Sure, the NBA Finals are exciting. Nothing wraps up an exciting NBA Playoffs that has featured a record number of overtime
games, some of the most exhilarating matchups in recent years, and the emergence of the next crop of superstars. The
Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat are
going to compete for the Larry O'Brien trophy in what should be a classic Finals matchup, but only one thing gets the true
basketball fan's blood pumping more:
The NBA Draft.
Maybe, I'm exaggerating a bit. The Finals are just as exciting to me as anything that basketball can offer. But
something about the general managers, scouts, and coaches sitting in a room with a large white board, stat sheets, scouting
reports in front of them praying for the right player or deal to fall into their lap excites me as much as a Dirk Nowitzki fall
away jump shot or a Shaquille O'Neal alley-oop.
With that in mind, the NBA's premier pre-draft camp, where most of the top prospects entering this year's draft compete
in front of the watchful eyes of the NBA's scouts and GM's, began at Disney in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday June 6. The NBA
Draft doesn't occur until June 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York, but here is an early look at what will go down.
1. Toronto Raptors - Andrea Bargnani (Italy): the Raptors got the bounce of
the ping pong balls and grabbed the first pick of this year's draft. The Raptors have a multitude of talented players
including all star power forward Chris Bosh. He, Morris Peterson, and Charlie Villanueva have established a core group of
players that general manager Brian Colangelo can build around. He may be trying to re-establish the success he experienced in
Phoenix. The Raptors have seemingly had their eyes set on Italian Andrea Bargnani. Bargnani has drawn comparisons to Dirk
Nowitzki with his ability to shoot and run the floor at 6-11. Acquiring him could give Toronto the base for a Phoenix-type
revival.
2. Chicago Bulls - Tyrus Thomas (LSU): the Bulls nabbed this pick from the
Knicks for Eddy Curry. They missed him sorely this year in the post as they were beaten by Shaq and the Heat. But the trade
with the hapless Knicks was well worth it. They are in love with Thomas and he has the same skill set as Curry at the moment.
Thomas has the raw talent to develop into an offensive phenom in the future and has the defensive instincts to be a dominant
rebounder and shot blocker to push this playoff team to the next level.
3. Charlotte Bobcats - Rudy Gay (Connecticut): the Bobcats are still the
expansion team and shouldn't find their way out of the gutter until their salary cap restrictions are lifted next summer. The
Bobcats lack a great scorer. Emeka Okafor has been in and out of the lineup with injuries and Gerald Wallace has fit in nicely
as a defensive stopper. Gay was thought to be the number one pick for most of the college season. He is a very versatile player
and can score from almost anywhere on the court. He could be a very big contributor to leading the Bobcats out of their
expansion era.
4. Portland Trail Blazers - Brandon Roy (Washington): the Blazers faced a
very disappointing season under new head coach Nate McMillan. Now they face a very critical offseason as they go into the draft
without a general manager and perhaps with the team on the market. Zach Randolph has developed into a consistent player, but not
a star. The Blazers have succeeded with their workhorse centers Theo Ratliff and Joel Przybilla, whom they expect to resign.
However, the Blazers have missed consistent guard lay. Juan Dixon, Steve Blake, and Jarret Jack provided them decent play at
the point, but Darius Miles and rookie Martell Webster proved to be disappointments to them. Brandon Roy's stock has been
climbing steadily at the pre-draft camp and the Blazers could be forced to select him here. Roy is an excellent scorer and
decision maker and should be a good addition to a team looking for consistency at guard.
5. Atlanta Hawks - LaMarcus Aldridge (Texas): the Hawks have assembled a good
group of young players. However, they have been unable to get this group together for a serious run out of the basement.
The Hawks have been pleased by the surprising play of
Zaza Pachulia. His hustle and toughness stole some victories for
Atlanta. However, the Hawks recognize they need a true center to successfully use the talent they have. Aldridge has good
presence in the paint on both sides of the ball and could give the Hawks the size they've been lacking to complement Joe
Johnson, Al Harrington, and Josh Smith.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Adam Morrison (Gonzaga): the Timberwolves are
at a crossroads for their franchise. On the doorstep of the NBA Finals, they have missed the postseason the past two season.
