Official NBA Draft Lottery/ 2010 NBA Draft Thread Vol. June 24th 7ET

[i nasmatic i]

Da'Sean Butler: "I’ve Learned About Myself as an Individual"

From hitting the game winning shot in the Big East Tournament Championship, to tearing his ACL in the NCAA Final Four a month later, no one has felt the highs and lows of the basketball world more than Da'Sean Butler. Despite the setbacks, he remains steadfast in his dream of playing in the NBA, and looks in good shape to do so.

Perspective is a funny thing. No matter how level headed a person thinks they are, real perspective can never be gained until they’ve seen how bad it can get.

While it’s been an open and shut case for months that John Wall is the consensus top pick in this year’s NBA Draft, it’s even more of a runaway race for Da’Sean Butler having the most perspective of any of the prospects remaining in this draft class.

“I’ve learned from all of this that I can take a lot,

 

[jpzx]

Draft is one week away

 

[raptors29]

Kings making moves http://www.slamonline.com...kings-for-nocioni-hawes/

 

[jpzx]

Like I said in the Off-Season thread, this could affect the Sixers #2 pick.

Moving Dalembert might mean they want to take a big, because RIP if they're going full-time with Spencer Hawes. So they might move back while getting Jefferson in the deal.

It's really up in the air now.

 

[raptors29]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

This draft is pretty lame past the 10th pick but I do know a couple things, if Paul George is available and the raptors don't pick I think I might just internally combust. Avery Bradley stands to be nothing more than a role player on the next level especially since he mostly a jump shooter, incapable of getting to the rim, and was a below average finisher at the rim. There is no evidence he is even capable of running an offense and he could probably be had if we bought a late round pick.

Hassan Whitside might actually be a special needs kid so unless we planning to get a short bus for him to come to practice in, he would be a horrible pick. Daniel Orton has pretty much no redeeming qualities despite the fact that he is physically big, he is an incredibly boring as a prospect.

How is the draft lame though. Looks deeper than most years anyways. 

 

[jpzx]

2:56
[Comment From Tom Tom: ]
What percent chance would you give the Wolves of landing Turner?
Thursday June 17, 2010 2:56 Tom

2:58
chadfordinsider:
I think it went up a bit after today's trade. I wonder if the Sixers now could still pass on a Wolves offer of 4 & 16 for 2. Sixers could get a big (either Cousins or Favors at No. 4) and add a wing at No. 16. Again to be clear, I'm hearing 2 different things out of Philly. Stefanski wants Turner and if they want him, they have to stay at 2. Collins wants Favors but probably can't get him if they move off 2. But Cousins isn't a bad consolation prize if you're picking up 16.

 

[al3xis]

Greg handled Udoh in their workout but it's still a stretch they'd consider him.

Still don't think he gets past 5, be it Sacramento or a good team moving up to get him as a piece to the puzzle.


This draft is a whole is pretty deep to me. On paper, much more so than last year.

 

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

Avery Bradley stands to be nothing more than a role player on the next level especially since he mostly a jump shooter, incapable of getting to the rim, and was a below average finisher at the rim. 

There is no evidence he is even capable of running an offense and he could probably be had if we bought a late round pick.


while i agree with your second statement, your first is IMO false. 
Avery succeeded in getting to the rim and is very explosive when he wants.... thing is he falls in love with his jumper... ALOT

But hes 19 and can grow into any role in an uptempo system. 

 

[bangdak]

I can understand you if you said the lottery picks are weak, but this draft has a bunch of role players.




Funny how NT'ers claim every draft as "weak" and yet we all see a bunch of upcoming young studs pop up.

 

[raptors29]

Originally Posted by JPZx

2:56
[Comment From Tom Tom: ]
What percent chance would you give the Wolves of landing Turner?
Thursday June 17, 2010 2:56 Tom

2:58
chadfordinsider:
I think it went up a bit after today's trade. I wonder if the Sixers now could still pass on a Wolves offer of 4 & 16 for 2. Sixers could get a big (either Cousins or Favors at No. 4) and add a wing at No. 16. Again to be clear, I'm hearing 2 different things out of Philly. Stefanski wants Turner and if they want him, they have to stay at 2. Collins wants Favors but probably can't get him if they move off 2. But Cousins isn't a bad consolation prize if you're picking up 16.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

It's lame from the Raptors perspective, is there really any different in talent from 13-23? It's a lame draft in the sense that it's kind of vanilla, a lot of guys who could be solid role players but not as many high upside guys.


