2006 Draft Busts and Steals

Busts:  All I see when I look at Tyrus Thomas is the second coming of Darko Millicic. You have this guy with enormous amounts of potential and almost endless ceiling, drafted ahead of future stars, but never does anything within his first couple seasons that hints that he may reach his potential. I try to look at Tyrus and find a way he can succeed, but I don't see him mounting to anything better then a Stromile Swift who makes little to no impact on a daily basis. Tyrus' career was highlighted by his uncanny abilities to block shots during the NCAA tourney, but chances are once he gets to the NBA he will just get pushed around, and simply over powered. I am also very skeptical on how this kid is going to get his buckets. At LSU all his points came off fast break points, or put back dunks. Now that he is in Chicago, he we get very limited opportunities to get out on the fast break, because
Chicago is a team that will beat you in a half court set, and rarely gets out on the break. For this kid to succeed, he's going to have to do a lot of work. He needs to add some bulk, and develop some low post moves before he can become a threat to do anything in this league.   Steals:

Minnesota got a steal with the 7^th overall pick in the draft when they selected combo guard Randy Foye out of the

University of
Villanova. I’ll tell you guys right now; this kid can play on any level. From what we have seen so far, he clearly has the best ability to score against NBA caliber competition. This kid is extremely good at breaking down defenses, and takes it to the hole with strong aggressive finishes. Randy was able to pick up Toshiba Vegas Summer League MVP Honors with his excellent display of scoring. Randy scored over 20 points in 4 of his 5 games, including one of very few 30 point performances throughout the league. He finished his summer off with averages of 24.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.  Look Randy for Randy to make an immediate impact in his rookie season, and finish as one of the better rookies in the 2006-2007 season.  

Boston also got a steal, as they traded for the rights to Rajon Rondo who was selected 21^st overall in the first round. Rajon proved during the TVSL that he can play the point as well as anyone in this draft class. He excels when the ball is in his hands, and given the chance to penetrate and get things started. Rajon finished the Vegas Summer League with averages of 10.8 points 5.8 assists 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. He also had a double digit assist game, and in the one game he was granted full control of the team, he went for 14 and 8. He is also a good player on the defensive end that will make opposing point guards miserable with his quickness, and long wiry arms. This kid can clearly play, and takes advantage of any and every opportunity he gets, that is why it is clear to see that Rondo with the #21 overall is clearly a steal.

Boston Celtics Off Season (Thus Far)

The Boston Celtics made a few moves this off season, and they were moves that will make big impacts on our play this year. Ever since Danny has became the boss, he has looked for a pure point guard that could lead the team into an up-tempo paced team, and could run plays in the half court set. After watching Marcus fail miserably, and trying to plug Delonte in, the team went out and made a trade for Sebastian Telfair. In the draft we were able to pick up some young talent that could make some immediate impacts on this team, Rajon Rondo, Allan Ray, and Leon Powe. Last but not least, Danny and Paul agreed on an extension that will keep Pierce in
Boston until the 2010-2011 season. It has been a quite off season compared to what Danny has done in recent years, but an altogether effective one.

I’ll start of with the acquisition of Sebastian Telfair. I really liked this move; I think Telfair is the kid that Danny was looking for. His numbers may have been sub-par to his potential while he was playing in
Portland, but that is because the Trailblazers failed to find a comfortable playing style for the up and coming floor leader. When you have a kid that has as much potential as Sebastian did, you should play to his strengths.
Portland should have put a team around Sebastian that would have aloud him to get out on the break, and let him create plays. Instead, the Trailblazers decided to run an offense that focused on Zach Randolph, meaning Sebastian was stuck in the half court, and instead of being able to create plays with his penetration, he had to just simply run up and try to dump the ball into Zach’s hands.

Now that he’s in
Boston, I think Doc will let him do what he’s best at, running and creating. In early practices and summer league games, we saw Sebastian do just that. He got out on the run, and made plays. In his first game as a Celtic, Sebastian looked good, going for 17 points on 5 of 10 shooting, and dishing out 7 dimes. His second game, like all the other Celtics, was rather dismal. In a game that the Celtics got beat pretty bad, Bassy showed very little production with 5 points, shooting just 1 for 5, and 2 assists. The next game, Sebastian came back with evidence. Sebastian was the play maker we hope he would be, handing out 10 dimes, one of which was where he set up Gerald for this nasty flourish on the fast break. In his final game of summer league action, Sebastian took the scoring reigns. He has done a lot of playmaking over the summer, but this time he was out to prove he could score. On a 7 of 14 shooting night, and 10 for 13 from the free throw line, Sebastian dropped 26 in an intense game against the Denver Nuggets.

