NBA Draft

[jod23]

Trade talk

Draft isn't only thing on NBA minds this week..

Who says there's no intrigue surrounding this year's NBA Draft? While it's true that the top three picks appear set, there is no shortage of trade talk around the league. Even big names like Baron Davis, Dikembe Mutombo, Latrell Sprewell and Alonzo Mourning have been tossed into the hot stove frying pan.

Davis joined the picture Friday when New Orleans GM Bob Bass revealed that the Clippers had called about the availability of his stud point guard. Bass declined the pitch, but didn't say exactly what L.A. was offering in return.

Most likely it was forward Lamar Odom, whom the Clippers are said to be leery of giving a maximum contract to next season. An Odom-for-Davis deal would make some sense for both teams. The Clippers are not planning to re-sign free agent point guard Jeff McInnis, and Davis is an L.A. native who reportedly is not keen on moving with the team to New Orleans next season. Meanwhile the Hornets still aren't sure about the future of Jamal Mashburn, who missed the playoffs with a mysterious illness.

However, New Orleans already has George Lynch as insurance for Mashburn at small forward, and while David Wesley could slide back to the point, the roster features no other quality shooting guards. Besides, the idea of Odom in the Big Easy can't be too comforting to New Orleans management.

A better fit for Odom might be Philadelphia, which desperately needs to get quicker and faster. The Sixers have made it clear no player -- except for Allen Iverson -- is untouchable and have been burning the phone lines, according to sources. In the case of Odom, however, Philly's offer of Eric Snow alone won't be enough to get a deal done.

Philly does have a valuable asset in Mutombo, who despite his monster contract is still seen as a viable answer to Shaq in the West. The Sixers have talked to Portland and New York, among others, but don't want to take the overpaid (Shawn Kemp) or infirm (Marcus Camby) for such a commodity. If the Blazers were to offer Dale Davis and Bonzi Wells, however, the Sixers would have to consider it.

In the meantime, sources say, Portland is trying hard to move up in the draft to get a shot at 6-foot-10 high school center Amare Stoudamire. Apparently all the talk about Stoudamire being reminiscent of a "young Shawn Kemp" has GM Bob Whitsitt, who originally drafted the Reign Man back in his Seattle days, hoping for déjà vu. Portland has talked to Miami (No. 10), Washington (No. 11) and the Clippers (No. 12) in hopes of landing the Florida schoolboy.

As for the Knicks, they know they need to do something -- anything -- to shake up the roster. They apparently have had it with Sprewell, who wore out his welcome last season with poor shooting and chronic tardiness to games and practices. New York called the Sonics to ask about Gary Payton, sources say, but was rebuffed. Milwaukee remains the most logical destination for Spree, a native of Brew Town who always seems to play well against the local team, and he could be sent there in exchange for Glenn Robinson.

With its New York rivals on the prowl, Miami naturally is working the phones. Knowing he's not going to get much help from the No. 10 pick, Heat president/coach Pat Riley has dangled center Alonzo Mourning to the Sonics for Payton, according to a source. Given Mourning's health problems, the Heat more likely will have to move Brian Grant or Eddie Jones if they hope to acquire any player of real value.

Of course, all this trade talk should be taken with a grain of salt. This is the silly season, after all, when GMs lie and fib like crazy to cover up their true intentions on draft night. Still, who would have thought a year ago that the Bulls would trade Elton Brand?

Interesting stuff in that article, cant believe the Hornets would be seriously considering giving up Baron Davis..? Anyways Draft tomorrow which is always interesting, there is always surprises, trades and shockers. All the fun starts tomorrow.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

There has already been a few interesting pre-draft moves:

* Washington has traded Courtney Alexander to the New Orleans Hornets in return for pick 17.

* The Mavs have waived Danny Manning.

* The Nuggets have waived Tim Hardaway.

The trade has intrigued me, it seems awfully short sighted of the Wizards.

I know they've got MJ and Rip playing the 2 and 3 spots, but really, thats where the talent stops.

