X's Hypothetical Draft Do-overs *1984 Posted*

[Dan's Brain]

Did Abdul-Wahad ever play for the French National team? And does he still?

[Cartar]

Dampier wasn´t nr 4th pick, he was 10th. One of the greatest draft overall, especially lottery. Pretty much agree with everything.

[Sauru]

these redrafts always bug me when i see who the celtics could have taken vs who they ended up with

[Its_asdf]

Damn, a Jermaine and Garnett duo is scary to think about. The probably could've replaced the Lakers as the team to beat during the early 2000s.

[Sauru]

well, imagine if they went with nash instead of marbury. just imagine where the wolves could have been then.

[The X]

Dampier wasn´t nr 4th pick, he was 10th. One of the greatest draft overall, especially lottery. Pretty much agree with everything.

Thanks, yeah, I knew he went #10, just was late when I was finishing up the re-draft & didn't change the template....very strong lottery....the draft after the lottery was very weak, outside of a few good role players....

[Lamrock]

Great re-draft; what a spectacular draft. I agree with all of the picks, but I'm surprised you have Walker so low. In the first few years of his career, he was almost a superstar, being an All-Starter once or twice I think.

[benji]

Nah, Walker had one near All-Star year in his entire career. I don't see why Dallas doesn't take Wallace over him. Or Ilgauskas. Or Pedja.

I found this pick easier than I expected. Kobe might be the best player now, but Iverson owed him & the league for the first 6 or 7 years of his career.

No. No. I hate Kobe Bryant as a human being, but no. Kobe is the better player by 2000. And Iverson never "owned" the league.

If the team were to hold onto him (unlikely with the Clips of yesteryear)

The Clippers of "yesteryear" are run by the same guys as the Clippers of today. Everyone gets on the Clippers for not resigning free agents, but what superstar did they pass on resigning? None. The only person you can make the case against them on is Odom, who got way too big of contract, and needed that year in Miami to get things together.

Hell, the Clippers frugality conned the Timberwolves twice. (Olowokandi, Marko Jaric)

[Lamrock]

Nah, Walker had one near All-Star year in his entire career.

Actually, he went to the All-Star Game 3 times: in 1998, 2002 and 2003. Did he deserve it? Maybe not, but the fact of the matter is, I'm right this time... And, pre-Miami he was a career 20-8-4 guy.

[The X]

I found this pick easier than I expected. Kobe might be the best player now, but Iverson owed him & the league for the first 6 or 7 years of his career.

No. No. I hate Kobe Bryant as a human being, but no. Kobe is the better player by 2000. And Iverson never "owned" the league.

okay, an exaggeration on my behalf....it's more he owned his own draft class for the first half a decade....around 2001 or 2002 or the year after he went to the Finals & got MVP, Kobe surpassed him....I'd still take Iverson #1 marginally....

Nah, Walker had one near All-Star year in his entire career.

Actually, he went to the All-Star Game 3 times: in 1998, 2002 and 2003. Did he deserve it? Maybe not, but the fact of the matter is, I'm right this time... And, pre-Miami he was a career 20-8-4 guy.

the problem was that Walker wasn't that efficient of a player IMHO....he always shot around 40% from the field, 30% from 3pt land, & use to always chuck up 3pters....he didn't make his teammates really any better....I think around where I had him being picked is the right spot....I'd take Reef over Toine, but that's just me....

[jonthefon]

Walker liked the fancy stuff passing stuff, but those passes were really enigmas like what Kobe would toss out sometimes.

I think he would've disrupted the Dallas fast-break under Nellie if he kept bombing threes on the run. If he was reined in fast and well enough to check his shot, he'd fit in well with the Mavs.

[benji]

Actually, he went to the All-Star Game 3 times: in 1998, 2002 and 2003. Did he deserve it? Maybe not, but the fact of the matter is, I'm right this time... And, pre-Miami he was a career 20-8-4 guy.

Odd, the only year he actually was near All-Star quality he didn't go. And he would've barely made it that year as McGrady, Pierce, Brand and Glenn Robinson had better seasons.

That was also the only season other than 05-06 he shot 50% or higher. Walker is a loser who got gaudy per game stats because he played gobs of minutes. He has never been even close to being an average player on the offensive end. He was often at the top of the league in possessions that led to zero points.

Wallace and Ilgauskas are both true stars (one on the offensive end and one on the defenseive end) and would've filled a serious hole in Dallas. And Pedja is also an offensive powerhouse.

it's more he owned his own draft class for the first half a decade....around 2001 or 2002 or the year after he went to the Finals & got MVP, Kobe surpassed him....

