Sekou gives props to local guys.

[DrReality]

NBA draft alters five futures

By SEKOU SMITH

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/08/07

With the 2007 NBA draft, add former Georgia Tech stars Thaddeus Young (Philadelphia) and Javaris Crittenton (Los Angeles Lakers) to the contingent of players with local ties. Here's a look at how the fortunes of five area players have been altered over the past 10 days through the draft and free agency:

Dwight Howard, Orlando, center/power forward

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• Local connection: Southwest Atlanta Christian

• The skinny: Howard made the All-Star team and delivered the Magic to the playoffs in his third pro season, raising the already high expectations to Shaq-like levels. But it was clear during the Magic's postseason flameout against Detroit that the one thing Howard needed most was an All-Star running mate. Snagging Rashard Lewis in free agency (a reported five year, $75 million deal) secured the high profile outside threat needed to balance the Magic. The departure of veteran and Howard mentor Grant Hill to Phoenix will surely be a blow. When Howard signs his ($80 million) extension with the Magic this summer, the organization will have begun its second major post-Shaq rebuilding effort — the first was a failed attempt with Hill and Tracy McGrady. The foundation of this second project may be more sound as it is being built around Howard becoming the league's most dominant post player in the next five years, a distinct possibility.

Jarrett Jack, Portland,

Point guard

• Local connection: Georgia Tech

•The skinny: The names Taurean Green, Petteri Koponen and Sergio Rodriguez might not be known to Trail Blazers fans, but you can be sure that Jack is keeping a close eye on all three. Each could assume his role as the starting point guard sometime during the next two seasons. The competition will be thick in training camp. Despite rumors that he might be dealt for a much-needed swingman, the Blazers showed how much they value Jack by not moving him. He remains the most experienced and most polished of the point guards. Jack, entering his third NBA season, also has to worry about his playing time being clipped by Brandon Roy when the Blazers opt for a bigger lineup. With Greg Oden in the fold along with Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, Jack's immediate concern should be deciding whom to get the ball to first. The point guard that lasts with the Blazers will be the one that facilitates the best.

Damien Wilkins, Seattle, Small forward

•Local connection: Georgia

•The skinny: The son of Gerald and nephew of Hall of Famer Dominique is also the oft-forgotten beneficiary of the teardown and rebuild job currently underway in Seattle. The minute new SuperSonics general manager Sam Presti decided to part ways with Ray Allen, the younger Wilkins' profile increased. When Lewis decided to leave for Orlando, Damien's stock went through the roof, because rookies Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, as talented as they are, will need someone to help carrying the scoring load. He started 31 games last season, mostly when Allen was hurt, and played more minutes as a starter (1,025 in 31 games) than he did as a reserve (1,012 in 51). Wilkins can also shift over to shooting guard, allowing the Sonics to play the rookies at the forward spots with an experienced backcourt of Wilkins and Earl Watson. It's strange what a couple of years can do to change things. Wilkins entered the league on a Sonics team that won the division and now he's part of another one of the league's rebuilding projects.

Jarvis Hayes, Washington, Shooting guard/small forward

•Local connection: Georgia

•The skinny: Just when it appears that Hayes conquered his injury problems and regained his position in the Wizards' playing rotation, they go and draft Nick Young — who does the exact same thing for a bargain-basement (by NBA standards) price. The addition of Spanish sharpshooter Juan Carlos Navarro, who has finally been allowed to leave his team in Barcelona for the Wizards, also makes Hayes' expendable. Hayes is a restricted free agent with little chance of returning to the team that drafted him. Now he's hunting for work in a market that is low on spending cash for journeyman — which he is destined to become if he can find the right situation. After an All-Rookie team nod his first year that fit appeared to be with the Wizards. But a series of injuries eroded his position with the franchise and the Wizards, quite simply, were forced to move on without him as a part of their long-term future. That doesn't mean Hayes is without value in a league that cherishes shooters, as Cleveland is one of the teams that could be interested in signing him.

Javaris Crittenton, L.A. Lakers, Point guard

•Local connection: Southwest Atlanta Christian, Georgia Tech

•The skinny: Second-year player Jordan Farmar has to be tugging at his collar these days with the thought of Crittenton jumping into the mix at point guard. Farmar couldn't wrest the position away from Smush Parker. And now here comes the talented Crittenton, who despite a draft night fall out of the lottery has as high of a ceiling as any guard drafted last week. The wrinkle for Crittenton, however, will be that for the first time he'll have to deal with high-level competition for playing time. He was an instant hit at Southwest Atlanta Christian. And there was really no one in his way at Tech, when he assumed control of the team shortly into his freshman (and only) season. As if waiting to see what happens with Kobe Bryant, dealing with Phil Jackson and moving into the celebrity fishbowl that is Hollywood wasn't enough, Crittenton will have to contend with Farmar, a competitive sort who is from Los Angeles, and fourth-year combo guard Sasha Vujacic, for minutes. It's a good thing he'll make the move to L.A. with a chip the size of a Range Rover on his shoulder after being snubbed by several teams, including the hometown Hawks, on draft night.

[DJlaysitup]

I don't care what anybody says...give me starter: JJack....backup: Acie Law,...

[TnDawg]

I agree, I would love to get Jack back in the ATL. Although people arond here don't want to trade Chillz, I think a trade for Jack and a second rd pick would benefit both teams. It would give us an experience young point with home town flavor. It would give Portland the swingman that they desire. Also Jack can backup JJ at the two while Law plays the point. Last but not least it would balance out our team a little bit more.

[Nicholasp27]

it wouldn't balance it out more, it would unbalance as we need chill's 2/3 backup

speedy/law

jj/chill/slim

marvin/chill

smoove/shelden/solo

horford/shelden/zaza/solo

u wanna add another pg and take away our only sf backup

speedy/jack/law

jj/slim

marvin

smoove/shelden/solo

horford/shelden/zaza/solo

that is less balanced