| Where there is Smoke… Authored by Billy Ray - June 28, 2005 - 1:25 am
There is probably a smoke screen. Or so has been the story thus far in the final hours leading up to the NBA Draft.
John Nash should win GM of the Year with all of the “confirmed” and “imminent” trades that have supposedly occurred. Nash has successfully traded the third pick in the draft to the Lakers and the Jazz thus far with still a half day to go before the start of the draft. Not many GM’s can boast trading the same pick to multiple teams. But in all seriousness, only time will tell what deal if any will go down. There is one thing we should all know going into the draft: we know nothing.
There is still the possibility of Marvin Williams falling to Portland. If that happens all bets may be off regarding trades, but it might also open up other opportunities.
The Blazers have done a terrific job of ensuring that they are not an easy team to read in regards to who the team plans on drafting. A month ago Gerald Green was the shoe-in with Marvin Williams being a nice surprise if he fell. Now with potential trades, changes in direction and a lot of probable disinformation not only are Green and Williams considered viable candidates but also Martell Webster, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Andrew Bynum.
What the Blazers have done is successfully positioned themselves to be possibly the biggest factor in the draft—a feat that many teams try to conjure up but not every team succeeds in.
Sebastian Telfair has played a big role in Portland’s ability to play this high stakes game of poker. It seems that Telfair is who Portland wants to commit to rather than one of the top level point guards that will be available when Portland makes the pick. Portland seems to feel that Telfair will be considered equal to the top point guards in this draft and would be better suited to address a need, or multiple needs with the pick rather than duplicating talent.
But what do I know? I do know that everything I know is wrong.
Who could be a second round steal? There are a few players that seem to stand out as possible steals for a team in the second round:
Nate Robinson – The reason he is falling is almost entirely because of his height. At 5’8” he is not what GM’s would consider anywhere near the ideal height. With that said he has a heart of a lion and is a pure competitor. Think of Ruben Patterson only 9 inches shorter. Was a defensive back in college for the Huskies and looks like every bit like it. Is built much bigger than he looks. The fact that he can dunk with the best of them is just icing.
Salim Stoudamire – Had a rough time with some disciplinary issues in college. Some wonder if you can’t get along with Lute Olson who can you get along with? Probably will be a better fit with a team that has a veteran core and coach and a defined role for him. In terms of skill he is probably the best shooter in the draft. Can hit the three beyond NBA range. Someone will get him most likely somewhere late in the first or early in the second round. If he can keep his head on straight he will be a very good addition for the location of the pick.
Luther Head – 6’3” point guard and shooting guard who has the height that many GM’s are looking for in their point guard but lacks the height that is looked for in a shooting guard. Head is a high energy player who played a vital role in Illinois’ run at the NCAA title. He’s a “tweener” so it is hard to put him into a specific position. If he can better hone his ball handling skills he could be a steal for a team looking for a solid guard to bring off the bench.
Angelo Gigli – The consummate “Spurs pick.” A solid fundamental player. Scores off of screens, picks and cuts to the hoop. Has very good size at 6’11” with potential to possibly turn into a combo forward with the ability to play small and power forward. If any player in this years draft has the San Antonio touch, it sounds like Gigli. Maybe the Blazers “money ball” system will come up with Gigli.
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