1. New Jersey Nets: John Wall PG, Kentucky Fr. (6-4, 195)
Though he come back to earth some since an unbelievable start and is having some turnover problems, it does nothing to affect John Wall's status as the top prospect of the draft and one of best in the last ten years. He's the prototypical point guard size and an otherworldly athlete with remarkable speed and quickness. Offensively, he's got a decent jump shot that he can certainly improve, but his main asset is his quickness to the rim in the half-court and his speed in the open court, which is truly remarkable (Just ask UNC). He's a terrific finisher who can either throw down an explosive dunk, or contort for the layup. Perhaps most impressive is that with all his scoring ability he is a creative and willing passer (he averages 7 assists a game) which means he understand what it means to be a point guard. He does need to improve his decision making however, averaging 4 turnovers per game. Defensively he has the potential to be great, and is solid now though he's still learning and tends to coast somewhat, which was exposed in harshly when South Carolina's Devan Downey clowned on him to the tune of 30 points and a Kentucky loss. If the Nets win the lottery, they either need to figure out a way to play Wall and Devin Harris together or trade Harris; as good as he is, Wall could and probably will become a top 5 player in the league.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Evan Turner SG/SF, Ohio State Jr. (6-7, 205)
If there is one player who can challenge John Wall for the number 1 pick, it it Evan Turner from Ohio State. He can play either guard position or SF and a is stat-stuffing machine (18.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG 5.7 APG 2 SPG) who has had several triple-doubles in his career. He's a great rebounder for his position and an excellent and willing passer with a fantastic handle for his size. Offensively, he's fantastic at getting to the rim and finishing, though he's not a tremendous athlete, he has good strength and body control. His outside shot needs work, but that will come with time. He does average 4 turnovers a game, but that comes from essentially being OSU's offense. Besides that, the only other red flag with him is that he broke two vertebrae in his back (back injuries are always tricky) but he showed his toughness by coming back way ahead of schedule and returning to form almost immediately. Defensively, like all college players, he's learning but plays with a lot of effort and intensity which is a good sign. For the T-Wolves, Turner gives them a little bit of everything but most importantly gives them the wing scorer they desperately need. As a scorer (and only a scorer) Turner is similar to Kevin Martin, a player the Timberwolves were linked to at the trade deadline.
3. Golden State Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins PF/C, Kentucky Fr. (6-11, 270)
Based on pure talent, DeMarcus Cousins is a top 3 pick but if his bad behavior and questions about his character and conditioning persist, he could easily fall out of the top ten. Cousins has everything you'd want in the a center, he's got an NBA body with great length and strength, he's a force down low and can also step out an hit an NBA three pointer. He's got the hands and the footwork to be a dominate scorer in the paint and the strength and length to be a great rebounder and defender. He's basically got it all. However, he's got a questionable motor, a short temper, and isn't in great condition right now. He may never be a great leader or character guy, but he's won't have to be on most teams and if brought along right, he'll be a top 5 center in the league. Andris Biedrins has been disappointing as Golden States center, though that's likely due to Don Nelson's ridicules coaching. If Nelson is fired (as he should be) or retires, hopefully Golden State will institute a real system and Biedrin's will be more effective. Either way, Cousins will be able to play the 4 and the 5 for Golden State and give them more punch inside.
4. Sacramento Kings: Wesley Johnson SG/SF, Syracuse Jr. (6-7, 200)
As a prospect, Wes Johnson, a transfer from Iowa State really came out of no where. He went from being not even close to anyone's radar to a top 10 lock in a matter of months. It's easy to see why, he does everything: he shoots the three (42% from deep), bangs in the paint (54% FGP), scores (16 PPG), rebounds, (9 RPG) passes (3 APG), creates turnovers (2 SPG), and blocks shots (2 BPG). Offensively, he's got range to the 3 point line, is long enough to finish from the high post and freakishly athletic for finishing above the rim. His one area of weakness is his driving ability, where he can lose the handle by trying to get to fancy with his dibbling. He's a good dribbler in the open court, however. Defensively, he plays in zone 99 percent of the time so it's hard to evaluate if he'll be a lockdown defender or not, but he certainly has the physical tools and desire to become one. He's a fantastic rebounder, using his length and athleticism to sky for rebounds and he has strong hands when he get the rock. His length also helps him block shots despite playing on the wing. He just plays with great overall effort. Now that they've traded Kevin Martin for Carl Landry, the Kings needs changes from forward to Martin's replacement on the wing. Wes Johnson is a perfect fit for playing alongside Tyreke Evans because he doesn't need the ball to score. While his quickness, length and rebounding will provide an instant upgrade to the Kings defense.
