1 - Milwaukee: Andrew Bogut Indications right now seem to point back to the most realistic scenario: the Bucks taking the safe pick. Bogut is ready to plug in and play right away, either at the five next to Joe Smith, or the four next to Dan Gadzuric. 2 - Atlanta: Marvin Williams Rumours are they are mad on Bogut and will try and swap picks with Milwaukee, but if Williams is the one left on the board at this pick, they won't hesitate in snapping him up. 3 - Portland: Gerald Green I still can't see them holding onto this pick with potentially what the teams below them could offer for it, but if they do, they won't draft a point guard. If Portland do hang onto the third position, it will delight New Orleans, because... 4 - New Orleans: Chris Paul A top two or three talent that A) is available at four and fills a need. Hornet fans in raptures at this opportunity. 5 - Charlotte: Deron Williams There will be North Carolina players available at #13, but they aren't going to pass up the second best point guard just for some college bias. 6 - Utah: Fran Vazquez Why do they do this with Boozer, Humphries and Okur on the board? Simple, they'll look to trade one for another pick, or a point guard in the league already. Vazquez's stock is really rising overseas in the Euro finals, and as far as best prospect available goes, he ranks ahead of Felton right now. 7 - Toronto: Raymond Felton Delighted that he gets past Utah, Babcock grabs him quickly and then puts Rafer on the trade table. Could we see a situation where Alston ends up in Utah? Probably not, but it makes for interesting thinking anyway.. 8 - New York: Antoine Wright Could easily go a pick earlier, but he won't slip any further. Taft is lazy, Frye isn't good enough to go this high, and there isn't a better wing prospect than Wright in the draft, unless you buy into the Green hype. 9 - Golden State: Danny Granger Was the Frye rumour just an attempt to get Granger slipping past Toronto, but with Felton getting by Utah, there is no need. An NBA-ready guy who reminds a lot of people of Caron Butler, who coincidentally went 10th. 10 - LA Lakers: Jarrett Jack A lot of talk that if Jackson signs, then they'll draft Jack. Too high for my liking, but it makes sense. 11 - Orlando: Martell Webster A tough guy to evaluate, but with the Magic having success with a HS kid last season and probably needing to rebuild anyway, taking Webster to add to Nelson and Dwight Howard gives them a nice big man/wing/point combo. 12 - LA Clippers: Joey Graham His stock continues to rise, not quite into the top 10 just yet though. Graham is a great pick as he can come in straight away, and is the perfect replacement for Maggette if they decide to commit to Simmonds and shop Corey out of town. Arguably best player available here, too. 13 - Charlotte: Rashad McCants With a choice of UNC's May or McCants here, the Cats take the moody swingman. Has been impressing in workouts, despite rumours of illness, and as far as natural ability goes, he is probably top five in the draft. Worth a risk here to pair with Deron Williams in an exciting future backcourt. 14 - Minnesota: Channing Frye No change with this pick. He isn't the best available, but given Minnesota are arguably still a playoff team next season, taking Frye makes a fair bit of sense. Will be able to concentrate on his defense next to KG, and will get all the midrange jumpers and scraps on the offensive end he can dream of. A great situation for both team and player. ----------------- 15 - New Jersey: Hakim Warrick A lot of talk the Nets love this kid. Probably doesn't fill a need, but he fits the was Kidd and New Jersey like the play perfectly. Imagine a small ball line-up of Carter at the two, Jefferson at the three and Warrick at the four, all feeding on Kidd's passing. The new Phoenix, anyone? 16 - Toronto: Sean May Delighted to take the ready-made Felton, Babcock takes his teammate too and comes out of the draft with two experience, winning players. Bosh is entrenched at power forward, but it's easy to see both on court at the same time in the East. 17 - Indiana: Roko-Leni Ukic Still in the draft as far as I know, and this one makes a lot of sense. Anthony Johnson was good, but is only a stop gap, while trade rumours circling Tinsley continue to exist. 