NBA Lottery Coming Up... Who Ya Got? [Archive] - The Orange Mane

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RhymesayersDU

05-24-2005, 05:27 PM

I think Utah will pull #1 down, which sucks big time.

Atlanta has the best chance to get it, statistically.

If somehow New York lands the #1 to get Bogut, I'm firing up the conspiracy talk.

SoCalBronco

05-24-2005, 05:29 PM

hopefully its the Clippers. I just dont want the Lakers to fraud it out.

Rock Chalk

05-24-2005, 05:33 PM

Simien is projected to be there when the Rockets pick. I hope they take him because they desperately need a power forward.

TheManeMan

05-24-2005, 05:35 PM

Should be called the Andrew Bogut sweepstakes...

Atlanta should be the winner...

Darkhorse...if any team, Portland...

Maximus

05-24-2005, 05:36 PM

The lakers get the #1 and everyone cries foul!

-Slap-

05-24-2005, 05:38 PM

If Stern has any balls he'll openly rig it for the Lakers, maybe even give them the first two picks.

watermock

05-24-2005, 05:40 PM

The Lakers envelope has been frozen. Just watch.

watermock

05-24-2005, 05:42 PM

I'm always amused how they run this lotto. Can't they just run ping pong balls like everyone else?

I don't trust this lotto any more than the New Jersey Lotto. Just float ping pong balls and pull them out.

-Slap-

05-24-2005, 05:46 PM

Aahhhhhh! Bernie Bickerstaff!

:cuss:

SoCalBronco

05-24-2005, 05:47 PM

Good, Lakers got 10th.

RhymesayersDU

05-24-2005, 05:48 PM

Sweet @ the jazz not getting #1

TheManeMan

05-24-2005, 05:49 PM

Bobcats came out looking good...Utah got jacked!

RhymesayersDU

05-24-2005, 05:51 PM

Charlotte could get good real quick if they choose wisely... 13th pick and 5th pick, yikes.

-Slap-

05-24-2005, 05:53 PM

Maybe the Bucks will get someone more like Kareem and less like Big Dog.

TheManeMan

05-24-2005, 05:53 PM

Milwaukee...this might intrest Redd before getting a taste of Free Agency...

Marvin Williams maybe??

RhymesayersDU

05-24-2005, 05:54 PM

Bucks got #1... I wonder if this means Redd might be enticed to stay there, try and build something, etc...

Atleast the blazers didn't get it.

Garcia Bronco

05-24-2005, 06:03 PM

I think it's the Bucks

Pezman

05-24-2005, 06:48 PM

The local sports hacks are crying bloody murder over the selections here in SoCal... I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

MajikMan7

05-24-2005, 07:05 PM

YEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bucks win NBA lottery
Milwaukee has top pick in June 28 draft
Associated Press
Posted: May 24, 2005
Secaucus, N.J. - After a season of injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks finally had something go right as they won the NBA lottery on Tuesday night and earned the right to pick first in the draft next month.

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Utah center Andrew Bogut is considered the top prospect in the NBA draft.

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The Bucks had only a 6.3 percent chance of winning the lottery, but a couple of lucky charms provided by fans and carried by general manager Larry Harris helped Milwaukee jump over five teams to win its first lottery since 1994, the year they took Glenn Robinson.

Atlanta, which won a league-low 13 games and had the best chance of securing the No. 1 pick, will instead have the second choice in the June 28 draft.

Portland made the other big move in the lottery, jumping from No. 5 to third.

The big losers were New Orleans, Charlotte and Utah, which all dropped two spots in the order. The Hornets had the second best chance to win the lottery but they slipped to No. 4. The Bobcats, who also had the rights to Cleveland pick in the lottery, went from No. 3 to No. 5. Utah, which had the fourth worst record, fell to No. 6.

The lottery didn't change picks seventh through 14 with Toronto, New York, Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando, the Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte and Minnesota keeping those spots.

While there doesn't seem to be a Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan or LeBron James in the draft, there are good players at the center, forward and point guard positions.

Utah center Andrew Bogut, North Carolina forward Marvin Williams and Wake Forest point guard Chris Paul have been mentioned as the three best players available. All three were among the list of 108 players who filed as early entry candidates.

SoCalBronco

05-24-2005, 07:08 PM

MajikMan7

05-24-2005, 07:13 PM

Bring on Marvin Williams or Andrew Bogut. I can't decide right now which one i'd rather have. This should also for sure lock up "Money" Mike Redd.

