RTM's 2012 Mock Draft Thread - Updated 6/23

[RTM]

My first mock uses the lottery order from my first try on ESPN's Lottery Machine. Below is the 1st round with some commentary:

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis (6'10'', PF, Kentucky, Fr.)
2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Fr.)

Tough choice between Beal and MKG here, but I think MKG's all around game, and tireless effort brings a grittiness that this Wiz team needs. It's easier to find a shooter to help man the 2 spot.

3. Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond (6'10'', C, UCONN, Fr.)

This is a bold move I can see Dumars making. Drummond has home run potential as an athletic, defensive compliment to Greg Monroe. He's a risk, but Joe has been intrigued by riskier bigs in the past, most recently, DeMarcus Cousins and Bismack Biyombo.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson (6'9'', PF, Kansas, Jr.)
5. Sacramento Kings: Bradley Beal (6'3'', SG, Florida, Fr.)

This is a tough position for the Kings. Beal adds another undersized scoring guard to a team full of them (Thomas, Jimmer, Thornton, Tyreke - though he's not undersized), but at this point, he is by far the best available talent.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes (6'8'', SF, North Carolina, So.)

The Cavs could go with Rivers here, but Barnes is a terrific fit with Kyrie and Thompson moving forward, and may still have the untapped potential scouts saw last year.

7. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard (6'2'', PG, Weber State, Jr.)

Toronto has a stable of bigs (Valencuinas, Bargnani, Davis, Johnson), and seem committed to DeRozan at SG. With no great SFs on the board here, they go with a dynamic PG, who could be the future with Bayless entering RFA and Calderon expiring.

8. Portland Trailblazers (via NJ): Kendall Marshall (6'3'', PG, North Carolina, So.)

The Blazers need a game manager, and Marshall might have been the best in college basketball last year. A bit of a reach, IMO, but they don't have a guy to groom as their future PG.

9. Utah Jazz (via GS): Austin Rivers (6'4'', SG, Duke, Fr.)

Just missing out on the top 2 PGs, the Jazz go for the most dynamic guard available. Though Rivers is more of a SG, and they just drafted Burks, both have enough PG skills to play together in the backcourt, IMO.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via MIN): Tyler Zeller (6'11'', C, North Carolina, Sr.)
11. Portland Trailblazers: Jared Sullinger (6'9'', PF, Ohio State, So.)

Portland goes BPA with Sullinger, who has the girth to compliment Aldridge's length. Both can step out and score inside, and Aldridge is mobile enough to make this a workable defensive pair.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Perry Jones III (6'11'', PF, Baylor, So.)
13. Utah Jazz: Terrence Jones (6'9" F, Kentucky, So.)

I think Jones can be a bit like Al Harrington was when he was 6MOY in Indiana. If so, he's a terrific fit off the bench at both F spots for now, and will be able to step into a bigger role when one of Jefferson or Millsap are inevitably dealt.

14. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb (6'5'', SG, UCONN, So.)
15. Houston Rockets (via NY): Meyers Leonard (7'0", C, Illinois, So.)
16. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson (6'10'', PF, North Carolina, Jr.)
17. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten (6'5", G, Washington, Fr.)

Denver loves versatility, and Wroten gives them that. He can play next to Lawson or Afflalo, and can help push the ball. Imagine all the wing combos with Lawson, Wroten, Afflalo, Chandler, and Gallinari in the stable.

18. New Jersey Nets (via HOU): Marquis Teague (6'2", PG, Kentucky, Fr.)

They won't admit this, but the Nets need Deron insurance.

19. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross (6'7", SG/SF, Washington, So.)
20. Orlando Magic: Jeff Taylor (6'7", SG/SF, Vanderbilt, Sr.)
21. Boston Celtics: Dion Waiters (6'4", SG, Syracuse, So.)
22. Memphis Grizzlies: Moe Harkless (6'8", SF, St. John's, Fr.)

