Spurs' future draft picks

[Darkwaters]

I'm not sure at all that Duhon, Atkins or Pargo are better than Vaughn.

A trade is maybe the only solution to get a good backup PG.

Pargo is not a free agent, he has one more year on his contract. Theres little chance that the Hornets trade him either, he really made a niche for himself with the coaching staff.

WOrd is that Bobby Jackson is available though. He didn't have that great of a season. Of course, his price is pretty high at over 5 1/2 per.

[Bruno]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2654216


It seems that pargo has a player option for next year and he should opt out.

I don't see Spurs ready to take Jackson contract.

[wildbill2u]

We are paying now for not playing Beno and Vaughn more during the meaningless part of meaningless games in the regular season.

I'm not saying Beno would have been great, but he could have learned some things about defense while playing those minutes. He is a good passer and better shooter than Vaughn.

You can't teach speed which Vaughn has compared to Beno--but on the other hand, Vaughn obviously knows nothing about offense or his limitations which makes him dangerous in games.

[picnroll]

Beno is hopeless. Maybe Spurs can pick up a serviceable seasoned PG from Europe that they can afford like Toronto did with Calderon

[Darkwaters]

Beno is hopeless. Maybe Spurs can pick up a serviceable seasoned PG from Europe that they can afford like Toronto did with Calderon

Thats probably our best bet.

[Bruno]

IMO, backup PG is far from being Spurs main priority this offseason.

Before Wednesday game, Spurs were +11 in 344 min during the playoffs with Parker and +3 in 90 min with Vaughn.
Given than Parker can play 42mpg in playoffs, Spurs don't need to have a great and expensive backup PG.
If Vaughn plays like he does in the Denver serie for teh rest of the playoffs, I'm fine with him as backup PG for next year.

[Bruno]

Beno is hopeless. Maybe Spurs can pick up a serviceable seasoned PG from Europe that they can afford like Toronto did with Calderon


http://www.elan-bearnais.fr/cal/0607/matches/13052007HBE01.jpg

[Darkwaters]

http://www.elan-bearnais.fr/cal/0607/matches/13052007HBE01.jpg


Who is that?

[Darkwaters]

Anybody hear if Hollis Price picked his game up in Europe. He was very good when he played for Oklahoma, but just didn't have enough PG skills for a 6'1 guy. Last I heard he was playing for CB Sevilla, but I don't know how good he was doing.

[Bruno]

Who is that?

Aaron Miles and he will try to play in nba next year.
BTW, props to ChumpDumper for saying that he was a good player. I'm on the bandwagon.

[Bruno]

Anybody hear if Hollis Price picked his game up in Europe. He was very good when he played for Oklahoma, but just didn't have enough PG skills for a 6'1 guy. Last I heard he was playing for CB Sevilla, but I don't know how good he was doing.

He is still playing for Sevilla.
His stats :
http://www.acb.com/stspartidojug.php?cod_jugador=BC1&cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=51

[Bruno]

Another player worth a summer league or training camp contract is Romain Sato. He is doing very well in Italy this year.

[Darkwaters]

Aaron Miles and he will try to play in nba next year.
BTW, props to ChumpDumper for saying that he was a good player. I'm on the bandwagon.

Yea I remember some of the discussion on him. Whats his story? It looks like he was in the league and isn't anymore? What are his strengths/weaknesses as well? All the stuff I find is dated.

[Despot]

So, is dealing with PHX to get a better 1st round pick TOTALLY out of the question now?

[Darkwaters]

So, is dealing with PHX to get a better 1st round pick TOTALLY out of the question now?

LOL.

I don't think it was a realistic option before this series anyways.

[Bruno]

Yea I remember some of the discussion on him. Whats his story? It looks like he was in the league and isn't anymore? What are his strengths/weaknesses as well? All the stuff I find is dated.

He should have played with Portland this year btu he twisted his ankle jsut before the training camp.
His strengths are that he is a true PG with good PG skills and he is a quite good defender. His weaknesses are that he isn't a good scorer and he isn't really physically gifted. If he improves his shoot, he cna becoem a solid backup PG in nba.

[ChumpDumper]

Miles had many of the traits I look for in a D-League prospect. In his case:

- solid college career in a strong system

- D-League performance. He did a fine job running his team.

- improvement in aspects of his game. Miles became a somewhat better shooter and much more aggressive player in Fort Worth than he was in Kansas. Sam Vincent did a great job bringing out the scorer in Miles, such as it was in the D-League.

It doesn't always work out, but it seems to be looking good for Miles.

[T Park]

Another player worth a summer league or training camp contract is Romain Sato. He is doing very well in Italy this year.

No thank you.

The guy sucks. Period.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Did everyone forget about Will Conroy?

[ChumpDumper]

Did everyone forget about Will Conroy?We'll have to see if the Clippers want to keep him. He could be a restricted free agent this summer.

[T Park]

Aaron Miles is definately worth a calderon type deal.

[ChumpDumper]

Aaron Miles is definately worth a calderon type deal.I'm not sure about that. Worth a Vegas invite for sure. I haven't seen Sato at all, but he'll probably be there too.

[Mr. Body]

Did everyone forget about Will Conroy?

Good lord, the guy sucks. We need someone who can actually play, much less someday get into a playoff game.

[Mr. Body]

Will Conroy

player stats (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4014)

[wildbill2u]

Will Conroy

player stats (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4014)
you could have posted his stats with less work than providing a link :p:

Let's just say he hasn't made an impact on the league as yet in his brief appearances.

[Darkwaters]

Am I the only one that thinks its funny that Ian Mahinmi and Melvin Sanders are both on Pau with Miles? Maybe they could encourage him to suit up in silver and black. If nothing else, Melvin could give first hand accounts of Beno's suckage and ensure Aaron of his spot ahead of him (assuming Beno even makes the team next year).

[Mr. Body]

you could have posted his stats with less work than providing a link :p:

Let's just say he hasn't made an impact on the league as yet in his brief appearances.

It's actually easier to produce the link - cut 'n paste.

Will Conroy was a boondoggle this board lusted after for a period when it went out of its mind, but as I've said, our own Beno Udrih is a far better player than him.

[ChumpDumper]

He's simply a D-League prospect that had a thread with too many posts.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah. Anyway, there are some decent prospects to scull in the league. I wonder if people would want a Mike Wilks or Jason Hart back.

[Mr. Body]

Chicago is out of the playoffs and it's obvious they need post scoring in the worst way; it's what stands in the way between them and an ECF berth.

It's an odd draft in that only a couple players have any real post skills. All bets are off if they nab a top pick, but in all probability Brendan Wright and Al Horford are gone by their pick, and I'd think Roy Hibbert, too.

Spencer Hawes may be their man. But then, he might not be there either. Plus, he may not be ready for big minutes yet.

Trade for Zach Randolph?

Or roll in... Luis Scola? No doubt they'll explore their options, but can't imagine they won't be in intense discussions with the Spurs.

[Punkkboy44]

How is that kid from France progressing..Maninmi if think his name was.

[A.H 21-50]

Chicago is out of the playoffs and it's obvious they need post scoring in the worst way; it's what stands in the way between them and an ECF berth.

It's an odd draft in that only a couple players have any real post skills. All bets are off if they nab a top pick, but in all probability Brendan Wright and Al Horford are gone by their pick, and I'd think Roy Hibbert, too.

Spencer Hawes may be their man. But then, he might not be there either. Plus, he may not be ready for big minutes yet.

Trade for Zach Randolph?

Or roll in... Luis Scola? No doubt they'll explore their options, but can't imagine they won't be in intense discussions with the Spurs.

Is there a link about chicago interest on scola because i didn't saw nothing about that except here ????

And what can they offer for scola ?? because maybe i will prefer a scola than a nocioni or than a lot of draft prospects

[Bruno]

Is there a link about chicago interest on scola because i didn't saw nothing about that except here ????


http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45511


Scola was decided to pay his buyout ($4 millions for the two years left in his contract) to accept offers from Chicago Bulls or Utah Jazz, who had shown interest in signing him. "Phoenix and Memphis also asked for him", said Villanueva. However, Spurs asked for money and first round picks in next year's draft to trade Scola's rights.

[A.H 21-50]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45511

thanks bruno

but it's a 2006 news maybe things have changed , we will see soon what will happened with scola : trade or if he will wear spurs uniform .

also an old news

The Spurs, for instance, traded away their pick this year to the Knicks (in the Nazr Mohammed deal), believing the draft would indeed be weaker because of a likely age limit. But that's not to say that general manager R.C. Buford won't be active this summer. We could well see a third Argentine on the Spurs' roster next year, as they are very optimistic they can finally sign veteran big man Luis Scola, whose rights they have. Scola, who plays in Spain, was thought to be coming to the Spurs this year, but buyout talks stalled and Argentine Fabricio Oberto was signed in his place (three years, $7.325 million with a player option for Year 3). Now, the Spurs are optimistic that Scola, Oberto, and Manu Ginobili will be on board next fall in what is starting to resemble Buenos Aires North.

[AFBlue]

Gabe Pruitt hired an agent, forgoing his senior year in college.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_5924032


College notes: Sources: USC's Pruitt hires agent
Daily News
Article Last Updated: 05/17/2007 11:53:34 PM PDT


Gabe Pruitt has hired Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports Management as his agent, according to sources, meaning he will stay in the NBA draft and not return to USC for his senior season.

The 6-foot-4 guard, who helped USC advance to the NCAA regional semifinals last season, declared for the draft three weeks ago but did not immediately hire an agent so he could keep open the option of returning to school.

After missing the first 11 games of his junior season with academic ineligibility, Pruitt came back to finish third on the team with 12.5 points per game and pace the Trojans with 4.2 assists. His lock-down defense on smaller point guards in the NCAA Tournament was a key part of USC's surprising run.

Pruitt finishes 27th on the school's all-time list in scoring with 1,102 points in three years. He ranks sixth in USC history with 158 steals.

Goldfeder also represents UCLA guard Arron Afflalo in this draft. Other NBA players who use the agency include Jason Kidd, Paul Pierce and Lamar Odom.

-Matthew Kredell

I think Pruitt is a real option as a combo guard for this team. He can score, has great athleticism, can play two positions, and is an active defender. Best of all, he might be around when the Spurs pick at 28.

[yavozerb]

These are my picks for the spurs:
28. Brandon Rush
33. Dominic Mcguire
58. Jamal Tatum

[Mr. Body]

Pruitt also has nice size, if he can be a full-time PG. Hiring an agent is a mistake for him, but he's serious about the NBA and will likely stick somewhere, if not for guaranteed money. I'd like him as a Spur.

[AFBlue]

Pruitt also has nice size, if he can be a full-time PG. Hiring an agent is a mistake for him, but he's serious about the NBA and will likely stick somewhere, if not for guaranteed money. I'd like him as a Spur.

I don't think it's a requirement that he be a full-time PG. With the small-guard lineups that we are seeing more and more today (Terry/Harris, Nash/Barbosa, Davis/Ellis, Hinrich/Gordon, etc.), I think a guy like Pruitt could spend time on the court with Parker and then spell him when Parker needs a rest.

[AFBlue]

These are my picks for the spurs:
28. Brandon Rush
33. Dominic Mcguire
58. Jamal Tatum

Here are mine:

28. Rudy Fernandez/Marco Bellinelli/Gabe Pruitt/Rodney Stuckey

33. Dominic McGuire/Nick Fazekas

58. Some obscure European talent that will probably never pan out.


I would be happy with any of those picks at either of those spots.

[Darkwaters]

I'm kind of high on Kaponen. If he stays in the draft he could very well warrant the 33rd pick.

I suppose a lot depends on what happens with the Scola situation. If we decide that we're bringing Scola over to be a Spur then Fazekas doesn't make much sense. And if we trade for a guy like Nocioni then McGuire might not be our pick either.

I like the idea of a Pruitt or Stuckey though.

[AFBlue]

I'm kind of high on Kaponen. If he stays in the draft he could very well warrant the 33rd pick.

I suppose a lot depends on what happens with the Scola situation. If we decide that we're bringing Scola over to be a Spur then Fazekas doesn't make much sense. And if we trade for a guy like Nocioni then McGuire might not be our pick either.

I like the idea of a Pruitt or Stuckey though.

On trade and FA possibilities, they WON'T have an impact on the draft. FA starts after draft and since neither Scola or Nocioni are signed for next year, they cannot be traded. Just FYI....

[Mr. Body]

It's crazy a Pruitt or Stuckey could be available at 33. Those are guys in a normal draft you could find somewhere after the lottery.

[yavozerb]

40 days and counting..Found this list(not sure if already posted), probably see a couple of these guys on draft board.

This year's Eurocamp is considered maybe the best field ever, with numerous draft eligible players as well as a strong group of youngsters. NBADraft.net will be there so check back between June 8-12 for updates from Treviso, Italy.

Draft Eligible Players


Marco Belinelli 6’5” SG 1986 *Early Entry-Draft

Kyrylo Fesenko 7’0” C 1986 *Early Entry-Draft

Nikita Shabalkin 6’9” PF 1986 *Early Entry-Draft

Joao Gomes 6’7” SF 1985 Draft Eligible

Giorgos Printezis 6’9” SF 1985 Draft Eligible

Miroslav Raduljica 7’0” C 1988 *Early Entry-Draft

Petteri Koponen 6’4” PG 1988 *Early Entry-Draft

Ali Traore 6’9” PF 1985 Draft Eligible

Yannick Bokolo 6’3” PG/SG 1985 Draft Eligible

Luka Bogdanovic 6’8” SF 1985 Draft Eligible

Egor Vyaltsev 6’3” PG/SG 1985 Draft Eligible

Hakan Demirel 6’4” PG 1985 Draft Eligible

Milovan Rakovic 6’10” PF 1985 Draft Eligible

Romain Duport 7’1” C 1986 *Early Entry-Draft

Rodrigue Beaubois 6’0” PG 1988 *Early Entry-Draft

Maxym Ivshyn 6’10” PF 1986 *Early Entry-Draft

Hrvoje Peric 6’8’ PF 1985 Draft Eligible

Gabriel Szalay 7’1” PF/C 1987 *Early Entry-Draft

Mantas Ruikis 6’5” SG 1985 Draft Eligible

Julio Toledo 6’3” SG 1985 Draft Eligible

Saul Blanco 6’5” SG 1985 Draft Eligible

Rolandas Alijevas 6’4” PG 1985 Draft Eligible



Committed to RBK Eurocamp, but are not confirmed as of 05/16/07:



Rafael Hettsheimeir 6’10” PF/C 1986 *Early Entry-Draft

Caner Oner 6’7” SG/SF 1987 *Early Entry-Draft

Brad Newley 6’6” SG 1985 Draft Eligible

Ivan Maras 6’9” PF 1986 *Early Entry-Draft

Alexandr Rindin 7’5” C 1985 Draft Eligible



The "Next generation" group participating in the RBK Eurocamp:


Danilo Gallinari 6’8” SF/PF 1988

Rudy Mbemba 6’0’ PG 1987

Anton Ponkrashov 6’7” PG/SG 1986

Nicolas Batum 6’7” SF 1988

Marko Keselj 6’10” SF 1988

Victor Claver 6’9” SF/PF 1988

Damjan Rudez 6’10” SF 1986

Vladimir Dasic 6’10” SF/PF 1988

Mantas Kalnietis 6’5” SG 1986

Chavdor Kostov 6’3” PG/SG 1988

Nikita Kourbanov 6’8” PF 1986

Anatoly Kashirov 7’1” C 1987

Boban Marjanovic 7’1” C 1988

Vladimir Stimac 6’9” C 1987

Nenad Mijatovic 6’5” PG 1987

Alexei Zhukanenko 6’11” PF/C 1986

Andrei Vorontcevich 6’10” C 1987

Ivan Paunic 6’5” SG 1987

Sergio Llul 5’10” PG 1987

Adam Darboe 6’3” PG 1986

Leigh Enobakhare 6’11” C 1986

[Bruno]

but it's a 2006 news maybe things have changed , we will see soon what will happened with scola : trade or if he will wear spurs uniform .


