- This is NOT who I think the team's will actually take... I clearly have no inside sources... This is purely my opinion of who the team should take GIVEN that the guys ahead of them are gone, etc.
- Clearly this is semi-fluid and I'm not, in any way, trying to peg actual picks... I could go 0 for 30 and not be surprised, because, frankly, NBA GMs and I don't always (or really, ever) agree...
- I refuse to go through and denote why teams have multiple 1st rounders... it's on NBAdraft.net if you want to find out... the teams I'm picking for are the teams that hold the picks as of May 30
Done and done... and yes, it's May...
- Washington - John Wall, PG Kentucky - (Needs: Literally everything) Well... there are a few things in play here... I believe that Wall, based on potential ceiling and current impact, is the best player in the draft by a fair margin... let's get that out of the way... Now, the Wiz have an $80 million lead weight in the form of Gilbert Arenas currently holding down the "PG" spot... Gilbert is, by no means, washed up completely (to our knowledge) but he has a history of knee issues, already couldn't defend anyone to save his life, isn't a true point guard (never has been), and that small little gun fiasco.... Insert Wall... In a perfect world? You take Wall and shop Gilbert HARD... One scenario being floated is to the Knicks for Eddy Curry's corpse (expiring in 2011)... anything... get him out of there... but even if you can't, you take Wall should you choose not to trade the pick... I don't think Turner is enough value here
- Philadelphia - Evan Turner, SG/SF Ohio State - (Needs: Wing shooter, rid themselves of Elton Brand's contract) Another weird situation... Do I believe Turner is the 2nd best player in the draft? Yes I do... but the fit is a bit questionable... Andre Iguodala, the team's current best player, plays an extremely similar role to Turner... Turner is more of a ball-handler/creator than Iggy... but both are similar sizes, and neither can shoot particularly well... add that in with rookie PG Jrue Holiday (who also can't shoot) and that is weirdly troubling... in a vacuum with no trades? Turner has to be the pick I think... but if they could somehow rid themselves of Elton Brand's contract, I really do believe Derrick Favors would be in play...
- New Jersey - Derrick Favors, PF Georgia Tech (needs: Power Forward, wings) - This is about as automatic as this mock will be after Wall IMO... If Turner and Wall go 1-2 as the world expects, the only guy that fits here is Favors... I think he's actually underrated due to his lack of numerical output at GT this year... but if you saw them play, the guard play was utterly woeful and he couldn't sift the ball from Gani Lawal's cold dead fingers... the guy is talented... Also, Cousins wouldn't fit (Lopez already in place and I think Cousins is sort of a plodding 5) and I don't see Wes Johnson in this spot over Favors... Lopez/Favors would be pretty intimidating down the line in the frontcourt, and I think that's the pick barring trade
- Minnesota - Wesley Johnson, SG/SF Syracuse (Needs: Defensive-minded Big, Scoring wing) - Their best wing is Corey Brewer... isn't that enough? lol... Actually I've always enjoyed Brewer's game... and if Favors was around, I think they'd have to think about it (and then deal Love or Jefferson), but Wes Johnson would contribute right away... he's a polished wing option with a silky jump shot who would provide them with a legitimate scoring option on the perimeter to take some scoring heat off Flynn...
- Sacramento - Demarcus Cousins, C Kentucky (Needs: Wing, Point Guard) - Notice how this doesn't fit a need... this'll be one of the rare times in this mock that that happens... reason why? Well there simply isn't a guy that would fit a need for Sacramento worthy of taking anywhere near #5 in this scenario (since Johnson is gone here)... If Johnson gets to them, the Kings should jump on that... but with Cousins, they get what I think is the 2nd most "upside" player in the draft behind Wall... if Cousins had an average personality, there's no doubt in my mind he'd go 1 or 2 in this draft... he's a legit center with extremely polished post game and he has jump shooting range... but his attitude is questionable (and in my opinion terrible) so he lands farther down than he should... frankly I'd be terrified to take him here...
- Golden State - Ekpe Udoh, C Baylor (Needs: Bigs, sane Head coach) - This is a reach and I admit that... but I don't like the Aldrich fit in Golden State and they need a big that can protect the rim... solution? Udoh... very good rebounder/rim protector type that doesn't need shots but can finish... they have a bunch of semi-talented to talented perimeter players led by Steph Curry, and Anthony Randolph penciled in at forward but other than Biedrins, the middle is bare...
- Detroit - Cole Aldrich, C Kansas (Needs: Center, true point) - Aldrich is my favorite of the 2nd tier legit bigs... He's actually reasonably athletic, has a high basketball IQ, can protect the rim and he has extended range... the center position is a dearth for Detroit and he would give them an instant upgrade...
