With the 2010 NBA draft two days away, it's time to take our first full look at both rounds of the draft. As teams continue to narrow their draft lists down, there are still plenty of things up in the air with tons of trade talk and last-minute workouts taking place.
Here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, at how the draft will play out on June 24.
(
Click here for Round 2.)
[h3]Mock Draft 6.0[/h3]
| | | |
|
Washington
|
John Wall
| Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 196 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Wall's previous position: No. 1 to Washington)
Analysis: Wall as the No. 1 pick is still the only sure thing in the draft. He had his workout in Washington D.C. last week, and from all indications it went well.
The task for the Wizards now turns to filling in the spaces around him -- getting a healthy and focused Gilbert Arenas, looking for bargains or perhaps Rudy Gay in free agency, and figuring out how to turn the Wizards into a powerhouse franchise. Adding Wall is a big, big step in the right direction, but only one of many the Wizards are going to have to take.
| | | |
|
Philadelphia
|
Evan Turner
| Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 214
Age: 21
School: Ohio State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Turner's previous position: No. 2 to Philadelphia)
Analysis: We're keeping Turner at No. 2 even though we continue to hear from some sources that the team is after a big.
Why? Because after the Sixers worked out Turner last week, and even after they swapped Samuel Dalembert for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes, a well-placed source in Philly continues to insist that Turner is their guy.
Still, I continue to hear that head coach Doug Collins prefers the team draft a big. He's been very high on Derrick Favors and, according to sources, was wowed by Cousins after he and Favors worked out in Philly. If Collins wants to win now, Cousins could be the catalyst.
So what does it come down to in Philly? I think we'll find out Thursday who makes the decisions in Philly. If it's Turner, Ed Stefanski is the man in charge. If it's Favors or Cousins, Collins may be running the ship.
| | | |
|
New Jersey
|
Derrick Favors
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 245
Age: 18
School: Georgia Tech |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Favors' previous position: No. 3 to New Jersey)
Analysis: The latest news out of NJ is that there is a three-way scrum between Cousins, Favors and Wes Johnson. Cousins and Favors worked out against each other on Monday in New Jersey. And the team is also high on Johnson because of its need at the wing and his ability to step in and play from day one.
Cousins, who has been awesome in recent workouts in Sacramento and Philly, was good again in Jersey, not only showing his dominant offensive moves in the paint, but shooting the lights out, too. Favors showed off his athleticism and upside, but in terms of NBA readiness, Cousins has the edge.
That could make the Nets' decision pretty tough. Not only does new owner Mikhail Prokhorov want to win now, so does new head coach Avery Johnson. That could push Cousins or small forward Wes Johnson into the foreground.
However, there are issues with Cousins if they take him at No. 3. The Nets are also targeting a number of veteran big men, including Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer this summer. With Brook Lopez already in the middle, would the Nets have minutes for Cousins?
| | | |
|
Minnesota
|
Wesley Johnson
| Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 206
Age: 22
School: Syracuse |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Johnson's previous position: No. 4 to Minnesota)
Analysis: The Wolves are one of the most active teams in the league right now. They have explored moving up in the draft to get Turner. They've also looked at packaging the 16th and 23rd picks in an effort to move up and get a second top-10 pick.
If they keep the No. 4 pick, it continues to look like their target is Johnson, who we've had going to Minnesota in our mock draft since May. He was in Minnesota last week and wowed everyone in the organization. Not only is he a great basketball player, but he's a great young man and the type of locker-room guy that a young team wants to build with.
However, it appears that all the uncertainty at the top of the draft could be swaying Minnesota. Over the past 24 hours the team has been seriously discussing taking Cousins, who has refused to work out for Minnesota. The team has had some interest in potential trades for Al Jefferson or Kevin Love and has been watching a lot of tape on Cousins to be sure they aren't missing the boat. While he isn't a great fit and there are concerns about his attitude, he's such a talent that the Wolves might be reluctant to pass.
| | | |
|
Sacramento
|
DeMarcus Cousins
| Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 292
Age: 19
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Cousins' previous position: No. 5 to Sacramento)
Analysis: Last week, we put Cousins here after a terrific workout in Sacramento over Greg Monroe. What's happened since then? Well, Monroe returned to Sacramento for a second workout, and sources say he wowed them again. In addition, the Kings swapped Nocioni and Hawes for Dalembert, giving them a much-needed shot-blocker and rebounder in the middle.
