Toronto makes no sense, in a year’s time they:
-Draft Araujo last year way too high
-Trade away Vince Carter for nothing
-Buyout Mourning’s contract when NJ wasn't willing to do so (because the Nets rightfully understand players shouldn't get paid if they don't want to play). Oh yeah, Mourning was dealt in the trade for Carter
-Draft Villanueva way too high (already have Bosh at the 4-spot).
Just horrible deals made by a struggling team, they've been spitting on their own grave.
I agree dylanmarsh, I think Paul is outstanding, would have been a great pick for Atlanta.
djtestudo, I pay no attention to Smith, Anthony, Bilas, or Vitale. Teams that have experienced scouts, coaches, general managers, etc can't predict the draft; otherwise players like Redd, Arenas, Ginobili and many others wouldn't have made it past thirty other players. Some players flourish, some bust, its just that simple. It irks me to no end when these analysts speak with absolute conviction on what they think teams should have done.
For example, I was thinking about this while watching draft tonight and fortunately saw Bill Simmons refer to it in an article on espn.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...simmons/050628
[PHP]The Hawks take high schooler Josh Smith as Jay Bilas rips the pick to shreds. "If you had to pick which guy was most likely to be a bust in the first round, it would be this guy," he said. "He has no right hand, and he can't shoot."...PHP]
Josh Smith turned out to be a great rookie, averaging nearly 10 points and 2 blocks per game, while bringing down about 6 rebounds per as well. He earned All NBA Rookie Second Team honors. He achieved this coming out of high school.
Bilas was an average player for Duke who got drafted in the 5th round of the NBA and never played. He doesn't know shit about the NBA game, but ESPN gives the Bilas top 20 rated players list as if fans really give a shit what he thinks.
I don't blame Bilas for guessing wrong on Josh Smith, as I mentioned, the draft is difficult to project. However, his arrogance and guts to call Smith a bust is the height of hypocrisy.