BlueDevil

Haha same here. Hes such a gritty defender, and finishes fast breaks. But thats it.

I knew ud pick Yi. I agree 100%

Bargnani. I was so pissed when the raps took him. I wanted LeMarcus. All this hype, everyone says hes gettin better, but I just dont see it. He also cannot rebound at all. Dirk manages to get about 9 a game, where Bargs gets 4 max.

This is the second part of a three part series looking back on the 2006 draft, and its players. This portion of the series will focus on the players who are talented, but are not game changers. They are all solid role players, some being starters, while others are serviceable sixth man options. This part also has some players who were drafted much lower than they should have. The five players mentioned make up the bottom portion of the top 10 players in the draft. Check back for the series finale, A Look Back at the Class of 06: Part Three- The Stars You can find Part One- The Busts, at http://bleacherreport.com/articles/235819-a-look-back-at-the-class-of-06-part-one-the-busts Paul Millsap- Picked 47th Overall: Paul Millsap finally had his breakout season in the 2008-2009 season, and because of that, the Utah Jazz feel they can use him in their bid for an NBA championship. Millsap was taking very late in the draft, even though he was the only player ever to lead the NCAA in rebounding in three straight years. He has maintained his rebounding ways, and has increased his points per game every year he has been in the league. In his first two seasons, he started a total of three games, but last season Forward Carlos Boozer suffered a quadriceps injury and later a severe knee injury, allowing Millsap to start in his place. His numbers soared due to an increase in playing time, and he owned the longest double-double streak in the NBA. As a result, Millsap was a coveted restricted free agent this offseason, but the Jazz were able to retain him. With an upcoming move of Boozer to another team, it looks like Millsap should have another great year, and the Jazz should have a young group of players that could one day lead to a championship. Tyrus Thomas- Picked Fourth Overall: Tyrus Thomas is quite possibly the most athletic Power Forward in the NBA. While slightly undersized at 6’9, Thomas has amazing leaping abilities and long arms to be very effective on both ends of the court. Thomas entered the league after a very impressive rookie season at LSU, and on draft night was traded for center LaMarcus Aldridge, the number two pick. In three NBA seasons, Thomas has earned more playing time each year, and his numbers have grown as a result. He has worked on improving his shot, to the point where he can consistently hit open 18 foot jump shots. His strengths though are getting to the rim and dunking with authority, either off an allyoop or in the fast break. He is also an intimidating shot blocker, averaging nearly two a game last year. What’s holding him back is his mental weaknesses, as he sometimes gets lost in the game. He also must improve his rebounding in order to be successful. His growth should continue with reigning Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose leading the Bulls, and as long as he can stay focused, he has the talent to be a solid starter in this league. Randy Foye- Picked Seventh Overall: Randy Foye may be the most overlooked player in this draft. After a strong Senior year at Villanova, Foye was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and had to fight for minutes on a team full of guards. Foye is known for being a better scorer than distributor, and is considered a “tweener” guard, in that he isn’t quite a point guard or a shooting guard. After a promising rookie season in which he was selected to the All Rookie First Team, Foye had an unimpressive sophomore season marred by injuries. Last season, however, he started 61 of 70 games, and put up career numbers across the board, averaging 16 points per game, albeit on a weak Minnesota team. This season he will be playing for the Washington Wizards, and should be vying for a starting spot along side Arenas, Butler, and Jamison. He should no doubt thrive in this role, and while his points per game may dip, he should become a better player and be allowed to grow. If nothing else he will be a strong shooter for a team that is offensively gifted, and he is the most likely candidate to be left open to knock down shots. Ronnie Brewer- Picked Fourteenth Overall: Brewer has turned out to be a steal for the Utah Jazz at the number 14 spot, and his future has never looked brighter. After a lackluster rookie year, in which he received little playing time, Brewer has assumed the role as the Jazz’s fulltime starter and defensive specialist. Often given the task of guarding the opposing teams’ best player, Brewer has become the perfect fit on Utah’s starting lineup that is full of offensive firepower. His points per game have steadily increased, and he has great athleticism, allowing him to finish at the rim with authority. Brewer is not a great shooter however, but playing for Utah allows him to score mainly inside, especially with center Mehmet Okur’s ability to hit threes as a 7-footer. He is also the player most likely to finish any fast break opportunities started by Deron Williams, who is quite possibly the best guard in the league. Brewer has been able to make the best of his abilities, and is the best position possible with Utah. He has turned into one of the premier defenders in the NBA, and continues to increase his stats across the board. Utah clearly drafted the second best duo of the 2006 draft. Leon Powe- Picked 49th Overall: Leon Powe makes this list mainly because of where he was drafted, and how big a steal he was for the Boston Celtics. Originally taking by the Denver Nuggets, Powe was instantly traded to Boston for a future draft pick. While only starting 14 of his career 189 games, he has shown his ability to be a “spark plug” off the bench and a great contributor. While his career stats won’t blow you away, he has shown that when the lights are the brightest and the game is on the line, he is unfazed by the pressure and always delivers. This ability to be a solid role player is not lost on the rest of the league, as the Cleveland Cavaliers recently signed him to a free agent deal to fill the same role he had with the Celtics. If he can return to health and be as effective as he was during the Celtics run to the championship, Powe will remain one of the best steals of the 2006 draft. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/236627-a-look-back-at-the-class-of-06-part-two-the-middle-men

Im torn between Gordon, Love, and Randolph. Gordon would fit the system perfectly, and would be a great scorer on this team. Love would be a nice change of pace for this team, and bring rebounding and passing, and being paired with David Lee would give them a decent frontcourt. And Randolph just has so much upside, and would also be a great D'Antonni player that can play multiple positions. In the end I take Love, he brings a different look that would be opposite of all the other Knicks, and that can only be a positive.

