FreshPrinceOfTheBlog.com

There is really no reason for me to predict 30 picks so we will stick with the lottery, here’s what I’m thinking….

[note: assuming no trades are made]

1. Portland Trail Blazers- Greg Oden (Center/Ohio State)
I think this is self-explanatory.

2. Seattle SuperSonics- Kevin Durant (Forward/Texas)
Repeat of what was said above for Oden.

3. Atlanta Hawks- Al Horford (F-C/Florida)
Supposedly the Hawks are just awed by him and are really set on bringing him on to the team, that team is going to be ages 20-26 for the next 20 seasons. I really think the Hawks should go with Conley and fix their point guard issues, but they’re going to draft another big man, the 11th pick will be for the PG, I’m sure.

4. Memphis Grizzlies- Mike Conley (PG/Ohio State)
Memphis hopefully can keep Gasol, keep him happy and have him healthy next year. They need a PG. Stoudamire is aging and missed so much time the past two seasons, and just isn’t the same and they’re not big on Atkins. Conley is a great fit for this team who I think if healthy will make a great push for the playoffs again.

5. Boston Celtics- Spencer Hawes (C/Washington)
This pick could be a risk, but what is for sure at this pick? Boston needs a big man-Delonte West is talented, Paul Pierce is a star, Al Jefferson is going to be one and Hawes would a great addition. The dude is a good passer, but he’s not a great rebounder, luckily Pierece and Jefferson are. He gives them heigth and length in their frontcourt and a solid option in the middle.

6. Milwaukee Bucks- Jeff Green (F/Georgetown)
Assuming Mo Williams comes back, Michael Redd is healthy–Milwuakee could be the surprise team in the East. Bogut is solid, Villanueva hopefully will be healthy, along with Bobby Simmons–Jeff Green is a SF/PF that can come in and fill something they need–a guy to contribute now, a guy who is versatile and could probably start at the 3 spot if Ruben and Simmons don’t, or even bring them off the bench.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jianlian Yi (PF/China)
If Garnett’s gone, you need a new PF. The guy is also 7 feet, and is a perimiter big man, but is definitely not going to be the next Menk Bateer or Wang Zhi Zhi, so don’t worry Minny, fill the new void, bring in a guy who can generate interest and fan fare with the fans.

8. Charlotte Bobcats- Corey Brewer (SF/Florida)
Brings some defense, but most importantly you have him in case Gerald Wallace bounces out of town. If Gerald stays plug in Gerald at the two spot and bring Brewer into this young, but talented group.

9. Chicago Bulls- Brandan Wright (PF/North Carolina)
Yes, I know it’s a long shot he will fall this low, but I am riding my predictions out. The Bulls can’t believe it, and fill an important void and place this guy down this with Wallace.

10. Sacramento Kings- Joakim Noah (F-C/Florida)
Brad Miller made Team USA and then decided to stop playing basketball, cause I don’t think he existed last season. Whether you put Noah at Center or not, the Kings need a younger guy to step up at PF. Kenny Thomas and Rahim are good players, but they’re starting to lose steps–and those guys aren’t going to take you to the promise land at this point in their careers-as starters at least.

11. Atlanta Hawks- Acie Law (PG/Texas A&M)
The Hawks need a PG. Problem solved. 4 years of college too.

12. Philadelphia 76ers- Al Thornton (F/Florida State)
The new look 76ers need a SF–or a PF. This guy wants to score too, and they need that, Andre Igy can’t do it all alone.

13. New Orleans Hornets- Nick Young (G-F/FUSC)
How bad do the Hornets need a SG/SF? Well let’s just say Peja Stojakovic was a waste of money. Take this guy, get 60 more games played out of him and pay him 10 million less per season.

14. Los Angeles Clippers- Rodney Stuckey (G/E. Washington)
Shaun Livingston is still young, but he can’t stay healthy. He also hasn’t shown much promise yet. Cassell should still be the starter, but this is a great insurance policy for Livingston and maybe a better direction to move in.