RealGM Analysis
This mock draft does not attempt to predict what NBA teams will do in the tomorrow?s NBA draft. Instead, following the NBA's own rules as laid out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, it answers the question ? ?What would you do if you were the general manager?"
For the second straight year, the RealGM team affiliates and columnists ? and knowledgeable fans where the affiliates or columnists couldn't participate ? got together and did everything possible to make their teams better.
They made picks, traded players and picks, and stretched the Collective Bargaining Agreement to its limits. Are the teams any better? You be the judge.
We?ve tried to make navigating this draft as easy as possible. Clicking appropriately marked links will move readers back and forth between picks, trade details and team explanations.
Here's what happened:
1. Cleveland ? LeBron James, G/F, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
2. Detroit ? Darko Milicic, F, Serbia
3. Denver ? Carmelo Anthony, G/F, Syracuse
4. Toronto ? Chris Bosh, F, Georgia Tech
5. Miami ? Maciej Lampe, F, Poland
6. LA Clippers ? TJ Ford, G, Texas
7. Chicago ? Dwyane Wade, G, Marquette
8. New York (from Milwaukee) ? Mickael Pietrus, G/F, France ? Trade4
9. Milwaukee (from New York) ? Chris Kaman, C, Central Michigan ? Trade4
10. Washington ? Kirk Hinrich, G, Kansas
11. Golden State ? Alexksandar Pavlovic, F/G, Serbia
12. Seattle ? Marcus Banks, G, UNLV
13. Memphis ? Jarvis Hayes, F, Georgia
14. Memphis (from Seattle) ? Carlos Delfino, G, Argentina ? Trade1
15. Orlando ? Sofoklis Schortsanitis, F/C, Greece
16. Boston ? Mike Sweetney, F, Georgetown
17. Phoenix ? Nick Collison, F, Kansas
18. Detroit (from New Orleans) ? Boris Diaw, G/F, France ? Trade6
19. Utah ? Reece Gaines, G, Louisville
20. Boston ? Luke Ridnour, G, Oregon
21. Atlanta ? Leandrinho Barbosa, G, Brazil
22. New Jersey ? Zoran Planicic, F, Croatia
23. Portland ? Zarko Cabarkapa, F, Serbia
24. LA Lakers ? Brian Cook, F, Illinois
25. Philadelphia (from New York via Detroit) ? Malick Badiane, F/C, Senegal ? Trade2, Trade3
26. Minnesota ? Josh Howard, F, Wake Forest
27. Seattle (from Memphis) ? Zaur Pachulia, C, Georgia (the country, not the university) ? Trade1
28. San Antonio ? Kendrick Perkins, C, Ozen High School
29. Chicago (from Dallas) ? Mo Williams, G, Alabama ? Trade5
30. Detroit (from New York) ? Troy Bell, G, Boston College ? Trade2, Trade3
31. Cleveland ? Luke Walton, F, Arizona
32. LA Lakers ? Mario Austin, F, Mississippi State
33. Miami ? Carl English, G, Hawaii
34. LA Clippers ? Travis Outlaw, F, Starkville High School
35. Milwaukee ? Ndudi Ebi, F, Westbury Christian High School
36. Dallas (from Chicago) ? Slavko Vranes, C, Serbia ? Trade5
37. Atlanta ? David West, F, Xavier
38. Washington ? Jerome Beasley, F, North Dakota State
39. New Orleans (from Detroit via New York) ? Brandon Hunter, F, Ohio ? Trade2, Trade6
40. Golden State ? James Lang, C, Central Park Christian High School
41. Seattle ? Zoltan Bencze, F/C, Hungary
42. Orlando ? Justin Hamilton, G, Florida
43. Milwaukee ? Szymon Szewczyk, F, Poland
44. Houston ? Steve Blake, G, Maryland
45. Chicago ? Uche Nsonwu-Amadi, F, Wyoming
46. Denver ? Matt Bonner, F, Florida
47. Philadelphia (from Utah) ? Travis Hansen, G, BYU ? Trade7
48. New Orleans ? Marquis Daniels, F, Auburn
49. Indiana ? Rick Rickert, F, Minnesota
50. Philadelphia ? Chris Marcus, C, Western Kentucky
51. New Jersey ? Kyle Korver, G, Creighton
52. Toronto ? Dahntay Jones, F, Duke
53. Miami ? Derrick Zimmerman, G, Mississippi State
54. Portland ? Paccelis Morlende, G, France
55. Minnesota ? Ronald Dupree, F, LSU
56. Sacramento ? Josh Powell, F, NC State
