Byline: Mike McGraw Daily Herald Sports Writer
As a college coach, Tim Floyd used to spend his summers in warm gyms evaluating 16- and 17-year-old basketball campers.
Floyd's duties this week are quite similar. The players he's watching at the Chicago NBA draft camp are older, but not by much.
The Bulls head coach joined virtually every NBA coach, scout and general manager at the Moody Bible Institute's Solheim Center Wednesday for the first full day of the draft camp. The workouts, which continue through Friday, are not open to the public.
'I think it's more structured (than a high school basketball camp) from the standpoint that there's team offense being taught,' Floyd said. 'That helps. I like the fact that there's time and score (being kept in the scrimmages). You don't always see that during summer evaluations.'
As usual, these participants are projected as late first or second-round picks. The highest-rated players in the draft will be in town later this week for physicals only.
The Bulls certainly won't find a candidate for the No. 1 pick at this camp and probably won't use the 16th selection on anyone here, either. But the Bulls do have two second-round choices, including the 32nd pick overall.
'We're going to get together and compare notes,' Floyd said. 'I'm one of 10 votes. Jerry (Krause) has got the biggest vote. There are a lot of interesting players here.'
Among the 60 players participating in this week's camp are former Illinois State star Rico Hill; California guard Geno Carlisle, who spent two years at Northwestern; Penn State center Calvin Booth; Kentucky early entry Jamaal Magliore; Connecticut guard Ricky Moore; Michigan State's Antonio Smith; Cincinnati's Melvin Levett; Michigan's Louis Bullock; Arizona's A.J. Bramlett; TCU's Lee Nailon; and two Iowa products, Sam Okey and J.R. Koch.
* * *
Closer looks: Tim Floyd said about 20 players have been to the Berto Center for individual workouts, and he expects the total number to reach 45 or more before the June 30 NBA draft.
The potential top-10 picks who have been in are Maryland's Steve Francis, Duke's Elton Brand and UCLA's Baron Davis. Floyd said Miami of Ohio's Wally Szczerbiak has not been in, contrary to some reports, but probably will visit at some point.
As for reports that the Bulls will consider trading the pick, Floyd feels from what he's seen so far, they should keep it.
'I know I've really been intrigued with two or three guys that we've had in for individual workouts,' Floyd said. 'My gut feeling right now is I'd like to keep it, because I see some guys who can help us. But I don't know what Jerry (Krause's) options are either.'
* * *
Living free: Because of salary-cap rules, the Dallas Mavericks can only offer free-agent forward Gary Trent a two-year contract worth about $5 million. So coach and general manager Don Nelson has resorted to other tactics.
Nelson invited Trent and several of his family members to Maui for a week-long vacation. Nelson's trip included deep-sea fishing, helicopter rides, golf and fine dining - all with the intent of convincing Trent to stay in Dallas.
'This is recruiting,' Nelson said. 'Recruiting with no rules.'
Perhaps Nelson spoke too soon. The league is now investigating the trip and may force the Mavericks to include the cost of the excursion toward their salary cap.
NBA teams cannot begin negotiating with free agents until July 1 or sign any players until Aug. 1.
* * *
Around the league: Cleveland guard Derek Anderson had a telling reaction to news that coach Mike Fratello was fired last week. Among the reasons for the dismissal were complaints by players and fans about the Cavs' methodical style of play.
'You know (why it happened),' Anderson told the Akron Beacon Journal. 'Everybody knows it. I wouldn't buy a ticket. If you came to see us play, you wouldn't see excitement.'
Minnesota assistant Randy Wittman has been labeled an early favorite for the Cleveland job, because he worked with new GM Jim Paxson in Portland. Other potential candidates are former Charlotte coach Dave Cowens, former Lakers coach Del Harris, former San Antonio coach Bob Hill, and possibly Jim Cleamons, the ex-Bulls assistant and one-time Cavalier player.
- Joe Dumars is expected to be named to a front-office position with the Pistons soon. Dumars wants to have a say in personnel matters and may work in tandem with Rick Sund, the team's v.p. of basketball operations.
- If Vancouver is still looking to deal the draft's No. 2 pick, possible suitors could be Indiana, offering Dale Davis, or Miami for P.J. Brown.
- There is talk that the Clippers may make a run at landing disgruntled Orlando guard Penny Hardaway. Phoenix has expressed interest in Hardaway, but would probably have to give up Tom Gugliotta in return.
