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[NBA Draft.net] 2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

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  • [NBA Draft.net] 2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

    2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

    By Nick Prevenas
    6/14/06


    AtlantaNeedsComments




    Draft picks - 5, 33

    PG, C, veteran leadership



    If the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference was determined by a slam dunk contest, last year's Hawks would've dominated that competition. Unfortunately for Hawks fans, the NBA still awards that spot to the team with the eighth-best record. After the lengthy legal battle to gain the rights of his services, Joe Johnson turned in a terrific 2005-06 season, giving the Hawks a real star to build a team around.

    The team's biggest need continues to be the point guard slot - a need the Hawks could've filled by drafting Chris Paul with the No. 2 overall pick. Marvin Williams showed flashes toward becoming the next Al Harrington, who may be in line for a ridiculous contract offer from any number of NBA teams. Atlanta also needs a bruising post presence to complement the ever-improving Zaza Pachulia. Expect to see the Hawks take a long look at Villanova's Randy Foye with the No. 5 pick, an extremely talented hybrid guard who would start immediately.

    With their second round pick, Atlanta may address the point guard spot by drafting Iowa State's Will Blalock. Don't rule out the possibility of a trade down in hopes of landing a point guard such as Randy Foye or Marcus Williams later in the lottery, as well.


    Boston NeedsComments
    ]


    Draft pick - 7

    Boston Celtics - C, PG depth, defense, rebounding

    Last season's Boston Celtics wasted one of Paul Pierce's finest seasons by pairing him with a sub-mediocre supporting cast.

    The Truth finished the season averaging nearly 27 points and seven boards a contest, but he had little help. General Manager Danny Ainge did a nice job ridding the team of the abysmal Mark Blount and the maddening Ricky Davis, and has enough young pieces in place on which to build a foundation. The only concern is whether these pieces mature before Pierce's prime is wasted.

    Last year's squad got killed on the glass, so look for them to possibly target Duke's Shelden Williams if they don't try to make a move into the top five for LaMarcus Aldridge, Tyrus Thomas or Andrea Bargnani. And Boston fans would surely go bonkers over Adam Morrison if the Celtics could move up to grab him.

    Delonte West has done a fantastic job for the C's, but the point guard position is awfully thin behind him, so look for Boston to potentially address that situation by drafting either Randy Foye or Marcus Williams.

    Boston could also use another perimeter scorer to help take the burden off of Pierce and oft-injured Wally Szczerbiak, so Washington's Brandon Roy (a possible Rookie of the Year candidate) would be a wise selection, as well.


    CharlotteNeedsComments


    Draft pick - 3

    SG/SF, backcourt depth, shooters

    General Manager Bernie Bickerstaff has stuck to his guns by drafting low-risk national champion contributors while building his Charlotte Bobcats.

    Unfortunately for Bickerstaff, Florida's Joakim Noah has decided to return to school, so the GM will have to look further than his tape from the national title game to scout for his No. 3 selection this season.

    Gerald Wallace had one of the best under-the-radar seasons in the NBA last year, becoming only the third player in league history to average over two blocks and two steals per contest (The Admiral and The Dream were the others - a category so exclusive that you could refer to the members solely by nickname). Charlotte's achilles heel the past two seasons has been their inability to find a steady scoring option, especially from the perimeter.

    Gonzaga's Adam Morrison makes the most sense for the Bobcats, because of his scoring ability and his respected college pedigree. If Morrison is already off the board, look for the Bobcats to take a long look at underachieving athletic marvel Rudy Gay, a player who may benefit from playing alongside fellow Huskie Emeka Okafor in his formative NBA years.


    ChicagoNeedsComments
    [IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/acarlto/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/NBADraft_net%20%20Team%20Needs%20Eastern%20Confere nce_files/bulls_logo.gif[/IMG]


    Draft Picks - 2, 16

    Anyone taller than 6-8, rebounding



    While Chicago's trade of Eddy Curry to the Knicks could end up as one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history, it did leave a glaring lack of frontcourt size for the scrappy Bulls this season.