AFAIK, there is nothing newer about Scola.
Bulls shoud still be interested in Scola. They need low post scoring and size. Scola will bring them some low post scoring.
I don't see Utah, Memphis and phoenix being still interested in Scola given their roster.



On trade and FA possibilities, they WON'T have an impact on the draft. FA starts after draft and since neither Scola or Nocioni are signed for next year, they cannot be traded. Just FYI....

You're right on Nocioni but not on Scola. Spurs can trade Scola's rights before the draft. BTW, for people wanting Nocioni : Bulls fans says that his best spot is PF aver SF by a large margin.

[AFBlue]

You're right on Nocioni but not on Scola. Spurs can trade Scola's rights before the draft. BTW, for people wanting Nocioni : Bulls fans says that his best spot is PF aver SF by a large margin.

Yeah, sorry if it was misleading. I was speaking about trading Scola with the intention of taking back salary, which cannot be done until he has officially signed with the club. It is true that we can trade Scola for a draft pick, or that we could package him with a player (Barry?) to entice some team to part with their player....but that player has to currently be under contract before the draft in order for it to potentially have an affect on the Spurs' draft board.

I'll just say that it's very unlikely something gets done prior to the draft in a month that affects the Spurs' board.

[tempest186]

Not that the Spurs will be in a postion to draft either of these guys but if you could choose either Corey Brewer or Jeff Green which would you pick?

[DynastyBuilder]

Not that the Spurs will be in a postion to draft either of these guys but if you could choose either Corey Brewer or Jeff Green which would you pick?

I absolutely love Corey Brewer's game. Great defender - able to shut a position down, good shooter, plays the 2/3/or 4 for you in a pinch, causes match up problems with whatever position he is in, atleticism out the roof, not afraid of contact, knows how to get to the bucket and draw fouls, has an above average handle when in possesion of the ball, moves great without the ball, doesn't hesitate to hit the glass on offensive or defensive end, can slash, very long, good quickness with hands and feet, great leaper, even better person.

Scary situation is if he goes to PHX and then they have Raja Bell and Brewer on the outside defensively.

[AFBlue]

I absolutely love Corey Brewer's game. Great defender - able to shut a position down, good shooter, plays the 2/3/or 4 for you in a pinch, causes match up problems with whatever position he is in, atleticism out the roof, not afraid of contact, knows how to get to the bucket and draw fouls, has an above average handle when in possesion of the ball, moves great without the ball, doesn't hesitate to hit the glass on offensive or defensive end, can slash, very long, good quickness with hands and feet, great leaper, even better person.

Scary situation is if he goes to PHX and then they have Raja Bell and Brewer on the outside defensively.

I'll go the other way, based on need. Don't get me wrong, I love Brewer's all-around game and ability...but Jeff Green fits a need for the Spurs (long 3/small ball 4), and he has the ability to blend into a team with established superstars. What I like best about Green is his ability to get others opportunities to score...the Spurs have too many shooters and not enough distributors.

As an overall talent I'm a Brewer fan, but I think Green would be the better fit.

In regards to PHX and who they could possibly select....it's a scary proposition either way. They've got three picks in the first round of one of the deepest drafts in NBA history....too bad they're way over the salary cap and D'Antoni only uses 6 or 7 of his players regularly :lol

[AFBlue]

Not that the Spurs will be in a postion to draft either of these guys but if you could choose either Corey Brewer or Jeff Green which would you pick?

See above about who I prefer, but about whether either will be avialable is debatable....

Brewer will certainly go in the top 10, but I'm not so sure about Green. Yes, he's an extremely versatile player with the ability effect the game with more than just his shot....but he falls into the category of "jack of all trades, master of none", which is not a characteristic you look for if you're in the lottery and in need of legitimate help.

I'm not saying that Green will slip to the Spurs at 28, but I think he just might fall on draft day, and if the Spurs really wanted him I'm sure they could get creative with future picks or draft rights to other players to make the deal.

[DynastyBuilder]

I'll go the other way, based on need. Don't get me wrong, I love Brewer's all-around game and ability...but Jeff Green fits a need for the Spurs (long 3/small ball 4), and he has the ability to blend into a team with established superstars. What I like best about Green is his ability to get others opportunities to score...the Spurs have too many shooters and not enough distributors.

As an overall talent I'm a Brewer fan, but I think Green would be the better fit.

In regards to PHX and who they could possibly select....it's a scary proposition either way. They've got three picks in the first round of one of the deepest drafts in NBA history....too bad they're way over the salary cap and D'Antoni only uses 6 or 7 of his players regularly :lol

I don't think there is any way either player slips to the Spurs. Green will probably slip to the end of/out of the lottery but it would take the Spurs to move up to get him.

Speaking of distribution, that is exactly what SAS needs and IMO neither Green or Brewer gives you that.

[Mr. Body]

Brewer will go by the 6 pick, maybe 8. Green is the guy who may slip. There's also Julian Wright, who some may peg higher than him, so I could see Green slipping past 10, even to the late lottery. Anywhere later, he's an utter steal.

For playing styles, Brewer would step in precisely where Bowen is, with similar skill-sets: bad ball-handling, great defense, disruptive play, some clutch shooting. He has a knack for the game. Jeff Green would be a bit more peculiar and would perhaps play more PF in small ball sets. He could develop into a better shooter, but he'd introduce a different dynamic into offensive sets with his passing and positioning. He already knows how to play with a big guy and his defense is already solid. Both have very good heads for the game.

Both guys are well out of our range and even trying to trade up with Scola probably won't enable us to even tag Green, which is too bad. Right after the lottery the only team I could see obviously wanting to work with us (for Scola+28) is New Jersey, at #17, but see no reason Green is still on the board at that point. At least Thaddeus Young would (I see Al Thornton as overrated), but I'm not sure he's worth burning up Luis Scola for.

[yavozerb]

A team like philly would also be I think looking to possibly trade their #21 pick (I have read they are trying to bring in veterans and not to strictly build through draft since they are already quite young). Just another possibility, not so much for scola but maybe this years or future draft picks if need be..
I am hoping (actually praying) that Atl. gets into the top 3 selections thus extending this draft pick to phoenix in 2008.

[wildbill2u]

There's a lot of speculation that Marion may be out of Phx because of their picks and the luxury tax. Could he fit here with his salary? Who'd have to go and would it work?

Of course, Phx would be stupid to let him go to the the hated Spurs anyway so it's just idle day dreaming.

[ducks]

marion is a max contract
he would not be worth that here

[leemajors]

marion is near useless in a halfcourt set.

[K-State Spur]

The one value that Marion would have here is that he can guard Dirk better than anybody currently on our roster. Certainly not worth anywhere near his contract.

[Mr. Body]

1. Marion is way too expensive. Say goodbye to either Parker or Ginobili.

2. Don't expect Phoenix and San Antonio to deal anytime soon.

[picnroll]

Has Scola still got one year to go on his contract with Tau? If so how much is the buyout now?

[AFBlue]

Speaking of distribution, that is exactly what SAS needs and IMO neither Green or Brewer gives you that.

Read the scouting report on Green and you'll see that you're wrong. Green is a great passer and makes intelligent plays with the ball. Actually, he's often SO passive at times that scouts have labeled it a potential weakness....but in a system with established superstars and scorers, Jeff Green could be a great facilitator and complimentary player.

Think a Point Forward type with Lamar Odom potential.



On his draft position, I know he will not slip to the Spurs in the late 1st round, but if he was someone that they targeted, they could use future picks and draft rights of existing players to potentially move up into the late teens, where he just might be avialable....given that he wasn't ever "dominant" and doesn't seem to be "great" at any one thing.

[AFBlue]

Has Scola still got one year to go on his contract with Tau? If so how much is the buyout now?

Yes, he's got one year left and is a FA in '08. The buyout is a big question mark, but it has been written several places that it should be a fairly manageable amount ($1M or so) this upcoming season. Whether the Spurs want to pay that, on top of whatever his salary demands may be, is yet to be seen...but if a team really wants him, he should be able to play in the NBA next year.

[Mr. Body]

On his draft position, I know he will not slip to the Spurs in the late 1st round, but if he was someone that they targeted, they could use future picks and draft rights of existing players to potentially move up into the late teens, where he just might be avialable....given that he wasn't ever "dominant" and doesn't seem to be "great" at any one thing.

That would be ridiculously awesome if we could manage Jeff Green.

I do think some team could find Luis Scola + another pick at 28 very attractive. Even someone targetting Splitter might like his frontcourt mate and another shot at another player.

But it could happen Green goes within the top 10, but his 'passiveness' might hurt him. He won't be a franchise guy, but a very good complementary player. I'd say the same for Josh McRoberts, actually.

[violentkitten]

the spurs should be able to pull one rotation player from the two picks at #28 & 33. if they've done their homework and some pieces fall into place, they could do much better than that. i really hope they don't cash out on their low 1st round pick as they have unfortunately done a couple times in the last few years. there is definitely the chance to pick up some talent in the low 1st/high 2nd round in the nba draft as has been shown over the years (parker, howard, barbosa, boozer, and arenas come to mind).

[violentkitten]

varejao is another.

[violentkitten]

anyways, hopefully the spurs focus on finding guys at #28 & #33 who can contribute now and use #58 on someone to leave abroad for 3 to 5 years to develop. they could have a howard or barbosa and lee today if they hadn't opted to get rid of their #1 picks in 2003 and 2005 for cap reasons. they did manage to pick up james white as a free agent in 2006 so he kinda makes up for trading away their pick in the 2006 draft.

[DynastyBuilder]

Read the scouting report on Green and you'll see that you're wrong. Green is a great passer and makes intelligent plays with the ball. Actually, he's often SO passive at times that scouts have labeled it a potential weakness....but in a system with established superstars and scorers, Jeff Green could be a great facilitator and complimentary player.

Just my opinion. He did dish the ball a lot to Hibbert down low. But with what the Spurs would likely have to give up to get him, I'm not sure they'd want just a 'complimentary' player, again just my opinion.

With Bonner, Finley, Ely, Oberto and Vaughn coming off the books the Spurs can go a lot of different ways, this draft could be a quagmire.

[timvp]

My nightmare is if the Suns somehow end up with Brewer. That'd make the Suns ridiculously good.

[Mr. Body]

My nightmare is if the Suns somehow end up with Brewer. That'd make the Suns ridiculously good.

That's exactly what I see as happening.

[Mr. Body]

Just my opinion. He did dish the ball a lot to Hibbert down low. But with what the Spurs would likely have to give up to get him, I'm not sure they'd want just a 'complimentary' player, again just my opinion.

With Bonner, Finley, Ely, Oberto and Vaughn coming off the books the Spurs can go a lot of different ways, this draft could be a quagmire.

Not sure what you mean by a 'quagmire', but Oberto and Finley don't come off the books this summer. They have player options for one more year and both are expected to stay. If Bonner, Ely, and Vaughn leave, no great shakes.

The Spurs don't need a great scorer and are in a perfect position for a 'complementary' player, especially a potentially first class one like Green who could develop into much more. If all it took to get him were the rights to Scola and their first round pick, there's nothing more you could ask for this draft. And that would leave them with their 33, as well.

[timvp]

That's exactly what I see as happening.

Not even D'Antoni could mess up a lineup of Nash, Bell, Brewer, Marion and Stoudemire.

[Mr. Body]

Not even D'Antoni could mess up a lineup of Nash, Bell, Brewer, Marion and Stoudemire.

Here's hoping for Atlanta nabbing a top 3 pick...

[DynastyBuilder]

They have player options for one more year and both are expected to stay.

But they are player options and weirder things have happened so you can't count on them being here yet.


Here's hoping for Atlanta nabbing a top 3 pick...
I think we all can agree on that!

[ducks]

My nightmare is if the Suns somehow end up with Brewer. That'd make the Suns ridiculously good.
:pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss

[Big P]

I found this on ESPN from May 6 2007.

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=2861992&type=story)

• His poor semifinal showing will not have harmed Luis Scola's standing in the eyes of the Spurs, the team that drafted him 56th in 2002 but that so far has been unable and unwilling to buy him from Spanish team Tau Ceramica.

Had the Spurs wanted Scola as soon as they drafted him, San Antonio would have needed to deal with a $15 million buyout for the 6-foot-8 forward. That buyout figure was understood to have dropped to $3 million this year and will be $1 million in summer 2008.

NBA regulations limit the amount teams can pay to a foreign club to "buy out" an international player -- currently a maximum of $500,000. However, the player himself can pay his old team the balance of the buyout clause. That means the player then looks to recoup that money by seeking a higher than market salary from his new employers, meaning the NBA teams ultimately shoulder the financial burden.


Indications are that Scola is keen to embark on an NBA career, not least of all because his original Tau contract was negotiated in U.S. dollars, meaning it has been seriously devalued because of international exchange rate changes in the years since.
In this instance, the use of a low second-round pick on Scola made his selection a no-lose situation for the Spurs, but other NBA teams might be risking more if they do not do their homework properly before spending a draft pick on a Euro who comes with a prohibitive buyout clause.

For example, FC Barcelona's All-Euroleague guard Juan Carlos Navarro was drafted 40th by the Washington Wizards in 2002 and, according to reports in Spain, still carries with him a $6 million buyout clause. In Scola's case, the midseason appointment of a new coach, Euro legend Bozidar Maljkovic, has not helped him. Maljkovic does not work the ball to Scola in the post as much as his predecessor Velimir Perasovic was prone to do and, in Friday's semifinal defeat, Scola also was visibly affected by the refereeing and fouled out after scoring only six points in 25 minutes.

Still, the Argentine should have time to work on those aspects of his game as it is extremely unlikely we will see him in Texas until 2008 at the earliest.

[Mr. Body]

Why does he have a buyout in 2008 if this coming season is his last contracted year? Some information doesn't make sense.

[Bruno]

Why does he have a buyout in 2008 if this coming season is his last contracted year? Some information doesn't make sense.

No, it makes sense.
Scola isn't playing in nba but in europe. There are way less rules for euro contracts than for nba contracts and you can have a buyout at the end of your contract without a problem.

[Mr. Body]

Why would you have a buyout at the end of your contract? Your contract is over at that point.

He has one more year on his contract: 2007-2008. So why would he have a buyout in 2008? I can only assume this means summer of 2008, and that European leagues end when the NBA ends, or thereabouts.

