[Gotham Dark Knight]

Here are NBA Draft for Rivals.com rankings for the upcoming NBA draft.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/prospects;_ylt=AlF3EEBCg9blIL1SVUkInvS8vLYF?rank_t ype=2

These guys have Adam Morrison first overall...here is their take on Morrison...

Strengths: Morrison is a scorer, plain and simple. At 6-foot-8 he has excellent size for an NBA small-forward. He also has an incredible knack for putting the ball in the hoop that cannot be taught. Despite his seemingly awkward athleticism, Morrison showed the ability to create his own shot at will against the best and most athletic defenders in college basketball. His ball-handling skills are very good, his mid-range game is superb, and he’s liable to knock down contested shots from anywhere on the floor. He can get his shot off at any time and in any situation, thanks to his multiple release points, all of which are effective. His savvy in maximizing his time on the offensive end is without equal in this draft. His motor is outstanding, and his competitive nature keeps him on the floor. As a passer, Morrison is quite solid. He is also gritty enough to get in the paint and pull down rebounds, particularly on offense
Weaknesses: Morrison is one of the more atypical prospects to enter the draft in quite some time, not fitting any mold for how a future NBA star is supposed to look or play. His lack of athleticism is the main concern. Morrison runs the floor awkwardly and certainly lacks explosiveness, both in his first step and especially in his leaping ability. He’s been a phenomenal success despite those liabilities, mainly because of his work ethic and unbelievable skill level. As a defender, Morrison was already considered sub-par even at the West Coast Conference level. In the NBA, it’s not hard to imagine him being a complete liability if he refuses to put in even minimal effort the way he often did in college. Beyond his apathy on defense, there are serious concerns about his lack of lateral quickness.

Outlook: Players with Morrison’s persona and incredible skill level are extremely rare, and he just so happens to be in a draft in which many of the teams picking first could be looking for a player in his mold. Morrison looks like a lock for the top 5, and could go No. 1 overall if Portland or Charlotte is picking.

Comparison: Rip Hamilton

[cjg11582]

I have Morrison's career being a mesh of Van Horn and Hamilton. His career will probably lie somewhere in between those two. Top five Picks:
1) Brandon Roy- Most complete, NBA ready player, the most sure fire lock for a regular NBA all-star in this draft.

2) Patrick O'Bryant- Most underrated player in the draft. Best big man and best defender.

3) Marcus Williams- Should be a starting PG in his first NBA game, could have a Chris Paul like rookie season.

4) Rudy Gay- If the determining factors are athleticism and potential, then he is the top pick. Unfortunately for him, there is more to the equation.

5) The Italian guy- Because it is a weak draft, gambling on a European with Nowitzki like size and shooting range isn't an awful idea.

Some good value picks:
Randy Foye
Shelden Williams
Dee Brown

[MJHMarc]

According to ESPN (The Magazine), they predict that Andrea Bargnani (who is otherwise known as the Italian guy) to be picked first overall in the upcoming NBA Draft '06. He looks like a solid player who can bring talent to the Raptors. Unfortunately he probably won't bring enough talent for playoff birth, but at least he is a start!

[cjg11582]

Given that the Raptors have drafted in the top ten for the past four years and with every pick they have taken a mediocre big man (with the exception of Bosh), I think it is time too attempt a different strategy, because clearly this one isn't working. Did they forgot they lost Vince Carter two seasons ago? Why not draft a swing man? The Italian guy is an unorthodox big man but for their own best interests they should take Gay or Roy. If not either of them, then Marcus Williams and move Mike James to the 2.

[MJHMarc]

Today at the NBA Store in New York City, I ran into a few of the top future rookies of the NBA. Adam Morrison, Rudy Gay, Randy Foyle, and Tyrus Thomas all participated in a huge interview which was depressing to watch. They had poor articulation and mumbled when they spoke. But to be a star in the NBA, all you need to know is how to play basketball.

Below is Andrea Bargnani's scouting report, courtesy of NBA.COM:

"He is as good as any player in the draft, if not better, than any other player in the draft. He can shoot the ball. He can rebound the ball. He's got a very quick first step for a player his size. He's come a long way in the last few months, showing progress. He's a good kid. He played an NBA schedule this year and he got through it without major injuries, being in the Italian League, the Euroleague and the Italian Cup. "By no means is he world-beater, but there are no world-beaters. There is no LeBron James this year in the Draft. So this year, it's in the eye of the beholder. And Bargnani is as pretty as anyone in the Draft. We've scouted him extensively, seeing him, studying him. He's going to be a fine NBA player."

[ThePundit]

I agree CJG. I think Roy will be #1. And it would be interesting to see when Gay is taken. He has the most talent of anyone in the draft but as you say, something is not right with this guy.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Looks like my boy Morrison went 3rd overall...some at ESPN where calling him the most NBA ready player in the draft. Anyone second that?

Of course, they also said he could not guard a bank with a machine gun...soooo...