Houston had the fourth best chance
of getting the number one, but here they are! Is anyone
surprised they took the Chinese star? Houston had cut through enough
of the red tape to their satisfaction to make the call on this big
guy. Last year for his Chinese Basketball League team he averaged 32.4
points, 19 rebounds and 4.8 blocked shots! He has a nice hook shot and is
unstoppable around the basket. He is also demonstrating an outside
shooting touch and can made 80% of his FTs. I think he will fall in the
line of Shaq and Duncan as dominating number one picks, rather than
say....Pervis Ellison. On October 20, 2002 Houston signed Yao Ming
to a 3 year, $12,442,680 contract with a 4th year worth $5,594,906 at the
team's option. Yao Ming replaced Shaquille O'Neal as the Western
Conference Starting Center in the 2003 All-Star Game as a rookie. He was also named to
the All-Rookie First Team. He once again beat out Shaq as the starter for the 2004 game, making it two in a row at the start of his career. In 2005, Yao became the all-time leading vote getter for the All-Star game with 2,558,278 votes. He was the starter again in 2006 amassing the most votes yet again with 2,342,738. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2004, and again in 2006. Althought he was injured for a couple of months in 2007, he was still good enough to be named to the All-NBA Second team. On September 1, 2005 Houston signed Yao Ming to a 5 year, maximum contract (25% of the
salary cap) extension, signing him through 2010-2011.
Yao's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | BlkPG | |
| 2002-03 | 13.5 | 8.2 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
| 2003-04 | 17.5 | 9.0 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| Career (thru '04) | 15.5 | 8.6 | 1.6 | 1.9 |
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Chicago had the best chance to
pick number one, but they fell to two. No surprise on who they took,
as many think he has the skills to be one of the impact draft picks that
are so hard to come by. He's no Tim Duncan, but he should be the best
player on his team even in his first
season. He won back to back Consensus Player of the Year awards, so
there's no question about his college resume. He not only is a top knotch
passer and PG, he can also score at will from wherever he wants. Chicago
signed Williams to a 3 year, $11,132,520 contract with a 4th year worth
$5,009,787 at the team's option. He was named as a player on the 2002
Men's USA Basketball team as an alternate who replaced Ray Allen. After a rather
disappointing first year, he was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. An unfortunate motorcycle accident has threatened Jay's career, causing him to miss all of the 2003-2004 season, and maybe more.
William's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | StlPG | |
| 2002-03 | 9.5 | 2.6 | 4.7 | 1.2 |
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They could have had Drew Gooden, Caron Butler or Nickoloz Tskitishvili, so he better be one of the top players in the class! I think he is though, right up there with Williams, Gooden and Butler as immediate impact players out of college. I see him playing PF almost immediately, although he might get some time at SF. He can play under the basket and clean the boards, but more importantly he has one of the best three point shots in college. I guess he made the right decision to come out early! Golden State signed Dunleavy to a 3 year, $9,997,680 contract with a 4th year worth $4,065,811 at the team's option. After a very poor rookie year, Dunleavy got a chance to start in his second year, and has put up very solid numbers, helping a deep Golden State team. Golden State exercised Dunleavy's option. On October 31, 2005 Golden State signed Mike to a five year, $45 million contract extension through 2010-2011. 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.
Dunleavy's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| 2002-03 | 5.7 | 2.6 | 1.3 |
| 2003-04 | 11.7 | 5.9 | 2.9 |
| Career (thru '04) | 8.6 | 4.2 | 2.9 |
This First team All-American is a more
traditional forward than Dunleavy, playing close to the basket, with
a decent 15 foot jumper, intimidating defense and grabbing boards like
crazy. He can also run the floor as well as any big man out there. He
will fit well into the NBA as a power forward, and will probably not give
away too many advantages to his opponents, even as a rookie. He should be
able to help his team his very first year. I'm really torn as to who will
be a better player, Gooden or Dunleavy. Unlike the top prospects last year, with the exception of Gasol, the top 4 picks in this draft can make an immediate impact and be on the All-Rookie
Team. Memphis signed Gooden to a 3 year, $9,013,560 contract with a 4th
year worth $4,065,811 at the team's option. Cleveland exercised their fourth year option. On February 19, 2002,
the day before the trading deadline, Orlando traded Mike Miller, Ryan Humphrey
and a 2003 first round pick (from Sacramento) and a 2004 second round pick,
to Memphis for Drew Gooden and Gordan Giricek. He did very well for both the
Grizzlies and the Magic, leading to his selection to the All-Rookie First Team. In his second year in Orlando, Drew put up solid numbers alternating between the starting lineup and the first man coming off the bench. 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. On August 14, 2006 Cleveland re-signed Drew Gooden to a three year, $23 million contract.
