1. New Jersey Nets 12-70
This pick is not as clearly set as in previous mocks. John Wall is a great player, but Evan Turner has been getting a lot of the hype in college basketball in recent weeks. Turner would actually fill more of a need for the Nets as a small forward, as Wall plays the same position as Devin Harris, the Nets’ best player, but small forwards rarely go #1 overall, especially more defensive minded guys like Turner. The last small forward to go #1 over was LeBron James, but he is really a guard in a forward’s body. I still say this pick will be Kentucky PG John Wall, but don’t be too surprised if it ends up being Turner, especially if a team like Minnesota ends up with this pick in the lottery. They spent 3 picks on point guards last year (though they traded one) and I don’t think they’d spend the #1 on a point guard this year.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves 17-65
The Timberwolves need a score first shooting guard here, but this draft doesn’t have a lot of those. They also need an upgrade on the wings at the small forward position over Corey Brewer, who is currently playing the 2 guard, and Damien Wilkins. Ohio State SF Evan Turner is athletic and the complete package as a small forward and would add to this team in many ways.
3. Sacramento Kings 25-57
The Kings have came crashing back down to earth after that hot start, which is not surprisingly because they don’t have a ton of talent. Because of that, they can do what they proved they would do last year and that’s just take the best available player. Georgia Tech PF Derrick Favors is that best player available and would add to a young nucleus of talented players.
4. Washington Wizards 26-56
At the deadline, the Wizards pretty much took a large stick of dynamite, attached it to their team, and lit it. As you can imagine, they haven’t been very good since then. They have needs everywhere now, but nowhere more than inside after losing Brendan Haywood. Kentucky C DeMarcus Cousins is the best available center and one of the more dominant big men in the country this year. Unlike other centers in come out in years past, Cousins is proven offensively on a college level. The only issue is his attitude.
5. Golden State Warriors 26-56
Don Nelson is still in Golden State so this will be one of the players he thinks fits his system well, as all of his picks are. Georgetown PF/C Greg Monroe is the most versatile big man in college basketball. He can run the floor, hit the outside shot, and pass from the block, all three things that are key to be able to play in Don Nelson’s offense.
6. Philadelphia 76ers 26-56
Syracuse SF Wesley Johnson is best available here. He’s a bit raw and doesn’t fill an obvious need, but he can allow Andre Iguodala to move back to his natural position, shooting guard, in the near future and the 76ers can’t pass on a prospect of his caliber at 6.
7. Detroit Pistons 27-55
Its sad to see the Pistons down here, especially because of how good they used to be a few years ago and because of how down the entire city of Detroit has been since the recession. A big part of their struggles this season is a lack of physicality, especially on the block. North Carolina PF/C Ed Davis can play either power forward or center for this team next season and provide interior toughness. He’s not a gifted low post scorer, but this team already has enough guys who can put the ball in the bucket. Davis is out with an injury, but he still has top ten upside.
8. Los Angeles Clippers 29-53
No major needs for this team other than time to mature, come together, and Blake Griffin to get healthy, so they can go best available player and add another young athlete to the mix. Wake Forest F Al-Farouq Aminu is a raw combo forward that fits that description. He would be a good replacement for Al Thornton and a decent backup plan assuming they can’t get LeBron this offseason.
9. Utah Jazz 53-29 (via NY)
Carlos Boozer could be gone as a free agent this offseason. They would need another power forward to fill his spot. Kentucky F Patrick Patterson would be an excellent fit for Jerry Sloan’s system and can play both power forward in place of Boozer, and also some small forward, which the Jazz need a bit of help at as well.
10. Indiana Pacers 32-50
The Pacers will take by far the best available player in Marshall C Hassan Whiteside. The Pacers have some decent depth inside, but Whiteside is a project player with huge upside. He has the potential to grow into the dominant shot blocker they lack right now, but at the same time, the Pacers have enough interior depth at the moment that Whiteside won’t have to play much right away.
11. New Orleans Hornets 37-45
The Hornets really need to get more athletic on the wings, especially defensively. Athleticism and defense, steals and blocks, are the specialty of the extremely longWest Virginia SF Devin Ebanks. He would be an excellent fit for their needs and he is the best player available at this juncture.
12. Memphis Grizzlies 40-42
The Grizzlies are somehow at .500, but they still find themselves in the lottery. They can use this opportunity to take a big time college basketball player again and luckily, they can get a steal here with Kansas C Cole Aldrich. They did draft a center last year, but Hasheem Thabeet has not shown himself to be much yet and Aldrich would compliment him well as they share duties inside.
