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CHAD FORD'S MOCK DRAFT
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Toronto
Andrea Bargnani Position: PF
Height: 7-1
Weight: 248
Age: 20
Country: Italy
The skinny: I strongly believe that when David Stern reads the first name on Wednesday night, it will be Andrea Bargnani.
We had Bargnani atop our first mock draft and we have left him there throughout this entire process, despite much disagreement from other quarters. Why? Because Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo isn't afraid to go against the grain, and no one in the NBA knows Bargnani better.
If for some reason Bargnani's name is not called, look for Rudy Gay to be the man.
Chicago
(via New York)
LaMarcus Aldridge Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 234
Age: 20
School: Texas
The skinny: We've had Tyrus Thomas here the entire time, but the rumblings Wednesday afternoon were that Aldridge would be the pick here.
Perhaps Aldridge's stare-down with Scott Skiles pushed Chicago over the top (just joking).
More likely, the Bulls, who have been in numerous trade talks, are eyeing a deal involving this pick.
Charlotte
Adam Morrison Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 198
Age: 21
School: Gonzaga
The skinny: We've had Morrison, Gay, Roy, Morrison and then Gay here.
But as of Wednesday afternoon, the signals are starting to point in the direction of Morrison.
I'm still not 100 percent on this one, but after sifting through the tea leaves, it looks like the Bobcats are now leaning this way.
Portland
Tyrus Thomas Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 217
Age: 19
School: LSU
The skinny: The Blazers were hoping that LaMarcus Aldridge, not Adam Morrison or Tyrus Thomas, would fall to them here.
But with his upside, Thomas could end up being a steal at No. 4.
Then again, the Blazers have been active on the phones and could be looking to trade this pick.
Atlanta
Shelden Williams Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 258
Age: 22
School: Duke
The skinny: From all the evidence we can gather, GM Billy Knight has decided he wants Williams.
If Roy were to slip this far, as he does in this scenario, the Hawks would have the option of selecting him for the Rockets and then trading him to Houston in return for the No. 8 pick and either Luther Head or a future No. 1 pick.
But there's a snag in that plan. The Hawks are concerned that the Timberwolves or especially the Celtics might take Williams before the Rockets can draft him at No. 8.
If Roy goes here, expect the Hawks to try to ship him to the Rockets.
Minnesota
Brandon Roy Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 207
Age: 21
School: Washington
The skinny: With Adam Morrison, LaMarcus Aldridge and Tyrus Thomas off the board, the Wolves would likely grab Roy.
He would be a great fit at the two, especially with Rashad McCants possibly out for the season after knee surgery.
Roy also would be great trade bait for a number of teams trying to move up in the draft to get their hands on Roy. It will be interesting to see what Minnesota ends up doing.
Boston
Rudy Gay Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 222
Age: 19
School: UConn
The skinny: It looks like the Celtics are trading this pick to the Blazers for Sebastian Telfair.
That sets up an interesting decision for the Blazers: Do they take Rudy Gay or Randy Foye at No. 7?
They're hoping that Brandon Roy falls here. But if he doesn't, look for Gay to be the pick.
Houston
Randy Foye Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 212
Age: 22
School: Villanova
The skinny: The Rockets are trying to move up to get their hands on Brandon Roy. Their best options for trade partners appear to be the Atlanta Hawks (drafting No. 5), the Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 6) and the Boston Celtics (No. 7).
If their efforts fail, the Rockets are hoping one of the top players in the draft falls to them.
Ending up with Foye would be their worst-case scenario. While Foye is a better version of Luther Head and could immediately step in and take over as two-guard, he wouldn't fit a need as well as Roy or Tyrus Thomas would.
If the Rockets can't get someone they need more than Foye, they could end up trading the pick.
Golden State
Ronnie Brewer Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 21
School: Arkansas
The skinny: The Warriors don't have any glaring needs and aren't in love with anyone in the draft. So don't be surprised to see Golden State trade down -- a number of teams, including the Hornets and the Bulls, are after Brewer.
If the Warriors draft and keep Brewer, they'll probably say goodbye to Mickael Pietrus this summer.
Seattle
Mouhamed Saer Sene Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 232
Age: 20
Country: Senegal
The skinny: I'm hearing a lot of debate about who is going in this spot, mainly because it's looking likely that the Sonics will trade the pick. But to which team?
If the Sonics keep the pick, a growing chorus says they'll take Sene.
Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons are also possibilities
Orlando
J.J. Redick Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 190
Age: 22
School: Duke
The skinny: The Magic have been trying to move up in the draft for the past several weeks to get Brandon Roy or Shelden Williams.
