Now that the draft order is only days away from being established, and mock drafts are flying across the internet faster than a CP3 drive to the basket, lets breakdown some of the more common players linked to the raps at #17.
MSNBC: Nicolas Batum SF 6-8 210 France
ESPN: Chase Budinger SG 6-7 205 20 Arizona
Hoopshype: Alexis Ajinca 7-1 C Hyeres-Toulon (France) / 1988
Inside Hoops: Nicolas Batum (SF 6-8 212 France)
Real GM: Nicolas Batum (SF 6-8 212 France)
NBA draft: Russell Westbrook 6-4 187 PG UCLA
My NBA draft: Chris Douglas Roberts Memphis SG
Draft Express: Alexis Ajinca C 20 years old; 7′1″; 225 lbs.
SI Fannation: Chris Douglas Roberts Memphis SG
Hoops Addict: Hibbert 7′2 Center Georgetown
The truth is, no one knows what Colangelo is going to do? Will he draft for size, need, or best available? Will he draft a back up PG and deal half of Forderon, or a center and deal Rasho, package his pick to move up in the draft, or deal out of the draft all together?
However, assuming the Raptors were to keep the pick at 17 and that their roster was going to be exactly the same at the start of next season as it was after they got spanked by Orlando: then my money is on CDR!
Chris Douglas-Roberts comes from a top-flight program (Memphis) that had 2 final four appearances and won 90+ games over the last 3 years. Under Coach Caliperi, he was on a team that ran a high-octane offense, like Colangelo would like to see, he runs the floors, is an active rebounder from the guard position, has a high basketball IQ, and most importantly, he can score!
On a team like Toronto where Bosh is the go to guy and a PG like Calderon or Ford make it easy to get open looks, he could really flourish. He has played in the shadow of Derrick Rose and Tyrus Thomas, but is still acknowledged as one of the best flat out scorers at the college level over the last 3 seasons. In fact his numbers are pretty good when compared against teammate Rose who is likely to go #1 this year (Rose: 14.9 pts, 4.5 reb, 4.7assts). Here are his stats at Memphis:
SEASON MIN PTS REB AST
2005-2006 <22.6 <8.3 <3.3 <1.5-
2006-2007 <26.6 <15.4 <3.4 <1.7-
2007-2008 <28.7 <18.1 <4.1 <1.8–
Here is the ESPN scouting report on CDR:
And here is the You Tube proof:
The raps don’t need Magette or Richard Jefferson as many bloggers have them linked to making a deal for. CDR can bring the size, speed, athleticism, offensive flare, and ability to drive to the basket- that the raps so desperately need from the wings. He is 6-7, 200llbs, and could player the 2 or 3 in the pros (although probably best suited for the 2).
As always, Standing in the key, I’m the Dr., I’ve got my feet planted, and I’m planning on taking a charge.
Phdsteve.
Technorati Tags: Alexis Ajinca, Bryan Colangelo, Chase Budinger, Chris Douglas Roberts, Chris Paul, Corey Maggette, Derrick Rose, Jose Calderon, Nicolas Batum, Rasho Nesterovic, Richard Jefferson, Roy Hibbert, Russell Westbrook, TJ Ford, Tyrus Thomas
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