Gooden's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| 2002-03 | 12.5 | 6.5 | 1.2 |
| 2003-04 | 11.6 | 6.5 | 1.1 |
| Career (thru '04) | 12.0 | 6.5 | 1.2 |
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They went for the future in
their rebuilding and passed on Butler, but maybe they'll get him anyway if
the do the McDyess to NY deal for their pick and Camby. This kid can play
pretty much any position. He is being compared to Nowitzki and Gasol in
his all-around game for a big man. He is young...only 19...and
untested. He looked great in personal workouts, and hitting the long
range shot, but he got very little playing time on his team. He might be
about three years away. Denver signed him to a 3 year,
$8,162,280 with a 4th year worth $3,687,730 at the team's option. On February 24, 2005 Denver traded Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Rodney White to Golden
State for Eduardo Najera, Luis Flores, and a 1st round draft pick in 2007
originally from Dallas (top 7 protected). Minnesota signed him for the 2005-2006 season.
This was a little bit of a surprise, but
it looks like they might have worked a deal with the Clippers to move
Andre Miller. DaJuan was an outstanding high school prospect who almost
declared last year. He will play better as a shooting guard
in the NBA, but he's a little undersized and his team might try to convert
him to a PG. This could be a mistake. He is a scorer first, and a darn
good one too. Cleveland signed Wagner to a 3 year,
$7,413,720 contract with a 4th year worth $3,352,085 at the team's option.
Wagner's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | StlPG | |
| 2002-03 | 13.4 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 0.8 |
| 2003-04 | 6.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.6 |
| Career (thru '04) | 10.1 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.7 |
Here is the leapfrog that was predicted,
eclipsing both Caron Butler and Chris Wilcox, both very hot
commodities. Hilario rapidly emerged as one of the most dominating forces
under the basket in the draft class. He grew a couple of inches, and
bulked up. He might even be able to play center! I hope the New York
fans aren't thinking of another Frederick Weiss, because Hilario is the
real deal, although Wilcox might have been more popular. Long term and
short term Hilario should be a better player than Wilcox, though. It
looks like its a moot point though, as its official: Denver will get
Hilario, Camby and Mark Jackson for Denver's #25 and Antonio
McDyess. Denver signe Hilario to a 3 year,
$6,767,760 contract with a 4th year worth $3,064,916 at the team's
option. They picked up his fourth year option. He proved that he could play right away, being named to the All-Rookie First Team. On July 20, 2006 Denver re-signed Nene to a six year, $60 million contract.
Hilario's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | StlPG | BlkPG | |
| 2002-03 | 10.5 | 6.1 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 0.8 |
| 2003-04 | 11.8 | 6.5 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
| Career (thru '04) | 11.41 | 6.3 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 0.7 |
Chris has one
of the better chances of dominating at the PF position in this draft
class. His body is ideally suited to bang with the best of them. He has
some polished moves, and he just keeps getting better. His only knock is
that he hasn't done it for more than half a season, but he should just
continue to develop and get better. He got past the Knicks and Cavs, and
falls to the Clips. The Clippers Wilcox to a 3 year,
$6,200,160 with a 4th year worth $2,812,239 at the team's option. The Clippers exercised their fourth year option. On February 14, 2006, the Clippers traded him to the Seattle Super onics for Vladimir Radmanovic. On August 15, 2006 Seattle re-signed Chris Wilcox to a three year, $24 million contract.
Phoenix didn't get their man
in Nene, so they had to gamble on Stoudemire. I had them going for
Jefferies first, but maybe they thought the risk would have the ptoential
to payoff with huge dividends. There's no reason to believe that
Stoudemire has much less potential than some of the prep players taken in
the lottery last year, but this year, teams didn't want to wait as long
for someone to develop when they had more polished players ready to go
now. He has an NBA body with tremendous potential, but he had some
nagging injuries that I though would hamper his draft postion. He
actually went just about as high as even the most optimistic
predicitons. Phoenix signed Stoudemire to
a 3 year, $5,699,040 contract with a 4th year worth $2,589,023 at the
team's option. Phoenix exercised their fourth year option...duh... This high school kid took the NBA by storm on the way to not only
winning the Rookie of the Year Award, and the customary naming to the All-Rookie First
Team that goes along with that honor, but he also led his Suns in a heated first round
match up with the number one seed Spurs, giving them a scare. Amare was named to the 2004 Men's USA Basketball Team that will compete in the Athens Summer Olympics. He made his all-star debut for the as one of three Suns in 2005. He also made his first All-NBA Team, the Second Team, in 2005.
