Predict The Draft Picks (+ Jrich23's offseason preview)

Does anyone think the 2005 draft is reminiscent of the 1999 draft? There's certainly a lot of players from the 99 draft that have similarities in their game compared with players like Lamar Odom, Baron Davis, Jonathan Bender, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion. Maybe it's because there seems to be more seniors being looked at in the draft. There's definitely more high schoolers, but I think the primary reason is this year's draft is kind of weak for shooting guards if there was no high schoolers. After Green, Webster, there's Antoine Wright, Danny Granger, Rudy Fernandez, Kennedy Winston, but Green and Webster have the most terrific skills/abilities for their age.

Anybody heard of this guy?
<font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">Mindaugas Katelynas</font></font>
http://www.draftcity.com/viewprofile.php?p=429

 

Also does anybody know the chances of getting James Posey from the Memphis Grizzlies? The guy has a player option on year 2006-2007 according to hoopshype so the Grizzlies might or might not do something about it. It would be nice to land him if we're going to make a run at the playoffs and we pass up on Granger or a defensive small forward with an outside shot.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Anybody heard of this guy?
Mindaugas Katelynas</div>
Yeah.. he's a sick dunker.

Anyway.. I see you guys taking Hakim Warrick at nine, Stefano Mancinelli at fourty, and finally Nate Robinson at fourty-two.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MaxBallin:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah.. he's a sick dunker.

Anyway.. I see you guys taking Hakim Warrick at nine, Stefano Mancinelli at fourty, and finally Nate Robinson at fourty-two.</div> Mindaugas Katelynas looks really intruiging, maybe because he's an athletic euro but yeah, I like those kind of players that know the game, can throw it down, but most important is his defensive potential. These international players from Europe and other places of the world are always intriguing because you never see these guys.

Is Hakim Warrick even worth a #9? Stefano Mancinelli and Hakim Warrick just sounds dangerous because neither know the game of basketball, even though both are elite level athletes. They just lack the skills and polish needed to play small forward right away IMO, so they would be essentially projects. None of those guys can shoot either, which is very important for the Warriors. They need to shoot if they can't get any low post presence or if they can't find players like Amare Stoudamire who have a lot of fearlessness, speed and strength for their size to get away without playing a post game. I don't know any other player besides him that can throw his body in there and adjust his shot in midair and sink it.

Nate Robinson sounds intriguing because he's 5'8 and can throw it down. 42 inches of vertical leap! He's a interesting combo guard if nobody can stay with the guy and he's sort of pesky on the ball defender much like Speedy Claxton was. He's 181 lbs which is good for his size so he could be a great finisher despite being lighter and smaller than the competition. The next Speedy Claxton without the point guard polish?

 

If you guys wonder how hyped up I get about international prospects, there's this kid named Yi Jian Lian. Near 7 feet tall, can do 360 dunks and has an incredible vertical as well as wiry length. Supposedly he's the Chinese version of Kevin Garnett or probably closer to the high school version of Tyson Chandler. Of course like Euro Ball, there's less physical contact more emphasis based on shooting, especially becuase of that trapezoidal key. So he might be viewed as soft as the Nowitzki's, the Zarko's, the Yao's who have more skills, but aren't the type of physical players the NBA game requires. Still unreal athleticism + size + skill, if properly coached and motivated can be such a huge impact to any team. Yi Jian Lian was just unstoppable in this one game 16/16 in the CBA. Interesting to see if his skills can convert to the NBA game, he certainly is long and athletic enough.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Nate Robinson sounds intriguing because he's 5'8 and can throw it down. 42 inches of vertical leap! He's a interesting combo guard if nobody can stay with the guy and he's sort of pesky on the ball defender much like Speedy Claxton was. He's 181 lbs which is good for his size so he could be a great finisher despite being lighter and smaller than the competition. The next Speedy Claxton without the point guard polish?</div>
I think that Robinson and Stoudamire if they are still there at 40 and 42 would be great 2nd round picks. if we move Fisher for a MLE Pg, we could see Salim and Nate getting some time on the floor due to the inexperience or low skillset of the MLE PG. We could sort of be like the Spurs depth at PG to let some of the younger guys play too.....