5. Indiana Pacers: Derrick Favors PF, Georgia Tech Fr. (6-9, 245)
Though many people have been disappointed in Derrick Favors because he hasn't been fantastic, just steady, obviously don't watch Georgia Tech play and just look at the box score. Watching Tech is painful a lot of the times because Favors and Gani Lawal are extremely talented players, but they play with a bunch of out-of-control, shoot first guards with terrible vision. Instead of feeding the beasts in the post, they make crazy drives or jack up threes. Lawal does get some touches, but Favors pretty much has to live off of put backs and maybe an alley-oop or two. Favors is criticized for not having any go-to moves, but he never has a chance to develop them in-game because he never gets the ball on the block. Defensively, he shows that he has the potential to be a shot blocking force (2 BPG), as well as a great rebounder, and anchor the defense of a team for years to come. He's got great mobility and athleticism to go with incredible length (supposed 9ft+ wingspan) and he really likes to play defense. On offense, once he fills out and gets some solid post moves, he's going to be terrifying in the paint, similar to Amare Stoudemire pre-injury, as you can see from some of his high school highlights. He's not a great shooter, but that comes with time. The Pacers drafted Tyler Hansbrough last year, and I think it makes sense for them to take Favors, as they're set at the 2, 3, and 5 for now. Their biggest need is point guard, but taking a point guard here would be a HUGE reach. Pairing Favors with Roy Hibbert makes sense because Hibbert isn't very mobile and Favors is. Both are shot-blockers and this would give Indiana a very intimidating front line when they played together, or help them make up for the defensive ineptitude of their other front court guys, mixing and matching with Hibbert with Hansbrough or Troy Murphy at the 4, or Murphy playing center while Favors plays PF.
6. Utah Jazz (from New York Knicks): Ed Davis PF, North Carolina So. (6-10, 225)
At the beginning of the year, the Ed Davis hype was crazy. He'd hardly played at North Carolina averaging just 6 points and 6 rebounds his freshman season, yet I'd even seen him as the number 1 overall pick in some mocks. While after getting big time minutes his sophomore season he won't be anyone's number 1 pick, he's a top ten lock despite several injuries this year. I've been very impressed with him so far this year, even on a UNC team sinking fast, and he's starting to fulfill his massive potential. Unusually for someone of his size and gifts, he's a very high effort/motor player who'll fight for everything he can get close to. He's almost like former teammate Tyler Hansbrough in his effort level, but with length and athletic gifts for him to be able to carry on successfully in the NBA. Whereas Hansbrough is struggling to finish at the next level, Davis has the length and athleticism to finish just fine against NBA forwards. Davis isn't exactly refined on the offensive end, but he shows steady improvement and certainly has the physical tools. He needs to bulk up significantly, but once he does and is able to bang down low, he'll be a force in the paint. He's a great rebounder (9.5 RPG) both offensively and defensively because of his length, effort, and understanding of body positioning under the rim. Along with rebounding, his most polished skill right now is shot blocking (2.7 BPG) which he is effect at doing without fouling. He broke his wrist and is essentially done for the season. However, I don't think it will drop him out of the top 10. Carlos Boozer will most likely be gone next year, so Paul Millsap will step into the starting lineup. However, there's nothing behind him, so Davis makes sense. Also Millsap, while a great player, is only 6-8 so Davis' size and length will be valuable if the Jazz want to match up against the Lakers in the future.
7. Detroit Pistons: Cole Aldrich C, Kansas Jr. (6-11, 245)
Cole Aldrich has a polished low-post game, is a good rebounder and a great shot-blocker and plays for the number 1 college team in Division 1. So why are many scouts skeptical of him? Well there's three reasons, and ones I think are very valid. Firstly, he's not a great athlete (though better than advertised). Second, he doesn't have tremendous upside. And finally, he may be more a of system guy, as he struggled at the Nike Skills camp. I think that all these things are true, but I also think that Aldrich as the ability to learn a new system and become a quality starter in the league. Will he be a star? Probably not. But he'll give you good minutes, score a little, rebound a little, and certainly help on defense for any team that takes him. He's got decent range on his jumper and some crafty post moves that he can certainly refine. I think he can be a ten and ten guy for sure. I think workouts will be crucial for Aldrich. Right now though, his stock couldn't be higher, as he's turned it on lately. Both the Pistons' centers, Ben Wallace and Kwame Brown, are free agents next year (and even if they weren't, no team can expect to get to the playoffs with that at the 5) so Aldrich makes sense here.
