Vindicaters 2012 Mock Draft - 20/02/2012 update

[Vindicater]

So for now I will assume there is no season and that the draft order is based on last seasons results.

1). LA Clippers (from Minnesota) – Harrison Barnes

Clippers luck out by getting the Timberwolves pick here and jump at the chance of adding Barnes to their core. Gordon/Barnes/Griffin/Jordan becomes the best four man unit in the NBA.

2). Cleveland – Anthony Davis

They probably hope Barnes falls to number 2. However he goes first to the Clippers and they grab the best available talent. Davis is a much better prospect than Tristan Thompson who they drafted this year. The two of them hopefully can combine to form a nice front court to complement Irving.

3). Toronto – Quincy Miller

Another team who would prefer Barnes. Instead they take a punt on Quincy Miller being healthy and ready to contribute at the highest level. Kid is a great talent who will form an intriguing front-line with Davis and Valencinus.

4). Washington – Jared Sullinger

Are beside themselves with glee that Sullinger falls to them here. He is a workhorse at the 4 spot and will complement Mcgee perfectly. John Wall will love having him down low as an enforcer.

5). New Jersey – Perry Jones III

They gave up Favours to gain Deron Williams and are now able to replace him with Perry Jones. Could be some defensive issues with Jones next to Lopez up front, but the Nets ability to score will never be in doubt again.

[Justwar]

Your overrating Barnes and underrating Davis. Davis is the by far overwelming number 1 pick. You get a better shooting, slightly shorter KG with Davis and Luol Deng in Barnes.

[AQuintus]

The only thing that would make losing the #1 overall pick palatable for a Wolves fan would be to see the Clippers completely blow it on Harrison Barnes.

[Vindicater]

I see Barnes as only getting stronger this year.

Last year he took some time to get used to his role at NC but down the stretch he was amazing. The Clippers are basically set at PF and have a good prospect at C.

Barnes will be enticing to them.

[Vindicater]

So just like last mock. This is based on the teams records last season.

#1 - LA Clippers (from Minnesota) : Harrison Barnes

Still think this kid is going to be really good this season. He took most of last college season to get into the swing of things but when he finally turned it on in the tournament he was a beast. Putting him alongside Gordon and Griffin gives the Clippers the best young trio of players in a long time.

#2 - Cleveland : Andre Drummond

Drummond would be the perfect fit for the Cavs. With Thompson at the four and Irving at the one, the Cavs are now set for the future and will look to add pieces from now on. I think Drummond and Thompson could be a perfect pair at the 4/5 spot.

#3 - Toronto : Anthony Davis

With the other Davis allready in Toronto this may seem like an odd fit but I thik Davis is the best talent left on the table for the Raps to consider taking. Miller could be taken here and does fit better but I think Davis has the potential to be great so they will take him and make it work.

#4 - Washington : Jared Sullinger

I said it last time and I still agree with it. This is the guy the Wizards want. He is a workhorse and an enforcer and he will quickly become John Wall's favourite teammate.

#5 - New Jersey : Perry Jones III

Comes in and fits next to Lopez to cause opposing frontcourt defences fits for years to come. Deron Williams will be loving the opportunity to throw this guy lobs for years to come.

#6 - Sacramento : Quincy Miller

Will be watched closely due to coming back from an injury but Miller has all the tools to be a top-notch NBA player. With Fredette/Evans/Hickson/Cousins already on the roster, Miller takes the SF spot and rounds out the Kings roster for the future.

#7 - Detroit : Michael Gilchrist

After going away from a winning formula by grabbing offensive minded players Gordon and Villanueva, Joe Dumars wins back the hearts of Detroit fans by grabbing Gilchrist. Gilchrist was born to play in Detroit and his defensive mindset and general-like ability on the court will make him a fan favourite.

#8 - LA Clippers : Patric Young

After taking Barnes with the first pick of the draft the Clippers reach here for Young who will come in and push Jordan at the 5 spot. Young is a beast of an athlete and will fit in next to Griffin nicely.

#9 - Charlotte : Thomas Robinson

Charlotte in the space of two drafts will have rebuilt their frontcourt as an intimidating defensive unit based on the talents of Robinson and Biyombo. Unlike Biyombo however, Robinson looks to have some nice moves in the post and will be relied upon to o some scoring down low for a Bobcats team sorely lacking any offensive in the key.

#10 - Milwaukee : Austin Rivers

Able to create his own offence which is sorely needed on the Bucks and should form an exciting back court next to Jennings. If Rivers decides to put the effort in on the defensive end this college season then he could climb up this list.