Nuggets4

05-24-2005, 10:23 PM

Bring on Marvin Williams or Andrew Bogut. I can't decide right now which one i'd rather have. This should also for sure lock up "Money" Mike Redd.

If you're seriously having a hard time deciding between the best prospect in the draft and a big stiff center from Utah.........well, Atlanta is watching anxiously.

yavoon

05-24-2005, 10:39 PM

I think Utah will pull #1 down, which sucks big time.

Atlanta has the best chance to get it, statistically.

If somehow New York lands the #1 to get Bogut, I'm firing up the conspiracy talk.

god I hate new york, crappy city, crappy team, run horribly. they should be stonewalled and kicked outta the lottery w/ the clippers until they fire isiah.

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 04:46 AM

If you're seriously having a hard time deciding between the best prospect in the draft and a big stiff center from Utah.........well, Atlanta is watching anxiously.

I know Williams will end up being one of if not the best player to come out of this draft. But what do the bucks need more........Do they go with the 7 foot austrailina center who will have a decent career or do they go with the undersized power forward who will probably play small forward which then means the Bucks didn't help their front court out any. 6"9' forwards are alot easier to come by these days than decent 7 foot centers. So right now i'm leaning towards Bogut. I think he could average 15 pts 8 reb as a rookie.

BlitzingDog

05-25-2005, 04:56 AM

Blazers fan here, Id love to see Marvin Williams or Gerald Green along side Telfair. :)

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 04:59 AM

Blazers fan here, Id love to see Marvin Williams or Gerald Green along side Telfair. :)

I heard the blazers really want Bogut. If the Bucks select Bogut, Williams should drop to you guys cause I doubt atlanta would take him when they have josh smith.

GSRelyea

05-25-2005, 05:26 AM

By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider

Now that we know the pecking order, here's my first mock draft of 2005:

1. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Marvin Williams
NORTH CAROLINA | FRESHMAN | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 18
Most scouts feel Williams is the guy with the most upside in the draft and Milwaukee's roster puts the Bucks in good position to take him. While Andrew Bogut could help too, Williams gives the Bucks the best shot at being a contender someday.

Scouting report on Marvin Williams

2. ATLANTA HAWKS
Andrew Bogut
UTAH | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 20
Atlanta slips a spot in the lottery but still gets its guy. The team has nothing in the middle and Bogut should be able to anchor that position immediately. Bogut doesn't play the uptempo style that GM Billy Knight likes to play, but they just can't pass on a legit center.

Scouting report on Andrew Bogut

3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Gerald Green
GULF SHORES ACADEMY | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 19
The Blazers wanted Bogut but are happy at No. 3 because it guarantees they get Green. Chris Paul is rated higher, but the Blazers don't need another small point guard. Next to Marvin Williams, Green has as much upside as anyone in the draft.

Scouting report on Gerald Green

4. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Chris Paul
WAKE FOREST | SOPHOMORE | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 195 | AGE: 20
The Hornets' biggest need isn't at the point, but Paul is a big upgrade over Speedy Claxton and Dan Dickau. Suddenly the loss of Baron Davis doesn't sting as much. In fact, Paul's a better prospect than Baron was.

Scouting report on Chris Paul

5. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Deron Williams
ILLINOIS | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
The Bobcats were the biggest losers tonight. They wanted either Paul or Marvin Williams and got neither. Look for them to try to use the No. 13 pick to move up in the draft. If it doesn't work, they settle for the next best point.

Scouting report on Deron Williams

6. UTAH JAZZ
Fran Vasquez
SPAIN | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Jazz desperately need a point guard. But they also need more size and athleticism up front. If Paul or Deron Williams were available, they'd go that route, but they aren't high enough on Raymond Felton to pick him here. Vasquez is a safe pick who can play.

Scouting report on Fran Vasquez

7. TORONTO RAPTORS
Danny Granger
NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
Granger's stock just keeps climbing. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and should have the Shawn Marion-type ability to play like a four while playing the three. He has a good handle, a dramatically improved 3-point shot and he's unselfish. He also has a great body and big-time athleticism. He's already an upgrade from Jalen Rose at the three. While the Raptors have greater needs at center and point guard, they'll settle this year for the best prospect on the board.

