2006 NBA Draft Winners and Losers
I think the best word to describe the 2006 NBA Draft would definitely be – strange. This draft, more than any I can remember in recent memory, was centered around numerous trades involving multiple teams, all with varying reasons for making their respective transactions.
Perplexing draft or not, some teams came out of this year’s draft smelling like roses, while others appeared as if they didn’t have a clue. Here’s the skinny on the biggest winners and losers of this draft.
Winners
Portland Trailblazers
I was listening to loudmouth jackass, Steven A. Smith repeatedly rip the Portland Trailblazers on draft night (trying, as usual, to draw attention to himself) when the thought occurred to me that the Blazers may have ended up with the draft’s two best players in SG Brandon Roy and frontcourt player, LaMarcus Aldridge. Yes, I know Portland went about it in a round about way – and one that may not have been necessary – but the point is, the Blazers got the job done. Now, I, as much as any columnist in the country, have ripped the Blazers throughout the last several years for many of their foolish transactions, however, I have to give credit where credit is due. I don’t care what anyone says, this draft has to be considered a success – especially since Roy in particular is ready to step in and play right away.
New Jersey Nets
I think the Nets had as good a draft as any team in the league. Not only did they end up with their point guard of the future – and the best one in the draft – in Marcus Williams, but I thought their selection of Williams’ teammate Aaron Boone with the second selection one pick later. Two UConn Huskies – even rookies – on next season’s roster could mean a few more wins and a better playoff seeding for the Nets who desperately filled some glaring needs with both picks.
Memphis Grizzlies
Let me get this straight. Jerry West gives up Shane Battier to the Houston Rockets for the rights to rookie, Rudy Gay, who may or may not be a become a legitimate superstar at some point in his career.
Not only did West sucker the Rockets in that deal, but then he acquired my Philly “homeboy,” Kyle Lowry, towards the end of the first round – and I’m going on record right now to say that some teams will be sorry they passed up on Lowry, the scrappy water bug-quick point guard out of Villanova.
Charlotte Bobcats
I’m not going to get gaga over the Bobcats draft except to say they made they absolute correct selection with their pick (number three overall) by taking Morrison, who will come into the league averaging double figures in scoring – an area the Bobcats definitely needed help in. Thank goodness Jordan didn’t mess this pick up or the Bobcats could have been paying for it for years. Just ask the Washington Wizards – they know all about bad draft picks made by Jordan.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers certainly benefited from Marcus Williams’ freefall. L.A. ended up getting Jordan Farmar, who is already a better point guard that Smush Parker ever will be – and could conceivably be the starter much sooner than anyone thinks.
NO/Oklahoma City Hornets
The Hornets needed some competent big men to go along with their Rookie of the Year point guard, Chris Paul. By drafting Bradley center Patrick O’Bryant with the 12th pick and power forward, Cedric Simmons a coupleof picks later, now they have two with huge upsides. Whether either of these guys pans out is open for debate, but the Hornets had a plan and worked it to perfection.
Losers
New York Knicks
The Knicks – and more specifically, Isiah Thomas – jacked this draft up like you wouldn’t believe. First they take a second round guy with their first pick, even though Marcus Williams was still on the board and then they come back and take a point guard, Mardy Collins, later on. Huh?
New York would have been much better off trying to bring Renaldo Blackman out of retirement that drafting Renaldo Balkman with their first-round selection. This franchise is a total mess right now that is being driven even further into the ground with more and more inept, perplexing transactions. I guarantee that Knicks fans will be screaming for a return of Larry Brown by mid-season.
Boston Celtics
I’m sorry I have to rip my favorite team, but I get paid to call it like I see it and I think Danny Ainge passing up on Randy Foye, basically for Sebastian Telfair, was a mistake of epic proportions. Foye is a superb athlete who can play both guard positions while Telfair has an impressive high school resume and nothing else. Duh, Danny?
Indiana Pacers
I’ve also got to rip my favorite player of all-time, Larry Bird. The Pacers need a point guard in the worst way so what does Larry Legend do? Pass on the best one in the draft (Marcus Williams) to take a small forward when they’ve already got a young one who appears as if he could be a star someday (Danny Granger). Oh, did I mention that Indiana took another wing player in the second round too?
