Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

[RMJH4]

Los Angeles honors champs with encore parade.

Los Angeles honors champs with encore parade.

LOS ANGELES -- More than a half-million fans celebrated the Los Angeles Lakers' second straight NBA championship Monday as Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant promised to do it all again next year.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal are the biggest reasons the Lakers were in a position to celebrate Monday.

"Three-peat, three-peat, three-peat," rap master Shaq exhorted a purple-and-gold throng massed outside Staples Center in a rousing hip-hop performance that capped the festivities.

Bryant put it another way: "We're going to get another one next year, again -- back to back to back."

Baking heat couldn't keep fans from flocking downtown to celebrate the Lakers' out-of-town victory over the Eastern Conference-champion New York Knicks.

An estimated 550,000 people turned out for the parade and rally, according to police spokesman Lt. Horace Frank.

On stage, Bryant squirted teammates with a giant water gun.

When the parade arrived at Staples, coach Phil Jackson apologized to fans for the Lakers' losses in the opening game at Madison Square Garden before going on to finish the Knicks in Game 6 on their court.

"We're sorry we lost the first two games. It wasn't your fault, believe me, it was ours, sorry to make you all worry." Jackson said. "Without getting too far ahead, wouldn't it be sweet to repeat?"

Fans shared the Lakers' confidence.

"I think they'll win five more years as long as they don't take Kobe away from Shaq or Shaq away from Kobe," said David Aldridge from ESPN.

Magic Johnson, a member of the Showtime Lakers, called the current lineup "quite probably the greatest team that's ever played."

In the opening ceremony, outgoing Mayor Richard Riordan and Mayor-elect James Hahn jointly declared Monday Los Angeles Lakers Day.

"If I get eight years, I want eight national championships," Hahn added. Police Chief Bernard Parks thanked fans for celebrating Friday's victory responsibly and avoiding the kind of destructive melee that marred the team's championship a year ago.

The chief also joked that the Lakers' owners, staff and coach were being charged with conspiring to win more championships.

"Shaquille O'Neal is being charged with assault and battery for countless acts against NBA centers, including Patrick Ewing and Bryant Reeves." Parks added. "Kobe Bryant is being charged for flying without a permit, and the other Lakers who carry the alias The Super Friends are accused of breaking and entering -- breaking records and entering the new championship era."

For the NBA champions, it was an encore parade.

This time the 12-block route was marked by purple lines, which crowds were supposed to stay behind. Last year, fans swelled off the sidewalks and slowed the procession to a crawl, sometimes bringing it to a stop.

An estimated quarter-million people lined Figueroa Street for last year's championship parade along a route that may become "Shaq & Kobe Way," since O'Neal is 29 and Bryant is 22 and the two are expected to keep the Lakers in championship contention for years to come.

Los Angeles took its second consecutive league title Friday, beating the Knicks 119-97 in New York to win the championship in six games. The Lakers finished the playoffs with a record of 15-5, one of the best ever.

Victory night was not marred with the violence that marked last year's Lakers' win over Indiana. After the Lakers clinched the title with a victory against the Pacers at Staples in the sixth game last year, a small mob of hooligans roamed the streets around the arena, torching two police cars and a TV van and damaging other vehicles.

This time, police were out in force around Staples, where more than 18,000 fans paid $10 each to watch the Lakers-Knicks game on giant screen TVs. The question for the rest of the NBA now is, who can stop the Lakers from getting that 3-peat?

[kibaxx7]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

Oh man, tough to lose like that after going 2-0. Any offseason plans?

[RMJH4]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

Oh man, tough to lose like that after going 2-0. Any offseason plans?

Lakers are just too good. Shaq took off in Game 3 onwards and I couldn't stop him. Kobe too.

Lots of changes coming this offseason. Some very surprising ones!!

[studbucket]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

Ah man, I thought you had it after the 2-0 lead, but they took control. Definitely a season where the Knicks exceeded expectations.

[RMJH4]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

Ah man, I thought you had it after the 2-0 lead, but they took control. Definitely a season where the Knicks exceeded expectations.

Yeah I was feeling pretty confident after playing the 1st and simming the second, then simming the 3rd and 4th was a disaster. played the next two and couldn't get a win. In my view we overachieved as well. Got to meet Dolan next for season review and contract talks.

