NBA Draft 2005

[rollazn]

Who do you think is the favorite and/or most talented in the NBA Draft 2005?! Majority of people are looking at Andrew Bogut and Marvin Williams to be the first year's top pick. The Milwaukee Bucks gets the first pick - who do you think they will choose?!

ROUND 1

NO. TEAM SELECTION
1 Milwaukee Bucks
2 Atlanta Hawks
3 Portland Trail Blazers
4 New Orleans Hornets
5 Charlotte Bobcats
6 Utah Jazz
7 Toronto Raptors
8 New York Knicks
9 Golden State Warriors
10 LA Lakers
11 Orlando Magic
12 LA Clippers
13 Charlotte Bobcats
14 Minnesota Timberwolves
15 New Jersey Nets
16 Toronto Raptors
17 Indiana Pacers
18 Boston Celtics
19 Memphis Grizzlies
20 Denver Nuggets
21 Phoenix Suns
22 Denver Nuggets
23 Sacramento Kings
24 Houston Rockets
25 Seattle SuperSonics
26 Detroit Pistons
27 Utah Jazz
28 San Antonio Spurs
29 Miami Heat
30 New York Knicks

ROUND 2

NO. TEAM SELECTION
31 Atlanta Hawks
32 LA Clippers
33 New Orleans Hornets
34 Utah Jazz
35 Portland Trail Blazers
36 Milwaukee Bucks
37 LA Lakers
38 Orlando Magic
39 LA Lakers
40 Golden State Warriors
41 Toronto Raptors
42 Golden State Warriors
43 New Jersey Nets
44 Orlando Magic
45 Philadelphia 76ers
46 Indiana Pacers
47 Minnesota Timberwolves
48 Seattle SuperSonics
49 Washington Wizards
50 Boston Celtics
51 Utah Jazz
52 Denver Nuggets
53 Boston Celtics
54 New York Knicks
55 Seattle SuperSonics
56 Detroit Pistons
57 Phoenix Suns
58 Toronto Raptors
59 Atlanta Hawks
60 Detroit Pistons

Who will be this year's top pick?! Tune in to the Live Draft Coverage June 28th at 7:00pm ET on ESPN.

 

[a6m5]

Looking at Milwaukee's roster, I think they are going to take Bogut. He's an highly hyped center, and I think the Bucks would want to rebuild around him and Redd, not a small forward.

Sadly, my Blazers are major player in this year's draft. We ended up with the third overall pick(ahead of d*mn Utah ), but there's a huge chance of "draft day" trade for Portland.

Williams and Bogut is expected to go in the first two picks. Unfortunately for the Blazers, the (projected)third best pick is Chris Paul, an point guard. Blazers just took Sebastian Telfair, a PG in last year's lottery, so they don't really want to draft another player for that position. Blazers might try to trade down to a lower pick and draft one of the two high school guards, Martell Webster from Washington(state) or Gerald Green from Texas. I'd go after Webster instead of Green, because Green wouldn't work out for the Blazers against other players. 👎 That tells you, he is a pu**y. From what I've heard, Webster worked out against his competitors(other players in the draft) and did a beautiful job.

Blazers are getting another first round pick this year. He is Sergey Monia, who was drafted in the first round last year, but couldn't get out of the contract in Europe. Blazers and Monia's team has finally reached an agreement, and Monia will be able to play for the Blazers in the Summer League. I think he's a 6-9 G/F, supposed to be a great shooter and very athletic. I can't wait!

 

[Klostrophobic]

God I hope the Pierce to Portland for Van Exel and #3 are false.

Bogut goes first, Williams second, and Chris Paul third. Williams will be the only bonafide star in the lottery.

Hakim Warrick is a bust, Rashard McCants in a bust, and Gerald Green is a definite bust.

 

[a6m5]

God I hope the Pierce to Portland for Van Exel and #3 are false.