So, at the end of next season, his obligations are extinguished and he should have no buyout whatsoever, yet they report one for $1M.

[Bruno]

I don't know what you find that so strange.

NBA teams have the restricted free agency system that allow them not to lost players for nothing at the end of their contract.

I see nothing wrong with an euro team puting a buyout at the end of a contract to avoid to lost a player for nothing.

Tau has signed Scola when he was very young and has worked a lot with him to bring him at his level. It's quite logical that they get something if he leaves this team.

[Mr. Body]

It makes utterly no sense to me. It's like being indentured when there should be no obligation whatsoever. It's like forcing my plumber to buy himself out after he fixes my toilet.

[yavozerb]

I agree with Body. It makes no sense to have to pay an organization for rights to a player when they no longer have any rights for this existing player!!And as far as Tau getting something in return, they have gotten what they paid for , multiple winning seasons, MVP's, and worldwide exposure from Scola playing out his contract for their club.

[El_Mago]

Atlanta will get the 3rd pick.

Thus, Phoenix will have to wait till 2008 to nab the Atlanta pick.

And, watch the Hawks go out and actually make the playoffs out East next year.

[Darkwaters]

Meanwhile, it's clear Don Nelson will never play Bradley's Patrick O'Bryant, the No. 9 pick in the 2006 draft, who might be worth a shot for someone with a low first-round pick.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/46165/20070521/nuggets_interested_in_ron_artest/

We have a late first rounder and need of young frontcourt help. Would this make any sense for us?

[Mr. Body]

No, I don't think so. O'Bryant is a near bust and not worth a first that could go for a better player.

Btw, I've been reading Chicago Bulls boards on realgm where they think they can get a mid-1st rounder for Chris Duhon. And then think they can get Scola for him. This stuff is laughable.

[Bruno]

For the "Scola for Nocioni" believers :

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/specials/playoffs/2007/05/21/bulls.plans.ap/index.html?eref=si_nba


And Nocioni is in a painful position.

He averaged a career-high 14.1 points during the regular season, but he missed 28 of 29 games down the stretch with plantar fasciitis in his right foot and wasn't his usual energetic self in the playoffs. He averaged 8.8 points and shot 36 percent after averaging 17.6 the previous two postseasons.

"Lu has put himself in a position where he's going to be the longterm starter at the small-forward position for us," Paxson said. "We've got some decisions with Andres. And he's got some decisions, too."

Paxson also said he would love to "have a conversation" with veteran power forward P.J. Brown if he decides to play next season.

He wouldn't mind finding a scoring presence in the post, either.

[Mr. Body]

The Spurs would be a good situation for Nocioni. They wouldn't have any expectations for him while he rehabilitated, since their team would largely be intact and they'd be giving up peripheral players (Scola, Barry, Butler, I guess). They could integrate him more in the middle of the season.

[Darkwaters]

The Spurs would be a good situation for Nocioni. They wouldn't have any expectations for him while he rehabilitated, since their team would largely be intact and they'd be giving up peripheral players (Scola, Barry, Butler, I guess). They could integrate him more in the middle of the season.

How much longer will he need to rehab? I thought the offseason would be plenty of time.

[Mr. Body]

Just in case, I mean. Spurs wouldn't have to push him.

[Darkwaters]

How much do we think Anderson Varejao will go for on the open market this offseason? Hes a guy I think would fill some nice needs. Shotblock and especially rebounding would be nice to add. Obviously, Cleveland will want to keep him...but I don't believe hes restricted.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Varejao would be badass.

[Mr. Body]

Too expensive. Likely Cleveland shells out the cash. He's making himself a good chunk while we talk.

[AFBlue]

Atlanta will get the 3rd pick.

Thus, Phoenix will have to wait till 2008 to nab the Atlanta pick.

And, watch the Hawks go out and actually make the playoffs out East next year.

WTF dude, you stated this like it was fact! I had to go check ESPN to make sure the draft lottery wasn't until tomorrow.

BTW, I hope you're right, because I would actually go see a few games if they played playoff-calibur basketball....but that won't happen as long as Knight is running the biz.

[mountainballer]

How much do we think Anderson Varejao will go for on the open market this offseason? Hes a guy I think would fill some nice needs. Shotblock and especially rebounding would be nice to add. Obviously, Cleveland will want to keep him...but I don't believe hes restricted.

he is restricted. and Cavs would be crazy, if they don't resign him, considering Z and Gooden are probably the worst frontline on defense.
the problem for the Cavs will be, that (thanks to a very bad cap-managing job of Ferry) they will be at the lux tax threshold next year. so if they can't find a way to move one of their larger contracts (Z?) or some of their over the prime veterans (Marshall, Jones, Snow), they will pay Varejao twice.
I guess Varejao will get a contract like Gooden (which would be appropriate IMO), he is a good young player who still has some upside, but he's not worth more and I can't see a team the offers more than some 7 million per year.

the odd man out in Cleveland will likely be Sasha Pavlovic, even if he just played his first decent season. there will be teams that offer him more than the qualifying offer of the Cavs and so they won't match (assuiming they resign Varejao) and pay lux tax for Pavlovic.

[A.H 21-50]

What are you thinking about this guy :
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/morrisalmond.html

he can be available with our picks and averaged 26.4 ppg 6.6 rpg with rice last year maybe a good option with our second .

[Darkwaters]

What are you thinking about this guy :
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/morrisalmond.html

he can be available with our picks and averaged 26.4 ppg 6.6 rpg with rice last year maybe a good option with our second .

There was an article about him today. It seems the Knicks are watching him.

Morris Almond On Knicks' Radar
22nd May, 2007 - 6:38 am
New York Post -
The New York Post has learned one sharpshooter on the Knicks' radar should they keep the No. 23 pick is Rice University senior shooting guard Morris Almond, who will work out for the team in June.

"Almond's game is very similar to Allan Houston's," one NBA personnel director said. "He's probably the best outside shooter in the draft."

Scoring small forward Marcus Williams (Arizona) is another possibility at No. 23.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/46180/20070522/morris_almond_on_knicks_radar/

[Mr. Body]

I could see NYK nabbing Almond or Williams. Those are pretty good picks for them.

[EvenFlow]

Morris Almond would be a safe pick for the Spurs (or anyone else for that matter), as I'd liken him to the current version of Michael Finley except younger.

I'd kinda like Rodney Stuckey, he's a combo guard with nice handles and a solid offensive game. The Spurs could use a back up pg option that can score; the Spurs would've had an easier time with PHX if they did. Vaughn is pretty good, but when Pop has a lineup that includes Vaughn, Bowen, and Fabricio on the floor I can't help but go like WTF!? :wtf

[Darkwaters]

Morris Almond would be a safe pick for the Spurs (or anyone else for that matter), as I'd liken him to the current version of Michael Finley except younger.

I'd kinda like Rodney Stuckey, he's a combo guard with nice handles and a solid offensive game. The Spurs could use a back up pg option that can score; the Spurs would've had an easier time with PHX if they did. Vaughn is pretty good, but when Pop has a lineup that includes Vaughn, Bowen, and Fabricio on the floor I can't help but go like WTF!? :wtf

Stuckey's name has come up a lot. Actually so has Gabe Pruitt's for that matter.

[EvenFlow]

I'm not sure I'd want Gabe Pruit, he doesn't have Stuckey's offensive firepower and is Devin Harris bad when it comes to playmaking. He wouldn't be worth a 1st rounder, a second rounder maybe.

Stuckey on the other hand was softly considered to be a poor man's D-Wade by DX. He has a scorer's mentality and was always the guy that his team went to in the clutch, so he has Balls, Big Ones. Also all of the draft sites says this guy has the ability to become a lockdown defender at the 1 and 2 positions and put on pounds to his 6'4 frame. The more I read about this guy the more I salivate at the idea of him in a Spurs jersey.

Read up on Stuckey here:
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1015

[Mr. Body]

No one has suggested Gabe Pruitt as a first rounder, but as someone to look at with the 33 pick (second round).

Stuckey might play his way well into the first round.

[A.H 21-50]

i'm also not a big pruitt fan

stuckey -almond-rush ... would be better i think



Stuckey might play his way well into the first round.

i agree

[Mr. Body]

The idea is that Pruitt will probably be in the 2nd round somewhere.

Rush I think will go early 20s. Almond, possibly, too. Stuckey might go in the late teens.

[EvenFlow]

Rush I think will go early 20s. Almond, possibly, too. Stuckey might go in the late teens

Dayuum. This is a deep draft and all, but I hope guys like Stuckey who could be immediate difference makers on the team don't stray too far from the Spurs range.

[Mr. Body]

Well, it's hard to tell. There will be some funky things happening in this draft, but unfortunately teams by the early 20s and definitely mid 20s will be in the position to take BPA - best player available.

[AFBlue]

I'm not sure I'd want Gabe Pruit, he doesn't have Stuckey's offensive firepower and is Devin Harris bad when it comes to playmaking. He wouldn't be worth a 1st rounder, a second rounder maybe.

Stuckey on the other hand was softly considered to be a poor man's D-Wade by DX. He has a scorer's mentality and was always the guy that his team went to in the clutch, so he has Balls, Big Ones. Also all of the draft sites says this guy has the ability to become a lockdown defender at the 1 and 2 positions and put on pounds to his 6'4 frame. The more I read about this guy the more I salivate at the idea of him in a Spurs jersey.

Read up on Stuckey here:
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1015

Not to say that good players can't come from small schools, but Stuckey's level of competition wasn't exactly great, and neither were the other players on his team. In other words, he had to be THE guy on that team in a weak conference.

Conversely, Pruitt played in a big-time program with other big-time players (Young/Gibson) against big-time competition. The comparison to Devin Harris is in regards to defense, quickness, and jumpshot....not reaction under pressure. One of the scouting reports I read said he displayed good leadership qualities.

I'm not saying that one doesn't have the skill and the other does, but you're not presenting both sides of the coin.

In regards to his draft status, ESPN has him listed at "Mid-Late First Round" and NBADraft.net has him at 29. DX, inexplicably doesn't even have him on their draft board despite his announcement that he's hiring an agent (might be time for an update!). So I think he could conceivably be gone by 28, but if he's there I couldn't fault the Spurs for taking him that "early".

[yavozerb]

I will be happy with 2 of these 4 guys..
1st pick= Byars (1st choice),Rush,
2nd pick=mcguire(1st choice), fazekas
3rd pick=some young euro

[AFBlue]

I will be happy with 2 of these 4 guys..
1st pick= Byars (1st choice),Rush,
2nd pick=mcguire(1st choice), fazekas
3rd pick=some young euro


I'll be happy with any of these guys that should be reasonably available at either pick....

Stuckey, Rush, Pruitt, McRoberts, Belinelli, Byars, Fernandez, Almond, Williams, Tucker, McGuire, Trey Johnson, Fazekas, Hill...and I probably left out one or two, but you get the point.

Bottom Line: The Spurs in '08 will most likely have a major roster turnover....so any of the above players could satisfy a need the Spurs will have, maybe not in '07, but thereafter. I'd be happy with any of them.

[Mr. Body]

We need to trade up.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Would anyone want Beno as a draft day trade? Such as Beno+Scola+second rounder from Bucks+cash to 76ers(from Nuggets) or Bobcats(from Raptors).








Or did I just say something stupid?

[Mr. Body]

Not stupid, but Udrih isn't worth anything in this draft. Trading players for picks is very hard around draft time and is hardly (AFAIK) ever done. Remember that every player is on draft day a potential star, and those starry-eyed dreams trump the humdrum reality of NBA castoffs anytime.

Now, Scola for a pick is another matter.

[ChumpDumper]

I thought this was the deepest draft in NBA history -- now we gotta trade up?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I know how good Scola is, but I just want it clarified how is he different than players from the NBA already because I never understood it.

[yavozerb]

We need to trade up.

The highest I see the spurs trading up to is #21 with philly and another possiblity would be #22 with charlotte. What it would take is beyond me.

[yavozerb]

What are the contracts for 2nd round players and are they even guaranteed?

[Mr. Body]

I thought this was the deepest draft in NBA history -- now we gotta trade up?

It's a very good draft and if we stay, we'll get two players who could pan out. "We gotta trade up" means our priority should be trading up. We won't quite get the player we need otherwise, but we'll be okay.

[Mr. Body]

I know how good Scola is, but I just want it clarified how is he different than players from the NBA already because I never understood it.

Um... he still plays basketball. Not sure what you're asking. He's a talented post scorer and that's in short supply at the moment around the league.

[johngateswhiteley]

i want the Spurs to draft Alando Tucker. good athlete, wingspan of a 6'7" guy...reminds a little of Josh Howard, except he is a bit thicker than Howard coming out of college.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

1stpick-marcus williams,alando tucker,rodney stuckey
2ndpick-tucker, stuckey, gabe pruitt
2ndpick-taurean green, jermareo davidson, avis wyatt

[EvenFlow]

My favorites at first glance is

1.Jeff Green (pipedream)
2.Acie Law (pipedream)
3.Rodney Stuckey
4.Dominic McGuire
5.Herbert Hill

[johngateswhiteley]

Stuckey is pretty good, i've seen him play out here in Big Sky Country.

[EvenFlow]

Yeah, even though he (Stuckey) played lesser competition and probably will be shellshocked when playing against athletic, quick, long players of the nba at first, I still think a player that loves scoring never loses his confidence or his edge. I think he'll still be a potent although not magnificent offensive player in the nba.

[A.H 21-50]

For a trade scenario with scola

i think it's not a good idea to package scola for a pick or something else

nobody knows if he can really plays in the nba and at what level , from what we heard he's one of the best PF in Europe , IMO it's better to bring him in the roster than trading him for a guy we don't know his real value (rookie)

For a nocioni type or another good player it's not the same but i prefer to see him as a spurs instead of trading him without knowing what he can do .....

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Scola's stats: points 15.5, rebounds 5.9, assists 2.2, minutes 27. I wouldn't think he can play allstar at the NBA level since, at the most in the euroleague competition, he is averaging 27 minutes a game. In the playoffs, his minutes only increased by 2. :td And the competition of the average NBA frontcourt shits on the Euroleague allstar frontcourt. So if he is still getting the same minutes with an NBA team, I see him at the highest peak getting 11 points and 6 rebounds. And I'm being generous. So I'm all for trading him. But if we sign him, he better not counted on as being a big part of the team. Especially in the playoffs where his points average went down to 10.

[A.H 21-50]

Scola's stats: points 15.5, rebounds 5.9, assists 2.2, minutes 27. I wouldn't think he can play allstar at the NBA level since, at the most in the euroleague competition, he is averaging 27 minutes a game. In the playoffs, his minutes only increased by 2. :td And the competition of the average NBA frontcourt shits on the Euroleague allstar frontcourt. So if he is still getting the same minutes with an NBA team, I see him at the highest peak getting 11 points and 6 rebounds. And I'm being generous. So I'm all for trading him. But if we sign him, he better not counted on as being a big part of the team. Especially in the playoffs where his points average went down to 10.

what i mean it's not trading him for nothing and that he probably be better than a lot of draft prospects
but if we trade him for a good nba player why not

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

???

