With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, teams across the league will scramble over the next 24 hours to trade picks and current players or position themselves to draft an impact rookie in the hopes of upgrading their teams for the next season. Here's a look at some of the late risers and fallers on the eve of the draft.
Rising:
Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, Arizona: Despite averaging only 12 points per game in his sophomore season at Arizona, Iguodala's athleticism sets him apart as a guaranteed lottery pick. With his NBA-ready body, great ball-handling and superior man-to-man defensive skills, Iguodala continues to race up the draft board, and the once late first round pick could sneak into the top five.
Robert Swift, C, Bakersfield HS: At seven feet tall and only 18 years old, Swift is one of the draft's few true centers. The Ohio native should look very appealing to many teams aiming to fortify anemic front lines across the league. Despite choosing not to work out for individual teams, the hype surrounding Smith's size and potential combined with a lack of frontline depth in the draft could land Swift as high as the number six overall pick with Atlanta.
Pavel Podkolzine, Siberia: Despite a wealth of talent, Podkolzine is dogged by past contract issues, recurring knee problems and his lack of the skills of a true NBA center. Although he towers over the opposition at 7'-5" tall, Podkolzine possesses neither the strength nor the low-post intelligence to play center in the NBA immediately. He initially appeared as a late first round pick.
However, Podkolzine's shooting ability and athleticism at his size intrigue many scouts, and the allure of these all-around skills launched him into the lottery.
Falling:
Sebastian Telfair, PG, Lincoln HS: Telfair garnered much attention by becoming the first point guard to forego college in favor of the NBA. His ability to score and his sophisticated point guard skills left an indelible mark in New York City basketball lore. However, his lack of size and the vast difference between playing point in high school and the NBA caused Telfair to cascade down the draft board, from a lottery pick to a late first-rounder.
Delonte West, SG, St. Joseph's: Many expected West to follow the lead of St. Joseph's teammate Jameer Nelson and return to college for his senior season, yet West chose to remain in the draft. While most scouts acknowledge his offensive prowess, a guard-rich draft and questions regarding West's size and defense should cause him to fall in the second round.
David Harrison, PF/C, Colorado: A true center who stands seven feet tall and with great defensive ability, Harrison's lack of offensive and the potential of players such as Podkolzine or Swift caused him to fall on the draft board. Originally regarded as a first round pick, Harrison will most likely fall in the second round, as a result of superior talent and potential available in other players.
As Charlotte's recent trade to acquire the number two overall pick and the swirling trade winds around Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis, look for many teams to initiate and complete draft-day deals. Aside from the teams of the players above, look for the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies with high profile, deal-making General Managers Mark Cuban, Larry Bird and Jerry West to highlight a busy night of player movement.