 

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_2761986

 

Does anyone think the 2005 draft is reminiscent of the 1999 draft? There's certainly a lot of players from the 99 draft that have similarities in their game compared with players like Lamar Odom, Baron Davis, Jonathan Bender, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion. Maybe it's because there seems to be more seniors being looked at in the draft. There's definitely more high schoolers, but I think the primary reason is this year's draft is kind of weak for shooting guards if there was no high schoolers. After Green, Webster, there's Antoine Wright, Danny Granger, Rudy Fernandez, Kennedy Winston, but Green and Webster have the most terrific skills/abilities for their age.

Yes, the 1999 draft. Thank you Mookie Blaylock! Hehe. It's kind of funny thinking about that draft right now. First people were kind of uncertain about the deals that happened for the Warriors that day. And it wasn't long until people were against it. Then after a year or so, people forgave it a little bit because it lead to Troy Murphy's draft pick. Now people are not as high on Troy though where as Jason Terry had himself a pretty good run there with the Mavs. I wonder what ever happened to Tim Young? hmm...and Vonteego Cummings. hmm...hah.

I suppose the 99 draft is like this draft. Baron Davis could have been the Chris Paul. And Felton could be Jason Terry(or maybe Terry could be Deron Williams?). Yeah, I don't know.

However I personally like Rashad McCants. I think he's a top SG prospect. For how high Felton is rated, I am kind of surprised McCants is rated so much lower. Isn't McCants a better scorer and offensive player? One site had a McCants/Arenas comparison. And I've seen McCants play a little bit, and I thought that was an interesting comparison, not that it matters. I mean there have probably been 15 players compared to Tracy McGrady and I think just about all of them haven't done much at all...so yeah...Just thought I'd add in McCants and a couple of random cents to the thread...heh

And for the Warriors pick I say take Diogu or draft one of those foreign big men like Vazquez, Tiago, or Petro. Diogu was probably the most dominant big man in college, his stats are better than everyone from the draft. I read the best thing about this guy, but nobody seems to want to take him very high(like at draftcity.com, heh). I think if his stock rises that I wouldn't be dissapointed if the Warriors took Diogu. But I also guess that drafting one of those three foreign big men wouldn't be bad either. They both seem like they could be pretty good.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Clif25:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes, the 1999 draft. Thank you Mookie Blaylock! Hehe. It's kind of funny thinking about that draft right now. First people were kind of uncertain about the deals that happened for the Warriors that day. And it wasn't long until people were against it. Then after a year or so, people forgave it a little bit because it lead to Troy Murphy's draft pick. Now people are not as high on Troy though where as Jason Terry had himself a pretty good run there with the Mavs. I wonder what ever happened to Tim Young? hmm...and Vonteego Cummings. hmm...hah.</div>
In a lot of ways this draft could be 2002 draft. Two franchise players and the rest are all role players or guys who might fall out of the league. And BTW I'm cool with Murph, just not his defense. Damn, he makes Mehmet Okur look good sometimes. Maybe Dallas is interested in Derek Fisher so they won't have to re-sign Terry and then it will clear who the starting point guard is with Devin Harris on the wings. But it's only a dream and Cuban's not that insane.

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Clif25:</div><div class="quote_post">
However I personally like Rashad McCants. I think he's a top SG prospect. For how high Felton is rated, I am kind of surprised McCants is rated so much lower. Isn't McCants a better scorer and offensive player? One site had a McCants/Arenas comparison. And I've seen McCants play a little bit, and I thought that was an interesting comparison, not that it matters. I mean there have probably been 15 players compared to Tracy McGrady and I think just about all of them haven't done much at all...so yeah...Just thought I'd add in McCants and a couple of random cents to the thread...heh

And for the Warriors pick I say take Diogu or draft one of those foreign big men like Vazquez, Tiago, or Petro. Diogu was probably the most dominant big man in college, his stats are better than everyone from the draft. I read the best thing about this guy, but nobody seems to want to take him very high(like at draftcity.com, heh). I think if his stock rises that I wouldn't be dissapointed if the Warriors took Diogu. But I also guess that drafting one of those three foreign big men wouldn't be bad either. They both seem like they could be pretty good.</div>
I don't think McCants is anything special IMO because he's not going to beat defenders off the dribble like another 6'4 guard like Cuttino Mobley can, but he'll be a good shooter if someone gets him open. He can possibly pick up where Joe Forte failed. I just don't see any "cat" like quickness coming from him to play undersized like that.

