I could see them selecting Aldridge, although he might be too much like Bosh in the sense that they're both wirey-framed guys. Can Aldridge be a true center in the league? I'm sure they would like to find a way to get or keep Bosh at the 4. If Aldridge can play in the middle, that would give them one heck of a frontcourt though, adding Villanueva to the mix. They need wing shooters/scorers as well, but there aren't any players at those spots worthy of the 1st selection. Would the Raptors be willing to wait on Tyrus Thomas' development? IMO, he has bust written all over him (see Stromile Swift). They should go with Aldridge, with an outside shot at Morrison (although he and Villanueva play the same spot).
I think it will be Adam Morrison. Colangalo will try to make the team like the Suns and move Bosh to Center, Villanueva to Power Forward, and Morrison to small forward.
I'm hoping Colangelo takes the risk and drafts Andrea, i know he's very high on him but then again i don't think he expected to have the #1 pick. Tough call but i think he might take the risk. But his opinion could change very quickly.
The Raptors are going to look for an uptempo game IMO. Aldridge is similar to Bosh and isn't as good as him but I think they might take him and possibly trade him. Tyrus Thomas might be better defensively but he is less polished than Aldridge so I don't think he will be picked. Morrison is a good fit as a 3 but he isn't quick so I think they will pass up on him. Bargnani or Gay might have an outside shot if they can have spectacular workouts.
I think there's a good chance. They need a PG, C, or possibly a swing man. I think they take Aldridge if they think he can play C or possibly Morrison, otherwise they trade down.
If you go to the ESPN site, you can do your own Mock Draft which is then compared to Sportsnation and Chad Ford own mock draft. No insider account needed. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2006/features/draftmachine
Here's my first run through... http://proxy.espn.go.com/nba/draft2...850~18971~18888~18858~18844~18873~18893~18948
Rudy Gay number 1? That's a big call. I picked Andrea--also a big call, but Ford seems to think the same thing.
That's what I was thinking. I just can't see them doing it. There is no clear-cut #1 pick, like there usually is. Like some of you, I think we're going to get a good player at the 8th spot. I'm even beginning to get excited about it, lol.
In my personal opinion, if it's Redick the Rockets want, they should be talking about trading down ... New Orleans has the 12 and 15.