Wednesday, June 27, 2001
Wizards could make history with first pick
Washington is expected to draft high school player
Enquirer wire services
NEW YORK — New ground could be broken tonight during the NBA draft as a high school player is expected to be the No.1 pick overall for the first time in league history.
A record six high school players are entered in the draft. The Washington Wizards, who have the first selection, are believed to be leaning toward choosing one of them, 6-foot-11 forward/center Kwame Brown of Glynn Academy (Ga.) or 7-foot forward Tyson Chandler of Dominguez High (Calif.).
The Washington Post says it'll be Brown.
“I think there is a very big possibility that it is a high school player chosen No.1 this year just because of the potential,” Chandler said Tuesday.
No high school player has been chosen higher than No. 3, where the Los Angeles Clippers picked Darius Miles last year.
Two other high school players, centers Eddy Curry and DeSagana Diop, are projected to be lottery (top-13) picks.
This draft is considered one of the most difficult to predict in years, due in part to the 54 early-entry candidates.
The consensus among general managers and personnel directors is there isn't a franchise player in this year's class, but one could be developed in time.
“Guys don't have the star power of a Tim Duncan or a Shaquille O'Neal,” said Seattle executive vice president Billy McKinney. “You might see a return on them in four or five years.”
Given that prospect, several teams have been trying to trade their draft picks. Last year, there were nine trades on draft night involving 20 picks.
“It's going to be interesting in that there are so many unpredict able situations that can develop,” said Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies general manager Billy Knight.
“And so many high school kids make it more unpredictable.”
As a result, some players projected to be chosen early will slide in the selection process. In that regard, this draft is probably the deepest in recent years.
“You're going to find guys playing in the league two or three years from now who weren't drafted,” said NBA director of scouting Marty Blake. “It's that deep.”
As the man who runs the Wizards, Michael Jordan will get the draft started at Madison Square Garden with either a selection or a trade.
Most of the players the NBA invited to be at the draft have worked out for Jordan, and it seems, until their name is called, that would lead the list of personal highlights.
“We talked for a while,” Chandler said Tuesday. “The workout was really good.”
Then Chandler was asked about what it would be like if Jordan were to make a comeback and play again in the NBA.
“That would be a dream for any player of any age,” he said.
“If he came back, it would be a great opportunity for whoever they draft.”
Brown started talking about his workout for Jordan in a businesslike tone, then started sounding more like a 19-year-old.“Even though he wasn't on the court with us, he still had an impact,” Brown said.
Each of the players said he would love to play with Jordan, but they also said they would want to play for him as well.
“Michael Jordan is the greatest player to ever play the game,” said Rodney White, who played one season for Charlotte. “If you can't learn from him, who can you learn from?”
Updated draft coverage from Associated Press
Bearcats Stories
Reds 10, Cardinals 9
Larkin blames groin injury for defensive problems
Griffey's All-Star streak near end
Crosley Field stamp debuts
Win starts and ends with Ochoa
Breaking up Griffey-Casey hard to do
Reyes not ready to return
Relievers must learn new 2-minute drill
Reds box, runs
SULLIVAN: Boxer finds title shot elusive
Six-time Met champ has home-course advantage
Men's Met tee times, scores
Men's Met Notebook
Bonds Watch: No homers
Panel: Bar schools if kids don't graduate
Wizards could make history with first pick
