| Atlanta |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Shareef Abdur-Rahim F 6-9 245 12/11/76 California '99
Team Nucleus:
Chris Crawford F 6-9 230 5/13/75 Marquette '97
Dan Dickau G 6-0 190 9/16/78 Gonzaga '02
Alan Henderson F 6-9 230 12/02/72 Indiana '95 (PO)
Nazr Mohammed C 6-10 250 9/05/77 Kentucky '99
Theo Ratliff C-F 6-10 230 4/17/73 Wyoming '95 (PO)
Glenn Robinson F 6-7 240 1/10/73 Purdue '94
Jason Terry G 6-2 180 9/15/77 Arizona '99 (RFA)
Free Agents:
Emanual Davis G 6-5 195 8/27/68 Delaware State '91
Dion Glover F-G 6-5 228 10/22/78 Georgia Tech '02 (QO)
Darvin Ham F-G 6-7 250 7/23/73 Texas Tech '96
Jermaine Jackson G 6-5 204 6/06/76 Detroit Mercy '99
DerMarr Johnson G-F 6-9 201 5/05/80 Cincinnati '03
Mikki Moore C 7-0 225 11/04/75 Nebraska '97
Ira Newble G 6-7 220 1/20/75 Miami (Ohio) '97
|
(*1-3)
21, 42
|
SG,
C, PF
|
Unless
the Hawks win the lottery, they wont have their top 10 (first round) pick
which was sent to Milwaukee in the Glenn Robinson deal. The Hawks will however
have the Pacers first rounder which will be the 21st pick. The team also
has the 42nd pick. Atlanta appears to be in good shape at the forward positions
with Glenn Robinson and Shareef Abdur-Rahim but in fact they have bit of
a logjam as both players are good scorers but weak rebounding and defensively.
The Hawks need a PF or C, and to deal one of their 2 forwards. Both have
substantial contracts and are signed over the next two seasons. They're
a team with the talent to reach the playoffs, they just have to change the
losing attitude that so often haunts struggling franchises. The team's biggest
area of need is shooting guard and center. Dion Glover has shown slight
improvement in each of his last 3 seasons, but it's apparent he wont ever
be the talent he was in college before the knee injury. The team could look
for someone to eventually replace him. Nazr Mohammed and Theo Ratliff are
both injury prone, so a bigman wouldn't be a bad option. Jason Terry was
7th in the league in assists but lacks true point guard instincts. He is
not a natural point guard and doesn't have the ability to involve everyone
and control the flow of the game. Atlanta will have to decide whether to
keep him, or let him walk in free agency. |
| Boston
|
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Paul Pierce G 6-6 230 10/13/77 Kansas '99
Team Nucleus:
Vin Baker F 6-11 250 11/23/71 Hartford '93
Tony Battie C-F 6-11 240 2/11/76 Texas Tech '98
J.R. Bremer G 6-2 185 9/19/80 St. Bonaventure '02
Kedrick Brown F 6-7 222 3/18/81 Okaloosa-Walton CC FL (J.C.)
Tony Delk G 6-2 189 1/28/74 Kentucky '96
Bruno Sundov C 7-2 246 2/10/80 Croatia
Antoine Walker -C F 6-9 245 8/12/76 Kentucky '98
Eric Williams F 6-8 220 7/17/72 Providence '95
Free Agents:
Mark Blount C 7-0 250 11/30/75 Pittsburgh '99
Mark Bryant F 6-9 250 4/25/65 Seton Hall '88
Bimbo Coles G 6-2 182 4/22/68 Virginia Tech '90
Grant Long F 6-9 240 3/12/66 Eastern Michigan '88
Walter McCarty F 6-10 230 2/01/74 Kentucky '96
|
20
|
PG, C
|
The
team could use some presence in the paint or a point guard. After trading
away Kenny Anderson for Vin Baker, the team has gone with point guard by
committee with JR Bremer seeing time as well as Tony Delk. The team would
benefit from a legitimate floor general as well as a bigman with a presence
under the basket. The team thrives in the East because of their two superstars
Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce, however to become legitimate contenders,
these guys will need some help. The team picked up a nice second rounder
last year with Darius Songalia, who has been dominating in Russia, although
there are some questions how well his game translates in the NBA. The Celtics
need to address their frontcourt, and with the 20th pick the Celtics will
probably go big. |
| Chicago |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Tyson Chandler F-C 7-1 235 10/02/82 Dominguez HS (CA)
Eddy Curry C-F 6-11 285 12/05/82 Thornwood HS (IL)
Team Nucleus:
Dalibor Bagaric C 7-1 290 7/02/80 Croatia
Lonny Baxter F 6-8 260 1/27/79 Maryland '02 (TO)
Jamal Crawford G 6-5 190 3/20/80 Michigan
Marcus Fizer F 6-8 260 8/10/78 Iowa State '01
Trenton Hassell G 6-5 200 3/04/79 Austin Peay '02 (TO)
Donyell Marshall F 6-9 230 5/18/73 Connecticut '95
Roger Mason Jr. G 6-5 200 9/10/80 Virginia '03
Eddie Robinson F 6-9 210 4/19/76 Central Oklahoma '99
Jalen Rose F-G 6-8 217 1/30/73 Michigan '95
Jay Williams G 6-2 195 9/10/81 Duke '03 R
Free Agents:
Corie Blount F-C 6-10 242 1/04/69 Cincinnati '93
Rick Brunson G 6-4 190 6/14/72 Temple '94
Fred Hoiberg G 6-5 210 10/15/72 Iowa State '95
|
*7,
36, 45, 57
|
PG,
SG, C
|
The
Bulls are beginning to show some real promise. Jerry Krause has retired,
but the team he built lives on and should continue to improve with experience.
Chandler and Curry's (expected) added maturity next year should lead them
to the playoffs in the East. The Bulls will be looking at a top 7 pick if
they don't win the lottery. Jamal Crawford was very strong at the end of
the season. If the team thinks he can truly become their point guard of
the future, they could look to ship Jay Williams. The Bulls don't have a
dire need for a center, but if they don't win a top 3 lotto pick and Kaman
is on the board, the team might have to go with him as the best player available.
It would give them another big body, and the option to hold onto him, trade
down, or trade for veteran talent. They could also look to add a SG such
as Jarvis Hayes. |
| Cleveland |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Dajuan Wagner G 6-2 200 2/04/83 Memphis '05 R
Team Nucleus:
Nick Anderson G 6-6 228 01/20/68 Illinois '90
Carlos Boozer F 6-9 258 11/20/81 Duke '03
Ricky Davis G 6-7 195 9/23/79 Iowa '01
DeSagana Diop C 7-0 300 1/30/82 Oak Hill Academy HS (VA)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas C 7-3 260 6/05/75 Lithuania
Jumaine Jones F 6-8 218 2/10/79 Georgia '01 (RFA)
Chris Mihm F-C 7-0 265 7/16/79 Texas '00
Darius Miles F-G 6-9 210 10/09/81 East St. Louis HS (IL)
Michael Stewart C 6-10 230 4/24/75 California '97
Free Agents:
Tierre Brown G 6-2 189 6/03/79 McNeese State '01
Milt Palacio G 6-3 195 2/07/78 Colorado State '99
Smush Parker G 6-4 180 6/01/81 Fordham '04
|
*2,
30
|
PG, PF, SF
|
The
Cavs had a pretty good draft last year nabbing Dajuan Wagner, a player who
has a very bright future, plus a second round steal in Carlos Boozer. With
Ilgauskas and Diop, the team is strong at the center position. Shooting
guard is in good shape as well with Ricky Davis, and Wagner although both
need maturation. We said in 2000 that the worst place Darius Miles could
end up was the Clippers and his development was definitely stunted by his
stay there. Miles still has all world athleticism, but his jumpshot has
not progressed, and his playing time has suffered. The Cavs attempt to trade
him was unsuccesful. The Cavs have been a flailing organization since Brad
Daugherty's back gave out. The team is guarunteed no lower than a 5 pick.