So where does that leave Sacramento? I hear Cousins might have a slight lead over Monroe, but it's very close. However, more and more, a third option is emerging: Trading the pick. GM Geoff Petrie has zero history of trading down in the draft, but the Kings are actively exploring their options with so many teams pining to get their hands on Cousins -- everyone from Detroit to Boston has been looking at moving up.
| | | |
|
Golden State
|
Greg Monroe
| Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 247
Age: 19
School: Georgetown |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Monroe's previous position: No. 6 to Golden State)
Analysis: The Warriors are among the most difficult teams in the draft to predict right now. Over the course of the past week, I've heard a number of players were atop their list, including Cousins, Monroe, Al-Farouq Aminu, Xavier Henry, Ekpe Udoh, Patrick Patterson ... I could go on.
To me, this is where the gamesmanship really starts. The Warriors could go in almost any direction. The team itself is a bit of a mess. We're not sure who's going to own the team in a month, the coaching situation is up in the air, players are on the trading block and agents who have had their players work out for Golden State don't particularly want their guys to end up there.
For weeks, the word I've been getting is that Cousins is the guy. If he's off the board, the next closest consensus among sources (and I use the word "consensus" loosely) is Monroe. He reportedly had a bad workout in Golden State, but it might not matter. The Warriors need more size, and Monroe's high basketball IQ and skill level should be a nice fit in Golden State.
| | | |
|
Detroit
|
Ed Davis
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: North Carolina |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Davis' previous position: No. 10 to Indiana)
Analysis: Pistons president Joe Dumars has said he wants his team to regain the grit and toughness of past Pistons teams. But picking at No. 7 makes that a bit of a challenge. Detroit is really high on both Cousins and Favors, but most likely it will have to move up in the draft to get one of them.
Monroe is also high on its board, but in our latest scenario, he's gone too. Regardless, the team needs a big man.
For weeks I've had Aminu going to Detroit, but after Aminu canceled his workouts in Detroit, the Pistons have begun looking in other directions.
At this point it looks like it's down to Davis, Udoh or Cole Aldrich. Aldrich is the most NBA-ready center and Udoh is the best shot-blocker of the group. But of the players left on the board, Davis has the most upside. He may be raw, but he's an athletic 6-foot-10 big man with bounce and the ability to crash the boards. The Pistons need to swing for the fences.
| | | |
|
L.A. Clippers
|
Al-Farouq Aminu
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 215
Age: 19
School: Wake Forest |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Aminu's previous position: No. 7 to Detroit)
Analysis: The Clippers could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, and I keep getting mixed signals.
The latest word has them narrowing the field down to Aminu, Davis, Udoh, Gordon Hayward and Luke Babbitt.
Of those five names, Aminu would be the winner if he was still there at No. 8. The Clippers have a big hole at the 3 and feel he's a top-five talent in the draft. If he's gone, the Clippers' decision is whether to go big or wing. If they go big, I think Davis has the slight edge. If they go with a wing (their biggest need at the moment), it appears that Hayward and Babbitt are neck-and-neck. So which direction will they go?
In that scenario, I think Hayward wins out for two reasons. One, he's got more upside, and two, he's a better defender right now.
| | | |
|
Utah
|
Luke Babbitt
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Nevada |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Babbitt's previous position: No. 9 to Utah)
Analysis: The Jazz are crossing their fingers that Monroe slips to them. If he doesn't, as we've projected here, they have a tough choice. Davis has been moving strongly up their board, but in this mock he's going at No. 7 to Detroit.
The Jazz could still address their need for a big with Udoh, or they can address a big need at the wing. Babbitt, Henry and Hayward are all options the team would be comfortable with.
Which way are they leaning? GM Kevin O'Connor is keeping his cards close to the vest. I think Babbitt has a slight lead over Henry, Hayward and Udoh at the moment. But this one could come down to draft night.
