The Rules of Pacers Digest
Hello everyone,
Whether your are a long standing forum member or whether you have just registered today, it's a good idea to read and review the rules below so that you have a very good idea of what to expect when you come to Pacers Digest.
A quick note to new members: Your posts will not immediately show up when you make them. An administrator has to approve at least your first post before the forum software will later upgrade your account to the status of a fully-registered member. This usually happens within a couple of hours or so after your post(s) is/are approved, so you may need to be a little patient at first.
Why do we do this? So that it's more difficult for spammers (be they human or robot) to post, and so users who are banned cannot immediately re-register and start dousing people with verbal flames.
Below are the rules of Pacers Digest. After you have read them, you will have a very good sense of where we are coming from, what we expect, what we don't want to see, and how we react to things.
Rule #1
Pacers Digest is intended to be a place to discuss basketball without having to deal with the kinds of behaviors or attitudes that distract people from sticking with the discussion of the topics at hand. These unwanted distractions can come in many forms, and admittedly it can sometimes be tricky to pin down each and every kind that can rear its ugly head, but we feel that the following examples and explanations cover at least a good portion of that ground and should at least give people a pretty good idea of the kinds of things we actively discourage:
"Anyone who __________ is a liar / a fool / an idiot / a blind homer / has their head buried in the sand / a blind hater / doesn't know basketball / doesn't watch the games"
"People with intelligence will agree with me when I say that __________"
"Only stupid people think / believe / do ___________"
"I can't wait to hear something from PosterX when he/she sees that **insert a given incident or current event that will have probably upset or disappointed PosterX here**"
"He/she is just delusional"
"This thread is stupid / worthless / embarrassing"
"I'm going to take a moment to point and
/ laugh at PosterX / GroupOfPeopleY who thought / believed *insert though/belief here*"
"Remember when PosterX said OldCommentY that no longer looks good?"
In general, if a comment goes from purely on topic to something 'ad hominem' (personal jabs, personal shots, attacks, flames, however you want to call it, towards a person, or a group of people, or a given city/state/country of people), those are most likely going to be found intolerable.
We also dissuade passive aggressive behavior. This can be various things, but common examples include statements that are basically meant to imply someone is either stupid or otherwise incapable of holding a rational conversation. This can include (but is not limited to) laughing at someone's conclusions rather than offering an honest rebuttal, asking people what game they were watching, or another common problem is Poster X will say "that player isn't that bad" and then Poster Y will say something akin to "LOL you think that player is good". We're not going to tolerate those kinds of comments out of respect for the community at large and for the sake of trying to just have an honest conversation.
Now, does the above cover absolutely every single kind of distraction that is unwanted? Probably not, but you should by now have a good idea of the general types of things we will be discouraging. The above examples are meant to give you a good feel for / idea of what we're looking for. If something new or different than the above happens to come along and results in the same problem (that being, any other attitude or behavior that ultimately distracts from actually just discussing the topic at hand, or that is otherwise disrespectful to other posters), we can and we will take action to curb this as well, so please don't take this to mean that if you managed to technically avoid saying something exactly like one of the above examples that you are then somehow off the hook.
That all having been said, our goal is to do so in a generally kind and respectful way, and that doesn't mean the moment we see something we don't like that somebody is going to be suspended or banned, either. It just means that at the very least we will probably say something about it, quite possibly snipping out the distracting parts of the post in question while leaving alone the parts that are actually just discussing the topics, and in the event of a repeating or excessive problem, then we will start issuing infractions to try to further discourage further repeat problems, and if it just never seems to improve, then finally suspensions or bans will come into play. We would prefer it never went that far, and most of the time for most of our posters, it won't ever have to.
A slip up every once and a while is pretty normal, but, again, when it becomes repetitive or excessive, something will be done. Something occasional is probably going to be let go (within reason), but when it starts to become habitual or otherwise a pattern, odds are very good that we will step in.
There's always a small minority that like to push people's buttons and/or test their own boundaries with regards to the administrators, and in the case of someone acting like that, please be aware that this is not a court of law, but a private website run by people who are simply trying to do the right thing as they see it. If we feel that you are a special case that needs to be dealt with in an exceptional way because your behavior isn't explicitly mirroring one of our above examples of what we generally discourage, we can and we will take atypical action to prevent this from continuing if you are not cooperative with us.
Also please be aware that you will not be given a pass simply by claiming that you were 'only joking,' because quite honestly, when someone really is just joking, for one thing most people tend to pick up on the joke, including the person or group that is the target of the joke, and for another thing, in the event where an honest joke gets taken seriously and it upsets or angers someone, the person who is truly 'only joking' will quite commonly go out of his / her way to apologize and will try to mend fences. People who are dishonest about their statements being 'jokes' do not do so, and in turn that becomes a clear sign of what is really going on. It's nothing new.
In any case, quite frankly, the overall quality and health of the entire forum's community is more important than any one troublesome user will ever be, regardless of exactly how a problem is exhibiting itself, and if it comes down to us having to make a choice between you versus the greater health and happiness of the entire community, the community of this forum will win every time.
Lastly, there are also some posters, who are generally great contributors and do not otherwise cause any problems, who sometimes feel it's their place to provoke or to otherwise 'mess with' that small minority of people described in the last paragraph, and while we possibly might understand why you might feel you WANT to do something like that, the truth is we can't actually tolerate that kind of behavior from you any more than we can tolerate the behavior from them. So if we feel that you are trying to provoke those other posters into doing or saying something that will get themselves into trouble, then we will start to view you as a problem as well, because of the same reason as before: The overall health of the forum comes first, and trying to stir the pot with someone like that doesn't help, it just makes it worse. Some will simply disagree with this philosophy, but if so, then so be it because ultimately we have to do what we think is best so long as it's up to us.
If you see a problem that we haven't addressed, the best and most appropriate course for a forum member to take here is to look over to the left of the post in question. See underneath that poster's name, avatar, and other info, down where there's a little triangle with an exclamation point (!) in it? Click that. That allows you to report the post to the admins so we can definitely notice it and give it a look to see what we feel we should do about it. Beyond that, obviously it's human nature sometimes to want to speak up to the poster in question who has bothered you, but we would ask that you try to refrain from doing so because quite often what happens is two or more posters all start going back and forth about the original offending post, and suddenly the entire thread is off topic or otherwise derailed. So while the urge to police it yourself is understandable, it's best to just report it to us and let us handle it. Thank you!
All of the above is going to be subject to a case by case basis, but generally and broadly speaking, this should give everyone a pretty good idea of how things will typically / most often be handled.
Rule #2
If the actions of an administrator inspire you to make a comment, criticism, or express a concern about it, there is a wrong place and a couple of right places to do so.
The wrong place is to do so in the original thread in which the administrator took action. For example, if a post gets an infraction, or a post gets deleted, or a comment within a larger post gets clipped out, in a thread discussing Paul George, the wrong thing to do is to distract from the discussion of Paul George by adding your off topic thoughts on what the administrator did.
The right places to do so are:
A) Start a thread about the specific incident you want to talk about on the Feedback board. This way you are able to express yourself in an area that doesn't throw another thread off topic, and this way others can add their two cents as well if they wish, and additionally if there's something that needs to be said by the administrators, that is where they will respond to it.
B) Send a private message to the administrators, and they can respond to you that way.
If this is done the wrong way, those comments will be deleted, and if it's a repeating problem then it may also receive an infraction as well.
Rule #3
If a poster is bothering you, and an administrator has not or will not deal with that poster to the extent that you would prefer, you have a powerful tool at your disposal, one that has recently been upgraded and is now better than ever: The ability to ignore a user.
