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**Slasher** · 04-03-2005, 09:17 PM

If you could, who would you pick for the Raptors from the NBA Draft eligable player pool?

Name top 3 players that you think the Raptors have a realistic chance to picking up in June and why you think they would be a good pick-up.

As a reference, you can use the Internet mock drafts thread or my personal favourite NBADraft.net.

**Slasher** · 04-03-2005, 09:28 PM

I havn't had too much time to follow the NCAA and the draft candidates this year, but from what I have read from internet sources and that falls approximately in the position that the Raptors will pick, I like these players:

Rashad McCants, SG, North Carolina:

Quote:

Originally Posted by NBADraft.net

Strengths: Very smooth, athletic guard with an amazing feel for the game. Takes over games as a freshman. Can get hot and bury an opposing team with his offensive prowess. Has a diverse offensive game with three pointers, intermediate jumpers, and a quick first step to take his man off the dribble. A player with great scoring instincts. Makes great decisions and passes the ball extremely well for a shooting guard. Has excellent quickness and terrific speed running the floor. Can easily gain separation on a defender in the open court. Handles the ball very well, and is adept at creating off the dribble. Has good lateral quickness and foot speed defensively. Fred Jones went 14th in the 2002 draft giving athletic, but undersized shooting guards such as McCants great optimism about their draft potential. In Comparison McCants is a little less explosive but has a far better overall game.

Weaknesses: Undersized 2-guard. Just a shade over 6-3, but plays bigger than his size with long arms and great leaping ability. Still at 6-3, he will struggle to an extent guarding and getting easy looks over 6-6 players night in and night out on the next level. Probably doesn't have the instincts to be a NBA PG. Has the talent to overcome the height deficiency, but remember how great another Carolina freshman Joseph Forte looked. McCants is a more explosive and quicker athlete than Forte, so he will likely make a better pro, however college stars don't always translate on the next level, especially ones a few inches short for their positions. Will need to improve some defensively, as guarding college guys is much easier than pros.

Gerald Green, SF, Oklahoma State, Texas:

Quote:

Originally Posted by NBADraft.net

Everything this kid does is silky smooth, even hard drives to the lane capped with the empathetic dunk seem easy... Has supreme athleticism, and gets many points off ally oop dunks as well as on drives to the hole... Has a very quick, effortless release on his jump shot. Combine that with great elevation and you have an almost unblockable shot... Most of the shots go in, in fact his jump shot from midrange to outside is one of his defining qualities... Loves to spot up for the open three, or stop and pop for the 15 footer... Overall just a sick scorer from outside ... Even At 6'8 he handles the ball like a guard, often starting (and finishing) the fast break... Loves to run the floor for the ally oop dunk, but also knows when to pass the ball... Most of those passes get right where they need to be ... However, those fast breaks don't just start themselves, Gerald is often the one creating the turnovers... His long arms and tremendous athleticism lead to lots of blocked shots and steals. Often creating the turnover, starting the break, and finishing with a monster dunk... Also rebounds exceptionally well for a guard/forward his size... The total package, an all around player who will do whatever it takes to win. There aren't many with his gifts at his size... With time and effort this kid will be something special.

Weaknesses: Effort seems suspect at times, can often be seen walking or resting on the court... Kind of has that I'll do what I want domineer when on the court, and sometimes appears to put style over substance... Also, he'll be spectacular one game, but then he'll forget to dominate...where is he? Needs to put up the monster performances that brought him where he is on a more consistent basis... Needs to bulk up, right now gets pushed around easily. Will have to improve his leg and upperbody strength to finish his drives... He has broad shoulders and a great frame, just needs to put in the work... Still dominating high schoolers, needs to bring his game to a point where he can do it at the next level as well.

Notes: College could launch his game to a whole n'other level. Early this year, he Began making some noise in Texas, but was relatively unknown until his breakout performance at the 2004 Reebok's ABCD camp, where he averaged about 20 ppg, was named to the all-star team, and won the MVP of the all star game.

Raymond Felton, PG, North Carolina:

Quote:

Originally Posted by NBADraft.net

Strengths: Unbelievable quickness. Turns on the jets and can blow by virtually any defender. Has dynamite athleticism and agility. At just 6-feet, has the ability to rise way over the rim for dunks. In his first game at Chapel Hill got a breakaway and threw down a monster two handed dunk. Tremendous passer with great reflexes and will find a teammate for an open basket with the slightest opening in the defense. A good decision maker with instincts for the PG positon. His court vision is one of his greatest attributes. Looks for his shots within the flow of the game. Seems to maintain scoring ability and touch despite not looking for his shot for stretches of the game.

