Now, as always, my posts and Mocks come with a disclaimer. First, the stared selections (*) are ones that are HIGHLY rumored to be traded, therefor, the selection may not neccesarily be for that franchise. Secondly, this Mock was comprised after 2 weeks of begging, writing, clammoring, and eves dropping in New York and Chicago for any little bit of info I could dredge up. My sources are credible and most of these guys think I ask just for the hell of it, not thinking I actually compile more info on the draft than anyone who DOESNT get paid to do so probably should. So, I present to you, my final Mock Draft for 2005. (one a side note, any of those who know, and ask for updates, my tryouts in Chicago went well, as did New York, and I know have 4 more dates in early August for several teams. Looks like I'm back on track for that minor leauge contract) And without furthur ado............... NBA MOCK DRAFT 2005 Presented by: KICKSDADDY613 1. Milwaukee Buck-Andrew Bogut C Utah Milwaukee just can not see anything in his game that doesnt fit with not only what they need, but in their system. Bogut and Redd too much to pass up. 2. Atlanta Hawks-Marvin Williams F North Carolina This pick is a forgone conclusion. He was told (rumors are true) that if Bogut goes #1, ATL will snatch him second. 3. Portland Trailblazers-Chris Paul G Wake Forest* Telfair, dont sweat. PO is no longer in love with Gerald Green and Paul has too much value to pass up. This pick may go to several takers. 4. New Orleans Hornets-Danny Granger F New Mexico With Paul gone and Williams too, the Hornets pick the most complete player on both ends of the court. Granger fills a HUGE hole at the 3 and gives them the kind of guy Jamal Mashburn used to be some time ago. 5. Charlotte Bobcats-Deron Williams G Illinois They need a point, we know that, and Williams impressive numbers in Chicago give him the upper hand and wouldnt shock me to see him go higher. 6. Utah Jazz- Fran Vasquez F Spain* They need a point, Felton might not be the guy they want, so picking up Vasquez gives them the ability to do some shopping. Rumored to wanna jump to 3 and get Williams, and New Orleans knows Granger will be there at 6. 7. Toronto Raptors- Gerald Green G Gulf Shores HS If Green falls due to his crazy agent, Babcock still wont let him get by. They need a new backcourt and Green is the starting piece. 8. New York Knicks- Channing Frye C Arizona When I was in NY, a couple of the brass there were all but stitching up his jersey for the podium. Like it or not Knick fans, your Ewing replacment is finally here. 9. Golden St. Warriors- Ike Diogu F Arizona St. The measurments and numbers this guy drew in Chicago shot him up on a serious note. Beyond the arc is locked, they need strength, length, and a low post threat, Diogu provides all of that. 10. L.A. Lakers- Raymond Felton G North Carolina Due to a couple guys dropping and rising, Felton takes a hit, but who cares. Running the Lake Show and throwing oops to Kobe will be quite a sight. 11. Orlando Magic- Martell Webser G HS They lost their best shooter in a failed trade, and Webster is the best on the board. A physical and large 2 guard, all he needs to do is stand outside and reap the benefits of Francis' penetration. 12. L.A. Clippers- Antoine Wright G Texas A&M Clippers wanted him to shut down his workouts, he said no. However, Wright hasnt done as much as those ahead of him to warrant a rise in stock, so LAC gets their wish and nabs insurance. 13. Charlotte Bobcats- Rashad McCants G North Carolina To complete their future backcourt, Charlotte gets 2 fold here. Probably the best 2 guard in the draft at pick 13, plus, his numbers were amazing as far as testing in Chicago. Finally, he's a home state fan draw coming out of UNC. 14. Minnesota Timberwolves- Joey Graham F Oklahoma St. What a better way to juice up and re-energize the Wolves that Joey. He's a consistent jumper away from being Top 5. He'll be the lockdown perimeter defender they need and an athlete surpassed by none in this draft. 15. New Jersey Nets- Hakim Warrick F Syracuse Warrick looked good in a one on one with Granger, but, overall, Granger came out looking like the stud. However, Jersey's office loves the prospects of Warrick being what they were missing this year after the ludacris trade of K-Mart. 16. Toronto Raptors- Roko Leni Ukic G Serbia This pick completes TO's backcourt and gives them a guy who along with Green will draw the fans. He's a fan player who will love to run and gun with Green on the break, and Bosh trailing. 