13. Toronto Raptors 40-42
The Raptors have to deal with the threat of Chris Bosh leaving this offseason and even if he returns, they do have a need inside which is why Lithunia PF/C Donatas Motiejunas makes sense here. He is one of the best, if not the best, available and fits with their European theme. Unlike most European players, Motiejunas is a free agent in his native country and can come play here right away.
14. Houston Rockets 42-40
The Rockets have good supporting pieces, but lack a star. Kansas SG/SF Xavier Henry is a great scorer and has more upside than anyone on the board. He’ll be that big time scorer they’ve lacked this season.
15. Milwaukee Bucks 46-36
The Bucks need more muscle inside to pair with Andrew Bogut and Baylor PF/C Ekpe Udoh is the type of raw physical athlete that Scott Skiles will enjoy working with and just what this team needs.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves 15-67
The Timberwolves also need an upgrade at shooting guard and Oklahoma State SG/SF James Anderson was a scoring machine in the Big 12 last year, who only drops out of the lottery because of questions about his athleticism and his ability to get to the rim.
17. Chicago Bulls 41-41
The Bulls are probably going to be looking for best available here, as they have a lot of cap room and thus their roster could look a lot different in a few months, as could their needs. VCU PF/C Larry Sanders is raw, but he has great upside as a shot blocker inside.
18. Miami Heat 47-35
The Heat don’t have a lot of players under contract for next season so I really just expect them to take best available and leave their options open in free agency. Texas SF Damion James represents best available at this juncture.
19. Boston Celtics 50-32
Ray Allen is a free agent this offseason so the Celtics should take a sharpshooter like Xavier SG Jordan Crawford here to help them stretch the defense just in case. If Allen returns, Crawford will still be a solid player off the bench.
20. San Antonio Spurs 50-32
The Spurs are probably looking for proven winners to help them in the short term with this pick and Butler SF Jordan Crawford is that. He can challenge the struggling Richard Jefferson on the wings and provide solid depth off the bench.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder 50-32
When the Thunder were still the Seattle Supersonics, they took many high upside centers, all of whom busted. However, now that they are no longer drafting in the top 10, it’s much less of a risk to take someone like that and Florida State C Soloman Alabi is a big raw shotblocker, who needs work offensively.
22. Portland Trailblazers 50-32
The Trailblazers really don’t have any major needs here so they can take a risk on a high upside scorer like Oklahoma G Willie Warren. Warren has Gilbert Arenas esque potential when healthy, but he’s injury prone and very one dimensional. However, he should fill a nice sparkplug role for the Blazers off the bench.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves 15-67
The Timberwolves could use another big man inside with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love and Georgia Tech PF Gani Lawai is one of, if not the best available at this point.
24. Atlanta Falcons 53-29
The Falcons can just take best available here and take Memphis G Elliot Williams. Williams will provide a much needed backup if case Joe Johnson leaves and plays a necessary role off the bench as a combo guard.
25. Memphis Grizzlies 40-42
The Grizzlies don’t really have a lot of depth behind Mike Conley, so they can takeKentucky PG Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe showed last year that he didn’t need to ball in his hands to be successful and helpful and the Grizzlies already have a bunch of playmakers on the roster.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder 50-32
The Thunder are probably just going to take best available here as they don’t have any needs. Connecticut SF Stanley Robinson adds more youth, upside, and depth to this already talented team.
27. New Jersey Nets 12-70
By far their biggest need at this point is power forward so they could reach for a borderline 1st round pick type guy like Oakland PF/C Keith Benson to fill that need.
28. Memphis Grizzles 40-42
Rudy Gay is a free agent and just in case they can’t match any offer made to him, they’ll take a high upside small forward for depth purposes and take Nevada F Luke Babbitt.
29. Orlando Magic 59-23
A point forward type player like Hedo Turkoglu fits their scheme really well so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take another player like that in New Mexico SF Darington Hobson.
30. Washington Wizards 26-56
Another best available for the team that blew their roster up at the deadline as they take Mississippi SG Terico White.
1. New Jersey Nets 12-70
This pick is not as clearly set as in previous mocks. John Wall is a great player, but Evan Turner has been getting a lot of the hype in college basketball in recent weeks. Turner would actually fill more of a need for the Nets as a small forward, as Wall plays the same position as Devin Harris, the Nets’ best player, but small forwards rarely go #1 overall, especially more defensive minded guys like Turner. The last small forward to go #1 over was LeBron James, but he is really a guard in a forward’s body. I still say this pick will be Kentucky PG John Wall, but don’t be too surprised if it ends up being Turner, especially if a team like Minnesota ends up with this pick in the lottery. They spent 3 picks on point guards last year (though they traded one) and I don’t think they’d spend the #1 on a point guard this year.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves 17-65
The Timberwolves need a score first shooting guard here, but this draft doesn’t have a lot of those. They also need an upgrade on the wings at the small forward position over Corey Brewer, who is currently playing the 2 guard, and Damien Wilkins. Ohio State SF Evan Turner is athletic and the complete package as a small forward and would add to this team in many ways.
