Post by Sarawak on Nov 3, 2016 0:05:42 GMT
Welcome to the one of what may be many Mock Drafts this off season. Sarawak and New Orleans have gotten together to alternate picks (for the most part) for the entire first round. Picks 1-6 will have to have the commentary redone as the channel did not keep them for some reason. Each pick is made by one GM who provides some analysis, the other GM follows up with some thoughts etc. In cases where one of us was on the clock, the other GM made the pick.
Pick 1:
New Orleans Jazz: Lew Alcindor (7'2 C, 22) comes in as one of the top players in the league and will give the Nets possibly the best duo in the league with him and Magic. Easy decision.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C: Agree. A no brainer, KAJ and Magic are a scary duo and now both will be in their prime at the same time. That brings up CSKA Moscow on the block after a big trade with your Jazz that moved them up 3 spots.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. The pick is already in so we will roll with that and analyze it 2 CSKA Jazz Bob Petit (6'9" PF, 21) Petit is going to be a scoring machine I think and should be good on the boards. I think the key to him is two fold. Offensively how much will the jump shot develop, if it does he becomes a pretty scary player offensively. Defensively how much will he improve as a post defender. Petit was in my top tier in this draft and CSKA needed a PF . A good choice.
New Orleans Jazz: Have to look at this pick as the big picture. He essentially dealt a similar big in Drummond with 16 and 49 to get Pettit (at 2), Mashburn, Jack, and Webster. Safe assumption he brings back Kaman and that makes him certainly viable playoff contender while getting younger and a piece to build around.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yup. A quick turnaround in Moscow.
Pick 3:
New Orleans Jazz: At 3, Seattle will likely want a point guard and has had his sights set on Jo Jo White (6'3 PG, 22) since the draft classes were announced. In the end that likely wins out and he takes his guy. He's been pretty spot on gut wise the past few years with who will be the best player in the long term. White could be the piece that helps put them back into playoffs.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : Yeah I like White quite a bit. Him and Price are 1 and 1A at PG and in a league that has been lacking in PG's two teams will come out of this draft with excellent ones. White does it all and should be a dynamic PG.
Pick 4:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That leads us to 4 and Franca BC. The good news is Franca needs everything and there is a really excellent pool to still pick from. I am going to take the guy that I think has the biggest upside here. This dude was a devastating player in real life before an injury turned him into more of a role player. Probably one of the more underrated guards in NBA history to be honest... 4 Franca BC Ron Harper (6'6" SG, 185)
New Orleans Jazz: Franca taking Harper makes some sense but the issue may be he'll never be the guy who can carry a team. He'll be a great 3rd or maybe even 2nd piece but without the high skill level, he can't be the man.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah I agree, Harper is very talented but the question will be can he get there. We are talking about higher floor guys and Harper is the highest ceiling player in the class outside of KAJ in my opinion
Pick 5:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That brings you (Jazz up at 5) I will take a shot at your pick here. I think moving down was smart there were several guys I had grouped together in this tier after KAJ and 5 guarantees you get one of them. The Jazz are another team after recent trades that are free to go in just about any direction. I think they grab the other elite PG still on the board and choose Mark Price. Studly shooter, pioneer of splitting the double on the pick n roll and really another underated player from the Cavs of late 80s/Early90s. 5 Jazz Lakers Mark Price (6'0" PG, 177)
New Orleans Jazz: Price likely has a higher potential to be the man so getting him at five makes a ton of sense for myself who historically has been best when the three point line was being set on fire. Both picks at 4 and 5 make sense but Price may be the last guy with true carry potential in the league behind KAJ, Pettit, and Jo Jo.
Pick 6:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That puts REAL on the clock for pick 6, whatcha got there?
New Orleans Jazz: Well, REAL is likely sad after both point guards went before him but he's in position to take the best player available and that is likely Len Bias (6'9 SF, 22). Madrid has the market cornered on these athletic wings and adding a guy who has league history and the potential to be a two way difference maker makes the most sense here. His athleticism will allow for efficiency even before he is fully developed.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah this is now the 2nd tier of the draft. Usually that is a bad thing, but in this draft I think the depth of the first three tiers (Studs/Good Staters/Starters) is really exceptional. Bias is a great pick, if he can keep his nose clean (too soon?) he will be an excellent player in the prime Grant Hill mode
Pick 7:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That puts Buenos Aires on the clock with the 7th pick
New Orleans: This is a really young team with currently only two players over 24 on the roster (Ramsey and Augmon) . I don't think they need to worry about things positionally at this point and just draft the best player on their board.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Boca has two of the next three picks and with all the top PG's off the board I think they can take a bit of risk and also fill needs for what they need. I am not as high on this player as some, but I think Dennis Rodman here because Rodman, Eaton, Augmon would form a hellacious defense for quite awhile for the team. Rodman may not ever do much on offense but this is the type of player that if Buenos Aires gets a scorer or two will be a big difference maker for them.
New Orleans Jazz : That pick makes a lot of sense. I've got no interest in Rodman personally but he certainly provides some sort of value. I just fear that Buenos Aires has plenty of bigs with Eaton, Laimbeer, Barnes that he'd be better off trying to grab multiple guards. That front line defensively is scary though.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: I thought about that but he could play Rodman at SF, it just seems to fit his M.O. as a GM he goes after those gritty guys or go small and go Barnes/Rodman/Augmon.
