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Help on the way
Here are a few guys who could get your team back on track
Posted: Thursday March 28, 2002 11:12 AM
So your favorite NBA team has been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs? Cheer up, hoop head. Help is on the way.
While neither this June's NBA Draft nor the free agent market promises to be particularly deep, scouts and GMs around the league do expect some impact players to be available.
Here's a look at a few guys who could help get your team back on track for the postseason, even if it takes a few years.
Top 5 Free Agents
Raef LaFrentz, 6-foot-11, F/C, Mavericks
Good big men are hard to find, and LaFrentz is one of the better young ones
in the game. Though he's not a true center, he's a solid rebounder and
shot-blocker with a shooting range that extends to the 3-point line. He'll
probably re-sign in Dallas for the maximum, but he could also be moved in a
sign-and-trade, especially if the Mavs fall short in the playoffs and decide
to shake up the roster again.
Rashard Lewis, 6-foot-10, F, Sonics
With the size and quickness to play inside and out, this versatile
22-year-old is considered a rising superstar. He already can knock down the
3 with consistency, hit the offensive glass and block shots, and has
enough leadership qualities to be named a co-captain with Gary Payton. His overall numbers have improved in each of his four NBA seasons since making
the jump to the pros straight out of high school.
Bonzi Wells, 6-foot-5, G, Blazers
Though he's sometimes overshadowed in Portland, Wells is a proven scorer and
rugged defender who will command big-time interest in the free-agent market.
He can shoot, create off the dribble and post-up. He also appears to have
fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2000-01 season. With Derek Anderson already signed long-term, Portland might have little choice but to do a sign-and-trade with Wells.
Michael Olowokandi, 7-foot-0, C, Clippers
After a somewhat disappointing first three NBA seasons, this former No. 1
overall draft pick has finally begun to emerge. Though he doesn't shoot the
ball or run the floor particularly well, he is a true 7-footer who can score
inside and rebound when he puts his mind to it. A restricted free agent, the
Clippers will have the right to re-sign him, but penny-pinching owner Donald Sterling has been known to let such talents get away.
Mike Bibby, 6-foot-1, G, Kings
Another restricted free agent likely to re-sign with his own club, Bibby
nonetheless would be a hot ticket on the open market. Steady and dependable,
he has the ability to drive and dish or step back and hit the open 3-pointer.
With several teams in the market for a point guard, the Kings might consider
dealing him for a quality big man. Unless somebody makes an incredible offer,
however, don't count on it.
Top 5 Draft Prospects
Jason Williams, 6-foot-2, PG, Duke
Though he hasn't yet officially turned pro, few expect this two-time All-American to return to Durham for his senior season. Widely considered the
best college player in the country, Williams is an explosive scorer,
distributor and defender who should be ready to step in and run a team
immediately. He still needs to work on his foul shooting, but otherwise he's
the complete package.
Yao Ming, China, 7-foot-6, C, China
Assuming he gets approval from his government to enter the draft, he will be
one of the top players selected. Nicknamed "The Great Wall of China," this
fleet giant with soft hands and a sweet mid-range jumper has scouts drooling
over his potential. He could be a big draw in a city with a large Chinese
population, such as San Francisco (Golden State), New York or Chicago, but
he's going to need time to learn the NBA game.
Drew Gooden, 6-foot-10, PF, Kansas
Like Williams, this senior-to-be hasn't officially declared yet, but most
assume he will. With his low-post skills, leaping ability and soft shooting
touch, some say he could be better than Antawn Jamison. Others say he is
something of a 'tweener, not yet strong enough to battle power forwards in
the NBA. Everyone agrees, however, he has all the tools and should go top 5.
Chris Marcus, 7-foot-1, C, Western Kentucky
He missed most of this season with an ankle injury and looked out of shape in
an NCAA tourney loss to Stanford, but he's the best of the big-man crop. He
led the nation in rebounding two years ago, and he's got some decent
low-post moves. He doesn't have great athletic ability but has enough size
and skills to warrant taking a chance on him with a high pick.
Qyntel Woods, 6-foot-9, F, Northeast Mississippi C.C.
He's this year's version of Kedrick Brown, the former junior college star
who soared up the charts last year before being selected No. 11 by the
Celtics. However, Woods is considered an even better prospect, a big-time
scorer and passer whom some have compared to Tracy McGrady. Originally
committed to University of Memphis, he now says he'll turn pro.
Top 3 International Prospects (other than Ming)
Maybyner Hilario, 6-foot-9, F, Brazil
The star of Brazil's national team at last year's South American championships, the 21-year-old Hilario is considered a rising star internationally. Strong and quick, with long arms, he is said to be a great rebounder and shot-blocker with a knack for being able to score inside. He still needs to work on his outside shot as well as his free throw shooting, and it's still unclear whether he'll declare for this year's draft, but scouts love his potential.
Bostjan Nachbar, 6-foot-9, F, Slovenia
Though he needs to gain strength, this versatile 21-year-old has a
well-rounded offensive game with the ability to shoot facing the basket on
the perimeter or use a jump hook inside. One of the youngest foreigners ever
to play for Benetton Treviso of the Italian A-1 League, he signed a long-term
contract before last season that could keep him in Europe for a while. Still,
he might be worth a gamble for a team that can wait.
Luis Scola, 6-foot-9, PF, Argentina
While he's not a tremendous athlete, the 21-year-old Scola is considered a solid
overall player who can run the floor, pass, rebound, and hit the open
15-footer. He has spent the past three seasons in Spain, where his teammates
included former NBA players Victor Alexander, Elmer Bennett and Chris
Corchiani. He's not an impact player, but he is a definite prospect who's expected to put his name into this year's draft.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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