[ManualRam]

i dont see the clips passing over drummond. people think that d.jordan is their center of the future but i dont see why. he's still a bad basketball player with no skill and very poor instincts. even though drummond is closer to 6'10, his lower body strength, length and athleticism will easily play at the C.

i dont think quincy miller would be a great fit next to tyreke and cousins. if the kings keep their pick, they need someone who doesnt need the ball to be effective.

at some point the bobcats have to think about offense. cant see them drafting another offensively challenged big.

also, an austin rivers/brandon jennings backcourt sounds like an awful idea.

[JohnnyKILLroy]

Drummond
Blake
Jordan

Would make a nice 4/5 rotation in my opinion. They're all interchangable. Having Drummond would keep Jordan on his best behavior I think.

With their second pick I think they go PG Teague maybe or Kabongo

Kabongo Bledsoe
Gordon Leslie
Aminu
Blake Thompkins
Drummond Jordan

[Vindicater]

Drummond is a possibility too I must admit. I just think Barnes is really going to separate himself this year in college. He looked real good towards the end of last season and in the tournament. I think his fit next to Gordon and Griffin will be be too good to pass up.

[Worm Guts]

I don't know that Barnes has the ability to separate himself as a number 1 pick. His shot at being number one is more dependant on others not separating themselves. If Drummond or Davis play well, Barnes isn't even in the top pick conversation.

[Dr Positivity]

I don't get the Barnes thing at all. He was not amazing down the stretch. He was hitting spot up 3s and taking drives when they were left open. He'll be fortunate to have Luol Deng's career.

[Vindicater]

I don't get the Barnes thing at all. He was not amazing down the stretch. He was hitting spot up 3s and taking drives when they were left open. He'll be fortunate to have Luol Deng's career.

We must have been watching a different Barnes. Deng is a top notch player too, I know as a number #1 pick you want more (and I think Barnes IS more than Deng) but putting Deng next to Griffin/Gordon sounds perfect

[Vindicater]

Same deal as last time. These picks are based entirely on last years results.

#1 - LA Clippers (from Minnesota) : Harrison Barnes

Still think this kid is going to be really good this season. He took most of last college season to get into the swing of things but when he finally turned it on in the tournament he was a beast. Putting him alongside Gordon and Griffin gives the Clippers the best young trio of players in a long time.

#2 - Cleveland : Andre Drummond

Drummond would be the perfect fit for the Cavs. With Thompson at the four and Irving at the one, the Cavs are now set for the future and will look to add pieces from now on. I think Drummond and Thompson could be a perfect pair at the 4/5 spot.

#3 - Toronto : Anthony Davis

With the other Davis allready in Toronto this may seem like an odd fit but I thik Davis is the best talent left on the table for the Raps to consider taking. Miller could be taken here and does fit better but I think Davis has the potential to be great so they will take him and make it work.

#4 - Washington : Jared Sullinger

I said it last time and I still agree with it. This is the guy the Wizards want. He is a workhorse and an enforcer and he will quickly become John Wall's favourite teammate.

#5 - New Jersey : Perry Jones III

Comes in and fits next to Lopez to cause opposing frontcourt defences fits for years to come. Deron Williams will be loving the opportunity to throw this guy lobs for years to come.

#6 - Sacramento : Quincy Miller

Will be watched closely due to coming back from an injury but Miller has all the tools to be a top-notch NBA player. With Fredette/Evans/Hickson/Cousins already on the roster, Miller takes the SF spot and rounds out the Kings roster for the future.

#7 - Detroit : Michael Gilchrist

After going away from a winning formula by grabbing offensive minded players Gordon and Villanueva, Joe Dumars wins back the hearts of Detroit fans by grabbing Gilchrist. Gilchrist was born to play in Detroit and his defensive mindset and general-like ability on the court will make him a fan favourite.

#8 - LA Clippers : Patric Young

After taking Barnes with the first pick of the draft the Clippers reach here for Young who will come in and push Jordan at the 5 spot. Young is a beast of an athlete and will fit in next to Griffin nicely.

#9 - Charlotte : Thomas Robinson

Charlotte in the space of two drafts will have rebuilt their frontcourt as an intimidating defensive unit based on the talents of Robinson and Biyombo. Unlike Biyombo however, Robinson looks to have some nice moves in the post and will be relied upon to o some scoring down low for a Bobcats team sorely lacking any offensive in the key.

