Had Louisiana State's 7-foot-1 behemoth Shaquille O'Neal decided to make some lottery team happy and come out of college this year, 1991's installment of the NBA draft would have been something really special.
As it stands now, the draft has many talented players, but lacks . . . pizazz.It's not that there aren't any guys who'll end up with long and prosperous pro careers, it's just that there aren't any absolutely-can't-miss-because-he's-going-to-be-an-instant-superstar players available (there would have been had O'Neal come out).
"He (O'Neal) would have given the draft a lot more sizzle," said Pat Williams, the president of the Orlando Magic.
Although no single player seems to have locked up the No. 1 tag in the draft, there are a few candidates worthy of such a distinction.
Players mentioned prominently in the No. 1 sweepstakes are UNLV forward Larry Johnson, Georgia Tech guard Kenny Anderson, Georgetown center Dikembe Mutombo and Syracuse forward Billy Owens.
Other possible lottery-bound players include Missouri's Doug Smith, former LSU center Stanley Roberts, UNLV's Stacey Augmon, Michigan State's Steve Smith, New Mexico's Luc Longley, Arizona's Brian Williams, Nebraska's Rich King and Temple's Mark Macon.
Here's a position-by-position overview of the talent available:
Center
Georgetown's Dikembe Mutombo is far and away the best prospect in this group. His great size and long arms made him one of the best shotblockers in collegiate basketball history. Limited offensively, the 7-foot-2 Hoya needs to improve his array of post moves.
"He's better than two-thirds of the NBA centers playing," said Miami Heat Director of Player Personnel Stu Inman. "Among the centers in the playoffs, you'd probably take him over (Kevin) Duckworth and (Bill) Cartwright, maybe even (Vlade) Divac. He'll always be a big-time shot-blocker and rebounder, and his offense should develop."
Inman especially likes Mutombo's work ethic and maturity.
"He'll be a man from Day One," Inman said. "Emotionally, he's a little older and will make a quicker adjustment than most rookies."
Mutombo, a native of Zaire, is already 25 years old, though. That may worry some teams.
"He's a young 25, but if it takes three or four years to develop, he's 28 or 29. It's a consideration, and it's on my mind," said Charlotte Hornets' vice president Allan Bristow.
Stanley Roberts, a former LSU center is an intriguing prospect in that he has excellent post moves and a silky-smooth shot, but he's had weight problems in the past. Roberts could be the next Bob Lanier - or the next Mel Turpin.
"Roberts could fall (in the draft) because of a general lack of motivation," a scout said.
Brian Williams decided to test his wares in the NBA after two seasons at Arizona and one year at Maryland. Williams possesses all the skills necessary to be a superb pro center and is also quick enough to play the forward spot. An absolute can't-miss prospect coming out of high school, Williams never really blossomed into the dominant player he was expected to be.
Australian Luc Longley, who played at New Mexico, is an excellent passer for a big man and also shows promise as a rebounder and shotblocker. Some perceive his attitude as lackadaisical and this may be a turnoff for many teams.
One NBA scout commented, "Sometimes he plays like Bill Walton, other times like John-Boy Walton."
Similar in size to Longley is Nebraska's Rich King. The Cornhusker center played well enough in the Orlando All-Star Classic in April to vault him into lottery pick contention. King has excellent size and displays skills that remind some of an upscale model of the Bulls' Will Perdue. Scouts like his combination of size and mobility.
Other centers likely to be drafted are Temple's Donald Hodge, Syracuse's LeRon Ellis, San Diego State's Marty Dow and Houston's Alvaro Teheran.
Power forward
UNLV's rockem-sockem forward Larry Johnson is the frontrunner of the big forwards. The two-time All-American combines startling quickness and incredible strength into a formidable package. He's a legitimate contender to be the No. 1 pick in the draft.
"Larry Johnson is unique," said Inman. "He's a small forward who can play power forward. He doesn't have a sophisticated small forward's game - he's just a fair ball-handler - but he's a winner with a big heart. He's a special kid so you put him in his own special category."
Johnson's height has been the source of much predraft talk. After a measurement at the Chicago predraft camp, it will be even more - Johnson, projected as a power forward, was measured at 6-51/2. Johnson had been telling people he is 6-7.
Second on the power forward hit parade is Missouri's Doug Smith, an incredibly athletic big man. Smith has a soft turnaround jump shot and runs the floor with grace. He could use a few extra pounds to withstand the NBA's pounding, however.
Inman calls Smith a "sure-fire guy" who has unnatural quickness and speed for his size - 6-10.
