Mock draft

The 2006 NBA Draft lottery takes place on May 23, and while we won’t know the exact draft order until then, it’s never too early to do a little prognosticating on how the first round of the draft will go. Here then, is my 2006 NBA mock draft, as I see it today. I will post several of these in the coming weeks.

Lottery:

1. Blazers- Tyrus Thomas (PF/LSU): Every NBA team needs a good big man, and Thomas has the most upside.
2. Bulls (via Knicks)- LaMarcus Aldridge (PF/Texas): If the Knicks owned this pick, they would go with the hype and take Rudy Gay. But the Bulls need a big man, and Aldridge should fit right in with Gordon, Deng, and company.

The Celtics could take Marcus Williams with their only pick of the draft. (Reuters)

3. Bobcats- Rudy Gay (F/UConn): The most talented player in the draft, Gay gives star power and versatility to a team that needs to win over its fans. Gay and Okafor doesn’t sound like a bad combination to build a team around.
4. Hawks-Andrea Bargnani (F/Italy): Like you, I’ve never seen this guy play, but if the hype is to be believed, he will be among the top four picks. Apparently Atlanta's GM is convinced that 6 foot 9 swingmen are the key to a successful team. So why not take another?
5. Raptors- Adam Morrison (F/Gonzaga): Toronto takes the best player available, which in this case is Adam Morrison. They may not need another SF/PF (Charlie Villanueva exceeded expectations for them last year), but Toronto can’t afford to be picky. They need good players and fast.
6. Timberwolves- Brandon Roy (G/Washington): Roy is the best all-around guard available in the draft and fills a need for Minnesota. The Celtics may also fall into this slot.
7. Celtics- Marcus Williams (PG/UConn): If the Wolves pick Williams, the Celtics will probably take Roy, which would be disastrous for a team loaded on the wing. With the top big men already off the board, Williams is the only logical choice for the Celtics with this pick and would make a great backup for Delonte West.
8. Warriors- J.J. Redick (G/Duke): Golden State is extremely athletic and could benefit from a good shooter to open things up for Troy Murphy and Ike Diogu in the paint. I know they already have Mike Dunleavy, but Redick is better.
9. Rockets- Shelden Williams (F/Duke): No one has ever accused the Rockets of being too tough. Williams should help them in that department.
10. Magic- Patrick O’Bryant (C/Bradley): Orlando could use some help for budding all-star Dwight Howard in the frontcourt.
11. Sonics- Rodney Carney (G/Memphis): Carney is simply the best player available at this point in the draft. It might be a shame that he slipped down this far.
12. Hornets- Ronnie Brewer (G/Arkansas): Chris Paul will get another running mate in an up-and-coming Hornets offense.
13. Sixers- Randy Foye(G/Villanova): Philadelphia needs a real point guard, and Foye should help spell Allen Iverson of his duties and let him do what he does best: score.
14. Jazz- Tiago Splitter (PF/Spain): The seven-footer might be a steal with the last lottery pick, but will he play in the NBA?

The Rest of the first round:

15. Hornets- Hilton Armstrong (C/UConn)
16. Bulls- Mardy Collins (G/Temple)
17. Pacers- Kyle Lowry (G/Villanova)
18. Wizards- Rajon Rando (G/Kentucky)
19. Kings- Quincy Douby (G/Rutgers)
20. Knicks- Hassan Adams (F/Arizona)
21. Suns- Josh Boone (PF/UConn)
22. Nets- Cedric Simmons (PF/NC State)
23. Nets- Dee Brown (G/Illinois)
24. Grizzlies- Kevin Pittsnogle (F/ West Virginia)
25. Cavaliers- Jordan Farmar (G/UCLA)
26. Lakers-Maurice Ager (G/Michigan State)
27. Suns- Paul Davis (F/ Michigan State)
28. Mavericks- Craig Smith (F/Boston College)
29. Knicks- Aaron Gray (C/Pittsburgh)
30. Blazers- Mike Gansey (G/West Virginia)

Got some comments about this mock draft? Let us know what you think.