Stoudemire's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | BlkPG | |
| 2002-03 | 13.5 | 8.8 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| 2003-04 | 20.6 | 9.0 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| 2004-05 | 16.3 | 8.9 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
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Pat Riley
might have to change his suit cuz he pooped his pants. There was no way
that he though Butler would get this far. Nene and Jefferies were on the
top of his wish list, but only because Butler was so far out of
range. This is very similar to the Paul Pierce Slide. Butler is widely
considered one of the top 2 or 3 long term players in the draft. He kind
of follows the same pattern as other UCONN
players Rip Hamilton and Ray Allen. He is probably the best pure SF
prospect in this draft. He's another one of this year's all-around
players, like Dunleavy, Jefferies and Williams. He wasn't able to do it
as a freshman, so we only have one year on which to base his
potential. Miami signed 1st Butler to a 3 year, $5,414,160 contract with a 4th year worth $2,461,617 at the team's option on July 3, 2002. On October 31, 2005, Washington signed Caron to a five year, $46 million contract extension, through 2010-2011. Butler was maybe the most surprising rookie, having a standout season for Pat Riley, who usually doesn't give his first year players much time.
He was also named to the All-Rookie First Team and finished third in the Rookie of the Year
vote. On July 14, 2004 the LA Lakers traded Shaquille O'Neal to Miami for Caron Butler,
Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a first round draft pick. The Lakers exercised their fourth year option on Butler. On August 3, 2005, Washington traded Kwame Brown and Laron Profit to the LA Lakers
for Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins.
Butler's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | StlPG | |
| 2002-03 | 15.4 | 5.1 | 2.7 | 1.8 |
| 2003-04 | 9.2 | 4.8 | 1.9 | 1.1 |
| Career (thru '04) | 12.5 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 1.5 |
I didn't think he would get
past Miami, but the Wiz are happy that he did. Originally, many
thought that he probably wouldn't be able to play PF in the NBA, but thats
okay, because he has all the skills to play SF. Recently though, he's
bulked up and grown an inch
and proved in individual workouts that he can play NBA power forward
as well as small forward. He's a great
passer and open court player, as well as aomeone who can block shots and
play D. He really does more things than anyone else in the draft, he just
doesn't do any one thing all that well. Washington signed Jaeffries to a
3 year,
$5,143,440 contract with a 4th year worth $2,433,824 at the team's option. They picked up that option. On August 7, 2006 Washington elected not to match New York's five year, $30 million offer to restricted free agent Jared Jeffries, making him a member of the Knicks.
Melvin is
the best senior prospect in this draft class and the first senior
taken. He is a legit inside scorer and rebounder. He had great workouts and just
kept creeping up the board. Believe it or not some teams actually like a
four year college player. I'm pleased that we do have a senior in the
lottery! I really suspect this is a trade, going to one of the middle first round teams that was hoping to get him. I know it would have been hard for him to get past either Milwaukee or Indiana. The
Clippers signed Ely to a 3 year, $4,886,280 contract with a 4th year worth $2,401,027 at the team's option. On July 14, 2004 The Clippers traded Eddie House and Ely to Charlotte for second round picks in 2005 and 2006. Charlotte exercised their fourth year option. On October 2, 2006 Charlotte re-signed Melvin Ely to a one year, $3.3 million contract. On Setember 13, 2007 New Orleans signed Melvin Ely to a 2 year contract.
All
indications pointed to him doing a slip slide, but he leaped over Qyntel
Woods and Borchardt! Honestly, I'm not sure if he has enough tools to
either go this high, or make a career of it in the league. He has more
offensive potential, than an offensive resume. On the
other hand he has a very polished defensive game and can block shots with
the best of them. He's only had one good year in college too. Milwaukee
signed Haislip to a 3 year,
$4,641,960 contract with a 4th year worth $2,365,395 at the team's option.