Glass cleaners Shaun Vandiver of Colorado and Clemson's Dale Davis figure to be first-round draft choices. Vandiver, the MVP at Orlando, is a real banger with excellent size. Davis was considered a probable lottery selection after his junior season, but struggled early in his senior campaign and his stock dropped accordingly. That aside, Davis can still rebound with anyone in the country.
Seton Hall's Anthony Avent, former Hoya John Turner, UNLV's George Ackles, Iowa State's Victor Alexander and Creighton's Chad Gallagher are some of the other top big forwards available.
Small forward
Among the leading candidates to be picked No. 1 overall is Syracuse's multi-dimensional Billy Owens. Owens came out after a junior year in which he averaged over 23 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game for the Orangemen. He was college basketball's most versatile performer this past season.
Owens played all five positions but is most comfortable as a 3-man. He can either take a big man outside and shoot over him or dribble around him. Smaller foes have trouble with his exceptional post-up abilities.
"I love him because his versatility is so appealing," said Charlotte Hornets chief of scouting Dave Twardzik. "He's an uncanny passer for his size. People that size are just not supposed to handle the ball or see the floor like he does."
While the sky is the limit for this jack of all trades, an improved outside shooting touch would ease his transition into the pros.
The other half of UNLV's All-American forward tandem, Stacey Augmon, will get some looks from the lottery teams. The Rebels' high-flying wingman is second to none in the open court and has improved his outside shooting. Augmon is considered by many to be the finest defensive player in the country.
Old Dominion's Chris Gatling is a long-armed rejector who played a lot of center and power forward in college, but could be best suited as a small forward in the pros. He's reminiscent of Portland's Cliff Robinson.
"He's basically the kind of player who's going to play defense inside, blocking shots, but he can also play guys on the wing. I think he's got the ability to defend big time," said Bristow.
Three more small forwards with first-round potential are North Carolina's Rick Fox, Rutgers' Keith Hughes and Dennis Rodman clone Joe Wylie of Miami.
Shooting guard
Is Michigan State's Steve Smith a mini Magic? Not quite, but definitely the finest Spartan hoopster since the days of Mr. Johnson (with apologies to Scott Skiles). Smith has good size for an off-guard, a decent first step and nice range on his jumpshot. Smith can probably play more than one position.
"I like Smith's versatility because he's 6-7 and I think he can play three spots - point guard, big guard and small forward. I think he can be an impact player in the league very quickly," said Lakers scout Ronnie Lester.
Temple's Mark Macon, compared to Oscar Robertson after his freshman year, couldn't hope to live up to expectations. Plagued by periods of cold shooting, Macon never seemed to get quite on track after a nationally-televised game in which he shot a miserable percentage from the floor. Macon had an outstanding NCAA tourney, and that, coupled with his superior defensive skills make him a definite first round pick.
Paired with backcourt mate Chris Corchiani, N.C. State's Rodney Monroe lit up the ACC for four years as half of "Fire and Ice." Monroe ("Ice") is probably the best pure shooter available in the draft. The 6-foot-3 guard consistently nailed the three-pointer all season, and even won the NCAA's three-point contest in April.
Louisville's high-flying LaBradford Smith and Minnesota's Kevin Lynch are also thought of highly by NBA scouts.
Point guard
After Kenny Anderson's storied freshman season, the superlatives spewed forth - and with good reason.
"He has this knack for making the hard plays look easy," Twardzik said. He's an exceptional passer, has great court vision and is an excellent finisher."
Anderson is very quick with the ball, makes directional changes faster than any guard in college, and is an exceptional rebounder for his size.
His weak point is his shooting, which suddenly went AWOL several times during the past season. Streaky is an appropriate adjective when describing his shot.
Once Georgia Tech lost Dennis Scott and Brian Oliver to the NBA, Anderson shot only 44 percent from the field as a sophomore after shooting over 50 percent with the pressure to score off of him.
"He certainly has questionable range on his shot - from 16 feet in, he's all right, but long-range he's not a very good shooter," Twardzik said. "And he had more of a selfish attitude. At times, he needed to score more (as a sophomore), but I wonder about his attitude a little."
UNLV's Greg Anthony is generally considered to be the second most talented point guard available. Anthony is a punishing defender and extremely quick. The 6-foot-2 playmaker's assists to turnover ratio was second to none during the regular season.
Detroit Pistons' Director of Scouting Stan Novak said, "Anthony's the quickest. If anybody needs a point guard, I think he could be the guy."
Oregon junior phenom Terrell Brandon averaged 26.6 points per game as a senior and dished out assists to the tune of five per game. He's just about as talented as anybody else in this group.
High-scoring Eric Murdock of Providence showed in the Orlando Classic that he could be more than just a threat to hit jumpshots.
"I couldn't do what I did at Providence and come down (to the Orlando Classic) and think shoot first," Murdock added. "I took the shot when it was there but I wanted to show the scouts that I could run a team."
