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.
LaMarcus Aldridge 1st pick for T.O. - and if not?
T.O will keep struggling in decision making like they did in the past.
Posted by: Chris Gibson | May 30, 2006 at 03:32 PM
I think Raptors should get Thomas for the 1st pick. Thomas is a only freshmen, much more talent than LA and the Italian due to the athleticism. It is also too much of a gamble of drafting a just OK centre from college with a bit of talent, we can see from the history of the draft. The only sucessful cases in the decade were only few out of millions, LA is not outstanding like Shaq and Duncan. I think Rudy Gay is also a good option, great stats under an all-star college teammates where no plays were set to be his. Gay could be another Marion. Btw, I like the way our new GM handles the draft, picking the best player instead of filling our needs.
Posted by: carlos | May 30, 2006 at 07:53 PM
I don't know what all this commotion and discussion is about. The best player will be picked in the draft. If that best player can be had at a lower pick, so much the better, but that's how its gonna go down. Everything else will naturally adjust to this game plan
Posted by: Dave | May 31, 2006 at 01:11 PM
I'm thinking that Lamarcus Aldridge is the way to go at #1. He's big, played for a big program at Texas, is level headed and has a pro body.
As for the PG situation, would a possible sign and trade with Mike James for a guy like Brevin Knight be possible?
Posted by: Josh | May 31, 2006 at 04:08 PM
i think we need a guy like Tyrus Thomas. It's pretty obvious that BC is trying to build this team like the Suns and Tyrus is reminding him of a Shawn Marion type player. If not we should trade down to 4 and get Jarret Jack or Telfair from Portland, and draft either Roy or Rudy Gay.
Posted by: har har | May 31, 2006 at 04:25 PM
About my Zaza Pachulia post before, i meant PG Marvin Williams.
I think its clear Colangelo will be drafting him as he can fit the role that Nash has in Phoenix. Add that to the signing of Garbajosa, the Raptors can probably get a solid Shooting Guard along with Marvin Williams for the #1 pick. Who could that be??
Posted by: gabriel | May 31, 2006 at 04:45 PM
LaMarcus Aldridge has to be chosen by T-dot. If not ma hometown of Winnipeg would be disappointed.
Posted by: Nate | May 31, 2006 at 06:27 PM
I think it's important that we not forget that BC will have the magic man Maurizio Gherardini from Italy. He will know of and attract unknown euro players like point guards and power forwards. So it would probably make sense to select Aldridge becasue big men are hard to find. Also, BC has the option of trading Charley for someone like Pau Gasol or Ricky Davis and the #1 draft pick....Just a thought!!!
Posted by: Mike | May 31, 2006 at 09:07 PM
i believe the Raps will take Aldridge and wait to see if they can take a PG like Dee Brown (who is insane at running the tempo) with the 35th selection and hometown hero Denham Brown with the 55th
Posted by: hasan | June 01, 2006 at 01:05 AM
I think the Raps will look to move down to 4 or 5 and get a player like Jack or Telfair and hope to get one of the top 5 players. Aldridge fits the bill for them best since they need inside strength and shot blocking ability. I don't think Tyrus Thomas is a sure bet at all, and I worry about Europeans who have not faced the athleticism of the North American players. The Raps must take the sure bet. You can't mess up @ #1.
Posted by: Allan Wexler | June 01, 2006 at 12:21 PM
You must be joking har har. I mean the Hawks would be insane to trade their # 2 SELECTION in last year's draft for the # 1 pick in this year's draft. Williams has the brightest future of anyone in the '05 draft, the Hawks took him as a semi-project and they will not waste a sure fire future star in Williams for the # 1 pick in this year's weak draft.
Anyways, again, Aldridge is the way 2 go at # 1, has anyone heard of any type of sign and trade with Mike James (Brevin Knight?)
Posted by: Josh | June 01, 2006 at 05:55 PM
While I'm all for taking the best player available -- Aldridge might be too good to pass up. If I'm Colangelo --- I do whatever I can to sign former Duke PG Jay Williams. I'd also be lookin' to move Joey Graham --- the player the Raps foolishly selected ahead of better talents like Danny Granger and Gerald Green.