3. Sacramento Kings 25-57
The Kings have came crashing back down to earth after that hot start, which is not surprisingly because they don’t have a ton of talent. Because of that, they can do what they proved they would do last year and that’s just take the best available player. Georgia Tech PF Derrick Favors is that best player available and would add to a young nucleus of talented players.
4. Washington Wizards 26-56
At the deadline, the Wizards pretty much took a large stick of dynamite, attached it to their team, and lit it. As you can imagine, they haven’t been very good since then. They have needs everywhere now, but nowhere more than inside after losing Brendan Haywood. Kentucky C DeMarcus Cousins is the best available center and one of the more dominant big men in the country this year. Unlike other centers in come out in years past, Cousins is proven offensively on a college level. The only issue is his attitude.
5. Golden State Warriors 26-56
Don Nelson is still in Golden State so this will be one of the players he thinks fits his system well, as all of his picks are. Georgetown PF/C Greg Monroe is the most versatile big man in college basketball. He can run the floor, hit the outside shot, and pass from the block, all three things that are key to be able to play in Don Nelson’s offense.
6. Philadelphia 76ers 26-56
Syracuse SF Wesley Johnson is best available here. He’s a bit raw and doesn’t fill an obvious need, but he can allow Andre Iguodala to move back to his natural position, shooting guard, in the near future and the 76ers can’t pass on a prospect of his caliber at 6.
7. Detroit Pistons 27-55
Its sad to see the Pistons down here, especially because of how good they used to be a few years ago and because of how down the entire city of Detroit has been since the recession. A big part of their struggles this season is a lack of physicality, especially on the block. North Carolina PF/C Ed Davis can play either power forward or center for this team next season and provide interior toughness. He’s not a gifted low post scorer, but this team already has enough guys who can put the ball in the bucket. Davis is out with an injury, but he still has top ten upside.
8. Los Angeles Clippers 29-53
No major needs for this team other than time to mature, come together, and Blake Griffin to get healthy, so they can go best available player and add another young athlete to the mix. Wake Forest F Al-Farouq Aminu is a raw combo forward that fits that description. He would be a good replacement for Al Thornton and a decent backup plan assuming they can’t get LeBron this offseason.
9. Utah Jazz 53-29 (via NY)
Carlos Boozer could be gone as a free agent this offseason. They would need another power forward to fill his spot. Kentucky F Patrick Patterson would be an excellent fit for Jerry Sloan’s system and can play both power forward in place of Boozer, and also some small forward, which the Jazz need a bit of help at as well.
10. Indiana Pacers 32-50
The Pacers will take by far the best available player in Marshall C Hassan Whiteside. The Pacers have some decent depth inside, but Whiteside is a project player with huge upside. He has the potential to grow into the dominant shot blocker they lack right now, but at the same time, the Pacers have enough interior depth at the moment that Whiteside won’t have to play much right away.
11. New Orleans Hornets 37-45
The Hornets really need to get more athletic on the wings, especially defensively. Athleticism and defense, steals and blocks, are the specialty of the extremely longWest Virginia SF Devin Ebanks. He would be an excellent fit for their needs and he is the best player available at this juncture.
12. Memphis Grizzlies 40-42
The Grizzlies are somehow at .500, but they still find themselves in the lottery. They can use this opportunity to take a big time college basketball player again and luckily, they can get a steal here with Kansas C Cole Aldrich. They did draft a center last year, but Hasheem Thabeet has not shown himself to be much yet and Aldrich would compliment him well as they share duties inside.
13. Toronto Raptors 40-42
The Raptors have to deal with the threat of Chris Bosh leaving this offseason and even if he returns, they do need some muscle inside so a guy like Baylor PF Ekpe Udoh makes a lot of sense for the Raptors, however raw he is.
14. Houston Rockets 42-40
The Rockets have good supporting pieces, but lack a star. Oklahoma G Willie Warren is a great scorer and has more upside than anyone on the board. He’ll be that big time scorer they’ve lacked this season. He reminds me a lot of Gilbert Arenas only less dangerous.
