English Notes
Alex English breaks down his top rookies to hit the hardwoods this season and a few others to keep an eye on.
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| C Michael Olowokandi
|
L.A. Clippers |
Pacific |
1st overall |
|
English note : Definitely needed by the hapless Clippers. He's the only inside threat they have, as well as the only drawing card.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| PG Mike Bibby
|
Vancouver |
Arizona |
2nd overall |
|
English note : Bibby is the leader/point guard the Grizzlies have been looking for. He will have a major impact on his team contending for a playoff spot.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| F Raef LaFrentz
|
Denver |
Kansas |
3rd overall |
|
English note : LaFrentz will be used much like Dan Issel was used when he played with me in Denver -- a high post center who will shoot the ball mainly from the outside giving Antonio McDyess free reign to work inside. Because the Nuggets will be running the ball more, his mobility and great shooting range make him very important to their success.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| F Antawn Jamison
|
Golden State |
North Carolina |
4th overall |
|
English note : Jamison will not be as effective as he was in college -- yet. Given some time and some more bulking up to help his inside play, he will be a solid addition to the team. With Donyell Marshall in the mix, Jamison won't have to step his game outside immediately.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Vince Carter
|
Toronto |
North Carolina |
5th overall |
|
English note : Carter is very athletic and should see plenty of minutes. If coach Butch Carter has an uptempo offense, his game should flourish.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| F Robert Traylor
|
Milwaukee |
Michigan |
6th overall |
|
English note : Traylor will have a major impact on the Bucks because he brings them a much needed big body that can score and play tough defense.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| PG Jason Williams
|
Sacramento |
Florida |
7th overall |
|
English note : Point guard should fill the empty scoring space left behind by Abdul-Rauf's departure, as well as relieve some of the scoring pressure on the newly acquired Vlade Divac and Chris Webber.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| G Larry Hughes
|
Philadelphia |
St. Louis |
8th overall |
|
English note : Sources tell me he may be the best overall talent in 76ers camp including Allan Iverson. He will give them the offensive two-guard they so desperately need to complete their starting five.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Paul Pierce
|
Boston |
Kansas |
10th overall |
|
English note : Pierce will get a lot of playing time behind Ron Mercer and Antoine Walker. It may take a while for him to have a major impact, but come playoff time (if the Celts are there) he will be needed.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Felipe Lopez
|
Vancouver |
St. John's |
24th overall |
|
English note : Lopez will definitely get a chance to contribute in the uptempo flow of the Grizzlies. He is my choice to surprise everybody. He has a good work ethic and he wants to be a great player.
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Keep an eye on:
| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| F Matt Harpring
|
Orlando |
Georgia Tech |
15th overall |
|
English note : Harpring will give the Magic a versatile forward who can stick it from the outside. He will help keep teams from sluffing down on Ike Austin.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| C Keon Clark
|
Denver |
UNLV |
13th overall |
|
English note : Clark will flourish in Denver because they can use his shot blocking ability.
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| Name | Team |
College |
Draft position
|
| 2G Miles Simon
|
Orlando |
Arizona |
42nd overall |
|
English note : Good outside shooter and a competitor.
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