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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (June 27, 2002)
NBA teams should draft more wisely SPORTS Yao. Wow. For months, speculation has had Chinese superstar Yao Ming going first in the NBA Draft and Wednesday, the prophecies came true. Too bad. In a league where size matters, Houston spent its first pick on seven-plus feet of skin, bones and jump shoot ing. Did some body in the or ganization forget to real ize that a cen ter without post-up moves is about as useful as Shaq shooting free throws? Sure, the big guy claims to make them when they count, but the only reason he gets the opportuni ty to put up uncontested flicks-of the-wrist is because he’s a domi nant force close to the basket. Does Houston really believe that teams won’t be smart enough to put a power forward, maybe even a small forward on Yao to frustrate the quick-bodied “center?” As much as I hate to give free press to a movie, I think we’ve all heard of the “Great White Hype.” Remember Shawn Bradley? As much as we’d love to believe Yao is different, he isn’t. He’s Chinese, taller than some trees, from overseas, but, really, please. With a frame like his, Ming will be lucky to last past his guaran teed three-year contract. Big bod ies like Shaq will pound Ming, athletic fours like Rasheed Wal lace will rise above Ming, and quick and tall players like Kevin Garnett will abuse Ming in every aspect of the game. A few years back, athletes cho sen in the lottery made an imme diate impact. No longer. In last year’s draft, only Pau 1111 1 Schmidt Sports editor Gasol and Shane Battier — both of the Memphis Grizzlies — made significant contribu tions. Teams like the Bulls crossed their fingers and, in one humble sports fan’s opinion, made huge mistakes by drafting kids who just graduated from high school and probably don’t even know what B.A. stands for. Judging by the Bulls’ previous lottery picks, Jay-don’t-call-me son Williams will be a bust. The guy can’t hit free throws when they count and his quick step will only get him so far on a team of throw-aways. Add to that po tential chemistry problems-with Jalen Rose, who was happier than a nun on Sunday to end up in Chicago — a team with no di rection that allows him to shoot continuously. While it is true that it takes kids some time to develop, when a player goes in the lot tery, fans want to see immediate results. Not since 1999, when El ton Brand, Stevie Franchise, Baron Davis, Andre Miller and Jason Terry were drafted, have we seen impact. Mike Dunleavy will, without a doubt, be named Rookie of the Year. He’s still growing and adds bulk each year. His sharp shooting and pesky defense place him atop the forward-laden draft. Junior will get plenty of playing time with Golden State and with Jason Richardson still developing aside the always-shooting Antawn Jamison, Run-TMC could be res urrected as Gun-JRD. And as for the Blazers? The team that is always re building, reworking and regress ing chose junior college small forward Qyntel Woods, an un polished player who will need a few years to develop. Judging from the Blazers’ depth at just about every position, he should have plenty of time. Another brilliant move by the Blazers. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll be good. If that’s the case, he’ll want out. Just ask Jermaine O’Neal. Contact the sports editor at bradschmidt@dailyemerald.com. His opinions do not necessarily represent those of the Emerald. Save 20% on selected Chaco sandals (limited to stock on hand) FOOTWISE THE BIRKENSTOCK STORE 181 E Broadway • Downtown Eugene • 342-6107 Mon-Sat 10-6 and Sun 11-5 “38 years of Quality Service” Mercedes • BMW • Volkswagen • Audi German Auto Service • MERCEDES • BMW • VOLKSWAGEN • 342-2912 • 2025 Franklin Blvd. Eugene, Oregon, 97402 Oregon Daily Emerald WORLDWIDE Another great way to read the ODE _www.dailyemerald.com ODE Classifieds 346-4343 Try taking a date on the bus Change your oil every 3000 miles. them when in class • Hit os at lunchtime... we're that quick! Lube, oil & filler • Vehicle Inspections • Tires Rotated • • Wiper Inspection & Replacement • Differential Service • 1 Wheel Pack • 39 Point Safety Inspection • Transmission Fluid & Service Radiator Inspection Service • Lighting System Check & Bulb Replacement NO COUPON 1 f NEEDED! i I | Everyday low price. We’ll give you more than just an OIL CHANGE Includes up to 5 quarts of GM Goodwrench Motor oil, a new AC Delco Oil Filter, Chassis lube and ten-point maintenance check, all in 29 minutes or less! Restrictions may apply to some vehicles. and get the 5th free! I | No Appointment Needed! Chevrolet 013000 2020 Franklin Blvd., Eugene • 465-3588 • Open Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30
