Mock the draft

The poll on thestar.com's website has LaMarcus Aldridge getting the most support of the voters, Andreas Bargnani second and everyone else well down. Meantime, True Hoop's Henry Abbott has some nice stuff from a Portland standpoint, the Blazers having fallen to the No. 4 slot after going into the lottery with the top chance of grabbing No. 1:

Associated Press

LaMarcus Aldridge: Will he be Raps' No. 1?

Big picture - this is still an incredibly high pick, in a draft with ten or so coveted players: LaMarcus Aldridge, Tyrus Thomas, Andrea Bargnani, Brandon Roy, Adam Morrison, J.J. Redick, Shelden Williams, Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams, and Patrick O'Bryant. GMs around the league are scheming to get those players. The fourth pick has value.
The list of players who could be the top pick overall is, by most mock drafts, four players long (Roy, Thomas, Aldridge, Bargnani)

Meantime, Henry points to another mock draft, one at Draft Express, that has the Raptors taking Aldridge at No. 1, and Tyrus Thomas falling all the way to No. 7. Chad Ford at ESPN.com has the Raptors taking Bargnani (registration req'd), and Thomas going to the Bulls at No. 2, SI.com has Bargnani-Aldridge-Thomas in order and NBAdraft.net has Aldridge on top.

In this kind of draft, I think you will see a lot of that kind of volatility. As fast as Thomas's stock rose during the NCAA tournament, he concluded it with that dud of a championship game. Where he fits now is all over the map.

This also speaks to another truism of this speculation season. I always found the atmosphere leading up to the draft lottery the only time when GM's spoke something close to the truth, and as soon as the pingpong balls dropped it was all changed. But far moreso than usual with all these supposed contenders for Nos. 1 thru 6 (or 7, or 8), this is going to be a wild five weeks full of smokescreens and doubletalk. It's only just begun.

Comments

[Sean]

Ray and Roy are nice players, but they don't address one of the two most pressing needs. I wouldn't be surprised if Colangelo takes Bargnani, but I am sort of hoping that he can trade down and get Marcus Williams at No. 5 or 6 (a pass-first PG!!) -- that has to be seen as the most pressing need of this team. Maybe go free agent route for a big man (Nazr Mohammed?)?

[cy]

I wouldn't pay for Nazr Mohammed, Sean. He's just not that good. I'm not at all enthused about moving on Pryzbilla either, not with this team shaping up as a bunch of runnin and gunnin thoroughreds. I think the draft pick is the play this year, and if you can move down a couple spots and pick up an extra body of value into the bargain, more's the good.
Then next year, use all that cap room to land a primo FA in one of the best FA summers ever (one of Bibby, Billups or perhaps, via a trade, Leandro Barbosa if Suns decide they can't keep him AND Diaw. A bit of a reach that, but they're into their qualifying offer summers next year, they know BC and BC knows them -- we can always dream eh?).

[wongoz]

how about a sign-and-trade with Houston with Mike James? Could we package MJ and one of our second-round picks for their #8? Might give us flexibility to package the other second-round pick with #8 to jump to #4-6 where we could pick Marcus Williams AND the big we want at #1?

[voislav]

I think that Aldridge is a lock, unless he does something really stupid before the draft. He's 6-10, and with a good summer workout, he can be a very solid 240-250 pounds, very much in the mould of Amare Stoudemire. It's a good fit for a center in a pretty undersized field and will be able to run and gun. Bargnani is a very interesting prospect, but I'm not sure that BC can afford to wait 3-4 years for the guy to develop. With MoPete, Charlie V and Bosh, Raptors have enough offence. The point guard situation is more interesting, because the Raptors might end up with Calderon as a starter. There is not much available in the free agent market this year and BC might play the waiting game and swing a mid-season trade for some talent with expiring contracts.

[Aaron]

If anything the raps should trade down, the 5th spot looks good. I can see the raps trading down and maybe grabbing anothing pick or player from Atlanta. The Hawks are stacked with forwards going to waste. I'm not say they'll get Josh Childress or anything like that, but there are others. Maybe even throw Mike James in there, in a sign and trade. So what I'm really saying is the Raps can get as good a player in the 5th, 6th or 7th spot as they can in the first spot. By the way, what's all the buzz about Tyrus Thomas, I mean yeah he had a good NCAA tourny, but he has no "perimeter" game and let's face it if we wanted Tyrus Thomas we could've just drafted Hakim Warrick last year.

[AC]

I agreed w/ wongoz. Aldridge is likely the choice. I watched him play and true, he might not be big, but he should be big enough to play the 5. The key is he can block shots and rebound.

I think BC is trying to see what kind of interest the first pick can generate, but my guts feeling is he'll take Aldridge and address the PG situation via free agent.

[Sean]

Chris, I hear you and am certainly not in love with Mohammed (how about a mid-level exception on Nick Collison or Chris Mihm in 2007?). But I will stick to my assertion that we need a PG first and foremost. Bangers are a dime-a-dozen, point guards that can effectively run an up-tempo team not so. I am also adverse to having a free agent PG on the downswing of his career in 2007 -- though it has worked out well for Cassell and the Clippers, I see that as an aberration rather than the rule.

