NBA Draft Thoughts
* While I'm glad the Warriors avoided the BAWGs, I'm not too thrilled about their pick of Mickael Pietrus- Reece Gaines would have been better. Tom Tolbert said it best: why pick up yet another swingman when we already have five of them? To me, this guy looks like a Jason Richardson clone, so I'm hoping that a trade is in the works. How about sending Pietrus and a bench player to Milwaukee for one of their point guards? Surely the Bucks don't need Payton, Cassell, Michael Redd
and TJ Ford.
* Speaking of which, I was surprised at how many teams drafted guys at positions where they're already stocked. Not only did the Warriors and Bucks clog their rosters, but the Knicks got another undersized forward (Mike Sweetney) and Memphis got yet another point guard (Troy Bell). Why do teams draft guys who have little chance of getting significant minutes?
* Is it at all possible for Dick Vitale to say
anything negative about anyone who played college basketball?
* A lot of people questioned the timing of Kobe Bryant's announcement yesterday that he'll pursue free agency next summer. But I think it's a great move for him. By spreading the word now, before the free agent season, NBA GMs can reserve some future salary cap space if they want to make a run at him in 2004. I'm guessing he'll end up in Memphis.
* As was the case at the NFL Draft, EA Sports came up large with their TV commercial. I can't put my finger on why, but I love the retro ad featuring Carmelo, Hinrich and Bosh as "The Rookies."
* It was a surprisingly uneventful year for NBA Draft Fashion.
LeBron stole the show with his all-white ensemble, and the black-and-white shoes (a la Casey Jacobsen) were a nice touch. Worst-dressed has to go to
Carmelo Anthony, who looked ridiculous having only one of six buttons fastened. The cornrows sticking out of the baby blue cap didn't do it for me either.
* I'm as excited about anyone about LeBron James, but the one aspect I dread is how every game will come with some new hype angle. When he plays the Lakers, it'll be "Lebron vs. Kobe!" Then, "LeBron takes on Carmelo!" "LeBron sizes up Yao!" "Lebron visits the house Jordan built!" I can already smell the Sportscenter anchors salivating.
* Normally I find ESPN's Jay Bilas to be smug and irritating in his college basketball analysis. But I thought he did a great job last night- very informative. He should become a permanent draft guru and be the NBA's answer to Mel Kiper Jr.
* Hey Jason Kapono, still glad you stayed those three extra years with Steve Lavin?