From my page-"My prediction is that no one
will move up faster in the draft boards than Fred Jones as more and more
people see him play." I just didn't think he would shoot up this
fast! This is obviously who they had up their sleeve all along, but
didn't let on at all who it was. He's got the jumps, and there might
not be a more explosive leaper in the draft. He had some minor
injuries that might have hampered him in the draft workout circuit, but
I see that it didn't. So far he's the winner of the "Biggest
Leap" award, I guess both how high he can jump and how high he moved up
the draft board from predicted second round status. Indiana signed Jones
to a 3 year, $4,445,880 contract with a 4th year worth $2,328,843 at the
team's option, which they exercised. On July 26, 2006 Toronto signed Fred to a three year, $11 million contract.
He is
another one of the fast rising European
players who is working his way up the draft board. He plays well in the
open court and has a good mid-range game that makes him a coveted SF
prospect, even better than the ones graduating college this
year. He is the man that Houston wanted, and they didn't have to think
twice to pull the trigger. They didn't get their man last year in
Vladimir Radmanovic, so they are pleased as punch! Houston signed Nachbar
to a 3 year, $4,189,320 contract with a 4th year worth $2,290,118 at the
team's option. On December 27, 2004, New Orleans traded David Wesley to Houston for Jim Jackson and Bostjan Nachbar. On August 2, 2005 New Orleans re-signed Bostjan Nachbar to a 3 year contract. On February 23, 2006 New Jersey traded Marc Jackson and Linton Johnson to New Orleans for Bostjan Nachbar.
Like Nachbar he was another European
prospect who's stock was skyrocketing prior to the draft. I think he can
play either PG, SF or SG and that makes him very valuable. He does have a
questionable three point shot, but if he can pass, and play PG with that
height, who cares? They traded his rights to Golden State for a future
first round pick and a future first or second round pick. Golden State
signed Welsch to a 3 year,
$3,979,920 contract with a 4th year worth $2,177,114 at the team's option, which they exercised. 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 October 20, 2003, Dallas traded Raef LaFrentz, Jiri Welsch, Chris Mills, a 2004 draft pick (lottery protected) to Boston for Antoine Walker and Tony Delk. On February 24, 2005 Boston traded Jiri Welsch to Cleveland for a 1st round draft
pick in 2007 (top 10 protected).
I have a feeling they were very
disappointed that they couldn't take Jiri, and now they will have to
settle. But, hometown boy makes it big! Alot of so-called draft experts
had him falling falling falling deep into the second round. He was also
knocked for not having enough height. I don't buy it, and he will be a
successful NBA player. I had him ranked as the third best senior
prospect, and looky there he was taken third (although I had Dickau not
Fred Jones as #2). I am very pleased that another solid 4
year college player is rewarded. Lets talk about what he did in college
for a sec before we forget: he led the Terrapins to a National
Championship; he is the only
college player to ever amass 2000 points, 300 steals and make 200
threes; he finished as Maryland's all-time leading scorer and
three-point shooter and he was a first team All-American. Washington
signed Dixon to a 3 year,
$3,780,960 contract with a 4th year worth $2,070,835 at the team's option. On August 2, 2005, Portland signed Juan to a three year deal worth eight million dollars.
They were looking real hard a t PG
prospects, but they just absolutely couldn't pass on Borchardt who has
made a slide out of the lottery. Curtis has emerged as the top true
center prospect in the draft, not named Ming. He
will be able to make an immediate defensive impact in the NBA, and can
block shots with the best of them. He plays best around the basket, and
may need to learn to stretch out his game to 10-15 feet as well. The
other knock is he is labeled as being injury prone, missing significant
time in two of his three seasons in college. The questions about his
durability and the recent failures of drafting big men just for the sake
of drafting big men led to this slide. The trade between Orlando and Utah
where they swap picks just doesn't make sense. Albeit the Jazz can use
Borchardt what will the Magic do with Humphrey? I guess the Magic get
Jamal Sampson too, but still! Utah signs Borchardt to a 3 year,
$3,591,840 contract with a fourth year worth $1,969,993 at the team's
option. They picked up their fourth year option. On August 2, 2005 the largest trade in NBA history occurred with 5 teams and 13
players involved. In a sign-and-trade, Boston first re-signed Antoine
Walker to a 6 year, $53 million contract. Boston traded away Antoine Walker and received Curtis Borchardt, Qyntel Woods, the draft rights to Albert Miralles, a 2nd round draft pick in 2006, a 2nd round draft pick in 2007 or 2008, and cash from Miami. Miami traded away Eddie Jones, Qyntel Woods, Rasual Butler, the rights to Albert Miralles, a 2nd round draft pick in 2006, a 2nd round draft
pick in 2007 or 2008, and cash and received Antoine Walker, Jason
Williams, James Posey, Andre Emmett, and the draft rights to Roberto Duenas.
