07 Draft Thoughts
The 2007 NBA draft is finally over and one thing I can say is that it was a very good draft in general and it really showed how deep it was when some guys who could have been 1st round talent were available even at the second round. Having said that I have a few thoughts about the draft moves that should be talked about.
The Busy Blazers
So the Blazers selected Greg Oden but the day didn’t end there for them. Like last year, the Blazers were busy making many deals to improve their roster. They bought a 1st round pick from the Phoenix Suns just like last year when they selected the Spanish point guard Sergio Rodriguez. This time they selected another Spaniard in swingman Rudy Fernandez. This is a nice move for the Blazers since Fernandez was at times compared to the energetic Spurs guard Manu Ginobili. Josh Mcroberts and Taurean Green were taken in the 2nd round by the Blazers and look like solid players. The Blazers were also involved in a trade that made Knicks fans happy. More on that next.
Spike Lee, Knicks Fans Approve Isiah’s Moves
Even before their 1st round selection the Knicks fans including famed director Spike Lee had something to cheer about. A proposed trade was announced and eventually approved that would send Steve Francis and Channing Frye to the Blazers for Zach Randolph, Fred Jones and Dan Dickau. What this does is not only did the Knicks get rid of Francis’ enormous contract, it also gives them a reliable low post scorer in Zach Randolph. Paired with Eddy Curry, the Knicks have a monster of a front court. The Wilson Chandler selection just added to the cheerful atmosphere among the fans! I don’t really know much about the guy but if it makes the fans happy I guess Isiah did good.
Jason Richardson to Charlotte
I get where MJ was going on this trade since they really lacked the scoring punch that they thought they would get by drafting Adam Morrison. Three things though:
1) You need a scoring punch but I don’t think J-Rich is the right guy. He has a large contract and is more injury prone as of late. The Warriors never reached the playoffs when he was leading the team and played second fiddle to Baron Davis when they did. Bringing him in to Charlotte puts him in a “star” role he hasn’t proved he’s worthy of filling.
2) Trading away their selection Brandan Wright was a steal at the spot he was drafted since he was really a top 5 talent. He has the star potential and now the Warriors will enjoy him develop into one. The void left by J-Rich at the 2 spot can easily be filled by Monta Ellis or their selection Marco Belinelli.
3) I think trading for Richardson was a panic move since Adam Morrison didn’t do too well in his rookie season. This sort of sends a message that they can’t trust that Morrison won’t repeat that this coming season.
Ray Allen to the Celtics
Ray Allen along with the draft rights to Glen Davis was traded to the Celtics for Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak and the draft rights to Jeff Green. Ok they got rid of the big contract of Szczerbiak and got a great shooting star in Allen without giving up much. With so many young players on the team, a vet like Ray Allen could be just what they need. Allen and Pierce - watch out! I just hope both guys remain healthy.
Yi Jianlan and the Bucks
There are so many things dumb about this draft. The business aspect of Yi going to the Bucks just doesn’t work out. Milwaukee isn’t a large market to begin with, much less a big Asian market. When we talk about the fit I seriously think he’s the wrong fit. He’s talented but he went to the wrong place. GM Larry Harris didn’t even see him play and he still made that decision. Kinda stupid if you ask me. The Bucks really needed a small forward so Corey Brewer, who was still available, was a no brainer for me. For this to work out, either he’ll have to play that small forward spot or Charlie Villanueva will have to like when he played with the Raptors. Figure that out! Dumb move…
Rockets Select Aaron Brooks
The Houston Rockets selected Aaron Brooks at 26 and I think that was kinda dumb. Not only was he projected to be drafted in the second round, but the Rockets have a logjam of guards now who can play the point. They have Rafer Alston, Mike James, Luther Head, Vassilis Spanoulis among others. Since they traded away Juwan Howard they should have drafted a big man. Nick Fazekas would have been a good choice since he shoots very well and can rebound.
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1 opinion for 07 Draft Thoughts
KIM
Aug 13, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Finally , Navarro, best value player from Barcelona last season will be on Memphis with Pau Gasol.
The 2 stars from great Barcelona team 5 years ago and actual world Champions will be together again .
I hope Mephis made a big team around both stars.
KIM,
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