Because you demanded it. Because you said it HAD to happen. Because you flooded my voicemail and email inbox with your inquiries and requests. Because you stalked me mercilessly, asking when it was coming…..
….I give you the final installment of my 2005 NBA Draft Redo!
This final installment of the trilogy is packed with more action, thrills, and adventure than the first two combined, and it answers all those pesky questions from the first two (think more “Return of the King” than “Matrix Revolutions.”)
For those that have yet to read the first two (or perhaps didn’t even know that the Fan Voice blog exists) here are the links below. Otherwise, it would be like trying to watch "Police Academy 3" without having watched the first two. I mean, that's just crazy!
21. Joey Graham, Phoenix Suns I have a soft spot for this guy, because he played two years at UCF before transferring to Oklahoma State. He is one of those players who’s size hinders him from being suited to a specific position. He can play several positions, and does many things well, but no single thing great. He’s a typical “hustle” guy. He has been given limited minutes in his two seasons with Toronto, actually dropping in MPG last year from his rookie year. But he is efficient, shooting 48% from the field, 32% from the arc, and 82% from the stripe. He also averaged half a block a game and 3 boards. His scoring average of 6.5 points leaves much to be desired, but when you consider his limited minutes, he actually is performing quite well. The Suns would make great use of this guy in their offense where traditional positions are moot. If used in their regular rotation, this guy would fill up a stat line.
22. Johan Petro, Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets solved their point guard needs with the 20th pick, so with the 22nd pick, the take care of another problem. Considering the plethora of big men Denver has, the only true center is the 33 year-old Marcus Camby (no truth to the rumor that his knees are actually 53). With Petro, they would be getting a legit 7-0 center who was 19 years old at the time of the 2005 draft. Petro gets taken three spots higher this time around. In limited minutes, Petro has averaged 6 points, 4 rebounds, and over half a block for the Sonics. Given consistent minutes for the Nuggets, Petro might still prove a long-term steal at this point in the draft.
23. Salim Stoudamire, Sacramento Kings Coming out of the University of Arizona, this guys reputation was such that the media pundits were saying that the Atlanta Hawks were getting a first rounder when they chose Stoudemire with the first pick in the 2nd round. Stoudemire jumps up 9 spots this time around. He has developed a reputation for having a surly attitude, but you would too, if you played for the Hawks. He is more of a scoring point for the Hawks, but he is lightning quick and shoots a high percentage from the arc. The Kings can’t decide if they are rebuilding or not. But if they decide to move Ron Artest, they may just blow up the whole thing and move Bibby too. If that happens, they could do worse than starting over with Stoudemire. If they keep Bibby, then Stoudemire remains a solid backup like he currently is with the Hawks.
24. Linas Kleiza, Houston Rockets Kleiza jumps up three spots this time around. Kleiza, a USSR product by way of the University of Missouri, saw his minutes increase significantly in his sophomore year with the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 7.6 points per game and proved he could shoot effectively from the arc, improving to 37%, and he improved from the line as well, shooting 85%. He is a combo guard and would make a great backup to Shane Battier in Houston’s “inside/outside” offense.
25. Antoine Wright, Seattle Supersonics Antoine Wright drops 10 spots this time around. To be honest, he didn’t prove to be anything special and may be a candidate to only get one guaranteed NBA contract. He did increase his minutes significantly in his second season but isn’t likely to ever contribute much on a New Jersey Nets team that relies so heavily on its starting backcourt. With the Sonics he provides much needed depth and at the guard/forward position and is more likely to be able to contribute on a younger, rebuilding team.
26. Rashad McCants, Detroit Pistons I feel bad dropping a Tar Heel twelve spots this time around, but that’s what micro fracture knee surgery can do to a guy. The Timberwolves thought long and hard about picking up McCants third year option but eventually decided to do it. If McCants recovers fully, and gets some burn, he could really light up the basket and become a steal this far down. The Pistons could use him to back up both guard positions and he would be instant offense off the bench, not to mention bring their average age down a bit. Because of his speed, he actually could contribute to the Pistons defensive philosophy, being a ball hawk, albeit mostly on help defense.
27. Ricky Sanchez, Portland Trailblazers Ok, I have to be totally honest with you, I don’t really know anything about this guy. But I know he is from Puerto Rico, and I figure if I put him in here, the PR contingent of the Magic Message Boards might read my blog. Also, let’s face it, if the Philadelphia 76ers are willing to give up Steven Hunter and Bobby Jones for this guy, he must be decent. As for this draft, Sanchez adds quality depth and youth to the Trailblazers young frontcourt.
28. Travis Diener, San Antonio Ok, we know this guy is good, and that he was probably worthy of being taken in the late first round in the first place. Diener was just handed a three-year, guaranteed contract from the Pacers. Anyone taken in the second round who ends up pulling an NBA salary for at least five years probably could have been taken higher. For San Antonio, he steps into the Steve Kerr role as instant 3-point threat off the bench. With Tony Parker firmly entrenched, Diener can stop worrying about getting significant minutes and just focus on winning rings. For those counting at home, Diener jumps up 10 spots.
29. Marcin Gortat, Miami Heat What, you mean a European big man who actually wants to come over and play here? Hey I hear what you’re saying, check out the Magic Homer having two Magic players jump up into the first round. Well, hello, it’s a Magic blog!! But seriously, take a look at the rest of the 2nd rounders and tell me who should be replacing the Warlock! The fact is, at this point in the draft, you are either hoping for a steal or hoping for quality depth. What we do know so far about Gortat is that he should be able to bring hustle and defensive determination for 15-20 minutes a night. That is all the Heat need for the player backing up Shaq. In fact, Riley might still choose to leave Gortat in Europe until both Mourning and Doleac are done.
