Posts tagged ‘ESPN’

Draft Workouts Underway - Early Impressions

by Michael - posted Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

A month filled with percentages and possibilities ended Tuesday night. Not even Jay-Z could bring the Nets luck as they stayed put with the 10th pick in the lottery, as expected. Trade rumors have already surfaced that involve the Nets swapping the lottery pick, and even their other first-rounder (#21), for a proven All-Star in Carmelo Anthony or to move up in the draft for a chance at Michael Beasley. The rumors will continue right until draft night, as everyone expects the Nets to make big changes after a disappointing 34-win season. For now, we’ll focus on the possibilities at the 10th and 21st picks, until rumors become reality.

Ahead of next week’s pre-draft camp in Orlando, where many top picks only show up to get measured, potential draftees are busy working out at various academies or with basketball trainers. ESPN documented the progress on a few notable underclassmen that fit the Nets needs: Kevin Love, Chase Budinger, Joe Alexander, and Marreese Spreights.

Frank needs a big man with offensive post skills that can bring toughness to a team that lacked an edge last season. Love displayed great footwork in college, an ability to score both from the post and to step outside and knock down the mid-range jumper. His passing skills and basketball IQ are impressive for a 19-year-old. On the downside, Memphis exposed the UCLA freshman in the Final Four by pushing the tempo. Not known for his conditioning, Love was a non-factor, often trailing plays in transition. In the second half, he tired from the pace, evidenced by his inability to get his legs underneath his jump shot.

Critics question his defensive ability, particularly against much quicker NBA players. Dedicated to full-time training since leaving school, reports say Love has dropped significant weight, mostly through nutrition and conditioning, and plans to trim his 275-lb frame further prior to individual workouts. The 19-year old has the offensive skills New Jersey needs, if his quickness and defense improve with better conditioning, Love could fill the hole in the paint.

Another player popping up for the Nets in Mock Drafts is Florida’s Marreese Spreights. The 6’11” Florida Gator also reportedly dropped significant weight, appearing strong and fit at Joe Abunassar’s Las Vegas camp. Spreights is still raw, a freshman like Love, his game is not matured to the same level as the UCLA star, nor does he possess the basketball IQ. Spreights played under the radar most of the season, as the rebuilding Gators struggled. The Nets need a contributor now, Spreights has nice upside, but still needs more development time.

Budinger fills a different need – outside shooting. Teams often reverted to zone defense against the Nets forcing them to shoot from outside. Left without a knock down, pure shooter after Eddie House’s departure, the Nets often succumbed to the zone defense, and suffered when their guards were unable to penetrate. The lanky Arizona swingman can hit the 3, but critics question his defensive ability, dribbling, and toughness. At the same Las Vegas camp, Abunassar has Budinger working on using the dribble to create space on the perimeter, a key to creating your own shots. He has the offensive ability to be a lottery pick. With questions about his heart, aggressiveness, and the poor defense he showed in college, if he slides to 21, the Nets should snag him. At 10, they can do better.

A sleeper in this year’s draft, Alexander almost came out of nowhere down the stretch last season. Scouts rave about his athleticism. He displayed great offensive skills in the postseason play, using a stellar mid-range game, good range on his jumper, and an innate ability to find the basket at all costs. The 6’8”, 220-lb forward displayed toughness. He attacked the boards aggressively. Similar to other prospects though, Alexander played poor defense. Aside from defense, the elevation on his jumper, and explosive moves to the basket have teams salivating.

Every player has his strengths and weaknesses. Most of them look great in a pair of shorts at a workout, which does not necessarily translate to success on the court. After Rose and Beasley, the draft has no standouts, but lots of good players. The Nets stand to get two potential contributors if they hold their cards. At number 10 they should err on the side of caution, opt for lower risk players that can contribute sooner, not a big project. Love may be in the air.

Check out Chad Ford’s May 16^th conversation with Kevin Love and May 20^th chat with Joe Abunassar on his NBA podcasts at ESPN.com for more news on these prospects:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/archive?id=2669425

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Tags: 2008 NBA Draft, Arizona, Chad Ford, Chase Budinger, draft, ESPN, Florida, Joe Abunassar, Joe Alexander, Kevin Love, Lawrence Frank, Lottery, Marreese Spreights, New Jersey Nets, UCLA, West Virginia