If Paul George is available and we don't pick him I will greatly saddened.

 

[raptors29]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

It's lame from the Raptors perspective, is there really any different in talent from 13-23? It's a lame draft in the sense that it's kind of vanilla, a lot of guys who could be solid role players but not as many high upside guys.


If Paul George is available and we don't pick him I will greatly saddened.

But isn't Paul George a high upside dude? 

 

[antoekneeo]

^^^ I believe that is why he stated he would be saddened, because George is a "high upside" player and should be taken by Toronto if available.

 

[airjordan jb23]

"The Sixers have been deciding between Evan Turner and Derrick Favors with the No. 2 pick. While Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski is a Turner fan, head coach Doug Collins is high on Favors. With Dalembert gone and Nocioni in, it could push them in the direction of Favors."


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5297829


That trade made things a little more interesting with that 2nd pick...

 

[ValarMorghulis]

chad ford 5.0 mock help?

 

[jpzx]

It's already been posted... but:

[h3][/h3]

[h3]Mock Draft 5.0[/h3]
[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Washington
[/td][td]

John Wall
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 196 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky [/td][/tr][/table]

(Wall's previous position: No. 1 to Washington)

Analysis: Here's all we know for sure with a week to go -- John Wall will be the No. 1 pick. Multiple team sources -- off the record, of course -- have been telling us for weeks that Wall is their man. Plus, the Washington Post reported over the weekend that Evan Turner won't even be working out for the Wizards and is conceding the No. 1 spot to Wall.

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 step in the right direction, but only one of many the Wizards are going to have to take.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Philadelphia
[/td][td]

Evan Turner
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 214
Age: 21
School: Ohio State [/td][/tr][/table]

(Turner's previous position: No. 2 to Philadelphia)

Analysis: We still have Turner penciled in here as we continue to receive strong signals from inside the Sixers' organization that he is the guy they'll take at No. 2. However, while those signals certainly could be legit, I take them with a grain of salt.

Turner is the most polished player in the draft, but I'm not sure he has the upside (and he certainly doesn't have the size and athleticism) of Favors, and I continue to hear that head coach Doug Collins prefers Favors to Turner.

Because Turner is almost the consensus No. 2 pick, the Sixers want other teams that are contemplating trading up for him (the Wolves and Pacers seem to be the hottest suitors) to believe they're taking him. If teams think he'll slip past Philly, they'll begin dealing with New Jersey instead.

I do think it will take a blockbuster to convince Philly to move the No. 2 pick. Either someone is going to have to take Elton Brand off the Sixers' hands or offer them a young All-Star in return. If they don't get that offer, it's more a toss-up between Turner and Favors than some think.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

New Jersey
[/td][td]

Derrick Favors
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 245
Age: 18
School: Georgia Tech [/td][/tr][/table]

(Favors' previous position: No. 3 to New Jersey)

Analysis: While New Jersey would be happy if Turner were to slide to No. 3, the Nets also have a high level of interest in Favors and some interest in DeMarcus Cousins. The two are scheduled to go head-to-head in a workout for the Nets on Monday.

Favors has the type of athleticism and upside to complement Brook Lopez nicely in the middle. Cousins isn't as good of a fit next to Lopez defensively, but he's also more NBA-ready than Favors and the team has a mandate to win now.

Of course, the Nets are also targeting a number of veteran big men this summer, including Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer. With the amount of cap space they have, the Nets have the luxury of drafting the best player available as opposed to drafting to fill a need.

The team also is high on Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson. I'm told he's in the mix at the No. 3 spot as well. But for now, Favors has the edge.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Minnesota
[/td][td]

Wesley Johnson
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 206
Age: 22
School: Syracuse [/td][/tr][/table]

(Johnson's previous position: No. 4 to Minnesota)

Analysis: The Wolves are exploring possibilities of moving up in the draft. Evan Turner is their target and they have the assets (the 16th and 23rd picks) to make a deal with either Philly or New Jersey if either team is so inclined.