I believe that one fell through couple of weeks ago. I don't like it either. Pierce is a great player, but Portland is rebuilding. We don't need a current star player, we need a future star.

 

[Klostrophobic]

But there might not be a future star available at 3, unless you think Chris Paul is some kind of unique talent.

 

[a6m5]

But there might not be a future star available at 3, unless you think Chris Paul is some kind of unique talent.

Chris Paul is extemely talented player, but I don't see the Blazers looking into him too hard. Blazers drafted Sebastian Telfair in the last year's lottery. If you don't know his background, I suggest a google search. He was a living legend, even before he was out of high school. Last year, even with inconsistent playing time, he did well, especially considering he has no jump shot or defense(as I typed that, I couldn't believe he's as good as he is).

When I say future star, I'm not talking about some huge super star like Kobe, Shaq or T-Mac. Stars like Ginobili, Pierce, Finley or Kirilenko(probably butchered his name) are dime-a-dozen. You don't necessarily need a high lottery pick, and that's why Blazers are trying to trade down right now. The latest rumor for the Blazer's 3rd pick is to the Lakers. In exchange, Blazers will receive the Laker's 10th pick and a player, maybe Caron Butler or somebody like that. I like this one much more than the Pierce trade.

 

[Klostrophobic]

Kirilenko is not a dime-a-dozen talent. No one compares to him. I've never seen someone play the game like him. He just changes the game in every imaginable way.

Sebastian Telfair looks like a legit talent. Maybe he can do some damage with Travis Outlaw in the future if they both pan out.

 

[a6m5]

Kirilenko is not a dime-a-dozen talent. No one compares to him. I've never seen someone play the game like him. He just changes the game in every imaginable way.

As much as I hate Utah, I didn't mean any disrespect. Yes, he's a great player and there aren't many players who play exactly like him. Having said that, Pierce is special. So is Finley, Baron Davis, Ginobili, Tony Parker, Rasheed & Ben Wallace, Billups, Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Robert Horry, Bibby, Stojakovic, Gasol, Boykins, Kenyon Martin, Jamison, Hinrich, Shawn Marion, the list goes on and they are all "semi" super stars. I'm not arguing they are special players. It's just that there are so many "special" players in NBA, hence my "dime a dozen" comment.

Sebastian Telfair looks like a legit talent. Maybe he can do some damage with Travis Outlaw in the future if they both pan out.

I can't believe you knew about Travis. He's just starting to come along. He's got nice short-range jumpers, quickness, Tayshaun Prince-like longness and amazing athleticism. We also have Victor Khryapa from Russia, who was one of our three first round picks in 2004. When Travis and Victor is out on the court together, you can already see them looking for eachother on the offense. Very good sign that they are "meshing". 👍

Klostrophobic: Who's your favorite team?

 

[Giancarlo]

Isn't this year's draft pretty bland except for a couple players?

 

[a6m5]

Isn't this year's draft pretty bland except for a couple players?

I think, they've said that every year, since '93.

 

[rollazn]

Klostrophobic: Who's your favorite team?

Boston Celtics. Right?!

 

[a6m5]

Boston Celtics. Right?!

How about you? Were you a Rockets fan?

 

[rollazn]

How about you? Were you a Rockets fan?

Am a Rockets fan. Tracy McGrady - what a player! Who saw what he did against the Champions earlier in the season?!

Four 3-pointers (including a 4 point play) in 35 seconds. Probably one of the best come-back ever. Maybe even as great as the Reggie Miller one.

Oh - did you see McGrady dunking on Bradley?! Pure awesomeness.

 

[a6m5]

Am a Rockets fan. Tracy McGrady - what a player! Who saw what he did against the Champions earlier in the season?!

Four 3-pointers (including a 4 point play) in 35 seconds. Probably one of the best come-back ever. Maybe even as great as the Reggie Miller one.

Oh - did you see McGrady dunking on Bradley?! Pure awesomeness.