Memphis traded away Jason Williams, James Posey, Andre Emmett, and Greg Ostertag and received Eddie Jones and Raul Lopez. New Orleans traded away the draft rights to Roberto Duenas and received Rasual Butler and Kirk Snyder. Utah traded away Curtis Borchardt, Raul Lopez, and Kirk Snyder and received Greg Ostertag.
Humphrey really
helped his cause in the Chicago camp. He was arguably the best player
there. I honestly didn't expect him to leap into the first round, and now
rivals Fred Jones for the title of highest jumper. I thought the
questions revolving his size would scare teams off, but just like Indiana
had their mind made up about Jones, so must have Utah with Humphrey. I
thought they were seriously considering taking Carlos Boozer, and it
doesn't seem like Humphrey will help there team, expecially with some of
the other players left on the board, Kareem Rush included. Utah
traded Humphrey and Jamal Sampson to Orlando for Curtis
Borchardt. Humphrey
doesn't make sense for either Utah or Orlando...make that especially
Orlando. Orlando signed Humphrey to a
3 year, $3,430,200 with a 4th year team option worth $1,883,666.
Remember when he
was in the lottery mix? Although interest in him has waned lately, I
thought he would still stick in the 14-17 range. He at least gets
honorable mention as a slider. (I'll shut up about Qyntel Woods for a
sec). Rush is the best pure shooting guard prospect in this draft, and he
can flat out score the ball. He doesn't always think about the passing,
but thats not his primary concern! I'm surprised he went above say, Fred
Jones, maybe not Juan Dixon, who has another set of skills too, but as far
as pure SG, I'd say this is your guy. As far as Toronto is concerned, I
thought they would go for Dan Dickau hook line and sinker. Toronto
traded Rush to the Lakers, along with Tracy Murray, for the rights to
Chris Jefferies and Lindsey Hunter. The Lakers signed Rush to a 3 year,
$3,292,920 contract with a 4th year worth $1,810,616 at the team's option. On December 6, 2004, the Lakers traded Rush to the expansion Charlotte Bobcats for a second round
draft pick in 2005 and a second round draft pick in 2008. Charlotte re-signed Rush for 2005-2006.
The slide
ends. Rumor has it that Portland wanted to move into the lottery, but I
guess they will take a lottery player instead. They got a gem in the
rough and a better player than they could have hoped for. He has
been most often compared to Tracy McGrady, and thats a pretty fine
comparison. He can score the ball with the best of them, and he's got NBA
leaps, but he lacks a real defensive feel for the game and could wilt
under the rigors of an NBA season. He also admitted to marijuana use in
High School, and that might have contributed to the slide. Portland
signed Woods to a 3 year, $3,161,280 contract with a 4th year worth $1,795,757 at the team's option. Portland released Woods, and was picked up by Miaim. They picked up his fourth year option. On August 2, 2005 the largest trade in NBA history occurred with 5 teams and 13
players involved. In a sign-and-trade, Boston first re-signed Antoine
Walker to a 6 year, $53 million contract. Boston traded away Antoine Walker and received Curtis Borchardt, Qyntel Woods, the draft rights to Albert Miralles, a 2nd round draft pick in 2006, a 2nd round draft pick in 2007 or 2008, and cash from Miami. Miami traded away Eddie Jones, Qyntel Woods, Rasual Butler, the rights to Albert Miralles, a 2nd round draft pick in 2006, a 2nd round draft
pick in 2007 or 2008, and cash and received Antoine Walker, Jason
Williams, James Posey, Andre Emmett, and the draft rights to Roberto Duenas.
Memphis traded away Jason Williams, James Posey, Andre Emmett, and Greg Ostertag and received Eddie Jones and Raul Lopez. New Orleans traded away the draft rights to Roberto Duenas and received Rasual Butler and Kirk Snyder. Utah traded away Curtis Borchardt, Raul Lopez, and Kirk Snyder and received Greg Ostertag.
