2007 SSBL Draft Analysis: Picks 6-10

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Even Dick Vitale wonders why he has to listen to Ric Bucher since it takes airtime away from him and his random phrases that have no real substance to them.

6. San Antonio Spurs - Mike Conley, Jr. (C+ C B B D A)[/b][/u]

Moving out of the top five the San Antonio Spurs were on the clock with the sixth pick in the draft. Sources indicate that the team was very hopeful that either Michael Beasley or Corey Brewer would drop to this spot for them to select. However, with neither player on the board and not able to make a trade, the Spurs went with what could be the first surprise in the draft by selecting point guard Mike Conley, a teammate of Greg Oden's at Ohio State University. What makes this an interesting pick is that the Spurs last year selected another point guard in the lottery as they drafted Marcus Williams, a player they have high hopes for. Conley comes into the league more of a traditional point guard with his ability to handle and pass the basketball along with an ability to play solid perimeter defense. With both Williams and Conley on the roster, look for training camp to be very competitive and to determine which player ends up being the starter come opening night. However, some around the team believe that the team could try to use Conley in a potential trade based on how the free agency period plays out for the Spurs. Either way, this pick could benefit the Spurs and if it does not some might begin to question if Matt Millen has started to run the organization based on recent drafting decisions.

7. New York Knicks - Tiago Splitter (C+ C- C- B B- A)[/b][/u]

Following the selection of Conley, the New York Knicks moved up to the seventh pick in the draft after agreeing to a deal with the New York Knicks that involved Chris Paul. Perhaps the reason was to pick up some assets to work with and draft a replacement point guard by selecting Mike Conley. However, some around the league believe this might have been a situation of panic due to the fact both Amar'e Stoudemire and Tracy McGrady are testing the free agent market. Either way, the Knicks went with what could be described as a surprise pick as they selected center Tiago Splitter, the first overseas player selected this draft. Listed at 7'0" and 272 pounds, there is no question that Splitter has the size to play the center spot in the league. In addition, many scouts believe that Splitter has an upside that can be developed but the fact that is on the table which everyone knows is that Splitter will be playing overseas for the next two years so he is no use to the Knicks at this time (unless involved in a trade). Look for the upcoming free agency period to determine what the Knicks will do with Splitter since if they can resign their superstars they might use him to bolster their roster for a title run. However, if they are not in a position to win look for them to hang onto him and see if he can develop into a quality player when he comes to play in the league three years from now.

8. Sacramento Kings - Spencer Hawes (C+ C C- B- B- A)[/b][/u]

As the draft continues, the next stop was in Sacramento as the Kings held onto the eight selection. Coming off a draft in which the team likely found their future franchise player in Brandon Roy, the Kings hoped to add another young piece to the puzzle. With this in mind, Sacramento decided to go with center Spencer Hawes out of the University of Washington. While only 19 years of age, Hawes is a legit seven-footer with good size to patrol the painted area. However, based on the fact Hawes is only 19, his game still needs some work to be a solid contributor but many scouts believe that the former Husky has the potential to meet those expectations as Sacramento hopes that the Husky combo of Roy to Hawes will lead them back up the standings and become a threat in the West for years to come. While I don't question the selection, there is no question that Hawes benefitted from the wild card system due to many centers going back to school and not entering this year's draft.

9. New Jersey Nets - Thaddeus Young (B- C C B C A)[/b][/u]

After a stop on the West Coast, the focus of the draft shifts back east with the New Jersey Nets on the clock. After evaluating their options, the Nets decided to go with Thaddeus Young, a super athletic forward out of Georgia Tech. Similar to what can be said about any lottery pick, scouts are intrigued with the potential that Young shows to go along with the physical tools he possesses. With his athletic ability and coming in at 6'8"/210, Young will be able to get to the hoop to put the pressure on the defense but his outside shooting will need some work to make him an all-around player. Based on the fact Young is a lottery pick, he is not eligible for the D-League so it will be interesting to see what the Nets do with him this coming season. The reason for this is because New Jersey has veteran Tim Thomas that averaged just under 17 points last year from the small forward position along with Gerald Wallace who averaged just over 11 points as well. However, both of these players are on expiring contracts so the team will possibly ease Young into the lineup and make him the starter next season.


basketball.realgm.com/images/basketball/5.0/team_logos/nba/19px/min_19px.gif[/img] 10. Minnesota Timberwolves - D.J. Augustin (C B- B C+ C- A)[/b][/u]

Earlier in the draft there was a collective groan from Los Angeles Clippers fans after watching the Timberwolves use a pick that once upon a time belong to them draft Al Horford. There was a second collective groan that was heard during the lottery as Golden State fans saw the Timberwolves with their pick. Using this pick, Minnesota went with former University of Texas point guard D.J. Augustin to address a possible need for their team. Augustin's strength is his ability to handle the ball and distribute it to his teammates as a floor general and the Minnesota front office is hoping the rest of his game will continue to evolve. However, this is a good situation for the rookie if he is forced into the starting lineup since he will be surrounded by legitimate offensive weapons in Kevin Garnett, Andrei Kirilenko, and shooting guard Lenny Cooke. There is also the possibility that Minnesota will be able to resign their point guard during the free agency period and this would move the rookie to the bench to give him time to learn the game at this level in addition to working on his game.
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