<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">John Paxson had glowing remarks Thursday about Tyrus Thomas. But the praise for Thomas doesn't necessarily mean the Bulls' general manager plans to pick the 6-foot-8-inch forward from Louisiana State with the No. 2 pick in Wednesday's NBA draft. Paxson was equally complimentary of LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Adam Morrison, Rudy Gay and Andrea Bargnani when giving reporters an evaluation of this year's draft. Paxson had been mum since potential top-five picks began auditioning for the Bulls 10 days ago. When he finally commented Thursday at the Berto Center, he didn't tip his hand on whom he will select with the Nos. 2 or 16 picks. He said he still hasn't narrowed his choices to a single player at either spot and isn't ruling out a trade. His pronouncements weren't earth-shattering, but his analysis of players was worth noting. A breakdown of his evaluations: Tyrus Thomas: He visited for a second time Tuesday but was limited by a groin injury, Paxson said. Thomas, 19, had cut short his first workout last week because he felt sick, but that will not hurt him. Thomas will not have a true position early in his career?he's somewhere between a small forward and a power forward?but the Bulls rave about his versatility and athleticism. "He's so gifted athletically and he has an improving skill level that I don't think is a bad thing," Paxson said. "It's just the way the game is going. You don't have as much of a traditional, post-up, grind-it-out type of game. It's more movement, more athleticism, more slashing." LaMarcus Aldridge: As with Thomas, the Bulls see tremendous upside in the 6-11 sophomore from Texas, especially once he bulks up. Aldridge's critics say he was too passive at times in college, but Paxson disagrees. "The more I watch LaMarcus, the more I'm convinced he did work hard for position but maybe didn't get as many touches as he could have in that offense," Paxson said. Brandon Roy: The senior shooting guard from Washington is viewed as the most likely to make an immediate contribution on offense and defense, but that's within reason. Paxson said Roy still needs to work on his three-point shooting from NBA range and probably cannot play defense against an opponent's star guard immediately.</div> Source
I don't know about anyone else, but this is a no brainier to me. It’d got to be Aldridge. He is still a young guy, and has a tireless work ethic. There is no doubt in my mind he will bulk up, and become a dominant center/power forward in the future. He has incredible touch around the basket, and from mid range. He can rebound the ball, and his athletic ability would make him a perfect fit for our team. If Tyson Chandler had any type of offensive game he could average at least 12 points a night with the looks out offense gets him I can see Aldridge averaging at least that in his rookie season. I don’t think Paxson is honestly considering Morrison. Another small forward? No way. I can see where we might draft Gay, but even then I think it’s a long shot. For me it’s a three man race Aldridge, Thomas, and Bargnani. You can throw Roy in there if you want, but I see that as more of a smoke screen. Anyway, I think Paxson should get an extension.
I pretty much agree with BKS. I've wanted to draft LaMarcus Aldridge all along and don't really want another Tyson Chandler (Thomas). And I don't know much about Bargnani.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">...but I see that as more of a smoke screen. </div> that sounds really cool, smoke screen. like a pokemon move or something yeah i hope the bulls draft aldridge too or trade their pick and then with the 16th get a big guy. the bulls need to draft big with one of their picks this draft, all the other positions are set.
