#1 Grizzlies - SG Vince Carter
No surprises here. In a draft full of developmental players, Vince Carter is the only 100% surefire prospect available. We saw what his cousin Tracy McGrady was able to do with the Kings last season, and the Grizzlies are hoping that VC will do the same for them one day. One minor issue though - Vince hates Canada, so could this be the end for the "Vancouver" side of the "VanMemphis" Grizzlies?
#2 Portland Trail Blazers - PF Dirk Nowitzki
Another no-brainer. With a 7'6" Monstar named Shawn Bradley at the center position, the opportunity to add a 7' Power Forward to play alongside him is just too good to pass up. With Bradley providing the defense/rebounding and Nowitzki adding the scoring, the Blazers will have a very formidable frontcourt for seasons to come.
#3 Indiana Pacers - SF Paul Pierce
He ain't no Stacey Augmon, but he'll do. The rebuilding Pacers are in drastic need of a true scorer and leader, and Paul's definitely going to be able to provide that one day. Like Augmon, he's completely lacking in one offensive category (JPS instead of Augmon's 3PS), but unlike Augmon, his defensive skills are currently sitting at average (though word is that he has a keen eye for creating turnovers). Still, he's exactly what GM PaulyP needs.
#4 Toronto Raptors - C Brad Miller
While the Indiana native is a bit miffed that the Pacers will pass on him in favor of Pierce, GM Soundwave couldn't be happier. His love for big men is well-known, and now he'll have the opportunity to draft one tailor-made for his type of offense. Somewhat similar to the Hawks' Vlade Divac, Miller's noted for his skills as a rebounder and his potential as a passer, ball handler, post defender, and - get this - three-point shooting. Yes, Miller's a versatile big man with a shooting touch, meaning that between Finley, Billups, Miller, and the still-developing Tim Thomas, the Raptors could boast one of the most multifaceted and dangerous offenses ever seen in Sim League one day.
#5 Cleveland Cavaliers - SF Antawn Jamison
The Cavs are a bit of an enigma, showing characteristics of both a rebuilding and contending team. Antawn Jamison's a good fit for this squad, filling an important need at Small Forward, helping out Williams & Campbell with rebounding, and providing a bit of inside-outside game to compliment Steve Nash and (if he returns) Eddie Jones. One good camp from Jamison and one inked contract from Jones could leave no question as to what Cleveland is - a playoff contender.