57. Dallas ? Hollis Price, G, Oklahoma
58. Utah (from Detroit) ? Jason Kapono, F, UCLA ? Trade8
1. Memphis trades: Stromile Swift, Ryan Humphrey and pick #27 to Seattle for: Jerome James and pick #14.
2. Detroit trades: Zeljko Rebracca, Chucky Atkins, Hubert Davis and pick #25 to New York for: Charlie Ward, Travis Knight, pick #30 and pick #39.
3. New York trades: Allan Houston, pick #25, and a 2004 first round pick to Philadelphia for: Keith Van Horn, John Salmons, Efthimios Rentzias, and a 2004 first round pick.
4. New York trades: Kurt Thomas, Howard Eisley and pick #9 to Milwaukee for: Tim Thomas and pick #8.
5. Dallas trades: Michael Finley, Evan Eschmeyer, and pick #29 to Chicago for: Jalen Rose, Marcus Fizer and pick #36.
6. Detroit trades: Corliss Williamson, Tayshaun Prince and pick #39 to New Orleans for: George Lynch, Stacey Augmon, and pick #18.
7. Utah trades: pick #47 to Philadelphia for: a second round pick that must be #47 or better within the next two years. If Philadelphia fails to deliver a pick meeting that criteria, Philadelphia owes an unprotected first round pick. The pick can belong to any team at Philadelphia's option.
8. Detroit trades: Pepe Sanchez, Travis Knight and pick #58 to Utah for : John Amaechi. Deal will be completed on August 23.
What Were They Thinking?
Atlanta Hawks ? RealGM: Jason
Walker
I was at a press conference talking to the Hawks' actual interim general manager Billy Knight when it was my turn to pick at both 21 and 37. I did not let him make the selections for me.
Like Knight, I wanted the best player available. At 21, I couldn't pass on Leandrinho Barbosa, despite the fact he isn't significantly taller than our other guard, Jason Terry. Barbosa is an aggressive player on both ends of the floor, who handles the ball very well.
The Hawks were the only team to finish in the top 12 in both offensive and defensive field goal percentage, but not make the playoffs. That?s due to their ungodly number of turnovers. Barbosa will fill ball handling and backcourt scoring needs.
At 37 I was stunned to see David West, a player I had on my six player list for #21. West is a tremendous player who plays with passion. He?s a good ball handler and scorer in the post.
First - Second - Trades
Boston Celtics ? RealGM: sunshinekids99 and Daniel Kahn
Our plan was to use the draft to fill needs. With our first pick (16th) we got the steal of the draft in Mike Sweetney. Sweetney is NBA ready; we got an Elton Brand clone. He has a nonstop motor, with a good offensive and defensive game.
At #20 we took slick point guard Luke Ridnour. Ridnour can give the Celtics exactly what they need, a pass first point guard who can run the break and hit the open shot. Boston knows they have to work on his defense and size, but are comfortable with doing so. Ridnour may take some time to develop, but he has time to develop into the team?s PG of the future.
After the draft, we engaged in trade discussions with several teams, but couldn?t complete a deal. Possible deals could have landed Eric Snow or Steve Nash, but details could not be finalized.
First - Second - Trades
Chicago Bulls ? RealGM: Andy Stein
I took Wade at #7 because he's probably the most NBA-ready player in the draft. Also, with the injury to Jay Williams, I believe Wade can be made into a ball-handler like Gilbert Arenas.
I traded Rose and Fizer to the Dallas for several reasons. Finley can be a mature role model to the kids, while Eschmeyer can be a reliable backup to Curry. Also by moving up to the 29th pick I was able to draft Mo Williams, the deft ball-handler the Bulls need with Williams out. I didn't think either he or a ball-handler of his quality would be there at #36.
