The Sixer Sense
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NBA Draft Strategy: Colangelo’s Choices In NBA Draft?

By Bret Stuter

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribles the ball past Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribles the ball past Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2008 Draft

2008 Draft first round – 17 (TRADE)

Who They Chose:  7′ 2″ center Roy Hibbert, who was immediately packaged in a major trade with the Indiana Pacers along with  T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and Maseo Baston for Jermaine O’Neal and Nathan Jawai.  The pick of Hibbert was a very good pick, albeit for the Indiana Pacers benefit.

Mock Draft Consensus: DeAndre Jordan

Best Pick Available: DeAndre Jordan

Overall Grade:  Excellent. The trade aspect of this selection is already graded in part 1 of the 3 part series.  But the value of finding a needle in a haystack at 17 is no less than an excellent choice.  The other available center DeAndre Jordan, has enjoyed a career similar to Hibbert.  Unfortunately, the Pacers received the benefit of this pick.

2009 Draft

2009 Draft first round – 9

Who They Chose: DeMar DeRozan –  Shooting guard DeMar DeRozan was originally projected to the Minnesota Timberwolves at six, but fell into the Raptors lap at nine.   He was one of six prospects who invaded the NBA and later appeared as an NBA All-Star with such names as: Jrue Holiday, Blake Griffin, James Harden, Stephen Curry, and Jeff Teague.  DeRozan was thrust into the rotation his rookie season, where he scored 8.6 points per game on 21.6 minutes.  His second season showed marked improvement, where he improved to 17.2 PPG on 34.8 minutes per game.  He has remained a solid starter and contributor for the Raptors.

Mock Draft Consensus: Small Forward Raymar Morgan

Best Pick Available: DeMar DeRozan

Overall Grade: Excellent.   The young man from the University of Southern California has carved out an impressive career for the Toronto Raptors, and continues to help them to compete in post season play even to this day.

Next: 2010 Draft