The Dallas Mavericks own the 4th pick. They are represented by
Curtis Hill
With that pick, Dallas selects:
Anfernee Hardaway, SG, Memphis State
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USENET GM: Curtis Hill
Real GM: Norm Sanju
Should be GM: Curtis Hill
I. Team Needs/History
Dallas. Worst team in the league. One of the worst NBA teams of all
time.
Dallas needs help at every position, either on the first team or the
second. In some cases, both. Here's the breakdown:
Point: help needed (Iuzzolino is nice, but only a backup)
2: Jackson and Harper are fine
3: HELP!!!!
4: Smith is OK
5: Rooks surprised
So, Dallas needs help most at small forward. Easy choices:
Jamal Mashburn
Anfernee Hardaway
Both are exceptional players and would be able to contribute immediately.
II. Your selection (and explanation)
Anfernee Hardaway - outstanding player. Extremely clutch and
brilliant in nearly every aspect of the game. Can play 1-3, no
problem. A rich man's Walt Williams, if you will. May not blend as
well with JJ as Mash might, given that both JJ and Penny are probably
most confortable at the 2 spot and wing. Still a future NBA great.
III. Others considered (and why considered, briefly)
Rodney Rogers - outstanding small/big forward prospect. Might prosper
in a place with a dominant center. Not as good at leading the
transition as Mash or Hardaway.
That's it. No one other than these three should be seriously considered
at this position in the draft.
IV. Who the team will probably take
Hardaway - I don't think Mash will be there at #4.
V. Other moves that team should make
Fire upper management?
A Real Bright Move(tm) would be to trade Harper to a team like
Charlotte for a late round #1 pick. This would allow Dallas to get
some additional help in a deep draft and let Harper get a couple of
years on a contender. Picking up a Lindsey Hunter late in the first
round would be a really good move.
Of course, the way the Mavs have been doing business of late, they'll
probably trade their #1 and Harper to move down....
Odds are that Hardaway will be the pick in the real draft. I expect
Golden State to move up, letting Nellie get his center, with Mash going
to Orlando to provide the passing and shooting the Shaq needs.
The good news for Mavs fans is that the Mavs can't mess up this pick if
they don't trade down. They'll have to get a good player, even if they
draft Rodney Rogers (which wouldn't suck).
That is, unless the Mavs decide to draft Norm Sonju's pre-hardship best
player in the draft with the #4 pick -- Bobby Hurley.
And don't resign Tarpley...
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