittsnoggle has to get some PT right? Ager and Tucker are kinda the same player but given the opportunity they could make a name for themselves. Sene Sene is this raw dude who could be a better Diop. Hilton Armstrong will be decent. Shawnee Williams and Jordan Farmar will be wasted picks. Deep sleepers I like are Leon Powe, Denham Brown, and Allan Ray. |
| 1) Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Arvydas Sabonis |
| Great a stiff white center is gonna be the number one pick. This shows how week the draft is. Bogut will be a good player but not great. He has got skills but is way to slow. This number one overall reminds me of Joe Smith type impact. Perhaps being an all star will be too much for Bogut. |
| 2) Marvin Williams, Atlanta |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Darius Miles |
| I would take Marvin ahead of Bogut. But I would take Green first. I mean anybody who can score 10 pts in like 6 minutes for the best team in the country as a Freshman can play. He is very athletic and gots hops. I see him being a perennal all-star. May be a great stat guy on crappy teams if he gets stuck with the Hawks. |
| 3) Chris Paul, Portland |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Tony Parker |
| For some reason I always get him and Jarret Jack mixed up. But scouts think this guy is the next Isiah Thomas. I don't think he will be able to score that much. Look for him to have a couple great seasons as well as be a leader for some good playoff teams. |
| 4) Deron Williams, New Orleans |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Andre Miller/Chauncey Billips |
| This is the kind of guy I would want on my team. He is tough and knows how to win and play D. Not that smooth and I question his range though. I don't see him dominating games but I do see him being a solid player in a long NBA career. |
| 5) Gerald Green, Charlotte |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Tracy McGrady |
| He is gonna be phat. Obviously I have never seen him play but I just have the feeling we are talking about a future All-Star. It is always hard to tell with high schoolers but let me introduce the next great swingman in the NBA. |
| 6) Danny Granger, Utah |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Darrious Miles |
| I was higher on Granger when he was further down the draft board. Because he probably will not be a star in the NBA but another decent starter. I think he will be the type of player who is solid but your always expecting more from. |
| 7) Martell Webster, Toronto |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Glen Rice/Vinnie Johnson |
| From what I understand this guy can just flat out score. The problem with that is almost all swings can score at the NBA level. So I think he can make a mark in the league if he works on his D. Would love to see him play in Phoenix. |
| 8) Channing Frye, New York |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Marcus Camby/Loren Woods |
| He always put up good numbers, but I just don't think Frye is tough enough to play in the NBA. In college he seemed to rely on his height and I don't think he will be able to do it in the NBA. I can't see more then 12 ppg but could develop into a rebounder. |
| 9) Ike Diogu, Golden State |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Malik Rose/Elton Brand |
| I like Ike. I think he will be a good NBA player. He has the tools and from what I have seen the mental aspect to by and Elton Brand type player. He also goes to the same school as Plummer/Poole. May need to work on straight up defense. May make All Star team once or twice. |
| 10) Raymond Felton, LA Lakers |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: TJ Ford |
| Really what is the difference between him and Paul? I think Paul gets the edge in scoring but you have to like Felton's winners aura. I think he will be a solid point guard but will be limited on D by his height. |
| 11) Antoine Wright, Orlando |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Chris Bosh/Dirk Nowitski |
| For a player in the Big 12 you think I would know more about him. But I don't - I just know he tore up the Big 12 on a crappy team. If Tony Barone was his coach he'd be a top 5 pick. At least he is proven versus the high school swing man. I see him averaging 16 ppg. |
| 12) Andrew Bynum, LA Clippers |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Elden Campbell |
| You know a 7 foot high school center has to go in the lottery. Basically this guy is raw but huge and that will get you drafted. Look for Bynum to have a decent career. |
| 13) Joey Graham, Charlotte |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Caron Butler |
| In the predraft camps he tested as the best athlete. Is absolutely money from the corners of the free throw line. Seemed to disapper in games in college. Think he will be delegated to a role player in the NBA. |
| 14) Fran Vazquez, Minnesota |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Dirk Nowitski |
| I think he fits the prototype of the Euro softie with good fundamentals. I can see him being a solid starter if he can adjust to the NBA game. Really there seems to have been a lot of Euro busts in recent drafts, but I think Fram will be average. |
| 15) Hakim Warrick, New Jersey |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Gerald Wallace/Jonathon Bender |
| So what if he used his athletism to be the sickest dunker in college? Well Warrick has no moves and think he could find a place just boarding and picking up points on the offensive glass. Could intimidate as a shot blocker. I think he will be a nice pick. |
|
2004 Recap/Other Notables: I did well. I think I especially nailed Josh Childress. Everyone through the top 7 I had
good anaylsis on. I think Devon Harris is too soft too be as good as I hoped. I was right on Pavel even though I am not
sure if he got drafted. Luke Jackson better improve to even be considered "solid". So far I am WAY off on Kirk Snyder, who went
to my favorite team. The Jazz had a tough year in general and hopefully Kirk and them can turn it around. Telfair was better
then I thought. I thought Al Jefferson was going to be good and he had a nice year with the Celts, as did West who I called a sleeper.
