Insider Draft Guide: Round 2
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Updated: June 24
9:48 AM ET
They are the red-headed stepchildren of the NBA. Second round. Second place. Seconds from the NBDL.
They rarely even get their own mock drafts these days. The second round is almost impossible to predict, and until recently was considered a worthless endeavor anyway. Most second-rounders, the thinking went, were bound to be busts, so why bother?
It's tough being in Round 2. While pick No. 29 gets a three-year guaranteed deal, pick No. 30 gets a pat on the back and an invitation to the NBA summer league. If he survives training camp, he'll be rewarded with a minimum, non-guaranteed contract.
Still, it isn't as bad as you think. Some agents actually prefer having their guy slip into Round 2 in certain situations.
"If you have a client who's very talented, but has slipped for whatever reason, it may be in his best interest to slide out of the first round," agent Bill Duffy told Insider. "If he goes to a very good team (late in Round 1), he won't get playing time and the likelihood that he signs a big contract after his three years are up are minimal. If you're drafted early in the second round, you go to a bad team who needs to play you, and after two seasons you're eligible for big money."
Indeed, players like Cuttino Mobley and Rashard Lewis, within two years, were making more money than their first-round counterparts.
With Round 1 turning more and more into a developmental draft, plenty of top seniors are still on the board when Round 2 begins.
That may explain why 12 second-round picks from last June lasted the entire season on NBA rosters.
Carlos Boozer (No. 35), Dan Gadzuric (No. 36) and Rasual Butler (No. 53) all made major contributions last season.
The 2001 second round featured the likes of Gilbert Arenas (No. 31), Mehmet Okur (No. 38), Jarron Collins (No. 54), Trenton Hassell (No. 30) and Earl Watson (No. 40), The 2000 draft had a few Round 2 sleepers, as well. Michael Redd (No. 43) had a great year, Eduardo Najera (No. 38) played a major role on the Mavs, and Marko Jaric (No. 30) looks like he may be the Clippers' point guard of the future.
This year, the second-round pool looks as deep as it's ever been. "This may be the deepest draft in 10 years," one Eastern Conference GM told Insider. "There will be guys drafted in the 40s that we had rated in the 20s on our board. A lot of these guys are going to stick."
Indeed, with players like Xavier's David West, Mississippi State's Mario Austin, Boston College's Troy Bell, Arizona's Luke Walton and Duke's Dahntay Jones on the board, it doesn't get much better than this.
Insider's First Round Draft Guide
30. New York Knicks (via Nuggets)
Slavko Vranes
Center | 7-6, 280 | Draft Player Card
Budcunost | Serbia-Montenegro
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Knicks need size, and there is no one bigger than Vranes. While he is pretty raw offensively, he runs the floor, blocks shots and has a nice shooting touch. He's a couple years away and doesn't really have the trappings of an NBA star, but if he can just be Shawn Bradley down the road, the Knicks will be happy.
31. Cleveland Cavaliers
Jerome Beasley
Power Forward | 6-10, 242 | Draft Player Card
Senior | North Dakota
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No 2:
Sleeper Pick
The Skinny: The Cavs struck gold in the second round last year with Duke's Carlos Boozer. Can they do it again this year? Beasley, the top Division II player this year, has the size and NBA body you love in a power forward, and he has a sweet face-the-basket jumper. He isn't as physical in the paint, but the Cavs will have Boozer to do the dirty work. Beasley could be one of the steals of the draft at No. 31.
32. Los Angeles Lakers (via Raptors)
David West
Power Forward | 6-9, 226 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Xavier
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Lakers were flirting with West at No. 24, so if he slips to them here, they've got to be pretty happy. West slipped because of so-so workouts and continuing questions about his ability to play power forward in the pros. He's an energetic rebounder and shot blocker, but most teams are convinced he'll struggle until he improves his perimeter game.
33. Miami Heat
Troy Bell
Point Guard | 6-2½, 183 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Boston College
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Heat get another steal here if Bell falls to them. Pat Riley doesn't necessarily need a pure point guard running the show in Miami. What he needs is scoring and defense, and Bell can provide both. He tested as the top athlete in the draft, is an above average 3-point shooter and an experienced, tenacious defender. Riley should be able to play him right away.
34. Los Angeles Clippers
Ndudi Ebi
Forward | 6-9, 195 | Draft Player Card
High School Senior | Westbury Christian High School
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: One of these high school kids is bound to slip, and right now all signs point to it being Ebi. While he could go as high as No. 21 to the Hawks, Ebi's problem is that he's years away from contributing. He's rail thin, doesn't have a consistent offensive game and isn't the athlete that Outlaw is. But he is a hard worker, strong rebounder and top-notch shot blocker. The Clips seem to be a perfect home for projects like this. Of course, we all know he'll never stick around long enough for them to reap the benefit.