[A.H 21-50]

A lot of spurs fans wants to trade scola in order to have a better pick

IMO his value is better than a mid first round pick

and it's difficult to project what he can do in the nba so i'm not for a scola trade exept for a good player who already have some experience.

[EvenFlow]

Here's the most recent mock draft post lottery. Earlier I said I didn't want Pruitt as a first rounder, but if he is there when the Spurs pick 28th then why not. He certainly has real potential to be a kick ass combo guard. Maybe then we could get McGuire with the 33rd as well.


Espn Chad Ford's Mock Draft: USC Pruitt to SA


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chad Ford's Mock Draft: Picks 1-30

By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider

Updated: May 22, 2007
Comment
Email
Print
The lottery results are in and the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle SuperSonics are the big winners this year. That means it's time for our first full mock draft of 2007.

At this point very little is set in stone. Expect this mock draft to fluctuate greatly over the course of the next five weeks.

The process of team workouts has just started. Over the next few weeks, the Orlando NBA predraft camp, the Reebok Eurocamp and hundreds of team workouts will dramatically alter the face of the draft.

But for now, here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, at how the draft might play out in June.



CHAD FORD'S MOCK DRAFT
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Portland
Greg Oden Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 245
Age: 19
School: Ohio State
The skinny: Jackpot! The Blazers are a good fit for Oden. With Oden and Brandon Roy, the Blazers will be a playoff contender next year.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Seattle
Kevin Durant Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 190
Age: 18
School: Texas
The skinny: Durant should give the Sonics the ability to let Rashard Lewis walk. But will Durant's presence save basketball in Seattle?

I wonder if the Sonics and Blazers want to talk swap. Oden would be a great fit in Seattle, while Durant would fill a bigger need in Portland.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Atlanta
Mike Conley Position: PG
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Age: 19
School: Ohio State
The skinny: The team may be devastated that they didn't get Greg Oden, but they score his teammate for the last six years, Conley.

After passing on Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Rajon Rondo in the last two drafts, it's time to take a point guard, right?


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis
Corey Brewer Position: SG
Height: 6-8
Weight: 185
Age: 21
School: Florida
The skinny: While the lottery appears to have turned out disastrously for Memphis, Brewer does give them a long, athletic defender and scorer in the backcourt.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Boston
Yi Jianlian Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 246
Age: 19
Country: China
The skinny: This is the worst-case scenario for the Celtics, but Yi has enough talent to be a star.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Milwaukee
Al Horford Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 235
Age: 20
School: Florida
The skinny: The Bucks need to add some toughness and defense in the paint and Horford looks like a great fit. Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva are great scorers, but Brian Skinner is the only tough guy they have on the team willing to do the dirty work. Horford's also one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft.

Another option here would be North Carolina's Brandan Wright.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota
Brandan Wright Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 19
School: North Carolina
The skinny: The Timberwolves' biggest need is in the frontcourt. They have to get more size and athleticism, and Wright would be a steal if he falls this far. Many GMs have him ranked as the third-best prospect in the draft. He doesn't play with the intensity of Kevin Garnett, but he has a lot of similar tools.

They also could opt for point guard Mike Conley here. But if they take him, they'll have to clean up a pretty huge logjam in their backcourt.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Charlotte
Julian Wright Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
Age: 20
School: Kansas
The skinny: Wright's an athletic small forward who should be a better fit in Charlotte than Adam Morrison.

Joakim Noah's also a possibility here. Charlotte honchos Michael Jordan and Bernie Bickerstaff should be fans of Noah's energy and intensity. With Noah, Emeka Okafor, Sean May and Primoz Brezec, the Bobcats would have a number of different looks they can give you on their front line.

Also, Noah projects as one of the most marketable players in the draft, and the Bobcats are still searching for the face of the team.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Chicago
(via New York)
Spencer Hawes Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 230
Age: 19
School: Washington
The skinny: The Bulls desperately need low-post scoring, and Hawes may be the most offensively-gifted low-post player in the draft. He can score in a variety of ways around the basket and has the toughness Scott Skiles demands from his players. The main drawback is Hawes' lack of athleticism and strength.

The Bulls really want Yi, so don't be surprised if they try to move up a few spots in the draft to get him.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Sacramento
Roy Hibbert Position: C
Height: 7-2
Weight: 265
Age: 20
School: Georgetown
The skinny: There are still big question marks about whether Hibbert will actually stay in the draft. If he does, the Kings are very high on him, I'm told. With Brad Miller's career winding down, they want another skilled big man with great size and passing ability. Hibbert's lack of athleticism and rebounding have many scouts wary, but apparently the Kings don't feel the same way.

If Hibbert isn't there, Conley could be the pick here given Mike Bibby's recent dissatisfaction with the team.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Atlanta
(via Indiana)
Joakim Noah Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 230
Age: 22
School: Florida
The skinny: The energetic big man will give the Hawks much-needed help on the defensive end.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Philadelphia
Jeff Green Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 20
School: Georgetown
The skinny: The Sixers really need a power forward, but at this point, Green is clearly the best player left on the board. He's a much better prospect than the small forward the Sixers drafted last year, Rodney Carney. He also could play as a 4 in a small-ball lineup.

Green, like Andre Iguodala, has some serious point-forward skills and should provide more glue to a team that was starting to come together in the second half of the season.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Orleans
Al Thornton Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 210
Age: 23
School: Florida State
The skinny: With Desmond Mason hitting free agency, the Hornets will look for a swingman to play alongside Peja Stojakovic, if he can get healthy. Brewer is the ideal fit, but if he's gone I expect they'll decide between Thornton and Thaddeus Young.

Thornton is the more NBA ready of the two players, though it looks like Young has the higher ceiling.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

L.A. Clippers
Acie Law Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
Age: 22
School: Texas A&M
The skinny: With Shaun Livingston's future up in the air, the Clippers need to seriously think about adding another point guard. Sam Cassell can't run the show forever, and Law would be a good replacement.

Like Cassell, he's a scoring guard who is fearless at the end of games. He should be able to step in and contribute immediately.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Detroit
(via Orlando)
Rodney Stuckey Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
Age: 21
School: Eastern Wash.
The skinny: Some may raise their eyebrows if Stuckey goes this high, and I don't have specific information that says Detroit would take him. He just seems like the type of player Detroit likes and would be an excellent fit.

Stuckey is a Randy Foye-type combo guard who can play some point but really excels by putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket. He would be a big upgrade over Flip Murray.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Washington
Thaddeus Young Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 210
Age: 22
School: Georgia Tech
The skinny:Small forward isn't a huge need for Washington, but Young has too much talent and upside to pass on at this point. Wizards fans will just have to be a little patient with him.

The Wizards also like Brazil's Tiago Splitter, but they made a similar pick last year in Oleksiy Pecherov.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Jersey
Nick Young Position: PG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 200
Age: 21
School: USC
The skinny: This really shows how deep the draft is. In a normal year, Young's probably a top 10 pick, but this year he could slip this far. If he does, New Jersey has excellent insurance should Vince Carter bolt via free agency.

Like Carter, Young is a super-athletic 2 guard who can shoot the basketball and deliver the highlight-reel dunk.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Golden State
Jason Smith Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Colorado State
The skinny: Smith is the perfect type of player for Nellie. He is tall and athletic, gets up and down the floor and can score from just about anywhere on the floor. He also plays with great energy.

Smith could be a real sleeper in the draft.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

L.A. Lakers
Javaris Crittenton Position: PG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: Georgia Tech
The skinny: Phil Jackson loves big point guards and Crittenton, at 6-foot-5, has a lot going for him. He is an excellent athlete, can shoot and has enough ball-handling skills to play full-time at the point guard position.

Long-term, he's an upgrade over Jordan Farmar, though he may take a year or two to develop.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Miami
Tiago Splitter Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 240
Age: 22
Country: Brazil
The skinny: Splitter has enough talent to go a few spots higher, but he won't be able to get out of his contract until the 2008-09 season, which should make him slide a bit.

Splitter is a Euroleague veteran with great size and good mobility. He's a tough defender, but his offensive game still needs some work.

With Shaq's career starting to taper off, along with Alonzo Mourning's, the Heat need to start thinking about adding another big man.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Philadelphia
(via Denver)
Josh McRoberts Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230
Age: 20
School: Duke
The skinny: Sixers GM Billy King loves Duke players, and McRoberts has a lot more talent than his box scores at Duke suggest. He's tall, athletic and very skilled, but he played most of his career out of position at Duke.

He's not a go-to type player, but he should be a better, more athletic version of Luke Walton.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Charlotte
(via Toronto)
Brandon Rush Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205
Age: 21
School: Kansas
The skinny: The Bobcats fill their need at 2 guard with one of the more underrated players in the draft.

Rush has great size for the position, is a good athlete, plays solid defense and has an excellent perimeter stroke. He's been a little passive at times at Kansas, but he's a hard worker who should be a good fit.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New York
(via Chicago)
Sean Williams Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230
Age: 20
School: Boston College
The skinny: Williams was ranked as a late-lottery prospect by many NBA scouts before he was dismissed from Boston College at midseason. Everyone knows he has had off-court issues, but this late in the draft someone is going to pull the trigger on the best shot-blocker in the draft.

Knicks president Isiah Thomas seems like the perfect candidate.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Phoenix
(via Cleveland)
Ante Tomic Position: C
Height: 7-2
Weight: 237
Age: 20
Country: Croatia
The skinny: I wouldn't be surprised to see the Suns try to package this pick along with the No. 29 pick to move up a few spots in the draft or to facilitate a trade to get rid of Marcus Banks and/or Boris Diaw.

If they do keep it, I suspect they'll go international so they can keep the player in Europe and off the payroll. Tomic has great size and ability at the center position, but he needs to add strength and toughness.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Utah
Derrick Byars Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 23
School: Vanderbilt
The skinny: Byars is a bit of a sleeper. He really didn't come on strong at Vanderbilt until his senior season.

The Jazz want to add a shooter who can play the 2 and 3 and play some defense. Italy's Marco Belinelli and Rice's Morris Almond are also possibilities here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Houston
Marco Belinelli Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 200
Age: 21
Country: Italy
The skinny: The Rockets could use some improvement in their outside shooting, and Belinelli has one of the best pure strokes in the draft. He also comes with great experience in the Euroleague and should be able to step in and help right away.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Detroit
Daequan Cook Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 210
Age: 20
School: Ohio State
The skinny: The Pistons could really shore up their backcourt here with a young, athletic shooter who got limited opportunity at Ohio State this season.

Cook still needs to work on his handle and his defense, but he'd be an excellent fit coming off the bench in Detroit. A big man like DeVon Hardin is also a possibility here.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

San Antonio
Gabe Pruitt Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 170
Age: 21
School: USC
The skinny: Pruitt is a combo guard who has great size for the point, excellent athleticism and a beautiful stroke on his jumper.

His decision-making and leadership skills need to improve and he needs to add more strength, but he could be a late first-round steal for a team like San Antonio, which is looking for more depth in the backcourt.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Phoenix
Rudy Fernandez Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 172
Age: 22
Country: Spain
The skinny: Suns will likely try to trade this pick, but if they keep it, they'll likely go international.

Fernandez had a breakout season in Spain this year. He's an excellent athlete with a good shooting stroke and the ability to play some point. His lack of strength and durability are the only things keeping his stock this low at the moment.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Philadelphia
(via Dallas)
Glen Davis Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 290
Age: 21
School: LSU
The skinny: Davis has amazing skills for a big guy -- the problem is that he's just so big. If he can keep his weight down, he could end up being a steal this late. But that's a big if. Workouts will really matter for him.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

[EvenFlow]

Draftexpress has updated their mock. They now have the Spurs taking Morris Almond in the first (makes alot more sense than Jared Dudley), and they have McGuire going in the the late first round (which is probably going to happen I think). Also they have Thaddeus Young around the same area of the board where the Spurs are. If that scenario played out in real life, Thaddeus Young might not be a bad player to go after, he's got superstar potential written all over him and premier perimeter talents are a rare commodity.

[DynastyBuilder]

And I know that the Spurs have sent scouts to watch Almond play this past season.

[mountainballer]

Ford's mock draft is absurd in many points IMO.
yes, we all know that the Hawks need a PG (and we know that they are not the smartest franchise comes draft night), but even they won't use the no.3 pick in this deep draft for a player they likely will also get at no.11, when players with franchise potential are still on the board.
and did Ford never hear about the possibility of a trade? if Hawks pick Wright, they will have an asset that would land them Conley plus another nice player (or future pick) in several trade down scenarios.

Grizzlies picking Brewer at 4 looks even more absurd. (didn't they tell him that Grizzlies picked Rudy Gay last year?). they have other needs and with the no.4 pick they have quite more attractive options than Brewer. (Horford and Hibbert alongside Gasol make much more sense)

Julian Wright to Bobcats (when Haws, Hibbert and Noah are still on the board) and if this wasn't irrational enough, he predicts them to also add Rush with the other first round pick. a player like Rush at no.22 would make some sense for them, but they won't use both of their first rounders on perimeter players, when many bigs with potential are there and the future of Brezec (player option) and May (constantly injured) is so uncertain.

there are so many more crazy picks, so I just ask this one:
Ford predicts the Spurs will pick Pruitt when Rudy Fernandez is still on the board??? is there anyone on this board, who would back-up this oppinion???
(also considering that there is a good chance that Spurs would get Pruitt with the no.33 pick, but almost no chance that Rudy falls even further to no.33.)
taking aside that he still uses the 2 years old numbers for Rudy's weight (172lbs, from the predraft camp 2005) to label him to thin for NBA (he is in fact around 190 right now, still thin, but much improved in this area) and questions his durability, despite the fact that Fernandez constantly played a lot since he became pro (much more than any college player) and there isn't any indication that he would be injury prone or quickly exhausted. the opposite is true. Rudy is a very hard worker and has a fantastic motor.
Ford is just clueless.

probably the worst mock draft I have seen in the last weeks.
(and I have seen quite some)

[Mr. Body]

Absolutely agree on all your points, mb.

[naico]

anyway spurs can trade for celtics' pick? heard they are willing to trade it..1st round pick+ scola
or
1st round pick+scola+barry or udrih?
for
celtics pick+filler

[twilo73]

So now that we know where every team will pick, is there a chance we can package the 28th pick and Scola rights for an upgrade? I think the Kings or 76ers could be good fits.

[Mr. Body]

Scola's rights + 28 might get us into the late teens. But no way into the top 10 or the lottery.

[Bruno]

Jeff Green and Hilbert will likey say that they pull out of the draft today.

Projected first rounder who can still pull out are :
Mike Conley Jr
Spencer Hawes
Jason Smith
Brandon Rush
Javaris Crittenton
Thaddeus Young
Marco Belinelli
Ante Tomic
Petteri Koponen

When you look at what player should be available with Spurs pick in a mock draft, you had to consider it. looking at who is available at #32-34 will give you a good indication on who will be available at #28 during the draft.

[TDMVPDPOY]

pick 4-10 i can see a few teams trading it

for example memphis might trade pau and pick for JO or KG

[picnroll]

If Koponen stays in I'd assume he has 1st round guarantee from someone.

