http://www.ezekielbearsports.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=6171 I personally would take Felton over this Euro I have never heard of. They also mention Dunleavy being in the dog house. I dont know about that, but with Pietrus waiting in the wings drafting someone like Williams or Green would create more of a log jam. I would be just fine with drafting Felton to back up Baron in place of Fisher. Trade Dunleavy with or without the draft pick and package Fisher or Foyle to get rid of cap space. Then start Pietrus at SF and start Biedrens and let him learn on the fly. Murphy will develop so more strength and low post game on offense and defense so he can back up the center and start at PF...
1. Andrew Bogut C 20 years old; 7' 0"; 240 lbs. Utah, Sophmore After securing their wing positions with Josh Smith and Josh Childress in last years draft, it's obvious that they'll be going after either a big man, or point guard with their selection. With a handful of spending money in the off season, they're going to go hard after players such as Curry, Chandler and Daley. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee in brining them to Georgia. Second Choice: Chris Paul 2. Chris Paul PG 19 years old; 6' 0"; 168 lbs. Wake Forest, Sophmore The Hornets are in a bad situation all around. PJ Brown is aging, Jamal Magloire wants out and there's no one in the stands. Both Speedy Claxton and Dan Dickau were pleasant surprises this year, but neither and long term solutions to a successful franchise. Being that there are no surefire superstars that would help fill their seats, drafting positionally is a necessity. Second Choice: Marvin Williams 3. Marvin Williams Jr. SF/PF 18 years old; 6' 9"; 230 lbs. North Carolina, Freshman Bernie Bickerstaff keeps talking about bringing in an in-state player, with Chris Paul possibly off the board, it's still achievable. The Bobcats have done a great job collecting talent, but no position has been secured aside from the power position with ROY candidate Emenka Okafor. Best player available is their best route. Second Choiceaul/Bogut if they fall. Gerald Green 4. Deron Williams PG 20 years old; 6' 3"; 210 lbs. Illinois, Junior Jerry Sloan without a point guard is a reckless system. I'm not a big fan of Deron Williams, but he would fit nicely controlling a safe felt offense. This is a huge jump where it would make sense for them to trade down to a later pick. Second Choice: Martynas Andriuskevicius 5. Martynas Andriuskevicius C 18 years old; 7' 2"; 242 lbs. Zalgiris Kaunas, International Go young, go up-side. It seems to be the motto of the Trail Blazers. With a handful of unproven players waiting in the wings, it seems that they won't need a player who is immediate to step in. Sabonis's protege could ease the late career, early exit sensation he left them with. Second Choice: Gerald Green 6. Tiago Splitter PF 20 years old; 6' 11"; 240 lbs. TAU Vitoria, International With Mo Williams emergence into an up and coming point guard and TJ Ford's good news towards recovery, it eases the Bucks decision on their point guard situation. Now, they can focus on Michael Redd's extension. They'll draft on their certainty. Second Choice: Chris Taft 7. Gerald Green SG 6' 8"; 195 lbs. Gulf Shores Academy, HS Senior Last years disastrous selection has had heads spinning till this very moment. Drafting on talent should be the Raptors guideline this year. Being that every position aside from Chris Bosh needs an immediate up-grade, look for them to take a top young gunner to give hope back to the city that will always moan about Vince Carter and selecting Haffa. Second Choice: Raymond Felton 8. Chris Taft PF/C 19 years old; 6' 10"; 230 lbs. Pittsburgh, Sophmore Zeke has always had a great eye for talent, so he could have a few tricks up his sleeve. With the Knicks trading away Mohammed at the trade dead-line, it would be appropriate for them to try and fill the void the undersized cast of PF's leave them with. Second Choice: Johan Petro 9. Fran V?zquez PF 21 years old; 6' 10"; 229 lbs. Unicaja M?laga, International According to Chris Mullen, he is happy with the front court situation with Folye, Murphy and rookie Bendris. With the addition of Baron Davis, using the ninth pick would seem a little early