Humphries I missed out on as the Jazz seemed to kill rooks. And Duhon actually did OK! In the 2005 non lottery my favorite player and fav player in the draft is Julius Hodge. I think he will be good. Jarrett Jack could be just as good as Paul. Wayne Simien will not make that good of a pro. McCants has the talent and could turn into a Vernon Maxwell type player. I am not sold on Garcia even though I loved his college game. I would draft Sean May too as he has the Barkley type game. Chris Taft has fallen so he could have good value late in the first round. Some late sleepers I like are Kennedy Winston, Travis Diener, and David Lee. |
| 1) Emeka Okafur, Orlando |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Alonzo Morning |
| I like Okafur even if people thinks he is not as exciting as Lebron. He is smart and play hard. Very strong and can swat shots. I can see him averaging 16 and 10 for many years in this league. If his back is healthly he could be a Theo Ratliff type shotblocker. |
| 2) Dwight Howard, Charlotte from LA Clippers |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Kwame Brown/KG |
| From what I read the kid is well prepared and is ready to play in the NBA. If he doesn't have a lot of pressure on him early he can develop into an All Star. If he does have a lot of pressure he may be the next Kwame Brown, although I think he has a better attitude and won't have MJ yelling in his grill. Will be a solid pick and a great power forward in the league. |
| 3) Shaun Livingston, Chicago |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Magic Johnson/Penny Hardaway |
| Some think he will be the best player in the draft. I think is smooth and will be fun to watch for a long time. He is a freaking tooth pick and from ESPN Insider it said he couldn't do one rep of 185lbs. None the less I think his funk level is high and will be the leader of some fun teams to watch - not necessarily championship teams. |
| 4) Josh Childress, LA Clippers from Charlotte |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Jared Jefferies/DeShawn Stevensen |
| I don't think the Bobcats want to go the high school route. But I am not a huge fan of Childress. Maybe I have something against Stanford. While I love the fro I just don't see Childress worth a 4 pick. I think he can put up decent numbers but I don't see the D and the little things that an all around player has. |
| 5) Luel Deng, Dallas from Washington |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Andrei Kirilenko/Nene |
| Deng is definitely raw, as my buddy would say. But everything I read about him is that all the times want him bad. Apparently he has improved his shooting to go along with his size and strength. One thing I think he will do well is pass and make the dirty plays. I just hope he doesn't get put on a selfish team. I see Deng as a 16/10 guy with a couple All Star appearances. |
| 6) Josh Smith, Atlanta |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Darrious Miles |
| Ok I am not sure if he will go this high and JR Smith may be the better of the Smiths. But this guy is an athlete and teh team who drafts him should have some time to develop him. I don't think Smith will be a big force in the league but will put up some numbers on a crappy team. |
| 7) Andre Inguolda, Chicago from Phoenix |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Scottie Pippen/Ron Artest |
| This dude sucked when I watched him play in college. But of course the draft is all about potential. And this guy is a specimen and is very athletic and long. I think he will be known for his hard nosed defense. But he will not be as good as the two guys I compared him too. |
| 8) Ben Gordon, Toronto |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Vernon Maxwell |
| If you want to draft for players who are gonna be good and quick you draft Gordon. The real knock on him is that he isn't that tall. But you can tell he is fiesty and can shoot the rock with the best of them. I think he will be an All Star and fun to watch. |
| 9) Devon Harris, Phildelphia |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Steve Francis/GP |
| Harris was one of my favorite players starting from last year. I enjoy the way he plays the game and think he will be a great NBA player. I predict Devon will be on a championship team during his career as he has the leadership and skills to win. If he could develop a three point shot he would be unstoppable. |
| 10) Pavel Podkolzine, Cleveland |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: George Mursean/Benoit Benjamin |
| The guy is 7 5 so someone will have to take a chance on him. Even though his knees look like they will buckle at any moment some team will take the change on him. I think this will be a mistake. He won't have the skills or the heart to be a dominating force in the league. |
| 11) Andris Biedrins, Golden State |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Chris Bosh/Dirk Nowitski |