I like your choices of big man draft prospects. All those guys have their high points and there's no pressure to avoid risks. Like if Babcock picked anything perceived as a bust, he'd probably lose his job. But Mullin seems to be in the clear as long as the team is going to continue off their momentum from late last season. I hope we get Splitter and that contract buyout is doable. Some say it is and some say it isn't. ESPN says Splitter's team holds the cards.

 

I did see a game where H Warrick really showed an awesome ability to slash to the hoop. He is tough,and quick and really works his best stuff rather that try to do too much of what is not his best game. For a lanky guy,is tough,physical. Not a perimeter guy,but has a midrange J. I don't like seeing guys who shoot 30% on 3's out on the perimeter,and HW does have a real sense of what he is best at. HW won't be a superstar,won't be a flop either,will be a good pro,more well rounded than many expect.

McCants is not quite enough of a pure shooter/scorer to get by with being a short 2G who has lapses on D and tends to think every time he gets a touch its a high % shot. I see several 2 guards I like more,who have as many positives,fewer negatives. McCants may find himself an early #2

 

There can be a sleeper among the undrafteds,as well as a few rd 2 guys who have about as much ability as others who go a lot higher (or have typically been projected). I noticed a G who the W's I think already had for a workout,Darron Brooks. He ranks quite high in steals and for a 6-3 g,even got a decent number of blocks,hints he has good D. He had respectable scoring/assist numbers,at least enough to say he may be a depth guy who can develop,maybe become a D specialist. Juan Mendez,Niagra,and Michael Harris,Rice,are 2 forwards who were 20/10 players and yet may get skipped over in the draft. Mendez gets some mention,Harris,listing at around 6-6 230,seems totally overlooked. Both are "tweeners" and that hurts their status,especially Harris,a player with lottery numbers and the wrong body type. Actually,his dimensions are not so far off,Similar to Corliss Williamson,or hot prep Martell Webster. At 6-6 235,I'd question whether Webster is Quick enough to be a 2 guard,yet with Harris,it seems there is an assumption he's a too small PF...like the 6-6 235 part would be fine but that 11 rebound average is way too many boards

This draft seems to follow the recent trend of pumping up the guy who looks good standing by the bench,but really does not have much once in the game. Meanwhile underhyped guys,every year,win a role by being the same don't-fit-the mold achiever they had been all along. With an undrafted,or even a late #2,there can be bargains and adding talent cheap is a good way to improve.

I'm kind of stunned to be hearing near nothing about Dwayne Jones. Petro was getting about a 1/2 shotblock a game...Dwayne was over 3 per,yet Petro gets hype as a great shotblocker. Jones had 11+ boards a game,Vasquez around 6 and Vasquez is smaller,a year older,so why is Jones not on round 1 lists while some have Vasquez or Petro rated lottery? Where is the logic? It appears a FAILURE to actually DO stuff effectively and consistantly is a PLUS in that one's imagination can run wild. Yeah,he CAN add 40 pounds of muscle and raise his scoring average 600%,against better competition and can improve at a fast pace despite the apathy thing and...........

 

You would know REREM

But teams, if they see some player out there that can move like no other, you bet they'll take him over somebody that kicked butt in college (the college guy sometimes teams aren't sure if he'll be the same player in the NBA where everyone is bigger, strong, faster). The player that can move like no other could very well be the next K.G., Kobe, Dirk, or Peja. If we're giving high school players props, we got to give these international guys some equal respect for playing pro ball at a young age.

