Draft '06

[elindholm]

For what it's worth, rookie contracts can be negotiated for anywhere between 80% and 120% of the mandated scale, and I read somewhere that everyone does 120% pretty much automatically just to avoid problems. So in fact the numbers are a bit higher than the scale would indicate.

 

[Absolute Zero]

Looks like New Orleans has the 12th pick and also the 15th pick. Perhaps they'd be willing to part with one of those in exchange for our 2 picks? We could then pick somebody decent.

 

[Absolute Zero]

Shot blocker and rebounder?

[SIZE=+6]#33[/SIZE]

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cedric Simmons
Birthdate: 1/3/86
NBA Position: PF/C
College: North Carolina St.
Class: Sophomore
Ht: 6-10
Wt: 233
Hometown: Shallotte, NC
High School: West Brunswick
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Team Site Profile[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2005 Stats[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NBA Comparison: Nene

Strengths: Talented bigman with great length and fluidity ... Tremendous shot blocker due to his huge wingspan (7'4") and quick leaping ability ... Disruptive and active defensively ... Has the size to play center and power forward on the next level ... Uses back to the basket post moves and is showing great progress in his ability to score posting up ... Has developed an effective jump hook ... Displays solid toughness inside. Does not shy away from contact ... Plays hard, good energy ... Terrific rebounder due to his long arms and leaping ability ... Has great hands ... Very fast in the open court, great transition player ... Tremendous feet, his foot speed allows him to rebound out of position and cover a lot of ground defensively ... His body is on it's way. When he adds another 10-15 pounds, he's going to be very tough to contend with inside ... Attacks the basket well ... Has good touch around the basket ... Solid free throw shooter who showed great improvement from his freshman year ... Still very raw, but has great upside and a willingness to work hard to improve ... Vision and passing skills are above average for a post ...

Weaknesses: Still developing offensively ... Lacks great range and a consistent jump shot from any distance ... Offensive game is still a work in progress ... Shows excellent flashes, but lacks any real go-to moves ... Strength is not a major issue, but he should get stronger to become more effective inside on the next level ... Consistency will improve with experience ... Not a great ball handler. Lacks a real face the basket game, but has the shooting touch to add 12-15 foot jumpshot ... His court sense and feel for the game can improve ... [/FONT]

 

[Absolute Zero]

This guy would be fun to watch run our fast break...

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sergio Rodriguez
Birthdate: 6/12/86
NBA Position: Point Guard
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 180
Int Team: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Estudiantes Club Madrid[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Hometown: Santa Cruz, Spain[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2005
Stats[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NBA Comparison: Jason Williams[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Sergio Rodriquez, the nickname "Spanish Magician" wasn't given, it was earned ... His imaginitive, charismatic, off the wall playing style combined with innate leadership abilities, has earned him not only respect, but the interest of many NBA scouts ... Owns a variety of offense weapons, but is at his best when breaking down defenders with his lethal crossover, or feeding a teammate for an easy basket ... Incredible quickness and ball handling ability make taking any defender 1-1 appear effortless ... Most impressive is his ability to find the open teammate in traffic ... He has the uncanny ability to see passing lanes before they open up, thus enabling him to nearly always make the right decision with the ball. While not incredibly gifted athletically, Sergio always finds a way to get the shot up, or draw the foul when around the basket ... Hits open shots, especially in the clutch, and shoots the three ball well enough to keep any defender honest ... Absolutely loves to run the fast break, using his extreme quickness and good finishing ability to convert most of the time ... Quickness and anticipation make him a capable ball hawk, as well as a solid off the ball defender ... His nickname (The Spanish Magician) fits him well, sometimes it appears the moves he makes, and the passes he fires, aren't real ... This kid has a world of talent, and just must continue to develop. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Weaknesses: Not really a physical marvel (6'3, 170 lbs.) as his explosiveness is just average ... Not very strong and can still be pushed around by the bigger guards ... Still prone to being careless with the ball, and can get carried away trying to entertain, making impossible passes, or trying to force a three when a smart play is needed ... Often goes for the flashy play instead of the simple, smart, play Also could use some work on defense, mostly staying fundamental and exerting the same intensity and effort ... Outside jump shot also needs some fine tuning, it is very formidable now, but shot selection and shooting percentage both need improvement.