#10 - Milwaukee : Austin Rivers

Able to create his own offence which is sorely needed on the Bucks and should form an exciting back court next to Jennings. If Rivers decides to put the effort in on the defensive end this college season then he could climb up this list.

#11 - Golden State : John Henson

They are deep in the back court and swing positions and despite taking Udoh only last season I can see them reaching for another long limbed defender type here in the front court. Henson should be and will be a good combination with Monta Ellis in a pick and roll option.

#12 – Utah: Jeremy Lamb

Is an outstanding scorer and shooter. Has some limitations due to his frail build but makes up for it with his long arms. Will be a very good shooting guard either as a starter or off the bench for many years. Will fit well next to Harris in the backcourt.

#13 – Phoenix: Terrence Jones

I have no idea what Phoenix are trying to do? Are they rebuilding or simply treading water. I think it is the latter so they will simply reach for the best available talent to fill out their roster. Jones is versatile enough to play both forward spots and rugged enough to garner minutes as an energy guy off the bench.

#14 – Houston: Lebryan Nash

I just can't see him falling out of the lottery with the amount of talent he has. Is abit of a loose cannon and needs to work on maturity but Houston has always been a good place for young players and they should be able to get him on the straight and narrow. Could be their future three man for many years if he pans out. High risk, super high reward pick.

#15 – Indiana: Tyler Zeller

Big body and capable of plying both the 4/5 spots. Is nice insurance in case Hibbert regresses again and gives them a different look off the bench if he backs up Psycho T. In future mocks I think he fall. But for now I like him here.

[babyjax13]

I really don't think that Zeller will go above 20, bit we'll see. Lamb to Utah would be fantastic, he is a perfect fit. We also have Golden State's first if it is below 7.

[Vindicater]

Yeah I love the Lamb/Utah fit right now.

Do you have the Golden State protection? I thought it was top 11 protected next year and then top 7 the year after... or was it top 11 protected this year?

[babyjax13]

I think that was this year...

2012 first round draft pick from Golden State
Golden State's own 2012 1st round pick to Utah via New Jersey (top 7 protected in the 2012 Draft, top 7 protected in 2013, and top 6 protected in the 2014 Draft). However, if Utah via New Jersey has not yet received this first round pick by the 2014 draft, then Utah via New Jersey shall instead receive: (i) Golden State's own 2014 2nd round pick and (ii) Golden State's own 2016 2nd round pick. [Golden State - New Jersey, 7/22/2008 and amended 9/21/2009 and then New Jersey - Utah, 2/23/2011]

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/ ... z1aWJTTZKG

[Elden Payton]

I don't understand why people think Barnes is Luol Deng version 2???

Why can't Barnes be number one?? He's a great prospect.

[Vindicater]

He is starting to fall for me the more I see Drummand.

I still don't see Barnes falling past 3 in the draft though no matter who picks 1-3. He is too good.

[Elden Payton]

An elite big prospect & an elite wing prospect in one draft...

It seems like there's an elite prospect for every position in this draft...the order could be fuelled by need.

[Vindicater]

These picks are based entirely on last years results.

#1 - LA Clippers (from Minnesota) : Andre Drummond

It makes me sad that Barnes has fallen from number #1 on my Mock. But I must admit that upon seeing more of Drummond he has really impressed me. His combination of size, speed and co-ordination will make him a monster in the paint. Put him next to Griffin and you get an intimidating front court for years to come.

#2 - Cleveland : Harrison Barnes

Luckily Barnes does not continue to fall, which is good because I think Barnes will be a superstar. With Irving at the point, Barnes becomes the go-to scorer with Thompson there to clean up the mess. In the space of two drafts Cleveland have moved solidly into a new era.

#3 - Toronto : Anthony Davis

This guy has the potential to be a top ten NBA player. The number of players with that potential on the Raptors is zero. Take this guy and make the rest fit.

#4 - Washington : Jared Sullinger

Exactly what the Wizards need. A big bruising four to play next to the jumping jack Mcgee and to help protect Wall. Sullinger will happily clean the boards for this up and coming team.

#5 - New Jersey : Perry Jones III

Not too sure how defensively aware a Lopez/Jones front court would be, but man would they be able to score the basketball. Deron Williams will have a field day driving and dishing to Jones for some (what I imagine will be) sweet throwdowns.