The last
player invited to the draft has been taken. This was really the first of
three teams that might have taken him. The Suns wanted to add a shooter
apparently, and they did. He left school at just the right time when his
stock was high, he might have fallen out of the first round if he waited
till next year. He can shoot the ball from anywhere, but he is not known
for his defense. That still makes him the second or third best shooting
guard in the draft. Phoenix signed Jacobsen to a 3 year,
$3,034,800 contract with a 4th year worth $1,780,153 at the team's option. On January 21, 2005 New Orleans traded Jim Jackson and a 2005 2nd round draft pick to Phoenix for Casey Jacobsen, Maciej Lampe, and Jackson Vroman. On September 5, 2006 Houston signed him to a one year deal.
Prince leaves
Kentucky as one in a long line of outstanding Wildcat ball players. He'll
have to prove he can play SF in the NBA, because his willowy frame will
not stand up to the pounding from other power forwards. He has an outside
shot, but it is streaky and not very intimidating. Rumor had them giving
him some long hard looks, along with Casey Jacobsen. It was no secret
that Detroit didn't care a whole lot about this pick. On July 2, 2002
Detroit signed Prince to a 3 year, $2,913,480 with a 4th year worth
$1,763,115 at the team's option. On October 31, 2005, Detroit signed Tayshaun Prince to a five year, $48 million contract extension, through 2010-2011. Prince was given a few chances his rookie year, and he came on strong in the playoffs, leading to a much more prominent role in 2003-2004. Prince is not only one of Detroit's better players, but could be one of the top five of his draft class. He was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2005 and again in 2006.Tayshaun's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | StlPG | |
| 2002-03 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 |
| 2003-04 | 10.3 | 4.8 | 2.3 | 0.8 |
| Career (thru '04) | 7.9 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 0.6 |
He's another one of those potential true center prospects. I think this is a reach, but the Nets obviously wanted a player they could "season" for a few years. Hey, I had him ranked as the sixth best international prospect, and looky there, he was the sixth one taken. I think that the Nets were looking at 3 guys in order: Casey Jacobsen, Juan Dixon, Fred Jones....none were left, so this isn't so bad in that regard. I definately wouldn't argue for the merits of taking Dan Gadzuric. After playing a couple of years in Europe, On July 27, 2004 New Jersey signed Krstic to a three year, $3,030,000 contract with a 4th year worth $1,889,760 at the team's option
The
Knicks pick up a PG to replace Charlie
Ward. Williams is the number two pure PG in the draft (looky there he was
also the second one taken. I guess there weren't as many teams looking
for a PG this year, but Tinslely slipped to 27 last year too. Frank was
one of the first players to declare for the draft this year. One of the
things that he has going for him is that he is the right size for the NBA
PG, and funny thing....he can actually play the position. Now the
debate can start, who is better Frank Williams or Dan Dickau. New York
signed Williams to a 3 year,
$2,685,000 contract with a 4th year worth $1,724,422 at the team's
option. On August 5, 2004, Chicago traded Jamal Crawford and Jerome
Williams to New York for Othella Harrington, Dikembe Mutombo, Cezary
Trybanski, and Frank Williams.As predicted, Salmons shoots into the first round, solely based on a week's worth of workouts. He had a lackluster Chicago camp, and non-spectacular 4 year college carrer. What got him the guaranteed money? He is a versatile player that can play 3 positions from PG to SF. Nobody has climbed the boards faster than Salmons in the week preceding the draft. I had the Spurs pegged for taking a International prospect. The Spurs traded the rights to Salmons to Philadelphia along with the rights to Randy Holcomb and Mark Bryant for Speedy Claxton. Philadelphia signed Salmons to a 3 year, $2,595,960 contract with a 4th year worth $1,668,352 at the team's option. They picked up that option. On July 13, 2006, in a sign-and-trade, Philadelphia re-signed John Salmons to a five year, $23 million contract and traded him to Toronto for a 2007 second round draft pick.
He has a
gimpy knee, but a great all around game...including defense and an outside
shot. He can probably play eith the two guard or SF in the NBA. I
thought his injury would knock him down lower into the second round, but
the Lakers take him and they usually know what they are doing late in the
first round. The Lakers traded the rights to Jefferies along with
Lindsey Hunter to Toronto for the rights to Kareem Rush and Tracy
Murray. (Derek Fisher and Devean George were both taken right around
here). Toronto signed Jefferies to a 3
year, $2,521,200 contract with a 4th year worth $1,621,868 at the team's
option.