Pick 8:
New Orleans Jazz: Olimpia at 8 is tearing things down in a hurry. He's Not locked into any player so this should purely be best player available. That player to me is Richie Guerin who could be considered really close to that top tier. He's got size for the two and provides a unique blend of scoring, defender, athleticism and an extremely high level rebounding from the guard position. Should make any team a top rebounding team or make up for a big who can't rebound if you want to play fast.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: I agree Guerin is the guy who has slipped in this mock and a player who is right in the mix of the top of that 2nd tier for me. Great choice there.
Pick 9:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That puts B.A. back on the clock and I think as you hit on when looking at Rodman at 7 it is time to grab a guard, especially one who can score. I had Guerin and Drazen Petrovic as pretty close just depending on what type of SG you wanted. Drazen is an assassin who will light you up from beyond the arc and also get into the lane. He was another guy who's real career ended too soon but I think he gives the Boca Juniors the type of potential Alpha offensive player they need to start climbing up the ladder. (edited)
New Orleans Jazz: Love that pick as Drazen is a guy more people should take a look at. The value of a two way shooting guard who has the size to play the position as well is often taken for granted. He should easily be a 20 point per game guy on great shooting percentages once he fills out and at 9, that's an easy grab since he will play some defense too.
Pick 10:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yup, now your Jazz are back on the clock, they already added a really nice piece in Mark Price at 5 and can go almost any way they want to again. There are a lot of different ways you could go here but I am going to take a guy who is simply a really good Forward here. Despite being a tweener, this is a player who can defend in and outside the paint, can score and make foul shots and is going to create some transition opportunities with his shot blocking. I think the pick here is Maurice Stokes and I think he probably plays at PF for now but SF long term.
New Orleans Jazz: Can't argue with Stokes. Dude is skilled, can rebound, can defend, can score inside, and even though he doesn't possess the high level athleticism I prefer and doesn't shoot it as well as I often prefer, he's too good at 10 to pass up on most likely.
Pick 11:
New Orleans Jazz: Olimpia is back up at 11 and after taking Guerin at 8, it may be perfect to keep the theme the same and take Jack Twyman. Twyman could be a dynamic small forward and combine to give Olimpia the best rebounding wings out there. He defends the wing plenty good enough and will be a very good scorer from 15 and in. That should give him an identity with athletic, rebounding wings leading the way.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Agreed he was in the mix for me at 10.
Pick 12:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. The Sharks are up at 12 and they have a chance to add to KAT who is a beast of a big. The Sharks are loaded with young talent in the front court with KAT, LMA, KMart and probably some other guys with acronyms. They could really use one of these stud guards who just went off the board in the last 5 picks or so and they have the Greek Freak who should give some position versatility. So it comes down to taking one of the remaining SG's a bit earlier or taking a BPA no post. I'd do the later so. A versatile wing who can do it all should add to the future dominate rebounding edge of this team. It doesn't address their biggest need at SG but I have Wise a lot higher on the board then any of the SGs.
New Orleans Jazz: Wise looks fun. One of the guys who can provide in certain areas allowing you freedom at other positions. He can play either forward position without much issue and may be able to play some at the two as he develops. Intriguing prospect.
Pick 13:
New Orleans Jazz: The Cavs could also use a wing with Russell likely moving back to the point guard position and having Pradd who looks poised to improve. Roy can play either position so it gives him the freedom to choose. This is where Tom Gola should come off the board. He would fit right in with the versatile players and the ability to move the ball on offense and provide some much needed defense on the wings. He's plenty athletic enough to play the small forward position and looks like one of the more skilled players in this draft.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah it is time for Gola. I do wonder if his versatility is really all he is tho? What I mean is I am not sure how much he will score, but he as you mentioned have great passing skills and versatility.
Pick 14:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That brings up Beijing who has beefed up his team quite a bit so far this off season adding Aguirre and Lucas to fill two spots in the starting lineup. They have depth issues and both of their bigs are in their 30's. I think that makes this a pretty obvious pick in terms of grabbing a big. For me the guy I think has the best chance of being a real impact player on both sides of the floor is Roy Tarpley. A stud when he wasn't derailed by off the court issues, Tarpley can score, defend and rebound.
New Orleans Jazz : Really like that pick for Beijing there as Tarpley is one few legit bigs in this draft. He'll need that size if he wants to make some sorta run this year even though he isn't fully developed yet. Eventually he can take over for Hakeem as well.
Pick 15:
New Orleans Jazz : Perth is next and there is nothing much (maybe Zelmo) on that roster currently worth mentioning with Wade and others in Free Agency. That means he is free to go after any position and take the best player left. For me that's Nate McMillan at point guard. He'll be able to make others around him better and defend at a super high level. There is something to be desired scoring wise but that shouldn't be an issue next to Wade. At 6'5 it means he'll have the size advantage at point guard too which helps.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Nate is an interesting guy. Wade is one of the guys that make him a good partner.
Pick 16:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That brings the Jazz up again at 16 after already adding Mark Price and Maurice Stokes. Tarpley would have been a great pick if he had fallen a couple more spots. Same deal as last time, the team can really use just about everything. I think here the choices are another guard or a post. I don't love any of the posts left here so going to go with a player that fits well next to Mark Price in Jeff Hornacek. A guy who can really shoot, pass it some and I think in time will turn into a pretty good defender.
