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Here is the latest on some of the more well known second round draft picks from the NBA Draft. Interesting that I couldn't find much info on DeAndre Jordan, who was drafted by the Clippes.
Joe Crawford, Kentucky: The Lakers waited and waited, and then waited some more Thursday night. Finally, after more than four hours, they made their one and only pick of the NBA draft, selecting Joe Crawford, a 6-foot-5 guard from Kentucky. Crawford was the 58th overall selection, the third-to-last pick in the draft. "We did have Joe Crawford going higher in the draft," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We did make efforts ... to move up in the draft. There was a flurry of activity, but we weren't able to get anything done." Crawford averaged 17.9 points on 47 percent shooting in 30 games during his senior season at Kentucky, earning second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. He scored 20 or more points 13 times and topped 30 points three times. "He had a great career," Kupchak said. "He's played a lot of basketball at a high level. We'd like to get him in as soon as possible. The summer league starts in about 10 days, and we'll evaluate him during our summer league program." Crawford said he was eager to join the Lakers, and was looking forward to joining their summer league team, which begins play in Las Vegas on July 11. "It's something you've waited for all your life, when you started playing basketball," he said. "To go to one of my favorite teams, to go to L.A., it's a feeling I can't explain. I had a great workout in L.A. I felt they were pretty interested in me after my workout. I'm excited about playing for a championship-contending team." The Lakers traded their first-round pick (No. 28 overall) to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal for Pau Gasol on Feb. 1. They got Gasol and a future second-round selection for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie and the rights to Gasol's younger brother, Marc, plus first-round picks in 2008 and 2010. "The expectations are pretty simple," Kupchak said of Crawford. "If he plays well in the summer league, we'll sign him to a contract. I think he'll fit in well and be able to play with these guys. (But) we're not a team with a lot of roster spots." Crawford might be hard-pressed to make the opening night roster, particularly since Kupchak plans to re-sign restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf. (Daily News)
Looks like Crawford might have a hard time making the Lakers roster even if he plays well. Typically, even if the team who drafts the player doesn't sign him, players will get picked up by other teams if they play well. I can't see why the Lakers wouldn't sign him though if he impresses them. They certainly didn't draft him just for no reason at all.
Joey Dorsey, Memphis: Many scouts have compared Dorsey, at 6-9 and 265 pounds, to Cleveland Cavaliers center Ben Wallace, who became a star through rebounding and defense. He has modeled his game on tapes of former Detroit Pistons greats Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer. Morley called him the best defensive player on the best defensive team in college basketball last season. "We think he plays much bigger than his 6-7 height with the size of his body and his aggressiveness. He's someone who can make an impact right away," the general manager said. (Baltimore Sun)
As I expected, Dorsey should see minutes right away in the NBA and especially since the Rockets really don't have much toughness down low. I'm not sure how much he will play though since the Rockets already have Yao Ming, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry in their big man rotation. He could probably take Chuck Hayes' spot in the rotation though if he plays well.
Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis: Wondering why the Pistons didn't take Detroit native Chris Douglas-Roberts during the NBA draft? Perhaps it's because Douglas-Roberts refused to work out for them. According to A. Sherrod Blakely of Booth Newspapers, Douglas-Roberts refused to work out for the Pistons, despite being considered a late first-round pick, because he expected to be gone by the time No. 29 was on the clock. The Pistons passed on him twice (at No. 29 and again after trading that pick for No. 32) before he was snagged by New Jersey at No. 40. Blakely writes: "This is a job we're talking about; a very high-paying job with very few openings, mind you. And if you're trying to land such a coveted job, why would you limit your options? And if you're a team trying to figure out who to draft, why would you take a guy that clearly didn't want to be part of your team?" (Detroit Free Press)
Chris Douglas-Roberts is catching a lot of heat for passing on working out for the Pistons but come on that had to be his agents call right? I'm sure the agent told him not to work out for any teams drafting that late in the first round. Not to mention, it's not like Detroit was the ONLY team to pass on him, so for the Detroit media to suggest he slipped just because he passed on a work out with the Pistons is ridiculous in my eyes. I couldn't find much on the Nets plans for Douglas-Roberts. I would imagine he has a chance to break into their rotation now that Richard Jefferson is gone.
Bill Walker, Kansas St: Many considered Walker a lottery pick prior to June 15, when the rugged athlete suffered the third knee injury of his young career - this time a torn meniscus. He is expected to undergo surgery soon. “He’s not 100 percent healthy yet, but he’s big and strong,” said Ainge. “But he can be the player he has been with the right treatment. A couple of years ago, he was mentioned in the same breath with the same kids who are in the lottery now.” (Boston Herald)
No surprise that Walker is going to need some kind of surgery. My guess is that he won't be playing in the Summer League, so that could hurt his chances to earn minutes with the Celtics. He probably wouldn't see many minutes anyway, considering he would be fighting for playing time amongst Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and James Posey. I think the Celtics are thinking more long term with this pick and also that Walker had great value that late in the draft.