If they land the top pick (LeBron) they would have hope for the future.
The Cavs are one team that LeBron would probably be asked to play PG from
day one. Dajuan brings the same dynamic to a team as Iverson in that because
he's so short, for defensive purposes, he needs a big point guard to play
along side him. Therefore a small PG (TJ Ford) wouldn't work with him. The
Cavs franchise may not have the ability to wait on a young player to develop
and could look to trade their pick if they don't get the number one overall
pick in LeBron. A number 2-5 pick would net a very nice veteren and the
team's current managenment may be forced into making that type of move.
|
| Dallas |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise Player:
Dirk Nowitzki F-C 7-0 240 6/19/78 Germany
Team Nucleus:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad F-G 6-6 235 11/03/74 San Jose State '98
Shawn Bradley C 7-6 270 3/22/72 Brigham Young '94
Evan Eschmeyer C 6-11 250 5/30/75 Northwestern '99
Michael Finley G-F 6-7 225 3/06/73 Wisconsin '95
Avery Johnson G 5-11 185 3/25/65 Southern University '88
Raef LaFrentz C-F 6-11 240 5/29/76 Kansas '98
Eduardo Najera F 6-8 235 7/11/76 Oklahoma '00
Steve Nash G 6-3 180 2/07/74 Santa Clara '96
Antoine Rigaudeau G 6-7 210 12/17/71 France
Nick Van Exel G 6-1 195 11/27/71 Cincinnati '93
Free Agents:
Raja Bell G 6-5 210 9/19/76 Florida International '99
Adrian Griffin F-G 6-5 230 7/04/74 Seton Hall '96
Popeye Jones F 6-8 265 6/17/70 Murray State '92
Walt Williams F-G 6-8 230 4/16/70 Maryland '92 |
29
|
C,
PF
|
With
one pick at the end of the first round, the Mavs may follow their usual
course of action and draft a European player. The end of the first round
is sure to have a number of International players because there are so many
declaring, and they have the flexibility of leaving the player in Europe
developing, and not count against the team's salary cap. With the last pick
(29th) in the first round, look for the Nelson's to go "Euro".
There is a lot of talent in Europe, and though the success of European players
has led to a "Euro hype" effect on the league, don't look for
it to end any time soon. The teams biggest area of need is in the middle.
The team has a lot of scorers and skill players. It really needs a fierce
post man with toughness. Karl Malone would make this team deadly.
One interesting trade
scenario would see Van Exel and Michael Finley traded for Jamaal Tinsley
and Ron Artest. The trade is purely speculation, and it appears to favor
the Pacers by a landslide, but it would add defense to a team that is tilted
completely on the offensive side. Van Exel has developed into one of the
deadliest scorers in the league which might make him too tough to give up. |
| Denver |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Nene F-C 6-11 260 9/13/82 Brazil
Team Nucleus:
Ryan Bowen F 6-9 220 11/20/75 Iowa '98
Marcus Camby C-F 6-11 225 3/22/74 Massachusetts '97
Junior Harrington G 6-4 190 10/02/80 Wingate '02
Predrag SavovicG 6-6 225 5/21/76 Hawaii '02
Nikoloz Tskitishvili F 7-0 225 4/14/83 Georgia (Europe)
Rodney White F 6-9 230 6/28/80 North Carolina-Charlotte '04
Vincent Yarbrough G-F 6-7 210 3/21/81 Tennessee '02
Free Agents:
Chris Andersen F-C 6-10 220 7/07/78 Blinn Coll. TX (J.C.)
Adam Harrington G 6-5 200 7/05/80 Auburn '02
Donnell Harvey F 6-8 220 8/26/80 Florida '03
Juwan Howard -C F 6-9 260 2/07/73 Michigan '95
Jeff Trepagnier G 6-4 200 7/11/79 USC '01
Shammond Williams G 6-1 201 4/05/75 North Carolina '98
|
*1
|
SG,
PG, C
|
Nene,
who has dropped the last name, ala Ronaldo, and Pele is the teams franchise
player. He could potentially become the teams center of the future as he's
got the size and strength to handle the position. Although his talent may
be best utilized at PF. If the team lands the 2nd pick, they will likely
go with Darko over Melo, despite the fact that Darko is more like Skeeta,
their top pick last year. Rodney White is starting to look like a great
pickup for the team. He had a solid finish to the season, and could be another
case of a player needing time to adjust. Trading for first or second year
players is a gamble on both sides, but seems to favor the teams willing
to give the player some time to develop. Joe Johnson and Rodney White are
both good examples. Nikoloz "Skeeta" Tskitishvili was the youngest
player in the NBA last year, and will take a few seasons before he can be
expected to contribute. The team must address their backcourt either in
the draft or in free agency. |
| Detroit |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Ben Wallace F-C 6-9 240 9/10/74 Virginia Union '96
Team Nucleus:
Chucky Atkins G 5-11 160 8/14/74 South Florida '96
Chauncey Billups G 6-3 202 9/25/76 Colorado '97
Michael Curry F-G 6-5 210 8/22/68 Georgia Southern '90
Hubert Davis** G 6-5 183 5/17/70 North Carolina '92
Richard Hamilton G-F 6-7 193 2/14/78 Connecticut '00 (RFA)
Mehmet Okur F 6-11 249 5/26/79 Turkey
Tayshaun Prince F 6-9 215 2/28/80 Kentucky '02
Zeljko Rebraca C 7-0 257 4/09/72 Serbia-Montenegro
Clifford Robinson CF 6-10 225 12/16/66 Connecticut '89
Pepe Sanchez G 6-4 195 5/08/77 Temple '00
Corliss Williamson F 6-7 245 12/04/73 Arkansas '96
Free Agents:
Jon Barry G 6-5 210 7/25/69 Georgia Tech '92
Danny Manning F-C 6-10 234 5/17/66 Kansas '88
Don Reid F 6-8 250 12/30/73 Georgetown '95
|
*6,
58
|
PG, PF
|
The
Pistons might look to shop the pick they will likely acquire from Memphis.
Especially if it ends up being the 6th pick. It will be a potential pick
with a player that most likely wont give the team anything for a few seasons,
and the Pistons see a window of opportunity where they can make serious
runs at the Finals for the next few seasons. With another quality player
the team can really strengthen their hold on the Eastern Conference. Jon
Barry is the Pistons only meaningful free agent. Barry adds to the tough
mindset that Detroit has rejuvinated from the "bad boy" days.
Mehmet Okur is their future at the PF position, with Ben Wallace at center.
