Making An Impact
The new kids on the court who will command respect
CNN/SI takes a look at the rookies that should have an immediate impact on their team and the league.
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| PG Jason Williams
|
Sacramento |
Florida |
7th overall |
|
The Skinny : Electrifying playmaker is handed reins by the Kings; has some talent around him.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| PG Mike Bibby
|
Vancouver |
Arizona |
2nd overall |
|
The Skinny : Ditto for Bibby with the Grizzlies, except he won't be as flamboyant a scorer as Williams.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| F Antawn Jamison
|
Golden State |
North Carolina |
4th overall |
|
The Skinny : Despite tweener status, athletic ability and non-stop attitude should make him effective early.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| G Larry Hughes
|
Philadelphia |
St. Louis |
8th overall |
|
The Skinny : Combo guard will see most of his action as shooter opposite Iverson; plenty of chances to score and create.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| C Michael Olowokandi
|
L.A. Clippers |
Pacific |
1st overall |
|
The Skinny : Big man still raw, otherwise he'd top this list. Sent home early from Italian League for lack of prodution, but only a matter of time before he'll be among NBA's best.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| F Dirk Nowitzki
|
Dallas |
Germany |
9th overall |
|
The Skinny : Versatile offensive threat has to adapt to American game, but will provide needed frontcourt scoring.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Ricky Davis
|
Charlotte |
Iowa |
21st overall |
|
The Skinny : Surprised with freshman performance and then first-round status; with Glen Rice out, Hornets need points.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| C Keon Clark
|
Denver |
UNLV |
13th overall |
|
The Skinny : Nuggets are loaded at forward but without a center; all this super athlete has to do is rebound and defend.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Felipe Lopez
|
Vancouver |
St. John's |
24th overall |
|
The Skinny : Will flourish in uptempo attack and should be better pro than collegian; Doug West is best 2G ahead of him.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Vince Carter
|
Toronto |
North Carolina |
5th overall |
|
The Skinny : May not score much early, but pay close attention on fast breaks and alley-oops.
|
|
Three Draft Sleepers
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| PF Jelani McCoy
|
Seattle |
UCLA |
33rd overall |
|
The Skinny : Sonics overhauled roster, traded Jim McIlvaine; McCoy can fill shotblocking role if he stays clean off the court.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Miles Simon
|
Orlando |
Arizona |
42nd overall |
|
The Skinny : Super-savvy player will find a way to score despite athletic shortcomings; can also play point.
|
|
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| F J.R. Henderson
|
Vancouver |
UCLA |
56th overall |
|
The Skinny : Do-everything player can certainly find a place on a recent expansion team; needs to shake soft reputation.
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