http://www.nba.com/preview2005/gmsurvey_moves.html Here's the full survey the NBA gave to the GM's around the league.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting YayAreaFanatic:</div><div class="quote_post">http://www.nba.com/preview2005/gmsurvey_moves.html Here's the full survey the NBA gave to the GM's around the league.</div> Thanks YAF. I think they forgot to include the most important part of the survey on which rookies could make an immediate impact right off the bat. I'd watch out for Danny Granger of the Pacers, Francisco Garcia of the Kings, Deron Williams of the Jazz, Andrew Bogut teamed up with TJ Ford and Jamal Magloire, Charlie V could be something, and other rooks on a playoff team.
Glad to see that the rest of the league is expecting a big turn around from the Warriors as well. When I was talking to one of the Maloof brothers (I forget which one it was haha) he told me that he thinks the Warriors are going to be real good. I was like "good enough to surpass the Kings?" and he replied "I wouldn't go that far!"
So, um, Rudeezy, if you run into the Maloofs again can you tell them to consider buying the Warriors from Cohan? Either that or fly down to Dallas and seek out this guy: Anyway, I definitely favor the Kings to give us a run for our money in the Pacific.
Also I forgot to mention that the Clippers could be something this year with Cassell, Mobley, Magette, Brand and Kaman if they all learn to share the ball. Decent backcourt + Big man inside + promising center that can score with either hand and is big and athletic (problem: low basketball I.Q.).
Whoa, the GM's ranked Monta Ellis as the FIFTH rookie most likely to be the best player from this draft class in five years! BUT, these same GM's say Martynaus Andriuskevicius is the international rookie who is fourth most ready to contribute this season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">Whoa, the GM's ranked Monta Ellis as the FIFTH rookie most likely to be the best player from this draft class in five years! BUT, these same GM's say Martynaus Andriuskevicius is the international rookie who is fourth most ready to contribute this season.</div> Heh, that tells a lot about this year's international class. Actually, in last year, Biedrins was 3rd most ready to contribute, so international pool really has dried up. Mmm... Monta got one vote as the best rookie in 5 years, but he got no vote as a sleeper...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">Whoa, the GM's ranked Monta Ellis as the FIFTH rookie most likely to be the best player from this draft class in five years! BUT, these same GM's say Martynaus Andriuskevicius is the international rookie who is fourth most ready to contribute this season.</div> Are they serious? I guess they must believe the hype that Marty is the second coming of Ardvyas Sabonis. I thought that was reserved for Andrew Bogut, but oh well. To each his own. I believe Marty will be good once he physically develops, but if he doesn't we're looking at Shawn Bradley only better attitude and longer neck and not as good of a shotblocker. He's got some skill, but he's just so weak and young. The guy can't even lift half his own weight whereas a more physical player like Andris Biedrins or Pau Gasol have no problem with this. Marty plays more like a face-up power forward that can pass than he does a center. There were flashes where he was Euro-Shaq, but consistency and the fact he was physically underdevelpoed had led some to believe he would really be the next Shawn Bradley type of disappointment if he was drafted high.