Posted by: Loowheeze | June 01, 2006 at 06:04 PM
If the raps decide to trade the number 1 pick they should try to swing a trade with Milwaukee. Something like the number one pick and a sign and trade deal with Mike James, for Magloire and TJ Ford. If the Bucks go for it, then it addresses both of TO's major concerns: A big who can rebound, play D and run, and a pass first, fast break pg.
Another thing to consider is that Jay Williams is looking to possibly sign with the Raps, especially now that Colangelo is their GM. If Jay Wills is even at 85% what he was, he could blossom into a decent starting pg and will probably be relatively cheap this year. Not to mention the Raps still have the rights to Roko Ukic who looks pretty good as a pg prospect. So their best option might actually be to keep the top pick, and take Aldridge. He's a great fit. Hes a big who can rebound, block shots, score and run. His D can always improve, and just having three big athletic guys will def. help on d as well.
Posted by: K | June 02, 2006 at 07:29 PM
I think the Raptors should draft Aldridge with the first pick. I am not completely sold on Marcus Williams so I don't feel that trading down is necessarily the best option. If it is possible to sign Jay Williams (former Duke standout and second overall pick) he may be able to help the team. His workouts have gone really well for a guy that has been out of basketball for a couple of years. Apparently he is able to do whatever he wants with Marcus Williams, they are working out together. If he is able to play at a high level and remain healthy he may be the best option for the Raptors point guard issue. They could probably get him cheap compared to another free agent. A sign and trade with Mike James for anything would be better than seeing him walk for nothing, but we'll see if that is possible.
Posted by: Mick | June 03, 2006 at 09:45 AM
It amazes me all this talk about possible draft picks, yet nobody has even mentioned Kentucky's Rajon Rondo. I noticed in the footage of Denham Brown working out for the Raps, it looked like Rondo was there too, yet no press was given to the fact that he worked out for the Raps.
Anyhow, he definitely doesn't warrant the #1 pick, but if the raptors trade down to the 5-10 picks, he definitely should be considered, especially in front of Marcus Williams. Chad Ford of ESPN saw him recently in Chicago and made him is #1 PG in the draft, ahead of Williams.
Reasons? Excellent defender that forces a lot of turnovers with his great reach, huge hands that give him amazing ball control, and blazing speed to the basket that breaks down defenses leaving guys open behind the arc and in the post, this guy would be awesome in a Raptors uni. Granted, his jump shot needs work and it's not comparable to Marcus Williams' shot, but his excellent passing, and his lane penetration are exactly what this team needs.
Trade down for a big and a 5-10 pick, pick up Rondo, and maybe a free agent or two, and the team suddenly starts to look like a playoff contender.
Regardless of what Colangelo does, I'm sure most Raptors fans will agree with me that we trust that he'll do a good job building a good team.
Posted by: OLM | June 03, 2006 at 03:41 PM
Jamaal Magloire will be an unrestricted free-agent following next season. There's no reason to trade for him --- he's already made it clear he wants to play in Toronto and I'd bet my mother he signs with the Raptors next summer.
Posted by: Loowheeze | June 03, 2006 at 05:50 PM
Guys I think we should only trade down if we get something decent in return and also a chance to draft Marcus Williams who is the only true PG in the draft.
BC must have a plan and has already stated that it will be disappointing if Raps don't see post season every year he is here. Raps want to get to the promised land asap and draft pick (even THE TOP PICK) is not the answer, we need a big body inside and a PG. With 10 million plus in cap space and number 1 pick , there can be various trade scenarios and without interior defense and block shots that incidentally raptors were last in league last year we are not going anywhere. MY PERSONAL OPNION AND DESIRE IS Jamal Magloire, he wants to be here and is not exactly happy where he is. The stands are full, he is a TO native and he brings the defensive intensity we need and is a solid offensive player as well. He is the answer to all our questions and needs.
