Jun 28, 2002 12:52 AM EST
Ryan Humphrey knew that he had aced his workout with the Orlando Magic, dominating high-profile prospect Amare Stoudemire on the court and also charming the team's front office and coaching staff during personal interviews.
So when the Orlando Magic momentarily passed him during Wednesday's NBA Draft, Humphrey was understandably dejected.
"I had such a good feeling about Orlando and I prayed that I would come here," Humphrey said Thursday. "So when (the Magic) selected (Stanford's Curtis) Borchardt, I kind of slumped down in my seat. . . . But when my agent, Mark Bartelstein, called me later in the night and told me that I had been traded to Orlando, a big smile came across my face."
Unable to significantly move up and land one of the draft's top-tier power forwards, the Magic instead made a deal with Utah that allowed them to snag Humphrey and also add 7-footer Rashard Griffith, a seasoned 27-year-old center who has spent the past seven seasons playing in Europe.
The 6-foot-8, 235-pound Humphrey is a bit undersized as a power forward, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with hustle and muscle. His 35-inch vertical leap, 20-plus repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press and 7-foot wing span convinced the Magic that he was just too good to pass up.
"Every season, I love it when there's one guy you interview and you can pick out as a no-miss player," Magic general manager John Gabriel said. "A couple of years ago for me it was (Seattle's) Desmond Mason. Usually there's one guy who has the whole package. Humphrey was one of our first workouts, and when I saw him I told our guys, 'This is my no-miss guy.' He's a bit undersized and we thought about not taking him to play power forward. But soon we all found out the guy in our hearts was Ryan. He'll be the guy Doc can turn to from the bench and get something from immediately."
A potentially bold move by the Magic never materialized when Stoudemire, the teen from Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, was picked ninth by the Phoenix Suns. Had Stoudemire fallen to 11th, Orlando would have traded shooting guard Mike Miller and reserve center Andrew DeClercq to the Wizards for 300-pound center Jahidi White and the 11th pick (Stoudemire).
"We had more opportunities to move up than we didn't," Gabriel said. "After the ninth, 10th and 11th picks, we just didn't see the value in moving up after that."
An Orlando team that finished next-to-last in the NBA in rebounding last season and was battered mercilessly in the playoffs by the Charlotte Hornets made it a point to use this draft to beef up. That's why the team is nearly as excited about getting the rights to Griffith as it is Humphrey. At 7-foot, 280 pounds, Griffith brings some much-needed size, rebounding and shot-blocking to the Magic's smallish frontline.
Griffith, who starred at Wisconsin for two seasons, was originally picked 38th overall in 1995 by the Milwaukee Bucks. He's won four titles the past six seasons in Europe, including the past two while playing for Italian powerhouse Kinder Bologna.
The goal now is to somehow get Griffith into camp. He made about $2 million last season in Italy and is a free agent. If the Magic are willing to come close to that salary he assuredly will play in the NBA next season.
"I had basically accomplished everything I could in Europe and my dream has always been to play in the NBA," said Griffith, a Chicago native. "The time is right now. I'm older and more mature as a person. It's time to give it my best shot."
Orlando also acquired Croatian center Mario Kasun with the 41st pick following a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. Kasun, a 7-foot-1, 260-pound center, could play on the Magic's summer league team in two weeks, but will likely spend next season in Germany.
The Magic have also contacted Fordham point guard William "Smush" Parker about playing in the team's two free-agent camps in July. Parker, who was thought to be a late first-round pick, was not drafted Wednesday night.
The Magic liken Humphrey to a Dennis Rodman or Ben Wallace type, a player who can overwhelm foes with his reckless, high energy style of play. Magic player personnel director Gary Browkaw said Humphrey caught his eye with his ability to jump once, twice and even three times without having to gather himself. Because of his ability to block shots with either hand -- his 2.81 blocks a game were 18th in the nation -- and rebound over bigger forwards, Brokaw said Humphrey compares favorably to New Jersey's Kenyon Martin.