These four teams pick wings who should fit their respective teams well. Ross gives Dallas an all around threat, Taylor becomes the Magic's best perimeter defender, Waiters can come off the bench and be a big shot maker for Boston, and Harkless can be developed into a defensive terror to compliment what the Grizzlies are already doing well.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Arnett Moultrie (6'11, PF/C, Mississippi St., Jr.)
24. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Fab Melo (7'0", C, Syracuse, So.)
25. Indiana Pacers: Royce White (6'8", PF, Iowa St., So.)
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL): Festus Ezeli (6'11", C, Vanderbilt, Sr.)

Again, four bigs go to teams who they should be able to help. Moultrie gives the Hawks a guy to put next to Smith or Horford and space the floor, Melo is a big, wide body shot blocker Boston would love (he's a better Stiemsma), White brings versatility to Indiana's front court, and Ezeli gives the Cavs needed size behind Varejao.

27. Miami Heat: Doron Lamb (6'4", SG, Kentucky, So.)
28. Golden State Warriors (via SA): Andrew Nicholson (6'11", PF/C, St. Bonaventure, Sr.)
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green (6'7" F, Michigan St., Sr.)
30. Chicago Bulls: Evan Fournier (6'7", SG/SF, Poiters, Intl.)


Thoughts?

[princeofpalace]

Passing on Thomas Robinson for Andre Drummond will end up getting Joe Dumars fired. Itd be Darko all over again. I simply do not see it happening, no sane GM will take Drummond over Robinson

Also, Tony Mitchell did not enter the draft and is staying in school.

[RTM]

Didn't realize Mitchell stayed - I'll edit it.

As for Drummond, I can see Joe falling in love with him. Then again, Robinson is a great kid, and he's certainly the more proven pick. But it's what I think could happen, not what I think should happen.

In this scenario, I think they go 3/4 regardless (although NOH picking Drummond would flip the Zeller/Sullinger picks, IMO).

[Jazzfan12]

I like Austin Rivers, but he and Burks are a pretty terrible fit. Too much isolation scoring, not enough good shooting or decision making. Think they would lean towards Lamb over Rivers.

[noobcake]

Marshall is not a first rounder. Will be out of league after his first contract or become a career 2nd string PG.

[RTM]

@Jazzfan: I was torn between Rivers and Lamb, but I really do think Rivers and Burks could work out. I could see them developing into a Gilbert Arenas/Larry Hughes type fit. Overlapping strengths, but it works. Are Lamb and Burks any more certain to play together? I'm not sure either is strong enough to play the 3, and I don't trust Lamb's handles to help out Burks.

@noobcake: Marshall's lack of athleticism and shooting worry me enough that I wouldn't want him on my team, but there's not doubt that he's a surefire 1st rounder and very possibly (or even likely) a lottery pick. It's a thin draft for PGs, and if there's one thing he does well, it's distribute the ball.

[KF10]

Beal for the Kings? Ouch, that's a tough one. If I was them, I trade the pick instead for a proven player. Or trade down. I don't know.

[princeofpalace]

Didn't realize Mitchell stayed - I'll edit it.

As for Drummond, I can see Joe falling in love with him. Then again, Robinson is a great kid, and he's certainly the more proven pick. But it's what I think could happen, not what I think should happen.

In this scenario, I think they go 3/4 regardless (although NOH picking Drummond would flip the Zeller/Sullinger picks, IMO).

Mitchell changed his mind , because his coach bolted and entered the draft last night. My bad RTM.

[djthesonicsfan]

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green (6'7" F, Michigan St., Sr.)

Thoughts?

Probably would prefer a big like Nicholson, but definitely will draft bpa.