Dwyane, the dude who could be easily just another guy in the NBA, just as much as he could be an important player in the NBA. These scouts don't always know... There was Nick Van Exel at #37, Clif Robinson was a second rounder, Gilbert Arenas and so forth. Maybe there's something about Dwayne Jones' numbers that don't matter much compared to how he would match up against real NBA players. Who knows. I wouldn't be suprised to see him rise up on the draft board, though. REREM, you've been right on some of the late first rounders, and early seconds, so far. Julius Hodge moved up and some others like Wayne Simien. Those workouts improved their stock and they could be decent players in the NBA. One thing in common that all these guys will have to do is prove they can produce in the minutes they're given regardless of workouts. Workouts are kind of stupid in that they don't really show the whole picture. But what can they do? There's no simulation for the team game and observation over a period of time to see a player's tendencies, habits, bball IQ, personality, work ethic, and capabilities to improve. All we got is college ball, high school ball, and international ball (hard to tell if a huge prospect is off the bench with limited minutes, which is the case with many of the foreign guys in the current draft). I'm with you on that part.

 

During yesterdays playoffs,Magic quoted Jordan as saying,"If you want to find out who is the best thoroughbred,don't use a stopwatch...put him in a race. The College season IS the race. Jones only finished among the very best in 2 key areas,boards and blocks. Historically, The best NBA rebounders mostly were the guys near the top in college, This even tends to hold up when there's considerable variation in height weight,leaping. Barkley,around 6-5 1/2,was always a great rebounder. Jason Kidd,a 6-4G always rebounded well. Shawn Bradley has hardley ever had a 10rbd game,pro or college. Guys like Dwayne Jones,Simien,and from the next crop,Sheldon Williams will be real good pro rebounders,as will Bogut. There is a real and key difference in the mindset of a guy who averages 10,11,12 boards and a guy who averages 6 1/2 or 7,and that mindset is part of who he is and it carries over. Shot Blocking tends to carry over well also,though some guys do improve at it. Carmelo is a 6-8 leaper and a high lottery guy. Jason Maxiel is 6-7 and figures to go mid rd 2,at best,in this draft...and he will always be a shotblock threat,Melo probably won't.
Cliff R and Biedrens were near equal size. Cliff was typically around 5 rbd a game-Andy B nearly doubled that when he had similar minutes. Scoring,from college to pros,has often NOT carried over,but typically the guy able to shoot + score,at whatever level, is more apt to do so at all levels. scoring however,does reflect level of competition,and a lot of variables. That's why Juan Mendez is not a round 1 guy,he went to Niagra. Niagra is not big time. However,Calvin Murphy also went there and had a nice pro career-and if you look at Niagra's sceduale,they did play a few big time teams,as I recall, Temple and Providence,and Mendez numbers were real good in those games...so he is a guy to consider,to scout,just not an automatic.

The process of looking for clues as to who,in the future,should suceed in the pro game is complex. Physical tools matter,but not more than skills. Some guys have a very good tendency to add skills,some do not. Some even tend to self destruct. So many factors. Sorting out the many variable and then taking a hundred players and trying to rank them,factoring in who fits the pro teams needs and style,is pretty complex. When I read an early profile on Martynas,I wondered what the guy saw aside from tall. Seeing someone play myself,is like that Jordan quote,he's in the horserace.

 

A factor for Jones can be whether he hears good feedback and stays in the draft,or has the confidence to be a second rounder and earn respect in the league.

 

Aye, Jones, much like all of the underclassmen in the draft, are weighing a ton of options. Most improtant to him is probably the draft position, and other considerations are what will happen next year, trying to project the future. Are there less big men projected to declare next year? Can Dwayne dominate again to raise his draft stock? Most players need a guarantee to stay in, otherwise it's just too risky to play with your future like that.

 

Jones sort of had the tough luck to have a real nice year,just out of the spotlight,while everyone was focusing on the "potential" of yong,raw,bigs who,may never match what he has been doing. He entered,and nobody assumed he would. Mock sites simply shrug,figure he's gonna pull out,and don't list him...yet do list Morris,who has less game and potential,as a borderline #1. Jones may not look at online ratings. It may be he is hearing happy thoughts from scouts directly. He also may feel ignored,and already be planning to bail out. Hard to say. He could be a real steal.

It is a funny process. Just look at how some draft rankings have changed a lot in the time SINCE the season. It's like some post-season insider gossip has more weight than actually watching the player in games. I find that kind of nuts,and yet it isn't that far from what we're doing,i guess.