[Mr. Body]

Hibbert out and even with Jeff Green out takes away another massive post presence from the draft. Already it had been fairly short in post scorers. I have no idea if the Spurs want to shop Scola (I'm assuming YES THEY DO), but really around the league there are few post scorers available. Would a team rather go for Melvin Ely or Luis Scola? I know my answer.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Hibbert out and even with Jeff Green out takes away another massive post presence from the draft. Already it had been fairly short in post scorers. I have no idea if the Spurs want to shop Scola (I'm assuming YES THEY DO), but really around the league there are few post scorers available. Would a team rather go for Melvin Ely or Luis Scola? I know my answer.

ely ftw

[Mr. Body]

ely ftw

Couldn't even get playing time in Charlotte. No thx.

[Mr. Body]

Going back to Morris Almond.

Obviously his scoring is attractive... his mid-range game, which isn't really a Spurs trait, although he looks like he can hit threes; his cutting ability; and ability to draw fouls and is an excellent free throw shooter; seems a pretty good rebounder.

It looks like his defense isn't the best. Not clear if this is a matter of effort or desire rather than capability. He's supposed to be long and strong, so maybe he was saving most energy to the offensive side. But that stuff doesn't look good as a Spurs prospect.

[T Park]

Chad Ford has the Spurs drafting Gabe Pruitt with the first pick.

Point guard from USC.


Pruitt is a combo guard who has great size for the point, excellent athleticism and a beautiful stroke on his jumper.

His decision-making and leadership skills need to improve and he needs to add more strength, but he could be a late first-round steal for a team like San Antonio, which is looking for more depth in the backcourt.

[Mr. Body]

He's come up upthread. I'd take him and be fine, then grab a SF prospect with 33.

[mardigan]

He's come up upthread. I'd take him and be fine, then grab a SF prospect with 33.
Bilas had Byars as his number 20 best available. Im starting to think my boy wont be there when we pick Body, damn

[EvenFlow]

If all else, I honestly hope the Spurs end up with McGuire in the draft. Is it overboard to think this guy can be become a Scottie Pippen like defender?

[Mr. Body]

No, it's not overboard to think McGuire could develop into something good. It depends on his attitude and what team gets him. He has pretty good tools.

It'll be a funky draft. If Hibbert and Green pull out, more the worse for bottom-of-the-draft teams.

I doubt the Spurs will get their answer at SF unless they miraculously trade up, but they should be able to get a couple parts they're currently missing (PG, etc.).

[TDMVPDPOY]

THE long sfs/sgs we are lookn at, do they have more potential then gerald green, dorell wright? we all know wtf they are doing atm on their respective teams....HYP3

[Mr. Body]

Like most Celtics, Green is overrated in the stats department because the team is lousy. Dorell Wright isn't exceptional, either.

One difference with the 'sfs/sgs we are looking at' is that all our guys went to college.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Like most Celtics, Green is overrated in the stats department because the team is lousy. Dorell Wright isn't exceptional, either.

One difference with the 'sfs/sgs we are looking at' is that all our guys went to college.

yeh, but those guys posted monster stats in highschool which doesnt translate to college/nba stats, since they are no lebron

[Mr. Body]

Right. I'd say Dorell Wright is verging on a bust at this point. As for Green, well, he's a Celtic, so I doubt he's getting the tutelage he requires.

[AFBlue]

I think all mock drafts will change considerably from their initial projections yesterday, because of the Orlando Pre-draft camp and all of the individual workouts for different teams.

While it's crazy to think that Rudy Fernandez could last until the end of the first round (and crazier to think that the Spurs would pass on him...I WOULDN'T!), I can see where Chad Ford is coming from. There are alot of talented players in this draft with different skill sets, but similar talent levels. One team might opt for Rudy and another for Almond, one for Byars and another for Rush, and so on and so forth.

Ford has Rush, Belinelli, Cook, Fernandez, Byars, Almond, and Marcus Williams all within about 10 spots of one another on the overall Top 100 draft board (22-33), so it's conceivable that one of them falls to the Spurs...which one will likely depend on the preference of those picking in front of them.

[Mr. Body]

Tooling around with a mock draft...

I have 1. Oden, 2. Durant, 3. B. Wright, 4. Horford, 5. Yi.

After that it gets less predictable, especially with Hibbert and Green out.

I think Conley goes to Milwaukee or Minnesota. I think Hawes goes to Chicago at #9. Atlanta will take a point guard at #11, either Law or reaching for Crittendon, especially since Sacramento might take Law at #10.

My question marks are with Charlotte - they need a shooting guard, but it's too high for any of them. And where Joakim Noah will land, maybe as a Bobcat.

One thing that stands out is the teens are the most difficult picks, because after the top 12 or so the talent level drops a bit. The guys slated for the teens aren't much better than the guys falling into the 20s. That helps the teams later in the round, but the teams earlier have some tough choices to make.

[Mr. Body]

While it's crazy to think that Rudy Fernandez could last until the end of the first round (and crazier to think that the Spurs would pass on him...I WOULDN'T!).

I think he's dropping because it looks like he won't be available for at least a year. Teams are wary of selecting foreign guys with buyouts and don't want to be in a Fran Vasquez or Carlos Navarro situation.

[Darkwaters]

I think he's dropping because it looks like he won't be available for at least a year. Teams are wary of selecting foreign guys with buyouts and don't want to be in a Fran Vasquez or Carlos Navarro situation.

Or Luis Scola for that matter...

But once they get them over here they're afraid that they'll be more Darko and less Dirk (well, pre-Orlando Darko at least). There are a lot of concerns for drafting internationals with unclear buyouts.

[Darkwaters]

Whoa...Draftexpress has updated.

They have Koponen going 29th to the Suns. Has anybody heard anything about the Suns promising him he'll be a first rounder?

Also, Byars is listed as going 31st. And McGuire goes mid-late first as well.

[TDMVPDPOY]

htf did noahs stock drop so much

[Bruno]

Only Hibbert is out, Green will stay in the draft.

[Bruno]

http://www.examiner.com/a-743960~Georgetown_s_Green_remains_in_draft__Hibber t_to_return_to_school.html

Georgetown's Green remains in draft, Hibbert to return to school

May 23, 2007 2:19 PM (1 hr 28 mins ago)
By JOSEPH WHITE, AP

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Jeff Green is staying in the draft. Roy Hibbert is staying put.

The juniors who led Georgetown to the Final Four are going their separate ways. Green announced Wednesday that he will keep his name in the NBA draft, while Hibbert said he will withdraw his name and return for his senior season.

"Just sitting down with my family and coach, I feel like we came to a decision that I should stay in this draft, and it would be the best thing for me after the season that the team had and that I had," said Green, the Big East player of the year. "I'm in a good position to go pretty high in this draft."

By staying in the draft, Green is leaving behind a shot at winning a national championship and is forsaking his long-stated goal of playing four years at Georgetown. With Green and Hibbert, the Hoyas might have entered next season as the No. 1 ranked team.

Green was selected as most outstanding player of the NCAA East Regional as the Hoyas reached the Final Four for the first time in 22 years. The 6-foot-9 forward has a versatile team-orientated game that should serve him well in the pros.

Green led Georgetown in scoring (14.3 points) and was second in both rebounding (6.4) and assists (3.2). However, he sometimes lacks aggressiveness: He took only five shots in the Final Four loss to Ohio State, further evidence that he doesn't yet know when to stop being the team player and take over the game.

Hibbert also isn't a finished product, but he has come a long way since he was a clumsy freshman. He led the Hoyas in rebounds (6.9), averaged 12.9 points and blocked 90 shots this season. A 7-foot-2, he will eventually be a coveted possession in the NBA, where big, traditional post players are becoming harder to find.

"I said to myself, 'Do I really want to go in the draft and sit on the bench?'" Hibbert said. "My heart was here."

The pair submitted their names as early entry candidates last month and have spent their time since then discerning their draft value. If anything, they've learned that the draft is far from a predictable science: Some mock drafts had Green going in the top 10 but not Hibbert, some had it the other way around, while others had both among the first 10 selections.

The draft is June 28, and Green has until June 18 to withdraw his name. He said his decision is not "set in stone," but he also said he is about to start the process of selecting an agent. If he hires an agent, he will be ineligible to return.

[AFBlue]

Whoa...Draftexpress has updated.

They have Koponen going 29th to the Suns. Has anybody heard anything about the Suns promising him he'll be a first rounder?

Also, Byars is listed as going 31st. And McGuire goes mid-late first as well.

DX also has Pruitt going in the mid-second round, while ESPN has him going to the Spurs at 28. Again, all of these mocks are volatile because there's too much guesswork involved at this point. As teams begin bringing players in for workouts, those websites and their insiders should get a beat on certain teams' favorites.

[AFBlue]

htf did noahs stock drop so much

I think it was a bit high to begin with, since he was in the #1 conversation for 2006 until he decided to stick with school. But, I also think that his stock has dropped for two reasons:

1. There are simply a number of more talented players in this draft.

2. Scouts had another year to critique his flaws and see whether he would raise his game to another level, which I'm not sure he did.

I think with Noah, you get what you see.....a hard-working, fiery competitor with great defensive intensity who will clean up the boards on offense and defense and run the floor like a mad man, but a guy who will ultimately never be your primary or even secondary offensive option...a guy that may average double-digit rebounds, but never double-digit points.

[AFBlue]

Only Hibbert is out, Green will stay in the draft.

Interesting on Hibbert, only because I think the latest he goes is 11, but he had mentioned in the past that he thought he could be a top 3 pick....alot of confidence in himself, but with his size and ability it might not be unfounded.

[Mr. Body]

Joakim Noah... they're just not that into you, dude.



What was stunning about Noah was that he hadn't improved his game at all in one year. Not a whit. He hadn't developed a jump shot, post moves... nothing. That's astonishing for a player that age who purports to love the game.

[Mr. Body]

Remember DX's mock draft is not set for team needs yet.

[ducks]

Joakim Noah... they're just not that into you, dude.



What was stunning about Noah was that he hadn't improved his game at all in one year. Not a whit. He hadn't developed a jump shot, post moves... nothing. That's astonishing for a player that age who purports to love the game.
that my fellow posters will be why he will fall

[Mr. Body]

Mr. Body's Mock. (http://www.draftexpress.com/mymock.php?page=view&mid=844&detail=3) Here's my DX mock for anyone who's interested.

I think PHAT is right. The Spurs should have their pick of some mid-tier shooting guards with their #28.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't really pay too much attention to mocks until after the draft camp. Stocks tend to solidify after that, but having 28 and 33 makes it a little more interesting to zero in on that tier.

[DAINTX]

Sice the Trailblazer's now own the #1 pick, the Spurs should probably give consideration to trading their first 2 draft picks for Zack Randolph. Big, powerful, raw, but a lot of ability. Rumor is that Portland will try to trade him.

[ChumpDumper]

Nice first post.

:rolleyes

[A.H 21-50]

nice mock mr.body

all can change with the workouts ....

does somebody knows when exactly the teams starts their workouts ??


For DAINTX , i also think that portland will probably look to trade randolph but i think it will be difficult for the spurs to offer someting good for him exept picks ....
i like randolph and an association with TD won't be bad

[K-State Spur]

Our draft picks aren't enough to get Randolph and any players that we would have to include in a deal would be too much for a guy whose high school is constantly afraid that he will check the paper one day and see that Zach has killed somebody.

[EvenFlow]

Private team workouts start after the NBA pre-draft camp on May 28 that goes on until May 31st(?). So teams can start working out draft prospects privately afterwards.

[picnroll]

DraftExpress statistical PG evalution.
link (http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2066)

[T Park]

NBAdraft.net has the Spurs taking Rodney Stuckley a combo guard from Eastern Washington.

He sounds like another Antonio Daniels

[Darkwaters]

NBAdraft.net has the Spurs taking Rodney Stuckley a combo guard from Eastern Washington.

He sounds like another Antonio Daniels

I never take nbadraft.net's mock drafts serious....not even on draft night.

[yavozerb]

Mr. Body's Mock. (http://www.draftexpress.com/mymock.php?page=view&mid=844&detail=3) Here's my DX mock for anyone who's interested.

I guess your assuming hibbert goes back to school, right? No way do I draft a back up pg with my #1 pick. I say either SG/ SF with #28 and a SF/PF with #33. If you want to gamble with #58 so be it. How long do you guys a quality back up pg (if we drafted on) would stay with team, possible 3-4 years (however a rookie contract is) and bolt due to TP getting most of the minutes. Our back up pg will come via free agency, stay with the team 2-3 years and leave, thats just the way it is in the NBA. This the year we get our future SG and SF, get one year under their belt before possibly stepping in for bowen, barry, finley in 2008 when all of there contracts expire!!

[Darkwaters]

I don't think we can really pass on a guy like Rudy Fernandez. Unless somebody like Acie Law or Thaddeus Young slips to us of course.

But you're right. We will have a huge hole at the 2/3 in about a year and all we have at the moment is James White to fill that hole. One of those late round wings is probably a very wise draft choice.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I guess your assuming hibbert goes back to school, right? No way do I draft a back up pg with my #1 pick. I say either SG/ SF with #28 and a SF/PF with #33. If you want to gamble with #58 so be it. How long do you guys a quality back up pg (if we drafted on) would stay with team, possible 3-4 years (however a rookie contract is) and bolt due to TP getting most of the minutes. Our back up pg will come via free agency, stay with the team 2-3 years and leave, thats just the way it is in the NBA. This the year we get our future SG and SF, get one year under their belt before possibly stepping in for bowen, barry, finley in 2008 when all of there contracts expire!!
He really did.

[AFBlue]

I guess your assuming hibbert goes back to school, right? No way do I draft a back up pg with my #1 pick. I say either SG/ SF with #28 and a SF/PF with #33. If you want to gamble with #58 so be it. How long do you guys a quality back up pg (if we drafted on) would stay with team, possible 3-4 years (however a rookie contract is) and bolt due to TP getting most of the minutes. Our back up pg will come via free agency, stay with the team 2-3 years and leave, thats just the way it is in the NBA. This the year we get our future SG and SF, get one year under their belt before possibly stepping in for bowen, barry, finley in 2008 when all of there contracts expire!!

Unless that PG has the ability to play shooting guard. There are plenty of teams that successfully run small-guard sets in the NBA....such as Terry/Harris and Nash/Barbosa. Since Pruitt or Stuckey are more combo guards than true point guards, they could be successful in the small-guard lineup as well, get more than 12 minutes a game, and be a justified end-of-round one pick. I'm not saying it's the ONLY choice, but it's certainly not a bad one...hell none of these guys are.

Now if the Spurs grab Krylyo Fesenko with pick 28 and trade away 33...I'll be PISSED!

[AFBlue]

I don't think we can really pass on a guy like Rudy Fernandez. Unless somebody like Acie Law or Thaddeus Young slips to us of course.

But you're right. We will have a huge hole at the 2/3 in about a year and all we have at the moment is James White to fill that hole. One of those late round wings is probably a very wise draft choice.

OMG, Rudy would be delicious....and I mean that in a totally heterosexual way.

