C Tim Duncan (Wake Forest) 6-10/245
Keith Van Horn (Utah) 6-10/225
He's the second best
player in the NCAA...hailed as the next Tom Gugliotta...who was supposed
to be the next Larry Bird. He averaged better than 20 points a game for
his college career. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and
say he will be an NBA star, until he proves otherwise. I think that NJ
gave up way too much to get him, though (the #7 and #21, Eric Montross and
Jim Jackson, plus they picked up 3 big contracts from Philly). Keith was
signed to a 3 year, $9,161,000 contract on July 28th., 1997. The Nets
gave him a six year extension worth 73 million dollars on August 1, 1999.
He started the year on IR, but once he played, he proved he could
play. When
healthy, he was an exceptional player, leading to his selection to the
All-Rookie First Team. On August 6, 2002 Philadelphia traded Dikembe
Mutombo to New Jersey for Keith Van
Horn and Todd MacCulloch. On July 23, 2003, in a Four Team Trade, Van Horn was traded to the New York Knicks. The deal sent Latrell Sprewell (from New York) to the T-Wolves, Marc Jackson (from Minnesota) and Glenn Robinson (from Atlanta) to the Sixers, Terrell Brandon (from Minnesota) and Randy Holcomb and a future #1 pick (both from the Sixers), and Van Horn ( from Philadelphia) to the Knicks. On February 15, 2004 New York traded away Keith Van Horn, Michael Doleac, and a 2005 2nd round draft pick and received Tim Thomas and
Nazr Mohammed; Milwaukee traded away Tim Thomas and Joel Przybilla and
received Keith Van Horn; and Atlanta traded away Nazr Mohammed and received Michael
Doleac, Joel Przybilla, and New York's 2005 2nd round draft pick. On February 24, 2005 Milwaukee traded Keith Van Horn to Dallas for Alan Henderson,
Calvin Booth, and $250,000.
Van Horn's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 20.8 | 8.8 | 1.2 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 19.7 | 6.6 | 1.7 |
| 1998-99 | 21.8 | 8.5 | 1.5 |
| 1999-00 | 19.2 | 8.5 | 2.0 |
| 2000-01 | 17.0 | 7.1 | 1.7 |
| 2001-02 | 14.8 | 7.5 | 2.0 |
| 2002-03 | 15.9 | 7.1 | 1.3 |
| 2003-04 | 16.1 | 7.0 | 1.7 |
| Career (thru '04) | 17.5 | 7.4 | 1.7 |
PG Chauncey Billups (Colorado) 6-3/200 (soph)
Maybe he's not the third best
player, but he is awfully close. After being a Second Team All-American
he was destined for success in this year's draft. He averaged better than
18 points and 5 each of rebounds and assists in his two year college
career. In HS he was a McDonald's All-American and 3 time winner of Mr.
Colorado Basketball. Boston signed him to a 3 year, $8,227,000 contract
on September 8th. He was traded to Toronto along with John Thomas, Roy
Rogers and Dee Brown on February 18, 1998 for Kenny Anderson, Popeye
Jones and Zan Tabak. He didn't stay there long, as he was traded on
January 21, 1999 to the Nuggets in a three team deal that also sent
Dean Garret and Bobby Jackson to the Timberwolves and Michael Williams
and 2 Number One picks to the Raptors. On January 31, 2000 Orlando
traded Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Chris Gatling, a 1st round draft
pick, and $3 million to Denver for Chauncey Billups, Ron Mercer, and
Johnny Taylor. The draft pick is the Denver pick that was sent to
Orlando as part of the January 1999 Keon Clark-Johnny Taylor trade. On
July 17th, 2002 Detroit signed Chauncey Billups to a 6 year, $35 million
contract. Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP after the Detroit Pistons beat the Lakers 4-1 to become Champions in 2004. He was named to the All-Defensive Second team in 2005 and again in 2006. Chauncey made the All-NBA Second Team in 2006 and All-NBA Third Team in 2007. On July 11, 2007 Detroit re-signed Chauncey Billups to a five year, $60 million contract, with the fiftth year at the team's option.
