INSTANT ANALYSIS: Top 10 Picks of 2007 Rookie Draft
Sept 12, 2016 0:54:35 GMT
Sarawak, Brooklyn, and 3 more like this
Post by Brooklyn on Sept 12, 2016 0:54:35 GMT
INSTANT ANALYSIS: Top 10 Picks of 2007 Rookie Draft
The first 10 picks of the 2007 rookie draft are complete, and there was no lack of excitement and controversy. Here are the picks and analysis from GMs across the league.
*Note: All quotes from other GMs in this article are taken word-for-word from Slack*
Magic Johnson goes 1st overall to Brooklyn
With the first pick, Brooklyn Nets took Magic Johnson. Leading up to the draft, Brooklyn management fielded several offers for #1 but ultimately elected to use the pick. “We had a lot of interest”, the Brooklyn GM said, “and the Lakers put together the strongest offer, but in the end it made sense to take Magic as we start a new era in Brooklyn”.
Penny goes #2, picked ahead of Webber
With the second pick, San Antonio had the first real decision to make of the draft, and chose Penny Hardaway over Chris Webber. “Chris Webber’s strength was a determining factor in me taking Penny,” the San Antonio GM said after making the pick.
While San Antonio could have gone with the talented Webber instead of Penny, there weren’t many objections from GMs around the league about the pick. “Liked Penny for SA > Webber because in this league the premium is on PGs, not bigs”, the Belgrade GM said.
Disgraced former Mexico City GM said, “It's interesting, Webber was picked before Penny in real life and had a better overall career, but hard to pass on the upside and versatility”.
“Hopefully Penny isn't derailed by injuries here lol”, New York Knicks GM responded. “Penny definitely can be a PG imo, but I think his versatility is what makes him fun” he added.
The San Antonio GM also noted that Brooklyn had the 3rd overall pick in the draft, and he didn’t like the idea of the team drafting both Magic and Penny. “There was no way I was going to let Brooklyn have Magic and Penny. Magic can be elite at 4 positions...Penny 3”, the San Antonio GM said. The former Mexico City GM responded: “Always good to pick/vote so others don't get guys lol..”
Webber drafted 3rd by Brooklyn, immediately traded to Boston
With the third pick, it was a no brainer to draft Chris Webber next. And while the Brooklyn GM could have drafted Webber and called it a day, the Boston Celtics presented an offer that could not be refused by Brooklyn management. Webber was drafted and immediately traded to Boston in exchange for the 5th overall pick and Boston’s 2010 1st round pick.
“I love Seer 1sts” the Brooklyn GM said. “It’s 3 years out and who knows what will happen, but its nice to fill the hopper with assets like that. I know I’m giving up a star player, but I also have my eye on a guard in this draft that I want more than a forward, and I should be able to get him much later in the draft.”
Some GMs didn't know what to make of the deal. “Interesting deal passing on Webber”, the former Mexico City GM said.
There were a few GMs that were ok with the trade. “I definitely don't think there is a clear cut winner for that deal. I get that Brooklyn didn't see Webber as the clear choice so makes sense to move back a bit and pick up another asset”, the New York Knicks GM said.
“Yeah I didn't dislike it for Brooklyn either. Just not really a standout at 5 to be a true #2 for Boston,” the Shanghai Sharks GM said.
Other GMs hated it for Brooklyn. “3 >>> 5 for me,” said the Piraeus Olympiacos GM. “Webber is so much better than Moncrief, Roy, LMA. I don't get it. I might consider Millsap at 5,” he rambled.
Brandon Roy taken 4th, Brooklyn trades down again and Belgrade takes Sidney Moncrief at 5
Unsurprisingly, Cleveland took Brandon Roy 4th overall. Although he shopped the pick for a short period, most GMs agreed that Roy at 4 was the right pick.
Instead of using the 5th overall pick, the Brooklyn GM once again traded down, this time moving the pick to Belgrade in exchange for the 8th overall selection and Mikawa’s 2009 1st round pick.
“The guy I really want is still on the board, and 5th overall is still too early to take him, so I’m adding an asset with questionable value but will most likely get the guy I want anyways”, the Brooklyn GM said.
Many GMs thought Moncrief was the right pick at 5. In fact, the Sarawak GM had Moncrief 2nd on their draft board behind Magic.
