Got plans Wednesday night?
Cancel them. NBA scouting director Marty Blake has an offer basketball fans can't refuse."It's very important to watch the NBA Draft this year. In all honesty, I think it's the most intriguing in 10 years because of the number of good, young, solid players who will be taken," Blake said. "There's going to be a lot of teams trying to project to the future, especially the teams that don't have picks and are trying to acquire them, through trades or financial considerations. And two teams, Houston and Orlando, both trying to rebuild, have three picks each in the first round. So, there could be some blockbuster deals on draft day."
The intrigue begins Wednesday at 5:30 p.m when the 1998 NBA Draft gets under way at B.C. Place in Vancouver. Fans can watch the proceedings on TNT or attend a free Utah Jazz draft day party at the Delta Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
A look at how the draft might go:
1. Clippers - Mike Bibby, Arizona (6-2, 180, guard): Not a sure thing.
Late speculation has L.A. leaning toward 7-footer Michael Olokowandi. The last minute indecision should come as no surprise. The Clippers are still deciding what they want to be when they grow up. In all fairness, however, L.A. could use either player.
2. Grizzlies - Michael Olowokandi, Pacific (7-0, 265, center): If he doesn't wind up in the Clip joint, the draft's biggest prize will pass through Vancouver. The Grizzlies, who already have a guy named "Big Country" in the middle, have been fielding plenty of offers for the former soccer player. Denver and Toronto are the most likely destinations for the "Kandi man."
3. Nuggets - Paul Pierce, Kansas (6-7, 220, F-G): May wind up in Vancouver as part of a package that would bring Olokowandi to Denver.
Whoever gets this guy likely won't regret it. Pierce is a proven scorer who can play both small forward and shooting guard. Blake said he has the best chance for stardom among this year's draftees.
4. Raptors - Vince Carter, North Carolina (6-7, 208, guard): Considered the most athletic player in this year's draft. Could provide the spark that reignites basketball excitement in Toronto. The Raptors, however, may go a different direction. Word is they may take Michigan's "Tractor" Traylor here and package him with disgruntled Doug Christie to Vancouver for Olowokandi.
5. Warriors - Larry Hughes, St. Louis (6-5, 185, guard): Has added 12 pounds of muscle to his frame since the college season ended and appears quite capable of shouldering shooting guard duties in the NBA. With Golden State planning to unload Latrell Sprewell, Hughes is a fresh face the Warriors can rebuild and remarket around.
6. Mavericks - Antawn Jamison, North Carolina (6-9, 222, forward): Though Dallas is in acute need of rebounding help, the Mavericks also need to shore up their dwindling fan base. Jamison is the answer. His arrival would move Michael Finley into the backcourt and give Dallas some scoring punch. Mad scientist Don Nelson, however, may opt for 6-foot-11 Dirk Nowitzki instead.
7. Kings - Raef LaFrentz, Kansas (6-11, 240, forward): Poor workouts have lessened interest in LaFrentz. As the last of the seven premier players in the draft, however, Sacramento would be hard-pressed not to take him. The Kings need guards and could use LaFrentz or newly acquired Chris Webber as trade bait to obtain some backcourt help.
8. 76ers - Robert Traylor, Michigan (6-8, 285, C-F): In preparation for a pro career, the "Tractor" has shed 40 pounds. His stock is rising, but concerns of his past battle of the bulge may prevent any upward movement in the draft. Philadelphia has made its intentions clear. The 76ers would love to have this equipment working in its field.
9. Bucks - Michael Doleac, Utah (6-11, 269, center): When Rick Majerus speaks, people in Milwaukee listen - even if he keeps turning down the Bucks' coaching job. Doleac is a blue-collar type on the basketball floor and would provide immediate help inside. The Bucks have two first-round picks and given the shortage of quality big men will likely opt for size first.
10. Celtics - Nazr Mohammed, Kentucky (6-10, 240, center): How blue is Rick Pitino? The question here is whether his Kentucky roots will prevail over advice from Blake who says this early-entry candidate is not ready for the NBA. However, if anyone would know for sure, it's Pitino. If he passes on Mohammed, look for others to follow.
11. Pistons - Keon Clark, UNLV (6-11, 220, C-F): The Motor City is on alert. Another bad boy could be headed their way. Off-court trouble kept Clark on the sidelines most of last season, but his size and athleticism would help negate the loss of Theo Ratliff and the potential departure of big man Brian Williams.
12. Magic - Dirk Nowitzki, Germany (6-11, 215, forward): With three picks in the first round, Orlando can afford (and perhaps prefer) to wait for this 19-year-old to fulfill a supposed contractual obligation in Europe. Rumors are flying that the Nelsons (Don and son Donn) in Dallas fabricated the contract story to scare other teams away. Could be taken by Mavericks at No. 6.
13. Magic - Jason Williams (6-1, 190, guard): Has spent past summers working out with Orlando players. Will it be enough for the Magic to overlook his questionable character? Perhaps. If nothing else, the franchise is familiar with his less-than-stellar past. Orlando general manager John Gabriel's desire to obtain point guard help may make any risk worthwhile.