35. Milwaukee Bucks (via Grizzlies)
Szymon Szewczyk
Forward | 6-10, 220 | Draft Player Card
Poland
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: With 12 players under contract, a lottery pick on the way and big salary-cap issues, expect the Bucks to go international with both of their draft picks. The team would love to be able to keep a player or two overseas for a year and let the new owners decide what to do with them. Enter Szewczyk. Everywhere he's gone, he's played to stellar reviews. He has the versatility, outside jumper, great handle and size that Americans love in their Euros. He needs to get stronger and become a better defender, but another year or two in Europe will help with the seasoning.
36. Chicago Bulls
Josh Howard
Small Forward | 6-6½, 202 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Wake Forest
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Bulls' luck is about to change if Howard slips this far. There's a great chance he could go as high as No. 18 to the Hornets, No. 21 to the Hawks, No. 26 to the T-Wolves, No. 27 to the Grizzlies or No. 28 to the Spurs. But if he slips, he falls into a great situation in Chicago. The team is looking for a versatile swingman with a solid outside jumper, and Howard has it.
37. Atlanta Hawks
Carl English
Guard | 6-5, 205 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Hawaii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: With DerMarr Johnson, Dion Glover and Ira Newble all hitting free agency, the Hawks have to address their backcourt this summer. We've got them grabbing Boris Diaw, the 6-foot-9 French combo guard in Round 1. Look for them to take another combo guy in Round 2. They desperately need to find a good fit in the backcourt with Jason Terry. If Diaw isn't it, English might be. He's a good outside shooter, can play the point, and impressed teams in Chicago with his feel for the game.
38. Washington Wizards
Maurice Williams
Point Guard | 6-2, 189 | Draft Player Card
Sophomore | Alabama
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Wizards need a point guard in the worst way. We actually had them passing on a point in Round 1 one, opting instead for Nick Collison. They redeem themselves in Round 2 with Williams. Most scouts feel he has first-round talent, but the influx of point guards in this year's draft hurt his stock. No problem. On the Wizards, Williams will get playing time right away. With Tyronn Lue hitting free agency and Juan Dixon and Larry Hughes looking to score, Williams' pass-first mentality will be a good fit.
39. New York Knicks
Luke Walton
Small Forward | 6-9, 235 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Arizona
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Walton is the best passer in the draft. Period. If the Knicks trade Latrell Sprewell as expected, there's no reason why Walton couldn't start earning minutes right away. He's got a great feel for the game. If his jumper improves, he could be a real steal down here.
40. Golden State Warriors
Paccelis Morlende
Point Guard | 6-3, 190 | Draft Player Card
Dijon | France
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Who? Call this an educated guess. If the Warriors choose Wade in Round 1, they'll need more help at the point in anticipation of Gilbert Arenas' departure. Enter Morlende, considered for a time in France to be a better prospect than Tony Parker. He doesn't quite have the court vision that Parker does, but he very athletic, pushes the ball and looks to score. Kind of reminds you of Arenas a bit.
41. Seattle SuperSonics
Mario Austin
Power Forward | 6-9, 260 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Mississippi State
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: It's hard to believe we're at 40 and Austin is still on the board. It's probably a crime. He's not as undersized as people thought; he improved his work ethic tremendously this year; and he's got an emerging face-up game. What's the problem? No one can put their finger on it. It's possible Austin could go in the late first, but if he slips, this would be a nice place to land. The Sonics need power forwards, and Austin could easily turn out to be just as good as (or better than) the guy they get at No. 12.
42. Orlando Magic
Dahntay Jones
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 215 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Duke
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Jones is one of the best athletes in the draft, and the Magic got a great look at him while he was working out in Florida at IMG. The only question mark with Jones is his outside shooting touch. He improved this season at Duke, but he couldn't get much to fall at individual workouts. Coach Doc Rivers just prays he's not another Jeryl Sasser.
43. Milwaukee Bucks
Kristaps Valters
Point Guard | 6-2, 185 | Draft Player Card
Latvia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: That crowded roster probably pushes them to go international again. With the futures of Gary Payton and Sam Cassell in question, the Bucks should take another chance on a point guard. Valters could be this year's Milos Vujanic. He's active, has an impressive perimeter shot and has a really good feel for running his team. His defense and strength are lacking, but the Bucks don't need him to contribute right away.
44. Houston Rockets
Ronald Dupree
Small Forward | 6-7, 210 | Draft Player Card
Senior | LSU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Another tip from a source in Houston. Dupree wowed teams in Portsmouth with his jaw dropping athleticism. If he had anything resembling an NBA jumpshot, he'd have been a mid-first rounder. The Rockets have experimented with James Posey and Terrance Morris as their swingman. Both have been decent. Dupree should fit the same mold.
