Draft Prediction - Top 8

As of today, this is how I see the draft unfolding, assuming the team's picked in the most probable order and nobody makes any trades:

1. Portland - LaMarcus Aldridge: a combo big man and by some estimates the safest pick in the draft. With Joel Przybilla likely leaving, young LaMarcus may be forced into immediate duty at the C and backup PF positions. He will have a tough first year in Nate's demanding offensive system, but if he survives it mentally intact, he will be stronger for it going forward.

2. Chicago - Andrea Bargnani: They would have loved to get Aldridge or to trade their pick, but in this position they would likely pick Bargnani. They need a post up scoring PF, so they will have to try to teach AB to be that.

3. Charlotte - Tyrus Thomas: In some recent drafts they have appeared to favor proven college players, which is why many boards have them picking Morrison, but by draft time everyone will have soured on Morrison. Charlotte the expansion franchise will remain patient and take the hard working and promising freshman from LSU.

4. Atlanta - Marcus Williams: They are reaching here, but they do not need another SF (Gay or Morrison) and are desperate for a true PG. With all the pre-draft workout buzz surrounding Marcus Williams they will surprise many with this pick, but should be happy with it as the years go on. The question is what will they write on the back of their uniforms to differentiate Marcus Williams from Marvin Williams?

5. Toronto - Brandon Roy: Like the other teams in the top 5, TOR would love to get a veteran in trade for their pick, or be able to draft a big man, but as this board falls out, they would take Brandon Roy. They are rumored to be shopping Mo Pete and his defensive deficiencies, and Roy could effectively step into the SG spot and be a nice piece to the core of James/Calderon/Bell at PG and Villanueva and Bosh at forward.

6. Minnesota - Rudy Gay: The T-Wolves could use players at nearly any position, so they will take a chance on the guy with the most potential in the whole draft, who falls to them at #6. With KG growing more unhappy each passing year, Minny hopes this pick is a home run.

7. Boston Celtics - Adam Morrison: Yet another team that could use a veteran in trade or a solid big man who has to compromise. Predicted to go much higher, Danny Ainge is still happy to have Adam Morrison fall to him.

8. Houston Rockets - Rodney Carney: The Rockets would have loved to had Marcus Williams fall to them, but given what is available, they take Rodney Carney. His upside is good, and he should be able to step on the court and contribute right away in Houston, either playing minutes at SG or backing up T-Mac at SF if and when his back goes out again.

Thoughts?