Post-Lotto Mock with Explanations (update 6/26)
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 8:43 pm
6/22/12
1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
The obvious choice at #1. Unibrow has the potential to be the next KG if he can develop his offensive game, and at worst should be a 15/10 guy with great defense.
2. Charlotte Bobcats - Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
Rumor has it that Barnes killed his Charlotte workout, and the UNC connection doesn't hurt either. Barnes gives the 'Cats a potential go-to scorer on the wing.
3. Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
After the Okafor/Ariza trade, the only big hole in their starting lineup is SG. Not so anymore. Beal can stroke it from deep and should make an excellent backcourt mate for Wall.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
MKG is a huge upgrade to the Cavs' lackluster wings and should make a perfect second banana for Kyrie Irving. He does everything a team needs to win and is a hard worker with a great attitude. Only question mark is his jumper.
5. Sacramento Kings - Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Sacramento should be ecstatic that they're getting their #2 guy at 5. Robinson and Cousins should be a very complimentary and talented PF/C combination for years to come.
6. Portland Trailblazers (from Brooklyn) - Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
Portland needs a PG and a big man. Lillard supposedly wowed the Blazers brass and owner Paul Allen in his workout, and is a great fit as a scorer and distributer. With a good number of solid big men projected to be available at #11, Portland goes small here
7. Golden State Warriors - Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut
The new GS front office has been preaching size and defense since day 1. Drummond is huge (6-11, 270) and has all the makings of a defensive monster. He's definitely a project, but with Bogut in the fold there won't be a ton of pressure for him to perform from the outset.
8. Toronto Raptors - Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
Waiters has been steadily rising up draft boards thanks to his athleticism and natural scoring ability. Toronto needs a go-to guy on the perimeter and Waiters has the potential to be that guy.
9. Detroit Pistons - Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Leonard has a very interesting combination of size, athleticism, and skills. His size (7-1, 250) would make a fearsome combination with Monroe, and his rebounding and shot-blocking would make him an excellent compliment to their franchise big man.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota) - Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
New Orleans has hinted that they might double down on big men in the lotto, and with Okafor gone and Kaman an impending FA, center is definitely an area of need. Zeller is big and has a polished offensive game - he and AD compliment each other well.
11. Portland Trailblazers - John Henson, PF, North Carolina
Henson is a great shot blocking big man in the mold of Marcus Camby. He's the best combination of fit and value available to the Blazers at this point in the draft.
12. Milwaukee Bucks - Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor
On physical upside alone, Jones should be a top-3 pick. But questions about his motor and jump shot have caused his stock to fall. Perhaps a disciplinarian like Skiles can get his head on straight - and if he does, watch out league.
13. Phoenix Suns - Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut
Phoenix needs a perimeter threat, and Lamb has as much potential as anyone else in the draft in that regard. He should be the starting SG on opening night.
14. Houston Rockets - Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's
Harkless is an athletic defender with a lot of untapped potential, similar to Kawhi Leonard last year. That alone should be enough to warrant a lottery selection, and he fills a need with Houston to boot.
15. Philadelphia Sixers - Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State
Philly said they want to improve their perimeter shooting and interior defense. Moultrie gives them a big, athletic big man to help defend the paint and groom as Brand's replacement.
16. Houston Rockets (from New York) - Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Big, athletic, shot blockers like Melo are always in high demand. If he pans out, Houston has their first long-term solution at center since Yao's retirement.
17. Dallas Mavericks - Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
With Kidd and Terry hitting the free agent market, the only PG on Dallas' roster has been the disappointing Roddy Beaubois. Marshall is a true floor general and more NBA-ready then most rookie point guards.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah) - Terrence Ross, SG/SF, Washington
The Wolves' SG/SFs were atrocious last year. Ross has great measurables and a sweet outside stroke - he should immediately be Minnesota's best wing.
19. Orlando Magic - Royce White, PF, Iowa State
The Magic need to take a risk if they want to have any hope of convincing Dwight to stay. White is immensely talented and could form a great compliment to the big man.