[pad300]

Spurs under contract players 07-08 by age (as of 12/31/07) and floor spot

Bigs - TD (31), Horry (37), Elson(31), Oberto (32), Butler(22)

Wings - Manu (30), Finley (34), Bowen (36), Barry(36), White (25)

PG's - Parker(25), Beno (25)

Generally accepted wisdom:

1) The big spot is getting old, but Bigs generally age better than smalls - generally, athletic/running ability is not as required for bigs as it is smalls.
2) Of the 3 areas, the obvious "old" spot on our roster is at the wing.
3) Without trades, there will be 3 roster spots for new players.
4) For the expected roster balance, we need to add one of each type of player - a big, a wing, and a pg.

Personal Observations:
1) It is my opinion, that Pop will not trust his backup PG spot to a rook. He will want at least one Vaughn level veteran on the roster at PG. Also, he will not trust Barry with this spot... I expect either Vaughn (or someone of similar ability, like Chucky Atkins) to be back, taking up one roster spot. I also expect Beno to be traded. We will only draft a PG if Beno is traded for a non-pg player (eg. Not if the organization works an S&T with Memphis of Beno for Chucky Atkins. Note that this is a very possible trade - Atkins can really only expect a Beno level salary, and it gives him a ring shot, while Memphis gets something back for their departing FA).
2) A combo SF/PF would be very valuable, allowing more depth in both the big and wing spots. The spurs organization has been looking for such a player for a long time, the long-expected "long SF". I would expect the FO to acquire such a player this offseason, either by trade or by draft. Indeed, such a player should both likely be available at 28 or 33, which would then free the other pick to be BPA from Bigs and Wings (including players who could stay in Europe). There will also be several strong candidates for this position higher up in the draft - and the organization should consider using the rights of Euro players that they own, as well as draft picks (#58, future picks) to move up in the draft to acquire such a player. For example, Scola +#28, + #58 for #21 + #38 (from the sixers).

[Big P]

No need to trade for Atkins, if he wants to play here, he will just sign a vet minimum or LLE contract, I would rather him sign a vet minimum so we can use out LLE on a player with some potential, someone like Korolev (tall SF from Clippers), the Clipps did not pick up his option, so he is a FA & he was the 12th pick only 2 years ago.

[Mr. Body]

My original Mock had Brandon Rush falling to the Spurs. But a Houston fan buddy convinced me he'd shoot himself if the Rox took Morris Almond over him, and he's a buddy and I don't want him dead, so I switched it. At that point the best pick-up IMO was Pruitt.

But I still think Almond is a nice pick for Houston, a great third threat on offense, and will fit an Adelman team pretty well.

[T Park]

Almond sounds great.

If Almond or Thaddeus fall to the Spurs, you gotta say thats a no brainer picking either or.

[TDMVPDPOY]

any guys from the nbdl interest you guys?

how about fizer to play center :D:D:D

[EvenFlow]

My original Mock had Brandon Rush falling to the Spurs. But a Houston fan buddy convinced me he'd shoot himself if the Rox took Morris Almond over him, and he's a buddy and I don't want him dead, so I switched it. At that point the best pick-up IMO was Pruitt.

But I still think Almond is a nice pick for Houston, a great third threat on offense, and will fit an Adelman team pretty well.


Does pre-draft camps and private team workouts change a players stock that much. I can see teams flucuate with who they want in the second round, but I'd think teams are pretty keen with who they want as a first rounder.

I could see Rush falling to the Spurs. Which would be a blessing.

[Darkwaters]

any guys from the nbdl interest you guys?

how about fizer to play center :D:D:D

Don't even joke. Living in Oklahoma City we had to deal with Marcus Fizer playing on our squad (Hornets) last year. The guy is completely worthless.

[AFBlue]

Almond sounds great.

If Almond or Thaddeus fall to the Spurs, you gotta say thats a no brainer picking either or.

Almond has a great chance to be there at 28...and maybe even at 33. He doesn't play great/inspired defense, but the guy can flat-out score. He's got a big enough body to play the 3 in spots, so his versatility helps. I'd be happy with him...

Thaddeus on the other hand has no shot of being there at 28, IMO. Guys with his athleticism, perimeter skills, and sky-high potential don't last past 20. He's a workout-darling that someone in the mid-first will fall in love with...book it!

[Mr. Body]

Agree. Thaddeus Young won't be there with the pick. The only SF with any size, other than like Reyshawn Terry, would be Dominic McGuire.

[AFBlue]

Does pre-draft camps and private team workouts change a players stock that much. I can see teams flucuate with who they want in the second round, but I'd think teams are pretty keen with who they want as a first rounder.

I could see Rush falling to the Spurs. Which would be a blessing.

The Orlando Pre-draft camp (the others are for fringe second rounders mostly) is big and the personal workouts are even bigger.

A player can rise like crazy with a good vertical jump or fall like crazy with a questionable medical history at the camps.

And at the workouts, players are able to accent their best features and get an opportunity to answer some questions in crucial face-to-face time with the primary decision-makers.

See, while most of the teams' scouts have been watching these guys play in college or overseas, the primary decision-makers (coaches, GMs, Pres. of BBall Ops, Owner, etc.) have been focusing on winning/playing this year. When the season is over, then the real decisions start to form.

Right now, I think very few teams are set on THE guy, and they probably just have a vague idea of what group they want to look at. You'll see teams firm up those decisions and start to narrow down their choices here in the coming weeks.

[pad300]

No need to trade for Atkins, if he wants to play here, he will just sign a vet minimum or LLE contract, I would rather him sign a vet minimum so we can use out LLE on a player with some potential, someone like Korolev (tall SF from Clippers), the Clipps did not pick up his option, so he is a FA & he was the 12th pick only 2 years ago.

Big P, the advantage of doing the job sign and trade for the Spurs is 1) that it moves Beno, freeing a roster spot for a useful player, and 2) I believe that the Grizz have Atkin's early bird rights (he's played for them 2 years) - which means they don't have to touch their LLE's to give him a contract (on that scale). Beno will be paid 1.8 million next year. The LLE is for 1.83 million in 07/08. The Veteran Minimum for a guy with Atkin's experience (as a 9 season veteran next year) is $1,108,718. It works for all three parties... Atkins gets more than the Vet Min, the Spurs get a roster spot from moving Beno (and the space he would have occupied in their salary strucure), and the Grizzlies get Beno as compensation for Atkins leaving as an FA.

[T Park]

Heres another question then.

Is trading up in the draft, worth, going after a Thaddeus Young?

Would it be worth to trade up in the draft for an Acie Law?

It seems Acie might be gone at 11 to Atlanta, or 14 to the Clippers though.

[AFBlue]

Looks like Stuckey is sticking around. He's got alot of hype around him right now and I expect he'll maintain mid-first status, so the Spurs probably won't have a shot at him....but adding another one to the pile never hurts.



Stuckey hires agent, all set for NBA draft
By Bud Withers

Not so long ago, when Rodney Stuckey was a sophomore attending a basketball camp at Eastern Washington with Kentwood High School, Mike Burns of Eastern told him that one day he'd find himself getting ready for the NBA.

"It's finally here," Stuckey said Wednesday from the Eastern campus. "It's crazy."

Stuckey, the prolific, 6-foot-4 guard, has signed with Goodwin Sports Management and will stay in the June 28 NBA draft, where he is widely projected to be a latter-first-round choice.

Wednesday, ESPN.com had Stuckey going 15th in the draft, and it was that kind of bullish input that convinced him to move away from a statement in February that he'd definitely return to Eastern.

"Just the information I've been given was pretty much it," said Stuckey, who averaged 24.4 points in his two seasons at Eastern. "When you get good feedback saying you're a first-round pick ... I've got to do what's best for me and my family.

"Not a lot of players get to be in position to be doing this. I thought this year was the best year for me to go."

Burns, the Eastern coach, said an NBA advisory committee told Stuckey it projected him from picks Nos. 20 to 30, "and they're always very conservative."

Stuckey is a combination point and off guard, probably more advanced right now as a scorer. He is considered a strong, get-to-the-rim force, but one who has at times also shown shooting and passing ability.

"Look at the numbers he's put up: They're staggering," said Burns. "He's had a phenomenal career.

"The one gift he may have that's even greater than his ability to score is his ability to pass, and his vision."

After leading Kentwood to the Class 4A state championship in 2004, Stuckey sat out his college freshman year as a non-qualifier. Otherwise, he would have drawn much more intense recruiting interest.

Stuckey had better shooting numbers in his first year at Eastern than his second, becoming Big Sky Conference player of the year and hitting 49 percent, .372 on threes. He fell off to .453 overall and .267 last season, but improved his assist-to-turnover ratio from 1.15 to 1.63.

"He was forced to take some difficult shots at the end of the clock, and in difficult situations," Burns said. "People believe he can handle it, shoot it, score it, all those things."

Stuckey finishes as Eastern's fourth-leading career scorer with 1,438 points. The leader, Ron Cox, a product of the 1970s, is the only other Eastern player drafted by the NBA.

The only first-round NBA pick in the 44-year history of the Big Sky was Micheal Ray Richardson of Montana in 1978.

Stuckey said he relied on Burns and AAU coach Francis Williams for postseason advice, and interviewed four or five agents.

"I just had a bond with the Goodwins," said Stuckey. "I know the good work they do, and I know they'll do that for me in the future."

Despite Stuckey's heroics, Eastern did not flourish in his two years. It lost in the semifinals of the Big Sky tournament in 2005-06 and failed to make the six-team tournament last season.

"We've kind of prepared for the fact he could be departing," said Burns, who last week announced the signing of two junior-college guards, Adris DeLeon of Southern Idaho and James Doran of Sierra.

[Darkwaters]

Ok, so of all the wings that might be there...rate them in the order that you wouldn't mind taking them in. Here is the list as far as I can tell (in no specific order).

Rudy Fernandez
Brandon Rush
Daequan Cook
Marco Bellinelli
Derrick Byars
Morris Almond
Marcus Williams
Aaron Afflalo
Dominic McGuire

[picnroll]

What makes anybody think Beno is tradeable? He has negative trade value.

[AFBlue]

Heres another question then.

Is trading up in the draft, worth, going after a Thaddeus Young?

Would it be worth to trade up in the draft for an Acie Law?

It seems Acie might be gone at 11 to Atlanta, or 14 to the Clippers though.

My initial reaction is to say "Yes" to trading up for Thaddeus. I think in any other draft he'd be a certain lottery pick and maybe even top-10....he has THAT much athleticism, ability, and potential. The question is what do the Spurs have to give up in order to get to that 17th or 18th spot...is it Luis Scola + 28?

I'm honestly not sure, but if this kid puts on another 15-20lbs he could be the long 3/small-ball 4 answer of the future. I'd do it, but I don't know if the Spurs will.

On Acie, I think he has the leadership qualities and clutch shooting ability to be a starter in this league. BUT, I don't think the Spurs should trade up to get a guy that would certainly be relegated to backup PG duty and who I'm not certain the Spurs could run alongside Tony in a small-guard set. Not to mention what the Spurs would have to give up to get to the lottery...where he'll likely go.

[pad300]

What makes anybody think Beno is tradeable? He has negative trade value.


Your wrong - he's on a rookie contract, so he's cheap. He's young, and has showed some promise (particularly in his 1st season, before Pop beat him down), remember that his statistical performance hasn't been that bad (see Hollinger calling him to be a breakout player this year). Finally, if I understand the rookie contract structure, Beno can be locked in by the recieving team (on the cheap) until 08/09, or they can drop him with no penalty after 07/08. In short, he's a very low cost gamble that might bloom into a decent player for the recieving team... Remember, in my proposal, the choice is Beno or nothing (cause Atkins is an FA), not Beno or something...

[Mr. Body]

Lots of stuff flying around...

1. Trading up for Thaddeus Young. Very good question. Is he worth giving up Luis Scola? Well, he has a great work ethic and personality on top of outrageous athleticism and size and his ceiling is easily at All-Star level, but isn't assured. I would, tentatively, say 'yes.'

2. As for Law, since he doesn't fill a great need, I'd say 'no.' I have my doubts about him, as well, but we simply don't need to give up our top assets for a b-up PG.

3. Rodney Stuckey does look like a hot property right now. I can see him going to Miami or LA around the 19/20 spots.

4. I do think Beno has trade value. Maybe not a lot, but some. He's on the last year of his contract and isn't terribly expensive for a PG. He hasn't worked lately as a Spur, but has good size for a PG-type and clearly has NBA talent. There are teams (Cleveland, LAC) that badly need point guards who will be interested.

[T Park]

I wonder if Beno, Barry, the 28th would get the Spurs the 14th pick.....

[Mr. Body]

Darkwaters:

Brandon Rush
Derrick Byars
Dominic McGuire
Rudy Fernandez
Marco Bellinelli
Morris Almond
Marcus Williams
Daequan Cook
Aaron Afflalo

Note that Fernandez is not a SF. Most the others can play SF. I don't think much of Cook or Afflalo. I have real reservations about McGuire. Fernandez and Bellinelli may likely not come right away, and Bellinelli could just be another Giricek. I think Rush and Byars are the best prospects for us in the bunch. Play both sides of the ball hard, have range and some intangibles, both did well in the NCAA Tournament. Neither will be more than a rotation guy or decent starter, IMO, but they'll be good.

[pad300]

I wonder if Beno, Barry, the 28th would get the Spurs the 14th pick.....
No, particularly because we would have to take back salary worth between (roughly) 4.5 and 8 million, which contract(s) (Sam Cassel - assuming he is not over his injury issues; otherwise they won't trade him or Tim Thomas & Aaron Williams) are you willing to take off the clippers for that much? Also, for the Clippers, there is not enough value on the table for such a pick.

[Mr. Body]

I wonder if Beno, Barry, the 28th would get the Spurs the 14th pick.....

I don't think so. There tends to be an exponential calculus involved in trading up. A 28 is so far less valuable than a 14, it's practically worthless unless a more certain thing was added, i.e. Luis Scola. Whether Scola + 28 is worth a late teens pick is a good question. ...I'd say 'yes, it is.' There will be, IMO, a team that will see themselves not getting the position they need (PF) or see someone like Jason Smith or Josh McRoberts there and think taking the more established Euroleague scorer + a decent shot at a good SG later in the draft, is well worth taking.

Another question is how far up the 28 + 33 will get you. I think to about 21 or 22.

[T Park]

IMO, Morris Almond is the guy to get.

Bring him in, learn the defensive system, he will learn that PLAY D = PT.

[T Park]

I don't know if its worth tanking two spots for 7 spots up in the draft.

I'd take my chances with Almond being at 28, and someone else like Rush at 33.

[Darkwaters]

Darkwaters:

Brandon Rush
Derrick Byars
Dominic McGuire
Rudy Fernandez
Marco Bellinelli
Morris Almond
Marcus Williams
Daequan Cook
Aaron Afflalo

Note that Fernandez is not a SF. Most the others can play SF. I don't think much of Cook or Afflalo. I have real reservations about McGuire. Fernandez and Bellinelli may likely not come right away, and Bellinelli could just be another Giricek. I think Rush and Byars are the best prospects for us in the bunch. Play both sides of the ball hard, have range and some intangibles, both did well in the NCAA Tournament. Neither will be more than a rotation guy or decent starter, IMO, but they'll be good.

