<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Anybody else feeling a draft? On the same day the NFL began its annual roundup of college talent, the NBA set Saturday as its deadline for underclassmen to make themselves available for that league's 2006 draft. The NBA doesn't instantaneously make that list available; it might be mid-week before the names are released. But based on those who've already said they're turning pro, nearly everyone who'd be a factor for the Charlotte Bobcats' top-six pick will be available. The lone exception seems to be Florida's Joakim Noah, who indicated he'd stay in school. The Bobcats have acknowledged their biggest need is a wing scorer. That's an area of strength in this draft, with Gonzaga's Adam Morrison, Connecticut's Rudy Gay and Washington's Brandon Roy. However, coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff has said it's not an automatic they would fill that need with this lottery pick. Bickerstaff says he wouldn't pass up a better player at another position just to fill a need, in part because he's not sure rookies these days are ready to immediately fill such a role. With all that in mind, here's a capsule look at the players who figure to fill the top of the draft: Likelies (figure to go in the top six) TYRUS THOMAS, LSU He's a power forward who is very quick off his feet, the kind of player who teases you constantly with his athleticism. But he's got to develop more all-around skills. Drafting him would leave the Bobcats with a flood of power forwards (Emeka Okafor, Sean May, and -- if he re-signs here -- Melvin Ely). But Bickerstaff says he's not afraid to load up on redundant talent because it can always be traded later. LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE, TEXAS He has sufficient size to be a legitimate NBA center, particularly in these days when not every team has a true 7-footer. In body type, he's similar to Marcus Camby or Channing Frye. He needs to develop physically because he's not particularly strong in the upper or lower body. He has the potential to be an NBA shot blocker, which is a skill the Bobcats need. ADAM MORRISON, GONZAGA Offensively, he's the most skilled player in the draft because he's worked so hard at it. He shoots with range, he can beat you off the dribble and he can post up some against players of comparable size. The tradeoff is drafting someone who is not a particularly good athlete, who won't play much above the rim or excel defensively. ANDREA BARGNANI, ITALIAN PRO He has the size to play inside as a power forward, but like most European pros, he's more comfortable facing the basket. He drives well off the dribble and shoots with range. The comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki are an unfair standard, but in skill set, you can see why those comparisons are made. RUDY GAY, CONNECTICUT He's similar to Thomas in size and athletic ability. The difference is he approaches the game more like a small forward than a power forward. It's his athletic ability -- getting to the rim with quickness and explosion -- that turns your head. He's an OK jump shooter, and his footwork needs improvement. The overarching question is his persona; does he want to dominate, because he often disappeared among the talent he played with at Connecticut. Maybes (could go top-six) MARCUS WILLIAMS, CONNECTICUT He's probably the only pure point guard who is a viable top-10 pick in this draft. That adds to his value, but it reduces the chance of the Bobcats taking him. With Raymond Felton and Brevin Knight, this team doesn't need another point guard. He's a pass-first playmaker, a la Mark Jackson. He needs to get in better condition, and it would help if he'd improve his jump shot. BRANDON ROY, WASHINGTON He's perhaps the most polished among the first 10 picks. He does everything more than adequately. He has size, strength and 3-point range, and he plays defense. Remember when so many teams passed up similar versatility from Wake Forest's Josh Howard? That was a big mistake for everyone ahead of Dallas. RANDY FOYE, VILLANOVA He'll likely end up a combo guard, capable of playing both point and shooting guard without being great at either job. He might remind you of Chicago's Ben Gordon that way. RODNEY CARNEY, MEMPHIS He's athletic as anyone in this draft, as far as the ability to run and jump. But he has to learn all those skills that make Morrison attractive because his offensive game isn't very sophisticated.</div> Source