    Even without a definable low-post presence outside of Mike Sweetney, the Bulls gave the Miami Heat fits in the opening round of the 2006 playoffs, thanks to their explosive perimeter players and their excellent head coach, Scott Skiles.
    In the draft, expect the Bulls to either draft LaMarcus Aldridge, Tyrus Thomas or Andrea Bargnani with New York's No. 2 pick.

    Aldridge would give them a Chris Bosh-esque interior scorer, Thomas could help Tyson Chandler rebound and block shots, and Bargnani could develop into a Gasol-like scorer. At the No. 16 pick, the Bulls are rumored to be very high on Pitt center Aaron Gray and could select him at can simply take the best player available, whether that's a European project like Oleskiy Pecherov or another shooter like Rutgers' Quincy Douby.

    The Bulls might also swing a major deal on draft-day, with Jermaine O'Neal or Kevin Garnett as possible targets. Chicago also has major money to spend in the free agent market, with Ben Wallace mentioned as a possible addition to the frontcourt.


    ClevelandNeedsComments




    Draft Picks - 25, 42, 55

    PG, defenders, shooting



    LeBron James is good. The supporting cast...well...it needs a little help. The Cavs almost toppled the superior (if extremely lackadaisical) Detroit Pistons in the 2006 playoffs, but for LeBron to make a run at the Finals, the Cavs need to find him a legitimate point guard. Eric Snow is almost finished, Larry Hughes isn't anyone's idea of a point guard and Flip Murray would take 200 shots if you let him.

    With the No. 25 pick, look for Cleveland to take a look at sharpshooting Quincy Douby (if he's still on the board) or Douby's polar opposite, Kentucky's Rajon Rondo. While Rondo might have his issues shooting the basketball, he is extremely athletic and he can defend the point guard spot at an NBA level. The Cavs might also look for an athletic shotblocker to potentially replace free-agent-to-be Drew Gooden.

    A player like UConn's Hilton Armstrong or Saer Sene (even though the Cavs might be a little bitter about drafting prospects from Senegal, judging from how the DeSagana Diop selection has panned out) could fit the bill. The Cavs also have two second-round selections to help fill out the roster.
    DetroitNeedsComments




    Draft Picks - 60

    Backcourt depth, possible C

    The Detroit Pistons were supposed to be invincible. They tore through the first half of the 2005-06 season at such a torrid pace that certain idiotic talking heads said they could challenge MJ's 1997 Bulls mark for wins.

    After a woefully uninspired showing against the Miami Heat, those same talking heads are currently saying the Pistons are finished. While they still boast the league's premier starting five, the Pistons have done little to flesh out their bench. They will not be able to do much in the draft (barring a trade), because their only pick is the final pick.

    Ben Wallace is also eligible for free agency, which is why General Manager Joe Dumars dealt Darko Milicic to the Orlando Magic to make room for Big Ben's contract offer. But after the acrimony between Wallace and coach Flip Saunders boiled over during the Miami series, it's quite possible that Wallace may be suiting up in a new uniform next season.
    For the Pistons to make the necessary adjustments to reclaim their status among the NBA's elite, Dumars had better get creative. No pressure.


    Indiana NeedsComments




    Draft Picks - 17, 45

    SG, PG frontcourt depth, athleticism

    Wouldn't it be funny if Ben Wallace signed here as a free agent? I know it couldn't happen under the salary cap, but considering his role in the Artest brawl and the general hatred of all Pacers' fans toward him, Wallace's presence on the Indiana roster would be interesting, to say the least.

    Last year's Pacers' squad struggled through a myriad of injuries and still clawed their way into the playoffs, but they are in need of some drastic changes in order to stay afloat.
    Peja Stojakovic (their acquisition in the Ron Artest trade) is up for free agency, and will likely command more money than what the Pacers are willing to give him.
    Jermaine O'Neal has been mentioned in connection with various trade rumors. Jamaal Tinsley continued his good cop/bad cop routine again last season.

    Depending on what other moves the Pacers' front office has planned for the off-season, the Pacers could draft a shooter like Duke's JJ Redick or an all-court player like Arkansas' Ronnie Brewer could be nice additions, as well. Honestly, nobody knows what this roster is going to look like on Opening Night.


