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Cunningham, Nivins get picked; Christmas on summer roster

In the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, former Villanova forward Dante Cunnigham was selected 33^rd overall in the second round by the Portland Trailblazers and former Saint Joseph’s center Ahmad Nivins was selected 56^th overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Former Temple standout Dionte Christmas was not selected in the NBA Draft but was has since accepted an invitation to be on the summer team roster of the Philadelphia 76ers as an undrafted rookie free agent.

Cunningham was selected a little higher than originally at #33 by the Blazers, but according to sources, the Portland Trailblazers organization was very high on Cunningham. They feel that Cunningham, even though at 6’7” is an undersized power forward in the NBA, can defend three different positions – power forward, small forward and shooting guard. Cunningham will never be a legitimate starter in the NBA. But he has capability to be that energy guy off the bench for the Blazers and he will be able to get rebounds, defend one-on-one and occasionally knock down some mid-range jumpers. Dante should be a nice backup to LaMarcus Aldridge and Martell Webster and if either of those players were to go down because of an injury, Cunningham can step into the starting lineup and fill in nicely.

It was not certain whether Nivins would be selected in the NBA Draft or not, but he got his name called late in the night. As the saying goes, “better late than never.” Many analysts feel that Nivins has a lot of potential if he increases his upper body strength. He is a big 6’9” body with a large wingspan and he runs the floor extremely well for a big man. Ahmad can really fit into any style in the NBA because he can run the floor but he also has tremendous post-up moves allowing him to succeed in the half court game. With Dallas, Nivins will fit well in the half court offense, giving them a very good post presence. If Ahmad can build up that upper body strength, he has a chance to have a solid NBA career.

Christmas is a pure shooter. In the NBA, that is probably the only thing Dionte will be able to do well. Hence the reason he did not hear his name called this past Thursday night in Madison Square Garden. But any NBA team cannot have enough shooters, so it was inevitable for Christmas to be picked up somewhere. Low and behold, his hometown Philadelphia 76ers invited him to participate on the summer team and he will most likely get a shot to make the team in September and October. The 76ers were one of the worst outside shooting teams in the NBA last year. With already adding two-time three-point champion Jason Kapono to the squad, Christmas could only boost the 76ers ability to shoot the three. Dionte should get a legitimate chance to make the Philadelphia 76ers. But if he does not, he could easily get picked up by another NBA team. 

For more info: Think Philly Sports, Sports Journey