20. Denver Nuggets - Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Denver doesn't really have any pressing needs, so a high-potential kid like Rivers would be an excellent pick. He would be a solid third guard behind Lawson and Afflalo for the time being.
21. Boston Celtics - Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Was a top-10 talent a week ago, but has fallen because of injury concerns and a poor combine performance. Boston will happily take him here, where he can contribute at both PF and C whether or not the big 3 return.
22. Boston Celtics (from LA Clippers) - Terrence Jones, SF/PF, Kentucky
Boston grabs another falling forward with loads of natural talent. Jones can be either a big 3 or a face-up 4, and brings a lot of versatility to the Boston bench.
23. Atlanta Hawks - Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Atlanta has needed a true center for years. While Ezeli may be a reach at 23, he’s got great length and considerable upside as a shot blocking/rebounding C.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LA Lakers) - Jeff Taylor, SG/SF, Vanderbilt
Taylor has developed into a lights-out shooter and great defender over his four years at Vandy. Cleveland needs to invest more then one pick in improving their wing situation, and putting an NBA-ready guy like him between Irving and MKG would help both of them immensely.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington
Memphis loves big guards, and Wroten has huge upside. He could play next to either Conley or Mayo and be productive.
26. Indiana Pacers - Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Collison has been so-so and George Hill is more of a combo guard. Getting a high-potential young PG like Teague this late in the draft would be a steal for Indiana.
27. Miami Heat - Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
Nicholson is a big man who can hit the three - an ideal young big man to add to the Heat's arsenal. With Mike Miller potentially contemplating retirement, Miami may just want to stock up on shooters.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder - Evan Fournier, SG/SF, Poitiers (France)
Supposedly OKC doesn't want to pay guaranteed money to their pick. Fournier is a good Euro stash.
29. Chicago Bulls - Tyshawn Tyler, PG, Kansas
PG (at least, backup PG) was a need even before Rose went down. Now, it's a critical need. Tyler is experienced and should be able to help out until Rose returns.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio) - Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
GS gets a high-potential young SF who could potentially address that position in a year or two. Miller has incredible length and defensive potential. If he can iron out his jump shot he should be a starter for a long time.
1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
The obvious choice at #1. Unibrow has the potential to be the next KG if he can develop his offensive game, and at worst should be a 15/10 guy with great defense.
2. Charlotte Bobcats - Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
Rumor has it that Barnes killed his Charlotte workout, and the UNC connection doesn't hurt either. Barnes gives the 'Cats a potential go-to scorer on the wing.
3. Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
After the Okafor/Ariza trade, the only big hole in their starting lineup is SG. Not so anymore. Beal can stroke it from deep and should make an excellent backcourt mate for Wall.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
MKG is a huge upgrade to the Cavs' lackluster wings and should make a perfect second banana for Kyrie Irving. He does everything a team needs to win and is a hard worker with a great attitude. Only question mark is his jumper.
5. Sacramento Kings - Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Sacramento should be ecstatic that they're getting their #2 guy at 5. Robinson and Cousins should be a very complimentary and talented PF/C combination for years to come.
6. Portland Trailblazers (from Brooklyn) - Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
Portland needs a PG and a big man. Lillard supposedly wowed the Blazers brass and owner Paul Allen in his workout, and is a great fit as a scorer and distributer. With a good number of solid big men projected to be available at #11, Portland goes small here
7. Golden State Warriors - Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut
The new GS front office has been preaching size and defense since day 1. Drummond is huge (6-11, 270) and has all the makings of a defensive monster. He's definitely a project, but with Bogut in the fold there won't be a ton of pressure for him to perform from the outset.
8. Toronto Raptors - Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
Waiters has been steadily rising up draft boards thanks to his athleticism and natural scoring ability. Toronto needs a go-to guy on the perimeter and Waiters has the potential to be that guy.
9. Detroit Pistons - Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Leonard has a very interesting combination of size, athleticism, and skills. His size (7-1, 250) would make a fearsome combination with Monroe, and his rebounding and shot-blocking would make him an excellent compliment to their franchise big man.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota) - Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
New Orleans has hinted that they might double down on big men in the lotto, and with Okafor gone and Kaman an impending FA, center is definitely an area of need. Zeller is big and has a polished offensive game - he and AD compliment each other well.
