This is the time of year when NBA teams study, assess and study some more the abilities, personalities, upside, size, etc... of numerous draft prospects in hopes to find the player that will lead them into a future of success. Some teams will plan to draft the best available player regardless of position, and hope to fill the positions they need later via free agency or trades. Others hope to find talent that can help right away in positions they badly need. Here's a synopsis of team needs going into the NBA Draft.
Atlanta Hawks - Drafting forward Marvin Williams over point guards Deron Williams and Chris Paul a couple years ago was not a wise move. Though Williams has shown a lot of potential, the Hawks are desperate for a point guard and are loaded with athletic forwards. Plus, Williams and Paul have shined for their respective teams. Other than a point guard, the Hawks could use a center who could anchor the Hawks' defense.
Boston Celtics - The Celtics can't be happy about missing out on one of the top two picks. They may trade this pick for veteran players. They badly need a center to pair with forward Al Jefferson. Also, they may look for a point guard, since Sebastian Telfair is soon to be gone and Delonte West isn't considered a true point guard.
Charlotte Bobcats - They need a true center to take pressure off of Emeka Okafor; insurance at small forward in case they can't re-sign Gerald Wallace; and scoring in general. Adam Morrison was drafted last year to answer their scoring needs, but so far he's been inconsistent.
Chicago Bulls - The Bulls' biggest problem is interior scoring. They lack a back-to-the-basket guy who can draw double teams to open up the offense for others. Forward Pau Gasol would have solved that problem, but the Grizzlies were asking for too much in return. Because of salaries, they aren't likely to be able to land Kevin Garnett (who'll make $22 million next year) or Jermaine O'Neal (who'll make $18 million next year). They may shop free agent Andres Nocioni and possibly the 9th pick of the draft.
Cleveland Cavaliers - They really need to find LeBron James more help. Their primary concern is at point guard. Larry Hughes can handle the ball some, but hasn't been the perfect fit alongside LeBron. They also need to figure out a better team identity. Zydrunas Ilgauskas isn't the defensive-minded center they need and Drew Gooden is soft.
Detroit Pistons - Detroit is pretty set with its core, provided it can re-sign Chauncey Billups in the off season. However, it could stand to add another center as well as improve its roster depth.
Indiana Pacers - Most think the Pacers will make a lot of roster moves this off season. Jermaine O'Neal could be on his way out if they can move his enormous salary; they're not happy with Jamaal Tinsley at point guard; and the only untouchable player might be forward Danny Granger.
Miami Heat - Unless they think they can win another title with the group they have, the Heat need to start building for the future and getting younger. First and foremost, they'll target a point guard this summer to take some of the ball handling pressure off of Dwayne Wade. Second, they need to either re-sign Jason Kapono or find some perimeter shooters to open things up for Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.
Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks have a lot of talent, but haven't been able to translate that into winning yet. They really need inside toughness to help center Andrew Bogut. Al Horford might be ideal with their sixth pick if he's available. They may also need a point guard if they can't re-sign Mo Williams or Earl Boykins.
New Jersey Nets - The Nets need a power forward or center to partner with Nenad Krstic. Of course, there needs might change drastically if they can't keep Vince Carter and have to trade Jason Kidd. They don't have a lot of depth, but do have Marcus Williams backing up Kidd. So, they could use help at almost every position.
New York Knicks - The Knicks have a lot to work with in terms of young talent, but also have a lot of salary they'd like to unload. They could use more perimeter shooting as well as a backup point guard who specializes in defense and setting up teammates.
Orlando Magic - The Magic don't have a lot of depth and desperately need scoring. They're hoping J.J. Redick improves, but can't rely on that alone. They've said they're content with Jameer Nelson at point guard, but might try to lure Vince Carter or Rashard Lewis. Grant Hill might not re-sign.
Philadelphia 76ers - The Sixers need another scorer who can take pressure off Andre Iguodala. Also, they could use an upgrade at power forward.