[RMJH4]

Chapter 9: Contract talks.



June 3rd, 2001.

Waiting outside Dolans office. Moment of truth, so how much is he going to offer me to stay? A 3-5 year contract would be nice. Get a chance to compete for the title again next season.

Dolan: Hey Mike you're here, come on in!

Mike: Thanks Mr Dolan. You wanted to see me?

Dolan: Yes, yes take a seat Mike.

Mike: Thanks.

Dolan: You still upset over the finals loss?

Mike: For sure. I thought we were looking good, and then Shaq just took control of the series. We couldn't find anyone or anything to slow him down enough.

Dolan: Yeah it was disappointing. We were in pole positon and let it slip away. I thought we should have won Game 6 but it didn't come together like that.

Mike: That's the way it goes, you need all the breaks. The Lakers are an incredible team. Shaq, Phil Jax and now Kobe, you are looking at potential hall of famers right there.

Dolan: You are right. But I still thought we could take them. I think we should have taken them. If we'd won one game in Los Angeles we would have won it all.

Mike: Absolutely. But it's a lesson learned. We need to be better at closing games out.

Dolan: Yeah lot's of lessons to be learned alright Mike. Listen let's get down to business now.

Mike: Alright. What are we looking at contract wise Sir?

Dolan: Well as you know this was a trial of sorts for this year. You were certainly just as good as Scott Layden, you even went one step further. However losing in the manner we did was very disappointing.

Mike: Understandably Sir. However I would argue that I have put us in a better position going forward than Scott did, or was going too.

Dolan: I see. You really think we can win a championship with this squad?

Mike: With some small changes alright. The core is there.

Dolan: Well the way I see it, we haven't really gotten much closer to winning a championship. Like the 98-99 season we still finished as Eastern Conference Champions and lost the Finals. Last season we made the Eastern Conference finals too.

Mike: Yes but we went forward this year and not back sir.

Dolan: Well Mike I'll be honest and tell you, I have a contract for you as the General Manager. But there will be some changes.

Mike: Changes like?

Dolan: Well you see I've a very good friend, and he is a fan of yours. He would love to keep you here to work with him.

Mike: OK, who is it, and can you elaborate on what you mean by work with him?

Dolan: Well he's a legend in the NBA. Isiah Thomas. He comes highly reccomended too, terrific record at drafting. He will take charge of basketball operations and you will be his General Manager.

Mike: So, final decision's will rest with him?

Dolan: Well ultimately they will rest with me, but Isiah will have control of most decisions. I need you to do all the ground work here. Isiah will take charge of the scouting department etc. We can come up with a full breakdown of roles once we get everything signed off on.

Mike: I don't get it, so I am still going to be General Manager, but Isiah and you must sign off on any and all my transactions? Isn't that, isn't that a demotion of sorts? I was in charge of everything this year and we made the finals.

Dolan: Yes but. Listen Mike. I don't want to be derogatory but you are 38 years old. You have done a good job, but it's your first gig in the NBA. It wasn't beginners luck, but I want..

Mike: Sorry James but I have to stop you right there. Thanks but no thanks. I'm outta here.

Dolan: Mike listen.

Mike: Thanks for the opportunity you gave me last season Mr Dolan, but I will not work under those circumstances. I'll have my office cleared out by morning. Good bye.


Unreal. What is he like? Can't seem to fathom why he would demote me essentially. Beginners luck? I'll show him.

[studbucket]

Re: Chapter 9: Contract talks.

Typical Dolan. Ugh. I would love to see the Knicks miss the playoffs next year. Show 'em what's up Hobbs.

[RMJH4]

Hobbs on the out's as Knicks hire Isiah Thomas.

Hobbs on the out's as Knicks hire Isiah Thomas.

June 4th, 2001.

In a leadership change that almost no one at Madison Square Garden saw coming, Isiah Thomas was hired as the Knicks’ president of basketball operations.

Despite becoming the Eastern Conference Champions and reaching the NBA finals this season, the Knicks have moved on from Mike Hobbs as General Manager. Hobbs managed to reshape and add depth to a flundering ageing roster this year, and turn it into a 60 win team.

Dolan now turns the team over to Thomas, who was fired over the summer as coach of Indiana after one season.