LaSalle's Doug Overton, N.C. State's Chris Corchiani, and East Tennessee State's Keith Jennings are other top point guard prospects.
Additional information
First round predictions
Team Player
1. Hornets Larry Johnson
Frontcourt-poor Charlotte needs a low post player and, 6'5 1/2" or not, the UNLV bruiser is the best candidate for the job.
2. Nets Billy Owens
New Jersey will reunite the do-it-all Owens and ex-teammate Derrick Coleman.
3. Kings Kenny Anderson
Sacramento has made it no secret that it covets Tech's speedy playmaker.
4. Nuggets Dikembe Mutombo
Denver's anemic frontline needs the intimidation and rebounding Mutombo brings.
5. Heat Doug Smith
Power forward spot is Miami's weak link and Smith would fill that need quite nicely.
6. Mavericks Brian Williams
James Donaldson isn't getting any younger and Roy Tarpley isn't getting any smarter.
7. Timberwolves Steve Smith
Minnesota could also go for a big guy, but versatile Smith is too good to pass up.
8. Nuggets Stacey Augmon
UNLV's high-flying wingman could really fit in with Westhead's run-and-gun offense.
9. Clippers Greg Anthony
L.A. needs someone to run the show and the Rebels' floor leader is just the ticket.
10. Magic Luc Longley
Greg Kite starts at center. Enough said. Australian has skills and size to make it.
11. Cavaliers Mark Macon
Cleveland likes the Temple guard's defense and ballhandling. Too bad he can't shoot.
12. Knicks Terrell Brandon
Maurice cheeks is close to 90. Mark Jackson acts like he's three. Time for a change.
13. Pacers Dale Davis
LaSalle Thompson? Rik Smits? Ugh. Clemson big man can really rip down the boards.
14. SuperSonics Stanley Roberts
Soft-shooting giant might be able to push Benoit Benjamin for the starting center job.
15. Hawks Rodney Monroe
Hawks need another post-up player as well but could also use a shooter a la Monroe.
16. Warriors Rich King
Look, Coach Nelson, a real center! Hope Golden State remembers how to use one.
17. Warriors John Turner
See comment for Rich King above, but insert `power forward' instead of `center.'
18. Bucks Shaun Vandiver
Milwaukee's frontcourt is old, slow, slow and old. Colorado big man is needed badly.
19. Bullets Donald Hodge
Temple seven-footer might be a reach at No. 19, but would be a welcome addition.
20. Rockets Chris Gatling
Would make a nice forward trio with Otis Thorpe and Buck Johnson.
21. Jazz Anthony Avent
If Mike Brown doesn't sign, Seton Hall late-bloomer could step in and fill a real need.
22. Clippers Victor Alexander
Gigantic post performer would add power to Los Angeles' stable of soft forwards.
23. Magic Kevin Lynch
Heady shooter with excellent size could finish off a nice first round for Orlando.
24. Celtics Rick Fox
Boston needs another infusion of Dee-lightful youth, but this time in the frontcourt.
25. Warriors Eric Murdock
With Kevin Prichard gone, Golden State needs someone to back up Tim Hardaway.
26. Bulls LaBradford Smith
Chicago nabs Jordanesque leaper to take place of disappointing Dennis Hopson.
27. Kings George Ackles
With Anderson in the fold, Sacramento gambles on intense UNLV slam dunker.
