1 ? Milwaukee ? Andrew Bogut Apparently he rocked up to his draft workout wearing a suit and in possession of a resume. He then proceeded to dispel myths about his athleticism and agility on the floor, and unless something dramatic happens, he will be going number one. 2 ? Atlanta ? Marvin Williams There?s been word the Hawks could take Deron Williams here, but for all their young talent, they lack a potential franchise player. Marvin is their guy here, and they?ll deal with the logjams later on. 3 ? Portland ? Chris Paul Still an interesting pick while the Blazers are in possessions of it. My guess is they?ll take Paul and entertain offers if they still hold the pick on draft day. 4 ? New Orleans ? Deron Williams The guy they?ve wanted all along, and while rumours of Deron going at two probably worried management, they get their man here and they won?t let him slip. Utah will try to make a run at this pick, which could make things interesting. 5 ? Charlotte ? Gerald Green They could still go the Felton route here, but he seems to be dropping off the pace a bit. The Bobcats, while in need of a point guard, still need to stockpile as much talent as possible with early picks, and Green has probably the most upside in the draft of anyone not named Marvin. 6 ? Utah ? Danny Granger Now this is an interesting pick with the way this mock is unfolding. They could still go with Felton here, but I think Granger is the best player left on the board here. Teams up with Kirilenko to form a formidable defensive frontcourt, and a Jerry Sloan type of player in the sense he is explosive, but does the little things too. 7 ? Toronto ? Raymond Felton The Raptors could go a number of ways here; will New York?s rumoured interest in Frye scare the Raps into taking him in fear of not passing up a potential impact seven-footer? I?m gonna say no, as Felton is the logical and safer pick here and is ready to play right away. 8 ? New York ? Channing Frye It?s hard to gauge whether their interest in Frye is legit or not, but with the move of Kurt Thomas for Quentin Richardson, it really opens the opportunity for this supposed love affair to come true. 9 ? Golden State ? Fran Vazquez They wanted Granger here, but with Danny getting off the board in Salt Lake City, the Warriors add yet another piece to what is looking a talented frontcourt for the future. They?ll take a long look at Ike Diogu here, too. 10 ? LA Lakers ? Martell Webster The Andrew Bynum rumours continue to circulate, but with Webster still on the board after the first nine picks, the Lakers grab one of the best shooters in the draft. A big upgrade on Devean George, and allows them to really look into trading Caron Butler. This fits in with rumours of a trade for Portland?s #3 too, as the Blazers really like Martell. 11 ? Orlando ? Antoine Wright Webster is off the board, so the Magic go to the next atrget on the list. Wright?s stock isn?t as high as it was a week ago, but he is still an athletic wingman who can shoot the rock and has plenty of room to improve. Value pick. 12 ? LA Clippers ? Yaroslav Korolev Who knows if the rumours of a promise are true or not, but with a young team, and Webster, Granger and Wright already off the board, it makes sense anyway. 13 ? Charlotte ? Jarrett Jack Jack is perhaps the most intriguing player in the draft, in terms of where he may be picked. He could potentially go as high as 10th, and he won?t get past Seattle at 25, but he could go anywhere in between. There are rumours of a promise to Villanueva here, but with the ?Cats grabbing a wingman in Green with their first pick, taking Jack here is a logical choice. 14 ? Minnesota ? Andrew Bynum Bynum thinks he?s going in the lottery, and this is his last chance to do so. It makes sense though, as the Wolves have lacked a legitimate centre for a long time, and probably need to retool at some point if they are going to keep their championship window open, so Bynum just helps them get started. 15 ? New Jersey ? Ike Diogu They could easily go with the athleticism of Joey Graham or Hakim Warrick here, but with a gaping hole at power forward, they pick the big man out of Arizona State. Diogu won?t run the floor like the Carters and Jeffersons of this world, but he?ll give them the low post scorer and defender they?ve lacked since Kenyon Martin. 16 ? Toronto ? Joey Graham He drops out of the lottery, and Babcock pounces to put the finishing touches on a draft where he has grabbed two proven college prospects. Graham has the potential to be an amazing defender, and he is already an amazing athlete with the best body in the draft, so he is ready to play right away in Canada. 