Vindicaters 2012 Mock Draft - 20/02/2012 update

[Vindicater]

Picks based on ESPN standings as of 06/01/2012

#1 – Washington Wizards – Anthony Davis

This is a no brainer. Davis has far too much potential to be passed upon and teaming him with Wall (assuming Wall will defer to Davis in times) will create one of the most talented duo's in the the NBA.

#2 – New Jersey – Harrison Barnes

I still rate Barnes highly. Team him with Deron Williams and we might just have something. Give them a border-line All-Star centre in Brooke Lopez and you have yourself a core that will one day take you back to the playoffs.

#3 – Milwaukee – Jared Sullinger

This kid is a workhorse. A great rebounder and hustle player who will thrive next to Bogut. He will eat up Jennings misses like a hoover.

#4 – Golden State – Andre Drummond

I must admit to not being sure how this will work as I don't think he will fit next to Lee. However saying that he is the superior talent of the two clearly and the Warriors would be foolish to not take him. He would give them their best centre prospect in two decades.

#5 – Charlotte - Perry Jones III

Biyombo is their future defensive big man. Why not grab an offensive big man next. Biyombo and Jones fit so neatly together as a front court its not funny. Jones will take some time but he will be able to score from day 1 and the rest should hopefully come in time.

#6 – LA Clippers (From Minnesota) – Michael Gilchrist

Gilchrist is perfect for the Clippers. He is a defensive animal and a leader. Paul will love him and Griffin will feed off his energy and passion. He is not an offensive whizz but he holds his own.

#7 – Houston (From New York) – Thomas Robinson

They took Patterson last year but Robinson is much much better. Robinson will form a fantastic target for the blossoming Lowry and will allow the Rockets to trade Scola to a contender for more pieces. I like Robinson far more than Jones or Sullinger as a prospect and I expect him to do well in the NBA.

#8 – Detroit – Bradley Beal

He is a fantastic talent. His mind is quick and often correct in his judgement with the ball in hand. He will hopefully morph into the same role Harden is now performing for the Thunder. His ability to defend both guard positions is another big bonus.

#9 – Phoenix – John Henson

He looks identical to Tyson Chandler coming out of High School. Long, lanky and extremely athletic. If he is able to harness that potential then Phoenix will have a defensive force for the next decade. Watching Nash and Henson in a pick and roll situation will also be exciting for Suns fans.

#10 – New Orleans – Terrence Jones

Jones is an interesting case. All the talent in the world but a mess emotionally. He started great a season ago before collapsing mid-way and never really coming out of it. He is still not out of it but you just get a feeling he will come out of it. New Orleans need another superstar or they will be out of the league in a few years. Jones gives them the best chance of that.

#11 – Houston – Quincy Miller

With their first lottery pick they took a power forward. Now they fix the other forward spot. Miller is what the Rockets need. A slashing foul drawing swing man who can pile on the points in a hurry. With the shooting of Martin and the combination of Lowry/Robinson the Rockets will never be for want of scoring.

#12 – Dallas – Meyers Leonard

Dallas are a win-now team and are thus in a position to grab a project and see what happens. Leonard is big and mobile. Playing behind Haywood he should be able to grow slowly and surely until he is ready to be a solid part of the Mavericks future. His defensive game will translate right away.

#13 – Sacramento – Terrence Ross

Ross will be a breath of fresh air to the Kings fans. He is a slasher who “gasp” can shoot. With the ball in Evans hands Ross will be a deadly weapon. Sag off him and he will hit the open shot. Close out on him too fast and he will go past you on the way to a poster. Ross is another one of my pet favourites from this draft.

#14 – Toronto – Tylor Zeller

I can't believe I have Zeller before Lamb. However I just think Zeller's ability to play both power forward and centre will intrigue the Raptors. (who continually amaze me in how they wreck their drafts). I don't think its the right choice but I see them going Zeller here.

#15 – LA Lakers – Kendall Marshell

They have needed a point guard for years. They have tried plenty of different types and sizes but Marshell might just be the smartest player they have tried since Derek Fisher. He is big, cleever and safe with the ball. He knows how to win and plays rugged defence. He is not a superstar and will never be but he will be a solid point guard in the NBA for 10+ seasons.