New Orleans Jazz : Hard to argue with giving myself a shooter. Everyone knows I love those shooters and a backcourt of Price and Hornacek sounds like one I could make work. Not sure he's best available but someone I could grab in this range.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. :Yeah I think the tricky part of Hornacek is his limited athletic ability and what position is he? The talent is there to contribute.
Pick 17:
New Orleans Jazz : Spurs are coming off their first every playoff performance and could use some depth at forward. Believe they would be elated to take Bob Dandridge here. He can play both positions and possibly some shooting guard as well. He's the perfect guy fit for a team looking to continue their climb into relevance.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : Yeah I think Dandridge slipped because he doesn't jump out at any one thing, but the talent is there to be really solid across the board and I think he is the type of player that pushes a team like the Spurs up a spot or two in the playoff race.
Pick 18:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That puts my team, the Fire Horse on the clock,. I will defer to you on a selection.
New Orleans Jazz: Could use a PF with some size and not those combo forwards so Ken Sears seems like a fit. Has some athleticism and can score inside. At worst he's a great back up PF but could start as well if you don't like those other forwards at the 4.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: PF is certainly a need area and I think Sears is a pretty good fit. I worry about him weighing 195 lbs, he will have to hit the weight room.
Pick 19:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That brings up the Lakers. Who traded Zo for this pick and Bobby Jones off of Bamberg. The lakers need a lot of help at the wing and the backcourt. Kyle Lowry had a solid rookie year at PG but will need another good TC to be a difference maker at PG in his second year. There aren't a lot of shooting, SGs left but some interesting guys still on the board. I think they will draft a SG in a PG's body in Eugene Shue. Who should get to the him with the athletic ability to finish. The jumper and long range shot will need some work but the combination of scoring, handling and defensive ability will make him a good bet to turn into a good pro in time.
New Orleans Jazz: That makes sense. Lakers will be looking for perimeter help and that was a big reason for dealing Zo.
Pick 20:
New Orleans Jazz: Tel Aviv at 20 will need another big even if they bring back Big Ben. Brad Daugherty makes sense here for them. He can pass, score inside, and rebound for a team that will need someone with a big body down low. This is the perfect range for him as well.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah I can see that with Big Brad. Also will bring a different set of skills then we normally see in Tel Aviv so an interesting fit.
Pick 21:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : The Newcastle Eagles are up they have some excellent pieces in place with AD and Elgin Baylor but a lot of their roster is in free agency this off season. Given that I think they will look for a ready now type player who can provide some versatility. That means for me that player is Norm Van Lier. He isn't quite a PG and might not be strong enough to be a full time SG, but he is gonna flat out play on both ends of the floor.
New Orleans Jazz: Yeah. For the Eagles who are accustomed to winning, ready not talent is the name of the game and he can provide that for sure.
Pick 22:
New Orleans Jazz: Belgrade is in a tough position as they wouldn't currently be able to afford bringing back Darko on a max deal like he'll get. Means he has to grab someone with size here. Neal Walk could be a small reach here but he's got the potential to be extremely effective next to Dirk or Walton. He'll provide some extra scoring and rebounding for a team just looking for a talented body down low to add to the mix.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Agree on Walk he gives them a bevy of good bigs for a team poised to be in the Eurasian mix for several years.
Pick 23:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Brazil is back on the clock after nabbing Ron Harper earlier they just need to continue to add talent to the roster. I think we see the run of guards continue with another guy who is kind of between positions but would form an athletic nightmare of a backcourt in Mack Calvin
New Orleans Jazz: Calvin looks fun and this is the range for sure he'll be selected in.
Pick 24:
New Orleans Jazz: Mikawa could likely use some size but won't reach for it. That means at this point it's the best player available and Jan Bobrovsky could fit that bill. He'll be able to score and take the place of Finley who Mikawa likely won't be bringing back.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah seems like a very Mikawa type of pick, a guy who kinda falls in his lap for not being elite but is a jump away from being elite.
Pick 25:
25. Piraeus is on the clock. They had a bit of a surprisingly down year by their lofty standards last year and are pushing up near the hard cap with that talented roster. They have the big man department covered but could use some wing help. Normally they target guys who are really high levels defenders but in this case I think they mimic what Mikawa did and select a guy who has slipped down a little bit Johnny Newman. A solid all around wing with some decent size.
New Orleans Jazz: Exactly what I was thinking. There aren't a ton of real needs so grabbing someone who should have gone higher is smart.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah, that's what fascinates me about this part of the draft there is actual guard depth,but a lot of it is guys you have to project.
Pick 26:
The new look Vikings (formerly Cairo) have done a good job of putting a competitive roster together right away led by Latrell Spreewell and Shaq. Even with Bibby, there is the need for another guard and this draft at this point can easily provide that. Al Bianchi has the size to play off the ball as well and could even challenge for the starting point guard position. That's the pick here.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: I like that pick.
Pick 27:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: 27 is the Timberwolves and I am not seeing Minnesota players for them to go all fanboy over. However one of the best players left on the boards did play 2 years in Minnesota so come on down Chuck "the Rifleman" Person. Truly the best player left on the board for many teams at this point he will if nothing else be an excellent scorer off the bench.
