Breaking down the class of 2001
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Send an Email to Chad Ford Friday, October 24
Updated: October 24
10:06 AM ET
Hindsight is always 20-20, and it's about this time of year that we get our first clear picture of who chose wisely and who screwed up royally in the draft.
Teams have until Oct. 31 to pick up the fourth-year option of players drafted in the first round of the 2001 draft.
It's usually considered a slam dunk for teams to pick up the fourth year on a player. By doing so, the team gets to keep the player on the rookie wage scale for year four and retain his Bird and restricted free agent rights to re-sign the player after the fourth season is over.
If a team decides not to pick up the option, it loses the player's Bird rights (the ability to go over the salary cap to re-sign the player) and the player becomes an unrestricted free agent the next year. It can really burn you if a player turns in a solid season.
Last season, the Lakers were burned when they failed to pick up Devean George's option. George had a solid postseason and the Lakers were forced to use their full mid-level exception to re-sign him. It cost them more than double the amount they would've had to pay had they picked up the option, and it prevented them from using their mid-level on a free agent.
This summer the Spurs lost Speedy Claxton because of a similar gaffe.
Still, with the new luxury tax kicking in and teams becoming much more fiscally conscious, more and more teams are declining their options for year four on their rookies.
So far, only 10 of the 28 players drafted in the first round have had their options exercised. Another six will definitely be picked up before the deadline. One player, Raul Lopez, started a year late, so his option won't come up until next fall.
Who's definitely in for year four? Kwame Brown, Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Shane Battier, Vladimir Radmanovic, Troy Murphy, Brendan Haywood, Gerald Wallace, Jamaal Tinsley and Tony Parker.
Who's a lock to be in before the deadline? Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Joe Johnson, Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins and Zach Randolph.
Two players, Joseph Forte and Jeryl Sasser, definitely won't have their options picked up. Forte and Sasser were waived by their respective teams this month.
That leaves some interesting players who will be seriously sweating things out this week. Insider breaks it down.
Eddie Griffin, F, Rockets: Remember when many draft experts claimed that Griffin was the best player in the 2001 draft? A month ago, it seemed like a slam dunk that the Rockets would pick up Griffin. Now, no one is sure. Off-the-court problems are brining Griffin down. He was suspended indefinitely for going AWOL on the team and rumors are swirling that Griffin may decide to call it quits. Add in the trade rumors and it's looking like the Rockets may take a pass on Griffin's fourth year.
WhiteRodney White, G/F, Nuggets: White began to turn it on toward the end of last season but was it enough to convince the Nuggets to pay for him in year four? White, who got a great pre-draft rep after Michael Jordan gushed about him, has lost his starting job to Voshon Lenard and Carmelo Anthony. He did come into camp in great shape and he's playing better defense than he has in years past. Still, the Nuggets remain on the fence. Expect this one to go down to the wire. The Nuggets like White and know he's still young. But they're also trying to get way under the cap again next summer. Moving White's deal off the books would save them $2.5 million next summer.
DeSagana Diop, C, Cavs: The Cavs really reached when they drafted the big fella at No. 8. At the time, they claimed they knew Diop was several years away -- will they stick to their guns and give him another year to prove himself? Diop has the size to play center in the league, but the team isn't thrilled with his progress offensively or defensively. Through the first seven preseason games, Diop is averaging just 1.9 ppg on 26 percent shooting. He is grabbing 4.3 rpg in just 16.1 mpg, but that may not be enough to save his neck.
BrownKedrick Brown, F, Celtics: It's pretty clear now that the Celtics kept the wrong kid. Boston had three first-round draft picks in 2001. They took Joe Johnson and Brown back-to-back and took Forte with the No. 21 pick. The Forte debacle is well documented. Could you imagine the Celtics with Tony Parker right now? But the Johnson-Brown screw-up is just as bad. First, the Celtics passed on Vladimir Radmanovic and Richard Jefferson to take Brown. Second, they traded away Johnson midway through his rookie season for Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers. Neither player is still with the team. Meanwhile, Johnson is averaging 17.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 2.9 apg for the Suns in the preseason. Brown? His 11.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg are career highs. But while the Suns now believe they have a full-fledged star on their hands, the Celtics are still undecided whether they should extend Brown for another year. His athleticism is superior, but he still hasn't shown the head to be a NBA basketball player.