Weaknesses: A little undersized. The trend seems to be moving towrads big PG's. Bigger PG's will be able to see over him, but he'll have them in the quickness department. Must learn to run a team, getting everyone involved, while being able to dictate the tempo of the game. Has the instincts and ability, just needs the experience to put it together.

Notes: Was the top ranked PG in his class in high school and widely considered a top 5 recruit.

Others:

- Antoine Wright, SG, Texas A&M
- Johan Petro, C, France
- Joey Graham, SF, Oklahoma State
- Jarrett Jack, PG, Georgia Tech

ansoncarter · 04-03-2005, 11:20 PM

we need the 6th pick. All six of these guys sound/look terrific

Bogut
Williams Jr.
Chris Paul
Rudy Gay (new rules might force him to declare)
Green
Martynuyz

All we have to do is fall behind the Bucks and Warriors and one of those guys is ours.

trick · 04-03-2005, 11:26 PM

deron williams has to be on that list. i'm not actually sure if his value his risen as high up as a top 5 pick, but he has shown some defensive intensity that i didn't think was there.

i'm still questioning his ability to run a fast-breaking team though. he seems to have the half-court set down to a tee but can he do the same on a run-and-gun team?

GuelphRaptorsFan · 04-04-2005, 07:56 AM

A solid true point guard who can steady the team rather than break it apart and who plays terrific defense.
- Deron Williams, Jarrett Jack, Raymond Felton

A PF, or at maybe a big SF, who can play terrific interior defense, rebound and score when open.
- Shelden Williams, Johan Petro, Joey Graham

A PF or C who can play good interior defense and rebound
- Jawad Williams, Jared Homan, David Lee, Uros Slokar

MentalPowerHouse · 04-04-2005, 08:44 AM

I think you got Jawad and Shelden mixed up, Jawad is the SF/PF, Shelden the PF/C

Junkyard Dog13 · 04-04-2005, 09:52 AM

Gerald Green
Birthdate:
NBA Position: SG/SF
College: Oklahoma St.
Class: HS Senior
Ht: 6-8
Wt: 200
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: Gulf Shores Academy

2004 Stats

NBA Comparison: Tracy McGrady

Everything this kid does is silky smooth, even hard drives to the lane capped with the empathetic dunk seem easy... Has supreme athleticism, and gets many points off ally oop dunks as well as on drives to the hole... Has a very quick, effortless release on his jump shot. Combine that with great elevation and you have an almost unblockable shot... Most of the shots go in, in fact his jump shot from midrange to outside is one of his defining qualities... Loves to spot up for the open three, or stop and pop for the 15 footer... Overall just a sick scorer from outside ... Even At 6'8 he handles the ball like a guard, often starting (and finishing) the fast break... Loves to run the floor for the ally oop dunk, but also knows when to pass the ball... Most of those passes get right where they need to be ... However, those fast breaks don't just start themselves, Gerald is often the one creating the turnovers... His long arms and tremendous athleticism lead to lots of blocked shots and steals. Often creating the turnover, starting the break, and finishing with a monster dunk... Also rebounds exceptionally well for a guard/forward his size... The total package, an all around player who will do whatever it takes to win. There aren't many with his gifts at his size... With time and effort this kid will be something special.
Weaknesses: Effort seems suspect at times, can often be seen walking or resting on the court... Kind of has that I'll do what I want domineer when on the court, and sometimes appears to put style over substance... Also, he'll be spectacular one game, but then he'll forget to dominate...where is he? Needs to put up the monster performances that brought him where he is on a more consistent basis... Needs to bulk up, right now gets pushed around easily. Will have to improve his leg and upperbody strength to finish his drives... He has broad shoulders and a great frame, just needs to put in the work... Still dominating high schoolers, needs to bring his game to a point where he can do it at the next level as well.

Notes: College could launch his game to a whole n'other level. Early this year, he Began making some noise in Texas, but was relatively unknown until his breakout performance at the 2004 Reebok's ABCD camp, where he averaged about 20 ppg, was named to the all-star team, and won the MVP of the all star game.