I do remember hearing about T-Mac scoring bunch of points within seconds, at the end of the game. Next morning, all the B-Ball fans at work were talking about it.

Who do you think Rockets gonna take in the draft? You've probably heard few possiblities.

 

[rollazn]

I do remember hearing about T-Mac scoring bunch of points within seconds, at the end of the game. Next morning, all the B-Ball fans at work were talking about it.

Who do you think Rockets gonna take in the draft? You've probably heard few possiblities.

Well - I haven't heard anything but Wayne Simien - but I have heard about them signing free agents.

Guards

Antonio Daniels
Jason Kidd (wants to come to Houston)
Jason Williams
Damon Stoudamire ( I think would be a good choice)
Latrell Sprewell
Ron Artest


Fowards

Donyell Marshall
Bobby Simmons
Stromile Swift
Chris Andersen
Antoine Walker
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Kwame Brown

That's all I heard. The Jason Kidd thing is far out there - but J-KIDD said so himself that he wants to come to Houston. That's a good sign.

 

[a6m5]

I've never heard of Wayne Simien. I'll do little research later.

a6m5's - FA Analysis:

Guards

Antonio Daniels - He's no star player, but is a rock solid role player. This guy was with the Blazers before. A+ personality, I really respected his professionalism.

Jason Kidd (wants to come to Houston) - I would avoid this guy. Major head case, no matter which team he's with. Every team he's been with, wanted to get rid of him. That's gotta be saying something. Also, his "run & gun" offense always crumbles in the NBA Playoffs, once they hit a good team. He had knee surgery, and is past(or passing) his prime. Nowhere to go, but down. Rockets need future, not "has been".

Jason Williams - Boy, he can be good, but will he be? He really straightened out with the Grizs, but I don't know. Maybe T-Mac and Yao can keep him in line.

Damon Stoudamire ( I think would be a good choice) - I love Damon. I seriously hated this guy when he was a stoner. He just whined a lot, kept getting caught with his stash, making the team look bad. He completely turned it around 2, 3 years ago. Now he's a solid leader, consistent shooter, great defender(only against someone 6-3 or less). As great as he is, only reason Blazers aren't going to resign him is because of Sebastian Telfair. Telfair is only 5'11" and when him and Stoudamire is out on the court together, we get killed. Unfortunately, one of our sub-6 foot guard has to go, so.

Latrell Sprewell - I'd avoid this guy too. Great athlete, but was alway overrated IMO. Houston Team has character guys. I'd hate to see them ruin it with a player like Spree. Maybe with mid-level exception, but this guy's past his prime as well.

Ron Artest - This is a big gamble. Way Artest has acted this year, Pacers might give him away. He'd a great addition to any NBA teams, but only if he learned from his mistakes this season. First, at the beginning of 04/05 season, he asks his team if he can have couple of months off because he was working on his record label in the summer. Then the "rumble"......... Yeah.


Fowards

Donyell Marshall - Would be a good role player.

Bobby Simmons - From what I've seen, he's pretty good(one game), but with T-Mac playing most of the game, I don't know if he's worth bringing in. Probably depends on how much he's asking.

Stromile Swift - He's definitely lof tougher than Howard or Baker. With a center like Yao on board, I'd rather go with Swift, then dump one of your current PF.

Chris Andersen - Don't know this player, but I think you should take our Derek Anderson off our hands. Please!

Antoine Walker - Is it just me? or this guy plays like an idiot. He's like JR Rider of power forwards. Always out of control and hogging the ball. I take that back. Walker's far worse at those things.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim - Great player. Best PF you have listed here. Tell you what, why won't the Rockets make a trade for Zach Randolf, so we can keep "Reef".

Kwame Brown - If he's available for league minimum....... Nah, don't want him.

 

[Klostrophobic]

Simien was the PF for Kansas. He's pretty polished, but doesn't have that upside you get with a lot of other big men. You basically know what you're getting with him.

