The draft is tonight and, at this point, nothing is for certain. Usually teams with the #1 pick have tipped their hand by now, but the Raptors are still keeping people (or is it themselves?) guessing. It’s tough to predict what will happen tonight with any kind of certainty, but here’s what each team in the Top 6 should do, and what I think they will do:
1. Toronto Raptors
Who they should take: The Raptors have needs everywhere but the front line. They can play Bosh at center, but they’d rather not. They can play Charlie Villanueva at small forward, but they’d rather not. There is a dearth of talent on this squad and new GM Bryan Colangelo should probably take the best available player. They think it’s Andrea Bargnani, while I’d prefer Adam Morrison or Brandon Roy. Of course, I haven’t seen Bargnani play – the Raptors have.
Who they will take: Andrea Bargnani. They’d much rather trade down and get him later (while picking up an asset), but no one really wants to trade up, and they think he’s their guy.
2. Chicago Bulls
Who they should take: Again, I love Morrison and Roy, but the Bulls don’t really have a need at those positions. They could take either guy and move some of their other players for frontcourt help. Given their needs, they should take LaMarcus Aldridge – he’s the guy that is most ready to play now. Tyrus Thomas played very well against Texas in the NCAA tournament, so a case can be made for him as well.
Who they will take: The scuttlebutt seems to point to Tyrus Thomas.
3. Charlotte Bobcats
Who they should take: The Bobcats’ most glaring need is at shooting guard, and Brandon Roy would be a great, great fit. I would hesitate bringing Rudy Gay or Morrison in with Gerald Wallace there, and I don’t see either of those guys as a big upgrade over Roy.
Who they will take: My guess is Gay. I think he is way too passive, but scouts are drooling over his athleticism.
4. Portland Trailblazers
Who they should take: If Morrison is there, he’s their guy. The fans love him.
Who they will take: The team is probably secretly hoping that Morrison goes ahead of them so they can take whoever’s left between Thomas and Aldridge. I think Thomas will go to the Bulls, so LaMarcus Aldridge could be headed to the Northwest.
5. Atlanta Hawks
Who they should take: Brandon Roy – and keep him.
Who they will take: They might take Roy and then trade him to Houston for (hopefully) Shelden Williams. They seem to like Williams, and he fits a need there.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Who they should take: If the Top 5 (Bargnani, Roy, Morrison, Thomas and Aldridge) are gone, then the team is looking at Foye or Gay, and maybe Williams. Foye can play either guard spot and, like I said, I’m not a big fan of Gay’s heart.
Who they will take: Well, I’ve got Bargnani, Thomas, Gay, Aldridge and Roy going, in that order, so that leaves Minnesota with Morrison. What a coup for the Wolves!
Obviously, a draft like this is an inexact science. Teams are putting smokescreens up right and left, so the information we have is sketchy at best. Plus, an unsuspected trade could throw the whole lottery on its head. For that reason, it should be an interesting night.
