The NBA Draft is one of the most anticipated off-season events in all of sports. Its popularity has grown exponentially in recent years, marked by a 28% TV ratings boost for the official introduction of King James to the NBA two years ago. That the NBA draft is popular among diehard fans of the sport should come as no surprise. (The NFL can make the same claim about its draft, and pulls nearly double the ratings each year.)

What really sets NBA draft night apart from all other sports is the possibility of a train wreck. For the most part, the selections themselves are not nearly as important -- or notorious -- as the various miscues by general managers and acts of infamy by players and fans.

For example, it is unlikely that even the most expert NBA fan can tell you where Michigan's Jalen Rose was chosen in the 1994 draft (14th), or which team made the pick (Denver). But, few who saw the draft that year will forget that Rose donned a bright red pin-striped suit for the event.

Even fans who were too young to witness Michael Jordan's selection in 1984 know about perhaps the worst mistake in draft history -- that the Portland Trailblazers passed on His Airness for a guy named Sam Bowie, a center from Kentucky who turned in a very average pro career.

Then of course, there are the aspects of the draft that NBA fans get to look forward to on an almost yearly basis. Favorites include the outspoken hysterics of NY Knicks' fans, who are most prominent and boisterous when the draft is held at Madison Square Garden, the lengthy track record of draft blunders by teams like the LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks, and David Stern's sense of humor and back-and-forth with one or more of the network draft commentators, most notably Charles Barkley, whenever fans are lucky enough to have TNT airing the draft.

Classic David Stern moment: during the 2001 selection show, Barkley, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith were interviewing MJ about the Washington Wizards' selection of Kwame Brown at No. 1 overall (a major blunder unto itself). The interview quickly took on a life of its own, and old pals Barkley and MJ started busting each others' chops. When the next team turned in their draft card, Commissioner Stern calmly stepped up to the microphone and quipped, "I'd like to interrupt the Michael and Charles show to announce the next pick."

In truth, draft grades should not be issued until at least a couple of years after the fact, particularly negative ones. NBA talent is often slow to develop, especially given the recent influx of European players, and many "busts" wash out with their original teams, only to make it elsewhere.

That being said, where's the fun in a draft if you can't highlight the miscues of those who are willing to make them? Early returns indicate some surprises, a few steals, and more of the same in the 2006 NBA Draft.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jerry West continues to improve this franchise with every draft. Terrific showing by "The Logo" in acquiring Kyle Lowry (G, Villanova) and Rudy Gay (F, UConn), along with Alexander Johnson (PF, Florida St.). Gay may have the highest ceiling of any prospect in this draft. Though it cost them Shane Battier, the trade for Rudy Gay will look brilliant if he fulfills any of his potential. If he plays with a little more tenacity and continues to develop, he will be an absolute nightmare for opposing teams. Lowry is a tough defender who can also score. He has all the tools to be a superb sixth man. Some teams projected Johnson to go in the first round, and if he becomes more consistent, he will be a stout pro.

Portland Trailblazers: This may surprise some people, but after several years marred by disastrous personnel decisions, player arrests, and a steady decline in season ticket sales, the Trailblazers finally showed that, if nothing else, they are committed to doing whatever it takes to start anew … even if that means making six trades in one night. GM Nate McMillan did a great job in acquiring four talented prospects in the first round. Brandon Roy (G, Washington) and LaMarcus Aldridge (PF, Texas) will give the team a dynamic 1-2 punch, and both were top-five players on most draft boards. Some found the flurry of activity comedic, but the bottom line is this: the team formerly known as the Jailblazers needed a roster turnover more than anything else, and at the very worst, this draft has given them that.

Minnesota Timberwolves: After initially selecting hometown favorite Brandon Roy, the T-Wolves ended up with Randy Foye (G, Villanova), Craig Smith (PF, Boston College), and Loukas Mavrokefalidis (C, Greece). Foye is a future star who compares favorably to Chicago's Ben Gordon for his shooting touch and to Detroit's Chauncey Billups for his ability to excel at both guard slots. In a few years, people will wonder how he slipped to the seventh pick in this draft. Smith, slightly undersized for a pro forward (6-7, 260 lbs), was a bruising overachiever at BC. With some seasoning, he has the drive to turn into a real contributor at the next level. Mavrokefalidis is a multi-year project who has shown promise and could eventually be a serviceable NBA center.

New Jersey Nets: There were four UConn players selected in the first round, and the Nets got two of them. Huskies' coach Jim Calhoun has a history of producing quality NBA players, and point guard Marcus Williams and power forward Josh Boone will only add to that record. Williams might be the best point guard in this draft, and in Jersey, he'll be able to learn under a guy (Jason Kidd) who was the best in the league for several years. Boone can be streaky at times, but possesses the size and raw skills that NBA teams covet at the power forward position.

Honorable Mention: Chicago Bulls, L.A. Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats

Phoenix Suns: The Suns made it clear that they preferred to avoid acquiring a player in the first round and the accompanying guaranteed contract in favor of re-signing Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw. However, it's baffling that a team with no depth at point guard behind Steve Nash could trade away its pick when Marcus Williams, Jordan Farmar (UCLA), Rajon Rondo (Kentucky) and Kyle Lowry were all still on the board. The Nets, Lakers and Grizzlies benefited as a result.

New York Knicks: The Knicks are a sinking ship in need of some fresh air. The fans and the team needed something good to come out of this draft, and instead, the Knicks' draft played out like something from The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook. To say that the selection of Renaldo Balkman (SF, South Carolina) at pick No. 20 was questionable is an understatement. Balkman was not even included in the official draft media guide. Then, with an already-crowded backcourt, the team drafted a point guard, Mardy Collins (Temple), with their second pick. Even if the Knicks really wanted a young player to play the point, why didn't they choose one with their first pick, when they could have had their choice of the best point guards in the draft?

The chorus of boos and angry shouts from the Knicks fans at MSG was almost enough to make you feel sorry for them. In a relatively short period of time, Isiah Thomas and owner James Dolan have nearly ruined one of the proudest franchises in pro sports. It is a good thing that Renaldo Balkman was not in attendance to absorb the abuse that the New York fans were ready and willing to dish out on Wednesday night. Then again, maybe he would have worn a lime-green suit. Isn't that exactly the type of train wreck the NBA Draft is all about?