|
Mejia's NBA mock draft
By Tony Mejia
SportsLine.com staff
|
|
June 27, 2001
Cleveland GM Jim Paxson may have said it best when he gave a piece of advice to those putting together a mock draft.
Don't.
Paxson's friendly advice would help save the trouble of trying to decipher one of the toughest drafts in quite some time. It all starts at the top, where I'm convinced Michael Jordan will make a move. The question is, with whom? Different scenarios have been floating in with more intensity leading up to the festivities, which get underway at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. And the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis/Vancouver Grizzlies have already beaten Jordan to the punch, with star forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim returning to his home state for the No. 3 selection, power forward Lorenzen Wright and guard Brevin Knight.
The ball is now in Jordan's court as he chooses whether to keep the top pick and take Kwame Brown, send it to his former team in exchange for the fourth pick and last year's No. 4 pick Marcus Fizer, or deal with Golden State for picks No. 5 and 14 and a frontcourt player.
The trade festivities have started off with a bang, but it is just the beginning. Look for a ton of moves to take place before, during and after the first round. David Stern will stroll to the podium and announce "There's been a trade..." on more than one occasion, with stars like Gary Payton and Stephon Marbury joining Abdur-Rahim in cross-country moves. Don't pencil in your favorite team's selection until about a week after this draft ends. You never know who could be picking for whom.
| Pick |
Team |
Player |
Ht |
Pos |
School |
| 1. |
Washington |
Kwame Brown |
6-11 |
F |
Glynn Academy (Ga.) |
| Brown has seen his stock skyrocket and has had great workouts everywhere he's been. He'll be the top pick, but who knows where he'll begin his rookie season. If both Rodney White and Jamaal Tinsley are nabbed by Golden State, a deal could send the first prep top pick to the Warriors. |
| 2. |
L.A. Clippers |
Tyson Chandler |
7-0 |
F |
Dominguez HS (Calif.) |
| G.M. Elgin Baylor has stated that he has no intention dealing Michael Olowokandi, the top pick in the 1999 Draft. Combine that with his fascination with Chandler, an in-state product, and you have your selection. Chandler, who many compare to Rasheed Wallace, is a versatile forward added to a roster that already includes Lamar Odom and Darius Miles in the forward slots. This team is putting together quite a stable. |
| 3. |
Atlanta |
Pau Gasol |
7-1 |
F |
F.C. Barcelona |
| The Hawks will make this pick for Vancouver/Memphis as the main piece in the acquisition of Shareef Abdur-Rahim. The Grizzlies begin their new endeavors with a brand new look, which includes a 7-1 small forward they thought highly enough of to deal the franchise's all-time leading scorer for. Gasol is an intriguing prospect, but if he doesn't pan out, this could become one of the all-time draft blunders. |
| 4. |
Chicago |
Eddy Curry |
6-11 |
C |
Thornwood HS (Chicago) |
| Jerry Krause, who was visibly unhappy with losing out in the lottery, would be jumping up and down if his top choice slips here. If the Bulls were to trade up for Washington's top pick, Curry would likely be the guy. Chicago would love to keep the prep center close to home and develop him next to Elton Brand. For his part, Curry has stated that while he wouldn't mind sticking around town, it would be disappointing if he's still around after three selections are made. |
| 5. |
Golden State |
Eddie Griffin |
6-9 |
F |
Seton Hall |
| Griffin's behavioral baggage is overblown. The 6-9 forward has exquisite skills and may end up as this draft's most dominant player. He'll form a nice tandem with Antawn Jamison down the road. If Golden State nabs White here, expect a trade with Washington to go down. White didn't impress the Warrior brain trust as much as Griffin did, so they would likely be selecting for the Wizards. |
| 6. |
Vancouver |
Rodney White |
6-9 |
F |
Charlotte |
| The Grizzlies were probably set to take the gamble on Sagana Diop, the raw 7-footer who seems to be considered as a draft prize or bust, depending on who you ask. But with White available, those plans have to change. White would join a list of forwards that include Gasol, the newly acquired Wright and last year's second pick Stromile Swift, giving the Grizz quite the young arsenal. |
| 7. |
New Jersey |
Shane Battier |
6-8 |
F |
Duke |
| The Nets were also in the Diop sweepstakes, but can't afford to pass on Battier, who drops right into their lap and immediately makes Keith Van Horn expendable. Battier wanted a good fit, and gets his wish, joining a frontline that already features last year's top pick, Kenyon Martin. |
| 8. |
Cleveland |
Jason Richardson |
6-6 |
G |
Michigan State |
| Cleveland is thrilled to add Richardson, the player it coveted most, to the fold. While Arkansas' Joe Johnson would've been a welcome addition, John Lucas begins his tenure with the top shooting guard in the draft. This, despite his shooting problems, which can be rectified.
