Post by Phoenix Phil on Apr 20, 2008 23:01:31 GMT -5
1. Utah Jazz - Chris Paul
Some may argue that the PG is the most vital position for a team, and the Jazz are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to build around a great one like Paul. No brainer here.
2. Milwaukee Bucks - Andre Iguodala
It's safe to say that Paul and Iguodala are locks for the top 2. Iggy has a very versatile skill set and could thrive playing with a great PG like Deron Williams. A trio of Iguodala, Williams, and Emeka Okafor is pretty scary for the Central Division.
3. Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng
The Bulls are in a tough position in this one. Entering their contract year, they need someone that will make a quick impact, but outside of the top 2 selections no one really screams out as an instant contributor, barring an amazing TC. I say they go with the best prospect in Deng and hope for the best or package him in a deal for immediate help. You could also make a case for David Lee or Andrew Bynum in this spot.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Andrew Bynum
The Cavs will also be entering their contract year in '06, but the addition of Dirk Nowitzki and the continuing development of Carlos Boozer leads most to believe that they'll be safe. Being in that situation, I like Cleveland to be a team to take a shot on a guy like Andrew Bynum. He's a boom or bust prospect, but their in a situation where they can take a chance.
5. Portland Trailblazers - Monta Ellis
David Lee would a be a solid pick value-wise, but their frontcourt is white enough as is. I think Portland uses this pick to improve their backcourt, and Monta Ellis could be the guy here.
6. Phoenix Suns - David Lee
Phoenix could use a player at any position except PG, and Lee looks like the BPA at this spot. Marvin Williams and Andrew Bogut are other possibilities.
7. Los Angeles Clippers - Danny Granger
Like Portland, the Clips already have an established frontcourt in Biedrins, Darko, and Josh Smith. Like Chicago, the Clippers' backs are against the wall due to the contract year, so there's a good chance this pick ends up being a more ready player as opposed to raw prospect. This pick might hinge on the Clips' evaluation of his ability to play the off-guard, but I like Danny Granger with this selection.
8. Washington Wizards - Andrew Bogut
The Wizards are in a interesting situation, seeing as they're in the lottery with a superstar player on their team in Kevin Garnett. It's a toss up between Marvin Williams and Andrew Bogut at the point, I but I think Bogut gets the nod. Big men are never easy to find and if Bogut develops properly, this could be a steal.
9. Sacramento Kings - Marvin Williams
The Kings are starting over, and since there's no obviously no franchise player to rebuild around at the stage of the draft, I think they'll roll the dice and select the best prospect available, Marvin Williams
10. Toronto Raptors (via BOS) - Charlie Villanueva
This pick is a toss-up between Villanueva and Vasquez. It could go either way but Toronto goes for player closer to the sure thing in CV.
11. Toronto Raptors - Gerald Green
Even with some good players at this position available, with Parker and Calderon at the top of the depth chart a PG is out of the question. I think Toronto goes for upside with this pick and selects Green.
12. Phoenix Suns (via MEM) - Fran Vasquez
With the Kaman trade, the Suns now have a long-term hole to fill at center. Vasquez is the epitome of a project but this selection could pay off if he makes strides in training camp.
13. Los Angeles Lakers (via PHI) - Louis Williams
The Lakers are just starting their rebuilding phase. After this season they should have 4 years to rebuild and put out a winning product, so they can afford to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player. Don't expect Baron Davis to be in Tinseltown by the end of the offseason, and although it might be reach, Louis Williams could be the guy they draft to replace him.
Some may argue that the PG is the most vital position for a team, and the Jazz are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to build around a great one like Paul. No brainer here.
2. Milwaukee Bucks - Andre Iguodala
It's safe to say that Paul and Iguodala are locks for the top 2. Iggy has a very versatile skill set and could thrive playing with a great PG like Deron Williams. A trio of Iguodala, Williams, and Emeka Okafor is pretty scary for the Central Division.
3. Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng
The Bulls are in a tough position in this one. Entering their contract year, they need someone that will make a quick impact, but outside of the top 2 selections no one really screams out as an instant contributor, barring an amazing TC. I say they go with the best prospect in Deng and hope for the best or package him in a deal for immediate help. You could also make a case for David Lee or Andrew Bynum in this spot.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Andrew Bynum
The Cavs will also be entering their contract year in '06, but the addition of Dirk Nowitzki and the continuing development of Carlos Boozer leads most to believe that they'll be safe. Being in that situation, I like Cleveland to be a team to take a shot on a guy like Andrew Bynum. He's a boom or bust prospect, but their in a situation where they can take a chance.
5. Portland Trailblazers - Monta Ellis
David Lee would a be a solid pick value-wise, but their frontcourt is white enough as is. I think Portland uses this pick to improve their backcourt, and Monta Ellis could be the guy here.
6. Phoenix Suns - David Lee
Phoenix could use a player at any position except PG, and Lee looks like the BPA at this spot. Marvin Williams and Andrew Bogut are other possibilities.
7. Los Angeles Clippers - Danny Granger
Like Portland, the Clips already have an established frontcourt in Biedrins, Darko, and Josh Smith. Like Chicago, the Clippers' backs are against the wall due to the contract year, so there's a good chance this pick ends up being a more ready player as opposed to raw prospect. This pick might hinge on the Clips' evaluation of his ability to play the off-guard, but I like Danny Granger with this selection.
8. Washington Wizards - Andrew Bogut
The Wizards are in a interesting situation, seeing as they're in the lottery with a superstar player on their team in Kevin Garnett. It's a toss up between Marvin Williams and Andrew Bogut at the point, I but I think Bogut gets the nod. Big men are never easy to find and if Bogut develops properly, this could be a steal.
9. Sacramento Kings - Marvin Williams
The Kings are starting over, and since there's no obviously no franchise player to rebuild around at the stage of the draft, I think they'll roll the dice and select the best prospect available, Marvin Williams
10. Toronto Raptors (via BOS) - Charlie Villanueva
This pick is a toss-up between Villanueva and Vasquez. It could go either way but Toronto goes for player closer to the sure thing in CV.
11. Toronto Raptors - Gerald Green
Even with some good players at this position available, with Parker and Calderon at the top of the depth chart a PG is out of the question. I think Toronto goes for upside with this pick and selects Green.
12. Phoenix Suns (via MEM) - Fran Vasquez
With the Kaman trade, the Suns now have a long-term hole to fill at center. Vasquez is the epitome of a project but this selection could pay off if he makes strides in training camp.
13. Los Angeles Lakers (via PHI) - Louis Williams
The Lakers are just starting their rebuilding phase. After this season they should have 4 years to rebuild and put out a winning product, so they can afford to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player. Don't expect Baron Davis to be in Tinseltown by the end of the offseason, and although it might be reach, Louis Williams could be the guy they draft to replace him.