The two players styles complement one another very effectively. Okur has
a lot of upside and was a complete steal as a mid second rounder. Clifford
Robinson has begun to slow down after a great season last year. Chauncey
Billups has finally developed into the player people thought he would after
being the 4th pick in the draft. His scoring ability and toughness are one
of the keys to Detroit's recent success. |
| Golden
State |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
See FA: Arenas
Team Nucleus:
Erick Dampier C 6-11 265 7/14/74 Mississippi State '97
Mike Dunleavy Jr. G 6-9 221 9/15/80 Duke '03
Danny Fortson F 6-8 260 3/27/76 Cincinnati '98
Adonal Foyle C 6-10 265 3/29/75 Colgate '98
Antawn Jamison F 6-9 223 6/12/76 North Carolina '99
Chris Mills F 6-7 220 1/25/70 Arizona '93
Troy Murphy F 6-11 245 5/02/80 Notre Dame '02
Jason Richardson G-F 6-6 220 1/20/81 Michigan State '03
Bob Sura G 6-5 200 3/25/73 Florida State '95
Jiri Welsch G 6-7 208 1/27/80 Czech Republic
Free Agents:
Gilbert Arenas G 6-3 191 1/06/82 Arizona '03
Earl Boykins G 5-5 133 6/02/76 Eastern Michigan '98
|
*11,
40
|
PG, C
|
Golden
State may have to draft with the idea that Arenas will be gone. The Warriors
two point guards last year are free agents, and Arenas' play has elevated
his stock into the stratosphere. He has become one of the top half dozen
free agents on the market in a year with a bevy of free agent talent on
the market. The first order of business for the Warriors is to do everything
within their power to resign Gilbert Arenas. G-State may have a shot at
Jason Kidd if they could somehow pull off a sign and trade with Arenas.
Without knowing what will happen with Arenas, the team may have to look
to cover their asses by taking a PG in case Arenas is gone. The only potential
problem with that is the fear that Arenas interprets the move as a signal
that they aren't serious about him, and pushes him to leave without giving
the Warriors a legitimate shot to clear the cap space necessary to sign
him. A floor general such as Luke Ridnour would be a great option for them. |
| Houston |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise Player:
Yao Ming C 7-5 296 9/12/80 China R
Team Nucleus:
Kelvin Cato C 6-11 275 8/26/74 Iowa State '97
Steve Francis G 6-3 195 2/21/77 Maryland '99
Eddie Griffin F 6-10 232 5/30/82 Seton Hall '04
Tito Maddox G 6-3 200 6/07/81 Fresno State '04
Cuttino Mobley G 6-4 210 9/01/75 Rhode Island '98
Bostjan Nachbar F 6-9 221 7/03/80 Slovenia
Moochie Norris G 6-2 185 7/27/73 West Florida '96
James Posey G-F 6-8 215 1/13/77 Xavier (Ohio) '99 (RFA)
Glen Rice F-G 6-8 220 5/28/67 Michigan '89
Maurice Taylor F 6-9 260 10/30/76 Michigan '97
Free Agents:
Jason Collier C 7-0 260 9/08/77 Georgia Tech '00
Juaquin Hawkins G-F 6-7 205 7/02/73 Long Beach State '96
Terence Morris F 6-9 221 1/11/79 Maryland '01
|
44
|
PF,
SG
|
With
just a mid-second rounder, the team wont have an impact rookie like it did
this season. Houston is in pretty good shape for the future with solid young
players at each position. Eddie Griffin is still young and has a ways to
go. The small forward position is also in good shape with James Posey and
young Slovenian Bostjan Nachbar backing him up. With the 44th pick the team
can look for the best player available. A backup PF or SG are possibilities
or the best player available. |
| Indiana
|
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
See FA: O'Neal
Team Nucleus:
Ron Artest F-G 6-7 246 11/13/79 St. John's '01
Jonathan Bender F 7-0 219 1/30/81 Picayune HS (MS)
Primoz Brezec F 7-1 252 10/02/79 Slovenia
Austin Croshere F 6-10 242 5/01/75 Providence '97
Jeff Foster CF 6-11 242 1/16/77 Southwest Texas State '99
Al Harrington F 6-9 250 2/17/80 St. Patrick's HS
Fred Jones G 6-2 218 3/11/79 Oregon '02
Ron Mercer G-F 6-7 210 5/18/76 Kentucky '99 (PO)
Jamaal Tinsley G 6-3 195 2/28/78 Iowa State '01
Free Agents:
Jamison Brewer G 6-4 184 11/19/80 Auburn '03
Tim Hardaway G 6-0 195 9/01/66 Texas-El Paso '89
Brad Miller C 7-0 261 4/12/76 Purdue '98
Reggie Miller G 6-7 195 8/24/65 UCLA '87
Jermaine O'Neal F-C 6-11 242 10/13/78 Eau Claire HS
Erick Strickland G 6-3 210 11/25/73 Nebraska '96
|
49
|
C,
SG, BPA
|
Indiana's
first order of business in the off-season is to resign their superstar big
man Jermaine O'Neal. He'll cost them the max. And if they wont pay him someone
will. The Pacers don't have a first rounder this year, as they traded their
first rounder (21st pick) to Atlanta for Jamal Tinsley. A great trade for
the Pacers. The Pacers are coming off a tough first round series loss to
the Celtics. The team may lose all star (?) center Brad Miller to free agency.
Reggie Miller may be lost to retirement. The Pacers were able to come to
terms with one of their two young building blocks when Ron Artest signed
a deal during the season. Unfortunately for Indiana Jermaine O'Neal may
test the open market and there will likely be a number of teams interested.
At the 49th pick the team will look for depth, they will most likely look
for the best player available. |
| LA
Clippers |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Elton Brand F 6-8 265 3/11/79 Duke '01 (RFA)
Team Nucleus:
Keyon Dooling G 6-3 196 5/08/80 Missouri '02
Melvin Ely C 6-10 260 5/02/78 Fresno State '02
Tremaine Fowlkes F 6-8 220 4/11/76 Fresno State '99
Marko Jaric F 6-7 198 10/12/78 Serbia-Montenegro
Corey Maggette F-G 6-6 228 11/12/79 Duke '02 (RFA)
Andre Miller G 6-2 200 3/19/76 Utah '99 (RFA)
Lamar Odom F 6-10 221 11/06/79 Rhode Island '01 (RFA)
Cherokee Parks F-C 6-11 240 10/11/72 Duke '95
Quentin Richardson G 6-6 236 4/13/80 DePaul '02
Chris Wilcox F 6-10 221 8/03/82 Maryland '04
Free Agents:
Michael Olowokandi C 7-0 270 4/03/75 U. of Pacific '98
Eric Piatkowski G-F 6-6 215 9/30/70 Nebraska '94
Sean Rooks C 6-10 260 9/09/69 Arizona '92
Wang Zhizhi C 7-1 275 7/08/77 China |
*5,
34
|
C, PG
|
What
if.... What if the Clippers win the top pick in the draft? Would anyone
blame LeBron if he refused to play for the Clippers? Heck I'd blame him
if he did play for the Clippers. The Clippers are no place for a budding
young superstar to begin his career. Just ask Darius Miles if you don't
believe me. If the Clippers land LeBron, wouldn't that be a golden opportunity
for Donald Sterling to finally sell this team and end the misery for Clipper
fans (NBA fans)? The franchise's value would never be higher. If 18-year-olds
are bad for the NBA, what about Donald Sterling and the Clippers? Shouldn't
there be a rule that you have to at least try to field a competitive team?
