1. Houston - Yao Ming - What can we all say? Everyone knew that he would be picked first by the Rockets, but many still weren't sure if it was for real. We had rumours going around about the Rockets trading the first pick, but after the trouble the Rockets went through to get this man, lets hope he pays off. Give him some time. That is the main thing. He is 22 and is gonna need some time to adjust to the NBA. 02-03 predicted stats - 11ppg 7 rpg 1.5 apg 2.5 bpg
2. Chicago - Jay Williams - After Houston confirmed that they would take Yao Ming with the first overall pick Bulls fans were all talk about Jay Williams. He had a great college career, and he will have an even better NBA career. This man will and right now even is a star. He is gonna take a team in his hands, look for the bulls to improve. 16ppg 4.5 rpg 6 apg
3. Golden State - Mike Dunleavy - Some people still aren't sure on this guy, but with him drawin comparisons to every white stiff there ever was, he still has the comparison of one of the greatest, Larry Bird. If he can be half the player Bird was, he will have a very productive career. 12ppg 6 rpg 2apg
4. Memphis - Drew Gooden - Where will this guy fit? A Memphis team that is filled with talent at almost every position. There is a clog at the PF position, and that may force Gooden to go play the 3 in the NBA at times. Will he be able to perform? Personally yes. Watch for him to have a great time in Memphis. 13ppg 7rpg 1.5apg
5. Denver - Nikoloz Tskitishvili - This guy I think will be impressive. Being compared to Pau Gasol, this guy could have an impact in Denver. It's just a matter of time and positioning for this kid, and we will see how the rotation fits in Denver. Will he start? come off the bench? They now have Nene, Skit, Juwan, and Camby to worry about so we'll see his minutes. 9ppg 4.5 rpg 1apg
6. Cleveland - Dajuan Wagner - Great pick for this team. If Miller leaves they have insurance. One of the main reasons Person was traded to Memphis was so that this kid would develop and take this team under his wings. We all know he is a scorer so that is what he will do in Cleveland. Watch out for this kid this year, he will turn some heads. 17ppg 3rpg 3apg
7. New York to Denver - Nene Hilario - How will this kid do? He wasn't received well by the Knicks fans when drafted, but not to worry he is going to Denver, Again its a matter of how many minutes he will get, the more the better. He will be a monster in a couple years. 9ppg 8rpg 1.5apg 2bpg
8. Clippers - Chris Wilcox - As Barkley said, "He was picked for another team or the Clippers are just stupid." All I can do is agree to that statement. I mean they have a bunch of PF's so I don't know how it will work out. Maybe one of Ely, Wilcox will be shipped off to Cleveland if a trade will ever be made. Keep your eyes open. 11ppg 8rpg 3apg
9. Phoenix - Amare Stoudemire - Hmmmmm. This is such a tough one. I am hoping he will have a great year and season, but I just don't think it will happen. He has a lot of maturing to do, so hopefully someone will take him under their wings in the desert. I'm hoping for the best for Amare. He is a good kid. If he gets the minutes, and works hard the sky is the limit for him. 8ppg 4rpg 1apg
10. Miami - Caron Butler - Maybe the best pick of the draft. A steal in some terms. He will do an amazing job in Miami and he will make the ten teams that passed on him pay. Like he said. He has the mix of young players and veterans in Miami to help him through his career so I think he will be one of the most productive picks from this years draft. 16 ppg 6 rpg 4 apg
11. Washington - Jared Jeffries - As many have you have heard me complain I think this kid will have a tough time adjusting to the NBA. I may be wrong but I will stick to my predictions. He is a physical liability and will get punished by the bigger and stronger PF's in the league. He needs to seriously bulk up, but not too much because it will affect his quickness and game, but just enough to be a decent defender. He has the talent to play 3 positions in the NBA, lets see what he can do. 10ppg 5 rpg 2 apg
12. Los Angeles - Melvin Ely - A surprise he went so high, but lets see what he can do before we start busting his chops. A PF problem in LA may cause this man to pack his suitcases and fly somewhere else, but no one yet knows for sure. An athletic big man, with great post moves, maybe the best of all the players with his back to his basket. A matter of minutes. 9ppg 6rpg 1.5apg
13. Milwaukee - Marcus Haislip - ????? I mean there were at least 3 better players available and they went for Haislip. Don't get me wrong this kid has potential, but why did he go so early? Milwaukee will have problems fitting him in I personally think but we will see what happens. Lets hope Mason beats him until he knows exactly what he's doing. 10.5 ppg 4.5 rpg 2 apg
