A few obvious points I concluded after talking with several people, most of which are NBA Employees/scouts. - Right now, it looks nearly impossible that we'll (Raptors) be able to grab Green with our 7th pick, unless we trade up. - However, I talked to a couple of people from Georgia Tech and they told me that the Hawks are EXTREMELY high on Deron Williams and could very well trade down with the Hornets and grab him with the 4th (Because it looks like John Nash is going to draft Green with the 3rd). - Antoine Wright is jumping up everyone's mock. The kid is showing promising atheletism and a smooth jumper. We'd be lucky to grab him with the 16th, very lucky. - Chris Taft's stock is going downhill. Most GM's have been really disappointed after his workouts in Madison Square Garden last week. There are mumblings that he may end up being a late 1st rder at best. A friend has told me that Isiah was mumbling last week that he won't take a shot at him if he's available at pick 30!!! - Rashad Maccants has impressed several teams, yet he's flying under the radar right now and nobody is giving him much attention or hype. - Andrew Bynum has great potential and is very talented. His immaturity and personality is what scaring some GM's after sitting down with him. - Kupchak is looking to acqiure a mid-late 1st Rder to grab Jarret Jack. Specially if they get Splitter with the 10th. - If the Raps don't use their 58th pick on him, Juan Mendez will not get drafted! - Charlie Villanueva and Sean May are the biggest question marks in the draft. They could be steals or busts. You don't know what you're getting. - As mentioned earlier, New Orleans aboslutly hate their postion and seems highly unlikely that they'll stay at #4 when Stern steps to the podium. - His jumpshot is what seperating Warrick from being a lottery pick to a late 1st rder. However, Babcock absolutly loves athletisim and versatility. But most of his drills when arrives at the ACC this week will be: 1) Guarding smaller 3's. 2) Shooting, shooting, shooting, shooting, and shooting. If Warrick plays good defence on Joey Graham on June 2nd when they both work out for the Raptors, and he hits 50% of his shots. Don't be surprised if the Raps snatch him with their 16th. - Sean Banks seems to be the steal of the 2nd round. The guy can LOCK people down, believe me! .. Obviously, some of these assements may change during the Chicago Pre-Draft camp and private workouts. Take it for what it's worth.
Of the NBA scouts and GM's I've been talking to down here in Chicago, this is what I know as of your previous nuggets..... Gerald Green will in NO WAY be around for Toronto at pick #7. He's gone at #3. Antoine Wright as BLOWN up the draft board. The Lakers are VERY high on Jack. Look for them to, if not aquire a pick, possibly trade for him. Warrick will not fall past the Warriors at #9. He wont be around for Toronto at #16. Only way Atlanta passes on Paul, Williams, or Bogut at #2 to pick Deron Williams, is if all 3 die in a car crash on the way to the draft.
I agree with you (basicly what I said) on most points, however, Mullin seems to be aiming at a big man in this draft. They're looking deeply at Vazquez and Splitter, so if I had to bet, they'll take either with their pick. I don't think Chris Mullin will take Warrick with their original pick. As for the Hawks, I didn't say they're going to pass on CP, Marvin or Bogut, I said they're looking to trade down with NO to grab Deron.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As for the Hawks, I didn't say they're going to pass on CP, Marvin or Bogut, I said they're looking to trade down with NO to grab Deron.</div> My bad, I misread it the first time. You're on point though. I can easily see them switching, however, with Paul on the board, #1 why trade down for a less heralded point guard, and #2 what does NO have to offer besides future draft choices? Not saying you have the answer, but, from where I stand, I dont know what the hell ATL would be thinking there?
The rumour that's floating around is: Boris Diaw/2nd Overall pick/future 2nd Rd pick for Speedy Claxton/4th Overall Pick/2nd Rd pick this year (Which is a the 3rd pick in the second round). Don't run away with it, it's just a rumour, but it could happen.
If I was going to pick from Paul,Felton and Williams,I see them as very near even. All are good playmakers,none are J Kidd quality. Paul is the best shooter but is small and weaker on D. Felton had the best progress in upgrading his game. If the incentive to trade down is enough value,I would. Each guy has a chance at being the better player down the road.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple Fever:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree with you (basicly what I said) on most points, however, Mullin seems to be aiming at a big man in this draft. They're looking deeply at Vazquez and Splitter, so if I had to bet, they'll take either with their pick. I don't think Chris Mullin will take Warrick with their original pick. As for the Hawks, I didn't say they're going to pass on CP, Marvin or Bogut, I said they're looking to trade down with NO to grab Deron.</div> Oh please,Mully say it ain't so