When you ignore a user, you will unfortunately still see some hints of their existence (nothing we can do about that), however, it does the following key things:
A) Any post they make will be completely invisible as you scroll through a thread.
B) The new addition to this feature: If someone QUOTES a user you are ignoring, you do not have to read who it was, or what that poster said, unless you go out of your way to click on a link to find out who it is and what they said.
To utilize this feature, from any page on Pacers Digest, scroll to the top of the page, look to the top right where it says 'Settings' and click that. From the settings page, look to the left side of the page where it says 'My Settings', and look down from there until you see 'Edit Ignore List' and click that. From here, it will say 'Add a Member to Your List...' Beneath that, click in the text box to the right of 'User Name', type in or copy & paste the username of the poster you are ignoring, and once their name is in the box, look over to the far right and click the 'Okay' button. All done!
Rule #4
Regarding infractions, currently they carry a value of one point each, and that point will expire in 31 days. If at any point a poster is carrying three points at the same time, that poster will be suspended until the oldest of the three points expires.
Rule #5
When you share or paste content or articles from another website, you must include the URL/link back to where you found it, who wrote it, and what website it's from. Said content will be removed if this doesn't happen.
An example:
If I copy and paste an article from the Indianapolis Star website, I would post something like this:
http://www.linktothearticlegoeshere.com/article
Title of the Article
Author's Name
Indianapolis Star
Rule #6
We cannot tolerate illegal videos on Pacers Digest. This means do not share any links to them, do not mention any websites that host them or link to them, do not describe how to find them in any way, and do not ask about them. Posts doing anything of the sort will be removed, the offenders will be contacted privately, and if the problem becomes habitual, you will be suspended, and if it still persists, you will probably be banned.
The legal means of watching or listening to NBA games are NBA League Pass Broadband (for US, or for International; both cost money) and NBA Audio League Pass (which is free). Look for them on NBA.com.
Rule #7
Provocative statements in a signature, or as an avatar, or as the 'tagline' beneath a poster's username (where it says 'Member' or 'Administrator' by default, if it is not altered) are an unwanted distraction that will more than likely be removed on sight. There can be shades of gray to this, but in general this could be something political or religious that is likely going to provoke or upset people, or otherwise something that is mean-spirited at the expense of a poster, a group of people, or a population.
It may or may not go without saying, but this goes for threads and posts as well, particularly when it's not made on the off-topic board (Market Square).
We do make exceptions if we feel the content is both innocuous and unlikely to cause social problems on the forum (such as wishing someone a Merry Christmas or a Happy Easter), and we also also make exceptions if such topics come up with regards to a sports figure (such as the Lance Stephenson situation bringing up discussions of domestic abuse and the law, or when Jason Collins came out as gay and how that lead to some discussion about gay rights).
However, once the discussion seems to be more/mostly about the political issues instead of the sports figure or his specific situation, the thread is usually closed.
Rule #8
We prefer self-restraint and/or modesty when making jokes or off topic comments in a sports discussion thread. They can be fun, but sometimes they derail or distract from a topic, and we don't want to see that happen. If we feel it is a problem, we will either delete or move those posts from the thread.
Rule #9
Generally speaking, we try to be a "PG-13" rated board, and we don't want to see sexual content or similarly suggestive content. Vulgarity is a more muddled issue, though again we prefer things to lean more towards "PG-13" than "R". If we feel things have gone too far, we will step in.
Rule #10
We like small signatures, not big signatures. The bigger the signature, the more likely it is an annoying or distracting signature.
Rule #11
Do not advertise anything without talking about it with the administrators first. This includes advertising with your signature, with your avatar, through private messaging, and/or by making a thread or post.
Whether your are a long standing forum member or whether you have just registered today, it's a good idea to read and review the rules below so that you have a very good idea of what to expect when you come to Pacers Digest.
A quick note to new members: Your posts will not immediately show up when you make them. An administrator has to approve at least your first post before the forum software will later upgrade your account to the status of a fully-registered member. This usually happens within a couple of hours or so after your post(s) is/are approved, so you may need to be a little patient at first.
Why do we do this? So that it's more difficult for spammers (be they human or robot) to post, and so users who are banned cannot immediately re-register and start dousing people with verbal flames.
Below are the rules of Pacers Digest. After you have read them, you will have a very good sense of where we are coming from, what we expect, what we don't want to see, and how we react to things.
Rule #1
Pacers Digest is intended to be a place to discuss basketball without having to deal with the kinds of behaviors or attitudes that distract people from sticking with the discussion of the topics at hand. These unwanted distractions can come in many forms, and admittedly it can sometimes be tricky to pin down each and every kind that can rear its ugly head, but we feel that the following examples and explanations cover at least a good portion of that ground and should at least give people a pretty good idea of the kinds of things we actively discourage:
"Anyone who __________ is a liar / a fool / an idiot / a blind homer / has their head buried in the sand / a blind hater / doesn't know basketball / doesn't watch the games"
"People with intelligence will agree with me when I say that __________"
"Only stupid people think / believe / do ___________"
"I can't wait to hear something from PosterX when he/she sees that **insert a given incident or current event that will have probably upset or disappointed PosterX here**"
"He/she is just delusional"
"This thread is stupid / worthless / embarrassing"
"I'm going to take a moment to point and
/ laugh at PosterX / GroupOfPeopleY who thought / believed *insert though/belief here*""Remember when PosterX said OldCommentY that no longer looks good?
"In general, if a comment goes from purely on topic to something 'ad hominem' (personal jabs, personal shots, attacks, flames, however you want to call it, towards a person, or a group of people, or a given city/state/country of people), those are most likely going to be found intolerable.
We also dissuade passive aggressive behavior. This can be various things, but common examples include statements that are basically meant to imply someone is either stupid or otherwise incapable of holding a rational conversation. This can include (but is not limited to) laughing at someone's conclusions rather than offering an honest rebuttal, asking people what game they were watching, or another common problem is Poster X will say "that player isn't that bad" and then Poster Y will say something akin to "LOL you think that player is good". We're not going to tolerate those kinds of comments out of respect for the community at large and for the sake of trying to just have an honest conversation.
Now, does the above cover absolutely every single kind of distraction that is unwanted? Probably not, but you should by now have a good idea of the general types of things we will be discouraging. The above examples are meant to give you a good feel for / idea of what we're looking for. If something new or different than the above happens to come along and results in the same problem (that being, any other attitude or behavior that ultimately distracts from actually just discussing the topic at hand, or that is otherwise disrespectful to other posters), we can and we will take action to curb this as well, so please don't take this to mean that if you managed to technically avoid saying something exactly like one of the above examples that you are then somehow off the hook.
That all having been said, our goal is to do so in a generally kind and respectful way, and that doesn't mean the moment we see something we don't like that somebody is going to be suspended or banned, either. It just means that at the very least we will probably say something about it, quite possibly snipping out the distracting parts of the post in question while leaving alone the parts that are actually just discussing the topics, and in the event of a repeating or excessive problem, then we will start issuing infractions to try to further discourage further repeat problems, and if it just never seems to improve, then finally suspensions or bans will come into play. We would prefer it never went that far, and most of the time for most of our posters, it won't ever have to.
A slip up every once and a while is pretty normal, but, again, when it becomes repetitive or excessive, something will be done. Something occasional is probably going to be let go (within reason), but when it starts to become habitual or otherwise a pattern, odds are very good that we will step in.
There's always a small minority that like to push people's buttons and/or test their own boundaries with regards to the administrators, and in the case of someone acting like that, please be aware that this is not a court of law, but a private website run by people who are simply trying to do the right thing as they see it. If we feel that you are a special case that needs to be dealt with in an exceptional way because your behavior isn't explicitly mirroring one of our above examples of what we generally discourage, we can and we will take atypical action to prevent this from continuing if you are not cooperative with us.
