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Monday, June 25
Draft slowly taking shape
ESPN.com
Editor's note: This mock draft was held on Monday, June 25. For ESPN.com's latest projected draft order, check out our complete NBA Draft coverage and projections.
Teams are scrambling in these final hours trying to get through the tons of misinformation being fed by agents and other teams. A year ago, no one had Jamal Crawford ending up at No. 7 in the draft. If something like that occurs again, then the draft could be totally thrown out of whack.
The consensus is this with just two days until the 2001 NBA draft in New York City:
Three high school seniors, two college freshmen and a college senior are likely the top six.
The top 16 players are probably set, as well, in some order.
There could be a ton of trades before, during and immediately after the draft.
A number of teams are split among their coaches, general managers, scouts, player personal directors and owners as to who to pick. And there are no consensus impact players.
If high school senior DeSagana Diop drops out of the top nine then expect the draft to be turned upside down with a massive domino effect. The same could be true of Arkansas' Joe Johnson or Yugoslavian Vladimir Radmanovic.
The climbers of late have been Charlotte's Rodney White, DePaul's Steven Hunter, Notre Dame's Troy Murphy, Radmanovic, JC forward Kedrick Brown, France's Tony Parker.
Iowa State senior Jamaal Tinsley is on a serious slide, possibly out of the first round. Arizona senior Loren Woods is dropping, too. Michigan State's Zach Randolph could be in jeopardy of falling, as well.
Mock drafts could be done hourly throughout the next two days and it could turn out a number of different ways. Here is ESPN.com's take on the first round after talks with NBA execs, agents and players. ESPN.com's Andy Katz chatted during the unveiling of ESPN.coms' final Mock Draft and offered answers to users questions surrounding the real thing on Wednesday night.
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1. Washington -- Kwame Brown, HS, Glynn Academy (Ga.)
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 The Wizards are apparently down to Brown, Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry or, maybe, Shane Battier. But the latest word was Brown was the early favorite to be the first high school player chosen No. 1 in the NBA draft. Brown's ascension to the top spot would be quite a climb for a player who was not considered a lock for the NBA draft during last summer's July NCAA recruiting period. Trading this pick is still a strong possibility for the Wizards. |
History is made! Kwame Brown becomes the first high school player picked No. 1 overall.
Steve, Washington DC: Andy, Seems like the Wizards could really use Eddy Curry - a legit center that could dominate in the small East for years. With the relatively few true centers left, what is your thought on the Wiz taking a 5 with the first pick, and who has the most upside?
Katz: Taking Curry makes sense but the word out of Washington is Brown is the top choice among a trio that includes Curry and Tyson Chandler. The Wizards could still trade this pick, even if it is Brown. Brown is eager to go to Washington and told me in Chicago he can't wait to be a sponge. He wants to absorb all of Jordan's knowledge on the game.
Moderator: Up next, the Clippers ... a team who won't shy away from taking youngsters.
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2. L.A. Clippers -- Tyson Chandler, HS, Dominguez High (Calif.)
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 The Clippers will likely take whomever doesn't go No. 1 between Chandler and Brown. Curry is still a possibility but Chandler is a better fit for the Clippers who aren't ready to give up on Michael Olowokandi just yet. Picking Chandler would make sense because he already has an infrastructure in place in Southern California, making his transition to the NBA a bit easier. The Clippers aren't foreign to picking younger players and have no qualms about taking a high school senior. |
Frank (New Jersey) The Clippers are at 2. Wouldn't it make more sense for them to pick up an experienced center by trading down and then maybe picking up Collins or Woods?
Katz: There is a chance but the talk is of the Clippers keeping the pick. The Clippers are actually considering Eddie Griffin. If they do that then that could affect what Golden State does at No. 5. Taking Chandler makes a bit more sense for them, especially with the potential uncertainty coming up with a few of their soon to be veteran players like Lamar Odom. The Clippers have had success with younger players and aren't hesitant about taking another one.
Moderator: Atlanta is on the clock ...
