Draft Preview: Watching for Dropping Gold

We own the 59th pick in the draft this year. Not just lots of sure-fire studs are normally available here. But, every year, talented players fall for various reasons. Let's take a look at who we should be keeping our eye on should they suddenly be available.

Remember that one will be able to find positives and negatives about each player listed here. The key is not finding a perfect college player, but sifting through them all and deciding which has the best potential fit for your team and your needs. Without knowing what moves we will end up making in free agency in regards to keeping or signing, I see our current biggest need as backup power forward. As fluid as positions are nowadays, Duncan seems to be increasingly spending time at the 5, and while Diaw was solid at 4, he needs help, and who knows what will happen with Blair?

Most Appealing Drop Candidates:

Mike Scott - Virginia - 6'9, 241

Why we want him: Read my write-up here

Where he should go: Early to middle second round

Why he could drop: He's 24, has only average size, and some believe he's already reached his ceiling

JaMychal Green - Alabama - 6'9, 215

Why we want him: Dominated other pro prospects at Portsmouth Inviational, great athleticism, scores around basket

Where he should go: Middle second round

Why he could drop: A bit undersized, lacking some lower body strength, stats dropped in senior year

*Editor's note: Also missed time due to suspension for undisclosed reasons-SfS

Drew Gordon - New Mexico (Transfer from UCLA) - 6'9, 239

Why we want him: Elite rebounder, good FT%, can score with back to basket and above the rim, solid defender

Where he should go: Early to middle second round

Why he could drop: Offense may not translate to NBA, poor jump shooter

Kevin Jones - West Virgina - 6'7, 251

Why we want him: Outstanding scorer and rebounder, quality post defender, takes care of ball

Where he should go: Middle second round

Why he could drop: Very undersized for the 4, not athletic enough to play the 3

Another Positive:

This is a deep draft for power forwards, and around nine or so should go in the first round. That leaves at least a possibility of the best remaining PF's to drop to the bottom of the second round as more teams address other needs.