18 - Boston: Chris Taft Well, how far will he slip? That's the million dollar question, literally for Mr Taft. Boston have a number of options here, mainly big men, and they go with the question marks over Taft. Jefferson is their next power forward in any case, so they have plenty of insurance if Taft does crash and burn. 19 - Memphis: Ike Diogu Pretty much best player available. Big Ike has impressed a lot of people with his polish and size, and he gives the Grizz a legit banger down low to compliment Gasol's touch. Diogu could still go higher, but I couldn't fit him in above 19. 20 - Denver: Rudy Fernandez They could probably get him at 22, but since he'll be first on the Nugget draftboard at this point, they take him and ask questions later. An athletic kid who can shoot the hell out of the ball, he is a perfect fit for Denver and their second bargain at pick 20 in two years (although they'll hold onto this one). 21 - Phoenix: David Lee He is big, he is athletic and he is reportedly interesting the Suns in a big way. With Diogu already off the board, Phoenix invest in a big man who runs the floor and will be a perfect compliment to the big kid Amare in the middle. 22 - Denver: Wayne Simien He measured almost 6'10 in Denver's own facilities, and if he's still on the board here, they'll snap him up quickly. With the selection of Fenandez, the Nuggets are pretty much stacked at every position, so they take the best player available. That player is Simien going by my mock. 23 - Sacramento: Johan Petro Petro is the draft's biggest mystery, and could go anywhere. However I'm tipping he falls a bit, and the Kings are waiting to snap him up. Sacramento need to rebuild, and this is a good way to start with Brad Miller around to show him the ropes. 24 - Houston: Charlie Villanueva Houston's draft nightmare - Simien, Diogu and May are all off the board here. Will they try and move up the draft, possibly a trade involving one of Denver's two first rounders? Here they take the best big man available, and it happens to be Villanueva. Maybe they can develop his low post game, but in the meantime they'll turn to free agency to address their problems at the four. 25 - Seattle: Kennedy Winston His stock has apparently slipped with a few lacklustre workouts, but as far as NBA prospects go, he is certainly first round value. His game will translate to the professional ranks, and with Ray Allen likely to re-sign within the next month, he'll have the perfect teacher to learn from. 26 - Detroit: Andray Blatche Two finals appreances in two years means they have time to develop their kids (see Darko). There hasn't been a lot of hype around Blatche at this point, but the Pistons can afford to take a punt with this pick, and they will on the high-schooler. 27 - Utah: Julius Hodge They went big with their first pick, so they take the combo guard in Hodge who's stock is steadily rising. He can play both guard spots and probably a bit of three as well, and with his heart and will to win, he is definately a Jerry Sloan type of player. 28 - San Antonio: Angelo Gigli San Antonio's foreign attraction strikes again. Whoever they pick here probably isn't going to play much anyway, so they take Gigli, leave him in Europe for another season, and bring Luis Scola over into the rotation in 2005/06. 29 - Miami: Ryan Gomes They were a few points away from the finals, so they go out and draft a kid who spent four seasons in college and knows how to put the ball in the hoop. Can back up both forward spots and is a steal for a team many thought would be champions. 30 - New York: Randolph Morris Notice anything about New York's roster? Well, apart from the fact it sucks, they really don't have a legit centre prospect. After taking a wing in Wright with their top ten pick, they take a chance on Morris and hope his game fills out to match his size. Those who missed out on this version: Monta Ellis Close to the toughest player in the draft to evaluate. Could go anywhere from the mid teens to the mid second round, and in my draft he's drifting towards the latter. Tiago Splitter Hasn't gotten a heap of opportunity in the Euro finals, and I have a feeling he'll pull his name out, get his minutes next season in Europe and come out in 2006 as a top five pick. Seems to have been around forever though. Marko Tomas Will a team pay the amount of money needed to bring him over? He has signed a long deal with Real Madrid without a buyout in it's first season, so I'm guessing not. Andrew Bynum Look out for him at Connecticut next season. Wants a lottery guarantee, I can't see it at the moment, so I think he'll end up going to college. Francisco Garcia The definition of a first round bubble prospect, and I couldn't find a spot for him..
