Top 2006 Draftees Show Their Worth in Blazers-Raptors Matchup

In what was considered a matchup between two up and coming teams, the Toronto Raptors hosted the Portland Trailblazers yesterday in a matchup which also focused on 3 of the top draft picks in the 2006 draft, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrea Bargnani and Brandon Roy.

Before I talk of the draft, let me opine that this was one of the better games seen in Toronto this year with the Raptors winning in two overtime periods, despite the fact that they made every attempt to blow the game.

At the end of the regulation, Jamario Moon inexplicably fouled Travis Outlaw on a three point attempt with the Raptors ahead by four points. Outlaw made the shot, and the foul shot, sending the game into overtime. At the end of the first overtime period, with time expiring, Brandon Roy had the ball and was attempting to get into position for a three point shot (the Blazers trailed by three). Instead of fouling Roy, Jose Calderon permitted the three point attempt, which Roy made, sending the game into a second OT.

Both Bosh and Calderon logged over 50 minutes, but they played very well. Brandon Roy was, in my opinion, the best player on the court, and may be becoming one of the finest shooting guards in the league.

That brings us to the question of the Raptors taking Bargnani with the first pick of the 2006 draft when both of Roy and Aldridge were available. It appears to be common knowledge that the Raps were choosong between Bargnani and Aldridge, but went with the European, on the basis that his upside appeared to be greater. For his part yesterday, Bargnani played sparingly, with foul trouble early on and ended up with 4 points and a rebound. While in the game, he was often matched up against Aldridge whom he defended well.

My own take from this one game is that clearly Brandon Roy is the best player from that draft today. He is likely to become one of the stars in the NBA.   At 6'6", he has great size at either of the guard positions and can shoot and drive equally well. Does he merit the #1 pick? I doubt it. Rarely does one take a  "guard" as the #1 pick when you are a team like the Raptors who needed so much at the time of the draft.  In particular, when there are 7 footers available, with talent, it's hard to project a guard being such a force in the NBA, so to ignore Roy instead of a "big body" is understandable.

But the Raptors could have taken LaMarcus Aldridge. He is, in fact, only a few months older than Bargnani. Aldridge is also athletic, was endorsed by Chris Bosh and has had a terrific season this year. If one goes by the stats that he has rung up, he seems to be the rebounder that the Raps need, and has a reputation of being a shot blocking inside force.

He showed none of that yesterday.

He appeared weak underneath, unable to muscle against the likes of Bargnani and Bosh, two guys not known for their "muscle". He didn't shoot the ball well, (which can happen to anyone on a given night); he didn't show any ability to put the ball on the floor and showed a total inability to "finish". He scored by being the benficiary of Brandon Roy's drive to the hoop with a dish to Aldredge all alone. In fact, there was not one aspect of his game which I would consider anything better than average. He may be a second coming of Channing Frye.

Bargnani didn't look good either, getting into foul trouble early and spending most of his time on the bench. However, he made two beautiful drives to the basket and one jumper. We know that Bargnani can shoot with the best of them, although he hasn't had an opportunity to do so this year, being perpetually in foul trouble. The Raps are trying to make a center out of him and the experiment has not raised his game, to this point.

Based on yesterday's game (it's only one game, remember), I still say take Bargnani over Aldridge. He can do one thing better than most 7 footers, and that's shoot. He will, ultimately, be able to put the ball on the floor consistently, which will give him a varied offensive repertoire. He is already a very good passer. His defence and rebounding are weak, but I trust that working with Sam Mitchell will improve that aspect of his game.

Ah, but hindisght is 20/20.