17 ? Indiana ? Hakim Warrick Warrick is another one who could go to a number of teams, but, despite still seeing McCants on the board, the Pacers add anorher talented piece as they retool for a run at the title next season with Reggie Miller. Stephen Jackson can play the two, and Warrick slots in as a sixth man behind Ron Artest. 18 ? Boston ? Roko Leni-Ukic Personally I think the Celtics wants Jack, but with the Georgia Tech point off the board, they take the dazzling Leni-Ukic. He may not be ready right away, but Danny Ainge isn?t afraid to store talent on his roster, and it keeps the Celtics deep. 19 ? Memphis ? Sean May May slips here, but only because the Bobcats and Nets both pass on him, meaning he drops a few more spots to the Grizz, who snap him up with glee. With rumours Lorenzen Wright won?t be back, likewise Stromile Swift, and no point guard worthy of this spot left on the board, May is the best player available, and will contribute right away. Pau Gasol may have to play some centre though. 20 ? Denver ? Rashad McCants They needed a shooting guard in the worst way possible, and they got perhaps the most talented one in the draft. Despite supposed attitude and commitment problems, surely they won?t pass up a kid who, underneath the baggage, has the ability to complete their championship puzzle. 21 ? Phoenix ? Martynas Andriuskevicius They supposedly wanted him at seven last season, and in a roundabout wayit?s worked out in that fashion, give or take a Luol Deng. The Suns have time on their side with their current core, and to land a guy they wanted in the top ten last season down here right now is too good to pass up. 22 ? Denver ? Charlie Villanueva They got their shooting guard, now they?ll go best player available, and it?s a toss-up here between Villanueva, Taft and Petro. With Martin and Camby on the roster, and Nene looking to recommit, they go with the talented but underachieving combo forward. There are rumours the Nuggets may try to trade out of the first round, but it?s a great draft to have these picks in for a team on the brink of contention. 23 ? Sacramento ? Chris Taft He slips this far, but no further. After being passed up by New Jersey, Memphis, Phoenix and Denver, the Kings snaffle him and immediately look to trade one of their glut of power forwards, likely Kenny Thomas. Taft is a risk, but a worthwhile one down at pick 23. 24 ? Houston ? Wayne Simien This pick seems to be slated in stone on many a mock draft, and for good reason. Simien fits exactly what the Rockets need at this point, and he will very likely be on the board when they pick. Tough, physical and in love with the low block, he?ll step in right away next to Yao and provide the qualities that Houston?s frontcourt currently lacks. 25 ? Seattle ? Johan Petro Yet another intriguing prospect. There is absolutely nothing linking him with the Sonics, but with so many free agents, they can go a number of ways with this pick. Petro is raw, but with such athletic ability and size, it could be a real coup in the late first round down the track. 26 ? Detroit ? Luther Head Utah will be hoping he slips another spot, assuming they hold onto the pick, but the Pistons will snap up the versatile Illinois guard. He has worked his way into the first round with impressive play and testing in Chicago, and with the potential to back up both guard spots, fits into Detroit?s system perfectly. 27 ? Utah ? Julius Hodge He could go as high as Indiana at 17, but he slips here and the Jazz are delighted to take the gritty and eccentric Hodge. Another Sloan type of player; Hodge leaves his all on the court every night and has winner stamped all over him. A bargain this late. 28 ? San Antonio ? Francisco Garcia There are whispers Garcia could go as high as 14 to Minnesota, and it?s conceivable Indiana could see him as a potential replacement for Reggie Miller at 17 (not that you can literally replace Reggie), but he could go anywhere from the mid first to the early second. We?re all probably expecting the Spurs to take a Euro, but Garcia is a good fit in a team full of heart. 29 ? Miami ? Travis Diener Here?s an interesting one, but it makes sense. Diener in the first is a stretch, but he is as pure as point guards come. A former teammate of Dwyane Wade at Marquette, Diener is a true floor leader with a sweet stroke. Could share minutes with Damon Jones at the point and the Heat would gain more than they lose in that scenario. 30 ? New York ? Andray Blatche Possibly the most intriguing prospect in the whole draft; if Blatche was a Euro, he?d be lauded for his ball-handling skills and perimeter game for his size. Unfortunately he?s not, and instead he is criticised for having an underdeveloped. Still, he dominated the Jordan Classic and averaged over 15 boards a game in his season of Prep, and could be the bargain of the draft here.