| This guy is tall and seems pretty smart. He is foreign so obviously I haven't seen him play but apparently he has been tearing it up in whatever leagues he has played. He is long which is a good thing especially after what Tayshaun did in the NBA Finals for Detroit. I see him being a solid pic. |
| 12) Luke Jackson, Seattle |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Jeff Hornacek |
| This guy is an athlete. This white boy can jump and can shoot the rock, hence the comparision to Hornacek. But he is a lot more athletic. He won't be the defender teams are looking for but will be nice on the offensive end. I see him not being All Star material but being a solid guard for a handful of years. |
| 13) Kirk Snyder, Portland |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Paul Pierce/Dwayne Wade |
| My favorite player in the draft. I think he has the potential to do big things. If Snyder learns to shoot the NBA 3 he will become a first team All-NBA player. He is a great athlete, a good college shooter, and has speed. I just hope he can fall to the Jazz at 14! |
| 14) Sergei Monya, Utah |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Jarvis Hayes |
| This would be a blah pick for the Jazz. The only cool thing about it is that he is Russian and could join AK47 to form a dynamic duo. But of course the league will start thinking the Jazz are commies. But apparently Monya is a tall shooting guard who can shoot and is smart. Sounds like a Jazz player to me. |
|
2003 Recap/Other Notables: Well the story of 2003 was Lebron and Melo who were amazing. But the irony is that Darko has the ring and obviously earned with his solid scrub time minutes. He even broke his hand for the team. I guess I missed when I said Melo couldn't carry a team like he did Syracuse. Did I nail Dwayne Wade right or what? I also nailed Hinrich and Jarvis. Bosh was better then I expected. Lampe I didn't hear a word from and he didn't even get picked till the second round. Whoops. I think I did well on the notables even though most are out for jury. Ok lots of trading and this draft has become so unpredictable. Telfair will not be special in the league. He will be more like Speedy Claxton then Marbury. I am a big Jamaar Nelson fan and hope he does really well. Peter John Ramos will be fun for his name and nothing else. Two high schoolers who probably aren't lottery bound but should be good are Robert Swift and Al "Harrington" Jefferson. Swift will be the better of the two. Kris Humphries will be a solid player. Look for some late sleepers such as Delonte West and Romain Sato. I think David Harrison has no heart and should not be picked. As far as Duhon - what can you say - he is a buster and that is that. Overall not a very good draft class. |
| 1) Lebron James, Cleveland |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Magic Johnson/Dominique Wilkins |
| I think Lebron will be the real deal. Right Away? Well he'll be playing in Cleveland to answer that. So I don't see him winning any championships for at least six years (he'll be what 24 then?). But early I see him averaging about 21/6/6. I can see him being a bigger scorer in his prime. I like his passing skills, but his outside game needs work. I predict 3 MVPs and 2 Championships. |
| 2) Darko Milicic, Detroit |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Vlade Divac |
| Still too young too say much. But he looks good from what I read. I think he'll be more of an offensive force then Vlade. And remember Vlade is and has been one of the top centers in the league. Lets hope he doesn't flop like Vlade. I was laughing hard when the lottery picks were announced and they had live footage of him. It looked like someone sprinkled dust on his head and shrunk it. Those awkward teen years. He will be a solid 18/10 guy for several years. I see one championship. |
| 3) Carmelo Anthony, Denver |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Glenn Robinson |
| I am impressed at how smooth he is. Also has that competitor instinct. Not quite as athletic as some players. He will do it all and I can see some All-Star appearances for him. Can't see him carrying an NBA team like he did at 'Cuse. He will be a solid 18/8/4 guy for several years. I see no championships for him - at least with Denver. |
| 4) Chris Bosh, Toronto |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Stromile Swift |
| I honestly have never seen him play. I just read his bio and he seems raw. The best I see him emerging is a career like Jermaine O'Neal.I see him early on as a role player - a semi-dissapointment. If he reaches his potential he could be a 15/12 guy. Just make sure to give him time. They compare him to Kevin Garnett but I doubt he has the heart. |
| 5) Maciej Lampe, Miami |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Chris Mihm |
| Again very hard to assess as he is only 17 and I have never heard of him. But he is projected as a nice prospect. And he is really tall. I think Europeans are coming to overrated. I am sure Riley will try to extend his string of most unwatchable basketball teams.All speculation - but I think he will have one or two good years, but will be considered a bust. |