11. Portland Trailblazers - John Henson, PF, North Carolina
Henson is a great shot blocking big man in the mold of Marcus Camby. He's the best combination of fit and value available to the Blazers at this point in the draft.
12. Milwaukee Bucks - Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor
On physical upside alone, Jones should be a top-3 pick. But questions about his motor and jump shot have caused his stock to fall. Perhaps a disciplinarian like Skiles can get his head on straight - and if he does, watch out league.
13. Phoenix Suns - Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut
Phoenix needs a perimeter threat, and Lamb has as much potential as anyone else in the draft in that regard. He should be the starting SG on opening night.
14. Houston Rockets - Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's
Harkless is an athletic defender with a lot of untapped potential, similar to Kawhi Leonard last year. That alone should be enough to warrant a lottery selection, and he fills a need with Houston to boot.
15. Philadelphia Sixers - Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State
Philly said they want to improve their perimeter shooting and interior defense. Moultrie gives them a big, athletic big man to help defend the paint and groom as Brand's replacement.
16. Houston Rockets (from New York) - Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Big, athletic, shot blockers like Melo are always in high demand. If he pans out, Houston has their first long-term solution at center since Yao's retirement.
17. Dallas Mavericks - Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
With Kidd and Terry hitting the free agent market, the only PG on Dallas' roster has been the disappointing Roddy Beaubois. Marshall is a true floor general and more NBA-ready then most rookie point guards.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah) - Terrence Ross, SG/SF, Washington
The Wolves' SG/SFs were atrocious last year. Ross has great measurables and a sweet outside stroke - he should immediately be Minnesota's best wing.
19. Orlando Magic - Royce White, PF, Iowa State
The Magic need to take a risk if they want to have any hope of convincing Dwight to stay. White is immensely talented and could form a great compliment to the big man.
20. Denver Nuggets - Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Denver doesn't really have any pressing needs, so a high-potential kid like Rivers would be an excellent pick. He would be a solid third guard behind Lawson and Afflalo for the time being.
21. Boston Celtics - Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Was a top-10 talent a week ago, but has fallen because of injury concerns and a poor combine performance. Boston will happily take him here, where he can contribute at both PF and C whether or not the big 3 return.
22. Boston Celtics (from LA Clippers) - Terrence Jones, SF/PF, Kentucky
Boston grabs another falling forward with loads of natural talent. Jones can be either a big 3 or a face-up 4, and brings a lot of versatility to the Boston bench.
23. Atlanta Hawks - Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Atlanta has needed a true center for years. While Ezeli may be a reach at 23, he’s got great length and considerable upside as a shot blocking/rebounding C.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LA Lakers) - Jeff Taylor, SG/SF, Vanderbilt
Taylor has developed into a lights-out shooter and great defender over his four years at Vandy. Cleveland needs to invest more then one pick in improving their wing situation, and putting an NBA-ready guy like him between Irving and MKG would help both of them immensely.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington
Memphis loves big guards, and Wroten has huge upside. He could play next to either Conley or Mayo and be productive.
26. Indiana Pacers - Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Collison has been so-so and George Hill is more of a combo guard. Getting a high-potential young PG like Teague this late in the draft would be a steal for Indiana.
27. Miami Heat - Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
Nicholson is a big man who can hit the three - an ideal young big man to add to the Heat's arsenal. With Mike Miller potentially contemplating retirement, Miami may just want to stock up on shooters.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder - Evan Fournier, SG/SF, Poitiers (France)
Supposedly OKC doesn't want to pay guaranteed money to their pick. Fournier is a good Euro stash.
29. Chicago Bulls - Tyshawn Tyler, PG, Kansas
PG (at least, backup PG) was a need even before Rose went down. Now, it's a critical need. Tyler is experienced and should be able to help out until Rose returns.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio) - Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
GS gets a high-potential young SF who could potentially address that position in a year or two. Miller has incredible length and defensive potential. If he can iron out his jump shot he should be a starter for a long time.