Sterling continues to make money, so why stop? Some have concluded that
Sterling's strategy is masterful, as he continues recycling top level talent
without resigning players, always having exciting young talent, and a shot
at the next Jordan. And continues to make more than any other owner. But
the spirit of competition is lost. So if the Clippers finally get that superstar,
they are all of a sudden going to change and look to compete? There's no
proof that Sterling will resign that superstar talent to a max-contract.
He's never done it before. And that player probably wont want to resign,
as all the team's talent has left in front of him in the first place. The
team has also never signed a free agent of any caliber, apologies to Wang
Zhi Zhi. How bad is this organization? The team has finally assembled a
solid group of players. Andre Miller, Lamar Odom, Quentin Richardson, Corey
Maggette and Elton Brand look like a playoff team on paper. And they finish
with the 5th worst record in the league? "Clipperland" is where
talents go to waste, and losing attitudes are ingrained. Lamar Odom might
be 3 years away from a winning attitude. Juwan Howard is still reeling from
his stint in Washington. Another idea would be for the NBA and CBA to implement
Europe's rule where a team with the worst record in the league moves down
a league. The top team in the CBA could replace the Clippers next year,
and push the Clippers into the CBA where they belong.... Olowokandi is as
good as gone, and he's one player the Clippers can't be blamed for screwing
up. He was a basket case before he got there. |
| LA
Lakers |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Shaquille O'Neal C 7-1 338 3/06/72 Louisiana State '93
Kobe Bryant G 6-6 220 8/23/78 Lower Merion (PA)
Team Nucleus:
Derek Fisher G 6-1 205 8/09/74 Arkansas-Little Rock '96
Rick Fox F 6-7 235 7/24/69 North Carolina '91
Devean George F 6-8 240 8/29/77 Augsburg '99
Stanislav Medvedenko F 6-10 250 4/04/79 Ukraine
Kareem Rush G 6-6 215 10/30/80 Missouri '03
Robert Horry F 6-10 240 8/25/70 Alabama '92 (TO)
Free Agents:
Mark Madsen F 6-9 245 1/28/76 Stanford '00
Tracy Murray F 6-7 230 7/25/71 UCLA '93
Jannero Pargo G 6-1 175 9/22/79 Arkansas '02
Brian Shaw G 6-6 205 3/22/66 California-Santa Barbara '88
Samaki Walker C-F 6-9 255 2/25/76 Louisville '96
|
24,
32
|
PF, PG, SF
|
The
Lakers may be able to lure a top free agent veteren such as Karl Malone
or Gary Payton for a shot at the title. Although the glory would significantly
be diminished by the fact that they weren't integral to the team winning.
Although with the Lakers potentially losing this year, (currently down 0-2
to San Antonio) the appeal of the Lakers goes up for these players. The
Lakers needs are very simple: the positions Shaq and Kobe don't play. Small
Forward is probably in the best shape with George signed for a number of
years and Rick Fox still there. A defensive and rebounding PF is their biggest
area of need. Point Guard is also an area they'll target. Derek Fisher hasn't
been as solid as in years past, although he's definitely mastered the art
of the flop. The team has really struggled to assemble talent around Shaq
and Kobe and it's showing in their struggles in the playoffs this season.
With a solid class of PF's, it may signal the end of the Samaki Walker/Mark
Madsen era. |
| Memphis
|
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Pau Gasol F 7-0 227 7/06/80 Spain
Team Nucleus:
Robert Archibald F 6-11 250 3/29/80 Illinois '02
Shane Battier F 6-8 220 9/09/78 Duke '01
Michael Dickerson G 6-5 190 6/25/75 Arizona '98
Ryan Humphrey F 6-8 235 7/24/79 Notre Dame '02
Brevin Knight G 5-10 170 11/08/75 Stanford '97
Mike Miller G-F 6-8 218 2/19/80 Florida '02
Chris Owens F 6-7 245 3/01/79 Texas '02
Wesley Person G-F 6-6 200 3/28/71 Auburn '94
Stromile Swift CF 6-9 225 11/21/79 Louisiana State '02
Cezary Trybanski C 7-2 240 9/22/79
Earl Watson G 6-1 190 6/12/79 UCLA '01
Jason Williams G 6-1 190 11/18/75 Florida '98
Lorenzen Wright C 6-11 240 11/04/75 Memphis '98
Free Agents:
Mike Batiste F 6-8 225 11/21/77 Arizona State '99
|
(*1),
13, 27
|
C,
PG
|
The
only saving grace of the imminent loss of their lottery pick is that they
can't lose LeBron. With a protection on the top overall selection, the Grizz
have a 6.4% chance at LeBron. The Grizz are the one team that wont be able
to breathe a sigh of relief if their logo doesn't show up in the countdown
of teams leading to the top 3 in the lottery process. For other teams it
means a top 3 selection. For the Grizz it will still mean a 1 in 3 chance
at something good. Imagine that, losing a top 6 pick for 35 year old (at
the time of the trade) Otis Thorpe. Thorpe was traded back in 1997 to the
Vancouver Grizz who evidently thought they were adding the final piece to
their championship puzzle. Thorpe played one (half) season for the Grizz
before being shipped off to Washington. Somewhere in Vancouver a man walks
the streets cursing Steve Francis to this day. |
| Miami
|
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Caron Butler F 6-7 217 3/13/80 Connecticut '04 (TO)
Team Nucleus:
Brian Grant F 6-9 254 3/05/72 Xavier '94
Eddie Jones G 6-6 200 10/20/71 Temple '94
Sean Lampley F 6-7 227 9/03/79 California (TO)
Rasual Butler F 6-7 205 5/23/79 La Salle '02 (TO)
Anthony Carter G 6-2 195 6/16/75 Hawaii '98 (PO)
Free Agents:
Malik Allen F 6-10 255 6/27/78 Villanova '00 (RFA)
Travis Best G 5-11 185 7/12/72 Georgia Tech '95
LaPhonso Ellis F 6-8 240 5/05/70 Notre Dame '92 (RFA)
Eddie House G 6-1 180 5/14/78 Arizona State '00
Mike James G 6-2 188 6/23/75 Duquesne (RFA)
Ken Johnson CF 6-11 227 2/01/78 Ohio State '01 (TO)
Alonzo Mourning C 6-10 261 2/08/70 Georgetown '92
Sean Marks F/C 6-10 250 8/23/75 California '98
Vladimir Stepania C 7-1 255 5/08/76 Republic of Georgia
|
*4,
33, 53
|
C,
PG, PF
|
Oh
how the mighty have fallen. The Heat were once a powerhouse team in the
hunt for a Championship with one of the top centers in the league and a