Thomas received a phone call from Dolan and Garden president Steve Mills on Friday, then spent Saturday meeting with them in secret. The move came as a surprise to the players, who had been hearing that coach Jeff Van Gundy's job could now be on the line, but not Hobbs’.

"It’s kind of shocking to me to hear that one of the people who had so much of an influence on the organization is gone,″ Knicks guard Allan Houston said. But in our business it could be a player, it could be a coach, it could be somebody like Mike.

Hearing a prominent player like Houston speak out like this is not a good sign for the Knicks. Especially considering Houston is now a free agent this summer.

"He was a very respectable person, he was honest, he was up front. And I believe that for Mr. Dolan to bring in someone such as Isiah, he believes Isiah’s definitely going to help." said Marcus Camby.

Hobbs did not return calls to his cell phone.

Thomas was introduced at a press conference in the same Garden restaurant where Hobbs made his first public appearance as the Knicks’ general manager a year ago.

Thomas said everyone in the organization will be evaluated, providing no assurances to anyone.

"We’ve got players and coaches probably a little bit unsure of what’s going on, and my job is to come here and calm the waters,″ Thomas said.

Calming the waters, however, could be a tough task after Thomas emphasized in several recent interviews that his desire is to return to coaching after essentially being fired by the Pacers. That might not bode well for Jeff Van Gundy, who has been coaching the Knicks throughout their recent run to 2 finals appearances in the last 3 seasons.

The task confronting Thomas is a difficult one if he wants to overhaul this roster. The contracts of Houston (If re-signed), Sprewell, Marcus Camby (Free Agent next summer) and Ewing (also if re-signed) will take up almost all of the team’s salary cap space for the next three to five seasons. But why overhaul a NBA title contender? Hobbs was an advocate of small adjustments for next season.

"Everyone who looks at the cap situation, the first thing they say is, `You can’t do this, you can’t do that,‴ Thomas said. We have to be a team that’s very unconventional and very creative in going out and getting superstar players.″

Thomas paused several seconds when asked his opinion of the Johnson - Reeves trade.

"I wasn’t on the watch,″ Thomas said. "What’s done is done.″

While Reeves certainly impressed many, Dolan was said to be unhappy that Larry Johnson was sent packing to Vancouver. Dolan is certainly looking to add a so called superstar this summer, but it will have to be done via a sign and trade.

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Wizards claim #1 Draft Pick.

Wizards claim #1 Draft Pick.

June 5th, 2001.

OK, so it's probably early, way too early, to get a true picture on the 28 players selected in the first round of the NBA's draft on June 27 in New York.

But there are a few certainties after the draft lottery in which the Washington Wizards won the #1 draft pick.

There is no consensus No. 1 pick now, especially with Yao Ming and Jason Williams withdrawing from the draft until next year.

Four high school players will likely be taken in the first seven picks of the draft.

A few of them will probably be traded, packaged with a few players for picks further down in the draft (remember Kobe Bryant was drafted by Charlotte and traded to the Lakers).

The consensus is Duke senior Shane Battier will not only be the first senior taken in the draft, but is probably most ready – emotionally, physically and basketball-skill wise – to help his team next season.

There will be foreigners in the first round, a maximum of eight or a minimum of two, which is a factor that a number of the underclassmen didn't factor into the equation when they declared.

Minnesota still doesn't have a first-round pick because of the Joe Smith fiasco. David Stern won't show any leniency toward the T-Wolves on lottery day, despite the Timberwolves firing their entire front office this week.

This will be the high point for several players' careers as they get lied to by their "people" about their draft status and misled after teams rave about them at individual workouts.

The draft spots will be determined by the individual workouts over the next month.

The Chicago pre-draft camp will be a major factor for a player's draft standing. So, with the camp starting this week (June 5-9), ESPN.com is ready to unveil its first of three Mock Drafts (the second will be June 11 after Chicago, and the third on June 26, the day before the draft).

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Chapter 10: Chicago Draft Combine.

June 6th, 2001

Hey man, how are you? Mind if I take this seat beside you?

He sat down in the bleacher seat beside me. I had my laptop opened up to start inputting some of the stats and my observations from earlier today. This guy looked like any old business man, but I wasn't sure who it was. So I asked.

"Yeah work away. I'm good. I'm sorry I don't think I know your name Sir?"

