Post by bankz on Jul 19, 2010 21:56:44 GMT -5
The NBA is heading down the home stretch. NBA playoff contenders are jockeying for playoff position and looking to make some final changes to there rosters for a run at the title. But title contending GM's are not the only guys hard at work. This is the time of year where teams who have fallen out of the race begin to scout for the future.
Most years teams would have the opportunity to not only build from the draft but also in the free agent market. But this is not most years. "Teams who decided to win now hold a big advantage of those who wanted to build for the future." Say's Bulls GM F. Bankz "You don't have a marquee free agent. The market is the worst I have seen in the last 10 years, just nothing available that can change the balance of power in the NBA"
"You see a lot of teams looking for draft picks and more draft picks, GM's don't see any value in the market. And it will be this way for the next few years" It seems like Bankz has hit the nail on the head with his thoughts as you have seen many moves this season with first round picks being the prime target for teams like the Suns, Jazz and Nets.
"The next few years you better hope to have great scouts. Because if you miss on a pick you may not see the playoffs for the next 10 years" With that being said we want to take a look at what draft night will look like. Time for the 2002 NBA Mock Draft v.1
1. Nets (via Bucks)
Yao Ming Yao is a can't miss prospect. From day 1 in the NBA he will give you 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Nets could move Big Ben to power forward. The Nets will then dare players to take it to the hole.
2. Pistons
Jay Williams I could see the Pistons picking Melo or even Amare at this slot but I think Jay is the best player on the board with big time upside. Will lead this team for years to come.
3. Indiana
Amar'e Stoudemire The Pacers have solid prospects at PG, SG, SF and PF. They need a center. Enter Amare, at only 18 Amare has the room to grow into one of the most dominating big men of our time.
4. Nuggets
Dajuan Wagner Wagner is the last elite PG on the board. And Denver is in dire need for a point guard. With good prospects at SF, PF and C Wagner ability to score and lead a team may be to good to pass up.
5. Suns (via Spurs)
Nene HilarioThe Suns have 2 picks in this draft and need to add bulk to the line up. Nene is the perfect fit for the Suns. One of last prospects who could start from day one at center.
6. Pistons
Drew Gooden Gooden could be the steal of the draft. With the second pick of the draft for the Pistons the fill position of need. Gooden can anchor a front line for the next 10 years.
7. Heat
Carmelo Anthony Heat may move out of this pick. I am not sold having Pierce and Mello on the same team. In a perfect world one of the centers would fall to Miami but if not and there is no offer that knocks of the Heats socks I say Mello is the pick.
8. Suns (via Nets)
Carlos Boozer Another team with multiple lottery picks the Suns complete there front court facelift with Boozer. Nena may take time to develop into a scorer but Boozer will not. Carlos can step in day 1 become a big time scorer for the Suns
9. Sonics
Kareem Rush Rush could go top 5 or fall out of the lottery. He is the biggest reward/bust player in this draft. He can score on the college level but will it translate. Sonics wont ask much from kareem with Dirk leading this team.
10. Bucks (via Grizzlies)
Chris Wilcox The Bucks could go a number of different directions but I think they will take the Wilcox. Wilcox is flying up most teams boards and could go higher. But if on the board he is the choice.
11. Suns
Caron Butler The Suns could move out of this pick or try to package it to move up. But if the draft falls this way on draft night the Suns will go with Caron. Butler can play both shooting guard and small forward. He may challenge Hedo for a starting spot.
12. Cavs
Jared JeffriesWith a team with so many holes to fill Jared is the perfect player. He could literally play all 5 positions on the court. He is good at all positions just not great at one. The Cavs will move him around till he finds a spot.
13. Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Fred Jones Jones is a undersized two guard. Will need to learn how to run a team and become a point guard. He will get the chance to come off the bench and learn from a veteran team.
Most years teams would have the opportunity to not only build from the draft but also in the free agent market. But this is not most years. "Teams who decided to win now hold a big advantage of those who wanted to build for the future." Say's Bulls GM F. Bankz "You don't have a marquee free agent. The market is the worst I have seen in the last 10 years, just nothing available that can change the balance of power in the NBA"
"You see a lot of teams looking for draft picks and more draft picks, GM's don't see any value in the market. And it will be this way for the next few years" It seems like Bankz has hit the nail on the head with his thoughts as you have seen many moves this season with first round picks being the prime target for teams like the Suns, Jazz and Nets.
"The next few years you better hope to have great scouts. Because if you miss on a pick you may not see the playoffs for the next 10 years" With that being said we want to take a look at what draft night will look like. Time for the 2002 NBA Mock Draft v.1
1. Nets (via Bucks)
Yao Ming Yao is a can't miss prospect. From day 1 in the NBA he will give you 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Nets could move Big Ben to power forward. The Nets will then dare players to take it to the hole.
2. Pistons
Jay Williams I could see the Pistons picking Melo or even Amare at this slot but I think Jay is the best player on the board with big time upside. Will lead this team for years to come.
3. Indiana
Amar'e Stoudemire The Pacers have solid prospects at PG, SG, SF and PF. They need a center. Enter Amare, at only 18 Amare has the room to grow into one of the most dominating big men of our time.
4. Nuggets
Dajuan Wagner Wagner is the last elite PG on the board. And Denver is in dire need for a point guard. With good prospects at SF, PF and C Wagner ability to score and lead a team may be to good to pass up.
5. Suns (via Spurs)
Nene HilarioThe Suns have 2 picks in this draft and need to add bulk to the line up. Nene is the perfect fit for the Suns. One of last prospects who could start from day one at center.
6. Pistons
Drew Gooden Gooden could be the steal of the draft. With the second pick of the draft for the Pistons the fill position of need. Gooden can anchor a front line for the next 10 years.
7. Heat
Carmelo Anthony Heat may move out of this pick. I am not sold having Pierce and Mello on the same team. In a perfect world one of the centers would fall to Miami but if not and there is no offer that knocks of the Heats socks I say Mello is the pick.
8. Suns (via Nets)
Carlos Boozer Another team with multiple lottery picks the Suns complete there front court facelift with Boozer. Nena may take time to develop into a scorer but Boozer will not. Carlos can step in day 1 become a big time scorer for the Suns
9. Sonics
Kareem Rush Rush could go top 5 or fall out of the lottery. He is the biggest reward/bust player in this draft. He can score on the college level but will it translate. Sonics wont ask much from kareem with Dirk leading this team.
10. Bucks (via Grizzlies)
Chris Wilcox The Bucks could go a number of different directions but I think they will take the Wilcox. Wilcox is flying up most teams boards and could go higher. But if on the board he is the choice.
11. Suns
Caron Butler The Suns could move out of this pick or try to package it to move up. But if the draft falls this way on draft night the Suns will go with Caron. Butler can play both shooting guard and small forward. He may challenge Hedo for a starting spot.
12. Cavs
Jared JeffriesWith a team with so many holes to fill Jared is the perfect player. He could literally play all 5 positions on the court. He is good at all positions just not great at one. The Cavs will move him around till he finds a spot.
13. Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Fred Jones Jones is a undersized two guard. Will need to learn how to run a team and become a point guard. He will get the chance to come off the bench and learn from a veteran team.
