Looking at the top 5 prospectsIn the first edition of this years NBA draft we're looking on the Top 5 picks as of end of February. The 2006 NBA Draft isn't considered as a very strong draft, but there are a lot of players, who can have an impact in the league. Unlike many other drafts, this year there is no certain No. 1 pick, there are about 5-6 players, who could be drafted first on 28th of June in Madison Square Garden. Talking about those 5-6 players, all of them could be No. 1 pick, but it wouldn't be surprise if some of them would slip down to be just a lottery pick. So you can say this draft will be completely unpredictable, but I will try to predict which team will pick which player. The Draft Lottery will be held in Secaucus, New Jersery on 23th of May.
Chicago Bulls, 1st pick: LaMarcus Aldridge, TexasNBA Comparison: Channing Frye
Current Starting Power Forward: Antonio Davis
After letting go Elton Brand and Tyson Chandler, the Bulls badly need an inside presence; apart from Eddy Curry, who hasn't proven himself yet, they have have a bunch of average guys down low with rookie Vasquez, Haywood, Davis (starting power forward) and Michael Bradley. Getting Brendan Haywood off the Free Agency hasn't worked out like they've planned to. Sophmore out of Texas, LaMarcus Aldridge, could just be the guy for them, although he needs maybe a year or two to gain strength and improve his post game and to become NBA ready, he could be All-Star for many years to come and be the missing piece in Bulls young core next to Hinrich, Gordon, Deng and Curry. Another option for the Bulls could be Andrea Bargnani, who can play multiple positions and has excellent shooting range, only thing he is soft and he doesn't like to play down low; or Tyrus Thomas, who can play both forward positions, but he ain't the typical power forward type, what the Bulls need.
Seattle Supersonics (from Portland), 2nd pick: Tyrus Thomas, LSUNBA Comparison: Shawn Marion
Current Starting Small/Power Forward: Rashard Lewis and Raja Bell
After getting Chris Paul with 2nd pick last year, Seattle managed to get Portland's 1st rounder, which might turn into top 3 pick, 2nd pick as of mid-February. After drafting Paul last year, the Supersonics now have an amazing backcourt of Paul-Allen tandem and Lewis at the combo forward position, they, just like the Bulls, lack of inside presence. Unfortunately there aren't very good post-players left after Aldridge, Shelden Williams may be just a bit too much of a reach and Bargnani likes to play outside of the paint. Guard positions filled with excellent players, they don't need Roy nor Foye, so it leaves only one forward position open (other forward position filled with Rashard). Luckily there are quite a few good forwards in the draft, Morrison, Gay and Thomas would be the best options left. They don't need another shooter in Morrison, so it only leaves Gay and Thomas. Both are excellent prospects, thing is I don't believe they are not NBA ready yet, but Sonics don't have very many years left, since Ray Allen is getting older. But I don't believe it will take much time to them to adjust to the league, maybe year or two. If they would want star right away, they would take Adam, but that isn't necessary, the Sonics aren't in win now mode just yet. So it still leaves two atlethic forwards, but who is better for them? In my opinion, it would be Tyrus, they could share the forward positions with Lewis, both can play both positions. But why did I choose Tyrus over Rudy? Simple thing, rebounding, Rashard is a crappy rebounder, especially for a 6-10 player, if they would choose Gay, they would be practically only left with Collision rebounding, but that isn't enough, so rebounding becomes the deciding factor in this pick.
Charlotte Bobcats, 3rd pick: Brandon Roy, WashingtonNBA Comparison: Jalen Rose
Current Starting Point Guard: Brevin Knight
Now playing their 2nd season, Charlotte Bobcats is looking to build a nice young core, they've already got Gerald Green and Emeka Okafor, mixed with veterans Grant Hill, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Keith Van Horn, they're looking to get a franchise player, who to build around with (well already got 2 important pieces in Green and Okafor). Best option seems to be Brandon Roy, combo guard out of Washington, who is straight away ready to play basketball at high level, after 4 years in college. he would start straight away for the Bobcats, only thing as a point guard, which isn't his first prefered position, but he wouldn't have problem there adapting into it. After few years he could switch back to his primary position, shooting guard, after Grant Hill retires and Gerald would switch to small forward position. Although it all would depend on, who they will draft in the future and free agency, Brandon might have to continue to play point guard for the Bobcats. One thing is sure, Brandon Roy would be the franchise guy for the Bobcats, and as I've heard of, the Bobcats may want to trade up to ensure they will get Roy. Only other option, who could I think of, would be Morrison, but the problem would be he'd have to sit behind Van Horn, Hill and Green and wouldn't get much playing time, which he really needs.
Atlanta Hawks, 4th pick: Andrea Bargnani, ItalyNBA Comparison: Dirk Nowitzki/Mehmet Okur
Current Starting Center: Predrag Drobnjak
Atlanta already got better than average roster with solid veterans (Antoine Walker, Al Harrington, Damon Stoudamire) and few young prospects (Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Boris Diaw, Wayne Simien). They will be getting the best talent available, which are Morrison and Bargnani. They've already got bunch of swingmen and Morrison would not fit there. While Bargnani is great offensive threat and has great range for a big man. He reminds me with his game a young Nowitzki or Okur, who both have succeeded in NBA. But there are still concerns, he may be great shooter, but his post game really needs improvement and he needs to toughen up.
Cleveland Cavaliers, 5th pick: Adam Morrison, GonzagaNBA Comparison: Larry Bird
Current Starting Shooting Guard/Small Forward: Luke Jackson
It would actually be quite surprising, if Morrison would slip so far. So there's no question that the Cavs would choose Adam at this position, he would be great sidekick to LeBron. If he proves to be a a elite score like he was in Gonzaga, they could be the best 2-3 duo in the NBA. But like to any other player ever drafted to NBA, it's questionable if he can adjust to NBA game and be the guy he was in college. There have been many examples in late past, where great college/high school players don't adapt to the NBA and be the player he used to be, for example Christian Laettner, Kwame Brown and DaJuan Wagner. Hopefully Morrison won't join the group and proves himself as a star in the NBA with his powerful moustache.
NBA Live 05