I don't think he owned the class, that would imply he was miles above it like Duncan over his until McGrady came on. Ray Allen was basically as good the first four years, and by 2000 Kobe had surpassed them both. Iverson had an edge, but it wasn't massive over Marbury

[Silas]

See the thing is, Kobe was earning spots on All NBA and All Defensive teams by that time, and he was averaging 29, 32, and 26.6 ppg on a team with better Shaq. None of the other big time scorers from that draft class had as dominate of a scorer as he to play along side of. One could argue Ray Allen had his fair share of scorers (i.e. Robinson and Cassell) but I'd say Kobe really shined on the highest possible level where as Iverson and Allen did to a much, much lesser extent.

[The X]

yeah, I thought it might be a split decision on the AI/Kobe debate....it's not a split decision on who is the better player (Kobe), just on who would've been drafted....yep, 2000-01 was IMHO Kobe's breakout year (he was still good the previous 2 years though) into stardom as he averaged 28.5ppg....I think that was also the year that Iverson took the 76ers to the Finals & won MVP, but I could be wrong....by that time, I felt they were comparable players....after that, Kobe was clearly better....Kobe followed up that big year with 25.2ppg average in 2001-02 before bumping it up to 30.0ppg....in that span, Iverson averaged 31.1ppg, 31.4ppg & 27.6ppg respectively....but as we all know, scoring isn't the whole story, it's just one aspect of the game, so you can only read into it as much as you would like....it's worth checking out the PER's if you want....interestingly enough Kobe passes Iverson in the 2000 season....either way, I've said enough about AI, I'll let everyone else discuss it....


for another look & different perspective of the 1996 re-draft, check out the following link that Will asked me to post:
http://sitsnbablog.blogspot.com/

[Andrew]

3. Vancouver: PG- Steve Nash (picked #15)

I have no problem sending hometown boy to the Grizzlies. The perfect hometown product to build a franchise around, eventually. Many people say that Nash took quite a few years to get going. Forget about the stats, I recall watching Nash play as a rookie, & he was NBA ready. He had played 4 years college at Santa Clara & was the first true PG taken in the draft. The problem was that Nash was drafted into a situation where he was playing behind Jason Kidd & Kevin Johnson, who along with Nash, are the 3 best PG's the franchise has ever had, & all on the team at the same time. Whilst it probably helped his growth as a player to learn off them, I think Nash is that smart a player that he would've learnt regardless, & would've been forced to grow at a quicker pace. Nash to go home seems like a good pick.

Just to clarify, Nash wasn't actually immediately behind Jason Kidd when he was drafted by the Suns; it was Sam Cassell and Kevin Johnson until Cassell and AC Green were traded to the Mavericks for Kidd.

I can see the reasoning behind picking Iverson at #1 but I'm not sure the Sixers could pass up Kobe. It took him longer to establish himself as one of the league's true elite players than it did AI, but if the purpose of these re-drafts is to have teams changing their picks according to what we now know the Sixers would still be getting a player who would become one of the best players in the NBA, if not the best.

[The X]

3. Vancouver: PG- Steve Nash (picked #15)

I have no problem sending hometown boy to the Grizzlies. The perfect hometown product to build a franchise around, eventually. Many people say that Nash took quite a few years to get going. Forget about the stats, I recall watching Nash play as a rookie, & he was NBA ready. He had played 4 years college at Santa Clara & was the first true PG taken in the draft. The problem was that Nash was drafted into a situation where he was playing behind Jason Kidd & Kevin Johnson, who along with Nash, are the 3 best PG's the franchise has ever had, & all on the team at the same time. Whilst it probably helped his growth as a player to learn off them, I think Nash is that smart a player that he would've learnt regardless, & would've been forced to grow at a quicker pace. Nash to go home seems like a good pick.

Just to clarify, Nash wasn't actually immediately behind Jason Kidd when he was drafted by the Suns; it was Sam Cassell and Kevin Johnson until Cassell and AC Green were traded to the Mavericks for Kidd.

I can see the reasoning behind picking Iverson at #1 but I'm not sure the Sixers could pass up Kobe. It took him longer to establish himself as one of the league's true elite players than it did AI, but if the purpose of these re-drafts is to have teams changing their picks according to what we now know the Sixers would still be getting a player who would become one of the best players in the NBA, if not the best.

maybe you are right....my thought process could have been wrong....if the 76ers were looking back now, they would want Kobe, even if it was foresaking their only NBA Finals' appearance in the last 2 decades....