One of the better mock drafts I've seen. Good work. This is a horrible, horrible draft. Reminds me of the 2000 draft. It's a shame when you can accurately say that most GM's won't feel comfortable giving 75% of the prospects a three to five year guaranteed contract.
The Raptors taking Sean May at 16th is quite unlikely I think. As well David Lee going to Phoneix at 21 seems quite unlikely.
Why would the Raptors take Sean May at #16 when they already have Chris Bosh whom most Toronto fans feel is a lock for superstardom? What?s the logic behind it? Even if Babcock doesn?t always make the best moves, I don?t think he?ll be foolish enough to draft an undersized power forward and force is franchise player of the future to move to the center position just yet. The Raptors also have Matt Bonner the rookie surprise who has done a pretty good job there and still is fairly young. Babcock himself said every position needs help except power forward. What?s the logic behind this move?
Who do the Raptors take then? They've gotten a point guard with their first pick, and just about every player worthwhile at 16 after that is a power forward. Unless they're going to take a chance on someone like Fernandez, Garcia, Ellis or Villanueva and play him as a small forward, the draft is stacked with power forwards. At least May has played centre in college and can potentially play there in a smaller line-up. I think 16 is too high for Petro, Babcock may feel differently on draft night.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Who do the Raptors take then? They've gotten a point guard with their first pick, and just about every player worthwhile at 16 after that is a power forward. Unless they're going to take a chance on someone like Fernandez, Garcia, Ellis or Villanueva and play him as a small forward, the draft is stacked with power forwards. At least May has played centre in college and can potentially play there in a smaller line-up. I think 16 is too high for Petro, Babcock may feel differently on draft night.</div> I think the Raptors should/will take anyone but a power forward especially since their own general manger said it himself: ?We need to look at every position except power forward.? Either way when you have a potential NBA superstar, and a backup giving you a solid 7/3.5 off the bench, why draft Sean May? All I see this move doing is interfering with the development of the Raptors future franchise player. Bosh is developing nicely so why threaten to mess it up? May is a deserving prospect as well and despite being able to play a little center, I?m sure Babcock isn?t going to say ?Let?s draft this guy just in case we play a smaller lineup.? What a player does in college doesn?t always translate into what they can do in the NBA and May will not be able to play consistent time at center, therefore it will be an absolutely terrible pick for the Raptors. If Marshall decides to re-sign with them (I doubt it, but it?s possible), it will be even worse. Creating a logjam with three young players and who are deserving of minutes, wouldn?t be smart.
I have no problem with you telling me they won't take a power forward, but going by my mock, tell me your alternate pick? Maybe Petro or Villanueva, but personally I think May is a better pick than both, regardless of Toronto's roster situation. I couldn't find one, drafting Felton at #7 gives them numerous trade options too, including Alston and whoever they do take at 16.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pwn3d!:</div><div class="quote_post">I have no problem with you telling me they won't take a power forward, but going by my mock, tell me your alternate pick? Maybe Petro or Villanueva, but personally I think May is a better pick than both, regardless of Toronto's roster situation. I couldn't find one, drafting Felton at #7 gives them numerous trade options too, including Alston and whoever they do take at 16.</div> Going by your draft board, i think the Raps would be more likely to take Charlie Villanueva or Rudy Fernandez. I think Babcock would even consider Rudy Fernandez or Ryan Gomes though 16 is high for them, he might consider trading for some later picks. Also i think Monta Ellis stock has risen nicely, i know toronto had a nice work out with him and i heard he outpreformed Jack at least one camp. I think Babcock might consider him as well, or Ukic for that matter. He has said on many occasions its very likely they'll grab a pg with one of thier 4 picks, and "who knows maybe even 2". Though i think using both first rounders on PG's would be unwise, i could see the logic in it if he doesnt plan on resigning Milt and has had it with Alston. Still i think the first 2 i mentioned are the likely scenerio's.....May might happen as a BPA but who knows...i dont think its wise.