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3. Atlanta -- Shane Battier, Sr., Duke
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 The Hawks are the least likely team in the top six to pick a high school senior. They want experience of some sort and are more inclined to pick Eddie Griffin, Battier or Rodney White -- someone who went to school. All three could deliver instant offense for the Hawks while Battier would bring the least locker room issues. Coach Lon Kruger is adamant that he doesn't want an inexperienced player, even though Pete Babcock wouldn't mind taking Griffin. Kruger needs more help now. |
Josh (Detroit): Andy, if Battier is there is there any chance that Atlanta won't pick him? And what effect would that have on the rest of the draft?
Katz: If he's not taken at No. 3 then he goes no lower than No. 6 to Vancouver/Memphis. Atlanta won't take a high school senior. Griffin could go at this spot but that wouldn't create as much of a domino effect. Battier isn't one of those players in this draft. DeSagana Diop could be the player who affects the draft order more than any other player.
Moderator: The fourth pick should be interesting. What does Chicago do with Brand and Fizer already in the fold? But first, a question ...
Jeremy, Illinois: Do you think the Chicago Bulls could possibly make a trade for a player such as Antoine Walker or Gary Payton? What are teams asking for players such as these?
Katz Seattle is offering up Gary Payton to any team that will listen in the top six. But the Sonics aren't expecting a deal to get done. They expect Payton to be shipped in the middle of the season to contender like Dikembe Mutombo was last season. The Bulls need a big man and they'll have a few options if the top three hold form above. So ... with the fourth pick, the Bulls select ...
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4. Chicago -- Eddy Curry, HS, Thornwood (Ill.)
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 The class of 2001 is the most unique of any in history because of the depth of big men. Don't be shocked if three of the first four picks are high school seniors. The Bulls could go in a myriad of directions here with White a strong possibility. But Curry is too much of a monster in the middle for the Bulls to pass on if he's available. Like Chandler, he could have an easier transition from high school to the NBA if he stays at home. |
Moderator: And with these four picks, the draft will never be the same again. Three high school seniors among the top four picks? All thanks to KG & Kobe!
On the clock ... Golden State
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5. Golden State -- Eddie Griffin, Fr., Seton Hall
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 The Warriors selection depends on what happens with the Clippers. If the Clippers take Chandler and Griffin doesn't go to Atlanta then they'll go with him. The Warriors aren't as enamored with White as they are with Griffin and/or Jason Richardson. He could be a sleeper to go in the top five. Griffin is a safer pick for the Warriors than a high school senior. The Warriors need someone who can help them next season. |
Thomas, Houston: Golden State is upcoming they have a plethera of big men like Foyle and Dampier and Marc Jackson. With the draft full of big men, why would they not trade down for guard help?
Katz: They still might. But Griffin can score facing the basket, he's a shot blocker and a rebounder. If Griffin goes to the Clippers at No. 2, then the Warriors might pass on Chandler and go with Rodney White, who can play both inside and out. The Warriors might go for a big man further in the draft. But they're going to go with the best available talent when they pick in this spot.
Moderator: Up next Vancouver ... or is it Memphis?
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6. Vancouver/Memphis -- Jason Richardson, So., Michigan State
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 Jason Richardson is shooting up the charts and could crack the top six. He might not get to the Nets, who covet him at seven. The Grizzlies weren't too thrilled with White's workout and that's why he slipped a tad if he's not taken by Chicago or Atlanta. Richardson gives the Grizzlies an athletic wing and allows them to move a player or two in the perimeter.
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Aaron 12, West Valley Who do you feel is the most underrated player in the draft?
Katz: Richardson could fit into this category. But Rodney White might get the nod. Players like Troy Murphy and Michael Bradley are also getting pushed down a bit in the draft. White would be my choice. He could be the player who has the most impact of any player in the draft. Teams could take him higher but are going with the high school big men instead, even though White could outlast them in the league.
Gene, San Francisco: With the Vancouver Grizzlies so eager to trade Mike Bibby, do you expect them to trade down and pick up a point guard in the draft such as Cook?
Katz: The Bibby trade is a distinct possibility, especially with the Wizards. If that occurs, then the Grizzlies could try and get a point guard. But they should be able to get a solid point guard -- although not a starter -- in the second round. There is a chance that St. John's Omar Cook could be available at No. 33 in the second round. Cincinnati's Kenny Satterfield should definitely be available at that time, too.
Moderator: With White still on the board, the Nets waste no time in getting their card to Mr. Stern at the podium!