Mario Chalmers, Kansas: After helping propel Kansas to the national championship, point guard Mario Chalmers is expected to make a push for a spot in the Heat's rotation as a rookie. Chalmers, a native of Anchorage, Ala., figures to be in the mix because the Heat lacks depth at point guard. President Pat Riley raved Friday about acquiring Chalmers during the second round of the draft. ''We have a legitimate perfect fit,'' Riley said. Marcus Banks is the Heat's only point guard under contract. Miami extended a qualifying offer to reserve Chris Quinn, meaning it can match any offer he receives in free agency. Riley said Banks is ``at to the top of the depth chart, it's really sort of his job to lose.''But Riley indicated the Heat is high on Chalmers' ability. Chalmers, 22, was projected as a lottery pick in several mock drafts but fell to No. 34. Minnesota drafted him for Miami, as the Heat had brokered a trade to land the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. The Heat sent two future second-round picks anad cash to the Timberwolves for Chalmers. The Heat tried to acquire Chalmers in the first round but ended up lucking out when teams continued passing over him. Chalmers did not work out for the Heat before the draft. ''I was shocked, but just happy to be in that situation,'' Chalmers said of coming to Miami during a teleconference Friday. "I was pretty surprised when they drafted me.'' (Miami Herald)
Seems like Miami really loves Mario Chalmers and he definitely will have a chance to start because his main competition right now is Marcus Banks. I think it's been proven that Banks is not a starting PG in the NBA, so I would expect Chalmers to see a lot of minutes for the Heat this season.
Patrick Ewing, Jr, Georgetown: Ewing was the first man off the bench for Georgetown last season and it earned him the 2007-08 Big East Sixth Man of the Year Award. The Kings were more impressed with his athleticism and defensive skills. Ewing said his dad, Patrick Ewing Sr., told him that he relived the whole draft experience. (Mercury News)
Patrick Ewing, JR is the perfect role player in the NBA. He might have trouble making the team but if Ron Artest opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent, then I think Ewing would have a great opportunity to make the Kings roster as a defensive specialist off the bench.
Richard Hendrix, Alabama: So is Hendrix, who is perhaps the anti-Randolph. The Alabama junior is built like a rock, and would bring some needed heft and rebounding if he makes the Warriors' roster. "(Randolph's) a long, athletic player who's able to do a lot of things on the outside," said Hendrix, 22. "I'm a guy who likes physical play and to do a lot of dirty work. Mix it up. We had some good matchups." Hendrix has potential to be the Paul Millsap-type banger who has eluded the Warriors in recent years. The defensive-minded Hendrix led the SEC with 10.1 rebounds per game and also averaged 17.8 points and 1.94 blocks. "He's a guy we don't have on our roster," Mullin said. "He played in a tough conference and had some impressive stats." (SF Chronicle Market Place)
Sounds like Hendrix could see some minute for Golden State since they don't have a lot of big guys on the roster. He would probably be fighting for minutes with last years pick Brandon Wright, and I would imagine Wright would win that battle. I wouldn't expect much playing time for Hendrix but their is also the possibility that Golden State shakes up their roster, which could create an opening for more playing time.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, UCLA: What they are saying in Milwaukee about Mbah a Moute: Scott Skiles, Milwaukee Bucks head coach, as quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "He's from a winning program, he's got great length, he can guard two or three different positions. He's kind of an improving offensive player, and I think he'll still improve, and another high-quality person. Especially at that pick; that's an important thing to have right there." John Hammond, Bucks' general manager told the Journal Sentinel: "Energy, toughness, defender, role player. Kind of a guy that will do whatever it takes to win. Rock-solid person. Feel good about having him here. You never know, but sometimes guys like that find a way to get on the court and play. Not saying that he's going to play, but you never know." (Orlando Sentinel)
I don't expect Mbah a Moute to receive that much playing time because the Bucks are loaded at the 3 spot now with Richard Jefferson and Joe Alexander. I guess he could play some PF if the Bucks go small but I wouldn't expect much out of him besides defense.
