1997 Mock Draft - Part II (Picks 12-27)
Apr 26, 2020 8:24:56 GMT
Post by mgtr81 on Apr 26, 2020 8:24:56 GMT
12. Minnesota Timberwolves - Joe Smith (Maryland) PF / 6'10" / 225 lbs / 22 years old
The main goal for the Timberwolves this offseason will be bringing back Nick Van Exel. Assuming the do so, the other need for Minnesota will be improving its forntcourt. Smith is a scoring big man with a good insttinc to grab offensive rebounds and convert on second chances. While his defense is average, he is a smart player who knows how to play at his best.
13. Detroit Pistons - Michael Stewart (California) C / 6'10" / 230 lbs / 22 years old
The Pistons need a center who can block shots, rebound and play defense. There are multiple options here, but Stewart is a low usage big man who meets the requirements. His offensive game needs to be more polished, but he shouldn't be taking many shots.
14. Portland Trailblazers - Kelvin Cato (Iowa State) C / 6'11" / 255 lbs / 23 years old
With Sam Bowie hitting the market at age 36, the Blazers will likely opt to acquire a replacement. Cato is one of the players in this class that fits the mold: plays excellent man-to-man defense, works well under the glass and can alter shots.
15. Atlanta Hawks - Anthony Parker (Bradley) SF / 6'6" / 215 lbs / 22 years old
In one year the Hawks went from winning the title to a sweep in the first round, despite Charles Barkley's MVP season. One of the team's glaring needs was outside shooting. Parker is an elite three-point specialist who will solve those issues, at least partially. He has a strong build and can also put the ball on the floor. His defense is below average, but that is not what Atlanta needs from him.
16. Milwaukee Bucks - Alvin Williams (Villanova) PG / 6'5" / 185 lbs / 23 years old
With Chris Webber and Brian Williams in the paint and Dana Barros as the leading scorer, a combo guard like Alvin Williams can be an ideal fit. He has potential to become one of the GAH best perimeter defenders, has great size and his handles allow him to develop into a full time point guard if needed.
17. Seattle Supersonics - Erick Dampier (Mississippi State) C / 6'11" / 265 lbs / 22 years old
The Sonics have two needs this offseason: a shooting guard and a center. They may opt to go with the best player available out of those two positions in Erick Dampier. Another defensive big man who knows his role: rebound and defend.
18. Utah Jazz - Anthony Johnson (Charleston) PG / 6'3" / 190 lbs / 23 years old
The Jazz need to bring back free agents Allan Houston and Doug Christie. In addition, they will finally see the return of Steve Smith, who has played only 35 games during the last three seasons. Johnson will provide depth at the point guard spot and may see his minutes increase if the adapts well to the pro game.
19. Dallas Mavericks - Aaron Williams (Xavier) C / 6'9" / 220 lbs / 26 years old
After the best season ever in franchise history reaching the GAH Finals for the first time, the Mavs may opt to strenghten their frontcourt by drafting Aaron Williams. Older than most of this class, Williams already has experience in other pro leagues, which should mean a quick transition to the GAH. A defensive specialist who crashes the offensive boards hard, Williams should fit in pretty well in Dallas.
20. Phoenix Suns - Scott Pollard (Kansas) C / 6'11" / 265 lbs / 22 years old
With Patrick Ewing getting older the Suns will likely opt to draft a center. Pollard is another defensive specialist with excellent timing to grab offensive rebounds. He needs to learn how to avoid fould trouble, but can be a solid addition for Phoenix.
21. Miami Heat - Derek Anderson (Kentucky) SG / 6'5" / 194 lbs / 23 years old
With Tim Hardaway running the show and Vlade Divac and Loy Vaught in the paint, the Heat need to improve their talent at the wings if the want to have a chance at a second GAH title. Anderson may be a good fit. He can do a bit of everything while not excelling at any particular area, and can also hit the three when left open, which could help Miami.
22. Los Angeles Lakers - Chris Anstey (Australia) C / 7'0" / 249 lbs / 23 years old
Probably the best GAH franchise without a title after five Finals appearances, four of them in the last six years, the Lakers enter the offseason with Anthony Mason as the only big man under contract. Therefore, the priority in Los Angeles could be a center, and Anstey is one of the best available at this point. The seven-footer can both score and defend, although is not a shot-blocking specialist and his footwork needs to improve.