Draft opens up at 6, Sarawak takes Calvin Natt
With the top 5 players gone as expected, the draft opened up starting with the 6th pick. Sarawak elected to go with Calvin Natt, a player they had ahead of Brandon Roy on their draft board.
The Sarawak GM spoke about his decision process: “I thought Moncrief might slip to me at 6 with a team getting enamored with a high upside guy like LMA. When that didn't happen Natt was the clear BPA on our board and fit a need”.
One GM was a bit surprised but understood the selection: “The Calvin Natt pick was surprising... He's super-talented and has gobs of potential. He reminds a few of Larry Nance, except he's less athletic and four inches shorter”, the Madrid GM said. He added, “If Natt were going to thrive anywhere, though, it'd be in Sarawak. His lack of a shooting touch is almost erased by Rasheed Wallace's prowess, and his questionable perimeter defense is going to be aided by Wallace's and Winfield's ability to step out on smaller players. He should be able to fit in at the 3 no problem”.
“Natt is definitely one of the guys I like in this draft. Someone I would've looked at if I actually had a lotto pick in this draft,” the New York Knicks GM said.
LeMarcus Aldridge goes to the Sharks at 7
A young player with a lot of upside, LeMarcus Aldridge is a guy that probably could have gone anywhere from 5th to 12th. A potential reason for the range in opinions on the player is that some scouts believe he comes in quite raw. “All I know is my scout has LMA a ways a way from being a starter”, said the Sarawak GM.
After trading down twice from 3rd, Brooklyn finally picks Rajon Rondo at 8
In a somewhat shocking selection, the Nets selected PG Rajon Rondo with the 8th pick. “This is the guy I wanted to make sure I left the draft with. I believe that with some PP pumped into his offence, he can become a cornerstone PG in this league.”
Very few GMs liked the pick, especially after the team could have had Webber at 3.
“Was a little surprised to see Brooklyn trade down from an almost sure-thing in Webber to a steeper gamble on Rondo and the picks. Should be very interesting to see how two stellar passers in Magic and Rondo work together, particularly with the training that Rondo expects to complete before the season”, the Madrid GM said. “Also somewhat surprised to see Rondo go over Lowry, but the nature of the league is changing toward these more unique players, and Rondo is absolutely a unique PG. Teams have shown the capacity to erase glaring weaknesses of players with either upgrades or by complementing them with proper players”.
“Didn't expect rondo to be gone when he was”, the Los Angeles Lakers GM said.
“I’m not high on Rondo”, said the New Orleans GM.
“Nice, Rondo & Magic together. I guess that means Magic isn't a PG long term, should be interesting”, said the New York Knicks GM.
Bill Laimbeer goes 9th to Buenos Aires
At least two GMs differed in their opinion of the Bill Laimbeer pick. One GM, who asked to remain anonymous, said “Pretty shocked that Laimbeer went in the top 10. Although, skilled, he is such a limited athlete I don't think he has the chance to start long term”.
In contrast, the Madrid GM liked the pick: “I thought Laimbeer was right up there with Moncrief at 5/6 for a while. The last two rescouts revealed that poor quickness, though, and I think teams picking that high were afraid of getting a guy who would only average 12/10/2 without any versatility.”
Istanbul rounds out the top 10 taking Paul Millsap
Millsap was one of the more interesting players in this draft, with some thinking he could have gone as high as 5.
“I'm intrigued by Millsap”, said the Belgrade GM.
The Moscow GM went one step further saying “I'm confused as to how Paul Millsap made it to pick 10, I absolutely thought he would go higher than that”. When asked what it was that he liked about Millsap, the Moscow GM responded: “His all-around game, in particular his offense and winning smile”.
The New York Knicks GM thought Millsap could be a serviceable player in a few seasons: “Millsap is a super versatile forward who maybe isn't the most ready immediately”.
Still to come: The rest of round 1
Following pick 10, there are still some good players on the board. “Why is Vinnie Johnson still on the board? But teams are drafting for need, not bpa, as I see it. And most of the teams that have passed on him have a SG they like already on their roster”, said the Portland GM.
