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March Madness: Who NBA scouts are watching

by Chad Ford

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Also Below: Who they're watching in the West | Are the Clippers auditioning for a new gig? | Finals preview tonight? | Peep Show

Bedeviled

Inside the NBA Draft: March Madness

ESPN Insider talked to multiple NBA scouts and GMs to give you a look at the Top 5 NBA prospects they'll be watching in each NCAA region.

Today, Insider finishes with the West bracket. If you want to make the argument that seniors aren't a dying breed, all you have to do is look West. KU's Kirk Hinrich and Illinois' Brian Cook are considered potential lottery picks. KU's Nick Collison is a lock for the first round. Other top seniors including Arizona's Luke Walton, Memphis' Chris Massie, Creighton's Kyle Korver and Duke's Dahntay Jones all have a shot at slipping into the first round.

That's also why the West has to be the toughest bracket in the tournament. Seniors may not be in vogue in the NBA, but they're vital to winning an NCAA Championship. So it's appropriate that we end the look of the top prospects in the tournament with a bunch of guys with one last chance to prove their worth.

Also see: Midwest prospects | East prospects | South prospects

Tournament Guide | March Madness Sitelines

Who they're watching in the West

1. Kirk Hinrich, PG, Kansas

The Skinny: 6-foot-3, 190 lbs, Senior. 17.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 49 percent shooting from the field.

The Good: If seniors are out and young kids with 40-inch verticals are in, how does a skinny kid from Iowa sneak into the lottery? Poise. Savvy. Intelligence. A killer jumper. Surprising athleticism. Hinrich has the size, floor vision, ball handling, unselfishness and long-range jumper that scouts beg for in a point guard.

The Bad: Is Hinrich tough enough? His thin frame and lack of strength and lateral quickness could make him a defensive liability. Isn't great in the transition game. He's much better in the half court. He spent his senior season playing off guard. Will that cause some teams to question whether he has the skills to run the point?

The Ugly: Hinrich may not look like much, but most teams love him. The son of a coach, Hinrich has an instinctual feel for the game that most coaches love. Scouts have a difficult time coming up with NBA comparison for Hinrich. But they all unanimously agree that come draft day. he's going somewhere in the lottery.

2. Chris Kaman, C, Central Michigan

The Skinny: 7-foot-0, 250 lbs, Junior. 22.7 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 3.3 bpg, 63 percent shooting from the field.

The Good: Kaman is quickly becoming the "sleeper" in this year's draft. He's a legit 7-footer, has a nice frame and ranks among national leaders in rebounding (No. 3, 12.2 a game), scoring (No. 16, 22.5 ppg) and blocked shots. He's an above-average athlete for someone his size. He's no stiff. Kaman is very mobile and is equally comfortable facing the basket or backing down someone on the post. He's got a soft shooting touch with decent range. Good free throw shooter for a big man.

The Bad: He's turnover prone. Doesn't pass well out of double teams. His low-post moves can use some work. Doesn't have great foot work. Catches the ball too often on the high post. Scouts wonder how he'll hold up against bigger players. There aren't many true centers in the MAC conference. He could use another 10 or 15 pounds of muscle.

The Ugly: Scouts have been lining up to see Kaman play after rumors began swirling that he'd forego his senior season and declare for the draft. They've all walked away impressed. Kaman had 30 points, 21 rebounds and five blocked shots against Big Ten Michigan. And he had a run of 37, 30 and 43 points in a three-game stretch late in the season. In his last game against Ball State, Kaman delivered 34 points and 22 rebounds in 24 minutes in front of 11 NBA scouts. "If this guy was from Slovenia, and didn't speak English, the NBA would call him a top-five pick right now," Kent State coach Jim Christian said. Christian may be right. He's a definite lottery pick if he declares this year. Once he gets into workouts, he could slip into the Top 5.