My team needed another board-crashing banger and I think Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (#45) fills that bill. What I like about this team is the number of players who can play multiple positions: Crawford and Wade at the 1 and 2, Finley and Hassell at the 2 and 3, Marshall at the 4 and 5, Chandler at the 4 and 5. This means that when Wade is the first man to come off the bench, Finley can move to the 3, Marshall to the 4 and Chandler to the 5, as needed.
First - Second - Trades
Cleveland Cavaliers ? RealGM: Keith Berzanske
Not available at publication.
First - Second - Trades
Dallas Mavericks ? RealGM: Jon Hamm
Michael Finley and Evan Eschmeyer can go home again because prior to the draft I traded both to Chicago along with the 29th overall pick for Jalen Rose, Marcus Fizer and the 36th overall selection. Rose adds a dimension to the Mavericks and makes the team even more flexible with his ability to capably play three positions. Fizer, despite recovering from a torn ACL, should give the Mavs a post presence they've needed.
The Mavericks have 11 players under contract for next season and will add more via free agency. I focused on a few players that might be available early in round two. This would allow me to let the player develop overseas for a few seasons rather than sit on the bench tied to a three-year guaranteed contract.
I took Slavko Vranes at #36. Though young and raw, he's worth a look especially since he's 7-6. He's a project, but then so is Shawn Bradley and he's been in the league for a decade.
Hollis Price of Oklahoma could also begin his career overseas or break in if Nick Van Exel is dealt. Price is similar to former teammate Eduardo Najera ? both are tough, hard workers and leaders.
First - Second - Trades
Denver Nuggets ? RealGM: Greg Jensen
I chose Carmelo Anthony with pick #3. There was no one else for Denver. Believe it or not, we're already calling him 'Melo and making Magic Johnson comparisons. Hopefully, he can help attract a solid free agent crop, and help the stagnant offense.
The 46th pick took a bit more research. GM Kiki Vandeweghe has already mentioned this year's second round pick may end up playing overseas. I considered Steve Blake, Hollis Price, and Kyle Korver (all good shooters and proven winners), but decided that point guard needs could be addressed in free agency. So, I went with Matt Bonner from Florida, and I think he is a great fit. There is talk of not being able to re-sign Juwan Howard, so what better protection than a 6-10 guy that can step outside? He is intelligent, played big-time collegebasketball, and could help Denver right away.
First - Second - Trades
Detroit Pistons ? RealGM: Marcos Muente
I did my best to add another high lottery pick (Pietrus or Wade) and nearly accomplished that in a deal with Milwaukee. I ended up wheeling and dealing more than I?d expected. The trades rid the Pistons of contracts that are a little long and a little large (Atkins, Williamson).
After the deals, Detroit will have roughly $36.5 million dollars committed to the salary cap this year (if Ward is bought out). In 2004, however, Detroit will have a chance to make a splash in free agency. Assuming Richard Hamilton is back at $7 million a season or less and Jon Barry is re-signed for one season, Detroit will have roughly $30 million committed. The salary cap at that point should be $44-$46 million dollars, giving the Pistons around $15 million dollars to chase after Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett.
New Pistons lineup:
PG Chauncey Billups, Troy Bell
SG Richard Hamilton, Jon Barry, Boris Diaw
SF George Lynch, Michael Curry, Stacey Augmon
PF Cliff Robinson, Darko Milicic
C Ben Wallace, Mehmet Okur, John Amaechi
First - Second - Trades
Golden State Warriors ? RealGM: Jeff Deeney
The Warriors selected Aleksandar Pavlovic with the 11th pick in the draft. Although some may consider him a reach that high, I thought he was the best player available. Since neither Lampe nor Pietrus fell, I wasn?t thrilled with anyone remaining on the board. I was high on Barbosa, but knew he could be had farther down in the draft.
Another factor in the choice is that with a re-signed Gilbert Arenas, the Warriors may go over the luxury tax. If this is the case, having Pavlovic play in Europe for one year, may keep the Warriors under the tax for 2003-2004. With several expiring contracts next year (Mills, Sura, Foyle) Golden State would have room to make some acquisitions.