Billups' Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 18.5 | 5.6 | 5.1 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 11.3 | 2.4 | 3.9 |
| 1998-99 | 13.9 | 2.1 | 3.8 |
| 1999-00 | 8.6 | 2.6 | 3.0 |
| 2000-01 | 9.3 | 2.1 | 3.4 |
| 2001-02 | 12.5 | 2.8 | 5.5 |
| 2002-03 | 16.2 | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| 2003-04 | 16.9 | 3.5 | 5.7 |
| Career (thru '04) | 13.1 | 2.8 | 4.4 |
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PG Antonio Daniels (Bowling Green) 6-4/195
He can score and pass: averaging
23.3 ppg and 6.7 apg as a senior on
his way to being named Mid-American Conference Player of the Year. He is
clearly one of the top 2 PGs in the draft. Vancouver signed him to a 3
year, $7,417,000 contract. After one season, he didn't work out at all,
and was traded to San Antonio for 1998 first rounder Felipe Lopez, and
Carl Herrera on Draft Day, June 24, 1998. On August 3, 2000 San
Antonio re-signed Antonio Daniels to a 3 year, $9.5 million
contract. He lost his job to Tony Parker and became dispensible. On
August 5, 2002 San Antonio traded Antonio Daniels, Charles Smith, and Amal
McCaskill for Erick Barkley, Steve Kerr, and a 2nd round draft pick. On July 19, 2003 Seattle signed Antonio Daniels to a 3 year, $9 million
contract. Washington signed Daniels to a five year, $30 million contract prior to the 2005-2006 season.Daniels' Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 16.1 | 2.9 | 5.2 |
| Senior Yr | 24.0 | 2.8 | 6.8 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 7.8 | 1.9 | 4.5 |
| 1998-99 | 4.7 | 1.1 | 2.3 |
| 1999-00 | 6.2 | 1.3 | 2.6 |
| 2000-01 | 9.4 | 2.1 | 3.8 |
| 2001-02 | 9.2 | 2.1 | 2.8 |
| 2002-03 | 3.7 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
| 2003-04 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 4.2 |
| Career (thru '04) | 8.0 | 1.7 | 3.1 |
PF Tony Battie (Texas Tech) 6-11/220 (jr)
They were forced to take him because Van
Horn, Billups and Daniels were gone. I'm glad he didn't go higher...he
wasn't a top 4...oh I guess this is where he belongs then. He's a good
gamble, though as a junior he threw down 18 ppg and 11 rpg, but his size
sounds warning klaxons an I don't think he has an NBA position, but if he
can grow, bulk up and learn to play center, then he's a steal. He could
play PF like Joe Smith. Denver signed him to a 3 year, $6,717,000
contract. The Nuggets traded him along with the draft rights to Tyronn
Lue to the Lakers for Nick Van Exel. On January 21, 1999 Tony was traded
to the Celtics straight up for Travis Knight. Let's see here, Travis was
the last pick in the first round.....hmmmm. On October 15, 1999 Boston
signed Tony Battie to a 6 year, $25 million contract
extension. On July 23, 2004, Orlando traded Drew Gooden, Steven Hunter, and the rights to Anderson Varejao to Cleveland for Tony Battie and two second round draft
picks.Battie's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 10.7 | 8.3 | 0.8 |
| Junior Yr | 18.8 | 11.8 | 0.8 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 8.4 | 5.4 | 0.9 |
| 1998-99 | 6.7 | 6.0 | 1.1 |
| 1999-00 | 6.6 | 5.0 | 0.8 |
| 2000-01 | 6.5 | 5.8 | 0.4 |
| 2001-02 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 0.5 |
| 2002-03 | 7.3 | 6.5 | 0.7 |
| 2003-04 | 5.6 | 4.9 | 0.8 |
| Career (thru '04) | 6.8 | 5.7 | 0.7 |
SG/SF Ron Mercer (Kentucky) 6-7/210 (soph)
Pitino duped everyone to get his
way. I remember when Tricky Ricky
compared Mercer to Grant Hill, so I knew that Mercer would not
slip. I say again, Mercer is the 3rd best prospect in this draft and a
potential all-star. After his first season, he indeed was the third
best player in this class behind Duncan and Van Horn. Boston signed him
the same day they did Billups to a 3 year, $6,101,000 contract. He
started most of the games for the Celtics and immediately demonstrated
that he would join Antoine Walker as the heart
of the team for years to come. Mercer took his rightful place on the
All-Rookie First Team. On August 3, 1999, Mercer was traded to Denver
along with Popeye Jones, and Dwayne Schintzius for Danny Fortson, Eric
Washington, Eric Williams, a first round draft pick, and $3 million. The
draft pick is at Boston's option with restrictions - the first possible
year is 2001 and that is top 5 protected. 2002 is top 3 protected and
2003 is #1 protected. If Boston does not exercise their option in one of
those 3 years, then they get Denver's 2004 pick. On January 31, 2000,
Orlando traded Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Chris Gatling, a 1st round draft
pick, and $3 million to Denver for Chauncey Billups, Ron Mercer, and
Johnny Taylor. The draft pick is the Denver pick that was sent to
Orlando as part of the January 1999 Keon Clark-Johnny Taylor trade. On
August 4, 2000 Chicago signed Ron Mercer to a 4 year, $27 million
contract. On February 19, 2002 the Pacers traded Jalen Rose, Travis Best,
rookie Norm Richardson and a conditional second-round draft pick to the
Chicago Bulls for Brad Miller, Ron Mercer, Ron Artest and Kevin Ollie. On July 24, 2003, Indiana traded Ron Mercer to San Antonio in a three team deal that sent Danny Ferry and Scot Pollard to the Pacers, Mercer and Hedo Turkoglu to the Spurs and Brad Miller to the Kings. On August 12, 2004, New Jersey signed Mercer to a two year, deal worth three million dollars. Prior to the 2005-2006 season, New Jersey released Mercer using the amnesty clause where they have to pay his salary, but it doesn't count against the cap.
