Tribune basketball reporter Sam Smith analyzes the draft:
1. Rockets
YAO MING
He’s going to be better than Rik Smits, which isn’t that bad.
2. BULLS
JAY WILLIAMS.
Now the pieces are finally being put in place.
3. Warriors
MIKE DUNLEAVY
A good building block for a young team with Jason Richardson. Still a long way away.
4. Grizzlies
DREW GOODEN
Accumulating assets. Can Shane Battier play shooting guard and Pau Gasol small forward?
5. Nuggets
NIKOLOZ TSKITISHVILI
On the way to being the new Clippers by investing in young talent.
6. Cavaliers
DAJUAN WAGNER
A chance to provide some excitement, if not many more wins.
7. Nuggets (from Knicks)
NENE HILARIO
Big, tough forward who could grow into an elite NBA player.
8. Clippers
CHRIS WILCOX
Their practices could be great with all the young athletes, but who plays?
9. Suns
AMARE STOUDEMIRE
The rebuilding begins. Several years away, but could become a big-time power forward.
10. Heat
CARON BUTLER
Tough guy with a scorer’s mentality who many thought would go higher.
11. Wizards
JARED JEFFRIES
Not sure how he fits with Kwame Brown, but they’re both talented.
12. Clippers
MELVIN ELY
Another young power forward, probably insurance if they lose Elton Brand.
13. Bucks
MARCUS HAISLIP
Need size, but the guys they really wanted were all taken.
14. Pacers
FRED JONES
Considered a bit of a reach, but an excellent athlete who has time to develop.
15. Rockets
BOSTJAN NACHBAR
Future small forward they’ve been eying with doubts about Glen Rice.
16. Warriors (from 76ers)
JIRI WELSCH
Talented wing player to aid their rebuilding.
17. Wizards (from Hornets)
JUAN DIXON
Good kid who’s staying home. Lacks pro size, but will make things happen.
18. Jazz (from Magic)
CURTIS BORCHARDT
They were desperate for a big guy.
19. Magic (from Jazz)
RYAN HUMPHREY
The Notre Damer came on strong in postseason workouts.
20. Lakers (from Raptors)
KAREEM RUSH
Good shooter who might fit sooner than later into triangle offense.
21. Trail Blazers
QYNTEL WOODS
Worst team for attitude problem with Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi Wells and Ruben Patterson.
22. Suns
CASEY JACOBSEN
Their kind of guy in the Jeff Hornacek mold.
23. Pistons
TAYSHAUN PRINCE
Talented four-year collegian, though they emphasize veterans.
24. Nets
NENAD KRSTIC
Taking a gamble down the road on a center who might develop.
25. Knicks (from Nuggets)
FRANK WILLIAMS
Illini slips considerably to a team with two veteran point guards.
26. 76ers (from Spurs)
JOHN SALMONS
Good defender and team player. Larry Brown kind of guy.
27. Raptors (from Lakers)
CHRIS JEFFRIES
Versatile wing player who also can defend well and provide depth.
28. Hawks (from Kings)
DAN DICKAU
The Gonzaga point guard is mostly a shooter, but could provide excitement.
