The 2006 NBA draft was held on June 28, 2006, at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. This was also the only time the New Orleans Hornets would draft under the temporary name of the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets as the city of New Orleans was still recovering from the events of Hurricane Katrina after the 2005-06 NBA season.
2006 NBA draft
Andrea Bargnani was the first Italian-born player to be selected as the #1 overall pick. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors.
LaMarcus Aldridge, was picked 2nd overall by the Chicago Bulls. His draft rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Brandon Roy was selected 6th by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His draft rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Andrea Bargnani is an Italian former professional basketball player. The 7 ft 0 in (213 cm) power forward-center played for Benetton Treviso in the Italian LBA and the EuroLeague before being selected first overall in the 2006 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. He spent 10 seasons in the NBA, including with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, before ending his career with a stint in Spain during the 2016–17 season.
Bargnani with the New York Knicks in November 2013
Bargnani with the Raptors in 2007
Bargnani averaged 15.4 points and 1.3 blocks per game in the second half of the 2008–09 season.
Bargnani going in for a dunk in a game against Miami, 20 November 2009