Steven Hunter, F/C, Magic: They aren't quite screaming "Bust!" just yet. But it's close. The Magic really reached when they grabbed Hunter at No. 15. Injuries have really derailed his progress. He's healthy this year, but his 4.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg aren't really blowing anyone away. The word out of Orlando is that the team probably won't extend Hunter's contract. The Magic think they can get him cheaper in free agency next year.
Kirk Haston, F, Hornets: They are screaming "Bust!" in New Orleans. He can't even get into a preseason game. Haston will be touring Europe next season.
BradleyMichael Bradley, F, Raptors: Bradley showed a lot of promise in the second half of last season. He's a good rebounder and shoots a high percentage around the basket. However, a preseason injury and the emergence of rookie Chris Bosh put his future with the Raptors in jeopardy.
Brandon Armstrong, G, Nets: Can't believe he wasn't waived along with Forte and Sasser. A huge mistake for the Nets. He was supposed to be the sharp shooter they coveted. Instead he's shooting 14 percent from 3 in the preseason.
Samuel Dalembert, C, Sixers: He looked like a decent prospect, but injuries have destroyed his career early on. The Sixers need size in the paint, but it doesn't look like it will come from Dalembert.
Around the League
HassellThere were no big surprises on cut day Thursday. Teams had until 6 p.m. ET to trim their rosters to 15 players. As expected, the Bulls dumped Trenton Hassell so they could keep undrafted rookie Linton Johnson.
The T-Wolves waived former Rockets first-round pick Jason Collier, guard Kirk Penney and forward Reggie Slater. They kept former Jazz first-rounder Quincy Lewis, who spent last season playing in Europe.
The Hawks waived Smush Parker and Jerry Holman. The Warriors waived former Rockets point guard Tierre Brown one day after signing him.
The Rockets dumped Anthony "Pig" Miller, Gabe Muoneke and guard Alex Scales.
The Spurs got rid of Dan Langhi. The Suns released recently signed Yugo center Dejan Koturovic.
Look for players like Hassell and released Clips forward Tremaine Fowlkes to catch on with another team. Both players are getting a lot of interest.
The Nuggets chose not to make final cuts. That means they'll owe two players some money if they're still on the roster Monday. The only way to get them off the roster by Monday is via trade.
"We are looking at (trades)," Vandeweghe told the Denver Post. "I don't know what happens at the end of the day, but we are definitely looking at it. It probably would not include a core guy. We like our core group."
Are the Bulls still talking to the Knicks after GM Scott Layden demanded Jamal Crawford in return for Othella Harrington?
The New York Daily News says that a Harrington for Donyell Marshall trade could be in the works.
The Chicago Sun Times, however, says that the Bulls may be talking to the Lakers about a Marshall for Devean George swap.
In a more shocking development, the Sun Times claims that Crawford is on the trade block because of his extension contract demands.
Suns coach Frank Johnson said he still hasn't decided between Joe Johnson and Penny Hardaway for the starting shooting guard spot. "I don't know yet," the coach told the Arizona Republic. "I'm not telling you yet. I'm going to do what the football coaches do and say it's a game-time decision."
BakerCeltics coach Jim O'Brien told the Boston Globe that Vin Baker will be the Celtics starting power forward on opening night. He also said Mike James had beat out rookie Marcus Banks for the starting point guard spot. Is O'Brien disappointed that Banks, their lottery pick, wasn't able to make the cut?
"I've really been happy with Marcus' development," said O'Brien. "But I think [Mike] has a better feel at the point -- not that it's dramatically better. Marcus might be quicker and stronger than Mike and might ultimately become a better defensive player than Mike. But Marcus has a long way to go on defense, more than Mike does."