If they keep the pick, it looks like Wesley Johnson is their man. We've had him going to Minnesota in our mock draft since May and that projection is looking like it's been dead on. Johnson was in Minnesota on Monday and he wowed everyone in the organization. Not only is he a great basketball player, but he's a great young man. He's the type of locker-room guy that a young team wants to build with.

Unless Derrick Favors falls to No. 4, I think you can use a Sharpie with Wes Johnson here.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Sacramento
[/td][td]

DeMarcus Cousins
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 292
Age: 19
School: Kentucky [/td][/tr][/table]

(Cousins' previous position: No. 6 to Golden State)

Analysis: Another mock draft and, yes, a new pick for the Kings. Last week we had Greg Monroe going to Sacramento. But this week things changed pretty dramatically when DeMarcus Cousins came into town to work out with the Kings. He was, in a word, awesome.

Cousins was red hot shooting the ball (he converted 78 percent of the shots he took) and had the Kings' brass drooling by the end of the workout. While GM Geoff Petrie still has his reservations about Cousins as a person, it sounds like the Kings have fallen in love with him as a player and he now has the edge over Greg Monroe for the No. 5 pick should Wes Johnson not be on the board.

However, the process isn't over yet. Monroe is coming in for a second workout with the Kings against Hassan Whiteside on Saturday. That should be interesting.

The Kings are also exploring trading picks, with one team (Detroit) squarely on the radar. If the Pistons would give up the No. 7 pick and Tayshaun Prince for the No. 5 pick and Andres Nocioni, I think they'd have a deal. But so far the Pistons have been adamant that they're holding on to Prince, and I don't think the Kings would do a Rip Hamilton-for-Nocioni swap.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Golden State
[/td][td]

Greg Monroe
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 247
Age: 19
School: Georgetown [/td][/tr][/table]

(Monroe's previous position: No. 5 to Sacramento)

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 DeMarcus Cousins, Greg 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've 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 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. The Warriors need more size, and Monroe's high basketball IQ and skill level should be a nice fit in Golden State.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Detroit
[/td][td]

Al-Farouq Aminu
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 215
Age: 19
School: Wake Forest [/td][/tr][/table]

(Aminu's previous position: No. 7 to Detroit)

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'll have to move up in the draft to get one of them. Regardless, the team needs a big man.

So why do I have the Pistons taking Aminu, who's listed as a small forward? Two reasons:

First, the Pistons feel they don't have to solve their big man issue through the draft. There are always trades and free agency options to help shore up the middle. Second, the Pistons are among a handful of teams who think, given Aminu's length, that he can play the 4 in the NBA. He's going to need to get stronger, but he has a penchant for rebounding and runs the floor like a deer.

Ed Davis, Greg Monroe and Ekpe Udoh all have a shot here as well. But for now, I'm still leaning toward Aminu. It's a bit of a risky pick for Dumars, but he hasn't been afraid to swing for the fences in the past.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Los Angeles Clippers


[/td][td]

Gordon Hayward
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 211
Age: 20
School: Butler [/td][/tr][/table]

(Hayward's previous position: No. 8 to L.A. Clippers)

Analysis: The Clippers could go in a lot of directions with this pick, and I keep getting mixed signals. The latest word has them narrowing the field down to Al-Farouq Aminu, Greg Monroe, Ed Davis, Hayward and Paul George.

Of those five names, George may be the guy who's the most intriguing to the Clippers. But they also feel he's the biggest risk. The Clips would probably take Monroe or Aminu, but they likely will be off the board here.