I'm Lewis. Nice to meet you, Mike isn't it? You still here putting in work despite what I've heard happened. Got to appreciate that.

Yeah doing some extra scouting, seeing if their is anyone out there worth looking at. I'd be lost without basketball so I wouldn't miss the combine for the world. With all the media scrum the last few days I've nowhere to hide anyway, so may aswell sit out in the open!

You've got gut's, I'll give you that Mike. Darn shame what Dolan did to you. Real shocker, I have heard a lot of surprised owners around the league. NBA Finals? He really should have been locking you down contract wise. I mean that's what I would have done.

Well I appreciate that Lewis. Good to hear praise from someone in the business. You got your eye on some guys out here today?

I sure am. Lot of good prospects out here, pity Yao Ming and Jay Williams aren't in the draft this year, but there are still some gems.

Yeah quite a few good players in that 5- 10 range. You can have a look at my notes here if you need sure. You a scout or anything?

Business really, have worked with a few franchises. taking up a new CEO role next week though so starting to get busy. You know if you're free later on, I'd like to have a better chat?

Yeah sure, why not. I'm heading for some lunch after this, we can grab a bite to eat?

Yeah I'll meet you in the restaurant out front Mike.



Later that day...



Wow, nice spot here. Shall we grab a booth?

Pick whatever you like Mike, this one is on me.

Really? That's too kind, I appreciate it Lewis, but I can't accept. I'm born in raised in Ireland so I'll treat you.

Ok. Lets worry about it later. Now that we've a few minutes away from the media, I've got to ask. Have you started looking for a new job yet, or you going to take a break for some time?

I haven't really thought about it yet Lewis. I'm going to stay in the loop for sure. You never know when you'll get a call.

I heard the Bulls and Nets owners might be looking at you for the GM and Basketball Ops jobs. Have you had any contact yet?

Nothing concrete yet. People are literally just processing what happened last week with the Knicks, so I'm hoping they are just getting their thoughts together. No more than myself of course.

Any preference?

Yes I have a few idea's in mind, but I've got a nice apartment in New York, and I don't want to move out just yet. Where are you based Lewis?

Oakland, but only recently. Lovely city.

Oh really, that where your new job is?

Yeah that's it alright. CEO of the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors? What? Ah I see, part of the new board with Mr Sterling?

"Yes Mike. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I need to shake things up in Clipper-land. You know any good basketball minds that are available?.

Well yeah, is this a job offer? I didn't catch your second name Lewis, what is it?

It's Katz. Lewis Katz. Yeah I, we would like to get you over to the Warriors if you're interested. Run the basketball operations for us."

Wow. That's unexpected Lewis. Yeah I am definitely interested.

Now let's tuck into this food. You got an agent Mike?

Nope.

Here's my card. I'll sort out a meeting with the owner tomorrow if you like? We can talk numbers then.

Great will look forward to it!

[RMJH4]

Chapter 11: Meeting with the Warriors.

June 7th, 2001

"Please Mike, take a seat."

I sat down in the foyer of the Oracle Arena. I had been here twice last season with the Knicks and both were victories. The Warriors finished 26-55 and were led by Sophomores Antawn Jamison and Larry Hughes. I think the Warriors have potential to do something big next season. Just need some health and a few additions.

"Mike, go on ahead in. They are waiting for you."

Thanks Tanya.

"You watching the combine today Mike? How have you been dealing with the free time so far?"

Stuck head deep in basketball Lewis as usual!

"That's exactly why I wanted to meet with you today. We can hold off on watching videos for a little while."

Well, I was thinking about your offer last night. Let's hear some more details.

Lewis smiled and got up, walked towards his phone and dialed a number.

"Tanya can you send Chris in please?"

"Mike, I have someone I'd like you to meet. He's coming in now."

Lewis, I know that name from somewhere.

"Chris, come on in. This is Mike Hobbs. He's the man I want to run basketball operations for us."

How do you do Chris, nice to meet you.

"Hey Mike nice to finally meet you. Lewis has been burning my ear off about you. Nice to finally put a face to the name."

"Mike incase you don't know this man, this is Chris Cohan, owner of the Golden State Warriors."

Wow, I thought I recognised the name Mr Cohan! Pleasure to meet you, it's an honor.