[RTM]

New Mock with order from ESPN's draft machine:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Anthony Davis (6'10'', PF, Kentucky, Fr.)
2. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal (6'3'', SG, Florida, Fr.)
3. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Fr.)
4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson (6'9'', PF, Kansas, Jr.)
5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond (6'10'', C, UCONN, Fr.)
6. Portland Trailblazers (via BKN): Damian Lillard (6'2'', PG, Weber State, Jr.)
7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes (6'8'', SF, North Carolina, So.)
8. Toronto Raptors: Kendall Marshall (6'3'', PG, North Carolina, So.)
9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson (6'10'', PF, North Carolina, Jr.)
10. New Orleans Hornets (via MIN): Jeremy Lamb (6'5'', SG, UCONN, So.)
11. Portland Trailblazers: Tyler Zeller (6'11'', C, North Carolina, Sr.)
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger (6'9'', PF, Ohio State, So.)
13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers (6'4'', SG, Duke, Fr.)
14. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard (7'0", C, Illinois, So.)
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Perry Jones III (6'11'', PF, Baylor, So.)
16. Houston Rockets (via NY): Terrence Ross (6'7", SG/SF, Washington, So.)
17. Dallas Mavericks: Quincy Miller (6'9", F, Baylor, Fr.)
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from UTAH): Dion Waiters (6'4", SG, Syracuse, So.)
19. Orlando Magic: Terrence Jones (6'9" F, Kentucky, So.)
20. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten (6'5", G, Washington, Fr.)
21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie (6'11, PF/C, Mississippi St., Jr.)
22. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Moe Harkless (6'8", SF, St. John's, Fr.)
23. Atlanta Hawks: Fab Melo (7'0", C, Syracuse, So.)
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LAL): Jeff Taylor (6'7", SG/SF, Vanderbilt, Sr.)
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague (6'2", PG, Kentucky, Fr.)
26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson (6'11", PF/C, St. Bonaventure, Sr.)
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli (6'11", C, Vanderbilt, Sr.)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Royce White (6'8", PF, Iowa St., So.)
29. Chicago Bulls: Draymond Green (6'7" F, Michigan St., Sr.)
30. Golden State Warriors: Kevin Jones (6'8", F, West Virginia, Sr.)

31. Charlotte Bobcats: Doron Lamb (6'4", SG, Kentucky, So.)
32. Washington Wizards: Evan Fournier (6'7", SG/SF, Poiters, Intl.)
33. Cleveland Cavaliers (via NOH): Darius Miller (6'7", G/F, Kentucky, Sr.)
34. Cleveland Cavaliers: Drew Gordon (6'9", PF, New Mexico, Sr.)
35. Golden State Warriors (via BKN): Tyshawn Taylor (6'3", PG, Kansas, Sr.)

[KF10]

Drummond @ 5 for the Kings? Sign me up.

[[RCG]]

I doubt Minnesota has any desire to draft any more players from Syracuse. Jonny Flynn, Wes Johnson?

[Silver Man]

Drummond @ 5 for the Kings? Sign me up.

[djthesonicsfan]

Zero chance the notSonics draft Royce White. Just too many issues. That's just not how team chemistry rolls. Given your scenario, Presti's most likely moves are trading up or out of the draft.

[sonictecture]

Enjoyed the mock drafts, especially the first one where you gave your thoughts. I didn't agree with everything, but it made me think.

Zero chance the notSonics draft Royce White. Just too many issues. That's just not how team chemistry rolls. Given your scenario, Presti's most likely moves are trading up or out of the draft.

It's easy to go through the list of draft eligible players and start to cross off those with a history of problems, but what we know is that if Presti did draft White it would be a result of a thorough process to find how who White is today. Some history develops character and makes a person much stronger.

The financial risk is minimal at this part of the draft and Presti has the luxury of testing White out in Tulsa if warranted.

[djthesonicsfan]

Enjoyed the mock drafts, especially the first one where you gave your thoughts. I didn't agree with everything, but it made me think.

Zero chance the notSonics draft Royce White. Just too many issues. That's just not how team chemistry rolls. Given your scenario, Presti's most likely moves are trading up or out of the draft.

It's easy to go through the list of draft eligible players and start to cross off those with a history of problems, but what we know is that if Presti did draft White it would be a result of a thorough process to find how who White is today. Some history develops character and makes a person much stronger.

The financial risk is minimal at this part of the draft and Presti has the luxury of testing White out in Tulsa if warranted.