Mercer's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 13.3 | 4.1 | 1.9 |
| Sophomore Yr. | 18.1 | 5.3 | 2.4 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 15.3 | 3.5 | 2.2 |
| 1998-99 | 17.0 | 3.8 | 2.5 |
| 1999-00 | 16.8 | 3.7 | 2.3 |
| 2000-01 | 19.7 | 3.9 | 3.3 |
| 2001-02 | 13.9 | 3.4 | 2.4 |
| 2002-03 | 7.7 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
| 2003-04 | 5.0 | 1.3 | 0.6 |
| Career (thru '04) | 136.9 | 3.1 | 2.2 |
F Tim Thomas (Villanova) 6-10/240 (fresh)
Will he play SF or PF?
He has a ton o' potential. He averaged 16.9 pts and 6.0 boards. He was a
consensus First Team All-American as a prep star. What sets him apart is
his ability to bury the long range jumper. Philly signed him to a 3 year,
$5.57 million contract on July 10th. Tim was named to the All-Rookie
Second Team after starting more than half of the games for the Sixers.
Tim was traded to Milwaukee along with Scott Williams for Tyrone Hill and
Jerald Honeycutt on March 12, 1999. He fit in well under George Karl,
and decided to stay, rejecting more money from Chicago to sign a 6 year
67 million dollar contract on August 2, 2000. On February 15, 2004 New York traded away Keith Van Horn, Michael Doleac, and a 2005 2nd round draft pick and received Tim Thomas and
Nazr Mohammed; Milwaukee traded away Tim Thomas and Joel Przybilla and
received Keith Van Horn; and Atlanta traded away Nazr Mohammed and received Michael
Doleac, Joel Przybilla, and New York's 2005 2nd round draft pick. On July 13, 2006 the Clippers signed Tim Thomas to a four year, $24 million contract.
Thomas' Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 16.9 | 6.0 | 2.1 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 11.0 | 3.7 | 1.2 |
| 1998-99 | 7.2 | 2.5 | 0.9 |
| 1999-00 | 11.8 | 4.2 | 1.4 |
| 2000-01 | 12.6 | 4.1 | 1.8 |
| 2001-02 | 11.7 | 4.1 | 1.4 |
| 2002-03 | 13.3 | 4.9 | 1.3 |
| 2003-04 | 14.7 | 4.8 | 1.9 |
| Career (thru '04) | 11.9 | 4.1 | 1.4 |
C/PF Adonal Foyle (Colgate) 6-10/250 (jr)
He is the best available player here. GS sure talked a lot about McGrady,
though. I like the big guy and I'm happy he didn't slip any more. He
played for a small school, so he only made Third Team All-American. Unfortunately, he broke his
foot on July 18th, but he was back for opening day. That didn't prevent
him from signing a 3 year, $5,102,000 contract on July 25th. Foyle
re-signed with the Warriors for 4 years, worth 18 million dollars on
August 7, 2000. On July 14, 2004, Golden State re-signed Adonal Foyle to a 6 year, $41.6 million contract.
Foyle's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | BlkPG | |
| College | 20.4 | 12.7 | 1.5 | 5.7 |
| Junior Yr | 24.4 | 13.1 | 1.9 | 6.4 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 3.0 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 1.0 |
| 1998-99 | 2.9 | 4.4 | 0.4 | 1.0 |
| 1999-00 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 0.6 | 1.8 |
| 2000-01 | 5.9 | 7.0 | 0.8 | 2.7 |
| 2001-02 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 0.5 | 2.1 |
| 2002-03 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 2.5 |
| 2003-04 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 0.4 | 1.1 |
| Career (thru '04) | 4.6 | 5.1 | 0.5 | 1.8 |
G-F Tracy McGrady (HS-Mt. Zion Christian Academy) 6-9/200
PF Danny Fortson (Cincinnati) 6-7/260 (jr)
Fortson's a player and can
have a
solid NBA career and I always thought he was a top ten player, although I
doubted he would be drafted at 10 do to questions of his size. Don't let
his height fool you, he will be bumping butts with Sir Charles soon
enough. He has a 3 year college career average of 18.8 points and almost
9 rebounds and was a First Team All-American in 1997. He made a whirlwind
tour of the country trying out for everybody. That meant the odds were
that somebody will love him. Here's the deal: Ervin Johnson to the Bucks
for Fortson, Johnny Newman and Joe Wolf to Denver. I'd say that Milwaukee
still got the better end. Fortson signed a 3 year deal for 4.45 mil on
July 16th. 1997. He was traded to Boston on August 3, 1999 in the Ron
Mercer mega deal. He was traded to Golden State on August 16, 2000 in
a nine player three team deal. On August 18, 2003 Dallas traded Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson, Evan Eschmeyer, Popeye Jones, and Antoine Rigaudeau to Golden State for Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson, Jiri Welsch, and Chris Mills. On July 26, 2004, Dallas traded Danny Fortson to Seattle for Calvin Booth.
