Eastern conference draft reports

Sporting News, The, July 8, 2002

Atlantic Division

BOSTON CELTICS: With the 50th pick, the Celtics wanted a big guy who would be willing to spend a couple years overseas developing. G.M. Chris Wallace believes he got that with Darius Songaila, a Lithuanian-born power forward who spent the last four years playing for Wake Forest. The draft was a formality, a prelude to the real decision-making process of the summer. From the moment the season ended, Wallace's focus has been on free agents. Boston has five to deal with in the upcoming weeks. The stated priority is SF Rodney Rogers, and what happens with his negotiations will set the course for the rest of the summer.--Shira Springer

MIAMI HEAT: The Heat addressed its scoring troubles, timid offensive approach and glaring void at small forward with the selection of 6-7 Caron Butler at No. 10. Butler goes hard to the basket, rebounds from the perimeter and provides a bulky outside presence. He is likely to start and should be an attractive complement to SG Eddie Jones, who embraced the selection.... At No. 53, the Heat picked 6-7 LaSalle SF Rasual Butler, a slasher and scorer who faces a difficult struggle for a roster spot because SFs LaPhonso Ellis and Malik Allen already are under contract.--Ira Winderman

NEW JERSEY NETS: The Nets admit their first round-pick, C Nenad Krstic of Yugoslavia, is nowhere near ready to play in the NBA. Krstic, 18, is under contract to play for the next few seasons in Europe and that, according to Nets president Rod Thorn, is where he will stay for the time being. For the first time in a long time, the Nets did not have a pressing need to address in the draft. The offseason wish list includes a low-post presence, a strong outside shooter and a backup for PG Jason Kidd. But Thorn didn't think the opportunity to address those shortcomings was nearly enough to offset the chance to grab a player with Krstic's upside.--Don Burke

NEW YORK KNICKS: The trade: C Marcus Camby, PF Nene Hilario (drafted with the seventh pick) and PG Mark Jackson to Denver for PF Antonio McDyess, PG Frank Williams (drafted 25th) and a second-round pick in next year's draft. The skinny: McDyess will give the Knicks the low-post presence they lacked last season. He will command double-teams that should free perimeter scorers SF Latrell Sprewell and SG Allan Houston; he will match Camby's rebounding numbers, and he should prove far more durable than Camby. Unloading Jackson, whose presence crippled the Knicks' perimeter defense, was a necessity. Williams has been criticized for his attitude, but he has the potential to develop into the big-time point guard the team has been missing. Don't be surprised if he quickly gains a role in the rotation.--Greg Logan

ORLANDO MAGIC: PF Ryan Humphrey--picked 19th by Utah and traded to the Magic on draft night--is an aggressive, energetic player who averaged a double-double at Notre Dame (18.9 points, 10.9 rebounds). But even the Magic admits he's undersized as a power forward. The team needs someone who can dominate in the lane and on the boards, and there aren't a lot of 6-8 forwards doing that in the NBA.... The team's plan for Cs Mario Kasun of Croatia (drafted 41st by Clippers, acquired in a trade) and veteran European player Rashard Griffith (acquired from the Bucks): Draft a 7-footer, invite him to training camp, and if he doesn't stick, send him back to Europe.--Bill Fay

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: SG John Salmons, the 6-7 26th pick who was acquired in a trade with the Spurs for PG Speedy Claxton, has the size to defend guards and forwards, handled the ball well and makes his share of shots.... At No. 45, the Sixers took PF Sam Clancy, considered by many a first-round level player before dislocating his knee in predraft workouts. Though a bit undersized, Clancy (6-7, 240) is a ferocious rebounder.... The No. 57 pick, 6-9 SF Randy Holcomb, displayed scoring and shot-blocking skills in college. --Jon Marks

WASHINGTON WIZARDS: The team addressed its needs for a versatile forward and a taller point guard by selecting 6-10 SF Jared Jeffries 11th and 6-3 PG Juan Dixon 17th, Jeffries mainly will play at small forward but he could play some power forward. Dixon, a shooting guard in college, will have to make an adjustment to play the point, especially on defense. Jeffries could start right away, but Dixon will begin the season as a back-up.... The team might have gotten a steal at No. 39 in 6-8 G/F Rod Grizzard. He is an explosive player who stumbled last year as a junior after a strong sophomore season, but he has a good chance to make the team.--Steve Wyche

Central Division

ATLANTA HAWKS: The Hawks did not expect to acquire a player who could make the team, much less be a factor. But a trade with the Kings landed 6-0 PG Dan Dickau, Sacramento's 28th pick. Dickau is a great shooter who plays at break-neck speed. He is a fine playmaker and can create his own shots. One problem: size. Pairing him with 6-2 SG Jason Terry will be tough.... At No. 37, the team took PF David Andersen (6-10, 242) of Australia who has played three years in Italy. He has skills, especially for a big man, but he does not have enough bulk. He might not make the team.--Curtis Bunn