Also please be aware that you will not be given a pass simply by claiming that you were 'only joking,' because quite honestly, when someone really is just joking, for one thing most people tend to pick up on the joke, including the person or group that is the target of the joke, and for another thing, in the event where an honest joke gets taken seriously and it upsets or angers someone, the person who is truly 'only joking' will quite commonly go out of his / her way to apologize and will try to mend fences. People who are dishonest about their statements being 'jokes' do not do so, and in turn that becomes a clear sign of what is really going on. It's nothing new.
In any case, quite frankly, the overall quality and health of the entire forum's community is more important than any one troublesome user will ever be, regardless of exactly how a problem is exhibiting itself, and if it comes down to us having to make a choice between you versus the greater health and happiness of the entire community, the community of this forum will win every time.
Lastly, there are also some posters, who are generally great contributors and do not otherwise cause any problems, who sometimes feel it's their place to provoke or to otherwise 'mess with' that small minority of people described in the last paragraph, and while we possibly might understand why you might feel you WANT to do something like that, the truth is we can't actually tolerate that kind of behavior from you any more than we can tolerate the behavior from them. So if we feel that you are trying to provoke those other posters into doing or saying something that will get themselves into trouble, then we will start to view you as a problem as well, because of the same reason as before: The overall health of the forum comes first, and trying to stir the pot with someone like that doesn't help, it just makes it worse. Some will simply disagree with this philosophy, but if so, then so be it because ultimately we have to do what we think is best so long as it's up to us.
If you see a problem that we haven't addressed, the best and most appropriate course for a forum member to take here is to look over to the left of the post in question. See underneath that poster's name, avatar, and other info, down where there's a little triangle with an exclamation point (!) in it? Click that. That allows you to report the post to the admins so we can definitely notice it and give it a look to see what we feel we should do about it. Beyond that, obviously it's human nature sometimes to want to speak up to the poster in question who has bothered you, but we would ask that you try to refrain from doing so because quite often what happens is two or more posters all start going back and forth about the original offending post, and suddenly the entire thread is off topic or otherwise derailed. So while the urge to police it yourself is understandable, it's best to just report it to us and let us handle it. Thank you!
All of the above is going to be subject to a case by case basis, but generally and broadly speaking, this should give everyone a pretty good idea of how things will typically / most often be handled.
Rule #2
If the actions of an administrator inspire you to make a comment, criticism, or express a concern about it, there is a wrong place and a couple of right places to do so.
The wrong place is to do so in the original thread in which the administrator took action. For example, if a post gets an infraction, or a post gets deleted, or a comment within a larger post gets clipped out, in a thread discussing Paul George, the wrong thing to do is to distract from the discussion of Paul George by adding your off topic thoughts on what the administrator did.
The right places to do so are:
A) Start a thread about the specific incident you want to talk about on the Feedback board. This way you are able to express yourself in an area that doesn't throw another thread off topic, and this way others can add their two cents as well if they wish, and additionally if there's something that needs to be said by the administrators, that is where they will respond to it.
B) Send a private message to the administrators, and they can respond to you that way.
If this is done the wrong way, those comments will be deleted, and if it's a repeating problem then it may also receive an infraction as well.
Rule #3
If a poster is bothering you, and an administrator has not or will not deal with that poster to the extent that you would prefer, you have a powerful tool at your disposal, one that has recently been upgraded and is now better than ever: The ability to ignore a user.
When you ignore a user, you will unfortunately still see some hints of their existence (nothing we can do about that), however, it does the following key things:
A) Any post they make will be completely invisible as you scroll through a thread.
B) The new addition to this feature: If someone QUOTES a user you are ignoring, you do not have to read who it was, or what that poster said, unless you go out of your way to click on a link to find out who it is and what they said.
To utilize this feature, from any page on Pacers Digest, scroll to the top of the page, look to the top right where it says 'Settings' and click that. From the settings page, look to the left side of the page where it says 'My Settings', and look down from there until you see 'Edit Ignore List' and click that. From here, it will say 'Add a Member to Your List...' Beneath that, click in the text box to the right of 'User Name', type in or copy & paste the username of the poster you are ignoring, and once their name is in the box, look over to the far right and click the 'Okay' button. All done!
Rule #4
Regarding infractions, currently they carry a value of one point each, and that point will expire in 31 days. If at any point a poster is carrying three points at the same time, that poster will be suspended until the oldest of the three points expires.
Rule #5
When you share or paste content or articles from another website, you must include the URL/link back to where you found it, who wrote it, and what website it's from. Said content will be removed if this doesn't happen.
An example:
If I copy and paste an article from the Indianapolis Star website, I would post something like this:
http://www.linktothearticlegoeshere.com/article
Title of the Article
Author's Name
Indianapolis Star
Rule #6
We cannot tolerate illegal videos on Pacers Digest. This means do not share any links to them, do not mention any websites that host them or link to them, do not describe how to find them in any way, and do not ask about them. Posts doing anything of the sort will be removed, the offenders will be contacted privately, and if the problem becomes habitual, you will be suspended, and if it still persists, you will probably be banned.
The legal means of watching or listening to NBA games are NBA League Pass Broadband (for US, or for International; both cost money) and NBA Audio League Pass (which is free). Look for them on NBA.com.
Rule #7
Provocative statements in a signature, or as an avatar, or as the 'tagline' beneath a poster's username (where it says 'Member' or 'Administrator' by default, if it is not altered) are an unwanted distraction that will more than likely be removed on sight. There can be shades of gray to this, but in general this could be something political or religious that is likely going to provoke or upset people, or otherwise something that is mean-spirited at the expense of a poster, a group of people, or a population.
It may or may not go without saying, but this goes for threads and posts as well, particularly when it's not made on the off-topic board (Market Square).
We do make exceptions if we feel the content is both innocuous and unlikely to cause social problems on the forum (such as wishing someone a Merry Christmas or a Happy Easter), and we also also make exceptions if such topics come up with regards to a sports figure (such as the Lance Stephenson situation bringing up discussions of domestic abuse and the law, or when Jason Collins came out as gay and how that lead to some discussion about gay rights).
However, once the discussion seems to be more/mostly about the political issues instead of the sports figure or his specific situation, the thread is usually closed.
Rule #8
We prefer self-restraint and/or modesty when making jokes or off topic comments in a sports discussion thread. They can be fun, but sometimes they derail or distract from a topic, and we don't want to see that happen. If we feel it is a problem, we will either delete or move those posts from the thread.
Rule #9
Generally speaking, we try to be a "PG-13" rated board, and we don't want to see sexual content or similarly suggestive content. Vulgarity is a more muddled issue, though again we prefer things to lean more towards "PG-13" than "R". If we feel things have gone too far, we will step in.
Rule #10
We like small signatures, not big signatures. The bigger the signature, the more likely it is an annoying or distracting signature.
Rule #11
Do not advertise anything without talking about it with the administrators first. This includes advertising with your signature, with your avatar, through private messaging, and/or by making a thread or post.
See more
See less
-
-
Re: Chad Ford's Mock Draft III
http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/print?...106&type=story
Chad Ford's Mock Draft, Version 3: Picks 1 to 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
• You be the GM: Try our Draft Machine
We're nine days from the NBA Draft and chaos still reigns.
Michael Jordan is now calling the shots in Charlotte, and J.J. Redick's week of bad news might send him sliding.
