![]() | |||||||||
CONFIDENCE, MATE
Posted by Rob Peterson on June 27, 2005 5 p.m. ET
THIS AUSSIE'S SAUCY On the eve of 2005 NBA Draft, we feel it is our duty -- nay, our honor -- to bring you the latest info on this year's Draft. Andrew Bogut, the center from Utah, has told anyone who will listen (and if you're a projected top pick, people will listen), that he's No. 1.
Or, at least, he would like to be the top overall selection ahead of North Carolina's Marvin Williams on Tuesday. "It's me and [North Carolina's] Marvin Williams at the moment," Bogut told the AJC. "I'm competitive, so I want to be No. 1 all the time. I'm not going to lie to you guys --- I want to be No. 1 --- but if it doesn't work out, I'll be No. 2."
One writer in Milwaukee says the Bucks, who own the top pick, could use a big man with this type of 'tude.
Another Milwaukee-area writer says Bogut could be the cornerstone of the franchise and all they need to do is look at the blueprint -- San Antonio. (I would have added another architectural metaphor ... but I couldn't think of one.)
One thing's for sure: Bogut has a great sense of humor. (He'll need it for the Milwaukee winters. I should know, I grew up there. We had 10 inches of snow one night, and school children across the city rejoiced. But they plowed the streets and we woke up to the announcement that school was open! But I digress...)
Another question is: Who will coach these guys?
As for the Hawks, who have the No. 2 pick, they'll be happy if the Bucks pick either one. Though, if the Bucks do tab Bogut, one writer thinks the Hawks will get a lion in Williams.
Or, they could get a nice humble kid who's more steak than sizzle.
In the Pacific Northwest, all the Trail Blazers can do is wait for Milwaukee and Atlanta.
Meanwhile, the Hornets, who pick fourth overall, reportedly have been entertaining an offer from Toronto for its two first-round picks for Canada native Jamaal Magliore. This has one writer thinking ... "Mmm, well, maybe, they should keep the proven big man."
In Utah, it has been reported that the Jazz want to move into the top three to pick Deron Williams. Seems as if they admire steady point guard play in Utah.
Looking at the Draft from the other side, it's been awhile since someone from Texas A&M has even been drafted.
Also, because of the proposed 19-year-old age limit in the new CBA, you won't see guys like this or this or this any time soon.
Then again, the Draft is always an inexact science.
As for the people making the selections in the NBA Draft, we'll have two new GMs on board. In Cleveland, Danny Ferry joins the Cavaliers' front office, while it is being reported that Rex Chapman will join the Timberwolves as GM.
Or, you could roll the dice every year like Kiki Vandeweghe in Denver.
TIP-INS Does this trade rumor have any spine? -- [New York Post, Reg. req'd]
And to two guys with heart problems -- Eddy Curry and Fred Hoiberg -- get well soon.
|
|
||||||||


