So we turn our attention to the 2001 class.
Who goes #1?
Other general managers threw out their opinions but the class isn't finalized yet through editing. Here's my take on the three outstanding players who will change the landscape of this league and who have a legitimate claim for the coveted #1 pick.
We are about to welcome back one of the flashiest, highest scoring and high flying PGs this league will ever see. The strengths are numerous and he's the favorite to be the #1 pick in this draft. Standing at an impressive 6'4 and over 200 lbs, only current Hall of Fame bound Penny can rival this size. A lot jumps out to me with Arenas, but here's what I like about him:
Quickness - 97
Jump - 96
If that stays as is, Arenas will be a top scorer in the league as a rookie, even with an untapped 38 Inside scoring. Has an A in Inside, so matched with his athleticism screams 30 ppg scorer. A sophomore playing for the prestigious Arizona Wildcats, averaging 16 points per game at about 48% from the field and an impressive 41% from deep. Arenas finished 6th in the Pac-10 in points per game and 2nd in steals per game, displaying an impressive all around game. He finished with 1st Team Pac-10 and helped lead his team to the NCAA Finals with another lottery-bound player in Richard Jefferson.
He's not your traditional pass-first PG and may struggle setting up others on your team, but Arenas is the real deal who will be a safe bet at 20+ points a game and solid defense.
Strengths:
Elite scorer
Solid defense
Elite athleticism
Young at 19 years of age
Weaknesses:
Poor passer
Does not crash boards or rebound with efficiency
Bottom Line: Even if you have an elite PG on your roster, you make room for a player like Arenas. He can take on a role like Steve Francis on the Celtics and play the SG spot until he is groomed or primed for more playing time at the PG spot.
First international player to be selected #1? My memory might not be great at the moment, but I don't think we've had one yet.
There are many accomplishments Gasol has already earned at such a young age of 20. Playing for his hometown's professional Barcelona team in the Spanish ACB League, Gasol helped lead his team to the Spanish National Cup while averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds in only 25 minutes a game! He's a winner, because at just 16 years old he's' been winning championships for junior professional teams. He was named MVP of the league in his final season in Europe and decided to enter his name into the NBA draft.
My odds-on-favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award. Way too early to talk about, yes, but he's probably going to be the most NBA-ready body entering the league next season. 7 foot tall and 240 lbs, he moves with ease up and down the court and has a post game comparable to Tim Duncan on the Jazz. Just an impressive game and does a little bit of everything you need from a big man: scores, rebounds, plays defense, and can handle the ball and pass. Very balanced player and will be a franchise player. I feel his Spanish title will not be his only trophy he ends up with when his career is done.
Strengths:
All around balance
Weaknesses:
Strength leaves something to be desired as is, but strength is easily improved in this game.
Bottom Line: Will be an All Star for numerous seasons on the right team, and a big man with no flaws or weaknesses? I think every team would love this guy if they wore their jersey.
Another international player in discussion! This draft definitely has talent from overseas heading their way to the States.
The Belgian-turned-basketball-star player has been playing in the professional ranks in France for the past two years with the Parish Basket Racing club in the French league. After being recognized by NBA scouts, Parker decided against playing in the NCAA and jumped straight into the NBA lotto conversation.
One word describes Parker the best, and that's "crafty." At just 6'2, no one can wreak havoc in the paint quite like Parker. He's quick and handles the ball well, and is a coach-on-the-court type of player. The ball moves when Parker leads an offense, and the ball usually ends up in the basket when all is said and done. He will be 19 when the draft rolls through, so he will have plenty of time to develop once in the NBA.
On defense, he won't be a liability once he grows. At 6'2, he still has solid height to and great quickness to harass most PGs in the league. He won't be known as a pick-pocket in the league, but he surely won't be looked as a match up to exploit.
Strengths:
Inside scorer
Ball handler/passer
Perimeter defense
Speed
Weaknesses:
Not a threat to score from deep
Rebounding not part of his game
Might be very raw coming in
Bottom Line: He's really raw and probably shouldn't see much playing time if a team has other options at PG, but with patience with Parker can bring huge dividends. He will get easy buckets and will be able to push the pace and spread the wealth around.
