Swirsky

by Chuck Swirsky
--raptors.commentator
May 16, 2002

The NBA lottery is set to go this Sunday and I must admit I love this time of year when teams have one eye on the playoffs and another on the draft.

The Chicago Bulls are guaranteed a top three pick. Let's be honest. The Bulls are hoping for the top pick but will settle for either 1 or 2. I know 7-5 Yao Ming has a terrific upside but I would take Jay Williams with the first pick. I appreciate his skills and his knowledge of the game and his commitment to graduate in a little over three years at Duke. His teammate at Duke, Mike Dunleavy, is coming out early but has not retained an agent which will allow him to re-enter college but after watching him play the past three years there is no doubt in my mind he could be the third player taken in the draft.

Patrick Ewing was the jewel of the first NBA Draft Lottery, held in 1985. Tim DeFrisco/AllSport

An intriguing player in this year's draft is junior college player Qyntel Woods whom Memphis coach John Calipari calls a "poor man's Tim Thomas." The first high school player that should be taken early is 6-9, 240-lb Amare Stoudemire from Cypress Creek High School in Orlando. He's going to be a force in the NBA given the proper amount of strength and conditioning, coaching and patience.

The Raps currently stand at #20. Over the last seven years here's how the 20th pick in the first round did:

1994 -- BJ Tyler, Texas (drafted by Philadelphia) -- A former Raptor who never lived up to his potential.

1995 -- Jason Caffey, Alabama (drafted by Chicago) -- A journeyman. Golden State gave him an offer he couldn't refuse, 7 years $35 million. Are you kidding me? Now with Milwaukee.

1996 -- Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Lithuania (drafted by Cleveland) -- The good news: he actually played in the NBA this season. The bad news: chronic foot problems have curtailed a promising career. Every time he steps on the floor the Cavs gasp when he goes down.

1997 -- Paul Grant, Wisconsin (drafted by Minnesota) -- A young man who played high school ball in the Detroit area. He attended Boston College and later transferred to Wisconsin. Played in the NBDL this year. 7 feet tall. Was in the Raptors camp a few years back.

1998 -- Roshown McLeod, Duke (drafted by Atlanta) -- Can't stay healthy. Now with Boston.

1999 -- Dion Glover, Georgia Tech (drafted by Atlanta) -- Blew out his knee in college but has a ton of skill. Still learning and developing. I say wait and see.

Claxton

2000 -- Speedy Claxton, Hofstra (drafted by Philadelphia) -- The Raptors loved him and had Philly not selected him the Raps would have taken him at 21. Came back this season after blowing out his ACL prior to his rookie year. Has a good upside if he stays healthy.

2001 -- Brendan Haywood, North Carolina (drafted by Cleveland) -- He was a member of the Cavs and Magic before joining the Wizards. Orlando GM John Gabriel gave him away for a future #1 pick. Think the Magic would like to have this kid in the lineup? Smart move by Michael Jordan and Doug Collins. He's a 15-year NBA player. Book it.

A few final thoughts...

Do Kobe's mannerisms remind you so much of Michael Jordan?

If you thought NBA players and coaches whine about officials check out the NHL. That's absurd.

After reviewing all of the five games in the Raps-Pistons series there is no question in my mind Toronto was a better team over the two-week period. Costly mistakes and decisions hurt them in Games 2 and 5.

The Raps made a smart move when they put Walker D. Russell on the bench. He added enthusiasm and passion to the club.

If I'm Denver I ask permission to speak to Larry Brown.

Jeff Van Gundy may not be back on the bench at the start of the 2002-03 season. His broadcast work has been terrific.

Is Tim Duncan good or what?

I still can't believe the Hornets are leaving Charlotte.

If the NBA is smart the Hornets move to the West so they can develop a rivalry with Houston, Memphis and Dallas. Minnesota slides over to the East.

Email me with your thoughts.

Always a pleasure,
Chuck Swirsky