Clippers legendary broadcaster Ralph Lawler checks in with his answers to recent 2003 NBA Draft questions sent in by fans to Clippers.com. Check out his response and thanks to everyone who took the time to drop us an email!

Got your own Draft questions? Click here to email Ralph!

June 18th, 2003

Greetings Ralph. There was some talk about Pavel having some weak ankles which might cause the big guy trouble in an 82-game schedule (a la Zydrunas Ilgauskas). Has there been any evidence of this in his workouts or was this possibly some shenanigans/hijinks by scouts looking to keep other teams away?
--Riley
"No shenanigans here.
Pavel has been diagnosed with a pituitary disorder similar to what ended 7-7 Gheorghe Muresan's career a few years ago. Back and ankle problems are often symptoms of the disorder. The good news is that they caught the problem early as the Russian center is only 18 years old. A relatively simple operation this summer should solve the problem and allow him to have a productive NBA career. He's still a Top 10 lottery pick."

With the exception of LeBron, which potential draftees do you think are most NBA-ready?
--Pete
"Carmelo Anthony, T.J. Ford and Dwyane Wade. There are others with tremendous potential, but these 3 guys are ready to play right now. "




With all the free agents the Clippers have, do you find it possible that a sign and trade would happen to move up in the Draft?
"I don't see any of the top 3 teams moving their picks, but there could be a chance to move up to 4 or 5. The "sign and trade" does not really fit in here because you can't do any "signing" until July. There's always a possibility of improving by moving down in the Draft. For example, The New York Knicks may want to move up from #9. The Clippers could, concievably, swap picks with a team like the Knicks and get a player or a future Draft choice, to boot.

All things are possible. That's what makes this such an exciting time for the Clippers."

Why do you like TJ Ford over [Kirk] Hinrich?
"It's not a matter of what I like. It seems like a general consensus among NBA scouts is that Ford is the best point guard in the Draft. However, I can tell you that Hinrich had an impressive work-out with the Clippers."



Hi Ralph! Are the Clippers going to sell their second round pick for cash again?
--Mike
"How much are you offering? Seriously, Mike, I doubt it. My guess would be that they'll look for a European gem much like when they grabbed Marko Jaric at #30 in the 2000 Draft."