Notes: Many Spanish scouts compare him to Jason Williams because of his flare for crowd pleasing plays. However, unlike Williams, Sergio has leadership abilities that can allow him to be a better pro. Needs more experience, but has already had a two breakout games with 18 and 14 points.[/FONT]

 

[Russ Smith]

Anyway, Marcus Vinicius is intriguing: he's another Brazilian athlete and scorer. Rudy Fernandez, Sefolosha, Shawne Williams are the other players who interest me and who might be available when the Suns pick.



The Suns need a shooter, a PG and an athletic perimiter defender--actually, they need at least two of those attributes in the same package. I'm not sure there's anybody they can get who'll fill that bill, though.

Shawne Williams is a lot like Tim Thomas, likes to play away from the basket a bit more than some people like, I suspect he's a pure SF at the next level though, nobody is going to ask him to play PF or C. had a monster game against UCLA early in the year but was up and down all year at Memphis.

Definitely has talent but is young and I'm not a big fan of Calipari's coaching style, his philosophy seems to be just get more athletes than you have and talent will win out, his players tend to be lacking in fundamentals when they leave him.

 

[Nash]

According to DraftExpress, Sergio Rodriguez has already moved up past #21. I guess the Suns might still get him if they're able to trade up.

Farmar has a special feel for the game, but he has so many weaknesses...I don't know if he can shore them all up enough to be a useful player.

As the draft gets closer, I find myself liking the foreign prospects more and more, which is my usual pattern. I guess I prefer the ones I haven't seen enough of to pick apart.

at times like this, remember Darko(No.2), Skita (No.5), Kandi (1, yeah he played a little college ball).

The foreigners to make a splash were underrated picks - Parker:20+, Ginobili - 57, Diaw ~ 23, Barbo ~ 27, Krstic -24
except Dirk-9, Gasol-3

atleast this is the gen trend. there are many others I haven't mentioned but the pt is they are hard to judge.
well, thats the case with NCAA players too. Heros in college become busts in NBA. drafting is hard! dangit!

The Suns need a shooter, a PG and an athletic perimiter defender--actually, they need at least two of those attributes in the same package. I'm not sure there's anybody they can get who'll fill that bill, though.

PG, athletic perimeter defender - Rondo:alert, quick, big arms,palms

athletic perimeter defender, shooter - James White. very solid defender, shooting needs to be polished. can hit 3's when they most count - 37.4%

4th in the Big East in FG% - 48.8%
4th in BEast in Scorin - 16.3 ppg
8th - 83% in the Big East in FT

Redick - shooter, shooter, shooter, no defense, can drive to hoop but not quick enuf to make up for lack of size to get under hoop and complete the shot.

General comment : I hate Hilton Armstrong. weak, inconsistent offense, whiner.
Eric Hicks (BEast first team) of my school - Cinci Bearcats, PF who is listed at 6'6" was way better than him.
Hilton is 6'11"
Hicks - No.3 in BEast RBs 9.7 rpg
Hilton - No.15 6.6 rpg

Scoring
Hicks - No.18 , 15ppg
Hilton - outside top 20

Blocked shots
Hicks - No.1 in BEast -3.32
Hilton - No.2 -3.15

O RBs
Hicks - No.1 BEast - 4.35
Hilton - not ranked

D RBs
Hicks - No.5 - 5.32 pg
Hilton - No.12 - 4.65 pg

 

[JCSunsfan]

Hadn't heard much about Hicks. I'll have to do a little research.

It seems that Rondo is slipping some. Reviews say that he is fast, good defender, and a distributing pg. Sounds good to me.

 

[devilalum]

I was pretty careful in my wording.

None?

 

[Gaddabout]

The knock on Rondo is he can't shoot. If the Suns can teach Boris the Bricklayer to become near automatic from mid-range, they can teach a kid like Rondo. Besides, even as a point guard, Rondo should be able to get more open looks as a pro in Phoenix than as a the focus of any college offense.

 

[Nash]

yep. i forgot to add the fact about his shooting. he can't even shoot FTs to save his life. My sis and BIL were in KY and they are huge bball fans. So I've watched a few games and clips of the UK games. Rondo is an intelligent, wily PG. you watch 1 game and you will clearly see there is something special about him. He struggled in Tubby's sluggish half court system in KY this year.