23. Washington Bullets - Marc Jackson (Temple) C / 6'10" / 270 lbs / 23 years old
The Bullets have one of the most thrilling backcourts in the league with Reggie Miller and Steve Nash but have no true center under contract for the upcoming season. While they may attempt to bring back at least one of Benoit Benjamin or Stanley Roberts, it would be a good option to draft a center just in case. Jackson is a scoring big man who could be a good addition, specially with his ability to convert from the free throw line. Unlike most big men in this class, though, his defense is a work in progress.
24. Indiana Pacers - Antonio Daniels (Bowling Green State) PG / 6'4" / 195 lbs / 22 years old
Point guard is a big need for the Pacers. However, there is not great two-way player at the position remaining. When choosing between offense and defense, Indiana may opt for the former and choose Daniels, who can play both guard spots, has very good handles and rarely makes mistakes on the court.
25. Charlotte Hornets - Rick Brunson (Temple) PG / 6'4" / 190 lbs / 25 years old
The Hornets may opt to add a point guard just in case Terrell Brandon decides to sign elsewhere. At this point, Brunson is a solid option. No clear weaknesses in his game, but not a specialist in any area. He also has some pro experience, which will help a contender like Charlotte.
26. Sacramento Kings - Jeff McInnis (North Carolina) PG / 6'4" / 190 lbs / 23 years old
The top priority for the Kings this summer is to make sure Shaquille O'Neal returns to Sacramento. After that, do the same thing with Kenny Anderson. So just in case that is too much money, the Kings could be very well adding a point guard in Jeff McInnis. The former Tar Heel is a solid option and can hit the outside shot when left open. His defense needs to improve, though.
27. Chicago Bulls - Walter McCarty (Kentucky) PF / 6'10" / 230 lbs / 23 years old
After winning their fourth GAH title and becoming the franchise with more championships ahead of the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers, both with three, the Bulls could add an outside shooter with size as McCarty. His game could complement really well with Michael Jordan and Gary Payton, so Chicago will have another solid piece in its quest for a fifth championship.
The main goal for the Timberwolves this offseason will be bringing back Nick Van Exel. Assuming the do so, the other need for Minnesota will be improving its forntcourt. Smith is a scoring big man with a good insttinc to grab offensive rebounds and convert on second chances. While his defense is average, he is a smart player who knows how to play at his best.
13. Detroit Pistons - Michael Stewart (California) C / 6'10" / 230 lbs / 22 years old
The Pistons need a center who can block shots, rebound and play defense. There are multiple options here, but Stewart is a low usage big man who meets the requirements. His offensive game needs to be more polished, but he shouldn't be taking many shots.
14. Portland Trailblazers - Kelvin Cato (Iowa State) C / 6'11" / 255 lbs / 23 years old
With Sam Bowie hitting the market at age 36, the Blazers will likely opt to acquire a replacement. Cato is one of the players in this class that fits the mold: plays excellent man-to-man defense, works well under the glass and can alter shots.
15. Atlanta Hawks - Anthony Parker (Bradley) SF / 6'6" / 215 lbs / 22 years old
In one year the Hawks went from winning the title to a sweep in the first round, despite Charles Barkley's MVP season. One of the team's glaring needs was outside shooting. Parker is an elite three-point specialist who will solve those issues, at least partially. He has a strong build and can also put the ball on the floor. His defense is below average, but that is not what Atlanta needs from him.
16. Milwaukee Bucks - Alvin Williams (Villanova) PG / 6'5" / 185 lbs / 23 years old
With Chris Webber and Brian Williams in the paint and Dana Barros as the leading scorer, a combo guard like Alvin Williams can be an ideal fit. He has potential to become one of the GAH best perimeter defenders, has great size and his handles allow him to develop into a full time point guard if needed.
17. Seattle Supersonics - Erick Dampier (Mississippi State) C / 6'11" / 265 lbs / 22 years old
The Sonics have two needs this offseason: a shooting guard and a center. They may opt to go with the best player available out of those two positions in Erick Dampier. Another defensive big man who knows his role: rebound and defend.
