With the draft less than one month away, most draft experts are still saying that there is no sure pick amongst the crop.  That means that there is a risk for even the first overall pick, and an even bigger risk for the Bulls' #4.  Writes the Chicago Tribune's Chris King, "Since 1980, the fourth spot has not been kind. The No. 4 selection has produced only three All-Stars. However, out of the 21 No. 1 overall selections, 16 players were All-Stars at least once in their careers. But only eight of 21 No. 2 overall picks made the All-Star team."

In a hodge-podge of news, the Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen reports that Pau Gasol will probably be picked in the top-10.  In fact, he says, drafting teams are allowed to pay only $350,000 over the rookie scale for his $2 million buy-out, meaning he may have to go top-5 if he is to play in the NBA next year.  Also, the Rockets have worked out a lot of centers but only because they are seniors, says Carroll Dawson.  CD also said no one stood out.  They will soon workout The Rockets are scheduled to work out Terence Morris, Sean Lampley, Michael Wright, Jarron Collins and Brian Scalabrine. High lotto picks should come later.

In a hodge-podge of news, the Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen reports that Pau Gasol will probably be picked in the top-10.  In fact, he says, drafting teams are allowed to pay only $350,000 over the rookie scale for his $2 million buy-out, meaning he may have to go top-5 if he is to play in the NBA next year.  Also, the Rockets have worked out a lot of centers but only because they are seniors, says Carroll Dawson.  CD also said no one stood out.  They will soon workout The Rockets are scheduled to work out Terence Morris, Sean Lampley, Michael Wright, Jarron Collins and Brian Scalabrine. High lotto picks should come later.

With the 8th pick in the draft, the Cavaliers may look to Pau Gasol, a 7-foot small forward from Spain. Chris Tomasson of the Beacon Journal reports that the Cavs are looking to get big and athletic and some say that Gasol at 20 years old is further developed than Dirk Nowitzki was at that age.

John Denton of the Florida Today writes, Billy Hunter and the NCAA wouldn't listen, so now David Stern is taking his argument for an age limit to the NBA veterans, who would greatly benefit from an age limit. Also, Jason Williams wants out of Sacramento, could Orlando be a possible destination? Plus, more news from around the NBA.

Steve Wyche of The Sporting News writes that Michael Jordan has proclaimed the neucleus of his team consists of Richard Hamilton, Courtney Alexander, Etan Thomas and Jahidi White. Now with the first pick in the draft, he must decide whether to choose a young player to compliment the neucleus or use that pick to procure a veteran.

The Knicks' draft pick is going to the Suns.  It can then go to the Magic.  And the Magic owe a pick to the Rockets.  The Rockets owe the Grizzlies.  But the Pistons don't want that pick to reach Vancouver (oops, Memphis), because the Grizzlies owe the Pistons a pick.  This season it can be any team's top-18 pick, but next season it must be the Grizz' pick (top 5 protected).  So the Pistons are lobbying the Magic, and might even return Chucky Atkins to the Magic if they'll just keep from moving that pick to Houston.  BTW - RealGM understands the Grizz must get the pick to Detroit by June 1.