Blazers coach Mo Cheeks named his starters on Thursday as well. Cheeks has named his starting lineup as Damon Stoudamire at the point, Bonzi Wells at shooting guard, Rasheed Wallace at small forward, Zach Randolph at power forward and Dale Davis at center.
WellsThe backups will be Jeff McInnis at point guard, Derek Anderson and Tracy Murray at shooting guard, Ruben Patterson and Qyntel Woods at small forward and Vladimir Stepania at center.
"We're not as deep as in the past, because I've been here when we have been crazy deep," Wells told the Oregonian. "And I hope that helps us out so guys get more reps and more comfortable. Still, coach is probably going to play nine, 10 guys, so hopefully attitudes stay in check and everybody does their jobs."
Corliss Williamson has fallen out of Larry Brown's rotation in Detroit. "It's nothing new," Williamson told the Detroit News. "I am just trying to get in where I fit in. I'm just going to keep fighting, scratching and clawing to try and find a way into that rotation. It's a matter of Coach Brown being confident and comfortable with me on the floor. I am just going to go out and try to build his confidence in me."
The Pistons have tried to get the Celtics to bite on a Williamson for Eric Williams swap. But so far the Celtics are balking. They're trying to create some cap wiggle room and Williamson's $23 million left on his contract is a problem.
-------------------------------------
Peep Show
By Terry Brown
NBA Insider
Friday, October 24
Updated: October 24
10:41 AM ET
CroshereIndiana Pacers: Another preseason, another injury for Austin Croshere. "It's seems like it's always something," Croshere said in the Indianapolis Star. "Thankfully, it's never been things that are real big. But it's almost like rehab has just become a part of the season for me." This year, it's a hamstring pull suffered on Oct. 8 that has kept his sidelined ever since. "As far as running and shooting, I'm pain free," he said. "It's just a matter of getting that quickness and explosion back."
New Jersey Nets: The Nets may have won the game against the Sixers Thursday night, but they lost something more important in Kenyon Martin and Lucious Harris."Those are two of our key players, so of course I'm concerned," coach Byron Scott said in the Newark Star Ledger. "Is there a possibility they're going to miss some time? Of course. We just have to wait and see." Martin hurt a ligament in his right thumb while Harris developed back problems.
HudsonMinnesota Timberwolves: Flip Saunders doesn't even need all 10 fingers to count how many healthy players he has on his team after Troy Hudson went down with a sprained ankle Thursday night. "I do anticipate he'll be out a little while," said Saunders in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He joins Wally Szczerbiak and Michael Olowokandi on the injured list that could include a hobbled Sam Cassell, who is having back spasms. "We're being hit with the injury bug pretty quick here," Kevin Garnett said. "We have to try to stay healthy in order for us to be dominant."
Chicago Bulls: For his next trick, Tyson Chandler will bend over and touch his toes. "It's getting better," Chandler said in the Chicago Sun Times. "I'm able to bend over now, so I'll definitely be ready for opening night. I didn't want to miss any preseason games, because they're important to get a rhythm, but sitting out gave me a chance to rest the back and get stronger, so it will help." Chandler has missed the last five preseason games with a lower back strain.
ParkerSan Antonio Spurs: Coach Gregg Popovich won't have young point guard Tony Parker to kick around anymore . . . at least for a little while. "Tony will probably be back by the second or third game," Popovich said the San Antonio Express News as Parker continues rehabing his sprained left ankle. "He'll be back pretty quickly." Parker will be replaced by Anthony Carter in the season opener. "It's been great for him," forward Tim Duncan said. "It's unfortunate the way it happened, but it's helped to have him out there, give him that starting job and tell him he has to kind of learn it. It's trial by fire, basically."
Seattle SuperSonics: Ray Allen didn't like the first MRI he had taken on his right ankle so he's looking for a second opinion. The Seattle Times is reporting that the initial report revealed loose bodies in the ankle and was prompted after Allen left Wednesday's game with pain.
