Your Take: Who'll pick who?

Users share predictions about the NBA Draft

Posted: Thursday July 01, 1999 10:03 AM

CNNSI.com asked users to share their predictions about how their favorite teams would fare in the NBA Draft. For some of the most interesting responses, read on.

The LA Clippers will take Baron Davis.
-- Bill Law, Chatham, Ill.

I think the Knicks will pick either Avery or Artest. I think the T-Wolves will either keep Brandon or swap Brandon for Stoudamire, making one of the 5 PGs available at the 15th pick, probably Avery. I think Shawn Marion will go higher than Artest making him available.
-- Christian Brunelli, Peekskill, NY

I think the Knicks will pick either Avery or Artest. I think the T-Wolves will either keep Brandon or swap Brandon for Stoudamire, making one of the 5 PGs available at the 15th pick, probably Avery. I think Shawn Marion will go higher than Artest making him available.
-- Christian Brunelli, Peekskill, N.Y.

The Celtics trade Ron Mercer to the Sonics for Vin Baker..they then sign him and ship him to Los Angeles (Clippers) for their No. 4 pick and select Baron Davis.
-- Ryan Mensch, Mifflinburg, Penn.

Wally World will be a steal at any pick.
-- Steve Salzarudo, Oxford, Ohio

I may not have seen most of the predicted top draft players play, but I see plenty of talent and poise of Steve Francis from Maryland. This is who the Chicago Bulls should pick for #1. If Jerry Krause doesn't follow my advice, I don't want to see Elton Brand here(his size is what bothers me)or Lamar Odom(his skill resembles Toni Kukoc and don't need 2 of the same skill level). I would not mind seeing Wally Sczerbiak here. He reminds of a Glen Rice and a Pippen put together. If the Bulls draft Francis or Szczerbiak, the Bulls will have a bright future.
-- Brian Luk, Chicago, Ill.

I see the Lakers taking a point or two guard (Sam Jacobson is the only backup). I like Trajan Langdon, Vonteego Cummings, or Arthur Lee, in that order.
-- Daniel Goldblatt, Queens, N.Y.

I don't think the Timberwolves will trade their picks, I think they will draft a much-needed outside shooter with their #6 pick. I think they will take Wally Sczerbiak or if he is not available, Richard Hamilton. For their 14th pick I think they will draft a center such as Evan Eschmeyer or Aleksandr Radojevic - they need another big man.
-- Matt Heimdahl, St. Paul, Minn.

I think the Celtics are going to trade Ron Mercer and Kenny Anderson to Portland for Jimmy Jackson, Kelvin Carto and Walt Williams. And with the 54th pick take Wayne Turner or Chris Herren if he still availabe.
-- Scott Downing, Pittsfield, Md.

The Toronto Raptors have to draft Andre Miller with the no. 5 pick, with the no. 12 they will be able to get various different forwards that they can stick in to replace Oakley. The main weakness of the Raptors was a lack of a true pg. There is no way they will go anywhere with Dee Brown starting at the one just launching three attempts. They need a pass first, unselfish point and Miller fits the bill. If the Raptors wanna become winners they can start by taking a proven winner.
-- Preston McNay, Nampa, Idaho

I have every confidence that the Atlanta Hawks will take their 4 first-round picks, and will wind up with no one who can help them get past the first round of the playoffs. Multiple picks in the NBA draft are more a curse than a blessing, as they count against the salary cap. The Hawks only hope is to package one or more of the picks, along with a current player perhaps, in order to move up far enough to get a quality point guard to spell Mookie Blaylock.
-- Brian Braswell, Augusta, Ga.

Minnesota should take Richard "RIP" Hamilton. He is a solid defender that can score in bunches. He can get his own shot, run the break, and make good decisions. His comparisons to UCONN great Ray Allen are close and this time the Wolves will not trade away a Huskie pick. Knocks on him are his size-he must bulk up, and maybe the fact that he needed that senior leadership quality that so many young NBA players lack these days. Then if Lamar Odom drops to 6 - I'll be happy with that too!
-- D.J. Bowers, Chattanooga, Tenn.

The rumored three-way deal between the Lakers, Heat, & Grizzlies will, indeed, happen -- but not until the Bulls select either Francis or Brand. Jerry West, in one of his shrewdest Draft smokescreens to date, brought in Baron Davis to work out. This left everyone with the impression that when the Rice-to Miami, P.J. to Vancouver, #2 pick to the Lakers deal went down, that the Lakers would select Baron Davis. On the contrary, Lamar Odom is the player Jerry and Phil have had their eyes on all along. His ability to handle and distribute the ball, along with his ability to stick the 18 foot jumper make him an ideal fit for the triangle offense. Look for the deal to happen shortly after the Bulls select anyone other than Odom.
-- Mitch Lowe, Riverside, Calif.

I think the Sonics are going to get Evan Eschmeyer with the 13th pick in the lottery. Many think they will get William Avery but I don't think they need a back up point guard as much as they need a solid player in the middle to go along with Vin Baker. In the 2nd round if Donald Watts is still there I think they will take him because he is a good point guard and he has plenty of family history in Seattle.
-- Dale Kring, Yakima, Wash.

The Seattle Sonics have to pick Jason Terry as their draft pick, only if he slides this low. Not only does Jason fill the badly needed backup point guard job, he is also a successful hometown hero. Winning championships at every level, Jason will end the Sonics losing ways by adding depth and much needed energy on the defensive end. On a team filled with savvy veterns who have lost their defensive prowess, Jason is willing to put away a million dollar ego in order to shut down an opposing player. For these reasons Wally Walker would be a fool to pass on Jason if the opportunity arises. Defensive gems don't arrive at your doorstep every day, don't blow this one.
-- Gunnar Peterson, Seattle, Wash.