Buddwalks 2006 NBA Draft Player Rankings
heres my 2006 write up of the drafts best players...top 5 in each category. Hope you guys enjoy and be sure to critique where I got each player and maybe even create your own lists. Dont be too harsh though
PG
1. Marcus Williams PG UCONN - The guy is hands down the best pg in the country...easily could be a top 5 pick but with that little fiasco he had with the computers back in december i'd doubt it. Still playing a little more then half a season he compiled 12.3 ppg 3.9 rpg 8.6 apg and a league best assist/turnover ratio of 2.33.
2. Randy Foye PG Villanova - As far as being a pure pg which foye isnt he shouldnt be that high on this list. But his scoring ability and his none stop defense are going to put him right here on my list. Hes labeled a pg at only 6''3 205 lbs, Should be a consistant scorer in the nba with his 20.5 ppg 5.8 rpg 3 apg. You have to remember at villanova the kid didnt play the point that was lowrys job but he worked in a system and made everything work.
3. Dee Brown PG Illinois - Based on stock he may not be drafted until the second round but he is the second best pure pg in the country behind marcus williams. He also can shoot pretty good too, he had a shot to be drafted last year but declined to enter when he broke his ankle. Hes also lightning quick which helps him out alot, 14.2 ppg 3.1 rpg 5.8 apg with a great assist/turnover ratio of 2.03 running the point this year for illinois. One of my favorite players in this draft i'd say he gets drafted in the late 1st/early 2nd round.
4. Jordan Farmar PG UCLA - Great year this year taking his team to the national championship game against florida, so his stock is definitely on the rise but in the end hes going to regret not going back for atleast one more year. Hes got skills and has proved he can play the point but he needs to learn how to keep control of the ball better. Also when playing superior pgs he gets lost on the court at times. 13.5 ppg 2.6 rpg 5.1 apg with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.40. I'd say hes a top 20 pick probobly but who really knows with trades and all.
5. Kyle Lowry PG Villanova - Guy played lights out this year, hes one of those players who just plays with so much emotion and full force energy that its a pleasure to watch him play. He may need to add some muscle to help his straight forward game in the nba. 11 ppg 4.3 rpg 3.7 apg with a 1.74 assist/turnover ratio. Needs to learn to keep better control of the ball just like farmar. Also plays very solid defense I'd say hes a lock for the first round but also like farmar will regret not going back to college for one more year.
SG
1. Brandon Roy SG Washington - Best overall player this draft has to offer, Guy can do everything plays solid defense, passes well, dribbles well, shoots well...Biggest concern on him is his weight 195 lbs. for a guy thats 6''6 isnt really too big. He adds a solid 15 lbs. then i'd say he'd be good to go right now. 20.2 ppg 4.1 apg 5.6 rpg are just great stats. IMO Hes the most ready to play player this draft has to offer as well.
2. JJ Reddick SG Duke - One of the best shooters college basketball has ever seen. At 6''4 he doesnt really have great size for a 2 guard but thats what he'll be playing in the nba. Smart player who just knows how to score averaging 26.2 ppg 2.0 rpg 2.6 apg. I'd say his weaknesses are playing solid defense for a whole game and the fact that he only weighs 180 lbs. Hes best suited as a player that can come off the bench and hit the
3s...maybe even 15 ppg off the bench type player. Extremely good Free Throw shooter too, will be picked mid to late lottery.
3. Mardy Collins SG Temple - Another one of my favorite players in the draft got a chance to see him play when they played duke this year and he shut down reddick. One of the best defenders in the nba not to mention he ran the point at times at temple as well as running the 2. At 6''6 210 lbs. hes got great size maybe could add about 10 lbs. of muscle to help himself when switching against bigger players. 16.8 ppg 4 apg 4.7 rpg.
Hes a late lottery pick to me.
4. Ronnie Brewer SG Arkansas - 6''7 220 lbs, the kid will be drafted based on his athleticism and his size alone. Not to mention he can also run the point. Very Intriguing player brewer is averaging 18.4 ppg 3.3 apg 4.8 rpg this past season. Extremely long arms too, I say hes picked top 20.
5. Maurice Ager SG Michigan State - Another kid that justs knows how to score...averaging 19.3 ppg 4.1 rpg 2.5 apg. 6''4 205 lbs. not great size but he makes up for the lack of heighth with long arms and great athleticism. Not a Great passer though, needs to work on that. Also plays pretty good defense. Should be picked in the 1st round where I cant tell you though.