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Send an Email to Chad Ford Friday, October 24
Updated: October 24
10:06 AM ET
Hindsight is always 20-20, and it's about this time of year that we get our first clear picture of who chose wisely and who screwed up royally in the draft.
Teams have until Oct. 31 to pick up the fourth-year option of players drafted in the first round of the 2001 draft.
It's usually considered a slam dunk for teams to pick up the fourth year on a player. By doing so, the team gets to keep the player on the rookie wage scale for year four and retain his Bird and restricted free agent rights to re-sign the player after the fourth season is over.
If a team decides not to pick up the option, it loses the player's Bird rights (the ability to go over the salary cap to re-sign the player) and the player becomes an unrestricted free agent the next year. It can really burn you if a player turns in a solid season.
Last season, the Lakers were burned when they failed to pick up Devean George's option. George had a solid postseason and the Lakers were forced to use their full mid-level exception to re-sign him. It cost them more than double the amount they would've had to pay had they picked up the option, and it prevented them from using their mid-level on a free agent.
This summer the Spurs lost Speedy Claxton because of a similar gaffe.
Still, with the new luxury tax kicking in and teams becoming much more fiscally conscious, more and more teams are declining their options for year four on their rookies.
So far, only 10 of the 28 players drafted in the first round have had their options exercised. Another six will definitely be picked up before the deadline. One player, Raul Lopez, started a year late, so his option won't come up until next fall.
Who's definitely in for year four? Kwame Brown, Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Shane Battier, Vladimir Radmanovic, Troy Murphy, Brendan Haywood, Gerald Wallace, Jamaal Tinsley and Tony Parker.
Who's a lock to be in before the deadline? Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Joe Johnson, Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins and Zach Randolph.
Two players, Joseph Forte and Jeryl Sasser, definitely won't have their options picked up. Forte and Sasser were waived by their respective teams this month.
That leaves some interesting players who will be seriously sweating things out this week. Insider breaks it down.
Eddie Griffin, F, Rockets: Remember when many draft experts claimed that Griffin was the best player in the 2001 draft? A month ago, it seemed like a slam dunk that the Rockets would pick up Griffin. Now, no one is sure. Off-the-court problems are brining Griffin down. He was suspended indefinitely for going AWOL on the team and rumors are swirling that Griffin may decide to call it quits. Add in the trade rumors and it's looking like the Rockets may take a pass on Griffin's fourth year.
WhiteRodney White, G/F, Nuggets: White began to turn it on toward the end of last season but was it enough to convince the Nuggets to pay for him in year four? White, who got a great pre-draft rep after Michael Jordan gushed about him, has lost his starting job to Voshon Lenard and Carmelo Anthony. He did come into camp in great shape and he's playing better defense than he has in years past. Still, the Nuggets remain on the fence. Expect this one to go down to the wire. The Nuggets like White and know he's still young. But they're also trying to get way under the cap again next summer. Moving White's deal off the books would save them $2.5 million next summer.
DeSagana Diop, C, Cavs: The Cavs really reached when they drafted the big fella at No. 8. At the time, they claimed they knew Diop was several years away -- will they stick to their guns and give him another year to prove himself? Diop has the size to play center in the league, but the team isn't thrilled with his progress offensively or defensively. Through the first seven preseason games, Diop is averaging just 1.9 ppg on 26 percent shooting. He is grabbing 4.3 rpg in just 16.1 mpg, but that may not be enough to save his neck.
BrownKedrick Brown, F, Celtics: It's pretty clear now that the Celtics kept the wrong kid. Boston had three first-round draft picks in 2001. They took Joe Johnson and Brown back-to-back and took Forte with the No. 21 pick. The Forte debacle is well documented. Could you imagine the Celtics with Tony Parker right now? But the Johnson-Brown screw-up is just as bad. First, the Celtics passed on Vladimir Radmanovic and Richard Jefferson to take Brown. Second, they traded away Johnson midway through his rookie season for Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers. Neither player is still with the team. Meanwhile, Johnson is averaging 17.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 2.9 apg for the Suns in the preseason. Brown? His 11.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg are career highs. But while the Suns now believe they have a full-fledged star on their hands, the Celtics are still undecided whether they should extend Brown for another year. His athleticism is superior, but he still hasn't shown the head to be a NBA basketball player.