Fortson's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 18.8 | 8.7 | 1.2 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 10.2 | 5.6 | 1.0 |
| 1998-99 | 11.0 | 11.6 | 0.6 |
| 1999-00 | 7.6 | 6.7 | 0.5 |
| 2000-01 | 16.7 | 16.3 | 0.8 |
| 2001-02 | 11.2 | 11.7 | 1.6 |
| 2002-03 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 0.7 |
| 2003-04 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 0.2 |
| Career (thru '04) | 8.9 | 8.0 | 0.9 |
SG/SF Olivier Saint-Jean (San Jose State) 6-7/220 (jr)
For the first time ever I agree with a Kings pick. He looked incredible in the Chicago Camp and that was enough for the lottery bucks. The Kings signed him to a 3 year deal worth 4.23 mil on July 9th. On October 10th, Olivier was not only activated, making him the first French player in the NBA, he also changed his name to Tariq Abdul-Wahad to reflect his conversion to Islam which happened in November of 1996. On August 3, 1999 Orlando traded Nick Anderson to Sacramento for Tariq Abdul-Wahad and Sacramento's 2003 first round draft pick. Tariq was soon traded again, on January 31, 2000 Orlando traded Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Chris Gatling, a 1st round draft pick, and $3 million to Denver for Chauncey Billups, Ron Mercer, and Johnny Taylor. The draft pick is the Denver pick that was sent to Orlando as part of the January 1999 Keon Clark-Johnny Taylor trade. On August 2, 2000 Denver re-signed Tariq Abdul-Wahad to a 7 year, $43.3 million contract. He has never really found his game in the NBA and has been unable to contribute on a regular basis. In a move where Denver was hoping to dump some contracts like Tariq's, on February 21, 2002, in a last minute deal just beating the trade deadline, Dallas sent Tim Hardaway, Juwan Howard and Donnell Harvey plus cash and a first round draft pick in the 2002 draft to Denver for Raef LaFrentz, Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson and Tariq Abdul-Wahad.
SF Austin Croshere (Providence) 6-9/225
He was
always on the top of Bird's list. Remember about 3 months before draft
day I said he was a lottery pick and everyone laughed? He's a question
mark...but he is
a hard worker and that 39 points he racked up in the NCAA tournament might
have turned it into an Exclamation Point. Indiana signed Croshere on
July 3rd to a 3 year, $4,020,720 contract. After an exceptional
1999-2000 season, and even a better year in the NBA Finals, Indiana
re-signed Austin Croshere to a 7 year, $51 million contract. On July 12, 2006 Dallas traded Marquis Daniels to Indiana for Austin Croshere. On August 3, 2007 Golden State signed Dallas free agent Austin Croshere.
SG Derek Anderson (Kentucky) 6-5/195
His injury made him slide a tiny bit,
but you can't sneeze at being picked in the lottery. He was head and
shoulders above the other SGs in the draft, even with 2 ACL injuries in
the past 5 years. Pitino said he was his clutch player. Pretty good
endorsement. Cleveland signed him to a 3 year deal on July 7th. He
has produced for the Cavs both in the starting lineup and coming off
the bench, averaging in double figures in points. He was one of four
Cleveland players named to either the All-Rookie first or second team,
joining Cedric Henderson on the Second Team. On August 5, 1999 the LA
Clippers traded Lamond Murray to Cleveland for Derek Anderson and Johnny
Newman. On August 4, 2000 San Antonio signed Derek Anderson to a 2 year,
$4.725 million contract with the 2nd year at Anderson's option. They hope
he is the answer at shooting guard. On July 24, 2001 San Antonio
re-signed Derek Anderson to a 6 year, $48 million contract with a player
opt-out after the 5th year. San Antonio traded Derek Anderson and Steve
Kerr to Portland for Steve Smith. On August 23, 2005 Houston signed Derek Anderson to a two year contract. On February 23, 2006 Houston traded Derek Anderson to Miami for Gerald Fitch.
Anderson's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 12.4 | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Senior Yr. | 17.7 | 4.1 | 3.5 |
| 1997-98(Rookie) | 11.7 | 2.8 | 3.4 |
| 1998-99 | 10.8 | 2.9 | 3.8 |
| 1999-00 | 16.9 | 4.0 | 3.4 |
| 2000-01 | 15.5 | 4.4 | 3.7 |
| 2001-02 | 10.8 | 2.7 | 3.1 |
| 2002-03 | 13.9 | 3.5 | 4.3 |
| 2003-04 | 13.6 | 3.6 | 4.5 |
| Career (thru '04) | 13.5 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
PF Maurice Taylor (Michigan) 6-8/235 (jr)
I didn't like this pick, but
the Clippers management proved me wrong. He signed a 3 year, $3.63
million contract. He had a very good rookie year for them, being named to
the All-Rookie Second Team. He started three games as a rookie, but was a
valuable bench player most of the way. The next two years Maurice led the
Clippers in scoring. He became a free agent after the 1999-2000
season. After a lot of talk about where he would end up, Houston signed
Maurice to a 1 year, $2.25 million contract. On August 7, 2001 Houston
re-signed Maurice Taylor to a 6 year, $48 million contract. On February 24, 2005 Houston traded Maurice Taylor to New York for Moochie Norris,
Vin Baker, and a 2006 2nd round draft pick.
Taylor's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 12.9 | 6.1 | 1.2 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 11.5 | 4.2 | 0.7 |
| 1998-99 | 16.8 | 5.3 | 1.5 |
| 1999-00 | 17.1 | 6.5 | 1.6 |
| 2000-01 | 13.0 | 5.5 | 1.5 |
| 2002-03 | 8.4 | 3.6 | 1.0 |
| 2003-04 | 11.5 | 5.1 | 1.4 |
| Career (thru '04) | 12.7 | 5.0 | 1.3 |
C-PF Kelvin Cato (Iowa State) 6-11/255
He is the best
player left...after slipping about 5 spots. He only averaged
around 11 points and 8 rebounds as a senior, but was named MVP
of the Nike Desert Classic which helped him get noticed by NBA scouts.
