[croco]

We only have one pick, the 51st overall. Since this one will probably not matter, we either have to get in via a trade or the draft is going to take place withous us once again.

[xray]

There's a possibility that the new coach will be handed the keys to this tired old vehicle, just to see what he can do with it. That means not much action.

But if they do rework this roster, draft night could be fun.

[TM]

What about a guy like John Reik? Afterall, you guys draft Diop a few years back.

[croco]

Originally Posted by TM

What about a guy like John Reik? Afterall, you guys draft Diop a few years back.

Cleveland drafted Diop, we signed him after the Cavs gave up on him. I really don't know much about Riek, he is still like the mystery man ? Isn't he pondering about going to college though ?

[TM]

Originally Posted by croco

Cleveland drafted Diop, we signed him after the Cavs gave up on him. I really don't know much about Riek, he is still like the mystery man ? Isn't he pondering about going to college though ?

Ah, that's right. But still, Diop was an unproven big man that turned out all right, which is basically what Riek is / could be... NCAA teams have basically given up on him actually coming to college. He's been down there in Florida at the IMG Academy for the last couple months getting ready for the draft, so judging from that, it looks like he's in. Read anything about Riek and the words "major project" will appear somewhere in the conversation. He's also one of foreign guys who says he's about 5 years younger than he looks.

At 51, do they draft best available talent / foreign guy with no shot at playing in the US next year / or what?

[croco]

Originally Posted by TM

Ah, that's right. But still, Diop was an unproven big man that turned out all right, which is basically what Riek is / could be... NCAA teams have basically given up on him actually coming to college. He's been down there in Florida at the IMG Academy for the last couple months getting ready for the draft, so judging from that, it looks like he's in. Read anything about Riek and the words "major project" will appear somewhere in the conversation. He's also one of foreign guys who says he's about 5 years younger than he looks.

At 51, do they draft best available talent / foreign guy with no shot at playing in the US next year / or what?

I have no hopes for that pick, the Mavs had no intentions to give projetcs playing time in recent years and knowing them they will probably pick someone just for the sake of not forfeiting it.

Hopefully Cuban will remember what he wrote in his blog, because chances that you get a rotation player in the 50 range are slim to none:

And as far as the draft picks, there is no question there is risk there, but in the NBA, there is always the option to buy low first round draft picks, so we weren't as concerned there.

[Dre™]

James Gist. 6-8, 225, athletic, defensively inclined. That's an intriguing talent, he'll end up being the second round cinderella IMO.

[croco]

Originally Posted by Dre™

James Gist. 6-8, 225, athletic, defensively inclined. That's an intriguing talent, he'll end up being the second round cinderella IMO.

Gist is definitely someone we should target, he has a chance to become a solid role player down the road.