"Every time I step on the floor I play with a chip on my shoulder because I know that this a job now," said Humphrey, who also led Notre Dame in scoring (18.9 ppg.) and rebounding (10.9 rpg.). "I love challenges and I love to prove people wrong. Stuff like, 'he's too small' and 'he can't do that,' those are things I've heard all my life. This is another challenge for me."
Humphrey's hustle and Griffith's brawn helped the Magic meet two of their greatest needs, Gabriel said. Getting hammered in the playoffs by the Hornets still sticks with Gabriel and he said this draft was all about doing something about it.
"We got beaten up pretty good and it was time to do something," Gabriel said. "Two years ago, Don Reid and Andrew DeClercq shared the honor of leading the league in fouls per minute. We kind of got away from that last season and it bothered us. We got better at helping guys up than we did putting them down on the floor. We needed to do a better job of protecting the basket. We think we did what we need to to address those needs."
Via Florida Today
Orlando Magic, NBA Draft
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The NBA-drafted foreigner who commands the most intrigue, from this perch, doesn't come from China or the former Soviet republic of Georgia or even Yugoslavia, which supplied the Mavericks' latest overseas import.
It's a Brazilian, believe it or not.
The 2002 draft will always belong to Yao Ming, because he's the No. 1 pick and because he's not from this country. Yet, it's still only the Brazilian, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario, 19, whose development will impact the future of two franchises.
Via Dallas Morning News
Dallas Mavericks, NBA Draft
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So the Mavericks actually stayed exactly where they were supposed to, instead of looking for immediate help, using their 55th pick to select Yugoslavian guard/forward Mladen Sekularac, and then saying they expect him to stay abroad for one more year.
The 6-8 player is under contract for one more season with FMP Zeleznik, and Nelson said "he would probably be more comfortable playing there another year."
"[But] this is a player who could very well be ready," Nelson said. "For the 55th pick, we're very, very happy to select this player."
In the year of the foreign player, the Mavericks felt lucky to land Sekularac, in fact. He is described by Mavericks assistant coach Donnie Nelson as a hard-nosed guard who is exceptional in the open court – which happens to be the Mavericks' kind of game. Don Nelson said there was a flurry of calls just before the Mavericks selected, as teams hoped to somehow sneak away with Sekularac.
Via Dallas Morning News
Dallas Mavericks, NBA Draft
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Jun 2002 Archive
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Star Telegram | Jun 27, 2002
Of the 28 players chosen on the first round of the draft, a record six played their basketball overseas.
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San Antonio Express-News | Jun 27, 2002
Johnny Ludden of the San Antonio Express News writes that the Spurs had hoped Yugoslavian center Nenad Krstic would fall to them at the 26th pick, but was taken two slots before by New Jersey.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 27, 2002
As the final 10 names in the NBA draft were announced Wednesday night, George Williams faced the inevitable with a firm conviction.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 27, 2002
For weeks, the Rockets had targeted Bostjan Nachbar with their second first-round pick.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 27, 2002
It was a night that years from now could be looked back on as vitally important to the franchise.
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LA Times | Jun 27, 2002
Miller was close to being a Clipper
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San Antonio Express-News | Jun 26, 2002
1.
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San Antonio Express-News | Jun 26, 2002
"We want our next center," Spurs assistant general manager R.
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Dallas Morning News | Jun 26, 2002
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 26, 2002
But the problem for the Rockets is the mystique that surrounds the No.
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Star Telegram | Jun 26, 2002
By the time the Mavs use their only pick of the draft - 55th overall - Nelson could indeed have polished off nine holes of golf.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 26, 2002
That refers to the No.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 26, 2002
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes that Chinese center Yao Ming is cleared to come to the NBA next season.
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| Jun 26, 2002
Trying to get a handle on the National Basketball Association college draft?
Forget it.
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Indianapolis Star | Jun 26, 2002
Mark Montieth of the Indianapolis Star reports: You start with the fact that everyone admits they lie.
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San Antonio Express-News | Jun 26, 2002
So, who does San Antonio want to select tonight with their 26th selection?
Johnny Ludden of the San Antonio Express-News reports: "We want our next center," Spurs assistant general manager R.