Some were even using his name in the same sentence as Duncan. Cato's
upside is his defense. The downside is his questionable rebounding
and raw offensive skills. Cato was traded to Portland on draft day
for Anstey plus money...MONEY...is this how H. Ross Perot is going to run
his B-Ball Team? Portland signed him to a 3 year deal on 9/23/97.
He was traded to Houston in the deal that brought Pippen to Portland.
Houston then signed him to a contract extension. On June 29, 2004, Houston traded Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to
Orlando for Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines.
Cato's Stats
| PPG | RPG | BlkPG | |
| College | 9.1 | 7.4 | 3.5 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 3.8 | 3.4 | 1.3 |
| 1998-99 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 1.3 |
| 1999-00 | 8.7 | 6.0 | 1.9 |
| 2000-01 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 0.9 |
| 2001-02 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 1.3 |
| 2002-03 | 4.5 | 5.9 | 1.2 |
| 2003-04 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 1.4 |
| Career (thru '04) | 5.5 | 5.4 | 1.3 |
PG Brevin Knight (Stanford) 5-10/175
He was the best available
player and will fit in for the Cavs. Remember when Brandon was drafted
when Price was in his prime? Well, the Cavs traded away Brandon so
hopefully Brevin is ready to run the team. His size (but look at Damon)
and his shooting (40% 3 pt, but only 40% FG, too) were weaknesses and he
didn't attend any camps. These factors caused the slip. On the up side:
he was clearly the third best PG, he's a Second Team All-American, and
coming into his senior year he was regarded as one of the top prospects in
basketball. Brevin will be the starting PG this year! He was
named to the All-Rookie First Team. Cleveland signed
him to a 3 year deal on July 7th. After being traded to Atlanta,
he was again traded along with Lorenzen Wright, and the
rights to Pau Gasol (#3 draft pick) to Memphis for Shareef Abdur-Rahim and
the rights to Jamaal Tinsley (#27 draft pick). On September 30, 2003 Phoenix traded Bo Outlaw and Jake Tsakalidis to Memphis for
Brevin Knight, Robert Archibald, and Cezary Trybanski. On November 5, 2003, Washington traded Jahidi White to Phoenix for Brevin Knight. Charlotte signed Knight for the 2004-2005 season, and re-signed him for 2005-2006. On August 13, 2007 the LA Clippers signed Brevin Knight to a 2 year, 4 million contract.
Knight's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | StlPG | |
| College | 14.9 | 3.8 | 6.8 | 2.6 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 9.0 | 3.2 | 8.2 | 2.5 |
| 1998-99 | 9.6 | 3.4 | 7.7 | 1.8 |
| 1999-00 | 9.3 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 1.7 |
| 2000-01 | 6.3 | 3.2 | 5.9 | 1.9 |
| 2001-02 | 7.0 | 2.1 | 5.7 | 1.5 |
| 2002-03 | 3.9 | 1.5 | 4.2 | 1.3 |
| 2003-04 | 4.7 | 2.0 | 3.6 | 1.5 |
| Career (thru '04) | 7.2 | 2.6 | 6.1 | 1.8 |
SF Johnny Taylor (TENN-Chattanooga) 6-8/215
He was my sleeper pick in the draft. At one time I had him in the lottery. He has a nice game and is a better bet than Honeycutt at a similar position. He has an all-around game and great athleticism, but he doesn't have an outside shot, yet. The two things he had going for him: a stellar performance in Chicago where only Olivier did better and some people see a similarity to Scottie Pippen. He signed a 3 year, $3,111,000 contract. On January 31, 2000 Orlando traded Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Chris Gatling, a 1st round draft pick, and $3 million to Denver for Chauncey Billups, Ron Mercer, and Johnny Taylor. The draft pick is the Denver pick that was sent to Orlando as part of the January 1999 Keon Clark-Johnny Taylor trade.
C Chris Anstey (Australia) 7-0/250
He was traded along with money
to Dallas for Cato...what a steal for the Blazers. This 22 year old is
nicknamed the "Judge" and currently plays for the Melbourne Magic. He is
a native of Australia, born in Melbourne. He hasn't had much basketball
experience, so he can only learn and improve! He signed a 3 year,
$2,935,600 deal on November 3, 1997. On September 28, 1999, Dallas
traded Anstey to Chicago for a 2000 second round draft pick.C Scot Pollard (Kansas) 6-10/250
I thought he could
be a first rounder, but
only if a team thought he could play both PF and C as a backup. I guess
Detroit thinks he can. I guess his disappearance in the Tourney
didn't hurt him and scouts remembered when he average 10.3 points and 8.3
rebounds as a senior. I still think that Serge will be a better player.
