The Tribune’s Sam Smith delivers his final mock NBA draft before the real thing Wednesday (6 p.m., ESPN). Will the Bulls use their two first-round picks? Or will they trade out of either spot for a package deal?
1. Toronto
Andrea Bargnani, 6-10, 225, Italy
I still find it hard to believe, though it’s said to affect whether the Bulls make a deal with the Warriors because they like Bargnani.
2. BULLS
Tyrus Thomas, 6-8, 217, LSU
Rumors heat up over a swap for Troy Murphy and the No. 9 pick. Best guess: It’s Thomas, though LaMarcus Aldridge appeals as well.
3. Charlotte
Adam Morrison, 6-7, 198, Gonzaga
Maybe not a Jordan kind of athlete, but certainly a Jordanesque competitor. And probably the biggest attraction in the draft.
4. Portland
LaMarcus Aldridge, 6-11, 234, Texas
They probably will lose Joel Przybilla to free agency, perhaps to the Bulls.
5. Atlanta
Shelden Williams, 6-8, 258, Duke
The surprise of the draft would be if the Hawks don’t take him. Solid guy to surround kids with.
6. Minnesota
Brandon Roy, 6-6, 207, Washington
Timberwolves need about everything, but losing Rashad McCants to injury makes this a natural.
7. Boston
Rudy Gay, 6-8, 222, Connecticut
Best guy to slip through. Attitude questions, but he and Thomas are regarded as the two with the best chance to break through ceilings in this draft.
8. Houston
Ronnie Brewer, 6-6, 223, Arkansas
Good defender who could ease the load on Tracy McGrady.
9. Golden State
Cedric Simmons, 6-9, 223, North Carolina State
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Talk has been of them trying to move up for Bargnani and follow Suns’ model, though you figure they need size.
10. Seattle
Patrick O’Bryant, 7-0, 249, Bradley
Looking also to trade down or out, but will go big if they can’t.
11. Orlando
JJ Redick, 6-4, 190, Duke
His disc problem is said to not be a major issue. Scottie Pippen had one as a rookie. Looking for shooting.
12. New Orleans
Hilton Armstrong, 6-10, 240, Connecticut
P.J. Brown is going into his final season, and Hornets are desperate for size.
13. Philadelphia
Randy Foye, 6-3, 212, Villanova
Local kid and combo guard to start anew with Iverson surely to be gone before next season.
14. Utah
Sear Sene, 7-0, 237, Senegal
Long-term project but could be impressive with size and good instincts for the game.
15. New Orleans
Rodney Carney, 6-5, 204, Memphis
Great athlete with skills. He’s not particularly basketball savvy, but a good gamble.
16. BULLS
Thabo Sefolosha, 6-5, 215, Switzerland
Regarded as the best defensive guard in the draft and a nice catch if he’s here.
17. Indiana
Marcus Williams, 6-3, 215, Connecticut
Would be an ideal addition with trouble at point guard the past few years.
18. Washington
Rajon Rondo, 6-0, 170, Kentucky
Pure point guard who has impressed in workouts with defensive edge the Wizards need.
19. Sacramento
Alexander Johnson, 6-8, 240, Florida State
Looking for some size, and he’s known as a tough guy.
20. New York
Kyle Lowry, 6-0, 175, Villanova
They don’t need another point guard, but this guy is tough and relentless. That’s just what they need.
21. Phoenix
Oleksiy Pecherov, 6-11, 210, Ukraine
Another guy for Suns’ United Nations international game. Started in France, and that has worked for them.
22. New Jersey
Jordan Farmar, 6-2, 171, UCLA
Point guard they could use as Jason Kidd wears down and Jeff McInnis didn’t work out.
23. New Jersey
James White, 6-6, 200, Cincinnati
Tough guy worth a shot for a team that is too often passive.
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24. Memphis
Shawne Williams, 6-8, 227, Memphis
Hometown kid, but a very good athlete who might help a flagging box office.
25. Cleveland
Daniel Gibson, 6-1, 190, Texas
Looking for a point guard. He has dropped on most draft boards, but can make a shot.
26. L.A. Lakers
Quincy Douby, 6-2, 175, Rutgers
Looking for help at point guard, Lakers need shooters around Kobe Bryant.
27. Phoenix
Sergio Rodriquez, 6-2, 170, Spain
Still looking for backup point-guard help, and he plays the position with flair.
28. Dallas
Mardy Collins, 6-5, 220, Temple
Still could use a real point guard. Temple players often show more when out of that system.
29. New York
Shannon Brown, 6-3, 205, Michigan State
Another guard, but also another guy who plays hard and gets after people on defense.
30. Portland
James Augustine, 6-93/4, 227, Illinois
Would be worth it as Trail Blazers try to build a team concept from selfish inventory.