Post by bankz on Aug 10, 2010 15:18:26 GMT -5
With the first ever TMBSL NBA Rookie Draft in the books and the 2002 season three quarters of the way done I wanted to take some time out and look at the Rookie Of The Year race along with a look back at some of the decisions made during the 2002 draft.
The 2002 TMBSL draft was the first year GM's scouting talent were put to the test. Some GM's came out with high grades others not so much. Here are some head starching picks from the 2002 TMBSL Draft.
Luis Scola 1.12
To be fair to the Sixers former GM Rz did not put much effort into the draft and it clearly showed. One of the reason's he was fired recently. How good is Scola? We have no idea the 12th pick in the draft has played in 2 games and just 12 non impact minutes of basketball action.
Players Passed On
Nikoloz Tskitishvili
Ryan Humphrey
Udonis Haslem
Jordan Roberson
Qyntel Woods 1.15
You have to question the logic behind selecting Qyntel with the 15th pick of the draft. A major project is not what Blazers fan wanted and management feeling the pressure moved Q. Woods has only played in 9 games this year and has done nothing on the court to warrant playing time.
Players Passed On
Flip Murry
Rasual Butler
Matt Barnes
John Salmons
Some of the better moves of the draft that might go unnoticed. These GM's were able to find diamonds in the rough
Udonis Haslem 2.2
The Kings did a great job of scouting and finding this big man from Florida. Udonis is having an impressive rookie year averaging 8 points and 7 rebounds a game. The only bad part for Kings fans is management has already moved the promising big man. A move they may regret down the road..
Matt Barnes 2.6
The Sun's management may have made a mistake earlier in the draft by taking Jared Jeffries with the 10 pick of the draft. But they hit a home run with Barnes in the second round. 11 points and 5 rebounds a game along with solid defense Matt is a key piece to the Suns second half run.
Jordan Roberson 2. 9
The Sonics/Thunder made what is the steal of the draft. This 6'11 monster has helped the Thunder to a 31-29 record. Looked over by many GM's in need of a big man the draft Jordan has a chip on his shoulder and is proving everyone wrong. 13 points, 5 rebounds and block, in just under 22 minutes a game. With more playing time the sky is the limit for Jordan.
Players who are in there rookie years that were not drafted because they were not available or because they were overlooked, but are making an impact.
Victor Wachter Draft Eligible, Undrafted
The Chicago Bulls scouting department was very high on Victor from the very start. The Bulls tried to get back into the second round multiple times to select Victor but were not successful. But once the FA market opened they signed the big center from Jacksonville. Victor was pressed into action but the trade of Troy Murphy and the injury to Jermain O'Neal. He has responded by blocking 2.4 shots a game along with putting up 6.8 points and 6.7 rebound in less then 25 minutes.
Ime Udoka, Not Draft Eligible, Free Agent Signing
The Warriors were able to target Udoka early in the free agent process. Signing the talented 25 year old day 1. Along with his solid defense, Ime has contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds along with 1.3 steals a game.
Now on to the main event. The Rookie Of The Year race has turned into a two horse showdown. But the 2002 class has some really strong prospects who could develop into all-stars at some point.
Draft Grades:
C B B- C C B
Training Camp Grades:
C A- B- C C A
Flip has been asked to play multiple positions and roles on the Chicago Bulls. With the team hit by injury and GM Bankz moving players all over the league Flip has done a great job. The question with Flip is will he be able to develop into a pure point guard. He is the ultimate 6th man for Chicago and that will likely be his role moving forward.
Draft Grades:
B- C+ C C+ C+ A
Training Camp Grades:
B- B- C B- C+ A
Carmelo is not a bust. But he must be considered a huge disappointment to Indiana Pacer fans. Maybe it's the pressure of being the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 draft. Melo is going to need to elevate his game year two if Indiana wants to leave the basement of the Eastern Conference. Pacer's fans want to see big improvement come training camp 2003 for Melo.