Sebastian showed that he was much more of a player then his numbers in
Portland prove. He can score, and create, and occasionally even knock down the three (35.3%).

I think were in for a fun season with Sebastian running the point, and he should be with us for the long haul.

Many of people may knock Danny for trading the pick for Sebastian because Rudy Gay was available, but Sebastian is the better fit for this team, and we were still able to do some damage in the draft. After dealing away our 7^th overall pick for the likes of Sebastian Telfair, we were able to pick up a late second pick (in exchange for paying off Brian Grant’s contract), and draft Rajon Rondo. Then, later in the second round we made a deal that brought in formerCal
University star, Leon Powe.

The most intriguing part to Rajon’s game is his defense. He has a long, wiry frame that makes him a pest on the defensive end. He also showed us a lot of potential to be a guy that can run an offense for us, just like Sebastian. Like Sebastian, Rajon is a lightning quick point guard that creates plays with his penetration. However, also like Sebastian, Rajon’s jumper lacks range and consistency.

Leon Powe is a guy a really liked coming into the draft. If you take a look at his physical outlook, and skills, you can tell that this kid could be a player in this league.
Leon can play with his back to the basket, or take his man out to 18 feet with his jumper and ability to put the ball on the floor. He also posses great quickness and explosiveness, especially for a guy with such big knee troubles. He is also a very strong guy, with long arms and huge hands.
Leon saw very little minutes in the summer league, due to the fact that this summer was all about the development of Al, and the stellar play of Ryan Gomes. The two games where Leon Powe was able to log good minutes, he was very productive. In a game against
Toronto, Leon put up 11 points and grab 5 rebounds in just 16 minutes of play. In the final game of the summer,
Leon logged 24 minutes, and put up 8 points to go along with 6 rebounds.
Leon showcased his skills in the summer league enough to land him his first NBA contract, and pretty much made him a lock for the 15 man roster.

One of the biggest things coming into the off season was Pierce’s contract extension. No one knew if he wanted to re-sign, if Danny wanted to resign him or anything really for that matter. However just last week, Paul inked a three year extension that keeps him in green through the 2010-2011 off season. This is big news for us Celtics fans because it shows that Danny still has envisions of winning now, and wants to put together a contender now.

With all the talk of rumors that would bring in Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O’Neal, or Allen Iverson, all us Celtic fans know neither of those three will be wearing green during there playing careers. However deals that would bring in Drew Gooden or Carlos Boozer still remain very likely. Either one of these players gives of size that we have been lacking, and brings an immediate help for Pierce and Szczerbiak to put together a nice run this year. I doubt any major deals will happen, but maybe just something small that could bring in one more big men could be a tremendous help for this season.

All in all, it has been a quite off season by Danny, but an effective one. It should be a fun year watching this group of C’s play together, and hopefully they are a very competitive team. I could see a playoff berth this year, and without a doubt, a .500 ball club.

My Take on the Top Five

Andrea Bargnani is a very skilled big man that possesses a lot of the same skills as Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk has become successful with the use of his out side jumper, shot off the dribble, and taking his man one on one. Andrea has shown this same potential overseas.  From watching some of his clips during international play, you can tell he has that range on his jumper, and can consistently beat his man to the hoop. Andrea may be affected in this league by his lack of strength and toughness. He tends to get pushed around a lot down on the low blocks, and really needs to start working on getting in position for rebounds. I think Andrea will have a good career in the NBA, but I don’t think he will be on the level of Dirk. He will never be the same MVP caliber player that Dirk is, but I do see him as an All Star multiple times during his NBA career.

            Of all the players in the draft, I think that Lamarcus Aldridge has the highest ceiling. Aldridge is a guy that reminds me a lot of Chris Bosh. Both players are athletic, run the floor well for there size, can score in the low post, nice range on there jumpers, and can block shots. One thing Lamarcus doesn’t posses is that nastiness that you see in a lot of NBA big men, and tends to become real soft against bigger defenders. This side of Lamarcus reminds me of Mark Blount because of the fact that he doesn’t play to his potential, and tends to settle on his jumper much to often. I can see Lamarcus as being the best player from this draft. You can see he’s got some work to do, but he already has a nice set of skills that will do him well in the NBA. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Lamarcus as a superstar in this league a few years down the road.