1. New Jersey Nets 11-67
This pick is not as clearly set as in previous mocks. John Wall is a great player, but Evan Turner has been getting a lot of the hype in college basketball in recent weeks. Turner would actually fill more of a need for the Nets as a small forward, as Wall plays the same position as Devin Harris, the Nets’ best player, but small forwards rarely go #1 overall, especially more defensive minded guys like Turner. The last small forward to go #1 over was LeBron James, but he is really a guard in a forward’s body. I still say this pick will be Kentucky PG John Wall, but don’t be too surprised if it ends up being Turner, especially if a team like Minnesota ends up with this pick in the lottery. They spent 3 picks on point guards last year (though they traded one) and I don’t they’d spend the #1 on a point guard this year.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves 15-63
The Timberwolves need a score first shooting guard here, but this draft doesn’t have a lot of those. They also need an upgrade on the wings at the small forward position over Corey Brewer, who is currently playing the 2 guard, and Damien Wilkins. Ohio State SF Evan Turner is athletic and the complete package as a small forward and would add to this team in many ways.
3. Sacramento Kings 24-54
The Kings have came crashing back down to earth after that hot start, which is not surprisingly because they don’t have a ton of talent. Because of that, they can do what they proved they would do last year and that’s just take the best available player. Georgia Tech PF Derrick Favors is that best player available and would add to a young nucleus of talented players.
4. Washington Wizards 24-54
At the deadline, the Wizards pretty much took a large stick of dynamite, attached it to their team, and lit it. As you can imagine, they haven’t been very good since then. They have needs everywhere now, but nowhere more than inside after losing Brendan Haywood. Kentucky C DeMarcus Cousins is the best available center and one of the more dominant big men in the country this year. Unlike other centers in come out in years past, Cousins is proven offensively on a college level. The only issue is his attitude.
5. Golden State Warriors 24-54
Don Nelson is still in Golden State so this will be one of the players he thinks fits his system well, as all of his picks are. Georgetown PF/C Greg Monroe is the most versatile big man in college basketball. He can run the floor, hit the outside shot, and pass from the block, all three things that are key to be able to play in Don Nelson’s offense.
6. Detroit Pistons 25-53
Its sad to see the Pistons down here, especially because of how good they used to be a few years ago and because of how down the entire city of Detroit has been since the recession. A big part of their struggles this season is a lack of physicality, especially on the block. North Carolina PF/C Ed Davis can play either power forward or center for this team next season and provide interior toughness. He’s not a gifted low post scorer, but this team already has enough guys who can put the ball in the bucket. Davis is out with an injury, but he still has top ten upside and I say there’s a good chance he still declares.
7. Philadelphia 76ers 26-52
Syracuse SF Wesley Johnson is best available here. He’s a bit raw and doesn’t fill an obvious need, but he can allow Andre Iguodala to move back to his natural position, shooting guard, in the near future and the 76ers can’t pass on a prospect of his caliber at 7.
8. Los Angeles Clippers 27-51
No major needs for this team other than time to mature, come together, and Blake Griffin to get healthy, so they can go best available player and add another young athlete to the mix. Wake Forest F Al-Farouq Aminu is a raw combo forward that fits that description. He would be a good replacement for Al Thornton and a decent backup plan assuming they can’t get LeBron this offseason.
9. Utah Jazz 51-28 (via NY)
Carlos Boozer could be gone as a free agent this offseason. They would need another power forward to fill his spot. Kentucky F Patrick Patterson would be an excellent fit for Jerry Sloan’s system and can play both power forward in place of Boozer, and also some small forward, which the Jazz need a bit of help at as well.
10. Indiana Pacers 30-48
The Pacers will take by far the best available player in Marshall C Hassan Whiteside. The Pacers have some decent depth inside, but Whiteside is a project player with huge upside. He has the potential to grow into the dominant shot blocker they lack right now, but at the same time, the Pacers have enough interior depth at the moment that Whiteside won’t have to play much right away.
11. New Orleans Hornets 35-44
The Hornets really need to get more athletic on the wings, especially defensively. Athleticism and defense, steals and blocks, are the specialty of the extremely longWest Virginia SF Devin Ebanks. He would be an excellent fit for their needs and he is the best player available at this juncture.
12. Chicago Bulls 37-40
After trading John Salmons to put themselves in the race for LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, the Bulls really have a need for a score first perimeter player. I don’t think they’ll get either Wade or James. I think they most they’ll get is Chris Bosh and in that case, they’ll still need an outside scorer like Kansas SG/SF Xavier Henry. Henry is an extremely mature scorer for his age and can only get better.
