NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Discussion in 'NBA Draft' started by Shapecity, May 20, 2010.

  1. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    The lottery results are in and the Washington Wizards are the big winners in the John Wall sweepstakes. That means it's time for our second full mock draft of 2010.

    At this point, very little is set in stone. Expect this mock draft to fluctuate greatly over the course of the next six weeks. The NBA draft combine in Chicago, the Reebok Eurocamp and hundreds of team workouts will dramatically alter the face of the draft.

    But for now, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, here's our best stab at how the draft might play out in June. Here is the second of my many mock drafts between now and the June 24 draft:

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Washington

    John Wall
    Position: PG
    Height: 6-foot-4
    Weight: 185 pounds
    Age: 19
    School: Kentucky
    Analysis: The Wizards were the big winners Tuesday night. While choosing Wall would create a jam because the Wizards already have Gilbert Arenas to play point guard, there are a couple of reasons they probably won't be deterred. First, many believe Arenas has always been more a 2-guard. Second, the Wizards will shop Arenas around the league, especially after last season's gun incident.

    Either way, winning the lottery provides some balm after a very tough season in Washington. The Wizards have already started to blow up the team and rebuild. Now, in Wall, they can have a great talent as a foundation.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Philadelphia


    Evan Turner
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 205
    Age: 21
    School: Ohio State


    Analysis: Turner wouldn't be a perfect fit in Philadelphia. He would duplicate, to a degree, what Andre Iguodala and starting point guard-to-be Jrue Holiday bring to the table. But I think the Sixers will take Turner anyway.



    He was the best player in college basketball, can play three positions on the floor and is ready to contribute right now. The 76ers will figure out how to get all three players on the floor or finally pull the trigger on an Iguodala trade.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    New Jersey

    Derrick Favors
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-9
    Weight: 215
    Age: 18
    School: Georgia Tech
    Analysis: The Nets have to be disappointed that they didn't get Wall, but Favors was ranked No. 2 on our Big Board at the beginning of the season and he would fit a need. Actually, Favors has the raw talent to be the best player in the draft down the road, and he resembles a young Antonio McDyess.

    While he wouldn't be the immediate franchise player the Nets hope for, Favors could be a very good pick.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Minnesota

    Wesley Johnson
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 198
    Age: 22
    School: Syracuse
    Analysis: The Timberwolves have a need at small forward, and if they couldn't get Evan Turner, Johnson is the next best thing. He's an athletic swingman who can shoot, run the floor and rebound. He may not have star potential, but I think Johnson can come in and immediately contribute to the Wolves.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Sacramento

    DeMarcus Cousins
    Position: C
    Height: 6-11
    Weight: 260
    Age: 19
    School: Kentucky
    Analysis: While Cousins has the talent to be a top pick, he has scared away teams a bit with his on-court antics and a motor that sometimes moves to idle. But at No. 5, he would be a great pick for the Kings, giving them toughness, rebounding and a legitimate low-post scorer. Teaming him with Carl Landry, Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes would give Sacramento a very good front line.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Golden State

    Cole Aldrich
    Position: C
    Height: 6-11
    Weight: 245
    Age: 21
    School: Kansas

    Analysis: The Warriors need help in the middle. Aldrich, while not flashy, can provide rebounding, shot-blocking and a decent face-up game. The Warriors should have other options like Al-Farouq Aminu and Ed Davis, but I think Aldrich is the leading candidate right now.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Detroit

    Al-Farouq Aminu
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 205
    Age: 19
    School: Wake Forest

    Analysis: The last thing the Pistons need is another tweener after adding Austin Daye and Charlie Villanueva last summer. However, Aminu does have more upside than both of those players. Athletically, there aren't many players better than him in the draft.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Los Angeles Clippers

    Ekpe Udoh
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 240
    Age: 22
    School: Baylor

    Analysis: The Clippers could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, but given the loss of Marcus Camby, Udoh would be a defensive presence in the paint. Butler's Gordon Hayward is also a real possibility here.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Utah
    (via New York)