Draft Grades:
B- C C+ B- C+ B
Training Camp Grades:
B C C B C+ A
The year of the Shooting Guard/Small Forward Prince has excelled for the Kings. Shooting a decent 31% from the 3 point line, for a player coming out of college that was being questioned if he could shoot the ball. Prince was a member of the Rookie All-Star team and is one of the best rookie defenders in this class.
Draft Grades:
B- D C- B- C+ B
Training Camp Grades:
B D C- B- C+ B
I don't think any GM would tell you that Ryan was going to be this good. 11 points, 8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a game for a rookie on a top western conference team is about all you can ask for from the 18th pick in the 2002 draft. Ryan already has a career high 10 block game on his resume.
Draft Grades:
B- C+ C C+ C+ A
Training Camp Grades:
B- C+ C B C+ A
Caron is another talented Small Forward from the 2002 class. Still a slasher, Caron needs to develop his jumper. Shooting 29% from the 3 point line will not be acceptable moving forward. Butler has meshed well with the defensive minded Wolves. His 30 point effort earlier in the season give Wolves fans hope they may have a top scorer in a few years.
Draft Grades:
B+ C C C+ C+ F
Training Camp Grades:
B+ C C C+ C+ F
Jordan Roberson who? That is what most scouts were saying before the season started. Well there is no question now who this 18 year old is. 12.5 points and 5.1 rebounds for this young kid is only the tip of the ice burg. Its a shame for Sonics fans that his rookie deal was not extended to 3 years. He could be a top free agent in two years.
Draft Grades:
B- C B- C+ C A
Training Camp Grades:
B C B- B C A
The best Point Guard in the 2002 TMBSL Draft has lived up to expectations. Detriot was praying on draft night that Jay would fall to them at number 4. So when he was available at number four they pulled the trigger quicker then Dumptime with a Texas whore. But GM Rv12 has now moved Jay Williams to the Chicago Bulls in a effort to win now. High expectations follow Jay to Chicago.
Draft Grades:
C+ B+ C- C C- A
Training Camp Grades:
C- B C B C B
The best scoring back court player in the draft. Memphis wanted to play Wagner at the point guard position but 3.8 Turnovers a game with him only dishing only 2.6 assist ended that plan quickly. Wagner still has a ton of room to grow. When watching Wagner play the first player that comes to mind..... Allen Iverson. Wagner is a franchise player. Hopefully he continues to progress and becomes a problem for all Western Conference teams.
Draft Grades:
A- D+ C- C- C A
Training Camp Grades:
A D+ C- C C A
Amar'e or Yao? That is the debate. You wont go wrong with either choice. Amar'e is a scoring machine. Putting 23.5 points up on 52% shooting Amar'e is a beast. Amar'e needs to bulk up in the off season to improve his rebounding numbers. Wouldn't hurt to work on free throw shooting. He is hitting at a Shaq figure of 55% from the free throw line. But those are the only negatives in Stoudemire's game. Already sitting on a career high 50 point game its only a matter of time before he is a MVP candidate.
Draft Grades:
B+ C C B- B- B
Training Camp Grades:
B+ C C+ B- B- B
The 2002 TMBSL Rookie of the year Yao Ming. GM Irush did not waiver prior to the draft when rumors where flying that Yao was a walking injury. Most GM's in the league thought Yao's game would not translate in the NBA. He would be a bust. Well Yao has proven to be the opposite. A dominate force from game one. The big China man has had his way down low. 23.6 points a game 9.9 rebounds and 3.8 assist a game illustrates how complete Yao's game is. Add in 33 double double's and a NBA All-Star game appearance. Yao could be considered a NBA MVP this year.
Just Missed
Nene
Drew Gooden
Nikoloz Tskitishvili
Udonis Haslem
Matt Barnes
The Iron Is Unkind
The 2002 TMBSL draft was the first year GM's scouting talent were put to the test. Some GM's came out with high grades others not so much. Here are some head starching picks from the 2002 TMBSL Draft.
