프리 드래프트 캠프에서 주목할만한 활약을 보인 선수들

르브론 제임스의 파이널 진출로 인해 플레이오프도 뜨거워지고 있다. 그리고 플레이오프가 뜨거워지고 있는 가운데 드래프트에 대한 소식들도 들려오고 있다. 사실 나는 드래프트 쪽에 더 관심이 많다. 어찌보면 파이널은 남의 잔치(그래도 졸 부럽다.). 프리드래프트도 끝났고, 선수들의 신체검사도 끝났으며 이제 개별적인 워크 아웃이 남았는데, 2라운드 상위픽을 가진 소닉스가 누구를 뽑을지 아니면 픽을 트레이드로 사용할지 귀추가 주목된다.

밑에 내용은 프리 드래프트 캠프에서 좋은 모습을 보여준 10명의 선수에 대한 SI.com의 크리스 액스트레인의 기사. 대충 해석해보려고 했으나 근성부족+귀차니즘의 압박+영어실력의 후달림으로 쬐금하다가 말았다. -_-;;
 
개인적으로 2라운드에서 터리언 그린 괜찮을 것 같다.

드래프트 익스프레스의 올프리드래프트 캠프 팀을 보려면 클릭(http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2094)


Predraft camp wrap-up

Dudley, Nichols intrigue clubs with different skill sets

NBA 프리 드래프트 캠프에서 인상적인 활약을 펼치는 것과 드래프트 되는 것은 전혀 별개의 일이다. 이것은 그동안 꾸준하게 관찰해온 결과 얻은 사실이다. 프리드래프트 캠프에서 플레이하는 대부분의 선수들은 2라운드를 목표로 하고 있고 그중에 아주 운이 좋으면 1라운드에 뽑힐 수도 있다. 지난 시즌 프리드래프트에서 플레이했던 선수들중에 사우스 캐롤라이나의 리날도 버크만(20번 뉴욕닉스)과 UCLA의 조던 파머(26번 로스엔젤레스 레이커스) 단 두명만이 1라운드에 뽑혔었다.

보통 1라운드는 이렇게 돌아간다. : 팀들은 보드에 있는 선수들중에 가장 재능있다고 생각되는 선수들을 선택한다. 그렇다. 아주 가끔 연습에서 강한 인상을 받은 후에 몇몇의 팀들은 종종 팀에 부족한 포지션을 채우기 위해서 선수를 뽑기도 하지만. 이렇기 때문에 GM들은 포지션에 상관없이 남아있는 가장 유능한 선수들을 뽑기마련이다.

2라운드는 전혀 다른 문제이다. 몇몇 팀들은 해외리그를 탐색하는데 많은 시간과 돈과 노력을 쏟아붓는다. 2라운드에 드래프트할 선수를 찾기 위해서, 그리고 여전히 드래프트 보드에 남아있는 대학 선수들보다 더 성장가능성이 있다고 판단한 선수들을 뽑기위해서. 동부챔피언 클리블랜드 케버리어스의 안데르센 바레장, 디트로이트가 뽑은 메멧 오커, 애틀란타가 뽑은 자자 파츌리아는 최근 2라운드에서 뽑힌 해외리그 선수의 좋은 예이다.

해외선수를 드래프트 하는 것은 팀에게 이익이 될 수 있다. 해외선수들은 자신을 드래프트한 팀이 사인할 준비가 될때까지 해외에서 머물것을 동의한다. 그리고 NBA 팀들은 이 선수들에게 필요한 서류를 제출하고 사인을 미루는 방식으로 이들에 대한 권리를 영원히 보유할 수 있다. 미국의 대학 선수들과 그들의 에이전트들은 당장 계약하기를 원하고 루키로서 팀의 트레이닝 캠프에 참가하여 정식 로스터에 들기를 원한다. 그러나 만약 정식 로스터에 들지 못할경우, 정규시즌 시작과 함께 그들은 팀에서 방출되고 그에 수반되는 권리를 모두 잃게된다. 이것이 최근 몇년동안 2라운드에서 해외선수들의 비중이 늘어난 이유이다.

그러나 올해는 조금 다를 것이다. 일단 1라운드가 끝난다고 하더라도 NBA팀들은 해외 선수들에게 크게 매력을 느끼지 못할 것이다. 이것은 1라운드에서 뽑히지 못한 미국의 대학 선수들도 2라운드에서 선택될 가능성이 높다는 것을 의미한다. 2006년 드래프트에서 프리드래프트 캠프에서 플레이했던 선수 9명이 2라운드에 선택되었다. 나는 올해 6월 28일 드래프트에서 더 많은 선수들이 뽑힐 것을 기대하고 있다.

밑에서는 프리 드래프트캠프에서 좋은 활약을 보였으며 드래프트 될 가능성이 높은 10명의 선수를 살펴볼 것이다.


