Swirsky

by Chuck Swirsky
-- raptors.commentator
May 21, 2002

The busiest man in the NBA the next five weeks will be none other than Houston Rockets General Manager Carroll Dawson. His team holds the number one pick in the June draft and while the consensus is the Rockets will take Yao Ming you can bet your last dollar that a number of teams are ready to sweeten the deal if they can pull off a major trade to acquire either Ming or Jay Williams and even perhaps Mike Dunleavy with the number one choice.

I can't see the Rockets taking Williams, not with Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley in place. Think of the ego problems that would create. It's already been speculated among NBA writers that the Bulls will keep the choice and draft Williams (if Ming goes #1) and trade Jamal Crawford. Put Williams in the mix with the other young players in Chicago and you've got the foundation of an exciting up-and-coming team.

Chris Childs in an free agent this summer. Mitchell Layton NBAE/Getty Images

I predict Golden State to do everything humanly possible to get involved with acquiring either Houston's or Chicago's pick. They want Ming or Williams. They've got some players other teams are interested in but in my opinion there is only one untouchable with Golden State and that's Jason Richardson. Under any circumstance there is NO way I move him. The guy has superstar written all over him.

The other lottery loser is New York. The Knicks needed a marquee name who could play. Either Ming or Williams would have been a perfect fit. If I were a GM I'm not sure I would want to trade for any of their players based on declining productivity or contractual issues. The Knicks will still come away with a solid pick but not the player they coveted.

I think Cleveland the Clippers could be a perfect match for a trade. How about the Cavs sending Andre MIller to LA for a lottery pick and a couple of their young studs. The question remains is owner Donald Sterling ready to fork over the big bucks to keep the nucleus together? If he is, they can be very creative and flexible at the trade table.

Here are a few questions I received from our raptors.com readers:

Khar from Toronto: You've said many times the Raps are capped out. If that's the case how can they keep Keon, Dell or Chris?

Great question Khar. The Raps like every team, with the exception of let's say the Knicks and Mavs, do not want to pay a luxury tax. Therefore two things must happen if the Raps keep Keon Clark. One, Keon may not get the type of deal he's looking for and re-sign with Toronto. Two, General Manager Glen Grunwald will have to consider packaging a player or two to create cap space. As is the case 99.9% of the time it all comes down to $$$$. I know Dell wants to play another season and he and his family love Toronto but again it depends on the budget. I will say this. The day Dell Curry announces his retirement the Raps should make him an assistant coach, scout, front office assistant to Glen, whatever. He's a class act and would help sell Toronto to free agents.

Maurice from Thornhill: What is your opinion of point guards Frank Williams and Juan Dixon?

Williams had a spotty on again, off again career at Illinois but should go mid-first round. I'm not sure he's going to be available for the Raps at #20. Dixon is a 6-2 guard but the question facing his game is: Is he a true point guard or a shooting guard? I think he'll be drafted anywhere between 18-25.

Tam from Ancaster: Is Mike Dunleavy overrated?

No. I've seen him play a ton on TV and actually witnessed a practice on Duke's campus last year and was so impressed with his knowledge of the game. His court awareness and his ability to get his teammates in the flow of the game was very noticeable. I see him going wither #3 or #4. I think Jerry West really likes him as a fit for the Grizz.

T.J. from Scranton, PA: Will Jared Jeffries be a lottery pick?

Yes. But a low lottery pick. I think he should go back to school and play another year at Indiana though.

Blaine from Seattle: Any chance of the Raptors picking up Rashard Lewis?

Lewis is a terrific player and despite the fact he suffered a shoulder injury late in the season he remains a talent with an incredible upside. The Raps made a huge run at Lewis two years ago but he elected to re-sign with the Sonics. Since the Raps are capped I don't look for them to be a player for Lewis.

Email me with your comments and questions.

Always a pleasure!
Chuck Swirsky