Swirsky

by Chuck Swirsky
--raptors.commentator
June 10, 2002

It's back to work for the Raptors management team following a week of looking at prospective players at the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago.

From what I was able to gather, agents diluted the talent mix by holding out first-round players from competing in the sessions. The camp essentially became a showcase for second-round talent and a collection of future NBDL players.

Agents have a ton of control, but my take is that an organization should have its homework done by now.

Draft Prospect Workout Schedule
June 13
Fred Jones, G	Oregon
Roger Mason, G	Virginia
Kei Madison, F	Okaloosa-Walton CC

Whether it's the Raptors at No. 20 or the Pacers at No. 14, teams have already gone over various mock drafts and have a pretty good indication who will be there.

Character is so important. Granted you pick players. You win with guys who can run, jump, shoot and defend but I want solid character people that care about the city, franchise and the people who pay to see them perform.

Fans keep the game going and you want players who appreciate hard working men and women. It's all about how do you represent yourself and family when you're not on the court.

This week the Raptors will bring in three players on Thursday for individual workouts. Among them will be Oregon's Freddie Jones. Readers of my column know what I think of this guy, his athleticism is eye-popping.

Mo Pete is a former first-round pick of the Raptors. D.Clarke Evans/NBAE/Getty Images

By his own admission he did not play well in Chicago perhaps due to a right shoulder injury but trust me, this kid can play. A 6-4 guard, who could be there for the Raps at pick No. 20.

I have no idea what direction the Raps are going. They certainly need a point guard to backup Alvin Williams. They could use help at small forward and become more athletic in the process.

In the event they don't resign Keon Clark, the Raps could surprise some folks and go big. You never know that's why you've got to love the NBA Draft.

Over the weekend the Raptors will have a mini free-agent camp for players on the edge of making NBA teams. In other words, players who have the skill to play at this level but just not good enough to keep a steady job.

Don't expect many big names but they'll play hard to impress the coaching staff. Their goal will be to get invited to the July summer league in Utah and then possibly join the Raptors for training camp in October.

Now let's go to news and notes.

According to reports the New York Knicks have offered the Houston Rockets Marcus Camby and their 7th pick for the No. 1 pick in the draft. My comment ... give me a break! Camby breaks down every year. You can't count on him to even play 65 games.

Another report said the Nets are putting a package together involving Keith Van Horn that would send him to the Jazz for Karl Malone. If I were with the Nets, I'd go for it.

Jerry West is an Eddie Jones fan. Jones likes the West. Could we see a Heat-Memphis deal? Just asking.

High school phenom LeBron James broke his wrist over the weekend and is out of action for six-to-eight weeks. Without a doubt he will be the No. 1 pick in next year's draft.

I love Shaq but before we crown him the best centre of all time think about Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

The votes are in. The fans want the NBA to establish a third jersey for the Raptors.

Speaking of jerseys the Nets need some new uniforms. Portland will have a new look for the 2002-03 season.

If the Raps had a second-round pick I'd go for Cincinnati guard Steve Logan.

Knowing Doug Collins I expect the Washington Wizards to go after an athletic, defensive minded player in the first round.

The highest paid cheerleader in sports? No not the captain of the Dallas Cowgirls, it's Mateen Cleeves of the Sacramento Kings.

E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com

Always a pleasure!

Chuck Swirsky