So that narrows it down to Davis or Hayward. While the team is intrigued with Davis, the Clippers have no one at the 3 right now. And they feel that if Hayward can refine his stroke, he could be a star in the league down the road.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Utah
(via New York)
[/td][td]

Luke Babbitt
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Nevada [/td][/tr][/table]

(Babbitt's previous position: No. 9 to Utah)

Analysis: The Jazz are crossing their fingers that Greg Monroe slips to them. If he doesn't, as we've projected here, they have a tough choice. They can choose from a couple of big men -- Ed Davis, Ekpe Udoh or Cole Aldrich. Or they can address a big need at the wing. Babbitt, Xavier 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 and Davis 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 1. All of that should give him the edge.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Indiana
[/td][td]

Ed Davis
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: North Carolina [/td][/tr][/table]

(Davis' previous position: No. 10 to Indiana)

Analysis: The Pacers had a number of top bigs (Daniel Orton, Ekpe Udoh and Hassan Whiteside) and guards (Avery Bradley and Eric Bledsoe) in to work out last week. This week the team has looked at a number of forwards, including Damion James, Paul George, Xavier Henry and Patrick Patterson.

All of the players listed, however, are part of Plan B. If the Pacers are fortunate enough to see Davis slip, they're in a much better place. While Davis is very raw, he's got the size, athleticism and shot-blocking ability that the team has been craving for years.

The Pacers are looking to shore up their team via trades and have some assets, including the expiring contracts of both Troy Murphy and T.J. Ford, so they are free to go with the best talent available.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

New Orleans
[/td][td]

Cole Aldrich
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 236
Age: 21
School: Kansas [/td][/tr][/table]

(Aldrich's previous position: No. 11 to New Orleans)

Analysis: The Hornets have a new head coach and job No. 1 is filling a pretty large hole on the front line. The Hornets have Emeka Okafor and David West and not much else.

Their choices here are Aldrich, Patrick Patterson, Daniel Orton and Hassan Whiteside. While Orton and Whiteside have more upside, Aldrich is, by far, the most NBA-ready of the group and could become a Joel Przybilla-like player in the middle. If the Hornets decide to address the power forward position instead, then Patterson could be the guy.

Ultimately, I think Aldrich gets the nod. Considering that Aldrich could go as high as No. 5, he's a bargain at No. 11.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Memphis
[/td][td]

Patrick Patterson
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 245
Age: 21
School: Kentucky [/td][/tr][/table]

(Patterson's previous position: No. 22 to Portland)

Analysis: The Grizzlies have had their sights set on Luke Babbitt for weeks and he could fall here. However, if he's off the board, expect them to look elsewhere for an NBA-ready player.

We've heard Paul George's name here and he would be an excellent replacement for Rudy Gay if he leaves via free agency. But Patterson has worked out to pretty strong reviews. GM Chris Wallace wants a player who can step in and immediately contribute, and that is Patterson's greatest strength.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Toronto
[/td][td]

Avery Bradley
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: Texas [/td][/tr][/table]

(Bradley's previous position: No. 13 to Toronto)

Analysis: The Raptors could go a number of different directions here. With Chris Bosh likely out the door, Hedo Turkoglu pining for a trade and the team shopping Jose Calderon, you can expect the Raptors 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 Alabi -- none of them is close to being ready.

That may shift the Raptors' focus to the backcourt. Assuming they can move Calderon this summer, they'll have a need at the point and Bradley, who can play both backcourt positions, is the type of explosive athlete they're looking for.

Bradley sprained his ankle badly during a workout at Oklahoma City on Sunday. The injury will keep him out of workouts until the draft, but he should be ready to go by summer league.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Houston
[/td][td]

Ekpe Udoh
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Baylor [/td][/tr][/table]

(Udoh's previous position: No. 14 to Houston)

Analysis: Udoh is the type of long, shot-blocking forward who should find a comfortable home in Houston. While he's a bit older than the rest of the class and doesn't have elite athleticism, he's still improving -- one of the few older players in the draft with any real upside left. Patrick Patterson and Hassan Whiteside are other possibilities here.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Milwaukee
(via Chicago)
[/td][td]

Xavier Henry
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 210
Age: 19
School: Kansas [/td][/tr][/table]

(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 and Paul George look to be, by far, the best values. Both players can play either the 2 or 3, both can shoot the lights out and both have upside.

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 that'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?


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Minnesota
(via Charlotte)
[/td][td]

Paul George
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Fresno State [/td][/tr][/table]

(George's previous position: No. 12 to Memphis)

Analysis: The Wolves have been eyeing Paul George for a while and the team will feel pretty lucky if he falls here. George is getting consideration as high as No. 8 and the Grizzies at No. 12, Raptors at No. 13 and Bucks at No. 15 will all give him a long look, too.

