(1.) Toronto - Andrea Bargnani - Here's the deal: Toronto already has two good bigs in Chris Bosh & Charlie Villanuella. But neither are centers. Sure, Bosh can play out of position (and he's good enough to pull it off), but the Raptors would much rather have a legit sized threat plugging the hole in the middle... and word is, Toronto GM, Bryan Colangelo, is pretty high on Bargnani. I wouldn't be surprised to see Toronto try to secure another front line player (seeing as there are no real studs in the backcourt this draft).
(2.) Chicago - Tyrus Thomas - By now, everyone should know Tyrus Thomas will be in a Bulls jersey by 2007. Chicago plays a perimeter-oriented game with quick subs, in and out. They don't really need a low-post scoring threat; just somebody who will give the inside players on the other squad some trouble. Thomas plays a hearty, effort-filled game that just screams blue-collar at me. I can see a player like that fitting well in Scott Skiles rotation.
(3.) Charlotte - Brandon Roy - This is going to be the first surprise of the draft, in my opinion. Charlotte is already set on their future front court (comprised of Okafor, May, Brezec, and Wallace). Those 4 will be a tandem that more teams with want than not in another 3 years. The Bobcats also went small first last year (grabbing Raymond Felton). Combined with Brevin Knight, one can also assume Charlotte's done toying with their point guard spot, too. There's only one more position that needs legit filling: shooting guard. And, at this point, Roy looks like the best one in the draft. They aren't looking for a shooting guard to take over the offense; their front court has plenty enough weapons to do that. Roy's handles would compliment the point guard's game in a Globetrotter-like fashion to get the ball safely into the paint, where Okafor and May can really do some damage.
(4.) Portland - Adam Morrison - The Blazers have had their eye on this kid all year long. With Darius Miles seemingly on the way out, Morrison seems like the perfect take with a brand new opening at SF for the Blazers (who also gave away Ruben Patterson last season, leaving them more shorthanded at the 3 than one would think). Morrison will be a sink or swim situation in Oregon, but my money's on the Blazers giving him a shot (while trading Miles away from trash).
(5.) Atlanta - LaMarcus Aldridge - It will shock people to see Aldridge (the future Rookie of the Year) fall this far to the Hawks, but I think it may happen. None of the above teams (save for Chicago) need a PF... and Atlanta is screaming for one (nevermind that garbage about Marvin Williams... Alderidge is way more solid and NBA-ready). Taking LeMarcus Aldridge will also open the door for Al Harrington to depart (something that seems unavoidable anyway). Combined with Joe Johnson, Alderidge is going to blow up early in the NBA with seasonal averages of 16 PPG, 8 RPG, and 1.0 BPG. The steal of the draft for Atlanta at the #5 spot. I predict ROY early, if he gets enough minutes (which he will on Atlanta).
(6.) Minnesoda - Randy Foye - This pick is a toss-up between Foye and Gay. I'm betting the Wolves opt to go small in the coming days (ala the Suns) and nab Foye in the draft. Think about it: Kevin Garnett would be a perfect 4 to have in a run-and-gun offense. He's fast, athletic, and jumps out of the stadium. Ricky Davis is also prime for that sort of job and would slide up to SF, making Foye (who can play either PG or SG) the 2 in this lineup. Minny is pretty high on Marcus Banks, so I wouldn't be on them going for a PG. The choice seems pretty smart, if I were the Timberwolves. Change the slow, post-game (that Garnett doesn't appear to be succeeding in, despite what his numbers say... check the win column) and put the ball out in the open court where players like Davis, Banks, Foye, and KG thrive.
(7.) Boston - Patrick O'Bryant - After Toronto takes Bargnani, Boston will be gunning for the best center left on the board. The Celtics have been pretty high on potential these last few years (with Al Jefferson and Orien Greene), so I wouldn't be surprised to see them try to tap into Patrick O'Bryant's well of talent. The kid's damn good when he tries. He'd be the best pick the Celtics (who are pretty set with their middle positions) could get.
(8.) Houston - JJ Redick - I'm just gonna copy and paste what Chad Ford wrote because (for once) I agree with him: "The Rockets have a number of needs, but the biggest is two guard. This is awfully high for Redick, but he should be a good fit in Houston. With Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady facing constant double teams, the Rockets need someone who can make them pay from the three point line."
(9.) Golden State - Rudy Gay -
(10.) Seattle - Shelden Williams - The Sonics are weak up front and need some hard-nosed play. Williams with be the perfect replacement for Wilcox (who will probably bolt come free agency). He can rebound and defend. That's all a team carrying Luke Ridnoir, Ray Allen, and Rashard Lewis really want/need.
No Tyrus Thomas on the top 10?. I'm not a great fan of him, but still... It would be shocking.