31 ? Atlanta ? David Lee 32 ? LA Clippers ? Randolph Morris 33 ? New Orleans ? Ersan Illyasova 34 ? Utah ? Kennedy Winston 35 ? Portland ? Matt Walsh 36 ? Milwaukee ? Ryan Gomes 37 ? LA Lakers ? Ronny Turiaf 38 ? Orlando ? Mickael Gelabale 39 ? LA Lakers ? Salim Stoudamire 40 ? Golden State ? Nate Robinson 41 ? Toronto ? Monta Ellis 42 ? Golden State ? Mile Ilic 43 ? New Jersey ? Alan Anderson 44 ? Orlando ? Jason Maxiel 45 ? Philadelphia ? Louis Williams 46 ? Indiana ? Brandon Bass 47 ? Minnesota ? John Gilchrist 48 ? Seattle ? CJ Miles 49 ? Washington ? Daniel Ewing 50 ? Boston ? Linas Kleiza 51 ? Utah ? Angelo Gigli 52 ? Denver ? Dwayne Jones 53 ? Boston ? Erazem Lorbek 54 ? New York ? Sean Banks 55 ? Seattle ? Will Conroy 56 ? Detroit ? Tiras Wade 57 ? Phoenix ? Rawle Marshall 58 ? Toronto ? Jawad Williams 59 ? Atlanta ? Lucas Tischer 60 ? Detroit ? Dijon Thompson
Why do the Lakers take Webster? They have Kobe at shooting guard, Butler at small forward and Odom there. I doubt they?d keep him at power forward after seeing the results last season. I doubt Butler and Webster could give them the #3 pick; it?s just too valuable for them. Bynum is not a legitimate center right now, he?s still a project. Why would they pass up on Joey Graham ? a safe, NBA-ready player to help Minnesota reach the playoffs again? Why do the Knicks draft Sean Banks when they have Q now?
Looks good overall. I love the Diener pick to Miami, cuz not only can the kid shoot lights out, but being a pure point and with Damon Jones most likely opting out, would be a nice spot for the FonduLac kid. I cant see Charlotte passing up Granger for Green, but thats me. The Lakers are high on Webster, and if the trade goes down, they may take Green, so Mr J, your point on that one is a bit askew. Phil wants Odom at the 4 because in the triangle, you can get away with a smal versatile 4. (think Kukoc and Rodman) You dont need a banger. If you could pick up a point, rumor has it they'd really give Deron Williams a look. Check the lineup. PG- Williams SG- Kobe SF- Patterson PF- Odom C- Mihm You dont think Phil could do some damage with that lineup. Plus the lakers are in talks with a couple teams to aquire a mid teens pick, which there could be you Andrew Bynum promise. Anywho, good job, solid mock, and if the Bucks picked up Gomes at #36, you'd see me smilin from the skies!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KICKSDADDY613:</div><div class="quote_post">Looks good overall. I love the Diener pick to Miami, cuz not only can the kid shoot lights out, but being a pure point and with Damon Jones most likely opting out, would be a nice spot for the FonduLac kid. I cant see Charlotte passing up Granger for Green, but thats me. The Lakers are high on Webster, and if the trade goes down, they may take Green, so Mr J, your point on that one is a bit askew. Phil wants Odom at the 4 because in the triangle, you can get away with a smal versatile 4.</div> I doubt they?d take Green. They don?t need a small forward as much as they need a point guard and with the opportunity to land a low-risk/high-reward Paul, I don?t think they?ll pass up on him. In this day and age where size means everything, Odom has shown he cannot play power forward in the West. At least Kukoc was an inch taller and played in the East. Besides, it?s just not his natural position; small forward is. That?s a moot point now, Butler is in Portland now so now he has the small forward position all to himself.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">Why do the Lakers take Webster? They have Kobe at shooting guard, Butler at small forward and Odom there. I doubt they?d keep him at power forward after seeing the results last season. I doubt Butler and Webster could give them the #3 pick; it?s just too valuable for them.</div> The Lakers' roster right now is a mess - they need to revamp, so I can't see them drafting specifically for need. Plus, as I posted, there is a lot of talk about the Lakers getting the Blazers' pick and Portland being high on Webster. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bynum is not a legitimate center right now, he?s still a project. Why would they pass up on Joey Graham ? a safe, NBA-ready player to help Minnesota reach the playoffs again?</div> Because they don't have the roster to contend right now. They got to the WCFs with Cassell probably having his best ever season, and that isn't going to happen again. Graham isn't going to push them over the hump, and Bynum's upside is intriguing. He is a project, but he could provide them with the legit centre they have lacked. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Why do the Knicks draft Sean Banks when they have Q now?</div> Because it's pick 54 and the Knicks have already had two picks in the first round. Do you think they're going to go "hey, let's draft on need with seven picks left in the draft"? Of course not, they take a chance on Banks' talent with a throwaway pick.