#16 – Minnesota (From Utah) – Jeremy Lamb

When I sat down to do this mock I had Lamb going top ten but then he just kept sliding. This is a pipedream for Minnesota fans and Lamb will be much higher in my next mock I think with a different order. Lamb is far too good a scorer to fall this low.

#17 – Memphis – Austin Rivers

The trade of Henry gives them a nice chance to throw Rivers a lifeline. His talent is top ten but Rivers needs to get his head straight if that's to happen. Hopefully the hard working Grizzlies coaching staff can get that out of him.

#18 – Cleveland – Patric Young

First things first. I see him as a bust in the NBA. I don't think he brings anything and will most likely last just long enough to collect on his rookie contract and that's all. However there is enough talent here for clubs to take a good look at him. Cleveland will take that flyer. Lets be honest though. They will be calling a name much before now when the real draft comes.

#19 – Boston – Mason Plumlee

Just another solid and dependable big man. He will be a fan favourite in Boston for the little things he can do for the team moving forward.

#20 – Atlanta - Evan Fournier

He has shown in Europe that he has the instincts to score. However there are doubts as to whether or not he will come over at all. If he does he should be a good offensive option off the bench for the Hawks behind Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.

#21 – Boston (From LA Clippers) – Festus Ezeli

After taking the dependable Plumlee with their first pick they jump at the chance to take the massive project Ezeli. Hopefully Garnett (and even more Allen) get in his ear about becoming a professional and he returns on their investment.

#22 – Philadelphia – Mike Moser

He is a big rebounder and hustle merchant. Putting him on a team with Iggy will hopefully create some scrappy enjoyment for Philly fans. He is a player that will be a great jolt of energy off the bench for a team growing in leaps and bounds.

#23 – Indiana – Damian Lillard

An amazing scorer. He seems to be a redundancy with Collison in front of him but he could be just what the pacers need coming off the bench and will mean they can run the same plays for the bench and starting five.

#24 – San Antonio – Jeff Taylor

He gives them another guy who will fit a need. His scoring ability is a bonus for a team needing some more points and hopefully he can provide the defence that will force Pop to put him on the floor.

#25 – Orlando – LeBryan Nash

Potential... it's a horrible word. Nash should be nowehere near the top 30. However his “potential” will see Orlando take a chance on him.

#26 – Denver - Arnett Moultrie

A big guy who can do it all. His big problems lie upstairs where he seriously lacks the motivation needed at the professional level. If he gets it together he will be a good player in the NBA, a big if.

#27 – Oklahoma City – C.J. Leslie

This guy is projected to be what Jeff Green was. A combo forward who is good for 20 od minutes a game as a match-up problem off the bench. Hopefully without the top five pick bias that green faced Leslie is able to provide Oklahoma fans with a fan favourite.

#28 – Portland - Darius Johnson-Odom

A combo guard off the bench will give the Blazers another good depth player behind Matthews and Felton.

#29 – Chicago – Doran Lamb

He is what they want. If he was 2 inches bigger and alittle stronger. He is a good defender and a great shooter. He can't do anything else really but he should be able to fit nicely into the back court where his competitiveness will keep Rose happy to go to trainings.

#30 – Miami - Khris Middleton

A good talanted kid at the end of the second round. Miami will pick for talent here knowing that Lebron/Wade will make him fit.

[babyjax13]

This would be incredible depressing as a Jazz fan. I like the Warriors getting some losses to start, as long as they don't end up top 7 I'll pretend this isn't a possibility I think Phoenix might be a team who takes Lamb in this situation.

[Vindicater]

Bah I forgot that new Orleans now owns MInnesota's first pick.

[510TWSS]

This would be incredible depressing as a Jazz fan. I like the Warriors getting some losses to start, as long as they don't end up top 7 I'll pretend this isn't a possibility I think Phoenix might be a team who takes Lamb in this situation.

Don't worry. Typical Warriors: Suck until it doesn't matter, then go on a win streak to pull you out of a great pick. I can see the same thing happening this year.

[Vindicater]

Picks based on ESPN standings as of 19/02/2012

1). Charlotte – Anthony Davis

A supreme talent. I doubted he would be this good this quick but he really looks like the stand out number 1 pick. Charlotte will finally have a star to build around.

2). Washington – Michael Gilchrist

A defensive monster at the 2/3/4 spot and a leaders mentality. He already acts like a professional at the college level and hopefully he robs off on McGee and others in this organisation. Wall will love having a competitor like Gilchrist around to back him up.