14. Indiana - Fred Jones - A bust? Don't speak too soon. He may surprise a few people around the league. There is a reason why he was drafted at 14. It means that Indiana liked what they saw from this kid. Probably the most athletic man in the draft. Lets see what he does. Indiana is deep so minutes may be a concern. 7.5ppg 4.5rpg 3.5apg
15. Houston - Bostjan Nachbar - Not too many people know this guy, but he is a sweet shooter as many people say. Not everyone has got to see this kid play, but I was fortunate enough to in Slovenia last summer when Treviso played Welsch and Olimpija Ljubljana. Both players took over for their teams, but we will see how both of them fare to the NBA and its schedule. Yet again the Rockets take a foreign player. Good move. 10ppg 3rpg 4apg
16. Philadelphia Traded to GSW - Jiri Welsch - As mentioned above, has the skill to take over games. Has great defense. He was put ahead of European star Sani Becirovic in the playoffs because Becirovic was a defensive liability. Has a great touch anywhere from the floor. This is a guy that will have a productive career, from start to finish, kinda reminds me of a Chris Mullin type but much better. 10ppg 4rpg 3apg
17. Washigton - Juan Dixon - Many thought he would drop to the second round, but Washington didn't let him nabbing him with the 17th pick. He will take a lot of pressure off the backcourt, and will be able to fill in right away. He may be undersized to play the two but he has quickness. I think he will do just fine in the NBA. 7ppg 3rpg 4.5apg
18. Orlando Traded to Utah - Curtis Borchardt - Utah will have someone who will play the 5 for them this year. He is a big body and will take a lot to move so this kid will have his good days and bad. He is playing in a tough conference, but he will fit in right away with the help of Malone and Stockton. He will take the 5 from Ostertag, sharing minutes 50/50. This guy will be great in Utah. Utah was lucky to get someone like him. 13ppg 7.5rpg 1.5apg
19. Utah Traded to Orlando - Ryan Humphrey - A physically ready body. He won't get the time he might want in Orlando, but his development will take time so don't expect too much from his this year anyways. I personally think he is this years Jeryl Sasser for the Magic, and what did Sasser do last year? 5ppg 4rpg 2apg
20. Toronto traded to LA Lakers - Kareem Rush - Toronto fans were jumping up and down with this pick for Toronto, thinking how did he fall to us, we are the luckiest team in the NBA. Well we spoke and though to soon, and before we knew it he departed to the Lakers. A streaky shooter will give the Lakers some shooting touch from about everywhere on the floor. Good pick up for the Lakers, he will be a star. He might not see that much minutes behind Kobe and all, but I think he will get at least 15mpg. 10 ppg 3rpg 4apg
21. Portland - Qyntel Woods - The man the Lakers wanted. The Blazers we can also say got lucky with him, but there is also a reason why he fell to this spot. Too bad for him he won't find barely any minutes in the tight Portland rotation. Just like Randolph last year, he will have to be patient and wait his turn. Don't expect much from him this year Blazer fans. 5ppg 2rpg 1.5apg
22. Phoenix - Casey Jacobsen - Is this really what the Suns need? I thought they had the worst draft this year, because they got a high schooler who lacks experience and maturity, then we get a player, who is a slow footed shooter so to speak. He isn't as bad as we think he is. I mean how did he score all those points in college. He finds a way to get his shot off. He may not be able to always create for himself...but someone should feed him the ball......(NOT MARBURY) Will take a few years to get a hand of things. 6ppg 3rpg 2apg
23. Detroit - Tayshaun Prince - Also a man on the Lakers' wish list, went unexpectedly early to Detroit. Nobody thought he would go this early but he did and the Pistons nabbed him asap. I don't think he will have a productive rookie campaign either. He will struggle for minutes in Carlisle's rotation and may end up on the bench most of the time like last years Rodney White. Wait and see what happens. Lets see what he can do in the camps. 4ppg 1.5rpg 1.5apg
24. New Jersey - Nenad Krstic - He ain't comin over the seas folks. He's gonna spend another year in Europe playing ball. But, that's just what the Nets wanted. They didn't need to pay anymore so they made a cap move also by picking Krstic. With his stats he wasnt that impressive 4.5ppg 4rpg (somethin like that) so we have to wait and see what he does this year.
