CNNSI.com users play role of GM

Posted: Mon June 22, 1998

Heading into the 1998 NBA Draft (Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 p.m. TNT), CNNSI asked users to respond to the following question:

If you were starting a new NBA franchise, and you had your pick of any current or draft-eligible NBA player to choose from to build your team—keeping in mind his current age and salary—who would it be and why?

We collected hundreds of responses. Here's a sample of the best. Click here to submit your own. We'll post more later in the week.

I would choose Detroit forward Grant Hill. When the Bulls played the Pistons, neither Scottie Pippen nor Michael Jordan could stop him. Put Hill in the right situation with the right supporting cast, and you have yourself a championship-quality team.
—J.D. Dickel, Chicago

I would pick Boston forward Antoine Walker. Everybody seems to be looking for the next MJ, but in Walker I see the next Magic. Antoine is about the same size, has the same unbelievable passing ability and can score at will.
—Judy Kelley, hometown withheld

A majority of CNN/SI users said that Duncan, the 1998 NBA Rookie of the Year, would be the player they would start a franchise with.    (Peter J. Taylor/Allsport)

I would choose San Antonio's Tim Duncan. He is the ultimate prototype power forward and is only 22 years old.
—Ron Jacobs, hometown withheld

I would select Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Kobe has shown that he has great fundamentals for a 20-year-old without college experience. He is a bit of a ball hog at times but he's still learning the ropes in the NBA.
—Robb Lenigar, Salem, Ohio

Bucks shooting guard Ray Allen. He has a relatively low salary, is very young, popular, just made a movie and is improving.
—Matt Groh, Wisconsin

Bulls forward Scottie Pippen, because of his versatility on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game. He demands perfection from his teammates.
—Josh Berg, Jamestown, N.Y.

Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal. He's only 26 and is a proven dominator. Surround him with great outside shooters and a good point guard and it's dynasty time.
—Doug Ninja, Columbus, Ohio

Pacers shooting guard Reggie Miller, probably the best all-around player, besides Jordan. He has range, leadership skills, and can drive to the hole. You have seen what he does in clutch situations. He can score with the best of them.
—Gerald Dodd, hometown withheld

Heat point guard Tim Hardaway is the best overall pick. The reason: he's a complete package. A point guard that can pass, score and make the team around him better.
—Chris Wiley, Stockton, Calif.

I select Latrell Sprewell. Why not? The NBA is on the verge of going to hell in a handbasket anyway.
—Jeff Dunlop, Winter Haven, Fla.

I would take Kevin Garnett. At 6'11" with extremely long arms, he's too big for most small forwards and too fast for the rest. He's an excellent defensive player and a decent rebounder who should only get better.
—Aaron Bellwood, Battle Creek, Mich.

Suns shooting guard Rex Chapman. Very underrated. His very low salary would leave room to surround him with other talented players. Gives his teammates great energy with his unbelievable threes and athletic dunks.
—Robert Szweda, Sauk City, Wis.

Seattle point guard Gary Payton. He is the total package: he can take over the game, hit clutch shots, post up other point guards, knock down pressure free throws and shut down the player he guards.
—Jim Collins, Traverse City, Mich.

Sixers point guard Allen Iverson. Iverson has both speed and a crossover that would break down a Mercedes.
—Robert Harris, Woodbury, N.J.

Instead of a player, I would opt to draft a coach, such as Orlando's Chuck Daly or Miami's Pat Riley. A quality coach who has proven that he can win championships as well as turn teams around is more important than a player with a world of talent.
—Ryan McFadden, Pittsburgh

Atlanta center Dikembe Mutombo. It's an easy choice. Defense comes first, second, and third, and there is no one better to dominate the inside defensively.
—Bob Berman, Boston

Grizzlies small forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim. He's the best scorer among the young players with a positive attitude. He's mature enough to pass the ball when he needs to, and he is worth $20 million a year.
—Chris, Toronto

Knicks shooting guard Allan Houston. He's young, talented and signed through 2003 for a relatively cheap salary in this day and age.
—Rodney Brown, Oakland, Calif.

I would pick journeyman power forward Joe Wolf. He has played for almost every team in the NBA so he could tell us their plays and strategies.
—Luke White, Ervin, Texas

Related information
From Sports Illustrated
Jackie MacMullan's Mock Draft Position-by-Position Analysis Commencement: Draft-Class Superlatives SI's Seth Davis: 12 Intriguing Prospects A Decade of Drafting Prince or Frog? Keon Clark from UNLV is the great unknown
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