|
| 9. |
Detroit |
Loren Woods |
7-1 |
C |
Arizona |
| The Pistons should be in good shape with the ninth selection, where President Joe Dumars expect to nab a solid athletic swingman or a center to build around. Despite Johnson's availability, expect Detroit to choose between the top two collegiate centers available, Haywood or Loren Woods. Both have worked out extensively for Detroit and each have attributes that could help the club. This decision will likely be a toss-up. |
| 10. |
Boston |
DeSagana Diop |
7-0 |
C |
Oak Hill Academy (Va.) |
| Boston ends up claiming Diop, hoping he's the long-awaited answer in the middle. Although super raw, Diop has a ready-made frame and the ability to get up and down the court to fit Boston's up-tempo pace. He'll rebound and block shots and could eventually end up being the steal the Celtics originally planned to get at this spot by selecting Gasol. |
| 11. |
Boston |
Troy Murphy |
6-10 |
F |
Notre Dame |
| The Celtics may wind up using this pick as trade bait to grab Gasol, but if they keep it, they can choose from a host of big men would also remain available. Expect Boston to go for Murphy, who has really opened eyes in personal workouts, elevating his stock. Talk of the Celts taking JUCO star Kedrick Brown with this pick has been vehemently denied by Wallace, who as of earlier this week had not even had him in for a workout. |
| 12. |
Seattle |
Brendan Haywood |
7-0 |
C |
North Carolina |
| With key players Gary Payton, Vin Baker and Patrick Ewing possibly gone, it is hard to tell what the Sonics are going to do. Logic says they will seek out size. Seattle will also look hard at Jamaal Tinsley and Omar Cook as possible replacements for Payton if they do ship him out. Expect the draft choice to tip GM Wally Walker's hand. For now, the safest choice is Haywood, who could immediately step in and help clog the middle considering Ewing definitely won't be back. |
| 13. |
Houston |
Vladimir Radmanovic |
6-10 |
F |
Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Yugoslavia) |
| The Rockets would love Radmanovic and many teams have joined them in that sentiment. Radmanovic was one of most talked about players at Chicago's pre-draft camp, shining in individual workouts after electing not to participate in the event. The versatile European has one of the draft's best jump shots and moves like a guard. He could potentially play three positions in the NBA and is being compared to the Kings' Peja Stojakovic, only bigger. |
| 14. |
Golden State |
Jamaal Tinsley |
6-1 |
G |
Iowa State |
| The Warriors take a flier on Tinsley, but again, will they keep him? If they do, he'll fit in nicely as an apprentice behind Mookie Blaylock for at least a season and be the point guard of the future. But don't forget, Jordan tabbed Tinsley as a great talent early, and his passing and ball-handling wizardry, excuse the pun, would help fill seats in Washington if Jordan opts to stay in retirement. Either scenario is feasible, and the draft's first point guard is taken earlier than expected. |
| 15. |
Orlando |
Steven Hunter |
6-11 |
C |
DePaul |
| Orlando would love to add Hunter, who would instantly boost their athleticism in the middle and help out defensively, an area of weakness for the team and the lanky shot-blocker's specialty. Other options include Villanova's Michael Bradley and Michigan State's Zach Randolph, but both are on the slow side and not known for their defensive prowess. |
| 16. |
Charlotte |
Joe Johnson |
6-8 |
F |
Arkansas |