New Orleans Jazz : Person is another guy who shouldn't have fallen this far but did. A great get for the Wolves.
Pick 28:
New Orleans Jazz: Buenos Aires is two deep at every position thus far but PG is by far their oldest position and they could use an infusion of athleticism. I like the potential of a guy like Sandro Riminucci as a guy who can be stashed in the D-League for a year.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.:Yeah that's a great point on the D-League. A player like Sandro could use the year but has the athletic ability and talent to turn into a starting PG down the road. At pick 28 that's a good deal.
Pick 29:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Boston is up and they have a bevy of talented forwards (Sheed, Cwebb, Shard, Durant) but not a ton on the perimeter in terms of true guards. With all those bigs adding a another shooter cannot hurt so I think they nab Dell Curry who will light it up even if he isn't super atheltic.
New Orleans Jazz: Yeah. Skiles is a guy who could go much higher if his shooting is fallen in love with. Wish I had a pick in the 25 range to grab him.
Pick 30:
New Orleans Jazz: The Nets are pretty set with them likely to bring back Booker and maybe even Sabonis with the addition of KAJ to the roster. Some added help on the wing for depth may not hurt at this point. Richard Jones is a unique player that could fit nicely getting minutes behind Magic Johnson.
Yeah the Nets obviously just have to find pieces to fit around Magic and KAJ, Jones does that well.
Pick 31:
At 31 we have Buenos Aires yet again. Same deal they just need talent and as we talked about earlier they love defense So grabbing the last difference maker of a defender I see among the bigs in Julius Keye. They don't need him but he is another great D-League spect who can defend, rebound and block shots.
New Orleans Jazz: Yeah, I think a team with a late first would love the draft and stash Keye in the D-League to see how that skill set works out.
Pick 32:
New Orleans Jazz: The Warriors will offer Gail a max contract then be in need of talent just about everywhere else. There is no other position that is locked up long term for them. That being said dealing Gail for assets may be his best play so even point guard is open. The best available player may be Dick Garmaker since he has the scoring potential to make a big difference down the line.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah the best players left are primarily scorers who won't really defend (Garmaker, Bingo Smith, Dell Curry, etc.) I think that's still good value this late in the draft.
The Entire First Round in order:
1 Nets Lew Alcindor (7'2" C, 230)
2 CSKA Bob Pettit (6'9" PF, 215)
3 Supersonics Jo Jo White (6'3" PG, 190)
4 Franca BC Ron Harper (6'6" SG, 185)
5 Jazz Mark Price (6'0" PG, 170)
6 REAL Len Bias (6'9" SF, 215)
7 Boca Juniors Dennis Rodamn (6'7" PF, 225)
8 Olimpia Richie Guerin (6'4" SG, 216)
9 Boca Juniors Drazen Petrovic (6'5" SG, 195)
10 Jazz Warriors Maurice Stokes (6'7" F, 232)
11 Olimpia Jack Twyman (6'6" SF, 210)
12 Sharks Willie Wise (6'6" SF, 210)
13 Cavaliers Tom Gola (6'6" SG, 205)
14 Aoshen Roy Tarpley (6'11" C, 230)
15 Nate McMillan (6'5" PG, 195)
16 Jazz CSKA Jeff Hornacek (6'3" SG, 190)
17 Spurs Bob Dandridge (6'6" SF, 195)
18 Fire Horse BC Ken Sears (6'9" PF. 198)
19 Lakers Eugene Shue (6'2" SG, 170)
20 Maccabi Brad Daugherty (7'0" C, 245)
21. Eagles Norm Van Lier (6'1" PG, 173)
22. KK Partizan Neal Walk (6'10" C, 220)
23. Franca BC Mack Calvin (6'0" PG, 170)
24. Mikawa Jan Bobrovsky (6'7" SF, 220)
25 Piraeus Johnny Newman, (6'7" SG, 190)
26. Vikings Al Bianchi (6'3" PG 185)
27 Timberwolves Chuck Person (6'8" SF, 225)
28 Boca Juniors Sandro Riminucci (6'1" PG, 176)
29 Celtics Scott Skiles (6'1" PG, 180)
30 Nets Richard Jones (6'6" SF, 220)
31 Boca Juniors Julius Keye (6'10" PF, 200)
32. Warriors Dick Garmaker (6'3" SG, 200)
Pick 1:
New Orleans Jazz: Lew Alcindor (7'2 C, 22) comes in as one of the top players in the league and will give the Nets possibly the best duo in the league with him and Magic. Easy decision.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C: Agree. A no brainer, KAJ and Magic are a scary duo and now both will be in their prime at the same time. That brings up CSKA Moscow on the block after a big trade with your Jazz that moved them up 3 spots.
1 Nets Lew Alcindor (7'2" C, 230)
Pick 2:Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. The pick is already in so we will roll with that and analyze it 2 CSKA Jazz Bob Petit (6'9" PF, 21) Petit is going to be a scoring machine I think and should be good on the boards. I think the key to him is two fold. Offensively how much will the jump shot develop, if it does he becomes a pretty scary player offensively. Defensively how much will he improve as a post defender. Petit was in my top tier in this draft and CSKA needed a PF . A good choice.