    Greg Monroe
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-11
    Weight: 250
    Age: 19
    School: Georgetown

    Analysis: The Jazz are in a position to lose Carlos Boozer this summer via free agency, but Monroe would be a solid consolation prize. He's not superathletic, but he's the most skilled big guy in the draft and would be a perfect fit in coach Jerry Sloan's half-court offense.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Indiana


    Ed Davis
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 215
    Age: 20
    School: North Carolina
    Analysis: Davis would be a nice consolation prize for the Pacers if he slides this far. Davis didn't have the standout year many hoped he would, but he's a big, athletic 4 who will crash the glass and play hard -- the next Dale Davis?

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    New Orleans

    Daniel Orton
    Position: C
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 260
    Age: 19
    School: Kentucky
    Analysis: Orton barely made a dent in the box scores for Kentucky, but NBA scouts are convinced he could be a really good NBA center. He is strong and physical and can dominate on the defensive end.

    He needs to improve his offense, but if he does, he could be a star down the road. The Hornets were very thin up front all season. Orton also would give them some insurance in the event Emeka Okafor breaks down.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Memphis

    Luke Babbitt
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-9
    Weight: 220
    Age: 20
    School: Nevada

    Analysis: This pick may seem like a bit of a reach, but sources say the Grizzlies have locked in early on Babbitt; they're concerned he won't be there when they pick again at No. 25. While I have no idea who he'll guard at the next level, the guy can really score. The question: Is he the next Adam Morrison or the next Chris Mullin? The Grizzlies are banking on the latter.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Toronto

    Avery Bradley
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-3
    Weight: 180
    Age: 19
    School: Texas

    Analysis: The Raptors already have two pretty good point guards on their roster -- Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack. However, neither is the uber-quick speed demon that coach Jay Triano would love to have. Bradley also gives the Raptors something else that neither Calderon and Jack provide -- the ability to play lockdown defense.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Houston

    Hassan Whiteside
    Position: C
    Height: 6-11
    Weight: 225
    Age: 20
    School: Marshall

    Analysis: Whiteside is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward player in the draft. He was a tremendous shot-blocker in college basketball and runs the floor like a guard.

    However, he showed major signs of immaturity as a freshman at Marshall. The Rockets are the perfect organization to bring him along slowly and develop him into the next Marcus Camby.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Milwaukee
    (via Chicago)

    Gordon Hayward
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 200
    Age: 20
    School: Butler

    Analysis: I hesitate to put Hayward this low, knowing that the Chicago draft combine is coming up and that he's going to measure better athletically than people think.

    Teams as high up as the Wizards, Clippers and Pacers are looking at him closely. But I doubt he'll slip past the Bucks, who can use Hayward at both the 2 and the 3.

    He needs to gain some strength, but there's really nothing else not to love about his game.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Minnesota
    (via Charlotte)

    Paul George
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 185
    Age: 20
    School: Fresno State

    Analysis: After Whiteside, George is one of the biggest upside players in the draft. He didn't dominate at Fresno State, but as a 6-8 2-guard who can really shoot the basketball, he draws comparisons to everyone from Joe Johnson to Wilson Chandler to Trevor Ariza.

    The Wolves need shooting and size in their backcourt, so he should be the perfect fit.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Chicago
    (via Milwaukee)

    James Anderson
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-6
    Weight: 195
    Age: 21
    School: Oklahoma State

    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.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Miami

    Eric Bledsoe
    Position: PG
    Height: 6-1
    Weight: 190
    Age: 20
    School: Kentucky

    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.

    Physically, he's ready for the NBA right now. But he still needs more game-time experience running the point. Long term, Bledsoe could pay off.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Boston

    Xavier Henry
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 220
    Age: 19
    School: Kansas

    Analysis: If Henry falls this far, it will be a pretty dramatic development since he was once considered a lottery pick. Henry does bring a few things to the table, however. He already has an NBA body and he can shoot the NBA 3.