stacked lineup. Now with a bottom 4 record in the league, their franchise
player's career cut short by a kidney ailment, they find themselves hoping
to get lucky in the lottery to find a new franchise talent. The team will
be able to add a very good player with their (top 4) pick this year. Caron
Butler is Miami's one real building block for the future. Brian Grant and
Eddie Jones never lived up to expectations nor their contracts, and are
hitting the downsides of their careers. |
| Milwaukee
|
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
See FA: Payton
Team Nucleus:
Jason Caffey F 6-8 256 6/12/73 Alabama '95
Sam Cassell G 6-3 185 11/18/69 Florida State '93
Dan Gadzuric C 6-11 240 2/02/78 UCLA '02
Marcus Haislip F 6-10 230 12/22/80 Tennessee '03
Ervin Johnson C 6-11 255 12/21/67 New Orleans '93
Toni Kukoc F 6-11 235 9/18/68 Croatia
Anthony Mason F 6-8 265 12/14/66 Tennessee State '88
Desmond Mason F-G 6-5 222 10/11/77 Oklahoma State '00
Joel Przybilla C 7-1 255 10/10/79 Minnesota '00
Michael Redd G 6-6 215 8/24/79 Ohio State '00
Tim Thomas F 6-10 240 2/26/77 Villanova '97
Free Agents:
Gary Payton G 6-4 180 7/23/68 Oregon State '90
Jamal Sampson F 6-11 251 5/15/83 California '05
|
*8,
35, 43
|
C
, PF
|
The
Bucks will have the 8th pick unless the pick (Atlanta's) winds up in the
top 3. With the 8th pick look for the Bucks to go for size. There's an outside
chance the one quality center in the draft Chris Kaman will be there at
the Bucks pick. If not look for the Bucks to go with a PF. Some options
include Lampe or Varejao, if either is still on the board, other possibilities
include Shortsianitis, or Mike Sweetney. Marcus Haislip is developing but
is still not a sure thing, therefore a PF seems like the likely pick. Gary
Payton will probably look to leave for a team with a better chance at the
finals, but he may not find the deal he's looking for. Milwaukee could end
up offering him the most and Gerorge Karl obviously would love to keep him
around. |
| Minnesota |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise Player:
Kevin Garnett F 6-11 220 5/19/76 Farragut Academy HS
Team Nucleus:
Terrell Brandon G 5-11 173 5/20/70 Oregon '91
Troy Hudson G 6-1 170 3/13/76 Southern Illinois '98
Marc Jackson F/C 6-10 270 1/16/75 Temple '97
Anthony Peeler G 6-4 208 11/25/69 Missouri '92 (RFA)
Igor Rakocevic G 6-2 184 3/29/78 Serbia-Montenegro
Joe Smith F 6-10 225 7/26/75 Maryland '95
Wally Szczerbiak G/F 6-7 244 3/05/77 Miami (Ohio) '99
Free Agents:
Kendall Gill G 6-5 215 5/25/68 Illinois '90
Felipe Lopez G 6-5 195 12/19/74 St. John's (N.Y.) '98
Radoslav Nesterovic C 7-0 248 5/30/76 Slovenia
Rod Strickland G 6-3 185 7/11/66 DePaul '89
Gary Trent F 6-8 250 9/22/74 Ohio '96
Mike Wilks G 5-10 185 5/07/79 Rice
Loren Woods C 7-1 246 6/21/78 Arizona '01 |
26,
55
|
SG,
SF, PG
|
The
Timberwolves starting lineup is decent but the team lacks depth. Rasho Nesterovic
is the teams top off-season priority. He has become one of the better centers
in the league, although he struggled against Shaq in the playoffs. The Wolves
will be without their first rounder next year due to the Joe Smith fiasco.
Troy Hudson has made a lot of believers with his performance this year and
in the playoffs. The Wolves are a team with a window of opportunity to make
solid runs with KG in the fold so they will probably look for a player that
can develop sooner rather than later. Minnesota could look to add some depth
to the SG position. |
| New
Jersey |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
See FA: Kidd
Team Nucleus:
Brandon Armstrong G 6-5 185 6/16/80 Pepperdine '01
Jason Collins C 7-0 260 12/02/78 Stanford '01
Richard Jefferson F 6-7 222 6/21/80 Arizona '01
Kerry Kittles G 6-5 180 6/12/74 Villanova '96
Kenyon Martin F 6-9 234 12/30/77 Cincinnati '00
Dikembe Mutombo C 7-2 265 6/25/66 Georgetown '91
Rodney Rogers F 6-7 255 6/20/71 Wake Forest '93
Tamar Slay G 6-8 215 4/02/80 Marshall '02 R 34 (TO)
Aaron Williams C/F 6-9 240 10/02/71 Xavier (Ohio) '93
Free Agents:
Jason Kidd G 6-4 212 3/23/73 California '96 (PO)
Lucious Harris G 6-5 205 12/18/70 Long Beach State '93
Anthony Johnson G 6-3 190 10/02/74 Charleston (SC) '97
Donny Marshall F 6-7 230 7/17/72 Connecticut '95
Brian Scalabrine F 6-9 240 3/18/78 USC '01
|
22,
51
|
C, SG, PG?
|
A
lot hinges on what happens with Jason Kidd. He will look to opt out of his
contract and test the free agent market. Although the Nets may be the only
team willing to sign him to the max. New Jersey will do everything they
can to resign their franchise player, but may be forced into a sign and
trade. The team had great success with their 24th pick of last year and
could look to go for another European prospect this year. Scouts think Nenad
Krstic would probably be a top 10 pick if he were in this draft. Should
Kidd leave in free agency, the team will have to address the PG position. |
| New
Orleans |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Baron Davis G 6-3 223 4/13/79 UCLA '01
Team Nucleus:
Courtney Alexander G 6-5 205 4/27/77 Fresno State '00 (TO)
Stacey Augmon F 6-8 213 8/01/68 Nevada-Las Vegas '91
Bryce Drew G 6-3 184 9/21/74 Valparaiso '98
Kirk Haston F 6-9 242 3/10/79 Indiana '01
George Lynch F 6-8 235 9/03/70 North Carolina '93
Jamaal Magloire C 6-11 259 5/21/78 Kentucky '00 (TO)
Jamal Mashburn F 6-8 247 11/29/72 Kentucky '94
Robert Traylor F 6-8 284 2/01/77 Michigan '99
David Wesley G 6-1 203 11/14/70 Baylor '92
Free Agents:
Kenny Anderson G 6-1 168 10/09/70 Georgia Tech '93
P.J. Brown F 6-11 239 10/14/69 Louisiana Tech '92
Jerome Moiso F 6-10 232 6/15/78 UCLA '02
Robert Pack G 6-2 190 2/03/69 USC '91 |
18,
48
|
SG,
PF, C
|
Jerome
Moiso's performance in the playoffs should earn him a few extra greenbacks.
He's far from consistent, but he probably flashed just enough potential
to peak some interest. PJ Brown will be 34 and is a free agent. The team
will have to decide how many years they want to commit to him. Jamaal Magloire
has turned into a real steal and one of the top young centers in the league.