I'll say this: The Jazz have been consistently high on Babbitt all year. They have had success with sweet-shooting small forwards like him, and he can come in and contribute from day one. All that should give him the edge.
| | | |
|
Indiana
|
Ekpe Udoh
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Baylor |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Udoh's previous position: No. 14 to Houston)
Analysis: The Pacers continue to talk to a number of teams about moving up, down or all the way out of the draft. It's no secret the team needs a point guard, and it's no secret that at No. 10, there probably isn't a point guard worth taking.
So the team now has a tough choice if Davis and Monroe are both off the board: Udoh or Paul George? Udoh gives them something they have lacked for years: a legitimate shot-blocker. George has that silky-smooth shooting touch and upside that Brandon Rush hasn't really displayed in Indiana. Of the two, I think Udoh's leading the charge, but as the Pacers continue to talk trade, someone else could be making this pick.
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|
New Orleans
|
Gordon Hayward
| Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 211
Age: 20
School: Butler |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Hayward's previous position: No. 8 to L.A. Clippers)
Analysis: The Hornets have a new head coach, and job No. 1 is filling a pretty large hole in their frontcourt. The Hornets have Emeka Okafor and David West and not much else.
However, the choices of Aldrich and Patterson haven't blown the team away. Both players do not have the sexy upside of other players in the draft.
That could lead the Hornets to the wing, where they eventually have to replace Peja Stojakovic. Hayward has the raw abilities to be a terrific 3 someday. While he struggled with his shot last season, teams think he will adapt well at the next level and has a chance to be a star.
| | | |
|
Memphis
|
Paul George
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Fresno State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(George's previous position: No. 16 to Minnesota)
Analysis: It's tough to know which way the Grizzlies are leaning. Over the course of the past few weeks, the three names that have gotten the most buzz have been George, Babbitt and Patterson.
After making a huge reach for Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2 last season, you'd think the Grizzlies would go conservative and take either Babbitt or Patterson. While neither player has enormous upside, both are NBA-ready and can provide instant offense.
However, as the process moves on, it appears that George is slowly moving to the front of the pack. How do we know? Because George is in for a second workout in Memphis on Tuesday -- this time in front of owner Michael Heisley. If you read the Memphis Commercial Appeal on Sunday, it's Heisley who makes the final decision in Memphis, not GM Chris Wallace. While George is clearly the biggest risk of the group, he's also the player with the most upside. If he develops his many talents, he could be a superstar.
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|
Toronto
|
Patrick Patterson
| Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 245
Age: 21
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Patterson's previous position: No. 12 to Memphis)
Analysis: The Raptors could go in a number of different directions here. With Bosh likely out the door, Hedo Turkoglu pining for a trade and the team shopping Jose Calderon, you can expect the team to look radically different next season.
Finding a center is atop GM Bryan Colangelo's list. If Bosh leaves, he'd like to move Andrea Bargnani to the 4. But of the top big men left on the board -- Orton, Whiteside and Solomon Alabi -- none of them is close to being ready.
The Raptors have been looking closely at Avery Bradley, but their inability to find a trade for either Calderon or Jarrett Jack makes taking Bradley a risk. So look for them to focus on the best big man left on the board: Patterson. He may not be a flashy player or filled with upside, but he is tough, plays hard and will be solid at the next level. At pick No. 13, that's all you can ask for. Think of him as this year's Tyler Hansbrough.
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|
Houston
|
Cole Aldrich
| Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 236
Age: 21
School: Kansas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Aldrich's previous position: No. 11 to New Orleans)
Analysis: The Rockets have been another team trying to move up a few spots in the draft. At No. 14, it looks like virtually every player they covet will be off the board. If they can't move up, that should put them in the mode of taking the best player available.
That would be Aldrich, who is a big with the ability to block shots and rebound. He also has a decent face-the-basket game. With Yao Ming's long-term status really up in the air, Aldrich gives them a backup big that should be able to step in and play right away.
| | | |
|
Milwaukee
(via Chicago)
|
Xavier Henry
| Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 210
Age: 19
School: Kansas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Henry's previous position: No. 15 to Milwaukee)
Analysis: The Bucks have a big need at the wing position with Michael Redd coming back from injury and John Salmons looking to opt out of his contract. Of the players left on the board, Henry looks to be, by far, the best value. He can play either the 2 or 3, and can shoot the lights out.