13. Memphis Grizzlies 39-39
The Grizzlies are somehow at .500, but they still find themselves in the lottery. They can use this opportunity to take a big time college basketball player again and luckily, they can get a steal here with Kansas C Cole Aldrich. They did draft a center last year, but Hasheem Thabeet has not shown himself to be much yet and Aldrich would compliment him well as they share duties inside.
14. Houston Rockets 40-38
The Rockets have good supporting pieces, but lack a star. Oklahoma G Willie Warren is a great scorer and has more upside than anyone on the board. He’ll be that big time scorer they’ve lacked this season. He reminds me a lot of Gilbert Arenas only less dangerous.
1. New Jersey Nets 7-61
The Nets already have Devin Harris at point guard and he’s probably their best player, though on a 7-61 team that isn’t saying much. However, they can’t not take Kentucky PG John Wall here. He’s easily has the most upside of any player in college basketball. He’s shooting over 46% from the field and close to 33% from three and he’s a distributor with 6.5 assists per game. He has good size, can create his own shot, and create shots for others. The Nets need to take him and sort things out later. Maybe Harris can play off guard or they can trade Harris, but they can’t pass on Wall.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves 14-56
The Timberwolves need a score first shooting guard here, but this draft doesn’t have a lot of those. They also need an upgrade on the wings at the small forward position over Corey Brewer, who is currently playing the 2 guard, and Damien Wilkins. Ohio State SF Evan Turner is athletic and the complete package as a small forward and would add to this team in many ways.
3. Golden State Warriors 19-49
Don Nelson is still in Golden State so this will be one of the players he thinks fits his system well, as all of his picks are. Georgetown PF/C Greg Monroe is the most versatile big man in college basketball. He can run the floor, hit the outside shot, and pass from the block, all three things that are key to be able to play in Don Nelson’s offense.
4. Washington Wizards 21-46
At the deadline, the Wizards pretty much took a large stick of dynamite, attached it to their team, and lit it. As you can imagine, they haven’t been very good since then. They have needs everywhere now, but nowhere more than inside after losing Brendan Haywood. Kentucky C DeMarcus Cousins is the best available center and one of the more dominant big men in the country this year. Unlike other centers in come out in years past, Cousins is proven offensively on a college level. The only issue is his attitude.
5. Sacramento Kings 23-46
The Kings have come crashing back down to earth recently since that hot start, which is not surprisingly because they don’t have a ton of talent. Because of that, they can do what they proved they would do last year and that’s just take the best available player. Georgia Tech PF Derrick Favors is that best player available and would add to a young nucleus of talented players.
6. Detroit Pistons 23-46
Its sad to see the Pistons here, especially because of how good they used to be a few years ago and because of how down the entire city of Detroit has been since the recession. A big part of their struggles this season is a lack of physicality, especially on the block. Marshall C Hassan Whiteside is a little limited offensively, but he’s an amazing shot blocker and if Hasheem Thabeet can get drafted with the 2nd pick, Whiteside can go top 10. He’s not a gifted low post scorer, but this team already has enough guys who can put the ball in the bucket and he would bring this team much needed interior toughness at the center position.
7. Indiana Pacers 23-46
The Pacers need help in their backcourt, but there aren’t a lot of good backcourt players that could legitimately go in the top 10 after John Wall. I think the Pacers will just pick best non-small forward available in this situation and go with North Carolina PF/C Ed Davis. He would give them the athletic big man they failed to get last year when they drafted Tyler Hansbourgh. Davis is out with an injury, but he still has top ten upside and I say there’s a good chance he still declares.
8. Philadelphia 76ers 24-45
Syracuse SF Wesley Johnson is best available here. He’s a bit raw and doesn’t fill an obvious need, but he can allow Andre Iguodala to move back to his natural position, shooting guard, in the near future and the 76ers can’t pass on a prospect of his caliber at 8.
9. Utah Jazz 44-25 (via NY)
Carlos Boozer could be gone as a free agent this offseason. They would need another power forward to fill his spot. Kentucky F Patrick Patterson would be an excellent fit for Jerry Sloan’s system and can play both power forward in place of Boozer, and also some small forward, which the Jazz need a bit of help at as well.
10. Los Angeles Clippers 26-43
No major needs for this team other than time to mature, come together, and Blake Griffin to get healthy, so they can go best available player and add another young athlete to the mix. Syracuse SF Wesley Johnson fits that description and is also the best available. He would be a good replacement for Al Thornton and a decent backup plan assuming they can’t get LeBron this offseason.