New Orleans Jazz: Have to look at this pick as the big picture. He essentially dealt a similar big in Drummond with 16 and 49 to get Pettit (at 2), Mashburn, Jack, and Webster. Safe assumption he brings back Kaman and that makes him certainly viable playoff contender while getting younger and a piece to build around.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yup. A quick turnaround in Moscow.
2 CSKA Bob Pettit (6'9" PF, 215)
Pick 3:
New Orleans Jazz: At 3, Seattle will likely want a point guard and has had his sights set on Jo Jo White (6'3 PG, 22) since the draft classes were announced. In the end that likely wins out and he takes his guy. He's been pretty spot on gut wise the past few years with who will be the best player in the long term. White could be the piece that helps put them back into playoffs.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : Yeah I like White quite a bit. Him and Price are 1 and 1A at PG and in a league that has been lacking in PG's two teams will come out of this draft with excellent ones. White does it all and should be a dynamic PG.
3 Supersonics Jo Jo White (6'3" PG, 190)
Pick 4:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That leads us to 4 and Franca BC. The good news is Franca needs everything and there is a really excellent pool to still pick from. I am going to take the guy that I think has the biggest upside here. This dude was a devastating player in real life before an injury turned him into more of a role player. Probably one of the more underrated guards in NBA history to be honest... 4 Franca BC Ron Harper (6'6" SG, 185)
New Orleans Jazz: Franca taking Harper makes some sense but the issue may be he'll never be the guy who can carry a team. He'll be a great 3rd or maybe even 2nd piece but without the high skill level, he can't be the man.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah I agree, Harper is very talented but the question will be can he get there. We are talking about higher floor guys and Harper is the highest ceiling player in the class outside of KAJ in my opinion
4 Franca BC Ron Harper (6'6" SG, 185)
Pick 5:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That brings you (Jazz up at 5) I will take a shot at your pick here. I think moving down was smart there were several guys I had grouped together in this tier after KAJ and 5 guarantees you get one of them. The Jazz are another team after recent trades that are free to go in just about any direction. I think they grab the other elite PG still on the board and choose Mark Price. Studly shooter, pioneer of splitting the double on the pick n roll and really another underated player from the Cavs of late 80s/Early90s. 5 Jazz Lakers Mark Price (6'0" PG, 177)
New Orleans Jazz: Price likely has a higher potential to be the man so getting him at five makes a ton of sense for myself who historically has been best when the three point line was being set on fire. Both picks at 4 and 5 make sense but Price may be the last guy with true carry potential in the league behind KAJ, Pettit, and Jo Jo.
5 Jazz Mark Price (6'0" PG, 170)
Pick 6:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That puts REAL on the clock for pick 6, whatcha got there?
New Orleans Jazz: Well, REAL is likely sad after both point guards went before him but he's in position to take the best player available and that is likely Len Bias (6'9 SF, 22). Madrid has the market cornered on these athletic wings and adding a guy who has league history and the potential to be a two way difference maker makes the most sense here. His athleticism will allow for efficiency even before he is fully developed.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah this is now the 2nd tier of the draft. Usually that is a bad thing, but in this draft I think the depth of the first three tiers (Studs/Good Staters/Starters) is really exceptional. Bias is a great pick, if he can keep his nose clean (too soon?) he will be an excellent player in the prime Grant Hill mode
6 REAL Len Bias (6'9" SF, 215)
Pick 7:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That puts Buenos Aires on the clock with the 7th pick
New Orleans: This is a really young team with currently only two players over 24 on the roster (Ramsey and Augmon) . I don't think they need to worry about things positionally at this point and just draft the best player on their board.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Boca has two of the next three picks and with all the top PG's off the board I think they can take a bit of risk and also fill needs for what they need. I am not as high on this player as some, but I think Dennis Rodman here because Rodman, Eaton, Augmon would form a hellacious defense for quite awhile for the team. Rodman may not ever do much on offense but this is the type of player that if Buenos Aires gets a scorer or two will be a big difference maker for them.
New Orleans Jazz : That pick makes a lot of sense. I've got no interest in Rodman personally but he certainly provides some sort of value. I just fear that Buenos Aires has plenty of bigs with Eaton, Laimbeer, Barnes that he'd be better off trying to grab multiple guards. That front line defensively is scary though.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: I thought about that but he could play Rodman at SF, it just seems to fit his M.O. as a GM he goes after those gritty guys or go small and go Barnes/Rodman/Augmon.
7 Boca Juniors Dennis Rodman (6'7" PF, 225)
Pick 8:
New Orleans Jazz: Olimpia at 8 is tearing things down in a hurry. He's Not locked into any player so this should purely be best player available. That player to me is Richie Guerin who could be considered really close to that top tier. He's got size for the two and provides a unique blend of scoring, defender, athleticism and an extremely high level rebounding from the guard position. Should make any team a top rebounding team or make up for a big who can't rebound if you want to play fast.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: I agree Guerin is the guy who has slipped in this mock and a player who is right in the mix of the top of that 2nd tier for me. Great choice there.