He will fit in well in Phoenix. He may not shoot well but will atleast be able to control the flow of the game and dish the ball around well while Nash is resting. He'll get better with the work that asst coaches put in in his shooting mechanism.

He's young and can learn enough from Nash in 3 years when Mr.MVP will consider retirement. I woud hate to see the Suns sink once Nash leaves, and a smart young PG would be an excellent hedge against that.

Azebukie of KY, who declared for the draft last year was a very versatile player as well. He somehow messed up during draft camps and injured himself thus not getting picked . He was an FA with the Cavs
this season before they waived him. He was an awesome athlete and all round player as well.

As for Hicks, he's fought against the odds all hi life. being just 6'6" at the post makes life miserable. But he's like 245 lbs - Malone'esque build. His game is all heart. Total warrior. He will be a good player in the NBA in a few years once he gets his chances but will be set aside due to his height till then. The guy got hit by a stray bullet in the calf while entering his car in HS. In spite of that , he has an explosive leap.

His stock skyrocketed during the BEast regular season because of his gutsy play thru which he willed the team to victories. He played the second half of the season with 2 badly sprained ankles but continued to produce. He scored a triple double against Marquette - which is when he sprained the first foot. He could hardly walk for the UConn game on that morning and was on crutches, unable to put his foot down. But he said he wouldn't tuck his tail for the biggest game and showed up with a swollen leg for the game. His numbers that day:14pts, 11RBs, 7 blks.

search for news items about him. they will describe his heroic exploits better.

I do not think the Suns would need him though. He'd be better off in a traditional BBall team.

 

[panfolk]

If we get a wing and sacrifice either Jones or Marion to the financial alter then I hope it's Sefalosha. He's a little short for SF but probably not for the Suns. Every description I've heard of him makes him sound like a player of Diaw's capacities.

We still need players to develop. Perhaps it'd make more sense to trade up and get a more proven performer, but the idea of trading out seems like nonsense for the longevity of the team.

I like the fact we aren't reliant at finding size in the 20s as other teams might be (as Gaddabout said). I wonder if there could be a chance of drafting Sene and leaving him overseas rather than having him in the NBADL. He is size but he doesn't sound like a stiff in the least and we could win without him and just be all that much better integrating him into the team when he's ready.

What about trading our 27th pick to the Wolves for the 36th and 37th picks and drafting Adams and one of the guys from my signature. That is if they don't use that pick to draft up to get one higher guy like Rodriguez, Rondo, or Sefalosha.

I really wish they would put draft stuff on Suns.com. It's frustrating.

 

[George O'Brien]

I'm probably the only person on this board that thinks the Suns need to pick up a defensive specialist. As much as I'd like another Nash (who was a good enough shooter he played SG when here the first time), the Suns are constantly getting killed by teams with bigger, faster, stronger guys attacking Nash.

That's why I'd love for Rondo to fall to 21 because he's one of the better defenders in the draft. Diaz isn't a proven defender, but at over 200 pounds he's at least big enough to become a strong defender and is a lights out athlete.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Hilton Armstrong
Birthdate: 11/23/84
NBA Position: C/PF
College: Connecticut
Class: Senior
Ht: 6-11
Wt: 235
Hometown: Peekskill, NY
High School: Peekskill
Team Site Profile 2005 Stats


NBA Comparison: Ervin Johnson

Strengths: A legitimate 6'11 big man with a wingspan that allows him to play bigger … Big time shot blocker, especially in transition ... Athletic and strong, he can run the floor well and play above the rim ... Great hands, catches everything and rebounds well ... Very good rebounding technique ... Good passer, has the ability to make the necessary pass from the low post … Very good at put-backs and cleaning up the glass ... Can throw down some thunderous dunks ... Has the quickness to leave the paint and alter shots ... Has improved his free throw shooting substantially … Vastly improved offensive game ... Has developed a consistent intermediate (12 feet and in) jumpshot that he did not possess until his senior year ...