| The Hornets put an end to Johnson's slide by taking him here, hoping he'll develop into a solid off guard and terrific defender. With Eddie Robinson also on board, Paul Silas now has the ability to plug in a pair of big wings and play the same up-tempo pressing style that got them to the Eastern Conference semis. Joseph Forte and Richard Jefferson are also options if Charlotte chooses to let Johnson slip further. |
| 17. |
Toronto |
Zach Randolph |
6-9 |
F/C |
Michigan State |
| The Raptors are focused on picking up a big body to add to a frontcourt that is in transition. Left with Randolph, Bradley and Stanford's Jason Collins as choices, Toronto goes with Randolph, the player its been most linked to. Toronto had success with Michigan State product Morris Peterson last season and are intrigued by Randolph, whose mammoth frame and soft hands could make him an impressive low-post force. |
| 18. |
Houston |
Richard Jefferson |
6-7 |
G/F |
Arizona |
| Surprised that both of their top targets are still available, the Rockets grab the lanky Jefferson as a bargain at No. 18. Jefferson give the Rockets an option if Shandon Anderson decides to bolt and fits the up-tempo style Rudy Tomjanovich is trying to create with Steve Francis at the helm. Bradley, a player Houston was impressed with in workouts, continues his slide.
|
| 19. |
Portland |
Kedrick Brown |
6-9 |
F |
Okaloosa-Walton CC (Fla.) |
| The Blazers are also reportedly interested in Brown, with sources saying Boston may take him at No. 11 and then deal him here in a pre-arranged move. Then again, with so many rumors surrounding Brown, who knows what to believe. With Bradley and Collins still available, Portland could also go in that direction. |
| 20. |
Cleveland |
Michael Bradley |
6-10 |
F |
Villanova |
| Bradley's availability is a pleasant surprise for Cleveland, who can never have too much quality depth up front, especially with Zyrdunas Ilgauskas around. The Cavs could end Joseph Forte's slide as well, but if they add Richardson with their first pick, there really wouldn't be a reason to. |
| 21. |
Boston |
Omar Cook |
6-1 |
G |
St. John's |
| The Celtics hope Cook or Tinsley will be available with this pick and get their wish. Cook has been impressive in pre-draft camps and workouts due to his ability to run a team. With gunners like Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker on board, he won't have to force the action like he did at St. John's. |
| 22. |
Orlando |
Joseph Forte |
6-3 |
G |
North Carolina |
| The Magic probably won't be making this pick, and if they do, it won't be for themselves. Talk of the Knicks or Nuggets moving up to this spot has been widespread, but with a player of Forte's caliber available, Orlando could have many suitors willing to take this selection off their hands. |
| 23. |
Houston |
Jason Collins |
6-11 |
C |
Stanford |
| The Rockets need frontcourt help, so Collins' availability suits them well. However, there is also talk that they would rather not add three picks to the roster, while the Knicks would love to move into the first round and add Seton Hall's Samuel Dalembert. That move could take place here. |
| 24. |
Utah |
Jeryl Sasser |
6-7 |
G |
SMU |
| Sasser is an intriguing prospect, harboring point guard skills in a lanky 6-7 frame. He proved his versatility in Chicago and would provide a great change of pace for any team's lineup. He gets the opportunity to learn from of the top point guards ever, and practically ensures that Jacque Vaughn won't be back. Utah could also choose to go big, taking a crack at 7-foot shot-blockers Alvin Jones and Dalembert. |