| 6) T.J. Ford, LA Clippers |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Earl Boykins/Jason Kidd |
| Great college player, but won't be dominant in the NBA. Mad passing skills but can't through the ball into the ocean.He is also pretty short, but quick. I figure unless he can shoot guys will lay like 6 feet off him. Hopefully if the Clips draft him he can just build his stats so he can get signed by a real team.I do see him winning a championship, possibly coming off the bench. And he will lead the league in assists once or twice. |
| 7) Dwayne Wade, Chicago |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Steve Francis |
| My favorite player in the draft. The only questions about him is his size and ballhandling. But he is athletic as anybody. I think he will turn out to be great. I feel the same way about him as I did about Butler last year.He has shown he is a winner taking 'Quette to the Final 4. Major Sportscenter potential.I see him being a steal and averaging 20 ppg in his prime. Will make All-Star game at some point and be a key part of a great team for years.. |
| 8) Kirk Hinrich, Milwakee |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Steve Nash/Jason Terry |
| I always liked Hinrich and thought he would be a good NBA point guard. Good not great. He is a competitor but will have some very bad games. Can score and pass and defend. The Bucks need a point if Payton leaves.I see some 10/4/7 years for Hinrich. And one championship since he didn't win one in Kansas. |
| 9) Chris Kaman, New York |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Bryant 'Big Country' Reeves |
| More agile then Reeves, but I don't like his aggressiveness. He blew up Creighton early but didn't dominate like he could. Needs to get some strength. Does have some nice post moves. Great pick to keep Spike Lee and anyone who likes basketball away from Knicks games..Will be a 12/8 guy at some point but not right away. |
| 10) Luke Ridnour, Washington |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Bobby Hurley/Dan Dickeau |
| Never been much of a fan even during the Elite 8 run. Don't see him making any impact in the NBA They say he is comparable to Pistol Pete or Stockton but I don't see it. Can't see him meshing with an NBA team.I see him starting at best at some point in his career. |
| 11) Mickaël Pietrus, Golden State |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Dion Glover/James Posey |
| He is from France and the only thing I know about him is he wore earrings in both ears. They compared him to Fred Jones but less athletic. He has really risen up to the draft. I just don't see him being that great in America.I can see him starting for a while, but won't be a 20ppg scorer at any point. |
| 12) Mike Sweetney, Washington |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Elton Brank/Jerome 'JYD' Williams |
| Only saw him play a couple of times, but was impressed. Not gonna make Sportscenter but gets the job done. He is one of those guys you want on your team to do the dirty work. I see some 8/10 years for the guy. And one championship. |
| 13) Aleksandar Pavlovic, Memphis |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Peja Stojakovic |
| I have no idea who this guy is. But it totally sounds like a Jerry West pick.Apparently he is a good shooter. I actually see the Grizzlies contending within 5 years.Well I always love shooters, specially mid-rangers. They are rare so he has a change to be a solid contributer. |
| Just Missed or Dropped Out - Jarvis Hayes |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: Wally Szczerbiak |
| I think Jarvis will be a good pick. He had the second best mascot in college behind Murray St. A good scorer but cannot handle the ball. This reminds me of Wally's World a lot. I see him being an 18 point scorer for a string of years. |
| Just Missed or Dropped Out - Pavel Podkolzine |
| Player(s) he will emerge like: George Mursean/Benoit Benjamin |
| He is now out of the draft. This 7' 4 beast took a huge jump into the lottery after one workout. How does this happen? He has only played like 120 minutes of competive level basketball and some have him going 3rd? I don't see him being a force. Injuries and the too-big-weirdness factor will hurt him. |
| Other Notables: I think Reece Gaines will be a solid player. I also like Jameer Nelson from St Joe's (now out of draft). I don't see David West and Mario Austin being super solid. They remind me of Kurt Thomas type players. I think of all the foriegn guys not mentioned only one or two will be very effective. Look for Dahntey Jones as a possible steal. Is Kyle Korver the next Eric Piatkowski? I think Nick Collison will be a good 8th guy. Is anyone else excited about Travis Hansen in Detroit. The Eminem comparisions are obvious. Detroit is becoming one of my favorite teams. Another for sure flop is Marcus 'Ant' Banks. Troy Bell may be one of my favorite players to watch the next few years. |