First - Second - Trades
Houston Rockets ? RealGM: Commissioner pic
Not available at publication.
First - Second - Trades
Indiana Pacers ? RealGM: Marc Roberts
Not available at publication.
First - Second - Trades
Los Angeles Clippers ? RealGM: Tim Lehrbach
The Clippers enter yet another offseason of uncertainty needing help at every position except power forward. Only Keyon Dooling, Marco Jaric, Quentin Richardson, Chris Wilcox, Melvin Ely, and Wang ZhiZhi have contracts for next season. Andre Miller, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom, Elton Brand, and Michael Olowokandi ? the entire starting lineup ? are free agents, and the team lacks the resources to match offers for all of them.
With the sixth pick, the Clippers had to determine which position was their greatest need and find a potential starter with the pick. As the frontcourt already contains Ely, Wilcox, and Wang, and Brand is the most likely of the free agents to return next season, the frontcourt is, relatively speaking, solid.
Conversely, even with Miller on board last season, point guard continued to be a spot from which the Clippers struggled to find production. The Clippers selected T.J. Ford at #6 with every intention of handing the team over to the talented, dazzling youngster right away. Ford's blazing speed and spectacular passes make him a perfect fit to run the Clippers' fast break offense.
With pick #34, the I took a chance on another high school phenom in the mold of Darius Miles. Travis Outlaw was a dominant high school athlete, and his skills will likely take time to develop. With the probable losses of Odom and Maggette, the Clippers figure to be thin at small forward, so Outlaw will get a chance to play and develop.
First - Second - Trades
Los Angeles Lakers ? RealGM: Chris Bailey
If the Lakers are going to be popping champaign again in 2004 it?s going to be due to heavy lifting by Shaq in the weight room and Mitch Kupchak in the free agent market. With that in mind, the Lakers were looking for ?best player available? with the 24th and 32nd picks. Both picks also addressed the Lakers biggest need, power forward.
I had ranked Brian Cook as the 18th best prospect, and drafted him at #24. Cook has lottery talent, but has been dogged by questions about his mental toughness. He?s a skilled offensive player, adept from the post and the perimeter. He has a nice back to the basket game, highlighted by his turnaround jumper and great touch around the basket. His shooting range extends to the three-point line. At 6-10, Cook is good on the boards, finishing as Illinois' fifth leading career rebounder.
Mario Austin was the selection at 32. Although he plays the same position as Cook, Austin was the top-rated player remaining on my draft board. After three years at Mississippi State, Austin is mature enough to make the team. With the likely departure of Walker, Horry, and Madsen, LA could use more depth at PF. Austin is a strong, physical presence, and his strength, athleticism, and offensive game make him an improvement over Madsen.
First - Second - Trades
Memphis Grizzlies ? RealGM: William Smith
Before the draft, I planned to move up and select Pavel Podkolzine. Trade plans died, however, when he withdrew from the draft. I still wanted to find a big man, but I?m not convinced that Kaman will be a worthwhile pro.
Swift is not a center and with Gasol at PF there?s no other way he can break into the starting lineup. I?m also convinced Stro won?t re-sign after this season. By moving him along with Humphrey and the #27 pick, I managed to add post help in Jerome James (7-1, 285 pounds), and the #14 pick. This trade also enables Trybanski to log much-needed minutes alongside Wright off the bench.
The offense has been limited to Gasol, Miller and Williams, which makes it easy for defenses to collapse on Pau in the post forcing either a bad shot or a turn over. I selected Jarvis Hayes and Carlos Delfino to diversify the offense. Delfino can develop overseas for one more season while Hayes offers immediate scoring help.
First - Second - Trades
Miami Heat ? RealGM: Andrew Friedman
Not available at publication.
