We come to the San Antonio Spurs with the 22nd pick. The Spurs are
represented by:
varun@u.washington.edu
Who selects:
Khalid Reeves, PG, 6-1. Arizona
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Team Needs/History:
===================
The Spurs are a team that desperately needs a point guard. They
have let both Rod Strickland and Avery Johnson go through Free Agency
to other teams. This year, they had an excellent regular season, but
a lackluster playoff performance. This prompted calls for the heads
of GM Bob Bass and Head Coach John Lucas. David Robinson had his best
season and finished second to Hakeem Olajuwon in the MVP voting.
Still, the team's fatal flaws were not enough offense aside from
Robinson and Ellis, and no strong presence in the back court, both
offensively and defensively.
Center:
=======
David Robinson was the sole major contributor at Center.
Having is best season ever, he was able to extend his offensive game.
This featured David, taking jumpers, 3ptrs, and making pinpoint passes
inside. All this much reminiscent of a 'point center'. Coupled with
his quickness, this new scheme allowed him to lead the NBA in scoring,
and his team in assists. Still, David often 'dissapeared' during
games, especially evident during the playoffs. Nevertheless, he has
been more focused, and 'come to play' and 'shown up' this year more
than any other. David still needs to work on some post moves, and
also in defending the post. I believe he still relies a bit too much
on his quickness (which will fade away as time progresses). Also,
David wasn't able to effectively guard some of the bigger centers in
the games. Both things I think he could improve upon without making
significant physical changes, and without changing his game
dramatically. I really believe David is one of the most gifted
atheletes to ever enter the NBA, but I am still waiting for him to
'take over' on a more consistent basis during games. Not just once
every blue moon, but night in and night out. Hopefully, all this, and
an excellent playoff performance will come next year.
Forwards:
=========
Dennis Rodman was one of the new additions this year to the
Spurs. He brought toughness, both mental and physical, as well as
great rebounding help, and took alot of pressure of David in quite a
few respects. The Spurs had been known as a 'soft' team, Rodman not
only played the role of enforcer, he emotionally charged the team.
This year did have his low points for Dennis. Among them, an headbutt
incident in Chicago, an incident in Detroit with Elliott, and perhaps
most shameful, and incident with his coach during the playoffs.
Still, I think Dennis was a positive, and I love what he brings to the
game. Although Dennis is getting up there in years, I see him being
at relatively the same level for atleast another couple of years,
simply based on the fact that he rarely uses pure quickness to do his
jobs. Rather he relies on determination and strength.
Antoine Carr was most helpful for the Spurs this season.
Although he has a suspect rebounding ratio, he played some great
defense against some of the bigger centers in the NBA. He showed his
respectable jumper from the outside. There has been much speculation
that Carr will leave San Antonio via free agency this year.
It looks as though if Terry Cummings career with the Spurs
will end this year. Terry has never really recoverd from the knee
injury suffered during a pickup game almost two years ago. He showed
some flashes of his former self this year. But clearly he just
doesn't have it physically anymore and is getting up there in age. It
looks as though he will retire this year.
J.R. Reid played both forward spots for the Spurs. I love his
offensive skills, but he really needs to learn to play some D. He
provided some critical O for the Spurs at many occasions. I really
think that JR has been dealt with less than fairly during his tenure
in the NBA. First, Charlotte made him play center, where he was
schooled night in and night out by just about everyone in the NBA.
Second, he, IMHO never got alot of PT here in San Antonio, a team that
was dying for offense. He can be streaky at times, but I really think
this guy can be a starter.
Guards:
=======
This is clearly the weak point for the Spurs. The lacked both
defense and offense at both guard spots.
Dale Ellis, although he spent major time at SF, is still
viewed by me as a guard. Dale's game is simply taking the shot. He
has very limited movement, to create shots for himself or others.
Thus, he relies on outlets from the inside, or pinpoint passes on the
fast break for his offense. He was one of two consistent offensive
threats along with Dave this year. Still, his defense is quite
suspect, and I would rather see him as a 6th man. Nevertheless, Ellis
had one of his better seasons, due much in part to his preseason
workouts with Coach Lucas.
Willie Anderson played both guard spots for the Spurs. A
multi- dimensional player. He can shoot from the outside, create for
himself or his teammates, and dish off properly. Willie also has a
knack for the clutch shot, witness last years playoffs. Anderson has
seemed to recover from the injury problems that had plagued him for
the last couple of years.
Vinny Del Negro played point guard for the Spurs for much of
the season. Although I like Vinny's outside touch, he lacks a quick
step that would allow him to penetrate and create for his teammates.
Furthermore, his limited atheletic ability makes him a liability on
defense. Still, a team cannot IMHO call itself a contender and have
Vinny at the point. The Spurs had one of the worst backcourts in the
league, and opponents took advantage of that.
Lloyd Daniels played mostly big guard and small forward for
the Spurs. His game was basically limited to three point shots, but
he had a few drives and tipins. I really do believe that Lloyd is
much more than just a 3pt artist, and I wish the Lucas would give him
some more PT. Still, his FG% hovered around a dismal 40% all year.
Lloyd clearly posesses some fine skills, he just has to do alot of
work during the off season to make his game more complete.
N. Knight, acquired during a early season trade with the Suns,
brought high hopes, but after a quick start, fizzled. Knight did sink
the occasional 3pt bucket, but his PT steadily declined during the
season. He was noticeably absent from big games and cruical points
thereof. Still, I think giving up only a 2nd round pick wasn't all
bad. Knight has the ability to play both guard positions, he needs to
work on his outside shooting over the off season.
Both Sleepy Floyd and Chris Whitney got minor PT this year.
Floyd, brought in for defensive purposes, (yes, even at this late
age), had his PT drop throughout the year. It looks as though if he
will be gone this year, due in large part to his age.