    Miami NeedsComments




    Draft Picks - none

    Youth, shooters, PG


    Even though the Miami Heat made it to the NBA Finals this season, there are still some major issues this team needs to address.

    Outside of mega-stud Dwyane Wade, this team isn't getting any younger. Shaquille O'Neal is starting the precipitous slide most centers endure when they enter their mid-30s, Gary Payton has been old for the past three seasons, and the other role players have been inconsistent at best this season.

    Still, this is a squad that made the Finals, so no drastic changes need to take place. Unfortunately, Miami's lone first round draft pick belongs to the Lakers (as part of the O'Neal deal), so no youth will be available through the draft (barring a trade).

    Also, Miami is capped out, so they cannot make a play for any major free agents. Look for Miami to be active in the trading market in hopes of acquiring a steadier point guard than Jason Williams, who was eaten alive by Jason Terry in the Finals. Miami would also love to find shooters that can help space the floor, but can also play at least a little defense (unlike lead-footed Jason Kapono).


    Milwaukee NeedsComments




    Draft Pick - 39

    Athleticism, perimeter defense, SG depth



    The Bucks' snagged the No. 8 seed in the 2006 playoffs, but were unceremoniously dispatched by the Detroit Pistons in one of the most boring playoff series of all time.

    With that said, Milwaukee has a solid foundation in place, built around Michael Redd, who has developed into an elite scoring threat. The rest of their foundation is solid, with a decent balance between young talent (Andrew Bogut, TJ Ford), role players (Bobby Simmons, Mo Williams, Joe Smith, Toni Kukoc), and solid bangers (Jamaal Magloire, Dan Gadzuric).

    With no first round picks or cap room, the Bucks will go to battle with essentially the same squad as last season. Pick No. 39 could yield an athletic swingman like Georgetown's Brandon Bowman or a high-flying guard with exceptional defensive skills like Hassan Adams.
    New JerseyNeedsComments
    [
    Draft Picks - 22, 23, 54

    PF, rebounding, back-up PG, frontcourt depth

    The Nets fooled many basketball prognosticators into thinking they were a serious threat to the Miami Heat in the 2006 playoffs with their exciting brand of basketball, but it turns out that a team needs at least one quality rebounder to make some serious playoff noise.

    While Jason Kidd is still one of the league's elite point guards, he isn't getting any younger and he led the squad in rebounds in more games than a point guard should.

    Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson are exciting perimeter players, but both are injury prone. Nenad Krstic is a quality young bigman, but he needs some help on the glass. The Nets have two picks in the first round, so they might package them to move into Cedric Simmons territory, or they might stand pat and look to add a back-up point guard and an athletic shotblocker.

    Combo guard Mardy Collins could provide some much-needed versatility and ball-handling to help spell Kidd and Hilton Armstrong could grow into a decent shotblocking complement to Krstic. Jordan Farmar or Kyle Lowry will also get a strong look as Kidd's possible understudy.


    New YorkNeedsComments




    Draft Picks - 20, 29

    A clue



    I don't even know what to say here. Every joke has been made and every snide comment has been delivered, so let's discuss what the Knicks should do in hopes of dragging themselves out of the NBA cesspool. This squad needs a little bit of everything, but they have "talent" in every spot on the floor.

    It's impossible to tell which way Isiah Thomas is leaning, but to be fair, he has been a keen evaluator of talent during the draft process. Zeke is rumored to be enamored with Senegal bigman Saer Sene and could take him as high as 20.

    The team needs anyone interested in playing defense, so Michigan State's Shannon Brown and Villanova's Kyle Lowry should both come into play at pick No. 20. The Knicks' 29th selection should be used on an interior defender like UConn's Josh Boone or a perimeter shooter like West Virgina's Mike Gansey.

    If Larry Brown is still coaching the squad next year, expect whoever Isiah drafts to ride the pine, given his reluctance to play rookies, regardless of how well they are performing. Best of luck to any rookie joining the Knicks next season. You're going to need it.