Joe Crawford, Kentucky: The Lakers waited and waited, and then waited some more Thursday night. Finally, after more than four hours, they made their one and only pick of the NBA draft, selecting Joe Crawford, a 6-foot-5 guard from Kentucky. Crawford was the 58th overall selection, the third-to-last pick in the draft. "We did have Joe Crawford going higher in the draft," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We did make efforts ... to move up in the draft. There was a flurry of activity, but we weren't able to get anything done." Crawford averaged 17.9 points on 47 percent shooting in 30 games during his senior season at Kentucky, earning second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. He scored 20 or more points 13 times and topped 30 points three times. "He had a great career," Kupchak said. "He's played a lot of basketball at a high level. We'd like to get him in as soon as possible. The summer league starts in about 10 days, and we'll evaluate him during our summer league program." Crawford said he was eager to join the Lakers, and was looking forward to joining their summer league team, which begins play in Las Vegas on July 11. "It's something you've waited for all your life, when you started playing basketball," he said. "To go to one of my favorite teams, to go to L.A., it's a feeling I can't explain. I had a great workout in L.A. I felt they were pretty interested in me after my workout. I'm excited about playing for a championship-contending team." The Lakers traded their first-round pick (No. 28 overall) to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal for Pau Gasol on Feb. 1. They got Gasol and a future second-round selection for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie and the rights to Gasol's younger brother, Marc, plus first-round picks in 2008 and 2010. "The expectations are pretty simple," Kupchak said of Crawford. "If he plays well in the summer league, we'll sign him to a contract. I think he'll fit in well and be able to play with these guys. (But) we're not a team with a lot of roster spots." Crawford might be hard-pressed to make the opening night roster, particularly since Kupchak plans to re-sign restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf. (Daily News)
Looks like Crawford might have a hard time making the Lakers roster even if he plays well. Typically, even if the team who drafts the player doesn't sign him, players will get picked up by other teams if they play well. I can't see why the Lakers wouldn't sign him though if he impresses them. They certainly didn't draft him just for no reason at all.
Joey Dorsey, Memphis: Many scouts have compared Dorsey, at 6-9 and 265 pounds, to Cleveland Cavaliers center Ben Wallace, who became a star through rebounding and defense. He has modeled his game on tapes of former Detroit Pistons greats Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer. Morley called him the best defensive player on the best defensive team in college basketball last season. "We think he plays much bigger than his 6-7 height with the size of his body and his aggressiveness. He's someone who can make an impact right away," the general manager said. (Baltimore Sun)
As I expected, Dorsey should see minutes right away in the NBA and especially since the Rockets really don't have much toughness down low. I'm not sure how much he will play though since the Rockets already have Yao Ming, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry in their big man rotation. He could probably take Chuck Hayes' spot in the rotation though if he plays well.
Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis: Wondering why the Pistons didn't take Detroit native Chris Douglas-Roberts during the NBA draft? Perhaps it's because Douglas-Roberts refused to work out for them. According to A. Sherrod Blakely of Booth Newspapers, Douglas-Roberts refused to work out for the Pistons, despite being considered a late first-round pick, because he expected to be gone by the time No. 29 was on the clock. The Pistons passed on him twice (at No. 29 and again after trading that pick for No. 32) before he was snagged by New Jersey at No. 40. Blakely writes: "This is a job we're talking about; a very high-paying job with very few openings, mind you. And if you're trying to land such a coveted job, why would you limit your options? And if you're a team trying to figure out who to draft, why would you take a guy that clearly didn't want to be part of your team?" (Detroit Free Press)
Chris Douglas-Roberts is catching a lot of heat for passing on working out for the Pistons but come on that had to be his agents call right? I'm sure the agent told him not to work out for any teams drafting that late in the first round. Not to mention, it's not like Detroit was the ONLY team to pass on him, so for the Detroit media to suggest he slipped just because he passed on a work out with the Pistons is ridiculous in my eyes. I couldn't find much on the Nets plans for Douglas-Roberts. I would imagine he has a chance to break into their rotation now that Richard Jefferson is gone.
Bill Walker, Kansas St: Many considered Walker a lottery pick prior to June 15, when the rugged athlete suffered the third knee injury of his young career - this time a torn meniscus. He is expected to undergo surgery soon. “He’s not 100 percent healthy yet, but he’s big and strong,” said Ainge. “But he can be the player he has been with the right treatment. A couple of years ago, he was mentioned in the same breath with the same kids who are in the lottery now.” (Boston Herald)
No surprise that Walker is going to need some kind of surgery. My guess is that he won't be playing in the Summer League, so that could hurt his chances to earn minutes with the Celtics. He probably wouldn't see many minutes anyway, considering he would be fighting for playing time amongst Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and James Posey. I think the Celtics are thinking more long term with this pick and also that Walker had great value that late in the draft.