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Updated: June 24
9:48 AM ET
They are the red-headed stepchildren of the NBA. Second round. Second place. Seconds from the NBDL.
They rarely even get their own mock drafts these days. The second round is almost impossible to predict, and until recently was considered a worthless endeavor anyway. Most second-rounders, the thinking went, were bound to be busts, so why bother?
It's tough being in Round 2. While pick No. 29 gets a three-year guaranteed deal, pick No. 30 gets a pat on the back and an invitation to the NBA summer league. If he survives training camp, he'll be rewarded with a minimum, non-guaranteed contract.
Still, it isn't as bad as you think. Some agents actually prefer having their guy slip into Round 2 in certain situations.
"If you have a client who's very talented, but has slipped for whatever reason, it may be in his best interest to slide out of the first round," agent Bill Duffy told Insider. "If he goes to a very good team (late in Round 1), he won't get playing time and the likelihood that he signs a big contract after his three years are up are minimal. If you're drafted early in the second round, you go to a bad team who needs to play you, and after two seasons you're eligible for big money."
Indeed, players like Cuttino Mobley and Rashard Lewis, within two years, were making more money than their first-round counterparts.
With Round 1 turning more and more into a developmental draft, plenty of top seniors are still on the board when Round 2 begins.
That may explain why 12 second-round picks from last June lasted the entire season on NBA rosters.
Carlos Boozer (No. 35), Dan Gadzuric (No. 36) and Rasual Butler (No. 53) all made major contributions last season.
The 2001 second round featured the likes of Gilbert Arenas (No. 31), Mehmet Okur (No. 38), Jarron Collins (No. 54), Trenton Hassell (No. 30) and Earl Watson (No. 40), The 2000 draft had a few Round 2 sleepers, as well. Michael Redd (No. 43) had a great year, Eduardo Najera (No. 38) played a major role on the Mavs, and Marko Jaric (No. 30) looks like he may be the Clippers' point guard of the future.
This year, the second-round pool looks as deep as it's ever been. "This may be the deepest draft in 10 years," one Eastern Conference GM told Insider. "There will be guys drafted in the 40s that we had rated in the 20s on our board. A lot of these guys are going to stick."
Indeed, with players like Xavier's David West, Mississippi State's Mario Austin, Boston College's Troy Bell, Arizona's Luke Walton and Duke's Dahntay Jones on the board, it doesn't get much better than this.
Insider's First Round Draft Guide
30. New York Knicks (via Nuggets)
Slavko Vranes
Center | 7-6, 280 | Draft Player Card
Budcunost | Serbia-Montenegro
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Knicks need size, and there is no one bigger than Vranes. While he is pretty raw offensively, he runs the floor, blocks shots and has a nice shooting touch. He's a couple years away and doesn't really have the trappings of an NBA star, but if he can just be Shawn Bradley down the road, the Knicks will be happy.
31. Cleveland Cavaliers
Jerome Beasley
Power Forward | 6-10, 242 | Draft Player Card
Senior | North Dakota
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No 2:
Sleeper Pick
The Skinny: The Cavs struck gold in the second round last year with Duke's Carlos Boozer. Can they do it again this year? Beasley, the top Division II player this year, has the size and NBA body you love in a power forward, and he has a sweet face-the-basket jumper. He isn't as physical in the paint, but the Cavs will have Boozer to do the dirty work. Beasley could be one of the steals of the draft at No. 31.
32. Los Angeles Lakers (via Raptors)
David West
Power Forward | 6-9, 226 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Xavier
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Lakers were flirting with West at No. 24, so if he slips to them here, they've got to be pretty happy. West slipped because of so-so workouts and continuing questions about his ability to play power forward in the pros. He's an energetic rebounder and shot blocker, but most teams are convinced he'll struggle until he improves his perimeter game.
33. Miami Heat
Troy Bell
Point Guard | 6-2½, 183 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Boston College
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Heat get another steal here if Bell falls to them. Pat Riley doesn't necessarily need a pure point guard running the show in Miami. What he needs is scoring and defense, and Bell can provide both. He tested as the top athlete in the draft, is an above average 3-point shooter and an experienced, tenacious defender. Riley should be able to play him right away.
34. Los Angeles Clippers
Ndudi Ebi
Forward | 6-9, 195 | Draft Player Card
High School Senior | Westbury Christian High School
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: One of these high school kids is bound to slip, and right now all signs point to it being Ebi. While he could go as high as No. 21 to the Hawks, Ebi's problem is that he's years away from contributing. He's rail thin, doesn't have a consistent offensive game and isn't the athlete that Outlaw is. But he is a hard worker, strong rebounder and top-notch shot blocker. The Clips seem to be a perfect home for projects like this. Of course, we all know he'll never stick around long enough for them to reap the benefit.
