NBA Draft: What To Expect, Picks 6-10

This is the second article in a series.  See Part 1 (Picks 1-5) and Part 3 (Picks 11-15) for more details.

6. PER = 16.0, PPG = 11, RPG =5, APG =1.7

      Biggest Score: Brandon Roy (2006)

While you’re reading this, you’re probably noticing a trend.  Look at how few “Biggest Scores” there are coming from the late 1990’s.  Other than Stevie Franchise, we haven’t really seen anyone else.  Tells you how lean those years were for drafting.  I was surprised to see Bryant Reeves’ 1997 season ranking up near the top (it was the 5^th best season).  Who were we talking about? Oh yes, Roy.  I hear the gentleman can game.  That is all.

      Biggest Flop: DaJuan Wagner (2004)

Wagner had a tough 2004 season and played in only 14 games.  He’s currently trying to make a comeback for a Polish team after having part of colon removed for health reasons.

7. PER = 16.0, PPG = 11.1, RPG =4.5, APG =2.8

      Biggest Score: Luol Deng (2006)

Deng rocked in 2006, scoring a cool 18.8 points a game and pulling down 7.1 boards a game.  It’s a damned shame he didn’t sign that extension at the beginning of this season.

      Biggest Flop: George McCloud (1989)

McCloud had a tough year for the Pacers that year, but went on to shoot the lights out in Dallas.  McCloud actually used to share the record for most three point attempts in a game (20!), but sadly he his now second to Damon Stoudemire.  Apparently, somebody’s been slacking off on their Wikipedia page.

8. PER = 15.0, PPG = 9.2, RPG =3.9, APG =2.2

      Biggest Score: Andre Miller (2001)

After leaving the University of Utah and Rick Majerus’ schlong behind, Miller played his first three years in the NBA with the Cavs – I had to look this up because I had no earthly clue.  He left before LeBron came on the scene.  Think about if he had still been there when LeBron came around.  (Although, in this bizarro world, Cleveland probably doesn’t garner the top pick…)

      Biggest Flop: DeSagana Diop (2001)

To be fair, Diop only played in 18 games for the Cavs in 2001.  However, he’s improved markedly over his career.  Also vying for this spot: Rafael Araujo (2004 and 2005) and Mark Macon (1991, 1992, and 1993).

9. PER = 17.0, PPG = 10.3, RPG =5.1, APG =1.4

      Biggest Score: Amare Stoudemire (2004)

The 9 spot features a litany of All-Stars: Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady, and Shawn Marion.  Stoudemire’s pre-surgery 2002 was a tour-de-force that bested them all, dropping 26.0 PPG and 8.9 RPG.  This was an impressive for a kid just two years out of high school.  Who needs college anyway?

      Biggest Flops: Joel Przybilla (2000), Patrick O’Bryant (2006)

Apparently, these guys did.  Both players skipped out on their last two years of college eligibility to jump to the NBA. Przybilla left Minnesota early because of his feud with then coach Dan Monson. O’Bryant left Bradley after  his Sophomore year because he was an NCAA Tournament darling.  Now, he’s just a darling in the D-League.  Pryzbilla now just makes peculiar bets.

Part 3 coming soon!