MJ will be gone after next season so they'll be stuck with only one quality guard, unless they can find a diamond in the rough with their relatively poor draft picks.

I would have thought that what the Wizards need right now, is some more experience in order to capatalise on MJ, but instead they've gone for yet more kids.

It might be great in the long-term but it really harms their playoff hopes for next season.

 

[ozcoltsfan]

maybe the wizards have something up their sleeves in terms of another trade
also i hope they pick qyntel woods !!!!

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
There has already been a few interesting pre-draft moves:

* Washington has traded Courtney Alexander to the New Orleans Hornets in return for pick 17.

* The Mavs have waived Danny Manning.

* The Nuggets have waived Tim Hardaway.

The trade has intrigued me, it seems awfully short sighted of the Wizards.

I know they've got MJ and Rip playing the 2 and 3 spots, but really, thats where the talent stops.

MJ will be gone after next season so they'll be stuck with only one quality guard, unless they can find a diamond in the rough with their relatively poor draft picks.

I would have thought that what the Wizards need right now, is some more experience in order to capatalise on MJ, but instead they've gone for yet more kids.

It might be great in the long-term but it really harms their playoff hopes for next season.

Yeah i thought it was a rather interesting move? I thought Alexander had the goods and would certainly get more of an opportunity with MJ's eventual retirement. Ive heard a few things though that it could be a move to eventually figure something out with Denver? Dont know who in Denver they could be going after, McDyess is the only one that comes to mind but if they wanted McDyess you would think they would need to throw the Nuggets pick 11 and 17 and maybe another player...is it worth it?

Cant wait! Its gonna be awesome with sooooo many rumors and potential trades flying around everywhere. Watch for Sacramento, Lakers or even SanAntonio to pick up Hardaway. Would be a perfect fit for one of those teams, Timmy can come off the bench and add leadership, clutch shooting, prolly play maybe 15-20 mins a game.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

I swear MJ has gone crazy.

He's just drafted Jared Jeffries, yet another 6 foot 11 project

Kwame Brown anyone?

I hope he can find a good guard at 17 or the Wizards will not make the playoffs.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Hmmm.....The Wizards chose Juan Dixon at 17, wasn't expected to go until the late 30's.

He's 6 foot 3 and only weighs 150 pounds, but doesn't have the skills to play the point.

I would have thought the Wizards would have gone for a true PG rather then an undersized 2 guard.

 

[ozcoltsfan]

i am pretty upset at what the wizards did
dixon is good and so is jeffries but there was better avaliable
on the jeffries vs kwame thing ... jeffries can actually shoot and kwame is way more built so i doubt they will end up in a few years playing the same position

 

[Fall Out Boy]

FINALLY another Aussie in the NBA.

David Andersen get drafted at 37 by the Atlanta Hawks.

Given their lack of height i'm sure he'll make the roster and actually get some court time.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

BTW Watch for the Grizzlies to trade away their fourth pick, Drew Gooden.

He's a PF/SF, that is so not what the Grizzlies need with Gasol and Wright.

I'd expect them to either trade Gooden or Strom Swift because there isn't room for both in Memphis.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by ozcoltsfan

on the jeffries vs kwame thing ... jeffries can actually shoot and kwame is way more built so i doubt they will end up in a few years playing the same position

Nah, i wasn't saying that.

Was comparing them because they are both big and raw, both are years away from being any good.

Jeffries will play the 3, but i would have thought the Wizards priority would have been an impact player.

 

[ozcoltsfan]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
BTW Watch for the Grizzlies to trade away their fourth pick, Drew Gooden.

He's a PF/SF, that is so not what the Grizzlies need with Gasol and Wright.

I'd expect them to either trade Gooden or Strom Swift because there isn't room for both in Memphis.

this is a great observation, i expect there to Definatley be some moves outta memphis, probably strom will be moved IMO ... now if only someone would bite on j-will then the grizzlies could make a multiplayer to make a big difference

 

[neville]

On a simular topic to the possible Memphis trade. What's going to happen to Andre Miller now? Cleveland made their position clear by drafting Wagner.