- LA Clippers - Luke Babbitt, SF Nevada (Needs: Small Forward, another big, PG of future) - The highest rated "3" on most people's boards here is Al-Farouq Aminu but I don't think he's a 3 and his strengths are the same strengths as Blake Griffin... Babbitt gives them a scoring wing who is underrated on the box, and can be hid a little on defense next to a healthy Griffin... if there was a point guard of note, it'd be a nice idea, but there isn't
- Utah - Greg Monroe, PF Georgetown (Needs: Boozer/AK replacement, wing) - Biggest no-brainer in the history of Earth as everyone knows... Monroe is the ideal high-post option in a half-court offense like Utah's... they are bracing for Boozer's departure and I also think Monroe could play together with Millsap effectively when necessary... wing would be a semi-need area as well, but with what they got from Matthews/Miles in the playoffs coupled with lack of options here, I'll go with the great fit and a guy I have #6 on my imaginary board...
- Indiana - Al-Farouq Aminu SF/PF Wake Forest (Needs: Point Guard, Granger compliment on wing) - This wouldn't be the typical Indiana pick... their recent track record (Hibbert, Hansborough, Rush) is guys who were highly effective older college players instead of projects... Aminu is somewhere in between... a lights-out athlete (something they severely lack upfront with Hibbert, Hansborough, Murphy) who can rebound and has a nice mid-range game... I don't feel like there is a point guard who is worthy of this pick so Aminu would be a nice fit
- New Orleans - Ed Davis PF/C North Carolina (Needs: Athletic Big, Wings) - Guys like Xavier Henry were in play here... but in the end the Davis value combined with a need (glaringly unathletic up front with Okafor and West) and this fits... he's got a big-time motor, very athletic and rebounds/blocks shots very well... he's raw but he wouldn't be in a position where they'd run sets for him anyway
- Memphis - Xavier Henry SG/SF Kansas (Needs: Athletic wing to replace Rudy Gay, Guard depth) - I'm going here assuming Rudy Gay leaves (and that's the wide-scale assumption across the league)... Henry has a developed NBA body already, can get his own shot, and finishes well, would be a nice OJ Mayo compliment down the line
- Toronto - Patrick Patterson, PF Kentucky (Needs: Defensive-minded front-court players) - Not the easiest fit here but hear me out... I'm higher on Patterson than most because I believe he can be an impact guy right away... his strengths are in his physicality and he was an excellent rebounder/defender in college (something Toronto desperately needs)... Also, I'm going to assume Bosh walks (sorry Ryan), and the only other place they could really go here is a project big like Orton or Whiteside... I'll take the sure thing
- Houston - Hassan Whiteside, PF/C Marshall (Needs: Potential Scola replacement, frontcourt depth) - Houston is a weird team fit thing because they really don't have many holes... Yao is coming back, and this should be an excellent team next year... the only potential departure? Ultra-valuable power foward Luis Scola... Whiteside wouldn't replace him because he's so raw... but I think Houston can afford to take a guy who they can develop slowly, and this guy is an athletic freak... I'm not quite sold on this one, and it'll really depend on where they are planning on going with Scola/Free Agency
- Milwaukee - James Anderson SG Oklahoma State (Needs: Wings, backup PG) - This is your "insert Salmons replacement" pick... I think Salmons walks and Anderson is easily the most ready NBA scorer on the wing after Turner and Johnson... he's a pretty solid defender although he's not an incredible athlete... would be able to shoulder some scoring and take the heat off Jennings...
- Minnesota - Solomon Alabi C/PF Florida State (Needs: Rim-defending Big) - This is a slight reach for Alabi but he fits their glaring need (assuming they have Wes Johnson like this Mock does)... Alabi is one of the best shot blockers in the draft, is a great athlete, and would be a nice compliment to Love or Jefferson... the knock on him is he's an average rebounder, but that might be an acceptable risk next to either of those guys
- Chicago - Paul George SG/SF Fresno State (Needs: 2-guard/power forward) - Another difficult team to project without knowing who they land in free agency... alas.... George was a virtual unknown to most (me included) coming into this year... I saw him play a couple of times and was very impressed... I've seen him as high as #12 in various mocks/top 100s... he's very long and has extended range on his jumper with the ability to rebound from a guard spot... would be a nice fit next to Rose
- Miami - Damion James SF/PF Texas (Needs: Darn near Everything) - This Miami roster is a mess... so I'm going best player available a little here... he's a very tough, physical guy who rebounds exceedingly well for his size, and will defend... he's also extended his range well in college... would be a nice fit next to Beasley because he does all the things that Beasley doesn't do... Point guard wouldn't be a bad idea here (Bledsoe) but I'll go with the immediate help...
- Boston (who could be the champs and pick at 19, wow) - Quincy Pondexter SG/SF Washington - Not a whole lot of holes on this roster right now... but the upside of that is taking a guy who can play rotation minutes right away if you need him to (check) and possibly replace Allen or Pierce down the line (check)... I really, really like Pondexter... the knock is his jumper but its been much improved... he's a crazy good athlete who defends well, and has a high basketball IQ...