Weaknesses: Not very polished on the offensive end, partly due to the fact that he only averaged 10, 10 and 12 minutes per game his first three years ... Although he has the size to play center in the NBA, he could add more weight and strength ... Below average court awareness, gets caught making mistakes in defensive switch-offs … Plays inconsistent on the offensive end, his confidence seems to get shaken if he's not making his shots…. Plays timid at times, lacks the killer edge, consistency ... Good lateral quickness, but when he gets drawn out of the paint, he's susceptible to the pump fake which makes his leave his feet early and take some bad fouls ... Mental toughness has been a question for him in the past ...

Boby Palumbi 2/14/06

Josh Boone
Birthdate: 11/18/84
NBA Position: PF/C
College: Connecticut
Class: Junior
Ht: 6-10
Wt: 237
Hometown: Mount Airy, MD
High School: West Nottingham Academy
Team Site Profile

NBA Comparison: Brian Grant

Strengths: Long, explosive bigman ... Blue collar guy, does the dirty work to help his team win ... Has a great attitude, plays hard, wants to improve ... Strong defensively ... Explosive leaper, with good timing and instincts on blocked shots ... Giant wingspan gives him added size ... Fights hard for rebounds, hustles for loose balls ... Big strong hands, when he gets his hands on a rebound it's his ... Has a big, strong frame and should be able to add another 5-10 pounds without losing much mobility ... Should be able to see time at the center position in the NBA ... Runs the floor very well, excellent transition game ... Good vision and passing ability ... Scores well around the basket ... Has a nice turnaround jump hook ... Knows his limitations offensively and plays to his strengths ... Has excellent durability having missed just one game in his college career ... Quick feet, very nimble for his size ...

Weaknesses: Limited offensively ... Scores a majority of his baskets on dunks, put backs and shots around the basket ... Struggles from the free throw line ... Can get down on himself when things aren't going well, needs to become better composed ... Not a superstar prospect, his upside is limited somewhat by his offensive shortcomings ... Needs to develop better offensive post moves ... Must develop a consistent mid range jump shot ... A little rigid in his upper body, not fluid with his ball skills ...

-Aran Smith 1/5/06

Saer Sene
Birthdate: 5/12/86
NBA Position: PF/C
Ht: 7-0
Wt: 235
Euro Team: Verviers-Pepinster
Hometown: Thies, Senegal
Team Site Profile

NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert

Strengths: An absolutely jaw dropping physical specimen with his combination of size, length, strength, athleticism and mobility ... Very disruptive defensively and rebounds the ball well ... Has a 7'8" wingspan making him a force as a shot blocker ... Already getting playing time at the Senior level for Pepinster and getting decent minutes and stats ... Runs the floor well ... Great hands, has no problems catching the ball or rebounding ... Extremely agile, he can fall down on the court like a cat, not heavily like most big man ... Very coach-able and a hard working kid ...

Weaknesses: Still doesn't have much offensive game to speak of ... Only began playing basketball in 2003 so he's still learning the game ... Must continue working hard to maximize his great potential ...

-Aran Smith 11/22/05



(Just a few names the Suns are either looking at or should look at)

 

[Errntknght]

George, "I'm probably the only person on this board that thinks the Suns need to pick up a defensive specialist. As much as I'd like another Nash (who was a good enough shooter he played SG when here the first time), the Suns are constantly getting killed by teams with bigger, faster, stronger guys attacking Nash."

I wouldn't be opposed to that idea but the way I see it is that the Suns shortterm need is for a PG who can keep the offense working reasonably well. If its his defense that helps or his shooting, its not that big of a deal - or maybe he's just a super distributor. For example, House did okay as a backup for Nash as long as he was shooting well but once that went down the drain, he just couldn't be on the floor.


I think PG is our number one need but, unless the Suns are laying a smokescreen they don't see it that way. Of the other players mentioned in this thread, Hicks is the one that most appeals to me - and a 6'6 PF may well fall to #21. At 245 lbs and 11+ reb/game I think he sounds wonderful. I doubt if he blocks many shots in the NBA but he might keep the opponents guards from making layups, something we could use.

 

[slinslin]

Josh Boone is Bo Outlaw, in other words he doesn't have much talent and is a dud. He will be a total bust unless he has what Outlaw kept in the league, attitude.