Maybe the Wizards are following the Bulls' rebuilding plan.

 

[Booze Hound]

Brit Robert Archibald drafted at 32.

I used to watch his dad play, God he was awful.

Surprises for me.

Welsch going so high and Qyntel Woods strapping on the parachute.

Wagner to Clevland (Miller on the trading block?)

New Yorks trade - this works out if McDyess stays fit but they could have teamed Hilario with Thomas and maybe traded Jackson and Camby for another high pick next year. They've maintained their bad salary cap situation.

Boozer falling to Round 2.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by Booze Hound
Brit Robert Archibald drafted at 32.

Brit???

Is that what you call the Scottish?

Archibald is British, Tim Henman is English.

 

[ozcoltsfan]

i hope they keep wagner and miller together
think ahead like 4 years from now ... imagine if iverson had andre miller passing him the ball ... thats what it could be ... iverson with a good FG%
i could be dreaming but it could happen too

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by Booze Hound

Qyntel Woods strapping on the parachute.

Are NBA teams finally using player character as a criterion for selection?

Originally posted by Booze Hound

Wagner to Clevland (Miller on the trading block?)

I am extremely surprised that a deal hasn't been done.

When i saw who the Grizzlies picked, and who Cleveland picked i expected some sort of trade.

But i've since read that Cleveland will play Wagner at the 2, hence their trading of Wesley Person to the Grizzlies for basically nothing.

Originally posted by Booze Hound

Boozer falling to Round 2.

Hmmm....Unfortunately for Carlos, undersized but powerful 4's and 5's are out of favour, and tall, wirey Euro talent is the flavour of the month.

I really think Pau Gasol is the cause of the over abundance of Euro Talent in this draft (17 players), the NBA seem to like their little crazes.
But next season they'll probably go back to the tried and true ignorant view that American is better, period.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
I swear MJ has gone crazy.

He's just drafted Jared Jeffries, yet another 6 foot 11 project

Kwame Brown anyone?

I hope he can find a good guard at 17 or the Wizards will not make the playoffs.

First of all, if you know anything about basketball then you will know MJ had nothing to do with selecting Jeffries...he isnt the Manager of Basketball Operations anymore. You should know you cant play for the club and keep that job.

Secondly, Jeffries is no project...he should come straight in and contribute. Kwame Brown was 17 when drafted, straight outta high school. Jeffries is 21 with 2 years of college ball under his belt. He will come in and contribute.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
Hmmm.....The Wizards chose Juan Dixon at 17, wasn't expected to go until the late 30's.

He's 6 foot 3 and only weighs 150 pounds, but doesn't have the skills to play the point.

I would have thought the Wizards would have gone for a true PG rather then an undersized 2 guard.

He is actually listed at 163 pounds. Not a bad pickup, he can score which is what the Wizards need, he isnt a true PG which is probably what Washington need but some of his highlights are encouraging...

-Named First Team All-America by The Associated Press as a senior.
-Voted the 2002 ACC Player of the Year, garnering more votes than AP National Player of the Year Jason Williams of Duke.
-Joined Albert King, the late Len Bias and Joe Smith (Minnesota Timberwolves) as only Maryland players to capture ACC Player of the Year honors.
-Named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four after leading Maryland to school’s first men’s basketball national championship.
-Became Maryland’s all-time scoring leader when he scored 29 points against Wisconsin to help Terps advance to Sweet Sixteen, passing Bias (2,149 points).
-Finished No. 2 all-time in steals at Maryland with 333.
-Only player in NCAA history to accumulate 2,000 points, 300 steals and 200 three-point field goals.
-Joined John Lucas (head coach of Cleveland Cavaliers) as only Terps to be named All-ACC First Team three consecutive seasons.
-Won 110 games, the most by any Maryland player.