            Adam Morrison is a guy I have come to love over the past year or so. I love how this kid plays with such a big heart. Anytime you see a guy with a passion for the game, mixed with the intangibles he has, you know they will be successful. I can’t help but compare Adam to the like of Larry Bird. If you look at the way Larry played, with such heart, inspired others to play with his same intensity, a vocal leader, knew the game more then anyone else on the floor, great jump shot, nice passing skills, and a loved some good competition, you see all of this is Adam’s game. I’m not saying that Adam will live up to Larry’s legacy, and probably won’t even make the Hall of Fame for that matter, but he will be a very special player over the course of his career. Multiple All Star game appearances, some MVP caliber seasons, a scoring title or two, and my pick for this year’s Rookie of the Year are what I see in Adam Morrison.

            Of the top five picks, I see Tyrus Thomas being the biggest flop. When I look at him, I see Stro Swift written all over. Both of them are good for a top ten highlight with their abilities to block shots and dunk, but neither will be very big impact players. If Tyrus is to be successful in this league it is going to take a lot of work on his part. First and foremost he needs to bulk up. 215 pounds at the power forward position is not going to boast well for you in the NBA. Also, he must work on developing his low post moves, especially in a system like
Chicago’s. A lot of Tyrus’ points cam off fast break buckets, and put back slams. However
Chicago doesn’t get out on the run like his team did at LSU, therefore he will see very little fast break opportunities, so scoring in a half court set should be a big concern for him. Those put back dunks will also become very difficult in the NBA because now he’s playing on a level where most guys know how to get in position, and rebound. I see Tyrus as more of a guy that comes off the bench and give you a boost of energy, rather then a guy that will make a big impact in a starter’s role.

            Shelden Williams is also a guy that I have come to love ever since he has stepped foot onto NCAA hardwood. I love the toughness, and competitiveness he brings to the table. Unlike the other big men in the top five picks, Shelden Williams is the enforcer when it comes to playing on the low block. He has terrific size, strength, and readiness for the NBA. With his ability to block shots, rebound, defend on the ball and the weak side, score in the low blocks, a see a PJ Brown type player in him, with a better ability to block shots. PJ is a guy that can defend the blocks real well, just like Shelden. Shelden however brings better protection for the weak side, which showed in college when he was able to block 3.5 shots per game in his junior and senior years. This kid will be able to step in and make a bigger impact right off the bat then any of the other big men listed in the top five. Shelden will probably make a trip or two to the All Star game, but he will never be the superstar potential that a lot of the other big men have. I think Shelden will become elite shot block, and rebounder in the NBA, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Shelden consistently leading the league in rebounds some two three years down the road.

1999 Draft Redo

Just like my 1998 draft redo, I am going to redo the lottery of the 1999 draft. This draft class was another that was loaded with talent. There are alot of big names, like Elton Brand, Steve Francis, Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, and Andrei Kirlenko. So here we go!

1)
Chicago Bulls-Elton Brand

The Bulls did the right thing with there pick here, making Elton Brand there first overall pick. However the wrong thing to do was trade him for the second pick in the 2001 draft. Elton has been amongst the NBA’s best power forwards during his seven year career, putting up 20 points, 10 boards, and 2 blocks a game during that span.

2)
Memphis Grizzlies-Shawn Marion

Marion is a guy that can do it all, score, pass, rebound, block shots, and come up with steals, he’s every fantasy owners dream. He has made a few All Star appearences, and has flourished over the past couple seasons under Mike D’Antoni. His career numbers of 19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block boast really well for him.

3) Charlotte Hornets-Baron
Davis

The Hornets were right on par here, taking Baron Davis with the number three pick in the draft. Baron played really well for
Charlotte in his first four and a half seasons, putting up numbers of 20 points, to go along with 7.5 assists. His stellar play earned him a few All Star Game appearences, and help lead the Hornets into the second round of the playoffs multiple times.

4)
Los Angeles Clippers-Ron Artest

Everyone knows about his ill tempered behaviors, but even with all that I think Ron is a really valuable player. He is a guy that can carry the scoring load for your team, all while also putting the effort in on the other end of the court to shut down the opposing team’s best player. Ron has had a real good career, and I think his best days are still ahead of him.