Why would the Wolves take George here if they're drafting Wesley Johnson at No. 4? Because the Wolves see George as more of a 2-guard. They desperately need some perimeter shooting and George has a gorgeous stroke from behind the arc. Team him and Johnson with Jonny Flynn, Corey Brewer, Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Darko Milicic (whom the Wolves are likely to re-sign this summer) and the Wolves have a nice young nucleus.

Hassan Whiteside and Damion James are also real possibilities here.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Chicago
(via Milwaukee)
[/td][td]

James Anderson
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210
Age: 21
School: Oklahoma State [/td][/tr][/table]

(Anderson's previous position: No. 17 to Chicago)

Analysis: Anderson was one of the best scorers in college basketball and could be a very good fit in the Bulls' backcourt. His ability to stretch the defense and attack the basket would make him a nice complement to Derrick Rose.

Even if the team ends up landing LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, look for Anderson to be the guy. As far as NBA-ready players go, there are few better in this draft. I'd expect him to play the same sort of role James Harden did in OKC last season.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Miami

[/td][td]

Eric Bledsoe
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Kentucky [/td][/tr][/table]

(Bledsoe's previous position: No. 18 to Miami)

Analysis: Bledsoe is 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 John 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.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Boston
[/td][td]

Solomon Alabi
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Florida State [/td][/tr][/table]

(Alabi's previous position: No. 19 to Boston)

Analysis: Alabi 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.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

San Antonio
[/td][td]

Damion James
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 227
Age: 22
School: Texas [/td][/tr][/table]

(James' previous position: No. 20 to San Antonio)

Analysis: James is one of the more underrated players in the draft. Very few players have his combination of athleticism and motor.

He doesn't have a position on offense, but he can defend multiple positions on the floor. He would be able to step in right away with the Spurs' vets and provide meaningful minutes.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Oklahoma City
[/td][td]

Daniel Orton
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 269
Age: 19
School: Kentucky [/td][/tr][/table]

(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's got 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, but I doubt he slips further than this.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Portland

[/td][td]

Hassan Whiteside
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: Marshall [/td][/tr][/table]

(Whiteside's previous position: No. 16 to Minnesota)

Analysis: The Blazers, as we reported on Tuesday, have been active trying to move up to No. 19 or higher in the draft. Their target? I've been doing some research and I believe they're after Solomon Alabi.

To get him, they'll likely have to get up higher in the draft. If they can't get him, or one of their other targets, look for them to be content to grab Whiteside. The Blazers love his talent though, like the rest of the NBA, they're worried about his maturity.

However, the Blazers have the resources and culture in place to bring him along slowly, and help give him the on-court and off-court skills he needs to succeed. He's a long-term project, but with Marcus Camby mentoring him, he could be a home run.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Minnesota
(via Utah)
[/td][td]

Kevin Seraphin
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 258
Age: 20
Country: France [/td][/tr][/table]

(Seraphin's previous position: No. 23 to Minnesota)

Analysis: With their third pick of this draft, you can expect the Wolves to stash a player overseas. Seraphin hasn't really produced big numbers in France, but he has Serge Ibaka-like physical upside.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Atlanta
[/td] [td]

Lance Stephenson
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 227
Age: 19
School: Cincinnati [/td][/tr][/table]

(Stephenson's previous position: No. 24 to Atlanta)

Analysis: The Hawks aren't known for really swinging for the fences. But they just might try with Stephenson. With Joe Johnson looking as though he may bolt this summer, the team is going to need another wing and Stephenson has as much talent as anyone left on the board.