Steven Hunter, F/C, Magic: They aren't quite screaming "Bust!" just yet. But it's close. The Magic really reached when they grabbed Hunter at No. 15. Injuries have really derailed his progress. He's healthy this year, but his 4.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg aren't really blowing anyone away. The word out of Orlando is that the team probably won't extend Hunter's contract. The Magic think they can get him cheaper in free agency next year.
Kirk Haston, F, Hornets: They are screaming "Bust!" in New Orleans. He can't even get into a preseason game. Haston will be touring Europe next season.
BradleyMichael Bradley, F, Raptors: Bradley showed a lot of promise in the second half of last season. He's a good rebounder and shoots a high percentage around the basket. However, a preseason injury and the emergence of rookie Chris Bosh put his future with the Raptors in jeopardy.
Brandon Armstrong, G, Nets: Can't believe he wasn't waived along with Forte and Sasser. A huge mistake for the Nets. He was supposed to be the sharp shooter they coveted. Instead he's shooting 14 percent from 3 in the preseason.
Samuel Dalembert, C, Sixers: He looked like a decent prospect, but injuries have destroyed his career early on. The Sixers need size in the paint, but it doesn't look like it will come from Dalembert.
Around the League
HassellThere were no big surprises on cut day Thursday. Teams had until 6 p.m. ET to trim their rosters to 15 players. As expected, the Bulls dumped Trenton Hassell so they could keep undrafted rookie Linton Johnson.
The T-Wolves waived former Rockets first-round pick Jason Collier, guard Kirk Penney and forward Reggie Slater. They kept former Jazz first-rounder Quincy Lewis, who spent last season playing in Europe.
The Hawks waived Smush Parker and Jerry Holman. The Warriors waived former Rockets point guard Tierre Brown one day after signing him.
The Rockets dumped Anthony "Pig" Miller, Gabe Muoneke and guard Alex Scales.
The Spurs got rid of Dan Langhi. The Suns released recently signed Yugo center Dejan Koturovic.
Look for players like Hassell and released Clips forward Tremaine Fowlkes to catch on with another team. Both players are getting a lot of interest.
The Nuggets chose not to make final cuts. That means they'll owe two players some money if they're still on the roster Monday. The only way to get them off the roster by Monday is via trade.
"We are looking at (trades)," Vandeweghe told the Denver Post. "I don't know what happens at the end of the day, but we are definitely looking at it. It probably would not include a core guy. We like our core group."
Are the Bulls still talking to the Knicks after GM Scott Layden demanded Jamal Crawford in return for Othella Harrington?
The New York Daily News says that a Harrington for Donyell Marshall trade could be in the works.
The Chicago Sun Times, however, says that the Bulls may be talking to the Lakers about a Marshall for Devean George swap.
In a more shocking development, the Sun Times claims that Crawford is on the trade block because of his extension contract demands.
Suns coach Frank Johnson said he still hasn't decided between Joe Johnson and Penny Hardaway for the starting shooting guard spot. "I don't know yet," the coach told the Arizona Republic. "I'm not telling you yet. I'm going to do what the football coaches do and say it's a game-time decision."
BakerCeltics coach Jim O'Brien told the Boston Globe that Vin Baker will be the Celtics starting power forward on opening night. He also said Mike James had beat out rookie Marcus Banks for the starting point guard spot. Is O'Brien disappointed that Banks, their lottery pick, wasn't able to make the cut?
"I've really been happy with Marcus' development," said O'Brien. "But I think [Mike] has a better feel at the point -- not that it's dramatically better. Marcus might be quicker and stronger than Mike and might ultimately become a better defensive player than Mike. But Marcus has a long way to go on defense, more than Mike does."