for them to reach for back-up point guard. Supposedly Dunleavy is in the dog house, but with Peitrus waiting in the wing, it would further create a logjam of talent. Second Choice: Raymod Felton 10. Raymond Felton PG 20 years old; 6' 1"; 192 lbs. North Carolina, Junior With the feud between Kobe Bryant and Chucky Atkins, it could be wise for the Lakers to address the situation. Unfortunately, it won't be Kobe looking elsewhere so their intentions should be on either addressing their point guard situation or front court. Second Choice: Brad May 11. Johan Petro PF/C 19 years old; 7' 0"; 260 lbs. Pau-Orthez, International The is talk in the wind that the Magic would like to bring in a pass first point guard to start beside Steve Francis, but that all depends on the availability of Raymond Felton. With both Cato and Battie expiring next season, it would be best to draft for size to pair with their future in Dwight Howard. Second Choice:Channing Frye 12. Antoine Wright SG/SF 21 years old; 6' 7"; 195 lbs. Texas A&M, Junior No reason to believe that the Clippers will change their strategy of drafting the best player available no matter how deep their depth charts are. With Maggette available to the highest bidder, a replacement could be brought into the wing. Second Choice: Danny Granger 13. Martell Webster SG/SF 18 years old; 6' 7" 235lbs WA HSSr. I bet you that when Cleveland took off their protection, they didn't think that they'd drop into the lottery. Bicker had previously said that he had interest in Hakim Warrick with his later pick, being that his options have further opened, look for him to take another highly talented player. Second Choice: Hakin Warrick 14. Sean May PF 21 years old; PF North Carolina, Junior With both of Sam and Latrell's futures cloudy, the Wolves could reach for either a point guard or shooting guard. Another option they have is to get Kevin Garnett an offensive option on the low block to compliment him at the high post where most of his production is created. Second Choice: Jarrett Jack 15. Charlie Villanueva SF/PF/C 20 years old; 6' 11"; 230 lbs. Connecticut, Sophmore The Nets are going to try and make a bid for Jason Kidd to stay happy in New Jersey, therefore I highly doubt any move with be made with the words potential before immediate impact. They definitely need help in the front court, and it looks like they will use their MLE to fill the need, so look for them to take the most ready player who can step up and provide solid minutes. Second Choice: Danny Granger 16. Roko-Leni Ukic PG 20 years old; 6' 5"; 183 lbs. KK Split, International With constant blow-ups and bad shots, looks like Rafer isn't the answer to any point guard equation. A hopeful healthy return of Alvin Williams should improve the Raptors situation, but it shouldn't be one that's ignored. Second Choice: Jarret Jack 17. Danny Granger SF 21 years old; 6' 8"; 215 lbs. New Mexico, Senior With Reggie Miller calling it a career, the Pacers could be looking for a player who could step in and cover the void that Stephen Jackson filled this year with Ron Artest suspended. Other areas that could be touched up on are a back-up PF, or PG. Second Choice:Ike Diogu 18. Joey Graham SF 22 years old; 6' 7"; 217 lbs. Oklahoma State, Senior Ainge has done a nice job building his back-court with hard nosed blue collared workers. Undoubtedly, the rest of the roster will be built on the same philosophy. With so much young talent on the team, it's tough to say what position Ainge will look to improve. Second Choice: Jarret Jack 19. Jarrett Jack PG 21 years old; 6' 3"; 202 lbs. Georgia Tech, Junior The possibility that Earl Watson will explore free agency for a starting position, there's a good chance that Jerry West will use his selection picking a player who brings the same intensity on both sides of the floor. Second Choice: Daniel Ewing 20. Rodolfo Fern?ndez SG 19 years old; 6' 5"; 185 lbs. DKV Joventut, International With Vo out for the season, it really exposed their shooting guard weakness. They don't really have a player who could consistently stretch defenses or handle the ball in a pinch. Look for Kiki to address this even if a healthy Lenard is guaranteed. Second Choice-Francisco Garcia 21. Channing Frye C 22 years old; 250 lbs. Arizona, Senior