2006 NBA draft thoughts

[Bob Saccamano]

My friend has sources around the NBA. And I know they are legit because last year he knwe about DJ and Donyell days before it was released.

He says there is a rumor that Cleveland and Portland are discussing a trade involving Luke Jackson,#25 for Juan Dixon, 30, 31. Great for Cleveland.

This will only go down if the trade between Celtics and Portland (Telfair for Dickau, #7) doesn't happen.

Then, Cavs trade 30,31 for a low 20 pick-- Like 20,21,22.

These are rumors, but look for the Cavs to be active tonight.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

The last thing this team needs is an underachiever at the point guard position that couldn't shoot his load into Jenna Jameson's vagina, let alone a basketball into the hoop.

I understand your concern, but in this draft, there isnt a guy that would fit our needs, like a Jason Terry type pg, that can shoot and take the ball to the hole and play defense.

So the reason I like Rando, is b/c he hasnt even tapped into his potential, Kentucky, played a slow down half court game, that didnt let him use his athletic ability. He can score off the dribble and is an incredible defender.

The reason everyone is calling for a shooting pg is b/c we have Eric Snow right now, and he can't make a 12 footer, but Rajon has been working with Michael Jordan's shooting coach and from all reports I have read his shot has been improving. As long as he can make an 18 footer we are ok, b/c he can stretch the Defense.

I would compare him to Devon Harris, who stepped up and lit it up in the playoffs. I honestly do not like Farmar b/c I think he was way overrated and his overall quickness and speed is not going to translate to a dominant pg in the nba like Rajon.

Honestly if Rajon is not there I don't have any idea who I would want.

It will be fun to watch tonite, b/c I have heard that Cleveland might get involved as the third team with Boston and Philly in a trade that would send Gooden to Philly AI to Boston and not sure who to Cleveland.

 

[BuckBackHome]

My friend has sources around the NBA. And I know they are legit because last year he knwe about DJ and Donyell days before it was released.

He says there is a rumor that Cleveland and Portland are discussing a trade involving Luke Jackson,#25 for Juan Dixon, 30, 31. Great for Cleveland.

Similar comments on Cleveland.com in the Cavs forum.

 

[OH10]

There are certain players in this draft that I really like, players that would could play a role with the Cavs, and then there's the rest, players I wouldn't trade Damon Jones for.

Those that I really like (players the Cavs can't get without a big trade):

1. Brandon Roy
2. Tyrus Thomas
3. Adam Morrison (although not for the Cavs, just in general)
4. Marcus Williams
5. Quincy Douby (just in general like his game and think it will translate well)

.... and uh, that's it.

Those that I would like to have fill a role, but wouldn't necessarily be starters:

1. Dee Brown
2. Mike Gansey
3. Mardy Collins
4. Steve Novak
5. Kevin Pittsnogle
6. Allan Ray

And outside of those eleven, there isn't another player in this draft (outside of some unknown international player) that I have confidence would be able to contribute on the Cavs.

EDIT: The first five I mention just happen to be the only players in this draft that I think have any potential to become all-stars someday. Obviously, a player like Morrison would not fit with Lebron. I just happen to like his game.

 

[akronbuck]

not sure if its been posted but, this is by far the weakest draft I've ever seen. I'll be suprized if there is an even NBA starter in this draft

If I had a lottery pick I would trade it away to some big time loser for next years or after to get to take a chance on these kids that have to wait a year. Oden,,,,,,,

 

[wadc45]

I think if Rondo or Rodriguez are there at #25, you have to take one of them. I like both of them better than Farmar, although I have turned the corner on him a little. I just don't see him as a true PG. I don't know if it has been mentioned on here, but I like the idea I read about on DraftExpress of the Cavs landing PJ Tucker with their #42. I like that way better than the idea of Paul Davis, although at least Davis can get up and down the floor, which is obviously what you need out of your big man when you get to the playoffs (look how quickley Zyndrunas disappeared in the Washington series...he went from playing 35 minutes a night to playing 21 minutes a night). Sergio and PJ would be a nice 1-2 in this thin draft pool...especially because Tucker brings a little defense and a little attitude to the table.

 

[AirForceBuck]

not sure if its been posted but, this is by far the weakest draft I've ever seen. I'll be suprized if there is an even NBA starter in this draft

If I had a lottery pick I would trade it away to some big time loser for next years or after to get to take a chance on these kids that have to wait a year. Oden,,,,,,,

I somewhat agree. I think there will be a few starters, maybe 1or 2 future All-Stars, but no legends in this field. This is a very weak draft, which is suprising because there are a plethera of kids leaving great college programs.

 

[OH10]

I think if Rondo or Rodriguez are there at #25, you have to take one of them.

