By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Ten years ago the NBA draft featured two high schoolers, one that became a three-time NBA champ, two dynamic Big East guards, and an ACC point-guard who would eventually be deemed as the "best point-guard" in the NBA. Not to mention a Canadian that preferred soccer to leading a fast break, who would eventually become a two-time MVP. Exactly who am I refering to you ask: Kobe Bryant #13 (3 time Champ), Jermaine O'Neal #17, Allen Iverson #1 and Ray Allen #5, Stephon Marbury #4 and Steve Nash #15. Many believe that the 1996 NBA Draft may have been one of the "deepest" drafts of all-time. But please don't overlook the fact that the draft also featured: Kerry Kittles #8, Samaki Walker #9, Erick Dampier #10, and Todd Fuller #11. With that being said the 2006 NBA Draft is far more confusing than it is deep. There is no consensus #1 pick and the draft is as shallow as a kiddy pool. So put yourself in GM shoes. Do you draft based on need, potential, or simply the best available? Depending on one's roster you're faced with all of the above. There are 200 names in the draft with only 60 available slots. I'm no mathematician but there will be 140 long faces come Thursday morning. If you're into six-man awards, breakout players, and four-year projects then you're in luck because you'll have a hard time selling sneakers with this year's crop of talent. Just a day away from the Toronto Raptors being placed "on the clock" I'll tell you what lottery teams will call what names at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. 1. Toronto- Andrea Bargnani, (7'1 Italy) forward, who many compare to Dirk Nowitzki, is known for his Euro style of play. Sure he can shoot, dribble, and run the floor, but many may question his intensity level just as they do Nowitzki. He should be fine along side Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva. 2. Chicago- Tyrus Thomas (6'9 LSU) Power Forward that loves to block shots. His performance during the Tigers final four run truly raised his stock in being the best interior defender in college. There's only one problem with Thomas he can't score. He may be the most athletic player in the draft, but he reminds me of an undersized Tyson Chandler. Hopefully Bargnani will be overlooked at #1. 3. Charlotte- Brandon Roy (6'5 Washington) With Michael Jordan running the show, one has to believe that he is thinking of a scorer. Tar Heels Sean May and Raymond Felton coupled with Uconn's Emeaka Okeafor are proven champs in the collegiate ranks. With a scorer like Roy added to the nucleus this team could be exciting to watch. Then again they are the Bobcats. 4. Portland- Adam Morrison (6'8 Gonzaga) voted as the top player in the nation (or 2nd depending on which award) its amazing that three teams would pass on the man with the 'stache. Despite his lack of athleticism, defense, and health issues (diabetes) he is still a dangerous scorer. On the other hand only two Caucasian Americans have been among the top 20 in scoring since 1992 (Tom Gugliotta & Keith Van Horn). 5. Atlanta- LaMarcus Aldridge (6'10 Texas) many may be screaming that the Hawks need a PG but let's face it, there's no Chris Paul in this draft. So, they should opt for the best available (since they have a lot of needs) Aldridge can run the floor, and more importantly score! But don't be surprised if the Hawks make the first trade of the evening for a certain guard featured in the '96 draft (Iverson). 6. Minnesota- Marcus Williams (6'3 Uconn) when it comes to the Timberwolves where do you begin. KG is still the centerpiece but he needs more than the draft can give. At least Williams can push the rock, which at the very least is a start. 7. Boston- Rudy Gay (6'8 Uconn) With a 39" vertical jump and a wingspan of 87" his potential alone would draw any GM in the league. The thing that makes this pick attractive is that he can slash with Paul Pierce. 8. Houston- J.J. Redick (6'5 Duke) This guy range begins when he enters the gym. Sure he was cited for a DWI but what else could you say about this four-year sharpshooter. He's faced ACC talent every season and still managed to become the All-Time scorer in ACC history despite season-to-season adjustments. His final collegiate performance may have been disappointing (3-18) but what was impressive was that he kept on shooting. 9. Golden State- Patrick O'Bryant (7'0 Bradley) Quick name the starting center for the Warriors during the '05-'06 season? I thought so. With the high-powered Richardson, Davis, and Dunleavy, the Warriors could strike gold with O'Bryant. One thing's for sure they can't do any worse than they did with Ike Diogu. 10. Seattle- Shelden Williams (6'9 Duke) many may describe Williams as being an undersized, overrated Blue Devil but the same was said about Elton Brand and Shane Battier. They turned out to be some pretty good players. 11. Orlando- Ronnie Brewer (6'7 Arkansas) this selection will be labeled a "potential pick." He's a point-forward from Arkansas that is known for his defense. Sure Brewer's no Scottie Pippen now, but neither was Pippen when he was drafted. 12. New Orleans- Rodney Carney (6'6 Memphis) Carney is great in transition and loves to attack the rim, similar to Shawn Marion and Josh Smith. With the ball in Chris Paul's hands Reggie Bush won't be the only thing exciting to watch in the Bayou. 13. Philadelphia- Randy Foye (6'3 Villanova) It's still up in there air as to whether or not Iverson will still be the answer in Philly, but with the selection of Foye, another shoot-first combo guard from the Big East, the Sixers' could potentially be drafting their future. *Please keep in mind that this mock draft is simply that, a projection based off of my knowledge, draft history, and team needs. If I were truly an expert I would be in someone's "war room" breaking down players from their height to what they like to eat. Stay tuned as we will soon find out the entire draft class of 2006, Wednesday June 28, 7 ET (ESPN).