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| Jun 26, 2002
The phone is ringing in New Jersey.
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| Jun 26, 2002
Despite all of the talk, the Bucks are likely to keep their first round pick in tonight’s NBA Draft.
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NY Daily News | Jun 26, 2002
Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News reports that the letter giving Yao Ming clearance to play in the NBA hasn’t arrived in Houston yet.
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Daily News | Jun 26, 2002
The Clippers are pushing for Miller
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Florida Today | Jun 26, 2002
John Denton of the Florida Today reports: The Orlando Magic might attempt to move up from the 18th pick in the first round of tonight's NBA Draft, but Magic general manager John Gabriel and head coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday if such a deal is made, it won't involve shooting guard Mike Miller.
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| Jun 25, 2002
Alexander moves to the Big Easy
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| Jun 25, 2002
It's on again, it's off again.
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San Antonio Express-News | Jun 25, 2002
Now, the Houston Rockets are faced with their own questions about a big man toting his own bit of baggage.
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Dallas Morning News | Jun 25, 2002
If Yao is selected first, he would be the first international player taken so high, and also carry the burden of proving that he is more than just an extra-long curiosity.
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Dallas Morning News | Jun 25, 2002
It's for Houston.
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Star Telegram | Jun 25, 2002
While it serves a viable purpose, recently the NBA Draft hasn't packed the powerful punch that it used to carry.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 25, 2002
While Dunleavy, Gooden, Wilcox and Butler, four headliners in "Forwards 'R Us" draft, will pay immediate dividends for their teams, the depth and talent this year will be defined by Nikoloz "Shiska" Tskitishvili, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario, Bostjan Nachbar and Amare Stoudemire.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 25, 2002
Yao's availability -- or at least the hope the Rockets by Wednesday would get the letter assuring he could play in the NBA next season -- had come down to a second day of negotiations between Chinese agent Lu Hao and the China Basketball Association.
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Toronto Star | Jun 25, 2002
The Raptors have a plan for the draft, but the Warriors could get in the way.
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Miami Herald | Jun 25, 2002
The Heat have the 10th pick in the draft and are getting some phone calls.
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LA Times | Jun 25, 2002
Clippers draft depends on Miller
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San Antonio Express-News | Jun 24, 2002
There is a touch of the bizarre about the seemingly meteoric rise of Nikoloz Tskitishvili in the NBA Draft.
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San Antonio Express-News | Jun 24, 2002
The Spurs have all but finalized an agreement to sign Emanuel Ginobili, a former second-round pick now regarded as one of Europe's top players, reports Johnny Ludden of the San Antonio Express News.
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Dallas Morning News | Jun 24, 2002
Do we believe Nelson because the low-level pick isn't likely to produce a prospect with immediate-impact ability?
Or do we believe Nelson because he has something sneaky up his sleeve, like he's planning to deal his way into the first round and finish with the draft excitement early enough to go to sleep before the end?
Those are the eternal questions with Nelson and cohort Mark Cuban in charge: What do we believe, and what are the chances they'll make a move? The two have paired for two drafts.
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Star Telegram | Jun 24, 2002
The Mavericks' restricted free agent Wang Zhizhi resurfaced recently in Los Angeles and was interviewed by telephone by the Star Telegram's Dwain Price.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 24, 2002
1.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 24, 2002
In any other year, Jason Williams would be the hands-down choice as the No.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 24, 2002
Slovenian forward Bostjan Nachbar offered an impressive workout for Rockets coaches and scouts from the Raptors, Hawks and Jazz.
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| Jun 24, 2002
Vittorio Tafur of the Oakland Tribune reports that Larry Hughes may have some value after all.
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Chicago Tribune | Jun 24, 2002
Bulls should stick to the plan
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| Jun 23, 2002
The Cavaliers may be looking to trade down in the draft.
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| Jun 23, 2002
Chris McCosky of the Detroit News reports that the Pistons could trade their first-round pick.
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| Jun 23, 2002
Michael Hunt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Bucks are still trying to make a move.
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Portland Tribune | Jun 23, 2002
Kerry Eggers of the Portland tribune reports that the Trail Blazers have added their names to the list of draft-day trade hopefuls.