35. Milwaukee Bucks (via Grizzlies)
Szymon Szewczyk
Forward | 6-10, 220 | Draft Player Card
Poland
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: With 12 players under contract, a lottery pick on the way and big salary-cap issues, expect the Bucks to go international with both of their draft picks. The team would love to be able to keep a player or two overseas for a year and let the new owners decide what to do with them. Enter Szewczyk. Everywhere he's gone, he's played to stellar reviews. He has the versatility, outside jumper, great handle and size that Americans love in their Euros. He needs to get stronger and become a better defender, but another year or two in Europe will help with the seasoning.
36. Chicago Bulls
Josh Howard
Small Forward | 6-6½, 202 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Wake Forest
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Bulls' luck is about to change if Howard slips this far. There's a great chance he could go as high as No. 18 to the Hornets, No. 21 to the Hawks, No. 26 to the T-Wolves, No. 27 to the Grizzlies or No. 28 to the Spurs. But if he slips, he falls into a great situation in Chicago. The team is looking for a versatile swingman with a solid outside jumper, and Howard has it.
37. Atlanta Hawks
Carl English
Guard | 6-5, 205 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Hawaii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: With DerMarr Johnson, Dion Glover and Ira Newble all hitting free agency, the Hawks have to address their backcourt this summer. We've got them grabbing Boris Diaw, the 6-foot-9 French combo guard in Round 1. Look for them to take another combo guy in Round 2. They desperately need to find a good fit in the backcourt with Jason Terry. If Diaw isn't it, English might be. He's a good outside shooter, can play the point, and impressed teams in Chicago with his feel for the game.
38. Washington Wizards
Maurice Williams
Point Guard | 6-2, 189 | Draft Player Card
Sophomore | Alabama
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: The Wizards need a point guard in the worst way. We actually had them passing on a point in Round 1 one, opting instead for Nick Collison. They redeem themselves in Round 2 with Williams. Most scouts feel he has first-round talent, but the influx of point guards in this year's draft hurt his stock. No problem. On the Wizards, Williams will get playing time right away. With Tyronn Lue hitting free agency and Juan Dixon and Larry Hughes looking to score, Williams' pass-first mentality will be a good fit.
39. New York Knicks
Luke Walton
Small Forward | 6-9, 235 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Arizona
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Walton is the best passer in the draft. Period. If the Knicks trade Latrell Sprewell as expected, there's no reason why Walton couldn't start earning minutes right away. He's got a great feel for the game. If his jumper improves, he could be a real steal down here.
40. Golden State Warriors
Paccelis Morlende
Point Guard | 6-3, 190 | Draft Player Card
Dijon | France
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Who? Call this an educated guess. If the Warriors choose Wade in Round 1, they'll need more help at the point in anticipation of Gilbert Arenas' departure. Enter Morlende, considered for a time in France to be a better prospect than Tony Parker. He doesn't quite have the court vision that Parker does, but he very athletic, pushes the ball and looks to score. Kind of reminds you of Arenas a bit.
41. Seattle SuperSonics
Mario Austin
Power Forward | 6-9, 260 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Mississippi State
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: It's hard to believe we're at 40 and Austin is still on the board. It's probably a crime. He's not as undersized as people thought; he improved his work ethic tremendously this year; and he's got an emerging face-up game. What's the problem? No one can put their finger on it. It's possible Austin could go in the late first, but if he slips, this would be a nice place to land. The Sonics need power forwards, and Austin could easily turn out to be just as good as (or better than) the guy they get at No. 12.
42. Orlando Magic
Dahntay Jones
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 215 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Duke
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Jones is one of the best athletes in the draft, and the Magic got a great look at him while he was working out in Florida at IMG. The only question mark with Jones is his outside shooting touch. He improved this season at Duke, but he couldn't get much to fall at individual workouts. Coach Doc Rivers just prays he's not another Jeryl Sasser.
43. Milwaukee Bucks
Kristaps Valters
Point Guard | 6-2, 185 | Draft Player Card
Latvia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: That crowded roster probably pushes them to go international again. With the futures of Gary Payton and Sam Cassell in question, the Bucks should take another chance on a point guard. Valters could be this year's Milos Vujanic. He's active, has an impressive perimeter shot and has a really good feel for running his team. His defense and strength are lacking, but the Bucks don't need him to contribute right away.
44. Houston Rockets
Ronald Dupree
Small Forward | 6-7, 210 | Draft Player Card
Senior | LSU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insider's Pick: Another tip from a source in Houston. Dupree wowed teams in Portsmouth with his jaw dropping athleticism. If he had anything resembling an NBA jumpshot, he'd have been a mid-first rounder. The Rockets have experimented with James Posey and Terrance Morris as their swingman. Both have been decent. Dupree should fit the same mold.
