The 1998 draft was loaded with very talented NBA players. There were future All Stars in Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Rashard Lewis, and Antwan Jamison, then other stars in Mike Bibby, Larry Hughes, Al Harrington, and Ricky Davis. Since I liked this draft so much, and love the amount of talent in it, I have decided to redo 1998's draft lottery. I will not be drafting based on team needs, just strictly on how the players have preformed in there NBA careers. So here we go!1) Los Angeles Clippers-Dirk NowitzkiThis one was real tough, Dirk and Vince are both worthy canidates for the number one overall pick here. Ultimitaley it came down to who would I rather build my franchise around Dirk, or Vince? Knowing all the troubles that Vince brought to Toronto, I went with Dirk because he has been the leader of one of the most succesful dynasties in this era, and is a MVP canidate year in and year out.2) Memphis Grizzlies-Vince CarterVince Carter could easily be the number one pick in many drafts, but if you see the reasoning for my number one choice, I had to slide him into the number two spot.3) Denver Nuggets-Paul PiercePaul Pierce has been one of the most productive players in basketball since he was drafted. He was also a Co-Captain of an Eastern Confrence playoff team last year, and is an anual All Star. Pierce is a good guy to build a team around because he is a good presence in the locker room and on the court, and a very good citizcen. 4) Toronto Raptors-Mike BibbyUnfortunately for Mike, he has never made an All Star game. Although he has been snubbed of a playoff spot year after year, he has managed to rank amongst the league's elite point guards. He has been within the league leaders in assists plenty of years, and is one of the better scoring point guards in the league. His playoff numbers boast well for him, and he has also played for the US National team several times.5) Golden State Warriors-Antwan JamisonAnother tough choice here, this pick could have easily been Rashard Lewis. Antwan is a very tough player to guard because of his size, and ability to put the ball on the floor. Most guys that are quick, and athletic enough to cover him, end up getting beat by his toughness and strength. Antwan has put up some good numbers in his career, with numerous 20 point years, to go along with his 2005 All Star game nomination.6) Dallas Mavericks-Rashard LewisRaw Lew can light up an NBA score board. At 6'10 he can shoot over almost any wing in the league, but you can't stick a big on him because he will tear him apart with his abilities to drive the lane. Rashard has put up pretty good scoring numbers in his career, and played good enough in 2005 to get himself into the All Star game.7) Sacremento Kings-Jason WilliamsIn the early part of his career, Jason Williams was one of the most exciting players to watch. He could dazzle you with his array of behind the back passes, crossovers, and other trick passes. Williams has always put up really good assists numbers, and has won a Most Improved Player award, but has been somewhat of a locker room trouble over the course of his career.8) Philadelphia 76ers-Larry HughesOver the course of his career, Larry has been a pretty flashy scorer. He is really good at taking it to the hole, and finishing it off. Has participated in a dunk contest, and was also named to the 2004-2005 All NBA Defensive First Team.9) Milwaukee Bucks-Al HarringtonStuck behind Jermaine O'neal and Ron Artest for the early parts of his career, Al has flourished in his role as tema leader with Atlanta. Over the past two seasons Al has been averaging 18 points to go along with 6 rebounds. He is a very complete player, who has proved to be a good leader to his younger teammates.10) Boston Celtics-Ricky DavisRicky has been known to be somewhat of a punk, but has gotten away from that image ever since he went to Boston. He is a really good scorer, and one of the more exciting players in the league. 11) Detroit Pistons-Bonzi WellsBonzi has been a good NBA player over his career. Has good scoring numbers, and is a decent rebounder and defender.12) Orlando Magic-Raef Lafrentz13) Orlando Magic-Nazr Mohammed1999 Draft Redo coming soon!
Nice post I agree with most of it.However I dont see how you can have Vince Carter above Paul Pierce.There numbers are VERY similar. Both average about 23 points 5 boards and 4 assists for there careers. However Pierce is the better leader, The better defender, Has had more team success.
I agree with the list, but i would pick Larry Hughes over Jason Williams. I think Hughes is and has been a better player than Williams. I agree with everything else though. I can see going with Carter over Pierce as well, because i think both are about the same in everything.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BALLAHOLLIC @ Apr 26 2006, 02:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Nice post I agree with most of it.However I dont see how you can have Vince Carter above Paul Pierce.There numbers are VERY similar. Both average about 23 points 5 boards and 4 assists for there careers. However Pierce is the better leader, The better defender, Has had more team success.</div> Remember Vince his first 3 years in Toronto? The guy was marketers dream. Who's to say his career would be the exact same if he started somewhere else without injuries...etc...I would take Vince over Pierce.
Very nice list and write up, and I'd agree to switch Peirce and VC, but after that it's great, and the way it should have went down.Once again, the Dirk for Tractor Traylor is one of, if not the most, lopsided player for player trade ever.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Remember Vince his first 3 years in Toronto? The guy was marketers dream. Who's to say his career would be the exact same if he started somewhere else without injuries...etc...I would take Vince over Pierce.</div>So you'd take a guy who said he's not trying as a hard as he can just because he didn't like the situation he was in, that said a lot about Vince in my opinion. He is nasty in New Jersey but he's got arguably the best point guard in the league running the show and Richard Jefferson is an all-star calibar talent as well. Pierce has Delonte West and Wally Sczerbiak. Pierce is also a lot tougher, he got fouled by Amare Stoudamire and got some of his teeth knocked out, he missed no games. He was almost stabbed to death in 2000 and didn't miss any games because of that as well. He's as tough as they come and is always playing hard, no matter what happens.
Vince Carter lead that crappy Raptors team to the Eastern Confrence finals. Pierce lead his team to the Eastern Confrence Finals, but always had the help of Antoine Walker. During Vince Carter's early years in Toronto, he was as good as they get. Also, Pierce isn't the better defender then Vince. There both in the same boat, where neither of them give the effort on defense that they should.
Paul Pierce was not always a prince either, until this year a lot of fans wanted his ass out of Boston.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gocelts34 @ Apr 26 2006, 03:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Vince Carter lead that crappy Raptors team to the Eastern Confrence finals.</div>Crappy? They had Antonio Davis, Alvin Williams, Morris Peterson, and Keon Clark! How is that crappy. *sarcastic*Also, Add Cuttino Mobley to that list. Over Jason Williams and possibily Larry Hughes.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Paul Pierce was not always a prince either, until this year a lot of fans wanted his ass out of Boston.</div>Those fans are morrons who don't know basketball. I can guarantee nobody on this board ever wanted Paul out of Boston.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Waqas @ Apr 30 2006, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well, Dirk wasn't as good in his rookie season, but in his second season was 2nd in MIP Voting!</div>Ya but his mintutes went up drastically. Pierce has steadily increased his numbers while playing basically the same amount of minutes.
What fans in Boston wanted Pierce traded? I only heard that from the 45 yr old Red Sox and Patriots fans who never watch the Celtics. All of us real fans wanted him to stay.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JustBlaze @ May 2 2006, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What fans in Boston wanted Pierce traded? I only heard that from the 45 yr old Red Sox and Patriots fans who never watch the Celtics. All of us real fans wanted him to stay.</div>Exactly. What C's fan would want to move their superstar, he gets better every season. He was really the only bright spot of the season for the Celtics, so why move him?