Cook

3. Brian Cook, F, Illinois

The Skinny: 6-foot-10, 240 lbs, Senior. 20.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 50 percent shooting from the field.

The Good: He has a great all-around game for someone his size. Extremely skilled. He's now equally comfortable in the post and on the perimeter. He spent most of his first three years hanging out on the perimeter shooting jumpers. This season he's been a beast in the paint. He's strong enough now to back down his defender. He's also got a sweet turnaround jumper that's close to unstoppable because of his length. On the perimeter, his range extends all the way past the three-point line. Good free throw shooter. Runs the floor well, is an above-average ball handler and appears to have great instincts.

The Bad: What was he doing the first three years of school? Scouts claim that emotional instability and a lack of maturity contributed to Cook's lack of production. He can also be unselfish to a fault. Scouts are concerned about his aggressiveness. He isn't a great rebounder or shot blocker for someone his size. Doesn't possess great leaping ability.

The Ugly: Cook is the poster child for staying in school. Had the former McDonald's All-American declared for the draft last season, he would have been a second-round pick at best. Now scouts are projecting his as a solid first-rounder. He could rise much higher if teams are convinced that his emotional problems are over. He has the skills of a lottery pick.

Collison

4. Nick Collison, F, Kansas

The Skinny: 6-foot-9, 255 lbs, Senior. 18.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 54 percent shooting from the field.

The Good: Collison is hard-working, fundamentally sound and an intelligent player player. He's very crafty under the basket. Uses angles and good footwork to get lots of easy baskets. Has decent strength and a nice mid-range jumper. Can step out and hit a three when he needs to. Good rebounder and above-average shot blocker. He plays tough, aggressive defense.

The Bad: His only real weakness is a lack of athleticism. He's a bit slow footed. Isn't an explosive leaper. Doesn't have the quickness to excel at the NBA level. He isn't a great ball handler and isn't a great passer.

The Ugly: Collison got some props from NBA coaches George Karl and Gregg Popovich after spending the summer with Team USA. Collison won't be a star at the next level, but scouts think he could be a solid role player, a la, Shane Battier. Given the weakness of this year's draft, that could land him anywhere from the mid to late first round.

5. The Arizona Wildcats' Fab 4

The Skinny:

Luke Walton: SF, 6-foot-8, 245 lbs, Senior. 10.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.7 apg; 41 percent shooting from the field.

Andre Iguodala: SG/SF, 6-foot-6, 200 lbs, Freshman. 6.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 40 percent from the field.

Hassan Adams: SG, 6-foot-4, 201 lbs, Freshman. 9.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 47 percent from the field.

Salim Stoudamire: SG, 6-foot-1, 176 lbs, Sophomore. 13.2 ppg, 45 percent from three

Channing Frye: PF, 6-foot-10, 235 lbs, Sophomore. 12.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, on 59 percent shooting.

The Good: The Wildcats may have one of the most talented teams in the country, but most of the players who scouts are interested in don't get much time now. The one exception is Walton. Several scouts have called Walton the best passer in college basketball. He's deceptively athletic. A very cerebreal player like his father.

Iguodala gets the most attention from scouts. Teams love his athleticism. They project him as a lottery pick in another year or two. Adams is a great all-around scorer with good athleticism and a decent handle. Stoudamire is considered to be, perhaps, the best long-distance shooter in the country. Frye is an athletic big man with great hops and penchant for blocking shots.

The Bad: Walton had a terrible year. His lack of a consistent jumper along with a senior season riddled with injuries will likely keep him out of the first round. Adams is a bit undersized to play the two in the pros. Stoudamire, at 6-foot-1, lacks the point guard instincts necessary to make it to the next level. Frye is too thin and still doesn't possess enough offensive moves in the paint to make him a threat.

The Ugly: Is it possible that the Wildcats, despite all of their blue chip recruits, don't have a lottery pick on this squad? Teams believe that Iguodala will develop after another season or two. And Adams has a chance to help himself after he's asked to carry this team next season. The jury's still out on the rest of the Wildcats players. Lots of potential, but little production at this point.