 

[panfolk]

Anyone know anything about the Hornets? For instance would they want three first round picks (15, 21, and 27 and we keep 12)? Or would they be interested in Jones and 21 for 12? Then draft Rondo with the (the reports from the workouts have him edging out Farmar in my preferences) 12th and Sene with the 27th. If Sene isn't available I'd say go with Adams.
How about the Timberwolves? Would they be interested in a second first round pick for their #36 and #37? My master plan would be to add Adams, who has a shot on making the rotation due to his defense, and one of the face-up bigs like Fazekas, Pittsnogle, or Haryasz for their size and floor spacing. Both would be cheap, non guaranteed contracts and could very well be better than having House or Grant or Burke on the roster. Granted it would be bad to have to waive them after they take up their player options.

 

[nowagimp]

I'm probably the only person on this board that thinks the Suns need to pick up a defensive specialist. As much as I'd like another Nash (who was a good enough shooter he played SG when here the first time), the Suns are constantly getting killed by teams with bigger, faster, stronger guys attacking Nash.

That's why I'd love for Rondo to fall to 21 because he's one of the better defenders in the draft. Diaz isn't a proven defender, but at over 200 pounds he's at least big enough to become a strong defender and is a lights out athlete.

You are not the only person, anymore. This year Nash, Barbosa and House have been targeted by bigger post up guards like Livingston, Magette, Vujanic(?), even smush was a post up option against these guys. This is what limits Houses minutes, Leos +/-, and tires out nash. The suns sure could use a 6'4" to 6'6" 2 guard who can shoot well and defend. I think that a backup PG and a more defensive option at the 2 position(back up Raja against the bigger teams) would be the priority, in that order. Forget about the bigs, D'ANtoni will not use a big who cant shoot, and the suns dont need one who cant defend.

 

[hcsilla]

Shawne Williams is a lot like Tim Thomas, likes to play away from the basket a bit more than some people like, I suspect he's a pure SF at the next level though, nobody is going to ask him to play PF or C.

I agree, although Shawne Williams reminds me rather of DerMarr Johnson. Thomas is a much more polished player in offense but I see where you are coming from.

 

[panfolk]

I think PG is our number one need but, unless the Suns are laying a smokescreen they don't see it that way. Of the other players mentioned in this thread, Hicks is the one that most appeals to me - and a 6'6 PF may well fall to #21. At 245 lbs and 11+ reb/game I think he sounds wonderful. I doubt if he blocks many shots in the NBA but he might keep the opponents guards from making layups, something we could use.

We might well be able to snag Hicks for our summer team as an UFA if draftexpress is correct in thinking his height will keep him from getting drafted.

What smokescreen? Did I miss something? They worked out Rodriguez, Farmar, and Rondo already.

 

[slinslin]

Well "my guys" are

Rajon Rondo - Farmar at #21 in that order
James White at #27

And if we get Rondo at 21 , Barbosa, Jones and Kurt Thomas to New Orleans for #15 (Hilton Armstrong), PJ Brown and JR Smith. Well just an example but if we got those 2 guys with our 2 picks I would be very happy and I would be even happier if we could get another pick to get Armstrong or even O'Bryant.

Among the players we worked out or will work out I would definately pass on Pittsnogle, Adams and Diaz unless we could get them in the 2nd round. Maurice Ager doesn't excite me either.

 

[panfolk]

I was very happy to read the Suns are going to workout Sefolosha. I don't know about trading players come draft time but I hope they are open minded in trading picks. I kinda hope Jones doesn't get traded as I really hope he regains his shot (remember it was off for the tail end of the regular season not necessarily just in crunch time).

 

[PhxGametime]

If the Suns package both Picks:


Rajon Rondo PG, Ronnie Brewer G/F, and Hilton Armstrong F/C - would probably be my top 3 choices in the Early to Mid Round.


Keep both Picks:


#21 - Jordan Farmar PG, Kyle Lowry PG, Guillermo Diaz G, Shawne Williams G/F, James White G/F, Cedric Simmons F/C

#27 - Hassan Adams G/F, Richard Roby G/F, Alexander Johnson F/C (maybe at #21 after read he lost weight and has improved athleticism but haven't exactly seen his stats or play this year sooo...), Josh Boone F/C, Taj Gray F/C


Mardy Collins perhaps but really don't his Game much. Not sure where to put him with his lack of shot but one of the two spots...