SOUL'S Mock Draft (Full analysis + Trades)
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 6:25 am
Warning: The trades and mock draft is where I think the prospects/fun trades should go - not exactly what I think may happen. Just doing this for fun, but still put a lot of thought into this.
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With the FIRST pick.. the Cleveland Cavaliers select: C, Joel Embiid: The no brainer pick, IMO. Varejao is getting up there in age after a decade of fine service, but the possibility of having a Kyrie/Embiid duo is too good to pass up, and immediately erases some iffy lottery choices the past few seasons. Central division is going to have a lot of good centers and Embiid intends to try and feast on them 4 times a year. I think Embiid is totally legit and barring any future injuries, can be on the all-star team by 2016.
With the SECOND pick.. the Milwaukee Bucks select: SF, Andrew Wiggins: Milwaukee FO have talked up Parker and the Sixers are apparently in love with Wiggins, but the Bucks think "to hell with that" and don't let the Sixers get their prized possession. The Bucks are in no rush to win now (hell, the fans begged them to rebuild rather than be a treadmill team), and even if they wanted to compete with Parker, they wouldn't fare very well. I think the Bucks want to hit a home run here, and it isn't like Wiggins is a super reach by any means. I think they want him to develop his ball handling skills, and develop a bit so that he can at times slide over to the 2 so that him and The Greek Freek could create havoc on the wings with supreme athleticism.
With the THIRD pick.. the Philadelphia 76ers select: SF, Jabari Parker: The Sixers get an immediate impact player (offensively) that reminds me of Paul Pierce - their often chaotic offense starts to look a lot more organized as Parker instantly becomes one of the first options. I was EXTREMELY close to putting Exum here because I think a lot of what they like in Wiggins can also be seen in Exum (just different areas - speed, first step, length, fluidity) but with Exum insisting he is a pure PG and not a combo, and with MCW clearly not being better off as a SG than a PG, I think the Sixers select Parker and are a bit sad that Wiggins didn't fall. Although I think Parker can put up close to 20 ppg on this squad while being a damn good player.
With the FOURTH pick.. the Orlando Magic select: PG, Dante Exum: In reality.. I think this pick is between Exum, Vonleh and Smart - in that order. The Magic absolutely would've picked Marcus Smart last year (at least before Oladipo started impressing) and saw a lot of what they liked in Smart with Oladipo. While still high on him, they are just as intrigued, if not more so, with Exum. It also has potential to be a much better fit if Exum pans out. The Magic are really into hard working, high impact players .. so while Vonleh and Smart fit that bill more, it doesn't mean that Exum isn't as hungry (he just did his eating behind doors, in Australia) and it will be an easy sell for the Magic fans with the Penny comparisons (also the international exposure + personality of Exum could make this a special pick that Orlando needs if he becomes great).
With the FIFTH pick.. the Utah Jazz select: SF/PF, Aaron Gordon: While not entirely convinced of Trey Burke as their future top tier PG (yet still really solid), they like him enough to not go Smart here (ignoring the fact that Smart refuses to work out there). Most people are saying Vonleh in the fifth spot, and while I think it may be the likely pick of the actual draft - there is a small chance, and one I would take if I was the Jazz, to hit a home run with the Gordon pick. Gordon has been flying up the draft board (Celtics are rumored to love him) and projects to be a do-it-all type of player in the NBA as a hybrid of a bunch of dudes that I won't name. He is the youngest player in the draft, and is said to have a crazy work ethic - both promising factors. I think with the uncertainty that is Hayward, and the still somewhat possible (although unlikely) emergence of Kanter, combined with Favors means that they don't 100% need to go Vonleh here. The Jazz who are starved for a legit star can try and make that happen with this pick.
With the SIXTH pick.. the Boston Celtics select: PF, Noah Vonleh: The Celtics pick up the Haverhill, Mass local in Noah Vonleh. While reportedly being enamored with Gordon, and a possible need for Smart if Rondo goes (although I think he has a decent chance of staying around), the Celtics are still thrilled to pick up Vonleh. Vonleh can be inserted into their starting lineup right away and inject some Mass love into the team. While the glut of their young talent is in the forward position on the Celtics (Olynyk, Sullinger, Faverani?), Vonleh would instantly become the go-to big man and they can work the rest out later. I think the Celtics clearly go the route of talent over need here. I also think Vonleh can play C in some small ball lineups if the Celtics want to run those lineups.