18. Utah Jazz - Anthony Johnson (Charleston) PG / 6'3" / 190 lbs / 23 years old
The Jazz need to bring back free agents Allan Houston and Doug Christie. In addition, they will finally see the return of Steve Smith, who has played only 35 games during the last three seasons. Johnson will provide depth at the point guard spot and may see his minutes increase if the adapts well to the pro game.
19. Dallas Mavericks - Aaron Williams (Xavier) C / 6'9" / 220 lbs / 26 years old
After the best season ever in franchise history reaching the GAH Finals for the first time, the Mavs may opt to strenghten their frontcourt by drafting Aaron Williams. Older than most of this class, Williams already has experience in other pro leagues, which should mean a quick transition to the GAH. A defensive specialist who crashes the offensive boards hard, Williams should fit in pretty well in Dallas.
20. Phoenix Suns - Scott Pollard (Kansas) C / 6'11" / 265 lbs / 22 years old
With Patrick Ewing getting older the Suns will likely opt to draft a center. Pollard is another defensive specialist with excellent timing to grab offensive rebounds. He needs to learn how to avoid fould trouble, but can be a solid addition for Phoenix.
21. Miami Heat - Derek Anderson (Kentucky) SG / 6'5" / 194 lbs / 23 years old
With Tim Hardaway running the show and Vlade Divac and Loy Vaught in the paint, the Heat need to improve their talent at the wings if the want to have a chance at a second GAH title. Anderson may be a good fit. He can do a bit of everything while not excelling at any particular area, and can also hit the three when left open, which could help Miami.
22. Los Angeles Lakers - Chris Anstey (Australia) C / 7'0" / 249 lbs / 23 years old
Probably the best GAH franchise without a title after five Finals appearances, four of them in the last six years, the Lakers enter the offseason with Anthony Mason as the only big man under contract. Therefore, the priority in Los Angeles could be a center, and Anstey is one of the best available at this point. The seven-footer can both score and defend, although is not a shot-blocking specialist and his footwork needs to improve.
23. Washington Bullets - Marc Jackson (Temple) C / 6'10" / 270 lbs / 23 years old
The Bullets have one of the most thrilling backcourts in the league with Reggie Miller and Steve Nash but have no true center under contract for the upcoming season. While they may attempt to bring back at least one of Benoit Benjamin or Stanley Roberts, it would be a good option to draft a center just in case. Jackson is a scoring big man who could be a good addition, specially with his ability to convert from the free throw line. Unlike most big men in this class, though, his defense is a work in progress.
24. Indiana Pacers - Antonio Daniels (Bowling Green State) PG / 6'4" / 195 lbs / 22 years old
Point guard is a big need for the Pacers. However, there is not great two-way player at the position remaining. When choosing between offense and defense, Indiana may opt for the former and choose Daniels, who can play both guard spots, has very good handles and rarely makes mistakes on the court.
25. Charlotte Hornets - Rick Brunson (Temple) PG / 6'4" / 190 lbs / 25 years old
The Hornets may opt to add a point guard just in case Terrell Brandon decides to sign elsewhere. At this point, Brunson is a solid option. No clear weaknesses in his game, but not a specialist in any area. He also has some pro experience, which will help a contender like Charlotte.
26. Sacramento Kings - Jeff McInnis (North Carolina) PG / 6'4" / 190 lbs / 23 years old
The top priority for the Kings this summer is to make sure Shaquille O'Neal returns to Sacramento. After that, do the same thing with Kenny Anderson. So just in case that is too much money, the Kings could be very well adding a point guard in Jeff McInnis. The former Tar Heel is a solid option and can hit the outside shot when left open. His defense needs to improve, though.
27. Chicago Bulls - Walter McCarty (Kentucky) PF / 6'10" / 230 lbs / 23 years old
After winning their fourth GAH title and becoming the franchise with more championships ahead of the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers, both with three, the Bulls could add an outside shooter with size as McCarty. His game could complement really well with Michael Jordan and Gary Payton, so Chicago will have another solid piece in its quest for a fifth championship.