Mock Drafts

[Jake0890]

I think the ideal pick for us right now would be Tony Mitchell. That's if he falls to us...

[8305]

I think Mitchel has the biggest up side of anyone that the various mocks show potentially falling to pick 23. But in my mind he is less than ideal in that he is a pure 4. David West who I assume we will resign is also a pure 4 and there just aren't that many minutes available if your only role in the rotation is going to be backing up David West.

I don't think you can really develop a guy if his run is limited this significantly. In theory we offer a better opportunity to wing, point guard or a 4/5 combo. The ability to fill in at two positions or the guy they backup having that ability ultimately allows the young player's minutes to expand once his game grows to take on the responsibility.

I"m not saying you can't draft Mitchel because it might happen that you would view his talent so much better than anyone else available. On the Pacers his development will be handicaped in a way that Granger, Hibbert, George, Rush and even Stephenson weren't in that minutes were pretty much there for them when they were ready to take them on.

[Scoot McGroot]

Eh, West can chew up some minutes at the 5, so really, Mitchell would compete for minutes with Mahinmi, Plumlee, and possibly a re-signed Pendy or Hans.

There's available minutes off the bench at any position on the court, really.

[8305]

I remember seeing that some last year, almonst never this season. Is that because Hansbrough just isn't good enough to demand minutes over Mahamni or Pendy? If that's the case and we just need more talent, I'm seeing that the Rockets are looking to move Thomas Robinson. Not long ago he was viewed as a stud. Would it make sense to assemble some kind of package for him?

[Scoot McGroot]

We don't have cap space or a TPE to absorb his contract, which is what Houston wants to do.

[Boneman2]

Mitchell's comparison on NBADraft.net is none other than TRob. Although I think he is athletic enough to play some 3, many experts think he is the most athletic player in this draft and the only thing holding him back from a wing position is his shot consistency. Otherwise all of the reports say he can play sf. I see a lot of value with a guy like him able to slide into the three against LeBron types defensively, if for no other reason than to wear them down. Ultimately, he might be able to replace West.

Larkin is another player we could use. His contract would expire at the same time as Hill and he could be resigned rather easily if he is legit.