New Clubs Dip Into Player Pool Toronto, Vancouver Will Begin Filling Rosters With Nba Castoffs
They’ve already got coaches, nicknames and logos. Now it’s time for the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies to get some players.
The NBA’s newest franchises will start filling their rosters today at the expansion draft, where they will select from a group of castoffs left unprotected by their current teams.
While the group includes some quality players like Chicago guard B.J. Armstrong and Charlotte forward Kenny Gattison, most players in the expansion pool were considered expendable because of their age, salary or health.
Toronto will pick first and may take Armstrong, a six-year veteran who played on three Bulls’ championship teams. The Raptors also have the option of selecting Armstrong and then trading him to a team willing to give up additional players or draft picks.
“We’re involved in a lot of discussions,” said Toronto vice president Isiah Thomas. “A lot of teams are trying to maneuver and we’re trying to maneuver ourselves.”
Thomas said financial considerations will play a major role in the expansion draft.
“The big concern is making sure you do a good job from a business perspective, making sure you get quality players and quality contracts,” he said. “You want to make sure you don’t get yourself stuck in a situation with a player or a contract that becomes unbearable and you can’t get out of.”
Vancouver is thinking along the same lines.
“We’re looking for a way to put together a team that is representative of an NBA team while at the same time exercising some financial responsibility,” said Stu Jackson, the Grizzlies’ vice president of basketball operations.
Among those available in the draft are brothers Dominique and Gerald Wilkins.
Gerald, a Cleveland guard, missed last season with an Achilles tendon injury. Dominique, an eight-time All-Star with a big contract, was left unprotected by Boston.
Another high-priced player in the expansion draft is Dallas’ Roy Tarpley, who has a history of drug problems and a contract that will pay him $23 million over the next five years.
“It’s not all driven by contracts, but that’s a major consideration,” Jackson said. “If you can, you still want to put together a team.”
The draft is scheduled to last 27 picks - one from each existing team.
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: A look at some on the block Victor Alexander, C, Golden State 6-10, 265, 4 years Solid player with potential, although lacks aggressiveness.
Greg Anthony, G, New York 6-2, 185, 4 years Could never crack Knicks’ starting lineup, but could prove an able leader at the point.
B.J. Armstrong, G, Chicago 6-2, 185, 6 years Has excellent trade potential or could be kept as key to first-year team.
Bill Cartwright, C, Seattle 7-1, 245, 16 years Solid individual with three championship rings, carries $1.9 million in contract obligations.
Kenny Gattison, F, Charlotte 6-8, 246, 9 years Missed most of last season with spinal cord injury. Solid inside player who came back to contribute during playoffs. Due to make $1.45 million.
Vernon Maxwell, G, Houston 6-4, 190, 7 years Recent troubles enough to scare away either team. Suspended 10 games for punching fan in Portland, granted leave by Houston in playoffs.
Rex Chapman, G, Washington 6-4, 195 pounds Veteran could be drafted, moved and become backup somewhere.
Oliver Miller, C, Detroit 6-9, 280, 3 years Battled weight problem entire career. Big contract - a reported $2.5 million - a big concern.
Byron Scott, G, Indiana 6-3, 180, 12 years Solid reserve for Pacers, won three titles with Lakers.
John Salley, C, Miami 6-10, 240, 9 years Solid character attractive to expansion team, former teammate of Toronto GM Isiah Thomas.
Roy Tarpley, F, Dallas 7-0, 245, 6 years Big price tag, $23 million over the next five years, makes him an unlikely selection.
Gerald Wilkins, G, Cleveland 6-6, 210, 10 years Missed season with Achilles injury. If healthy, could be a good pick, especially considering other Cavs available are the overpaid Danny Ferry and John Battle.
Greg Anthony, G, New York 6-2, 185, 4 years Could never crack Knicks’ starting lineup, but could prove an able leader at the point.
B.J. Armstrong, G, Chicago 6-2, 185, 6 years Has excellent trade potential or could be kept as key to first-year team.
Bill Cartwright, C, Seattle 7-1, 245, 16 years Solid individual with three championship rings, carries $1.9 million in contract obligations.
Kenny Gattison, F, Charlotte 6-8, 246, 9 years Missed most of last season with spinal cord injury. Solid inside player who came back to contribute during playoffs. Due to make $1.45 million.
Vernon Maxwell, G, Houston 6-4, 190, 7 years Recent troubles enough to scare away either team. Suspended 10 games for punching fan in Portland, granted leave by Houston in playoffs.
Rex Chapman, G, Washington 6-4, 195 pounds Veteran could be drafted, moved and become backup somewhere.
Oliver Miller, C, Detroit 6-9, 280, 3 years Battled weight problem entire career. Big contract - a reported $2.5 million - a big concern.
Byron Scott, G, Indiana 6-3, 180, 12 years Solid reserve for Pacers, won three titles with Lakers.
John Salley, C, Miami 6-10, 240, 9 years Solid character attractive to expansion team, former teammate of Toronto GM Isiah Thomas.
Roy Tarpley, F, Dallas 7-0, 245, 6 years Big price tag, $23 million over the next five years, makes him an unlikely selection.
Gerald Wilkins, G, Cleveland 6-6, 210, 10 years Missed season with Achilles injury. If healthy, could be a good pick, especially considering other Cavs available are the overpaid Danny Ferry and John Battle.