 

Warriors Offseason Preview

<font color="black">This offseason can be anything. It can be the huge offseason for the Warriors to tool their to team into a contender. Or it can be nothing but a downgrading offseason. Either way I have a lot of ideas sorted into categories.</font>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Rookies At 9</font></font><font color="black"></font>

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<u><font color="black">Danny Granger</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">Granger is already at the top of many peoples wish lists. He is NBA ready and is an excellent swingman. The current problem with Granger is that he has a high pretty high stock and the Warriors are packed at the SF spot. However, there have been many rumors that the Warriors are shopping Dunleavy. Trades that come to mind are Dunleavy and a Future First Rounder for Chris Wilcox</font>

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<u><font color="black">Joey Graham</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">Graham is another swingman in this draft and is probably going to available at the 9 pick. </font>

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<u><font color="black">Ike Diogu</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">Most people don't seeing Diogu going this high. And they think this with reason. Diogu has usually been touted as going top 25 or so. Diogu is an under-sized power forward that plays SF at the PF position because he is too slow to play Sf and to small for PF. Could be a steal, could be a bust.</font>

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<u><font color="black">Hakkim Warrick</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">Extremely raw, athletic freak SF from Syracuse. Has tried out with the Warriors. Yet again another sign that we might be shipping Dunleavy.</font>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Rookies At 40 And 42</font></font><font color="black"></font>

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<u><font color="black">Nate Robinson</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">Very good PG. Under 6 feet, but can still be a very good back-up for the Warriors. Might fall to 40, defenitly not 42.</font>

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<u><font color="black">Salim Stoudamire</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">Arizona</font><font color="black">'s sharpshooter. His head problems make him go down in stock, so he might fall to 40 or 42. Bust or steal? He's worth the look.</font>

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<u><font color="black">Julius Hodge</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">Another SG. Could mean Pietrus will get the job at SF and trade Dunleavy leaving the 40 and or 42 picks to be backup SGs.</font>

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<u><font color="black">Monta Ellis</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">High-school SG from New York. New Yorkers have had success in the NBA, maybe Ellis will follow spirit.</font>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Free Agents</font></font><font color="black"></font>

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<u><font color="black">Jay Williams</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">He's back and might be willing to go to GS. If we can get him and ship Fisher, we would get younger and even more flexible cap-wise. At this point, he's either going to do good, or he's going to fail.</font>

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<u><font color="black">Stromile Swift</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">I don't see him coming here, but for the right price, Swift can play PF and move Murphy up to C. </font>

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<u><font color="black">Brevin Knight</font></u><font color="black"></font>

<font color="black">After a stellar season with the Bobcats, many teams might want him. He?s probably going to ask for some money and that might be a problem because he is aging. </font>

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<u><font color="black">Vladmir Radmonovic</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">He could be good off the bench if we can trade Foyle and have Biedrins start. But the chances of trading Foyle and getting the European sharp-shooter are low.</font>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Players Via Trade</font></font><font color="black"></font>

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<u><font color="black">Jamaal Magloire</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">I'm not sure if the star center from New Orleans is on the trading block, but if he is, the Warriors should try to get him. Who knows, they traded Baron for Speedy...</font>

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<font color="black">That's about it for the players via trade lol</font>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Warriors Needs</font></font><font color="black"></font>

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<u><font color="black">Big Man</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black">The Warriors quite obviously need a big man. Andris Biedrins has said to be one of the top ten centers in the future by Baron Davis, but until that time comes, we need someone more reliable than Adonal Foyle.</font>

