Profiles of the Top 9 Picks
Thursday, June 29, 2006; Page E01
Toronto
The first European player ever drafted No. 1 overall, Bargnani is a versatile, skilled big man who can play three positions. The 6-foot-10 forward has size, athleticism and a sweet stroke from three-point range to complement Chris Bosh in Toronto.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge
NBA DRAFT Wizards draft pick Oleksiy Pecherov has only played basketball for five years but his development has been swift.
The Toronto Raptors select Italy's Andrea Bargnani with the No. 1 pick in an unpredictable draft that saw four of the top seven picks switch teams by the middle of the first round.
The Wizards use the 18th pick to select forward Pecherov, a 20-year-old native of Ukraine.
George Washington guard Danilo Pinnock and Cincinnati swingman James White are the only two players drafted with D.C.-area ties.
The TOP 101. Toronto, Andrea Bargnani, Italy.
2. a-Chicago, LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas.
3. Charlotte, Adam Morrison, Gonzaga.
4. a-Portland, Tyrus Thomas, LSU.
5. Atlanta, Shelden Williams, f, Duke.
6. b-Minnesota, Brandon Roy, Washington.
7. c-Boston, Randy Foye, Villanova.
8. Houston, Rudy Gay, Connecticut.
9. Golden State, Patrick O'Bryant, Bradley.
10. Seattle, Mouhamed Saer Sene, Belgium.
a-Chicago and Portland traded rights.
b-Traded to Portland for G Randy Foye.
c-Traded to Portland.
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Chicago
(traded to Portland)
The most skilled low-post player in the draft, Aldridge gives the Trail Blazers a solid big man in case they lose Joel Przybilla in free agency.
3. Adam Morrison
Charlotte
Michael Jordan's new team selects the leading scorer in Division I last season. Morrison provides perimeter scoring for a team that has loaded up on big men in its past two drafts.
4. Tyrus Thomas
Portland
(traded to Chicago)
The super athletic Thomas has the most potential of any player in the draft, but it may take time for him to blossom into a star.
5. Shelden Williams
Atlanta
Despite needs for a point guard and a center, the Hawks select a forward -- again -- but Williams fills the Hawks' need for rebounding and shot blocking.
6. Brandon Roy
Minnesota
(traded to Portland)
A solid all-around guard, Roy is ready to contribute right away. He is arguably the most complete player in the draft and gives the Trail Blazers much-needed punch from the perimeter.
7. Randy Foye
Boston (traded to
Minnesota via Portland)
Foye is a combo guard who can score and create for his teammates, but his greatest asset could be his defensive intensity.
8. Rudy Gay
Houston (EXPECTED TO BE traded to Memphis)
Blessed with amazing skill and athleticism, Gay could oscillate between looking great and becoming a ghost. His inability to be consistent on the floor contributed to him slipping lower than projected.
9. Patrick O'Bryant
Golden State
A late bloomer, O'Bryant is a solid rebounder and defender, but he is limited offensively. Warriors draft another undeveloped center.