17. Indiana Pacers- Sean May F North Carolina This pick could be Jack, however, Indiana's backcourt is solid. You cant pass up May here and O'Neal needs help down low. This gives them a second post scoring option and if off the bench with David Harrison, his height then becomes a non factor (did measure 6-9 1/2 in shoes) 18. Boston Celtics- Jarrett Jack G Georgia Tech Payton gone, Banks is iffy running full time, and Jack is still sitting there. West is a 2 guard, weather he likes it or not. If Pierce is traded or not, they need someone to run the show. This pick could be a big aswell. 19. Memphis Grizzlies- Christ Taft F Pittsburgh* If Swift is gone, they need someone at the 4. Taft has fallen, and this might be far enough. It remains to be seen if he'll be what he could, however, after the last 2 drafts, Jerry West is starting to make me re-think all those eye for hidden talent days. 20. Denver Nuggets- Fransisco Garcia G Louisville They'd LOVE for McCants to somehow drop here, highly unlikely though, and they need a shooter. In Denver, Garcia wouldnt have to be an uber athlete, but simply spot up and drain. 21. Phoenix Suns- Johan Petro C France Petro doesnt need to score in Phoenix, and they dont need someone to. But line this defensive 7 foot freak next to Amare and slide him to the 4 where he belongs. 22. Denver Nuggets- Andrew Bynum C St. Joseph's HS With a waiver pick, get some insurance for your oft injured frontcourt. So, nab a guy to sit behind Camby, Martin, and Nene and learn. This kid doesnt need to play now and could be in a similar situation as Jermaine O'Neal was in Portland. 23. Sacramento Kings- Yaroslav Karolev G Russia If Mobley is gone, they can bring this kid in to do all the little things. Peja isnt much of a rebounder at the 3, so Sac could easily slide im to the 2 and plug this kid in at the 3. Bibby would have two 6-8 guys on the wings to drop passes to who can shoot and finish. Simien gets a look here, but Kenny Thomas was very solid in Sac after the Webber trade. 24. Houston Rockets- Wayne Simien F Kansas Houston gets what they need. Someone with a little gerth and offensive ability to help Yao. Who knows how much Mo Taylor or Juwan Howard have left in the tank. 25. Seattle Supersonics- Julius Hodge G NC State If you lose Allen, or Daniels, or a combo of them both, Hodge is a guy who can play the 1,2,3. He is a winner and a competitor and a guy who will give Seattle all the little things to get a win. 26. Detroit Pistons- Luther Head G Illinois Head showed, and Head proved. not only has he worked his way into Round 1 by impressing in Chicago, but falling into Detroit's lap would be heaven sent. If Hunter and Arroyo are gone, Head can back up both Billups and Hamilton. He will grind and play D and as you see in Detroit's system, it's all about effort and knowledge and Head has both. 27. Utah Jazz- Randolph Morris C Kentucky* Other than Okur, Utah has nothing at center. If they had Vasquez, Boozer, and Okur, letting Randolph grow and learn and getting a player of this size an potemtial at 27 is a must. 28. San Antonio Spurs- Ersan Ilyasova F Turkey Some really really poor Chicago numbers have raised a semi caution to his readiness which makes him drop. However, San Antonio has never been one to pass on a Euro and stash him for a couple years. They dont really need anything and with Scola coming on board this year. Ilyasova could come up in the next year or two to replace the againg Bruce Bowen. 29. Miami Heat- David Lee F Florida Lee might have gotten himself a higher look, however I still think he might not be able to jump over other players potential, or team needs. If Haslem decides to bolt town, Lee would be more than happy to clean up all the garbage Shaq (assuming he comes back....lol) leaves around the hoop. 30. New York Knicks- Charlie Villenueva F Conneticut I've heard a few murmors on Villinueva's stock. He apparently he's backed out on one workout, didnt wanna match up on another, and although he is undoubtedly talented, other players have been on a steady climb and some players are more suited to other teams. On the flip, if he played the 3, which he can, the Brooklyn native brings the ability to weed out players such as Tim Thomas, and his ability to play the 4 (and at 6-10 is taller than every 4 they have) he just adds that much more talent, youth and ability to an aging past their prime group of forwards. I also would like to make a note, several European players were dropped to to VERY high indication they will be returning to their clubs. So if you dont see a name, chances are he's going back. Certain guys it was hard to drop back to round 2. Ryan Gomes has dropped some pounds and has played very well and could still get into the last couple spots, most notably Miami, Utah, or San Antonio. Also Monta Ellis' very poor combine has hurt him a lot. A couple teams were rumbeling to like him in the late teens, however, numbers dont lie, and his told a ton. Finally, a couple guys moving up (Head, Lee, Hodge) has hurt Andray Blatche. He could still find a round 1 waiver, but who do you drop off is the question. No one I see or heard of for a HS project of this magnitude. Well, enjoy, comments always welcome and you all know I will validate, justify, and answer any questions any of you may have!