The team will probably look for a big man with their first round pick and
will have to decide what to do with PJ and Moiso in free agency. |
| New
York |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Players:
Latrell Sprewell F-G 6-5 195 9/08/70 Alabama '92
Team Nucleus:
Shandon Anderson F 6-6 210 12/31/73 Georgia '96
Michael Doleac C 6-11 262 6/15/77 Utah '98
Howard Eisley G 6-2 180 12/04/72 Boston College '94
Othella Harrington** F-C 6-9 235 1/31/74 Georgetown '96
Allan Houston -C G 6-6 200 4/20/71 Tennessee '93
Travis Knight C 7-0 235 9/13/74 Connecticut '96
Antonio McDyess F 6-9 245 9/07/74 Alabama '97
Kurt Thomas C 6-9 235 10/04/72 Texas Christian '95
Charlie Ward G 6-2 185 10/12/70 Florida State '94 (PO)
Clarence Weatherspoon F 6-7 270 9/08/70 Southern Miss. '92
Frank Williams G 6-3 205 2/25/80 Illinois '03
Free Agents:
Lee Nailon F 6-9 238 2/22/75 Texas Christian '99
Mark Pope C-F 6-10 235 9/11/72 Kentucky '96
Lavor Postell G-F 6-5 215 2/26/78 St. John's (N.Y.) '00
|
*9,
31, 39
|
C,
PG
|
The
Knicks biggest area of need is a bigman. Especially with McDyess out for
another season. Their best hope is that center Chris Kaman will drop to
their position at 9 in the draft. However that doesn't appear likely at
this point in time. Otherwise the team may have to look at a best player
available scenario. The Knicks traded their pick for a veteran last year
giving away the 7th pick which became Nene Hilario for Antonio McDyess.
The trade backfired royally when McDyess got injured, and Nene showed great
promise as a rookie. The current Knicks management probably cannot afford
to draft a player who will take 3-4 years to develop and may be forced into
making a similar move as last year for a veteran. The Knicks pulled off
one of the draft coups with second rounder European PG Milos Vujanic, who
is best described as a "European Marbury". However, he will likely
wait another season or two before coming over to join the Knicks. The teams
top 3 players, discounting the injured McDyess, Kurt Thomas, Latrell Sprewell
and Allan Houston, are all over the age of 30. New York is heavily committed
to long term contracts on a number of players meaning there is little room
for maneuvering for the team. Besides not having the cap space to add a
free agent, the team has little to offer in trade because of the players
hefty salaries. |
| Orlando |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Tracy McGrady G 6-8 210 5/24/79 Mount Zion Academy HS
Team Nucleus:
Andrew DeClercq C 6-10 255 2/01/73 Florida '95 (TO)
Drew Gooden F 6-10 230 9/24/81 Kansas '03
Grant Hill F 6-8 225 10/05/72 Duke '94
Steven Hunter C-F 7-0 220 10/31/81 DePaul '03
Jeryl Sasser G 6-6 200 2/13/79 Southern Methodist '01
Gordan Giricek G 6-6 216 6/20/77 Croatia
Pat Garrity F 6-9 238 8/23/76 Notre Dame '98
Free Agents:
Darrell Armstrong G 6-1 180 6/22/68 Fayetteville State '91
Pat Burke C-F 6-11 250 12/14/73 Auburn '97
Shawn Kemp C-F 6-10 280 11/26/69 Concord HS (IN) '87
Olumide Oyedeji C 6-10 255 5/11/81 Nigeria
Jacque Vaughn G 6-1 190 2/11/75 Kansas '97
Chris Whitney G 6-0 175 10/05/71 Clemson '93
|
15
|
PG,
C
|
With
the 15th pick, the Magic will likely look for a PG. The draft has a number
of options at that position and the team will probably go with the best
one left at their position. Trading Mike Miller for Drew Gooden and Gordon
Giricek was a wonderful trade for this organization. Gooden is a very talented
and promising young player. Center is another area of need, but the teams
biggest area of concern is point guard, and there will be more value at
that position when they select. Some potential PG's for the team to look
at are Kirk Hinrich, Luke Ridnour, Reece Gaines, Leandrinho Barbosa and
Mo Williams. With Tracy McGrady on board, this team's future is very exciting.
Drew Gooden is another great building block. The team must continue to add
talent to that nucleus. |
| Philadelphia |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Allen Iverson G 6-0 165 6/07/75 Georgetown '98
Team Nucleus:
Greg Buckner G 6-4 210 9/16/76 Clemson '98
Samuel Dalembert C 6-11 250 5/10/81 Seton Hall '01
Aaron McKie G 6-5 209 10/02/72 Temple '94
Efthimios Rentzias C 6-11 250 1/11/76 Greece
John Salmons G 6-7 210 12/12/79 Miami (Fla.) '02
Eric Snow G 6-3 204 4/24/73 Michigan State '95
Keith Van Horn F 6-10 255 10/23/75 Utah '97
Monty Williams F 6-8 225 10/08/71 Notre Dame '94
Free Agents:
Sam Clancy F 6-7 240 5/04/80 USC '02
Derrick Coleman F 6-10 270 6/21/67 Syracuse '90
Tyrone Hill F 6-9 250 3/19/68 Xavier (Ohio) '90
Brian Skinner F 6-9 265 5/19/76 Baylor '98
Kenny Thomas F 6-7 245 7/25/77 New Mexico '99 (RFA)
|
50
|
PF, SF, C
|
Without
a first round pick the Sixers will have to decide what to do about their
frontcourt. Derrick Coleman is going on 36, so they will have to decide
if they want to bring him back next season. Kenny Thomas has proven to be
a nice role player and will take a commitment from the team to keep him.
The backcourt is in good shape but the team needs help defensively in the
frontcourt. The team would love to bring Theo Ratliff back or a Theo Ratliff
type of shotblocking/rebounder. |
| Phoenix |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Amare Stoudemire F 6-10 245 11/16/82 Cypress Creek (Orlando, FL) '06
Team Nucleus:
Tom Gugliotta F 6-10 250 12/19/69 North Carolina St. '92 (PO)
Anfernee Hardaway G-F 6-7 215 7/18/71 Memphis '93
Casey Jacobsen G-F 6-6 215 3/19/81 Stanford '03
Joe Johnson G-F 6-7 235 6/29/81 Arkansas '01
Stephon Marbury G 6-2 205 2/20/77 Georgia Tech '96
Shawn Marion F 6-7 215 5/07/78 UNLV '00
Bo Outlaw C-F 6-8 220 4/13/71 Houston '93
Jake Tsakalidis C 7-2 290 6/10/79 Greece
Free Agents:
Randy Brown G 6-2 190 5/22/68 New Mexico State '91
Alton Ford F 6-9 280 5/29/81 Houston '04
Dan Langhi F 6-11 220 11/28/77 Vanderbilt '00
Jake Voskuhl C 6-11 245 11/01/77 Connecticut '00
Scott Williams C 6-10 260 3/21/68 North Carolina '90
|
17
|
C,
SG
|
The
Suns pulled off the biggest draft coup in a number of years drafting what
Shaq dubbed, "The future of the NBA", Amare Stoudemire. The Suns
added one of the best young post players in the league last year but could
still use more size. Never has a high school player had such a dramatic
effect on a team. Jake Tsakalidis has been nothing short of a bust. However
drafting 17th and with a lack of centers, the team may be forced to go with
the best player available. Joe Johnson has begun to show some of the promise
that made him a lottery pick two years ago. The Suns were the only team
that was going to take Casey Jacobsen in the first round last year. He complements
all the great athletes on the team, but lacks the athleticism to be more
than a shooting role player. The team is committed to Penny Hardaway for
another few seasons, so his resurgence is a positive sign for the team.
