RealGM

First up Cleveland. I think Cleveland has a choice to make here. Trade up from #4 to #2 or take the best two players they figure they can at #1 and #4. I won't be surprised to see them offer up Vareajao and #4 for #2 and take Irving and Kanter. But, I don't think that is terribly likely. I think more likely is that they'll decide on either Williams and Knight or Kanter and Knight. They could use help everywhere so it's a matter of choice. Williams seems like a tweener to me and Kanter has a lot of question marks. So, I could see it going either way. But, for my money you go with the big guy. We've seen him show skill, strength, decent size for a center and most of all a terrific work ethic. I don't pass him up if I'm Cleveland.

#1 - Enes Kanter

Second up is Minnesota. They are sitting in a nice spot, Williams would be terrific as Wes Johnson looks like he's not going to cut it. But I think a team that started Luke Ridnour has no business passing on Irving if they get the chance. I know Rubio might be coming over, but, they've shown a willingness to stockpile assets before. I say they do it again.

#2 - Kyrie Irving

Third up is Utah. Utah is sitting in a great position, we have a 3 man draft in Irving, Williams, and Kanter and Utah could use help at PG, SF, and C. So, it's a no brainer to just take whoever falls to #3. In this case it's Derrick Williams. Utah moves one DWill for another.

#3 - Derrick Williams

Next up we see Cleveland again. They passed on Irving because Knight seems to be nearly as good of a prospect, especially long term. They don't hesitate a moment to pick him up here.

#4 - Brandon Knight

Next up is Toronto. Toronto's biggest position of need seems to be SF. They consider Walker, Vesely and Jonas here. Walker has the most impact. Vesely fills needs the best. Jonas maybe has the most upside. It's a tough call for me. I think they'll pass on Walker, having Calderon and Bayless. Now it's down to position or upside. I just don't think they'll pass on size and upside, and Jonas's fantastic efficiencies.

#5 - Jonas Valsomething

Next up is Washington. Need and BPA seem to collide here into...

#6 - Jan Vessely

Next up is Sacramento. Biggest need seems to me to be a big. Biyombo has the most potential here. And I think a defensive specialist next to Cousins would work nicely.

#7 - Bismack Biyambo

Next up Detroit. Detroit could use a PG and need and BPA collide once again.

#8 - Kemba Walker

Next up is Charlotte. They arguably have holes at every position. Will be looking for anyone that can be the face of the franchise. Probably won't find that guy @#9. So, maybe upside is at a premium. They won't be happy with this pick in Charlotte, but, I have them taking Donatas. Terrific size and skill. Could be a player in the Dirk mode, a guy you can build around. At the very least he should be able to put up points for a team that desparately need scoring.

#9 - Donatas Motiejunas

Next up is the Bucks. They have the bookends set in Jennings and Bogut, now they could just use some help in the middle of the bookends. I think they have plenty of workhorses, they could probably use some scoring. For that reason I think Marcus Morris is the guy.

#10 - Marcus Morris

Next up Golden State. They could use an upgrade at C or even a 4th big. But, with nobody looking like they are worth the pick GS just goes BPA. I could see GS moving this pick in a trade, but, they might rather just develop a prospect and try to get value that way.

#11 - Kawhi Leonard

Lastly Utah. Utah Could use a PG of the future or a backup SG. They take a combo guard that can backup both positions.

#12 - Alec Burks

Sounds like Irving is locked at 1. I read RealCavsFans forum and Wine and Gold (big insider) says it's "done as a 12 minute steak", Brian Windhorst says it's a virtual lock + Ford, Givony. Don't think the Cavs are hiding it

Well, consider me a contrarian then.

Thanks for the comment. I don't usually make the best mock drafts and it's always informative to get feedback.