On October 1st, Detroit finally signed him to a 3 year contract worth 2.8
mil. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks along with a first round draft
pick for Christian Laettner on January 22, 1999. He signed a free
agent contract with Sacramento through the 2000-2001 season. Then he
re-signed with the team for a 6 year deal worth 30.7 million dollars. On July 24, 2003, Sacramento traded Pollard to the Pacers in a three team deal that sent Danny Ferry with Pollard to the Pacers, Ron Mercer and Hedo Turkoglu to the Spurs and Brad Miller to the Kings.C Paul Grant (Wisconsin) 7-0/245
He could still be a good backup for the team, I just don't
think he was the best available at this point in the draft. He looked
solid (and that's the perfect word for him) in camps which stood him head
and shoulders above the rest. Minnesota signed him to a 3 year deal worth
2.71 million.SG Anthony Parker (Bradley) 6-6/200
Parker is a top 20 player, and emerged as the consensus second best SG to Derek Anderson after an injury slowed him down as a senior. His junior year was dazzling. He's shown consistency over his college career and versatility in his game. It doesn't make sense that he join a crowded Sixer backcourt, but Philly is gonna keep him, signing him to a 3 year, $2.6 million dollar contract. He was traded to Orlando along with Harvey Grant for Billy Owens on August 13, 1999. On July 13, 2006 Toronto signed Anthony Parker to a three year, $12 million contract.
SG Ed Gray (CAL) 6-3/210
He is damaged goods, too small, but a shooter and a scorer. His 24.8 ppg scoring average helped get him noticed and led to his selection as a Third Team All-American. I think this is about 10 spots too high. Gray was the first rookie to sign a contract, getting his 3 year contract 2 days after the draft. The Hawks were counting on him for bench scoring. He was placed on IR, then suspended from the team indefinately for missing doctor's appointments.
PG Bobby Jackson (Minnesota) 6-1/185
Denver picked him up from
Seattle for two second round picks:
James Cotton and the 1998 second rounder. After Jackson was named a
surprise Second Team All-American his draft stock rose, and it rose even
higher in the NCAA Tourney, and it rose even higher in the camps. He
signed a 3 year deal with the Nuggets on July 16th worth 2.4 million
dollars. He got off to a hot start, averaging 14 points and 5 assists per
game. His numbers levelled out, but remained impressive, helping him to
be named to the All-Rookie Second Team. He was traded on January 21, 1999
to the Timberwolves in a three
team deal that also sent Dean Garret to the Nuggets, and Chauncey Billups
to the Raptors. Also, the Raptors received Michael Williams and two
number ones from Minnesota. On August 2, 2000 Sacramento signed Bobby
Jackson to a 5 year, $13.5 million contract. On August 2, 2005 Sacramento traded Bobby Jackson and Greg Ostertag to Memphis for
Bonzi Wells.
Jackson's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | StlPG | |
| College | 14.4 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 1.8 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 11.6 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 1.5 |
| 1998-99 | 7.1 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 0.8 |
| 1999-00 | 5.1 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 0.7 |
| 2000-01 | 7.2 | 3.1 | 2.0 | 1.1 |
| 2001-02 | 11.1 | 3.1 | 2.0 | 0.9 |
| 2002-03 | 15.2 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 1.2 |
| 2003-04 | 13.8 | 3.5 | 2.1 | 1.0 |
| Career (thru '04) | 9.9 | 3.2 | 2.8 | 1.0 |
SF Rodrick Rhodes (USC) 6-6/220
Naughty naughty naughty...I didn't even have him ranked. He can't possibly make the team, can he? Was Rudy T at a draft party and had a bit too much to drink. Maybe he thought he was picking Riddick Bowes. They signed him to a 3 year deal, though and so far the pick doesn't look all bad. He was traded to Vancouver for Sam Mack on 3-12-99.
PF John Thomas (Minnesota) 6-9/265
That
was the rumor for months. I just
didn't believe it. This is not a reach, unlike some of the previous
ones. He
looked good at all the camps. In addition, he has the size and advantage
of playing in the Final Four. On July 10th, the Knicks signed him to a 3
year, $2.2 million contract. Then they traded him to Boston in a deal
for Chris Mills. He was traded again during his rookie year on
February 18, 1998 along with Chauncey Billups, Dee Brown and Roy Rogers
for Kenny Anderson, Zan Tabak and Popeye Jones.SG Charles "Spider" Smith (New Mexico) 6-4/195
Maybe 20 spots too high. Collins and Seals are better prospects in my book, but Riley always likes to surprise us.
PG Jacque Vaughn (Kansas) 6-1/195
He's the winner of this year's slippery slider
contest. He chose not to play in Chicago because he said he felt he was
going to be a lottery pick...oops...sorry...try again. This is a steal
for Utah, but kind of overloads their backcourt. He's got the whole
package, and is probably genuinely the fourth best PG in the draft.
Kansas' showing in the NCAA tourney hurt him, but his showing at the Nike
Camp helped raise his stock again. Utah signed him to a 3 year,
$2,075,000 deal. On August 8, 2000 they re-signed him to a 2 year deal
worth 2 million dollars. On July 30, 2002 Jacque changed his scenery by
signing a one year deal with Atlanta. Atlanta re-signed him to a one year deal again for the 2003-2004 season. On July 29, 2004, New Jersey signed Vaughn to a one year minimum contract, they re-signed him thru 2005-2006. On July 12, 2006 San Antonio signed Jacque to a one year, minimum contract.