Meanwhile, all eyes are still focused on Toronto, where rumors continue to grow that the Raptors are going to trade down or out of the draft -- leaving our projected No. 1 selection, Italy's Andrea Bargnani, vulnerable at the top.
Our projected No. 2 selection, LSU's Tyrus Thomas, is on shaky ground too. If the Chicago Bulls trade their pick (there are rampant rumors about a potential trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that would include Lamar Odom), Thomas could tumble.
The Atlanta Hawks' apparent love affair with Shelden Williams at No. 5 also throws the front end of the lottery in an uproar.
Now that the Orlando and Treviso predraft camps are over, and the deadline to withdraw from the draft has come and gone with one significant dropout, it's time for a new mock draft, taking all the new information into account.
Here's our latest take, based on conversations with numerous NBA team sources, about how the draft might play out on June 28:
CHAD FORD'S MOCK DRAFT
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Toronto
Andrea Bargnani Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 225
Age: 20
Country: Italy
The skinny: The Raptors spent another week in Italy scouting Bargnani. This weekend, Tyrus Thomas and LaMarcus Aldridge worked out. Rudy Gay, Adam Morrison and Randy Foye are coming in soon. GM Bryan Colangelo continues to assert that the Raptors haven't made up their mind about whom they'll draft if they keep the No. 1 pick.
Talk continues to circulate that the Raptors are going to trade the pick, moving down or out of the first round.
If they do keep the pick, all signs still point to Bargnani being the pick. He's not a perfect fit in Toronto (none of the top six really are), but he would give the Raptors some flexibility to make a deal later.
Chicago
(via New York)
Tyrus Thomas Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 19
School: LSU
The skinny: I've been championing LaMarcus Aldridge as a perfect fit for the Bulls all year, but after watching Thomas work out in Orlando two weeks ago, I can see why the Bulls would want him. However, I'm not sure the Bulls saw the same Thomas I did. A stomach virus limited his workout in Chicago, raising some doubts about his status with the Bulls.
Thomas' most serious competition for the No. 2 spot is Washington's Brandon Roy. The Bulls want to add size to their backcourt and think another big might be available at No. 16. From what I'm told, the Bulls are still leaning toward Thomas, but it's neck and neck.
Rumors of a possible trade with the Lakers have also complicated things. If the Lakers get the No. 2 pick, Roy would be their guy.
Charlotte
Brandon Roy Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 21
School: Washington
The skinny: Now that Michael Jordan is running the show in Charlotte, all of the information we had on the Bobcats is out the window. Owner Bob Johnson made it clear that Jordan, now one of the owners of the franchise, has the final say over all personnel decisions -- that includes the draft.
GM Bernie Bickerstaff worked out both UConn's Rudy Gay and Gonzaga's Adam Morrison and was impressed with both. Gay has more long-term potential, while Morrison is more polished and ready to contribute. I think Bickerstaff prefers Gay.
But I don't think Jordan is a fan of either. From all the evidence we can gather, Roy is the guy. If Roy goes No. 2, it could be Tyrus Thomas.
(Click here for more on Jordan's draft plans.)
Portland
Adam Morrison Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 205
Age: 21
School: Gonzaga
The skinny: The Blazers could go a lot of directions here -- but they have only one choice. The franchise is crumbling. President Steve Patterson's mismanagement is making fans yearn for the good old Bob Whitsitt's "JailBlazer" days.
The Blazers' biggest need is in the middle, and Patrick O'Bryant -- tops among the draft's true centers -- would work. LaMarcus Aldridge might not be bad in the middle when paired with Zach Randolph. Coach Nate McMillan is a big Brandon Roy fan. Much of the Blazers' staff is high on Andrea Bargnani (who could slide).
But if the draft plays out the way we think it will, look for Morrison to be the pick. Darius Miles' days in Portland are numbered, and management has to begin finding ways of exciting Portland fans again. The pro-Morrison "Draft the Stache" campaign proves that Portland fans still care.
Look for the Blazers to attempt to move up in the draft to get him. They're offering the Raptors anyone on the roster with the exception of Martell Webster and Jarrett Jack.
Atlanta
Shelden Williams Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 250
Age: 22
School: Duke
The skinny: Several league sources told Insider in Orlando and Italy that the Hawks had cut a deal with Williams.
If so, it's hard to understand. Why cut a deal with a guy who has a 99.9 percent probability of being there at No. 5?
Looking at the bright side, Williams makes some sense for the Hawks. He would bring much-needed toughness, rebounding and shot-blocking to the front line.
However, it seems like UConn's Marcus Williams, Kentucky's Rajon Rondo, Villanova's Randy Foye and Washington's Brandon Roy would all be better fits.
If the Hawks keep the No. 5 pick and have to pass on LaMarcus Aldridge for Shelden Williams, Knight's going to come under fire again -- the same way he did when he passed on Chris Paul last summer.
Minnesota
LaMarcus Aldridge Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 240
Age: 20
School: Texas
The skinny: The Wolves are hoping that Aldridge, Rudy Gay or Tyrus Thomas slips to them here. If the Hawks take Shelden Williams, the Wolves likely will get their wish, perhaps with two of the three available. Aldridge has a lot in common with Kevin Garnett, but together they could form a pretty formidable front line.
If none of the three are on the board, the Wolves might look for a point guard. UConn's Marcus Williams is ready to come in and contribute immediately. If the Wolves can get over the off-court issues in his past, he could be a great fit.
Boston
Rudy Gay Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 222
Age: 19
School: UConn
The skinny: The Celtics are in good position if the Hawks draft Shelden Williams. In that case, the Celtics can sit back and relax, if they like, and just let one of the top six players in the draft slide to them.
Gay doesn't fit a need in Boston, but that probably won't deter Danny Ainge.
But the Celtics don't really need young players at this point. So it's more likely that they'll use the pick as a bargaining chip to get a solid veteran, probably to fill their need at point guard.
Houston
J.J. Redick Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 190
Age: 21
School: Duke
The skinny: Given Redick's week from hell, would the Rockets really take him this high? An arrest for DUI, followed by news that his back is injured, could be problematic for a team already dealing with Tracy McGrady's balky back.
The Rockets have a number of needs, but the biggest is two guard. This is awfully high for Redick, but he should be a good fit in Houston. With McGrady and Yao Ming facing constant double teams, the Rockets need someone who can make opponents pay from the 3-point line.
So, while Redick might slide, I still think it's more likely the Rockets take him.
The Rockets also need help at point guard and up front, so UConn's Rudy Gay and Marcus Williams and Bradley's Patrick O'Bryant might be options, if available.
Golden State
Patrick O'Bryant Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 250
Age: 19
School: Bradley
The skinny: The Warriors, while not a playoff team yet, don't have any glaring needs.
With Baron Davis' health always in question, having a big-time, experienced combo guard like Randy Foye or an up-and-coming point guard like Rajon Rondo could be very welcome.
But after watching O'Bryant recently, I can't believe he'll slip any farther than this. His combination of size and athleticism will be too much to pass on.
Seattle
Cedric Simmons Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 235
Age: 20
School: NC State
The skinny: The Sonics really want to get their hands on Shelden Williams. With Williams likely off the board when the Sonics pick, don't be surprised if they move into trade mode. A number of teams are trying to move up in the draft and the Sonics should be willing to sell.
If they keep the pick, they might go for Simmons, the next best thing to Williams. In fact, many scouts have him rated ahead of Williams. Simmons is bigger and more athletic, and in time should be a better rebounder and shot-blocker. The Sonics need someone to replace Reggie Evans' toughness on the boards, and Simmons is a perfect candidate.
Orlando
Ronnie Brewer Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 21
School: Arkansas
The skinny: The Magic have had their eye on Roy, Redick and Williams, and they've been trying to move up in the draft for the past several weeks to get one of them. So far, no luck.