I realize that Rudy is not a SF. Thats why I said "wings" and not "3's". I really have to think that Rudy is probably at the top of my list. He is a proven winner and has so many things in common with Manu. So, hes a year away. So what? Finley, Barry and Bowen don't expire until a year from now anyways. We need immediate help at the 3, yes. But not the 2 (although, thats not too far away either).

[Darkwaters]

I don't know if its worth tanking two spots for 7 spots up in the draft.

I'd take my chances with Almond being at 28, and someone else like Rush at 33.

Unless an absolutely great player slips, I agree that it makes little sense to ditch a quality second rounder just for 7 spots up.

[Mr. Body]

I don't know if its worth tanking two spots for 7 spots up in the draft.

I'd take my chances with Almond being at 28, and someone else like Rush at 33.

Obviously much will change, but I think Rush goes before Almond. If we can get both - aces. (But then... roster spots...)

The reason I bring up the 28 + 33 trade (for 21 or 22) is then that 21 or 22 can be coupled with Scola to trade up. I honestly think you could look at around 12 or 13 at that point.

[pad300]

Ok, so of all the wings that might be there...rate them in the order that you wouldn't mind taking them in. Here is the list as far as I can tell (in no specific order).

Rudy Fernandez
Brandon Rush
Daequan Cook
Marco Bellinelli
Derrick Byars
Morris Almond
Marcus Williams
Aaron Afflalo
Dominic McGuire

My ordered preference and some commentary
(This reflects my view of Spurs needs and is not likely to reflect real draft order)

Fernandez (much more talent than just about any other player on the list)
McGuire (Size & athleticism, a player we have been looking for for a long time)
Rush (Do it all but I personally have character concerns
Almond (can really score, but shows lower effort on D)
Byars (Ceiling is a role player, closer to NBA ready than just about all the players on this list)
Marcus Williams
Marco Bellinelli (has regressed this year)
Aaron Afflalo
Daequan Cook

I would be hesitant about spending pick #33 on any of the last 4 players on this list.

[Darkwaters]

Wow...with the 12th or 13th pick we could do some serious damage. And only ditching the 33rd pick (basically, Damir Markota) and Luis Scola...nice!

What about Aaron Gray being there in the second round. The Spurs were reportedly interested in him last year before he withdrew his name. I remember they were trying to nab a 1st round pick so that they could get him. Frankly, I don't like him much at all. But are the Spurs still interested since we got Butler now?

[Mr. Body]

It's just pure speculation getting that high in the draft, of course, but theoretically it is possible. I know Philly badly needs a PF and they could just decide to go with Julian Wright and be done with it, or maybe Al Thornton. Or could trade Andre Miller for one. But if we did manage to get to 20-23, they could find a decent big man there and have Scola, too.

The problem is they already have a ton of draft picks. Actually, just checked: they have 21. And 30. So that trade's not happening...

All this thought for nothing. I don't see anybody in the 12-16 range needing Scola. Maybe the Wizz at 16 and then New Jersey at 17, but by then all the top notch SFs will be long gone, except if you count Thaddeus Young.

[A.H 21-50]

i don't think the spurs can move up a lot in this draft because of this draft status and all the prospects we see.

maybe they can do a trade with a player and the no.28 pick to move to the no.20-21 but nothing to have a mid first round pick IMO.

[Mr. Body]

As for Aaron Gray (upthread)... I see him too slow and plodding for the new style Spurs. But then that's the problem with Jackie Butler, too...

[AFBlue]

Ok, so of all the wings that might be there...rate them in the order that you wouldn't mind taking them in. Here is the list as far as I can tell (in no specific order).

Rudy Fernandez
Brandon Rush
Daequan Cook
Marco Bellinelli
Derrick Byars
Morris Almond
Marcus Williams
Aaron Afflalo
Dominic McGuire

Okay, I'm going to do this a little different. I'm going to lump each player into a group and tell you which group I have preference with.

First...it's the international SGs...Fernandez and Belinelli. I love the talent of both players, but more than that I love that each player has the flexibility to come overseas this year or hold off one more year while the Spurs get rid of some rosterlings...keep in mind, no swingman except Ginobili currently on this team has a contract after next year.

Second...it's the College G/Fs...Rush, Williams, Almond, and Byars. Each of them plays a position that is already being taken up by current veteran swingment on the roster, so they would likely be relegated to NBDL or the end of the bench, but all of them have qualities that fit what the Spurs are looking for....versatility, shooting, and defense.

Third....it's the combo forward...Dominic McGuire. I really love his versatility, rebounding, and potential. He's a guy that I think could develop into an impact player down the road, but there is alot of "projection" when talking about what he brings to the table for the Spurs. He's another guy that would get NBDL time for the first year (or two). Another reason he's lower is that he might be there at 33, and I'm talking about the first pick.


Lastly....it's the College SGs...Afflalo and Cook. Both have had their dominant times and both could be good in teh right system, but I don't see either as having the upside or versatility to justify the Spurs taking them at 28...maybe not even at 33.

All in all, I think I would be happy with any of these guys (except maybe the last two), but that's my priority list.

[EvenFlow]

I just picked the guys I liked, not in any specific order.

Dominic McGuire-Scottie Pippen-esque talent and I'm not joking. Has length, size, strength, quickness and fluidity to be a elite level defender in the NBA. On top of that versatile, is a good ball handler for a SF, can rebound, pass, and block shots and could play 3 different positions if he ever learned to score proficiently. His lack of scoring prowess in college isn't a bad thing, as he'd be more willing to take a Bruce Bowen'-ish role on the Spurs. Still alot more about potential than anything else though.

Derrick Byars- Good shooter, hard working on defense, high b-ball IQ, solid intangibles.

Morris Almond- Duncan, Ginobili are in their primes and Tony's has just began, but Finley and Barry are getting old and guys that could replace them on the FA market would be expensive. Almond could fill in for one of their spots. Effortless shooter, with a big bruising body and a high b-ball Iq.

Brandon Rush-Long, athletic, has offense, and works hard on defense

[Darkwaters]

Okay, I'm going to do this a little different. I'm going to lump each player into a group and tell you which group I have preference with.

First...it's the international SGs...Fernandez and Belinelli. I love the talent of both players, but more than that I love that each player has the flexibility to come overseas this year or hold off one more year while the Spurs get rid of some rosterlings...keep in mind, no swingman except Ginobili currently on this team has a contract after next year.

Second...it's the College G/Fs...Rush, Williams, Almond, and Byars. Each of them plays a position that is already being taken up by current veteran swingment on the roster, so they would likely be relegated to NBDL or the end of the bench, but all of them have qualities that fit what the Spurs are looking for....versatility, shooting, and defense.

Third....it's the combo forward...Dominic McGuire. I really love his versatility, rebounding, and potential. He's a guy that I think could develop into an impact player down the road, but there is alot of "projection" when talking about what he brings to the table for the Spurs. He's another guy that would get NBDL time for the first year (or two). Another reason he's lower is that he might be there at 33, and I'm talking about the first pick.


Lastly....it's the College SGs...Afflalo and Cook. Both have had their dominant times and both could be good in teh right system, but I don't see either as having the upside or versatility to justify the Spurs taking them at 28...maybe not even at 33.

All in all, I think I would be happy with any of these guys (except maybe the last two), but that's my priority list.

I think we definitely need to take at least one of these guys.

Whoa...666 posts. :devil

[A.H 21-50]

i'm high on byars

also i like(in order) stuckey, williams , rush , almond

fernandez and bellinelli looks good but i doubt they will be here with the no.28 pick

from what i saw everybody have raised tucker from their minds

[pad300]

i'm high on byars

also i like(in order) stuckey, williams , rush , almond

fernandez and bellinelli looks good but i doubt they will be here with the no.28 pick

from what i saw everybody have raised tucker from their minds

Tucker, I don't really want. I have (much) earlier in this thread expressed the opinion that he plays a PF's game with a 6'5" height. Unless he's Charles Barkley run through a time machine, that is a recipe for a bust; the atheletes he will be matching up with will be much closer in terms of speed and strength, and the will be much larger if he goes post up in the NBA.

[Mr. Body]

Tucker is a smart, tough player, but as pad says, he doesn't have what we need for a SF. I wouldn't be surprised to see him carve out a niche in the league, but expect him to be a 2nd round pick and take a while to get there.

[Darkwaters]

Tucker, I don't really want. I have (much) earlier in this thread expressed the opinion that he plays a PF's game with a 6'5" height. Unless he's Charles Barkley run through a time machine, that is a recipe for a bust; the atheletes he will be matching up with will be much closer in terms of speed and strength, and the will be much larger if he goes post up in the NBA.

See Desmond Mason

[Darkwaters]

Tucker is a smart, tough player, but as pad says, he doesn't have what we need for a SF. I wouldn't be surprised to see him carve out a niche in the league, but expect him to be a 2nd round pick and take a while to get there.

If we had room on the roster for him I'd gladly scoop him up with the 33 or especially the 58. But I assume that either he won't be there at 33 or we'll have already grabbed a swingman. And if we already have a swingman then we have no room for another Badger.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind him at 33 necessarily. But I wonder if having Butler and White will bite us in the butt; maybe we'll dump the pick.

[Darkwaters]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind him at 33 necessarily. But I wonder if having Butler and White will bite us in the butt; maybe we'll dump the pick.

Theres enough euro talent out there that we shouldn't just dump the pick (like Phoenix was selling off their picks last year). With such a high 2nd rounder and a deep draft we could afford to draft a good player across the pond and hope he pans out.

Now, if we traded the pick in a ploy to move up in the first round then I'd be fine with that...as long as we picked up something of quality. Frankly, I'm salivating at the prospect of Rudy Fernandez. I think this guy is a winner and an infectious hustle kind of guy. Rudy! Rudy!

[pad300]

See Desmond Mason

From 82games.com for Desmond Mason
This Year Last Year
Position PER Relative PER PER Relative PER
SG 11.2 -3.9 12.8 -9.9
SF 12.0 -6.3 9.5 -6.7

His PER is below average (15), and it's not like he's a really good defensively to make up. Desmond Mason isn't all that good, and he can't fulfill the roles the Spurs system expects from it's wings - 1) Play good perimeter defense, 2) move the ball well, 3) make open jump shots, 4) slash to the basket when the opportunity is there; don't for it. He doesn't do any of the 4. He's closest to doing the slashing bit, but he forces it more than I like, because it's really his only option.

[Darkwaters]

From 82games.com for Desmond Mason
This Year Last Year
Position PER Relative PER PER Relative PER
SG 11.2 -3.9 12.8 -9.9
SF 12.0 -6.3 9.5 -6.7

His PER is below average (15), and it's not like he's a really good defensively to make up. Desmond Mason isn't all that good, and he can't fulfill the roles the Spurs system expects from it's wings - 1) Play good perimeter defense, 2) move the ball well, 3) make open jump shots, 4) slash to the basket when the opportunity is there; don't for it. He doesn't do any of the 4. He's closest to doing the slashing bit, but he forces it more than I like, because it's really his only option.

Desmond plays very quality perimeter defense. He always guarded the biggest perimeter threat for the Hornets this year....trust me, I've been a Hornets season ticket holder the last 2 years. And he has been a very decent slasher, but he has been known to force a lot of shots (but when Chris Paul, Peja Stojakovic and David West are all hurt...he kinda has to). Also, hes not a below average passer and hes not afraid to move the ball. One thing he definitely cannot do is shoot. This is the guy that makes Andris Biendrin's free throws look poetic. Albeit, he actually shot an ok clip from the line all things considered...but he still made me cringe EVERY time he touched the ball on offense or especially at the line. Desmond just lived in the paint and tried to post everybody up. He had no game outside of 8 feet. But his defense was solid and his hustle infectious. Hence hes been making 8M per.

[Mr. Body]

Hence hes been making 8M per.

His next contract may be as much as 8M total.

[Darkwaters]

His next contract may be as much as 8M total.

lol, agreed.

I bitched all last year about how overpaid he was. But in defense of him, he was a very quality player most of the season. And the Hornets really shouldn't have needed him as much as they did. David West was a scoring machine and led the team again in scoring. Peja chipped in for a while before bowing out with back surgery. Chris Paul facilitated the offense and scored on the side. Even Tyson Chandler averaged about 12 pts a game down the stretch. Desmond should have never been more than the 4th option (maybe 3rd at times) but he was required to play a bigger role.

...I just don't know what I'm going to do with my 3 Desmond Mason bobbleheads that I got this season at the games! :lol

[mountainballer]

All this thought for nothing. I don't see anybody in the 12-16 range needing Scola. Maybe the Wizz at 16 and then New Jersey at 17, but by then all the top notch SFs will be long gone, except if you count Thaddeus Young.

the trade up scenarios by numbers before a draft almost never materialize and in such a deep draft teams will hesitate even more to trade before they pick. they won't sacrifice the chance that a very good player falls to their hands (and in such a draft there will be at least one top player, who falls to mid or end first round)

so we will have to wait what happens at draft night.
the possibility you mention with Nets at 17 might be a good chance, if McRoberts, Jason Smith and Splitter had been picked before 17. (something that might easily happen). in this moment the Nets should be open to talk with the Spurs about Scola and maybe they agree on a deal like: Nets pick Fernandez for the Spurs at 17 (he will be there) and Spurs pick (just guessing) Almond, Byars or Rush for them at 28 and package him with Scola.
IMO a win situation for both teams.
(Spurs might also have some interest in Nachbar, so maybe a bigger deal could happen)

overall I think we will see a lot of activities on draft night.

[Mr. Body]

I'm still looking, alps. I agree the Nets would be very interested in Scola, but the problem is I don't see anybody on the board at 17 that would thrill the Spurs, though there's a chance Thaddeus Young will still be around. I can't say I like the idea of swapping Scola+28 for Fernandez. And right now I see McRoberts still around with their pick.

Philadelphia is still a team that badly needs a PF and there just isn't anybody at #12 that attractive for them. They're in an odd spot where the best PFs are gone and the next rank would be reaching. Unfortunately, I don't see a Scola for #12 swap and they have two late 1sts already. One possibility is that Larry Brown has been said to really like Jackie Butler. Returning Butler to him in order to take, say, Willie Green's 3M/per contract (for too long) could be coupled with the Scola for #12 swap. Sixers are trying to clear cap space for the following year. But of course the Spurs won't take on salary like that. And Scola is 27, which is a big conceptual difference from, say, 25.

The ultimate design, IMO, is to get Jeff Green. I see his 'passiveness' and post-creation skills going against him in any camps he goes to. Of course, some team might just grab him in the first 10 and this is moot.

There are few options in FA and trade and the draft to get our SF.

[Mr. Body]

Added: Chicago at the #9 is an extreme possibility if Hawes and Yi both get nabbed before then (and B. Wright and Horford). They have tons of options, say drafting Julian Wright and working a S&T with Nocioni and other stuff for Zach Randolph, but I can see them wanting to keep Nocioni and trying out the ole Argentinian mind-meld by putting Scola in there, too. Nocioni may be scaring people with some of these reports about his foot lately.

I think Hawes drops to #9, though.