Scouting report on Danny Granger

8. NEW YORK KNICKS
Chris Taft
PITTSBURGH | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
At the beginning of the year, scouts had Taft penciled in as a potential No. 1 overall pick. A lackluster sophomore season hurt his stock, but he still has the tools scouts love. He's big, athletic and strong. If he played harder, he'd be atop the board. As it stands, he slips to the Knicks, who don't have a decent player on their roster taller than 6-foot-9.

Scouting report on Chris Taft

9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Channing Frye
ARIZONA | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22
Two months ago we thought Frye would be a late first-rounder. But on second thought, Frye has the makings of a lottery pick. Great size, great athleticism and four years of experience. He would be perfect on a team like the Warriors. They need a young, athletic shotblocker badly and Frye would be a safe and solid choice for Golden State.

Scouting report on Channing Frye

10. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Raymond Felton
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 20
This is a real steal for the Lakers if they can land Felton here. He has the potential to go as high as No. 5 and the Raptors will give him a strong look at No. 7. He's the fastest point guard in the draft baseline to baseline, has improved his outside shooting and is an excellent floor leader. A major upgrade over Chucky Atkins.

Scouting report on Raymond Felton

11. ORLANDO MAGIC
Martell Webster
SEATTLE PREP | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Magic could go several ways here, but after shipping their best shooter off to Sacramento for Doug Christie, the Magic would find that Webster has a skill they really could use. He's the best pure shooter in high school and one of the four or five best in the draft. He has great size for his position, is mature beyond his years and already has an NBA body. As far as high school guys go, he's the most ready to contribute right now.

Scouting report on Martell Webster

12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Martynas Andriuskevicius
LITHUANIA | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 19
Andriuskevicius could go much earlier than this, but it's hard to see him slipping past the Clippers. They have a robust international scouting department and have been high on him for several years. Andriuskevicius is 7-foot-3 but his game is closer to Dirk Nowitzki than it is to a traditional big man. He's a good athlete for his size and an excellent shooter and ball handler, but he's going to have to add 30 pounds of muscle before he can even step into the paint in the NBA. This is a long-term project for a team that doesn't have a lot of holes to fill, for once.

Scouting report on Martynas Andriuskevicius

13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Antoine Wright
TEXAS A&M | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 21
Wright's versatility, perimeter shooting and athleticism make him a great fit in Charlotte. The Bobcats' front line is already set and if they land a point guard with their first pick, they can afford to address the swing position with the other.

Scouting report on Antoine Wright

14. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Joey Graham
OKLAHOMA STATE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 22
The Wolves could go in a lot of different directions here. Kevin Garnett is the only guy on the team who's safe at the moment. They would like to get tougher and more athletic and Graham would be a great choice. He's a hard worker who can play both the three and the four. Reminds some of a bigger Corey Maggette.

Scouting report on Joey Graham

15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Hakim Warrick
SYRACUSE | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 22
He's not Kenyon Martin, but he's long, athletic, runs the floor, and has the experience to contribute immediately. With Jason Kidd running the show, he should get a lot of dunks.

Scouting report on Hakim Warrick

16. TORONTO RAPTORS
Sean May
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a tough scorer and rebounder in the paint and May should be a perfect fit. Though he's a little undersized to play his natural position (center) in the pros, he should be fine paired next to Chris Bosh. Bosh's ability to dominate in the high post along with May's ability to finish around the rim should give the Raptors an effective high-low punch in the paint.

Scouting report on Sean May

17. INDIANA PACERS
Rashad McCants
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
McCants may be the toughest guy in the draft to project. On talent, he's easily a top-10 pick, maybe top five. But just about every team in the league has uncovered a number of red flags on the background check. He's going to have to prove to teams that whatever problems he had at North Carolina are behind him. If he does, he'll go higher. If he doesn't, he'll slip down to a team like Indiana, which is willing to take the risk on such a talent.

Scouting report on Rashad McCants

18. BOSTON CELTICS
Nemanja Aleksandrov
SERBIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
Last year, many had Aleksandrov projected as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft. An average summer and season combined with recent knee surgery to repair a partially torn ACL have really damaged his stock. Chances are he'll withdraw and try again next year. If he doesn't, it will be hard for the Celtics to pass up on such a talent. Given that they've had five first-round picks in the past two seasons, they can afford to wait for Aleksandrov to develop in Europe for the next couple of years.