First - Second - Trades
Milwaukee Bucks ? RealGM: W. Unseld
Because it seems the Bucks might be gaining Michael Jordan, I felt they should get the full Wiz experience by having W. Unseld run their draft. Yep, a man named after the guy who signed Juwan Howard for $100 million is drafting for the Bucks. (Don?t forget ? he?s also the guy who brought Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe to Washington for Chris Webber, dealt Rasheed Wallace for Rod Strickland, and packaged Ben Wallace, Jeff McInnis, Tim Legler and Terry Davis to Orlando for Ike Austin.) Welcome to the Curse of Les Boulez.
I traded for a tougher Thomas, dealing Tim to New York for Kurt. I had to take Howard Eisley as well. Kurt scores inside, rebounds well and holds his own defensively. Eisley could help off the bench pending the likely departure of GP.
With my picks, I added size via Kaman, a big man who scores well, defends and rebounds. In the second round, I took Ndudi Ebi, who will be groomed to replace T. Thomas. How could I pass on Swezck, who carries ?best Polish prospect ever? label?
First - Second - Trades
Minnesota Timberwolves ? RealGM: Mike Lipetzky
According to Dilbert, sometimes the straightest path runs through the mud. And while I didn?t lead my beloved Timberwolves down an illegal, Joe-Smith-esque path, I did a ton of work slogging through the down and dirty details of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to end up ? drafting at my appointed spots. Oh, well, at least I learned all about the proper application of the Poison Pill Provision.
The Wolves are a 50-win team that needs to improve its talent base just to get out of the first round. They also have only seven players under contract for next season, yet no hope of being under the salary cap.
I drafted Josh Howard from Wake Forest with the 26th pick. Howard is a mature player whose defensive talent will help offset Wally Szczerbiak?s defensive ? um ? deficiencies. Howard should be able to contribute right away. Second round pick, Ronald Dupree from LSU might be able to contribute. More likely the Wolves? improvement will come from making something out of nothing in free agency. The way to do that is to trade Terrell Brandon?s contract to a team that doesn?t mind losing and is seeking cap room.
First - Second - Trades
New Jersey Nets ? RealGM: pja123
Not available at publication.
First - Second - Trades
New Orleans Hornets ? RealGM: James Rouse
Set on the perimeter with Baron Davis, David Wesley, and Jamal Mashburn, with a passable center in Jamal Magloire, and knowing that PJ Brown may depart in free agency, I entered the draft hoping to land a power forward. However, Schortsanitis, Sweetney, and Collison went in each of the three picks before mine. That left me with Brian Cook, who wasn?t impressive enough to warrant the pick.
So, I traded the pick (along with George Lynch and Stacey Augmon) to the Pistons for Corliss Williamson, Tayshaun Prince, and the 39th pick. Prince provides a youth infusion to an aging team, and Williamson provides inside scoring that has been missing since Larry Johnson left for New York.
With the 39th pick, a rebounding PF was a must. I selected Brandon Hunter, who will grab rebounds and do the dirty work as needed. With the 48th pick, I went for the best player available, and took a chance on Marquis Daniels of Auburn. His size, athleticism, and defense could be valuable off the bench.
First - Second - Trades
New York Knicks ? RealGM: John Bonam, aka knickfan
The Knicks were looking to unload some of their heftier contracts, move up, acquire a quality center, as well as put a competetive product on the floor to keep the Garden fans happy.
All of those goals were accomplished.
We started by trading Charlie Ward and Travis Knight to Detroit for Zeljko Rebracca, Chucky Atkins, and Hubert Davis. Rebracca fills our center need while Atkins improves our PG position. Davis is an ending contract. I also swapped both second rounders for Detroit's #25 pick.
This pick was later used to help move Allan Houston's contract to Philadelphia for Keith Van Horn, John Salmons, and Efthimios Rentzias. Van Horn's contract is a year shorter than Houston's and moves Sprewell back to SG. I also swapped first rounders with the Sixers in 2004, believing we will be one of the top teams next season with Philadelphia hopefully heading to the lottery. Salmons is talented PG/SG/SF while Rentzias is a center who could develop into Rebracca's backup.
Finally, I moved Howard Eisley's contract along with Kurt Thomas and the #9 to Milwaukee for Tim Thomas and the #8.
With the #8, I drafted the "Euro Jordan" Mickael Pietrus to backup Spree and Tim Thomas and possibly grow into NY's SG/SF of the future.