Whitney, this teams 2nd round draft pick, played some bigtime
minutes early in the season, but wasn't even on the active roster come
playoff time. He clearly hasn't panned out. But he wasn't expected
to.
My Selection:
=============
Khalid Reeves, Arizona.
Although a bit undersized at SG, he can really light it up. I
loved his NCAA tourney performance. Although some have suggested that
he may not be able to play point guard, they forget that he did
exactly just that before the arrival of Damon Stoudamire at Arizona.
Simply put Reeves can score from anywhere on the floor. He would be a
nice third guard, but probably not an good answer to the Spurs point
guard problems. Simply, their just isn't anyone out there who could
do that, aside from Kidd, and he would take a while.
Others Considered:
==================
Damon Bailey, Indiana
He will be an fine player in the NBA. But just doesn't have the
explosiveness of a Reeves, and might get schooled on Defense. But I
like his tenacity. Although, he still isn't a 'pure' point guard. He
scored alot of buckets inside, when I saw Indiana, something that is
less likely in the pros. Seems more of a scorer than a distributor.
I see him as a Scotty Brooks (Houston), type.
Askia Jones, Kansas State
A prolific scorer. He would benefit greatly from outlet passes
by Dave. But small at 6-2 for the shooting guard, and hasn't shown an
inkling of being able to play any other position. A probable second
rounder.
Melvin Booker, Mizzou
A fine all around game, although he lacks some of the quickness
that most NBA point guards posess. I really don't think he is worthy
of a #22 pick.
B.J. Tyler, Texas
An excellent streak shooter. Can make great passes on the
break. Reasonable defense, but limited half court exposure in the
SWC. Still, he has been in the John Lucas clinic, which makes many
wonder if he will be taken by the Spurs. (taken earlier by the
Nuggets)
Who they will probably take:
============================
I left out Jason Kidd because there is no chance, IMHO that he
will be around past #3. I really don't think the Spurs should take a
chance to trade up for him, because, it generally takes point guards a
while to get acclimated to the NBA. I really don't think the Spurs
have all that much time. Still the possiblity is nice to think about.
I still see the Spurs taking either Reeves, or Bailey. Reeves being
#1.
Other Moves:
============
The Spurs will dispose of as many as 6 players this off season. Some
major ones are:
Antoine Carr, FA
Terry Cummings, Retire
Sleey Floyd, Retire
Dale Ellis, FA
If these changes do take place, it could allow for some FA signings.
There has been much speculation that the Spurs will try to resign Sean
Elliott, as he is a FA. This coupled with a trade for a point guard could
be what puts the Spurs over the top. Some PGs that appear to be on the
block:
Scott Skiles, Orl -- too old, past his prime
Terrell Brandon, Cle -- I like this guy, has a couple years exp
can play both guard positions.
Mark 'action' Jackson, LA- A bit old and slow off the dribble.
But a hard worker. Most never thought
he could make it this far.
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Draft Summary:
1. Milwaukee Bucks
GM: Bobby Davis
Pick: Glenn Robinson, PF, 6-8. Purdue University.
2. Dallas Mavericks
GM: Theo Wendt
Pick: Jason Kidd, PG, 6-4. Cal.
3. Detroit Pistons
GM: Eric Iverson
Pick: Grant Hill, SF, 6-8. Duke.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
GM's: Kevin Hansen
Toni Morgan
Pick: Donyell Marshall, SF, 6-9. Connecticut
5. Washington Bullets
GM's: Jim Nagle
The Crossjammer
Pick: Juwan Howard, PF, 6-10. Michigan
6. Philadelphia 76ers
GM's: Brent Halliburton
Pick: Yinka Dare, C, 7-0. George Washington
7. Los Angeles Clippers
GM: Paul Osmond
Pick: Carlos Rogers, PF, 6-11. Tennessee State
8. Sacramento Kings
GM's: Don Hearth
Daniel W. Huang
Pick: Clifford Rozier, PF, 6-9. Louisville
9. Boston Celtics
GM: Ellie Cutler
Pick: Lamond Murray, SF, 6-7. Cal
10. Los Angeles Lakers
GM: Kosh
Pick: Jalen Rose, SG, 6-8. Michigan
11. Seattle Sonics
GM: Aaron Gill
Pick: Wesley Person, SG, 6-6. Auburn
12. Miami Heat
GM: Rob Clough
Pick: Sharone Wright, C, 6-11. Clemson
13. Denver Nuggets
GM's: Rick Grubin
John Exby
Pick: B.J. Tyler, PG, 6-1. Texas
14. New Jersey Nets
GM: Matthew Mitchell
Pick: Dontonio Wingfield, PF, 6-9. Cincinnati
15. Indiana Pacers
GM: Richard Burton
Pick: Charlie Ward, PG, 6-0. FSU
16. Golden State Warriors
GM: Mike Moore
Pick: Eric Montross, C, 7-0. UNC
17. Portland Trail Blazers
GM: Mike Northam
Pick: Jim McIlvane, C, 7-1. Marquette
18. Milwaukee Bucks
GM: Bobby Davis
Pick: Brian Grant, PF, 6-8. Xavier
19. Dallas Mavericks
GM: Theo Wendt
Pick: Kendrick Warren, SF, 6-8. Virginia Commonwealth
20. Philadelphia 76ers
GM: Brent Halliburton
Pick: Voshon Lenard, SG, 6-4. Minnesota
21. Chicago Bulls
GM: Andy Knipp
Pick: Eric Piatkowski, SG, 6-7. Nebraska
22. San Antonio Spurs
GM: Varun Singh
Pick: Khalid Reeves, PG, 6-1. Arizona
Next up:
23. Phoenix Suns
GM: Curtis Hill