He has an NBA body, can play the iso game and has a high basketball IQ. His lack of a 3-point jump shot could be a concern for the Hawks, but at this point I think you have to take the best player available.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Memphis
(via Denver)
[/td][td]

Dominique Jones
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 216
Age: 21
School: South Florida [/td][/tr][/table]

(Jones' previous position: NR)

Analysis: Jones was one of the best scorers in college basketball last season, but that's not why the Grizzlies will be in the hunt for him. A number of teams, including Memphis, believe he could also play the point. With the Grizzlies still less than confident in Mike Conley, that's the appeal.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Oklahoma City
(via Phoenix)
[/td][td]

Craig Brackins
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 229
Age: 22
School: Iowa State [/td][/tr][/table]

(Brackins' previous position: No. 26 to Oklahoma City)

Analysis: Brackins would be a good pick for the Thunder. He's a high-character guy who can score inside and outside and will play hard. Right now, Nenad Krstic is the only big who can really get it done in the post. Brackins could be a nice long-term fit.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

New Jersey
(via Dallas)
[/td] [td]

Jordan Crawford
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 198
Age: 21
School: Xavier [/td][/tr][/table]

(Crawford's previous position: NR)

Analysis: The Nets were high on Terrico White earlier in the year, but appear to be gravitating toward either Crawford or Dominique Jones at No. 27. Both players are lights-out scorers and can handle the ball. What gives Crawford the slight edge is his shooting ability. He's got deep, deep range.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Memphis
(via L.A. Lakers)
[/td][td]

Larry Sanders
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 222
Age: 21
School: Va. Commonwealth [/td][/tr][/table]

(Sanders' previous position: No. 28 to Memphis)

Analysis: If the Grizzlies go with a wing and combo guard with their first two picks, they can swing for the fences with Sanders. With a freakish wingspan and terrific athleticism, Sanders could add a different look to the Grizzlies' frontcourt.

Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Hasheem Thabeet are all big bodies, but none can run the floor and do the things Sanders can do.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Orlando
[/td][td]

Armon Johnson
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 195
Age: 21
School: Nevada [/td][/tr][/table]

(Johnson's previous position: No. 29 to Orlando)

Analysis: It was pretty clear in the playoffs that the Magic could use some more help in their backcourt and, from the sound of things, Johnson has been impressing in workouts.

He's a great athlete who can break down the defense and get to the basket. He's not a great shooter, but the Magic are already loaded with guys who can stretch the floor.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Washington
(via Cleveland)
[/td][td]

Quincy Pondexter
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 22
School: Washington [/td][/tr][/table]

(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, Pondexter seems like a good bet here.

Next Five In:Keith Gallon, PF, Oklahoma; Terrico White, G, Mississippi; Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma; Devin Ebanks, F, West Virginia; Stanley Robinson, F, UConn

 

[pharelfor3]

Mow i think the Sixers have to jump on that trade and take whoever of the big 4 is left at 4.

 

[nimfh]

[h2]Went ahead and posted my own mock for the lottery. Fire away.

[h2][/h2]

[/h2]

FanScribe Mock Draft: The Lotteryhttp://fanscribe.net/?p=214
http://fanscribe.net/?p=214

Disclaimer: all trades mentioned here are orientative, not based on any actual substance.

1- Washington: John Wall, PG, Kentucky

Picking Wall allows the Wizards about as much flexibility as they can get. They can play Wall at the 1 and allow Arenas to roam free at the 2, they can let Wall experiment playing the 2 with Arenas pretending to distribute or they can dangle Arenas around knowing that Wall is a fantastic backup plan at the 1 and that the trade would potentially surround the rook with talent.

2- Philadelphia: Evan Turner, SG/SF Ohio State,

Turner is a very talented player who has displayed the toughness that should endear him to Philly fans. His versatility is unparallelled in this draft, and he is ready to contribute right now. He can provide a do-it-all presence in the backcourt alongside J’Rue Holiday and Andre Iguodala, but he can also fill in for Iggy should the Sixers find a suitor for their not-quite-franchise player.

3- New Jersey: Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech

The Nets had such a miserable season that they couldn’t even win the undercover prize for futility, the number 1 pick. Fortunately for them, they’ll find a talent worthy of the top pick in Derrick Favors, a power forward who will form a fantastic inside tandem with Brook Lopez. New Jersey needs toughness and rebounding from the 4 spot,so by drafting Favors they’d pull off a rare combination of picking the best player available while still drafting for need.

4- Minnesota: Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse

The Wolves need a SF and an inside presence, but it would be foolish of David Kahn to reach for a post player when they can just as well pluck Nikola Peckovic from the EuroLeague and take the extremely talented Johnson with this pick. There are questions regarding Johnson’s ability to co-exist with Corey Brewer, but as of now the Wolves need all the talent they can get.