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7. New Jersey -- Rodney White, Fr., Charlotte
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 White is still a sleeper to move a few spots higher, possibly cresting at No. 3. But his ability to score as a wing or a post-up player is too hard to pass up if he's still on the board. There is still buzz that White is not getting past No. 5. But, the Nets can't pass him up if he's on the board. |
Johnny, (Texas): Do you think if the Nets get Rodney White he will make big impact?
Katz: Yes. If the Nets get White, they'll get the steal of the draft. New Jersey can still be a player in the East in the years to come with Kenyon Martin, Stephon Marbury and White as a trio (Keith Van Horn's future is uncertain). White would work well under Byron Scott. He's coachable, unselfish and has a chip on his shoulder to prove that he was underrated. He wasn't a heralded McDonald's All-American, but still provided freshman of the year numbers last season. He's a power forward, who can also play small forward facing the basket. He has a decent mid-range game and has the long reach to cause problems defensively. He shouldn't be a problem in the locker room, either.
Moderator: Hey, that's 3 picks without a prep! Cleveland's first pick in the John Lucas era is coming up next ...
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8. Cleveland -- Joe Johnson, So., Arkansas
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 The Cavs desperately need scoring and if Johnson is on the board the word is Cleveland is leaning toward going with the Razorback. Cleveland was at a private workout for Diop on Monday but might be scared away by his foot injury. The Cavs might have questions about Diop's foot injury during the school year after dealing with the injuries to Zydrunas Illgauskas the past two seasons. The Cavs need help now and that's why they might get cold feet on Diop. Pau Gasol is also a possibility with this pick, so too, is Vladimir Radmanovic. |
Moderator: Up next, the Pistons ...
Jason (Evanston): Are there any sleepers who have a tremendous upside that may slip into the top five?
Katz: Pau Gasol is probably the biggest sleeper who could leap into the top five. It's unlikely, especially with his contract situation. But a few teams could get cold feet with a high school senior. Richardson isn't really a sleeper for the top five but he could still crack it as high as Golden State. White fits in this category as well.
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9. Detroit -- Troy Murphy, Jr., Notre Dame
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 This could be one of the shockers in the lottery, only because Murphy had previously been projected to go lower. But the word in Detroit is Rick Carlisle has fallen for Murphy, John Hammond is inclined to lean toward Radmanovic and Joe Dumars would probably take Johnson. Carlisle might win this discussion, considering this is his first head coaching gig. All would make sense in Detroit but Murphy is probably the safest pick of the three.
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Moderator: OK, OK ... relax Celtic fans. The next two picks are all yours, and we'll get to as many questions on the Cs as possible.
Guttman (Montreal) I heard a rumor that the Celtics want Gasol and Radmanovic with picks 10 and 11. Is that a possibility?
Katz: That's a possibility. But the word is very strong that the Celtics are going to take Kedrick Brown at No. 11 and possibly ship him to Portland for some money to free up some cap space. The Celtics would love to get Joe Johnson if he's on the board but we've got him gone by No. 8. Radmanovic is an intriguing pick for the Celtics because he can play right away and if the Celtics draft both Gasol and Brown then they might not get either next season.
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10. Boston -- Pau Gasol, FC Barcelona
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 The Celtics can still get Pau Gasol for next season if he's willing to pay $2.1 million to Barcelona to get out of his contract. The Celtics would only have to pay $350,000. Gasol could be gone by this juncture with the Grizzlies a possibility as well as Cleveland at No. 8. Boston has roster issues and can afford to wait on Gasol for another season if he decides to stay in Spain for one more year. Boston will take Johnson if he's on the board. Radmanovic is also a possibility.
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Moderator: We'll gamble that the Cs gamble on Gasol coming to America next season. The Cs are still on the clock with back-to-back picks. Time for another question ...
Kelly, Michigan: Troy Murphy proved himself to be a true scorer at Notre Dame, do you think that his shooting and size will make him a true success in the NBA?
Katz: Yes. With the zone defenses in place Murphy could be an impact player. His stock is rising, especially in Detroit. Rick Carlisle loves shooting forwards and he fits the criteria.
Moderator: Looks like Boston has made its choice at No. 11 ...
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11. Boston -- Kedrick Brown, Okaloosa-Walton CC (Fla.)
