As a NBA fan for one of the unfortunate few teams who are not playing in this year's spectacular NBA playoffs, I have somewhat more interest in the draft than the actual playoffs (at least till the finals).  So here you go, the draft that results from teams that were knocked from the NBA playoffs back in November

1. Portland- Tyrus Thomas, PF, LSU

Most of the sites and scouts have Thomas penciled in as the number one pick in the NBA draft.  With his incredible athleticism, the incredibly talented Thomas has the potential to become one of the best PF in the league.  If Thomas can add 25 pounds of muscle to his frame and improve his offensive game, he should be one of the most complete players in the league.  One has to wonder, however, if the Blazers have a larger need at other positions since their best player, Zach Randolph, plays the same position.   

2. Chicago (from New York)- LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Texas

Another potential first overall pick, Aldridge was the pre tournament favorite to go number one.  With his talent and size, Aldridge would fit nicely with Tyson Chandler and Mike Sweetney in the Bull's front court.   Talentwise and fundamentally, he is the best post player in the draft.   Even though bigger than Thomas, he should try to gain 15 pounds of muscle.   His most pressing need is his mentality, where scouts question his toughness and the innate desire to win.  That is one trait that cannot be taught and thus makes Aldridge a little more risky than his talent suggests.

3. Charlotte- Brandon Roy, SG, Washington

With Charlotte already having a solid core with Wallace, Felton, May, and Okafor, the one glaring need is the SG and Roy can definitely can fill it.   Every scout and website I have consulted says Roy has an excellent all around game and is solid in every aspect.  He also has that mental toughness that Aldridge seems to lack.  Despite being a little small and a little slow, Roy should be an excellent player and one of my favorites in the draft.

4. Atlanta- Randy Foye, PG/SG, Villanova

Another Basketball Warrior favorite, Foye would help fill the obvious need of point guard.  Will he be able to play point in the NBA?  Not even the Basketball Warrior can answer that.  But one area there is no question is his ability to score, defend, and be a leader, another trait that cannot be taught.  While his ability to distribute the ball may scare potential suitors from drafting him,  the Basketball Warrior thinks he can adjust and become a solid point guard for years to come.

5. Toronto- Adam Morrison, SF, Gonzaga

"The Next Larry Bird" will find himself falling a little as small forwards are a dime a dozen and unlike most, Morrison lacks the amazing athleticism that most high draft SF's have.  However, none of that should matter as Morrison is the best scorer in the draft and will imediately help the Raptors continue their rebuilding project.  His mental game is what makes him the player he is and is what makes this college star ready for the NBA.

6. Minnesota- Rudy ####, SF, UConn

#### was supposed to be the number one pick in this draft as of last year.   Talentwise and athletically, #### has the potential to go number one.  He can score, defend, post up, the whole package.  With KG's guidance, #### could gain the maturity he needs and could be a front runner for the rookie of the year award.

7. Boston- Andrea Bargnani, PF, Italy

"And the winner of the 2006 European No One Has Ever Heard Of sweepstakes is...."  Ok, I was just joking.  But is it just me or is there always 2-3 Europeans that fail to meet their potential for every one that does.  I don't know much about this European but I have heard from some good sources that Bargnani is a playmaker who will be a very good player in a couple of years.    

8. Houston- Marcus Williams, PG, UConn

Houston already has the pieces of a championship team.  With Yao maturing and T-Mac finally healthy, the Rockets need to add a few role players to their team.  Williams is the most ready point guard in the draft and will help make all the players around him better.  Reminds me of Deron Williams as both improved their standing immensely with a great tournament and with their similar skills.

9. Golden State- Rodney Carney, SF, Memphis

"And the next draft bust for the Golden State Warriors is...."  Carney better hope that the majority of the mock drafts are wrong as being drafted by the Warriors seems to be a sign of an insignificant NBA career.  However, maybe an optimistic approach should be taken.  The ridiciously athletic Carney paired with Jason Richardson on the wing and Baron Davis at the point would make the Warriors the forerunner as next year's most explosive team.

10. Seattle- Shelden Williams, PF, Duke

The Supersonics need some serious help down low despite the addition of Chris Wilcox.  Williams is an NBA ready player and is a great defender and rebounder, two areas that are the Sonics biggest problems.  Just a question, what would happen if Seattle took J.J. Reddick here.  Would defenses start picking up their man full court?  Because if they didn't, Reddick, Allen, and every other shooter on the Sonics would set a record for most three attempts.  I mean, seriously, does anyone else see the potential for a team whose best shot selection might be a pullup jumper from 35 feet.

11. Orlando- J.J. Redick, SG, Duke

This fast rising team needs an outside presence for the double teams that are occuring more frequently each year on Dwight Howard.  I have just the answer for you.  And it is not Deshawn Stevenson. 

12. NO/OK City- Patrick O'Bryant, C, Bradley

This year's most pleasant suprise needs some help down low.  I mean, P.J. Brown is approaching a hundred and while David West is a solid player, he doesn't have the size that O'Bryant will bring.  If O'Bryant can get a little bigger and polish up a little bit, the combination of Paul, Synder, West and O'Bryant could make the Hornets contenders.  Blasphemy!

13. Philadelphia- Mardy Collins, SG, Temple

The Philly native will get to play in his hometown.  How about that?   With Allen Iverson close to be being traded, its time that Philly starts the rebuilding process with this solid defender, do everything two guard.   

14. Utah- Richard Roby, SG, Colorado

This great shooter will get to stay in the Rockies with a team I believe should have made the playoffs.  Roby addresses the Jazz biggest two weaknesses; an outside shooter and a perimeter defender.   With Sloan requiring hard work or go home, Roby will address his passion problems and play major minutes.  Roby is my suprise candidate for Rookie of the Year.

There you go.  Of course, the lottery order will change (probably for Houston's benefit, another hinch) and the order could change in any way.  But why are you reading this blog anyways?  The real playoffs started two weeks ago.