Regardless, if they draft a PG this year, that gives Colangelo the rookie, Calderon (whose game I really like, btw), and Roko Ukic. He can decide in 2007 if that's enough to roll with, and if not, package two of them up in a trade or go after a big free agent fish.

[tony]

Aldridge, all the way. Instant chemistry with Bosh, who loves the kid. Bosh signs on long term(that's the real key to this franchise anyways), Raps won't go anywhere without him. Have you ever heard of the triple towers? Can't lose.

[gabriel]

Raps should trade #1 pick to Atlanta for Zaza Pachulia and the #5 and take marcus williams with the #5.

[JohnQ]

Hey Chris thanks for the vine, I'm writing you all the way from Taiwan. I heard BC on a radio interview and I think he hinted that a trade will happen. Jamaal Magloire is 27 and a proven all star in the L. Why not just pull the trigger and get JM home? I guarantee that would put for fans in the seats than any other rookie. Peace

[ron]

I'd pick Aldridge at 1 and sign a FA PG to lead the team. We could do the opposite, and trade down to get Marcus Williams, but do we really want a rookie point running our team if we want to be competitive sooner? I think its better to sign a young big and have a veteran point (not Mike James). Besides, I'm not sure if Marcus Williams is a better point prospect than Ukic. Plus, the thought of Bosh, Villianueva, and Aldridge (and even include Ukic and Graham) all growing up and learning to play together is too enticing.

[ngn58]

I would draft Aldridge and wait to see if Bargnani drops to Portland, And if its OK with Bosh flip the pick and get Bosh's buddy Jarrett Jack in return. I love the added defense JJ brings and the matchup problems the front line of CB4 CV and AB would create.
In 1 draft we address 2 problem areas and still have cap space to resolve interior toughness and rebounding (Al Harrington for example).

[AK-47]

While I definitely agree we need a banger, in the words of Chris Bosh, I think that it would be a waste to get a banger in the draft. I believe, especially in the lottery picks, we should draft for talent. Who cares if we draft a player that takes 3-4 years to develop (i.e. Bargnani), but will develop into a best-case Dirk Nowitzki, and a worst-case Keith Van Horn?

There are plenty of bangers around the league. CB4 must play more down-low and not settle for that jumper. We have inside scoring with CB4, and outside scoring with Mo Pete. Somewhere in between with CV3.

So that's why, I say, go for the best player in this draft. We can always sign a banger that just hustles and grabs boards for a very low price. Come on, I know we love Jerome Williams, but, do we REALLY want to draft a JYD-type of player in the positions 1-8 of the draft?

Or, if we pick Marcus Williams, and he turns out to be like Milt Palacio.. would you call that a wasted pick? :-)

PICK THE BEST PLAYER, BRYAN!

[chris]

I think people are undervaluing Tyrus Thomas. He's super athletic and I like the fact that he's more defense oriented at this point than anything. He won't clog the lane (like Aldridge) and won't be the type of player who demands the ball. That way Bosh and CV can post up down low to take advantage of mismatches. I think Aldridge is overrated. He's not that athletic and while he had a good tourney, he's still a bit soft. I think Bargnani is too much of a gamble, because you don't know what you'll get. Remember Dirk didnt get picked until no. 9. Every Euro player picked higher than that has been a disappointment, except Pau Gasol

[Phil Novak]

If the Raptors are looking for a banger then maybe they should draft Duke's Shelden Williams.

The guy just flat-out loves to play defence--which would make him unique among the Raptors--and can rebound, to fill another team weakness.

Williams reminds me of a young Antonio Davis, even though he may be considered undersized aat 6'8 or 9.

As to the point guard situation, the Raps would likely be able to pick up Texas Longhorn Daniel Gibson with the 35th pick.

He's amazing.

[Niklas Borgenvik]

I like the idea to trade down and go for Williams (the undersized C/PF that is) He feels like a younger version of AD as mentioned before but even though he's not all that tall but he's strong and has a gritty mentality wich comes great to this team who's in glaring need of a gritty inside prescence. I've heard of another guy in the league who's not that tall and is a beast on defence. I believe he's in Detroit owning the paint ... To add that kind of a player to the mix of Bosh and Villanueva would be nice but still I trust in BC to make the right decision come draft day.

[rad]

"Raps should trade #1 pick to Atlanta for Zaza Pachulia and the #5 and take Marcus Williams with the #5."

Now that is interesting. Pachulia is a rock on the boards and tough inside. He would fit in nicely. If you got Marcus Williams with the 5 - you would address two issues.

I want to see how Graham, Charlie, CHris and Jose develop over the off season. Graham needs to slim down and get more aggressive on D. Charlie, needs a stronger legs and do lost of cardio as a 3. Chris needs a left hand. Jose needs to practice his jumper.

