The NBA Draft

[Silas]

How do you all feel the Draft will turn out?

My prediction is the order will go as follows...

1. Chicago (from NY)
2. Portland
3. Charlotte
4. Atlanta
5. Toronto
6. Houston
7. Minnesota
8. Boston
9. Golden State
10. Seattle
11. New Orleans
12. Utah
13. Orlando
14. Philadelphia

But now the question becomes, assuming the order turns out like this, who will these teams pick?

A possible outcome, feel free to come up with your own...

1. Tyrus Thomas - Chicago (in need of a strong PF for the future, Mike Sweetney may not have what it takes to be the strong up front presence they were hoping he'd be)
2. Lamarcus Aldrige - Portland (With Zach Randolph likely traded during the off season and assuming they dont get a great PF in return, they'll have a gaping hole up front)
3.Hilton Armstrong - Charlotte (With Flip Murray a likely candidate to start at SG next season, and set spots for the future with Wallace, Okafor, and Felton, they lack a strong prospect up front aside from a mediocre Sean May)
4. Marcus Williams - Atlanta (this team is in Dire need of a true PG prospect. Rather than drafting a College SG who crosses over to PG, i feel they'll take a natural PG like Marcus Williams)
5. Rudy Gay - Toronto With Bosh and Villanueva and Calderon securing the frontline and point guard spots respectively, I feel they take a highly talented prospect like Rudy Gay to fill in the SF spot.
6. Andrea Bargnani - Houston (A shooting big man who can spread the floor is exactly the player Houston needs to compliment the inside presence of Yao Ming and the defense drawing Tmac)
7. Sheldon Williams - Minnesota (Minnesota would probably have loved to have drafted Bargnani but since Houston took him they'll look for the next best big man prospect to fill the hole they will have from trading Garnett)
8. Adam Morrison - Boston (Boston needs another strong Wing player to compliment Paul Pierce and with Ryan Gomes being their strong big man for the future, they'll be looking for some immediate impact from Morrison)
9. Brandon Roy - Golden State(Assuming Baron Davis is healthy, they'll be able to start him at the PG spot and alternate SG and SF between Roy and Richardson, Roy has proven he can play effectively on both ends of the floor and run an offense, so look for an immediate impact from the four year Washington player)
10. Rodney Carney - Seattle (Seattle will need a solid backup to Ray Allen in the future and Damien Wilkins was the only player who served as a strong backup to both Ray allen and Rashard during the season so Carney will be drafted to give Wilkins help, and if Rashard is traded Wilkins will likely earn the starting spot, in which case they'd need backups for Wilkins and Ray)
11. Patrick O'Bryant - New Orleans(With not much left in the tank for P.J. brown and a secure back court for the future that includes Chris Paul, Speedy Claxton, Kirk Snyder, and Desmond Mason, look for these guys to draft a Center prospect)
12. Ronnie Brewer - Utah (Assuming Utah doesnt make any large off season moves, they'll have a front court that's very secure for years to come in AK47, Boozer, and Okur, as well as a strong PG in Williams, so look for them to fill their only up in the air spot with their first round pick.)
13. Randy Foye - Orlando (With Grant Hill retiring and a very secure front line, Orlando may move DeShawn Stevenson to the 3 spot and run a primarily guard rotation, and Randy Foye would fit in perfect to this system)
14. Glenn Davis - Philadelphia With Chris Webber not having much left in his tank and no true PF for the future I believe Glenn Davis is the obvious choice to fill the obvious void in this team.

Well those are my predictions, what are yours?

[J@3]

I really can't see Glen Davis going anywhere near the top 14.

I'll just use your order:

1. Chicago (from NY) - LaMarcus Aldridge
- Thomas is tempting but they already have a big guy who can't play offense.

2. Portland - Tyrus Thomas
- Nice replacement for Zach Randolph.

3. Charlotte - Andrea Bargani
- I was thinking Morrison but they already have Gerald Wallace. Bargani is versatile and would stretch the D off the bench.

