NBA draft preview: Shooting guards - 猶他爵士 Utah Jazz

NBA draft preview: Shooting guards
GRADE: C: Young at head of class
June 24, 2007
BY JOHN JACKSON Staff Reporter

Because this draft is deep in big men, there's only one player at this
position -- Nick Young of USC -- projected to be selected by a team that
was in the lottery.

But that doesn't mean there's a lack of quality shooting guards in this draft.

In fact, one of the reasons the draft is so deep is the number of quality
guards who will be available well into the second round.

"The draft is going to be about more than [Greg] Oden and [Kevin] Durant,"
Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "There's going to be
a very strong group of players that's going to come in right behind them. I
think you're going to see players from all areas of this draft deep into the
first round."

THE TOP FIVE

1 Nick Young, USC, 6-6, 200: Ranked second in the Pac-10 in scoring (17.5
points), fifth in field-goal percentage (.525) and second in three-point
percentage (.440). He's the rare prospect who excels in the mid-range, with
an assortment of pull-ups and fadeaways.

2 Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington, 6-5, 205: A combo guard with excellent
strength and scoring ability. A solid ballhandler and passer who plays hard
at both ends of the court. Some scouts compare him to Randy Foye of the
Minnesota Timberwolves.

3 Morris Almond, Rice, 6-6, 215: Was third in the nation in scoring (26.4
points) as senior and also led the team in rebounding (6.6), three-point
field-goal percentage (.456) and free-throw percentage (.846).

4 Arron Afflalo, UCLA, 6-5, 215: Another wing player who excels in the
mid-range game. He is a polished player who should be ready to contribute
right away.

5 Alando Tucker, Wisconsin, 6-5, 205: The Lockport native has followed up his
outstanding senior season with impressive workouts, and his stock is thought
to be on the rise.


FIVE IN NEED

1 New Orleans Hornets: With Desmond Mason headed for free agency, the Hornets
could use a shooting guard to play alongside Chris Paul.

2 Charlotte Bobcats: With two first-round picks, the Bobcats have a chance to
plug two holes. They're likely to grab a shooting guard with the 22nd pick.

3 Utah Jazz: The Jazz is set at the point for the next decade or so with
Deron Williams, but it could use a young shooting guard who would replace
veteran Derek Fisher down the road.

4 Detroit Pistons: With the trade of Carlos Delfino, the Pistons could use
a backup guard.

5 San Antonio Spurs: With an aging roster, the Spurs need an infusion of
young blood at several positions, including shooting guard.


Q & A | ALANDO TUCKER, WISCONSIN

Q What are your objectives when you work out for a team?

A "I'm just trying to show my consistency on the perimeter. At Wisconsin, it
was mostly pass and swing, move in the system. I just want to really show
I can play on the perimeter, handle the ball. It's something I'm really
used to, so it wasn't hard getting adjusted back. I played it a lot in high
school, handled the ball a lot."

Q What is your NBA position?

A "Shooting guard, and I'll be able to move as a combo. Depends on the team.
I'm still strong enough to mix it up with the [small forwards]. I just want
to establish a consistent shot. It takes time."


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