First - Second - Trades
Orlando Magic ? RealGM: Howard Mass
I entered the draft with the 15th and 42nd picks but I was determined to move up and grab Marquette guard Dwyane Wade. One trade with Miami would have sent #15 and Gordan Giricek for picks 5 and 33, but it fell through. Another deal would have sent #15 and a future lottery-protected first to the Clippers for pick #6, but we couldn?t get the deal finalized. The GM later said he regretted not doing the deal. So did I ? Chicago took Wade with the next pick.
I tried to get Kansas guard Kirk Hinrich from Washington at #10, but the deal fell through when Washington insisted on Giricek. Uncertain about how good Hinrich will be, I stayed at #15 and decided to select the top ranked player available. In the end, I chose Sofoklis Schortsanitis over Mike Sweetney and Leandrinho Barbosa because of his potential and trade value. If the Magic do well in the free agent market, then they have an 18-year old big man with strength and a great work ethic.
At #42, I hoped that someone who was supposed to go higher would fall. That did not happen, so I took Florida point guard Justin Hamilton, who at 6-3 can defend the bigger point guards in the East. Hamilton also has long arms and a 38-inch vertical leap and has a chance to make it as a backup point guard and defensive stopper.
First - Second - Trades
Philadelphia 76ers ? RealGM: prerak
Coach-less, center-less, and clue-less, the Sixers are entering the off season with many questions, but still with the Answer. Next season don?t be surprised to see Iverson playing the point; in fact, many Sixers fans will tell you that he has been doing so for the last half of the season as it is. With that in mind, finding a replacement at shooting guard was paramount.
I traded Keith Van Horn, John Salmons, and Efthimios Rentzias to the Knicks for Allan Houston and the #25 pick in this year?s draft. We also agreed to swap first round picks next year. This trade has two strong points. First, subtracting Keith Van Horn, who has become the second most hated man in Philadelphia, next to Carrot Top. Second, is adding Allan Houston.
Houston?s contract has given him an undeserved reputation. While he?s paid more money than he should be, his contract is only one year longer than Van Horn?s, and Houston averaged 23 points per game last season. He fills three Sixer needs: a true SG, a shooter, and a scorer who can create his own shot.
At #25 I selected Malick Badiane, who should have been a late-lotto to mid-first round pick. He can play PF and C. With #47 I chose Travis Hansen who can solidify the backcourt. At 50, I took a risk on Chris Marcus. Marcus was a lock as a lottery pick last year, until he got injured. He may never play, but if he does, he could be a major steal.
This team is not complete yet, in the off season I would likely trade Eric Snow and/or Aaron McKie for a starting SF or C. In free agency Kenny Thomas will be re-signed and an effort will be made to get some more depth (Antonio Daniels, Jon Barry, Chris Anderson, etc.) That would allow the team to build around a core of Iverson, Houston, Badiane, Thomas, and company.
First - Second - Trades
Phoenix Suns ? RealGM: R. Granger
Our team is young and moving in the right direction. Making the playoffs last year was something we expected, and we achieved that, partly because of Amare Stoudamire. Nick Collison is a solid player who knows how to win. He increased his numbers each year in college. The NABC National Player of the Year and AP First-Team All-American averaged 18.5 points and 10 rebounds as a senior. He is fundamentally sound, with his ability to post up and shoot the outside jumper, we feel we can develop his talents to backup our power forward and small forward positions.
First - Second - Trades
Portland Trailblazers ? RealGM: Billy
Not many franchise players get taken with the 23rd pick. I would be happy to find a player that can play. Rather than opening myself to easy jokes by drafting Travis Outlaw, I drafted Zarko Cabarkapa, a player I think should have been picked higher.
Cabarkapa is a small forward trapped inside a power forward?s body, and is the next best thing to Chris Bosh. At 22 years old he is a little more "aged" than most prospects, but has the possibility of being able to contribute soon. His sweet shooting touch should help outweigh the fact that he looks like another power forward.
