Will Andrea Bargnani be the next big NBA star or the next big bust? The Sports Zone checks out some of the top picks from the 2006 NBA Draft.
2006 NBA Draft - Andrea Bargnani
Will Andrea Bargnani turn out to be the next Dirk Nowitzki or the next Darco Milicic? The next tall European NBA superstar or a piece of over-hyped Eurotrash that ends up on the basketball scrap heap? The Toronto Raptors selected Bargnani first overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, making him the first European player to be selected with the top pick. The seven-foot Italian giant is a strong outside shooter and an athletic shot blocker, who is known as Il Mago - the magician - in Italy. The Raptors are hoping Bargnani brings some hoops magic to Toronto and doesn't become just another disappearing act.
2006 NBA Draft - LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Alridge of the University of Texas is a big guy who should turn out to be a reliable power forward in the NBA. He's a strong rebounder and quick defender who impressed scouts by helping Texas get to the Elite Eight in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. Alridge should be a starter next season with the Portland Trailblazers.
2006 NBA Draft - Adam Morrison
The Charlotte Bobcats picked forward Adam Morrison of Gonzaga University with the third overall pick. Morrison is a scoring machine with a good work ethic and a great outside jumpshot. Unfortunately, he's also known for infamously rolling on the floor in the fetal position and crying his eyes out after his Gonzaga Bulldogs lost to UCLA during March Madness. It's good for a player to show some emotion but that sort of crybaby behavior won't really fly in the NBA. Can you imagine Shaq or Michael Jordan going fetal after a tough loss? Not a chance. If Morrison loses the tears (and his nasty attempt at a mustache), he could be a huge star.
2006 NBA Draft - Tyrus Thomas
Besides having one of the coolest names in basketball, Tyrus Thomas is also one of the most athletically gifted players picked in the '06 draft. The LSU power forward is a strong rebounder and scores most of his points off big time dunks and fast-break layups. However, Thomas doesn't have much of an outside shot and will need to work a lot on his game if he's to become a true NBA star for the Chicago Bulls.
2006 NBA Draft - Sheldon Williams
Sheldon Williams of Duke was picked fifth overall by the Atlanta Hawks. The six-foot, nine-inch power forward had an outstanding college career and became Duke's all-time leader in rebounds and blocked shots. Williams is a great defensive player - but his offensive game could use a bit more polish. He may have difficulty going from a team with a strong winning tradition (Duke) to a long time loser like the Atlanta Hawks.
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