Not too bad at all.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
BTW Watch for the Grizzlies to trade away their fourth pick, Drew Gooden.

He's a PF/SF, that is so not what the Grizzlies need with Gasol and Wright.

I'd expect them to either trade Gooden or Strom Swift because there isn't room for both in Memphis.

Doubt Gooden will get dealt but Swift is definitely on the chopping block.

 

[jod23]

More talk of trades...some interesting reading...

Knicks blockbuster may be the tip of iceberg
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was talk. A pop and then fizz.

More talk and a pack of Tums.

And then more talk.

That's how the trade business works. A lot of talk, little action.

Five minutes before New York was to make its selection at No. 7 all the talk stopped. Antonio McDyess, who had hemmed and hawed for the last 24 hours about being traded to the Knicks, finally gave the team the thumbs up they were looking for. He agreed to waive an opt-out clause in his contract, guaranteeing that he'll remain a Knick for at least the next two seasons.

The Knicks turned around and sent Marcus Camby, Mark Jackson and Nene Hilario (No. 7) to the Nuggets for McDyess and the 25th pick that turned into Frank Williams.

It was the type of blockbuster trade that Knicks president Scott Layden needed to sidestep the firing squad that was taking aim in the Garden. The Knicks had the highest payroll in the league, but were still mired in the lottery.

Layden's logic was simple: What's better than a young Antonio McDyess?

Answer: The real Antonio McDyess.

Layden's ability to pull off a draft-day miracle, just as we were ready to write off the Knicks for years to come, is just one move in a series of steps that will be played out the next month as the NBA silly season rears its head.

If Scott Layden has his way, the Knicks aren't done. They spent most of Wednesday also trying to land disgruntled Cavs point guard Andre Miller. At several points during the day it looked as if the Knicks had pulled off that deal as well. But the Cavs remained torn between adding McDyess to their team or going younger. When the deal fell through, the Knicks decided to take McDyess and run.

Now, expect the Knicks to change their focus to Dallas. The Mavs are offering Nick Van Exel in return for Kurt Thomas and Charlie Ward. Van Exel may be tough to deal with, but he's the dynamic point guard they've been looking for.

The Cavs' drafting of Dajuan Wagner almost assures that Miller should keep his bags packed, but GM Jim Paxson sounded like he was actually considering keeping Miller around.

"We'll feel very comfortable playing Andre and Dajuan together," Paxson said in prepared statement. C'mon.

The Cavs were just seconds away from trading Miller to the Clippers Tuesday night. According to the L.A. Times, after negotiating most of the day, the Cavaliers called the Clipps just as they were turning in their No. 8 pick -- offering to make a deal for Lamar Odom if the Clippers would draft Caron Butler for them and give them No. 12.

However, the Clippers had already phoned in their selection to the league -- Chris Wilcox -- making it official.

The Clippers then spent the next 10 minutes calling the Suns, who were drafting No. 9, and the Heat, drafting No. 10, trying to trade Wilcox for either pick so they could take Butler.The Suns had already turned in their pick, high school star Amare Stoudemire, and the Heat weren't passing on Butler.

The Clippers will keep talking to the Cavs, but they also are talking to the Hornets again. According to the Times, they also had a deal in place that would have sent Baron Davis to L.A. for Odom, Chris Wilcox and Melvin Ely, but owner Donald Sterling nixed it late Wednesday night. The relocation of the Hornets from Charlotte to New Orleans was the last straw for Davis. His agent, Jerome Staley, has basically told the Hornets they better trade him or lose him.

There were other draft-day deals gone bad that may resurface again this summer.

The Wizards had a deal in place with the Magic that would've sent Jahidi White and the No. 11 to Orlando for Mike Miller. However, the deal was contingent on Amare Stoudemire being there when the Wizards drafted. When he was drafted by the Magic, they pulled out of the trade. Given that the Magic really addressed none of their needs in the draft, you can bet that they'll continue to shop Miller in an effort to land a starting point guard (GM John Gabriel wants Darrell Armstrong coming off the bench next season) and a big man or two.

