Pope of Basketball.

Summary

Yang Rui reflects on the NBA draft, noting the selections of Jack Claude by the Mavericks and Robert Sacre by the Clippers. Claude is a versatile small forward, while Sacre, a center, has solid defensive skills and communication abilities, despite being a fringe player. The chapter details trades made on draft day, including the Wizards acquiring Okafor and Ariza from the Hornets, and the Bulls trading Gordon for Maggette. Yang Rui observes that talent and physicality dictate players' success, referencing Ben Gordon's limitations despite his scoring ability. Other notable trades include the Spurs acquiring Evan Fournier and the Grizzlies sending Mo Williams to the Jazz. The Clippers, having drafted three rookies, face challenges in attracting veteran players like Nash and Ray Allen, who opt for teams where they can have a more significant role. The Clippers finalize their roster, re-signing Danny Green and adding Barbosa, creating a competitive lineup with no room for further signings.

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