4. Atlanta - Marcus Williams
- Giving them the benefit of the doubt, won't be at all surprised if they draft another SF.

5. Toronto - Rudy Gay
- Taking him over Morrison, more athletic and with Charlie they don't really need another shooter at that position.

6. Houston - Adam Morrison
- The shooter they need, if he's somehow still here it's a no brainer.

7. Minnesota - Brandon Roy
- Can just see it happening, would probably be better to take a PG though.

8. Boston - Tiago Splitter
- Great defender, they don't exactly have many defensive big men.

9. Golden State - Rodney Carney
- I can see them trading Pietrus or whatever his name is.

10. Seattle - Shelden Williams
- They need a defender, at any position, but PF is good.

11. New Orleans - Patrick O'Bryant
- Since they lost Magloire they don't really have anyone at C.

12. Utah - Ronnie Brewer
- I think Harpring is leaving in free agency, decent fit I think.

13. Orlando - JJ Redick
- Continue to build, plus he'd be an upgrade at SG.

14. Philadelphia - Mardy Collins
- Reall tall PG, could shift Iverson to SG and Iguodala to SF I suppose.

[KIG1]

Jae's is a lot better besides the fact that Thomas isn't first.

SilasDC, you gotta read all the early entries before you make the mock draft. Its terrible

First of all Glen Davis didn't enter the draft and cannot anymore. Second of all, Hilton Armstrong is not a top 3 pick or not even a top 10 pick. Third of all, not that many teams will pass on Morrison.

Do some research before you make a mock draft man.

[Silas]

Glenn Davis was really picked for position, i can see any sort of PF going there...

As far as hilton armstrong, i picked him for position too, though i wouldnt be suprised if rudy gay or morrison were taken, a big man spot is the only lacking spot charlotte has, so i picked that based on needs.

And about Morrison, i see him just as likely to be picked by minnesota as by boston, but houston doesnt need the outside scoring of morrison because assuming Tmac is healthy they already have that, and they need a big man who can spread the floor. Morrison is a great pick for either Boston or Minnesota because they need the oustide presence he brings. I picked a PF for Minnesota because i was creating the idea that Garnett is likely to be traded and they'll likely get a good guard in return...

With McCants, Banks, and Davis, i think they need a Big man badly.


Why dont you do a little research before you bash my ideas....

[Air Jordon]

3.Hilton Armstrong - Charlotte (With Flip Murray a likely candidate to start at SG next season, and set spots for the future with Wallace, Okafor, and Felton, they lack a strong prospect up front aside from a mediocre Sean May)

Flip Murray is on Cleveland.

[Riot]

Wolves might trade their first rounder for a proven player (think Marbury or Iverson) in a package deal. Otherwise, they will draft Brandon Roy, Rodney Carney or Rudy Gay I believe.

[Silas]

Flip murray is a free agent at the end of the season and there has been a lot of talk of him signing with charlotte because he'd be a full time starter on that team.

[kevC]

You can't get a draft order like that. Houston can't be #6. If they don't get in the top 3 pick (highly likely not to) they will be at #8 (or lower if a team with a better record than them somehow get in the top 3).

[J@3]

Glenn Davis was really picked for position, i can see any sort of PF going there...

As far as hilton armstrong, i picked him for position too, though i wouldnt be suprised if rudy gay or morrison were taken, a big man spot is the only lacking spot charlotte has, so i picked that based on needs.

And about Morrison, i see him just as likely to be picked by minnesota as by boston, but houston doesnt need the outside scoring of morrison because assuming Tmac is healthy they already have that, and they need a big man who can spread the floor. Morrison is a great pick for either Boston or Minnesota because they need the oustide presence he brings. I picked a PF for Minnesota because i was creating the idea that Garnett is likely to be traded and they'll likely get a good guard in return...

With McCants, Banks, and Davis, i think they need a Big man badly.


Why dont you do a little research before you bash my ideas....

But he has researched, that's why he was bashing your ideas.

