Foreign Intrigue Surrounds Early Entry Candidates

Let the record show that, out of the all-time record 73 early entries for the June 26. NBA Draft, 31 hail from outside of the U. S. Which is ANOTHER all-time record.

Let the record also show that, of the last five teams standing in the NBA playoffs -- let's include Sacramento, as they took Dallas to seven games without Chris Webber -- FOUR have been on the forefront of the foreign invasion. Dallas would not be nearly as Mav-elous without Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Steve Nash (Canada), Eduardo Najera (Mexico), or Wang ZhiZhi (China); the Kings as royal sans starters Peja Stojakovic and Vlade Divac (Serbia) or Hedo Turkoglu (Turkey); the Spurs as horsepowered without Tony Parker (France) and Manu Ginobili (Argentina); or the Pistons as revved up without Mehmet Okur (Turkey) and Zeljko Rebraca (Yugoslavia).

Many of these players are all-stars, near all-stars, or future all-stars, one (Nowitzki) even a legitimate MVP candidate. Add in the fact that the 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year was Pau Gasol of Spain, and that China's Yao Ming nearly won the rookie prize this season, and you can safely say that what we're talking about here is a revolutionary trend, one that has already changed the NBA landscape rather significantly.

Thus the 31 foreign players declaring early are IMPORTANT.

Here's the creme de la creme:

The answer: A fabulously flexible, ambidextrous, ultraaggressive all-court threat who's barely scratched his 18th birthday, Milicic is dominating Yugoslavia's razor-tough A-1 league (23.0 ppg, 10.1 rpg, in 40-minute games).
The question: Can he do it at the NBA level?
The solution: Milicic is the second or third pick of the draft (behind the already legendary LeBron James), depending on whether the team doing the picking needs another Kevin Garnett (Milicic) or the second coming of Paul Pierce (Carmelo Anthony).

The answer: "Baby Shaq" is a rock-strong 280 pounds (hence the nickname), agile, and aggressive, with outstanding inside moves.
The question: What if he measures out at only 6-8, making him a tad 'tweener-ish for an NBA power player?
The solution: Mid-to-low lottery selection, probably somewhere between the seventh and the thirteenth pick.

The answer: Another barely 18-year old, he's strong with unusually solid fundamentals for someone so young. An outstanding shooter and ballhandler, Lampe has a Nowitzki-type game and downright Dirk-y potential.
The question: Consistency. And is he NBA-ready?
The solution: Could go anywhere from 3-13.

The answer: Raw-but-explosive superathlete. With his excellent size and agility, he could be another Nene Hilario.
The question: Did not finish his season well at Barcelona.
The solution: Mid-lottery to 15.

The answer: Outstanding athlete with great leaping ability. Defends and rebounds like a champ.
The question: Lacks patience and judgement at times. And can he develop a better shot, especially from trey-territory?
The solution: Low-lotto to No. 18 range.

The answer: Exceptionally talented swingman who is "the whole package" on offense. Great moves, superb mid-range game, equally adept handle with both hands.
The question: Can get too agressive for his own good at times, forcing things that aren't "there".
The solution: Low first round.

The answer: Ginobili-type genius -- but Delfino could be even better on defense.
The question: Coming off of a serious injury, making draft status iffy.
The solution: Borderline first round.

The answer: Another big point guard with good vision and solid skills, a la the Clippers' Marko Jaric.
The question: Not a great athlete.
The solution: Early second round.

The answer: Versatile power forward with fine fundamentals. Has great handle to go with 7-1 wingspan.
The question: Not an overpowering rebounder or shotblocker. Some scouts call him "Pau Gasol without the instincts".
The solution: Borderline first round.

The answer: Slasher with good inside moves, he plays very much like countryman Andrei Kirilenko.
The question: Not quite as quick or athletic as Kiri.
The solution: Late first-rounder.

The answer: An extremely aggressive penetrating point guard with great composure under pressure who also plays in-your-shirt defense.
The question: Three point shot.
The solution: Could go anywhere from late-lotto to late first round.

The answer: Excellent combo guard who plays both positions with comfort and panache. Moves well, and constantly, without the ball a la Reggie Miller.
The question: He's built like Reg as well. Would he wear down in NBA play?
The solution: Borderline first round.

The answer: Very unselfish, with incredible athleticism. Also a fabulous passer, handler and defender.
The question: Lacks toughness. And he's not much of a scorer.
The solution: Picks 18-25.

The answer: Not great in any aspect of the game but does everything well.
The question: Not very quick or mature.
The soultion: Borderline first-to-mid second rounder.

The answer: Soft touch, very athletic, owns tremendous upside.
The question: Raw, rawer, rawest. Rumors persist that his true age could be anywhere from 18 to 22. .
The solution: Early second round.

The answer: Barely 18 years old, he's an enormous 300-pounder who intimidates by his very presence in the paint.
The question: Extremely inexperienced, he's not much with the ball in his hands right now.
The solution: Borderline first-rounder who may be tucked away back in Europe for the future.

The answer: He's grown 4 inches in the last two years, going from shooting guard to potential power forward. Owns smooth moves and a great wingspan, goes aggressively to the basket..
The question: His true position on the floor. Also maturity and three-point range.
The solution: Has a chance to get drafted.

The answer: Gifted high-riser with a very athletic-flavored game.
The question: Is he ready to play at this level?.
The solution: Might get drafted as a "future".