Speaking of upside, we probably should add one more name to the list. It's a long shot, but Cincinnati's Lance Stephenson has impressed in workouts, and the Bucks have had their eye on him for a while. It seems like he's a bit of a reach at 15, but John Hammond rolled the dice on a former high school phenom with a bad rep last year and it paid off. Will he do it again this year?
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|
Minnesota
(via Charlotte)
|
James Anderson
| Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210
Age: 21
School: Oklahoma State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Anderson's previous position: No. 17 to Chicago)
Analysis: The Wolves have been actively trying to package Nos. 16 and 23 to move up a few spots in the draft to get their hands on George. But if George is gone, there aren't a lot of prospects they're in love with here.
I think the Wolves would be more aggressive in trying to trade at this point. If they keep the pick, they might go ahead and take Anderson, who doesn't have the upside of some of the other wing guys like George or Hayward, but was one of the best scorers in college basketball last year. He would give the Wolves more shooting on the perimeter.
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|
Chicago
(via Milwaukee)
|
Avery Bradley
| Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: Texas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Bradley's previous position: No. 13 to Toronto)
Analysis: I've had Anderson here for every mock draft; the Bulls need a 2-guard who can shoot the basketball, and Anderson was the most NBA-ready prospect left on the board. But in this mock, Anderson's already off the board. While I still think Anderson is in the mix here -- along with Dominique Jones and Jordan Crawford -- a name I'm hearing more and more at 17 is Bradley.
With Kirk Hinrich on the trading block, Bradley's ability to swing between the 1 and the 2 is important to a team like the Bulls, who envision him more in a Monta Ellis-type role.
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|
Miami
|
Eric Bledsoe
| Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Bledsoe's previous position: No. 18 to Miami)
Analysis: Bledsoe has been in this spot since our first mock draft. While teams as high as Indiana (10), Toronto (13) and Houston (14) are in the mix for him, Miami looks like the perfect resting spot for Bledsoe. He's a tough, Pat Riley-type of player and could be a long-term upgrade from the Mario Chalmers-Carlos Arroyo duo at point guard.
Bledsoe was one of the players who really helped himself at the draft combine. Playing outside of Wall's shadow, he often looked like the best guard on the floor. Physically, he's ready for the NBA right now. But he still needs more experience running the point. In the long term, Bledsoe could pay off.
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|
Boston
|
Damion James
| Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 227
Age: 22
School: Texas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(James' previous position: No. 20 to San Antonio)
Analysis: I've had Alabi going to Boston for weeks. But after finding out Monday that the team hasn't been able to get him in for a workout, I'm hedging.
I still believe the Celtics like Alabi a lot, however, the name I'm hearing more and more out of Boston is James. He makes a lot of sense for the Celtics. He's a tough, physical player who can play both the 3 and the 4 for them. He's one of the few guys left in the draft that can come in and play on a veteran team like the Celtics right away.
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|
San Antonio
|
Craig Brackins
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 229
Age: 22
School: Iowa State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Brackins' previous position: No. 26 to Oklahoma City)
Analysis: The Spurs need size, and this pick will likely come down to either Brackins or Alabi. While Alabi has the size and upside, with Tiago Splitter possibly coming to San Antonio this fall, the Spurs may be set at the 5.
Brackins' ability to spread the floor and play inside and outside is coveted in San Antonio. A number of GMs have told me he could end up being the sleeper of the draft.
| | | |
|
Oklahoma City
|
Solomon Alabi
| Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Florida State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Alabi's previous position: No. 19 to Boston)
Analysis: The Thunder will have a tough call to make here between Alabi, Daniel Orton and Kevin Seraphin. The Thunder have been high on Orton all year, but a so-so workout in OKC, along with concerns about his knees, have given them and everyone else in the league pause.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have been high on Alabi for a while. He may seem like a bit of a reach to some, but he appears to be one of the hotter names in the draft at the moment. The Raptors, Celtics, Spurs, Thunder, Heat and Blazers are all showing interest. Those are all teams with historically good draft track records, so watch carefully.
