NBA Mock Draft -- Lottery

The NBA Draft is just over a week away -- June 28 -- so TheBostonInsider is as ready as ever to post a mock draft. Like most other mock drafts, this is nothing more than a shot in the dark. And for today, I am only mocking the lottery teams (picks 1-14). Check back next week for a full, updated mock draft -- most likely on TheBostonInsider homepage. 1. Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani, PF, Italy Bargnani is the best of a weak top of the draft. The young Italian is very talented -- the Dirk Nowitzki comparisons may be a bit off however -- and has been closely watched by new Raptor general manager Bryan Colangelo for over two years. LaMarcus Aldridge, the favorite of star Raptor Chris Bosh, is a possibility as is a trade out of the top spot. 2. Chicago Bulls (from New York Knicks): Tyrus Thomas, PF, LSU 19-year-old Thomas, a nobody before the college basketball season began, has skyrocketed to the top of the draft. He is powerful and athletic, a trait most talent evaluators love at this time of year. Chicago is hoping against hope that Thomas doesn't turn out like another athletic prospect from LSU did a few years ago ... Stromile Swift. Brandon Roy could be an alternative. 3. Charlotte Bobcats: Brandon Roy, G, Washington Now that Michael Jordan is running the show in Charlotte, things have dramatically changed. Remember that Jordan was burned the last time he fell for talent and promise -- Kwame Brown -- so the experienced Roy should be in a Bobcats uniform unless Jordan opts for either Adam Morrison or Rudy Gay. 4. Portland TrailBlazers: Adam Morrison, F, Gonzaga The Blazers are in dire need of positive public relations and taking the player with the clean cut image who lead the nation in scoring in his final college season who calls the Pacific Northwest home will pay off. If Morrison is gone, LaMarcus Aldridge or Brandon Roy will be playing in the Rose Garden. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Shelden Williams, PF, Duke The hot rumor is that Williams has received a promise from the Hawks so he has canceled all of his other workouts. The Hawks desperately need the rebounding, interior defense, and toughness that Williams brings to the table but Billy Knight might be reaching at No. 5 for Williams. Will the Hawks move down a few spots to get their man and add another needed piece (point guard)? 6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gay, SF, UConn Gay has been considered something of an underachiever but his talent is too much to be ignored, especially by the talent-deprived Wolves. Kevin McHale may also turn to Aldridge if he is available. 7. Boston Celtics: Randy Foye, G, Villanova Foye has been called a poor man's Dwayne Wade and after seeing him play for the Wildcats the last two years, including his great performance against Boston College in the Sweet Sixteen, I don't disagree. Though with the uncertainty in this draft, who knows what will go on at No. 7. 8. Houston Rockets: LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Texas The Rockets would love for this Longhorn to fall to them at No. 8. If he doesn't, Duke's J.J. Redick is an option. 9. Golden State Warriors: Patrick O'Bryant, C, Bradley O'Bryant may not be truly ready for the NBA -- one more year at Bradley with Jim Les could have made him No. 1 pick material -- but he is tall, athletic, and can score. The Warriors will gladly take him. 10. Seattle SuperSonics: Hilton Armstrong, C, UConn By this point, teams will begin reaching and the Sonics will reach on Armstrong, gambling that his rebounding and defense will make him worthy of the tenth pick. 11. Orlando Magic: Cedric Simmons, PF, NC State Simmons is a solid rebounder and playing next to Dwight Howard, he could blossom into a scoring threat as well. 12. Oklahoma City Hornets: J.J. Redick, SG, Duke The Hornets would love a big man but will gladly grab Redick who will keep defenses homest when Chris Paul begins to penetrate to the basket. 13. Philadelphia 76ers: Marcus Williams, PG, UConn If the team plans on trading Allen Iverson than count Williams as a piece of the rebuilding process. If they keep AI, Williams will allow him to move to his normal position at shooting guard. 14. Utah Jazz: Ronnie Brewer, SF, Arkansas Utah needs scoring and defense at the wing position and the 6-7 Brewer can instantly provide that. This pick may used to move up to get a big man.