If all three are gone, then the team must move on to Plan B, finding a big guard to pair in the backcourt with point guard Jameer Nelson. Brewer would be a good fit. He can swing to the point, plays aggressive defense and knows how to get to the basket.
Rodney Carney and Randy Foye are other possibilities here.
New Orleans/
Oklahoma City
Hilton Armstrong Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 235
Age: 21
School: UConn
The skinny: After giving up Jamaal Magloire and losing Chris Andersen to a drug suspension, the Hornets lack an athletic, defensive presence who can rebound and block shots. They're hoping O'Bryant, the best center in the draft, is still on the board. Don't be surprised if they try to package their two first-round picks to move up to get O'Bryant.
However, if they're stuck at No. 12, Cedric Simmons or Hilton Armstrong could be the man. Simmons is very raw, but has the size and athleticism to be a significant presence in the paint down the road. If he's gone, Armstrong might be the pick. He's not as athletic as Simmons, but he's bigger and more skilled.
Philadelphia
Marcus Williams Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 205
Age: 20
School: UConn
The skinny: The Sixers have a lot of needs right now. They need a point guard so that they can move Allen Iverson back to the two where he belongs. They also need to begin developing a power forward who can take over when Chris Webber retires or breaks down.
The Sixers could reach a little here to take a player such as Hilton Armstrong or Alexander Johnson.
More likely they'll try to fill a hole in the backcourt. So would they take Marcus Williams, Randy Foye or Rajon Rondo?
Williams is the best pure point guard in the draft, but he's a below-average NBA athlete. Foye is a better athlete, has great versatility and is ready to play now, but there are questions about his ability to step in and play the point. Rondo is a freak athlete with great point guard instincts, and he's the best defender of the group -- but his inability to shoot the ball is a major problem.
Look for the Sixers to take a chance on Williams. He fits the Eric Snow model that once got them to the Finals.
Utah
Randy Foye Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
Age: 22
School: Villanova
The skinny: The Jazz's first priority is finding a scoring two guard. Roy, Foye and Redick are at the top of the list.
Foye could go as high as No. 5 to Atlanta (if the Shelden Williams rumors are bogus) or No. 6 to Minnesota. This scenario, with Foye falling all the way to No. 14, goes against previous expectations, but it is plausible.
Redick could also be an option here if he slips, though I'm sure owner Larry Miller has cooled on him after Redick's recent arrest.
If all three are off the board, the Jazz will look to fill their other need, at center. Greg Ostertag is retiring and no one believes that recently acquired Rafael Araujo is the long-term answer. The team could use an athletic shot-blocker to help out Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer in the paint.
Would they take Mouhamed Saer Sene? Karl Malone loved him when he came in for a workout. He's a project, but the Jazz might be ready to take a chance.
NO/OC Hornets
(via Milwaukee)
Rodney Carney Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205
Age: 22
School: Memphis
The skinny: The Hornets will be psyched if Carney is still on the board here. The team could use an athletic, sweet-shooting swingman and Carney has the experience to step right in and compete right away. Questions about Carney's toughness and desire are the only reasons he might slip this far.
If Carney is off the board, Thabo Sefolosha and Marcus Vinicius are possibilities.
Chicago
Thabo Sefolosha Position: SF
Height: 6-6
Weight: 215
Age: 22
Country: Switzerland
The skinny: If the Bulls go for a frontcourt player with pick No. 2, look for them to try to add a big two guard to fill their need in the backcourt. Brewer and Carney would be likely targets if they're still on the board. If they're not, the Bulls could turn to Sefolosha. He's long, athletic and experienced, and he has a balanced, all-around game.
Temple's Mardy Collins is another option here.
Or, if the Bulls decide to go for a player such as Roy at the top, an athletic forward like Alexander Johnson could be the guy.
Indiana
Alexander Johnson Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230
Age: 23
School: FSU
The skinny: The Pacers have a need for backups in both the frontcourt and the backcourt.
Johnson is a super-athletic power forward who can play a little like Kenyon Martin. With Jermaine O'Neal constantly nursing injuries, and potentially on the trading block, finding an option to replace him is essential.
If they decide instead to address their backcourt, Shannon Brown and Quincy Douby make some sense.
Washington
Rajon Rondo Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 171
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
The skinny: Rondo would be a steal for the Wizards.
Some GMs have Rondo ranked as the top point guard in the draft. He could go as high as No. 5 (Atlanta), No. 7 (Boston) or No. 13 (Philly). Rondo should be excellent in Eddie Jordan's up-tempo offense and allow Gilbert Arenas to swing to the two at times.
Mouhamed Saer Sene is also an option here, if available.
Sacramento
Sergio Rodriguez Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 170
Age: 19
Country: Spain
The skinny: Sacramento drafted Jason "White Chocolate" Williams and might take his Spanish clone, Sergio "Spanish Chocolate" Rodriguez. The Kings desperately need some help behind Mike Bibby. Rodriguez got off to a slow start early in the year because of injuries, but has looked like his scintillating self in the playoffs. He is quick, can run a team and can do it with flair. Another year in Spain and he'd have a chance at becoming a lottery pick, so this is a good get.
New York
(via Denver)
Shawne Williams Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 20
School: Memphis
The skinny: Jalen Rose will be gone soon and Knicks fans are still mourning the giveaway of Trevor Ariza at the deadline. Williams is a guy Knicks president Isiah Thomas can love. He is long and athletic, plays multiple positions and can shoot. He really needs another year of school, but playing for the Knicks is like playing for the JV at this point anyway. Brazil's Marcus Vinicius is another option here. Isiah is a fan.
Phoenix
(via L.A. Lakers)
Mouhamed Saer Sene Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 232
Age: 20
Country: Senegal
The skinny: Coach Mike D'Antoni loves small ball, but that doesn't mean he'll pass on a talented big man. The Suns are hoping that either Hilton Armstrong or Mouhamed Saer Sene falls to them.
Sene is a bigger project than Armstrong, but he has more upside for a team willing to wait. Phoenix would be a perfect fit for him. The Suns also like Sergio Rodriguez.
If all three are off the board, the Ukraine's Olexisy Pecherov would be a good fit. He's 6-11, athletic, can shoot the 3 and has developed into an excellent rebounder in France this season. Think of a tougher version of Keith Van Horn.
New Jersey
(via L.A. Clippers)
Kyle Lowry Position: PG
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
Age: 20
School: Villanova
The skinny: The Nets desperately need to upgrade their bench, both in the frontcourt and in the backcourt. Lowry is a super-athletic, scrappy point guard who could help the Nets restore the frantic pace they like to play. He's not the best shooter in the world, but he does just about everything else well. With another year in college, he might've been a lottery pick. That would make him a steal at No. 22.
Rajon Rondo (if he slips this far) and Jordan Farmar are also possibilities at this spot.
New Jersey
Shannon Brown Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
Age: 20
School: Mich St
The skinny: If the Nets go small with the No. 22 pick, it would make sense for them to go big with pick No. 23.
The problem is that there aren't a lot of bigs at this point that make sense. Alexander Johnson would work, but he's no longer a lock to be here.
A trade is a real possibility here, with the Nets either packaging two picks to move up or moving No. 23 for a future pick.
If they keep it, look for them to find another scrappy, athletic player at the two or the three. It could come down to Brown or P.J. Tucker. Both have great toughness and energy. Brown's ability to shoot the ball could put him over the top.
Memphis
Jordan Farmar Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: UCLA
The skinny: The Grizzlies have been searching for a center ever since Bryant Reeves retired. With Lorenzen Wright hitting free agency this summer, the need has never been greater. However, with O'Bryant, Armstrong and Sene off the board, there won't be many options left.