SF Keith Booth (Maryland) 6-6/220
This is also a very bad pick. I've been saying that a lot lately. Booth is not even a poor man's Pippen...he's a dead man's Pippen. Bulls management makes more enemies in the windy city. Let's look at Keith. On the positive side he was a Third Team All-American and looked decent in Phoenix. Negatively his size makes him a man without a position because he has NO perimeter game. He played on the blocks in college and can't do that in the NBA. The Bulls should have looked at one of these 3 players still on the board: Zwikker, Honeycutt and Shammgod. They signed him to a 3 year deal worth $2,062,000.
Second Round
C Serge Zwikker (UNC) 7-2/265
He's a hard worker and has offensive moves. He's the steal of the draft. You gotta love the Zwik. I do. Other than Duncan, I think he's the only senior who can really play center in the NBA. He proved at UNC that he has an offensive game, just his quickness and defense are questioned. His offense and desire set him apart. Houston signed this native of The Netherlands to an undisclosed deal.
F Mark Sanford (Washington) 6-9/210 (jr)
Sanford is a good prospect, but couldn't make a deep Heat team.
SF Charles O'Bannon (UCLA) 6-6/205
They should have gone for a PG rather than a questionable swing man. He's a tweener like his bro, but he looked good in camps, but I'm still not buying it. Detroit signed him to a 2 year deal worth 660,000 dollars.
SG James Cotton (Long Beach St.) 6-5/200 (jr)
This is just about where he deserves to go. Everyone knew that he could play after he averaged 23.5 ppg. I had him as the third or fourth best SG. Seattle acquired his draft rights along with a future second round pick in a deal for Bobby Jackson and signed him to a one year deal. He re-signed with Seattle on 1-24-99, a two year deal worth 650,000.
G-F Marko Milic (Smelt Olimpija-Slovenia) 6-6/235
This is also a slip. It would have been hard for any more teams to pass on him. He's only 20, and already the best player in Europe. He's both athletic and strong, not to mention a decent shooter from anywhere on the floor. Philly signed him to a 1 year, $250,000 contract, but started the year on IR.
SG Charles "Bubba" Wells (Austin Peay) 6-5/225
Way to go Bubba! He's built to bang, but he can also shoot it from deep. Can you believe he averaged 31.7 points as a senior!?! Dallas signed him to a 2 year deal worth $700,000.
PF Kebu Stewart (Cal-State Bakersfield) 6-8/240
He slipped a little, but Philly is happy with a big body. He was the Division II Player of the Year and did exceptionally at the Portsmouth Pre-Draft Camp. He even hit 23 of 27 FTs. He proved he can both score and rebound. As a senior he averaged 21.5 points and an amazing 13.4 rebounds. The question mark? How tall is he, I've seen from 6-7 to 6-9. His height could have been the real reason for the slip, 'cause everyone knew he performed in camps. Philly signed him to a contract.
SG James Collins (Florida State) 6-4/190
His camp work helped move him ahead of Seals and Freeman. He was traded to the Clips for a future second rounder and they signed him to a contract.
PF Marc Jackson (Temple) 6-9/270 (jr)
Did they really need another
like his...what are they gonna do next...move Joe Smith to point? He's
better suited for playing center, but he'll have to learn to play PF in
the NBA. He said if he wasn't drafted in the top 20 he would play in
Europe...I guess he needs to take up another language then. After several
successful years in Europe, Jackson returned to Golden State to play
during the 2000-2001 season where
he was hands down the best rookie playing, beating everyone from the 2000
draft class. On July 23, 2003, in a Four Team Trade, Jackson was traded to the Sixers. The deal sent Latrell Sprewell (from New York) to the T-Wolves, Jackson (from Minnesota) and Glenn Robinson (from Atlanta) to the Sixers, Terrell Brandon (from Minnesota) and Randy Holcomb and a future #1 pick (both from the Sixers), and Keith Van Horn ( from Philadelphia) to the Knicks.Jackson's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| 2000-01 | 13.2 | 7.5 | 1.2 |
| 2001-02 | 4.8 | 3.3 | 0.4 |
| 2002-03 | 5.5 | 2.9 | 0.5 |
| 2003-04 | 9.4 | 5.7 | 0.8 |
| Career (thru '04) | 7.8 | 4.5 | 0.7 |
SF Jerald Honeycutt (Tulane) 6-8/245
THE biggest slide...he beats Vaughn. He should have been a first rounder...a high first rounder. We'll have to see if he makes people pay ala Shandon Anderson. Although he poured in 20 points a game at Tulane, and could be a big time scorer, the big question mark, and its a big one, is his desire to play the game. He signed a 2 year deal with Milwaukee and hasn't really gotten off the bench for them yet.
PG Anthony Johnson (College of Charleston) 6-3/190
He was signed, adding another PG to their team. He didn't do too much as a rookie, but he signed a 2 year 2.1 million dollar contract with the Hawks on January 22, 1999.
PF Eddie Elisma (Georgia Tech) 6-9/210
They stole Elisma away from some teams that were counting on him being there later in the draft, but he didn't make the team.