Ok, let's assume Royce White has matured beyond his off-court issues. Not likely, but possible. However, in either event the more troubling concern is his anxiety disorder. The competition & intensity of NBA basketball, which gets multiplied ten fold during the playoffs, will likely be very challenging for Royce White. Character issues of this magnitude are as easy to recognize as a good shooting stroke or superior athleticism. It's been there for all to see for some time with Royce White just like his exceptional on court talent.

I agree that Presti does a thorough job. Personally, I think he's the best GM in the NBA. And one of his philosophical approaches that separates him from many of his peers is recognizing the importance of individual character & team chemistry. He's not going to change his philosophical approach & take that risk. Especially for a guy, big picture, who is not even close to a difference making NBA player. And double down on that view when you consider that the notSonics already are a young, legit NBA title contender.

As for the financial risk, isn't that irrelevant? The notSonics have a #28 pick. Presti wants to draft a guy who will be able to contribute to the team. It's not about money. Best case scenario is a guy who breaks into the rotation after a year or two. Most likely scenario is a guy who sits at the end of the bench for a few years before being traded or waived. Worst case scenario is a guy who messes up their already great team in some way. And now we're back to the character issues.

[RTM]

Memorial Day Mock with order from ESPN's draft machine with some commentary:

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis (6'10'', PF, Kentucky, Fr.)
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Fr.)

The Cats have a tough call, but go with MKG over Robinson. He's active, vocal, and will fill the toughness and leadership void.

3. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson (6'9'', PF, Kansas, Jr.)
4. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal (6'3'', SG, Florida, Fr.)
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond (6'10'', C, UCONN, Fr.)

The Cavs grab a long term center prospect to groom next to Thompson. With AV on the team, they don't have to rush him.

6. Portland Trailblazers (via BKN): Damian Lillard (6'2'', PG, Weber State, Jr.)

Portland has some long term pieces set at the 2/3/4 with Matthews/Williams/Batum/Aldridge. However, they don't have a PG. Lillard is an explosive scorer and underrated distributor, who should ft in well.

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes (6'8'', SF, North Carolina, So.)

They could go big here, but Barnes potential fit with Curry and Klay is too appealing to pass up, IMO.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb (6'5'', SG, UCONN, So.)

They need a scorer/shooter on the wing to compliment DeRozan. They get one.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson (6'10'', PF, North Carolina, Jr.)
10. New Orleans Hornets (via MIN): Kendall Marshall (6'3'', PG, North Carolina, So.)
11. Portland Trailblazers: Meyers Leonard (7'0", C, Illinois, So.)
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger (6'9'', PF, Ohio State, So.)
13. Phoenix Suns: Perry Jones III (6'11'', PF, Baylor, So.)

With the future in doubt, and only the C position set in stone, grab the best talent.

14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller (6'11'', C, North Carolina, Sr.)

Zeller is ready to play now, and the Rockets are trying to make the playoffs. He was super productive in college, and will help out at PF/C right away.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones (6'9" F, Kentucky, So.)

They need a shooter and a front court player. Jones is both. I think they could go with Moultrie as an alternative.

16. Houston Rockets (via NY): Dion Waiters (6'4", SG, Syracuse, So.)
17. Dallas Mavericks: Austin Rivers (6'4'', SG, Duke, Fr.)

A couple of SGs go to Texas. Waiters can light it up off the bench, and this is probably Rivers floor (I'm not quite sure where to put him). The Mavs are flexible after this season, so it wold be great for them to leave this draft with a big name with big talent, even though his season was underwhelming.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from UTAH): Terrence Ross (6'7", SG/SF, Washington, So.)

They need an upgrade from Wes Johnson. Ross could be that.

19. Orlando Magic: Quincy Miller (6'9", F, Baylor, Fr.)
20. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten (6'5", G, Washington, Fr.)
21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie (6'11, PF/C, Mississippi St., Jr.)
22. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Doron Lamb (6'4", SG, Kentucky, So.)