If they can't find anyone for the frontcourt, they'd be smart to grab Farmar. They have a pretty big question mark at the point. No one is sure whether Damon Stoudamire will return at 100 percent this season, and Chucky Atkins is a free agent.
Cleveland
Olexsiy Pecherov Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 222
Age: 21
Country: Ukraine
The skinny: Danny Ferry is praying that one of the top point guards -- Rondo, Lowry, Rodriguez or Farmar -- falls to him here. Eric Snow peaked years ago and it looks like Damon Jones is on the downslope of his career, too.
If they're all gone, the Cavs might try to go big, as insurance should Drew Gooden get an offer they don't want to match in free agency. Pecherov has turned into an accomplished rebounder in France this year and can really shoot from long range.
L.A. Lakers
Guillermo Diaz Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
Age: 20
School: Miami
The skinny: The Lakers don't need a pure point guard in the triangle, so Diaz should be a good fit. He is tough and super-athletic, and he's improved his stroke dramatically. Diaz would give Phil Jackson another backcourt scoring option besides you-know-who.
Ideally, however, the Lakers will move up in the draft and upgrade this position to someone like Brandon Roy.
Phoenix
Quincy Douby Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 175
Age: 22
School: Rutgers
The skinny: Douby should thrive in the Suns' small-ball system. He plays multiple positions, is great from long range and knows how to light up the scoreboard. With Leandro Barbosa just one year from free agency (and with the Suns looking pretty capped out), Douby could be a worthy replacement. Michigan State's Maurice Ager and Texas' Daniel Gibson are also good options here.
Dallas
Maurice Ager Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 202
Age: 22
School: Mich St
The skinny: The Mavs can always use a player who can stroke the ball, and Ager was that guy for the Spartans all year. His combination of athleticism, defense and shooting ability should make him a nice replacement for Jerry Stackhouse when Stack's contract expires in the summer of 2007.
New York
(via San Antonio)
Josh Boone Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 237
Age: 21
School: UConn
The skinny: The rumor swirling around Orlando was that the Knicks cut a deal to draft Boone here, prompting him to stay in the draft. Boone has all the raw tools to be a steal here. He is long and athletic and has a great motor when he gets involved in the game. But he disappears for long stretches and seems, at times, to be disinterested in the game, so his stock isn't where it could be. But at this point in the draft, what's to lose?
Portland
(via Detroit)
Joel Freeland Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 225
Age: 19
Country: England
The skinny: The Blazers don't need more rookies, so don't be shocked if they take a flier on a kid who's still several years away. Freeland has been playing basketball for only three years, but he showed well enough in the Reebok Eurocamp for a team to take a chance on him with the last pick of the first round.
The Blazers could leave him in Spain for two more years and then end up with a very good, energetic big man who's ready to step in and play in 2008.
Croatia's Damir Markota is also a possibility here.
Other potential first rounders: Mardy Collins, James White, Marcus Vinicius Viera de Souza, Leon Powe, Daniel Gibson, Yotam Halperin, P. J. Tucker, James Augustine, Paul Davis, Darius Washington, Damir Markota, Mike Gansey, Will Blalock, Taj Gray, Dee Brown, Paul Millsap.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/print?...106&type=story
Chad Ford's Mock Draft, Version 3: Picks 1 to 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
• You be the GM: Try our Draft Machine
We're nine days from the NBA Draft and chaos still reigns.
Michael Jordan is now calling the shots in Charlotte, and J.J. Redick's week of bad news might send him sliding.
Meanwhile, all eyes are still focused on Toronto, where rumors continue to grow that the Raptors are going to trade down or out of the draft -- leaving our projected No. 1 selection, Italy's Andrea Bargnani, vulnerable at the top.
Our projected No. 2 selection, LSU's Tyrus Thomas, is on shaky ground too. If the Chicago Bulls trade their pick (there are rampant rumors about a potential trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that would include Lamar Odom), Thomas could tumble.
The Atlanta Hawks' apparent love affair with Shelden Williams at No. 5 also throws the front end of the lottery in an uproar.
Now that the Orlando and Treviso predraft camps are over, and the deadline to withdraw from the draft has come and gone with one significant dropout, it's time for a new mock draft, taking all the new information into account.
Here's our latest take, based on conversations with numerous NBA team sources, about how the draft might play out on June 28:
CHAD FORD'S MOCK DRAFT
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Toronto
Andrea Bargnani Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 225
Age: 20
Country: Italy
The skinny: The Raptors spent another week in Italy scouting Bargnani. This weekend, Tyrus Thomas and LaMarcus Aldridge worked out. Rudy Gay, Adam Morrison and Randy Foye are coming in soon. GM Bryan Colangelo continues to assert that the Raptors haven't made up their mind about whom they'll draft if they keep the No. 1 pick.
Talk continues to circulate that the Raptors are going to trade the pick, moving down or out of the first round.
If they do keep the pick, all signs still point to Bargnani being the pick. He's not a perfect fit in Toronto (none of the top six really are), but he would give the Raptors some flexibility to make a deal later.
Chicago
(via New York)
Tyrus Thomas Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 19
School: LSU
The skinny: I've been championing LaMarcus Aldridge as a perfect fit for the Bulls all year, but after watching Thomas work out in Orlando two weeks ago, I can see why the Bulls would want him. However, I'm not sure the Bulls saw the same Thomas I did. A stomach virus limited his workout in Chicago, raising some doubts about his status with the Bulls.
Thomas' most serious competition for the No. 2 spot is Washington's Brandon Roy. The Bulls want to add size to their backcourt and think another big might be available at No. 16. From what I'm told, the Bulls are still leaning toward Thomas, but it's neck and neck.
Rumors of a possible trade with the Lakers have also complicated things. If the Lakers get the No. 2 pick, Roy would be their guy.
Charlotte
Brandon Roy Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 21
School: Washington
The skinny: Now that Michael Jordan is running the show in Charlotte, all of the information we had on the Bobcats is out the window. Owner Bob Johnson made it clear that Jordan, now one of the owners of the franchise, has the final say over all personnel decisions -- that includes the draft.
GM Bernie Bickerstaff worked out both UConn's Rudy Gay and Gonzaga's Adam Morrison and was impressed with both. Gay has more long-term potential, while Morrison is more polished and ready to contribute. I think Bickerstaff prefers Gay.
But I don't think Jordan is a fan of either. From all the evidence we can gather, Roy is the guy. If Roy goes No. 2, it could be Tyrus Thomas.
(Click here for more on Jordan's draft plans.)
Portland
Adam Morrison Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 205
Age: 21
School: Gonzaga
The skinny: The Blazers could go a lot of directions here -- but they have only one choice. The franchise is crumbling. President Steve Patterson's mismanagement is making fans yearn for the good old Bob Whitsitt's "JailBlazer" days.
The Blazers' biggest need is in the middle, and Patrick O'Bryant -- tops among the draft's true centers -- would work. LaMarcus Aldridge might not be bad in the middle when paired with Zach Randolph. Coach Nate McMillan is a big Brandon Roy fan. Much of the Blazers' staff is high on Andrea Bargnani (who could slide).
But if the draft plays out the way we think it will, look for Morrison to be the pick. Darius Miles' days in Portland are numbered, and management has to begin finding ways of exciting Portland fans again. The pro-Morrison "Draft the Stache" campaign proves that Portland fans still care.
Look for the Blazers to attempt to move up in the draft to get him. They're offering the Raptors anyone on the roster with the exception of Martell Webster and Jarrett Jack.
