2006 NBA Draft

[StrayBullet]

I realize that the NBA Draft isn't something that is going to make the site crash after a huge trade or a surprize pick; however for the 5 of us who are paying close attention, it's a big deal.... especially out east because of Toronto's #1 pick. I doubted that Raptors' GM, Bryan Colangelo was going to pick Bargnani with the #1, but alot of arrows have been pointing to him in the last few days.
There's also a small, small whisper that Seattle would've liked to trade Rashard Lewis straight up for the pick.

[O_M_A]

I think Bargnani has been Colangelo's guy all along. The recent rumors of Morrison and Gay going to the Raptors are a smokescreen IMO. The only real question in my mind is if the Raptors trade down (That rumored Portland trade makes too much sense) and grab Bargnani.

This is such an unpredictable draft though, anything can happen. Should be interesting.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by O_M_A

I think Bargnani has been Colangelo's guy all along. The recent rumors of Morrison and Gay going to the Raptors are a smokescreen IMO. The only real question in my mind is if the Raptors trade down (That rumored Portland trade makes too much sense) and grab Bargnani.

This is such an unpredictable draft though, anything can happen. Should be interesting.

Put me in the Bargnani camp as well. Only way we trade down is if we pretty much are garenteed we still grab him, which I don't think will happen.

No idea who Chicago is taking, but it looks like Morrison is going #3 to Charlotte.

[mykalberta]

I really hope Andrea can play because I have watched some of the Texas games, and Aldridge is a damn fine player.

I guess the thing with the Raptors is they need to not only find a good player, but one that will actually re-sign in TO (ala the VC disease). I personally would trade down, the top 5 guys are less likely to want to stay in TO than say the rest of them who would just like a chance to make millions playing ball.

MYK

[StoneCole]

Originally Posted by StrayBullet

I realize that the NBA Draft isn't something that is going to make the site crash after a huge trade or a surprize pick; however for the 5 of us who are paying close attention, it's a big deal.... especially out east because of Toronto's #1 pick. I doubted that Raptors' GM, Bryan Colangelo was going to pick Bargnani with the #1, but alot of arrows have been pointing to him in the last few days.
There's also a small, small whisper that Seattle would've liked to trade Rashard Lewis straight up for the pick.

Kind of gives an indication of the depth of this draft. One year you get Lebron James, another year the top pick is only worth Rashard Lewis. No disrespect, he is a solid player, but the first overall pick should be a franchise guy. If only the Raps were picking first next year.

[flambers]

I still think, the Raptors will trade the pick.

[StrayBullet]

Originally Posted by StoneCole

Kind of gives an indication of the depth of this draft. One year you get Lebron James, another year the top pick is only worth Rashard Lewis. No disrespect, he is a solid player, but the first overall pick should be a franchise guy. If only the Raps were picking first next year.

It can't be as bad as the year K-Mart was #1

[StrayBullet]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I really hope Andrea can play because I have watched some of the Texas games, and Aldridge is a damn fine player.

I guess the thing with the Raptors is they need to not only find a good player, but one that will actually re-sign in TO (ala the VC disease). I personally would trade down, the top 5 guys are less likely to want to stay in TO than say the rest of them who would just like a chance to make millions playing ball.

MYK

The Bargnani thing with Colangelo is bringing international players who want to play in Toronto. ...including hiring Bargnani's coach in Italy.

[mykalberta]

I just took another look at the draft positions, was Portland offering the 4th and 30th pick for the 1st?

If that is the case I cant see how the Raptors can pass on it. I think you could easily get Andrea with the 4th and then maybe look for a PG or SG at 30.

MYK

[mykalberta]

Wow, didnt see this coming. Figured it wasnt worth a new thread on CalgaryPuck - Stojakovic is now a free agent.

http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story/?ID=169884&hubname=nba

I personally think the Raptors should go after this guy.

If Andrea is even close the next Dirk and actually will stay in TO, then pick em. Although I hear another Steven A. Smith tirade

MYK

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Wow, didnt see this coming. Figured it wasnt worth a new thread on CalgaryPuck - Stojakovic is now a free agent.

http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story/?ID=169884&hubname=nba

I personally think the Raptors should go after this guy.

If Andrea is even close the next Dirk and actually will stay in TO, then pick em. Although I hear another Steven A. Smith tirade

MYK

Peja is a great shooter, but I think the Raps are going for a little more of a defensive minded approach, which means Peja isn't really going to be the guy we want.

Also there was a rumor going around that if the Raps indeed had the 4th pick overall, Bargnani was going to say "I'll stay over in Europe unless I play for the raps", or at least lay the groundwork for that rumor.

[octothorp]

A few weeks ago I was convinced that Aldridge was the best pick, but now I'm starting to warm up to Bargnani. I like the idea of basing the team around versatile PFs, some of whom can also play C, some of whom can play SF: Bosh, Bargnani, Humphries, and Sow as PF/Cs, and Villenueva and maybe Garbajosa all as PF/SFs. And in one true center (Nesterovic) and one true SF (Graham)... Lots of weapons there... but I don't see how they're going to split playing time among these guys and keep everyone happy... Obviously Humphries will be sending a lot of time on the bench, and likewise Sow and Garbajosa, probably.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by octothorp

A few weeks ago I was convinced that Aldridge was the best pick, but now I'm starting to warm up to Bargnani. I like the idea of basing the team around versatile PFs, some of whom can also play C, some of whom can play SF: Bosh, Bargnani, Humphries, and Sow as PF/Cs, and Villenueva and maybe Garbajosa all as PF/SFs. And in one true center (Nesterovic) and one true SF (Graham)... Lots of weapons there... but I don't see how they're going to split playing time among these guys and keep everyone happy... Obviously Humphries will be sending a lot of time on the bench, and likewise Sow and Garbajosa, probably.

Well, you saw what Dallas was able to do with a very deep bench, they basically ran a 10 man rotation all year.

They confirmed on the draft show (on the score) that it would be Bargnani that the Raps are selecting, apparently confirmed by league + TO sources. We'll see in a few minutes now.

[CaramonLS]

Raptors Draft cam shows Mitchell looking sharp as usual.

[StrayBullet]

#1 - Andrea Bargnani

[CaramonLS]

Can't say I'm shocked, hopefully he turns out to be a solid pro.

[StrayBullet]

#2 - LaMarcus Aldridge

[StrayBullet]

#3 - Adam Morrison

[StrayBullet]

Atlanta is at #5... but they gotta get Brandon Roy. Royal Ivey and Tyronn Lue are running the offence there. Terrible.

[StrayBullet]

#4 - Tyrus Thomas