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KICKSDADDY613:</div><div class="quote_post">3. Portland Trailblazers-Chris Paul G Wake Forest* Telfair, dont sweat. PO is no longer in love with Gerald Green and Paul has too much value to pass up. This pick may go to several takers. 4. New Orleans Hornets-Danny Granger F New Mexico With Paul gone and Williams too, the Hornets pick the most complete player on both ends of the court. Granger fills a HUGE hole at the 3 and gives them the kind of guy Jamal Mashburn used to be some time ago. </div> I really like these two picks. Everyone seems to assume that Gerald Green is headed to Portland just because he's the best Shooting Guard available, but it doesn't seem like they're too interested. It would make much more sense if they just took the best player available (or the player with the highest trade value), which in this case is Chris Paul. As for the pick of Granger to New Orleans, I'd probably put him there in our mock, but it's too risky for me to actually pencil that one in. I definitely think he's one of the four most talented players in the draft and would really help them fill their Small Forward need though. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">7. Toronto Raptors- Gerald Green G Gulf Shores HS If Green falls due to his crazy agent, Babcock still wont let him get by. They need a new backcourt and Green is the starting piece. 19. Memphis Grizzlies- Christ Taft F Pittsburgh* If Swift is gone, they need someone at the 4. Taft has fallen, and this might be far enough. It remains to be seen if he'll be what he could, however, after the last 2 drafts, Jerry West is starting to make me re-think all those eye for hidden talent days. 26. Detroit Pistons- Luther Head G Illinois Head showed, and Head proved. not only has he worked his way into Round 1 by impressing in Chicago, but falling into Detroit's lap would be heaven sent. If Hunter and Arroyo are gone, Head can back up both Billups and Hamilton. He will grind and play D and as you see in Detroit's system, it's all about effort and knowledge and Head has both.</div> I like seeing Green back where he started in mocks in that 6-10 range. I think it's far more realistic than teams drafting him as high as #3 just to fill a need. I also like the pick of Taft in Memphis. While I personally think that Simien will get the nod after the impressive workouts he had with them, it's nice to see somone who thinks Taft's stock hasn't completely gone to hell. As for Head, I was talking to someone earlier today who pretty much called me crazy when I said that Head was looking like a definite first rounder. I agree with you that through Chicago he worked his way into the first round. I wasn't there like you were, but from what I read, he put on a clinic. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I also would like to make a note, several European players were dropped to to VERY high indication they will be returning to their clubs. So if you dont see a name, chances are he's going back. Certain guys it was hard to drop back to round 2. Ryan Gomes has dropped some pounds and has played very well and could still get into the last couple spots, most notably Miami, Utah, or San Antonio. Also Monta Ellis' very poor combine has hurt him a lot. A couple teams were rumbeling to like him in the late teens, however, numbers dont lie, and his told a ton. Finally, a couple guys moving up (Head, Lee, Hodge) has hurt Andray Blatche. He could still find a round 1 waiver, but who do you drop off is the question. No one I see or heard of for a HS project of this magnitude. Well, enjoy, comments always welcome and you all know I will validate, justify, and answer any questions any of you may have! </div> Every year the High School players are overrated. Louis Williams, Monta Ellis, Andray Blatche, Amir Johnson, and Brandon Rush are all looking at second round picks. The first round is just too deep with proven talent to risk a three year guaranteed contract on an 18 years old. People need to remember talented guys like DeAngello Collins and Lenny Cooke, who dominated the High School scene, were athletic, and had great NBA bodies, but in the end went undrafted when it was all said and done. I disagreed with a few of your picks, but those are picks that could essentially go either way. Overall, this is probably the best mock draft on the site now (although we'll try to take that back from you with our final version ). Accurate and original, nice job. Good luck on the career!