    He may be a little one-dimensional, but with Paul Pierce beginning to age and Ray Allen hitting free agency, he'd be a nice fit in Boston.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    San Antonio

    Damion James
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 224
    Age: 22
    School: Texas

    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 should be able to step in right away with the Spurs veterans and provide meaningful minutes.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Oklahoma City

    Donatas Motiejunas
    Position: PF
    Height: 7-0
    Weight: 220
    Age: 19
    Country: Lithuania

    Analysis: If Motiejunas believes he'll slip this far, he most likely will withdraw from the draft. But he'd be a great long-term pickup for the Thunder if they can get him this low.



    He's a very skilled forward who has some Pau Gasol and Toni Kukoc in his game. He is playing at a high level in Europe but needs to get stronger.

    It would be nice to draft him and stash him in Europe next season.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Portland

    Patrick Patterson
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 245
    Age: 21
    School: Kentucky

    Analysis: Patterson would be a steal for the Blazers if he slips this low. While he does little to wow you, he's the type of unselfish, productive big man who will fit well in the Blazers' system.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Minnesota
    (via Utah)

    Kevin Seraphin
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 258
    Age: 20
    Country: France

    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.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Atlanta

    Quincy Pondexter
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 220
    Age: 22
    School: Washington

    Analysis: One of the best seniors in the country, Pondexter is an elite athlete who proved this season that he can really score. He's a jump shot away from being a star. Think the next Desmond Mason.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Memphis
    (via Denver)

    Craig Brackins
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 230
    Age: 22
    School: Iowa State

    Analysis: Brackins is a good pick for the Grizzlies. He's a high-character guy who can score inside and outside and will play hard. With Zach Randolph in the last year of his contract, Brackins could be a nice long-term replacement.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Oklahoma City
    (via Phoenix)

    Solomon Alabi
    Position: C
    Height: 7-1
    Weight: 245
    Age: 22
    School: Florida State

    Analysis: The Thunder continue to lack a legitimate low-post threat. They drafted B.J. Mullens last year to be that guy, but he's still a work in progress. Alabi will be, too, but at this point in the draft, he has too much size and upside to pass on.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    New Jersey
    (via Dallas)

    Terrico White
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-5
    Weight: 211
    Age: 20
    School: Mississippi

    Analysis: White is an elite athlete who, when he's on, is one of the best guards in the country. The problem is he has a tendency to disappear in games. If the Nets can get him to play with some consistency, he would be a steal here.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Memphis
    (via L.A. Lakers)

    Larry Sanders
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 220
    Age: 21
    School: Va. Commonwealth

    Analysis: Normally, you would expect the Grizzlies to take an international player here with their third pick. The problem is there aren't a lot of international players worthy of such a high pick.

    Sanders is a project, but his shot-blocking skills are coveted by the Grizzlies.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Orlando

    Willie Warren
    Position: PG
    Height: 6-4
    Weight: 210
    Age: 20
    School: Oklahoma

    Analysis: At the beginning of the season, Warren was considered a potential top-10 pick. However, a poor season and some injuries, plus some bad chemistry with his coach, really hurt his stock.

    But he is a steal here and the type of versatile guard who could make an impact for the Magic.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

    Washington
    (via Cleveland)

    Keith Gallon
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-9
    Weight: 300
    Age: 19
    School: Oklahoma
    Analysis: Not every team in the league is a Gallon fan, but a few teams have him ranked very high. I saw him work out in New York and I can see why.

    He is skilled, can shoot with NBA range and has a big body. He needs to lose weight and prove that he's going to work hard, but he's a better prospect than Glen Davis was.

    Next Five In: Devin Ebanks, F, West Virginia; Stanley Robinson, F, UConn, Elliot Williams, G, Memphis; Jordan Crawford, G, Xavier; Dominique Jones, G, South Florida
     
  2. J_Ray

    J_Ray JBB JustBBall Member

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    Who's mock is this?
     
  3. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    Chad Ford
     

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