Atlanta
Shelden Williams Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 250
Age: 22
School: Duke
The skinny: Several league sources told Insider in Orlando and Italy that the Hawks had cut a deal with Williams.
If so, it's hard to understand. Why cut a deal with a guy who has a 99.9 percent probability of being there at No. 5?
Looking at the bright side, Williams makes some sense for the Hawks. He would bring much-needed toughness, rebounding and shot-blocking to the front line.
However, it seems like UConn's Marcus Williams, Kentucky's Rajon Rondo, Villanova's Randy Foye and Washington's Brandon Roy would all be better fits.
If the Hawks keep the No. 5 pick and have to pass on LaMarcus Aldridge for Shelden Williams, Knight's going to come under fire again -- the same way he did when he passed on Chris Paul last summer.
Minnesota
LaMarcus Aldridge Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 240
Age: 20
School: Texas
The skinny: The Wolves are hoping that Aldridge, Rudy Gay or Tyrus Thomas slips to them here. If the Hawks take Shelden Williams, the Wolves likely will get their wish, perhaps with two of the three available. Aldridge has a lot in common with Kevin Garnett, but together they could form a pretty formidable front line.
If none of the three are on the board, the Wolves might look for a point guard. UConn's Marcus Williams is ready to come in and contribute immediately. If the Wolves can get over the off-court issues in his past, he could be a great fit.
Boston
Rudy Gay Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 222
Age: 19
School: UConn
The skinny: The Celtics are in good position if the Hawks draft Shelden Williams. In that case, the Celtics can sit back and relax, if they like, and just let one of the top six players in the draft slide to them.
Gay doesn't fit a need in Boston, but that probably won't deter Danny Ainge.
But the Celtics don't really need young players at this point. So it's more likely that they'll use the pick as a bargaining chip to get a solid veteran, probably to fill their need at point guard.
Houston
J.J. Redick Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 190
Age: 21
School: Duke
The skinny: Given Redick's week from hell, would the Rockets really take him this high? An arrest for DUI, followed by news that his back is injured, could be problematic for a team already dealing with Tracy McGrady's balky back.
The Rockets have a number of needs, but the biggest is two guard. This is awfully high for Redick, but he should be a good fit in Houston. With McGrady and Yao Ming facing constant double teams, the Rockets need someone who can make opponents pay from the 3-point line.
So, while Redick might slide, I still think it's more likely the Rockets take him.
The Rockets also need help at point guard and up front, so UConn's Rudy Gay and Marcus Williams and Bradley's Patrick O'Bryant might be options, if available.
Golden State
Patrick O'Bryant Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 250
Age: 19
School: Bradley
The skinny: The Warriors, while not a playoff team yet, don't have any glaring needs.
With Baron Davis' health always in question, having a big-time, experienced combo guard like Randy Foye or an up-and-coming point guard like Rajon Rondo could be very welcome.
But after watching O'Bryant recently, I can't believe he'll slip any farther than this. His combination of size and athleticism will be too much to pass on.
Seattle
Cedric Simmons Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 235
Age: 20
School: NC State
The skinny: The Sonics really want to get their hands on Shelden Williams. With Williams likely off the board when the Sonics pick, don't be surprised if they move into trade mode. A number of teams are trying to move up in the draft and the Sonics should be willing to sell.
If they keep the pick, they might go for Simmons, the next best thing to Williams. In fact, many scouts have him rated ahead of Williams. Simmons is bigger and more athletic, and in time should be a better rebounder and shot-blocker. The Sonics need someone to replace Reggie Evans' toughness on the boards, and Simmons is a perfect candidate.
Orlando
Ronnie Brewer Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 21
School: Arkansas
The skinny: The Magic have had their eye on Roy, Redick and Williams, and they've been trying to move up in the draft for the past several weeks to get one of them. So far, no luck.
If all three are gone, then the team must move on to Plan B, finding a big guard to pair in the backcourt with point guard Jameer Nelson. Brewer would be a good fit. He can swing to the point, plays aggressive defense and knows how to get to the basket.
Rodney Carney and Randy Foye are other possibilities here.
New Orleans/
Oklahoma City
Hilton Armstrong Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 235
Age: 21
School: UConn
The skinny: After giving up Jamaal Magloire and losing Chris Andersen to a drug suspension, the Hornets lack an athletic, defensive presence who can rebound and block shots. They're hoping O'Bryant, the best center in the draft, is still on the board. Don't be surprised if they try to package their two first-round picks to move up to get O'Bryant.
However, if they're stuck at No. 12, Cedric Simmons or Hilton Armstrong could be the man. Simmons is very raw, but has the size and athleticism to be a significant presence in the paint down the road. If he's gone, Armstrong might be the pick. He's not as athletic as Simmons, but he's bigger and more skilled.
Philadelphia
Marcus Williams Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 205
Age: 20
School: UConn
The skinny: The Sixers have a lot of needs right now. They need a point guard so that they can move Allen Iverson back to the two where he belongs. They also need to begin developing a power forward who can take over when Chris Webber retires or breaks down.
The Sixers could reach a little here to take a player such as Hilton Armstrong or Alexander Johnson.
More likely they'll try to fill a hole in the backcourt. So would they take Marcus Williams, Randy Foye or Rajon Rondo?
Williams is the best pure point guard in the draft, but he's a below-average NBA athlete. Foye is a better athlete, has great versatility and is ready to play now, but there are questions about his ability to step in and play the point. Rondo is a freak athlete with great point guard instincts, and he's the best defender of the group -- but his inability to shoot the ball is a major problem.
Look for the Sixers to take a chance on Williams. He fits the Eric Snow model that once got them to the Finals.
Utah
Randy Foye Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
Age: 22
School: Villanova
The skinny: The Jazz's first priority is finding a scoring two guard. Roy, Foye and Redick are at the top of the list.
Foye could go as high as No. 5 to Atlanta (if the Shelden Williams rumors are bogus) or No. 6 to Minnesota. This scenario, with Foye falling all the way to No. 14, goes against previous expectations, but it is plausible.
Redick could also be an option here if he slips, though I'm sure owner Larry Miller has cooled on him after Redick's recent arrest.
If all three are off the board, the Jazz will look to fill their other need, at center. Greg Ostertag is retiring and no one believes that recently acquired Rafael Araujo is the long-term answer. The team could use an athletic shot-blocker to help out Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer in the paint.
Would they take Mouhamed Saer Sene? Karl Malone loved him when he came in for a workout. He's a project, but the Jazz might be ready to take a chance.
NO/OC Hornets
(via Milwaukee)
Rodney Carney Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205
Age: 22
School: Memphis
The skinny: The Hornets will be psyched if Carney is still on the board here. The team could use an athletic, sweet-shooting swingman and Carney has the experience to step right in and compete right away. Questions about Carney's toughness and desire are the only reasons he might slip this far.
If Carney is off the board, Thabo Sefolosha and Marcus Vinicius are possibilities.
Chicago
Thabo Sefolosha Position: SF
Height: 6-6
Weight: 215
Age: 22
Country: Switzerland
The skinny: If the Bulls go for a frontcourt player with pick No. 2, look for them to try to add a big two guard to fill their need in the backcourt. Brewer and Carney would be likely targets if they're still on the board. If they're not, the Bulls could turn to Sefolosha. He's long, athletic and experienced, and he has a balanced, all-around game.
Temple's Mardy Collins is another option here.
Or, if the Bulls decide to go for a player such as Roy at the top, an athletic forward like Alexander Johnson could be the guy.
Indiana
Alexander Johnson Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230
Age: 23
School: FSU
The skinny: The Pacers have a need for backups in both the frontcourt and the backcourt.
