*19. Los
Angeles Lakers - Javaris Crittenton, Geogia Tech, PG, 6'5"
Team Needs: Kobe Bryant wants out of L.A. more than Snake Plissken, but will it happen? I don't really think so considering that the Lakers have all the leverage - Kobe can't be a free agent until after the 2008-09, so there's no immediate need to trade Bryant. However, there is some news that the Lakers may now be involved in a four-team trade to acquire Kevin Garnett. That should keep Kobe happy, but what pieces are moved? In any case, if the Lakers keep this pick, they may go with the point guard with tons of upside in Crittenton. Smush Parker has somewhat wore out his welcome and Crittenton and his talent could be more of a welcome addition.
*20. Miami
Heat - Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech, SF, 6'8"
Team Needs: Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem are the only real young guys on the team. Young, his physical tools, and basketball smarts would help the Heat not only for the future, but also possibly the present. Following the lead of Wade, Haslem, Shaquille O'Neal et al. will help Young grow and fulfill his upside.
21. Philadelphia
76ers - Derrick Byars, SG, Vanderbilt
University, SG, 6'7"
Team Needs: *Previous to this pick at number 12, the Sixers took Al Thornton, so next up is the super-versatile and smart Byars. Byars could very well move up the draft board in the coming weeks, so nabbing him at 21 would be a coup of sorts for the Sixers. The more I think about it, the more I think Byars should go up higher than this. So, basically what I'm saying is that with Thornton and Byars, the Sixers are going to get good pretty fast, especially in the East.
22. Charlotte
Bobcats - Tiago Splitter, TAU Vitoria (Brazil), PF/C, 6'11"
Team Needs: The Bobcats took Jeff Green with the eigth pick overall and will take the intriguing Splitter here to add to the frontcourt of Emeka Okafor and the aformentioned Green. Splitter has been a prospect for some time now and getting this youngster here could work out well. It's not like taking a chance on a Darko Milicic second overall as the Pistons did in 2003 with Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Wade still available.
*Splitter could go higher, which wouldn't be so bad, unless it's in the lottery.
23. New York
Knicks - Morris Almond, Rice University, SG/SF, 6'6"
Team Needs: GM/Coach Isiah Thomas considers this pick a bonus since they signed Kentucky center Randolph Morris after the NCAA Tournament. The Knicks definitely have some moves to make, and they are rumored to be in the Kobe sweepstakes, but who do they trade that the Lakers would want? This much is sure, Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry aren't going anywhere since Thomas has and continues to bank on these two. Adding Almond and his ability to hit anywhere from the floor will help draw off double teams down low on Curry and help finish any Marbury drives to the basket and kickouts. Almond has been compared to former Knick, Allan Houston. That's a good thing.
*The Knicks could possibly lose out on Almond here as some are predicting he'll go a few spots higher than this, but I'll stand pat. However, if Almond does indeed get picked before this, Marcus Williams could possibly be the pick and make it back into the first round.
24. Phoenix
Suns - Marco Belinelli, Climamio Bologna (Italy), SG, 6'5"
Team Needs: The Suns like to run. Belinelli like to run. There are a lot of opportunities for players that can dunk in Phoenix because Steve Nash makes it easier for them. Belinelli likes that. Suns fans should get a kick out of watching Belinelli play as he is able to server up some highlight-worthy dunks.
*Belinelli ain't moving anywhere... unless the Suns trade the pick. New GM Steve Kerr is making calls and there are a lot of rumors surrounding the Suns.
Also See NBA Draft - Position Rankings