With the SEVENTH pick.. the Los Angeles Lakers select: PG, Marcus Smart: The Lakers are at a bit of a crossroads since they need pretty much every position at this time, but end up taking Smart. Pau may not be back next year, and they pretty much have no real big men which would make them consider taking Randle.. but Nash is about 50 years old, and Kendall Marshall looks like nothing more than a solid disher. With Smart, they shore up their backcourt and pair him with Kobe for a few years (in a recent interview, Kobe said he plans on retiring in 2 years) so Smart can even double as their future SG if the whole PG thing isn't really his style. As much as Laker fans don't want to look towards a future without Kobe in it.. picking Smart here makes a whole lot of sense.
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With the EIGHTH pick.. the Sacramento Kings select: PF, Julius Randle and trade him (along with Jason Terry and Ray McCallum) to the Philadelphia 76ers for Thaddeus Young and the 10th overall pick.
The first big trade of the draft involves the ever-active Sixers GM Sam Hinkie. The reasoning for this trade is that while the Sixers would rather package him and the 3rd pick to move up, it may not be worth it in the eyes of Hinkie - who instead covets a player like Randle dropping to the 8th spot more. While it is entirely possible that the Sixers could stand pat and hope he falls to 10 they don't want to take a chance (the Kings or whoever the Kings may trade this pick to will take Randle if he was available). Thad Young may be expected by Sixers fans to fetch more than moving up 2 spots, but I think they would be well served taking a chance on a talent like Randle and trading Young who will leave anyway up a few picks instead of hoping they could get a young player already in the league that has fallen out of favor or a strange Redick/Tobias deal falling into their laps. The forward-thinking Hinkie would rather gamble in a deep draft like this.
They go into the season sporting MCW/??//Parker//Randle//Noel and hope for another top pick next year. The Kings get a promise from Thad to re-sign with Rudy Gay (in my mock) opting out and wanting to play for a more competitive team (even if it means a bit less money) while also acquiring the 10th pick. The Kings do this trade thinking they can still get a high impact player at 10, as well as bringing in a really good player in Thad Young who can be better than any of the players in the 8-12 range.
With the NINTH pick, the Charlotte (formally known as Bobcats) Hornets select: G, Nik Stauskas: It's well known that the Bobcats are looking for a shooter. McDermott has been the most commonly linked to this pick, as has Stauskas (although not much as of late) - but I think the Bobcats go for Stauskas. The reasoning is that while they are getting a knockdown shooter in both scenarios, the Bobcats also like the ball-handling and second guard skills he could bring to their team (along with size). They get a shooter that doesn't have to come off screens as much, and can handle the rock no matter if Kemba is out there with him or not.
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With the TENTH pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select (and trade) to the Sacramento Kings: PG, Elfrid Payton: The Kings have been in the market for a starting PG (realizing Isiah Thomas' height problems - but also his extreme positives in his scoring ability and being lethal off of the bench) and go for a slight reach in Elfrid Payton (who may not be a reach soon, I've seen him going as high as 8 on some mocks). Payton has apparently held his own in workouts against Smart and is climbing draft boards around the country. A lot of people compare his game to Rondo - whether or not that will come to fruition remains to be seen but if it does, it definitely is worth risking the 10th pick on.
With the ELEVENTH pick, the Denver Nuggets select: SG, Gary Harris: A very solid guard prospect (Jalen Rose thinks he will be the best guard from this class), the Nuggets fill a hole in their roster (Randy Foye is their starting SG) and go with Gary Harris over Saric. While Saric is also a possibility at this point, he may not even come over and provides a bit of a logjam at the forward positions with Gallo and Chandler (who he may even be a similar player to) - with Harris, they upgrade immediately or at least they play him off the bench where he will be a solid scorer.
With the TWELFTH pick, the Orlando Magic select: F, Dario Saric: The Magic are not as starved for a traditional forward as most people are lead to believe. With O'Quinn's emergence and Tobias playing a lot of minutes at the 4 (and Nicholson potentially still being a solid backup), I think the Magic are experimenting with what type of forward they would like to have. Saric brings a Diaw/Turkoglu like skillset that the Magic are used to in the past, and are willing to take the risk of Saric sitting out a year although he would most likely get a decent shot at playing a lot of minutes depending who is around at the start of the season.