11. Chicago Bulls 31-37
The Bulls have been needing to get tougher inside for a while. Brad Miller has been doing decent, but not great inside and, after trading Tyrus Thomas, they really lack an inside shot blocker. Kansas C/PF Cole Aldrich can help them at multiple positions inside. He’s a great shot blocker and isn’t as raw of a post scorer as most big men are when they come out of school so he can help in that area as well.
12. New Orleans Hornets 33-37
The Hornets really need to get more athletic on the wings, especially defensively. Athleticism and defense, steals and blocks, are the specialty of the extremely longWake Forest F Al-Farouq Aminu. He would be an excellent fit for their needs and he is the best player available at this juncture.
13. Memphis Grizzlies 36-33
The Grizzlies are somehow above .500, but they still find themselves in the lottery. They can use this opportunity to take a big time prospect again and luckily, they can get a steal here with Lithunia PF/C Donatas Montiejunas They did draft a center last year, but Hasheem Thabeet has not shown himself to be much yet and Montiejunas would compliment him well as they share duties inside. Unlike most European prospects, Montiejunas is a free agent this offseason in his native country and could come over right away.
14. Houston Rockets 35-32
The Rockets have good supporting pieces, but lack a star. Oklahoma G Willie Warren is a great scorer and has more upside than anyone on the board. He’ll be that big time scorer they’ve lacked this season. He reminds me a lot of Gilbert Arenas only less dangerous.
1. New Jersey Nets 5-52
The Nets already have Devin Harris at point guard and he’s probably their best player, though on a 5-52 team that isn’t saying much. However, they can’t not take Kentucky PG John Wall here. He’s easily has the most upside of any player in college basketball. He’s shooting over 45% from the field and close to 33% from three and he’s a distributor with 6.2 assists per game. He has good size, can create his own shot, and create shots for others. The Nets need to take him and sort things out later. Maybe Harris can play off guard or they can trade Harris, but they can’t pass on Wall.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves 14-46
The Timberwolves need a score first shooting guard here, but this draft doesn’t have a lot of those. They also need an upgrade on the wings at the small forward position over Corey Brewer, who is currently playing the 2 guard, and Damien Wilkins. Ohio State SF Evan Turner is athletic and the complete package as a small forward and would add to this team in many ways.
3. Golden State Warriors 16-41
Don Nelson is still in Golden State so this will be one of the players he thinks fits his system well, as all of his picks are. Georgetown PF/C Greg Monroe is the most versatile big man in college basketball. He can run the floor, hit the outside shot, and pass from the block, all three things that are key to be able to play in Don Nelson’s offense.
4. Indiana Pacers 19-39
The Pacers need help in their backcourt, but there aren’t a lot of good backcourt players that could legitimately go in the top 5 after John Wall. I think the Pacers will just like best available in this situation and go with Georgia Tech PF Derrick Favors. He would give them the athletic big man they failed to get last year when they drafted Tyler Hansbourgh.
5. Sacramento Kings 19-39
The Kings have come crashing back down to earth recently since that hot start, which is not surprisingly because they don’t have a ton of talent. Because of that, they can do what they proved they would do last year and that’s just take the best available player. Syracuse SF Wesley Johnson is that best player available and would add to a young nucleus of talented players.
6. Utah Jazz 37-21 (via NY)
Carlos Boozer could be gone as a free agent this offseason. They would need another power forward to fill his spot. Kentucky F Patrick Patterson would be an excellent fit for Jerry Sloan’s system and can play both power forward in place of Boozer, and also some small forward, which the Jazz need a bit of help at as well.
7. Washington Wizards 20-36
The Wizards pretty much just took a large stick of dynamite, attached it to their team, and lit it. They have needs everywhere now, but nowhere more than inside after losing Brendan Haywood. Marshall C Hassan Whiteside is a little limited offensively, but he’s an amazing shot blocker and if Hasheem Thabeet can get drafted with the 2nd pick, Whiteside can go top 10.
8. Detroit Pistons 21-37
Its sad to see the Pistons down here, especially because of how good they used to be a few years ago and because of how down the entire city of Detroit has been since the recession. A big part of their struggles this season is a lack of physicality, especially on the block. North Carolina PF/C Ed Davis can play either power forward or center for this team next season and provide interior toughness. He’s not a gifted low post scorer, but this team already has enough guys who can put the ball in the bucket.
9. Philadelphia 76ers 22-36
The Samuel Dalembert signing was a bust and they still need help at the center position. Kentucky C DeMarcus Cousins is the best available center and one of the more dominant big men in the country this year. Unlike other centers in come out in years past, Cousins is proven offensively on a college level. The only issue is his attitude.