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Arizona Republic | Jun 22, 2002
The Phoenix Suns, holders of the number 9 pick in Wednesday’s draft, may be looking to move up.
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Washington Post | Jun 22, 2002
The Washington Wizards and the Detroit pistons are talking about swapping draft picks.
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New Orleans Times-Picayune | Jun 22, 2002
Jimmy Smith of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Baron Davis will remain a Hornet for a t least a little while longer.
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Xinhuanet | Jun 22, 2002
Ming clears another hurdle
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Dallas Morning News | Jun 21, 2002
Point guards shouldn't be tough to spot in the 2002 NBA Draft, so long as you're not looking for pure point guards.
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Florida Today | Jun 20, 2002
John Denton of the Florida Today reports: The Orlando Magic's decision of whether to select a rebounding power forward or a playmaking point guard in Wednesday's NBA Draft might be a little easier to make now, with the word that veteran Horace Grant could be returning next season.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 20, 2002
The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen reports that Rockets physician Dr.
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Sun-Sentinel | Jun 20, 2002
Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel breaks down the draft possibilities for the Heat and their #10 pick.
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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Jun 20, 2002
When Curtis Borchardt and Mike Dunleavy Jr.
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Chicago Tribune | Jun 20, 2002
Will China let Ming go?
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 19, 2002
This is the final day when underclassmen like University of Houston junior George Williams can pull their name out of the June 26 NBA draft and return to school.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 19, 2002
Basketball fans and Asian-American community leaders are thrilled that the Houston Rockets may draft Chinese basketball star Yao Ming as the National Basketball Association's No.
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Sun-Sentinel | Jun 19, 2002
The Heat have changed their philosophy regarding the NBA’s luxury tax.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 19, 2002
Yao Ming’s representative says that he is extremely optimistic that agreements would be reached in ample time for the Rockets to choose Yao with the first pick of the NBA draft next week.
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Miami Herald | Jun 19, 2002
Pat Riley knows that his Heat need a small forward, but he’s prepared to take the best player available, regardless of position, when the Heat pick at #10.
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New York Post | Jun 19, 2002
Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that the Knicks are hoping Chris Wilcox drops in their laps.
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ESPN | Jun 19, 2002
Dunleavy is staying in the draft
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The Record | Jun 18, 2002
The Nets are thinking about their roster.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 18, 2002
Rockets general counsel, Michael Goldberg, left China Monday night after continued discussions with Chinese officials, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
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Miami Herald | Jun 18, 2002
The Heat are looking to free agency to fill their small forward hole.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 17, 2002
When the Rockets were in China last week to talk with various officials of the Chinese basketball league, they had a chance to watch Yao Ming practice and to talk with him a bit.
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| Jun 16, 2002
Will he be available at #7?
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Arizona Republic | Jun 16, 2002
Bob Young of the Arizona Republic gives us a rundown of the Phoenix Sun’s draft strategy: choose a big man with the #9 pick and hope Kareem Rush is still available at #22.
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Memphis Commercial Appeal | Jun 16, 2002
One of the big unknown’s in this year’s draft is whether Mike Dunleavy Jr will be available on draft day.
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Philadelphia Inquirer | Jun 15, 2002
Ashley McGeachy Fox of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Sixers are looking for the best player available in the draft.
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Miami Herald | Jun 15, 2002
Ther heat are looking at power forwards according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
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New York Post | Jun 15, 2002
Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that the Knicks are looking at Maryland power forward Chris Wilcox.
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Herald-Sun | Jun 14, 2002
The Herald-Sun reports that Jay Williams seems comfortable in Chicago.
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Orlando Sentinel | Jun 14, 2002
Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel reports: A lingering shoulder injury is costing Cypress Creek High School phenom Amare Stoudemire valuable time as tries to enhance his NBA draft stock.
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Daily Herald | Jun 12, 2002
Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald takes a logical look at the upcoming draft.
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AP | Jun 11, 2002
Ming one step closer to Houston
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New York Daily News | Jun 11, 2002
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that U of Maryland power forward Chris Wilcox is renting out Madison Square Garden to conduct an open workout for NBA teams.