Scouting report on Nemanja Aleksandrov

19. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Marko Tomas
CROATIA | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
Tomas is a sleeper who might move up if he could ever get to America for workouts. He absolutely dominated the Adriatic League this year. He has great size, can play three positions and plays aggressively. The Grizzlies have been shopping their first-round pick around. But if they keep it, they'll use it on a player such as Tomas, who can stay in Europe another year or two to develop.

Scouting report on Marko Tomas

20. DENVER NUGGETS
Rudy Fernandez
SPAIN | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-5 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
Last year, Fernandez was projected as a late lottery pick, but an injury-marred season has hurt his stock a bit. While no one questions his skills or athleticism, scouts wonder if his body can handle the rigors of the NBA. The Nuggets need a sweet-shooting two-guard badly and it would be tough to pass on a player with Fernandez's talent.

Scouting report on Rudy Fernandez

21. PHOENIX SUNS
Andrey Blatche
SOUTH KENT PREP | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
Blatche has been under the radar all year, in part, because he's insisted on not playing like a 7-footer in order to show NBA scouts that he's versatile. Most scouts shook their heads in disgust. But that ability is more appreciated in Phoenix. Blatche has been referred to as a poor man's Kevin Garnett and he should be a perfect fit in the Suns run-and-gun offense. He runs the floor well, can handle the ball, has 3-point range on his jumper and is an excellent rebounder. He may be a year or two away, but eventually he and Amare Stoudemire could be a great pair on the Suns front line.

Scouting report on Andrey Blatche

22. DENVER NUGGETS
Ersan Ilyasova
TURKEY | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
With multiple picks, the Nuggets' plan is to leave at least one guy in Europe for a few years. Many believe that Ilyasova was the best young prospect in Europe before a severe ankle injury kept him out most of the year. He's now back and playing well in Turkey and the lucky scouts that have seen him play claim he's the real deal. If he pulls out of the draft, he has a shot at the lottery next season. If he stays in, the Nuggets get a steal whenever they decide it's time to bring him over.

Scouting report on Ersan Ilyasova

23. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Charlie Villanueva
CONNECTICUT | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Villanueva has the skills of a lottery pick and the heart of an NBDL all-star. He has all the skills to be a perfect replacement for Chris Webber on the Kings front line. But will Rick Adelman, or whoever is coaching the Kings, ever be able to trust him? For all of his skills, Villanueva has always be a "me first" player. Then again, maybe that's what makes him the perfect replacement for Webber.

Scouting report on Charlie Villaneuva

24. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Tiago Splitter
BRAZIL | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
It's probably a stretch that Splitter falls this far. He's got enough talent to warrant a late lottery selection. However, he isn't generating any buzz right now. Teams love his size, rebounding and toughness. But he's very raw offensively and is just starting to emerge in Spain. Another year in Spain would do him good and chances are, if he thinks he's slipping this far, he'll withdraw and try again next year.

Scouting report on Tiago Splitter

25. SEATTLE SONICS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The same may hold true for Petro. He has the size and talent of a lottery pick, but he's been very slow to develop it, which has caused some NBA teams to worry. Petro is probably another year or two away from helping a team, even if he does develop. However, if he ever gets it, he and Robert Swift could turn into a nice center duo for the Sonics.

Scouting report on Johan Petro

26. DETROIT PISTONS
Yaroslav Korolev
RUSSIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 17
Korolev is another young international player who could dramatically raise his stock in the next few years if he stayed in Russia. However, his stellar play in the junior tournament at the Final Four in Europe was enough to get him on every radar screen. He reminds me a little of a young Toni Kukoc. The Pistons, who have an eye for international talent, won't let him slip by.

Scouting report on Yaroslav Korolev

27. UTAH JAZZ
Randolph Morris
KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The big kid from Kentucky should probably head back to school. One good year at Kentucky and he's in the lottery. As it stands, he won't slip past Utah, which is looking for a legit center to back up Mehmet Okur.

Scouting report on Randolph Morris

28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Julius Hodge
NORTH CAROLINA ST | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 21
Hodge may not be the greatest shooter in the draft, but he has all the intangibles the Spurs love in their players. He's tough, versatile and he seems to want it more than most guys on the floor. He's earned good reviews in every workout and seems to have moved himself into the late first round.

