2007 OFF-SEASON COVERAGE
2007 NBA DRAFT
Welcome to the 2007 NBA Draft, where one right pick can change the face of a franchise, and one bad pick can set a team back a few years. Without further ado let's cross direct to the Draft as NBA Commissioner David Stern is about to read out the 1st pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
1st ROUND
Stern: “With the 1st pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select Chris Paul of Wake Forest University.”
1. Chicago: PG- Chris Paul, Wake Forest
NLSC: “No surprise here. Chris Paul was easily the best prospect available and makes a sensible pick. I don’t know how he will fit in with the already stacked Bulls as they re-signed Kirk Hinrich. Something has to give, but you can’t fault the Bulls here. Take the best player on board and they did in the Deamon Deacons’ star junior PG. But how happy can he be not running his own team?”
Stern: “With the 2nd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select Deron Williams of the University of Illinois.”
2. LA Clippers: PG- Deron Williams, Illinois
NLSC: “I thought they might look towards Bargnani, Aldridge or Morrison, but I can’t fault this pick. The Clippers wanted to upgrade their PG position and get someone to push Shaun Livingston. Williams will push Livingston for his starting spot and at worst is a terrific backup combo guard. A nice pick for LA’s other team. Only question though has to do with NLSC-er Paul Watson, who seemed to be making great strides to his game in the off-season and was poised to become the Clippers’ primary backup PG. Now he’s stucked as 3rd string PG again.”
Stern: “With the 3rd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the New Jersey Nets select Andrea Bargnani of Italy.”
3. New Jersey: PF- Andrea Bargnani, Italy
NLSC: “This is a nice pick by the Nets. I thought they might go with a SG like Adam Morrison, but in the end they wanted a frontcourt player who could develop into something special. That is exactly what the Italian Bargnani could, as he has been compared to Dirk Nowitzki on many occasions. The Nets will be hoping he is one Euro that pans out.”
Stern: “With the 4th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select Adam Morrison of Gonzaga University.”
4. Atlanta: SG- Adam Morrison, Gonzaga
NLSC: “Damn, this was not a good pick by the Hawks. Atlanta is already stocked at the swingmen positions and this was the last thing they needed. The Hawks are in dire need of a starting PG, and with Chris Paul and Deron Williams already off the board, it would not have been too much of a stretch for them to grab Raymond Felton. Otherwise, a big man like LaMarcus Aldridge, Josh Boone or Shelden Williams would have been a better option to strengthen the frontcourt. I can’t help but scratch my head on this one as Morrison will sit behind Al Harrington, Josh Childress and Josh Smith.”
Stern: “With the 5th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors select LaMarcus Aldridge of the University of Texas.”
5. Golden State: PF- LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas
NLSC: “Nice pick by the Warriors. Aldridge is a potential star at the PF position. The Warriors are always in need of talented bigmen and this was definitely the right pick for them. The jury’s out on whether he’ll help them much this season, but the future definitely looks a little brighter for the dismal Warriors with Aldridge in uniform.”
Stern: “With the 6th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select Raymond Felton of the University of North Carolina.”
6. Cleveland: PG- Raymond Felton, North Carolina
NLSC: “This was another great pick. The Cavaliers needed a PG badly, and getting him at this point is a big score. Combined with LBJ and Gerald Green, the playoffs should be on the cards in 2008.”
Stern: “With the 7th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select Josh Boone of the University of Connecticut.”
7. Toronto: PF- Josh Boone, Connecticut
NLSC: “The Raptors’ ongoing search for a capable big man continued as they once again used a mid-lottery pick on a big (2004 – Aruajo, 2006 – Vazquez). However, I think Boone has a lot better chance of panning out than the previous two players mentioned. He’s big, with more room in the weight room he’ll be able to play the centre position as well as PF, and he learnt a lot from playing with Okafor for a couple of seasons. A nice pick by the Raptors.”
Stern: “With the 8th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Seattle Supersonics select Sam Anurak out of St. Vincent-St. Mary HS.”