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">Going by your draft board, i think the Raps would be more likely to take Charlie Villanueva or Rudy Fernandez. I think Babcock would even consider Rudy Fernandez or Ryan Gomes though 16 is high for them, he might consider trading for some later picks. Also i think Monta Ellis stock has risen nicely, i know toronto had a nice work out with him and i heard he outpreformed Jack at least one camp. I think Babcock might consider him as well, or Ukic for that matter. He has said on many occasions its very likely they'll grab a pg with one of thier 4 picks, and "who knows maybe even 2". Though i think using both first rounders on PG's would be unwise, i could see the logic in it if he doesnt plan on resigning Milt and has had it with Alston. Still i think the first 2 i mentioned are the likely scenerio's.....May might happen as a BPA but who knows...i dont think its wise.</div> Fair enough. Vazquez's recent strong play shot him up my draft board, although if Felton does go in the top six picks, I would expect the Raptors to pick up the swingman they want at seven with Antoine Wright, and then go BPA at 16. However, taking Felton at seven meant I couldn't see them taking Ukic as well. I think 16 is too high for Rudy, Gomes and especially Monta Ellis, but you never know with Toronto and Babcock. Villanueva could be a possibility too in the scenario of my mock where they take Felton, and Granger and McCants are gone by 16.
Overall I think you've done your best work to this point. And damn, I always forget you are in Australia, so when I see you posted at 3:00 in the morning (my time) I'm like DAMN kid, get out the house! LOL Anyway, I wouldnt be suprised to see Toronto nab May at 16, not only at that point is he the BPA, but with the rumors building down here in Chicago of them packaging in a trade, May would be drafted, however would switch hats by the end of the night. By the way, sorry I havent been posting much, it's crazy down here and I'm soaking up as much stuff as I can (besides working out and playing for some internationals and minor teams myself) The trade rumors right now are CRAZY. Aswell as talks of some guys here at Moody who are already stamping their name FIRMLY in Round 1 or 2, plus a couple guys who have simply shot themselves in the foot! In any event, I gotta jet outta the hotel, I have a workout at 1:00 and more games I get snuck into tonigt, so when all is said and done, I'll put together my report and hand it to the JBB gods. Everybody keep it real, and I'LL BE BACK!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pwn3d!:</div><div class="quote_post">Who do the Raptors take then? They've gotten a point guard with their first pick, and just about every player worthwhile at 16 after that is a power forward. Unless they're going to take a chance on someone like Fernandez, Garcia, Ellis or Villanueva and play him as a small forward, the draft is stacked with power forwards. At least May has played centre in college and can potentially play there in a smaller line-up. I think 16 is too high for Petro, Babcock may feel differently on draft night.</div> May delivered in very big games. I take a guy who ruled in the final four over a seldom seen Euro-project with no worry. May provides effective power inside,lets Bosh be versatile. Petro may be 2 years away from being an average starter...in Europe. As for the NBA,who knows. Blatche could be an option,but May is productive sooner
You've got Ukic going one pick later to the Pacers....why isn't anyone saying that the Raps could draft him? Ya we got Rafer and Alvin, but who know's if Alvin's knees'll hold up and I think Ukic could use a year to put some weight on and get used to the NBA, but we do need a back up....could even leave him overseas for a year or two. Good insurance incase Mitchell and Rafer can't get along and Rafer (or Mitchell) have a meltdown again. EDIT: annnnnnnd I also forgot that you already have Felton on our board at 7....my bad <font color="Red"><font size="1">Please don't double post in the future. If you accidentally say something that you didn't mean to say, there's no need to make another post explaining it either. You have the option to delete your posts, - VC -</font></font>
Yep. I was originally going to have Felton going 6th, the Raptors taking Wright at seven, and then Ukic at 16. This still could happen, as Vazquez was quite poor in the third game of the finals against Splitter, but that series isn't over yet. May was simply the best option at 16, there is no rule that says you must keep all your draft picks.