- San Antonio - Donatas Motiejunas PF Lithuania - (Needs: Young bigs, athletic wing) - This just smells like a Spurs pick... I won't pretend to know his game... but when the 2 comparisons I see over and over are Pau Gasol and Toni Kukoc... I'm in... There isn't a guy left (in this scenario with James and Pondexter gone) that I think could play immediate meaningful minutes for the Spurs... so they go the stash route.... again
- Oklahoma City - Craig Brackins PF Iowa State - (Needs: Another big) - One of the most talented offensive bigs in the draft... range to 18 feet, runs the floor and can really rebound... the knock is his defense... but the system there and playing next to Serge Ibaka could do wonders... difficult team to pick for because of all the young talent...
- Portland - Kevin Seraphin PF France - (Needs: umm... health?) - STASH ALERT! The Blazers are so deep that only a project really makes sense... I considered Gordon Heyward but I don't know how that fits... Seraphin is a supposed legendary athlete (lol) who is very raw and they can hide him and potentially end up with something by the time Camby leaves
- Minnesota (again) - Gordon Heyward SF Butler - (Needs: Wings still) - They would have just taken Wes Johnson as well... but their wing depth is pretty woeful and this is nice value for a guy like Heyward... he's very long, can really shoot, and the only knock on him is athleticism... Nice value pick
- Atlanta - Tiny Gallon PF Oklahoma - (Needs: Legit Center, swingman if Childress isn't back) - I'm tempted to take Eric Bledsoe here but I know that would cause an uprising (i.e. I don't like Jeff Teague... still)... but I'll settle on Tiny... Strong, physical player who can shoot mid-range jumpers, pass, and is generally skilled... weight issues are there and by no means is this a safe pick... but he's got some "upside" (there it is) and all the guys I like for the Hawks are penciled in already...
- Memphis - Eric Bledsoe PG Kentucky - (Needs: PG depth at this spot) - I think this is a slam dunk if Bledsoe is somehow still around... he's a pass-first PG that would (at worst) push Conley, and (at best) take his job... he has big-time athleticism, can really defend, and would give them another gear next to Mayo... love this pick
- Oklahoma City - Daniel Orton C Kentucky - (Needs: Depth at this point) - I finally found a landing spot for Orton... between him and Brackins, you have the ability to hit on one of them and both have big upside... I'm not sold (in any way) on Orton, as you can tell by me slipping him to 26... but there is athletic ability there and he's a legit center which you don't really find... definitely a project, but there's not anybody that can help them in 2010-11 here...
- New Jersey - Avery Bradley SG/PG Texas - (Needs: Wings, defenders) - A "best available" pick to be sure... Bradley is a backcourt tweener without elite athleticism and a 2-guard mentality in a 6'3 (maybe) frame... but he's been described as the best defender at the guard spot in this draft, and with Devin Harris being bigger than average at the point, it'd be easier to play Bradley at the 2... really good value for his talent level
- Memphis - Stanley Robinson SF UConn - (Needs: Rudy Gay 2.0) - With Randolph/Gasol/Thabeet/Mayo/Conley/Young and Lottery Pick X (Xavier Henry in this mock) there aren't any glaring "holes"... that said, Robinson is pretty much an exact clone of Rudy Gay and gives them another replacement option for Gay... he's not quite as athletic as Rudy, but he's very rangy, rebounds well, can block an occasional shot, and has consistent range to 20 feet... I like him... the knock is consistency and that's why he's ranked here... but between him and Henry, they'd have options
- Orlando - Jordan Crawford SG Xavier - (Needs: what do you give the team that has an 11-player rotation? lol).... I'll settle on Crawford... JJ Redick could very well leave as a Free Agent and Crawford could fit in to that role as a shooter in a bench situation... his stock rose from a couple big/clutch games in the tournament... but he's settling in the late 1st, early 2nd range and that's about what you get... he has defensive question marks, and has been kind of an enigma until March...
- Washington - Darington Hobson SF New Mexico - (Needs: Everything but guards) - I'm going best available non-guard here... and to me it's Hobson... he won't get in the way of the Blatche/McGee combo up front either... he's extremely versatile (playing up to 4 positions at NM), has long arms, and has point guard vision in the times that I've seen him... his long-range shooting is a bit of a question mark, but seems like a kid that could play right away and not kill you with how many things he can do...
Guys I like more than the experts do: Favors, Wes Johnson, Udoh, Monroe, Babbitt, Bledsoe, James, Patterson, Alabi, Pondexter, Elliot Williams, Jarvis Varnado, Hobson, Gani Lawal, Manny Harris, Sylven Landesberg, Jon Scheyer
Guys I like less than the experts do: Evan Turner (a little bit, I still like him just don't think he'll ever be a star), Aminu, Ed Davis, Daniel Orton, Whiteside, Terrico White, Willie Warren, Lance Stephenson
And there it is... Discuss... Please
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