Scouting report on Julius Hodge

29. MIAMI HEAT
Jarrett Jack
GEORGIA TECH | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
Jack could be off the board in the mid-first round, but it's conceivable that he slips all the way to the end of the round. He's a very good point guard prospect who just needs to cut down on his turnovers. With Damon Jones possibly hitting free agency this summer, Jack would be a great fit in Miami.

Scouting report on Jarrett Jack

30. NEW YORK KNICKS
Andrew Bynum
ST. JOSEPH, N.J. | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 17
Bynum has the size to rise much higher in the draft if he works out well. Right now, the general consensus is that he's too big a project to take much higher than this.Still, the Knicks aren't likely to pass. They need size and upside and Bynum has both.

Scouting report on Andrew Bynum

Other first-round possibilities: Monta Ellis, G, HS senior; Peja Samardziski, C, Serbia; Kennedy Winston, G/F, Alabama; Wayne Simien, PF, Kansas; Ike Diogu, PF, Arizona State; Nate Robinson, G, Washington; Roko Ukic, PG, Croatia; Ronny Turiaf, PF, Gonzaga; Francisco Garcia, G/F, Louisville; Matt Walsh, G/F, Florida; Linas Kleiza, F, Missouri; Mickael Gelebale, F, France; David Lee, F, Florida

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 05:54 AM

Lucky Bucks: Team goes first in draft
Most likely choices include center, forward and point guard
By CHARLES F. GARDNER
cgardner@journalsentinel.com
Posted: May 24, 2005
Talk about bucking the odds.

Bucks/NBA

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Utah center Andrew Bogut is considered the top prospect in the NBA draft.

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East: Wallace pair a winning hand
West: Duncan helps Spurs grab 2-0 lead
Schedule: NBA playoffs

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What should the Bucks do with the first pick in the NBA draft?

Draft Utah center Andew Bogut

Draft North Carolina forward Marvin Williams

Draft Wake Forest guard Chris Paul

Draft someone else

Trade the pick for a veteran

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Anytime you get the No. 1 pick, there's just a buzz. People are excited about it.

- Larry Harris,
Bucks General Manager

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North Carolina freshman forward Marvin Williams is one of the top players available in next month's NBA draft.

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The Milwaukee Bucks, with a paltry 6.3% chance of claiming the top overall pick in the 2005 National Basketball Association draft, did just that Tuesday night in the league's annual draft lottery.

Andrew Bogut? Marvin Williams? Chris Paul?

The Bucks and general manager Larry Harris will have their pick of the top draft prospects, after the pingpong balls bounced Milwaukee's way in Secaucus, N.J. When it was clear the Bucks had moved up from their expected No. 6 slot, the ESPN cameras caught Harris biting his lip and glancing around the room.

Who you? You bet.

Just a few moments later, a smiling Harris, who was dressed in a charcoal pinstriped suit, watched as NBA deputy commissioner Russ Granik pulled the Portland Trail Blazers' card at No. 3 and the Atlanta Hawks at No. 2, meaning the Bucks had the top overall choice for the fourth time in franchise history.

The Bucks could use the pick to draft 7-foot center Andrew Bogut of Utah, the national player of the year. Or they could go for 6-9 freshman forward Marvin Williams of national champion North Carolina, a player with a nice outside shot and the ability to play small forward or power forward.

The third player in the conversation regarding the No. 1 pick is Wake Forest point guard Chris Paul, although the Bucks' interest in him might depend on the health of point guard T.J. Ford, who missed all of last season after spinal surgery. Ford has returned to non-contact workouts, and the Bucks will know more about his progress this summer.

Whatever the eventual choice with the No. 1 pick, the Bucks have renewed optimism not long after enduring a highly disappointing 30-52 season and missing out on the playoffs, in coach Terry Porter's second year with the franchise.

"The loud roar you heard was all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin," Harris said in a call with reporters after the lottery. "I can't really explain the joy and anticipation when the sixth pick was turned up, and it was not us.

"At that point I thought, 'We'll shift seats here, we'll go to No. 3 and maybe we'll end up there.' But then once three got turned up and it wasn't us, I got a little greedy, I have to say.

"I figured, might as well go for the whole enchilada."

Harris said he initially had focused on players who would be available at the No. 6 pick, where the Bucks expected they would draft, and had concentrated primarily on power forwards and point guards.

