I found some great stuff from this morning's discussion.
PRE 2003 Draft Rankings-mocks, etc. By none other than John Hollinger. (currently working in the Memphis front office)
9 NYK SG Dwyane Wade Marquette 6'4" 200 21
Consider this one a placeholder. If Kaman and Lampe are both gone by the time the Knicks pick, one has to think they'll try to deal this pick to a team that fancies Wade in return for some frontcourt help. They're too scarred from the Frederic Weis disaster to take a chance on Russian giant Pavel Podkolzin.
4 TOR PF Chris Bosh Ga. Tech 6'11" 220 19
The Raptors are so thin at so many spots that they're basically looking at the best player available, and Bosh certainly fits the bill. Speaking of thin, Bosh is built along the lines of Joe Smith, but will have to play right away because the Raptors' bench is nonexistent.
Hardly ringing endorsements for either player. (Wade to the Knicks, man if I posted this in there right now, they would drink all night long.
)
Now, after the draft analysis by Chad Ford, the Mel Kiper of NBA drafting.
Chris Bosh | PF | 6-11 | Georgia Tech
Ford's Take: The Raptors tried to trade this pick, but couldn't find any takers. Bosh was the next best player on the board. At his size and with his skill set, his upside is similar to a Tim Duncan or Kevin Garnett. The Raptors have to be patient, but he'll be worth it. He exceeded expectations during his freshman year and several NBA GMs think he'll do it again. He's already gained 15 pounds of muscle since he left his school. Once he gets stronger physically, I think the Big Three of the draft will be the Big Four.
Notice how he says "Big 3 of the draft", as in Bron, Darko, Melo? And the Raptors tried to trade the pick, before settling on Bosh.
Dwyane Wade | SG | 6-5 | Marquette
Ford's Take: The first big shocker of the draft. Pat Riley really wanted a player who could contribute right away. Wade can play in the backcourt with Eddie Jones. He's got a good handle and can play point at times. He's got a great first step and is a solid defender. He's one of the most mature players in the draft. The biggest issue? The Heat desperately need a good shooter in the backcourt. For all of Wade's strengths, he isn't a good long range shooter. Interesting pick. Obviously, by passing on Chris Kaman and Maciej Lampe, Riley doesn't like projects.
So yeah, Wade wasn't exactly Bron-Melo level goin in. One guy had him goin at 9, IF the Knicks couldn't get Kaman, and the other guy had shock at Wade going in the top 5. Again, not really ringing endorsements for Wade.
Here's my favorite part tho. THIS is funny.
David West | PF | 6-9 | Xavier
Ford's Take: Not a bad pick. He's kind of a shorter version of P.J. Brown. But why not take a flier here on Brian Cook? Cook is taller, a more well-rounded player, and could help stretch defenses with his perimeter skills. West will be a solid player. But at No. 18 you could get so much more.
Wait for it.....
Brian Cook | PF | 6-11 | Illinois
Ford's Take: Great pick for the Lakers. His ability to play inside and outside reminds me a lot of Robert Horry. He needs to get stronger, but he's got lottery-type talent in his overall game. With Horry likely hitting the free-agent market, Cook really lands in a good situation.
Anyone remember Brian Cook?
Obviously they wiffed on some stuff, but they largely viewed this as a 3 man draft + Kaman was nice, Bosh had a nice ceiling.
They will wiff on some guys in 2014 too, and certainly there will be some busts, but this draft has as much potential as 2003 and 1996. Just depends on those players workin their ***** off, and who wants to be great? (and also where they land)
If Bari or Embiid or even Wiggins decide against coming out, then the draft certainly takes a hit. But if they ALL come out, this class can be just as fun as the last two great classes, even with 03 lookin a little top heavy years later.
Brian Cook.