“3 guys I had in the mix for the top 10 are still available so I think some teams will get some good value in the next 5-10 picks”, said the Sarawak GM, who was unwilling to share the names of the players he liked at the time. It was later found that Vinnie Johnson, Kyle Lowry, and Cliff Robinson were the 3 players from his top 10 draft board.
The first 10 picks of the 2007 rookie draft are complete, and there was no lack of excitement and controversy. Here are the picks and analysis from GMs across the league.
*Note: All quotes from other GMs in this article are taken word-for-word from Slack*
Magic Johnson goes 1st overall to Brooklyn
With the first pick, Brooklyn Nets took Magic Johnson. Leading up to the draft, Brooklyn management fielded several offers for #1 but ultimately elected to use the pick. “We had a lot of interest”, the Brooklyn GM said, “and the Lakers put together the strongest offer, but in the end it made sense to take Magic as we start a new era in Brooklyn”.
Penny goes #2, picked ahead of Webber
With the second pick, San Antonio had the first real decision to make of the draft, and chose Penny Hardaway over Chris Webber. “Chris Webber’s strength was a determining factor in me taking Penny,” the San Antonio GM said after making the pick.
While San Antonio could have gone with the talented Webber instead of Penny, there weren’t many objections from GMs around the league about the pick. “Liked Penny for SA > Webber because in this league the premium is on PGs, not bigs”, the Belgrade GM said.
Disgraced former Mexico City GM said, “It's interesting, Webber was picked before Penny in real life and had a better overall career, but hard to pass on the upside and versatility”.
“Hopefully Penny isn't derailed by injuries here lol”, New York Knicks GM responded. “Penny definitely can be a PG imo, but I think his versatility is what makes him fun” he added.
The San Antonio GM also noted that Brooklyn had the 3rd overall pick in the draft, and he didn’t like the idea of the team drafting both Magic and Penny. “There was no way I was going to let Brooklyn have Magic and Penny. Magic can be elite at 4 positions...Penny 3”, the San Antonio GM said. The former Mexico City GM responded: “Always good to pick/vote so others don't get guys lol..”
Webber drafted 3rd by Brooklyn, immediately traded to Boston
With the third pick, it was a no brainer to draft Chris Webber next. And while the Brooklyn GM could have drafted Webber and called it a day, the Boston Celtics presented an offer that could not be refused by Brooklyn management. Webber was drafted and immediately traded to Boston in exchange for the 5th overall pick and Boston’s 2010 1st round pick.
“I love Seer 1sts” the Brooklyn GM said. “It’s 3 years out and who knows what will happen, but its nice to fill the hopper with assets like that. I know I’m giving up a star player, but I also have my eye on a guard in this draft that I want more than a forward, and I should be able to get him much later in the draft.”
Some GMs didn't know what to make of the deal. “Interesting deal passing on Webber”, the former Mexico City GM said.
There were a few GMs that were ok with the trade. “I definitely don't think there is a clear cut winner for that deal. I get that Brooklyn didn't see Webber as the clear choice so makes sense to move back a bit and pick up another asset”, the New York Knicks GM said.
“Yeah I didn't dislike it for Brooklyn either. Just not really a standout at 5 to be a true #2 for Boston,” the Shanghai Sharks GM said.
Other GMs hated it for Brooklyn. “3 >>> 5 for me,” said the Piraeus Olympiacos GM. “Webber is so much better than Moncrief, Roy, LMA. I don't get it. I might consider Millsap at 5,” he rambled.
Brandon Roy taken 4th, Brooklyn trades down again and Belgrade takes Sidney Moncrief at 5
Unsurprisingly, Cleveland took Brandon Roy 4th overall. Although he shopped the pick for a short period, most GMs agreed that Roy at 4 was the right pick.
Instead of using the 5th overall pick, the Brooklyn GM once again traded down, this time moving the pick to Belgrade in exchange for the 8th overall selection and Mikawa’s 2009 1st round pick.
“The guy I really want is still on the board, and 5th overall is still too early to take him, so I’m adding an asset with questionable value but will most likely get the guy I want anyways”, the Brooklyn GM said.
Many GMs thought Moncrief was the right pick at 5. In fact, the Sarawak GM had Moncrief 2nd on their draft board behind Magic.
Draft opens up at 6, Sarawak takes Calvin Natt
With the top 5 players gone as expected, the draft opened up starting with the 6th pick. Sarawak elected to go with Calvin Natt, a player they had ahead of Brandon Roy on their draft board.
