Sam Smith’s mock first round:

1. Toronto.

Andrea Bargnani. 6-10, 225, Italy.

I still find it hard to believe, though it’s said to affect whether the Bulls make a deal with the Warriors because they like Bargnani.

2. Bulls.

Tyrus Thomas. 6-81â4, 217, LSU.

Great defensive potential, though trade rumors are heating up regarding a swap for Troy Murphy and the No. 9 pick perhaps to take Ronnie Brewer or Hilton Armstrong. Best guess is they stay with Thomas, though LaMarcus Aldridge appeals as well.

3. Charlotte.

Adam Morrison 6-73â4, 198, Gonzaga.

Maybe not a Jordan kind of athlete, but certainly a Jordanesque competitor. And probably the biggest attraction in the draft.

4. Portland.

LaMarcus Aldridge 6-111â4 234, Texas.

They probably will lose Joel Przybilla to free agency, perhaps to the Bulls.

5. Atlanta.

Shelden Williams, 6-81â2, 258, Duke.

The surprise of the draft would be if the Hawks don’t take him. Solid guy to surround kids with.

6. Minnesota.

Brandon Roy, 6-61â4, 207, Washington.

Wolves need about everything; losing Rashad McCants to injury makes this a natural.

7. Boston.

Rudy Gay, 6-8, 222, Connecticut.

Best guy to slip through. Attitude questions, but he and Thomas are regarded as the two with the best chance to break through ceilings in this draft.

8. Houston.

Ronnie Brewer, 6-63â4, 223, Arkansas.

Good defender who could ease the load on Tracy McGrady.

9. Golden State.

Cedric Simmons, 6-91â2, 223, North Carolina State. The talk has been of them trying to move up for Bargnani as they want to follow the Suns model, though you figure they need size.

10. Seattle.

Patrick O’Bryant, 7-0, 249, Bradley. Looking also to trade down or out, but will go big if they can’t.

11. Orlando.

J.J. Redick, 6-41â4, 190, Duke.

His disc problem is said to not be a major issue. Scottie Pippen had one as a rookie.

12. New Orleans.

Hilton Armstrong, 6-101â4, 240, Connecticut.

P.J. Brown is going into his final season and Hornets are desperate for size.

13. Philadelphia.

Randy Foye, 6-3, 212, Villanova.

Local kid and combo guard to start anew with Iverson surely gone before next season.

14. Utah.

Sear Sene, 7-0, 237, Senegal.

Long-term project, but could be impressive with size and good instincts for the game.

15. New Orleans.

Rodney Carney, 6-53â4, 204, Memphis.

Great athlete with skills. Not particularly basketball savvy, but a good gamble.

16. Bulls.

Thabo Sefolosha, 6-5, 215, Switzerland.

Regarded as the best defensive guard in the draft and a nice catch if he’s here.

17. Indiana.

Marcus Williams, 6-31â4, 215, Connecticut.

Would be an ideal addition with trouble at point guard the last few years.

18. Washington.

Rajon Rondo, 6-0, 170, Kentucky.

Pure point guard who has impressed in workouts.

19. Sacramento.

Alexander Johnson, 6-8, 240, Florida State.

Looking for some size and he’s known as a tough guy

20. New York.

Kyle Lowry, 6-0, 175, Villanova.

They don’t need another point guard, but this guy is tough and relentless. That’s just what they need.

21. Phoenix.

Oleksiy Pecherov, 6-11, 210, Ukraine.

Another guy for Suns’ United Nations international game. Started in France.

22. New Jersey.

Jordan Farmar, 6-2, 171, UCLA.

Point guard they could use as Jason Kidd wears down and Jeff McInnis didn’t work out.

23. New Jersey.

James White. 6-6, 200, Cincinnati.

Tough guy worth a shot for a team that is too often passive.

24. Memphis.

Shawne Williams, 6-83â4, 227. Memphis.

Hometown kid, but a very good athlete who might help a flagging box office.

25. Cleveland.

Daniel Gibson, 6-1, 190, Texas.

Looking for a point guard. He has dropped on most draft boards, but can make a shot.

26. Lakers.

Quincy Douby, 6-2, 175, Rutgers.

Looking for help at point guard, Lakers need shooters.

27. Phoenix.

Sergio Rodriquez, 6-2, 170, Spain. Still looking for backup point guard help and he plays the position with flair.

28. Dallas.

Mardy Collins, 6-5, 220, Temple.

Still could use a real point. Temple players often show more when out of that system

29. New York.

Shannon Brown, 6-3, 205, Michigan State.

Another guard, but also another guy who plays hard and gets after people on defense.

30. Portland.

James Augustine, 6-93â4, 227, Illinois. Would be worth it as Trail Blazers try to build a team concept from selfish inventory.