8 Olimpia Richie Guerin (6'4" SG, 216)
Pick 9:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: That puts B.A. back on the clock and I think as you hit on when looking at Rodman at 7 it is time to grab a guard, especially one who can score. I had Guerin and Drazen Petrovic as pretty close just depending on what type of SG you wanted. Drazen is an assassin who will light you up from beyond the arc and also get into the lane. He was another guy who's real career ended too soon but I think he gives the Boca Juniors the type of potential Alpha offensive player they need to start climbing up the ladder. (edited)
New Orleans Jazz: Love that pick as Drazen is a guy more people should take a look at. The value of a two way shooting guard who has the size to play the position as well is often taken for granted. He should easily be a 20 point per game guy on great shooting percentages once he fills out and at 9, that's an easy grab since he will play some defense too.
9 Boca Juniors Drazen Petrovic (6'5" SG, 195)
Pick 10:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yup, now your Jazz are back on the clock, they already added a really nice piece in Mark Price at 5 and can go almost any way they want to again. There are a lot of different ways you could go here but I am going to take a guy who is simply a really good Forward here. Despite being a tweener, this is a player who can defend in and outside the paint, can score and make foul shots and is going to create some transition opportunities with his shot blocking. I think the pick here is Maurice Stokes and I think he probably plays at PF for now but SF long term.
New Orleans Jazz: Can't argue with Stokes. Dude is skilled, can rebound, can defend, can score inside, and even though he doesn't possess the high level athleticism I prefer and doesn't shoot it as well as I often prefer, he's too good at 10 to pass up on most likely.
10 Jazz Warriors Maurice Stokes (6'7" F, 232)
Pick 11:
New Orleans Jazz: Olimpia is back up at 11 and after taking Guerin at 8, it may be perfect to keep the theme the same and take Jack Twyman. Twyman could be a dynamic small forward and combine to give Olimpia the best rebounding wings out there. He defends the wing plenty good enough and will be a very good scorer from 15 and in. That should give him an identity with athletic, rebounding wings leading the way.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Agreed he was in the mix for me at 10.
11 Olimpia Jack Twyman (6'6" SF, 210)
Pick 12:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. The Sharks are up at 12 and they have a chance to add to KAT who is a beast of a big. The Sharks are loaded with young talent in the front court with KAT, LMA, KMart and probably some other guys with acronyms. They could really use one of these stud guards who just went off the board in the last 5 picks or so and they have the Greek Freak who should give some position versatility. So it comes down to taking one of the remaining SG's a bit earlier or taking a BPA no post. I'd do the later so. A versatile wing who can do it all should add to the future dominate rebounding edge of this team. It doesn't address their biggest need at SG but I have Wise a lot higher on the board then any of the SGs.
New Orleans Jazz: Wise looks fun. One of the guys who can provide in certain areas allowing you freedom at other positions. He can play either forward position without much issue and may be able to play some at the two as he develops. Intriguing prospect.
12 Sharks Willie Wise (6'6" SF, 210)
Pick 13:
New Orleans Jazz: The Cavs could also use a wing with Russell likely moving back to the point guard position and having Pradd who looks poised to improve. Roy can play either position so it gives him the freedom to choose. This is where Tom Gola should come off the board. He would fit right in with the versatile players and the ability to move the ball on offense and provide some much needed defense on the wings. He's plenty athletic enough to play the small forward position and looks like one of the more skilled players in this draft.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah it is time for Gola. I do wonder if his versatility is really all he is tho? What I mean is I am not sure how much he will score, but he as you mentioned have great passing skills and versatility.
13 Cavaliers Tom Gola (6'6" SG, 205)
Pick 14:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That brings up Beijing who has beefed up his team quite a bit so far this off season adding Aguirre and Lucas to fill two spots in the starting lineup. They have depth issues and both of their bigs are in their 30's. I think that makes this a pretty obvious pick in terms of grabbing a big. For me the guy I think has the best chance of being a real impact player on both sides of the floor is Roy Tarpley. A stud when he wasn't derailed by off the court issues, Tarpley can score, defend and rebound.
New Orleans Jazz : Really like that pick for Beijing there as Tarpley is one few legit bigs in this draft. He'll need that size if he wants to make some sorta run this year even though he isn't fully developed yet. Eventually he can take over for Hakeem as well.
14 Aoshen Roy Tarpley (6'11" C, 230)
Pick 15:
New Orleans Jazz : Perth is next and there is nothing much (maybe Zelmo) on that roster currently worth mentioning with Wade and others in Free Agency. That means he is free to go after any position and take the best player left. For me that's Nate McMillan at point guard. He'll be able to make others around him better and defend at a super high level. There is something to be desired scoring wise but that shouldn't be an issue next to Wade. At 6'5 it means he'll have the size advantage at point guard too which helps.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Nate is an interesting guy. Wade is one of the guys that make him a good partner.
15 Nate McMillan (6'5" PG, 195)
Pick 16:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That brings the Jazz up again at 16 after already adding Mark Price and Maurice Stokes. Tarpley would have been a great pick if he had fallen a couple more spots. Same deal as last time, the team can really use just about everything. I think here the choices are another guard or a post. I don't love any of the posts left here so going to go with a player that fits well next to Mark Price in Jeff Hornacek. A guy who can really shoot, pass it some and I think in time will turn into a pretty good defender.