Sleeper: Ronny Turiaf, F, Gonzaga

The Skinny: 6-foot-9, 230 lbs, Sophomore. 15.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 52 percent shooting from the field.

The Good: Gonzaga's import from France is considered one of the most lethal low-post scorers in college basketball. Don't be decieved by his numbers. He averages only 24 minutes a game. He's one of the most talented big men in the game playing with his back to the basket. Possesses excellent foot work and several different go-to moves off the block. Gets to the foul line better than just about any other big man in the college game. He's a solid rebounder and a good shot blocker. He's an aggressive defender.

The Bad: He can be too aggressive. Foul problems keep him from getting more minutes on the floor. Doesn't have great range on his jumper. He spends most of his time hanging around the basket. He's strong, but needs to add some bulk to his frame.

The Ugly: Scouts love him. They'd like to see him stay in school another year to hone his skills. But his combination of size, athleticism, aggressiveness and ability to play with his back to the basket make him a late lottery to mid-first-round pick if he declares now.

Others to watch: Torin Francis, F, Notre Dame; Chris Thomas, G, Notre Dame; Dahntay Jones, G/F, Duke; Chris Duhon, G, Duke; Chris Massie, F, Memphis; Kyle Korver, F, Creighton; and Matt Nelson, F, Colorado State.

Are the Clippers auditioning for a new gig?

With Donald Sterling asleep at the wheel and most Clippers players wondering where their paychecks will come from next season, the team rolled into Denver Wednesday, one of the few NBA oases for free agents this summer.

Let's just say the Clips gave an unusually inspired performance.

Elton Brand

Power Forward

Los Angeles Clippers

Profile

2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS

GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%

53 18.4 11.2 2.5 .503 .696

Just before tipoff Wednesday, forward Elton Brand said to a reporter, "Say hi to K-Money for me," according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Of course, K-Money is Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe. Vandeweghe is looking at about $18 million in cap room this summer. Despite conventional wisdom that no one wants to play on a cellar dweller like Denver, from all appearances Vandeweghe is one of the most popular GMs in the NBA right now.

Restricted free agents Brand and Lamar Odom said before the game they have an interest in Denver. Michael Olowokandi has maintained for months that Denver was on his short list. Rumors are that Corey Maggette also has interest. Andre Miller remained noncommittal on Wednesday.

Could the Nuggets end up adopting the Clips' entire roster? Unlikely. At most, they'll be able to sign two or three free agents this summer. Still, Vandeweghe has to be happy with the response.

"Denver is a great city," Brand said. "Like every city, they've got a shot. I know Mr. Vandeweghe. Actually, I call him K-Money or K-Dog."

Lamar Odom

Small Forward

Los Angeles Clippers

Profile

2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS

GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%

36 14.9 6.6 3.4 .434 .787

Odom has a strong relationship with assistant GM Jeff Weltman.

"You have to consider anybody that needs a small forward," said Odom. "My loyalty is to the Clippers as long as I'm here, but there's also a business side of basketball. I'll make the best decision for Lamar Odom. If (the Nuggets) consider me, and I'm at the situation that I'm not capable of staying here, I have to consider the best move for me."

Miller was noncommittal about Denver, saying, "I don't know anybody (in the organization)." When asked about Utah, Miller showed his cards a little more. "It's obviously somewhere I'm familiar with."

Considering Denver's strong interest in Gilbert Arenas, Miller isn't a priority for the Nuggets anyway. However, they still need a two guard and small forward. Rumors have been running rampant that Maggette is second on the Nuggets' list behind Arenas. Depending on what those two eventually sign for, they may be able to add a guy like Odom as well.

Factor in a high lottery pick (LeBron or Darko), developing stars like Nene Hilario, Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Marcus Camby (if he's healthy), and the Nuggets' future looks very good.

