<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (essrog @ Apr 9 2008, 04:47 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Apr 9 2008, 12:58 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Assuming that the Nets continue to draft according to their recently-shown preferences, I think there are only three legitimate options at this point: Westbrook, Budinger, and CDR. I really can't see them drafting a PG or a big. Among other things, they don't draft players at the same position in the first round in consecutive rounds, so I wouldn't expect them to take another PF. I also can't see them taking a PG unless they trade Marcus. It could happen, but I think Rod's preference is to stick with the players he has and give them a chance to develop (as you all know). That would leave a SG or SF, and of course they prefer a big kid from a major team in a major conference who is not a freshman, a "team player," can pass and play some defense, and is pretty smart.
I think it'll be between those three players OR the Nets will deal the pick. I haven't seen any of them--haven't watched a college game all season--but from what I read Budinger isn't very good defensively, and I suspect that they'll try to get someone who plays strong perimeter defense, which the other two do. Don't know if Westbrook has declared, or will declare.
Two other players that might be in the mix are Brandon Rush and Earl Clark of Louisville. They don't seem as highly regarded, though, and maybe the Nets could get one with the Dallas pick.</div>
Until today I was holding out hope that one of the offense-minded bigs would drop to us (Lopez, Randolph, Griffin), but Griffin pulled out of the draft today, so that seems unlikely. I think the Nets might have broken Dumpy's rule for one of them.
I think Westbrook is strictly a PG. Right now I think CDR will be the pick, and that his stock will rise enough in the next couple of months that it won't seem like the stretch that it does right now.
He has some key advantages over Budinger: defensive potential, outside shooting, ability to penetrate, and he was a key player on a near-championship team. His handle scares me, I wish he rebounded more, and I hate that he pooped his pants at the FT line with the championship at stake, but nobody's perfect.
I kind of like Tyler Smith for the 2nd pick. Maybe Ryan Anderson, Chalmers, or Jason Thompson for the second rounder assuming the best Eurostash players will be gone by the time we pick.
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Budinger's defensive problems can be fixed with coaching and the leadership of veterans...right now he strictly utilizes his lateral quickness defensively and lacks the physicality...that can be learned...he is a great shooter, excellent in transition and a great finisher...the perfect compliment in a Devin Harris led offense.
If he's there when we pick barring any top talent like Mayo or Gordan falling then we should take him.
