2006 NBA Draft preview

Many pundits are calling this draft the most unpredictable draft in years.  Most people have Bargnani going #1, but I believe Tyrus Thomas will go #1 to the Raptors.  Bargnani will go #2 to Chicago and there will a trade announced (like the Anfernee Hardaway-Chris Webber deal back in ‘93) between Toronto and Chicago.  Toronto ends up getting either more future draft picks and/or some players in the deal, plus the player they wanted all along, Bargnani.  Yes, I know, a bold prediction, but I’m going with my gut on this one.

But if I were Raptors GM, I would work out a deal with the #5 (Atlanta) Atlanta or #6 (Minnesota) and try to get Randy Foye (in three years, people will be talking more about Foye than anyone in the draft), and get a couple more quality players and/or future draft picks.  

Orlando will select Rodney Carney with the 11th pick. 

Here’s my mock draft (top 15):

1. Toronto Raptors — Tyrus Thomas, SF/PF, LSU

2. Chicago Bulls — Andrea Bargnani, PF, Italy
(From New York)

3. Charlotte Bobcats — Rudy Gay, SF, Connecticut

4. Portland Trailblazers –  LaMarcus Aldridge, PF/C, Texas

5. Atlanta Hawks –  Brandon Roy, SG, Washington

6. Minnesota Timberwolves — Randy Foye, PG/SG, Villanova

7. Boston Celtics — Adam Morrison, SF, Gonzaga

8. Houston Rockets — Marcus Williams, PG, Connecticut

9. Golden State Warriors — Shelden Williams, PF, Duke

10. Seattle Sonics — Cedric Simmons, PF, NC State

11. Orlando Magic — Rodney Carney, SG/SF, Memphis

12. New Orleans Hornets — Patrick O’Bryant, C, Bradley

13. Philadelphia 76ers — Maurice Ager, SG, Michigan State

14. Utah Jazz — Ronnie Brewer, SG, Arkansas

15. New Orleans Hornets — J.J. Redick, SG, Duke
(From Milwaukee)