But if those two are off the board, look for Redick to be the pick. While his off-court problems and back injury have cooled the interest of some teams, sources in Orlando insist that the Magic are in love with Redick and his shooting ability.
One alternative is Ronnie Brewer, but it looks like Orlando's focus is on Redick.
New Orleans/
Oklahoma City
Hilton Armstrong Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 240
Age: 21
School: UConn
The skinny: The word is the Hornets are debating between Armstrong and Cedric Simmons here. It looks like Patrick O'Bryant has fallen out of the conversation a little bit.
Not sure which way they're leaning, but for now we're going with Armstrong.
Philadelphia
Cedric Simmons Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 223
Age: 20
School: NC State
The skinny: The Sixers have a lot of needs.
They've been trying to move up in the draft to get Shelden Williams, but to no avail. If the Celtics somehow can get their hands on Williams at No. 7, they could deal him to Philly.
The talk is that the Sixers have fallen for two players: Simmons and Shawne Williams. Simmons reminds GM Billy King of a young Theo Ratliff. With Samuel Dalembert on the block, the Sixers might need another athletic, shot-blocking, rebounding presence.
Shawne Williams is not a perfect fit, but he has a rare combination of size, athleticism and shooting ability.
The Sixers have the option of moving down in the draft a few spots and still being able to get him.
Utah
Rodney Carney Position: SF
Height: 6-6
Weight: 204
Age: 22
School: Memphis
The skinny: A tough call for the Jazz.
They've been high on Randy Foye, Ronnie Brewer and Mouhamed Saer Sene, but none is available in this scenario.
That leaves two swingmen they might take, Carney and Thabo Sefolosha. Carney is the sexier pick, but Sefolosha is the more exotic one.
The Jazz really need to get this one right. Don't know which way they're leaning but our guess is Carney.
NO/OC Hornets
(via Milwaukee)
Shawne Williams Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: Memphis
The skinny: We've had Rodney Carney here for weeks, but the word this afternoon is that Williams is the guy, regardless of whether Carney is still on the board.
Williams would be an "upside" pick. He has the talent to be a top-eight guy, but his mental approach is questionable.
Chicago
Thabo Sefolosha Position: SF
Height: 6-6
Weight: 215
Age: 22
Country: Switzerland
The skinny: If the Bulls address their frontcourt with pick No. 2, look for them to try to add a big two-guard to fill their need in the backcourt. Ronnie Brewer and Rodney Carney would be likely targets if still on the board.
If they're not, the Bulls could turn to Sefolosha. He's long, athletic and experienced, with a balanced all-around game. Temple's Mardy Collins would be another option.
If the Bulls decide to go for Brandon Roy with the No. 2 pick, an athletic forward such as Alexander Johnson or a center like Mouhamed Saer Sene could be the guy, depending on who's available.
Indiana
Marcus Williams Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
Age: 20
School: UConn
The skinny: According to this scenario, the Pacers, once again at No. 17, would find themselves in a situation similar to last year, with two potential lottery picks to choose from.
In this case, Marcus Williams and Rajon Rondo are the guys. Both players could go as high as the mid-lottery but could also slip to here.
If neither Williams nor Rondo is on the board, the team has a number of other options. Shannon Brown has the potential to be a better version of Fred Jones. The Pacers also like Florida State's Alexander Johnson, a superathletic power forward who can play like Kenyon Martin. With Jermaine O'Neal constantly nursing injuries and potentially on the trading block, finding someone to support or replace O'Neal is important. Olexsiy Pecherov or Quincy Douby also would make some sense here.
Washington
Olexsiy Pecherov Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 222
Age: 21
Country: Ukraine
The skinny: Pecherov is a Keith Van Horn clone (right down to the haircut) who can play both inside and outside.
He's turned himself into an excellent rebounder in Paris this year and could be a nice long-term project for Washington.
Sacramento
Patrick O'Bryant Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: Bradley
The skinny: Could O'Bryant really fall this far?
He's got as much upside as any center in the draft, but questions about his work ethic and motor are plaguing him at the moment.
He's a no-brainer at No. 19 for Sacramento.
But the Kings are also looking hard at Alexander Johnson with this pick.
New York
(via Denver)
Alexander Johnson Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230
Age: 23
School: FSU
The skinny: The Knicks have been eying Shawne Williams, but if he's gone, they are likely choosing between Johnson and Shannon Brown.