The Timberwolves traded sharpshooter Wally Szczerbiak to the Celtics and acquired problem child Ricky Davis. The plan worked
for a while, but the Wolves still came short of the postseason. This draft is a good chance to assure themselves they have a
three point shooter in their back pocket whether Kevin Garnett remains with the team or not. Morrison was an unstoppable
scorer at the college level. He may not be that kind of scorer in the NBA, but he shouldn't lose the ability to shoot, filling
one of the holes keeping Minnesota from the playoffs.
7. Boston Celtics - Shelden Williams (Duke): the Celtics great weakness is
in the paint. They have the perimeter weapons in Paul Pierce, Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West to score with any team. The
Celtics tried to bolster their front court by acquiring Michael Olowokandi and he didn't help them enough. Al Jefferson has
been solid, but inconsistent. The Celtics lack toughness and an inside presence. Williams is undersized, but is quick and
works hard. He is a natural rebounder and should fit well with the Celtics.
8. Houston Rockets - Randy Foye (Villanova): the Rockets were plagued with
injuries last season. It undoubtedly hurt them in their playoff hunt, but few would think that the Rockets are not a lock to be
in next season's playoffs with all stars Yao Ming and
Tracy McGrady anchoring their team. The Rockets, even during their
playoff run in 2005, lacked a strong player at the point. Bob Sura played the part well, but couldn't recover from injury and
missed the entire season, leaving the Rockets without a true point guard for much of the season. Luther Head and David Wesley
manned the position in his absence, but the Rockets could use this high draft pick to secure a future point guard. Foye may be
a good choice. He is a tough point guard the can create his own offense and create for others in the open court. He may not
be the true Jeff Van Gundy point guard, but he could develop into a great running mate for the Rockets' superstars.
9. Golden State Warriors - Rodney Carney (Memphis): the Warriors were the
sexy pick to make the playoffs during the offseason. Undoubtedly, they will be a hot pick again entering next season -
especially if they can nab Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers. However, what the Warriors lacked from their playoff run was a
solid defender (and Baron Davis's health). Carney has unlimited potential. He is a good offensive threat and should fit into
the Warriors offense. However his defensive peskiness will make him a valuable player for the Warriors.
10. Seattle Supersonics - Patrick O'Bryant (Bradley): the Sonics followed a
surprise playoff season with a disappointing absence from the postseason. Seattle is still led by veterans three point marksman
Ray Allen. Surrounding Allen are more shooters and youth. Luke Ridnour emerged as a viable point guard and shooting option.
Rashard Lewis was also a great offensive threat for this high scoring team. What Seattle lacked during their playoff run two
years ago and missed last season was a low post option and some defense. O'Bryant impressed scouts during Bradley's run through
the NCAA Tournament. He is a good shot blocker and is a long defender for the post with plenty of room for improvement.
11. Orlando Magic - JJ Redick (Duke): the Magic will be looking for possible replacements
for DeShawn Stevenson, who may opt out of his contract this
summer. Despite this potential loss, the Magic are buzzing after their 16-6 finish to the season. With a young nucleus
including Dwight Howard,
Jameer Nelson, and
Darko Milicic, plus cap room for the summer of 2007, the Magic have
opened the door to a championship. This year's draft will be adding extra pieces. The Magic are looking to move up to grab a
player that can make a difference this season. JJ Redick is the great mystery of this year's draft. Can the national collegiate
player of the year adjust to life in the NBA? This question has certainly dropped him down in the draft. However, the Magic are
in desperate need of a three point shooter.
Pat Garrity has not been the same since tearing his ACL two years ago
and the lack of a shooter ultimately ruined the
Steve Francis experiment and forced them to miss the playoffs the
past two seasons. Redick may not be able to fully replace the possible loss of
DeShawn Stevenson, but would give the Magic a much needed piece
for their future.
12. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets - Ronnie Brewer (Arkansas): the
Hornets were the pleasant surprise of the 2006 season. After being moved to Oklahoma City by Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets
rallied behind their youthful nucleus to mount a serious run towards the NBA Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Hornets were not
able to make the playoffs. However, Rookie of the Year Chris Paul and surprise scoring leader David West have the fan bases in
both cities energized for the 2007 campaign. Brewer is another exciting player that could add to the already strong base
being built by the Hornets. Brewer is a great defender and every young team needs a lock down defender. The Hornets really
need a scorer and Brewer is certainly not that. But, West and Paul should only get better as should JR Smith and the rest of
the Hornets. Brewer should fit in nicely with the talent they have built.
13. Philadelphia 76ers - Marcus Williams (Connecticut): the Sixers were
left disappointed and out of the playoffs. Sixers management has promised to make sweeping changes that may even include
trading franchise player Allen Iverson. Chris Webber can opt out of his contract and leave Philadelphia. The Sixers need a
player that can make an impact and push them into the playoffs. The Sixers may not find a team to dump AI on to. Either way it
seems coach Maurice Cheeks's experiment to move Iverson back to the point may have failed. Most of the Sixers success came with
Iverson playing off the ball and with a point guard - a la Eric Snow - who could spread the wealth a little better. If the
Sixers can steal Williams at this spot they may have found their new point guard. Williams led the entire nation in assists
and his offensive game steadily improved since his freshman year. He had a turnover problem in college, but was the point
guard for an elite Connecticut team.
14. Utah Jazz - Saer Sene (Senegal): the Jazz have established themselves
as a defensive-minded team. Andrei Kirilenko,
Matt Harpring, and even Mehmet Okur have all been recognized as
defensive catalysts for this team. Unfortunately for the Jazz they have been hit by the injury bug and haven't been able to
make a serious run towards playing in May. Kirilenko is undoubtedly a star in the league and Deron Williams appears to be
turning into Jerry Sloan's type of point guard. The Jazz should be looking for offense, but apparently Jazz management is
impressed by the play of Saer Sene. He is a defensive minded center who should fit nicely into Utah's defensive identity.
15. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets - Cedric Simmons (North Carolina
State): the Hornets lacked a true center in their run for the playoffs. They most likely will use their first pick on a guard,
so their second pick must go towards finding a post presence opposite David West and a replacement to PJ Brown. Simmons is the
best big man left on the board. He is a good shot blocker and post player and has shown the skills necessary to play both the
power forward and center position in the NBA. His offensive game is still developing, but he is a tough player that should
fit in well with the Hornets.
16. Chicago Bulls - Shawne Williams (Memphis) the Bulls plan to pick up a
big man with their first pick and have said they hope to select a guard with their second pick in the first round. Head coach
Scott Skiles is a stickler for defense and his team has translated
this attitude. Andres Nocioni is turning into a fantastic scorer and is already becoming an elite defender. The Bulls still
feel that Ben Gordon is too small to be an option at shooting guard and thus might be looking for someone to fill in for him
here. Shawne Williams is my pick. He is an elite athlete with advanced offensive skills and plenty of room to develop. He did a
stand-up job on Adam Morrison during the NCAA Tournament and is the kind of intense and aggressive player that coach Skiles likes.
17. Indiana Pacers - Oleksiy Pecherov (Ukraine): rumors are swirling around
the Indiana Pacers. Donnie Walsh and Larry Bird have to make tough decisions on
whether to continue to commit to Jermaine O'Neal and Peja Stojakovic or to begin rebuilding and trading O'Neal and letting Peja
walk. The Pacers have to make this decision most likely by draft night. Their options are many. They can take a scoring point
guard or go with the foreign sharpshooter Pecherov. The Pacers seem to have themselves set at point guard if Jamaal Tinsley has
another injury-riddled season. Pecherov will give their bench and lineup a much needed offensive boost. He, like most European
big men, is a great outside shooter. The Pacers don't need much help defensively and if the Pacers decide to keep O'Neal, he'll
be a great weapon off the bench with Sarunas Jasikevicius.