Williams and Irving are the only 2 guys who could go #1 IMO. A Kanter/Knight draft for Cleveland is just too risky for a team that needs a slam dunk in this draft. Taking Irving and then Kanter/Jonas V. is the more likely ad IMO smarter scenario. Cleveland is said to be one of the NBA teams who rate Jonas V. ahead of Kanter.

Well, if they like Jonas that much an Irving/Jonas draft seems like a coup for them. From the video I've seen of Jonas he looks like he's not going to amount to much to me. But, then I'm not a pro scout, and I've seen like 2 minutes of video. Still, looks like a guy without much natural ability to me, like an Ostertag or Bradley.

Just one man's not so informed opinion.

jazzfan1971 wrote:Well, if they like Jonas that much an Irving/Jonas draft seems like a coup for them. From the video I've seen of Jonas he looks like he's not going to amount to much to me. But, then I'm not a pro scout, and I've seen like 2 minutes of video. Still, looks like a guy without much natural ability to me, like an Ostertag or Bradley.

Just one man's not so informed opinion.

He has all the tools to be an above average NBA center IMO. The trick though is putting it together. He will be able to rebound in the NBA from day one, but he will need to become more complete to reach his potential.

Yeah, Shorter Shawn Bradley. That is my comparison exactly.

I think he is closer to a guy like Biedrins. He is a better athlete and more coordinated than Bradley was. And about half a foot shorter.

I have Val as somewhere between Zaza and pre injury Krstic. Not a fan either, though if he's the latter that could be worth 4-6 in this draft

Valanciunas can't jump. His leaping ability is piss poor. In fact, his ahleticism is no where near NBA standard

Kirsten19 wrote:Valanciunas can't jump. His leaping ability is piss poor. In fact, his ahleticism is no where near NBA standard

Kanter's athleticism is much worse.

Not sure where you are getting that. Did you see Kanter dunk from a little past hte free throw line? Did you hear about him setting a record on the treadmill?

Seems like he's a pretty decent athlete to me.

If Cleveland offers AV and #4 for the #2 they are insane (and they're not).

Irving is basically a lock unless his toe falls off between now and the draft. Neither Minny nor Utah need Williams so he could fall, Utah seems infatuated with Walker so Kanter could fall, or (almost) no matter what Valancuinas (who the Cavaliers are rumorred to like as much as Kantor) will be there.

Trading a very good big for the right to draft who you've got a decent chance of getting anyway is not a sound strategy.

What you are saying is true. Sorta.

- Williams, Irving, or Kanter won't fall past the Jazz.
- Jazz have a huge hole at SF. Not understanding why you think we'd pass on Wiliams. Williams might be the best fit of the 3.

On the other hand, a combo of Irving and Valancuinas is almost guaranteed. I guess it just depends on how you rank Jonas. I don't like him that much, but, if Cleveland actually does, bully for them. Because he should be right there for them.

Williams isn't a three.

Almost identical measurements to Lebron at height and weight. If Lebron is a 3, then Williams is a 3.

I think Williams could easily drop 10lbs as well with a little conditioning training.

He's a little big for the 3, but, if he can defend the position and has the outside shot, dribble, and passing of a 3, he's a 3. Plus, he's a mismatch on the other end.

If he can't do those things, then yeah, he'll have to play 4. But, he says he's a 3. I think it's very possible to project him there.

He's also got the same height and weight as every PF in the league and LeBron might be the most athletic human being ever.

I'm not going to argue the point anymore with you. He's the most talented player on teh board @#3 if he's still on teh board @3.

That's reason enough to draft him, whether or not he's a 3. As he says he is.

I understand you like Knight with #3. You are entitled to taht opinion. But, is it really necesary to tear down Kanter and Williams to support your guy? Maybe you could just say you think Knight is a better prospect, player, and fit for the Jazz @3 and leave it at that?

Biyombo is more athletic IMO

I see Irving not #1, I /facepalm
I saw Kanter at #1, I /cried
I see a Jazz fail mocking by giving Irving to Jazz, I /laughed