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Who are the winners and losers in NBA draft?

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By Al Iannazzone

The Record (Hackensack N.J.)

Published: Sunday, June 26 2011 12:15 a.m. MDT

Summary

It was a busy and dizzying Thursday night as the NBA Draft included more than 12 trades and plenty of international flavor.

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It was a busy and dizzying Thursday night as the NBA Draft included more than 12 trades and plenty of international flavor.

It's not known how the players will perform or fit with their new teams, but here's an early look at winners and losers from this year's NBA Draft:

Winners

Dallas Mavericks: The NBA champs turned the No. 26 pick into versatile, proven guard Rudy Fernandez in a three-team trade with Denver and Portland. Fernandez gives one of the deepest teams in the league more depth and scoring punch.

Indiana Pacers: A team that needed help now got it, as the Pacers sent the Nos. 15 and 42 picks to the Spurs for George Hill. Once seen as Tony Parker's heir apparent, Hill is from Indiana and brings much-needed big-game experience to the Pacers.

Washington Wizards: They way the draft played out with all the movement around them, general manager Ernie Grunfeld quietly had a solid night, getting athletic Czech forward Jan Vesely (No. 6) and defensive-minded Florida State power forward Chris Singleton.

Utah Jazz: They bypassed point guard Brandon Knight at No. 3 for arguably the best big man in center Enes Kanter, and took Colorado shooter Alec Burks 12th. He should get open looks with the attention Utah's big men receive.

Losers

Minnesota Timberwolves: They took forward Derrick Williams second, but then acquired UCLA guard-forward Malcolm Lee and center Brad Miller. They need more proven leaders and less duplication at swingman and both forward spots.

Charlotte Bobcats: They traded a productive player (Stephen Jackson) and the 19 pick to move up to No. 7 for the raw, unproven Bismack Biyombo and took back black-hole Corey Maggette. Kemba Walker, chosen ninth, may be able to help them.

Toronto Raptors: They used the fifth pick on Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas, whom some predict could become this draft's best player. But he won't play in the U.S. for at least one year, so the Raptors didn't help themselves for the immediate future.

Sacramento Kings: As part of a deal for 10th pick, they were able to draft Jimmer Fredette and got John Salmons from Milwaukee, adding two more players who need the ball to an immature team that already has Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton and DeMarcus Cousins.

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Featured Comments

See all 17 comments »
scalman
Temecula, CA

I disagree with the article saying Toronto didn't have a good draft. Waiting one year for a prospect like Jonas V. is nothing, especially for a team who isn't close to contending for the championship. He may turn out to be a better player than More..

  • 10:39 a.m. June 26, 2011
  • Top comment
B Russ
Ephraim, UT

If there is a lockout Jonas will have to wait a year to play anyway. Toronto did good snagging him when they did.

I keep hearing alot of talk about how Burks can't shoot. Go to Draft Express they have alot of info on Burks and watch the More..

  • 12:25 p.m. June 26, 2011
  • Top comment
Bugoff
Houston, TX

The same criticism leveled at MN can be applied to Utah. They were already stacked at PF/C and Burks is not known for outside shooting or defense.

In other words the list of winners and losers is pretty subjective.

Based on More..

  • 10:08 p.m. June 26, 2011
  • Top comment
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