With the THIRTEENTH pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves select: G, Zach LaVine: At this spot the Timberwolves can go a number of options. With Love seemingly on the outs, and facing the possibility of a complete rebuild depending on the package they get for Love, the Timberwolves would be well served going for a home run pick in LaVine. With insane athleticism and a shot that potentially could be quite sweet, his upside is too much for the Timberwolves to ignore.
He may turn out to be a Westbrook type of combo guard, a Suns Gerald Green type of shooter/athleticism .. or a Gerald Green circa mid 2000's and flop. Only time will tell.
going to
With the FOURTEENTH pick, the Phoenix Suns select: F, Doug McDermott and trade him (along with Channing Frye, Ish Smith) to the Charlotte Hornets for the 24th pick, a future late first, Gerald Henderson and Bismack Biyombo.
The Hornets are practically salivating to make this trade, pouncing on a player they never thought would drop and getting the best of both worlds in acquiring both Stauskas and McDermott. They trade two players that don't seem to have much of a defined role or future, and pick up even more extra shooting in Channing Frye. The Suns move back 10 picks in a draft where the next best 5 prospects can drop that far. In a season where the Suns overachieved and entertained.. there is no clear cut need at 14 and can assess their situation at 24. In addition, they acquire a future 1st, a solid guard in Henderson, and an intriguing big in Biyombo who could potentially be a beastly yearly defender who needs to fit in the right situation. Phoenix has been the home to a lot of reclamation projects, and Biyombo can blossom here.
With the FIFTEENTH pick, the Atlanta Hawks select: SF, Rodney Hood: The Hawks take a really good shooter in Hood, and fill a need in their SF position who currently has DeMarre Carroll starting. While he's a solid starter, the Hawks look to the future with this pick and add somebody who can provide great scoring and size.
With the SIXTEENTH pick, the Chicago Bulls select: PF, Adreian Payne: With the Bulls moving away from Boozer and with Taj moving into the starting lineup, Payne would be a perfect big off of the bench. Athletic with a good shooting stroke is a good combination to have, and the pair seems like a perfect fit for each other.
With the SEVENTEENTH pick, the Boston Celtics select: PG, Tyler Ennis: With Rondo's situation being up in there air and Bradley clearly not being the answer at PG, the Celtics can do much worse than winding up with Ennis at 17. Coming off a solid season with the Orangemen, Ennis showed a lot of poise and leadership for a freshman - and while he isn't an athletic marvel, he seems to make the right plays and his game should be able to translate semi-easily to the pros.
With the EIGHTEENTH pick, the Phoenix Suns select: C, Jusuf Nurkic: A robust center in the vein of Pekovic/Vucevic, the Suns I feel would be thrilled with this pick. Although he doesn't possess much athleticism, his skills around the basket are undeniable and he shoots a very high percentage at the line which bodes well. I don't know his situation overseas and whether or not he intends to come over right away, but depending on what happens, the Suns are fine with him sitting out a year or coming over and challenging for the starting spot.
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With the NINETEENTH pick, the Chicago Bulls select: SF, Kyle Anderson and trade him to the Houston Rockets (along with Carlos Boozer, Tony Snell and the 49th pick) for Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, and Donatas Motiejunas. I honestly don't know the situation with Carmelo, so if the Bulls can still sign him outright after this trade, I think the Bulls pull the trigger on this improving their team by a lot. They would hate to trade Snell, but the potential acquisition of Carmelo could be sped up if they show Carmelo they would like to win now. They get Asik back who was built by Thibs and welcomes his coaching again, and Lin who, for all the **** he gets, is a solid backup that would provide entertainment with Rose healthy. They also receive Motiejunas who could be a valuable big off the bench.
The Rockets eat the contract of Boozer (who is close with Howard) (but get rid of Asik and Lin), get a pick, a young promising player in Snell, another young promising player in Kyle Anderson (who could be something special, even with all of his slowness) who will backup Parsons or be the future SF depending on what the Rockets do with Parsons.
