by raptors.com
June 25, 2002

Grunwald

Raptors GM Glen Grunwald met with the media Tuesday afternoon to discuss the team's intentions heading into the 2002 NBA Draft.

Below are some of the comments made by the executive.

What stage are you at in your draft preparations?

We've narrowed it down to some degree and I think we have a pretty good idea of what could happen tomorrow and what we do in that circumstance. I think we've done a lot of work and we're pretty well prepared.

Do you like the No. 20 pick?

We did well with Mo Pete at 21 and that was a good pick for us. It has worked out great and hopefully it can work out for us this time.

Will the pick play the same amount as rookie Michael Bradley did last year?

I wouldn't be happy about that. I wasn't happy that Michael Bradley didn't play more minutes last year but that's the way it worked. If we draft someone, unless he has a huge upside, we're going to try and get him to play some this year. If we draft a point guard we would think that he's in a position to play.

Are you only looking for a guard?

I know we have a need (backcourt) on our team but we don't necessarily have to do that through the draft. We can either sign or replace our veteran backcourt in Chris Childs and Dell Curry.

Are you prepared for players slipping in the draft?

There's definitely a possibility. You hear rumours of certain players falling down in the draft. You know that's why you can't rely on all the individual workouts. You have to scout all the players to make decisions as the draft unfolds. It's very possible we could get a player that hasn't been in for a workout.

What do you think of the draft as a whole?

I think it's a deep draft. I think there's going to be a good player available at 20. The question is whether it can help our team in some fashion or not. If we have to draft at 20 we'll be happy doing that. There's some good players and with the success of some of the European players people are a lot more confident at taking them higher.

Why is there a lack of high school players?

It's all an individual situation. The talent level of the high school class, the individual's situation, whether the individual can get into school. I think it's more of the individuals involved and depends on the class that he's in.

How big a part of your decision does budget play?

It's an issue. If you sign a draft pick that's money you can't spend on someone else.

How possible is a trade?

There are lots people interested in our pick. It must be pretty good if all these people are interested. Some teams want a second pick others are looking to move up.

Is it conceivable to draft a European and let him play overseas?

That's a possibility. A lot of teams are considering that same option. You give the player a chance to develop. You might draft a player that might not be ready to play right now. You give him another year of experience and seasoning and you get to work with him in the summers.

Log on to raptors.com on Wednesday night for up-to-the-minute commentary and analysis about the Raptors in the 2002 NBA Draft.