3). New Orleans – Andre Drummond

Drummond falls nicely into New Orleans laps here to replace Kaman and perhaps Okafor if they can find the right suitor. Gordon and Drummond form a potent wing/centre combination and could develop into a fearsome force in a few years if Gordan can stay healthy.

4). New Jersey – Harrison Barnes

Barnes is a great grab here at 4th. I still think he should go higher than others above him but I can see why others would have him lower too. Placing him next to Deron Williams though creates the potent wing players Dwight has been dying for years to have. Even if Dwight does not sign with them, Barnes is a great fit net to Deron Williams.

5). Toronto – Thomas Robinson

With Val coming over next season as well Toronto would be hoping for Barnes or Gilchrist to fall but it does not appear likely. Instead they grab the rugged Robinson who hopefully along with Val will give the Raptors fans the enforcers they have wanted since Oakley/Davis/JYD days.

6). Detroit – Jared Sullinger

Detroit would be rubbing their hands in glee at this point knowing that they grabbed Sullinger. He is almost the perfect fit next to Monroe in the front court. Monroe/Sullinger/Knight is a great new beginning got Dumars.

7). Sacramento – Perry Jones III

He has been a bit of a disappointment thus far but the potential is still there for all to see. Sacramento will team him with Cousins on the frontcourt in what should be a formidable offensive duo. If Jones does not improve some more as the college season progresses look for him to slide further down the draft.

8). Phoenix – John Henson

What are Phoenix doing? For the moment I will assume they do not trade Nash and wish to move forward with him. If that is the case then I expect them to grab Henson here. An athletic big man with good defensive instincts will fit in nicely next to the bruising Gortat.

9). Cleveland – Tyler Zeller

This might seem like alittle bit of a reach here, particularly for a team who already has two big men in Thompson/Varejao, but adding Zeller to the mix up front gives them a potent offensive weapon alongside those two guys.

10). Utah (From Golden State) – Bradley Beal

A solid and intelligent shooting guard who will play hard and gain the respect of his veteran team-mates early. Beal likely never becomes a star in the NBA but he will be a solid contributor on good teams for years. There will be times when Beal reminds people of James Harden in the way he goes about his basketball though they have different skillsets, their demeanours are similar.

11). Milwaukee – Terrence Jones

This may be too high for Jones who projects as a Tweener SF/PF in the NBA. But his skills are good and if his head is screwed on straight he could be an asset for a Milwaukee team that seems to be treading water at the moment.

12). New Orleans (From Minnesota) – Jeremy Lamb

This may seem like a strange choice when Gordon is already on the roster but Lamb gives them insurance in case Gordon bolts after his qualifying offer is done (which is likely). Lamb is a gifted scorer, he does not do much else on the basketball court but he can put the ball in the basket with the best of them. If New Orleans play their cards right they could deal Gordon and rebuild around Drummond/Lamb.

13). Utah – Quincy Miller

In the space of two drafts, Utah have rebuilt their roster post-Deron. Grabbing Miller is the latest gem. He is an extremely gifted small forward who will give Utah a strong scorer alongside Beal on the wing. Who would have imagined that this quickly after losing their star player the Jazz would be able to trot out a young talented line like Beal/Miller/Favors/Kanter.

14). Portland – Meyers Leonard

Leonard is a big boy. His defensive awareness is good and he has the ability to block shots. Placing him next to Aldrige is a good match up front and allows them to continue holding onto the dream of Oden ever recovering. Leonard I think will have a more productive career then many chosen before him in this mock draft, however I think his lack of flash will keep him towards the middle of he first round where a team will score itself a bargain.

15). Houston (From New York) – Terrence Ross

Has the all the tools to be the next Shawn Marion – UBER roleplayer type in the NBA. This kid is very similar to Wesley Johnson, but hopefully by being picked up later in the draft he wont feel the pressure of his draft spot and will be able to develop at his own pace. A good shooter from both set shots and curling of screens. His dribbling is his main weakness but with Martin/Lowry that is not needed much.

16). Boston- Patric Young

This is my bust of the draft. This kid has every pysical tool you would want as a basketball player but he just can't seem to put it all together and I don't think he ever will. A team like Boston though who can afford to give him a year or two to grow will take a flyer on him. He will be out of the NBA by the end of his rookie deal in my opinion however.