Luis Scola 1.12 To be fair to the Sixers former GM Rz did not put much effort into the draft and it clearly showed. One of the reason's he was fired recently. How good is Scola? We have no idea the 12th pick in the draft has played in 2 games and just 12 non impact minutes of basketball action.
Players Passed On
Nikoloz Tskitishvili
Ryan Humphrey
Udonis Haslem
Jordan Roberson
Qyntel Woods 1.15You have to question the logic behind selecting Qyntel with the 15th pick of the draft. A major project is not what Blazers fan wanted and management feeling the pressure moved Q. Woods has only played in 9 games this year and has done nothing on the court to warrant playing time.
Players Passed On
Flip Murry
Rasual Butler
Matt Barnes
John Salmons
Nothing But Net
Some of the better moves of the draft that might go unnoticed. These GM's were able to find diamonds in the rough
Udonis Haslem 2.2 The Kings did a great job of scouting and finding this big man from Florida. Udonis is having an impressive rookie year averaging 8 points and 7 rebounds a game. The only bad part for Kings fans is management has already moved the promising big man. A move they may regret down the road..
Matt Barnes 2.6The Sun's management may have made a mistake earlier in the draft by taking Jared Jeffries with the 10 pick of the draft. But they hit a home run with Barnes in the second round. 11 points and 5 rebounds a game along with solid defense Matt is a key piece to the Suns second half run.
Jordan Roberson 2. 9The Sonics/Thunder made what is the steal of the draft. This 6'11 monster has helped the Thunder to a 31-29 record. Looked over by many GM's in need of a big man the draft Jordan has a chip on his shoulder and is proving everyone wrong. 13 points, 5 rebounds and block, in just under 22 minutes a game. With more playing time the sky is the limit for Jordan.
Well Look What I Found
Players who are in there rookie years that were not drafted because they were not available or because they were overlooked, but are making an impact.
Victor Wachter Draft Eligible, Undrafted The Chicago Bulls scouting department was very high on Victor from the very start. The Bulls tried to get back into the second round multiple times to select Victor but were not successful. But once the FA market opened they signed the big center from Jacksonville. Victor was pressed into action but the trade of Troy Murphy and the injury to Jermain O'Neal. He has responded by blocking 2.4 shots a game along with putting up 6.8 points and 6.7 rebound in less then 25 minutes.
Ime Udoka, Not Draft Eligible, Free Agent SigningThe Warriors were able to target Udoka early in the free agent process. Signing the talented 25 year old day 1. Along with his solid defense, Ime has contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds along with 1.3 steals a game.
ROTY Race
Now on to the main event. The Rookie Of The Year race has turned into a two horse showdown. But the 2002 class has some really strong prospects who could develop into all-stars at some point.
10. Ronald "Flip" Murry (Chicago Bulls, 1.20)
MPG: 28.8
PPG: 11.3
RPG: 4.4
APG: 3.5
SPG: 0.8
BPG: 0.1
TOPG:1.6
FG %:.458
FT %:.831
3P %:.443
MPG: 28.8
PPG: 11.3
RPG: 4.4
APG: 3.5
SPG: 0.8
BPG: 0.1
TOPG:1.6
FG %:.458
FT %:.831
3P %:.443
Draft Grades:
C B B- C C B
Training Camp Grades:
C A- B- C C A
Flip has been asked to play multiple positions and roles on the Chicago Bulls. With the team hit by injury and GM Bankz moving players all over the league Flip has done a great job. The question with Flip is will he be able to develop into a pure point guard. He is the ultimate 6th man for Chicago and that will likely be his role moving forward.
9. Carmello Anthony (Indiana Pacers 1.2)
MPG:31.9
PPG: 11.1
RPG: 5.3
APG: 1.9
SPG: 1.1
BPG: 0.1
TOPG: 1.6
FG %:.463
FT %:.610
3P %:.250
MPG:31.9
PPG: 11.1
RPG: 5.3
APG: 1.9
SPG: 1.1
BPG: 0.1
TOPG: 1.6
FG %:.463
FT %:.610
3P %:.250
Draft Grades:
B- C+ C C+ C+ A
Training Camp Grades:
B- B- C B- C+ A
Carmelo is not a bust. But he must be considered a huge disappointment to Indiana Pacer fans. Maybe it's the pressure of being the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 draft. Melo is going to need to elevate his game year two if Indiana wants to leave the basement of the Eastern Conference. Pacer's fans want to see big improvement come training camp 2003 for Melo.
