2006 NBA Draft Team Needs
It’s truly amazing to see how some teams target a kid in October and then, remaining focused on him, end up drafting him. Meanwhile some teams take players they never had in for workouts or a physical. To anyone who describes this whole process as flawed, I salute you and your excellent analysis.
What follows is a brief look into what each of the 30 teams will likely be doing on draft night.
Atlanta Hawks The Hawks’ needs can be summed up in two words: Marcus Williams. They have more action on the wings than a large flock of geese, but no one to get them the ball. Tyron Lue and Salim Stoudamire are not the answer; Williams is, and picking likely 5th, they may find him there.
Boston Celtics As the season finished there were 4 rookies and 3 first year players on the Celts roster. Three of those players have no college experience. Picking 7th, Boston may be best served in dealing the pick along with a few veteran players for a future (or immediate) high first round pick. Their real biggest need is minutes for the expected future leaders.
Charlotte Bobcats It’s no secret that the Cats want an impact small forward in this draft. Going into the draft, they’re in the 3rd slot and will have Adam Morrison and Rudy Gay to pick from, although they could look to move up and go after Tyrus Thomas.
Chicago Bulls Yet another team looking for a SF, the Bulls may be in better shape for a shot at Thomas than people think. Sitting at 2 and 16, they could find Thomas falling to them if Toronto continues to be enthralled by Andrea Bargnani or LaMarcus Aldridge. At 16, they can expect to get a significant bench player. Stay tuned.
Cleveland Cavaliers Picking 25th, the Cavs should expect to go after a role player, perhaps at either forward slot. Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons would be firepower inside, but Simmons is now being thought of as late lottery material. Brandon Bowman would be there and fit the bill for them at the 3.
Dallas Mavericks Picking 28th should suit the Mavs well as there will be no pressure to make a great pick at 28. They could find a shooter deluxe in Steve Novak who could bolster their bench scoring.
Denver Nuggets With only the 49th pick in the draft, the Nuggets will be best served with a multi-positional bench player.
Detroit Pistons The Pistons have one pick, the 60th and final pick right now. It’s obvious that they will not be looking to that spot for any help at all.
Golden State Warriors G-State desperately needs to upgrade the center spot and if Patrick O’Bryant is on the board around 8, he will very likely become a Warrior. And that’s exactly what they need: a warrior in the middle.
Houston Rockets Having the 8th pick and needs at the 2, the Rockets will likely be able to choose J.J. Redick, Rodney Carney or Rudy Fernandez.
Indiana Pacers At 17, the Pacers should be thinking PG and getting help from the best player still on the board. Sergio Rodriguez?
Los Angeles Clippers In a shocking development, the Clippers are not in the lottery this season. In fact they aren’t even in the first round.
Los Angeles Lakers The Lakers have the 26th pick and could find a solid role filler there. Paul Millsap or Josh Boone might still be on the board and would fill an important void.
Memphis Grizzles Picking 24th, the Grizzlies should be able to add some beef to their roster. Despite their size, Memphis does not get much interior results out of their bigger men. Hilton Armstrong would make a terrific selection.
Miami Heat The Heat own no picks in either round.
Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks are without any meaningful picks this year and only playing time for their future stars will be of any significant help.
Minnesota Timberwolves The 6th pick could allow the T-Wolves to get KG some help inside. On a team where KG was the only player to garner more than 5.6 rebounds a game, Shelden Williams would be an answer to that problem.
New Jersey Nets Owning the 22nd and 23rd picks may afford the Nets the chance to move up and select a PG to help the aging Jason Kidd find new legs via reduced minutes or fill out their roster with bench depth.
New York Knicks The 20th and 29th picks in this draft will do nothing to make these Knicks any better next season. Trading them for a trip in a time machine back to the days of Patrick Ewing may inspire a pleasant memory.
New Orleans Hornets Picking 12th and 15th, the Hornets could be players come draft night as the opportunity to trade two picks and move up is within their grasp. Needing some help inside, they could offer a deal to get to Patrick O’Bryant. Or they could keep the picks and strengthen their roster.
Orlando Magic With the 11th pick, the Magic should go after a legit 2 guard who can spot up and fill the basket. J. J. Redick, Ronnie Brewer or Rodney Carney would fill that need nicely.
Philadelphia Sixers The Sixers will have a ton of needs in a year or two as their stars are getting on in years. Right now they could help their backcourt with a player like Mardy Collins of cross-town Temple.
Phoenix Suns Selecting at 21 and 27, the Suns have the opportunity to continue to get young legs. Having an adequate backup for Amare Stoudamire would be one priority they should be able to fix.
Portland Trailblazers Getting dumped into the 4 hole on draft lottery night followed up by the dismissal of GM John Nash, leaves the T-Blazers with secondary goals now becoming their primary goals. With a roster full of overpaid misfits, expect a possible deal to shed some salary and gain some expiring contracts along with a future first rounder.
Sacramento Kings New coach Eric Musselman will find the 19th pick is his, but may not fill the biggest needs. Support inside for Brad Miller looms as the biggest issue. Players will indeed be on the board then.
San Antonio Spurs The Spurs only have the 59th pick this year. Want to make a bet that they draft some guy we never heard of who turns into an All-Star?
Seattle Sonics The Sonics go at 10 and should be able to find a difference maker. J. J. Redick could be theirs, although they will hope that Brandon Roy, a local kid that would fit like a glove for the Sonics, will drop into their lap.
Toronto Raptors The Colangelo factor has arrived in Toronto as they win the lottery and advance into the top pick. Bargnani, Aldridge and the likely top player Thomas could all be north of the border come November. A trade is not at all out of the question either as Tornto has several needs besides having Chris Bosh and Charlie V.
Utah Jazz With the 14th pick, the Jazz can shore up their faulty SG issue. Redick may drop into their laps, along with the versatile Ronnie Brewer.
Washington Wizards At 18, the Wizards can go shopping for a big man to support/supplant Brandon Haywood or look for some help at the PG spot.