[benji]

But I don't necessary think they lose that Finals appearance. And of course we're assuming all the rest of history stays the same, which it wouldn't but roll with it. Kobe is basically as good as Iverson that year. Plus when they face the Lakers in the Finals, the Lakers don't have Kobe. So perhaps they win...

Perhaps Van Horn can stay in Philly instead of being swapped for Tim Thomas and scraps...maybe Todd MacCulloch doesn't develop that balance problem. Maybe they don't make all the panic trades trying to find the latest "sidekick" who fits with Iverson.

We can't selectively look back. They would want Kobe because there is the likelyhood they are giving up their meaningless Finals trip for the possibility of a real championship. The Finals appearance argument breaks down...because giving up Iverson for say Duncan eliminates that reality as well. But again possibly for something better.

One thing we do not know, is how Kobe would've developed away from Shaq and the Lakers. He likely would've gone though his "Jordan stages" ("want my own team, be the star...then after dicking around at that...just want to win") a decade ago instead of now.

Remember the Sixers survived those two Eastern Conf series by the skin of their teeth...if one shot falls out or goes in, they don't go to the Finals anyway.

[The X]

yeah, you're probably right, I put a little bit too much emphasis on that one Finals' appearance....I guess the Lakers with Shaq weren't a title team until Kobe developed....so yeah, AI & Kobe to be flipped....

[The X]

1995 NBA DRAFT RE-DONE (per The X)

1. Golden State: PF/SF- Kevin Garnett (picked #5)

Boy, did the Warriors get it wrong. Everyone knew at the time that Joe Smith wasn't going to be a good No. 1 pick. They thought he'd be better, but he didn't have superstar written all over him. Garnett was someone who had developed into one with a year or so. Combined with Spree, Tim Bug & Mullin, the Warriors would've been fun to watch, as well as being set up for the next 15 years or so with Garnett.

2. LA Clippers: PF- Rasheed Wallace (picked #4)

I went back & forward a little on this pick. It came down to Sheed, Stack & Fins. Whilst Stack had the greatest scoring ability & Fins was probably the most consistent throughout his career, I think you take the talented big over the talented wings. That's what it came down to in the end. Now if they could harness him is the real question.

3. Philadelphia: SF/SG- Michael Finley (picked #21)

Knowing how the Stack in Philly experiment ended, I couldn't in my right mind have him going there. Therefore the 76ers take the athletic & more raw offensive player in Michael Finley. Fins was a hardworker & good character guy, so probably a good pick for the 76ers.

4. Washington: SG/SF- Jerry Stackhouse (picked #3)

With Muresan, Webber & Juwan Howard forming a strong frontline, the Bullets needed help at the guard spots. Stackhouse would've been a gimme at this spot. Stackhouse would evolve into one of the league's more dynamic scorers & turn the Bullets into more of a playoff contender out East.

5. Minnesota: PF- Antonio McDyess (picked #2)

Their will be no Garnett-like steals at this spot for them anymore. With Laettner, Googs & Rider, they have a pretty good starting lineup from PF to SG. The team's need was PG & C. However, I figure that Laettner can man the centre spot capably, opening up a forward spot for this draft pick. I'm going with Dice because this franchise needed a bit of a punch in the arm & for the first six years of his career, McDyess was one of the league's brightest young stars. I thought about the Wolves taking Damon Stoudamire at this spot, but really, I thought they would've got more out of Dice.

6. Vancouver: PF- Joe Smith (picked #1)

The Grizzlies had already selected Greg Anthony & Eric Murdock in the Expansion Draft, so given how weak the rest of the team was, I didn't want to give the team a 3rd decent PG in Damon Stoudamire. Therefore I went with best available talent in the frontcourt position, who could provide an immediate impact through their early years. Whilst he will never be a star, he probably might've played like one for a number of years on a very weak Grizzlies squad. He edges out Theo Ratliff as he is more immediate impact & has more of an offensive game.

7. Toronto: PG- Damon Stoudamire (picked #7)

This pick was a bit of a dilemma as I remember he left them after about 2 & a half seasons, mostly due to Isiah Thomas, but ahh well. I seriously considered Brent Barry & Theo Ratliff at this spot, but Mighty Mouse provided a good platform for the start of the Expansion Franchise as he bolted away for ROY honours, & was a 19-20ppg, 8-9apg player in his time with the Raptors. Maybe the Raptors' fans can help me out, was this still the right pick?