He'll probably go to someone in the mid- to late-first who already has a good PF.

Antoine Walker - Is it just me? or this guy plays like an idiot. He's like JR Rider of power forwards. Always out of control and hogging the ball. I take that back. Walker's far worse at those things.

Agreed. He hoists up shots as if he can score more efficiently than Shaq, but he is actually less effective than Dejuan Wagner. I've never seen a player combine such ability at getting by his man with such inability at hitting wide-open layups. He's an absolute nightmare to watch on the court. He's an incredible dribbler, and he is a good passer, yet he uses neither skill to his advantage. I'm going to murder Danny Ainge if I have to watch this guy on the Celtics next season.

 

[rollazn]

Here is what I think... Add

Damon Stoudamire (get rid of Bobby Sura - Mike James is better IMO)
Shareef Abdur-Rahim (get rid of Baker - since he didn't play at all this season for the rockets)

That's enough. We don't need another star on this team like Jason Kidd - we need good solid players.

 

[a6m5]

Here is what I think... Add

Damon Stoudamire (get rid of Bobby Sura - Mike James is better IMO)
Shareef Abdur-Rahim (get rid of Baker - since he didn't play at all this season for the rockets)

That's enough. We don't need another star on this team like Jason Kidd - we need good solid players.

Exactly. With the kind of money Kidd's contract demand, Rockets should look elsewhere. Baker's a slacker. Don't know much about Sura, but he never impressed me with the Warriors.

T-Mac and Yao are the star players of the Rockets. Damon and Reef are solid starters, who could be the best player on any team on any given night. Damon can shoot the lights out, and combined with the shooting of T-Mac, it'd be very hard for the opposing teams to slow down Rockets' offense. Damon looks to shoot first, which is not great for PG, but with T-Mac being a great passer/playmaker, it could work. It'll be like having two semi-point guards. Reef is a very smart player, and excellent passer. That's on top of his rebounding and inside/outside shooting. He will have no problem spotting T-Mac or Yao in the play or broken play.

I've heard that Mike James is pretty good, from my coworker. How good is he? What are his strengh?

 

[rollazn]

I've heard that Mike James is pretty good, from my coworker. How good is he? What are his strengh?

He actually has the 3rd highest points per game behind Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. He doesn't play a lot of minutes (25.1 minutes) - but still manage to do great. He's a good defender - and can shoot the ball good. He's a solid point gaurd - better than Bob Sura (especially after all the back surgery) I think with Damon Stoudamire as a starter and Mike James on the bench - Houston Rockets will have 2 good solid pg.

Now another position the Rockets need is PF. Shareef Abdur-Rahim should take replace Baker (I think he should start as well - because Howard probably won't be 100%). Ryan Bowen and Tracy McGrady was both playing the roles of power foward/small foward in the playoffs. They need a real PF.

 

[Giancarlo]

Oh - did you see McGrady dunking on Bradley?! Pure awesomeness.

Did you see Stromile Swift dunking on Yao Ming? And he's not even a superstar.

Fowards

...

Chris Andersen - Don't know this player, but I think you should take our Derek Anderson off our hands. Please!

Antoine Walker - Is it just me? or this guy plays like an idiot. He's like JR Rider of power forwards. Always out of control and hogging the ball. I take that back. Walker's far worse at those things.

...

Chris Andersen is that white guy from the Hornets who was put in the Slam Dunk Contest this year and needed about 5 minutes to land one alley-oop dunk.

Atoine Walker? I heard he had a very good year with the Celtics. They were getting pretty hot at the end of the season when they aquired him...

 

[a6m5]

Boy, I don't know,rollazn. If Mike James is really that good of a young talent, maybe he should be starting. 👍 As for the PF position, what happened to Mo Taylor? I think he got traded, right before the trade-deadline? Anyways, sounds like Houston needs a tough PF who can take care of the dirty work. Howard, Baker, or Rahim can't do that. Houston needs "DD", Dale Davis type player, like Nazr Mohammed or Ben Wallace in the Finals.