8. Seattle: SG- Sam “CB4” Anurak, St. Vincent-St. Mary HS (OH)
NLSC: “What is that Wally thinking, the Sonics didn’t need another guard. They already had Ray Allen, Julian “Honorism” Iwanaka, Luke Ridnour, Antonio Daniels and Jing “jxuusa” Xu. All of the aforementioned players are immensely talented and there is already not enough minutes to go around. So what do they do, they pick a high school SG to squeeze into the rotation. Crazy! Don’t get me wrong, Sam “CB4” Anurak is a nice prospect who should turn out nice, but how will it help his development to be put into such a logjam. I’ve got a feeling something is happening in Seattle, maybe Xu might be moved after his unconvincing rookie campaign. Hmmm….Shelden Williams, Sean May and Ike Diogu were big men who could help….hmmm….”
Stern: “With the 9th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select Sean May of the University of North Carolina.”
9. Milwaukee: PF- Sean May, North Carolina
NLSC: “Nice pick by the Bucks as they go big by adding UNC’s Sean May, who will strengthen the Bucks’ interior offense and rebounding. A solid pick at this juncture.”
Stern: “With the 10th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Hornets select Shelden Williams of Duke University.”
10. New Orleans: PF- Shelden Williams, Duke
NLSC: “Another good pick as the Hornets add a quality big man to lessen the load that the talented guards (B-Diddy and J.R. Smith) are carrying. Williams should be able to step in right away and help this team.”
Stern: “With the 11th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select Flo Ruf, out of Germany.”
11. Phoenix: PG- Flo “pHLo” Ruf, Germany
NLSC: “This has to be a dream situation for the German youngster as he’ll be learning off one of the best in the Suns’ Steve Nash. Nash probably has another couple of seasons leading the Suns, then this is Ruf’s team for the taking. A nice pick by the Suns to add talent and insurance for the ageing Steve Nash.”
Stern: “With the 12th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select Rodney Carney of the University of Memphis.”
12. Philadelphia: SF- Rodney Carney, Memphis
NLSC: “The 76ers drafted themselves another athlete, who is not all that different from Andre Iguodala. Rodney Carney is a very nice athlete who has very good potential and could have easily gone half a dozen spots higher in this year’s draft. The 76ers are not complaining as they added another piece to the puzzle. Although I do have to wonder if the 76ers should have looked at Ike Diogu. Good pick nonetheless.”
Stern: “With the 13th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select Cyriel Klitsie out of the University of West Georgia.”
13. Utah: SF- Cyriel “ceekay” Klitsie, West Georgia
NLSC: “Does anyone else think that AK47 had something to do with this pick?!? As a fellow Russian, Cyriel Klitsie finds himself playing with Russia’s best basketball export. Like Kirilenko, Klitsie loves to play aggressive D and should become a crowd favourite pretty quickly. “Ceekay” as he is also known still has a lot of work to do on his offensive repertoire, but should earn playing time under Jerry Sloan based on his defensive ability aloan. Not a bad pick by the Jazz.”
Stern: “With the 14th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Portland Trailblazers select Desmond Jackson of the University of Memphis.”
14. Portland: SG- Desmond “SbHzMaFiA” Jackson, Memphis
NLSC: “This is a superb pick by the Blazers who add an uber-talented combo guard to essentially form their backcourt of the future (Telfair, Cocobee and Jackson). For a moment here I thought that Desmond Jackson might get drafted ahead of his college teammate Rodney Carney, but they both went in the last 2 of 3 picks in the lottery, confirming the Tigers’ status as one of the premier college teams last season. A great pick by the Blazers to close out the lottery.”
Stern: “With the 15th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers select Mardy Collins out of Temple University.”
15. Indiana: PG- Mardy Collins, Temple
NLSC: “This was a very nice pick by the Pacers. Mardy Collins should immediately step in and back up Tinsley and Jackson at the PG and SG positions. They couldn’t have done much better with this pick.”
Stern: “With the 16th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets sselect Rashad McCants of the University of North Carolina.”
16. Charlotte: SG- Rashad McCants, North Carolina
NLSC: “The Bobcats were upset to see that for the 2nd straight year that their guy (it was Gerald Green last year, and Mardy Collins this year) get picked one spot prior to their pick. In dire need of a SG, Charlotte is putting their faith in UNC’s star SG Rashad McCants. They flirted with adding Ike Diogu, who seems to be dropping far, but eventually team needs come over best available talent. Another solid pick by the Bobcats.”