18. Washington Wizards - Quincy Douby (Rutgers): the Wizards really
discovered how valuable Larry Hughes was to their playoff run two seasons ago and in this season's playoff series against
Cleveland. The Wizards missed a defensive stopper and a player who could run the point alongside Gilbert Arenas. Douby led the
Big East in scoring while playing for the Scarlet Knights. His offensive prowess alone should allow him to fit in with the
Wizards. However, at Rutgers he also showed the ability to come into passing lanes and create steals. He is a little
undersized to truly compete at the point, but he would fit in well with the Wizards.
19. Sacramento Kings - Mardy Collins (Temple): the Kings made a mad dash
for the playoffs after acquiring Ron Artest from the Indiana Pacers. The Kings
then gave the Spurs a run for their money before bowing out in six games. It seems the Kings are making their return to the
Western Conference scene. While their offense is still as efficient as ever, their defense is what will make them a better
team in the future. By acquiring Artest they've demonstrated they are devoted to improving their defense. Adding Collins could
give them some support for their thin bench in the backcourt and another perimeter defender. Collins is not an aggressive
offensive player, but Temple coach John Chaney has instilled him solid defensive fundamentals that should make him valuable
to the Kings.
20. New York Knicks - Shannon Brown (Michigan State): the Knicks
finished the season with the second worst record in the NBA. There reward, the twentieth pick in the draft. Murphy's Law seems
to be in full effect for Larry Brown, Isaiah Thomas, and the New York Knicks. But,
soap opera aside, there isn't much the Knicks don't need. If anything they seem set at point guard with Stephon Marbury and
Steve Francis and need help just about everywhere. But general
manager Thomas seems to really enjoy having undersized shooting guards on his roster. Fortunately for him, the best player on
the board is one of those. Brown was a highlight reel waiting to happen at Michigan State. He may be undersized to play the
shooting guard position, but that hasn't stopped the Knicks before. They just need something to energize their team and Brown
could really be a big lift off the bench with Nate Robinson as they try to guide the Knicks in some direction.
21. Phoenix Suns - Maurice Ager (Michigan State): the Suns have nearly
established themselves as a constant fixture in the NBA title race. Two trips to the Western Conference Finals in the past two
seasons have had the Suns expecting an NBA title in the near future. This summer they are deciding whether to keep Tim Thomas
and to extend Boris Diaw's contract. The Suns should also expect Amare Stoudemire back in the paint. What would Phoenix do with
this pick? Find more scoring. It is without doubt Phoenix wants to run, run again, and then run some more. Stoudemire and Raja
Bell boost a weak defense, but if you can hit the three, there is a spot for you on the Suns. Ager is the best scorer
available in the draft. Ager has great offensive skill and range out to the three point line. He plays good defense, a
commodity the Suns need to continue to amass if they want to take the next step into the NBA Finals.
22. New Jersey Nets - Sergio Rodriguez (Spain): the Nets have the next two
picks. They'll use one on a guard and one on a big. The Nets should hope that a decent big man is around when they pick
because their inside game has kept them from advancing past Miami and getting deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs. The
Atlantic Division champions shouldn't face a challenge in repeating regardless of these two picks, but they should only help.
Rodriguez is a point guard that has been on scouts' radars for a couple of years. He is a natural and flashy passer with the
ability to score and run the fast break. The Nets scoring dropped dramatically from years past and adding a scoring guard like
him to relieve Jason Kidd would be a big help.
23. New Jersey Nets - Hilton Armstrong (Connecticut): the Nets have some
options with this pick. Armstrong and Pittsburgh product Aaron Gray offer the Nets the same intensity on rebounding. It's
Armstrong's ability to be a great shot blocker that could slide him ahead of Gray. Neither have developed their offensive game
very far, but the Nets just need a consistent presence on the inside and whoever they pick will be expected to contribute very
quickly.
