Big picture, at #23 it will be hard to find anyone at any position who’s immediately better than the top 8 or 9 guys in our rotation – maybe one of the shooting guards. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I would either take a long-range, big-potential prospect, or try and trade multiple assets for a lottery pick or young, established vet.

point of clarification: True shooter is a reference to the “True Shooting” stat that adjusts regular FG% for the effects of 3pt. shooting as well as getting to the free throw line. On that stat, Francis was one of NY’s as well as the league’s most efficient or “true” scores–even though his stroke isn’t the most pleasant thing in the world to look at.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t mind seeing us trade for a young veteran. I think Frye for Jarrett Jack would be a good swap – JJ plays smart, can shoot and plays very good D.

More of a longshot, Dallas might listen to offers for Devin Harris – say, Frye plus this year’s draft pick. More likely Dallas tries to move Jason Terry, but either way they don’t seem thrilled with their double-headed point guard, and they might consider a 1 for 2 swap – they could really use an extra scorer.

btw I saw Crittenden a lot, and while he may be worth it at 23, I don’t think he’s a super prospect. I missed the Carolina game (which put him on everyone’s radar) but in many others he just looked raw. He’s not much of a shooter, he’s not super-quick like Francis and his decisions with the ball are still erratic.

btw, I respectfully differ with the description of Francis as a “true” shooter. His outside shot is below average; he’s been able to score mainly because he gets to the line as well as anyone not named Dwyane Wade (Though at Stevie’s age I expect that part of his game to fall off soon, and fast…)

So I might take the shot with him.

1) I don’t think AL4 will be available that late in the draft.

2) There’s 0 chance Isiah will take Josh McRoberts. I nearly fell out of my seat when he drafted David Lee. Other than Lee, when was the last time Isiah was interested in a white player?

I like all the guys on this list. The only no doubt about it reach would be Aaron Brooks (and I think Brooks will play in the league). Crittenton has some upside but also has big-time bust potential. I really didn’t see him much until the tournament this year when they got waxed by UNLV and he turned the ball over like he was angry with it. Boy, I wish for his sake he’d stayed one more year at Tech. Unless he had eligibility issues, didn’t like his coach, or just didn’t want to compete with OJ Mayo next June I don’t see why he didn’t stay.