NBA teams ready to get picky

There's a time-honored axiom in the NBA which says, "It only takes one guy to like you." And every year around this time, that statement filters its way into conversation as the league's draft takes place.

Tyrone Nesby apparently has somebody who likes him, and he couldn't be happier.

The prospect of playing for his hero, Larry Bird, has Nesby anxiously awaiting today's proceedings from Vancouver when the 1998 NBA draft is held at General Motors Place.

Nesby will be glued to the television set, cellular phone at the ready as he and his family and friends look on from a Bloomington, Ill., hotel banquet room. It's looking like he won't be disappointed as the Indiana Pacers are leaning toward taking the 6-foot-6 former UNLV star with the 25th pick overall.

"I really like the kid," Mel Daniels, the Pacers' director of player personnel said Tuesday. "We think he can help us."

Nesby said that would be great.

"I like the Pacers," he said. "Bird's my man. That's why I wear No. 33.

"You've got a lot of veterans, guys like Chris Mullin, who know how to win. Look what they did this year. They took the champs (Chicago) to the edge. I'd love to come in for those guys."

Nesby worked out for the Pacers last week and both came away satisfied.

"We were impressed with the way he shot the ball," Daniels said. "We like his quickness and his athletic ability. And I think he's a better defender than people give him credit for.

"Donnie (Pacers President Walsh) liked the way he handled himself so confidently."

Nesby said: "I didn't try to outdo anybody. I just tried to play hard and play my game. We talked about how I would fit in and I've got no problem at all coming off the bench. I told them I'm willing to work hard."

Nesby also has had interest from Atlanta, Utah and the Los Angeles Lakers, all of which have late first-round picks. But Nesby just wants to get picked by someone.

"I'm excited right now," he said. "But I'll be more excited when I hear my name called."

As for Keon Clark, Nesby's UNLV teammate, it's looking more like the Orlando Magic will take the 6-11 center with one of its three first-round selections.

General Manager John Gabriel likes Clark's ability to run the floor and play above the rim. The Magic has not had a shot-blocking presence since Shaquille O'Neal left for the Lakers a couple of years ago. Clark, who had 138 blocks in his UNLV career, would provide that commodity for coach Chuck Daly.

Barring any last-minute trades, the Magic picks 12th, 13th and 15th. There's also a possibility Houston, which has three first-round selections, may grab Clark if he's still on the board. The Rockets pick 14th, 16th and 18th.

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