Most people left the NBA pre-draft camp last week uninspired by the mostly second-round talent that was on display. Most of the big names opted not to participate in the drills and scrimmages to avoid injury and, more likely, avoid showing any weaknesses that would lead to a drop in draft value.
This year, the NBA changed up some things regarding prospect workouts so that now teams had to wait until after the pre-draft camp before they could invite players in. The Knicks and Nets, in fact, will work together this week to hold workouts for players both teams are targeting in the June 28 draft.
The teams have invited Venderbilt's Derrick Byars, Villanova's Curtis Sumpter, Syracuse's Demetrius Nichols and DePaul's Sammy Mejia to work out Tuesday at the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh. On Wednesday, the Nets and Knicks will view Stephane Lasme of UMass, DaShaun Wood of Wright State, Jamar Wilson of Albany and Renaldo Balkman's former South Carolina teammate Brandon Wallace at the Nets facility.
What I find interesting is that all eight invitees are seniors, which means the teams are looking for older, more experienced players. Four are swingmen and three (Mejia, Wilson and Wood) are point guards. No legit bigs at all (so much for what I said last week about Duke's Josh McRoberts getting a workout and my appreciation for hulking 6-9 power forward Ryvon Covile's game - sure he's a project - at the pre-draft camp). Only Lasme is considered a shot-blocker (in fact, he's quite good at it), but he's rail thin and would be considered more of a development player. That is what Isiah suggested, however, when he discussed the pick. He said he could "take a flier" with this pick and take someone to develop because he already signed Randolph Morris.
But, to me, you take the best player available.
Byars is the most intriguing of the group because of his late-bloomer status, not to mention he was the SEC player of the year. Nichols is a terrific shooter. Sumpter's knee troubles have people concerned, but last I checked, the guy had big-time game at the college level. He didn't seem to have any trouble at the pre-draft camp, other than with his shooting. But we know he can shoot.
I've got a few things planned for today, including getting more information on the invitees this week as well as catching up on the other things the Knicks might be involved in this offseason.
Not everything is blog-printable, baby.
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Quick P.S. on Billy Donovan's cold feet - Can you blame him? He didn't seem totally comfortable when I saw him at the press conference on Friday (clearly hastily arranged...I mean, no one holds press conferences to announce a hiring on a Friday because the Saturday papers are notoriously the smalled sports sections of the week and the least read). The owner wasn't even there. I also didn't notice Pat Williams, the ubiquitous Senior VP of the Magic. It was all kind of thrown together and Donovan seemed like he was trying to convince himself that this was the right move for him.
It leaves the Magic in a tough spot, doesn't it? As for Donovan, it'll take a while before another NBA team comes after him the way Orlando did. But maybe Donovan realized he is better off at the college level.
So Otis Smith, can Herb Williams get an interview now?
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So I'm supposed to believe that the Lakers would be open to trading Kobe Bryant for a mixture of Knicks starters, such as Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and Channing Frye? What exactly about the Knicks this season was so attractive that the Lakers would want to become them? And never mind talk of giving up first round picks for the next 2-to-3 years because this time Isiah could leave them unprotected and it still wouldn't matter. Kobe and Eddy Curry would mean dominance. Not lottery picks.
Comments (5)
Interesting blog.
The way I look at it, the knicks have 3 options for the upcoming draft.
A. Draft that Big,Tough, Defensive minded power forward to play next to Eddy Curry.People often overlook the fact that while david lee is an excellent rebounder, he is a poor defensive player, especially one on one. The knicks need that dale davis in his prime type player. They have a few choices for this spot on draft night- the two that I think would be the best choices are Sean Williams of BC and Stephane Lasme of UMASS. Though both are skinny players, they would fit perfectly. Maybe Ryan Coville who you mentioned could be another option.
B. Draft a shooter. It is obvious that the knicks need a very strong outside shooter to help out curry Down low when double teams come. He needs a reliable shooter to kick out to. Also, with a point guard as adept as Marbury at getting into the lane and dishing, an elite shooter is ideal. Some options here are Derrick Byars of Vanderbilt, Demetrius Nichols of Syracuse, Morris Almond of rise. I dont know if Almond's game will translate to the next level, but the first two will I think be excellent pros. I think people have begun to realize that big time gamers at the college level are often safe choices in the nba- see Jameer Nelson,Carlos Boozer, you know the type.
C. The knicks third option, and maybe their best with Isiah leading the way would be to pick the best possible prospect. Drafting for needs often backfires in the draft, especially at 23. We all know that Thomas has an eye for drafting and there are few players here that could have long term potential, Daquean Cook stands out here to me, but this is Isiah's department, ill leave picking the best long term prospect to him.
There are two very good reasons the Lakers would trade Kobe and Radmanovic for Francis, Rose, Frye, Lee, Robinson and picks. They are Brand and Agent 0. If the Lakers let the contracts of Francis, Rose, and Odem expire along with ditching Radmanovic’s deal they will have nothing but rookie contracts on the books in 2 years. They will be so far under the cap it would be ridiculous. And it just so happens that Arenas and Brand will become unrestricted free agents in 2 years. Could you imagine the possibilities. They would have their pick of Iverson, Brand, Garnett, Kidd, Marbury, Marion, Bibby, or Arenas who will all be unrestricted free agents in 2 years.
Just say no!
Hey Alan, if you talk to Isiah, please tell him that the last thing the Knicks need is a 32-year old malcontent. R Wallace is a good player (not great) but is an obnoxious guy and not needed on a young team. I don't care if the Pistons give him away, the Knicks should not take him and bail out another franchise.
And look for Tiago Spitter in the draft if he drops a bit . . he's a perfect pick for the Knicks. Tough inside player, needs some time to develop, would be just the kind of guy worth taking at 23.
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