The Toronto Raptors have the first pick in a National Basketball Association draft that is considered deep but may be devoid of a Yao Ming, Dwyane Wade or LeBron James impact player.

It was said that new Raptor president Bryan Colangelo was looking to make a deal even before yesterday's entry draft.

Some NBA scouts are calling this a six-player draft, with Italian forward Andrea Bargnani and collegians LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas, Adam Morrison of Gonzaga, Tyrus Thomas of Louisiana State University, Brandon Roy of Washington and Rudy Gay of Connecticut the hailed half-dozen.

"The talent is more equally divided in this draft than in 2005," said Charlotte Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff, whose team has the third pick.

"I don't think there's a clear-cut No 1. It's about what your needs are, and who you fall in love with."

Colangelo is believed to like Bargnani, a 6-foot, 10-inch forward whose upside has been likened to Dirk Nowitzki.

Last week, he appointed as vice president and assistant general manager Maurizio Gherardini, who had been with Benetton Treviso of the Italian League, Bargnani's team.

"I know pretty much the kind of player and the kind of person (Bargnani) is," Gherardini said.

Bargnani is the only non-collegian expected to be taken among the top 10 picks. There is not a very strong class of international players this year, the first in which high school players are ineligible.

"It will be a good draft, with more experienced kids, who at least got some time on the college level," Bickerstaff said.

The Chicago Bulls have the second pick as the result of the Eddy Curry trade with the New York Knicks and appear to be targeting Aldridge, a 6-foot, 10-inch forward from Texas. The Bulls also pick 16th and are one of six teams with a pair of first-round picks.

The Bobcats pick third and would help themselves by selecting Morrison, a scoring machine from Gonzaga. They also may go for Gay, an athletic forward from Connecticut who is said to be a favourite of new part-owner Michael Jordan.

Source: China Daily