RealGM

1. Miami: Derrick Rose PG Memphis
After watching Rose this past week, it seems he has gain more freedom in their offense and I do not think you can pass on Rose for Beasley. Look, Beasley is great, but teams with great PG can turn around a team right quick and Rose is an instant upgrade over any PG and Beasley over Haslem/Marion is not nearly the same upgrade.

2. Seattle: Michael Beasley PF Kansas State
The Sonics would be heartbroken to get the 2nd pick and no Rose, but getting Beasley is an alright alternative. Though he really is not needed here (one could argue OJ Mayo or Jerryd Bayless makes more sense), you just cannot pass on him. The Sonics would have two great scorers in Durant and Beasley and if Durant gets the needed muscle to play the three, then you can have a great inside/outside rotation of Durant and Beasley at the 3 and 4. I could see a Mike Conley for Jeff Green deal if Beasley becomes available.

3. Minnesota: OJ Mayo SG USC
The T'Wolves probably have the best young player of any team in the lottery in the top 10 in Al Jefferson. They need another scorer (or two) on that team and Mayo is it. After USC abandoned the idea he was a PG, he was a very good SG. I don't know if Randy Foye is the future in Minnesota, but I know Rashard McCants should not be the future two guard and Mayo and Jefferson could become a 50 point scoring duo someday.

4. Memphis: Brook Lopez PF/C Stanford
The Grizzles need size more than anyone and though DeAndre Jordan has a higher ceiling, the don't need that type of project. Lopez would probably become the best interior scorer on the team and with Darko at the five, Lopez can play his more natural PF position.

5. New York: Eric Gordon SG Indiana
I think Gordon goes slightly higher than Bayless because he has a defined position. Though the Knicks are "set" with Jamaal Crawford, I fully expect Donnie Walsh to clean house and Crawford would be a good place to start. Gordon would give the Knicks a scorer and someone who can take guys off the dribble or shoot over them if given the space.

6. LA Clippers: Jerryd Bayless G Arizona
Though I see Bayless as a Ben Gordon type sixth man, the Clippers would be thrilled to get him here. They have numerous PG needs and if Bayless can grow into the position (a big if mind you) then they have a great nucleus going forward with Kaman, Thornton and possibly Brand and/or Maggette.

7. Milwaukee: Anthony Randolph F LSU
Here is a guy who quietly put up good numbers in a good conference with his coach getting fired mid season and gives the Bucks a much needed SF. Randolph is not the greatest scorer, but he would give the Bucks a big front line with him, Yi and Bogut and has Shawn Marion type instincts and skill set. He doesn't seem to be quite the defender the Matrix is, but he does seem very adequate at that end. Plus, he will measure great.

8. Charlotte: Russell Westbrook G UCLA
Westbrook was the only Bruin to actually gain something in their final four trip and that was showing scouts he can play the PG and attack the rim with the same intensity he does at the two spot. He showed he was the best athlete for UCLA and showed that he can be a difference maker in the league. He would give the Bobcats a much needed third guard after watching the likes of Earl Boykins, Brevin Knight and Derek McGinnis the past two years.

9. Chicago: DeAndre Jordan C Texas A&M
This is a pick that is made for two reasons: 1, Jordan has by far the most upside of any prospect here and 2, if the Bulls are active traders this off-season (which it seems a must) Jordan gives them a prospect to deal or the flexibility to deal one of their young bigs. Granted, Jordan was downright awful once the Big 12 season started, but if the Bulls accept that, give him a big man coach and give him the time they never gave their other bigs in the draft, he could be special.

10. Indiana: DJ Augustin PG Texas
The Jamal Tinsley era seems to be ending this off-season in Indiana (granted someone gives up a bag of Fritos) and they need a play-maker for that offense. Augustin is a capable shooter, a good defender and someone who can push the pace in the Indiana system. His size is probably his greatest detriment, but his speed with the ball in his hands almost neutralizes that.

11. New Jersey: Kevin Love PF UCLA
I think Josh Boone and Sean Williams are better C prospects than anyone left here, so the Nets get the best PF prospect available. Love will certainly not test that great, but there is no denying his skill set. When he establishes position he is quite hard to move and can finish with either hand. Plus, his outlet passing will be a great asset for Harris, Carter and Jefferson on the break.