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">I doubt they?d take Green. They don?t need a small forward as much as they need a point guard and with the opportunity to land a low-risk/high-reward Paul, I don?t think they?ll pass up on him. </div> I have Paul going number three, so if that trade did materialise, then the Lakers get Paul and the Blazers get Webster. If they stay at 10, then the top three points are gone.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pwn3d!:</div><div class="quote_post"> Because it's pick 54 and the Knicks have already had two picks in the first round. Do you think they're going to go "hey, let's draft on need with seven picks left in the draft"? Of course not, they take a chance on Banks' talent with a throwaway pick.</div> Knicks have absolutely no centers right now, in this draft, Knicks need to draft as many centers as possible
Have to say that I don't agree w/ the Supes taking Petro, Miles, and Conroy. We have a "project big" w/ Swift, a 6'6" high school shooting guard who slips to 48 should probably not be drafted, and Conroy wouldn't have even been considered a draft pick if UW didn't get a #1 seed in the Tournament. I have absolutely no idea who we've been targeting but my guess is that we are going to try to stay as far away from "potential" picks as we can b/c we will need seasoned young players to fill the role of our departed free agents of 04-05.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post"> We have a "project big" w/ Swift, a 6'6" high school shooting guard who slips to 48 should probably not be drafted, and Conroy wouldn't have even been considered a draft pick if UW didn't get a #1 seed in the Tournament. I have absolutely no idea who we've been targeting but my guess is that we are going to try to stay as far away from "potential" picks as we can b/c we will need seasoned young players to fill the role of our departed free agents of 04-05.</div> Fair points on all players. With Petro I had no intention of giving him to the Sonics, but it just sort of fell that way. I'm not entirely sure what direction we're going to take in the draft, but I don't think you can go overboard in terms of stockpiling bigs. Petro is far from a finished product, but the upside is there, and there's a great chance both James and Pot are going to leave. We'll obviously have to look in free agency for some pivot help, but having two young seven footers on the roster isn't exactly a bad thing. I am shocked Miles decided to stay in the draft - surely he knows something we don't? At 48 we can hold onto him, hope he learns a few things off Ray and see if he develops. A second round mock is a crapshoot anyway, there are a number of ways we can go at 48 (hopefully Robinson is on the board still, but I doubt it). You say Conroy is only considered a draft prsopect becauseof UW getting a top seeding, but the twist on that is he was a huge reason they did so well last season. He's a big floor leader who plays good man to man D and is tough as nails, not to mention a local product, so with only five picks left in the draft at that point he's not a bad guy to take and send him to the summer league.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting j0se:</div><div class="quote_post">Knicks have absolutely no centers right now, in this draft, Knicks need to draft as many centers as possible</div> And you were hoping for which centre with pick 54? I have them taking Frye and Blatche, who are both close to seven foot, in the first round anyway.
Switch Diogu + Vasquez and move Blatche up 10 notches,certainly he has more potential-and talent than Taft. I do think BYnum will go a few picks sooner. The Clips have history of young high picks walking away when their contract is up,which should mean the wise move is a guy who is ready now,like Warrick,rather than a kid with hazy potential based on play in jr-euro-hoops....but its the Clips,so the wise move is not likely and they take the young Russian,or maybe Martynas?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Conroy wouldn't have even been considered a draft pick if UW didn't get a #1 seed in the Tournament.</div> No, that's wrong. Nobody considered him a prospect until Portsmouth and Chicago.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting REREM:</div><div class="quote_post">move Blatche up 10 notches</div> I have heard some good things about Blatche too, since he started his workouts. He refused a workout in Seattle too, which is a good sign he's heard some positive feedback from teams earlier in the draft (Denver?).
In the world of mock drafts,a real big surprise may be just how high Blatche goes. A lot of the "wishful thinking" big man projects have imploded and Blatche HAS skills many 6-11/7-0 guys never get. He has a foundation to work from and seems to have the desire to be a real good player. Don't be too surprised if he's a lottery pick.