Stern: “With the 17th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics select Ike Diogu of Arizona State University.”
17. Boston: PF- Ike Diogu, Arizona State
NLSC: “When the Celtics saw that Diogu was still on board, they pounced and I don’t think they could be any happier as they add a talented PF, who should have gone in the lottery, to their lineup. Diogu is an offensive weapon who should fit right in with the Celtics and contribute from the get-go. I thought Celtics might take Jarrett Jack or Roko Ukic here, but Diogu was their man.”
Stern: “With the 18th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select Marcus Slaughter out of the University of San Diego State.”
18. Orlando: SF- Marcus Slaughter, San Deigo State
NLSC: “Whilst Slaughter was a little bit of a stretch at 18, at least the Magic didn’t pick another PG. I personally think Linas Kleiza would have helped them more now, but this could turn into a good pick if Slaughter fills out and develops his game. He has the potential, we just all wonder when he will capitalize on it.”
Stern: “With the 19th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Jarrett Jack of the University of Georgia Tech.”
19. LA Lakers: PG- Jarrett Jack, Georgia Tech
NLSC: “This was the perfect pick for the Lakers as Jarrett Jack slipped a few spots into their hands. Their need for a good backup PG showed in last season’s playoffs when star rookie PG Leo “Seraph” Reyes went down with injury and the Lakers were forced to play an unknown rookie SG at that spot. The Lakers have learnt their lesson with this great pickup and could possibly challenge a little more in the West this season.”
Stern: “With the 20th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Hassan Adams of the University of Arizona.”
20. Washington: SG- Hassan Adams, Arizona
NLSC: “What were the Wizards thinking?!? They only already had Larry Hughes, Ronald Murray and the improving Silva “Melo” Biason as SG’s, and they go and pick another. Some of these GM’s would be better served in another job..”
Stern: “With the 21st pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the New York Knickerbockers select Paul Davis of Michigan State University.”
21. New York: PF- Paul Davis, Michigan State
*New York crowd boos loudly*
NLSC: “Whilst the crowd obviously doesn’t like it, I think this was a pretty decent pick. Davis should be able to play both the PF and C positions. Let’s just hope the New York faithful are kind to him early or this one could get ugly.”
Stern: “With the 22nd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat select John Gilchrist of Maryland University.”
22. Miami: PG- John Gilchrist, Maryland
NLSC: “This was a nice pickup as Gilchrist went back for his senior season and his game and outlook matured immensely. He will make a very nice backup PG for Dwayne Wade, or could eventually play alongside him in the Heat backcourt of the future.”
Stern: “With the 23rd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select Linas Kleiza of the University of Missouri.”
23. Denver: SF- Linas Kleiza, Missouri
NLSC: “Kleiza’s aggressive and hustle is something that every coach loves, and every opponents dreads. Kleiza is a nice pickup who should no doubt add more strength and resolve for the Nuggets.”
Stern: “With the 24th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select Predrag Samardziski of Macedonia.”
24. Memphis: C- Predrag Samardziski, Macedonia
NLSC: “Desperate for a C, the Grizzlies stretched at this Macedonia big man. Jury’s out on this kid, he’s probably a stiff who will pan out no better than Jake the Greek.”
Stern: “With the 25th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select Roko Leni-Ukic of Croatia.”
25. Houston: PG- Roko Leni-Ukic, Croatia
NLSC: “This was a gimme pick. The Rockets had been using Charlie Ward as their starting PG. That says everything in itself. Provided they don’t sign another PG, Ukic should step in right away and start next to last year’s pick Honor Glow. A nice pick by the Rockets.”
Stern: “With the 26th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Kosta Perovic of Serbia and Montenegro.”
26. Dallas: C- Kosta Perovic, Serbia and Montenegro
NLSC: “Last season the Mavericks gave away their 1st Round pick for a 2nd Round pick as they didn’t want a contract, this season they used it on a space filler. Who knows, Perovic might be able to help. Probably not, but he gives you 6 fouls per game.”
Stern: “With the 27th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select Matt Walsh of the University of Florida.”
