Here are picks six through 15 and what is being said about the prospects:
6) Minnesota (to Portland)– Brandon Roy, G, Washington
At one point, Roy was considered an early entry into the 2002 NBA Draft, but withdrew his name in hopes of gaining more experience. Named Pac-10 Player of the Year and earned consensus First Team All-American honors as a senior. Was also a finalist for the Wooden Award, Naismith Award, Oscar Robertson Trophy and Adolph Rupp Player of the Year.
7) Boston (to Minnesota)– Randy Foye, G, Villanova
Named to The Associated Press All-America First Team and to the Big East First Team as a senior. Averaged 13.5 points per game during the World University games and helped team to a gold medal. Foye was a three-time All-Big East member as a junior.
8) Houston – Rudy Gay, F, Uconn
Gay was considered a Top 5 pick, but his potential might be being pushed aside by a risk that he might be a slow developer. As Stewart Scott alluded to on ESPN, members of the media and even former UConn coach Jim Calhoon have questioned Gay’s motivation and focus. Still, nobody questions this kids talent.
9) Golden State – Patrick O’Bryant, C, Bradley
Isn’t ready or strong enough to step right in and help the Warriors, but good footwork and hands should give him the opportunity to eventually be a contributor in Golden State. He is the second Bradley player taken in the Top 10 (Hersey Hawkins was the first).
10) Seattle – Saer Sene, F, Senegal
Sene is the third center selected in the first round by Seattle in the last three years. He complete project that is a shot blocker and a rebounder, but doesn’t have a clue on the offensive side of the ball.
11) Orlando – JJ Redick, G, Duke
The All-Time leading scorer in ACC history has a 10 times better 3-point shot than driving record. Yet another instant offensive threat early in the draft, Redick is lights out from behind the arch and will be a dangerous shooter for the Magic.
12) New Orleans – Hilton Armstrong, C Uconn
Big, strong rebounder who is still learning how to play with feel on the offensive end. He has the ability defensively to play at the next level and with the tutelage of P.J. Brown, might provide the biggest impact of any center in the entire draft.
13) Philadelphia (TRADED to Chicago)– Thabo Sefolosha, G Switzerland
Born in South Africa, Sefolosha is versatile, tough and considered a jack-of-all-trades. Sefolosha is athletic and has good size for a Bulls’ backcourt that could use a guard with solid defensive skills.
14) Utah – Ronnie Brewer, G, Arkansas
Transition player with great athleticism and a dad who played in the NBA. Brewer is considered a slasher who isn’t necessarily a great offensive option, but none-the-less a solid option for the Jazz.
15) New Orleans/Oklahoma City – Cedric Simmons, F, North Carolina State
Plays bigger than his height and has tools to work with, including a nice shooting touch. He has to get better on the offensive end and is a bit of a project, but he will provide athleticism for the Hornets.