Rusty Kuntz and Dick Trickle for me

Ya I believe that Hilton is the one most likely to lose the bust label because he will get the most playing time, and he knows his role on the team. Plus, hes not as well known as someone like Morrison, who will be cursed throughout his career.

I think Charlotte was the best destination for him, and he will hopefully get them into the playoffs for the first time in their history

It depends on the length of the contract. I think it would be smart for Charlotte to sign him for a 1 year contract to see if they can sneak into the playoffs. Same with Huston, if they signed him for 1 year they could still manage to compete this year.

And IF LeBron goes in, he will win because the NBA is so in love with him, they couldnt allow anyone else to beat him.

Rudy Gay Nate Robinson JR Smith LeBron James Dwight Howard Vince Carter

ya really seems like a waste. IDK both will just sit on the bench anyway, why not Banks for 2 yrs instead of Carroll for 4

Really I think this would be a good option, maybe a 2 yr deal with a team option though. Just to see what happens. As was stated earlier, one bad stint with Detroit does not mean his career is over. He still has the tools to be an elite guard. I say go for it.

hmm ya theres few teams that will want Banks. This wont be like Devean George for Belinelli, the Raps will probably be worse off if a deal goes down.

Considering Beasley was considered one of the top two players in this draft, falling to 5 seems reasonable. The Grizz need defense from their front court, and Love doesnt really provide great defence. Also, with Rudys ability to play either SF or SG, I think taking Beasley solidifies your front court here along with Gasol. To me its between Beasley and Gordon, but with how much more playing time hed get with the Grizz, he would probably put up more points, but his defense would still need to improve

The 2006 draft had a bunch of potential, but not too many “all-star” caliber players. Of the sixty players drafted that year, only one has made it to an all-star game. The draft created much speculation as to who would be the number one pick, and if the Raptors could go back in time, they would no doubt choose differently. This will be a three part outlook on the best, the worst, and the middle men of the 2006 NBA draft. Check back for parts two and three. The Busts: Adam Morrison- Picked Third Overall: What a waste of a pick. Charlotte used the third pick in the draft to take a college star. He began his career as a starter, but lost his spot due to terrible defense. He lost the 2007 season because of a torn ACL, and subsequently vanished. Upon his return to the Bobcats, he had lost his nerve, and Coach Larry Brown cut his minutes. He was later traded to the Lakers. This will always be the case with Morrison; a great college player and a terrible NBA guard. Now that he’s with the Lakers, it is almost certain the only place we will see Morrison is at the end of the bench. Shelden Williams- Picked Fifth Overall: “The Landlord” falls under the same category as Morrison. Williams had a great college career, becoming the 3rd player in ACC history to have 1500 points, 1000 rebounds, and 350 blocks. Picked 5th by the Atlanta Hawks, Williams also began his career as a starter, but soon found himself unable to play center in this league. He is in the same mould as Ben Wallace, but nowhere near as athletic. The only value he gave to the Hawks was being in the trade that brought Mike Bibby to town. He is currently with the Boston Celtics, acting as insurance in case Garnett, Rasheed, and Big Baby all go down with injuries. At least he is married to Candice Parker, the most dominant player in the WNBA. Patrick O’Bryant- Picked Ninth Overall: Patrick O’Bryant has made the most of his impressive frame. As the 9th pick in the NBA draft, Golden State felt that they could use his frame to add defense to their fast break style of play. He was considered a pick that needed work, and three years later very little has changed. Still known as a shot blocker, his offense is truly horrid. He is unable to dominate even at the D-League level, but may always find a role on a team hoping for a big who can grab the occasional rebound and block. He is currently playing for the Raptors, mainly as a practice body. Mouhamed Sene- Picked Tenth Overall: The definition of a player based on potential and not talent. Sene was taken 10th overall by the Seattle Supersonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) with hopes he could develop into a legitimate starting center in the league. Known for his shot blocking abilities, Sene has been unable to get any playing time to show it off. In his three years, he has only played in 47 career games, starting in three. He was unable to even start in the D-league, starting 5 of 28 games, although he did manage to be an All-NBA Developmental team honorable mention. He now plays for the Knicks, one of the worst teams in the league, and a place he will continue to sit on the bench. Hilton Armstrong- Picked Twelfth Overall: This was a pick based on a player coming out of a strong school, along with a handful of his teammates. While teammate Rudy Gay has shown he has the ability to play in the NBA, Armstrong has proven very little. He averages less than 13 minutes a game, and in 191 career games he has started only 29. Armstrong was drafted due to his athleticism and shot blocking ability, yet he averages only half a block a game. His athleticism should flourish alongside Chris Paul, and that has yet to happen. For a center to average 2.7 rebounds a game is inexcusable. He has become a serviceable backup in New Orleans, but he is not expected to be a starter for any NBA team. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/235819-a-look-back-at-the-class-of-06-part-one-the-busts

agreed with RD, hedo hasnt played yet, so doesnt count. And Rose i dont think would be 4th, id put Mo Pete there. As for the topic, VC wins, end of discussion. He put the Raps on the map

OMG thats hillarious, thats my boy! universe will love this

LMAO quite possibly my favourite episode

I like sonny weems, and Amir is still young, so I think this will work out. And Amir will take over for Pops i assume.

so they would be sending the rights for delfino and ukic in return for Amir and someone? that would be a good trade in my mind.

http://i27.tinypic.com/28sqxj9.jpg

same here

on the writers drop down menu, you cannot see all the writers, only the first 2 or 3. the rest get hidden on the OTR banner. Unless its just my comp

He has the opportunity to play basketball for a living. He needs to get over it. People get traded. Its the nature of the game. Just suck it up and prove to the Magic that they should have kept you.