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| The Celtics are denying that there is a promise for Kedrick Brown at No. 11 (he could go No. 10), but nearly every NBA team is adamant that this pick is going to happen. Brown has been a well-kept secret throughout the spring. This pick could also be shipped to Portland, which was believed to be Brown's original suiter. The Celtics could use Brown next season, who would have been an instant star had he honored his commitment and played at LSU next season.
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Moderator: So, if these two picks hold true, Boston could start next season without either? Wow!
On the clock, Seattle ...
Rob (Danbury Ct.): With three first-round picks, what do you think the Celtics will do at 21?
Katz: They've got to go with a point guard. I can't give away the pick or you won't stay with the mock. I will say it could be Tony Parker, Omar Cook or Jamaal Tinsley, though.
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12. Seattle -- DeSagana Diop, HS, Oak Hill Academy (Va.)
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 The Sonics want a big man bad and if DeSagana Diop falls they'll take him at No. 12. The consensus had been for North Carolina's Brendan Haywood. But there's also talk of a trade involving one of their big names like Gary Payton and/or Vin Baker. The Sonics would consider moving up to No. 1 or somewhere in the top six to get one of the high school big men. Picking Radmanovic is a safe choice, considering the Sonics covet another scorer and they have scouted him extensively. |
John (Los Angeles): Has Diop's stock falling or is it a matter of others' stock rising? I can't believe he would fall out of the top 10. I know there are questions about his foot and development, but I thought he outplayed his fellow high schoolers in the past. And he has more upside than any of the remaining big men.
Katz: There are questions about his foot. Cleveland was the natural team to select him but the Cavs have to be cautious about picking another big man with a foot problem. If they pass he'll drop to the end of the lottery. He's working out as we speak in New Jersey and that could affect his draft status Wednesday.
Moderator: Time for the last lottery pick of 2001 ... only one senior so far, can that be it?
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13. Houston -- Vladimir Radmanovic, FMP Zeleznik (Yugoslavia)
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 The Rockets are hoping Johnson slips to 13. But it's looking unlikely. They do covet Radmanovic and his agent actually wants him to be in Houston. They're looking to make a trade or two but probably only with one of the picks. They'll need to go big a few spots lower if they draft Radmanovic. Haywood, Loren Woods, Jason Collins, Steven Hunter and Zach Randolph will get consideration. |
Up next, the Warriors second first-round pick. But first a question on the Rockets' options ...
Ray, Amsterdam, N.Y.: Will the Rockets trade for a top pick in the draft?
Katz: The Rockets are looking to trade one, possibly two of their three first-round picks. They would like to move up to get one of the high school senior big men but they would still be satisfied with getting Radmanovic at the end of the lottery. They can still get a big man, a more experienced big man, in a few picks.
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14. Golden State -- Michael Bradley, Jr., Villanova
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| The original plan was to go with a point guard, but Iowa State's Jamaal Tinsley is fading fast. Michael Bradley's workouts have been strong and the Warriors could use another scorer, even if they draft Griffin at No. 5. Bradley and Griffin can both play facing the basket, or with their back to the basket. They're both also trade bait. Bradley has been too strong of late to drop too far in the draft.
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Max, San Francisco: With the 14th pick the Warriors need a point guard, why not surprise people and pick up an explosive Joseph Forte?
Katz: The problem is the point guard selections are weak this high in the first round. The Warriors have to go with the best available player and that means Bradley.
Moderator: Halfway through the draft in 1 hour, 30 minutes. Not bad, but we can do better. Type faster, Andy!
The Magic are on the clock ...
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15. Orlando -- Steven Hunter, So., DePaul
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 Hunter is a defensive specialist who is projected to go somewhere from 12 to 20 after his performance in Chicago. The Magic wants a big man and could use a player like Hunter. They'll be satisfied if he's on the board with this pick. They could have a few decent choices with Brendan Haywood, Woods and Jason Collins possibly still on the board. Randolph might be available but the Rockets weren't bringing him in for a workout until Monday. |
Will (Winter Park, Fla.): What are the reasons for Jamaal Tinsley sliding and Tony Parker rising (supposedly) so late in this pre-draft period? Are the Orlando Magic seriously looking to pick either of these point guards on Wednesday?
Katz: Tinsley's workouts have been poor. Parker's have been the opposite. Scouts are once again enamored with Parker's upside rather than Tinsley's, who they see as having reached a plateau. The Magic are considering both players as well as Cook for their second pick.
