honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 1:37 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2007

NBA: Sizing up the first round of the draft

By Sam Smith
Chicago Tribune

1. Portland

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.