John Salmons Stock on the Rise

June 5, 2002

Simply put, Chicago is where players create a buzz. And, like Crawford and Sasser, Miami’s John Salmons could be the latest point guard to make a name for himself in Chicago with a buzz.

Salmons didn’t wow the teams at Portsmouth, but he has the overall skills to get into the first round. One scout thinks he’s the best pure point guard in the draft. That’s high praise considering this draft includes Duke’s Jay Williams, Czech’s Jiri Welsch, Gonzaga’s Dan Dickau and Illinois’ Frank Williams. The 6-7 Salmons could be the player coaches fall in love with because he can see over his defender, post up a point guard and make perimeter shots. He doesn’t tend to make costly mistakes and posesses “point-guard plays,” like looking to pass ahead, rebound and get the ball into the post.

The weekend will also be huge for Cincinnati’s 6-1 point Steve Logan. He was one of the five finalists for the Wooden Award and no one doubts his heart, hustle and scoring ability. But they knock his size and he’ll have to prove scouts wrong this weekend.

Injuries to Memphis’ Kelly Wise, Oregon’s Freddie Jones, USC’s Sam Clancy and Alabama’s Rod Grizzard have hurt their draft status and taken them out of the Chicago mix. Again, one player’s misfortune could opens up a potential first-round spot — if a couple of players can shine this week.

But in the end, the days spent in Chicago become more of a camp for the players on the bubble of the second round, or the player trying to solidify or steal a spot late in the first round.

“There are always two or three guys every year who become better players throughout the weekend in Chicago,” said one Western Conference scout. “They get exposed to NBA coaching and that helps them. But they need to be athletic and have a special skill to stand out.”