Instead, the Utah Jazz will be picking sixth, the Charlotte Bobcats will pick fifth and the New Orleans Hornets, fourth.

New Orleans dropped from the second spot and Charlotte from the third position at the start of the night. Atlanta, which had the NBA's worst record and a 25% chance of landing the top pick, settled for No. 2.

"Because you've got the No. 1 pick, it brings in the big, young kid in Andrew Bogut," Harris said. "As we look at our roster moving forward, we certainly need a low-post presence. A guy who has legitimate size, very skilled, good hands, good feet, can pass, knows how to play. Obviously a consensus All-American."

Harris also had high praise for Williams and Paul.

"Then you've got a younger player in Marvin Williams, certainly a tremendous talent," he said. "A guy who was coming off the bench for them but had an incredible run in the NCAA tournament. Then Chris Paul, arguably the best point guard out there.

"Those are three players we certainly will take a long, hard look at, and all three bring something different to the table for us."

Harris said the excitement in Milwaukee would be turned up this summer with the Bucks claiming the draft's No. 1 pick, as they did in 1969, 1977 and 1994. Those selections yielded UCLA's Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Indiana's Kent Benson and Purdue's Glenn Robinson.

Harris indicated that the Bucks' chances of re-signing free agent Michael Redd also would be improved because of their lottery fortune.

"Still the priority is Michael Redd in free agency," Harris said. "I felt all along that Michael was going to come back. I think this helps solidify that. The excitement with adding him back to the roster, as well as the No. 1 pick, that's a buzz that he's not going to get from any other team."

Harris repeated that he hoped to re-sign restricted free agents Zaza Pachulia and Dan Gadzuric for the Bucks' frontcourt.

"It puts us in a great position to be back in the playoffs where we were two years ago," Harris said.

There is not a consensus No. 1 pick in this draft, as occurred in 2003 when Cleveland took LeBron James out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.

And Harris knows he must beware of avoiding a wasted No. 1 pick, such as Washington's choice of Kwame Brown in 2001 or the Los Angeles Clippers' grab of Michael Olowokandi in 1998.

"I think you always take the best player," Harris said. "Anytime you take the best player, regardless of position, it's another asset to your organization. Sometimes when you look for a need, you get a little skewed in that and you let the best talent slip by.

"I don't think you can make those mistakes."

Harris said he just wanted to soak in the Bucks' good fortune on Tuesday before focusing on hiring two new assistant coaches and plotting draft strategy. The Bucks will have the first and 36th overall picks in the June 28 draft.

"It's a great evening," Harris said. "I can't wait for the next six weeks. I'm sure we're going to be on a high here for about the next week or so.

"Anytime you get the No. 1 pick, there's just a buzz. People are excited about it. They're excited about who you're going to pick, they're excited about the shape of your team, it helps with season tickets.

"I will say this, for the people that want to get a hold of me over the next week, I'll be in Vegas. I'm hot right now. It's working for me. I'm taking these three (charms) down, and I think I'm throwing it all on Redd."

From the May 25, 2005, editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

BlitzingDog

05-25-2005, 05:58 AM

I heard the blazers really want Bogut. If the Bucks select Bogut, Williams should drop to you guys cause I doubt atlanta would take him when they have josh smith.

Well if the Hawks take Marvin Williams it will be because they think he can play PF. If they don't think he can play PF than Williams is probably ours. I would be happy with either. I could also see the Hawks drafting Williams than trading him to a team that drafts Chris Paul or Raymond Felton.

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 06:24 AM

Here's Andrew Bogut's sophmore stats compared to Tim Duncan's sophmore stats.

Tim Duncan
MIN FG% FT% RPG APG BPG PPG
36.5 59.1 74.2 12.5 2.1 4.2 16.8

Bogut
MIN FG% FT% RPG APG BPG PPG
35 62 69.2 12.2 2.3 1.9 20.4

GSRelyea

05-25-2005, 06:26 AM

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 06:34 AM

One played for Utah the other for Wake in the ACC- stats don't really matter.

Very true. Bogut had 13 points and 8 rebounds against USA last summer in the olympics.

-Slap-

05-25-2005, 06:37 AM

god I hate new york, crappy city, crappy team, run horribly. they should be stonewalled and kicked outta the lottery w/ the clippers until they fire isiah.

And that little wannabe jock sniff Spike Lee. This little poser acts like he knows the game inside out, but you just know, back on the schoolyard, he was chosen last in pickup games, behind girls and kids with orthopedic shoes.

