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Winners and losers
Grizzlies may regret their turn down Ekezie Street
Posted: Thursday July 01, 1999 07:08 PM
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Weight problems and a serious injury makes Obinna Ekezie a sizeable risk for Vancouver. Andy Lyons/Allsport |
By Albert Lin,
CNN/SI
Unhappiest No. 2 overall pick in any draft: Steve Francis,
Vancouver
Did you see his reaction when his name was called? Looked like he'd been
sentenced to life in prison. Or at least Vancouver. Which leads to
...
Most suspicious pick: Obinna Ekezie,
Vancouver
Coming off a ruptured Achilles' tendon near the end of the college season,
Francis' Maryland teammate still was selected 37th overall. By Vancouver. You
think the Grizzlies hope a familiar face will brighten Francis'
day?
Most self-congratulatory quote: Shawn Marion,
Phoenix
"I'm happy for myself." No
kidding.
Most likely to eat his way out of the league: (tie) Kenny Thomas, Houston, and
Ekezie.
Both these guys have roly-poly frames and have battled the bulge, plus Ekezie is
rehabbing an
injury.
Draftee
trends
Tears (more than we've ever seen) and "I'd like to thank God" (more
than we've ever
heard).
Biggest winner (individual): Elton Brand,
Chicago
Fell victim to his own success: People tried to find reasons he
wouldn't flourish. But with a polished low-post game, great hands, long
arms, a huge body, great character and a tremendous work ethic, what's not to
love?
Biggest winner (organization):
Minnesota
Wally Szczerbiak will be able to score in this league, and William Avery
allows the T-Wolves to work a sign-and-trade deal with Terrell Brandon for a big
man.
Biggest loser (individual): Don Nelson,
Dallas
Let's see, in the last couple years he's taken Chris Anstey, Dirk Nowitzki,
Bruno Sundov, and now Wang Zhi-Zhi and Gordan Giricek. Don't they play ball in
the States anymore? At least he traded Giricek to San Antonio -- but for Chicago
high schooler Leon Smith. Anyone remember Rashard
Griffith?
Biggest loser (organization):
NCAA
Nine of 13 lottery picks were underclassmen, including a high schooler (Jonathan
Bender, Indiana) and an eligibility reject (Alek Radejovic, Toronto). Can you
say developmental
league?
Worst pick: Jonathan Bender, Indiana
(eventually)
O.K., he's got all kinds of potential and most likely will be an excellent NBA
player. But aren't the Pacers trying to win now? Critics said they had to
get younger and more athletic, but this is a little ridiculous. Don't forget,
the Pacers took another high schooler, Al Harrington, No. 1 in
1998.
First-round exclamation
points
Lamar Odom, L.A. Clippers: Motivation may be a little questionable, but without
a doubt was the premier basketball talent in the
draft.
Richard Hamilton, Washington: Suddenly, bringing back Mitch Richmond is not such
a necessity. Too much is made of Rip's slight
build.
Andre Miller, Cleveland: The best pure point in the draft. Is a true leader and
can defend, pass and rebound with the
best.
Aleksandar Radojevic, Toronto: All the skills seem to be there; should be a force once he
adds weight to his 245-pound frame. Second coming of Arvydas Sabonis
(pre-injury)?
First-round question
marks
Trajan Langdon, Cleveland: Andre Miller is an upgrade over Brevin Knight, but is
Langdon better than Wesley Person or Derek
Anderson?
Frederic Weis, New York: Had back surgery last season and looks anything but
athletic. We'd still rather have Herb
Williams.
Ron Artest, Chicago: Does a little bit of everything, but nothing exceptionally.
Plays below the rim. Can he guard NBA 2s and
3s?
Quincy Lewis, Utah: Stepped it up as a senior, but is basically the same
style/size player as Bryon Russell and Shandon
Anderson.
Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: Somehow seems doubful that an 18-year-old Russian will
help Stockton and Malone get to the
Finals.
First-round
sleepers
Cal Bowdler, Atlanta: Hawks haven't had a real 4 in years, and he has the size,
strength and moves to
contribute.
James Posey, Denver: Super athlete and defender who has been underrated
offensively -- can hit the 20-footer and goes to the hole
well.
Dion Glover, Atlanta: Assuming his ACL heals as well as, say, Baron Davis',
should be a steal. Has had an NBA body since he was, like,
9.
Vonteego Cummings, Golden State: Terrifically athletic and smooth guard can run
the point or score in bunches -- inside and
out.
Jumaine Jones, Philadelphia: Picture him roaming the perimeter with Allen
Iverson and Larry Hughes.
Scary.
Scott Padgett, Utah: We've said it before -- as close to Larry Bird in terms of
style of game and variety of skills as we've seen
yet.
Second-round
sleepers
Chris Herren, Denver: Aggressive, hard-nosed PG is a great passer and
penetrator, plus has NBA
range.
Lee Nailon, Charlotte: Probably should've come out as a junior. Great scorer
around the basket with a decent face-up
game.
Todd MacCulloch, Philadelphia: The athleticism of a rock, but he's enormous (a
legit 7'3"?, 280+) and led NCAA in FG% three straight
years.
Lari Ketner, Chicago: NBA body and low-post moves, elementary-school maturity.
Watch out if he ever gets himself
motivated.
Rodney Buford, Miami: Shooter with good height (6'5") who prefers to hang
around perimeter and fire jumpers. Can you say Voshon
Lenard?
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