With the Miami Heat knocking off the Dallas Mavericks to capture their first
NBA championship, the attention of the basketball world and sports bettors
shifts to Madison Square Garden, where the futures of the top amateur
players in the world will be decided. The Bodog.com Sportsbook has
positioned Texas Longhorns power forward LaMarcus Aldridge as the odds-on
favorite to go first overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, which takes place
Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Eastern. In keeping with its tradition of
providing the most innovative online sports betting in the industry, the
Bodog.com Sportsbook offers pick-by-pick odds as the draft unfolds.
Currently, there are five favorites for the top spot in the draft – Aldridge
(11/10), Italian League forward Andrea Bargnani (6/5), Gonzaga Bulldogs
small forward Adam Morrison (3/1), Washington Huskies guard Brandon Roy
(12/1) and LSU Tigers forward Tyrus Thomas (7/1).
The Toronto Raptors hold the first overall selection in the draft. Bettors
will be able to place wagers on what player will be selected first,
regardless if Toronto chooses to keep the pick or trade it to another team.
The Chicago Bulls hold the second pick, followed by the Charlotte Bobcats,
Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston
Celtics and Houston Rockets. Wagers are currently available from picks one
through eight.
“The NBA Draft gives fans the opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow
embark on the first step of their professional basketball careers,”
explained Calvin Ayre, Bodog.com Founder and CEO. “With all the drama and
intrigue associated with past NBA Drafts, implementing wagering
opportunities as the picks unfold seemed like a natural fit – and another
way sports fans can be entertained by the event.”
The 2006 NBA Draft holds special meaning for Bargnani, who could be the
first Italian-born player to be selected first overall. Aldridge, an early
entrant who left Texas after his sophomore year, was a third-team NCAA
All-American in 2005-06 and is widely considered the chief rival to Bargnani
for top spot in the draft.
