Sonics Pick Tenth, Let the Speculation Begin-eth
As the NBA's 10th worst team, the Sonics had about a 1/25 chance of getting one of the top three picks, and about a 9/10 chance of getting the 10th pick. They did not pick up an ace "on the river" however (if you have been unemployed in the past year you will know what this means), and so the tenth pick is theirs.
This is a weak draft, and there's a reason for it--it's the first year that high-school players are banned. Guys that might have come out, principally Indiana's Greg Oden, who'd probably be the first pick, and Seattle Prep's Spencer Hawes, who might be next, are going to college.
Being the softies that we are, we'd love to see the Sonics trade up to pick Garfield High's Brandon Roy. But the Sonics are run by Wally Walker, so they'll probably trade up and draft Keith Van Horne.
The Sonics' biggest need, in our view, is either a slashing guard who can score, or penetrate and dish to create shots for Ray Allen, or a big bruising rebounder that can take some of the defensive pressure off of our young centers. We think Jordan Farmar fits bill #1, as for bill #2 we'd love Shelden Williams.
Mock drafts are sprouting up like our lawn, and at least one of them will probably be right. So one of these dudes will probably be a Sonic in a month. We expect they will rent, not buy.
NBAdraft.net: C Cedric Simmons, NC State
CollegeHoopsNet: G Marcus Williams, U Conn
HoopsHype: G Ronnie Brewer, Arkansas
CBS Sportsline: F Andrea Barganini, Italy
Chicago Tribune: G Mardy Collins, Temple
