'07 Impact Rookies?

[EricW]

Just looking at the current crop of collegiate players coming out and thinking about who may get PT I'm not seeing to many impact players in this draft thus far....

...My early intuition tells me that LaMarcus Aldridge is hands down the most NBA ready player because of his combination of size and skill...

... none of the PG's look very good and I haven't seen a decent wing that does anything other than rely on their physical advantages over collegiate competition...Morrison can play, but I don't think he'll dominate right away because he doesn't have the athletic ability to "fool around" and have success. He'll need time to translate his game...weak class thus far, I hope the Euros are good this year because this is looking like a "Mike Miller ROY" season...

[Manumismo]

I think it's all a matter of who gets drafted where. I believe, however, that LaMarcus Aldridge will probably be the most NBA ready. I also agree with you on the PG situation of this draft. It would be interesting though to see what happens in someone like Mardy Collins drops to Philly or if New York trades up to get him. His size and mentallity could prove to be the spark both those teams need.

[Genjuro]

I hope the Euros are good this year because this is looking like a "Mike Miller ROY" season...
Don't count on them to have a huge impact right away, particularly regarding Tiago Splitter and his statistical production (I think he would suffer to get points), and that's if the Brazilian plays next season in the NBA, which is not clear at all at this point. Bargnani might be a candidate, but he would need to fall in the right place.

[KristianH]

Rudy Fernandez could contribute, as well as Micka Gelable if Real Madrid let him go. I think Splitter is more NBA ready then Bargnani, Andrea might be offensively superior, but Tiago is going to earn his minutes before thanks to his stunning defense.

[wardjdim]

There are only 4 Greek players who can play in the NBA right now IMO: Panayotis Vassilopoulos (draft eligible this summer), Sofoklis Schortsianitis (rights owned by Clippers), Vassilis Spanoulis (rights owned by Rockets), Yannis Bouroussis (went undrafted last year).
From them Spanoulis and Vassilopoulos are stayin in Greece/Euroleague for at least 1 more year (I believe that both of them are not movin till 2008), while Schortsianitis probably will leave Europe in the summer of 2007. Spanoulis could be a difference maker, but the other two not really.
The 6-11 lanky Bouroussis will be a free agent this summer. He has all the tools and maybe he will go to a summer camp, in order to test the waters for his potential. Moreover, a National Team invitation for the WC in Japan and a strong tournament there (meaning more that 5 mpg, if selected) for this contending team, could give him props for a contract. If not, he' ll either move to a stronger Euroleague team or go to the NBDL I guess to chase his NBA dream at age 23 (not before November).
I think that he can compete for significant mins in a team, but not before 2007-08 season and under specific circumstances.

[PyroCross]

I dunno if any rookie next season can do what Dwight Howard, Emeka Okafor, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade or Chris Paul did in their rookie year in this draft..

That being said, LaMarcus Aldridge could do what Dwight Howard did next season if he declares. Most of the prospects don't look ready to start immediately at the NBA level although some might be forced to. JJ Redick could do decently well as well as Adam Morrison but it will take time for them to get the rest of their game besides shooting sorted out. I'm almost certain this is a big man draft so the PGs are almost certain to drop and I don't think any of them will have a productive rookie season.

[Poppy]

I would like to see LaMarcus Alridge in Chicago. Two years from now, they could have a really good team.

[Genjuro]

Rudy Fernandez could contribute, as well as Micka Gelable if Real Madrid let him go. I think Splitter is more NBA ready then Bargnani, Andrea might be offensively superior, but Tiago is going to earn his minutes before thanks to his stunning defense.
One thing is to contribute, and another to make an impact. Fernández, Gelabale and especially Splitter might be able to contribute next season. But I think that the only international guy with the potential to be an impact player next season is Andrea Bargnani. However, it's still a long shot.

[The_Notic]

Ok, im 17, and I was wondering what kind of career path i would take to become an internation scout or anything of that kind. Is it unreasonable to assume i could actually become one.

Thanks!

[Chilliwilly]

Actually I don't think Aldridge is ready to contribute instantly, he needs to add some serious bulk and mature physically. To contribute immediately I would have to say Morrison has the best chance as a pure offensive threat since this is the most pathetic PG draft in recent history.

[jonatansimon]

NBA are different from ACB, But interior points is hard to get in spain too, so I think Splitter could get 8-10 ppg easily if he would play 20-25mpg...His defense is great,he could grab 6-7 rebounds in those minutes + 1.5blocks.

[Qman]

Reddick could have a big impact on the right team. Miami or a team with someone that will create wideopen shots for him.

I have become a believer in Brandon Roy. I think he will be starting next season somewhere. He just as the defense prowess and the ability to create off the dribble.

Shelden Williams is also ready to battle down low for someone. He is a role player.

Marcus Williams looks to be a real player too.

[Red Robot]

I think Shelden Williams and Mardy Collins could do something in the NBA next year. I could also see Reddick getting his minutes and his points.

[Force]

I expect Sheldon to put up numbers that stay consistent. He has done that against elite level talent in the NCAA and has the tools to translate over the the NBA.

LaMarcus Aldridge is not as proven as Sheldon, or as consistent. Heck of a talent, but lacks the bulk and the footwork to be a Dwight Howard type player at similiar ages.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Tiago Splitter be more of an impact player. Can man up and play help defense immediately, can be trusted for good decisions.

Adam Morrison can also be counted on to score points. Not as much as he did in the NCAA, and I'm not sure if he ever will, but he can be a nice 3rd option.

[Jacky]

I think Brandon Roy is going to be tremendous, because I think he's the most complete player in this draft. He would fit in very well with orlando considering that they're one swingman away from becoming a contender in the east.