12. Sacramento: JaVale McGee C Nevada
McGee is shooting C, not quite a post up C but he gives the Kings another young big to pair with Spencer Hawes. The Kings would probably love either Westbrook or Augustin to fall here, and since taking any other PG would be a stretch here, the Kings go best available big. McGee can stretch the floor and has athleticism galore, but is incredible weak for a center and will struggle defensively.

13. Portland: Danillo Gallinari SF Italy
Gallinari is quite young (he turns 20 after the draft) and the Blazers go BPA here. Though Portland also would love to get a guard to team with Roy, they settle for a great SF prospect in Gallinari. Established himself as the best international prospect in this draft and his high basketball IQ and going to a European hot bed in Portland will be good for him. Needs to strengthen the body and three point shot, but is probably further along than Boris Diaw (a comparable player) was when he entered the league.

14. Denver: Darren Collison PG UCLA
I am going Denver over Golden State because I think Golden State wins the head to head match-up next week and gets in the playoffs. Denver needs a PG who can defend because of how many great PG are in the West and Collison gives them that. Collison is a good spot up shooter and with Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson on your team you get those chances. Collison's stock is quite low after Derrick Rose completely outclassed him, but he is better than that game would say.

15. Phoenix (from Atlanta): Chase Buddinger G/F Arizona
No word yet on whether or not he comes out, but it seems close enough you have to have him in the mock. Phoenix would be a great system for him because of his laid back style, he can defend the wing and could give them a great replacement for Hill or Bell in a few years. Also, Buddinger is not in love with the three, something that Phoenix would enjoy as a change of pace.

16. Philadelphia: Darrel Arthur PF Kansas
Arthur fits the needs of the 76ers greatly: he can run the floor and is a lot more athletic than any of their current bigs. Arthur is good in the up and down tempo at Kansas and if he was a more integral part of the offense would have the "eye test" numbers. As it stands, he is quite ready to play in the league off the bench and could start if he has a big summer.

17. Washington: Haseem Thabeet C Connecticut
The Wizards could possibly lose two All-Stars this off season and if they lose Antwan Jamison this off season they will be quite thin up front. Thabeet is not an wide bodied center, but he is quite tall and can block shots. He has awful hands, but on a team laden with scorers, that lack of ability to create his own offense would be allowable.

18. Toronto: Brandon Rush G/F Kansas
The Raptors need two things: A legitimate C prospect or an athletic wing player. Rush is the best of those two options and the past month after removing the knee brace he has looked quite good. Rush can shoot from three and finish at the rim and would probably be given a chance to earn a starting spot on this team at SF.

19. Cleveland: Roy Hibbert C Georgetown
The Cavs need a lot of youth on this team and they need to get younger up front. Three of their four up front players are on the back nine of their careers and the only young guy could very well be gone after next year. Hibbert is not a great rebounder considering his size, but is a decent scorer and plays a game very similar to Ilgauskas. He would be a great person for Big Z to teach the nuances of the C position to.

20. Golden State: Nicolas Batum SG/SF Fance
Batum did take a little step back in terms of his ability this year, but the Warriors need to be concerned how many wings are impending FA this off season. Batum would fill a role much like Mikael Pietrus is Pietrus were to leave and though Batum has a poor three point shot, it can be improved because of his stroke.

21. Orlando: Robin Lopez PF/C Stanford
The Magic have plenty of outside shooting and scoring, so they need interior defense. Considering their roster, this Lopez twin might be a better fit than his higher regarded brother. Robin is a better defender and rebounder and his size gives the Magic the flexibility to play a small lineup with him at the 5 in place of Dwight or at the 4 next to Dwight as well.

22. New Jersey (from Dallas): Chris Douglas Roberts SG/SF Memphis
CDR has just been there all year and even got a vote for AP Player of the Year. He has been the leader of Memphis all year and the Nets need to think about a viable back-up behind Carter and Jefferson because those guys are not likely to both play back to back seasons without injury. Roberts is just as athletic as the other two and the only question is whether or not his body type can survive the NBA season.

23. Utah: Tyler Smith F Tennessee
The Jazz are not nearly athletic enough and Smith can solve some of that. He has the body type to be a great defender and as a slasher could give the Jazz another option on a team with a lot of jump shooters. Smith drifted from game to game in college, but that was more the fact that Tennessee had about six or seven guys who on any given night was the main option.