Jarrett Jack
Birthdate: 10/28/83
NBA Position: Point Guard
College: Georgia Tech
Class: Junior
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 202
Hometown: Durham, NC
High School: Worcester Academy

Louis Williams
Birthdate: 10/27/86
NBA Position: SG/PG
College: Georgia
Class: HS Senior
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 175
Hometown: Lithonia, GA
High School: South Gwinnett
2004 Stats

NBA Comparison: Allen Iverson

One of the most explosive offensive weapons in High School right now…A high flyer who can rise like few his size, and finish with a flare around the bucket…Has solid form and rotation on his J…More of a set shooter from deep, as he doesn't use much leg lift on his jumper…Developing a mid range game to compliment his deep J and explosive drives would make him an even stronger offensive threat…strong handle, with an explosive crossover…very quick with the ball, and can get by his HS competition with little difficulty…solid passer in the lane, but at 6'2, the NBA will make him fail as a PG before it allows him to play SG, and is no NBA PG…to be a SG, must get stronger, and maybe grow several inches, to play the NBA Point, he must vastly improve his court vision, passing, and ability to make his teammates better and run an offense…has solid footwork on the offensive end and does well at getting his feet set before he puts up a shot…very aggressive on the offensive end of the floor, and moves very fluidly and with a purpose when off the ball…Uses screens and gets himself open for shots well…decent defender man on because he's quick with quick hands…needs to step up his defensive focus and intensity as he'll have lapses that opponents can take advantage of…can steal the dribble, but doesn't jump passing lanes well, and not a strong team defender…has solid defensive footwork on the perimeter, but his mental lapses are consistent right now…decent rebounder for his size due to his great leaping, but wonder how well he can do on the next level there…is an excellent player in the transition game both offensively and defensively, on the offensive break, his ability to hit from deep and finish at the rim are ideal…his shot selection is sometimes poor, but he is conscious of such lapses and will settle in…the vocal leader of his South Gwinnett and AAU team, while backcourt mate Mike Mercer is the director of the action on the floor.
Short and sweet: A real player, with definite NBA game. As a HS JR, he's not there yet, but he has the requisite skills and with continued work will get there, and be a solid player. His biggest question mark may be what position? He's a natural scorer, so can he develop into a scoring point, like Stephon Marbury, or does he have to play an Allen Iverson scoring role alongside a bigger point? Also, will he improve his defense and other lacking areas to compliment the things he does best and make him an elite player as he gets older? Committed to play for the University of Georgia, expect him to explode onto the SEC right away on a very thin Bulldog roster as a scorer in 2005-6 season.

Williams is by far the best scorer in his class. He can play on the perimeter and burn defenders with his NBA range. Or he'll blow by his defender with his amazing first step, which is his best attribute. There aren’t many that can defend it. His athletic ability allows him to play above the rim with ease. Loves to go baseline and attack the basket.

Williams can play the point and his court vision is pretty solid. But really excels playing as a pure scorer. He does a good job of penetrating to the basket and finds the open player on the block.

Defensively he could improve. But most players in high school could. Williams has shown he can play with quicker players but sometimes seems so content just scoring points. Has extremely long arms and blocks a lot of shots as well as quick hands for steals.

Despite being so young, he's very mature and handles the pressures of being a "superstar" so young. He doesn’t shy away from top competition and wants the ball in his hands when it matters. Williams has untapped potential and should be considered one of the best players in the 2005.

Andray Blatche
Birthdate: 8/22/86
NBA Position: Power Forward
College: Undecided
Class: HS Senior
Ht: 6-11
Wt: 225
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
High School: South Kent Prep (NJ)
2004 Stats

NBA Comparison: Jonathan Bender

Strengths: Long and athletic prospect with good potential... Plays well facing the basket and can put the ball on the floor as he has a great handle for someone his size. Has shown a good outside shot but needs to work on his consistency... Gets off the floor quickly and blocks or alters shots... Runs the floor well and gets rebounds do to his length and leaping ability.

Weaknesses: Needs to play with more effort and consistency. Dominates some games and is non-existent in others... While he has range on his outside shot he needs to work on being a consistent shooter... Like many of the Kevin Garnett clones these days, Blatche is infatuated with the perimeter. Floats around on the outside at times when he should be down low posting up... Decent speed, but isn’t quick enough to get by defenders at the next level... At almost seven feet tall, Blatche has all the physical tools to make it big in the NBA one day, it just won’t be anytime soon... Will be a project for whichever team decides to select him.

