VITALS: 7-0, 245, Bakersfield (CA) HS OVERVIEW: Swift has had a meteoric rise as a prospect. Swift looked like a developing prospect during his AAU days with Team California and the LA Rockfish programs. He shined during the summer of 2003, earning top 10 honors at the adidas ABCD camp. But the 18-year-old simply wowed NBA scouts at the McDonald's All-American and Roundball Classic All-Star games. Swift displayed a ferocious attacking style around the basket on offense and was a terror on defense. He committed to play college basketball at Southern California. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Rumors have run rampant that the Boston Celtics have a promise to tab Swift in the first round. Given that the club has three picks (15, 24, 25) and made and followed through upon two guarantees last year to Marcus Banks and Kendrick Perkins, the talk may be true. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Robert Parish COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Joel Przybilla, Sam Bowie ROLE PROJECTION: Future starter POSITIVES: Not many high school players are as sound with their back to the basket as Swift. Additionally, he is a legitimate 7-footer and is coordinated and reasonably agile, giving you the makings of a good NBA center. Swift also impresses with his toughness. Although frail at this point, he doesn't back down to anyone, and that mentality makes it likely he will be a solid rebounder and shot-blocker once he gets his body up to par. SHORTCOMINGS: Despite everything Swift has going for him, he is still relatively weak and will get manhandled by most of the league's centers during his rookie season. Specifically, adding upper body strength to his 245-pound frame is a priority. Swift already has made huge strides in that area since getting his first taste of NBA action during informal workouts with pros in Las Vegas last summer. Whether Swift continues to develop is anyone's guess, so he is a risky pick early in the draft. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Long, athletic - for a high school kid at 7-feet. Knows how to play the game. Pretty smart player." - Anonymous Western Conference executive
He'll soon be one of the "true centers" of the league. Someone who plays with his back to the basket and play D.
Well a true center is exactly what Seattle need. I was dirty on this pick when it happened, but with the benefit of a few hours reflection I am actually starting to like it.
I was just... well, weirded out when we made this pick. If he reaches his ceiling I'll be laughing with glee. If he can contribute between now and 2006... it's just gravy.