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<u><font color="black">Back-Up PG</font></u><font color="black"></font>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">The Warriors got Derek Fisher last year and he is now backing up at PG spot. Fisher has a reputation for being clutch, but he is grandly over paid. The Warriors might try to move him in a trade so they can get Jay Williams, or they can move him to back-up SG, trade Dunleavy, have Pietrus start, and have a second rounder be back-up PG.</font></font>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Current Players</font></font><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"></font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Jason Richardson</font></font></u>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">J-Rich is the Warriors starting SG right now. He is a star and is known by his sick highlight reel dunks, but with Baron Davis, he might get some more recognition as one of the best SG?s out there</font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Staying</font></font></u>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Baron Davis</font></font></u>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Baron Davis has been rejuvenated here. Literally. He?s been averaging 19.5 points a game and 8.3 assists per game with us. Next year when he is completely healthy, he will be the best point guard in the league.</font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Staying</font></font></u>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Andris Biedrins </font></font></u>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Warriors 7 feet center barely played at the beginning of the year, but after the arrival of Baron Davis, became one of the most important bench players for the Warriors. Biedrins is a great defender, laterally quick, and is developing a low post game. Maybe he?ll be ready to start next year.</font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Staying</font></font></u>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Troy Murphy</font></font></u>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Murphy at one point was third in the league at the point field goal percentage. Murphy is one of the Warriors best rebounders, unfortunately, he doesn?t bang down low. </font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Tradable </font></font></u>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Mike Dunleavy</font></font></u>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">The Warriors number 3 pick in the 2002 draft. Dunleavy is extremely soft and is lacking confidence. A good passer and shooter, he could be trade bait.</font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Trading Block</font></font></u>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Mickael Pietrus</font></font></u>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Mickael Pietrus is the Warriors spark off of the bench. He has freak athletic ability, can leap, and has a solid shot.His defensive abilities can make him able to take over Mike Dunleavy at the SF position if he gets bulkier, however he is very popular and many GMs want him.</font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Tradable</font></font></u>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Adonal Foyle</font></font></u>

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<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">The Warriors starting center for the last half of the year. Has tons of heart and some skill. He just wasn?t worth signing for so much</font></font>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Staying</font></font></u>

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<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Derek Fisher</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Once again, another player not worth his contract. Has a reputation for being clutch. If he can be traded, look to the lowly teams like New Orleans</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Zarko Cabarkapa</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">The Warriors new European fan favorite. With his shot and his penetration skills he is a steal from Phoenix. The Warriors will most likely keep him</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Staying</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Rodney White</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Traded for Eduardo Najera. Has been proved to be a ball-hog and pretty worthless. He can be good if he actually starts to improve his attitude. </font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Bye-Bye</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Nikoloz Tskitishvili </font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">The number 6 pick a few years back. A euro that shoots the ball thought to be the next Dirk. Seems more like the next Sam Bowie. Has talked about going back to Europe.</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Status: Bye-Bye</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Calbert Cheaney</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">The Warriors leader that never plays. He can shoot mid-range jumpers pretty well. Aging, but still a mentor to the Warriors younger players.</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Status: Staying</font></font></u>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">Likely Warriors Roster Scenarios</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">PG: Baron Davis/ Jay Williams</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">SG: Jason Richardson/ Salim Stoduamire/ MLE Veteran</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">SF: Mickael Pietrus/ Danny Granger/ Monta Ellis</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">PF: Troy Murphy/ Zarko Cabarkapa</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">C: Andris Biedrins/ Adonal Foyle</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">IR: Calbert Cheany</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">PG: Baron Davis/ Derek Fisher/ Nate Robinson</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">SG: Jason Richardson/ Mickael Pietrus / Salim Stoduamire</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">SF: Mike Dunleavy/ Zarko Cabarkapa / Anglo Gigli</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">PF: Troy Murphy/ Fran Vazquez</font></font>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">C: Andris Biedrins/ Adonal Foyle</font></font>

<u><font color="black"><font face="Verdana"> </font></font></u>

<font color="black"><font face="Verdana">IR: Calbert Cheaney</font></font>

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting REREM:</div><div class="quote_post">
It is a funny process. Just look at how some draft rankings have changed a lot in the time SINCE the season. It's like some post-season insider gossip has more weight than actually watching the player in games. I find that kind of nuts,and yet it isn't that far from what we're doing,i guess.</div>
But it's sure fun to talk about. I'm suprised myself on how much weight Chad Ford has on these other mock sites doing what they do. Chad Ford says something, sites start changing their mocks around. What if he's wrong? Ford has a tendency to leave out important details why teams do what they do especially when going overboard on bashing the warriors, but I guess he's considered the closest one to the actual scouting and draft process and at times he does speak the cold, hard truth. The thing about the draft is everything is so secretive on purpose, that anyone in the media can just b.s. sometimes. I doubt most of these mock guys are avid college bball fans because the sports writers are out there covering a variety of sports they'd have to be attuned with. They sometimes seem to just go with the flow like a lot of other people do or make idiotic statements for the sake of attention and shock value. I like the people here that have a philosophy about something, they talk about it, you can relate some and they've witnessed something first hand from being there and also from what they know about basketball history. It brings a lot of perspective to the topic of "What team should we be building?" and which philosophy should we model our team after?