With the TWENTIETH pick, the Toronto Raptors select: PF, Clint Capela: The Raptors take a chance on the intriguing, athletic big from Switzerland. His potential is drool worthy, and the chance that he becomes Ibaka-lite could be real - and worth the pick instead of going for the safer pick in Shabazz Napier with Lowry's future in the air.
With the TWENTYFIRST pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder select: SG, James Young: The youngest from Kentucky slides a bit but ends up in a good situation with OKC. He doesn't have to get a bunch of minutes right away, but I think the Thunder would benefit by giving him 10-15 off the bench regularly. Jackson isn't a real SG - Lamb doesn't seem to have grabbed onto the reigns of the spot, so Young would be a great fit here.
With the TWENTYSECOND pick, the Memphis Grizzlies select: SF, TJ Warren: I love this fit for the Grizzlies. Tayshaun Prince might be one of the worst starters in the league, and TJ Warren would contend for the starting spot immediately. A great scorer who will hit the open jumper and occasional three, and I think he has the sort of attitude that blends in perfectly with the Grizzlies.
With the TWENTYTHIRD pick, the Utah Jazz select: G, Jordan Clarkson: Going to be honest here, I haven't watched much of Clarkson but from what I've heard he has good size and good potential. The Jazz don't have the best of backup guards, and Clarkson would excel in Utah while competing for backup minutes. Hell, he could even develop and be better than Burke. Who knows.
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(from here on out I won't provide much explanation since I haven't watched much video on these dudes, just going by fit/potential)
With the TWENTYFOURTH pick, the Charlotte Hornets select: F, Jarnell Stokes and trade him to the Phoenix Suns.
With the TWENTYFIFTH pick, the Houston Rockets select: PG, Shabazz Napier: Losing Jeremy Lin in the trade, the Rockets select a heady college vet in Shabazz and put him behind Beverley.
With the TWENTYSIXTH pick, the Miami Heat select: SF, Cleanthony Early
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With the TWENTYSEVENTH pick, the Phoenix Suns select: F, Glenn Robinson III and trade him to the Golden St. Warriors for cash considerations and a future pick.
With the TWENTYEIGHTH pick, the Los Angeles Clippers select: C, Mitch McGary
With the TWENTYNINTH pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder select: SF, Jerami Grant
With the THIRTIETH pick, the San Antonio Spurs select: SG, Bogdan Bogdanovic
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With the FIRST pick.. the Cleveland Cavaliers select: C, Joel Embiid: The no brainer pick, IMO. Varejao is getting up there in age after a decade of fine service, but the possibility of having a Kyrie/Embiid duo is too good to pass up, and immediately erases some iffy lottery choices the past few seasons. Central division is going to have a lot of good centers and Embiid intends to try and feast on them 4 times a year. I think Embiid is totally legit and barring any future injuries, can be on the all-star team by 2016.
With the SECOND pick.. the Milwaukee Bucks select: SF, Andrew Wiggins: Milwaukee FO have talked up Parker and the Sixers are apparently in love with Wiggins, but the Bucks think "to hell with that" and don't let the Sixers get their prized possession. The Bucks are in no rush to win now (hell, the fans begged them to rebuild rather than be a treadmill team), and even if they wanted to compete with Parker, they wouldn't fare very well. I think the Bucks want to hit a home run here, and it isn't like Wiggins is a super reach by any means. I think they want him to develop his ball handling skills, and develop a bit so that he can at times slide over to the 2 so that him and The Greek Freek could create havoc on the wings with supreme athleticism.
With the THIRD pick.. the Philadelphia 76ers select: SF, Jabari Parker: The Sixers get an immediate impact player (offensively) that reminds me of Paul Pierce - their often chaotic offense starts to look a lot more organized as Parker instantly becomes one of the first options. I was EXTREMELY close to putting Exum here because I think a lot of what they like in Wiggins can also be seen in Exum (just different areas - speed, first step, length, fluidity) but with Exum insisting he is a pure PG and not a combo, and with MCW clearly not being better off as a SG than a PG, I think the Sixers select Parker and are a bit sad that Wiggins didn't fall. Although I think Parker can put up close to 20 ppg on this squad while being a damn good player.
