Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels

[DERRENMATTS]

Remember when Dallas struck gold and got these 2 rookies in the '03 draft? They were totally lucky to grab these guys because they were contributors to their success even as rookies. Josh Howard was the last pick of the 1st round and Marquis Daniels was an undrafted rookie so it was a total surprise for them to be producing early in their young careers.

Well, we may have our own Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels. Ryan Gomes and Orien Greene are looking like they could be our surprise rookies who come out and play from the very start.

Ryan Gomes is just like Josh Howard in that they both were solid 4 year collegiates who had little fanfare coming out in the draft. They both have a solid all around game, which includes shooting, dribbling, rebounding, energy, and poise.

Marquis handle the PG situation really well for a rookie and he came in with a lot of maturity. He made some plays, didn't turn the ball over, and played within himself. Same goes for Orien.

Its looking more and more like these 2 guys can be solid contributors for us right off the bat.

[Roadrunner]

One key to recent championship caliber teams, like LA, SA, and DAL is the ability to draft well late. Finding role players, or potential starters. Though, having a big fella like Shaq diesel, Duncan, or Dirk doesn't hurt either.

[eja117]

Derren you freaked me out. I thought there had been a trade for these guys or something.

[DERRENMATTS]

Sorry to disappoint you, Eja. But I won't apologize for Gomes and Greene cause they are going to be nice contributors, even this year.

Right RR. Teams who draft well don't have to spend a lot of money going after free agents to fill holes. They fill needs internally. We've added really good depth through the draft and even added 2 star caliber players. Not too shabby.

[Roadrunner]

Derren, good point. Championship team have plugged holes through the draft, however in time those players will want mega deals. This is where it gets ugly, however the NBA will never be like the NFL, because the union will never let it happen.

[DERRENMATTS]

Take the Spurs for example. They drafted Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli--3 of their star players. And the other important role players on the team came via free agency or trades, but they don't cost that much (Bruce Bowen, Robert Horry, Rasho Nesterovic, Nazr Mohammed, etc).

Our next step is to either draft or acquire a dominant defensive Center.