10. Los Angeles Clippers 24-34
No major needs for this team other than time to mature, come together, and Blake Griffin to get healthy, so they can go best available player and add another young athlete to the mix. Wake Forest F Al-Farouq Aminu is a raw combo forward that fits that description. He would be a good replacement for Al Thornton and a decent backup plan assuming they can’t get LeBron this offseason.
11. Charlotte Bobcats 28-29
No major needs so I’m just expecting them to go best available. Michael Jordan and Larry Brown both like taking proven college guys so Texas F Damion Jamescould be viewed as the best available player in their eyes. He has good versatility and has been filling the stat sheet this year as a Longhorn.
12. Memphis Grizzlies 29-29
The Grizzlies are somehow at .500, but they still find themselves in the lottery. They can use this opportunity to take a big time college basketball player again and luckily, they can get a steal here with Kansas C Cole Aldrich. They did draft a center last year, but Hasheem Thabeet has not shown himself to be much yet and Aldrich would compliment him well as they share duties inside.
13. Houston Rockets 29-28
The Rockets have good supporting pieces, but lack a star. Oklahoma G Willie Warren is a great scorer and has more upside than anyone on the board. He’ll be that big time scorer they’ve lacked this season. He reminds me a lot of Gilbert Arenas only less dangerous.
14. New Orleans Hornets 31-28
The Hornets really need to get more athletic on the wings, especially defensively. Athleticism and defense, steals and blocks, are the specialty of the extremely longWest Virginia SF Devin Ebanks. He would be an excellent fit for their needs and he is the best player available at this juncture.
2/27/10
1. New Jersey Nets 3-33
The Nets already have Devin Harris at point guard and he’s probably their best player, though on a 3-33 team that isn’t saying much. However, they can’t not take Kentucky PG John Wall here. He’s easily the best player in college basketball thus far. He’s shooting over 50% from the field and close to 40% from three and he’s a distributor with 7.3 assists per game. He has good size, can create his own shot, and create shots for others. The Nets need to take him and sort things out later. Maybe Harris can play off guard or they can trade Harris, but they can’t pass on Wall.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves 8-29
The Timberwolves need a score first shooting guard here, but this draft doesn’t have a lot of those. They also need an upgrade on the wings at the small forward position over Corey Brewer, who is currently playing the 2 guard, and Damien Wilkins. Syracuse SF Wesley Johnson is athletic and the complete package as a small forward and would add to this team in many ways.
3. Philadelphia 76ers 10-25
Allen Iverson in Philly is likely a one year thing. When he leaves, and even if he doesn’t, Andre Iguodala should move back to shooting guard and Thaddeus Young should move back to small forward. They need a big low post scorer either way and moving Iggy and Young that way would make room for a low post scorer like Georgia Tech PF Derrick Favors to play power forward alongside Marreese Speights or Samuel Dalembert at center.
4. Golden State Warriors 11-24
Don Nelson is still in Golden State so this will be one of the players he thinks fits his system well, as all of his picks are. Georgetown PF/C Greg Monroe is the most versatile big man in college basketball. He can run the floor, hit the outside shot, and pass from the block, all three things that are key to be able to play in Don Nelson’s offense.
5. Indiana Pacers 11-24
The Pacers have a hole at shooting guard and not surprisingly, they have a trouble scoring a ton of points because they don’t have a big setup scorer.Oklahoma G Willie Warren has all of the tools of a big time NBA scorer. He reminds me a bit of Gilbert Arenas only he doesn’t like to point guns at teammates.
6. Detroit Pistons 11-23
Its sad to see the Pistons down here, especially because of how good they used to be a few years ago and because of how down the entire city of Detroit has been since the recession. A big part of their struggles this season is a lack of physicality, especially on the block. North Carolina PF/C Ed Davis can play either power forward or center for this team next season and provide interior toughness. He’s not a gifted low post scorer, but this team already has enough guys who can put the ball in the bucket.
7. Washington Wizards 12-22
Without any glaring needs, other than better locker room security, the Wizards can just take the best available player. Ohio State SF Evan Turner has all the tools necessary to be a big time small forward at the NBA level and has put it all together many times this season. Drafting him will allow the Wizards to keep Butler at shooting guard longterm and allow Randy Foye to continue coming off the bench where he’s at his best.
8. Sacramento Kings 14-21
The Kings have come crashing back down to earth recently since that hot start, which is not surprisingly because they don’t have a ton of talent. Because of that, they can do what they proved they would do last year and that’s just take the best available player. Lithuania PF/C Donatas Motiejunas has huge NBA upside if he pans out and, unlike most European prospects, is a free agent this season so he can come over here, if he chooses, without contract disputes.