Call me Chris. First order of business, I would like you to run basketball operations for us here. The Knicks loss will be our gain. We want to make the Warriors as big as the Lakers and you and Lewis are the men to do it. Garry St Jean has been running things here since 1996 so it's time to make some major changes.

I'd be honored Sir. How long are we talking contract wise?

"Well I am happy to give you a three year deal. Same as Lewis. He will be the day to day owner here, and if you need anything you go straight to him. I'm tied up a lot with my business, but my goal is to get more involved over the next two seasons."

"Yeah I'm delighted to be working for Chris alright Mike, he's an astute business man and will really continue to bring this franchise along the right track. He also has the money to back it up too, which is kind of important!"

"Absolutely Lewis. Mike if you're happy we can have a look at a contract and maybe set out some goals etc. As a precursor I have been having some really good basketball conversations with Lewis over the last few weeks. It's time to have a real go at bringing the Warriors to the top of the tree. You can get started on the analysis of how we can do that, but I know that both you and Lewis were already talking about the draft."

Yes I have a few idea's in mind for how to approach the draft. I can put together a presentation for Lewis and have it ready for tomorrow. I think this is a great time to reboot the franchise with having a #5 pick in the upcoming draft. So just to be clear, I have full authority over basketball decisions, right?

"I see why you like this guy so much Lewis, he's very efficient. Yes Mike, you run the basketball side entirely, Lewis is here to help you with everything else. He is setting up a new marketing team, and I will provide the financial clout."

"Mike thanks so much for your time today. Chris and I have a conference call with David Stern in a few minutes time. We will be in touch with you tomorrow with a few of our goals and targets. Thanks so much and we are really excited at the potential of this partnership."

I smiled and thanked them both, and made my way out of he door. Better get talking to Josh and tell them there is a new sheriff in town.

[RMJH4]

Warriors hire Hobbs away from Knicks.

Warriors hire Hobbs away from Knicks.

June 9th, 2001.

OAKLAND, CA. -- On Friday, the timing was perfect for the former Knicks head of basketball operations to start running a new team. Hobbs was hired as team president, acknowledging that the Warriors promising young roster and the No. 5 draft pick helped him to change his mind.

Mike Hobbs first turned the New Jersey Nets down four years ago for an Assistant GM job, and instead accepted the Knicks offer. This past season as GM he led the Knicks to the NBA Finals

"This franchise is not bereft of talent," Hobbs said. "There is a tremendous opportunity here to get better in a very, very quick amount of time."

Warriors owners and players were thrilled that Hobbs had brought his reputation and influence to the team.

"This gives us credibility," new CEO Lewis Katz said. "This is really not going to be a lowly organization for too terribly long."

The Warriors finished the regular season at 26-55, missing out on the playoffs. " Hobbs replaces Garry St. Jean, who had run the team since October 1996 and resigned at the end of this season.

There have been reports in the past week that former Georgetown coach John Thompson and Pacers general manager David Kahn were being seriously considered for the job as President of Basketball Operations. Michael Jackson, one of Thompson's former players and a former TNT executive, would have become president.

"I can't tell you how energetic I feel about this," said Hobbs, 38.

Last Monday, Katz said, he heard the news that Hobbs was set to leave the Knicks. He met Hobbs at the draft combine in Chicago and struck up a connection then.

Katz said up to half a dozen NBA teams have inquired about Hobbs, who has spent the past 4 years in the front office with the Knicks. With the Warriors, Hobbs will have full management of the roster and an upcoming No. 5 draft choice.

"The respect level is totally different," said star sophomore Antawn Jamison. He said Hobbs has the clout to attract players and personnel to a team with a lot of vacancies. His record with the Knicks front office, two finals appearances bodes well for the Warriors. They have been overshadowed by their in state rivals the Lakers who have just won yet another championship over Hobbs' Knicks team.

"Mike Hobbs is one of the premier young executives in the NBA," NBA commissioner David Stern said. "For the past 4 years, Mike's tremendous knowledge of the game has been invaluable to the league. I congratulate the Golden State Warriors on the selection of one of the best up and coming people in our business."