Its kinda weird that the Kings take another PG to add
to their already deep backcourt. Its also kinda weird he slips this far
because a lot of low first round teams liked him going in. I smell a
trade. He was the first Gonzaga player ever to be named to an
All-American Team, and in this case it was the first team! I have him as
the second best senior prospect and third best PG in the draft, so maybe
someone gets a steal here. Thats better....Sacramento traded him to
Atlanta (who need a PG) for a future first round pick. Atlanta
signed Dickau to a 3 year,
$2,505,480 contract with a 4th year worth $1,612,587 at the team's
option. On February 8, 2004 Atlanta traded Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff, and Dan Dickau
to Portland for Rasheed Wallace and Wesley Person. On August 24, 2004, Golden State traded Dickau to Dallas in a trade exception in the Dampier deal. On December 3, 2004, Dallas traded Dan Dickau and a 2005 second round draft pick to New
Orleans for Darrell Armstrong.
Second Round
Logan's size
knocked him into the second round, as teams ask the question if he can
even play PG in the NBA. He is more suited to play SG, and really lit it
up in college from that position, but Golden State wants him for PG I
should think. Early Second round picks are usually more successful
than late first round ones, so he might do ok. He still hadn't signed an NBA contract when, on August 24, 2004, Dallas traded Eduardo Najera, Christian Laettner, the draft rights to Luis Flores, the draft rights to Mladen
Sekularac, a first round draft pick and cash to Golden State for Erick Dampier, Evan Eschmeyer, and the draft rights to Steve Logan.
Size
might be a problem for him, but he has a nice set of offensive skills
including speed, moves and a shot! He might even be able to play PG in
the NBA due to his good decision making. Chicago usually makes good
second round picks, and this is no exception. Chicago signed Roger to a
contract. Unfortunately he will miss the start of his rookie year due to
a dislocated right shoulder.
They were supposed to take Sam Clancy. Oh well, they will take someone they can cut instead. They signed him to a contract.
He is real streaky there were times that I thought he had played himself out of the draft, but he made his way back to a pretty decent spot. Denver signed him to a contract.
Although
he never really became a dominating college player as many UCLA fans
hoped, he is seen as one of the few legit center prospects in
the draft and I thought he had a real good chance at the first
round. Milwaukee needed to add a big body. It will be interesting to
see if either Gadzuric or Haislip will be the answer. They signed him
to a contract. On August 12, 2005 Milwaukee re-signed Dan Gadzuric to a six year, $36 million contract.
He definately makes the all slippery
slider first team this year. His knock is that he will be undersized
to compete at PF in the NBA, but I don't put too much wait on that
argument. He knows how to score the ball when its given to him
though. Another knock is that he's a little too big for his 6-9 frame,
and that slows him down. Hey....think of it this way...he's at least
as good as Tractor Traylor and he was a lottery pick. Cleveland signed
Boozer to a 2 year, minimum contract. He exceeded all expectations as a
rookie, quickly becoming the Cavs starting PF, displacing veteran Tyrone
Hill and causing him to be traded. He was also named to the All-Rookie
Second Team. Boozer will compete in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens on the USA Basketball Team. On August 2, 2004, Cleveland elected not to match Utah's 6 year, $68 million offer sheet to restricted free agent Boozer, making him a member of the Jazz.. This was a controversial signing, as Cleveland let Boozer out of his contract, in order to sign him to a long term deal. Utah just offered him more.Boozer's Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | |
| 2002-03 | 10.0 | 7.5 | 1.3 |
| 2003-04 | 15.5 | 11.4 | 2.0 |
| Career (thru '04) | 12.6 | 9.4 | 1.6 |
teeheeheeehee can you say Freddy Weiss? You really didn't think that they would do this again did you?
Andersen has nice moves and a soft touch for a
big man, but he might not have the strength that teams are looking
for. He has played in Europe the last couple of years and is finally
ready to take the next step to the NBA, possibly this year. Everyone
thought the Hawks were looking for a Pg, but it looks like PGs in general
are getting the shaft this year.
Everybody had forgotten
about him and written him off, but he has popped up again with a
vengeance as one of the best PGs in the draft. They are just all
slipping. Houston has done really well so far getting real
contributors. Houston signed Maddox to a one year deal. Cleveland signed him for the 2003-2004 season.He might be a better athlete than his old teammate Gerald Wallace. He can't make outside shots and he has a lingering knee injury that slowed him down in workouts that caused him to slip into the second round, but no-one is surprised. Washington signed Grizzard to a contract.
He is a popular European player, who gained attention during the 2000 Olympics. There is also the question of whether he will play PG or SG due to his size. On August 16, 2007 Washington traded the rights to Juan Carlos Navarro to Memphis for a future first round draft pick.