17). New Jersey (From Houston) – Austin Rivers

Rivers is another offensive machine who will fall due to questions about his true position in the NBA. New Jersey will take him here and say they don't care, envisioning a two headed monster at the guard positions with Williams/Rivers. Throw in Barnes at the 3 spot and perhaps Dwight down low and you have a younger and much more talented version of what the magic have been putting around Dwight for years.

18). Denver – Kendall Marshall

Marshall will be a superb backup point guard in the NBA for years. He is big, plays decent defence, has great basketball IQ and holds onto the ball while finding open team mates. He will struggle to break out as a star due to his poor shooting ability but backing up Lawson in Denver is the perfect situation for Marshall.

19). Memphis – Mason Plumlee

The grizzlies are just so deep that they will draft the best available talent here. Plumlee is big, plays hard defence and is starting develop a nice post game. He will be playing D-Leauge for half the season but will get the chance to play in the NBA and hopefully makes the most of it if injury once again strikes the Grizzlies next year.

20). Los Angeles Lakers – Mike Moser

Another tweener type at the ¾ spot. Moser has a nice offensive game that would complement Bynum by staying out the post area. With Artest and Walton being gone most likely Moser will also get to see some minutes at the small forward spot.

21). Indiana – Evan Fournier

Indiana, much like the Grizzlies, the Pacers are a deep team who can afford to pick somone and stash them in either the D league or in Europe. Fournier is a creative player with the ball in his hands and could be a matchup problem in years to come when he is too big for shooting guards and too fast for small forwards. For now though he still needs to improve his shooting and work on his defence.

22). Atlanta – Damian Lillard

A hard one to judge. He plays in a lower level competetion most of the time in college and does not get the chance to show his wares against top tier teams. Scouting reports indicate his main stregnths are getting to the basket and either finishing or finding an open man while his defensive game is the thing that needs the most improvement. Atlanta will take a flyer on him and use him as a spark-plug offensive option off the bench.

23). Philadelphia – Jeff Taylor

The top defensive team in the NBA this season adds another great defender on the wing to their roster. Taylor is a prototype NBA small forward. Great athlete, decent shooter and attacks the basket well. His defence when he is switched on is smothering. He will fit right in next to Iggy and learn from him.

24). Los Angeles Lakers (From Dallas) - Arnett Moultrie

With the likely trade of Gasol the Lakers will want to continue to beef up their big man stocks. Moultire gives them a great athlete who rebounds well and cuts to the basket hard and finishes strongly. His post game needs work and he fouls alittle too much on defence right now but those are things that can be worked on.

25). Orlando – Dion Waiters

This is another hard one to judge now because I don't know what Orlando are going to do with Dwight. For now I will assume he stays with Orlando. Waiters is a good offensive player with severe defensive problems. He will come off the bench in Orlando where it will be hoped that he can score in quick doses before being taken off. If he can get his defensive attitude right he will see extended minutes on any team due to his offensive abilites.

26). Boston (From Los Angeles Clippers) – Tony Mitchell

A problem child, but one with huge upside. Boston will take a flyer and hope that KG can help mould the kid into a beast at the power forward position. He is a lottery talent but teams will be scared of him due to his attitude.

27). San Antonio – Festus Ezeli

Grab the big guy who plays defence. Spurs once again grab a steal here in Ezeli who I think will be a good rotation centre in the NBA for many years. It will take him a few years to get going (as he will likely average something like a foul a minute) but once he works out how to stay away from the refs he will be a defensive anchor.

28). Chicago – Lebryan Nash

Potential. That is what Nash has going for him and little else. Right now he is not ready and should stay in the system another year or two. However I think he will come out and he will likely go somewhere near the end of the first round where a contending team will try to find a diamond in the rough.

29). Oklahoma City – CJ Leslie

Another player who has the potential, if not the attitude to become an NBA star. Much like Chicago did with Nash, OKC will take a flyer on leslie hoping that guys like Durant/Harden/Collison can get him to act like a professional.

30). Miami - Darius Johnson-Odom

And with the final pick in the first round, the Heat take a shooting guard in a point guards body. Johnson-Odom is a great defender of point guards but he is unable to guard bigger shooting guards. In Miami he can paired with Wade in the backcourt where he will play shooting guard on offence and point guard on defence.