Take Your Pick

Expect much shuffling to go on before and even during the NBA draft, which takes place on June 27. Golden State, Portland and Seattle each have two first-round choices and might deal for higher picks. There are several likely targets for such a swap, including Sacramento, which has been listening to bids for its No. 1 pick. Oh, yes, there is one other big question: Just who will be chosen No. 1?

Every NBA executive has a different projection for the draft. Hank Hersch looks into one murky crystal ball.

1 SACRAMENTO
Danny Ferry, 6'10", F, DUKE
An all-around frontcourt player, but do the Kings have the guts to pass on Sean Elliott?

2 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Sean Elliott, 6'8", F-G, ARIZONA
The draft's most polished talent can play three positions and would help even this bunch

3 SAN ANTONIO
Pervis Ellison, 6'9", F, LOUISVILLE
With Terry Cummings and David Robinson, the Spurs would have a new and improved frontcourt

4 MIAMI
Glen Rice, 6'7", F, MICHIGAN
This brilliant jump shooter would mean instant offense for the tepid Heat; may take Stacey King

5 CHARLOTTE
Stacey King, 6'10", F, OKLAHOMA
If King is gone, Hornets would pick local hero-enigma J.R. Reid; may pick Reid anyway

6 CHICAGO (pick from New Jersey)
Randy White, 6'8", F, LOUISIANA TECH
Strong inside; his outside shooting would open up the court for Michael Jordan

7 INDIANA
George McCloud, 6'6", G, FLORIDA STATE
He's a gamble as a point guard but would give the Pacers' anemic backcourt a boost

8 DALLAS
J.R. Reid, 6'9", F, NORTH CAROLINA
J.R. and Dallas are a natural match; Gary Leonard and Nick Anderson are possible too