I don't see Chicago drafting another big man, nonetheless, another HIGH SCHOOL big man. Only way they get a big man is if Okafor drops to the 2 spot. But, since he probably won't, he might, but probably won't, I could see them getting either Deng or Iguodala. They need a person who can play the small forward spot in my opinion, and, quite frankly, I think either of those would do. Shaun Livingston might also be a possiblity, but, he's a natural point guard. But, he does stand 6'7" if I'm correct, so, it's very possible that they could move him there.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't see Chicago drafting another big man, nonetheless, another HIGH SCHOOL big man. Only way they get a big man is if Okafor drops to the 2 spot. But, since he probably won't, he might, but probably won't, I could see them getting either Deng or Iguodala. They need a person who can play the small forward spot in my opinion, and, quite frankly, I think either of those would do. Shaun Livingston might also be a possiblity, but, he's a natural point guard. But, he does stand 6'7" if I'm correct, so, it's very possible that they could move him there.</div> My guess is that Chicago wouldn't take Livingston because his skill set is too close to Crawford's. If Chicago gets the #2 pick and Okafor is off the board, I'm almost positive the Bulls will take Deng or trade the pick for a good, young small forward.
I think chicago is the second youngest (to phoenix) team, I could imagine them being tired of teenagers
Keep in mind that Deng is also late in coming to the game. As i understand it, he never played until he was a Sophomore in HS.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">My guess is that Chicago wouldn't take Livingston because his skill set is too close to Crawford's.</div> I always thought Livingston was the opposite of Jamal Crawford regarding styles of play. From what I have heard he is a pass first type of player. It doesn't mean Chicago will take him though, they already have Hinrich. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If Chicago gets the #2 pick and Okafor is off the board, I'm almost positive the Bulls will take Deng or trade the pick for a good, young small forward.</div> This pick would be ideal for chicago, it fills their needs perfectly
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">I always thought Livingston was the opposite of Jamal Crawford regarding styles of play. From what I have heard he is a pass first type of player. It doesn't mean Chicago will take him though, they already have Hinrich.</div> You're right that Livingston is supposed to be much more of a traditional point guard than Crawford. But the comparison I'm hearing most is to Penny Hardaway (pre-injury). And since it's always hard to really get a read on high schoolers (ahem...Kwame Brown...) I'd doubt Chicago would be willing to take a chance on Crawford. I do think of all the guys that could go in the high lottery, Deng is the best fit.
Note: I'll make an updated Mock on Wednesday after the Draft Lottery eminates.. Once that has shook down, everything will be easier to predict.. In the meantime, here's my current mock. 1. Orlando Magic --Emeka Okafor, PF/C, Connecticut *The Tracy McGrady era in Orlando appears to be over.. It's seemingly not a matter of IF he's going to be dealt, it's a matter of WHEN and TO WHOM.. With the first pick, the Magic would not hesitate to start over again with Okafur as their anchor. Although many list him comparison wise as a Young Alonzo Mourning, I'm more reminded of a more flashy Elton Brand. Nevertheless, Orlando would be more than happy to have him on their roster next year.. He will be an immediate starter and contributor. 2. Chicago Bulls -- Loul Deng, SF, Duke * The Bulls need a SF badly after the retirement of Scottie Pippen and the trade of Jalen Rose/Donyell Marshall. The Bulls also have a history of drafting Duke players (Drafting Brand and Jay Williams in recent years).. It almost seems like a sure bet, that if he remains in the draft, the Durham-Chicago pipeline will continue. Deng seems to be the most all-around player in the draft. He's quick, athletic and has enough potential to put the Bulls on his back and carry them. 3. Washington Wizards -- Dwight Howard, PF, Atlanta Christian HS * The Wizard pick appears to be the most challenging one to make.. They're set at guard with Arenas and Jarvis Hayes.. Perhaps they could go SF, but that would be pulling the plug on their 2002 #1 Jared Jefferies. Or they could go PF, however by doing so they essentially have admitted picking Kwame Brown was a mistake. However, knowing their luck with giving up on PF, maybe giving up on him is a bit premature. Picking a C here is a reach, so I'm going to call a trade, however saying they stand put, they select a guy whose often been compared to Brown, Howard. Howard has a huge upside, make no mistake about it. He shoots exceptionally well in the peremiter for a Power Forward. He also has cat- quick reflexes and is a smooth passer, with exceptional ball handling skills. His biggest downside however is his power. More often than not, Howard can be found on the outside looking for the dish rather than in the paint scrapping for boards. Coming in to the league as a Power Forward, Howard will need to develop more inside presence and toughness to be considered an elite player at the position. Nevertheless, his tremendous athleticism and ability to score make him an appealing option for many teams. Perhaps the Wiz can say they learned their lesson with the Brown fiasco, and would give this kid the development time he needs. 3. Charlotte Bobcats -- Ben Gordon, PG, Connecticut * Charlotte will be coming in to the draft looking and searching for someone who can be a long term leader and one with any kind of big game experience.. Gordon would be an ideal pick, having been the floor general for the defending National Champion Huskies of Connecticut. Gordon draws many comparisons to former Piston Joe Dumars. He's a top notch scorer, who has a canny knack for finding the right teammate to dish the ball off to when needed.. Along with his scoring and passing abilities, he's athletic and tough enough to where he's not afraid to bang the boards and grab rebounds when need be. For a team looking for an identity, as the Bobcats will be, Gordon is the ideal and prototypical player to fill that need. 3. Los Angeles Clippers -- Shaun Livingston, PG, Peoria (IL) Central H.S *