[kevC]

And btw, the Rockets will draft Rodney Carney at #8. Book it.

[Air Jordon]

Flip murray is a free agent at the end of the season and there has been a lot of talk of him signing with charlotte because he'd be a full time starter on that team.

ohh, well i wouldnt want him to be my shooting guard, he shoots like crap.

[dada]

What I dont understand is all the hyp surrounding Tyrus Thomas. All this guy has done was have a good Tournament (mostly scoring on dunks I believe). Someone please tell me something else he has accomplished? He's a promising player but I just dont understand how people have him so high.

[cklitsie]

He's played very good defense all year long and basically killed Duke at the end of their NCAA game.. that's enough these days to get some hype going for you..

[Mentally Hilarious]

Aye, I wont use your order aswell since the Rockets neverever can end up as number 6 on the board without a trade.


1. Chicago (from NY) - LaMarcus Aldridge. Yes, they will and should be tempted by Thomas. But with Chandler already being a defensive player, and in need of an offensive option down low they'll go with LaMarcus.
2. Portland - Adam Morrisson. - Travis Outlaw is a bust, he's nothing more than a dunker and Miles has outstayed his welcome. Look for Portland on getting the best all-around scorer in a long time in Morrisson. It's not like they've rated defensive beasts highly in the past so why now?
3. Charlotte - Tyrus Thomas. - Had Morrisson still been here, he'd get picked. But with him of the boards I'd say that Charlotte is going either with Gay or with Thomas. And with Wallace being what Gay might one day become I hope they go with Thomas.
4. Atlanta Marcus Williams - It's a long, long, long stretch. But it's time for the Hawks to adress a need.
5. Toronto - Brandon Roy - The best 2 in the draft for Toronto.
6. Minnesota - Rudy Gay - He will fall this long down the board, and Minnesota will rejoice.
7. Boston - Andrea Bargnani - It's always a bitch predicting what DA will draft, but if Andrea is on the board at 7, I don't think he can go with any other player.
8. Houston - Rodney Carney
9. Golden State - Patrick O'Bryant - He's young and tall as hell. That will make sure he climbs the boards. Might be the wrong pick for GS with Diogu, Murphy and Biedrins already on the team.
10. Seattle - Shelden Williams - The man with the coolest nickname ever will contribute right away. The Sonics shores up for the eventuality that Swift/Petro never pans out and Wilcox doesn't resign with an unspectacular but solid player.

[KIG1]

Glenn Davis was really picked for position, i can see any sort of PF going there...

As far as hilton armstrong, i picked him for position too, though i wouldnt be suprised if rudy gay or morrison were taken, a big man spot is the only lacking spot charlotte has, so i picked that based on needs.

And about Morrison, i see him just as likely to be picked by minnesota as by boston, but houston doesnt need the outside scoring of morrison because assuming Tmac is healthy they already have that, and they need a big man who can spread the floor. Morrison is a great pick for either Boston or Minnesota because they need the oustide presence he brings. I picked a PF for Minnesota because i was creating the idea that Garnett is likely to be traded and they'll likely get a good guard in return...

With McCants, Banks, and Davis, i think they need a Big man badly.


Why dont you do a little research before you bash my ideas....

Don't wanna bash you again, but im going to. Man I don't think you research half as much as I do. Trust me, if there is one person on this forum who knows about NBA Draft, its me (With The X coming in second). I watch college basketball every night man. So don't go sayin that I need to research since Glen Davis isn't entering the draft!!!! HE DIDN'T DECLARE you draft wannabe.

[The X]

I'll use current order, pre-draft lottery. I am ignoring the inevitable trading of draft picks:

1. Portland - Tyrus Thomas
- With all the problems going on with Zach & Darius, the Blazers will draft a forward. It will either be Thomas, Aldridge or Morrison, but the athleticism & potential of Thomas in such a weak frontend of the draft will seal the deal on this pick.

2. Chicago (from NY) - LaMarcus Aldridge
- This is what they need. Bulls should take him if given the chance. If Bulls get No. 1 pick they will draft Aldridge with it.