At 54 I addressed a need with Paccelis Morlende. The 6-2 guard is said to have a shoot-first mentality but he can have no better PG teacher than head coach Mo Cheeks. Morlende could stay overseas to develop or pull his back out while gardening and warm the IR. Either way, he is a project.
First - Second - Trades
Sacramento Kings ? RealGM: Christopher Broom
I didn't need anyone. I just need everyone I have to stay healthy. I couldn't work a trade. Whoever I picked is just going to keep Cleaves company at the end of the bench, so I went with an ACC guy.
First - Second - Trades
San Antonio Spurs ? RealGM: Commissioner picks
Not available at publication.
First - Second - Trades
Seattle Supersonics ? RealGM: Stuart Friedel
My goal in the draft was to solidify the team at PF, PG, and C for a few years down the road. When I was offerd Swift, I saw an opportunity to cross one of the three off my list, so I did.
In the first round I chose Banks. He physically is everything I would want in a point guard. The only thing holding him back is his mental game, which can be taught. I felt this made him the best available. I grabbed Zaza in the second round because he is similar to Banks; a near perfect physical specimen with tons of natural talent. He needs to develop though. I picked Bencze as sort of insurance for Zaza.
First - Second - Trades
I planned to draft the best available player and hope that he would address needs at PF, C or PG. Chris Bosh was both the best available and filled a need. Bosh is often compared to the likes of Tim Duncan, Jermaine O'Neal and Kevin Garnett. He?s a very good athlete, runs the floor well and is a quick leaper. Bosh showed good shooting touch, shooting 49 percent from beyond the three-point line. He also exhibited a variety of post moves during his one-year stay at Georgia Tech.
Sticking to taking the best available player regardless of position, I chose Dahntay Jones with the 52nd pick. Jones is an excellent athlete who excels in the open court and will add depth.
I tried to trade the #4 pick for a proven NBA star, but the offers were either too costly or couldn?t work under league rules.
First - Second - Trades
Utah Jazz ? RealGM: Jason Scherbel
In most drafts ? especially the last few ? it?s tough to find an impact player at #19. The Jazz had this same pick a couple years back and took Quincy Lewis. That hasn?t worked out very well.
We were looking to go big, but many teams in front of us were doing the same. I was surprised when Reece Gaines fell to 19, and I happily picked him. He's a versatile guard that will compliment our backcourt nicely.
A possible trade with Memphis would have landed Stromile Swift for the 19th pick, but the Grizzlies received a better offer at the last minute.
First - Second - Trades
Washington Wizards ? RealGM: Jason Rosenthal
At #10, I went with the safe pick in Kirk Hinrich. I thought it was too early to draft Barbosa. I tried move down to land him, but couldn?t work a deal. The most serious discussion was to send the #10 to Orlando for the #15 pick and a lottery protected first rounder in 2004. The Magic backed out when Chicago chose Dwyane Wade with the seventh pick.
With the #38 pick, I wanted Luke Walton, but settled for Jerome Beasley, a big-time sleeper from Division III North Dakota.
I felt like I addressed the Wizards' biggest need: a point guard for the future. I also picked up another young big man in Beasley, making one of the four Wizards'big men ? Laettner, Jahidi White, Etan Thomas, or Brendan Haywood ? expendable for an offseason trade.
I sought to fill the Wizards small forward needs by making overtures to Memphis(for Shane Battier) and Indiana (for Al Harrington), but was unable to complete a deal. The Wizards will now look to free agency to acquire a small forward, i.e., Corey Maggette.
Post draft, I had a verbal agreement on a deal with the Sacramento Kings, but sticking with the day?s theme, it didn't go through.
The trade would have sent Etan Thomas, Brendan Haywood, and Kirk Hinrich to the Kings for Bobby Jackson and the Kings second round pick. Jackson is signed to a cap-friendly deal considering his talent, and I thought he'd be exactly the kind of guy that Eddie Jordan would love running the show for the Wizards. Giving up two big men would have been a tough price to pay, but I was prepared to do it.
The Kings pulled out after consulting with the commissioner (Kevin Broom, aka WizardsKev) on how the deal would affect the Kings. If only David Stern had intervened with Wes before the Webber/Richmond trade.
First - Second - Trades