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16. Charlotte -- Richard Jefferson, Jr., Arizona
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 The Hornets could have an interesting choice between Richard Jefferson">Jefferson and North Carolina's Joseph Forte. Jefferson is taller and a better defender. The Hornets might need protection against losing Eddie Robinson and Jefferson might be a safer pick. Jefferson is a big guard/small forward and the Hornets will likely buck the mostly frontcourt trend and go with a perimeter player.
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Pablo (Miami): Hey Andy, can you tell me why Joseph Forte's stock fell so much? He's quick and a great shooter, he definitely showed in college that he is a scorer.
Katz: Forte is still an undersized shooting guard who has to learn point-guard skills. The Hornets have a tough choice with Richardson and Forte. Forte won't drop too far, probably not into the 20s. His workouts haven't been outstanding and coaches are influenced by the last workouts before the draft.
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17. Toronto -- Zach Randolph, Fr., Michigan State
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 The Raptors are doing a serious background check into Randolph, as are a number of other teams. If the incident that plagued him prior to his freshman season at Michigan State (a weapons charge) haunts him then he could drop deep in the first round. The Raptors want to go big with this pick and could take a strong look at Jason Collins, Loren Woods or Steven Hunter if they don't take Randolph.
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John (Nashville): I am a huge Michigan State fan, but Richard Jefferson totally outplayed Jason Richardson in the NCAA's. Why is he rated lower than Richardson?
Katz: Richardson has the "upside" more than Jefferson. Richardson has a more finished offensive game while Jefferson is considered a better defender. Richardson also proved he could play at an NBA level with his play against the U.S. Olympians in September.
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18. Houston -- Brendan Haywood, Sr., North Carolina
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| Haywood's earliest spot is probably with Seattle. Houston will consider him, as will Golden State. If Hunter falls then he'll be a choice. Woods, Collins, Randolph are all possibilities as well. Haywood would give the Rockets a legit back-to-the-basket presence, especially with the uncertainty with Hakeem Olajuwon.
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Erich (Flint, Mich.): Andy, what's up with big Z Randolph? Has his workouts (or lack thereof) really hurt his stock this much?
Katz: No. It has to do with his past. Teams are checking up on his legal troubles before he got to Michigan State. His time in East Lansing was without incident but he still needs to check out to go higher. The Raptors would be fine if he were on the board when they select.
Moderator: Wait a minute, Andy! Isn't Haywood a senior? That's ONLY two in the first 18 picks ... Amazing!
The Blazers are on the clock ....
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19. Portland -- Joseph Forte, So., North Carolina
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 The Blazers could either go with a big man because the aging Arvydas Sabonis, an athletic wing like Gilbert Arenas, Gerald Wallace, Jeff Trepagnier, trade for Kedrick Brown or go with the safest pick at this point -- a scoring guard in Forte. If he's on the board, it's hard to see him drop further than the Blazers. Forte is a pick somewhere in the mid to late teens and the Blazers make sense if Charlotte passes on him earlier. |
Moderator: Finally, Forte! And back-to-back Tar Heels. If only they turn out as good as a certain pair of UNC forwards who went 4-5 in the '98 draft.
Thomas (Houston): At 18, still no guards drafted ... are they that bad?
Katz: Most of the guards in this draft are closer to small forwards. Richardson, Johnson and Jefferson are essentially guards in this draft. They'll spend most of their time facing the basket. Teams at the top want forwards and centers. Next year's draft should be dominated by point guards with Jason Williams, Frank Williams, DaJuan Wagner, possibly, Troy Bell and maybe Jameer Nelson.
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20. Cleveland -- Jason Collins, So., Stanford
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| The Cavs could go with Woods or Collins, likely Collins, if they go with someone like Richardson or Johnson at No. 8. If they go with a big man like Diop early, then they'll have to get a perimeter player at No. 20. Gilbert Arenas could be the next available wing if Forte and Jefferson are off the board. This could also be part of a package deal with the Cavs, who are trying to get immediate help for John Lucas.
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Alex (Cleveland): Andy, what are the possibilities of the of the Cavs picking Loren Woods with the number 20 pick?