They will have to keep their fingers crossed that he can stay healthy. |
| Portland |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Rasheed Wallace F 6-11 230 9/17/74 North Carolina '97
Team Nucleus:
Derek Anderson G 6-5 195 7/18/74 Kentucky '97
Dale Davis C-F 6-11 252 3/25/69 Clemson '91
Jeff McInnis G 6-4 179 10/22/74 North Carolina '97
Ruben Patterson F-G 6-5 224 7/31/75 Cincinnati '98
Zach Randolph F 6-9 253 7/16/81 Michigan State '01
Damon Stoudamire G 5-10 171 9/03/73 Arizona '95
Bonzi Wells F-G 6-5 210 9/20/76 Ball State '98
Qyntel Woods F 6-8 221 2/16/81 Northeast Mississippi CC '02
Free Agents:
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje C 7-0 257 5/20/78 Georgetown '01
Antonio Daniels G 6-4 205 3/19/75 Bowling Green '97
Arvydas Sabonis C 7-3 292 12/19/64 Lithuania
Chris Dudley C 6-11 260 2/22/65 Yale '87
Charles Smith* G 6-4 200 8/22/75 New Mexico '97
Scottie Pippen G-F 6-8 228 9/25/65 Central Arkansas '87
|
23,
54
|
C,
PG
|
The
Blazers have some decisions to make regarding their team nucleus. There
will definitely be some offers put on the table and the Blazers will have
an opportunity to blow this team up like Ben Wallace's afro, if that's the
direction they want to go. The Blazers have become the NBA's version of
the 70's Raiders. Can't make it elsewhere because of off-the-court-issues?
Hey welcome to Portland! Management has publicly said that they are tired
of the negative image and are committed to cleaning up their act... What
you mean no more "Jail Blazer" jokes? Well on the positive side,
it wouldn't seem possible to unload all the problem cases on this team in
one offseason. So the Blazer gaffes aren't likely to end. Sigh of relief...
(Insert Jail Blazer joke here) ... In a released statement, team spokesman
Ruben Patterson has revealed that instead of the National Anthem at the
Rose Garden next season, Trail Blazers games will begin with the Cops theme
song.... The Blazers have stockpiled a lot of talent and may eventually
have to choose between Zach Randolph and Rasheed Wallace. Wallace has almost
7 years on Randolph but is still in the prime of his career and the Blazers
franchise talent. He might not net his worth in a trade because of the character
issues. The one real positive is that his anger management problems seem
to be under control which is probably a sign that he is maturing. The Blazers
have had a deep team for a number of years and their philosophy of drafting
young talent has been very effective in recent years. The Blazers will most
likely look for the best player available at their pick. |
| Sacramento |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Mike Bibby G 6-1 190 5/13/78 Arizona '00
Team Nucleus:
Doug Christie G-F 6-6 205 5/09/70 Pepperdine '92
Vlade Divac C 7-1 260 2/03/68 Serbia-Montenegro
Lawrence Funderburke F 6-9 230 12/15/70 Ohio State '94
Bobby Jackson G 6-1 185 3/13/73 Minnesota '97 5 22
Scot Pollard F/C 6-11 265 2/12/75 Kansas '97
Predrag Stojakovic F 6-10 229 6/09/77 Serbia-Montenegro
Hidayet Turkoglu F-G 6-10 220 3/19/79 Turkey
Gerald Wallace F 6-7 215 7/23/82 Alabama '01
Chris Webber F 6-10 245 3/01/73 Michigan '95
Free Agents:
Mateen Cleaves G 6-2 205 9/07/77 Michigan State '00
Keon Clark C-F 6-11 221 4/16/75 Nevada-Las Vegas '98 (PO)
Jim Jackson G/F 6-6 220 10/14/70 Ohio State '93
Damon Jones G 6-3 185 8/25/76 Houston '97
Brent Price G 6-1 185 12/09/68 Oklahoma '92
|
25,
56
|
BPA, C, SG
|
Vlade
Divac only has a year or two left in the tank. Keon Clark can opt out of
his contract although if he waits a year, the competition among free agents
wont be as stiff and he will probably hit a much bigger payday. The Kings
will have to decide what they want to do with the freakishly athletic Keon
Clark. The Kings might want to figure out a solid 9 players to go with because
right now they are prime targets for the Charlotte franchise when the supplemental
draft takes place. The Kings go 10-11 quality players deep easily. Jimmy
Jackson has been a wonderful pickup for the team, but he's approaching the
downside of his career like Doug Christie and probably wont be given a long
contract by the team. Shooting Guard is another position the team could
look at with Christie possibly being phased out in the next couple of seasons.
Turkoglu is probably the SG of the future, but the team could look for some
insurance at the position. A European pick here appears likely as it would
allow them to stash the player overseas until both sides are ready. The
team will be able to shed their two unused PG's Cleaves and Price this offseason.
Geoff Petrie traded away Jon Barry for Mateen Cleaves two years back proving
that he is human. |
| San
Antonio |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
See FA (Duncan)
Team Nucleus:
Bruce Bowen F 6-7 200 6/14/71 Cal State Fullerton '93
Emanuel Ginobili G 6-6 210 7/28/77 Argentina
Tony Parker G 6-2 180 5/17/82 France
Malik Rose F 6-7 255 11/23/74 Drexel '96
Free Agents:
Mengke Bateer C 6-11 290 11/20/75 China
Speedy Claxton G 5-11 166 5/08/78 Hofstra '00
Tim Duncan F/C 7-0 260 4/25/76 Wake Forest '97 (PO)
Stephen Jackson G/F 6-8 220 4/05/78 Oak Hill (VA)
Steve Kerr G 6-1 180 9/27/65 Arizona '88
Steve Smith G 6-8 221 3/31/69 Michigan State '91
Danny Ferry F 6-10 235 10/17/66 Duke '89
Kevin Willis C 7-0 245 9/06/62 Michigan State '84
|
28
|
SF, SG, C
|
It
seems like the Spurs entire team comes up for free agency this year. Tim
Duncan can opt out of his contract and test the open market. But word out
of San Antonio is he is happy there and may decide not to even opt out.
The Spurs are one of the few teams that have the cap space to go out and
grab one of the marquee free agents and Jason Kidd could be had if the team
is willing to give him the max. Because of Kidd's age, there probably are
just a few teams willing to sign him through the age of 37. The Spurs have
hit a few European jackpots the last few years with Parker and Ginobili
and are in position to add another with the second to the last pick in the
first round. Besides Duncan, the team's real core is signed, and the team
can pick and choose some quality players to add in free agency if they don't
go all out for a Jason Kidd. A center is also a possibility to replace Robinson.