Expect the Clipper farewell tour to continue over the next few weeks. They play in Utah on Saturday. The Jazz have made no secret about their interest in Miller. Depending on what happens with John Stockton and Karl Malone, the Jazz are looking at tons of room under the cap as well. The Clips also have another game against both the Nuggets and Jazz before the season is over.

Clippers display wares

Chris Tomasson / Rocky Mountain News

Finals preview tonight?

Forget the start of March Madness tonight. Want a peek at what the Western Conference and Eastern Conference Finals may look like? Only three games are scheduled in the NBA tonight and they're all whoppers.

Here's a quick breakdown of each matchup.

Sixers at Pistons (7:30 p.m. EDT on TNT)

The Pacers and Nets are sinking, leaving the two toughest teams in the East, the Sixers and Pistons, to duke it out.

The Sixers have won 14 of their last 16 behind the strong play of Allen Iverson and Eric Snow. But the big story may be the renewed play of big man Derrick Coleman. Coleman's been averaging double digits in points and rebounds for the first time this season. For the first time in his 12 year career, Coleman has a shot at winning an NBA Championship.

To a man, Coleman's teammates credit his defensive presence and direction inside for the Sixers' turnaround. "This is so important for him, with us being in the race," coach Larry Brown told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I want him to be able to enjoy it, and really be a part of it."

"It's about these 12-13 guys in this [locker] room, more than anything," Coleman said. "I think a lot of people pretty much gave up on us when we hit the rough times in the middle of the season, but we just weathered the storm."

The Pistons have the best record in the East, and after a recent swoon, they have won five of their last six behind the strong play of point guard Chauncey Billups. After a horrible start to the season, Billups is averaging 26.1 ppg on 53 percent shooting in the month of March. He's led his team in scoring in seven of the last eight Piston games.

However, the bigger story surrounds the sudden decline of Cliff Robinson. Robinson, who just signed a two year extension, is notorious for disappearing once the post season arrives. Is he taking off a little early this year? Robinson is averaging just 7.4 ppg on 30 percent shooting in March.

Coach Rick Carlisle isn't concerned.

"I'm not concerned about Cliff because we've been able to win some games without everybody playing their absolute best, and I view that as a positive sign," Carlisle told the Detroit Free Press. "If the only thing Cliff gave us was scoring, then I'd be concerned, but he does so many other important things to help us win that scoring is secondary."

Spurs at Mavericks (8:30 p.m. EDT)

With four weeks left in the season, the Spurs trail Dallas by 3 1/2 games. The Spurs see this as a prime chance to gain some ground on the Mavs. As it stands right now, the Spurs are stuck as a third seed and face the risk of playing the Lakers in the first round.

The Spurs are confident they can overtake the Mavs. "We feel we're going to win every night," Steve Kerr told the San Antonio Express News. "We get the ball rolling and all of a sudden it's tough to stop us. We go into every game thinking we're going to win. Really, over the last few weeks it's taken unbelievable shooting efforts to beat us."

Indeed. The Spurs have won 19 of their last 22 games. They are the hottest team in the NBA. The team. however, is still reeling from a loss to the Knicks over the weekend.

"We want to get that game back," Tim Duncan said. "We were hoping to go up (to Dallas) only two games down. These next few games are big for us. They're against big-time West powers."

The Mavs are also aware that the stakes are high. "They're all big at this point, but this is the biggest game of the year," coach Don Nelson told the Dallas Morning News. "They've been on such an incredible run. They won 17 of 19 before [the New York loss] and they beat all the good teams in the league on the road. They have gotten hot at the right time."

If the Mavs lose, the Spurs close within two-and-a-half games. If they win, the gap increases to 4 and half games. That's a pretty big swing.

"We'd feel a heck of a lot better than if we lose and it's only a 2 ½ games," Raef LaFrentz said. "It's a two-game swing either way, but then we have a long, tough road trip coming up. It may be a little premature to say a win here would do it for us."