New Orleans Jazz : Hard to argue with giving myself a shooter. Everyone knows I love those shooters and a backcourt of Price and Hornacek sounds like one I could make work. Not sure he's best available but someone I could grab in this range.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. :Yeah I think the tricky part of Hornacek is his limited athletic ability and what position is he? The talent is there to contribute.
16 Jazz CSKA Jeff Hornacek (6'3" SG, 190)
Pick 17:
New Orleans Jazz : Spurs are coming off their first every playoff performance and could use some depth at forward. Believe they would be elated to take Bob Dandridge here. He can play both positions and possibly some shooting guard as well. He's the perfect guy fit for a team looking to continue their climb into relevance.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : Yeah I think Dandridge slipped because he doesn't jump out at any one thing, but the talent is there to be really solid across the board and I think he is the type of player that pushes a team like the Spurs up a spot or two in the playoff race.
17 Spurs Bob Dandridge (6'6" SF, 195)
Pick 18:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That puts my team, the Fire Horse on the clock,. I will defer to you on a selection.
New Orleans Jazz: Could use a PF with some size and not those combo forwards so Ken Sears seems like a fit. Has some athleticism and can score inside. At worst he's a great back up PF but could start as well if you don't like those other forwards at the 4.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: PF is certainly a need area and I think Sears is a pretty good fit. I worry about him weighing 195 lbs, he will have to hit the weight room.
18 Fire Horse BC Ken Sears (6'9" PF. 198)
Pick 19:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : That brings up the Lakers. Who traded Zo for this pick and Bobby Jones off of Bamberg. The lakers need a lot of help at the wing and the backcourt. Kyle Lowry had a solid rookie year at PG but will need another good TC to be a difference maker at PG in his second year. There aren't a lot of shooting, SGs left but some interesting guys still on the board. I think they will draft a SG in a PG's body in Eugene Shue. Who should get to the him with the athletic ability to finish. The jumper and long range shot will need some work but the combination of scoring, handling and defensive ability will make him a good bet to turn into a good pro in time.
New Orleans Jazz: That makes sense. Lakers will be looking for perimeter help and that was a big reason for dealing Zo.
19 Lakers Eugene Shue (6'2" SG, 170)
Pick 20:
New Orleans Jazz: Tel Aviv at 20 will need another big even if they bring back Big Ben. Brad Daugherty makes sense here for them. He can pass, score inside, and rebound for a team that will need someone with a big body down low. This is the perfect range for him as well.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah I can see that with Big Brad. Also will bring a different set of skills then we normally see in Tel Aviv so an interesting fit.
20 Maccabi Brad Daugherty (7'0" C, 245)
Pick 21:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C. : The Newcastle Eagles are up they have some excellent pieces in place with AD and Elgin Baylor but a lot of their roster is in free agency this off season. Given that I think they will look for a ready now type player who can provide some versatility. That means for me that player is Norm Van Lier. He isn't quite a PG and might not be strong enough to be a full time SG, but he is gonna flat out play on both ends of the floor.
New Orleans Jazz: Yeah. For the Eagles who are accustomed to winning, ready not talent is the name of the game and he can provide that for sure.
21. Eagles Norm Van Lier (6'1" PG, 173)
Pick 22:
New Orleans Jazz: Belgrade is in a tough position as they wouldn't currently be able to afford bringing back Darko on a max deal like he'll get. Means he has to grab someone with size here. Neal Walk could be a small reach here but he's got the potential to be extremely effective next to Dirk or Walton. He'll provide some extra scoring and rebounding for a team just looking for a talented body down low to add to the mix.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Agree on Walk he gives them a bevy of good bigs for a team poised to be in the Eurasian mix for several years.
22. KK Partizan Neal Walk (6'10" C, 220)
Pick 23:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Brazil is back on the clock after nabbing Ron Harper earlier they just need to continue to add talent to the roster. I think we see the run of guards continue with another guy who is kind of between positions but would form an athletic nightmare of a backcourt in Mack Calvin
New Orleans Jazz: Calvin looks fun and this is the range for sure he'll be selected in.
23. Franca BC Mack Calvin (6'0" PG, 170)
Pick 24:
New Orleans Jazz: Mikawa could likely use some size but won't reach for it. That means at this point it's the best player available and Jan Bobrovsky could fit that bill. He'll be able to score and take the place of Finley who Mikawa likely won't be bringing back.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah seems like a very Mikawa type of pick, a guy who kinda falls in his lap for not being elite but is a jump away from being elite.
24. Mikawa Jan Bobrovsky (6'7" SF, 220)
Pick 25:
25. Piraeus is on the clock. They had a bit of a surprisingly down year by their lofty standards last year and are pushing up near the hard cap with that talented roster. They have the big man department covered but could use some wing help. Normally they target guys who are really high levels defenders but in this case I think they mimic what Mikawa did and select a guy who has slipped down a little bit Johnny Newman. A solid all around wing with some decent size.
New Orleans Jazz: Exactly what I was thinking. There aren't a ton of real needs so grabbing someone who should have gone higher is smart.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah, that's what fascinates me about this part of the draft there is actual guard depth,but a lot of it is guys you have to project.
25 Piraeus Johnny Newman, (6'7" SG, 190)
Pick 26:
The new look Vikings (formerly Cairo) have done a good job of putting a competitive roster together right away led by Latrell Spreewell and Shaq. Even with Bibby, there is the need for another guard and this draft at this point can easily provide that. Al Bianchi has the size to play off the ball as well and could even challenge for the starting point guard position. That's the pick here.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: I like that pick.