TheClippers traded the rights to #41 Mario Kasun to Orlando for future considerations.
After a great Chicago and great workouts, Murray bumped some of the more well known prospects. They signed him to a contract. On February 20, 2003, Milwaukee traded Murray along with Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie, and either a 2003 first-round draft pick or two 2003 second-round draft picks to the Seattle SuperSonics for Gary Payton and Desmond Mason. Murray had a real chance to shine when Ray Allen missed the first part of the 2003-2004 season. He has established himself as a legitimate NBA player. On February 23, 2006 Seattle traded Ronald Murray to cleveland for Mike Wilks, a second round pick and cash.
He had a fairly average college caree, had fairly average workouts and did fairly average at the Chicago camp. I think he will be an average NBA backup good for 6 minutes a game.
He is going to have to play PF in the NBA
and teams questioned if he will make the transition as well as similar
small players like Danny Fortson and (ya gotta say it) Sir Charles.
Chicago signed Lonny to a 2 year contract. On September 8, 2005 Houston signed Lonny to a one year contract.
Clancy injured his kneecap in a workout for the Phoenix Suns on May 14th
and that knocked him into the second round more than anything. He
declared for the draft after his junior season and then withdrew his
name. He was a borderline first round pick last year. Although he's not
very tall and is the perfect size for the NBA SF position, he can block
some shots and play tough "D". On the other hand, he doesn't have an
outside game, so he will have to get his points on the short jumpers and
around the basket. He is USC's all-time leader in blocked shots! As the
Pac-10 player of the year in 2002 he proved he was a superior college
basketball player, but he's a knock as a possible 'tweener. Philly signed
him to a contract.
He will be able to contribute to the Grizzlies. I think they missed their man in Clancy one pick earlier, though. Memphis traded Barnes and Nick Anderson to Cleveland for Wesley Person, and the Cavs signed him to a contract. On February 23, 2005 Sacramento traded Chris Webber, Matt Barnes, and Michael Bradley to Philadelphia for Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson, and Brian Skinner. On August 6, 2007 Golden State re-signed Matt to a one year $3 million contract.
He passed on the Chicago camp and not too many teams got a good look at him. He's a gamble, but certainly second round picks are for gambling! Oh no...I think he also has that dreaded "tremendous upside". He was traded to Orlando in the Borchardt deal and then on to Milwaukee for the rights to Rashard Griffith (who? 1994 pick). Milwaukee signed him to a one year contract. Sacramento signed him for the 2005-2006 season.
I thought his injury had done him in, but he gets his shot at the show. Milwaukee traded the rights to Owens to Memphis for a 2003 2nd round draft pick. Memphis signed him to a contract.
They gamble on a long term prospect who will probably season in Europe for a year or two.
Songaila is a
solid forward prospect who has all the skills to play that position in the
NBA. There was some buzz around him approaching the draft, and this is
lower than I thought he would go. On July 22, 2004, Sacramento re-signed Darius Songaila to a two year, $3.36 million contract. The 2nd year is at Songaila's option. On July 17, 2006 Washington signed Darius Songaila to a five year, $23 million contract with the fifth year at the player's option.
Taylor is a solid PG prospect who can also find some minutes at the "2" guard. We're not gonna fool ourselves and think he can start for an NBA team, but he could probably crack the rotation if he keeps up his steady play. As far as PGs go in this draft, he's right behind the two Williams and Dickau. He shoulda stayed in school though. They signed him to a minimum contract.
Miami signed him to a one year minimum contract. On July 28, 2004, Miami re-signed him to a two year deal woth 2.5 million dollars. On July 14, 20006 New Orleans re-signed Rasual Butler to a four year, $14 million contract.
New Jersey signed him to a deal.
I'm really surprised that Lazaros Papadopoulos is still available, or Luis Scola for that matter. On August 24, 2004, Dallas traded Eduardo Najera, Christian Laettner, the draft rights to Luis Flores, the draft rights to Mladen Sekularac, a first round draft pick and cash to Golden State for Erick Dampier, Evan Eschmeyer, and the draft rights to Steve Logan.
This big man can probably make it in the NBA, but he has questioned that himself. There are also questions about his height...he might be closer to 6-7 or 6-8.
San Antonio traded the rights to Holcomb along with Mark Bryant and the rights to John Salmons to Philadelphia for Speedy Claxton.
Sacramento signed him to a contract.