25. Denver traded to New York - Frank Williams - He will take over a team. This years Jamaal Tinsley so to speak. A player that was projected to go earlier but ended up going a bit later in the draft. He will need to work hard and prove his critics wrong this year, because he has a HUGE task in taking over the Knicks. He will have a shot at ROY. Watch out for him. 14ppg 6apg 3rpg
26. San Antonio traded to Philadelphia - John Salmons - I mean where did this guy come from? Did you see him in any mock drafts out there? I know I didn't! I don't know too much about this guy, and haven't heard much either, but I don't think he will get the minutes in Philadelphia. I think he will either spend the year on the IR, or just be a 10th or 11th man. But that depends. 3ppg 2rpg
27. La Lakers traded to Toronto - Chris Jeffries - A Lottery Pick if he didn't get injured halfway through his college campaign. He has the defense that any team needs, and that is a perfect fit for him in Toronto, where defense is unheard of (comin from raps fan too) He will get some major minutes in Toronto, and will turn out to be a surprise to many this year. He has the talent to play the 3 the 2 and the 1 as Lenny and GG stated. So a mix in minutes with those 3 positions will get him some much needed time on the floor. 10ppg 4rpg 4apg
28. Sacramento traded to Atlanta - Dan Dickau - Why did Atlanta do this trade? Terry was playing great at the point at the end of the year and was really showing that he can play that position, distributing the ball to all his players. Now, Dickau will come in and take over. He might lack the experience but he has time to develop as well. This will help the Hawks. They get depth at the 1 and will let Terry move to the 2 so he can take his shots. Dickau is a great shooter and will have a nice season in Atlanta. 7ppg 6apg 2rpg.
Roy - Butler - runner up Jay Williams, followed by Frank Williams
thats all folks PPPPLEASE DONT BE TOO HARSH ON ME!
sime
2. Chicago - Jay Williams - After Houston confirmed that they would take Yao Ming with the first overall pick Bulls fans were all talk about Jay Williams. He had a great college career, and he will have an even better NBA career. This man will and right now even is a star. He is gonna take a team in his hands, look for the bulls to improve. 16ppg 4.5 rpg 6 apg
3. Golden State - Mike Dunleavy - Some people still aren't sure on this guy, but with him drawin comparisons to every white stiff there ever was, he still has the comparison of one of the greatest, Larry Bird. If he can be half the player Bird was, he will have a very productive career. 12ppg 6 rpg 2apg
4. Memphis - Drew Gooden - Where will this guy fit? A Memphis team that is filled with talent at almost every position. There is a clog at the PF position, and that may force Gooden to go play the 3 in the NBA at times. Will he be able to perform? Personally yes. Watch for him to have a great time in Memphis. 13ppg 7rpg 1.5apg
5. Denver - Nikoloz Tskitishvili - This guy I think will be impressive. Being compared to Pau Gasol, this guy could have an impact in Denver. It's just a matter of time and positioning for this kid, and we will see how the rotation fits in Denver. Will he start? come off the bench? They now have Nene, Skit, Juwan, and Camby to worry about so we'll see his minutes. 9ppg 4.5 rpg 1apg
6. Cleveland - Dajuan Wagner - Great pick for this team. If Miller leaves they have insurance. One of the main reasons Person was traded to Memphis was so that this kid would develop and take this team under his wings. We all know he is a scorer so that is what he will do in Cleveland. Watch out for this kid this year, he will turn some heads. 17ppg 3rpg 3apg
7. New York to Denver - Nene Hilario - How will this kid do? He wasn't received well by the Knicks fans when drafted, but not to worry he is going to Denver, Again its a matter of how many minutes he will get, the more the better. He will be a monster in a couple years. 9ppg 8rpg 1.5apg 2bpg
8. Clippers - Chris Wilcox - As Barkley said, "He was picked for another team or the Clippers are just stupid." All I can do is agree to that statement. I mean they have a bunch of PF's so I don't know how it will work out. Maybe one of Ely, Wilcox will be shipped off to Cleveland if a trade will ever be made. Keep your eyes open. 11ppg 8rpg 3apg