Johnson has the athleticism and toughness that Knicks coach/president Isiah Thomas likes in his forwards. He could be a poor man's Kenyon Martin.
Phoenix
(via L.A. Lakers)
Shannon Brown Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
Age: 20
School: Mich State
The skinny: The Suns have been trying to move up in the draft to get Brandon Roy, Hilton Armstrong, Rodney Carney or Mouhamed Saer Sene.
If all are off the board when the Suns pick, they will have a tough choice between Rondo and Brown. Rondo would fit the need for a backup point guard, but Brown is more ready to contribute now and would buy the Suns some insurance if they move Leandro Barbosa this summer.
New Jersey
(via L.A. Clippers)
Rajon Rondo Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 171
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
The skinny: If Rondo is available at No. 22, that means he took a major slide. But it could happen if he gets past Boston at No. 7, the Pacers at No. 17, the Wizards at No. 18 and the Kings at No. 19.
He would be a great pickup for the Nets, who need a backup for Jason Kidd. Rondo's speed and defense would really boost the Nets' up-tempo attack.
New Jersey
Quincy Douby Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 175
Age: 22
School: Rutgers
The skinny: The Nets desperately need to upgrade their frontcourt and have been trying to package the No. 22 and No. 23 picks to get up to No. 10 or No. 12.
If they stay here, they'll probably just go with the best backcourt player available. Douby is a fantastic shooter who could provide an instant scoring boost off the bench.
Memphis
Kyle Lowry Position: PG
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
Age: 20
School: Villanova
The skinny: The Grizzlies have been searching for a center ever since Bryant Reeves retired. With Lorenzen Wright hitting free agency this summer, the need has never been greater. However, with Patrick O'Bryant, Hilton Armstrong, Mouhamed Saer Sene and Alexander Johnson likely to be off the board, there won't be many options left.
If they can't find anyone for the frontcourt, they'd be smart to grab Lowry. They have a pretty big question mark at the point. No one is sure whether Damon Stoudamire will return at 100 percent this season, and Chucky Atkins is a free agent.
Jordan Farmar, Sergio Rodriguez and Dee Brown are also options here, and Alexander Johnson is a candidate if he slides.
Cleveland
Jordan Farmar Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 171
Age: 19
School: UCLA
The skinny: GM Danny Ferry is praying that one of the top point guards -- Rajon Rondo, Kyle Lowry, Sergio Rodriguez or Jordan Farmar -- falls to him here. Eric Snow peaked years ago, and it looks like Damon Jones is on the downslope of his career, too.
Farmar may be the best-case scenario for Cleveland. He's a pure point guard with great athleticism. He should be able to step in right away and contribute.
Another possibility is Texas' Daniel Gibson. He's not a pure point guard, but he would be fine alongside LeBron James and Larry Hughes on the perimeter.
L.A. Lakers
James White Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 202
Age: 23
School: Cincinnati
The skinny: White is the best athlete left on the board. He can jump out of the gym and he plays great perimeter defense.
He's still working on his jump shot and his offensive game in general, but he's a sleeper who should be better in the NBA than in college.
Phoenix
Sergio Rodriguez Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 170
Age: 20
Country: Spain
The skinny: After Marcus Williams and Rajon Rondo, Rodriguez is the best pure point guard in the draft. He also has some big-time experience in Spain.
At some point the Suns will need to rest Steve Nash, and Rodriguez is an intelligent point guard who can play the way coach Mike D'Antoni wants to play.
Michigan State's Maurice Ager and Texas' Daniel Gibson are also options here.
Dallas
Maurice Ager Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 203
Age: 22
School: Mich State
The skinny: The Mavs can always use a player who can stroke the ball, and Ager was that guy for the Spartans all year. His combination of athleticism, defense and shooting ability should make him a nice replacement for Jerry Stackhouse when Stack's contract expires in the summer of 2007.
New York
(via San Antonio)
Guillermo Diaz Position: SG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Age: 20
School: Miami
The skinny: We've had UConn's Josh Boone in this spot for a month, but it's looking more and more like the Knicks didn't give him a promise.
Diaz isn't a fit, but don't worry, Knicks fans. Most likely, the Knicks will use the pick as bait for the Heat, who have been trying to move up to get Diaz.
Portland
(via Detroit)
Solomon Jones Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 224
Age: 21
School: South Florida
The skinny: The Blazers are not exactly ready to contend, so don't be shocked if they take a flier on a kid who's still several years away.
Jones is long and athletic, and he can rebound and block shots. His size should come in handy down the road.
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