Find out how the Eastern Conference teams fared in the 2007 NBA Draft.
The craze of the 2007 NBA Draft is passed and though the NBA ploughs into the summer free agent frenzy with urgency, it's important to reflect upon the Draft's highlights (and low-lights) in order to understand what maneuvers teams might look to make to fill out their rosters over the next few months.
Picks: F. Al Horford (3); Acie Law (11)
The Hawks didn't give into media or fan pressure and drafted the best available player with the third pick, despite having a few other players who play the same position. They also drafted another NBA-ready player in Acie Law. They miss out on an A grade, because they failed to land a much-needed veteran point guard, or make a significant deal to clear up their logjam at the forward position. However, they have the entire summer to make such a deal happen.
Picks: F. Jeff Green (5) Traded to the Seattle Supersonics along with G. Delonte West and FG. Wally Szczerbiak for G. Ray Allen and F. Glen Davis (35); PG. Gabe Pruitt (32)
On the one hand, adding Ray Allen helps this team immediately and gives Paul Pierce a co-star to help him get back to the playoffs. With Al Jefferson in the middle, the Celtics have a solid veteran core to compete in the Atlantic Division. On the other hand, with all the trade rumors going about before the draft, one would think that they could have used the fifth overall pick to land a player who wasn't just coming off of surgery.
Picks: F. Brandan Wright (8) Traded to the Golden State Warriors for FG. Jason Richardson and Jermario Davidson (36); F. Jared Dudley (22)
The Bobcats have the cap room to pay Jason Richardson and he showed signs in the playoffs of being the high-energy scorer he was just a couple of seasons ago. Moreover, the Cats are in desperate need of scoring and "J-Rich" brings that to them. Despite all of his upside and raw talent, the Bobcats don't really have a fit for Wright and probably aren't willing to wait. Jared Dudley was considered a darkhorse in this draft and could be a really good fit in Charlotte.
Picks: F. Joakim Noah (9); C. Aaron Gray (49); G. JamesOn Curry (51)
The Bulls are in desperate need of a low post, back-to-the-basket type of player who can draw a double team. Instead, they draft Noah, who's length, mobility and intensity make him an intriguing prospect, but his lack of skill in any one area make him a potential bust. With Andres Nocioni a free agent and the number nine expendable, the Bulls had the opportunity to make a significant move that could have helped them immediately. Instead, they draft a poor man's Tyson Chandler, a slow big man who probably won't see much time at all, and a guard who had such a poor showing in draft workouts that many thought he might not get drafted at all.
Picks: None
There were some rumors suggesting the Cavs might try to trade into a draft, but that was not to be. The Eastern Conference champions watched quietly as one of the deepest drafts in recent history passed them by.
Picks: G. Rodney Stuckey (15); G. Arron Afflalo (27); G. Sammy Mejia (57)
Though Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo are very similar players, each has the potential to make an immediate splash in the NBA. Stuckey might be the best kept secret in the draft, having played for the small Eastern Washington University. He'll make Ron "Flip" Murray and his wild shots expedable.
Picks: None
The Pacers are on the verge of rebuilding and it's surprising they didn't make more effort to trade into the draft.
Picks: F. Jason Smith (20) Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for G. Daequan Cook (21) and cash considerations; C. Stanko Barac (39)
The Heat need a lot of pieces, as many of its veterans will be retiring soon. Cook has tremendous upside, but doesn't fill much of a need for Miami as G. Dwayne Wade plays the same position.
Picks: F. Yi Jianlian (6); PG. Ramon Sessions (56)
The Bucks don't back down when Yi's Chinese handlers don't allow them to work out with the forward. Assuming they can actually get him playing for them next season, this could prove to be a great pick. Also, they land a point guard late in the draft who many thought might sneak into the first round.
Picks: F. Sean Williams (17)
Just like in last year's draft when they drafted PG. Marcus Williams in the late first round, the Nets take advantage of a player's draft stock sliding because of attitude issues. Sean Williams is a lottery pick if not for his off court problems, and at 17, that's not a bad gamble for the Nets.
Picks: F. Wilson Chandler (23); Traded PG. Steve Francis and F. Channing Frye to the Portland Trail Blazers for F. Zach Randolph, PG. Dan Dickau and G. Fred Jones
Chandler has a lot of upside, but it's puzzling to try to grasp where he is going to fit on that team. Chandler is another athletic small forward without much polish yet that Isiah Thomas seems to love. Nevermind filling out the various needs of the roster. However, the Trail Blazers made Thomas look good on draft day. Despite all criticism against Zach Randolph, he is a much better use of cap room and a roster spot than Steve Francis, whose knees and confidence are shot. Randolph can flat out score, gets to the line where he shoots a high percentage, and can knock down the 15-foot jumper with ease. Moreover, Channing Frye is overrated and not much more than a soft, jump shooting forward. With an interior of Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph and David Lee, the Knicks look tough.
Picks: F. Reyshawn Terry (44)
The Magic trade its first round pick (No. 15 overall) to the Detroit Pistons as part of the Darko Milicic trade. The jury's still out as to whether or not that was a good trade for Orlando, but no one's blaming them for taking a chance on Darko.
Picks: F. Thaddeus Young (12); G. Daequan Cook (21) Traded to the Miami Heat along with cash considerations for F. Jason Smith (20); PG. Petteri Koponen (30); F/C. Kyrylo Fesenko (38)
The 76ers get a slew of young talent in Young, Smith and Koponen. They're in rebuilding mode after trading Allen Iverson to the Denver Nuggets, and setting themselves up with three first round picks in this draft certainly helps. They were wise not to trade up with those picks, since the draft is considered to be pretty deep. All that being said, it's a mystery as to why they selected Thaddeus Young over the likes of Al Thornton or even Julian Wright. Young is athletic, but his skill does not match.
Picks: None
The Raptors look to improve with trades and free agency this off season, as they did not have a single draft pick.
Picks: G. Nick Young (16); F. Dominic McGuire (47)
The Wizards go with two safe picks in Young and McGuire. By drafting Young, the Wizards miss out on filling a more pressing need in the post. Still, Young should be able to step in and contribute right away, while McGuire has excellent upside for a 47th pick.