Draft Capsule: T.J. Ford

Discussion in 'Milwaukee Bucks' started by Shapecity, Jun 22, 2003.

  1. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    VITALS: 5-10, 165, sophomore, Texas

    OVERVIEW: Ford is an early-entry candidate after spending two seasons at Texas. Ford received Naismith and Wooden Player of the Year honors last season after leading the Longhorns to their first NCAA Final Four since 1947. As a freshman, he led the nation in assists with 8.3 per game. Ford is a noted winner - not only did Texas reach the "Sweet 16" and the Final Four in his two seasons, but Willowridge High School in Houston won a pair of state titles in his last two seasons there. Ford is still honing his shooting ability since he shot just 26.5 percent (18-of-68) from beyond the arc last season.

    LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Picks 4-8. Ford had a great workout in Toronto (4), showing he could shoot the ball much better than the Raptors anticipated. However, Central Michigan C Chris Kaman also put together an impressive audition for the Raptors, and general manager Glen Grunwald has had good things to say about Georgia Tech F Chris Bosh. If Ford slips past the Raptors, Miami (5) is another candidate. The Heat would take a long look at both Kaman or Bosh, but are in desperate need of a point guard. The Clippers at 6 would only pass on Ford for Kaman. Chicago (7) would likely not select a playmaker, but Milwaukee (8), who is looking for a new floor general, would pick up Ford in a heartbeat.

    COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Rod Strickland, Kevin Johnson

    COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Brevin Knight

    ROLE PROJECTION: Immediate starter.

    POSITIVES: Ford is the purest point guard to come into the league since Jason Kidd in 1994. He has a high basketball IQ, great floor vision, and has a pass-first mentality. Despite the fact that the 5-10 guard can throw down 360-degree dunks, you will not see much pizzazz in Ford's game. He emulates the New York Knicks' dependable but unflashy floor general Howard Eisley.

    SHORTCOMINGS: Standing just 510 and 165 pounds can be an obstacle in the NBA, but not having a jump shot to go with that small frame is nearly a death wish. Most players who fit that description would not even be drafted. The fact that Ford is a probable top-10 selection speaks volumes about his talent. Even so, Ford will have to improve his outside shooting to excel in the NBA, because he is not growing to 6-5.

    WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "T.J. has great speed and quickness he can get anywhere he wants to. He's a very good leader out on the floor and a true point guard who make his teammates better." Milwaukee Bucks general manager Ernie Grunfeld
     
  2. GatorsowntheNCAA

    GatorsowntheNCAA Omaha Bound 2010!

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    too small though, that's his only knock.
     
  3. jbbFranchise

    jbbFranchise JBB JustBBall Member

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    yes, definitley an imediate starter, hes very quick, like a tony parker.

    more on him from NBA.com:


    TJ Ford Profile
     
  4. mike18946

    mike18946 JBB

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    He will run a team straight away..likely in NY..but what pressure for him..to run the knicks at the garden....and with the fans being very tough on their players and all
     
  5. Kid Canada

    Kid Canada JBB Banned Member

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    hes 6'0 not 5'10 like everyone thought.
     
  6. Alley-oop

    Alley-oop JBB JustBBall Member

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    He might turn out to be a Jamaal Tinsley type player. Cant shoot but can dish.
     
  7. GatorsowntheNCAA

    GatorsowntheNCAA Omaha Bound 2010!

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    yeah can dish is an understatement, he can pass the rock very nice.
     
  8. BRockwell

    BRockwell JBB JustBBall Member

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    His upside is way higher than Tinsley's ever was. Ford is a better shooter right now that Tinsley has ever been, is a better athelete and better in transistion than Tinsley is right now. His rookie year might resemble Tinsley's in the box score, but that is all.
     
  9. HighHeat

    HighHeat JBB JustBBall Member

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    he is 5-10 or like we in Europe say 1,78m
    just remember Mugsy 1,60
    in my opinion he?s a giant for mugsy haha
     
  10. Kid Canada

    Kid Canada JBB Banned Member

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    he measured 6'0 with shoes i thought at the offical measurments.
     

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