[mountainballer]

just read about the Jared Dudley workout on DX.
DX has always been very high on him (calling him a late 1st-high 2nd rounder, other than nbadraft, they rank him low 2nd round).
the more I read about Dudley, the more I like the idea of drafting him, even if he is the opposite of the "long athletic SF" we have been talking about for years.
they compare him to Gomes (which is a nice outlook) but I also see a lot Battier in him. maybe a poor man's Battier, but this would still be intriguing.
just looked at Battiers last year at Duke:
19.9 PPG (47%FG,42% 3s) 7.3 RPG, 2 APG
Dudley:
19.0 PPG (56%FG, 44% 3s) 8.3 RPG, 3 APG

both are slow and can't jump, both make up for it with very smart play and hard working, very high BBIQ, leadership and intangibles are top-notch.
against Georgetown Dudley showed his defense abilities, when he totally outplayed Jeff Green.
what impresses me most is his constantly improving long range shooting, because this ability would fit perfectly with the Spurs.
I don't think the Spurs should use the 1st rounder on him, but at 33 he isn't a bad idea.
the question is, would the Spurs pick an athletic SF at 28 (McGuire) AND Dudley at 33? seems unlikely.
however. maybe they see Dudley as a repleacement of Bonner, (talking about the roster spot) who's chance to be resigned doesn't look high right now. (and I don't think he likes his current role either)
thoughts?

edit: when I mentioned that Dudley outplayed Green, I of course didn't mean that I would take Dudley if there was a chance to get Green. but I really can't see how we ever could get Green. maybe if we package all we've got together (Scola, 28+33 pick, White)

[TDMVPDPOY]

spurs are crazy if they dont resign bonner

[mountainballer]

Added: Chicago at the #9 is an extreme possibility if Hawes and Yi both get nabbed before then (and B. Wright and Horford). They have tons of options, say drafting Julian Wright and working a S&T with Nocioni and other stuff for Zach Randolph, but I can see them wanting to keep Nocioni and trying out the ole Argentinian mind-meld by putting Scola in there, too. Nocioni may be scaring people with some of these reports about his foot lately.

I think Hawes drops to #9, though.

I have been thinking about the Chicago scenario. the question is, if they can't get Haws or Yi, they still have the option to pick McRoberts or Smith. to get either of them, they could even trade down (Philly 12+30?) and get another player in the first round.
but yes, Chicago is a good option. they have 3 expiring contracts of their bigs (PJ, Allen, Sweetney) and I don't think either will be back.
an expirienced player like Scola would be maybe more intriguing in the current situation than most other rookies.
so an extended offer might get this done.
scenario: Bulls pick Green at 9 and trade him for Scola, the best available wing (at 28) and Visser (who they pick at 33).
doesn't look bad for both IMO.

[yavozerb]

The bulls will not trade any picks prior to the draft. Another young player drafted simply adds another piece to a major trade possible for gasol or some other all-star player who is being shopped. I will say this though, the success nocioni had in chicago will def. help with a possible trade for scola if it does happen after the draft.
I do not see the spurs having two 1st round picks due to the fact these are guranteed contracts and the spurs will not even have that many roster spots available so any trade will involve the 28th pick. I see charlotte and philly as our only real options to trading up (#21 and 22 pick).
I am hoping that next year we could see Rush,White, Mcguire all on the floor together. Damn, somebody wake me up from this dream!!

[Mr. Body]

I have been thinking about the Chicago scenario. the question is, if they can't get Haws or Yi, they still have the option to pick McRoberts or Smith. to get either of them, they could even trade down (Philly 12+30?) and get another player in the first round.
but yes, Chicago is a good option. they have 3 expiring contracts of their bigs (PJ, Allen, Sweetney) and I don't think either will be back.
an expirienced player like Scola would be maybe more intriguing in the current situation than most other rookies.
so an extended offer might get this done.
scenario: Bulls pick Green at 9 and trade him for Scola, the best available wing (at 28) and Visser (who they pick at 33).
doesn't look bad for both IMO.

It would take too long to engineer, since it would depend on what the Spurs get, and for such a long period in between picks it'd be crazy for each team to draft for the other, unless Chicago feels they can use Jeff Green in some way if they don't find what the Spurs get very attractive. The trade would probably have to come after #9 turns up dry for them. Too bad, that this would stand a much better chance of happening if they had the #11 or so.

Chicago has a few options... trade for Randolph, Gasol, or at the outside Garnett. Maybe other post players are available, I don't know. I mean good post players - getting Melvin Ely won't fix much.

In the draft there are so few post players with skill, and it looks like all but one will be gone by #9, and it looks like that guy will be Spencer Hawes. Yi, Horford, and B. Wright will be gone. They could, of course, try to trade higher up, but should be happy to let Hawes fall to them.

[yavozerb]

If the bulls are expecting a rookie pick at #9 to win them a title then they are mistaken and I think they realize this!!This bulls team is very young and to get even younger in my opinion is a mistake. They need not only an inside presence, but also some veteran leadership to take the next step.

[Mr. Body]

If the bulls are expecting a rookie pick at #9 to win them a title then they are mistaken and I think they realize this!!This bulls team is very young and to get even younger in my opinion is a mistake. They need not only an inside presence, but also some veteran leadership to take the next step.

That's the thing. Hawes may take a while to get along, being weak in stature and on defense, and may not pan out. If I were Chicago, and I'm trying to be as objective as possible, I'd prefer Scola. Not to say he's can't-miss, but the cost for him is relatively low compared to, say, Zach Randolph, who has character issues that could totally derail the Bulls for several years.

But that #9 for Scola + #28 is too dear a price, IMO. And it'd be hard for them to pass on Hawes. We could cross our fingers Hawes gets picked before then (as Yi will be), but if Conley goes #3, and it looks stronger he will, Hawes definitely goes at #9.

[TDMVPDPOY]

why dont we just go back at tryin to strike a deal for magette

[Mr. Body]

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)"

[Darkwaters]

If we draft a guy like McGuire is it likely that we don't make a play for a veteran SF. I mean, we only have so many roster spots for wings...and with Ginobili, Finley, Barry, Bowen and White all under contract I really don't see a whole lot of room. Of course we could trade Barry and not pick up the option on White... But I think the idea of bailing on White is premature and trading Barry would require taking another player in return (meaning the roster spots don't change). Although, maybe a team like Charlotte who is under the cap wouldn't mind a vet?

Frankly, unless we can get "the answer" by trading up I don't know that its worth it. Nocioni sounds like a really nice addition...but it also sounds unlikely that it will work out. What if we just drafted Brandon Rush and Dominic McGuire and kept Scola? We could bring him over this year and have several nice pieces all under 30 years old.

[yavozerb]

If we draft a guy like McGuire is it likely that we don't make a play for a veteran SF. I mean, we only have so many roster spots for wings...and with Ginobili, Finley, Barry, Bowen and White all under contract I really don't see a whole lot of room. Of course we could trade Barry and not pick up the option on White... But I think the idea of bailing on White is premature and trading Barry would require taking another player in return (meaning the roster spots don't change). Although, maybe a team like Charlotte who is under the cap wouldn't mind a vet?

Frankly, unless we can get "the answer" by trading up I don't know that its worth it. Nocioni sounds like a really nice addition...but it also sounds unlikely that it will work out. What if we just drafted Brandon Rush and Dominic McGuire and kept Scola? We could bring him over this year and have several nice pieces all under 30 years old.

OK, here is the deal. The spurs currently have 12 players under contract (counting player options:finley and oberto, team options: bowen) and also counting beno. So as you can see there really is not much room for many additional players to this roster. Yes, I too want to see new and younger players but who do you take away from a possible championship team without messing up team chemestry. The only players I see possibly being moved moved are Beno, Barry, Butler, and White (possibly not even making team next season) and to move a player usually means to take on another contract so where are the open roster spots??

[Mr. Body]

Ely's departure leaves a spot.

Bonner may leave, but I don't think so.

Now it looks like Horry will stay.

Neither Oberto nor Finely will leave.

Udrih will be traded, IMO, but that will be for another player.

He could be packaged with Butler or Barry for a single other player.

That is the only way I see us having more than one roster spot.

White could be cut, but I don't think they give up on him yet.

[TDMVPDPOY]

OK, here is the deal. The spurs currently have 12 players under contract (counting player options:finley and oberto, team options: bowen) and also counting beno. So as you can see there really is not much room for many additional players to this roster. Yes, I too want to see new and younger players but who do you take away from a possible championship team without messing up team chemestry. The only players I see possibly being moved moved are Beno, Barry, Butler, and White (possibly not even making team next season) and to move a player usually means to take on another contract so where are the open roster spots??

why dont we just trade finley to chicago for someone, thats if we win it all this year, does he mind playin in his hometown chicago? isnt that where his from?

[El_Mago]

After this past lottery, it is going to be extremely hard to really pin-point where people are going.

Portland is ready to unload. They can easily ship away Pryzbilla, Miles, and possibly even Randolph.

Atlanta is looking to move around as well.

The Sixers have 3 1st rounders and I really doubt they use all three because they need to clear out cap and could use some veteran players.

Chicago has also been interested in dealing.

Larry Bird (Indiana) has flat out said he really wants to crack into the 1st round after losing their first to Atlanta this year.

Personally, I don't see the Spurs moving too far into the early stages of the 1st round...they have never really been a team that does that.

However, I can see them swapping picks and sending a player or someone's right to either New Jersey, Philadelphia, or Charlotte....if they see someone slipping like Thad Young, Rudy Fernandez, etc...who they feel they can snag up.

[Mr. Body]

Why do they need Finley?

[T Park]

Why do the Spurs need to get rid of Finley?

[Mr. Body]

Why do the Spurs need to get rid of Finley?

That too.

[yavozerb]

By Matthew Maurer
The Draft Review
2/1/07







As our avid readers know, back in early November I compiled a list of sleepers outside of Division One schools. Avis Wyatt was highlighted as a player who I thought could really make a push to get drafted. Throughout the season I continued to receive reports on how well Wyatt was doing so I decided to take a closer look and see him in person.

North Carolina Central was matched up against Avis’s team, Virginia State. Prior to seeing Wyatt on this night I heard that he had expanded his range and was transforming his game. I was shocked to see how talented and versatile Wyatt is when facing the basket and found it necessary to raise my previous evaluation of him. Rarely does a player with his size have the kind of face-up game he possesses, especially those on the Division II level.

Offensively he possesses excellent mid-range and three-point-range shots. Wyatt’s ball handling is among the best at his position. He’s capable of attacking his man with hesitation moves and crossovers. Court vision is another one of his gifts, which could be due to the fact that Wyatt was a guard for most of his life until his growth spurt in the 11th grade.

While immensely talented there are a few things Wyatt will have to improve upon, most importantly his strength. Developing his upper body strength and adding some bulk to his frame would do wonders. But adding 15-20 pounds shouldn't affect his athleticism because he has an excellent frame with good strength. To some degree, Wyatt’s level of competition will cause some to discredit him, as the CIAA is exactly a hotbed of NBA talent. There will also be some concern as to what position he will play.

Despite those issues, Wyatt is a Division I talent playing in Division II. I talked with Wyatt and his coach Tony Collins after the game. Collins has experience in preparing NBA prospects for the draft. Over the past 15 years he was the assistant coach at Austin Peay where NBA draftee’s Bubba Wells and Trenton Hassell played.

Wyatt is blessed with great potential and small forward skills in a power forward’s body. Come April Wyatt will need to have a good showing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. One thing is for sure: Avis Wyatt is a legitimate prospect despite his small school setting.


*Mathew Maurer is a regular contributer to NBADraft.net and runs the historical draft website TheDraftReview.com

This guy can play with most players in the early 1st round. He will probably middle or early 2nd round so the depth to the draft is there. We do not have to trade up for quality, if anything maybe we can make some trades for future draft picks if our roster size for next year will not allow for many additions. I know some of you hate this idea but it is better than wasting picks this year!!

[Mr. Body]

Portland is ready to unload. They can easily ship away Pryzbilla, Miles, and possibly even Randolph.

The Sixers have 3 1st rounders and I really doubt they use all three because they need to clear out cap and could use some veteran players.

Larry Bird (Indiana) has flat out said he really wants to crack into the 1st round after losing their first to Atlanta this year.

Personally, I don't see the Spurs moving too far into the early stages of the 1st round...they have never really been a team that does that.


Portland will have to eat Darius Miles' contract. I don't think he'll ever play again. Randolph could go to Dallas or Chicago.

I do see the Sixers trading one of those picks away.

Indiana needs help badly but has so few assets. What on that team is valuable other than JON? They shouldn't let go of Danny Granger.

The Spurs do have stodgy drafts where little happens. This needs to be a proactive draft; are they capable of it?

[AFBlue]

Ely's departure leaves a spot.

Bonner may leave, but I don't think so.

Now it looks like Horry will stay.

Neither Oberto nor Finely will leave.

Udrih will be traded, IMO, but that will be for another player.

He could be packaged with Butler or Barry for a single other player.

That is the only way I see us having more than one roster spot.

White could be cut, but I don't think they give up on him yet.

The only thing I'll say about this scenario is that I don't see the Spurs keeping both Horry AND Bonner. I think we've hyped up Bonner's importance to this team a littel too much, and I do think that he would be re-signed if Horry did retire...but there's too much redundency in their games and the Spurs will be looking to add pieces this off-season (Scola, etc.).

[Darkwaters]

The only thing I'll say about this scenario is that I don't see the Spurs keeping both Horry AND Bonner. I think we've hyped up Bonner's importance to this team a littel too much, and I do think that he would be re-signed if Horry did retire...but there's too much redundency in their games and the Spurs will be looking to add pieces this off-season (Scola, etc.).

Agreed. If Horry were leaving then I think Bonner is a no brainer. But with Horry staying Bonner just gets in the way of the youth movement.

That being said, Mahinimi needs to stay in Europe another year so HE doesn't get in the way of that youth movement. While I think he could be a centerpiece of it...I just think his time is a year away.

[coopdogg3]

Agreed. If Horry were leaving then I think Bonner is a no brainer. But with Horry staying Bonner just gets in the way of the youth movement.

That being said, Mahinimi needs to stay in Europe another year so HE doesn't get in the way of that youth movement. While I think he could be a centerpiece of it...I just think his time is a year away.

What about Mahinimi playing the NBDL for a year? I think that could work out well for him and for the team.

[A.H 21-50]

The only thing I'll say about this scenario is that I don't see the Spurs keeping both Horry AND Bonner. I think we've hyped up Bonner's importance to this team a littel too much, and I do think that he would be re-signed if Horry did retire...but there's too much redundency in their games and the Spurs will be looking to add pieces this off-season (Scola, etc.).

and also the spurs won't let butler go
they sign him for 3 years and he's a project
he shows us some good things when he played a litlte at the end of the season
they will not trade him

for the draft i think it's too early to start some draft scenarios
from last drafts , spurs shows us that they aren't a team who likes rookies a lot but maybe that can change with all the potentials in this one

i don't think they will make a trade to have a mid first round or something else
the only thing they can do is trading scola , udrih or barry but we'll se they can surprise us :rolleyes

[ChumpDumper]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this yet but I want Sean Williams.Romantic longings belong in The Club.