With the FOURTH pick.. the Orlando Magic select: PG, Dante Exum: In reality.. I think this pick is between Exum, Vonleh and Smart - in that order. The Magic absolutely would've picked Marcus Smart last year (at least before Oladipo started impressing) and saw a lot of what they liked in Smart with Oladipo. While still high on him, they are just as intrigued, if not more so, with Exum. It also has potential to be a much better fit if Exum pans out. The Magic are really into hard working, high impact players .. so while Vonleh and Smart fit that bill more, it doesn't mean that Exum isn't as hungry (he just did his eating behind doors, in Australia) and it will be an easy sell for the Magic fans with the Penny comparisons (also the international exposure + personality of Exum could make this a special pick that Orlando needs if he becomes great).
With the FIFTH pick.. the Utah Jazz select: SF/PF, Aaron Gordon: While not entirely convinced of Trey Burke as their future top tier PG (yet still really solid), they like him enough to not go Smart here (ignoring the fact that Smart refuses to work out there). Most people are saying Vonleh in the fifth spot, and while I think it may be the likely pick of the actual draft - there is a small chance, and one I would take if I was the Jazz, to hit a home run with the Gordon pick. Gordon has been flying up the draft board (Celtics are rumored to love him) and projects to be a do-it-all type of player in the NBA as a hybrid of a bunch of dudes that I won't name. He is the youngest player in the draft, and is said to have a crazy work ethic - both promising factors. I think with the uncertainty that is Hayward, and the still somewhat possible (although unlikely) emergence of Kanter, combined with Favors means that they don't 100% need to go Vonleh here. The Jazz who are starved for a legit star can try and make that happen with this pick.
With the SIXTH pick.. the Boston Celtics select: PF, Noah Vonleh: The Celtics pick up the Haverhill, Mass local in Noah Vonleh. While reportedly being enamored with Gordon, and a possible need for Smart if Rondo goes (although I think he has a decent chance of staying around), the Celtics are still thrilled to pick up Vonleh. Vonleh can be inserted into their starting lineup right away and inject some Mass love into the team. While the glut of their young talent is in the forward position on the Celtics (Olynyk, Sullinger, Faverani?), Vonleh would instantly become the go-to big man and they can work the rest out later. I think the Celtics clearly go the route of talent over need here. I also think Vonleh can play C in some small ball lineups if the Celtics want to run those lineups.
With the SEVENTH pick.. the Los Angeles Lakers select: PG, Marcus Smart: The Lakers are at a bit of a crossroads since they need pretty much every position at this time, but end up taking Smart. Pau may not be back next year, and they pretty much have no real big men which would make them consider taking Randle.. but Nash is about 50 years old, and Kendall Marshall looks like nothing more than a solid disher. With Smart, they shore up their backcourt and pair him with Kobe for a few years (in a recent interview, Kobe said he plans on retiring in 2 years) so Smart can even double as their future SG if the whole PG thing isn't really his style. As much as Laker fans don't want to look towards a future without Kobe in it.. picking Smart here makes a whole lot of sense.
going to With the EIGHTH pick.. the Sacramento Kings select: PF, Julius Randle and trade him (along with Jason Terry and Ray McCallum) to the Philadelphia 76ers for Thaddeus Young and the 10th overall pick.
The first big trade of the draft involves the ever-active Sixers GM Sam Hinkie. The reasoning for this trade is that while the Sixers would rather package him and the 3rd pick to move up, it may not be worth it in the eyes of Hinkie - who instead covets a player like Randle dropping to the 8th spot more. While it is entirely possible that the Sixers could stand pat and hope he falls to 10 they don't want to take a chance (the Kings or whoever the Kings may trade this pick to will take Randle if he was available). Thad Young may be expected by Sixers fans to fetch more than moving up 2 spots, but I think they would be well served taking a chance on a talent like Randle and trading Young who will leave anyway up a few picks instead of hoping they could get a young player already in the league that has fallen out of favor or a strange Redick/Tobias deal falling into their laps. The forward-thinking Hinkie would rather gamble in a deep draft like this.
They go into the season sporting MCW/??//Parker//Randle//Noel and hope for another top pick next year. The Kings get a promise from Thad to re-sign with Rudy Gay (in my mock) opting out and wanting to play for a more competitive team (even if it means a bit less money) while also acquiring the 10th pick. The Kings do this trade thinking they can still get a high impact player at 10, as well as bringing in a really good player in Thad Young who can be better than any of the players in the 8-12 range.