Jared Dudley, Boston College senior forward

나는 오랫동안 더들리에 대해서 많은 것을 보아왔다. 그래서 캠프에서 보여준 그의 게임에서 어떤 다른 점에 초점을 맞추려고 노력했다. 가장 분명한 것중에 하나는 그의 퍼리미터 슈팅 스트로크가 더 부드러워 보인다는 것이고, 20~22풋 거리 슈팅에서 자신감이 더 강해진 것으로 보인다는 것이다. 억지로 슛을 쏘지 않았으며 게임당 10.7득점 5리바운드를 기록했으며 60%의 필드골 성공률을 기록했다.

퍼리미터 슈팅뿐만 아니라 더들리는 보스턴 컬리지 출신다운 그리고 ACC 올해의 선수다운 플레이를 보여줬다. 편향성을 가지고 있었고 수비에서 활동적인 모습을 보여줬으며 놀라운 패스를 보여줬다. 공격에서는 몇 번의 파워넘치는 풋백득점을 보여줬다.

더들리는 몇몇 스카우터들이 말하는 소위 "knockout punch"가 부족했다. 이런 기술은 더들리가 NBA에서 롱런하기 위해서는 필수적인 기술이다. 그러나 다양한 종류의 스킬과 코트전반에 걸쳐 지능적으로 플레이할 수 있는 능력은 더들리가 쉐인 베티에 타입의 선수임을 보여준다.


Demetris Nichols, Syracuse senior forward

I can't resist listing Nichols immediately after Dudley, because they are such opposites in what they offer NBA teams. While it might be hard to define what Dudley does best, Nichols is a cold-blooded three-point shooter. Nichols may not be the greatest defender, most creative passer or slickest ball handler, but my goodness, can he shoot the basketball!

In the first two games at the camp, Nichols made 13-of-16 shots, including 7-of-9 from three-point range. While he slumped a bit in the third game (2-for-7 overall, 2-for-4 from downtown), he still finished the camp having made nine of 13 three-point shots, a statistic that is likely to garner attention from NBA teams.


Aaron Gray, Pittsburgh senior center

Through no fault of his own, Gray is not likely to be a high first-round pick. In years past, a legitimate center with his size (7-foot, 265 pounds), rebounding ability (9.9 per game his last two collegiate years) and good touch around the basket would have been a top 15 pick. Times have changed, however, and teams are primarily looking for versatile, athletic players who can be deployed no matter who is on the floor for the other team.

Gray, who played well at the predraft camp, averaging 14 points and six rebounds per game, is likely to be a late first-round or early second-round pick. NBA teams still have a need for all the things he can do, but they are simply unwilling to pass on mid-sized athletes who offer multiple skills with better athleticism.


Stephane Lasme, Massachusetts senior forward

Any time someone breaks a shot-blocking record set by Marcus Camby, the NBA's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, attention must be paid. Lasme broke Camby's single-season and career shot-blocking records at Massachusetts, and he didn't slow down at the predraft camp.

Lasme blocked 13 shots in three games, a 4.33 average, approaching his season average of 5.1 blocks per game despite averaging only 20 minutes at the camp. Lasme was an equal opportunity rejection machine, blocking shots in man-to-man situations, as well as when playing help defense. Nate Thurmond once told me the shot-blockers he respected most did both. Big Nate got to the Hall of Fame for his defense, so that's good enough for me.

Lasme is not very tall, and he's a raw offensive player. But he is a great athlete, and with his jumping ability, could be developed into an adequate offensive player. He could sneak into the first round, but is more likely an early second round choice.


Ramon Sessions, Nevada junior point guard

Sessions was one of just nine players who entered the camp with the option of returning to college. And although he played very well and was one of the best point guards in camp, Sessions would probably be best served by returning to Nevada for his senior year. He hasn't quite pushed his way into this draft's first round.

Sessions made great decisions with the ball, compiling 13 assists against just one turnover. However, even though he scored well, averaging 13.3 points per game, he shot just 41 percent from the field, and his side-spin jump shot was noted by several scouts. If Sessions can improve the mechanics of his jump shot and improve his shooting percentage, he should be a sure-fire first round draft pick in 2008.


Daequan Cook, Ohio State freshman guard

For two games, Cook looked lost playing against the more experienced players comprising the predraft camp rosters. He didn't shoot the ball well (7-for-19, 36.8 percent) and didn't do any of the intangible things that would help a team win. One more performance like those two, and interested NBA teams might have rethought their interest in the shooting guard prospect.

But in his third game, Cook looked like the player who scored 14 or more points in seven of his first eight collegiate games. He got himself started with a gorgeous turnaround in the lane that showed off his balance. He then hit a baseline jumper, a three-pointer with one second left on the shot clock and passed to a teammate for a layup. When it was over, Cook had scored 22 points, 11 in each half. He made nine of 15 shots, including 3 of 4 from three-point range.