Alabi measured as one of the tallest and longest players in the draft, and he showed a nice skill game and a terrific motor in the drills. Some scouts are comparing him to Dikembe Mutombo. I don't think Alabi has the same sort of rebounding and shot-blocking ability, but he does have a similar demeanor and presence on the court.
| | | |
|
Portland
|
Kevin Seraphin
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 258
Age: 20
Country: France |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Seraphin's previous position: No. 23 to Minnesota)
Analysis: Kevin Pritchard hit a home run with the 25th pick in 2008 when he drafted French swingman Nicolas Batum. How good is Batum? The Blazers rejected the Wolves' offer of the No. 4 pick for Batum a couple of week ago.
Now they have their eyes set on Seraphin, a French big man with great athleticism and excellent defensive instincts. The Blazers would also love Alabi, but in this case he isn't on the board. Hassan Whiteside and Orton are also possibilities here.
| | | |
|
Minnesota
(via Utah)
|
Larry Sanders
| Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 222
Age: 21
School: Va. Commonwealth |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Sanders' previous position: No. 28 to Memphis)
Analysis: With the Wolves going with wings with their first two picks, look for them to take a swing at a player with huge upside at No. 23. Sanders has a freakishly long wingspan and can really run the floor. He also gives the Wolves something that they've been in short supply of -- shot-blocking.
Whiteside and Orton are both possibilities here as well. But it sounds as if the Wolves are a little turned off by the immaturity of both players and might not need a center anyway -- they will pursue Darko Milicic in free agency and sign former second-round pick Nikola Pekovic this summer.
| | | |
|
Atlanta
|
Hassan Whiteside
| Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: Marshall |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Whiteside's previous position: No. 22 to Portland)
Analysis: The Hawks could go in a lot of directions here. They might end up having to replace Joe Johnson in free agency. But at this point in the draft, Whiteside's upside might be too much to pass on.
Whiteside is the best shot-blocker in the draft and, when he's playing well, reminds some of a young Marcus Camby. He's immature and needs a lot of work, but at No. 24, there isn't a player left on the board with more upside.
| | | |
|
Memphis
(via Denver)
|
Jordan Crawford
| Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 198
Age: 21
School: Xavier |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Crawford's previous position: 27)
Analysis: Crawford's stock has been slowly rising, and now he's in the mix with the Bulls at 17, the Celtics at 19, the Spurs at 20, the Blazers at 22 and the Wolves at 23. But it looks like he won't slide past the Grizzlies here. The addition of Crawford and George would give the Grizzlies a ton of punch in their backcourt.
I'm not sure there are enough basketballs in Memphis for all these guys, but you have to like the talent they're acquiring.
| | | |
|
Oklahoma City
(via Phoenix)
|
Daniel Orton
| Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 269
Age: 19
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Orton's previous position: No. 21 to Oklahoma City)
Analysis: Orton is a bit of an enigma. His 3 ppg and 3 rpg as a freshman at Kentucky certainly won't wow you. But he has the raw tools to be a successful big man in the pros.
The Thunder were among the teams that were on him early, and they might just get lucky and get him here. While Orton is in the discussion starting at the 10th pick, concerns about his knees and his relative lack of playing time over the course of the past two seasons are weighing on teams.
He could easily end up in the lottery (he's working out for the Pacers on Tuesday), but I doubt he slips further than this.
| | | |
|
New Jersey
(via Dallas)
|
Dominique Jones
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 216
Age: 21
School: South Florida |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Jones' previous position: 25)
Analysis: Jones was one of the best scorers in college basketball last year. He's tough, physical and relentless getting to the basket. While he's not quite the shooter teams want, he's been a guy who has consistently drawn praise in workouts. I think his range starts at No. 17 with the Bulls, and I don't think he slips past here to the Nets.
| | | |
|
Memphis
(via L.A. Lakers)
|
Devin Ebanks
| Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 208
Age: 20
School: West Virginia |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Ebanks' previous position: No. 34 to Golden State)
Analysis: The Grizzlies likely won't end up with three first-rounders. They are talking to several teams about trading one or both of their picks in the 20s. However, if they stay here, look for them to focus in on a wing defender to go with the two scorers they drafted ahead of them. Ebanks may not be a special offensive player, but he can guard three positions on the floor.