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ESPN | Jun 10, 2002
Chad Ford of ESPN reports that the Lakers may be making a move on draft night.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 10, 2002
The Rockets on Sunday began talks in Shanghai, China, with officials from the Shanghai Sharks that they hope will end with clearance for drafting Yao Ming.
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Memphis Commercial Appeal | Jun 10, 2002
Mike Dunleavy hasn’t decided what he’ll do later this month.
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Chicago Sun-Times | Jun 9, 2002
Roman Modrowski of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Jay Williams is saying all the right things.
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Palm Beach Post | Jun 9, 2002
Israel Gutierrez of the Palm Beach Post writes about what teams look for during pre-draft workouts.
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| Jun 9, 2002
Will LeBron's broken wrist give second thoughts to NBA GM's?
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Sun-Sentinel | Jun 8, 2002
Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel reports that Heat General Manager Randy Pfund says that it is likely the Heat will stay at its No.
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Akron Beacon-Journal | Jun 8, 2002
Chris Tomasson of the Akron Beacon-Journal reports: Executives at the NBA pre-draft camp are divided over who will be the No.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 8, 2002
The Rockets have decided that Yao Mings’ talent on the basketball court is worthy of the number one pick in the draft.
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Dallas Morning News | Jun 7, 2002
Will Wang affect Ming?
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Rocky Mountain News | Jun 7, 2002
Kyle Ringo of the Rocky Mountain News reports that the Nuggets are looking at Lee Benson.
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Gomemphis.com | Jun 7, 2002
So if most of the participating players are projected to be second round picks or rookie free agents, why does the entire NBA converge on the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago each summer? Ronald Tillery of Gomemphis.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 5, 2002
Rockets to woo China for Ming
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Chicago Tribune | Jun 5, 2002
This years’ NBA pre-draft camp at Moody Bible Institute was expected to feature a shallower talent pool because of a new rule the NCAA passed last month.
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Chicago Sun-Times | Jun 4, 2002
Roman Modrowski of the Chicago Sun-Times reports: Trenton Hassell had one season of eligibility remaining at Austin Peay when he arrived for the NBA pre-draft camp last year at Moody Bible Institute, and Hassell knew nothing at the camp could have affected that eligibility.
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The Star Press | Jun 4, 2002
Theron Smith's flirtation with the National Basketball Association is finished - for now.
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ESPN | Jun 3, 2002
Andy Katz of ESPN.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 3, 2002
The Rockets got a new shipment of Yao Ming tapes Thursday.
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Houston Chronicle | Jun 3, 2002
To say yes or no to Yao, to Ming or not to Ming, that is the mother of all questions Leslie Alexander, Carroll Dawson and Rudy Tomjanovich must come to terms with before June 26.
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Cleveland Plain Dealer | Jun 3, 2002
Branson Wright of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the most important week in the lives of next season's NBA rookie class begins at tomorrow's pre-draft camp in Chicago.
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Orlando Sentinel | Jun 2, 2002
It may have been just practice gear he was wearing Monday, but Amare Stoudemire loved the feel of it.
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Orlando Sentinel | Jun 2, 2002
Teddy Dupay, who was dismissed from the University of Florida basketball team in September 2001 for his association with gamblers, will be working out for the Orlando Magic today, hoping to become the answer to their ongoing questions at point guard.
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Orlando Sentinel | Jun 2, 2002
If no one in the NBA wants Teddy Dupay, they better put locks on the doors to keep him out.
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Orlando Sentinel | Jun 2, 2002
Contrary to criticism about his NBA potential, Juan Dixon plans on being in the NBA for a long time.
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Orlando Sentinel | Jun 2, 2002
The Magic need bulk up front; they also need a young point guard.
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Denver Post | Jun 2, 2002
Marc J.
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New Jersey Star-Ledger | Jun 2, 2002
DAVE D'ALESSANDRO of the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports: You've probably never heard of Lee Benson, but he is 6-11, 235 pounds, and he dominated the Division 2 field last season by averaging 35.
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