I heard rumors that Randolph Morris might go back to school Why would New Orleans choose Granger over Deron Williams? Especially when Deron's stock is on a rise
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Why would New Orleans choose Granger over Deron Williams? Especially when Deron's stock is on a rise</div> Cuz Granger is pretty much a unanimous Top 5 on every board and his ability and position and the fact that New Orleans has 2 solid pg's, makes Granger the choice. Now, I'm not saying there is no way they pass on him, but, Paul in the only PG they were really kean on. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Umm... I noticed Utah had that trade start by both their picks, why would they trade both of them?</div> Because anyone trading back will want both picks. The second pick is all the way back at 27, and Utah REALLY wants Deron Williams. They would love to slide up to 4 where New Orleans is and grab him before Charlotte can. Charlotte can drop to 6, nab a guy like Vazquez (PJ Brown is about done) and look at a BAP at 27.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KICKSDADDY613:</div><div class="quote_post">8. New York Knicks- Channing Frye C Arizona When I was in NY, a couple of the brass there were all but stitching up his jersey for the podium. Like it or not Knick fans, your Ewing replacment is finally here.</div> I've heard the same thing too and I also added it on my Mock Draft as well. My question to you is: how do you feel about Channing Frye and his supposed 10 pounds of added muscle with additional explosiveness and lateral quickness. Have you seen him in action and if so, how do you feel with him being a lottery selection. Good Mock and good luck with making it into the league someday.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I've heard the same thing too and I also added it on my Mock Draft as well. My question to you is: how do you feel about Channing Frye and his supposed 10 pounds of added muscle with additional explosiveness and lateral quickness. Have you seen him in action and if so, how do you feel with him being a lottery selection. </div> Actually yes, he looks amazing. He was VERY impressive in the bench press putting up the required 185lbs 19 times. He actually has added closer to 20lbs and is right around 270. His wingspan was measured well and he still is very fleet of foot and looks absolutly smooth! His range and the fire he's been playing with from inside blew me away. I think he's gonna be a HUGE suprise and playing at UA will help him well going to the Garden.
Altogather Many mocks have Vasquez top 10,and I have doubts,but tend to leave final conclusions on imports to the scouts able to go abroad and get the close look. I think Blatche had a strong year in HS,and AAU. He gets criticism for too much perimeter-yet averaged 16 boards. I think he looked to upgrade his skills,range,ballhandling,PF package.Had he stuck with low post stuff vs smaller HS guys,it would have done little as it would not be much of a test. He should go top 20,but as limited as his exposure is,mid 20's is possible. I was fussing way way back that Granger and Diogu were the real deal. Over on Warrior threads,I got months of guys sayin NBA DRAFT net has Diogu in the 20's,we gotta take Taft. My response basically was I SAW them PLAY-and the difference was huge,in Ike's favor. I'm REAL pleased to see Ike listed as the W's guy. I also agree 100% on Frye. The Knicks won't be patient with a questionable project or another PF tweener. I'd heard Frye had a heavy duty strength/conditioning program going and it seems to be working. Julius Hodge should have always been on rd 1 lists,his ACC peers picked him the league MVP,and hes a versatile,big effort guy. Chicago helped him. Big wingspan and matched Taft in the bench press. I have some doubts about R Morris,I expect Blatche would bump him,and I think Dwayne Jones may even be high enough on somebody's list to sneak into rd 1. Salim Stoudamire is a wild card. He is probably the pure shooter in the crop,and I'd say one of the top pure shooter in several years,so all it takes is a team to feel he can adapt to PG,and he's a good RD 1. At least 1 team figures to think the odds are good as AU has produced 4 NBA starting PG's. While I have a few guys I'd add,or shift a few slots,this is the Mock I think gets closest to where guys will,or at least should go.
On a second look-Blatche bumps Petro as the Suns pick,a Tall with transition game,Petro then bumps Morris,who declared 2 yr too soon.
Green and Ukic? I would be ecstatic if we end up with these two in the 1st rd. BTW, what's your assesment of Antoine Wright from what you've seen in the camp?
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">BTW, what's your assesment of Antoine Wright from what you've seen in the camp?</div> Wright didnt play in the Chicago camp, however I did see him work out the same day Felton, Ellis, and Webster did in NY. He looks thicker and has displayed a tramendous improvment on his shot. I was actually working out in the same gym for the Harlem Revelers and the New Jersey Cats (ABA), a Brooklyn Kings rep was there aswell (USBL) and I got a chance to shoot around and gab with him and Monta Ellis. We all got in a shoot out and the kid killed it. We took 10 shots apeice from the 5 key spots on the perimeter (2 corners 2 wings, top of the arc) and he dropped 42 of 50. Ellis hit about 34 and I racked 31. But the strength he added while maintaining his explosivness was a bonus. I think in person he handles the rock better than I thought too. And being a 6-2 PG, if he could match me when handling, he's gonna impress in the leauge.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KICKSDADDY613:</div><div class="quote_post">Actually yes, he looks amazing. He was VERY impressive in the bench press putting up the required 185lbs 19 times. He actually has added closer to 20lbs and is right around 270. His wingspan was measured well and he still is very fleet of foot and looks absolutly smooth! His range and the fire he's been playing with from inside blew me away. I think he's gonna be a HUGE suprise and playing at UA will help him well going to the Garden.</div> I had no idea he was about 270, thanks for telling me. So basically you?re telling me he can post up, shoot the midrange jumper, block shots, and can defend better? Sorry to keep on bugging you, but what type of numbers do you think he can put up taking into consideration the center position is all his, he?s playing in the East and can work with Aguirre. Thanks.