9. Chicago Bulls 14-20
The Bulls are really missing Ben Gordon’s scoring abilities this year and Kirk Hinrich at shooting guard is not going to work out longterm. They need a big time scoring shooting guard like Mississippi SG Terrico White, who was the SEC Freshman of the year last year, and is averaging 17.3 points per game this year.
10. Utah Jazz 19-17 (via NY)
Carlos Boozer could be gone, either as a free agent this offseason, or through a trade this season. They would need another power forward to fill his spot.Kentucky F Patrick Patterson would be an excellent fit for Jerry Sloan’s system and can play both power forward in place of Boozer, and also some small forward, which the Jazz need a bit of help at as well.
11. Los Angeles Clippers 16-18
No major needs for this team other than time to mature, come together, and Blake Griffin to get healthy, so they can go best available player and add another young athlete to the mix. Wake Forest F Al-Farouq Aminu is a raw combo forward that fits that description.
12. Memphis Grizzlies 18-17
The Grizzlies are somehow over .500, but they still find themselves in the lottery, rather than the 6th seed which they would be in the East, because of the depth of the Western Conference. They can use this opportunity to take a big time college basketball player again and luckily, they can get a steal here with Kansas C Cole Aldrich. They did draft a center last year, but Hasheem Thabeet has not shown himself to be much yet and Aldrich would compliment him well as they share duties inside.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves 8-29 (via UT)
The Timberwolves didn’t reach for a big time shooting guard before and can take one here now. Kansas SG Xavier Henry already has NBA size as a freshman and is averaging 16.1 PPG on 49% percent shooting for the Jayhawks. He’s also shooting 47% from behind the arc and can be that long range bomber that stretches the defense that the Jayhawks needs.
14. New Orleans Hornets 18-16
The Hornets really need to get more athletic on the wings, especially defensively. Athleticism and defense, steals and blocks, are the specialty of the extremely long West Virginia SF Devin Ebanks. He would be an excellent fit for their needs and he is the best player available at this juncture.
1. Sacramento Kings- PG John Wall (Kentucky)
The Kings didn’t get better in the offseason. They drafted a nice project in Tyreke Evans, but I think he’ll prove to be more of a shooting guard than a point guard. They need someone to handle the rock and control the offense. Wall is drawing comparisons left and right to Derrick Rose, the 2008-2009 Rookie of the Year.
2. Utah Jazz (via NYK)- PF/C Greg Monroe (Georgetown)
Carlos Boozer is back for another year, but he’s a free agent this offseason and will likely test what should be a free agent friendly market. They traded their insurance option in Paul Millsap so they need another one. Monroe is the best big man on the board and Jerry Sloan will love his versatility.
3. Milwaukee Bucks- PF/C Ed Davis (North Carolina)
Scott Skiles will want to acquire that tough interior presence his team lacks right now. Davis needs some work offensively, but the Bucks can score points in bunches right now. They need interior toughness.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves- G Willie Warren (Oklahoma)
Despite having 4 picks, they did not draft a perimeter score to replace Randy Foye. Warren is a tough NBA ready perimeter scorer with huge upside.
5. Memphis Grizzles- F Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech)
Zach Randolph, as much as he scores, is not a winner. They need to let him ride out his contract and then leave. Favors is a nice power forward project behind him that can provide defense and versatility off the bench, two things Randolph lacks.
6. Charlotte Bobcats- PF Patrick Patterson (Kentucky)
They have Boris Diaw and Tyson Chandler in the frontcourt, but lack a tough interior scoring presence. Patterson can fill that void. Plus, we all know Michael Jordan likes to draft big name, big school college players. That is what Patterson is.
7. Golden State Warriors- SF Evan Turner (Ohio State)
Turner is a scorer and a shooter, but he also plays tough defense and rebounds. He can be a long term replacement to Stephen Jackson if they decide to trade him.
8. New Jersey Nets- SF Al-Faruoq Aminu (Wake Forest)
They need to replace Bobby Simmons at small forward. Aminu is versatile and the complete small forward package.
9. Indiana Pacers- C Cole Aldrich (Kansas)
They lack that tough interior shot blocker. Aldrich is a great shot blocker and has a nice tough around the rim.
10. Houston Rockets- SG Jerrico White (Mississippi)
They have good supporting pieces, but lack a star, unless Tracy McGrady can return to form. White is a great scorer and has more upside than anyone on the board.
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