Posted by VDesai:

Interesting. I'd be sorta upset if the board fell this way for the Knicks. Might think about going international here or maybe just settle on Byars.

I hear ya and the way the draft fell here--honestly could be quite realistic--i think everyone has done a very good job other than atlanta picking two players under 6-2:). However there will be surprises and foreign players in the real one---plus as well all know wilson chandler has already been annoited pick 23.

With the 23rd Pick in the 2007 draft the New York Knick select


5
Rudy Fernandez
Spain

*
Birthday:
4/4/1985
*
NBA Postion:
PG/SG
*
Class:
N/A
*
Ht:
6-6
*
Wt:
172
*
Int Team:
Joventut Badalona
*
Hometown:
P. de Mallorca, Spain
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High School:
N/A
*
2007 Statistics
Euroleague Profile

9
8
6
5
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
8
Overall
91
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXAucLSrYv8
NBA Comparison: Manu Ginobili
Strengths: Possesses legit three point range on his jumper, and excels at catch and shoot … Moves extremely well without the ball as he is constantly moving, never settles … Really understands how to get by opposing defenders by using his quick first step and ball handling ability … Creative slasher when driving to the basket as he can finish with a multitude of reverse lay-ups, dunks or switching hands to get his shot off … Athletically he owns above average leaping ability, solid quickness and excellent body control … Needs very little time to get his shot off due to his quick release … Passing ability is solid but not spectacular… Plays very composed rarely looks out of control or unfocused on the floor … Shows a high basketball IQ … Reportedly a very coachable player who owns a good work ethic … Fernandez improved his perimeter defense this past season … Solid free throw shooter … Unselfish player who looks to get teammates involved …

Weaknesses: Could really stand to bulk up and gain more upper body strength, how much he’ll be able to is questionable … This lack of upper body strength presents itself in games as he struggles to finish after contact occurs … Defensively he lacks great lateral movement and intensity and while he has improved he remains a work in progress … He tends to overcompensate by overplaying the passing lanes … Ball protection must improve as he can get a little too careless with the ball … Mid-range game is undeveloped as he focuses on slashing and shooting three point shots … Despite his athletic ability Fernandez remains a below average rebounder … Shot selection is average due to the fact that he can get caught up shooting threes instead of driving … Has improved but is still not a great shooter off the dribble … Defensively he doesn’t always fight through picks … Some have questioned his toughness …
Matthew Maurer - 11/17/2006
Strengths: An impressive talent, wise beyond his years ... Seems better every time you see him ...He has a wonderful bag of tricks, especially offensively ... Excellent one on one guy ... He knows how to take what the defense gives him, knows when to pull up, when to drive and when to pass... In his first "true" year, he had a fantastic season, putting up over double figures in scoring in the most important (toughest) league in Europe ... He has good numbers, but you have to see him play to truly understand how talented he is ... He is so fluid, so composed, so smooth and always under control, he makes the game look so easy... He is not too aggressive but not afraid either ... He makes great decisions, and never gets out of control, which is incredible considering his age ... He has such a court awareness, and always knows how to make the right play, without thinking of himself ahe puts the team first ... He could still be growing and has long arms which add to his length ... He has been playing at the SF spot for Badalona, but can handle either guard positions as well ... Unlike many players as athletic as he is, he doesn't rely on it ... He uses intelligence and skills instead ... Has good quickness and speed and is extremely fluid ... His first step is insane, as is his ability to start and stop ... He's always on balance ... Really excells when pressured and understands how to handle a press ... Stays within the system well ... Uses screens well to gain separation for shots or drives ... He doesn't like to drive into traffic because of his skinny frame, but he is not afraid of contact and if he sees daylight he'll go to the hoop fearlessly ... He has great skills (like Navarro of Spain) to let the ball go early against big men ... He loves to take the big shot and excels in important situations ... He has nice change of speed with the ball in his hands and very good ball handling making him dangerous with the dribble. He also passes extremely well, beating the double team and finding the open man ... He has great vision, he doesn't look for the "oooooh" pass, but the easy (and right) one…. Very good free throw shooter ... In the open court he can lead the fastbreak or fill the lane… he likes to run and the main thing is how fast he is able to change from defense to the break ... He can come off the bench and get into the flow of scoring very quickly …. He can defend bigger players and quicker ones ... Has very quick hands, and reads the passing lanes, and can rip someone from the dibble … With Badalona he lacks touches, because he is not the star of the team. But he is showing glimpses of what the future has in store and that is great things at the highest level: NBA ...


Weaknesses: Physically he must get stronger ... He still can get muscled around because of his lack of physical strength ... In the NBA he will struggle defensively until he gets stronger ... Has a tendency to get out of control going to the basket. Plays with a lack of regard for his body which shows his great passion, but could be cause for concern for injury problems in the future ...

Notes: Currently playing with the Spanish National Team where he is already seeing minutes at 19 years of age! Last year he signed a long term deal with Badalona which could make his buyout a little difficult.
Cristian Biagini - 7/29/2004

That's what I was thinking when I mentioned "foreign players." Considering what was on the board at the time I think that's a pretty decent move.

I was gonna take Rudy at 26. Nice pick considering what was left.

at long last, with the 24th pick in the draft; the Phoenix Suns select:

Jason Smith Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Colorado State

He is tall and athletic, gets up and down the floor and can score from just about anywhere on the floor. He also plays with great energy. He could be a real sleeper in the draft.

For what was left, I'm proud of my pick. Dead eye shooter. I'm good I'll come out side when ever I want.

houston has the 26th pick and finally kam77 is on the clock

Yo DJ, what up with Charlotte selecting Josh mcroberts? That team needs a true shooting guard more than anything. I was expecting affalo to go there.

I'm here, just need a few minutes to go over the last few picks and who is available.