8. Portland: C/PF- Theo Ratliff (picked #18)

I thought about Brent Barry at this spot as the team did have a hole at SG, but I don't think the Blazers could've passed on an athletic big man with superb shot blocking ability & potential to boot. Whilst they were going to add Sabonis that off season, I still think Ratliff could've given them minutes at PF & C his rookie year, & been ready to assume the starting role a few years down the track.

9. New Jersey: SG/PG- Brent Barry (picked #15)

With a young Derrick Coleman & Kenny Anderson leading the way, with Chris Morris & Armon Gilliam in the mix, the Nets still needed a SG to fill out their starting lineup, & Brent Barry is the best available & could help the team as a rookie. Whilst he wouldn't have filled the void that Drazen Petrovic's death left a couple of summers before, he would've helped.

10. Miami: PF- Kurt Thomas (picked #10)

This team was in a bit of flux & in a period of change, so I'll just go with best available player in Kurt Thomas, who they incidentally pick originally. That works out well.

11. Milwaukee: PF- Gary Trent (picked #11)

I'll again stick with this pick as there isn't much available, & when healthy, Trent was a pretty solid forward.

12. Dallas: C- Greg Ostertag (picked #28)

I never thought I'd be putting Ostertag here, but this team was led by the Triple J's (Kidd, JJ & Mash), so they needed someone to rebound, block shots & fill some space defensively, & Ostertag could do that. Hmm, maybe Corliss Williamson was a better fit here, but ahh well, they needed a big, this will do & they'll get more benefit out of it than they did with Cherokee Parks.

13. Sacramento: SG/PG- Bob Sura (picked #17)

The Kings were solid at this point (Richmond, Brian Grant, Walt Williams, Polynice & Spud Webb). The team could've used a PG &/or combo guard at this spot. I thought that the athleticism & versatility of Sura was too good to pass on. Slim pickings at this spot anyways.


Three toughest omissions: Bryant Reeves (#6), Corliss Williamson (#13), Eric Snow (#43).

Three biggest flops: Shawn Respert (#8), Ed O'Bannon (#9), Cherokee Parks (#12).


This was a really injury prone draft. I imagined if they had of stayed injury free, we would've seen better careers from McDyess, Big Country, Kurt Thomas, Gary Trent, Alan Henderson & Bob Sura. Ahh well, that's how it works out I guess. 1994 re-draft is probably a few days away. We know who'll be number 1 in that draft, but who goes number 2?!?

[jonthefon]

NOOOOOOOOOO! OSTERTAAAAAAG!

[Anthony15]

hehe Ostertag for Dallas. No doubt 1st overall had to be KG.

[JT_55]

Great. Looking back at the 1995-8 Grizzles, not one of the people they drafted were good enough to be re-drafted higher than they did. 4 straight top-ten picks which could've landed them Nash, Dirk, and KVH. Ugly .

[TheMC5]

Great. Looking back at the 1995-8 Grizzles, not one of the people they drafted were good enough to be re-drafted higher than they did. 4 straight top-ten picks which could've landed them Nash, Dirk, and KVH. Ugly .

Which is why Vancouver no longer has a franchise, and why I will always hate Steve "Franchise", the only real guy of value Vancouver got in the draft (I guess Shareef, too).

It's a bit ironic that the only impact ol' Stevie Franchise has actually on a franchise was to run Vancouver out of town by his refusal to come to town. A team with Reef and Francis in their primes could have been a .500 ball club, a mark the Grizzlies never even sniffed in their time in Vancouver. And winning team (or at least the hope of a winning team) would probably have been enough to get fans to the games and keep the team in Van. especially considering the city's relative boom and revitalization since around 2000.


Also, as a Raptor's fan, the only guy I think they might take over Mighty Mouse would be Brent Barry, and that's a bit of a stretch, even. Though, with no VC in Toronto yet, Barry could have potentially blossomed into a consistent 20 point scorer as the focus of the team's offense, since he's lights out from downtown, and let's not forget, whitest guy to ever win the dunk contest. But I still think Stoudemire was probably the right choice.

[Effekt]

argh...that sucks that the Sixers passed on T-Mac, oh well....

[Silas]

Can't really complain with the picks, the reasoning was well thought out. Though I suppose you could make the argument that perhaps Stackhouse should have gone higher because there aren't many guys who've averaged nearly 30 ppg for an entire season.