Katz: It's a good possibility, but Collins is a safer choice. He's more of an offensive threat and can play next to Chris Mihm. Collins has more range than Woods and has worked out well in the past three weeks.
Moderator: The Cs are back on the clock. Is this where Boston gets to the point?
Justin (Norton, Mass.): Andy, I think your Celtics' picks to this point are right on the money with recent Celtic trends. Which is they make no sense. Any chance there is a big man still available that would make in impact?
Katz: Thanks Justin. I'm just reporting what I've been told by league execs and agents. The Celtics want a player like Gasol or Johnson, could trade Brown and then need a point. That's not bad for a first round. The Celtics roster is cluttered and they really don't have a lot of options. They aren't enamored with potential trade offers as of yet.
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21. Boston -- Tony Parker, Paris Basket Racing (France)
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| The Celtics need a point guard out of this draft, but they're unlikely to take one at No. 10 or 11. Tinsley is dropping and Tony Parker may have moved ahead of Omar Cook with the Celtics brass. Parker was coveted by UCLA two years ago but stayed to play professionally in France. The Celtics have done their homework on Parker over the past six months and he's moved up their draft list.
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Moderator: Wow, the Frenchman goes ahead of Tinsley and Cook!
The Magic are back on the clock ...
Karl (Iowa): Tinsley's a gamer and has proven himself once and again, why are teams waiting until so late to draft him. Why not take the chance?
Katz: Sources in Seattle said he opted out of the workout a week ago because he was tired. Word got around the league that he wasn't putting all his efforts into the workouts, hoping to use his senior season as his resume. But Tinsley didn't finish strong in the Big 12 tournament, got bounced in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and turned down a chance to play at the Chicago pre-draft camp.
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22. Orlando -- Jamaal Tinsley, Sr., Iowa State
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| As shocking as it sounds, don't be surprised to see Tinsley go this late, possibly to the bottom of the first round. His stock has crashed according to NBA scouts, but he's still too good to slip into the second round. The Magic needs a point and suddenly Omar Cook might be the odd man out. That was the latest word as of Monday. Parker seems to be set for Boston and no one is quite sure what Utah will do with its pick, meaning Tinsley could be the last college point guard taken in the first round.
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Moderator: Houston's third first-round pick is next ...
Greg (Dallas): Where do you think Raul Lopez will go? Do you think a team like the Mavericks will take a chance at a guy like him to add to their foreign players list, and it seems like Howard Eisley doesn't have much of a future w/the Mavs anymore?
Katz: Dallas doesn't pick until No. 44 in the second round. Lopez probably will be gone well before that pick. Look for a team coming up to nab him instead of the Mavs. Dallas doesn't seem interested in trading up in this draft. The Mavs are one of nine teams who don't have a first-round pick.
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23. Houston -- Kirk Haston, Jr., Indiana
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| This is where it gets dicey. If this scenario plays out above then the two players who are still on the board -- Woods and Cook -- would be scratching their heads as to what went wrong. But the Rockets would have already taken a big man with Hunter. They could go big again and trade the pick or keep both and see what happens with Hakeem Olajuwon. Brian Scalabrine is a possibility, as well. But Rudy T loves a shooter like Kirk Haston and he's on their list.
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Jay G, Montgomery (Ala.): Andy, what are you hearing about Ousmane Cisse? Is his ACL injury going to seriously damage his draft stock?
Katz: Cisse is an unknown in this draft. He could go as high as Philadelphia at the end of the first round or slip to the middle of the second. No one is really talking about him, largely because he hasn't worked out for many teams. He's considered the weakest of the five high school seniors in the draft (sorry, but Tony Key has no business in this draft and is a reach to get a sniff in the second round).
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24. Utah -- Raul Lopez, Real Madrid
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 The Jazz is one of the toughest teams to figure. Do they go athletic with Jeff Trepagnier, Gerald Wallace or Arenas (if still on the board) to potentially replace DeShawn Stevenson if his legal troubles get worse? Do they go with a foreign player like Lopez, Parker (if available) or Antonis Fotsis and keep them overseas while they sort out roster problems. Can Brandon Armstrong be a factor here, too? All are possibilities but if Collins or Woods are still free for the taking then the Jazz have to take one of the big men. Collins is a better shooter and fits the Jazz offense more than Woods. The buyout for Lopez, a 6-foot point guard, is $4-5 million but he might be available in two seasons if a deal can be struck with Real Madrid on the team becoming a sister team.