BlitzingDog

05-25-2005, 06:43 AM

I just hope Hodge goes in the first.

FADERPROOF

05-25-2005, 06:45 AM

And that little wannabe jock sniff Spike Lee. This little poser acts like he knows the game inside out, but you just know, back on the schoolyard, he was chosen last in pickup games, behind girls and kids with orthopedic shoes.

His movies are damn good at least, "He got game" and "25th hour" are brilliant and I still watch both whenever I get the chance to.

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 08:32 AM

His movies are damn good at least, "He got game" and "25th hour" are brilliant and I still watch both whenever I get the chance to.

He Got Game is great.

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 08:47 AM

Marvin Williams
28.7 pts 15.5 rebs, 5 blks and 5 asts as a senior at Bremerton High School in Bremerton

LeBron James
30.0 pts 9.7 rebs 1.9 blks and 4.9 asts as a senoir at St. Vincent St. Mary High School

GSRelyea

05-25-2005, 08:51 AM

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 08:55 AM

I think Marvin is going to be an absolute beast in the NBA within 3 years. The Bucks should grab him with the #1 pick, Williams & Redd = a ton of points for years to come. Not to mention if TJ Ford comes back at full strength, that kid was averaging 7 assists per before he got hurt in his rookie season.

I agree with you. Alot rides on TJ's health. Things have been downhill ever since he got hurt. TJ and Marvin would fit together great in an uptempo offense. Just the thought of havin TJ, DezMase, and Marvin running the floor. Wow.

RhymesayersDU

05-25-2005, 09:07 AM

His movies are damn good at least, "He got game" and "25th hour" are brilliant and I still watch both whenever I get the chance to.

As is "Do The Right Thing."

And good to see my boy DGranger as a top 10:

7. TORONTO RAPTORS
Danny Granger
NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
Granger's stock just keeps climbing. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and should have the Shawn Marion-type ability to play like a four while playing the three. He has a good handle, a dramatically improved 3-point shot and he's unselfish. He also has a great body and big-time athleticism. He's already an upgrade from Jalen Rose at the three. While the Raptors have greater needs at center and point guard, they'll settle this year for the best prospect on the board.
----------------------------------
But the nuggets choosing 2 Euros? Ehhhh.

Nuggets4

05-25-2005, 11:15 AM

But the nuggets choosing 2 Euros? Ehhhh.

Those two I'd be fine with. Fernandez is gonna be a stud. The other guy, it sounds like he's pretty solid but has injury problems os he wants to stay in Europe for a few years to rebuild his body. I'm fine with that.

GSRelyea

05-25-2005, 11:39 AM

TOP 10 SHOOTING GUARDS
Rank Name Ht, Wt - Age School/Country
1. Gerald Green 6-7, 210 lbs - HS Senior Gulf Shores Academy (TX)
2. Antoine Wright 6-7, 210 lbs - Junior Texas A&M
3. Martell Webster 6-7, 235 lbs - HS Senior Seattle Prep (WA)
4. Marko Tomas 6-8, 210 lbs - 19 yrs Croatia
5. Rudy Fernandez 6-5, 200 lbs - 19 yrs Spain
6. Rashad McCants 6-4, 200 lbs - Junior North Carolina
7. Francisco Garcia 6-7, 190 lbs - Junior Louisville
8. Julius Hodge 6-7, 205 lbs - Senior North Carolina State
9. Salim Stoudamire 6-1, 185 lbs - Senior Arizona
10. Louis Williams 6-2, 165 lbs - HS Senior South Gwinnet Academy (GA)

Best of the rest: Von Wafer, Florida State; Brandon Rush, HS senior; Thabo Sefolosha, Switzerland; Kelenna Azubuike, Kentucky; Bracey Wright, Indiana; Tiras Wade, Louisiana-Lafayette; Nikolaos Zissis, Greece; Alex Acker, Pepperdine; Jackie Manuel, Kansas; B.J. Elder, Georgia Tech; Romel Beck, UNLV; Keith Langford, Kansas; Alan Anderson, Michigan State;

ro_50

05-25-2005, 12:22 PM

This draft could be the weakest since 2001.

GSRelyea

05-25-2005, 12:25 PM

This draft could be the weakest since 2001.