If the Mavs are going to do it, they'll have to play without star guard Michael Finley. Finley had an MRI performed on the left hamstring he injured late in the first half against Cleveland on Tuesday.

"We're not optimistic," Nelson said. "But we'll wait to see what the report says. . . If you have a big game missing one of your Big Three, of course it will change the way you do things. But you're talking about a hamstring, something that he's had before. And you have to be very careful about that."

Lakers at Kings (10:30 p.m. EDT on TNT)

After so many big Lakers-Kings games, the hype finally seems to have dissipated a bit. The Kings know how dangerous the Lakers are and they know that they can be beaten.

"Ultimately, that's not our goal, to go up there and win that game so we can set a precedent for the playoffs," the Lakers coach said this week," coach Phil Jackson told the L.A. Daily News. "It's just one of many goals."

The Kings feel that this is just step one in a tough stretch. Not only do the Kings play the Lakers tonight, they have to play the Blazers in Portland on Saturday and the Rockets at home on Sunday.

"I think the three we have coming up are important," coach Rick Adelman, after working out his team Wednesday afternoon, told the Sacramento Bee. "You have (the Lakers), who already have beaten us once here. We have Portland there, which is a big game because if we win it, we win the season series and we move them behind us further. Then you've got Houston, who is fighting for playoff life. And each of those teams will be rested and waiting for us."

Could this game be a preview for the first round of the NBA playoffs? Right now the Kings are the second seed. The Lakers are tied with the Jazz for the sixth seed. A Laker loss tonight would move them into the seventh seed and a first-round showdown with the Kings.

Real stretch run is Coleman's first

Ashley McGeachy Fox / Philadelphia Inqurier

Robinson's shooting has fallen off a cliff

Helene St. James and Mark Francescutti / Detroit Free-Press

Spurs look to gain ground on Dallas

Johnny Ludden / San Antonio Express-News

Mavs try to slam door on Spurs

Eddie Sefko / Dallas Morning News

Nelson not optimistic about Finley

Eddie Sefko / Dallas Morning News

A King-sized gauge for Lakers

Kevin Modesti / Los Angeles Daily News

Lakers game begins critical four-day stretch

Martin McNeal / Sacramento Bee

Peep Show

Cassell

Bucks: Sam Cassell, of all people, is trying to rally the troops. "We control our own destiny," he told the N.Y. Post. "There's a sense of urgency that I know I have. I know Gary Payton has it. I don't know who else has it. I know George Karl definitely has it. It's very frustrating. We should be winning more than we win. ... At this stage of guys' careers, if you don't have it, you don't have it. You can't make people do things they're not accustomed to doing. "

Bulls: Rookie Jay Williams is beginning to accept his role coming off the Bulls bench behind Jamal Crawford. "I haven't faced adversity like I have this year," Williams told the Chicago Tribune. "I've messed up along the way. But one thing that stays consistent for me is the work ethic. I have to keep working hard and fighting through it. There are a lot of things you have to learn. Being a good college player coming into the league, sometimes you can overlook that. The thing I had to realize is that guys are faster, guys are quicker, guys are more athletic. I can't get to the basket as easily as I could in college. I can't always finish. So I have to develop different parts of my game after being so used to dominating at one part of the game."

Cavs: After being killed by the Grizzlies for the second straight time, Cavs interim coach Keith Smart had this to say. "We didn't play," Smart told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Darius Miles is still embarrassed. "This is still embarrassing, because we're not supposed to lose to a team like that like this," Miles said. "They're a team that started 0 for the century. It would've felt better if we could have tied up the series with them one for one."

Sam Calls On Mates To Step Up

Fred Kerber / New York Post

Bench role suits Williams

Sam Smith / Chicago Tribune

Grizzlies' offense sizzles as Cavaliers' play fizzles

Branson Wright / Cleveland Plain Dealer