It's the 2005 NBA Draft, and SUPERSONICS.COM's Kevin Pelton is all over the action. He'll provide regular updates during the Draft while watching the action unfold from the media room at The Furtado Center. Be sure to hit refresh for the latest real-time analysis and commentary as well as tidbits from interviews with the Sonics picks and front office staff.
Second Best
Posted at 7:35 p.m.
Just because David Stern is down introducing the picks doesn't mean the talent is exhausted. You're probably familiar with some recent second-round success stories, which include Gilbert Arenas, Carlos Boozer, Manu Ginobili, Rashard Lewis, Cuttino Mobley, Michael Redd. So be sure to stay with us as the Sonics hold the 48th and 55th picks.
Run on Collegians
Posted at 7:42 p.m.
Following up the trend from the end of the first round, more collegiate guys start off round two. Atlanta gets Arizona guard Salim Stoudamire, the Clippers pick up a backup point guard (for the second straight year at the top of round two) in Daniel Ewing and Brandon Bass goes to LSU. That's a quick reminder that the second round is less about overall talent and more about fit, as these weren't necessarily three names was thinking at the top of round two.
The Other End …
Posted at 7:47 p.m.
We go back to the high-school ranks for C.J. Miles (Utah) and Ricky Sanchez (Portland). Sanchez is a pretty obscure name for this early in the second round.
Droppers
Posted at 7:52 p.m.
So, my co-worker asks me, who are the players you're surprised are still available? At the top of that list is Roko Ukic. This is a guy that was being talked about very seriously as the 16th pick by Toronto or the 18th pick by Boston. I'm surprised Andray Blatche, a high schooler from Connecticut, is still around - but not that surprised. I figured Monta Ellis might go in the first round. Martynas Andriuskevicius I didn't figure would last past the first couple of picks of the second round. Ersan Ilyasova was on that list before he went a minute ago with the 40th pick.
The Translator
Posted at 8:00 p.m.
Some important news. Not only did the Sonics draft Johan Petro, they drafted a translator as well. Apparently Petro's English isn't yet quite ready for interviews; he used a translator (his manager, Bahpna Dahane) when he called in and chatted with the media a minute ago.
Some key commets: Petro is, "really happy; he has a lot of emotion right now." After seeing the Sonics play in the playoffs, Petro thinks his athleticism and quickness for his size is a good fit for the team's style. Petro also plans to come to Seattle this year.
"Personally, he doesn't want to go back to play next year in Europe," the translator said.
Taft's Slide Ends
Posted at 8:05 p.m.
Chris Taft finally goes at pick 42. It's been a long, hard fall. It was a harder fall tonight for Roko Ukic, a steal for Toronto at pick 41, given they were considering him with one of their first-round picks. The Raptors addressed three needs tonight and have done pretty well all things considered.
Guessing Game
Posted at 8:15 p.m.
Trying to guess second-round picks is just shy of fruitless, but with the Sonics on the clock, I'm going to say Alan Anderson is the guy. It's extra tough this year because there's so much talent left out there for the Sonics to choose from.
The French Connection
Posted at 8:20 p.m.
Every single newspaper in this city just got its headline for tomorrow's sports section. The Sonics pick their second Frenchman, swingman Mickael Gelebale. I like this pick, because Gelebale is a fine athlete and potentially defender who is also young and developing. The Sonics have added some serious talent. Like Petro, Gelebale attended the draft and came out of the crowd. That provided the laugh of the night as his Sonics hat perched atop a mess of dreadlocks.
Sonics Take Roberts
Posted at 8:35 p.m.
With their third and final pick, the Sonics take Mississippi State's Lawrence Roberts. Roberts had an outstanding college career, averaging better than 15 points per game all four years he played between Baylor and Mississippi State. The SEC Player of the Year as a junior, he was also named First Team All-American that season. As a senior he averaged 16.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game to lead the SEC in the latter category. Roberts will have to play more on the perimeter in the NBA, but he's a polished player who accomplished a great deal during his NCAA career.
Although there are a handful of picks left, this wraps up our live coverage. Thanks for reading and stay tuned on SUPERSONICS.COM the rest of the evening for more coverage, including plenty of quotes from everyone involved.
Sonics Take Roberts
Posted at 9:15 p.m.
Okay, I liked. One quick update to make sure everyone knows that Lawrence Roberts' rights have been traded to Memphis for second-round picks in 2006 and 2007 and future considerations. That wraps it up from The Furtado Center.