5)
Toronto Raptors-Andrei Kirlenko

Andrei is one of the most productive forwards the game has ever seen. Some of his stat lines are just unreal. Before Andrei got to the league, only two players had posted five by fives in teh history of the NBA, Jordan and Robertson each once. Andrei became the third player to do that, and now has three career five by fives, including two in the same week. When healthy, he is one of the top defensive players, and shot blockers in this league. He is also a good scorer, rebounder, and passer. He is a real student of the game, and is always looking to improve.

6)
Minnesota Timberwolves-Steve Francis

Steve is an electrifying point guard, who’s early days were his best. When he was in
Houston, he had big year after big year, which earned him an anual spot on the Western Confrence All Star team, and even some starts at the point guard position. However, since being traded from
Houston, his career has been going down hill. He is now known as a cancer, and very uncoachable. Hopefully Steve can overcome that, and get his career back on the right track.

       7) Washington Wizards- Lamar Odom is a very unique player in the sense that he is the size of an NBA power forward, but has the skill set to lead a team from the point guar position. Odom has found success in this league by using his ball handling skills, as well as his length and athleticism to break down defenses. Lamar has averaged 16 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists per game over the course of his career. He was also named to the to the 1999-2000 Schick All-Rookie First Team, and Named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month, March 2004  

8)
Cleveland Cavaliers-Rip
Hamilton

Rip is a very efficient scorer, who has thrived in
Detroit’s system. Rip is the leagues most durable player, and is great at working within the system. He is also one heck of a defender, and will give you a good effort night in and night out. Rip
Hamilton has made one All Star appearance over the course of his career, and is known to be one of the toughest players to defend.

9)
Phoenix Suns-Jason Terry

Jason Terry has established himself as a score first combo guard in this league. His career is capped off by a trip the the finals this season with the Dallas Mavericks in which he had averages of 22 points and 3.5 assists in the six game series. Jason was named to the All Rookie Second team in 1999-2000, and would later on play for the
US in many international tournaments including the 2001 Good Will Games.

10)
Atlanta Hawks-Manu Ginobili

Of everyone in this draft redo, Manu made the biggest jump, going from pick number 57 all the way up to the 10^th pick. After being draft in 1999 Manu stayed over seas for a couple of seasons to develop his game, and it was well worth the wait. Once Manu came to the NBA he became an immediate impact, finishing fourth in the 2002-2003 Rookie of the Year voting, and was selected to the 2002-2003 All Rookie Second team. Manu is at his best during the playoffs, averaging 16 points and almost 4 reounds and 4 assists.

11)
Cleveland Cavaliers-Andre Miller

Andre made an instant impact ever since he hit the hardwood of the NBA. In his first season he had averages 11 points and 6 assists in just 25 minutes a game, followed up by a stellar sophomore performance were he averaged 16 points and 8 assists, and started every game for the Cavs. In 2002-2003 Andre recorded arguably his best season as a pro, with averages of 16.5 points and just about 11 assists. Andre has been very consistent in his last few seasons, and has career averages of 14.2 points and 7.5 assists per game.

12)
Toronto Raptors-Corey Maggette

Corey has yet to play a full season in his NBA career due to injuries, but when he is on the court, you can expect a good offensive night out of him. Corey has career averages of 15 points and rebounds, and has become a consistent 20 point per game scorer. The only downside to Maggette’s play is that he tends to struggle on the defensive end.

13)
Seattle Supersonics-Wally Szczerbiak

Wally has one of the purest strokes in the NBA and has became a very good scorer in this league. Wally has career averages of 15.5 points and just under 3 assists per game. Wally was voted to the 1999-2000 All Rookie Second team.

1998 Draft Redo

The 1998 draft was loaded with very talented NBA players. There were future All Stars in Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Rashard Lewis, and Antwan Jamison, then other stars in Mike Bibby, Larry Hughes, Al Harrington, and Ricky Davis. Since I liked this draft so much, and love the amount of talent in it, I have decided to redo 1998′s draft lottery. I will not be drafting based on team needs, just strictly on how the players have preformed in there NBA careers. So here we go!

1) Los Angeles Clippers-Dirk Nowitzki
This one was real tough, Dirk and Vince are both worthy canidates for the number one overall pick here. Ultimitaley it came down to who would I rather build my franchise around Dirk, or Vince? Knowing all the troubles that Vince brought to
Toronto, I went with Dirk because he has been the leader of one of the most succesful dynasties in this era, and is a MVP canidate year in and year out.

2) Memphis Grizzlies-Vince Carter
Vince Carter could easily be the number one pick in many drafts, but if you see the reasoning for my number one choice, I had to slide him into the number two spot.