30. Nate Robinson, New York Knicks Geez, you’d think I was a Knicks homer for having Isaih Thomas still getting two of the three players he acquired in the 2005 first round. Frankly, I’m really not sold on this guy and I’m not certain he is worthy of a first round pick. His stats are comparable to Salim Stoudemire, but I think Stoudemire is likely to have a longer, more productive career. But it makes sense to have Robinson here if for no other reason than it gives Thomas yet another point guard. Oh, and it gives me the opportunity to type “Spontaneous Nate Robinson.”
Well, that’s my version of the 2005 NBA Draft “Redo.” I hope you enjoyed reading it, it was certainly fun to write. Please give me your thoughts on who you think should have gone where and whether you think there are any obvious omissions (and no, Fran Vazquez absolutely, positively does NOT count!).
This message was not subject of approval by the NBA or the Orlando Magic. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Orlando Magic or the NBA, but solely the writer.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 8168 | Location: Catching up with the OCTB. | Registered: February 09, 2006
I'm kidding. Good read. Kudos on the Warlock pick.
I think the only 2 guys that might have sneaked into the first round there would have been Andray Blatche and Amir Johnson as well. Probably Blatche moreso though.
When is the 2001 NBA Draft Redux coming out?
I'll start it.
1. Pau Gasol 2. Gilbert Arenas 3. Joe Johnson 4. Mehmet Okur 5. Tony Parker 6 - 9: Toss up with J-Rich, Randolph, and Wallace.
End of draft.
Posts: 6402 | Location: Getting a stew going | Registered: July 03, 2007
Originally posted by bhnole: Good stuff as always, but I think Gortat will have a much longer career than most of the guys in the draft after he finally gets his NBA chance.
Agreed! From a selfish perspective, I hope he does well and plays a long time. Having the Chef now allows us to get Gortat some much needed NBA experience without having to rely on him (and his youth and inexperience) as heavily this season.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 8168 | Location: Catching up with the OCTB. | Registered: February 09, 2006
28. Travis Diener, San Antonio Ok, we know this guy is good, and that he was probably worthy of being taken in the late first round in the first place. Diener was just handed a three-year, guaranteed contract from the Pacers. Anyone taken in the second round who ends up pulling an NBA salary for at least five years probably could have been taken higher. For San Antonio, he steps into the Steve Kerr role as instant 3-point threat off the bench. With Tony Parker firmly entrenched, Diener can stop worrying about getting significant minutes and just focus on winning rings. For those counting at home, Diener jumps up 10 spots.
Is Diener really that good? I wish him the best of luck but aren't Orlando fans giving this guy too much credit considering he has not proven a single thing in the NBA?
Posts: 5037 | Location: The Magic Castle | Registered: November 16, 2006
28. Travis Diener, San Antonio Ok, we know this guy is good, and that he was probably worthy of being taken in the late first round in the first place. Diener was just handed a three-year, guaranteed contract from the Pacers. Anyone taken in the second round who ends up pulling an NBA salary for at least five years probably could have been taken higher. For San Antonio, he steps into the Steve Kerr role as instant 3-point threat off the bench. With Tony Parker firmly entrenched, Diener can stop worrying about getting significant minutes and just focus on winning rings. For those counting at home, Diener jumps up 10 spots.
Is Diener really that good? I wish him the best of luck but aren't Orlando fans giving this guy too much credit considering he has not proven a single thing in the NBA?
It really comes down to the fact that no one else taken in the 2nd round warrants being placed above him. He is extremely effective at one specific thing. Sometimes, that is all that is needed to stay employed in the NBA. The fact that someone, even a team with problems like the Pacers, gave this guy 3 years, makes me feel justified putting him near the bottom of the first round.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 8168 | Location: Catching up with the OCTB. | Registered: February 09, 2006
It really comes down to the fact that no one else taken in the 2nd round warrants being placed above him. He is extremely effective at one specific thing. Sometimes, that is all that is needed to stay employed in the NBA. The fact that someone, even a team with problems like the Pacers, gave this guy 3 years, makes me feel justified putting him near the bottom of the first round.
You're right. However, Diener got way too much respect from Magic fans. He was like the backup QB.
Posts: 5037 | Location: The Magic Castle | Registered: November 16, 2006
Originally posted by WPMagic: You're right. However, Diener got way too much respect from Magic fans. He was like the backup QB.
I agree. He had an almost cult-like following for a little while. What is it with our back up point guards and their loyal fans?
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 8168 | Location: Catching up with the OCTB. | Registered: February 09, 2006
Originally posted by WPMagic: You're right. However, Diener got way too much respect from Magic fans. He was like the backup QB.
I agree. He had an almost cult-like following for a little while. What is it with our back up point guards and their loyal fans?
Its a disease, or I should call it a genetic disorder....It affects all magic fans at some point in their life....Lately it has been called arroyitis....because it appears more and more, about 80% of the cases, on Carlos Arroyo's fans. But do not be fooled. It has also been seen on Diener, JJ, Nelson and Turk fans. So be careful, be very careful. If any signs or symptoms appear, make sure you look at yourself in the mirror and slap yourself in the face until you recover your sanity...
"Michael, you are not quite the ladies man I had pictured. Hopefully, we will remedy that when we are in the spa spreading body chocolate on each other."
Posts: 5738 | Location: "No dejes q este tren se pare, Yo quiero q tus manos a mi me reparen, Ayudame a llegar a tu estacion, Seguir hasta que explote el corazon" | Registered: February 27, 2006
orlandomagiczone.com 