9. Phoenix - Amare Stoudemire - Hmmmmm. This is such a tough one. I am hoping he will have a great year and season, but I just don't think it will happen. He has a lot of maturing to do, so hopefully someone will take him under their wings in the desert. I'm hoping for the best for Amare. He is a good kid. If he gets the minutes, and works hard the sky is the limit for him. 8ppg 4rpg 1apg
10. Miami - Caron Butler - Maybe the best pick of the draft. A steal in some terms. He will do an amazing job in Miami and he will make the ten teams that passed on him pay. Like he said. He has the mix of young players and veterans in Miami to help him through his career so I think he will be one of the most productive picks from this years draft. 16 ppg 6 rpg 4 apg
11. Washington - Jared Jeffries - As many have you have heard me complain I think this kid will have a tough time adjusting to the NBA. I may be wrong but I will stick to my predictions. He is a physical liability and will get punished by the bigger and stronger PF's in the league. He needs to seriously bulk up, but not too much because it will affect his quickness and game, but just enough to be a decent defender. He has the talent to play 3 positions in the NBA, lets see what he can do. 10ppg 5 rpg 2 apg
12. Los Angeles - Melvin Ely - A surprise he went so high, but lets see what he can do before we start busting his chops. A PF problem in LA may cause this man to pack his suitcases and fly somewhere else, but no one yet knows for sure. An athletic big man, with great post moves, maybe the best of all the players with his back to his basket. A matter of minutes. 9ppg 6rpg 1.5apg
13. Milwaukee - Marcus Haislip - ????? I mean there were at least 3 better players available and they went for Haislip. Don't get me wrong this kid has potential, but why did he go so early? Milwaukee will have problems fitting him in I personally think but we will see what happens. Lets hope Mason beats him until he knows exactly what he's doing. 10.5 ppg 4.5 rpg 2 apg
14. Indiana - Fred Jones - A bust? Don't speak too soon. He may surprise a few people around the league. There is a reason why he was drafted at 14. It means that Indiana liked what they saw from this kid. Probably the most athletic man in the draft. Lets see what he does. Indiana is deep so minutes may be a concern. 7.5ppg 4.5rpg 3.5apg
15. Houston - Bostjan Nachbar - Not too many people know this guy, but he is a sweet shooter as many people say. Not everyone has got to see this kid play, but I was fortunate enough to in Slovenia last summer when Treviso played Welsch and Olimpija Ljubljana. Both players took over for their teams, but we will see how both of them fare to the NBA and its schedule. Yet again the Rockets take a foreign player. Good move. 10ppg 3rpg 4apg
16. Philadelphia Traded to GSW - Jiri Welsch - As mentioned above, has the skill to take over games. Has great defense. He was put ahead of European star Sani Becirovic in the playoffs because Becirovic was a defensive liability. Has a great touch anywhere from the floor. This is a guy that will have a productive career, from start to finish, kinda reminds me of a Chris Mullin type but much better. 10ppg 4rpg 3apg
17. Washigton - Juan Dixon - Many thought he would drop to the second round, but Washington didn't let him nabbing him with the 17th pick. He will take a lot of pressure off the backcourt, and will be able to fill in right away. He may be undersized to play the two but he has quickness. I think he will do just fine in the NBA. 7ppg 3rpg 4.5apg
18. Orlando Traded to Utah - Curtis Borchardt - Utah will have someone who will play the 5 for them this year. He is a big body and will take a lot to move so this kid will have his good days and bad. He is playing in a tough conference, but he will fit in right away with the help of Malone and Stockton. He will take the 5 from Ostertag, sharing minutes 50/50. This guy will be great in Utah. Utah was lucky to get someone like him. 13ppg 7.5rpg 1.5apg
19. Utah Traded to Orlando - Ryan Humphrey - A physically ready body. He won't get the time he might want in Orlando, but his development will take time so don't expect too much from his this year anyways. I personally think he is this years Jeryl Sasser for the Magic, and what did Sasser do last year? 5ppg 4rpg 2apg