The Grizzlies and Heat had worked out a trade Wednesday night that would've sent Stromile Swift and Brevin Knight to Miami in return for the No. 10 pick. However, Miami quickly pulled out of the deal when Pat Riley realized that Caron Butler would fall to him. Expect Memphis GM Jerry West to do whatever it takes to push the lackadaisical Swift out of the picture.

The drafting of Jay Williams by the Bulls could spell the end of the Jamal Crawford experiment in Chicago. The Wizards have been the most active in trying to get Crawford, but the T-Wolves, Sonics, Pistons, Nuggets, and the Magic are all interested. Bulls GM Jerry Krause says he's not interested in trading Crawford, but with the addition of Roger Mason in the second round, the bell tolls for thee, Jamal.

A few other underachieving teams will try to shake things up. The Bucks were dangling Glenn Robinson before the draft in an effort to free up more playing time for Tim Thomas. And the Timberwolves have a serious point guard situation to resolve. With Terrell Brandon recovering from knee surgery and Chauncey Billups testing the free agent waters, the Wolves have shopped Wally Szczerbiak around in search of a top-flight point guard.

Keith Van Horn looked like he had worn out his welcome with the Nets at the end of the season. The Sixers have put a for sale sign around Dikembe Mutombo's neck. Eric Snow is on the block as well. The Pacers are hoping someone will take Austin Croshere off their hands. The Warriors will give away Danny Fortson. The Nuggets are open to offers for James Posey. The Blazers would like to package Dale Davis with Bonzi Wells in a sign-and-trade. The Raptors are leery of giving Keon Clark a big contract, and may be willing to broker a sign-and-trade. And you just can't forget the obligatory Vin Baker and Penny Hardaway rumors that are just part of the NBA's summer fabric.

Right now it's all talk. But given the torrid trade pace that's already established ... we'd better strap in.


I think Andre Miller will definitely be moved, Mike Miller from Orlando could be on the move too...interesting to see if Van Exel gets dealt, he wont be happy. Kurt Thomas would be a great pickup for just about any team, in Camby's absense he played awesome last season easily averaging a double double and on some nights, laying out 20, 20's.

 

[jod23]

Just for those dissing the pickups of Jeffries and Dixon. Looks like Washington got the man they wanted.

Wizards Double Up
Jeffries Goes at No. 11, Dixon at No. 17

By Steve Wyche
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 27, 2002; Page D01

The NBA draft went as expected for all of four picks last night. Then came a blockbuster trade between the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets and a run on power forwards that was interrupted only by Cleveland's selection of guard Dajuan Wagner.

All the while, the Washington Wizards' brass -- including swingman/former team president Michael Jordan -- watched from their MCI Center war room as the two small forwards they coveted, Caron Butler of Connecticut and Jared Jeffries of Indiana, were repeatedly passed over.

And when the Phoenix Suns took high schooler Amare Stoudemire with the ninth pick, those in the Wizards' war room fell out of their seats, according to eyewitnesses.

After the Miami Heat picked Butler, Washington assistant general manager Rod Higgins wasted little time announcing the team had taken Jeffries, a 6-foot-10 combination forward at No. 11.

Six picks later, Washington used the No. 17 pick it acquired Tuesday, when it traded guard Courtney Alexander to the New Orleans Hornets, on Maryland guard Juan Dixon, a local star who could galvanize interest in a team awaiting word on the possible return of Jordan, 39.

The last time Dixon and Jeffries played in a game, they faced off for the NCAA championship; Dixon's Terrapins triumphed. The Wizards hope the pair addresses their needs at small forward and point guard, although neither spot is a natural position for them.

"He's a great player," Dixon, who averaged 20.4 points last season, said of Jeffries.

Added Jeffries: "We're both winners. We are both guys that win. We are both guys that love basketball and I think when you have a combination of two guys that do that kind of stuff, good things can happen."