With Rondo, Bradley and Pierce their only long term pieces, the C's grab some shooters to compliment them.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Fab Melo (7'0", C, Syracuse, So.)
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LAL): Moe Harkless (6'8", SF, St. John's, Fr.)
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague (6'2", PG, Kentucky, Fr.)
26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson (6'11", PF/C, St. Bonaventure, Sr.)
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli (6'11", C, Vanderbilt, Sr.)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Evan Fournier (6'7", SG/SF, Poiters, Intl.)

The Thunder nab a versatile wing who might not need to come over right away.

29. Chicago Bulls: Kevin Jones (6'8", F, West Virginia, Sr.)
30. Golden State Warriors: Tyshawn Taylor (6'3", PG, Kansas, Sr.)

---

31. Charlotte Bobcats: Orlando Johnson (6'5", SG, UCSB, Sr.)
32. Washington Wizards: Jeff Taylor (6'7", SG/SF, Vanderbilt, Sr.)
33. Cleveland Cavaliers (via NOH): Draymond Green (6'7" F, Michigan St., Sr.)

No way Green slips past active MSU alum Dan Gilbert.

34. Cleveland Cavaliers: Drew Gordon (6'9", PF, New Mexico, Sr.)
35. Golden State Warriors (via BKN): Royce White (6'8", PF, Iowa St., So.)

[Dr Positivity]

Looks pretty good. The only thing I'd say is I think Moultrie goes a lot higher than that.

OKC somehow getting Fournier would be such a Spurs like trolololol draft moment.

[RTM]

Post Lotto, with commentary:

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis (6'10'', PF, Kentucky, Fr.)

No explanation needed.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson (6'9'', PF, Kansas, Jr.)

Flip flopped from my last mock here. TRob brings the same leadership/toughness/intangibles as MKG, but with a better chance of being a go-to offensive guy right away.

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal (6'3'', SG, Florida, Fr.)

I think they like Beal over MKG, because Beal gives them the outside shooting and offensive punch they could really use. They also just drafted a couple SFs.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Fr.)

Not the shooter they would want, but he's tough, and a leader. He'll fit in really well.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond (6'10'', C, UCONN, Fr.)

Project center to develop next to Cousins. If that duo pans out, it can be one of the best front court tandems. But there's real bust potential. A worthy gamble, IMO, though Barnes gets consideration here.

6. Portland Trailblazers (via BKN): Damian Lillard (6'2'', PG, Weber State, Jr.)

Lillard is an explosive player who could step in right away at a position of need. With more bigs than PGs likle yon the board with their next pick, they go with Lillard.

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes (6'8'', SF, North Carolina, So.)

They need a big more, but I can't shake the feeling that GS wants to build their perimeter around Curry/Klay/Barnes. Great shooting trio.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb (6'5'', SG, UCONN, So.)

Lamb's a traditional shooting wing, who should compliment DeRozan well.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson (6'10'', PF, North Carolina, Jr.)

Detroit wants a defensive oriented shot blocker to put next to Monroe. Henson fits the bill.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via MIN): Kendall Marshall (6'3'', PG, North Carolina, So.)

With the front court pretty well stocked (Davis, Okafor, Smith, Ayon), I think they grab a young pass first PG to groom as a long term starter. Although They could grab Sullinger as a long term compliment to Davis, or Rivers/Waiters as Gordon insurance/spark plug off the bench. This pick is a tough call, NOH could really go a lot of different ways.

11. Portland Trailblazers: Jared Sullinger (6'9'', PF, Ohio State, So.)

With a PG already on board, the Blazers next need is in the front court. I think they'll look hard as both Sullinger and Zeller here.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller (6'11'', C, North Carolina, Sr.)

They Bucks also have a need up front, and I think they grab whichever of Sullinger or Zeller that is still on the board.

13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers (6'4'', SG, Duke, Fr.)

Phoenix needs a SG, and the possibility of star power in what might be the post-Nash era. Rivers is a good pick here, but they also look at Waiters and Jones III.

14. Houston Rockets: Dion Waiters (6'4", SG, Syracuse, So.)

Martin and/or Lee will likely be gone next season IMO, and Waiters can come in right away and light it up. He's a good pick here.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Meyers Leonard (7'0", C, Illinois, So.)