Blazers coach Mo Cheeks named his starters on Thursday as well. Cheeks has named his starting lineup as Damon Stoudamire at the point, Bonzi Wells at shooting guard, Rasheed Wallace at small forward, Zach Randolph at power forward and Dale Davis at center.
WellsThe backups will be Jeff McInnis at point guard, Derek Anderson and Tracy Murray at shooting guard, Ruben Patterson and Qyntel Woods at small forward and Vladimir Stepania at center.
"We're not as deep as in the past, because I've been here when we have been crazy deep," Wells told the Oregonian. "And I hope that helps us out so guys get more reps and more comfortable. Still, coach is probably going to play nine, 10 guys, so hopefully attitudes stay in check and everybody does their jobs."
Corliss Williamson has fallen out of Larry Brown's rotation in Detroit. "It's nothing new," Williamson told the Detroit News. "I am just trying to get in where I fit in. I'm just going to keep fighting, scratching and clawing to try and find a way into that rotation. It's a matter of Coach Brown being confident and comfortable with me on the floor. I am just going to go out and try to build his confidence in me."
The Pistons have tried to get the Celtics to bite on a Williamson for Eric Williams swap. But so far the Celtics are balking. They're trying to create some cap wiggle room and Williamson's $23 million left on his contract is a problem.
-------------------------------------
Peep Show
By Terry Brown
NBA Insider
Friday, October 24
Updated: October 24
10:41 AM ET
CroshereIndiana Pacers: Another preseason, another injury for Austin Croshere. "It's seems like it's always something," Croshere said in the Indianapolis Star. "Thankfully, it's never been things that are real big. But it's almost like rehab has just become a part of the season for me." This year, it's a hamstring pull suffered on Oct. 8 that has kept his sidelined ever since. "As far as running and shooting, I'm pain free," he said. "It's just a matter of getting that quickness and explosion back."
New Jersey Nets: The Nets may have won the game against the Sixers Thursday night, but they lost something more important in Kenyon Martin and Lucious Harris."Those are two of our key players, so of course I'm concerned," coach Byron Scott said in the Newark Star Ledger. "Is there a possibility they're going to miss some time? Of course. We just have to wait and see." Martin hurt a ligament in his right thumb while Harris developed back problems.
HudsonMinnesota Timberwolves: Flip Saunders doesn't even need all 10 fingers to count how many healthy players he has on his team after Troy Hudson went down with a sprained ankle Thursday night. "I do anticipate he'll be out a little while," said Saunders in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He joins Wally Szczerbiak and Michael Olowokandi on the injured list that could include a hobbled Sam Cassell, who is having back spasms. "We're being hit with the injury bug pretty quick here," Kevin Garnett said. "We have to try to stay healthy in order for us to be dominant."
Chicago Bulls: For his next trick, Tyson Chandler will bend over and touch his toes. "It's getting better," Chandler said in the Chicago Sun Times. "I'm able to bend over now, so I'll definitely be ready for opening night. I didn't want to miss any preseason games, because they're important to get a rhythm, but sitting out gave me a chance to rest the back and get stronger, so it will help." Chandler has missed the last five preseason games with a lower back strain.
ParkerSan Antonio Spurs: Coach Gregg Popovich won't have young point guard Tony Parker to kick around anymore . . . at least for a little while. "Tony will probably be back by the second or third game," Popovich said the San Antonio Express News as Parker continues rehabing his sprained left ankle. "He'll be back pretty quickly." Parker will be replaced by Anthony Carter in the season opener. "It's been great for him," forward Tim Duncan said. "It's unfortunate the way it happened, but it's helped to have him out there, give him that starting job and tell him he has to kind of learn it. It's trial by fire, basically."
Seattle SuperSonics: Ray Allen didn't like the first MRI he had taken on his right ankle so he's looking for a second opinion. The Seattle Times is reporting that the initial report revealed loose bodies in the ankle and was prompted after Allen left Wednesday's game with pain.
