Draft Preview

Sporting News, The, June 25, 2001

ATLANTIC DIVISION

BOSTON CELTICS: The team has picks at Nos. 10, 11 and 21 and has made it clear its priority is finding a consistent shooter capable of alleviating some of the scoring burden on PF Antoine Walker and SF Paul Pierce. To that end, it has invited players such as SC Joseph Forte and PF Michael Bradley in for workouts. It also has worked out a number of guards, including Kenny Satterfield, Omar Cook and Earl Watson. But the Celtics likely won't take a point guard until they select at No. 21, if they take one at all. The team also could use help at center, and it has evaluated big men based on how long it would take them to mature into a starter. Like any player it acquires, a center would have to contribute almost immediately. --Shira Springer

MIAMI HEAT: After sending its first-round pick to the Cavaliers to complete the three-team trade that landed PF Brian Grant last summer, the Heat is left with only the No. 48 pick. Point guard is the Heat's greatest area of need, but it is doubtful it will look at youth with that position, with Eddie House and Anthony Carter already on the roster. Expect the team to go for the best available scorer. Among those who could remain at No. 49 are SF Terence Morris, PF Brian Scalabrine, SG Keith Bogans, PF Michael Wright, SF Damone Brown, SF Sean Lampley and SG SirValiant Brown. --Ira Winderman

NEW JERSEY NETS: While team president Rod Thorn isn't very specific, it appears the Nets are strongly considering either a high schooler or an underclassmen with the No. 7 pick. "All things being equal, when I look at our roster, (size) is something you have to look at," Thorn says. "If we go center/power forward, we'd probably go young." Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, DeSagana Diop and Kwame Brown all are projected top-10 picks, as is Eddie Griffin, who left Seton Hall after his freshman season. Only Griffin (6-9) and Curry (6-11) are listed under 7-0. --Don Burke

NEW YORK KNICKS: The Knicks don't have a first-round draft choice; they will pick 38th and 42nd. The advantage to keeping both picks is the ability to grab a promising ballhandler while also taking a stab at a frontcourt player who might be able to add some depth. Even if the Knicks acquire a first-rounder, look for them to try to add a guard with good hands to push PGs Charlie Ward and/or Mark Jackson for playing time as early as next season. In addition, injury problems with C Marcus Camby, PF Larry Johnson and C Luc Longley mean a big man could be drafted into a golden opportunity for playing time. --John Brennan

ORLANDO MAGIC: Though the team's most pressing need is a defensive presence in the middle, it isn't looking for a starting center--just a guy to eat up 15 minutes or so a game while developing. The Magic, which selects 15th and 22nd, is picking high enough to have its choice of Steven Hunter, Jason Collins or Samuel Dalembert. The 22nd pick also could be used on a point guard, but don't be surprised if Orlando goes big again. The plan to use Grant Hill at the point lessens the need there. It's possible that if the team was to use the 15th pick on Collins, Hunter or Dalembert might be around at No. 22. If not, the choice at the point could be between Omar Cook and Rashad Phillips. --Bill Fay

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: It's uncertain who'll be available when the team picks at No. 26. It's also uncertain what the team will be looking for. Logically, the Sixers, well fortified in the backcourt and presumably in the middle should they re-sign C Dikembe Mutombo, would prefer a forward who can score. Damone Brown and Calvin Bowman are among the candidates at small forward. All things factored in, though, the team will consider anyone who might take some of the scoring load off SG Allen Iverson. Jeff Trepagnier and 3-point specialist Trenton Hassell would fit the bill. --Jon Marks

WASHINGTON WIZARDS: The team's biggest needs are at small forward, point guard and center. Eddie Griffin's shooting, blocking and rebounding abilities could make him the Wizards' man if they keep the top pick. The team also loves Rodney White, who has a power forward's body. White probably won't last beyond the top 10 and likely would be the team's top option should it trade down. High school big men Tyson Chandler, Kwame Brown and Eddy Curry also could be possibilities depending on the team's view of their learning curves and potential impact. --Steve Wyche

CENTRAL DIVISION

ATLANTA HAWKS: The team needs a big man who can score consistently and run the floor in an up-tempo pace. Lorenzen Wright will start at power forward, but Kwame Brown eventually could challenge for the spot if the team can get him with its No. 3 pick. The club also needs a backup for SF Toni Kukoc--a player like Shane Battier who can provide outside scoring, run the floor and play strong defense. Ultimately, with such a high pick, the Hawks need a player who can make a moderate impact immediately. Long-range needs can be addressed at No. 33. --Curtis Bunn

CHARLOTTE HORNETS: The team was scheduled to bring in potential draft choices for individual workouts last weekend, with SG Joseph Forte among about a dozen who were invited. Several team officials attended the Chicago pre-draft camp and came away impressed with C Steven Hunter and PF Kirk Hasten, in particular. That could indicate they plan on going big with the 16th pick because Hunter is 6-10 and Hasten is 6-8. The Hornets don't pick again until No. 44th, and it's not likely a player who can make an immediate impact will remain at that spot. --John Delong