I can't stress enough how much I dislike Rondo's game. I know CB40 made the comparison to Devin Harris, but it's not even close to valid. Many of us Buckeye fans remember how strong of a leader he was at Wisconsin, and that he was a very clutch player, w/ a nice jumper I might add.

Rondo is nothing more than a younger version of Eric Snow, without the leadership qualities and humility. People talk about him seeing a shot-doctor. But he's been playing basketball most of his life. The fact is he can't shoot, and never has been able to shoot. And he won't "learn" to be able to shoot because he doesn't have the talent for it. He shot under 30% from the 3-point line and under 60% from the foul line last year. That's pathetic.

He plays uninspired basketball, and has not leadership qualities that I can discern. He thinks he can get by on his athletic ability, but fails to realize that just about everyone in the NBA has freakish athletic ability. He's garbage and I don't want him on the Cavs.

I like both of them better than Farmar, although I have turned the corner on him a little. I just don't see him as a true PG.

I don't like Farmar either. He's not enough of a scorer, and not enough of a passer. Bad combo IMO. He's used to having the offense revolve around him, and needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Sorry, but the offense revolves around Lebron, and as I've stated in other threads, Lebron needs the ball in his hands to be effective.

I don't know if it has been mentioned on here, but I like the idea I read about on DraftExpress of the Cavs landing PJ Tucker with their #42.

As a second-round pick, I wouldn't bitch about Tucker. But you're looking for a role player in the second round (usually), and there are plenty of talented outside shooters that should be available.

I like that way better than the idea of Paul Davis, although at least Davis can get up and down the floor, which is obviously what you need out of your big man when you get to the playoffs (look how quickley Zyndrunas disappeared in the Washington series...he went from playing 35 minutes a night to playing 21 minutes a night).

If the Cavs draft Paul Davis, I'll throw up in my mouth. He's the Rondo of the big men in this draft. He plays like a pussy, and thinks he can get by on talent alone. NEWSFLASH!! Everyone in the NBA has talent. It's the intangibles that set you apart. Rondo and Davis don't have it.

 

[akronbuck]

I somewhat agree. I think there will be a few starters, maybe 1or 2 future All-Stars, but no legends in this field. This is a very weak draft, which is suprising because there are a plethera of kids leaving great college programs.

which ones you think have a chance being a starter? I'm lost on this one. None of the big guys will and some of the others are good but, not great.
I hope I'm wrong but, there is usually a bunch of players each year I'm excited about but, this year I would hate to be a GM for an NBA team

 

[AirForceBuck]

which ones you think have a chance being a starter? I'm lost on this one. None of the big guys will and some of the others are good but, not great.
I hope I'm wrong but, there is usually a bunch of players each year I'm excited about but, this year I would hate to be a GM for an NBA team

I have hopes for the underdogs like Brewer and Farmar. I dont see players like Reddick, Sheldon Williams, Morrison, Gay,etc. becoming superstars the way they were in college, thats why I turn to the guys flying under the radar (somewhat). I agree though with you, it was an exciting year for college basketball, but the GMs I feel wont be getting the satisfaction they have in recent past. It seems like the bigger names that are comming out have potential, but not enough experience (ie. Raja Rando).

 

[akronbuck]

I have hopes for the underdogs like Brewer and Farmar. I dont see players like Reddick, Sheldon Williams, Morrison, Gay,etc. becoming superstars the way they were in college, thats why I turn to the guys flying under the radar (somewhat). I agree though with you, it was an exciting year for college basketball, but the GMs I feel wont be getting the satisfaction they have in recent past. It seems like the bigger names that are comming out have potential, but not enough experience (ie. Raja Rando).

very good, same here. Just a bunch of maybes for any team down the roads.

I do like sheldon williams to come around as a good PF later on with experience

 

[crazybuckfan40]

I can't stress enough how much I dislike Rondo's game. I know CB40 made the comparison to Devin Harris, but it's not even close to valid. Many of us Buckeye fans remember how strong of a leader he was at Wisconsin, and that he was a very clutch player, w/ a nice jumper I might add.

Rondo is nothing more than a younger version of Eric Snow, without the leadership qualities and humility. People talk about him seeing a shot-doctor. But he's been playing basketball most of his life. The fact is he can't shoot, and never has been able to shoot. And he won't "learn" to be able to shoot because he doesn't have the talent for it. He shot under 30% from the 3-point line and under 60% from the foul line last year. That's pathetic.

He plays uninspired basketball, and has not leadership qualities that I can discern. He thinks he can get by on his athletic ability, but fails to realize that just about everyone in the NBA has freakish athletic ability. He's garbage and I don't want him on the Cavs.