Depending on how far the Suns make it in the play-offs, it would be hard to assess their weaknesses and needs if they're offense can totally offset their defense. As they are now, they could use depth at multiple positions to help keep their starters rested from heavy minutes. With Joe Johnson possibly leaving for free agency, a replacement could also be as important as having Amare back at his natural position. Second Choice- Francisco Garcia 22. Francisco Garcia SG/SF 23 years old; 6' 8"; 190 lbs. Louisville, Junior With them hopefully addressing their two guard with their first selection, I wouldn't be surprised to add depth to the back-up roles. Having a multi-purpose player who can both shoot and pass would be godsent off of their bench. Second Choice- Julius Hodge 23. Ike Diogu PF 21 years old; 6' 8"; 242 lbs. Arizona State, Junior With Webber gone and an abundance of role players coming i return, they've stepped away from having a player who can be a realiable offensive option on the block. With Kenny Thomas being a jump shooter and Brad Miller being comfortable at the top of the key, look for the Kings to add toughness in the post. Second Choice-Ronny Turiaf 24. Hakim Warrick SF/PF 22 years old; 6' 8"; 210 lbs. Syracuse, Senior Tracy McGrady and Bobby Sura aside, the Rockets really lack athleticism from their other positions and at their depth. I wouldn't say it an necessity under Van Gundy basketball, but it would be a nice asset for using the open lanes that Ming can create for them. Another way they may draft if for a power forward who can play physical along side Ming. Second Choice-Ronny Turiaf 25. Ronny Turiaf PF 22 years old; 6' 10"; 238 lbs. Gonzaga, Senior It should be a really scary situation for the Sonics this upcoming off-season. Not only have they overachieved unbelievably, but they have a handful of important contracts to figure out. Sund will really have his hands full on what direction this team is going to go. Best player available. Second Choice:CJ Miles 26. CJ Miles SG 18 years old; 6' 6"; 210 Skyline HS, Senior With Delfino possibly out of the picture of the Pistons, they could look for a project to develop behind both Rip and Tayshuan. With the likely return of both Darvin Ham and Ronald Depree, their depth charts are quite full to take on a player for immediate help. Either a high school talent, or European could be best suited to stash away. Second Choice-Nemanja Aleksandrov 27. Daniel Ewing PG 21 years old; 6' 3"; 180 lbs. Duke, Senior With the Jazz likely to up-grade their point position with their first pick, I do believe that it is quite possible that O'Connor would like to secure the position with another system seasoned college player. With Lopez constantly injured and wanting to return home, they're left with Howard Eisley as their only point guard coming free agency. Second Choice-Andray Blatche 28. Nemanja Aleksandrov SF 18 years old; 6;10"; 210 lbs KK Reflex Serbia With Scola coming over to join the Spurs next season and the possibility of Javtokas joining them also, roster availability could be limited. Drafting a player with a high up-side and leaving over season to develop seems best suited for the highly ranked Spurs. Second Choice- Ryan Gomes 29. Kennedy Winston SG 20 years old; 6' 6"; 215 lbs. Alabama, Junior A team with Shaq can always use a shooter who can take advantage of scoring opportunities. Aside from the bunch of role players the Heat brought in, they really need to add youth to the mix and rotation. All of L8, Doleac, Zo, Jones and Shaq are soon to be pushing it. Late round is project, or need. Second Choice-Andray Blatche 30. Andray Blatche 18 years old; 6'11"; 248 South Kent HS, Senior Look for Zeke to pull a rabbit out of the hat with his second first rounder. Lots of High school and European talent and college players will be available for the second round. This pick will have a lot of hopefully GM's remaking their board killing their hopes of their player falling out of the first. Second Choice- Monta Ellis
I don't think Martynas will go that high. And why do we sign a future projected starter only to be a backup to Baron Davis? If we have a shot at Felton, I say trade it to whoever wants him most since the market for FA point guards is rather weak this season.