24. Houston: Bill Walker G/F Kansas State
If Walker's knee gets a clean bill of health I could see the Rockets spending their pick on the athletic Walker. The first half of the USC game was as good as Walker played all year and if he tones his body, he could be very similar to T-Mac. He was a top rated prospect coming out of school two years ago and if his jumper develops he could be give the Rockets good minutes for T-Mac.

25. Seattle (from Phoenix): Courtney Lee SG Western Kentucky
Fresh off a sweet 16 run, Lee gets himself drafted in the first round after a stellar career at Western Kentucky. Lee would be the most talented two guard on the roster and his ability to shoot from outside is what the fast break Sonics need with the addition of Beasley earlier. Lee could possibly become a starter but would be best suited as a sixth or seventh man who can score for you off the bench.

26. San Antonio: Devon Hardin C California
The Spurs need to get younger and more athletic, especially up front. Hardin is a guy who entered the draft a year ago, shocked some scouts with his talents, but then didn't really have a great year for Cal. Hardin can rebound and can finish at the rim, but lacks go to moves to be a consistent finisher. Probably not going to get much time early off, but gives them a young big body in the suddenly very big Western Conference.

27. Memphis (from LA Lakers): JJ Hickson PF NC State
The Grizzles continue to address their lack of size and get a great prospect in Hickson. Hickson probably was a top 10-15 pick next year if he returned to school, but it always seemed he was a one-done type guy. Hickson can score and rebound, but you wonder if he can succeed at this level a little undersized. Great value at the end of round one though.

28. New Orleans: Shan Foster SG Vanderbilt
The Hornets were probably the pleasant surprise of the league and in adding Foster they continue to stretch defenses. The Hornets brought in Mo Pete to play the two and that has been down right awful and with Bonzi Wells an impending FA, they go after the best three point shooter in the draft. Foster was second all Time SEC three point shooter and his ability to play team defense is nice too because he can match up with some of the bigger PG in the West.

29. Detroit: Joey Dorsey PF/C Memphis
This seems to be a reach and seems to be a true luxury pick, but Dorsey is a good pick. He is a C in the Ben Wallace mold, while a guy like Jason Maxiell is more a PF. Dorsey even has the awful FT shooting that Wallace had, but Dorsey seems a little better around the rim. Dorsey also has quite a lot of athleticism and can play bigger guys with the same ease.

30. Boston: JR Giddens SG New Mexico
Giddens would be great insurance in case Tony Allen were to bolt via FA or they want to rest Ray Allen a little more. The Celtics are thin in the back court and getting a supremely talented guy like Giddens with the 30th pick is almost robbery. Giddens does have his problems though in terms of attitude, but I think KG/Pierce and company can help the kid and not let them be affected.[/b]

I dont see the Rockets passing on Hardin or Dorsey if he is available with the huge need of developing a back up center... That being said if Tyler Smith was to drop one more pick I would love to have him on our squad

Love would be an interesting pick for the Nets, they already have Krstic, Boone, Williams, and probably Swift (he'd be crazy not to pick up his option) under contract for next year. They've also stated they want to resign Diop but at this point they're just being politically correct with him.

I don't know if Batum is going to drop to 20 though...

Ehh... After researching Walker a little more... I guess its possible

I think this is good work... one of the few lists where the Bobcats pick rationally. I disagree about 1/2, but that's your perogative, good mock.

I don't see the Tmac comparison with Walker - from what I've seen he isn't really about his perimiter game or his passing, like Tmac. He's more of a powerful player who's defining trait is attacking the basket aggressively. With that being said, talent-wise I see him as a late lottery pick - his combination of strength, athleticism and raw power is pretty much unmatched among all other SGs and SFs in the draft. A lot of teams are going to be scared off by his knees (two ACL tears already), but if they hold out, he will almost certainly be one of the steals of the draft.

Overall nice mock, with some interesting opinions on the players. As a Raps fan I don't mind the Rush pick, but of the players you have available at 18th, I think I'd rather take CDR or Robin Lopez. Also, with their current record, the Raps would pick 16th, not 18th, and with the way we've been playing lately, I can't see us finishing ahead of Washington, so according to your list, we should also have a shot at Thabeet.