[RMJH4]

CBS Sports: Michael Jordan Considering NBA Comeback with Wizards

June 13, 2001 — by Ken Berger, CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a development that has stunned the basketball world, multiple sources have confirmed to CBS SportsLine.com that Michael Jordan is seriously considering a return to the NBA hardwood for the 2001–02 season, this time in the uniform of the Washington Wizards.

Jordan, 38, has served as the President of Basketball Operations for the Wizards since January 2000. But sources close to the situation say the six-time NBA champion has been training rigorously behind closed doors and has not ruled out a playing return next season.

“He misses the game,” said one team official on condition of anonymity. “He’s been working out every day, and the fire is back. If his body holds up, he’s going to do it.”

Rumors about a potential comeback have intensified since Jordan was seen playing extended pickup games with NBA players and prospects, including Rip Hamilton, Juwan Howard, and projected lottery pick Kwame Brown.

Jordan has reportedly set August as his decision deadline, giving himself a full summer of conditioning before announcing whether he’ll activate himself on the Wizards’ roster.

“I’m still evaluating whether my body can handle the grind,” Jordan said cryptically when reached for comment on Wednesday. “But if I do come back, it’s because I think I can still play at a high level and help this team win.”

The Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick in this month’s NBA Draft, with many expecting Jordan to select a high-upside prospect who could grow under his mentorship. A return to the court would not only electrify the fan base but also create one of the most unique player-executive dynamics in league history.

CBS SportsLine.com will continue to monitor this story as it develops.

© 2001 CBS SportsLine.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.

[RMJH4]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

Hey everyone, I'm back! Been a crazy few months and have gone through some major health issues, but seem to be turning the corner now. I had been reading past stories I have written, and this one is one I always wanted to go back to. I have changed my team in the 3 posts above this one. I had originally signed with the Nets but once I got back playing the game, I realised the Warriors were the most fun to use in 2001-02 season. So here I go again. Feel free to refresh your memory on the story so far. 2001 NBA Draft up next.

[RMJH4]

2001 NBA Draft Results.

Wizards go young, but Bulls go younger

June 27, 2001

NEW YORK -- Jerry Krause stole the spotlight from Michael Jordan at the NBA draft on Wednesday, dealing his best player -- Elton Brand -- to the Los Angeles Clippers for unproven center Tyson Chandler.

Kwame Brown is the first high school player to be picked No. 1 overall, also making him the youngest No. 1 overall pick since 1990. Brown is just over seven months older than Joe Smith was when Smith was picked No. 1 by the Warriors in 1995, but Smith had two seasons of college experience to his credit.

On a night when high school seniors were chosen first, second and fourth, the crowd at Madison Square Garden let out an astonished howl when commissioner David Stern announced the Clippers' trade with the Chicago Bulls.

It was the surprise moment of a night that saw Jordan make history by becoming the first NBA executive to select a high school player first overall as the Washington Wizards chose 19-year-old Kwame Brown of Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Ga.

Chandler, a 7-foot-1 center from Dominguez High School in Compton, Calif., went second before Pau Gasol, a forward for F.C. Barcelona, went third to Atlanta.

Gasol will eventually end up in Memphis with the Grizzlies as part of a trade that sent Shareef Abdur-Rahim to the Hawks for Lorenzen Wright, Brevin Knight and Gasol. That trade won't be official until July 18.

In another trade, the New Jersey Nets sent the rights to Eddie Griffin, selected seventh overall, to the Houston Rockets for the rights to their three first-round choices: Arizona forward Richard Jefferson (No. 13 overall), Stanford center Jason Collins (No. 18) and Pepperdine guard Brandon Armstrong (No. 23).

Also, Cleveland traded the rights to North Carolina center Brendan Haywood, the 20th overall choice, to the Orlando Magic for center Michael Doleac.

The Bulls used the fourth choice on another high school senior, Eddy Curry of Thornwood High in South Holland, Ill. Curry averaged 22 points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots for Thornwood, which went 31-1 last season. The 6-foot-11, 285-pound Curry was the most valuable player of the McDonald's All-America game.

"We had to give up an outstanding player and a guy I feel deeply about," Krause said. "We got two young people in the first round we really feel strongly about, two building blocks."

Tyson Chandler got a call from the Clippers at No. 2, but wound up headed to Chicago by the end of the night.