SF
1. Adam Morrison SF Gonzaga - Heart of a lion...The kid just knows how to score...may look goofy dribbling down the court, or his shot may look horrible. But it just goes in the basket proved by his 28.1 ppg 5.5 rpg 1.8 apg. Needs to work on his passing in the nba if he wants to live up to the claims of his larry bird comparison...eventually could be known as a poor mans larry bird. He needs to add weight, only real knack on the kid is his goofy style and that hes slow. Top 5 lock in this draft...hope charlotte gets him
2. Rudy Gay SF UCONN - Most potential in this draft, and most athletic player in this draft. Needs to realize his potential then he'll just explode. Amazing Dunker, a human highlight reel at times. Actually a very good passer and shooter too. Just gets lazy on the court like josh boone. Disappears at times, doesnt want to play defense. Better competition in the nba could awaken his spirit though and make him play harder...if he played hard the whole time on the court this year he could of easily been the #1 overall pick. Despite being lazy on the court he had amazing numbers still 15.2 ppg 2.1 apg 6.4 rpg 1.8 spg 1.6 bpg. Right now hes a top 7 lock.
3. Rodney Carney SF Memphis - One of the best players in the country averaging 17.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg 1.3 apg. Just very impressive on the court, does all the little things that go unnoticed. Also a great dunker, a human highlight reel as well. Only knack on him is he needs to add strength, easily a top 10 lock in this draft.
4. Shawne Williams SF Memphis - One of the top freshmens in the country this year should of stayed at school though imo. Reminds me alot of marvin williams. Very Athletic though has the ability to play the 1-4 positions in the nba. Pretty good freshmen campaigne averaging 13.2 ppg 1.9 apg 6.2 rpg. First round pick still, but could of been much higher in 2007.
5. Leon Powe SF/PF California - Very Talented Offensive player...averaging 20.5 ppg 1.4 apg 10.1 rpg. Athletically the guy is very very impressive, also very ripped. 6''7 245 lbs. the guy is huge and he has the ability to play the 2,3, and 4 in the nba. I think depending on how he works out with teams he could be a high riser in this draft. Biggest thing about him is hes had 2 knee surguries. Not a very good passer which would hurt him playing SF in the nba, but the athleticism can carry him a long way. I'd say a first round pick right now.
PF
1. Tyrus Thomas SF/PF LSU - Highest Riser in this draft, Just Like Marvin Williams last year is going to be a top 3 pick in this draft. Very Athletic player with long arms, needs to add muscle though to play PF in the nba. May move down to SF in the nba with his lack of weight. Great freshmen season averaging 12.3 ppg and 9.2 rpg, also a shot blocking monster averaging 3.1 blocks per game. Had a FG Percentage on 60% this season which
is amazing for a rookie. Was also a human highlight reel, just simply amazing at dunking. Is a top 3 lock in this draft.
2. Andrea Bargnani PF Italy - Best European player to come out in a while. Reminds alot of people of Dirk Nowtitzski which is amazing. 7 foot 240 lbs, has alot to learn in terms of basketball in the nba. I havnt gotten the chance to watch him play, but I've heard hes got very soft hands a nice shooting stroke for a big man. Also plays sound defense too I've heard. I'd say hes a top 5 lock as well right now.
3. Shelden Williams PF Duke - Doesnt have great size at 6''9 250 lbs. but hes another shot blocking machine averaging 3.8 blocks per game. Also had a very good season this year averaging 18.8 ppg 10.7 rpg. Not very athletic and not a good ball handler but hes got alot of heart and plays great defense. Will be a top 20 pick in this draft.
4. Josh Boone PF UCONN - Simply on this list based on potential not by his play. One of the laziest players in the country that like rudy gay gets away with it because hes on such a talented team such as UCONN. When he actually plays to his abilities there were very few that could get by his hardnosed athletic defense this year. Still being lazy he had time to average 10.3 ppg and 7 rpg. Extremely long arms for a PF, 6''10 240 lbs. so hes got great size as well. If he can finally realize his potential he could be a steal in the late first round. Will still be drafted in the first round based on potential, hit or miss type player.
5. Cedric Simmons PF NC State - I dont know alot about him except hes been rising up draft boards everywhere. Great size at 6''11 240 lbs. Very Good Shot Blocker as well i've heard. He has the size to play the 4 and 5 in the nba, which could intrigue some teams to pull the trigger a bit early. I cant tell you alot about him personally only what you read...Great Defensively, a force inside...attacks the basket. Will be a 1st round pick.