As a UK fan, I'd love to see him in the wine & gold. He would represent an instant and significant upgrade on defense. He'd look great alongside Larry Hughes. He can drive to the rack and finish. He's the best rebounder at the guard spot in this draft. Since the Cavs are probably losing Gooden, that would help address the loss of his presence on the boards. His J is suspect, and I know the Cavs could use some more consistent outside shooting. His quickness, anticipation and length cannot be taught though, and I think he can improve his jumper. I don't know that he'll ever be a consistent 3-pt. threat, but I think he can solidify his 15-18 footer and become very dangerous.

I remember remarking during this past (dismal) college basketball season that if UK combined Rondo and Patrick Sparks, they would have one helluva player. Rondo was good from 15-feet and in, Sparks was good from 15-feet and beyond. Like I said though, if Rondo can make an occasional three, and starts knocking down the mid-range jumpers consistently, he's the most dangerous PG on the board.

Here is jlb's take on him after watching him at UK.

I just think that in a draft like this, you go more off of potential at times, especially late in the first round and athletic ability, in hopes that they can develop the skills. Why not take a guy that you know can at least play great defense and push the ball up and down the court.

 

[OH10]

Here is jlb's take on him after watching him at UK.

I just think that in a draft like this, you go more off of potential at times, especially late in the first round and athletic ability, in hopes that they can develop the skills. Why not take a guy that you know can at least play great defense and push the ball up and down the court.

I don't believe you should draft on potential in a draft like this, especially if, like the Cavs, you already have your superstar. You draft by who you know can be humble and contribute.

If Tubby Smith couldn't coach Rondo to play with consistent energy and heart, no one can.

Three guys I would really stay away from in this draft:

1. Rudy Gay
2. Lamarcus Aldridge
3. Rajon Rondo

All guys that have "potential" and "upside", but have done very little in big games. Avoid players that have "potential" coupled with a lack of heart or leadership ability - because these players will never reach their potential.

EDIT: I hate to sound like Dick Vitale, but in a draft like this, you gotta look hard at the players that have been leaders at the college level - they present the least amount of risk. I think we can all agree that there is no Lebron James or Dwyane Wade in this draft (not even close). So go with the safe player that will contribute to your team - especially if you have your star already.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

I don't believe you should draft on potential in a draft like this, especially if, like the Cavs, you already have your superstar. You draft by who you know can be humble and contribute.

If Tubby Smith couldn't coach Rondo to play with consistent energy and heart, no one can.

Three guys I would really stay away from in this draft:

1. Rudy Gay
2. Lamarcus Aldridge
3. Rajon Rondo

All guys that have "potential" and "upside", but have done very little in big games. Avoid players that have "potential" coupled with a lack of heart or leadership ability - because these players will never reach their potential.

EDIT: I hate to sound like Dick Vitale, but in a draft like this, you gotta look hard at the players that have been leaders at the college level - they present the least amount of risk. I think we can all agree that there is no Lebron James or Dwyane Wade in this draft (not even close). So go with the safe player that will contribute to your team - especially if you have your star already.

I agree completely, but just from watching these guys on tv it is hard to really tell what goes on behind the scenes. Some guys are quite leaders. Alot of people love Brandon Roy, along with myself, but he stood up MJ for a personal workout. Then there are guys that have been going to every workout to improve their stock. There is a lot of things that go into a draft like this, and sometimes you have to take a risk. I am sure teams wish they would of taken a risk on Josh Howard who was a good college player with potential. Look what he is doing know.

 

[OH10]

I agree completely, but just from watching these guys on tv it is hard to really tell what goes on behind the scenes. Some guys are quite leaders. Alot of people love Brandon Roy, along with myself, but he stood up MJ for a personal workout. Then there are guys that have been going to every workout to improve their stock. There is a lot of things that go into a draft like this, and sometimes you have to take a risk. I am sure teams wish they would of taken a risk on Josh Howard who was a good college player with potential. Look what he is doing know.

I really like Roy's game, and if it weren't for his knee surgeries, I think he'd have been the number 1 pick. He's that polished.

Draft Notes:

1. Toronto took Bargnani for one simple reason. He's an international player that won't leave after he becomes a free agent in 4 years. Certainly, he's a huge risk, and probably won't be an all-star. But Toronto has been burned too many times by American players.

2. Isiah Thomas is a bona fide MORON. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but everytime they show the Eddy Curry deal on tv, the more I'm convinced that Isiah belongs in a mental hospital. What a fucking idiot that guy is.

3. Love the Charlotte pick of Morrison. I really like his game. He's a scorer, can create his own shot, and can create shots for others. Forget the lack of athleticism, because it's his craftiness that sets him apart and gets him good looks.