8. Tayshaun Prince (Sacramento Kings, 1.11)
MPG:34.3
PPG: 11.3
RPG: 7.1
APG: 2.2
SPG: 1.2
BPG: 0.1
TOPG:1.2
FG %:.497
FT %:.734
3P %:.316
MPG:34.3
PPG: 11.3
RPG: 7.1
APG: 2.2
SPG: 1.2
BPG: 0.1
TOPG:1.2
FG %:.497
FT %:.734
3P %:.316
Draft Grades:
B- C C+ B- C+ B
Training Camp Grades:
B C C B C+ A
The year of the Shooting Guard/Small Forward Prince has excelled for the Kings. Shooting a decent 31% from the 3 point line, for a player coming out of college that was being questioned if he could shoot the ball. Prince was a member of the Rookie All-Star team and is one of the best rookie defenders in this class.
7. Ryan Humphrey (Los Angeles Lakers 1.18)
MPG:27.9
PPG: 10.9
RPG: 8.1
APG: 1.4
SPG: 0.5
BPG: 2.6
TOPG:1.2
FG %:.485
FT %:.520
3P %:.000
MPG:27.9
PPG: 10.9
RPG: 8.1
APG: 1.4
SPG: 0.5
BPG: 2.6
TOPG:1.2
FG %:.485
FT %:.520
3P %:.000
Draft Grades:
B- D C- B- C+ B
Training Camp Grades:
B D C- B- C+ B
I don't think any GM would tell you that Ryan was going to be this good. 11 points, 8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a game for a rookie on a top western conference team is about all you can ask for from the 18th pick in the 2002 draft. Ryan already has a career high 10 block game on his resume.
6. Caron Butler (Minnesota Fighting Kahns 1.9)
MPG:28.4
PPG:12.5
RPG:5.8
APG:2.3
SPG:1.0
BPG: 0.2
TOPG:1.4
FG %:.458
FT %:.660
3P %:.295
MPG:28.4
PPG:12.5
RPG:5.8
APG:2.3
SPG:1.0
BPG: 0.2
TOPG:1.4
FG %:.458
FT %:.660
3P %:.295
Draft Grades:
B- C+ C C+ C+ A
Training Camp Grades:
B- C+ C B C+ A
Caron is another talented Small Forward from the 2002 class. Still a slasher, Caron needs to develop his jumper. Shooting 29% from the 3 point line will not be acceptable moving forward. Butler has meshed well with the defensive minded Wolves. His 30 point effort earlier in the season give Wolves fans hope they may have a top scorer in a few years.
5. Jordan Roberson (Oklahoma City Thunder 2.9)
MPG:21.7
PPG: 12.5
RPG: 5.1
APG: 1.2
SPG: 0.6
BPG: 0.9
TOPG:0.9
FG %:.465
FT %: .695
3P %:.273
MPG:21.7
PPG: 12.5
RPG: 5.1
APG: 1.2
SPG: 0.6
BPG: 0.9
TOPG:0.9
FG %:.465
FT %: .695
3P %:.273
Draft Grades:
B+ C C C+ C+ F
Training Camp Grades:
B+ C C C+ C+ F
Jordan Roberson who? That is what most scouts were saying before the season started. Well there is no question now who this 18 year old is. 12.5 points and 5.1 rebounds for this young kid is only the tip of the ice burg. Its a shame for Sonics fans that his rookie deal was not extended to 3 years. He could be a top free agent in two years.