C/PF Jason Lawson (Villanova) 6-11/230
The question marks did not add up to this big of a slip. He's big, but feeble, but I thought this Big East Defensive POY could possibly go in the late first round. Unfortunately, the word "lethargic" has been associated with him at the camps. Denver traded the rights to Jason Lawson to Orlando for #47 Eric Washington and a 1999 second round pick. Orlando signed him to a one year deal.
SG/SF Stephen Jackson (Butler Community College) 6-8/210 (fresh)
He was drafted by Phoenix, but never made the team. Stephen played for the Nets during the 2000-2001 season after playing overseas the previous two years. He played for the Spurs in 2001-2002 and won a championship with them in 2003 after starting most of the games that year. He played for the Pacers from 2004-2006, but had some trouble off the court. On January 17, 2007 Indiana traded Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, Sarujnas Jasikevicius, and Josh Powell to Golden State for Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, Ike Diogu, and Keith McLeod.
PF Gordon Malone (West Virginia) 6-11/215 (jr)
He averaged 12.7 points and 8.6 rebounds last year, which isn't too noteworthy. He doesn't really have a big enough body for PF, either, Minnesota signed him, but released him before the season began.
SF Cedric Henderson (Memphis) 6-7/215
Another sharp-shooting talent. The
Cavs do need to add a little offensive punch, though, wouldn't you say?
They signed him to a one year deal. He was by far the most impressive
second round pick his first year, leading to his selection to the
All-Rookie Second Team. He also played in the Rookie Game during All-Star
Weekend scoring 14 points. Cleveland re-signed Cedric Henderson to a 3
year, $9 million contract starting in the 1999-2000 season. On August 3,
2001 Philadelphia traded Tyrone Hill and Jumaine Jones to Cleveland for
Matt Harpring, Cedric Henderson, and Robert Traylor. On October 25, 2001
Charlotte traded away Derrick Coleman and cash and received George Lynch,
Robert Traylor, Jerome Moiso, and Chris Porter. Philadelphia traded away
George Lynch, Robert Traylor, Jerome Moiso, Cedric Henderson, and a
conditional 1st round draft pick in 2005 and received Derrick Coleman,
Vonteego Cummings, and Corie Blount. Golden State traded away Chris
Porter, Vonteego Cummings, and
Corie Blount and received Cedric Henderson, a conditional 1st round draft
pick in 2005, and cash. On September 24, 2002 Milwaukee signed Henderson
to a one year contract.
Henderson's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| College | 13.8 | 5.2 | 1.5 |
| Senior Yr. | 16.0 | 6.5 | 1.4 |
| 1997-98 (Rookie) | 10.1 | 4.0 | 2.0 |
| 1998-99 | 9.1 | 3.9 | 2.3 |
| 1999-00 | 5.4 | 2.3 | 0.9 |
| 2000-01 | 4.3 | 1.6 | 1.4 |
PG God Shammgod (Providence) 6-0/165 (soph)
God goes to DC...is that a Disney Movie? I guess teams got scared when he didn't even attempt an outside shot at the Chicago Camp. He can run a team though. I guess he shoulda stayed in school. This was supposed to be the year of the PG, but so far nothing too remarkable. Point Guards were taken at 3, 4, 16, 23 (if you call Bobby J a PG), 27, 40, 46, 52 and 53. The Wizards signed him to a one year deal, then cut him before his second season.
SG Eric Washington (Alabama) 6-4/190
He looked good in camp, and he had a solid college career. He can hurt you both inside and out. Eric was traded to Denver along with a 1999 second round pick for the rights to Jason Lawson and he made the team.
PG Alvin Williams (Villanova) 6-4/180
He made the team and could get some minutes at backup PG. This is weird...I love Portland and I was excited with their Marcus Brown sleeper pick last year and now I am intrigued by the Alvin Williams sleeper pick this year. On July 20, 2001 Toronto re-signed Alvin Williams to a 5 year, $25 million contract.
C Pedrag Drobnjak (Yugoslavia) 6-11/270
Muresan and Drobnjak...the European twin towers. He won't play in the US in 1997. The Kings finally signed him for the 1998-99 season to a 3 year, $3.3 million rookie contract.
SF/SG Alain Digbeau (France) 6-5/185
I think he can dunk.
F Chris Crawford (Marquette) 6-9/225
Believe it or not he made the team!
PG DeJuan Wheat (Louisville) 6-0/160
The Laker's cut him. Then he was picked up by the T-Wolves and he stuck.
PG C.J. Bruton (Indian Hills C.C.) 6-2/170 (soph)
He was traded to Portland for cash.
C Paul Rogers (Gonzaga) 7-0/260
C Mark Blount (Pittsburgh) 7-0/230 (soph)
He signed with the team, but was quickly released.
C Ben Pepper (Australia) 7-0/250
He's a 22 year old who plays for the Newcastle Falcons in Australia.
SG Nate Erdmann (Oklahoma) 6-5/195
Utah has done it again stealing a real player late in the second round. Scouts were drooling over him at camps and I'm perplexed why he slipped this far. He can shoot and score from anywhere (40% from 3pt range). Utah signed him to a one year deal for $240,000, but cut him before the season began!
C Roberto Duena (Barcelona) 7-2/270