| 25. |
Sacramento |
Jeff Trepagnier |
6-4 |
G |
Southern Cal |
| Trepagnier is arguably the draft's top athlete, with his superior agility overcoming many fundamental flaws in his game. Sacramento can use a talented young off guard with Nick Anderson and Doug Christie both free agents. Austin Peay's Trenton Hassell will also be looked at, as will France's Tony Parker and Arizona's Gilbert Arenas. |
| 26. |
Philadelphia |
Samuel Dalembert |
6-11 |
C |
Seton Hall |
| Dalembert is not an offensive threat whatsoever. At least he wasn't in college. But with a wingspan of close to eight feet and the ability to get down the court as quick as most guards, he'll have a home in this league for many years. The idea of bringing him off the bench to give Dikembe Mutombo breaks without having the interior defense suffer is an alluring prospect. |
| 27. |
Vancouver |
Trenton Hassell |
6-5 |
G |
Austin Peay |
| Hassell has great potential, combining impressive athleticism with a fluid game that made him the top player in the underrated OVC. He could be a great asset as a scorer and defender off the bench for the new-look Grizzlies, backing up Michael Dickerson. |
| 28. |
San Antonio |
Tony Parker |
6-2 |
G |
Paris Basket Racing (France) |
| Parker has moved steadily up the charts in this year's draft and is considered the third best point available. Only 19, he's extremely quick and runs an offense with a poise that belies his age. His biggest attribute, at least when compared with the point guards in this class, is his shooting ability. He's very adept at stopping and popping. |
Second round
| Pick |
Team |
Player |
Ht |
Pos |
School |
| 30. |
Chicago |
Gilbert Arenas |
6-3 |
G |
Arizona |
| 31. |
Golden State |
Ken Johnson |
6-11 |
C |
Ohio State |
| 32. |
Orlando |
Terence Morris |
6-9 |
F |
Maryland |
| 33. |
Vancouver |
Kirk Haston |
6-10 |
F |
Indiana |
| 34. |
Atlanta |
Alvin Jones |
6-11 |
C |
Georgia Tech |
| 35. |
New Jersey |
Gerald Wallace |
6-7 |
F/G |
Alabama |
| 36. |
Cleveland |
Ousmane Cisse |
6-8 |
F |
St. Jude HS (Ala.) |
| 37. |
Philadelphia |
Antonis Fotsis |
6-9 |
G/F |
Panathinaikos (Greece) |
| 38. |
Detroit |
Alton Ford |
6-9 |
F |
Houston |
| 39. |
New York |
Brian Scalabrine |
6-10 |
F |
Southern Cal |
| 40. |
Seattle |
Maurice Evans |
6-5 |
G |
Texas |
| 41. |
Indiana |
Will Solomon |
6-1 |
G |
Clemson |
| 42. |
Seattle |
Benjamin Eze |
6-10 |
F/C |
Coll. of Southern Idaho |
| 43. |
New York |
Rashad Phillips |
5-11 |
G |
Detroit |
| 44. |
Dallas |
Mehmet Okur |
6-10 |
F/C |
Efes Pilsen (Turkey) |
| 45. |
Chicago |
Michael Wright |
6-7 |
F |
Arizona |
| 46. |
Minnesota |
Eric Chenowith |
7-2 |
C |
Kansas |
| 47. |
Denver |
Jamison Brewer |
6-5 |
G |
Auburn |
| 48. |
Vancouver |
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje |
7-1 |
C |
Georgetown |
| 49. |
Miami |
Damone Brown |
6-9 |
F |
Syracuse |
| 50. |
Portland |
Kimani Ffriend |
6-11 |
C |
Nebraska |
| 51. |
Phoenix |
Kenny Satterfield |
6-1 |
G |
Cincinnati |
| 52. |
Milwaukee |
Andre Hutson |
6-8 |
F |
Michigan State |
| 53. |
Utah |
Calvin Bowman |
6-11 |
F/C |
West Virginia |
| 54. |
Dallas |
Jarron Collins |
6-10 |
F/C |
Stanford |
| 55. |
Sacramento |
Robertas Javtokas |
6-10 |
F |
Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania) |
| 56. |
San Antonio |
Sean Lampley |
6-7 |
F |
California |
| 57. |
Philadelphia |
Lee Scruggs |
6-11 |
F |
Georgetown |
| 58. |
San Antonio |
Earl Watson |
6-1 |
G |
UCLA |
|
|
|