With their two second-round picks, the Wizards chose Alabama swingman Rod Grizzard (No. 39) and Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro (No. 40). Grizzard broke his leg after the season and was unable to work out for teams and won't be healthy enough to play until training camp. Navarro is under contract with F.C. Barcelona in Spain and won't be eligible to play for the Wizards next season, but the team will retain his rights.

"We feel very good about tonight," Wizards Coach Doug Collins said. "In the first round we got two terrific young players who want to be here and both bring something that we need."

After being drafted, Jeffries, just like last season's No. 1 overall pick, Kwame Brown, said he would beat Jordan in a shooting contest. Jeffries, who turned pro after two seasons at Indiana, and Jordan tied in a duel Monday, when Washington brought Jeffries to town for a second workout. Jeffries just hopes he has a more productive season than Brown, who struggled making the change to the NBA.

"If I go in there like he's going to kill me that's not very good confidence," Jeffries said about his woofing. "I got to go in there as confident as I can."

Although Jeffries, the Big Ten player of the year, was the team's top pick, Dixon, the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year from nearby Baltimore, may have top billing in this market -- at least until the games begin next fall.

However, the team insisted that Dixon's local ties had nothing to do with the decision to select him. Instead, it was his grittiness, solid game and history of overcoming adversity. Both of Dixon's parents died of AIDS-related illnesses when he was a teenager.

"Juan has a Michael Jordan-like heart," Collins said.

In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, Jeffries is guaranteed approximately $4.3 million over three seasons. The Wizards hold the power to exercise a fourth-year option and the right to match any free agent tender by another team after the fourth year. Dixon is guaranteed $3.16 million over three years.

The Wizards hope to use Jeffries at both forward spots but initially will try him at small forward, the team's greatest area of need. Dixon, a wispy but tough-as-nails 6-3 defensive stopper also known for making big shots, will get a chance to play point guard, where the Wizards want to upgrade in size.

Dixon was one of six players drafted in the first round to play four years in college.

Jeffries also will play some at power forward, a position loaded with players including Brown, Etan Thomas, Christian Laettner and possibly Popeye Jones, a free agent the Wizards hope to re-sign.

Jeffries has bulked up from 215 to 230 pounds since the end of the season but his ball-handling skills and versatility on the perimeter and inside give Washington several options, Collins said.

Since Jeffries isn't a true small forward, Grizzard and Bobby Simmons, who played sparingly last season, will get looks there. If Jordan returns, he also could get some minutes there but likely will spend most of his time at shooting guard. The Wizards likely will try to bolster the position with a trade or through free agency. Los Angeles Lakers small forward Devean George is a possibility.

Notes: The Wizards held trade talks with several teams over the last two days, trying to acquire Cleveland point guard Andre Miller. Washington also spoke with the Orlando Magic about sending center Jahidi White and the No. 11 pick -- and possibly at least one of the team's two second-round picks -- to Orlando for starting small forward Mike Miller, backup center Andrew DeClercq and Orlando's pick at No. 18.

Higgins added that the Wizards were close to making a deal to move up in the draft, but that failed to materialize.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by jod23


First of all, if you know anything about basketball then you will know MJ had nothing to do with selecting Jeffries...he isnt the Manager of Basketball Operations anymore. You should know you cant play for the club and keep that job.

You'd be totally naive to think that MJ wouldn't have any say on the draftees of the Wizards.

He is the man behind that franchise, he doesn't need a title beside his name for that to be fact.

Originally posted by jod23


Secondly, Jeffries is no project...he should come straight in and contribute. Kwame Brown was 17 when drafted, straight outta high school. Jeffries is 21 with 2 years of college ball under his belt. He will come in and contribute.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You are a classic Jod, you make things up to suit your argument.

Kwame Brown 17????

Kwame Brown was 19 when he was drafted, Jared Jeffries was 20 when he was drafted.