24. Memphis Grizzlies - Jordan Farmar (UCLA): the Grizzlies have made three
straight postseason appearances, but have gone 0-12 in those games. The Grizzlies are looking to not only get a victory in
the playoffs, but get out of the first round. They finished with their best record in franchise history and fifth in the west,
where they were unfortunately faced with the second best team in the west - the
Dallas Mavericks. The Grizzlies were stuck in a tough situation after Damon
Stoudamire was lost to an injury. They signed
Chucky Atkins to fill the gap, but it is doubtful they can expect to
resign both him and Bobby Jackson or for them to depend on Stoudamire's health again. Farmar proved during the NCAA Tournament
that he can lead a team. He has great passing ability and has a good feel for the game. He is too small to be a starting point
guard in the league right now, but he would be a good project for the Grizzlies to develop as they make their playoff run.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers - Marcus Vinicius (Brazil): LeBron James and the
Cleveland Cavaliers have proclaimed their arrival to the NBA's Eastern Conference by
pushing the Detroit Pistons to seven games. The Cavaliers seem to be set to make
their runs for the NBA Finals over the next few seasons. However, there is always room for improvement until they make it to
the big stage. The Cavaliers were hurt by their inability to hit three pointers. Donyell Marshall is a streaky shooter and
Luke Jackson, their first round pick from two seasons ago, has yet to make a consistent run off the injured list. Vinicius is
a complete offensive player. The Cavaliers won't need to make much improvements on defense, their offense could use some
bolstering. LeBron can make any player look good. Vinicius has three point range and can do anything with the ball in his
hands. He is still developing defensively, but could step in and be a factor for Cleveland next season.
26. Los Angeles Lakers - Rudy Fernandez (Spain): the Lakers surprised many
by making the playoffs and taking a 3-1 series lead over the Phoenix Suns. The
Lakers must be on guard now as they enter the 2007 season. The last team to blow a 3-1 lead in the playoffs ended the next
season with a 21-61 record. Kobe Bryant is the driving for the Lakers and the Lakers have managed to build a decent group of
players around him. However, there are plenty of pieces missing. Fernandez is a solid player who can make plays as a point
guard or shooting guard. He is very athletic, but also smart and is able to play quicker and stronger players as well. He is
good at coming off of screens and can read plays well. He could be a great complement for Kobe or a good player coming off the
bench.
27. Phoenix Suns - Aaron Gray (Pittsburgh): the Suns over the past summer
tried to make the move to a more traditional lineup. They acquired Brian Grant and Kurt Thomas to try and muscle up to
Tim Duncan and the other big men of the NBA. Thomas and Grant were used very little in their playoff run and could become even
more irrelevant with Amare Stoudemire coming back. The Suns, though, still need to have a post presence for rebounding and
defense even if it is a man done in their fast break offense. Gray fits well. He is a pure rebounder and defensive player.
His offensive game needs work, but he is an above average passer for a 7 foot player.
28. Dallas Mavericks - Rajon Rondo (Kentucky): the Mavericks, when you
finally break it down, were simply the best team in the Western Conference. They can score, they can defend, they are deep,
they really don't have a weakness. Like true champions, they win and lose games on individual problems on a game-by-game basis.
There are no recurring problems. The Mavericks have some tough decisions to make coming into this summer. Jason Terry is a
free agent and while he most likely will be resigned, it could mean the loss of one of the key role players that brought
Dallas to the NBA Finals. Rondo would be a good addition to this team. Rondo was a fantastic offensive player at Kentucky.
He isn't a complete point guard yet, but he could allow Devin Harris to move into the starting lineup. This would allow Jason
Terry to play more off the ball and allow him to be more of a scoring option.
29. New York Knicks - Josh Boone (Connecticut): the Knicks need help about
everywhere. Thomas will probably spend his first pick on a guard. The Knicks have been impressed by the work of Connecticut
center Josh Boone. He is a strong defender and rebounder. He is still developing his low post game, but works hard and is
one of those players that doesn't have a lot of talent, but works hard enough to always be on a roster.
30. Portland Trail Blazers - Kevin Pittsnogle (Pittsburgh): the Blazers
not only have this pick, but the first pick of the second round. They desperately need some help out on the perimeter and
someone to complement Zach Randolph. Pittsnogle is not a powerful forward and isn't going to outmuscle anybody, but he is an
outstanding shooter. He can hit from anywhere on the floor. Adding Pittsnogle should move a big man away from the basket and
help Randolph establish good post position. Pittsnogle proved throughout the college season that he can make big shots and
give his team a chance to win. He may play more small forward than power forward, but he should be a nice piece to a developing
Portland team.