Johnson is a super-athletic power forward who can play a little like Kenyon Martin. With Jermaine O'Neal constantly nursing injuries, and potentially on the trading block, finding an option to replace him is essential.
If they decide instead to address their backcourt, Shannon Brown and Quincy Douby make some sense.
Washington
Rajon Rondo Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 171
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
The skinny: Rondo would be a steal for the Wizards.
Some GMs have Rondo ranked as the top point guard in the draft. He could go as high as No. 5 (Atlanta), No. 7 (Boston) or No. 13 (Philly). Rondo should be excellent in Eddie Jordan's up-tempo offense and allow Gilbert Arenas to swing to the two at times.
Mouhamed Saer Sene is also an option here, if available.
Sacramento
Sergio Rodriguez Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 170
Age: 19
Country: Spain
The skinny: Sacramento drafted Jason "White Chocolate" Williams and might take his Spanish clone, Sergio "Spanish Chocolate" Rodriguez. The Kings desperately need some help behind Mike Bibby. Rodriguez got off to a slow start early in the year because of injuries, but has looked like his scintillating self in the playoffs. He is quick, can run a team and can do it with flair. Another year in Spain and he'd have a chance at becoming a lottery pick, so this is a good get.
New York
(via Denver)
Shawne Williams Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 20
School: Memphis
The skinny: Jalen Rose will be gone soon and Knicks fans are still mourning the giveaway of Trevor Ariza at the deadline. Williams is a guy Knicks president Isiah Thomas can love. He is long and athletic, plays multiple positions and can shoot. He really needs another year of school, but playing for the Knicks is like playing for the JV at this point anyway. Brazil's Marcus Vinicius is another option here. Isiah is a fan.
Phoenix
(via L.A. Lakers)
Mouhamed Saer Sene Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 232
Age: 20
Country: Senegal
The skinny: Coach Mike D'Antoni loves small ball, but that doesn't mean he'll pass on a talented big man. The Suns are hoping that either Hilton Armstrong or Mouhamed Saer Sene falls to them.
Sene is a bigger project than Armstrong, but he has more upside for a team willing to wait. Phoenix would be a perfect fit for him. The Suns also like Sergio Rodriguez.
If all three are off the board, the Ukraine's Olexisy Pecherov would be a good fit. He's 6-11, athletic, can shoot the 3 and has developed into an excellent rebounder in France this season. Think of a tougher version of Keith Van Horn.
New Jersey
(via L.A. Clippers)
Kyle Lowry Position: PG
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
Age: 20
School: Villanova
The skinny: The Nets desperately need to upgrade their bench, both in the frontcourt and in the backcourt. Lowry is a super-athletic, scrappy point guard who could help the Nets restore the frantic pace they like to play. He's not the best shooter in the world, but he does just about everything else well. With another year in college, he might've been a lottery pick. That would make him a steal at No. 22.
Rajon Rondo (if he slips this far) and Jordan Farmar are also possibilities at this spot.
New Jersey
Shannon Brown Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
Age: 20
School: Mich St
The skinny: If the Nets go small with the No. 22 pick, it would make sense for them to go big with pick No. 23.
The problem is that there aren't a lot of bigs at this point that make sense. Alexander Johnson would work, but he's no longer a lock to be here.
A trade is a real possibility here, with the Nets either packaging two picks to move up or moving No. 23 for a future pick.
If they keep it, look for them to find another scrappy, athletic player at the two or the three. It could come down to Brown or P.J. Tucker. Both have great toughness and energy. Brown's ability to shoot the ball could put him over the top.
Memphis
Jordan Farmar Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: UCLA
The skinny: The Grizzlies have been searching for a center ever since Bryant Reeves retired. With Lorenzen Wright hitting free agency this summer, the need has never been greater. However, with O'Bryant, Armstrong and Sene off the board, there won't be many options left.
If they can't find anyone for the frontcourt, they'd be smart to grab Farmar. They have a pretty big question mark at the point. No one is sure whether Damon Stoudamire will return at 100 percent this season, and Chucky Atkins is a free agent.
Cleveland
Olexsiy Pecherov Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 222
Age: 21
Country: Ukraine
The skinny: Danny Ferry is praying that one of the top point guards -- Rondo, Lowry, Rodriguez or Farmar -- falls to him here. Eric Snow peaked years ago and it looks like Damon Jones is on the downslope of his career, too.
If they're all gone, the Cavs might try to go big, as insurance should Drew Gooden get an offer they don't want to match in free agency. Pecherov has turned into an accomplished rebounder in France this year and can really shoot from long range.
L.A. Lakers
Guillermo Diaz Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
Age: 20
School: Miami
The skinny: The Lakers don't need a pure point guard in the triangle, so Diaz should be a good fit. He is tough and super-athletic, and he's improved his stroke dramatically. Diaz would give Phil Jackson another backcourt scoring option besides you-know-who.
Ideally, however, the Lakers will move up in the draft and upgrade this position to someone like Brandon Roy.
Phoenix
Quincy Douby Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 175
Age: 22
School: Rutgers
The skinny: Douby should thrive in the Suns' small-ball system. He plays multiple positions, is great from long range and knows how to light up the scoreboard. With Leandro Barbosa just one year from free agency (and with the Suns looking pretty capped out), Douby could be a worthy replacement. Michigan State's Maurice Ager and Texas' Daniel Gibson are also good options here.
Dallas
Maurice Ager Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 202
Age: 22
School: Mich St
The skinny: The Mavs can always use a player who can stroke the ball, and Ager was that guy for the Spartans all year. His combination of athleticism, defense and shooting ability should make him a nice replacement for Jerry Stackhouse when Stack's contract expires in the summer of 2007.
New York
(via San Antonio)
Josh Boone Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 237
Age: 21
School: UConn
The skinny: The rumor swirling around Orlando was that the Knicks cut a deal to draft Boone here, prompting him to stay in the draft. Boone has all the raw tools to be a steal here. He is long and athletic and has a great motor when he gets involved in the game. But he disappears for long stretches and seems, at times, to be disinterested in the game, so his stock isn't where it could be. But at this point in the draft, what's to lose?
Portland
(via Detroit)
Joel Freeland Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 225
Age: 19
Country: England
The skinny: The Blazers don't need more rookies, so don't be shocked if they take a flier on a kid who's still several years away. Freeland has been playing basketball for only three years, but he showed well enough in the Reebok Eurocamp for a team to take a chance on him with the last pick of the first round.
The Blazers could leave him in Spain for two more years and then end up with a very good, energetic big man who's ready to step in and play in 2008.
Croatia's Damir Markota is also a possibility here.
Other potential first rounders: Mardy Collins, James White, Marcus Vinicius Viera de Souza, Leon Powe, Daniel Gibson, Yotam Halperin, P. J. Tucker, James Augustine, Paul Davis, Darius Washington, Damir Markota, Mike Gansey, Will Blalock, Taj Gray, Dee Brown, Paul Millsap.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -
Re: Chad Ford's Mock Draft III
thanks UBComment
-
Re: Chad Ford's Mock Draft III
was already posted in the mock draft threadThe poster "pacertom" since this forum began (and before!). I changed my name here to "Slick Pinkham" in honor of the imaginary player That Bobby "Slick" Leonard picked late in the 1971 ABA draft (true story!).Comment
-
Re: Chad Ford's Mock Draft III
Mardy Collins has dropped like a rock. Out of the first round? I would be happy with him in the second. This guy looked like a lock lotto pick two weeks ago.
Comment
-
Re: Chad Ford's Mock Draft III
Damn, If Aldridge drops to #6, I REALLY want that Minnesota pick.
If Mardy drops to the 2nd .... I'd do what it took to get him as well. What a wet dream though. It'll never happen.Comment
Tweet
Comment