Toronto Raptors - The Raptors have a lot of young talent on its roster, but will try to cushion its perimeter with the addition of more outside shooters. Morris Peterson is likely on his way out.
Washington Wizards - Especially with center Brendan Haywood likely leaving, the Wizards will look for a defensive center to anchor the middle. Also, their lack of depth was expose this year when Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler went down for the playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks - Dallas will be looking to make adjustments after being upset by the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs. They'd like to get a bigger shooting guard who can score and might dangle Jason Terry out there to lure teams into giving one up. They also may look to beef up their interior defense.
Denver Nuggets - The Nuggets may lose Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby in attempts to free up cap room. Losing Camby might expose the middle if Nene and Kenyon Martin don't stay healthy. Denver needs to either keep point guard Steve Blake or find another point guard who can distribute the ball. Also, the Nuggets could try to add another perimeter shooter or two with more experience than J.R. Smith.
Golden State Warriors - The Warriors' first priority is to re-sign coach Don Nelson. That team is designed to play by his system and will have a hard time repeating its success without him. Despite their up-and-down style of play, they still need a serviceable and sizeable power forward to be able to combat the other big forwards in the west. Carlos Boozer had his way with them in the playoffs.
Houston Rockets - Houston needs to bring in more help for Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Rafer Alston is not the answer at point guard and other than the aging Dikembe Mutombo, Shane Battier and perhaps youngster Chuck Hayes, the Rockets don't have a lot of toughness.
Los Angeles Clippers - The Clippers are in a bind. Sam Cassell is getting old and backup point guard Shaun Livingston is out with injury for at least one year. The Clippers may want to add perimeter shooting as well.
Los Angeles Lakers - LA is starting to wonder whether Lamar Odom is a good fit with Kobe Bryant. They may shop one or more of their young prospects to land a veteran who can help Bryant. If the Nets decide to trade Jason Kidd, don't be shocked if the Lakers change their mind about offering Andrew Bynum to acquire him.
Memphis Grizzlies - Much will depend on whether or not the Grizzlies keep or trade forward Pau Gasol. They badly need a defensive center and a reliable point guard. They do have a lot of talent at the forward position, and would love to move injured Brian Cardinal's hefty contract.
Minnesota Timberwolves - They badly need a center to pair with Kevin Garnett and might be in the market for another small forward with Ricky Davis likely on his way out. More than anything, they need some support to take the pressure off Kevin Garnett.
New Orleans Hornets - First and foremost, they need to stay healthy. They'll probably look for perimeter scoring help in case Peja Stojakovic can't get healthy again.
Phoenix Suns - The Suns could really use a defensive shot blocking presence in the middle, preferably one who can run and won't slow down their offense. They also might look to move Shawn Marion's big contract this offseason.
Portland Trail Blazers - They'll solve at least one problem in the upcoming NBA Draft. They need a center and a scoring small forward and should get one of those with Greg Oden and Kevin Durant as their options. They are rumored to shop Zach Randolph and Jarrett Jack this summer. They also need a point guard. If they draft Oden, some suggest they might shop Randolph and Jack for another draft pick to select point guard and long time friend of Oden, Mike Conley.
Sacramento Kings - The Kings need a lot and may try to move Ron Artest because of his off court problems. Mike Bibby might be on the trade block, too. The only thing they don't need is a shooting guard. Kevin Martin came alive this season and Fransisco Garcia has a bright future.
San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs are pretty set with the deepest team in the league. They might add a prospect in the draft, but ultimately they're poised to compete for a few more championships.
Seattle Supersonics - Seattle has a lot of holes to fill. Their primary hole is an interior defender. Also, they need more consistency at point guard, but hope that Luke Ridnour can develop into that. Another need is a backup shooting guard for Ray Allen, but they're hoping Mickael Gelebale can fill that role.
Utah Jazz - The Jazz could use help at backup center and also have a big need for a defensive shooting guard who can score from the perimeter.