Mario Chalmers, Kansas: After helping propel Kansas to the national championship, point guard Mario Chalmers is expected to make a push for a spot in the Heat's rotation as a rookie. Chalmers, a native of Anchorage, Ala., figures to be in the mix because the Heat lacks depth at point guard. President Pat Riley raved Friday about acquiring Chalmers during the second round of the draft. ''We have a legitimate perfect fit,'' Riley said. Marcus Banks is the Heat's only point guard under contract. Miami extended a qualifying offer to reserve Chris Quinn, meaning it can match any offer he receives in free agency. Riley said Banks is ``at to the top of the depth chart, it's really sort of his job to lose.''But Riley indicated the Heat is high on Chalmers' ability. Chalmers, 22, was projected as a lottery pick in several mock drafts but fell to No. 34. Minnesota drafted him for Miami, as the Heat had brokered a trade to land the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. The Heat sent two future second-round picks anad cash to the Timberwolves for Chalmers. The Heat tried to acquire Chalmers in the first round but ended up lucking out when teams continued passing over him. Chalmers did not work out for the Heat before the draft. ''I was shocked, but just happy to be in that situation,'' Chalmers said of coming to Miami during a teleconference Friday. "I was pretty surprised when they drafted me.'' (Miami Herald)
Seems like Miami really loves Mario Chalmers and he definitely will have a chance to start because his main competition right now is Marcus Banks. I think it's been proven that Banks is not a starting PG in the NBA, so I would expect Chalmers to see a lot of minutes for the Heat this season.
Patrick Ewing, Jr, Georgetown: Ewing was the first man off the bench for Georgetown last season and it earned him the 2007-08 Big East Sixth Man of the Year Award. The Kings were more impressed with his athleticism and defensive skills. Ewing said his dad, Patrick Ewing Sr., told him that he relived the whole draft experience. (Mercury News)
Patrick Ewing, JR is the perfect role player in the NBA. He might have trouble making the team but if Ron Artest opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent, then I think Ewing would have a great opportunity to make the Kings roster as a defensive specialist off the bench.
Richard Hendrix, Alabama: So is Hendrix, who is perhaps the anti-Randolph. The Alabama junior is built like a rock, and would bring some needed heft and rebounding if he makes the Warriors' roster. "(Randolph's) a long, athletic player who's able to do a lot of things on the outside," said Hendrix, 22. "I'm a guy who likes physical play and to do a lot of dirty work. Mix it up. We had some good matchups." Hendrix has potential to be the Paul Millsap-type banger who has eluded the Warriors in recent years. The defensive-minded Hendrix led the SEC with 10.1 rebounds per game and also averaged 17.8 points and 1.94 blocks. "He's a guy we don't have on our roster," Mullin said. "He played in a tough conference and had some impressive stats." (SF Chronicle Market Place)
Sounds like Hendrix could see some minute for Golden State since they don't have a lot of big guys on the roster. He would probably be fighting for minutes with last years pick Brandon Wright, and I would imagine Wright would win that battle. I wouldn't expect much playing time for Hendrix but their is also the possibility that Golden State shakes up their roster, which could create an opening for more playing time.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, UCLA: What they are saying in Milwaukee about Mbah a Moute: Scott Skiles, Milwaukee Bucks head coach, as quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "He's from a winning program, he's got great length, he can guard two or three different positions. He's kind of an improving offensive player, and I think he'll still improve, and another high-quality person. Especially at that pick; that's an important thing to have right there." John Hammond, Bucks' general manager told the Journal Sentinel: "Energy, toughness, defender, role player. Kind of a guy that will do whatever it takes to win. Rock-solid person. Feel good about having him here. You never know, but sometimes guys like that find a way to get on the court and play. Not saying that he's going to play, but you never know." (Orlando Sentinel)
I don't expect Mbah a Moute to receive that much playing time because the Bucks are loaded at the 3 spot now with Richard Jefferson and Joe Alexander. I guess he could play some PF if the Bucks go small but I wouldn't expect much out of him besides defense.
More: Undrafted Free Agents & NBA Draft
Joey Dorsey will be a welcome addition to the finesse-like Rockets
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or is Moute overrated as a defender and as a leader?
I agree...I'm not sure LR Moute is worth a second round pick. To me he is someone you bring into summer camp and he works his way onto the team but maybe they were worried someone else would pick him up.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see Dorsey play with the Rockets.
Joey Dorsey (Portland Trail Blazers) online videos
ReplyDelete( joeydorsey.info/ )
if a second round player remains unsigned, does he become a free agent or are his signing rights owned by the team who drafted him?
ReplyDeleteThe team owns their draft rights, but I'm sure it wouldn't take much to trade for that player.
ReplyDeleteApparently, they own the rights until they trade the player or sign him to a contract and then release him because here is a list of unsigned draft picks and it goes back pretty far:
http://www.realgm.com/src_unsignedpicks/