26. Vikings Al Bianchi (6'3" PG 185)
Pick 27:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: 27 is the Timberwolves and I am not seeing Minnesota players for them to go all fanboy over. However one of the best players left on the boards did play 2 years in Minnesota so come on down Chuck "the Rifleman" Person. Truly the best player left on the board for many teams at this point he will if nothing else be an excellent scorer off the bench.
New Orleans Jazz : Person is another guy who shouldn't have fallen this far but did. A great get for the Wolves.
27 Timberwolves Chuck Person (6'8" SF, 225)
Pick 28:
New Orleans Jazz: Buenos Aires is two deep at every position thus far but PG is by far their oldest position and they could use an infusion of athleticism. I like the potential of a guy like Sandro Riminucci as a guy who can be stashed in the D-League for a year.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.:Yeah that's a great point on the D-League. A player like Sandro could use the year but has the athletic ability and talent to turn into a starting PG down the road. At pick 28 that's a good deal.
28 Boca Juniors Sandro Riminucci (6'1" PG, 176)
Pick 29:
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Boston is up and they have a bevy of talented forwards (Sheed, Cwebb, Shard, Durant) but not a ton on the perimeter in terms of true guards. With all those bigs adding a another shooter cannot hurt so I think they nab Dell Curry who will light it up even if he isn't super atheltic.
New Orleans Jazz: Yeah. Skiles is a guy who could go much higher if his shooting is fallen in love with. Wish I had a pick in the 25 range to grab him.
29 Celtics Scott Skiles (6'1" PG, 180)
Pick 30:
New Orleans Jazz: The Nets are pretty set with them likely to bring back Booker and maybe even Sabonis with the addition of KAJ to the roster. Some added help on the wing for depth may not hurt at this point. Richard Jones is a unique player that could fit nicely getting minutes behind Magic Johnson.
Yeah the Nets obviously just have to find pieces to fit around Magic and KAJ, Jones does that well.
30 Nets Richard Jones (6'6" SF, 220)
Pick 31:
At 31 we have Buenos Aires yet again. Same deal they just need talent and as we talked about earlier they love defense So grabbing the last difference maker of a defender I see among the bigs in Julius Keye. They don't need him but he is another great D-League spect who can defend, rebound and block shots.
New Orleans Jazz: Yeah, I think a team with a late first would love the draft and stash Keye in the D-League to see how that skill set works out.
31 Boca Juniors Julius Keye (6'10" PF, 200)
Pick 32:
New Orleans Jazz: The Warriors will offer Gail a max contract then be in need of talent just about everywhere else. There is no other position that is locked up long term for them. That being said dealing Gail for assets may be his best play so even point guard is open. The best available player may be Dick Garmaker since he has the scoring potential to make a big difference down the line.
Sarawak Fire Horse B.C.: Yeah the best players left are primarily scorers who won't really defend (Garmaker, Bingo Smith, Dell Curry, etc.) I think that's still good value this late in the draft.
32. Warriors Dick Garmaker (6'3" SG, 200)
The Entire First Round in order:
1 Nets Lew Alcindor (7'2" C, 230)
2 CSKA Bob Pettit (6'9" PF, 215)
3 Supersonics Jo Jo White (6'3" PG, 190)
4 Franca BC Ron Harper (6'6" SG, 185)
5 Jazz Mark Price (6'0" PG, 170)
6 REAL Len Bias (6'9" SF, 215)
7 Boca Juniors Dennis Rodamn (6'7" PF, 225)
8 Olimpia Richie Guerin (6'4" SG, 216)
9 Boca Juniors Drazen Petrovic (6'5" SG, 195)
10 Jazz Warriors Maurice Stokes (6'7" F, 232)
11 Olimpia Jack Twyman (6'6" SF, 210)
12 Sharks Willie Wise (6'6" SF, 210)
13 Cavaliers Tom Gola (6'6" SG, 205)
14 Aoshen Roy Tarpley (6'11" C, 230)
15 Nate McMillan (6'5" PG, 195)
16 Jazz CSKA Jeff Hornacek (6'3" SG, 190)
17 Spurs Bob Dandridge (6'6" SF, 195)
18 Fire Horse BC Ken Sears (6'9" PF. 198)
19 Lakers Eugene Shue (6'2" SG, 170)
20 Maccabi Brad Daugherty (7'0" C, 245)
21. Eagles Norm Van Lier (6'1" PG, 173)
22. KK Partizan Neal Walk (6'10" C, 220)
23. Franca BC Mack Calvin (6'0" PG, 170)
24. Mikawa Jan Bobrovsky (6'7" SF, 220)
25 Piraeus Johnny Newman, (6'7" SG, 190)
26. Vikings Al Bianchi (6'3" PG 185)
27 Timberwolves Chuck Person (6'8" SF, 225)
28 Boca Juniors Sandro Riminucci (6'1" PG, 176)
29 Celtics Scott Skiles (6'1" PG, 180)
30 Nets Richard Jones (6'6" SF, 220)
31 Boca Juniors Julius Keye (6'10" PF, 200)
32. Warriors Dick Garmaker (6'3" SG, 200)