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Moderator: Aw, sorry Mavs fans. Looks like the Jazz have interest in Lopez.
Up next, the Kings. Sorry, Sac-Town, no Webber replacements at this spot.
Ray, Annapolis: OK, I've been polite ... but Hatson over Woods. Explain??
Katz: It's really Haywood over Woods. The Rockets aren't going to take two true five men. Hunter can play the four or be a defensive specialist. They won't take Haywood and Woods. The Rockets like shooting forwards and that's why Haston intrigues them. But the Rockets are likely going to trade the pick.
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25. Sacramento -- Loren Woods, Sr., Arizona
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 The Kings could go with a point guard like SMU's Jeryl Sasser or Cook and if Woods and/or Collins are on the board then they would have to get some serious consideration. Woods is slipping but the Kings could use frontcourt support. USC's Brian Scalabrine continues to work out extremely well and the Kings could use a scoring four-man, especially if they lose Chris Webber. But the favorite Monday was with Woods. |
Moderator: The NBA runner-ups are next. As they heel, the front-office gets some fresh legs ...
Tyler (Malvern): The one point that consistently came up in the playoffs about the 76ers was their lack of pure shooters. Can they draft this talent?
Katz: If the Sixers choose to go in that direction then they can draft Gilbert Arenas, Trenton Hassell or go with a shooting four-man like Brian Scalabrine (or Haston if he's still on the board). Someone like Brandon Armstrong could be a reach. But the more likely scenario is a defensive specialist. BUT, the buzz on the Sixers is they may be leaning toward ...
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26. Philadelphia -- Samuel Dalembert, So., Seton Hall
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 The Sixers are apparently looking hard at Alabama's Gerald Wallace and shot-blocker Dalembert. The hope is that Wallace could become a defensive gem and Dalembert would give them another shot blocker. But if Woods does slip deep in the first round then they would have to nab him over Dalembert and give Dikembe Mutombo a quality backup in place of Todd MacCulloch and former Sixer Nazr Muhammed. |
Moderator: So much for a shooter, eh Andy?
Van-phis is on the clock ...
Meivin (LA): Why isnt Jeff Trepagnier going much higher in the draft? He's got the hops and got a pretty good shot. Seems like a team would love to get him in 15-20 range.
Katz: Tregpanier was the MVP of the Desert Classic. He hurt himself by not going to Chicago and dominating. He's a tough call in this draft. He could go as high as Portland at No. 19 or get plucked up by Cleveland, Sacramento, Utah or Philadelphia. But he could easily slip into the top of the second round. He wasn't a pure shooter in college and only recently began to knock down shots consistently.
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27. Vancouver/Memphis -- Antonis Fotsis, Panathinailkos (Greece)
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| The 6-10 scoring forward declared the past two seasons and withdrew his name each time. The third time will probably work out for him. The Grizzlies have done their homework on Antonis Fotsis and word around the league is he has cracked the first round, likely near the bottom. He's thin but he can put the ball on the floor and has decent range. If the Grizzlies don't go with Fotsis, they could go in a number of directions this late in the first round.
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Moderator: OK, we've reached No. 28. The last player with a guaranteed check for the next three seasons.
Spurs, your selection, please.
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28. San Antonio -- Gilbert Arenas, So., Arizona
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 The Spurs need a point or a three-man and could look at Parker, Tinsley or Cook if they're around. Wallace, USC's Jeff Trepagnier or Austin Peay's Trenton Hassell are possibilities, but Arenas makes the most sense. He's an athletic, scoring wing with a team that has questions on the perimeter. Arenas could go higher, especially to Cleveland or Portland but it's hard to see him slip into the second round. |
Katz: Well, there you have it. The first round of the 2001 NBA Draft (as of Monday, 3:40 p.m. ET). But, with the volatility of this year's draft, it could all change in an hour, so keep clicking onto ESPN.com to see the latest updates, news and projections leading up to Wednesday night.
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Spain's Gasol ready to shine stateside
Wojnarowski: Griffin's past catching up to him
Katz: Room for disagreement
Howard-Cooper: Not the same ol' Clipper draft
'Radmanovic' a name to remember
Katz: NBA Mock Draft, Part III
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