7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Corey Brewer, University of Florida, SF, 6'9"
Team Needs: They just traded point guard Mike James to the Houston
Rockets for veteran Juwan Howard, so it looks like Randy Foye will taking over point guard duties with Howard adding some savvy and experience in the frontcourt. So, how about adding some athleticism, but especially defensive ability in Brewer. He'll be a big wing player considering his height and should add a lot to the defense with his long arms and tenacity.
*Jeff Green could possibly sneak up in here, but I think the T-Wolves will stick with Brewer because of his height and defensive ability from the wing position. Also, there are a ton of rumors pointing to Kevin Garnett leaving Minny, so who knows if the Wolves will still have this pick by Thursday.
8. Charlotte
Bobcats - Jeff Green, Georgetown
University, SF, 6'8"
Team Needs: Michael Jordan has been making a lot of moves, in particular, getting a new head coach in former Chicago Bulls teammate Sam Vincent and a new general manager in former Bulls teammate Rod Higgins. The question now is whether or not he can add a player to help recreate Jordan's playing days with the Bulls. In Green, the Bobcats will add a very good player who does what he needs to do to win a game. Who does what he needs to do to win a game... sound familiar, Mr. Jordan?
*Green could go a bit higher, but the Bobcats have to be hoping that he falls to them as he would be a great addition, both on the floor and in the locker room, to help the young Bobcats take another step in their development.
*9. Chicago
Bulls - Spencer Hawes, University of Washington, C, 7'0"
Team Needs: Drafting Hawes will give the Bulls something they haven't had since, well, Eddy Curry. No, I'm not talking about a seven-footer that couldn't rebound to match his physique, but a center with offensive skills. Hawes is so gifted down in the post that he could possibly be the best offensive big man in the draft, especially considering his court vision. Now, if only the Bulls could combine Hawes' offense with Ben Wallace's defense - that would be a great combo.
*10. Sacramento
Kings - Yi Jianlian, Guandong Southern Tigers (China),
PF/C, 7'0"
Team Needs: Brad Miller just ain't cutting it anymore. In fact, the whole Kings team isn't cutting it anymore. There should be some tinkering during the offseason, probably involving both Ron Artest and Mike Bibby; more the former than the latter. So, why not take a chance on the hype for a center they are projecting to be better than Yao Ming. Yeah, I don't believe it myself, but I guess someone needs to, so why not the Maloof brothers, who own the Kings. At least Yi should be a draw for the healthy Asian population in Sacramento.
11. Atlanta
Hawks - Acie Law, Texas
A&M, PG, 6'4"
Team Needs: The Hawks got their big player with the third pick overall, so now, point! Joe Johnson was forced to play like a point guard at times and it'll be entirely too much if he had to do it again. So, getting Law will help alleviate some stress and actually get a player not afraid to take the crunch-time shot. Law has seeminglessly improved every season while in college and if all works out, the Hawks will have Jason Terry Redux.
*As mentioned, there are rumors of a promise from the Hawks that they will draft Law here if he's still available. He should be unless the Bucks or Kings decide that Law is worth the pick at their respective spots.
*12. Philadelphia
76ers - Al Thornton, Florida State University, SF/PF, 6'7"
Team Needs: The Sixers will be very lucky to have Thornton land in their laps here as he is simply an offensive monster that's able to board and will be a great complement to Andre Iguodala's versatile game and should finish on breaks thanks to Andre Miller passes. Thornton would do well to end up with the Sixers since they're basically in rebuilding mode and don't have a player with his talent and skill at the 3 or 4 positions. He should make an immediate impact considering his NBA-ready body.
Also See NBA Draft - Position Rankings