It is pretty loaded at the point, small forward and power forward but slim pickings with shooting guards and centers. The 2 positions the Nuggs need to improve at....

MajikMan7

05-25-2005, 07:00 PM

http://www.bullz-eye.com/sports/blogs/sports.htm

05/25/05
NBA DRAFT LOTTERY: Last night in Secaucus, New Jersey the NBA held its draft lottery and my beloved Milwaukee Bucks overcame 16-1 odds and landed the #1 overall pick for the first time since 1994. That year, the Bucks had to choose between three top prospects: Glenn Robinson, Grant Hill and Jason Kidd. They selected Robinson and he turned out to be a pretty good pro, helping them reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001. Unfortunately, he missed a baseline jumper that could have sent them to the NBA Finals, and his career has been in a downward spiral ever since. Fast forward to 2005 and the Bucks again have three top prospects to choose from: Utah sophomore center Andrew Bogut, North Carolina freshman forward Marvin Williams, and Wake Forest sophomore guard Chris Paul. There is no consensus #1, no LeBron, no Yao, no Duncan. This is not the best year to land the #1 pick, but choosing among these three players (or a possible trade) isn’t a bad problem to have. Moreover, Milwaukee’s weakest positions (PG, PF, C) are represented by the three aforementioned players.

They hope to re-sign their best player, shooting guard Michael Redd, to a long-term contract before the draft. While Bucks GM Larry Harris seems determined to give Redd max money (25% of the team’s salary cap ~ 11 M / year), I see this as a mistake. Redd is an amazing shooter, but doesn’t excel in any other aspect of the game. Looking at the contracts recently signed by Manu Ginobili, Corey Maggette, Gilbert Arenas and Quentin Richardson, it seems to me that Redd is worth about 8-9M/year and no more.

Regardless, the Bucks have to decide what to do with their #1 pick. It could depend on the status of super-quick point guard T.J. Ford, who sat out all last season with a spinal injury. If he’s good to go, you can probably eliminate Paul from consideration. That leaves Bogut or Williams. Bogut seems to have the edge among the experts. He was the winner of just about every collegiate player of the year award that he was eligible for and led Utah to the Sweet Sixteen in this year’s NCAA tournament. He stands 7’0”, has great fundamentals and court vision, and is more athletic than people think. He shot an incredible 64% from the floor, has international three-point range and grabbed more than 12 rebounds a game. Granted, he did this against suspect Mountain West competition, but he has also played very well in international competition, even holding his own against Tim Duncan in the Olympics last summer. He is probably the most NBA-ready player in the draft and will continue to improve.

On the other hand, Marvin Williams might have the most potential in the draft. He would have been a lottery pick last year had he come straight out of high school, but elected to spend his freshman season at North Carolina. He was rewarded with a National Championship while serving as the sixth man for the Tar Heels. He already has an NBA body, is very athletic, has a smooth jumper, and can play either forward position. He is the epitome of upside, and many experts believe that he will become a better pro than Bogut.

Assuming Ford is ready to play, the Bucks need to take a hard look at Bogut and Williams and if there isn’t a clear winner, see if any other teams are jonesing for either player. I generally don’t think you should trade out of the #1 pick, but this might be the draft to do it, depending on how the workouts go. Getting a good player and a high lottery pick might be too much to pass up if neither guy impresses. Larry Harris’ shaky interview after the lottery and his determination to overpay for Redd don’t inspire much confidence but, like Bucks fans everywhere, I hope he can pull it together and parlay last night’s fortune into a good team next season. My gut says the Bucks will go Bogut. Harris’ contract is up this year and he needs an immediate winner. ~John Paulsen

Clockwork Orange

05-25-2005, 07:05 PM

There is no consensus #1, no LeBron, no Yao, no Duncan.

If there was the Bucks wouldn't be holding that pick right now.

-Slap-

05-25-2005, 10:24 PM

His movies are damn good at least, "He got game" and "25th hour" are brilliant and I still watch both whenever I get the chance to.

Different tastes. I find his work to be patronizing crap.

FADERPROOF

05-26-2005, 12:17 PM

Different tastes. I find his work to be patronizing crap.

Could be, 25th hour was great plus I'm a big fan of Ed Norton, and he got game was a good documentary type movie with Denzel and Ray Allen.

Movies like Get on the bus and Malcolm X I could do without, but those 2 movies are up there on my favorite movies list.