Yeah there seems to be good back-up PGs in the second round and Felton would be worth alot to some teams.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think Martynas will go that high. And why do we sign a future projected starter only to be a backup to Baron Davis? If we have a shot at Felton, I say trade it to whoever wants him most since the market for FA point guards is rather weak this season.</div> Same goes for Daron Williams. No way he goes higher than Felton. Why do we draft a future projected starter at any position? I am just saying lets go for the best available player. If we draft someone like Martynas he will be just like Biedrens this year. If we draft Marvin Williams there will be an even worse logjam at SF and if we trade Dun, then it will be a battle for the starting SF between him and Pietrus. I also dont see Warrick dropping to 24. I have a feeling someone good will drop too far into our laps and we will take him kind of like Biedrens and Pietrus. Both were projected close to the top 5 then dropped to 11. I dont care how good the PG is that just means we will be able to play him more, and if Baron gets hurt then we dont miss a beat... I like the idea of trading the spot if someone wants a good player, but here is my concern; We need to trade for an ESTABLISHED player plus we need to get rid of either Dun, Fish, or Foyle...
The ezekialbear sports guys are only as knowledgeable as the guys who made the mock draft on this site, being fans. (I tried recruiting people there once but there's so few W's fans last I checked). Their info comes from ESPN Insider (which I bet is where they got the Dun comment), nba draft.net, and other related news combined with what they personally have seen. Thus, it is really unlikely that their foreign picks are going to be too accurate. (Andriuskevicius could very well go to a team who didn't need him now just like Milicic did, NBA GM's are risk takers. That combination of size and potential is enough to make you look stupid if you pass it up. I just think the Warriors have an alibi if they do, because they needed help now and Andriuskevicius is further than they can afford if they want to get to the playoffs). That's not to say their picks should be disregarded, as they did a fair amount of work. Just taken with a grain of salt and realizing that draft values change constantly this early, with about 2 months until the draft. Further, a lot of people have projected the Jazz taking Williams over Felton - even Jazz fans on our site. Thus, their draft reflects that thinking too. Few players are going to make a great impact their rookie year. I think that having Felton for a year would be fine if we couldn't trade him. He's good injury insurance. Like many rookies, he'd probably find 15-20 minutes a year and get eased in slowly, and then step it up next year, at which point his value will be even higher once again.
Even funnier is that Felton has "Baron Davis"-like qualities about him. Get this for a 6 footer he can throw down some monster two-handed dunks in addition to the ballhandling, passing abilities, pure point guard instincts, athleticism and quickness. But he's a different player vocally and in terms of aggressiveness. Still I would love this guy to be a backup if he's the type to not really demand playing time, but most likely he will when it's time for a new contract. He looks like he can command a team, but he doesn't seem really all that aggressive in driving towards the hoop.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Even funnier is that Felton has "Baron Davis"-like qualities about him. Get this for a 6 footer he can throw down some monster two-handed dunks in addition to the ballhandling, passing abilities, pure point guard instincts, athleticism and quickness. But he's a different player vocally and in terms of aggressiveness. Still I would love this guy to be a backup if he's the type to not really demand playing time, but most likely he will when it's time for a new contract. He looks like he can command a team, but he doesn't seem really all that aggressive in driving towards the hoop.</div> Thats more reason to take him right there. Rookies should not come in complaining about PT unless they are clearly better than someone at their position. Besides, how much longer is Davis going to be playing here? 5 years? That is about how long a rookie contract can be with team options and stuff...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Warriorfansnc93:</div><div class="quote_post">Thats more reason to take him right there. Rookies should not come in complaining about PT unless they are clearly better than someone at their position. Besides, how much longer is Davis going to be playing here? 5 years? That is about how long a rookie contract can be with team options and stuff...</div> It doesn't seem viable when Fisher is staying longer than Baron Davis is because we'll have 3 point guards under contract. If Warriors want to go the route of Felton, they should find some way to dump Fisher. We've seen that Fisher's intangibles, perimeter defense against set shooters, veteran experience and shooting can be a nice thing, but I don't like the idea that he'll be here until he's 35 or 36 making starter type money.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">It doesn't seem viable when Fisher is staying longer than Baron Davis is because we'll have 3 point guards under contract. If Warriors want to go the route of Felton, they should find some way to dump Fisher. We've seen that Fisher's intangibles, perimeter defense against set shooters, veteran experience and shooting can be a nice thing, but I don't like the idea that he'll be here until he's 35 or 36 making starter type money.</div> Felton should play more minutes than Fisher regardless of his age. Fisher was a bad signing and I dont see him getting moved until he is 1 or 2 years away from his contract expiring.