With the NINTH pick, the Charlotte (formally known as Bobcats) Hornets select: G, Nik Stauskas: It's well known that the Bobcats are looking for a shooter. McDermott has been the most commonly linked to this pick, as has Stauskas (although not much as of late) - but I think the Bobcats go for Stauskas. The reasoning is that while they are getting a knockdown shooter in both scenarios, the Bobcats also like the ball-handling and second guard skills he could bring to their team (along with size). They get a shooter that doesn't have to come off screens as much, and can handle the rock no matter if Kemba is out there with him or not.
going to With the TENTH pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select (and trade) to the Sacramento Kings: PG, Elfrid Payton: The Kings have been in the market for a starting PG (realizing Isiah Thomas' height problems - but also his extreme positives in his scoring ability and being lethal off of the bench) and go for a slight reach in Elfrid Payton (who may not be a reach soon, I've seen him going as high as 8 on some mocks). Payton has apparently held his own in workouts against Smart and is climbing draft boards around the country. A lot of people compare his game to Rondo - whether or not that will come to fruition remains to be seen but if it does, it definitely is worth risking the 10th pick on.
With the ELEVENTH pick, the Denver Nuggets select: SG, Gary Harris: A very solid guard prospect (Jalen Rose thinks he will be the best guard from this class), the Nuggets fill a hole in their roster (Randy Foye is their starting SG) and go with Gary Harris over Saric. While Saric is also a possibility at this point, he may not even come over and provides a bit of a logjam at the forward positions with Gallo and Chandler (who he may even be a similar player to) - with Harris, they upgrade immediately or at least they play him off the bench where he will be a solid scorer.
With the TWELFTH pick, the Orlando Magic select: F, Dario Saric: The Magic are not as starved for a traditional forward as most people are lead to believe. With O'Quinn's emergence and Tobias playing a lot of minutes at the 4 (and Nicholson potentially still being a solid backup), I think the Magic are experimenting with what type of forward they would like to have. Saric brings a Diaw/Turkoglu like skillset that the Magic are used to in the past, and are willing to take the risk of Saric sitting out a year although he would most likely get a decent shot at playing a lot of minutes depending who is around at the start of the season.
With the THIRTEENTH pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves select: G, Zach LaVine: At this spot the Timberwolves can go a number of options. With Love seemingly on the outs, and facing the possibility of a complete rebuild depending on the package they get for Love, the Timberwolves would be well served going for a home run pick in LaVine. With insane athleticism and a shot that potentially could be quite sweet, his upside is too much for the Timberwolves to ignore.
He may turn out to be a Westbrook type of combo guard, a Suns Gerald Green type of shooter/athleticism .. or a Gerald Green circa mid 2000's and flop. Only time will tell.
going to With the FOURTEENTH pick, the Phoenix Suns select: F, Doug McDermott and trade him (along with Channing Frye, Ish Smith) to the Charlotte Hornets for the 24th pick, a future late first, Gerald Henderson and Bismack Biyombo.
The Hornets are practically salivating to make this trade, pouncing on a player they never thought would drop and getting the best of both worlds in acquiring both Stauskas and McDermott. They trade two players that don't seem to have much of a defined role or future, and pick up even more extra shooting in Channing Frye. The Suns move back 10 picks in a draft where the next best 5 prospects can drop that far. In a season where the Suns overachieved and entertained.. there is no clear cut need at 14 and can assess their situation at 24. In addition, they acquire a future 1st, a solid guard in Henderson, and an intriguing big in Biyombo who could potentially be a beastly yearly defender who needs to fit in the right situation. Phoenix has been the home to a lot of reclamation projects, and Biyombo can blossom here.
With the FIFTEENTH pick, the Atlanta Hawks select: SF, Rodney Hood: The Hawks take a really good shooter in Hood, and fill a need in their SF position who currently has DeMarre Carroll starting. While he's a solid starter, the Hawks look to the future with this pick and add somebody who can provide great scoring and size.
With the SIXTEENTH pick, the Chicago Bulls select: PF, Adreian Payne: With the Bulls moving away from Boozer and with Taj moving into the starting lineup, Payne would be a perfect big off of the bench. Athletic with a good shooting stroke is a good combination to have, and the pair seems like a perfect fit for each other.