C
1. LaMarcus Aldridge C Texas - Really a PF but alot of nba teams are intrigued by his size and the way he moves for a big man. Hes definitely tough enough to move over to center in the nba too, Had a great sophomore campaigne getting 15 ppg 9.2 rpg, those numbers easily could of been alot higher if not for playing in a flourishing texas unit. Hes going to have to add some muscle to make this transition to center effectively. Top 5 lock imo.
2. Patrick O'Bryant C Bradley - The guy will be picked in the lottery based alone on what he did in march madness. Still had a pretty solid year this season averaging 13.4 ppg 8.3 rpg. Hes actually very quick for a big man at 7 foot 250 lbs. Kids also a great shot blocker with extremely long arms. Needs to get stronger, at times this year he was pushed around by bigger centers.
3. Aaron Gray C Pittsburgh - Pound for Pound the biggest center this draft has to offer at 7 foot 270 lbs...he might even be heavier then that too. Had a great junior season averaging 13.9 ppg 10.5 rpg. Great rebounder, definitely his best attribute. Doesnt really move well for a 7 footer, so hes definitely going to have to work on that and his FG% has been far too low for a center. Should be a first round pick though.
4. Hilton Armstrong C UCONN - Stats lie the guy was simply amazing this year, 9.7 ppg 6.6 rpg...but the big thing was his 3.1 blocks per game. The guy is a blocking machine only 6''11 which may scare some teams off with him playing center at the next level but his arms are extroardinarilly long. One of my favorite players in this draft as well, it was a pleasure to watch him at uconn this past season. I'd say hes a top 20 pick.
5. Paul Davis C Michigan State - Probobly going to slip out of the 1st round but hes a guy that just knows how to score for a big man 6''11 260 lbs. Averaging 17.5 ppg 9.1 rpg. Those numbers are just great, Has shown improvement in every year in college. Hes probobly the safest bet of all the centers in this draft, the kid just knows the game of basketball. Could eventually sneak in to the first but right now I say hes a high 2nd round pick.
My top 5 round that were not mentioned
1. Gerry McNamara PG Syracuse
2. Allen Ray PG/SG Villanova
3. Quincy Douby PG Rutgers
4. Kevin Pittsnogle PF/C WVU
5. Mike Gansey SG WVU
heres my 2006 write up of the drafts best players...top 5 in each category. Hope you guys enjoy and be sure to critique where I got each player and maybe even create your own lists. Dont be too harsh though
PG
1. Marcus Williams PG UCONN - The guy is hands down the best pg in the country...easily could be a top 5 pick but with that little fiasco he had with the computers back in december i'd doubt it. Still playing a little more then half a season he compiled 12.3 ppg 3.9 rpg 8.6 apg and a league best assist/turnover ratio of 2.33.
2. Randy Foye PG Villanova - As far as being a pure pg which foye isnt he shouldnt be that high on this list. But his scoring ability and his none stop defense are going to put him right here on my list. Hes labeled a pg at only 6''3 205 lbs, Should be a consistant scorer in the nba with his 20.5 ppg 5.8 rpg 3 apg. You have to remember at villanova the kid didnt play the point that was lowrys job but he worked in a system and made everything work.
3. Dee Brown PG Illinois - Based on stock he may not be drafted until the second round but he is the second best pure pg in the country behind marcus williams. He also can shoot pretty good too, he had a shot to be drafted last year but declined to enter when he broke his ankle. Hes also lightning quick which helps him out alot, 14.2 ppg 3.1 rpg 5.8 apg with a great assist/turnover ratio of 2.03 running the point this year for illinois. One of my favorite players in this draft i'd say he gets drafted in the late 1st/early 2nd round.
4. Jordan Farmar PG UCLA - Great year this year taking his team to the national championship game against florida, so his stock is definitely on the rise but in the end hes going to regret not going back for atleast one more year. Hes got skills and has proved he can play the point but he needs to learn how to keep control of the ball better. Also when playing superior pgs he gets lost on the court at times. 13.5 ppg 2.6 rpg 5.1 apg with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.40. I'd say hes a top 20 pick probobly but who really knows with trades and all.
5. Kyle Lowry PG Villanova - Guy played lights out this year, hes one of those players who just plays with so much emotion and full force energy that its a pleasure to watch him play. He may need to add some muscle to help his straight forward game in the nba. 11 ppg 4.3 rpg 3.7 apg with a 1.74 assist/turnover ratio. Needs to learn to keep better control of the ball just like farmar. Also plays very solid defense I'd say hes a lock for the first round but also like farmar will regret not going back to college for one more year.