 

Workout measurements show Diogu 6-9 with a very long wingspan/reach,making him in effect,as tall as the 20 lb lighter Vasquez. He also is a fast and quick as Dunleavy + Zarko,perhaps quicker. Ike has about as much quickness as an average NBA SF,though is not as quick as Pietrus,obviously. Diogu is as big as Vasquez,a year YOUNGER,and far more skilled. NBA teams will see that-its on video

Warrick is not Raw-Vasquez is raw, Marvin Williams is raw. Splitter is raw,so is Bynum. Warrick averaged 2o-plus,and played a big role on a championship team. Warrick is the best out there at taking it to the rim,a very good slasher. All he really lacks is a deep perimeter J

Gigli is a tall,thin-thinner than Zarko,perimeter F who is probably not as quick as Diogu,and still raw. He could become a decent pro but we have a better version in Zarko now. Nate Robinson,like Salim,actually was a 2 G,Conroy played point at UW,but I am certain both Nate and Salim will be good NBA point G's. Hodge actually did play point much of his SR year.

Rodney White has another year unless we can deal him. Denver,pre-trade,had extended him,but not Shika who's an FA now.

An option not much considered is a trade-up with us getting pick 3 from Portland,and Drafting Green. Green will be a very good NBA player,and could easily become a superstar. He is not Raw-really knows the game. In the past,several HS swingmen got labeled as having a point G game at 6-7,6-8,whatever,off getting 4 assists a game in HS. Green averaged 7 assists,with a 33pt avg,13 boards and an amazing 60% 3pt percentage. Basically he's more NBA ready than a lot of guys already in the league.

A round 2 worth a look-Deng Gai of Fairfield. Gai is a quick 6-9,a leaper,a cousin of Luol Deng and Manute Bol. Was #2 in the Ncaa in shotblocks,had 3 games of 10+ blocks including a triple double. Gai had good rdb numbers,decent scoring numbers,but basically is going to be a defensive stopper at F

Derek Zimmerman a W's rd 2 a couple of years ago,point G,had a nice season in the NBDL,near the top in assists and steals,and with improved scoring. He's 6-3,and a real nice V leap was part of why they drafted him.

Some of the projections we are used to from mocks will come apart on draft day. A guy I wish I had more info on,had seen in regular games etc,is Blatche. Blatche is about the same size and age as Splitter,with some similar qualities in general. A major difference is Blatche has real nice shooters touch and range..plus no contract buyout.
And so,if it's logical to have Splitter a possible top 10,why not Blatche?

Dwayne Jones continues to be the invisible big man. He declared,is a 6-11 jr from St Joes-and was top 5 in BOTH rebounds and shotblocks. Teams gotta be watching Ben Wallace in the finals-again,and saying,why can't we get a guy like that? Big time D,big time boards? NBA Draft.net,and other Draft Mocks began the college season with certain guys pegged as top 10,many of them being very raw bigs who had yet to do much. The idea was,they had "upside" and by now would have accomplished enough to show a learning curve and some ability. Many did not come close. However,in the world of Mocks,a guy given a first class ticket only gradually works his way down. Taft,for instance has slipped below the lottery level,finally. He had never done anything to put him in the top 15,or 25,so seeing him ahead of May,who actually DID do something, smacked of injustice. Jones did more than Taft and SHOULD be a better pro-excuse me-it may sound crazy-but Jones WAS in the elite in terms of real results in 2 key big-man skills. Why is he not in the late rd 1 on mocks,aside from not getting annoited as a chosen one at the start of the season?
that a player actually can and has done things well does not mean he lacks "potential"