The term expert is used very loosely here, but these guys are saying nice things about the Pacers draft. (I didn't see this posted)
http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/draft...ts_050629.html
Experts Praise Pacers’ Draft
A sampling of post-draft analysis revealed widespread praise for the Pacers' selections of New Mexico forward Danny Granger at No. 17 and Slovenian power forward Erazem Lorbek at No. 46. Read what the experts had to say.
BOB KRAVITZ, The Indianapolis Star
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True, in 99 percent of all cases, when a team emerges from the draft room and says, "We couldn't believe Player X was still there," it's complete and utter nonsense, a transparent effort by the local management to convince its fans they pulled a fast one on the competition.
This was a 1 per center.
This wasn't supposed to happen. But it did. After a season of the worst luck imaginable, the Pacers got one of the franchise's best-ever breaks, choosing a young man who comes here from the same school that served the franchise well in the past, producing Mel Daniels.
If you thought this front-office was happy on Tuesday, just wait a few years.
SAM SMITH, Chicago Tribune
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They get a break with this hot prospect falling this far in the draft. This tough and athletic four-year swing man is able to move in at small forward and gives the Pacers a chance to offer Ron Artest in trade.
MARTY BURNS, Sports Illustrated
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Could be a steal. Some have compared him to Scottie Pippen for his all-around skills and versatility. Hard to believe he fell this far, but Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh will gladly take it.
CHAD FORD, ESPN Insider
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To put this into perspective, had Utah not moved up to No. 3, the Jazz had planned to select Granger with the No. 6 pick in the draft. As it stands, the Pacers, who were trying to move up all night, did nothing ... and watched Granger fall into their lap at No. 17.
Granger is the perfect fit for what the Pacers like to do. He is versatile, can shoot and handle the ball, and most importantly can defend three positions. He may be one of the five best prospects in the draft and one of the few who is ready to come in and contribute immediately. Adding Granger gives the Pacers' title hopes a pretty big shot in the arm.
In the second round, the Pacers landed a guy many believe is the top young player in Europe. He's not flashy, but Larry Bird loves him. In a few years, after an extended stay in Europe, he could become a fixture in Indiana.
TONY MEJIA, CBS Sportline
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The rich get richer. Indiana welcomes back Ron Artest and now adds another potential defensive specialist in Danny Granger to aid next year's playoff push. He's not quite the athlete Shawn Marion is, but can stuff a stat sheet similarly, especially since he's a better passer. Team president Larry Bird managed to find a top 10 pick at No. 17, enhancing his team's chances to dethrone the Pistons as kings of the Eastern Conference.
In Round 2, the Pacers grabbed Erazem Lorbek, who you might remember from his one season at Michigan State. He was marginal then, but captured the Euroleague's Rising Star Trophy this past season, the closest thing to a rookie of the year award in the world's second-best league. Has he grown or is he simply more comfortable playing the European style? Probably both. Either way, Indiana looks shrewd as usual. Grade: A
BRENDAN McGOVERN, About.com
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Indiana continues to strike it rich in the middle of Round 1 with proven NCAA talent that falls for the most marginal of reasons. In Granger's case, there are some doubts about his outside shooting and ball-handling. But with so many positives to his game, which extends for the full 94 feet of the court, it's mind-numbing to see guys like Villanueva, Korolev and Vazquez, whose upside barely exceeds Granger's present, go ahead of him. Lorbek is another solid pick by the Pacers braintrust. He's not a great athlete, but he brings a little bit of everything to the floor and will easily replace Austin Croshere when his odorous contract expires.
Dime Magazine
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Danny Granger at No. 17? Are you kidding? We pictured Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh laughing and high-fiving each other in the war room when it became evident that Granger would somehow, amazingly, still be on the board when their pick came up. Add in 6-10 Erazem Lorbek at No. 44 and the Pacers crushed draft night.
http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/draft...ts_050629.html
Experts Praise Pacers’ Draft
A sampling of post-draft analysis revealed widespread praise for the Pacers' selections of New Mexico forward Danny Granger at No. 17 and Slovenian power forward Erazem Lorbek at No. 46. Read what the experts had to say.
BOB KRAVITZ, The Indianapolis Star
--------------------------------------------------------------
True, in 99 percent of all cases, when a team emerges from the draft room and says, "We couldn't believe Player X was still there," it's complete and utter nonsense, a transparent effort by the local management to convince its fans they pulled a fast one on the competition.
This was a 1 per center.
This wasn't supposed to happen. But it did. After a season of the worst luck imaginable, the Pacers got one of the franchise's best-ever breaks, choosing a young man who comes here from the same school that served the franchise well in the past, producing Mel Daniels.
If you thought this front-office was happy on Tuesday, just wait a few years.
SAM SMITH, Chicago Tribune
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They get a break with this hot prospect falling this far in the draft. This tough and athletic four-year swing man is able to move in at small forward and gives the Pacers a chance to offer Ron Artest in trade.
MARTY BURNS, Sports Illustrated
------------------------------------------------------------------
Could be a steal. Some have compared him to Scottie Pippen for his all-around skills and versatility. Hard to believe he fell this far, but Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh will gladly take it.
CHAD FORD, ESPN Insider
------------------------------------------------------------------
To put this into perspective, had Utah not moved up to No. 3, the Jazz had planned to select Granger with the No. 6 pick in the draft. As it stands, the Pacers, who were trying to move up all night, did nothing ... and watched Granger fall into their lap at No. 17.
Granger is the perfect fit for what the Pacers like to do. He is versatile, can shoot and handle the ball, and most importantly can defend three positions. He may be one of the five best prospects in the draft and one of the few who is ready to come in and contribute immediately. Adding Granger gives the Pacers' title hopes a pretty big shot in the arm.
In the second round, the Pacers landed a guy many believe is the top young player in Europe. He's not flashy, but Larry Bird loves him. In a few years, after an extended stay in Europe, he could become a fixture in Indiana.
TONY MEJIA, CBS Sportline
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The rich get richer. Indiana welcomes back Ron Artest and now adds another potential defensive specialist in Danny Granger to aid next year's playoff push. He's not quite the athlete Shawn Marion is, but can stuff a stat sheet similarly, especially since he's a better passer. Team president Larry Bird managed to find a top 10 pick at No. 17, enhancing his team's chances to dethrone the Pistons as kings of the Eastern Conference.
In Round 2, the Pacers grabbed Erazem Lorbek, who you might remember from his one season at Michigan State. He was marginal then, but captured the Euroleague's Rising Star Trophy this past season, the closest thing to a rookie of the year award in the world's second-best league. Has he grown or is he simply more comfortable playing the European style? Probably both. Either way, Indiana looks shrewd as usual. Grade: A
BRENDAN McGOVERN, About.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana continues to strike it rich in the middle of Round 1 with proven NCAA talent that falls for the most marginal of reasons. In Granger's case, there are some doubts about his outside shooting and ball-handling. But with so many positives to his game, which extends for the full 94 feet of the court, it's mind-numbing to see guys like Villanueva, Korolev and Vazquez, whose upside barely exceeds Granger's present, go ahead of him. Lorbek is another solid pick by the Pacers braintrust. He's not a great athlete, but he brings a little bit of everything to the floor and will easily replace Austin Croshere when his odorous contract expires.
Dime Magazine
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Danny Granger at No. 17? Are you kidding? We pictured Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh laughing and high-fiving each other in the war room when it became evident that Granger would somehow, amazingly, still be on the board when their pick came up. Add in 6-10 Erazem Lorbek at No. 44 and the Pacers crushed draft night.
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