Notes: Has made it clear he intends to bypass college and go straight to the league. Will need to show solid progress to be a first round selection.

theres our draft solid upside players to build on for the future.

adhir1 · 04-04-2005, 12:51 PM

Deron Williams PG Illinois Fighting Illini

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft City [url

http://draftcity.com/viewprofile.php?p=72[/url] Incredibly smart, strong and tough PG with an outstanding handle with either hand. He can take you left or right equally well, with a lethal crossover and strong body fakes, and if his man hesitates or backs off him for just a second he’ll stop on a dime and nail the mid-range jumper right on top of him. Despite his average foot speed, Williams always finds a way to get inside the lane.

Fundamentally sound. Has an incredible knack for running a basketball team, he knows how to feed his teammates and always places the ball exactly where they want it thanks to his outstanding court vision and feel for the game. Watching him run the pick and roll (and he can be on either end) is a thing of beauty. Williams can make the simple bounce pass just as well as he can heave precise full-court bombs to ignite the fast break. Plays with incredible patience and composure for a player his age, doesn't panic and always lets the game come to him, always fully taking advantage of his strengths.

He plays terrific defense (in the NCAA), mainly because of his strength and footwork, but also because of his excellent fundamentals and high basketball IQ. Doesn't risk his defensive position to get in the passing lanes and come up with steals.

Whether he’s scoring or not, Williams always makes his presence felt on the floor. He also seems to have a pretty good demeanor on and off the floor, which is nice to see from the heart and brains of your team.

Williams is a good perimeter shooter, hitting about two threes a game in the NCAA over the past two seasons, usually on good percentages.

In crunch time, Williams wants the ball in his hands and usually does exactly what's needed to help his team come away with the W. He's exactly the type of guy you want handling the ball when the game is on the line, as his decision making is usually superb. A good free throw shooter as well

Hakim Warrick SF Syracuse Orangment

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft City [url

www.draftcity.com/viewprofile.php?p=42[/url]
A world class athlete, lightning quick and an unbelievable leaper. One of the most exciting dunkers in all of college basketball. Plays above the rim, gets off the floor in the blink of an eye, which helps him throw down monster alley-oops and ferocious put backs. Runs the floor extremely well, and will often beat his man up the floor.

Julius Hodge PG/SG/SF North Carolina State

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft City

2003-2004: So incredibly versatile, Hodge can play any position on the court effectively (unless weight is an issue). At 6'6, Hodge runs the point for the Wolfpack and never has any problem getting the ball up court. He is a pretty good shooter from a standstill all the way out to 20 feet, but (see weaknesses). He has become amazing at getting to the basket and creating his own shots. A very tough player, Hodge puts up with a lot of contact and still manages to maintain high energy levels despite his small stature. He averages a lot of rebounds per game, considering he spends most of the game running the point. Long arms and good athleticism solidify his physical skills. A very emotionally involved player, Hodge is without a doubt NC State's vocal leader.

TRON · 04-04-2005, 02:12 PM

Any combination would be great....

1st round (1st pick...7-9)
a. Gerald Green

b. Tiagio Splitter
c. Raymond Felton

1st round (2nd pick...14-16)
a. Danny Granger
b. Jarred Jack
c. Hakkim Warrick

2nd round (pick...37-39)
a. Nate Robinson
b. Louis Williams
c. Julius Hodge

-James- · 04-04-2005, 02:39 PM

1st round (1st pick...7-9)
a. Gerald Green
b. Raymond Felton
c. Antoine Wright
Also: Deron Williams, Jarrett Jack

1st round (2nd pick...14-16)
a. Jarrett Jack
b. Charlie Villanueva
c. Hakim Warrick
Also: Joey Graham, Shelden Williams, Monta Ellis, Francisco Garcia, Kennedy Winston

2nd round (pick...37-39)
a. Louis Williams
b. Julius Hodge
c. Nate Robinson
Also: Luther Head, Shawne Williams

2nd round (pick 60)
a. i) Jawad Williams (start praying)
a. ii) Filiberto Rivera
b. Juan Mendez
c. Jason Maxiell
Also: Taylor Coppenrath, Tre Simmons

TRON · 04-04-2005, 02:59 PM

^ even though Juan Mendez is an undersized big man, I would go with him with our last pick if no other international players are available to develop overseas

No more wasted 2nd round picks, I'm talking to you Ramon Van de Here

-James- · 04-04-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRON

^ even though Juan Mendez is an undersized big man, I would go with him with our last pick if no other international players are available to develop overseas

No more wasted 2nd round picks, I'm talking to you Ramon Van de Here

i think if he is available with miami's pick (59 or 60 for sure) babs will definitely take him just to make us happy. i'd still rather see rivera though... and maxiell was a nice surprise in the tourney this year.

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