| Lakers Draft: Rumors, Speculation, Facts Authored by Cyrus Behzadi - June 26, 2005 - 6:46 pm
What a past couple of weeks this has been for the ever turbulent Los Angeles Lakers. The signing of Phil Jackson, and rumors of big trades. Rumors of supposedly "A done deal"*** of Devean George, Slava Medvedenko, and a 2nd round pick going to the Indiana Pacers for Jonathan Bender and the #17 pick going to the Lakers.
Laker fans and Pacer fans alike were shocked at the one-sided-ness of the deal towards the Lakers. But then, on the Pacers Official Website, "Franchise CEO Donnie Walsh was unequivocal in his dismissal of that particular trade report. No such discussions are taking place, and there's nothing on the table with the Lakers."
So from what we know, this rumor is not true. But, logically, if a deal is not finalized, why would a CEO say something that could potentially ruin the deal?
Two rumors that have been heavily discussed involve the Blazers and the Bobcats. The Lakers have also been reported to have been negotiating a deal that sends Caron Butler, Chucky Atkins, and the #10 for Ruben Patterson, a filler, and the #3 pick. Again, both sides have denied even being in the negotiation process. So, this rumor is considered false, at least for now.
The rumor between the Lakers and the Bobcats has heavily picked up steam this week. ESPN switched the Bobcats and the Lakers in their draft order putting the Lakers at the 5th spot and the Bobcats at the 10th spot in the draft. This left everyone speculating whether ESPN leaked information or whether it was a typo. Alongside the Lakers pick, it said From Charlotte, and alongside the Bobcats pick, it said from Lakers. RealGM contacted the Lakers PR office and they denied the rumor, also saying no negotiations have taken place.
WHO SHOULD THEY PICK WITH THE #10
The Lakers, assuming they stay at the #10, have two big needs. A point guard and a power forward. Many possibilities have come up, including the Lakers taking a proven winner, such as Raymond Felton (if available) or Sean May. High Schoolers like Gerald Green and Andrew Bynum have also come up because of their enormous potential, but I find it extremely unlikely that Phil Jackson has the patience to wait for High Schoolers to develop, so any picks involving HSSers, it is most likely a smokescreen.
So, I've narrowed my lists down to two Power Forwards and two Point Guards.
POWER FORWARDS
1. Fran Vasquez- He can definitely make an impact right away and he brings defensive toughness, and a decent offensive game to the table. After a year or two developing his offensive game, he could really become a star in the league.
2. Sean May- One of the more polished players in the draft. He has an extremely high Basketball IQ and very good defense and offensive game. The reason that he may go so low is because of his height and his weight. But, in UNC, he had good conditioning and was running the floor with Raymond Felton. He is only 6-8 or 6-9, so he definitely doesn't have the suggested height but I think he can work around that, because of his excellent post moves.
Honorable Mention: Ike Diogu, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Taft.
POINT GUARDS
1. Raymond Felton- He may not be available by this pick, but most mocks have him falling to this spot or lower. He is an excellent distrubutor and play maker. He has the potential and he has the ability to be very good in this league, and he can possibly make an impact right away. His shot is questionable, as are his height and TO-to Assist ratio.
2. Jarrett Jack- Tall, strong PG, who is NBA ready.He is smart and has good athleticism, along with being a good defender who hustles. His weakness is that he is extremely prone to turnovers.
Honorable Mention: Roko Leni Ukic.
2nd ROUND POSSIBILITIES
#37 pick- John Gilchrist, Ronny Turiaf, Luther Head, Nate Robinson, Sean Banks
#39 pick- Randolph Morris, Ryan Gomes, Jason Maxiell, David Lee, Angelo Gigli, Salim Stoudamire, Louis Williams, Eddie Badsen.
*** As reported by Hoopsworld.com's Eric Pincus |