The Sarawak GM spoke about his decision process: “I thought Moncrief might slip to me at 6 with a team getting enamored with a high upside guy like LMA. When that didn't happen Natt was the clear BPA on our board and fit a need”.
One GM was a bit surprised but understood the selection: “The Calvin Natt pick was surprising... He's super-talented and has gobs of potential. He reminds a few of Larry Nance, except he's less athletic and four inches shorter”, the Madrid GM said. He added, “If Natt were going to thrive anywhere, though, it'd be in Sarawak. His lack of a shooting touch is almost erased by Rasheed Wallace's prowess, and his questionable perimeter defense is going to be aided by Wallace's and Winfield's ability to step out on smaller players. He should be able to fit in at the 3 no problem”.
“Natt is definitely one of the guys I like in this draft. Someone I would've looked at if I actually had a lotto pick in this draft,” the New York Knicks GM said.
LeMarcus Aldridge goes to the Sharks at 7
A young player with a lot of upside, LeMarcus Aldridge is a guy that probably could have gone anywhere from 5th to 12th. A potential reason for the range in opinions on the player is that some scouts believe he comes in quite raw. “All I know is my scout has LMA a ways a way from being a starter”, said the Sarawak GM.
After trading down twice from 3rd, Brooklyn finally picks Rajon Rondo at 8
In a somewhat shocking selection, the Nets selected PG Rajon Rondo with the 8th pick. “This is the guy I wanted to make sure I left the draft with. I believe that with some PP pumped into his offence, he can become a cornerstone PG in this league.”
Very few GMs liked the pick, especially after the team could have had Webber at 3.
“Was a little surprised to see Brooklyn trade down from an almost sure-thing in Webber to a steeper gamble on Rondo and the picks. Should be very interesting to see how two stellar passers in Magic and Rondo work together, particularly with the training that Rondo expects to complete before the season”, the Madrid GM said. “Also somewhat surprised to see Rondo go over Lowry, but the nature of the league is changing toward these more unique players, and Rondo is absolutely a unique PG. Teams have shown the capacity to erase glaring weaknesses of players with either upgrades or by complementing them with proper players”.
“Didn't expect rondo to be gone when he was”, the Los Angeles Lakers GM said.
“I’m not high on Rondo”, said the New Orleans GM.
“Nice, Rondo & Magic together. I guess that means Magic isn't a PG long term, should be interesting”, said the New York Knicks GM.
Bill Laimbeer goes 9th to Buenos Aires
At least two GMs differed in their opinion of the Bill Laimbeer pick. One GM, who asked to remain anonymous, said “Pretty shocked that Laimbeer went in the top 10. Although, skilled, he is such a limited athlete I don't think he has the chance to start long term”.
In contrast, the Madrid GM liked the pick: “I thought Laimbeer was right up there with Moncrief at 5/6 for a while. The last two rescouts revealed that poor quickness, though, and I think teams picking that high were afraid of getting a guy who would only average 12/10/2 without any versatility.”
Istanbul rounds out the top 10 taking Paul Millsap
Millsap was one of the more interesting players in this draft, with some thinking he could have gone as high as 5.
“I'm intrigued by Millsap”, said the Belgrade GM.
The Moscow GM went one step further saying “I'm confused as to how Paul Millsap made it to pick 10, I absolutely thought he would go higher than that”. When asked what it was that he liked about Millsap, the Moscow GM responded: “His all-around game, in particular his offense and winning smile”.
The New York Knicks GM thought Millsap could be a serviceable player in a few seasons: “Millsap is a super versatile forward who maybe isn't the most ready immediately”.
Still to come: The rest of round 1
Following pick 10, there are still some good players on the board. “Why is Vinnie Johnson still on the board? But teams are drafting for need, not bpa, as I see it. And most of the teams that have passed on him have a SG they like already on their roster”, said the Portland GM.
“3 guys I had in the mix for the top 10 are still available so I think some teams will get some good value in the next 5-10 picks”, said the Sarawak GM, who was unwilling to share the names of the players he liked at the time. It was later found that Vinnie Johnson, Kyle Lowry, and Cliff Robinson were the 3 players from his top 10 draft board.