4. Jay Williams (Chicago Bulls 1. 4)
MPG:30.0
PPG:12.5
RPG: 4.4
APG: 5.9
SPG: 1.3
BPG: 0.2
TOPG:2.0
FG %:.430
FT %:.779
3P %:.175
MPG:30.0
PPG:12.5
RPG: 4.4
APG: 5.9
SPG: 1.3
BPG: 0.2
TOPG:2.0
FG %:.430
FT %:.779
3P %:.175
Draft Grades:
B- C B- C+ C A
Training Camp Grades:
B C B- B C A
The best Point Guard in the 2002 TMBSL Draft has lived up to expectations. Detriot was praying on draft night that Jay would fall to them at number 4. So when he was available at number four they pulled the trigger quicker then Dumptime with a Texas whore. But GM Rv12 has now moved Jay Williams to the Chicago Bulls in a effort to win now. High expectations follow Jay to Chicago.
3. Dajuan Wagner (Memphis Grizzlies 1.6)
MPG:28.9
PPG:18.7
RPG:3.8
APG:2.6
SPG:1.2
BPG:0.2
TOPG:3.8
FG %:.447
FT %:.734
3P %:.354
MPG:28.9
PPG:18.7
RPG:3.8
APG:2.6
SPG:1.2
BPG:0.2
TOPG:3.8
FG %:.447
FT %:.734
3P %:.354
Draft Grades:
C+ B+ C- C C- A
Training Camp Grades:
C- B C B C B
The best scoring back court player in the draft. Memphis wanted to play Wagner at the point guard position but 3.8 Turnovers a game with him only dishing only 2.6 assist ended that plan quickly. Wagner still has a ton of room to grow. When watching Wagner play the first player that comes to mind..... Allen Iverson. Wagner is a franchise player. Hopefully he continues to progress and becomes a problem for all Western Conference teams.
2. Amar'e Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns 1.3)
MPG:30.8
PPG: 23.5
RPG:6.9
APG: 1.4
SPG: 0.6
BPG: 0.1
TOPG:1.7
FG %:.522
FT %:.555
3P %:.000
MPG:30.8
PPG: 23.5
RPG:6.9
APG: 1.4
SPG: 0.6
BPG: 0.1
TOPG:1.7
FG %:.522
FT %:.555
3P %:.000
Draft Grades:
A- D+ C- C- C A
Training Camp Grades:
A D+ C- C C A
Amar'e or Yao? That is the debate. You wont go wrong with either choice. Amar'e is a scoring machine. Putting 23.5 points up on 52% shooting Amar'e is a beast. Amar'e needs to bulk up in the off season to improve his rebounding numbers. Wouldn't hurt to work on free throw shooting. He is hitting at a Shaq figure of 55% from the free throw line. But those are the only negatives in Stoudemire's game. Already sitting on a career high 50 point game its only a matter of time before he is a MVP candidate.
1. Yao Ming (New Jersey Nets 1.1)
MPG:35.9
PPG: 23.6
RPG: 9.9
APG: 3.8
SPG: 0.7
BPG: 0.9
TOPG:2.2
FG %:.490
FT %:.754
3P %:.373
MPG:35.9
PPG: 23.6
RPG: 9.9
APG: 3.8
SPG: 0.7
BPG: 0.9
TOPG:2.2
FG %:.490
FT %:.754
3P %:.373
Draft Grades:
B+ C C B- B- B
Training Camp Grades:
B+ C C+ B- B- B
The 2002 TMBSL Rookie of the year Yao Ming. GM Irush did not waiver prior to the draft when rumors where flying that Yao was a walking injury. Most GM's in the league thought Yao's game would not translate in the NBA. He would be a bust. Well Yao has proven to be the opposite. A dominate force from game one. The big China man has had his way down low. 23.6 points a game 9.9 rebounds and 3.8 assist a game illustrates how complete Yao's game is. Add in 33 double double's and a NBA All-Star game appearance. Yao could be considered a NBA MVP this year.
Just Missed
Nene
Drew Gooden
Nikoloz Tskitishvili
Udonis Haslem
Matt Barnes