SG
1. Brandon Roy SG Washington - Best overall player this draft has to offer, Guy can do everything plays solid defense, passes well, dribbles well, shoots well...Biggest concern on him is his weight 195 lbs. for a guy thats 6''6 isnt really too big. He adds a solid 15 lbs. then i'd say he'd be good to go right now. 20.2 ppg 4.1 apg 5.6 rpg are just great stats. IMO Hes the most ready to play player this draft has to offer as well.
2. JJ Reddick SG Duke - One of the best shooters college basketball has ever seen. At 6''4 he doesnt really have great size for a 2 guard but thats what he'll be playing in the nba. Smart player who just knows how to score averaging 26.2 ppg 2.0 rpg 2.6 apg. I'd say his weaknesses are playing solid defense for a whole game and the fact that he only weighs 180 lbs. Hes best suited as a player that can come off the bench and hit the
3s...maybe even 15 ppg off the bench type player. Extremely good Free Throw shooter too, will be picked mid to late lottery.
3. Mardy Collins SG Temple - Another one of my favorite players in the draft got a chance to see him play when they played duke this year and he shut down reddick. One of the best defenders in the nba not to mention he ran the point at times at temple as well as running the 2. At 6''6 210 lbs. hes got great size maybe could add about 10 lbs. of muscle to help himself when switching against bigger players. 16.8 ppg 4 apg 4.7 rpg.
Hes a late lottery pick to me.
4. Ronnie Brewer SG Arkansas - 6''7 220 lbs, the kid will be drafted based on his athleticism and his size alone. Not to mention he can also run the point. Very Intriguing player brewer is averaging 18.4 ppg 3.3 apg 4.8 rpg this past season. Extremely long arms too, I say hes picked top 20.
5. Maurice Ager SG Michigan State - Another kid that justs knows how to score...averaging 19.3 ppg 4.1 rpg 2.5 apg. 6''4 205 lbs. not great size but he makes up for the lack of heighth with long arms and great athleticism. Not a Great passer though, needs to work on that. Also plays pretty good defense. Should be picked in the 1st round where I cant tell you though.
SF
1. Adam Morrison SF Gonzaga - Heart of a lion...The kid just knows how to score...may look goofy dribbling down the court, or his shot may look horrible. But it just goes in the basket proved by his 28.1 ppg 5.5 rpg 1.8 apg. Needs to work on his passing in the nba if he wants to live up to the claims of his larry bird comparison...eventually could be known as a poor mans larry bird. He needs to add weight, only real knack on the kid is his goofy style and that hes slow. Top 5 lock in this draft...hope charlotte gets him
2. Rudy Gay SF UCONN - Most potential in this draft, and most athletic player in this draft. Needs to realize his potential then he'll just explode. Amazing Dunker, a human highlight reel at times. Actually a very good passer and shooter too. Just gets lazy on the court like josh boone. Disappears at times, doesnt want to play defense. Better competition in the nba could awaken his spirit though and make him play harder...if he played hard the whole time on the court this year he could of easily been the #1 overall pick. Despite being lazy on the court he had amazing numbers still 15.2 ppg 2.1 apg 6.4 rpg 1.8 spg 1.6 bpg. Right now hes a top 7 lock.
3. Rodney Carney SF Memphis - One of the best players in the country averaging 17.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg 1.3 apg. Just very impressive on the court, does all the little things that go unnoticed. Also a great dunker, a human highlight reel as well. Only knack on him is he needs to add strength, easily a top 10 lock in this draft.
4. Shawne Williams SF Memphis - One of the top freshmens in the country this year should of stayed at school though imo. Reminds me alot of marvin williams. Very Athletic though has the ability to play the 1-4 positions in the nba. Pretty good freshmen campaigne averaging 13.2 ppg 1.9 apg 6.2 rpg. First round pick still, but could of been much higher in 2007.
5. Leon Powe SF/PF California - Very Talented Offensive player...averaging 20.5 ppg 1.4 apg 10.1 rpg. Athletically the guy is very very impressive, also very ripped. 6''7 245 lbs. the guy is huge and he has the ability to play the 2,3, and 4 in the nba. I think depending on how he works out with teams he could be a high riser in this draft. Biggest thing about him is hes had 2 knee surguries. Not a very good passer which would hurt him playing SF in the nba, but the athleticism can carry him a long way. I'd say a first round pick right now.