3) Denver Nuggets-Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce has been one of the most productive players in basketball since he was drafted. He was also a Co-Captain of an
Eastern Confrence playoff team last year, and is an anual All Star. Pierce is a good guy to build a team around because he is a good presence in the locker room and on the court, and a very good citizcen.

4) Toronto Raptors-Mike Bibby
Unfortunately for Mike, he has never made an All Star game. Although he has been snubbed of a playoff spot year after year, he has managed to rank amongst the league’s elite point guards. He has been within the league leaders in assists plenty of years, and is one of the better scoring point guards in the league. His playoff numbers boast well for him, and he has also played for the US National team several times.

5)

Golden
State Warriors-Antwan Jamison
Another tough choice here, this pick could have easily been Rashard Lewis. Antwan is a very tough player to guard because of his size, and ability to put the ball on the floor. Most guys that are quick, and athletic enough to cover him, end up getting beat by his toughness and strength. Antwan has put up some good numbers in his career, with numerous 20 point years, to go along with his 2005 All Star game nomination.

6) Dallas Mavericks-Rashard Lewis
Raw Lew can light up an NBA score board. At 6’10 he can shoot over almost any wing in the league, but you can’t stick a big on him because he will tear him apart with his abilities to drive the lane. Rashard has put up pretty good scoring numbers in his career, and played good enough in 2005 to get himself into the All Star game.

7) Sacremento Kings-Jason Williams
In the early part of his career, Jason Williams was one of the most exciting players to watch. He could dazzle you with his array of behind the back passes, crossovers, and other trick passes. Williams has always put up really good assists numbers, and has won a Most Improved Player award, but has been somewhat of a locker room trouble over the course of his career.

8)
Philadelphia 76ers-Larry Hughes
Over the course of his career, Larry has been a pretty flashy scorer. He is really good at taking it to the hole, and finishing it off. Has participated in a dunk contest, and was also named to the 2004-2005 All NBA Defensive First Team.

9) Milwaukee Bucks-Al Harrington
Stuck behind Jermaine O’neal and Ron Artest for the early parts of his career, Al has flourished in his role as tema leader with
Atlanta. Over the past two seasons Al has been averaging 18 points to go along with 6 rebounds. He is a very complete player, who has proved to be a good leader to his younger teammates.

10) Boston Celtics-Ricky Davis
Ricky has been known to be somewhat of a punk, but has gotten away from that image ever since he went to
Boston. He is a really good scorer, and one of the more exciting players in the league.

11) Detroit Pistons-Bonzi Wells
Bonzi has been a productive NBA player over his career. Has good scoring numbers, and is a decent rebounder and defender.

12)
Orlando Magic-Raef Lafrentz

13)
Orlando Magic-Nazr Mohammed

1)     
Toronto Raptors-Andrea Bargnani

2)     
Chicago Bulls-Lamarcus Aldridge

3)      Charlotte Bobcats-Brandon Roy

4)     
Portland Trailblazers-Adam Morrison

5)     
Atlanta Hawks-Shelden Williams

6)     
Minnesota Timberwolves-Tyrus Thomas

7)     
Boston Celtics-Rudy Gay

8)     
Houston Rockets-JJ Redick

9)      Golden
State Warriors-Randy Foye

10)   
Seattle Supersonics-Patrick O’Bryant

11) 
Orlando Magic-Ronnie Brewer

12)   
New Orleans Hornets-Rodney Carney

13)   
Philadelphia 76ers-Marcus Williams

14) 
Utah Jazz-Saer Sene

15) 
New Orleans Hornets-Cedric Simmons

16) 
Chicago Bulls-Rajon Rondo

17) 
Indiana Pacers-Oleksiy Percherov

18) 
Washington Wizards-Alexander Johnson

19)  Sacremento Kings-Shannon Brown

20) 
New York Knicks-Hilton Armstrong

21) 
Phoenix Suns-Guillermo Diaz

22) 
New Jersey Nets-Josh Boone

23) 
New Jersey Nets-Jordan Farmar

24) 
Memphis Grizzlies-Saer Sene

25) 
Cleveland Cavaliers-Shawne Williams

26) 
Los Angeles Lakers-Mardy Collins

27) 
Phoenix Suns-Kevin Pittsnogle

28) 
Dallas Mavericks-Thabo Sefosha

29) 
New York Knicks-Maurice Ager

30) 
Portland Trailblazers-Mike Gansey