| Grizzlies Draft Preview Authored by Patrick J. Austin - June 28, 2006 - 1:05 am
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Point Guard
The most likely guards to be available at 24 include Kyle Lowry, Sergio Rodriguez, Jordan Farmar, Quincy Douby, and Guillermo Diaz. Of this group, Lowry and Farmar will make the most immediate impact on a team. But the most talented guard with the highest upside is definitely Sergio Rodriguez (a.k.a. Spanish Chocolate). However, he’s very thin and hasn’t fully developed as a point guard. So if all three are available Jerry West will have to decide whether to take a ready-to-produce floor general like Farmar/Lowry or a long-term project like Rodriguez. If I were choosing, I’d go with the “best player available” so it’d be Rodriguez. But Memphis is in more of a win-now mode so I could definitely see Farmar or Lowry taken. The other players mentioned, Douby and Diaz, should only be considered if the aforementioned trio have been selected. This is due to the fact that Douby and Diaz are more shooting guards in point guard bodies.
Center
Most legit centers will probably be gone by the time #24 rolls around. So, Memphis will need to look at power forwards who are capable of playing center. Those include Josh Boone, Paul Davis, and Alexander Johnson. There’s the slight chance a 7’footer like Saer Sene or Hilton Armstrong drops, but I wouldn’t count on it. In a league where size is valued so highly, those two will probably be gone by the mid-first round. Of the players who should be available, Josh Boone would be the best fit for Memphis. He’s a good rebounder, has long arms, and is pretty athletic. I could see him pairing well with Gasol on the frontline. If Boone is gone then the choice should be between Davis and Johnson. Both are older, experienced big men with solid fundamentals. They’ll be able to step in immediately and contribute.
Perimeter Scorer
The best scorers most likely to be available in the late first round will be Maurice Ager, James White, and Daniel Gibson. But don’t be surprised if Duke star, J.J. Redick, slips to this spot. The combination of his back problems, the D.U.I., and lack of all-around ability, could create a perfect storm which results in Redick dropping like a stone. Obviously, if J.J. drops to 24, Memphis should seriously consider taking him. If he’s gone (still the more likely scenario) then Memphis will probably have their choice between Ager, White, and Gibson. Of the three, I’d say James White has the most upside. His athleticism is reminiscent of Dominique Wilkens. Though, his jump-shot and overall fundamentals leave something to be desired. Mo Ager is another great athlete who’s a little further along than White. Dan Gibson is an undersized shooting guard who should only be considered if the other two are gone. Of course, Memphis could select him and try to work out a trade with Cleveland (supposedly they’re enamored with Gibson) to land another draft pick.
This is going to be one of the most unpredictable drafts in years, so my forecast could be completely off. I mean, one trade could change the entire outlook of this draft; it’s that crazy. But have no worries Grizz fans, you have one of the best basketball minds selecting for you (a.k.a. Jerry West). His track record proves he knows how to land quality talent with a low draft pick. |