Additional information
Center
Player HeightWeight Class College Rating
1. Dikembe Mutombo 7'2" 245 lbs. Sr. Georgetown 5*
2. Luc Longley 7'2" 265 lbs. Sr. New Mexico 5*
3. Stanley Roberts 7'0" 290 lbs. -- Spain (LSU) 5*
4. Rich King 7'2" 260 lbs. Sr. Nebraska 4*
5. Donald Hodge 7'0" 230 lbs. Jr. Temple 4*
6. Alvaro Teheran 7'1" 235 lbs. Sr. Houston 3*
Forward/center
(can play either center or power forward)
1. Brian Williams 6'11" 240 lbs. Jr. Arizona 5*
2. Dale Davis 6'11" 235 lbs. Sr. Clemson 4*
3. Shaun Vandiver 6'10" 240 lbs. Sr. Colorado 4*
4. Isaac Austin 6'10" 255 lbs. Sr. Arizona State 2*
5. LeRon Ellis 6'11" 250 lbs. Sr. Syracuse 2*
Power forward
1. Larry Johnson 6'51/2" 250 lbs. Sr. UNLV 5*
2. Doug Smith 6'10" 220 lbs. Sr. Missouri 5*
3. Anthony Avent 6'10" 235 lbs. Sr. Seton Hall 4*
4. Victor Alexander 6'9" 280 lbs. Sr. Iowa State 4*
5. George Ackles 6'9" 215 lbs. Sr. UNLV 4*
6. Chad Gallagher 6'10" 240 lbs. Sr. Creighton 3*
7. Damon Lopez 6'9" 225 lbs. Sr. Fordham 1*
8. Mark Randall 6'9" 240 lbs. Sr. Kansas 1*
9. Pete Chilcutt 6'10" 230 lbs. Sr. North Carolina 1*
Swing forward
(can play either power forward or small forward)
1. Billy Owens 6'9" 225 lbs. Jr. Syracuse 5*
2. John Turner 6'7" 240 lbs. Sr. Phillips College 4*
3. Chris Gatling 6'9" 220 lbs. Sr. Old Dominion 4*
4. Joe Wylie 6'9" 210 lbs. Sr. Miami 4*
5. Keith Hughes 6'8" 235 lbs. Sr. Rutgers 3*
6. Brian Shorter 6'6" 230 lbs. Sr. Pittsburgh 3*
7. Treg Lee 6'8" 235 lbs. Sr. Ohio State 1*
Small forward
1. Stacey Augmon 6'8" 205 lbs. Sr. UNLV 5*
2. Rick Fox 6'7" 230 lbs. Sr. North Carolina 4*
3. Melvin Cheatum 6'8" 200 lbs. Sr. Alabama 3*
4. Kevin Brooks 6'8" 200 lbs. Sr. SW Louisiana 2*
5. Jackie Jones 6'8" 210 lbs. -- Spain (Oklahoma) 2*
6. Roy Fisher 6'7" 210 lbs. Sr. California 2*
7. Willie Simms 6'6" 205 lbs. Sr. Wisconsin 1*
8. Greg Carter 6'6" 215 lbs. Sr. Mississippi State1*
9. Reggie Hanson 6'8" 195 lbs. Sr. Kentucky 1*
10. Cameron Burns 6'7" 220 lbs. Sr. Mississippi State1*
Guard/forward
(can play either small forward or shooting guard)
1. Steve Smith 6'7" 200 lbs. Sr. Michigan State 5*
2. Steve Hood 6'7" 185 lbs. Sr. James Madison 3*
3. Corey Crowder 6'5" 215 lbs. Sr. Ky. Wesleyan 2*
4. Jimmy Oliver 6'6" 210 lbs. Sr. Purdue 1*
Shooting guard
1. Mark Macon 6'5" 185 lbs. Sr. Temple 5*
2. Rodney Monroe 6'3" 185 lbs. Sr. N.C. State 4*
3. Kevin Lynch 6'5" 200 lbs. Sr. Minnesota 3*
4. Myron Brown 6'3" 180 lbs. Sr. Slippery Rock 3*
5. Von McDade 6'4" 195 lbs. Sr. Wisc.-Milwaukee 2*
6. Darrin Chancellor 6'5" 185 lbs. Sr. So. Mississippi 2*
7. Lamont Strothers 6'4" 190 lbs. Sr. Newport College 2*
8. Anderson Hunt 6'1" 175 lbs. Jr. UNLV 1*
9. Bobby Phills 6'5" 205 lbs. Sr. Southern 1*
10. Jean Derouillere 6'5" 205 lbs. Sr. Kansas State 1*
Swing guard
(can play either shooting guard or point guard)
1. Eric Murdock 6'2" 190 lbs. Sr. Providence 4*
2. LaBradford Smith 6'3" 200 lbs. Sr. Louisville 4*
3. Doug Overton 6'3" 190 lbs. Sr. LaSalle 3*
4. Greg Sutton 6'2" 170 lbs. Sr. Oral Roberts 2*
5. Joey Wright 6'2" 185 lbs. Sr. Texas 2*
6. Randy Brown 6'3" 190 lbs. Sr. New Mexico State1*
Point guard
1. Kenny Anderson 6'2" 170 lbs. So. Georgia Tech 5*
2. Greg Anthony 6'2" 190 lbs. Sr. UNLV 5*
3. Terrell Brandon 6'0" 180 lbs. Jr. Oregon 4*
4. Chris Corchiani 6'1" 185 lbs. Sr. N.C. State 3*
5. Keith Jennings 5'7" 160 lbs. Sr. E. Tennessee St.2*
6. Elliot Perry 6'1" 165 lbs. Sr. Memphis State 2*
7. Marc Brown 5'11" 170 lbs. Sr. Siena 2*
8. Mike Iuzzolino 5'10" 180 lbs. Sr. St. Francis, Pa.1*
5* - Lottery pick; 4* - First round; 3* - Early second round; 2* - Mid second round; 1* - Late second round (or possible free agent)