PF
1. Tyrus Thomas SF/PF LSU - Highest Riser in this draft, Just Like Marvin Williams last year is going to be a top 3 pick in this draft. Very Athletic player with long arms, needs to add muscle though to play PF in the nba. May move down to SF in the nba with his lack of weight. Great freshmen season averaging 12.3 ppg and 9.2 rpg, also a shot blocking monster averaging 3.1 blocks per game. Had a FG Percentage on 60% this season which
is amazing for a rookie. Was also a human highlight reel, just simply amazing at dunking. Is a top 3 lock in this draft.
2. Andrea Bargnani PF Italy - Best European player to come out in a while. Reminds alot of people of Dirk Nowtitzski which is amazing. 7 foot 240 lbs, has alot to learn in terms of basketball in the nba. I havnt gotten the chance to watch him play, but I've heard hes got very soft hands a nice shooting stroke for a big man. Also plays sound defense too I've heard. I'd say hes a top 5 lock as well right now.
3. Shelden Williams PF Duke - Doesnt have great size at 6''9 250 lbs. but hes another shot blocking machine averaging 3.8 blocks per game. Also had a very good season this year averaging 18.8 ppg 10.7 rpg. Not very athletic and not a good ball handler but hes got alot of heart and plays great defense. Will be a top 20 pick in this draft.
4. Josh Boone PF UCONN - Simply on this list based on potential not by his play. One of the laziest players in the country that like rudy gay gets away with it because hes on such a talented team such as UCONN. When he actually plays to his abilities there were very few that could get by his hardnosed athletic defense this year. Still being lazy he had time to average 10.3 ppg and 7 rpg. Extremely long arms for a PF, 6''10 240 lbs. so hes got great size as well. If he can finally realize his potential he could be a steal in the late first round. Will still be drafted in the first round based on potential, hit or miss type player.
5. Cedric Simmons PF NC State - I dont know alot about him except hes been rising up draft boards everywhere. Great size at 6''11 240 lbs. Very Good Shot Blocker as well i've heard. He has the size to play the 4 and 5 in the nba, which could intrigue some teams to pull the trigger a bit early. I cant tell you alot about him personally only what you read...Great Defensively, a force inside...attacks the basket. Will be a 1st round pick.
C
1. LaMarcus Aldridge C Texas - Really a PF but alot of nba teams are intrigued by his size and the way he moves for a big man. Hes definitely tough enough to move over to center in the nba too, Had a great sophomore campaigne getting 15 ppg 9.2 rpg, those numbers easily could of been alot higher if not for playing in a flourishing texas unit. Hes going to have to add some muscle to make this transition to center effectively. Top 5 lock imo.
2. Patrick O'Bryant C Bradley - The guy will be picked in the lottery based alone on what he did in march madness. Still had a pretty solid year this season averaging 13.4 ppg 8.3 rpg. Hes actually very quick for a big man at 7 foot 250 lbs. Kids also a great shot blocker with extremely long arms. Needs to get stronger, at times this year he was pushed around by bigger centers.
3. Aaron Gray C Pittsburgh - Pound for Pound the biggest center this draft has to offer at 7 foot 270 lbs...he might even be heavier then that too. Had a great junior season averaging 13.9 ppg 10.5 rpg. Great rebounder, definitely his best attribute. Doesnt really move well for a 7 footer, so hes definitely going to have to work on that and his FG% has been far too low for a center. Should be a first round pick though.
4. Hilton Armstrong C UCONN - Stats lie the guy was simply amazing this year, 9.7 ppg 6.6 rpg...but the big thing was his 3.1 blocks per game. The guy is a blocking machine only 6''11 which may scare some teams off with him playing center at the next level but his arms are extroardinarilly long. One of my favorite players in this draft as well, it was a pleasure to watch him at uconn this past season. I'd say hes a top 20 pick.
5. Paul Davis C Michigan State - Probobly going to slip out of the 1st round but hes a guy that just knows how to score for a big man 6''11 260 lbs. Averaging 17.5 ppg 9.1 rpg. Those numbers are just great, Has shown improvement in every year in college. Hes probobly the safest bet of all the centers in this draft, the kid just knows the game of basketball. Could eventually sneak in to the first but right now I say hes a high 2nd round pick.
My top 5 round that were not mentioned
1. Gerry McNamara PG Syracuse
2. Allen Ray PG/SG Villanova
3. Quincy Douby PG Rutgers
4. Kevin Pittsnogle PF/C WVU
5. Mike Gansey SG WVU