3. Charlotte - Adam Morrison
- If the Bobcats pick here, I'd predict they take a proven college product. That means either Morrison or Brandon Roy. They probably won't grab Roy unless Morrison is gone or they fall down a couple of picks.

4. Atlanta - Andrea Bargnani
- This one is really between Bargnani & Williams. Hawks need all the size they can get, even if he's a Euro. In the end, I think Marcus Williams will be too much of a stretch & it is not worth trying to make up for the Chris Paul miss last year with this pick.

5. Toronto - Brandon Roy
- Between Roy, Gay & Williams, but a proven backcourt player might be a better fit than Gay. A Williams' pick here wouldn't surprise me at all.

6. Minnesota - Rudy Gay
- This is a best talent available. The Wolves need all the talent they can get. Gay's a steal at 6.

7. Boston - Shelden Williams
- Some more help inside.

8. Houston - Marcus Williams
- Seems like a suitable slot for Williams to go in a very weak PG draft. If he's gone, they might look at Foye.

9. Golden State - Rodney Carney
- He seems like a perfect fit to me.

10. Seattle - Cedric Simmons
- Don't really know much about the kid, but the Sonics will go big. If not Simmons, then could be Bradley, Armstrong or Splitter.

11. Orlando - JJ Redick
- The Magic have a glaring weakness at SG & JJ could slot right in as a No. 3 option behind Howard & Nelson. This would be a good pick for Magic.

12. New Orleans - Patrick O'Bryant
- They need a big & have time, so could go with O'Bryant. I've got a strong feeling about Hilton Armstrong going at this pick, but he might go to Hornets at 15 instead.

13. Philadelphia - Randy Foye
- I was so tempted to put local college kid Mardy Collins here, as he would be a great fit. However I'll go with another local college kid in Randy Foye. It's one of these two. I'm picking Foye.

14. Utah - Tiago Splitter
- The Jazz don't need him straight away, but this could turn into a great pick if they can get him sooner rather than later. If not Splitter, then it could be Ronnie Brewer or Hilton Armstrong.

[Mentally Hilarious]

I'll use current order, pre-draft lottery. I am ignoring the inevitable trading of draft picks:

1. Portland - Tyrus Thomas
- With all the problems going on with Zach & Darius, the Blazers will draft a forward. It will either be Thomas, Aldridge or Morrison, but the athleticism & potential of Thomas in such a weak frontend of the draft will seal the deal on this pick.

2. Chicago (from NY) - LaMarcus Aldridge
- This is what they need. Bulls should take him if given the chance. If Bulls get No. 1 pick they will draft Aldridge with it.

3. Charlotte - Adam Morrison
- If the Bobcats pick here, I'd predict they take a proven college product. That means either Morrison or Brandon Roy. They probably won't grab Roy unless Morrison is gone or they fall down a couple of picks.

4. Atlanta - Andrea Bargnani
- This one is really between Bargnani & Williams. Hawks need all the size they can get, even if he's a Euro. In the end, I think Marcus Williams will be too much of a stretch & it is not worth trying to make up for the Chris Paul miss last year with this pick.

5. Toronto - Brandon Roy
- Between Roy, Gay & Williams, but a proven backcourt player might be a better fit than Gay. A Williams' pick here wouldn't surprise me at all.

6. Minnesota - Rudy Gay
- This is a best talent available. The Wolves need all the talent they can get. Gay's a steal at 6.

7. Boston - Shelden Williams
- Some more help inside.

8. Houston - Marcus Williams
- Seems like a suitable slot for Williams to go in a very weak PG draft. If he's gone, they might look at Foye.

9. Golden State - Rodney Carney
- He seems like a perfect fit to me.

10. Seattle - Cedric Simmons
- Don't really know much about the kid, but the Sonics will go big. If not Simmons, then could be Bradley, Armstrong or Splitter.