    OrlandoNeedsComments


    [IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/acarlto/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/NBADraft_net%20%20Team%20Needs%20Eastern%20Confere nce_files/magic_logo.gif[/IMG]



    Draft Picks - 11, 41, 44, 50

    C, SG, perimeter scoring



    With a certifiable uber-stud in Dwight Howard, a legit point guard in Jameer Nelson, a budding post player in Darko Milicic (just watch, Darko's going to contribute next season), and loads of cap room coming in 2007, the Orlando Magic appear to be a franchise on the rise.

    Last year's Steve Francis trade not only ridded the roster of Francis' dour demeanor and bloated salary, it brought them up-and-coming swingman Trevor Ariza. There are some holes to fill, but this squad has a tremendously solid foundation on which to build. With the 11th pick, look for the Magic to grab a shooter like JJ Redick.

    They could also look to grab a skilled center project like Bradley's Patrick O'Bryant to complement Howard down low, or to snag an athletic shooting guard like Memphis' Rodney Carney.


    PhiladelphiaNeedsComments





    Draft Pick - 13

    Philadelphia 76ers - Youth, interior defense



    Last season's 76ers squad had no problems scoring. But outside of Andre Iguodala, nobody on the Philly roster had any interest in guarding anyone.

    The team's two high-priced stars, Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, still have some quality basketball left to play, but neither of them is at peak physical condition. Samuel Dalembert spent the first year of his huge contract extension driving the Philly fans crazy with his fluctuating effort and underdeveloped post game.

    The Sixers cannot continue to give Kevin Ollie starter's minutes, so a true point guard like UCLA's Jordan Farmar might come into play at the 13th pick.

    The team might also look for a more reliable post defender by drafting Cedric Simmons or Shelden Williams. Trade rumors will swirl around Iverson (who put up the quietest 33 points/game season in NBA history in 2006) and Webber all off-season, which will drastically alter the course of this franchise. Obviously, they have no cap room to speak of, so all major roster changes will have to come via trade.


    TorontoNeedsComments




    Draft Picks - 1, 35, 56

    Perimeter scoring, C, possible PG



    The Raptors won this year's draft lottery, but with no sure-fire dominant prospects, new General Manager Bryan Colangelo is actively looking to trade down to acquire a potential veteran star and another lottery pick.

    The Raptors have a few more holes than any individual player can fill. If they do hang onto the pick, Adam Morrison makes the most sense for Toronto (even though they are rumored to be enamored with Andrea Bargnani, a.k.a. The Italian Bosh).

    He would give the Raptors an infusion of attitude, personality and perimeter scoring. With Morrison, the Raptors would likely move Charlie Villanueva to power forward and Chris Bosh to center, allowing the Raptors to spread the floor and create mismatches.

    The naysayers might assert that Bosh is too skinny to play center (which is true), but would you rather have Bosh at the five-spot or Rafael Araujo? Exactly. The Raptors also need to deal with free-agent-to-be Mike James. James' 20 points/game season is the very definition of a "contract push," and the Raptors must be careful not to overpay for him and risk losing Bosh when his contract is up for renewal.

    If Toronto trades down, expect them to target Marcus Williams, making James' extravagant contract demands a non-issue. Toronto may use their first second-round pick on Kevin Pittsnogle, a big player who can stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting.

    In time, he could develop into the poor man's Mehmet Okur. Toronto also has substantial cap room, so they might throw their hat into the Ben Wallace sweepstakes.


    WashingtonNeedsComments


    [IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/acarlto/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/NBADraft_net%20%20Team%20Needs%20Eastern%20Confere nce_files/wizards_logo.gif[/IMG]


    Draft Picks - 18, 48

    Anyone who can play defense, depth



    After two consecutive playoff appearances, the Washington Wizards have definitely shed their laughingstock persona. But in order to take the step from "high-scoring playoff squad" to "genuine Eastern Conference contenders," the Wiz absolutely must find some defensive-minded role players.