14. Rockets - Michael Dickerson, Arizona (6-5, 190, guard): Could he be the next Clyde Drexler? Houston can only hope so. The Rockets were impressed with his slashing play and ability to score when he stopped by for an audition. Ball State's Bonzi Wells will also be considered at this point, as will Houston high school product Rashard Lewis.
15. Magic - Pat Garrity, Notre Dame (6-9, 230, forward): Orlando may seek the luck of the Irish with its third selection. Could provide consistent play on both ends of the floor. His personality would also be a welcome addition. Unlike Williams, Garrity is considered to be a good egg. The Magic will also consider Georgia Tech's Matt Har-pring at this spot.
16. Rockets - Rashard Lewis, Alief-Elsik HS (6-10, 220, forward): A public relations move with promise. Local prep star makes the jump from high school gymnasium to the Compaq Center. His skills are still developing, but playing at home could ease the transition to the pro game. A young face would be a welcome addition to the NBA's senior citizen center.
17. Timberwolves - Radoslav Nesterovic, Slovenia (7-2, 245, center): Minnesota may have to wait a year or two for this big man to honor a signed contract in Europe. Given the team's salary cap constraints and potential loss of Tom Gugliotta and eventually Stephon Marbury to free agency, patience may prove to be profitable.
18. Rockets - Bonzi Wells, Ball State (6-5, 210, guard): May not slide this far down. A steal if he does. Wells is a capable shooter who could bring something to the table. Eddie Johnson isn't getting any younger.
Houston, however, will likely do some dealing. The prospect of three rookies armed with three-year guaranteed contracts isn't sitting well.
19. Bucks - Bryce Drew, Valparaiso (6-3, 185, guard): Billed as the second coming of Utah Jazz guard Jeff Hornacek. The son of a coach, Drew is skilled at both guard positions. His sharpshooting led Valpo to surprising success in last year's NCAA tournament. Drew, however, is better known for his play at point guard. A need Milwaukee may have if Terrell Brandon is dealt.
20. Hawks - Matt Harpring, Georgia Tech (6-61/2, 231, forward): Atlanta may look no farther than its back yard for a small forward. A tough competitor but may be limited to frontcourt duty because he lacks quickness to play guard. He can, however, shoot from 3-point range. Orlando is considering Harpring earlier in the round.
21. Hornets - Brian Skinner, Baylor (6-10, 240, forward): It may be a bit of a stretch but is cut from roughly the same mold as Charlotte coach Dave Cowens. Undersized banger can play center if needed. Rated higher than Doleac by some scouting services. The Hornets could use his play in the paint if Matt Geiger, Vlade Divac or Anthony Mason leave town.
22. Clippers - Corey Benjamin, Oregon State (6-5, 200, guard): May not slide down this far. Has the potential to be a solid backcourt mate for Bibby. A capable scorer who showed flashes of greatness in college. Problem is, critics think he left school too early and would have benefited greatly from another season or two with the Beavers. Only time will tell who's right.
23. Nuggets - Toby Bailey, UCLA (6-5, 205, guard): Denver could use a case of instant offense. The Nuggets quite simply had trouble putting the ball in the basket last season. Bailey could provide some assistance in that area. A four-year contributor for the Bruins, Bailey isn't shy when it comes to shooting. And at times, he's quite good at it.
24. Spurs - Miles Simon, Arizona (6-5, 200, guard): Not exactly the pure shooter San Antonio hoped for but makes up for it with his tenacity and leadership. The Clippers will take a long look at him with the No. 22 pick. The Spurs could use some help in the backcourt, as to not overload Avery Johnson. Vinny Del Negro may not return.
25. Pacers - Felipe Lopez, St. John's (6-6, 190, guard): Streak is the word here. Larry Bird, however, might be able to do something about that. A much-heralded player out of high school, Lopez is considered to have lots of potential. His athleticism would be a welcome addition to the Pacers. And same as it was with Godzilla, size does matter.
26. Lakers - Tyronn Lue, Nebraska (6-0, 175, guard): If Nick Van Exel's days in L.A. are truly numbered, this Cornhusker may be an adequate replacement. Explosive speed and quick decision-making make Lue an intriguing playmaker. If Van Exel isn't moved, the Lakers could go with UCLA product Jelani McCoy. His 6-foot-10 frame could assist Shaq inside.
27. Sonics - Jelani McCoy, UCLA (6-10, 240, forward): Seattle could use a youthful complement to Vin Baker and Detlef Schrempf down low. Sam Perkins and Jim McIlvane, after all, aren't the most athletic frontcourt forces.
McCoy may not be here when the Sonics finally get to pick, so the creative wheels are at work in the Great Northwest.
28. Bulls - Al Harrington, St. Patrick's HS (6-8, 222, forward): The second high schooler expected to be taken in the first round could end up in the Windy City. The Bulls need to give their fans some hope for the future. The New Jersey teen's knowledge of the game could grow dramatically if Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are around. And then there's Dennis Rodman.
29. JAZZ - Roshown McLeod, Duke (6-8, 220, forward): Jerry Sloan's kind of guy. Good offensive rebounder, decent defender. Split his college time between St. John's and Duke. The stability of the Jazz organization and tutoring from Karl Malone and John Stockton could pay dividends down the road. Patience is something Utah can extend to any newcomer.