Jeffries is a project, he's 6 foot 10 and weighs all of 215 pounds. He needs to add a good 30 pounds before he will have any impact.
This a quote from a scout "Huge upside. Must put on some weight. "
I don't doubt his talent but he will take time.

 

[Booze Hound]

P&P

Tim Henman is normally referred to over here as a 'Brit'. Scottish sportspeople are as well until they win when the Scots decide they are Scottish (until they get done for drugs like skier Alain Baxter when they immediately become British again). Archibalds dad actually captained the GB basketball team (to our eternal shame).

The reason the NBA picked so many Europeans is that they are good enough. Look out for the Wizards 2nd pick Navarro. I've seen him play, given the chance he could be very good.

The interesting comments on Jod's post re Mutumbo and Keon Clark get me thinking about Dallas again. Will Nelson package something to get one of these two?

If he does, and the Van Exel/Thomas trade hits hiw about this line up for the Mavs:

Nash
Finlay
Nowitski

In the backcourt, and a rotation of:

Thomas/La Frentz and Clark or Mutumbo in the blocks.

Given that they'd probably still have some good bench talent (although not quite as deep) that says Title to me.

I don't see the wisdom of the Magic unloading Miller, a good young player, and keeping Hill. I'd give up on Grant and get what I could. Why can't the Magic front office draft with any sense though?

It will be a foolish team that touches Big Dog Robinson in anything less than a very cheap deal. He's not as obvious a poison as some players but he is still, IMO, a poison.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky


You'd be totally naive to think that MJ wouldn't have any say on the draftees of the Wizards.

He is the man behind that franchise, he doesn't need a title beside his name for that to be fact.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You are a classic Jod, you make things up to suit your argument.

Kwame Brown 17????

Kwame Brown was 19 when he was drafted, Jared Jeffries was 20 when he was drafted.

Jeffries is a project, he's 6 foot 10 and weighs all of 215 pounds. He needs to add a good 30 pounds before he will have any impact.
This a quote from a scout "Huge upside. Must put on some weight. "
I don't doubt his talent but he will take time.

Yeah im sure Jordan had his say on who he wanted but the final decision would not have landed his way. Jeffries is 20 right now, yes i was wrong, all i saw was that he was born in 81, making him 21. But he has a late birthday so he is still 20. There is 5 months before the season so im sure Jeffries will pound on the weight and will certainly contribute next season.

Just looked at Kwame too...he was drafted when he was 19?? Why did they say he came straight outta high school? How late do kids stay in high school in the states? I graduated high school when i was 17..

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by Booze Hound
P&P
The reason the NBA picked so many Europeans is that they are good enough. Look out for the Wizards 2nd pick Navarro. I've seen him play, given the chance he could be very good.

The interesting comments on Jod's post re Mutumbo and Keon Clark get me thinking about Dallas again. Will Nelson package something to get one of these two?

If he does, and the Van Exel/Thomas trade hits hiw about this line up for the Mavs:

Nash
Finlay
Nowitski

In the backcourt, and a rotation of:

Thomas/La Frentz and Clark or Mutumbo in the blocks.

Given that they'd probably still have some good bench talent (although not quite as deep) that says Title to me.

I don't see the wisdom of the Magic unloading Miller, a good young player, and keeping Hill. I'd give up on Grant and get what I could. Why can't the Magic front office draft with any sense though?

It will be a foolish team that touches Big Dog Robinson in anything less than a very cheap deal. He's not as obvious a poison as some players but he is still, IMO, a poison.

IMO Dallas will definitely trade Van Exel....they dont need him with Nash in the lineup. He makes good trade bait. I hear the Clippers are looking for a PG and are dangling Odom but i dont think the Mavs are looking for that type of player.

I also cant see the wisdom in the Magic shopping Miller. Mike Miller is talent! and next season, if they can get T-Mac, Miller and Hill all on the court at the same time...well they will be tough to beat.

And finally i must agree again on Big Dog...he is poison.