http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/2515652 Cavaliers grab athletic Hickson at No. 19 Thursday, June 26, 2008 09:36 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) - LeBron James just got a young, athletic teammate. The Cleveland Cavaliers gave superstar James a capable running mate when they selected North Carolina State forward J.J. Hickson with the 19th overall selection in Thursday's NBA draft. James, who led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals two seasons ago, has been clamoring for a more up-tempo squad. Cleveland's lack of strength and athleticism up front was exposed in a seven-game loss to the Boston Celtics in last month's conference semifinals, forcing James to be a one-man show. Hickson could help change all that. Hickson burst onto the scene in his first collegiate game, making all 12 of his shots en route to scoring 31 points against William & Mary on November 15. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds, posting 10 double-doubles last season. After the Cavaliers traded Drew Gooden at February's deadline for deals, they lacked a back-to-the basket threat. They'll get that in Hickson, who is a great finisher around the rim and usually is active in the paint. But the 19-year-old Hickson needs to develop more range, which another year in school may have helped.
I'm actually quite pleased with the Ryan Anderson pick. I saw him play a few times, the last game being against JR Giddens and New Mexico, and liked what I saw.
http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/2515654 Bobcats opt for Ajinca with No. 20 pick Thursday, June 26, 2008 09:36 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) - After selecting one of the smallest players in the draft with his first pick, Michael Jordan went with one of the tallest with his next selection. The Charlotte Bobcats continued to push the envelope with their second pick in the first round, tabbing 7-footer Alexis Ajinca of France with the No. 20 overall pick. Jordan made a curious move by selecting 5-11 D.J. Augustin at No. 11 and followed it up by opting for a player who may not be NBA-ready. Ajinca only played 10.8 minutes per game in the French ProA league last season, averaging 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds. At age 20, Ajinca is still young and has tremendous upside to be a consistent contributor in a year or two. With a wingspan of over 7 1/2 feet, Ajinca is very athletic for a big man but needs to get stronger and add some weight to help out his rebounding ability, especially in the NBA. Certainly not a go-to scorer, Ajinca has shown the ability to make mid-range jumpers, but he needs to develop more post moves.
Chutney, the special lettering in Hyères-Toulon Var Basket won't stay when the post is edited. I noticed that fault in the forums weeks ago.
Anderson can play like a SF, as someone else said, he's like a slightly taller Mike Miller. but wow, I feel bad for Arthur.
This just in: a new contender to face holder Andrea Bargnani for the title of girliest name in the NBA.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (soul driver @ Jun 26 2008, 09:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Anderson can play like a SF, as someone else said, he's like a slightly taller Mike Miller. but wow, I feel bad for Arthur.</div> And he dont look like he belongs in the WNBA
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Denny Crane @ Jun 26 2008, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Utah drafted a white guy. What's up with that?</div> Not as racist as Dick Vitale.
Didn't Darrell Arthur cancel a lot of workouts? Or am I wrong? If he did, no wonder he fell all the way to 24.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Jun 26 2008, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Thanks M. Anybody else like the Courtney Lee pick?</div> Yes. Very much so. Can make an immediate impact.
So far the Nets are the winners on the draft night. (with lopez and the trade) Wonder who the C's will take?
Wow for such a crappy draft, there are some interesting things going on here. It's like wow, why did you do that!? There better be a trade. Somebody's got to go for Donte Green soon.
