6. Milwaukee Bucks- F Julian Wright, Kansas

The Bucks didn’t show it last year, but they actually have a fairly strong roster. Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd, Bobby Simmons, and Charlie Villanueva should give them a chance to compete in the NBA’s most competitive division. But the Bucks were awful last season, party because of injuries to Villanueva and Simmons, and partly because they wanted to land Oden or Durant. With a few smart moves, Milwaukee should be able to quickly turn around their fortunes. There has been talk of them going after Chauncey Billups in free agency, a veteran point guard that would immediately make them competitive. With the sixth pick, they could use a versatile small forward, like either Julian Wright or Jeff Green. Wright does all the little things good teams need, he’s a good passer, solid defender, and has good ball handling skills, and if he can work on his shot, he could be an all around force in the NBA. Joakim Noah is another option.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves- C Spencer Hawes, Washington

If the Bucks are too good to have the sixth pick, then the T-Wolves are too bad to have the seventh. Seriously, take a look at their roster….it’s pathetic. KG, Randy Foye, and a bunch of bozos. Minnesota desperately needs talent, which is why they should trade KG, but if they don’t, they have to get someone good with this selection. This pick pains me because I’d love to see the Bulls have their choice of Hawes, Noah and Yi, but it appears that Hawes could be the pick at 7. I actually like Hawes a lot, people forget he averaged only 0.8 PPG less then Oden this year, but the choice doesn’t make too much sense for Minnesota with Mike Conley still on the board. With Conley running the point, last year’s first round pick Randy Foye can slide over to shooting guard, and they would immediately have a promising, young backcourt. Joakim Noah is another possibility.

8. Charlotte Bobcats- F Al Thornton, Florida State

This is probably the most important offseason in Bobcats history. Gerald Wallace, who is really, really good, is set to become a free agent, along with shooting guard Matt Carrol. The Bobcats have been saving up salary cap space for so long, it’ll be interesting to see if they keep Wallace or go after someone like Vince Carter. With this pick, the Bobcats need to target someone who can score, and FSU forward Al Thornton fits the bill. He’s already 23, so he should be able to contribute immediately, and his game reminds some of Antwan Jamison. Noah or a shooting guard like USC’s Nick Young could also be the pick.

9. Chicago Bulls- F Joakim Noah, Florida

I realize a lot of Bulls fans are going to hate this pick, but if he’s available, Noah should probably be the selection. Everyone knows the Bulls need a scoring big man, and scoring isn’t one of Noah’s strengths. So why take him? Because with the ninth pick, they won’t get anyone better. They have to take someone 6’10 or taller, and there are three guys that might be there, Noah, Hawes, and Yi. Hawes can score, if he’s available, maybe he’s the choice, but he’ll take longer to develop then Noah, who can help out right away. More on this pick in days to come.

10. Sacramento Kings- G Mike Conley Jr., Ohio State

Reggie Theus is going to have a lot of work in front of him if he wants to make the NBA take the Kings seriously again. Their top offseason priority is deciding Mike Bibby’s future; if they deal him to a team like the Cavs, Conley would be the perfect replacement. He could go as high as pick 3 or 4, so slipping to 10 would be a steal for the Kings. Conley is a pure pass first point guard, in the mold of TJ Ford or Tony Parker, who is lightning fast and really elevated his stock in the tournament. Julian Wright or Jeff Green is also an option here along with Noah or Hawes.