Cook's scoring outburst doesn't mean he is NBA-ready. He rarely did anything notable to help his team when he didn't have the ball, lacking intensity on defense and standing around on offense. Another season or two at Ohio State could round out his game, increase his basketball I.Q. and make him a more complete player. Remember, Cook didn't even start for the Buckeyes last season.

Cook could be chosen in the first round on his potential and still end up playing most of the season in the NBA Development League. What his final game did show was that Cook has the talent to one day be a competent shooting guard in the NBA. Whether that day comes sooner or later is up to Cook.


Ali Traore, Le Havre (France) power forward

Traore solidified his status as someone who will definitely be drafted with his play at the camp. The native of the Ivory Coast, who has been playing regularly at the top level in France the past two seasons, showed impressive strength and a reliable lefty jump hook all week long.

Traore averaged 14.7 points per game, the second-highest scoring average in camp, and shot a remarkable 70 percent from the field. Traore is not a great jumper and he didn't rebound all that well, but he demonstrated a lot of confidence in putting the ball on the floor for one or two dribbles and then lofting his hook shots from a spot in the middle of the lane. He also hit a couple of facing jump shots from 12 to 17 feet from the basket.

Traore could be very attractive to an NBA team because he is still developing and could remain in France for another season or two to expand his game. In recent drafts, teams like San Antonio (Ian Mahinmi in 2005) and Portland (Joel Freeland in 2006) have used first-round selections on players they did not want to bring to the NBA right away. It wouldn't be a shock to see Traore go late in the first round or early second round.


Coby Karl, Boise State senior guard

When I watched Karl at the camp, I couldn't help but think of the way Luke Walton played at the predraft camp in 2003. Walton scored a few buckets, but it was his passing ability that drew the attention of NBA scouts. Walton made passes from all over the court, and that's what Karl did in Orlando. Karl is not well-suited to be a regular point guard in the NBA, but he would make a splendid secondary passer because of his court vision and his acumen in making pinpoint deliveries from any spot.

Karl has a lightning-quick release on his jump shot, and he scored very well at the camp, averaging 12.3 points per game and shooting 53 percent from the field. He lacks some foot speed to compete with the NBA's quicker guards, but players no quicker than Karl have made the league and prospered. There were plenty of quicker, more athletic players in the camp, but Karl's basketball I.Q. stood alone.

Karl has received plenty of goodwill from the basketball community, stemming from his courageous fight against cancer. But he is no charity case. Karl is ready for his next challenge: to make an NBA roster.


Taurean Green, Florida junior point guard

Despite a nondescript third game, Green showed the steady playmaking abilities that helped Florida win two consecutive national championships. He did a good job of distributing the ball to teammates, both in halfcourt sets and after penetrating into the lane, and creating openings. Green's size -- a concern for some evaluators -- didn't seem to have any bearing on his ability to do a good job. Green appears to have enough wiry strength to compete against bigger point guards.

Green has a nice court demeanor. He seems almost unflappable; and with the number of big games he's played in, maybe that shouldn't be any surprise. He shot the ball well all week in the shooting drills, and kept that going into the game, hitting 60 percent of his shots and averaging 10 points per game.

Green, who is apparently staying in the draft, seems to be trailing Ohio State's Mike Conley Jr., Texas A&M's Acie Law IV and Georgia Tech's Javaris Crittenton among point guards available in this draft. At this point, he's vying with players like USC's Gabe Pruitt, Marist's Jared Jordan and Oregon's Aaron Brooks, as well as Nevada's Sessions (if he stays in) for positioning in the draft.


Coleman Collins, Virginia Tech forward

Collins had a very disappointing senior season, in part because he's been dealing with the death of his father, with whom he was very close, in February 2006. He unexpectedly received a spot in the predraft camp after a season in which he averaged only 7.8 points per game. Selection committee members relied on his fine play in previous seasons as the basis for his invitation.

Collins made the most of the invite. He averaged a camp-best 17.7 points per game, shooting 54 percent from the field. Time after time, Collins moved to the open spot, often near the foul line or the top of the key, and swished facing jump shots. Only in the second game did his shot desert him, but he still collected 13 points and eight rebounds in that contest.

It's a certainty that Collins, who was nowhere near any team's draft board entering the camp, will now receive some individual workouts with teams. If he shoots the ball with the confidence he displayed in Orlando, Collins might persuade someone to use a draft pick on him.


Other players who played well at the camp included: Oral Roberts forward Caleb Green; Texas A&M forward Antanas Kavaliauskas; Clemson forward James Mays; Nevada guard Marcelus Kemp; Alabama center Jermareo Davidson; San Diego State guard Brandon Heath; Maryland guard D.J. Strawberry; Oklahoma State's Mario Boggan; Lithuanian guard Renaldas Seibutis of Maroussi in Greece; and Marist's Jordan.