|
Joe Alexander is about to make his professional basketball dreams come true. That's pretty much a certainty, as the 2004 Linganore High School graduate is a projected lottery pick in Thursday's NBA draft at Madison Square Garden. He is also likely to become the highest selected men's basketball player in the history of Frederick County, which last saw Thomas Johnson product Terence Morris go in the second round of the 2002 draft. The only question remains: Which team will take Alexander, who has rocketed up charts with solid pre-draft workouts? While NBA honchos blow their smokescreens and media conjecture abounds, several published mock drafts show there is rising interest in Alexander, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound small forward and first-team all-Big East pick last season as a West Virginia University junior. His stock took off late in the college season, when he put together a string of great games and led his team to the Sweet 16, finishing with averages of 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He has gained even more attention by showing well for individual teams and carrying a respectable attitude. According to published reports and the obvious needs of some squads, it appears six teams are Alexander's most likely suitors: The New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trailblazers, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. What follows is a breakdown of each possible destination and where those teams pick in the draft. (The top 14 picks are lottery picks.) Pick No. 6 While chances are slim, the New York Knicks could take the former Lancer Alexander this high. New coach Mike D'Antoni covets a point guard to run his high-paced offense and one of two top-tier performers (O.J. Mayo or D.J. Augustin) could be available. But it was reported on ESPN.com that Alexander came in for a second workout with the Knicks on Friday. That visit is proof of his escalating stock. New York is looking hard at a handful of players, but Alexander is in the mix. Pick No. 8 Online, this is the most popular potential home for Alexander. The Milwaukee Bucks went 26-56 last season (last in their division) and have a new coach in Scott Skiles. The team's top player is shooting guard Michael Redd, but he's on the trading block and beyond him the roster is unimpressive. Word has it the Bucks are aiming for a culture change. Milwaukee could use a player with Alexander's athleticsm and toughness to start over with. Picking this low gives the Bucks options, but Alexander looks like a good value at this slot. His work ethic is beyond question, he has great character and should continue to improve. Pick No. 12 Alexander had reporters buzzing and made a good impression during a workout for the Sacramento Kings -- who finished 38-44 in the Pacific Division -- on June 13. Sacramento has a hungry first-year coach in newly hired Reggie Theus and a rising star in guard Kevin Martin (23.7 ppg). Aside from Martin and embattled forward Ron Artest, though, the Kings lack star power. If Alexander ends up there, he'd have a chance to make a name for himself under a coach who wants to do the same. Pick No. 13 An up-and-coming squad, the Portland Trail Blazers went 41-40 to finish third in the Northwest Division. And that was without Greg Oden, last year's No. 1 overall pick who missed the season recovering from an injury. The Blazers, coached by Nate McMillan, already have a handful of strong young players in Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Travis Outlaw (not to mention Oden). It would be a great team for Alexander to join, but the rumormill says Portland may send the 13th pick to Phoenix for guard Leandro Barbosa. Pick No. 14 As long as point guard Baron Davis sticks around (he could opt out of his contract), the Golden State Warriors feel they might be one impact player away from contending for the NBA title. Last season, they were 48-33, but missed the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference. They need a center, but coach Don Nelson may not want to work with a young, raw player at that position. The team's vice president, Chris Mullin, meanwhile, has been quoted as saying he hopes to draft a "difference-maker," and Alexander is said to be a top candidate -- if he's still available. Pick No. 15 The Suns, who went 54-27 last season, are an aging bunch with a few big-name players near the end of their contracts (Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal, Amare Stoudemire). The window is closing, but new coach Terry Porter may be able to lead them to one more great year. The Suns are in the market for a versatile wing player. Alexander fits that bill. He has even been compared to former Sun Shawn Marion, who was sent to Miami in last season's Shaq trade. Barbosa is on the market, though, and a trade could alter Phoenix's draft plan.
|