    When Antawn Jamison gave LeBron James baseline in the Wiz-Cavs playoff series, that wasn't just a terrible play, it was indicative of every problem the Wiz currently have. Antonio Daniels was supposed to be Washington's defensive stopper, but he was a massive disappointment last season. Gilbert Arenas, Jamison, and Butler will never make an All Defensive Team, so look for Washington to target a shotblocker like Hilton Armstrong to help erase any defensive miscues.

    A big, defensive-minded combo guard like Mardy Collins will also enter into the front office's draft-day discussions.Then again they seem to be enamored with outscring opponenets ala Dallas of a few years ago, so a versatile offensive minded forward such as Shawne Williams would fit into their current sceme.







    NBADRAFT.NET

    Thought this would be a handy reference guide, especially to see who has what picks.

    apologies I am still editting this..

    Why Not Us ?


  • #2
    Re: [NBA Draft.net] 2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

    Originally posted by Frank Slade

    Indiana Needs Comments

    Draft Picks - 17, 45

    SG, PG frontcourt depth, athleticism
    Depending on what other moves the Pacers' front office has planned for the off-season, the Pacers could draft a shooter like Duke's JJ Redick or an all-court player like Arkansas' Ronnie Brewer could be nice additions, as well. Honestly, nobody knows what this roster is going to look like on Opening Night.
    Bird and DW included


    Orlando Needs Comments

    Draft Picks - 11, 41, 44, 50

    C, SG, perimeter scoring
    With a certifiable uber-stud in Dwight Howard, a legit point guard in Jameer Nelson, a budding post player in Darko Milicic (just watch, Darko's going to contribute next season), and loads of cap room coming in 2007, the Orlando Magic appear to be a franchise on the rise.
    I honestly agree with all of this



    Washington Needs Comments

    Draft Picks - 18, 48

    Anyone who can play defense, depth After two consecutive playoff appearances, the Washington Wizards have definitely shed their laughingstock persona. But in order to take the step from "high-scoring playoff squad" to "genuine Eastern Conference contenders," the Wiz absolutely must find some defensive-minded role players. When Antawn Jamison gave LeBron James baseline in the Wiz-Cavs playoff series, that wasn't just a terrible play, it was indicative of every problem the Wiz currently have. Antonio Daniels was supposed to be Washington's defensive stopper, but he was a massive disappointment last season. Gilbert Arenas, Jamison, and Butler will never make an All Defensive Team, so look for Washington to target a shotblocker like Hilton Armstrong to help erase any defensive miscues. A big, defensive-minded combo guard like Mardy Collins will also enter into the front office's draft-day discussions.Then again they seem to be enamored with outscring opponenets ala Dallas of a few years ago, so a versatile offensive minded forward such as Shawne Williams would fit into their current sceme
    As I've said before JJ is our one brightspot on D. And I would LOVE to get Hilton Armstrong to fill our center position. Hopefully Indiana doesn't overlook Collins, Farmar, Rondo etc. etc. and draft an already deep position like they always do and take Armstrong 1 pick in front of us.
    STARBURY

    08 and Beyond

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: [NBA Draft.net] 2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

      The Kinicks needs:

      A clue!

      LOL, very funny one liner.....

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: [NBA Draft.net] 2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

        Originally posted by Robertmto
        And I would LOVE to get Hilton Armstrong to fill our center position. Hopefully Indiana doesn't overlook Collins, Farmar, Rondo etc. etc. and draft an already deep position like they always do and take Armstrong 1 pick in front of us.
        I'm pretty sure Armstrong will be there when the Wiz pick. In fact, in my own mock that's where I have him going. Good luck!
        "I'll always be a part of Donnie Walsh."
        -Ron Artest, Denver Post, 12.28.05

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: [NBA Draft.net] 2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

          Originally posted by blanket
          I'm pretty sure Armstrong will be there when the Wiz pick. In fact, in my own mock that's where I have him going. Good luck!
          Thanks, but I've seen a couple mocks that have him going to the Pacers and some others have him going to us. I can only hope he lands here.
          STARBURY

          08 and Beyond

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: [NBA Draft.net] 2006 Team Needs: Eastern Conference

            Good lord. PLEASE fix the formatting on that post. That's insane.

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