20. Toronto traded to LA Lakers - Kareem Rush - Toronto fans were jumping up and down with this pick for Toronto, thinking how did he fall to us, we are the luckiest team in the NBA. Well we spoke and though to soon, and before we knew it he departed to the Lakers. A streaky shooter will give the Lakers some shooting touch from about everywhere on the floor. Good pick up for the Lakers, he will be a star. He might not see that much minutes behind Kobe and all, but I think he will get at least 15mpg. 10 ppg 3rpg 4apg
21. Portland - Qyntel Woods - The man the Lakers wanted. The Blazers we can also say got lucky with him, but there is also a reason why he fell to this spot. Too bad for him he won't find barely any minutes in the tight Portland rotation. Just like Randolph last year, he will have to be patient and wait his turn. Don't expect much from him this year Blazer fans. 5ppg 2rpg 1.5apg
22. Phoenix - Casey Jacobsen - Is this really what the Suns need? I thought they had the worst draft this year, because they got a high schooler who lacks experience and maturity, then we get a player, who is a slow footed shooter so to speak. He isn't as bad as we think he is. I mean how did he score all those points in college. He finds a way to get his shot off. He may not be able to always create for himself...but someone should feed him the ball......(NOT MARBURY) Will take a few years to get a hand of things. 6ppg 3rpg 2apg
23. Detroit - Tayshaun Prince - Also a man on the Lakers' wish list, went unexpectedly early to Detroit. Nobody thought he would go this early but he did and the Pistons nabbed him asap. I don't think he will have a productive rookie campaign either. He will struggle for minutes in Carlisle's rotation and may end up on the bench most of the time like last years Rodney White. Wait and see what happens. Lets see what he can do in the camps. 4ppg 1.5rpg 1.5apg
24. New Jersey - Nenad Krstic - He ain't comin over the seas folks. He's gonna spend another year in Europe playing ball. But, that's just what the Nets wanted. They didn't need to pay anymore so they made a cap move also by picking Krstic. With his stats he wasnt that impressive 4.5ppg 4rpg (somethin like that) so we have to wait and see what he does this year.
25. Denver traded to New York - Frank Williams - He will take over a team. This years Jamaal Tinsley so to speak. A player that was projected to go earlier but ended up going a bit later in the draft. He will need to work hard and prove his critics wrong this year, because he has a HUGE task in taking over the Knicks. He will have a shot at ROY. Watch out for him. 14ppg 6apg 3rpg
26. San Antonio traded to Philadelphia - John Salmons - I mean where did this guy come from? Did you see him in any mock drafts out there? I know I didn't! I don't know too much about this guy, and haven't heard much either, but I don't think he will get the minutes in Philadelphia. I think he will either spend the year on the IR, or just be a 10th or 11th man. But that depends. 3ppg 2rpg
27. La Lakers traded to Toronto - Chris Jeffries - A Lottery Pick if he didn't get injured halfway through his college campaign. He has the defense that any team needs, and that is a perfect fit for him in Toronto, where defense is unheard of (comin from raps fan too) He will get some major minutes in Toronto, and will turn out to be a surprise to many this year. He has the talent to play the 3 the 2 and the 1 as Lenny and GG stated. So a mix in minutes with those 3 positions will get him some much needed time on the floor. 10ppg 4rpg 4apg
28. Sacramento traded to Atlanta - Dan Dickau - Why did Atlanta do this trade? Terry was playing great at the point at the end of the year and was really showing that he can play that position, distributing the ball to all his players. Now, Dickau will come in and take over. He might lack the experience but he has time to develop as well. This will help the Hawks. They get depth at the 1 and will let Terry move to the 2 so he can take his shots. Dickau is a great shooter and will have a nice season in Atlanta. 7ppg 6apg 2rpg.
Roy - Butler - runner up Jay Williams, followed by Frank Williams
thats all folks PPPPLEASE DONT BE TOO HARSH ON ME!
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