11. Orlando - JJ Redick
- The Magic have a glaring weakness at SG & JJ could slot right in as a No. 3 option behind Howard & Nelson. This would be a good pick for Magic.

12. New Orleans - Patrick O'Bryant
- They need a big & have time, so could go with O'Bryant. I've got a strong feeling about Hilton Armstrong going at this pick, but he might go to Hornets at 15 instead.

13. Philadelphia - Randy Foye
- I was so tempted to put local college kid Mardy Collins here, as he would be a great fit. However I'll go with another local college kid in Randy Foye. It's one of these two. I'm picking Foye.

14. Utah - Tiago Splitter
- The Jazz don't need him straight away, but this could turn into a great pick if they can get him sooner rather than later. If not Splitter, then it could be Ronnie Brewer or Hilton Armstrong.

I like this order, even though I'd hate Shelden for Boston personally.

The only thing I'm missing is the ineviteble workout wonder that will skyrocket for no other reason that some GM will try to make the sly pick that will garner a lot of attention in 6 years when the pick is tearing up the league. Problem is that they bloody well never pan out.

[The X]

MH, I don't like Williams to Boston either, but it seemed to slot in that way....

there are a few possible risers who could go in lottery:
- Cedric Simmons
- Hilton Armstrong

Because of the lack of depth at PG, you could see one of the following move up:
- Randy Foye
- Kyle Lowry
- Rajon Rondo

there will be other guys who could climb into mid-late 1st Round with great workouts or if a team falls in love with them:
- Mike Gansey
- Jose Juan Barea
- Maurice Ager
- Aaron Gray
- Nick Fazekas
- Richard Roby
- Ryan Hollins etc

[Mentally Hilarious]

Saer Sene should definetly be on that list. Freakishly athletic 7 footers often do. I actually have Roby around 14-18 just because of his shooting. Next to JJ he's the best in the draft - which would mean a lot to a few teams picking there.

[Its_asdf]

I wouldn't mind the Raptors drafting Rudy Gay because he seems like a fantastically talented player, but I really don't want the Raptors to take away any more minutes from Joey Graham. Charlie Villaneuva is being experimented around with at the 3 spot, so I don't think it would be a wise decision to have three young and developing players jostling for the starting 3 spot.

[cklitsie]

Next to JJ he's the best in the draft - which would mean a lot to a few teams picking there.

Maybe add Allan Ray to your list. He's probably not the kind of player you would like, but in the NBA I reckon he could be a good shooter. He'll stop being so trigger happy, because I don't think any NBA coach will give him the freedom Jay Wright gave him..
(I personally love his game)

[Mentally Hilarious]

Next to JJ he's the best in the draft - which would mean a lot to a few teams picking there.

Maybe add Allan Ray to your list. He's probably not the kind of player you would like, but in the NBA I reckon he could be a good shooter. He'll stop being so trigger happy, because I don't think any NBA coach will give him the freedom Jay Wright gave him..
(I personally love his game)

Never seen him play, I think. Can't place the name though. The draftreports are quite ...pointless. Can you describe his game?

[KIG1]

Allan Ray is a bit short to play Shooting Guard in the NBA at 6'2" and teams don't really want a shorter SG. He played at Villanova where he averaged 20 ppg and could stroke the three to beyond the NBA ark. Great versatility, but doesn't have the skills to play PG yet. He could be like a Luther Head type of player.

EDIT: Another thing is why are you guys putting Foye so low? Hes a top 10 pick in my opinion.

[air_edwards23]

2. Portland - Adam Morrisson. - Travis Outlaw is a bust, he's nothing more than a dunker and Miles has outstayed his welcome. Look for Portland on getting the best all-around scorer in a long time in Morrisson. It's not like they've rated defensive beasts highly in the past so why now?
.

You mean getting a shooter not scocer morrisson isnt very althletic

[air_edwards23]

I dont think the raptors will draft Roy because some places compaired him to jalen rose which means that scouts arent high on roy's defense. I think we would just go with Gay cuz Charlie is more of a PF then a SF