It's draft time so I figured it was about time for me to give a bit of a preview. I'll initially start with the top five picks and move through the first round five picks at a time. So, let's dig in...

1.Toronto

Leave it to Bryan Colangelo to finally get a number one pick as soon as he leaves Phoenix. If only that luck would have been there for his Dad when a little guy named Lew Alcindor came into the NBA via UCLA. There aren't any Lew's in this draft but there are some solid choices at the top of the board. With a solid building block in Chris Bosh playing the four and Charlie Villanueva playing really well last year, the Raptors are pretty much set at the three and the four for a while. Everyone seems to think that Bargnani is the guy but I honestly feel that Bryan is using that as potential trade bait. The Raps have more pressing needs at the center, the point guard position and the two guard. Lamarcus Aldridge makes a lot of sense here but he seems a bit soft and his game is comparable to Channing Frye who went ninth last year. If I was Toronto, I would trade down a bit or just take Brandon Roy who can contribute immediately and be one of the cornerstones of the team for the next decade.

2. Chicago

Thomas seems to be the consensus here but that really doesn't make much sense to me. With players like Chandler, Deng, Sweetney and Nocioni in the front court, the two guard position seems like the biggest need. Gordon won't fill that role full time due to defensive nightmares due to a small backcourt. Roy should be the guy here again because he could come in and help lead a team that is already in the playoff hunt.


3.Charlotte

The BET/JumpMan Cats are looking hard at the small forward position from most reports. It's a toss up here between Rudy Gay and Adam Morrison. For my two cents, Gay has a ton of potential but Morrison has a lot more heart than Gay and a higher basketball IQ. Also, you can't stop the stache...


4.Portland

Portland would love a shot at Roy and Morrison here but I think they're going to be off the board. Regardless, they already have nice pieces at their positions in Webster and Outlaw. Outlaw deserves minutes and should be starting next season. If not, I'd love to see him in Phoenix's system. Thomas or Aldridge should be the guys here. Randolph aka Big Eddie Winslow, is difficult and the signs are all over the wall that coach Mac and him are not simpatico. Pryzbilla is out the door and Theo Ratliff isn't going to be taking over that position so it's time to find a big fella. Gut feeling, Aldridge is the guy.

5.Atlanta

Being that Atlanta is picking here, chances are that they will take a swing player or just someone that noone saw coming. Who knows, maybe Bob Cousy won't be off the board. Thomas could help complete a ferocious front line that flies up and down the court. With Marvin Williams around now though, he really shouldn't be picked. Marcus Williams should be picked up here. I don't think he's the best point guard in the draft but the perception is that he is. I think that Sergio Rodriguez and Rajon Rando will end up being better pros but Williams could allow JJ to play full time two guard and help get Atlanta's athletes out on the break.