You might want to edit your post to make it a bit more readable - just adding a blank line between each pick, and bolding the first line of each pick (i.e. "1. Miami: Derrick Rose PG Memphis") would make the whole thing a lot easier to read. At the moment your post has some great content, but a lot of people aren't going to read it because it's a pretty intimidating wall of text.

i like that pick for the Bulls.

If no trades bring in a PF/C the Bulls have enough there (if healthy) to win at least 40 games next once we dump Hughes and get thabo more minutes.

deandre has Tyrus athleticism and dwight Howard frame length.

He would be a nice project...and at #10 he won't be paid too much nor have a huge cap hold in a few years.

I love the Gallinari pick for Portland, I think he would be a great SF for us and then we could go after a point guard in a trade. If he drops that low I'd be stoked. Good mock overall, its a little different to others but I like it

Is Randolph expected to play SF at the NBA level? Isn't he close to 6'11?

There would a riot at The Q if the Cavaliers picked Roy Hibbert. If he is the best big man left you go BPA.

I would swap Love and Mayo but other than that i think it's pretty darn good.

I'm really not sure the Nets should pick big again unless Swift and Diop aren't there next year. But its not completely unlikely .

The 2nd Pick is solid thats exactly what i would pick .

I still say the Nets should try to trade up for Mayo or Gordon if possible but if not i'm ok with it . Although something with the bigmen situation has to be done because it would just be to stacked.

nice mock, good analysis.

IMO Gordon to the Knicks is a disaster waiting to happen. NY will want too much too soon from any player they pick.

I hope the Knicks win the lottery and take Beasley and Miami gets the 2nd pick and takes Rose and pairs up Chicago natives Rose/Wade.

Pistons would take Jason Thompson over Joey Dorsey if Thompson is available like your mock.

Dorsey can rebound, but Thompson can rebound and score. Thompson is also younger and imo, a smarter player.

I would rather want the Warriors to select Tyler Smith.

Good mock overall.

from a twolves perspective, I gotta think if they miss out on rose and beasley they would lean towards Lopez (or a trade) with the 3rd pick. Sliding Jefferson and Gomes to their normal positions would make a huge difference and Lopez is solid on both sides of the ball.

Nice analysis, clearly the product of hard work. That said, you seem a bit sketchy on the Washington Wizards.

First, we don't really need a big. Brendan Haywood is a fine starter, and ANdray Blatche is a nice prospect F/C on the bench. Etan Thomas looks like he'll recover, and he's a hard enough worker that he should be able to get back to his previous performance level, a solid backup. Combine with the fact that coach likes to go small (by choice, much to the dismay of many of us fans), we've got enough depth at C. Pecherov is still in the mix too, though his season has been pretty disappointing.

Second, even if we did take a big, there's no way we would take Thabeet. Jordan's offense actually functions best with a skilled big who can work out of the high post, at least a bit. A big who can pass and hit a jump shot. Thabeet is not that guy. He would almost perfectly duplicate Haywood, or perhaps would be even a worse fit on the offensive end. If we were going to take a big, given the way your draft plays out, we would certainly take Hibbert over Thabeet; the home town thing is just gravy.

That said, we're in a position to take the BPA. The only actual hole on the roster is at backup SF, where we've only formally got 2007 2nd round pick Dominic McGuire. McGuire has shown some flashes, and we'll likely continue to invest time in his development, but he's currently an 11th or 12th man. But Jamison is more than capable of sliding over, and coach went almost 20 games this year with some combination of Jamison, Songaila, and Blatche starting at the two forward positions, and we didn't fair as poorly as one would think looking at the paper.

Other people think we should draft a young point guard to groom behind Antonio Daniels, who's getting up in age and who has struggled to stay on the court. He's fine as a 24 minute a game 3rd guard, but he just can't take the 40 minute self-inflicted poundings that result from his aggressive drives.

Basically, we're set depthwise at SG (Stevenson and Young) and at the PF/C positions. Should we factor in need, we'll probably go with either a PG or a SF. Rush, Batum, Smith, and Walker would all probably be higher on our list than Thabeet. If Collison falls or someone like Lawson is available, we'd have a tough choice.