5- Sacramento: pick Greg Monroe (PF, Georgetown), trade him and Beno Udrih to Cleveland for Mo Williams.

Many have the Kings picking DeMarcus Cousins, but I think Sacramento is already stacked with young talent at the 4 and 5. They need a PG and there is none on the board worthy of such a lofty pick, so I would not be surprised with them sending the pick elsewhere for an established vet. Monroe would allow the Cavs to get a headstart on a youth movement should LeBron depart, and he would grant the the possibility of trading Antawn Jamison should James re-sign.

6- Golden State: Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest

An athletic forward who runs the break relentlessly and attacks the rim with gusto. He’s hardly a deadeye shooter, but his defensive potential (he can guard 3 positions) as well as his ability to play the 4 in a small lineup make him a great fit for Nellieball.

7- Detroit: DeMarcus Cousins, PF/C, Kentucky

Cousins’ character issues will not blow up a locker room with as entrenched a culture of toughness as Detroit. Ben Wallace could very well mentor the youngster and improve his work ethic, leaving the Pistons with an unpolished gem that could walk into an NBA game and immediately affect the glass on both ends.

8- LA Clippers: Paul George, SF, Fresno State

The Clippers are known to take risks on relative unknowns, and Paul George definitely fills their need for a SF. In a team featuring Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman George won’t find himself in the need of creating shots for himself, being free to fill the wings, crash the boards, play the passing lanes and fill it up from long range.

9- Utah: Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas

Utah will be without either Paul Millsap, Mehmet Okur or Carlos Boozer next year. Aldrich can come in and contribute right now at the 5 spot, providing the toughness that Jerry Sloan loves. Aldrich has little upside, but he is already a very productive player as he stands today.

10- Indiana: Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky

With his versatility and strength, Patterson fits Indiana’s system seamlessly. A combination of Patterson and Roy Hibbert would make slashers think twice before foraying to the rim, and the trifecta these two would form with Tyler Hansbrough would give the Pacers the toughness that they’ve lacked since Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson were throwing haymakers in those ugly pinstripes.

11- New Orleans: Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler

Hayward has the size, range and athleticism to replace Peja Stojakovic in the Hornets’ system and afford New Orleans brass the chance to shop the Serbian gunner around.

12- Memphis: Ed Davis, PF, UNC

The Grizzlies will probably attempt to rid themselves of Zach Randolph after his latest foray into crime, and drafting Davis would be a good first step towards replacing Z-Bo. The former Tar Heel has the athleticism and touch to play the 4 alongside a tough center such as Marc Gasol, and the departure of Randolph would clear the way for Rudy Gay to re-sign.

13- Toronto: Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall

The Raptors need size, rebounding and shotblocking. Whiteside provides all of those qualities, freeing Andrea Bargnani to be a perimeter player on offense. The Raptors will almost certainly shuffle their roster before the draft, but Whiteside would be the logical pick as of today.

14- Houston: Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor

Udoh provides insurance in case of another Yao injury, as well as being a potential stalwart in the paint. Udoh’s versatility allows him to play both frontcourt positions, so he will find the court often from the beginning.

 

[detlefschrempf11]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

It's lame from the Raptors perspective, is there really any different in talent from 13-23? It's a lame draft in the sense that it's kind of vanilla, a lot of guys who could be solid role players but not as many high upside guys.


If Paul George is available and we don't pick him I will greatly saddened.

The Sonics were in that late lotto/early teens spot many times, I think its the reality of drafting in that area every year.  Either pick well established college guys with little upside or reach and grab an unproven prospect with question marks and a higher ceiling.

 

[bhzmafia14]

Ed Davis would fit perfect beside Gasol if he falls to us. I never just thought about him falling to us though at 12.

 

[i nasmatic i]

Too bad he has little to no basketball skills.

 

[bhzmafia14]

Originally Posted by I NaSmatic I

Too bad he has little to no basketball skills.

I think he can learn a better rate than Thabeet.

  

 

[ValarMorghulis]

Ed Davis will be a major MAJOR bust....

 

[raptors29]

No recent draft news?

 

[noblekane]

damn lakers need to package their second rounders to move up in the 2nd round lol