Giancarlo: I do remember the Celtics surge, after re-acquiring Walker. I just can't stand the way he plays though. Thanks for the info on Chris Andersen.

 

[rollazn]

Did you see Stromile Swift dunking on Yao Ming? And he's not even a superstar.



Chris Andersen is that white guy from the Hornets who was put in the Slam Dunk Contest this year and needed about 5 minutes to land one alley-oop dunk.

Atoine Walker? I heard he had a very good year with the Celtics. They were getting pretty hot at the end of the season when they aquired him...

Everyone dunks on Yao.

The Kobe dunk on Yao was crazy - and Yao was jumping too!!

 

[rollazn]

Boy, I don't know,rollazn. If Mike James is really that good of a young talent, maybe he should be starting. 👍 As for the PF position, what happened to Mo Taylor? I think he got traded, right before the trade-deadline? Anyways, sounds like Houston needs a tough PF who can take care of the dirty work. Howard, Baker, or Rahim can't do that. Houston needs "DD", Dale Davis type player, like Nazr Mohammed or Ben Wallace in the Finals.


Giancarlo: I do remember the Celtics surge, after re-acquiring Walker. I just can't stand the way he plays though. Thanks for the info on Chris Andersen.

Mike James is a good point gaurd - better than Bob Sura. I agree - he should start - but what can I do? Damon is better than both of them. 👍

Mo Taylor - as you said got traded to the Knicks. As for a tough PF - I think with Howard and Rahim - that should be good enough. But having a player like Dale Davis or Nazr Mohammed who can also play Center isn't bad.

Mutumbo is getting old - they need another back up Center for Yao.

 

[a6m5]

Everyone dunks on Yao.

The Kobe dunk on Yao was crazy - and Yao was jumping too!!

I actually paid money to go see the very first game Yao played in the Rose Garden(I usually get free tickets thru work). 1st Qtr. Ruben Patterson dunks on him! 👍 Yao has the skills, which will get even better. He must get stronger though.

 

[a6m5]

Alright! It's finally here. My gut feeling says that Blazers will trade whoever they pick, unless:

1)Bogut or Williams slip to the third pick.

2)Blazers draft a high schooler.

 

[a6m5]

Bogut and Williams went 1,2 as predicted. The Blazers traded the third pick to Utah Jazz for their 6th, 27th pick and also a conditional 1st round pick of Detroit Pistons, which Utah possess.

Blazers ended up picking Martell Webster, high school SG with the 6th pick. It was surprising, because Gerald Green, who Blazers were interested was projected to go at the 4th, but he slipped all the way out of the lottery(Yessss!). That's the guy, who insisted he wouldn't work out against other draftees, so he deserved it.

Blazers weren't done though. I believe the Blazers traded their 27th and the second round pick to Denver, for their pick(22nd ?). Drafted a 6'3" point guard named Jack(last name).

How did your team do?

 

[Giancarlo]

I can't believe the Suns got 21st pick! What a ripoff!

I think Miami got a great pick, anyway. 29th ain't too shabby, either.

 

[Ram-Rod]

Still.. Atlanta getting Salam Studimire.... I thought he would atleast be in the 1st round. Also i thought Fransisco Garcia would get picked earlier than 20 something.

 

[a6m5]

Still.. Atlanta getting Salam Studimire.... I thought he would atleast be in the 1st round. Also i thought Fransisco Garcia would get picked earlier than 20 something.

I think, I heard Stoudamire was the best shooter in the draft, so I was kinda shocked too. He's a cousin of Damon Stoudamire, and they are both from Portland area. 👍

This draft looked deeper than I originally thought. Teams with the late picks, like Miami and Phoenix probably still got decent prospects.

I'm little bit jealous of Atlanta getting two great players in this year's draft.