27. Minnesota: SG- Matt Walsh, Florida
NLSC: “With the retirement of Latrell Sprewell the Wolves were starting to look a big thin on the perimeter. Whilst he’s not Spree, Walsh does provide a quality threat from deep and should help them on some level this season.”
Stern: “With the 28th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select Kelenna Azubuike of the University of Kentucky.”
28. San Antonio: SG- Kelenna Azubuike, Kentucky
NLSC: “Wow, this one was a shock. Everyone had Azubuike going in the mid-2nd Round at best. Obviously the Spurs have seen something the like in the raw Wildcats’ guard. He could develop and I would never question a San Antonio draft selection.”
Stern: “With the 29th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Daniel Brown of the University of Illinois.”
29. Sacramento: PG- Daniel “Dee” Brown, Illinois
NLSC: “Whilst Brown is nice, the Kings already had Mike Bibby, Bobby Jackson and Nate Robinson (last season’s draft pick). Now they go and pick another pretty good PG. Not enough balls and minutes to go around here. Who’s getting traded?!?”
Stern: “With the 30th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select Steven Smith of the University of LaSalle.”
30. Memphis: SF- Steven Smith, LaSalle
NLSC: “The Pistons wanted a backup at the SF position and LaSalle’s Steven Smith was probably the best available as he sneaks into the final spot of the 1st Round. Smith should have a nice career as a backup SF. Anything more than that is up in the air.”
2nd ROUND
David Stern hands the podium to Vice Commissioner Russ Granik to finish off proceedings.
31. Atlanta: SF- Marcus Vicinius, Brazil
32. LA Clippers: SG- JJ Reddick, Duke
33. New Jersey: PF- Matt Haryasz, Stanford
34. Chicago: C- Mile Ilic, Serbia & Montenegro
35. Golden State: SG- Tiras Wade, Lafayette
36. Cleveland: PF- Pops Mensah-Bonsu, George Washington
37. Toronto: PF- Taj Gray, Oklahoma
38. Seattle: PF- James Augustine, Illinois
39. Milwaukee: SG- Maurice Ager, Michigan State
40. New Orleans: SG- Denham Brown, Connecticut
41. Phoenix: PF- Eric Williams, Wake Forest
42. Philadelphia: PF- Torrin Francis, Notre Dame
43. Utah: SG- Vincent Grier, Minnesota
44. Indiana: SF- Nik Caner-Medley, Maryland
45. Charlotte: SG- Alex Aker, Pepperdine
46. Boston: SG- Bracey Wright, Indiana
47. Orlando: SG- Brandon Roy, Washington
48. Portland: PG- Anthony Roberson, Florida
49. LA Lakers: PF- Hilton Armstrong, Connecticut
50. Washington: SF- Chuck Davis, Alabama
51. New York: PF- Jason Fraser, Villanova
52. Miami: C- Tang Zhengdong, China
53. Denver: SF- Ivan Chiriaev, Russia
54. Memphis: C- Marcin Gortat, Poland
55. Houston: PG- Gerry McNamara, Syracuse
56. Dallas: PG- Ivan Koljevic, Serbia and Montenegro
57. Minnesota: PG- Taquan Dean, Louisville
58. San Antonio: PF- R. Terry (generated by EA)
59. Sacramento: SG- L. West (generated by EA)
60. Detroit: SF- Craig Smith, Boston College
NLSC: “Back just in time to see Boston College star Craig Smith get picked. Unlike a lot of the players picked in the 2nd Round, I think he has a chance to make the team. As for the guys who didn’t get drafted today, the biggest snubbees were Europeans Viktor Keirou and Franko Kastropil, both of whom I thought would land somewhere in the mid-to-late 2nd Round. They’ll have to do the hard way in summer leagues or return to Europe for more seasoning.”
Well that concludes the 2007 Draft. To recap, the Bobcats ended up drafting SG- Rashad McCants (#16) and SG- Alex Acker (#45).
Let me know what you think of the draft coverage and who you think won and lost on the day. Some of you might be happy where you ended up, but I know for sure a couple of you won't.
Sorry I didn't do the new players in new jersey thing, ran out of time....
I'll post Free Agency signings and the trade period probably tomorrow if I get the chance....
X
by The X on Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:18 pm 
That was the player you've been talking about the whole year, but as you said it wasnt meant to be.