| | | |
|
Orlando
|
Darington Hobson
| Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 204
Age: 22
School: New Mexico |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Hobson's previous position: No. 33 to Sacramento)
Analysis: The Magic haven't worked out many players. Each year they pick a small handful of prospects they like and then grab from there. Of the group they've had in, Crawford and Ebanks are off the board. Of the group left, Hobson makes a lot of sense. His playmaking ability and versatility remind some scouts of Turkoglu. The Magic missed that this season.
| | | |
|
Washington
(via Cleveland)
|
Quincy Pondexter
| Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 22
School: Washington |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
(Pondexter's previous position: No. 30 to Washington)
Analysis: Pondexter is coming off a great senior season and is one of the best athletes in the draft. With the Wizards trying to rebuild with young players who can get up and down the floor, he seems like a good bet here.
31. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=njnNew Jersey Nets
Keith Gallon | F | Oklahoma
The Nets will consider Gallon with the 27th pick, but if he falls here, he'd be tough to pass. While Gallon needs to lose weight, he's one of the most skilled big men in the draft. If he gets in better condition, he could be a steal here.
32. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=okcOklahoma City Thunder (via Minnesota)
Tibor Pleiss | C | Germany
Pleiss will get several looks in the first round. The 7-footer is already a major defensive presence and is willing to stay overseas for a year or two to keep developing. He'd be a great value pick at 32.
33. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sacSacramento Kings
Elliot Williams | SG | Memphis
Williams has limited his workouts to just two teams -- the Spurs and Rockets. Either he has a promise in the first round or rumors about his injury being worse than realized are true. Either way, the Kings would have a hard time passing on him here. He's a nice complement in the backcourt to Tyreke Evans and Beno Udrih.
The Kings are also vey high on English big man Ryan Richards after he wowed them in a workout. If Williams is off the board, Richards could be the pick.
34. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=porPortland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
Trevor Booker | PF | Clemson
The Blazers paid $2 million and swapped the 44th pick for No. 34, so they better get something good. Booker is the type of physical enforcer that the Blazers could use when LaMarcus Aldridge is squeezing the Charmin.
35. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=wasWashington Wizards
Gani Lawal | PF | Georgia Tech
The Wizards are thin all along their frontcourt and Lawal, as a three-year player, should be able to step in and get minutes right away. He's not spectacular, but he's a pretty solid pick at this point in the draft.
36. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=detDetroit Pistons
Armon Johnson | PG | Nevada
The Pistons could use a backup point guard, and they could do a lot worse than Johnson. He is a terrific athlete with a flair for the dramatic. If he was a better shooter, he would go much higher in the draft.
37. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=milMilwaukee Bucks (via Philadelphia)
Lance Stephenson | SG | Cincinnati
The Bucks are considering Stephenson at 15, so if he were to slide here they'd be thrilled. Stephenson is a very good offensive player. It's his questionable attitude that's causing him to slip this far.
38. New York Knicks
Terrico White | G | Mississippi
Knicks fans don't have a lot to cheer about, but if White falls this far, they can get a little excited. He has lottery-type talent, but his laid-back demeanor has turned off some teams. He should be dynamite in New York's system and could even play a little point guard.
39. New York Knicks (via Clippers)
Greivis Vasquez | PG | Maryland
Vasquez is getting looks in the late first round by both Memphis and Orlando, but he should be a good fit for New York and coach Mike D'Antoni, who has always liked big point guards that can see the floor and shoot the basketball. Vasquez won't be able to guard anyone, but on the offensive end, he's got talent.
40. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=indIndiana Pacers
Da'Sean Butler | SF | West Virginia
Butler was a likely mid-to-late first-round pick before tearing his ACL. He's a bit of a risk here, but the Pacers loved him during the season, and he could be an excellent backup to Danny Granger down the road.
41. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=miaMiami Heat (via New Orleans)
Jarvis Varnado | C | Mississippi State
Varnado is the best shot-blocker in the draft, and given the huge holes the Heat might have in the paint thanks to free agency, he might be able to find some minutes in Miami.
42. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=miaMiami Heat (via Toronto)
Dexter Pittman | C | Texas
Pittman is a
big man. With Jermaine O'Neal unlikely to return, the Heat need to start doing something to fill that hole in the middle. Pittman is really talented. If he gets in shape (and you know Pat Riley will demand it) he could be the steal of the draft.
43. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lalLos Angeles Lakers (via Memphis)
Willie Warren | G | Oklahoma
The Lakers know that Derek Fisher can't keep going forever, and it's unclear whether Jordan Farmer is really the point guard of the future. Warren was projected as a potential top-10 pick at the beginning of the season. But injuries, a terrible sophomore season at Oklahoma and questions about his attitude have torpedoed his stock. But at 43, the combo guard is a steal.
44. Golden State Warriors (via Chicago)
Ryan Richards | PF | England
The Warriors could take a flier on this unproven big man from England. He doesn't know how to play yet, but he has the physical tools to be special.
45. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=minMinnesota Timberwolves (via Houston)
Miroslav Raduljica | C | Serbia
With three picks in the first round, it's highly unlikely that the Wolves will take another American player here. Raduljica had an excellent season, and you can expect the Wolves to keep him in Europe for a few years to continue developing.
46. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=phoPhoenix Suns
Stanley Robinson | SF | UConn
Robinson has struggled in workouts and his stock has dropped from a mid-first-rounder all the way to here. He shouldn't be discouraged. If ever there were a team that Robinson could thrive on, it's the Suns.
47. Milwaukee Bucks
Jerome Jordan | C | Tulsa
The Bucks lost Andrew Bogut to injuries this past season and didn't have a lot to replace him in the middle. Jordan is huge and talented. If his motor revved higher, he'd be a first-round pick.
48. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=miaMiami Heat
Thomas Heurtel | PG | France
Heurtel won MVP honors at the adidas Eurocamp. He's a good floor leader but not an amazing athlete. The Heat likely would leave him in France to continue to develop.
49. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sasSan Antonio Spurs
Alexy Shved | G | Russia
Shved is a skilled Russian combo guard, and the Spurs could stash in Europe for a while.
50. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=dalDallas Mavericks
Sylven Landesberg | SG | Virginia
Landesberg was productive his first two years in college. He's a slasher who knows how to get to the basket. At pick 50, he's a good value.
51. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Blazers)
Nemanja Bjelica | SF | Serbia
Bjelica is a crafty player who can play a little point forward. He's not a great athlete, but at this point in the draft, the Thunder don't need any more American players.
52. Boston Celtics
Manny Harris | SG | Michigan
Harris is a high-scoring combo guard who, based on talent, is probably a first-round pick. With the Celtics needing help in the backcourt next season, Harris has the capability to fill in at both positions.
53. Atlanta Hawks
Dwayne Collins | C | Miami (Fla.)
He didn't put up huge numbers at Miami, but Collins is a big, physical forward who can jump out of the gym.
54. Los Angeles Clippers (via Denver)
Sherron Collins | PG | Kansas
Collins has struggled in workouts because of his weight, but he recently weighed in at 219. He might be the perfect guy to come in and help the Clippers' other conditioning-challenged point guard , Baron Davis.
55. Utah Jazz
Jon Scheyer | SG | Duke
Before you start cracking jokes about Scheyer, don't overlook the fact that he'd be a terrific fit in Utah. He can play both guard positions and can shoot the lights out. I've heard him compared to Jeff Hornacek before and it's not a bad comparison.
56. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Phoenix)
Artem Zabelin | C | Russia
The Wolves have a total of five picks and certainly aren't keeping them all for this year. Zabelin is thin, but very skilled. He's a long-term project who could pay off down the road.
57. Indiana Pacers (via Dallas)
Ben Uzoh | PG | Tulsa
This athletic combo guard is a great athlete who could provide a spark off the bench for the Pacers at both backcourt positions.
58. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lalLos Angeles Lakers
Brian Zoubek | C | Duke
Zoubek didn't have a huge career at Duke, but he was a terrific rebounder and could give the Lakers some size and toughness in the middle.
59. Orlando Magic
Andy Rautins | SG | Syracuse
The Magic are always in the market for shooters and Rautins is one of the best in the draft.
60. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland)
Mikhail Torrance | PG | Alabama
The athletic combo guard starred at the Portsmouth Invitational, but some concerns about his physical may cause him to slide.