[Jay]

"Raps should trade #1 pick to Atlanta for Zaza Pachulia and the #5 and take Marcus Williams with the #5."

I think whoever write this should check read salary cap 101. #1 pick is going to make about $1M more than the #5 pick, but ZaZa $4M a year, you have to match the salary somewhat for a trade to happen. I mean, you could throw in Bonner and the deal might work.

The problem with ZaZa is he is a soft guy also, which we have a ton of on this team. Drafting a big means he won't be truly NBA ready at least for a couple of seasons, not too many centers become immediate impact first year (esp with the ones in this year draft).

In the meantime, I think a possible deal is to trade #1 to Portland for #4 and Steve Blake. Blake is worth a gamble because he makes a $1M and should match the salary and his contract expires next season. So if he works out, great resign him, if not, well, you just save yourself $1M cap for 06-07 vs sticking with your #1 pick. Portland might be willing to part with Blake cause they committed to Telflair and have Jarrett Jack as a backup. Blake has shown that when given minutes, he can be a pretty decent PG and he is a pass-first type of PG. Most likely Portland will pick Aldridge as they let Joel walk and at #4, you are still looking at a Gay, Morrison and possibly Bargnani.

Lastly, they can address the big man situation with FA signing, and yes, we need a banger, not a crafted low posted player who can score. 'Cause right now, there doesn't appear to be one FA PG who fits into Raptors need.

[Louigy]

I'm feeling Longhorns baby!, LaMarcus Aldridge, 6'11 240 lbs. The Raptors need a Big man wit talents like this Big Rook who could gave them some help down low, with Rebounds and blocks. Raptors should keep their pick and draft LaMarcus Aldridge at the 1 spot. CB4 will thank Bryan Colangelo for this one, two Big texans together crashing boards and shot blocking, who wouldn't want to see that?

Colangelo should also somehow get some unselfish Point guard like Marcus Willams or a experienced vet. Trade Mike James for a pick in the top ten drafts or get a pass-first vet.

[Cola]

Tyrus Thomas has no position on the Raps. Having him @ 6-9, 215), CV and CB wouldn't scare ayone on D and CB would have to play the 5. In the rugged east, Raps need post defence and rebounding which is something you can find in L. Aldridge. He will also give the RAPS someone who can run too with the West teams. That will give T.O a team that can run and pound with the size of our front court and the agility and speed.

AB is also not a choice as he will take time to develop and time is something too valuable to gamble along with a No. 1 pick.

Another option might be to sign & trade Mike James & one or two second round picks to Houston for 8th pick plus Luther Head (to fit Cap?). Houston has to win now with T-Mac and Yao Ming, and needs an outside shooter to draw the D away from their stars and also who has the ability to drive to the hoop.

Then use the pick on M. Williams (if available) or S. Williams. This will give you a starting five of CV/CB/LA/MoP/JC(or MW) and with JG/LH/MB/SW and maybe even R.Ukic. LH can provide defence and size for the PG spot and SW can come in to battle the big 5s in the east.

In the end, Bryan has to please not only CB but the most important is to build the team towards adapting for the new changes in the NBA game, A team that can bang with Heat/Pistons and one who can keep pace with the Mavs/Suns.

[Suede]

News Flash: Chris Bosh is LEFT HANDED!!! I'm a Hawks fan, and I'm glad we have the #5. I don't trust Billy Knight to make decisions, and with the cream of this year's crop decidedly 4 deep, that leaves 4 GMs to help him finally draft the point guard he should have gotten us last year. Have fun playing the guessing game, I'll be happy with either Randy Foye or Marcus Williams at number 5. I kinda think Aldridge is a no brainer for you guys, but Morrison also makes sense.

[Gary]

I think the NBA doesn't like the Raps. Like back then when we missed Iverson b/c NBA wouldn't let us have the 1st overall pick! Now once again, we are missing out on Greg Oden since NBA won't let HS kids join NBA anymore. Enough whining, i guess trade down is always an option for the Raps in this draft. But i just have a question - is there anyway to get Jarret Jack and LaMarcus Aldridge? Both of them have some ties with Bosh!

[dj cap]

All the talk about a Pachulia trade for Raptors is mind boggling. Why would you trade a #1 pick for this guy a second rate centre? Pick up Aldridge is the way to go -- block shots, rebound, score ... and that's the bottom line

[Daniel]

Raptors should draft Aldridge with the #1 pick. He would fit great up front. Then with their second-round pick take gibson. He's a great point guard who is used to playing with the big guy which would make both of their transistion to the big league easier.
Although if they can get Allan Ray in the second round, even tho he doesn't fit Toronto's plans, would be the steal of the draft as far as im concerned. In my eyes hes a top 10 talent and will be a second round wonder like redd.
And spend the free agent money wisely. I think BC is a smart man and will do Toronto well.

[Chi-City]

I'm hoping the Raptors do pick Lamarcus so the Bulls can get Tyrus and really start running it.