Posted by: Moe | June 03, 2006 at 07:20 PM
Hey, wasn't there some talk of the Bulls salivating over Tyrus T? Maybe we could pull a Webber for Penny, or Vince for Jamison heist? I'd take Chris Duhon...
Posted by: Keith | June 04, 2006 at 10:25 AM
Draft the best player possible. If you trade down and get a player and swap picks, still get the best player possible. Remember when the Raptors drafted for positional needs it ended being Araujo. And the top PG's in this draft are not even as talented as Felton (3rd PG in last year's draft). If they keep the #1 I like Aldridge, if they trade down I like Roy or Gay. I think Roy could be the ROY of this draft year if he gets the minutes. Imagine Dwayne Wade with better 'D'
Posted by: Edward C. | June 05, 2006 at 12:42 PM
WTF... I'm mad for Pat O'bryant nobody gives him credit...tht 7'0 ft beast can power himself to the Top picks, and hopefully if da Raptors trade down, and still ned a big boy then they should get POB tht guy's future in T-dot looks good..!!
Posted by: Matt | June 07, 2006 at 01:31 AM
Jamaal Magloire is a representative of the old guard in the NBA. Plodding defensive NBA centres who can't do anything but fill the paint are a thing of the past. Just look at the playoffs this year, and the NBA for the last two years or so in general. The bigs of the future will be of the Amare mold, not the Patrick Ewing mold. Let's not also forget that Colangelo has only built one style of team in his career as GM, and will probably build his second team in the same way: speed and skill, not size and power. A PG who can push and distribute and an athletic/mobile 5 are the team's needs, and I don't see Magloire fitting in either of those roles. If anything, Magloire could fill in as a poor man's Ben Wallace in Detroit if Big Ben decides to leave.
Posted by: Kramer | June 08, 2006 at 05:35 PM
I think The Raptors should'nt trade down because of the consequences they will have to deal with later. If the Raptors trade down they would probably get they will most likely be still in the 1st round, and thats not gonna work for this club.
Rapz need to act smart wit BC and get the best pick possible, even though this year's draft is kind of weak. Getting 1st pick is a dream come true for any team and this isn't only a dream for the Raptors it's reality, and the Rapz are going to make a great move, I have a hunch that someone great is coming to T.O baby!! LaMarcus Aldridge!!!
Posted by: Louigy | June 13, 2006 at 09:47 PM
I don't think drafting a rookie PG (even if we trade down to 5 or lower) is a good idea. I think our best route for the greatest future success is to draft Bargnani or Aldridge at 1, then sign Jay Williams. And here's why:
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1321
Apparently, Jay Williams has been stealing the show during his workouts with Marcus Williams. Not that Marcus has been playing badly, just the oppposite...it's just that JWill has impressed that much. While understandably he may never recover his explosiveness pre-accident, he's actually grown into a much better PG than he ever was...he's matured and more determined than ever. Plus, he really seems to like our team, players, management, and direction.
I'd be much more comfortable with an Aldridge/Bargnani with JWill running the point with experience and growth from adversity. You cannot teach height (as the cliche goes)...but you also cannot teach growth and determination from adversity.
Posted by: Ron | June 14, 2006 at 01:27 PM
Opportunity Lost
If they end up keeping Bargnani for opening night, years from now, Bryan Colangelo will look back and rue the day he made this selection with the No. 1 overall pick in this draft. Bargnani cannot rebound, block shots, hold his ground in the low-post or check a perimeter player (if need be). At best, he will be an above-average role player, who can shoot the ball well as a big. Watch and see. They are getting stuck with a player that no one else was willing to take in the first position.
The Chicago Bulls, on the other hand, improved their team tremendously with their two 1st round selections, Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha (who is going to be a star in the NBA down-the-road, mark my words) ... the exact kind of move the Raptors could have made (and more) by trading out of the No. 1 position.
Posted by: enkhata | June 29, 2006 at 02:20 PM