KICKSDADDY613. I could rely on you alot, you say something and it appears true on a draft site theres rumors Hornets might trade with the Jazz, Jazz show interest in Deron and Hornets show interest in Granger, so I can see where you're coming from now
Mr.J- not a problem, you guys never bug me. I think if Frye went to the Knicks, and got starters minutes, and most importantly Marbury gets him te ball, he could put in 10 and 8 right off the jump. As the Knicks grow and develope and they start to rebuild, I think he could in a couple years of developing be a 15 and 10 player, consistantly. Jose-thanks for the confidence. Like I say, I get a lot of my info straight from the horses mouth. I have an agent and he does have a lot of clients, so I hear things from him and others he works with and who represents who. Plus when I was in NY and Chicago working out, I was like a fly on the wall. Even as I attempt to slowly work my way up the ranks, I still have a pure love for basketball, and the draft is my obsession, was when I was young, was when I was coming out of HS and guys my age were getting drafted, and even now. So when I get something good, I'll always spit it out for all you guys, cuz you all have a true passion for the game, and it never hurts to give.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">24. Houston Rockets- Wayne Simien F Kansas Houston gets what they need. Someone with a little gerth and offensive ability to help Yao. Who knows how much Mo Taylor or Juwan Howard have left in the tank.</div> Mo Taylor isnt a Rocket. He is a Knick. As for my Knicks, I hope they really dont draft Frye or ANOTHER PF. Knicks need something to shake up this team. Maybe a shooter like McCants or trading up to grab a TRUE PG in Deron Williams and putting Marbury at SG. Hopefully they'll trade Jamal Crawford to Seattle since he loves it so much there that he attended every single one of their playoff games.
Frye seems to have really gone the max to get physically ready for the draft and the season. The Knicks would be nuts to pass,7-0 and 260-270,with talent is what they need. Frye's transformation may turn him into Toronto's pick,leaving NY to come up with another option
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting REREM:</div><div class="quote_post">Frye seems to have really gone the max to get physically ready for the draft and the season. The Knicks would be nuts to pass,7-0 and 260-270,with talent is what they need. Frye's transformation may turn him into Toronto's pick,leaving NY to come up with another option</div>I don't think there is any way that Frye will go that high, especially to Toronto. There are going to be more talented players at that pick such as Felton, Wright, Granger, Graham etc... Just because Frye is the 2nd best big man in the draft does not mean that he is going to be overvalued come draft day.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Mo Taylor isnt a Rocket. He is a Knick</div> Wow, damn, you know I never heard of that trade. Man, I must be slippin. I need to wake the hell up....lol. Taking that into consideration. If they could throw out a lineup of Frye, K. Thomas, T. Thomas, Crawford, Marbury, that could do some damage, with Taylor, Ariza, J Williams, Penny off the bench. Not too bad. I'd still try to trade a lot of those guys if possible though. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Frye's transformation may turn him into Toronto's pick,leaving NY to come up with another option</div> Wouldn't suprise me. WOuldnt be a bad frontcourt combo to have Bosh at PF and Frye at center. I won't say Babs isn't that stupid, however, even he has to know their number one option should be a 2 or 3.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting queensny:</div><div class="quote_post">Mo Taylor isnt a Rocket. He is a Knick. As for my Knicks, I hope they really dont draft Frye or ANOTHER PF. Knicks need something to shake up this team. Maybe a shooter like McCants or trading up to grab a TRUE PG in Deron Williams and putting Marbury at SG. Hopefully they'll trade Jamal Crawford to Seattle since he loves it so much there that he attended every single one of their playoff games.</div> Yo...I don't think Marbury at SG is a good idea bro, his defense is already terrible at Point, imagine at SG? Marbury is very unselfish, but he needs to have more confidence in his teammates, rmember he's a top 5 PG in the NBA, @ SG, he would probably be top 10 at best a guy like McCants, Hodge, Fernadez, or Garcia would be GREAT off the bench and develop into the shooting guard of the future Crawford is nice, i love that kid, but I'm willing to trade him if its possible...I doubt Isiah will, he has an ego, he worked hard to get Crawford here, but I could see where you're coming from and thanks KICKSDADDY613 for giving me these clear facts, Prerak at Draftcity is a dickhead, they make up interviews etc, he's just a 16 year old indian kid trying to be a scout, now his site is ******! haha NBAdraft.net is not bad, and Elitedraft.net is awesome, but thanks for the sorces i appreciate it