With the SEVENTEENTH pick, the Boston Celtics select: PG, Tyler Ennis: With Rondo's situation being up in there air and Bradley clearly not being the answer at PG, the Celtics can do much worse than winding up with Ennis at 17. Coming off a solid season with the Orangemen, Ennis showed a lot of poise and leadership for a freshman - and while he isn't an athletic marvel, he seems to make the right plays and his game should be able to translate semi-easily to the pros.
With the EIGHTEENTH pick, the Phoenix Suns select: C, Jusuf Nurkic: A robust center in the vein of Pekovic/Vucevic, the Suns I feel would be thrilled with this pick. Although he doesn't possess much athleticism, his skills around the basket are undeniable and he shoots a very high percentage at the line which bodes well. I don't know his situation overseas and whether or not he intends to come over right away, but depending on what happens, the Suns are fine with him sitting out a year or coming over and challenging for the starting spot.
going to With the NINETEENTH pick, the Chicago Bulls select: SF, Kyle Anderson and trade him to the Houston Rockets (along with Carlos Boozer, Tony Snell and the 49th pick) for Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, and Donatas Motiejunas. I honestly don't know the situation with Carmelo, so if the Bulls can still sign him outright after this trade, I think the Bulls pull the trigger on this improving their team by a lot. They would hate to trade Snell, but the potential acquisition of Carmelo could be sped up if they show Carmelo they would like to win now. They get Asik back who was built by Thibs and welcomes his coaching again, and Lin who, for all the **** he gets, is a solid backup that would provide entertainment with Rose healthy. They also receive Motiejunas who could be a valuable big off the bench.
The Rockets eat the contract of Boozer (who is close with Howard) (but get rid of Asik and Lin), get a pick, a young promising player in Snell, another young promising player in Kyle Anderson (who could be something special, even with all of his slowness) who will backup Parsons or be the future SF depending on what the Rockets do with Parsons.
With the TWENTIETH pick, the Toronto Raptors select: PF, Clint Capela: The Raptors take a chance on the intriguing, athletic big from Switzerland. His potential is drool worthy, and the chance that he becomes Ibaka-lite could be real - and worth the pick instead of going for the safer pick in Shabazz Napier with Lowry's future in the air.
With the TWENTYFIRST pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder select: SG, James Young: The youngest from Kentucky slides a bit but ends up in a good situation with OKC. He doesn't have to get a bunch of minutes right away, but I think the Thunder would benefit by giving him 10-15 off the bench regularly. Jackson isn't a real SG - Lamb doesn't seem to have grabbed onto the reigns of the spot, so Young would be a great fit here.
With the TWENTYSECOND pick, the Memphis Grizzlies select: SF, TJ Warren: I love this fit for the Grizzlies. Tayshaun Prince might be one of the worst starters in the league, and TJ Warren would contend for the starting spot immediately. A great scorer who will hit the open jumper and occasional three, and I think he has the sort of attitude that blends in perfectly with the Grizzlies.
With the TWENTYTHIRD pick, the Utah Jazz select: G, Jordan Clarkson: Going to be honest here, I haven't watched much of Clarkson but from what I've heard he has good size and good potential. The Jazz don't have the best of backup guards, and Clarkson would excel in Utah while competing for backup minutes. Hell, he could even develop and be better than Burke. Who knows.
going to (from here on out I won't provide much explanation since I haven't watched much video on these dudes, just going by fit/potential)
With the TWENTYFOURTH pick, the Charlotte Hornets select: F, Jarnell Stokes and trade him to the Phoenix Suns.
With the TWENTYFIFTH pick, the Houston Rockets select: PG, Shabazz Napier: Losing Jeremy Lin in the trade, the Rockets select a heady college vet in Shabazz and put him behind Beverley.
With the TWENTYSIXTH pick, the Miami Heat select: SF, Cleanthony Early
going to With the TWENTYSEVENTH pick, the Phoenix Suns select: F, Glenn Robinson III and trade him to the Golden St. Warriors for cash considerations and a future pick.
With the TWENTYEIGHTH pick, the Los Angeles Clippers select: C, Mitch McGary
With the TWENTYNINTH pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder select: SF, Jerami Grant
With the THIRTIETH pick, the San Antonio Spurs select: SG, Bogdan Bogdanovic