The Bulls, who had the youngest team in NBA history last season and won only 15 games, are now even younger after trading Brand, the co-Rookie of the Year in 1999-00. They also acquired forward Brian Skinner from the Clippers.

"We feel Tyson will be a very good player, but we wanted to get a veteran player, a proven player. Brand has proven himself. We know what we have," Clippers vice president Elgin Baylor said.

Brown, a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Ga., stood up and hugged his family before walking on stage, smiling broadly, and shaking Stern's hand.

Stern, who has proposed a minimum age of 20 for incoming NBA players, wore a smile of his own as he watched Brown become the youngest player ever to hear his name announced first at an NBA draft.

Six high school seniors made themselves eligible for the draft this year, and four were early picks.

Brown originally planned to attend the University of Florida before changing his mind when he learned he might be chosen among the top five. As a high school senior, he averaged 20.1 points and 13.3 rebounds and was selected player of the year in the state of Georgia.

"I guess I just made history. It's great. I've never been so overwhelmed and nervous in my life," Brown said. "I'm now the representative of all high school seniors, and I have to show it wasn't a mistake."

The Wizards considered trading the pick, but Jordan locked in on a player with enormous potential in a draft considered top heavy with big men.

"We were entertaining possibilities, but nothing could change our minds as to what he could do for the Washington Wizards," Jordan said.

Chandler, 18, has been a starter on one of the nation's top high school teams since his freshman season. Earlier this year, it was believed he and Curry might be drafted first and second overall.

Now, they will be teammates.

"When I heard, I was just shocked. I sat back and said, `Are you sure?"' Chandler said. "It's really ironic, but it's a great opportunity for two high school players to learn and grow together. Hopefully we can start a new dynasty."

Making what some might see as a safe choice, new Golden State Warriors GM Mike Hobbs took the first player with any college experience to be drafted, Michigan State sophomore Jason Richardson at #5. The Warriors have a starting shooting guard in Larry Hughes, but they apparently felt Richardson -- already being touted as the favorite for the slam dunk contest next year -- was too talented to pass up.

"I'm really surprised, but I'll make the best of it," said Richardson, a second-team All-American and a finalist for the Wooden and Naismith Awards. The Warriors also took another athletic wing with the #14 in Gerald Wallace. Wallace can run and finish on the fast break, but is a very raw player to take in the lottery.

College Player of the Year Shane Battier of Duke went sixth overall to the Grizzlies, whose move from Vancouver to Memphis is expected to be formally approved soon by the league's Board of Governors.

Battier averaged 19.9 points for the Blue Devils as they won the national championship last season.

"It may sound archaic, but I really enjoyed my four years," said Battier, the first college graduate selected. "I have no hard feelings (about being chosen sixth), it's the nature of the NBA now. I think the Grizzlies got a hell of a player."

Cleveland used the eighth selection on high school senior DeSagana Diop of Oak Hill Academy (Va.), a 7-footer originally from Senegal.

The Detroit Pistons selected Charlotte freshman Rodney White with the ninth choice, and the Boston Celtics chose Arkansas shooting guard Joe Johnson with the 10th pick and junior college player Kedrick Brown with the 11th.

The Celtics were believed to be discussing a trade with Portland that would send Brown, of Okaloosa-Walton (Fla.) CC, to the Trail Blazers. Neither team would confirm a deal was in the works.

The Seattle SuperSonics, actively exploring trades involving All-Star guard Gary Payton, used the 12th choice on Yugoslavian forward Vladimir Radmanovic. The 20-year-old player kissed Stern on the cheek after shaking his hand.

The Nets-Rockets trade was announced at the end of the first round.

"I talked with Steve (Francis) and Cuttino (Mobley) and they're very excited," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "We think it's a real good fit and we couldn't be happier."

In trades involving second-round choices, Orlando fulfilled its obligation to send a future first-round pick to Denver by trading Omar Cook, who they selected 32nd overall, to the Nuggets.

Also, the Hawks dealt Maryland forward Terence Morris (No. 34) to Houston for a future No. 1 choice, and Seattle sent the draft rights to Bobby Simmons (No. 42, DePaul) to Washington for the rights to Predrag Drobnjak.

High school senior Ousmane Cisse of Montgomery, Ala., went 47th to Denver, and Cincinnati point guard Kenny Satterfield dropped all the way to 54th, where he was taken by Dallas