Posted at 1:37 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2007
NBA: Sizing up the first round of the draft
By Sam Smith
Chicago Tribune
Greg Oden, Ohio State, 7-0, 257 No big surprise, and also no big surprise, with Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge, that Zach Randolph was traded to the Knicks.
2. Seattle
Kevin Durant, Texas, 6-10, 215 Suddenly the face of the franchise because of trade of Ray Allen to Boston. The addition of Jeff Green probably means rebuilding; maybe Rashard Lewis is gone.
3. Atlanta
Al Horford, Florida, 6-9 1/2, 246 Anyone want Shelden Williams or Marvin Williams? Horford should be better, and the Hawks should be in the trade market.
4. Memphis
Mike Conley Jr., Ohio State, 6-0 1/2, 175 New coach Marc Iavaroni, the Suns' former top assistant, knows that system. We'll see if he has the Steve Nash -type guy to drive the team.
5. Boston
Jeff Green, Georgetown, 6-9 1/2, 228 Should be big trade of the draft as he goes to Seattle with Allen coming to Boston to team with Paul Pierce for one-two scoring punch.
6. Milwaukee
Yi Jianlian, China, 7-1, 248 Supposedly said he doesn't want to play here, but he has great potential. They once traded rights to Dirk Nowitzki. Not again.
7. Minnesota
Corey Brewer, Florida, 6-8, 185 Figure he's one of the core pieces of T'wolves future as they likely continue Kevin Garnett trade talks this summer.
8. Charlotte
Brandan Wright, North Carolina, 6-10, 200 Not surprisingly, traded to Golden State for big-time scoring guard Jason Richardson, sometimes described as a poor man's Michael Jordan.
9. Bulls
Joakim Noah, Florida, 7-0, 223 They probably would have taken him No. 2 a year ago. Fits with their style and philosophy of hard work and effort; a winning player.
10. Sacramento
Spencer Hawes, Washington, 7-1, 244 Skilled big man who eventually will succeed Brad Miller, whom Kings have been looking to move.
11. Atlanta
Acie Law, Texas A & M, 6-3 1/2, 186 A point guard who could grow well with Joe Johnson. He can play defense and run a team, but he continues to keep the Hawks in young, rebuilding mode.
12. Philadelphia
Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech, 6-7 1/2, 210 Makes 76ers more of a building project with a prospect who doesn't exactly fit their needs.
13. New Orleans
Julian Wright, Kansas, 6-8 1/2, 211 Mature player with wonderful feel for the game who can make plays for teammates. Could be intriguing with Chris Paul, though he's not a scorer.
14. Clippers
Al Thornton, Florida State, 6-7, 221 One of several athletic types Clippers were looking at to enable them to begin taking offers for Corey Maggette.
15. Detroit
Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington, 6-5, 207 Kind of a bigger version of Joe Dumars. Physical combo guard and Pistons could have issues keeping Chauncey Billups.
16. Washington
Nick Young, USC, 6-7, 206 Not a great need, but terrific offensive talent falling here. Will make up for lack of success of shooter Jarvis Hayes.
17. New Jersey
Sean Williams, Boston College, 6-10, 230 A risky player because of personal issues, including drugs. But he's a major shot-blocker and could contribute quickly .
18. Golden State
Marco Belinelli, Italy, 6-4, 190 It's all about Nellie-ball now, and he's another impressive shooter .
19. Lakers
Javaris Crittenton, Georgia Tech, 6-5, 194 They desperately need a point guard and he's got potential. But 19-year-old likely won't impress the disaffected Kobe Bryant.
20. Miami
Jason Smith, Colorado State, 7-0, 233 Good, athletic big-man prospect who is supposed to go to the 76ers in a swap of 20 and 21. 76ers desperate for size.
21. Philadelphia
Daequan Cook, Ohio State, 6-6, 203 Supposed to go to Miami in trade. Heat desperate for guards with Gary Payton likely retiring, Jason Williams hurt.
22. Charlotte
Jared Dudley, Boston College, 6-7, 219 A smallish power forward who probably takes the place of the injured Sean May.
23. New York
Wilson Chandler, DePaul, 6-8, 230 A surprise first-rounder to some, including those who watched him at DePaul, but a big-time athlete with energy.
24. Phoenix
Rudy Fernandez, Spain, 6-4, 180 Pick sold to Portland, which appears to be accumulating top young talent; considered a highlight player.
25. Utah
Morris Almond, Rice, 6-5, 215 Felt shooting guard was biggest need, he eventually can fit in.
26. Houston
Aaron Brooks, Oregon, 6-0, 161 Quick, small point guard few figured to be a first-rounder; good shooter.
27. Detroit
Arron Afflalo, UCLA, 6-4, 215 Again, more insurance in case Pistons lose Chauncey Billups; could be a solid fill-in.
28. San Antonio
Tiago Splitter, Brazil, 6-11, 232 Committed to buying himself out of contract in Spain after next season; developing big man who could come up big for Spurs.
29. Phoenix
Alando Tucker, Wisconsin, 6-5, 205 Small matters less because of the way they play. Hard-working, hustle guy who always has been more than sum of his parts.
30. Philadelphia
Petteri Koponen, Finland, 6-4, 190 A nice backup point guard prospect for the future. Dealt to Portland for 42nd pick, Derrick Byars of Vanderbilt, and cash considerations.