#6 - Sacramento : Thomas Robinson

With Cousins at the five spot, the Kings will be looking to develop a tough nosed rebounder/defender to work in tandem with him. Robinson could very well be that guy. Not only that but unlike Cousins he seems to be a level headed and intelligent young man which could help counterbalance Cousins.

#7 - Detroit : Quincy Miller

It will either be Miller or Gilchrist that Detroit go with here and either is a good option to be honest. While Gilchrist will be the more immediate player for, I see Miller as the better option long term and even see some SG in his future with his ball handling and slashing skills. A future backcourt of Knight/Miller would be a nightmare to deal with.

#8 - LA Clippers : Michael Gilchrist

The clippers take Gilchrist here and thank everyone above them for the pleasure. This guy does not have a superstar potential in my opinion but what he will do is play great defence, be a leader and give you some garbage points a night as gravy. I liken him to Shane Battier with perhaps more athletic ability. He should fit in perfect next to Griffin, Drummond and Gordon without needing too much of the ball.

#9 - Charlotte : Austin Rivers

They will be hoping either Miller or Gilchrist fall to them but in the end Charlotte will have to “settle” for Austin River. Next to Kemba Walker they will be a small back court and easy to score against early, but the combined fire power of Walker/Rivers could help tip the balance at times. Charlotte need to draft stars and Rivers has a good chance of becoming one.

#10 - Milwaukee : John Henson

Milwaukee already have one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. They will jump at the chance to add one of the best defensive big men in college basketball to their roster. Henson is long, quick and powerful. A fantastic weak side shot blocker who will thrive with Bogut patrolling the lane next to him.

#11 – Utah (from Golden State) : Terrance Jones

A good solid player here for the Jazz. He can play either 3 or 4 and score against either. He has some issues, being labelled “Soft” and sometimes selfish by his coaches but the talent is there and Utah could use his versatility in the forward line.

#12 – Utah: Jeremy Lamb

They just got Burks, but by selecting Lamb they will provide the competition that both players need to better themselves. Not only that but their playing styles are very different and give the Jazz two distinct options at the 2 spot. Lamb is explosive and a great shooter.


#13 – Phoenix: Tyler Zeller

I think Zeller will really start climbing once the season starts. I know I am likely one of only a few people who see him this high but a big man who can move like he can is a handy option. With Nash passing him the ball he should look very good in his rookie season.

#14 – Houston: Patric Young

I think he is just too small to play centre in the NBA and not skilled enough to be a power forward in today's game. Someone will taker a flyer on him in the lottery and his physical attributes are always there if he improves his game but I just don't see it happening. I think he will be out of the NBA after his rookie deal is done.

#15 – Indiana: Festus Ezeli

This guy is already better then I think Young will ever be. He has the size and speed to be a defensive force in the NBA. However he also has a huge knack for fouling once every 2 seconds. If he can fix that problem he will be a 10 year centre in the NBA.

#16 – Philadelphia: Mason Plumlee

Another big boy with a lot of upside. Can be a big presence at the 4 spot while being quick enough to guard the quicker 4's and will spend some time behind Brand until he is ready for major minutes.

#17 – Houston (From New York): LeBryan Nash

High risk and high reward player. Has all the tools to be an All-star swingman. He can get to the basket, shows deft passing skills and can play hard nosed defence when he feels like it. Maturity wise though he is far off the pace. Houston has generally been a great place for rookies however and if they can harness Nash they will have gotten themselves a steal at 17.

#18 – Atlanta: Marquis Teague

The first point guard taken in the draft and he shares a name with the guy Atlanta already have running their offence. Teauge will be drafted to provide instant offence off the bench for Atlanta. He can play either guard spot and gives them a different look off the bench then Hinrich.

#19 – New Orleans: Jeff Taylor

Jeff Taylor is the perfect fit for New Orleans here. He is quick, big and explosive on the break. He plays good defence and has shown the ability to knock down the open jumper. He is not a great offensive option due to his lack of shot-creating ability but with Chris Paul handling the ball 90% of the time in the New Orleans Offence Jeff Taylor will be able to score.

#20 – Memphis: Evan Fournier

Memphis are so deep right now that they can take the chance on a Euro prospect and have him play some more seasons over there. Fournier is a slasher with great body control, able to take hits close to the basket and still put the ball in the hole. His jump shot however is shaky at best and he is slow laterally on defence. Still, his upside is worth a shot here for a team that can afford to wait.

[vincecarter4pres]

Lamb at 12?

I'd steal a senior citizens walker when they're in the John if NJ let him slip that far.