Because they have so many free agents, figuring out their team needs is
tough. The Spurs probably will look to add some size, but could also go
for the best player available if a perimeter player to their liking is available. |
| Seattle
|
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Players:
Ray Allen G 6-5 205 7/20/75 Connecticut '96
Team Nucleus:
Brent Barry G 6-6 203 12/31/71 Oregon State '95
Calvin Booth C 6-11 231 5/07/76 Penn State '99
Predrag Drobnjak C 6-11 272 10/27/75 Serbia-Montenegro
Joseph Forte G 6-4 194 3/23/81 North Carolina '03
Jerome James C 7-1 272 11/17/75 Florida A&M '98
Rashard Lewis F 6-10 215 8/08/79 Alief Elsik HS (TX) '98
Vitaly Potapenko F/C 6-10 285 3/21/75 Wright State '97
Vladimir Radmanovic F 6-10 234 11/19/80 Serbia-Montenegro
Ansu Sesay F 6-9 225 7/29/76 Mississippi '98 (TO)
Free Agents:
Elden Campbell C 7-0 279 7/23/68 Clemson '90
Reggie Evans F 6-8 245 5/18/80 Iowa '02
Ronald Murray G 6-4 190 7/29/79 Shaw '02
Kevin Ollie G 6-2 195 12/27/72 Connecticut '95
|
*12,
14
|
PF,
PG, C
|
Seattle's
biggest need is in the middle with a solid bigman. They are also in need
of a point guard. With the 12th and 14 picks the team can target both. The
Sonics will have their choice between a number of solid power forwards.
The team is in solid shape at the 2 and 3 positions where they have Ray
Allen and Rashard Lewis, the teams two big guns, plus 2 other valuable core
guys in Barry and Radmanovic. The team could look to resign aging Elden
Campbell or Reggie Evans to bolster their frontcourt. |
| Toronto |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Vince Carter G/F 6-6 225 1/26/77 North Carolina '99
Team Nucleus:
Michael Bradley F 6-10 230 4/18/79 Villanova '01
Antonio Davis F/C 6-9 230 10/31/68 Texas-El Paso '90
Lindsey Hunter G 6-2 195 12/03/70 Jackson State '93
Chris Jefferies F 6-8 225 2/13/80 Fresno State '03
Eric Montross C 7-0 270 9/23/71 North Carolina '94
Lamond Murray F 6-7 235 4/20/73 California '95
Morris Peterson F 6-7 215 8/26/77 Michigan State '00
Alvin Williams G 6-5 190 8/06/74 Villanova '97
Jerome Williams F 6-9 225 5/10/73 Georgetown '96
Free Agents:
Rafer Alston G 6-2 175 7/24/76 Fresno State '98
Maceo Baston F 6-9 215 5/29/75 Michigan '98
Voshon Lenard G 6-4 205 5/14/73 Minnesota '95
Jelani McCoy C 6-10 255 12/06/77 UCLA '99
Mamadou N'diaye C 7-0 255 6/16/75 Auburn '00
|
*3,
52
|
C,
PG
|
The
Raptors are in a position to add a top 5 pick and some help for Vince Carter.
Antonio Davis is going on 35, and the team will need to address it's aging
frontcourt and this might be the year to do it. Is Alvin Williams the answer
at PG for this team? There is definitely room for an upgrade. Can Mo Peterson
be a strong starter? A solid PG, maybe, but not a big winner by himself.
Right now the Carter, Williams, Peterson backcourt isn't working out. A
PG such as TJ Ford would work very well with Vince Carter. |
| Utah
|
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
See FA: (Malone)
Team Nucleus:
John Amaechi C 6-10 270 11/26/70 Penn State '95
Curtis Borchardt C 7-0 240 9/13/80 Stanford '03
Jarron Collins C 6-11 255 12/02/78 Stanford '01
Matt Harpring F 6-7 231 5/31/76 Georgia Tech '98
Andrei Kirilenko F 6-9 225 2/18/81 Russia
Raul Lopez G 6-0 160 4/15/80 Spain
Greg Ostertag C 7-2 280 3/06/73 Kansas '95
DeShawn Stevenson G 6-5 210 4/03/81 Washington Union HS (CA) '04
Free Agents:
Carlos Arroyo G 6-2 202 7/30/79 Florida International '01
Calbert Cheaney G-F 6-7 217 7/17/71 Indiana '93
Mark Jackson G 6-3 195 4/01/65 St. John's (N.Y.) '87
Karl Malone F 6-9 256 7/24/63 Louisiana Tech '86
Tony Massenburg C-F 6-9 250 7/13/67 Maryland '90
Scott Padgett F 6-9 240 4/19/76 Kentucky '99 |
19,
47
|
PG,
C, PF
|
Karl
Malone has a dilemma on his hands. Which is more important, a championship
ring or the all-time scoring title? And is there a place where he can achieve
both? Utah is a place that he can achieve the scoring title, but obviously
he would lose any chance of winning a championship. So will he compromise
the scoring title in the name of a ring and join the Lakers? Will the ring
be as meaningful if he joins the Lakers and rides Shaq and Kobe's coat tails
to a title? Stockton has unofficially announced his retirement, marking
the end of an amazing era. Which seemed to have been lost on Jazz fans when
they forgot to give Stockton and Malone the ovation they deserved for their
last home game and which they received two nights later from Sacramento
Kings fans. DeShawn Stevenson is likely on the way out after being suspended
heading into the playoffs for "detrimental behavior". With Stockton
and Malone's contracts up, the team is in great shape to add some free agents
and could look to add Andre Miller, who played at Utah in college, although
the Clippers may sign each of their 4 restricted free agents to qualifying
one year deals, meaning they would have to wait a year for him. |
| Washington |
Nucleus |
Picks
|
Needs
|
Outlook |
|
|
Franchise
Player:
Kwame Brown F 6-11 248 3/10/82 Glynn Academy HS (GA) '05
Team Nucleus:
Juan Dixon G 6-3 164 10/09/78 Maryland '02
Brendan Haywood C 7-0 268 11/27/79 North Carolina '01
Larry Hughes G 6-5 184 1/23/79 St. Louis '01
Jared Jeffries F 6-11 230 11/25/81 Indiana '04
Christian Laettner F 6-11 245 8/17/69 Duke '92
Etan Thomas PF/C 6-10 260 4/01/78 Syracuse '00
Jahidi White F 6-9 290 2/19/76 Georgetown '98
Free Agents:
Jerry Stackhouse G 6-6 218 11/05/74 North Carolina '97 (PO)
Tyronn Lue G 6-0 178 5/03/77 Nebraska '98
Bryon Russell F 6-7 225 12/31/70 Long Beach State '93 (TO)
Charles Oakley F 6-9 248 12/18/63 Virginia Union '85
Bobby Simmons G-F 6-6 235 6/02/80 DePaul 01'
|
*10,
38
|
SG, C, PG
|
After
axing Jordan, the team should just go back to calling themselves the Bullets,
because it's back to square one for this struggling franchise. MJ is gone,
and the team will hope to rebuild with a pick in the late lottery. Jerry
Stackhouse will likely opt out of his contract so the team will have to
decide whether to resign him or go after another free agent(s). Kwame Brown
is still going through growing pains and some are wondering if he has what
it takes to ever make it in this league. He is young and the learning curve
is steep for a HS player, however when a player is taken with the top pick
in the draft, they are expected to start to contribute before their first
contract runs out. Two years in he has contributed nothing. The forward
positions are where the team has addressed in the draft the past couple
seasons, so the team will have to hope that those players continue to develop.
Basically this team is a mess, and it's probably a blessing for Jordan to
be out of there. It's almost a lock that they will be among the worst 3-5
teams in the league next year. |