Philadelphia grabs Leonard, a big athlete to develop. Outside of Hawes (a UFA), Brand (an aging, undersized PF), and Allen (who can't do it alone) they don't really have many bodies to man the C spot.

16. Houston Rockets (via NY): Perry Jones III (6'11'', PF, Baylor, So.)

Here, Houston grabs the best talent available. Between Waiters and Jones III, they do pretty well for themselves. Both guys have go-to potential offensively.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross (6'7", SG/SF, Washington, So.)

I think Harkless, Miller and Jones all get a serious look here, but I think they go with the most versatile, ready-to-contribute wing.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from UTAH): Moe Harkless (6'8", SF, St. John's, Fr.)

The TWolves don't have much as SF (Beasley is likley out, and Wes Johnson is terrible), and so I think it makes a lot of sense for them to grab a super young, high upside SF. A good pick for need and value.

19. Orlando Magic: Quincy Miller (6'9", F, Baylor, Fr.)

Similarly, the Magic dont have a long term answer at SF. Miller was a highly touted recruit, and a solid pick here. Terrence Jones is also a strong possibility.

20. Denver Nuggets: Golden State Warriors: Royce White (6'8", PF, Iowa St., So.)

Just read the Nuggets are targeting him, and it makes some sense. White is extremely versatile, which the Nuggets love.

21. Boston Celtics: Terrence Jones (6'9" F, Kentucky, So.)

The C's get a steal this late in the draft with Jones. I can't imagine he'd fall further, and with a need at PF next season, he could be an immediate contributor. I love the Al Harrington comparison for Jones.

22. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Jeff Taylor (6'7", SG/SF, Vanderbilt, Sr.)

I'm giving Taylor a bump up. He's a terrific jump shooter and a tenacious defender. He's not much of a shot creator, but with Rondo, that's not really an issue. He's a little older at 23, but he can step in right away, and is a solid backup to Bradley and Pierce right away.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Arnett Moultrie (6'11, PF/C, Mississippi St., Jr.)

The Hawks need size. Moultrie can score and rebound, giving the Hawks an offensive punch of the bench in the front court they haven't really had.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LAL): Andrew Nicholson (6'11", PF/C, St. Bonaventure, Sr.)

Cleveland needs an offensive punch in the front court, and Nicholson could provide that.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague (6'2", PG, Kentucky, Fr.)

The Grizz need a backup PG, and Teague's got tons of talent. I think Taylor and Lamb are likely targets too.

26. Indiana Pacers: Evan Fournier (6'7", SG/SF, Poiters, Intl.)

Fournier won't come over right away, but would be a nice compliment to George and Granger when he does.

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo (7'0", C, Syracuse, So.)

The Heat need an upgrade at PG and C. Tyshawn Taylor and Festus Ezili are alternative candidates here, as is Lamb, if only for his shooting ability.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green (6'7" F, Michigan St., Sr.)

Green gives the Thunder an versatile role player who, depending on match ups, can play either F spot.

29. Chicago Bulls: Kevin Jones (6'8", F, West Virginia, Sr.)

Jones is tough, and provides offensive tough and defensive rebounding. I saw a Chuck Hayes comparison that I liked, only Jones could be better offensively. I like him as a pick here.

30. Golden State Warriors (via SA): Festus Ezeli (6'11", C, Vanderbilt, Sr.)

Ezeli brings depth to the front court.

---

31. Charlotte Bobcats: Orlando Johnson (6'5", SG, UCSB, Sr.)

Charlotte grabs some perimeter fire power.

32. Washington Wizards: Darius Miller (6'7" SF, Kentucky, Sr.)

The Wiz saw some late season success with mature, balanced play, so Miller is a solid pick. He's a college veteran who played with Wall at Kentucky, and who should fit in and contribute right away.

33. Cleveland Cavaliers (via NOH): Doron Lamb (6'4", SG, Kentucky, So.)

The Cavs get a knock down shooter to put between Irving and MKG. This is probably his floor, and maybe unrealistically low for a shooter of his caliber.

