Deseret News | Hit or miss? This year's draft lacks sure-fire superstar

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Hit or miss? This year's draft lacks sure-fire superstar

By Loren Jorgensen

Deseret News

Published: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 7:23 p.m. MDT

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The Toronto Raptors defied the odds to win the NBA Draft lottery. The Portland Trail Blazers, the team with the best odds of winning the lottery, ended with just the fourth overall pick.

But the 2006 version of the NBA Draft, which will be held tonight beginning at 5:30 p.m., doesn't have any sure-fire, LeBron James-like superstars. The fourth player picked could easily end up being a better NBA player than the first — at a financial savings for the Blazers, too.

In other words, perhaps it was Portland — not Toronto — that got lucky during last month's lottery.

It's still up in the air whom the Raptors will pick with the No. 1 overall pick — reports are that Toronto is deciding between 7-foot Italian Andrea Bargnani or 6-10 power forward LaMarcus Aldridge from Texas. The player not selected by the Raptors could fall to fifth or sixth. It's that kind of draft. Beyond that, this draft is even more unpredictable. Still, here's a prediction of how the first round could go:

1. Toronto Raptors — Andrea Bargnani (Italy)

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The scouting report: The 7-foot power forward from Italy has been compared to fellow European Dirk Nowitzki. The 20-year-old has a nice outside shooting touch and a strong offensive game, but needs to work on his rebounding and back-to-the-basket moves.

2. Chicago Bulls (from New York) — Tyrus Thomas (Louisiana State)

The scouting report: He is 6-9, but plays taller due to long arms. As a freshman at LSU last season, he averaged 12.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. His offensive game is still raw, but could turn into a solid all-around player.

3. Charlotte Bobcats — Rudy Gay (Connecticut)

The scouting report: A 6-9 small forward with outstanding athleticism and a nice outside shooting touch. Gay averaged 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists for UConn last season. Good leaping ability makes him a strong rebounder and shot blocker.

4. Portland Trail Blazers — Adam Morrison (Gonzaga)

The scouting report: Early comparisons to Larry Bird may be a bit premature, but the 6-8 small forward is an intense, scoring machine. Averaged NCAA-best 28.1 points per game as a senior. He's a good ball handler and passer as well, but his defense is suspect.