2007 NBA Draft

**mikaztro** · June 29th, 2007 04:46 PM

I was surprised Janlian was taken higher than what I expected. Good for China & Asia basketball. But I don't think Janlian is any better than Yao or Israeli player Eliyahu. I hope the Rockets get his services. Eliyahu is a good player with good ball handling and shooting skills. The only thing that he needs to do is bulk up and do some rigid conditioning skills to be able to withstand the rigors of NBA play. He has got good experience playing for the Macabi team.

I still can't get it why NBA teams doesn't want to tap the services of Euro MVP Theo Papaloukas. He is the best non-nba player in the world.

**Altis6453** · June 29th, 2007 05:19 PM

^ Doesn't look like Yi would be playing for Milwaukee as his handlers reportedly will ask that he be traded to another team. Preferrably, to a city where there is a large asian population. Personally, I don't see him developing into anything more than a Keith Van Horn type of player.

**kimpOy** · June 29th, 2007 05:25 PM

YI was picked for the business side of the nba... imho

on papaluokas... some teams are afraid theo would pass up nba for the euro league... orlando was burned with this last two drafts ago... i think

**Altis6453** · June 29th, 2007 05:41 PM

A couple of teams would be a good fit for Papaloukas. I'm thinking a team like Toronto or maybe even Seattle where the PG situation is a little muddled with Luke Ridnour looking like he'll be dealt. Otherwise, Phoenix can make a run for his services so that they can give Nash a steady backup point. At his age, I don't think Papaloukas will want to stay in the Euroleague to play out his career unlike Fran Vasquez who I think was only 20 when Orlando drafted him.

**mikaztro** · June 29th, 2007 06:23 PM

I think the NBA knows that Papaloukas is a good player. They just don't know where he'd fit in with his high priced salary in Euro and his playing style. I think Papaloukas' style is more of a Toni Kukoc, Drazen Petrovich and Steve Nash combined. A very versatile player that can give any NBA team a lift. I just remembered, the Greek National team burried the Team USA with Papaloukas in tow in the last Olympics. They sure gave the NBA players some good spanking.