34. Cleveland Cavaliers: Drew Gordon (6'9", PF, New Mexico, Sr.)

And then they add a great rebounder off the bench behind Thompson. This would be a great draft for the Cavs.

35. Golden State Warriors (via BKN): Tony Wroten (6'5", G, Washington, Fr.)

Wroten gives them a big, physical backup G to provide a different look from Curry and Klay. He's a steal this late, and a definite slide for him.

36. Sacramento Kings: Will Barton (6'6", SG/SF, Memphis, So.)

Talented, lanky wing. They have a lot of bodies at SG/SF, but none are any good outside of Thornton and Evans. With no better bigs here, they just pick the best prospect.

37. Toronto Raptors: Tyshawn Taylor (6'3", PG, Kansas, Sr.)

Toronto needs some upside at PG, and Taylor brings that.

38. Denver Nuggets (via GSW): John Jenkins (6'4", SG, Vanderbilt, Jr.)

Jenkins is a shooter who can operate off the ball. He could fit in as Afflalo's backup. They need a PG, and could reach for Machado or Holloway here.

39. Detroit Pistons: Jae Crowder (6'6', F, Marquette, Sr.)

Crowder is smart, tough, and a great athlete. He's relentless and has a pretty good jumper. He could be the versatile, physical defender that the Pistons have needed on the wings. I think they also consider at Kevin Murphy for a different look.

40. Portland Trailblazers (via MIN): Kevin Murphy (6'6", SG/SF, Tennessee Tech, Sr.)

They could use a scoring wing off the bench, and they consider Murphy and Jared Cunningham. I think Murphy's extra size could make him the better pick, with Elliot Williams already on the roster as an undersized SG.

[RTM]

No love last time? Here's the 1st round without commentary. Still a bunch of picks I'm real iffy about:

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis (6'10'', PF, Kentucky, Fr.)
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson (6'9'', PF, Kansas, Jr.)
3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Fr.)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes (6'8'', SF, North Carolina, So.)
5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond (6'10'', C, UCONN, Fr.)
6. Portland Trailblazers (via BKN): Damian Lillard (6'2'', PG, Weber State, Jr.)
7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III (6'11'', PF, Baylor, So.)
8. Toronto Raptors: Bradley Beal (6'3'', SG, Florida, Fr.)
9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson (6'10'', PF, North Carolina, Jr.)
10. New Orleans Hornets (via MIN): Kendall Marshall (6'3'', PG, North Carolina, So.)
11. Portland Trailblazers: Meyers Leonard (7'0", C, Illinois, So.)
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger (6'9'', PF, Ohio State, So.)
13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers (6'4'', SG, Duke, Fr.)
14. Houston Rockets: Dion Waiters (6'4", SG, Syracuse, So.)
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jeremy Lamb (6'5'', SG, UCONN, So.)
16. Houston Rockets (via NY): Tyler Zeller (6'11'', C, North Carolina, Sr.)
17. Dallas Mavericks: Quincy Miller (6'9", F, Baylor, Fr.)
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from UTAH): Terrence Ross (6'7", SG/SF, Washington, So.)
19. Orlando Magic: Terrence Jones (6'9" F, Kentucky, So.)
20. Denver Nuggets: Royce White (6'8", PF, Iowa St., So.)
21. Boston Celtics: Moe Harkless (6'8", SF, St. John's, Fr.)
22. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Arnett Moultrie (6'11, PF/C, Mississippi St., Jr.)
23. Atlanta Hawks: Andrew Nicholson (6'11", PF/C, St. Bonaventure, Sr.)
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LAL): Doron Lamb (6'4", SG, Kentucky, So.)
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Jeff Taylor (6'7", SG/SF, Vanderbilt, Sr.)
26. Indiana Pacers: Evan Fournier (6'7", SG/SF, Poiters, Intl.)
27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo (7'0", C, Syracuse, So.)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green (6'7" F, Michigan St., Sr.)
29. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague (6'2", PG, Kentucky, Fr.)
30. Golden State Warriors (via SA): Tony Wroten (6'5", G, Washington, Fr.)