8. Washington Wizards: Greg Monroe PF/C, Georgetown So. (6-11, 250)
Much like DeMarcus Cousins, Greg Monroe could go anywhere from the top ten to out of the lottery. I really like him, but I think teams will shy away due to concerns about his motor, I think teams have been burned too often by inconsistent, super-talented players (Tim Thomas anyone?) I think Monroe is getting a bad rap for the most part, could he take over games more often? Sure, but the Hoyas offense is guard and cut based, so unless John Thompson III decides to feed Monroe, he doesn't have much chance to. Against Syracuse, the switch came on in a big way for Monroe, as he was basically unstoppable, even though he was facing foul plagued players and a freshman who hardly ever plays. Regardless, it was great to see him really dominate.. With an NBA body and legit center size and length, Monroe's skills are impressive. He's got a great back to the basket game that will only get better and he also is a great out of the high post as he can shoot the midrange, handle the ball, and is really fantastic passer. Seriously, he's a better passer than some of the point guards in this draft. Defensively, he needs to add some strength to deal with some of the bigger centers in the NBA, but he's got great length to guard the rim and quickness to switch on smaller players without losing too much. He's really improved his rebounding and while I never think he'll be a dominant rebounder, he certainly won't hurt a team on the boards. The Wizards did the right thing for the future by blowing up the team, they now have the chance to rebuild the team and do it the right way. If Flip Saunders stays, I think he'll do a fantastic job coaching these young kids, if he can get Andray Blatche to be consistant, Al Thornton and Nick Young to play defense and not be a gunner (won't be easy), and teach JaVale McGee how to play the game (he's got a ton of physical potential), they'll have a talented young nucleus. They can build through the draft, and maybe even get a big name free agent, I think Joe Johnson would be a great fit for example. Who knows, maybe even Gilbert Arenas will be back and can avoid shooting his teammates long enough to finally figure out that the jokes on him, he's not a star. Greg Monroe plays at local Georgetown and will be a big draw for Georgetown fans. He also adds another body to the frontcourt and is a high character guy who'll players will love to play with.
9. Philadelphia 76ers: Al-Farouq Aminu SF, Wake Forest So. (6-8, 205)
Aside from John Wall and Derrick Favors, no one has more potential in this draft than Al-Farouq Aminu. He's been playing fantastic ball this year for Wake and showing why, if he left his freshman year, he'd have been a lottery pick even as raw as he was. This year, he's starting to polish up some of his game. His outside shot isn't great, but it's improving and will continue to with NBA coaching. He's also improving his handle, to the point that he can take defenders of the dribble if he gets in good position. His big improvement has been rebounding, he's bumped his average from 8 per game to 11 in roughly the same amount of minutes as last year. He's just an incredibly hard worker who's constantly trying to improve and add to his game. Like his jump shot, his post game is getting better but still a work in progress. I think with a little more teaching and practice, when not double-teamed or facing a superior defender, he'll be able to score efficiently in the post. Where he dominates even in raw stage is using his incredible length and athleticism to finish above the rim and block shots. Those are the two things he excels at along with his great speed running to floor, he's probably the best hustle guy in the draft, never giving up on a play offensively or defensively and continually getting out on fast breaks and beating his man down the floor for the dunk. He still needs to gain some muscle but he's got a great frame with a ridicules 7'4' wingspan. I don't like to make comparisons, but if Aminu fills out right, he's got the speed, length, and hops to be a physical specimen just short of LeBron James. In Philly, Andre Igoudala wasn't traded, so the shooting guard position is solid (as long as they play him there), the next place that needs addressing is the 3, as their other options at the 2 and 3 are Willie Green, Rodney Carney, and Jason Kapono... That's not good.
10. Los Angeles Clippers: Donatas Motiejunas C/PF, Lithuania (7-0, 220)
Donatas Motiejunas is very talented but very raw at only 19 years old. He's a aggressive scorer but right now his hard to evaluate in his potential to score in the NBA because he's very thin and needs to add significant muscle to play in the Association. At 7 feet, he's got a good handle and decent shooting ability but lacks consistency. He moves very well for his size and is great running the floor. He's good down in the post as well, but his lack of bulk tends to hurt him somewhat. He blew up at the Nike Hoops Summit and performed very well. The most important thing for him to do now is bulk up and gain experience. The Clippers traded Marcus Camby, and while even if they resign him next year, he's 35 years old. I know they like DeAndre Jordan a lot, but Motiejunas probably won't play in the NBA until he's spent a few more years in Europe, by that time Chris Kamen will be gone and they'll have needs for backups at the 4 and 5. The Clippers could go any way here, but I think Motiejunas makes the most sense, but I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted any position.
11. Miami Heat: Stanley Robinson SF, UCONN Sr. (6-9, 220)
The Heat are losing a lot of players this offseasons and will have a lot of needs, not the least of which is small forward. Stanley Robinson will be a good fit for them. First thing you need to know about Robinson is that he has amazing hops, he'll enter the league as one of the most explosive leapers in the Association. His athleticism makes him a great rebounder, and a fantastic dunker and blocker. He'll need to add some strength, but other than that he's A+ physically. He's always been, but he was a borderline first round pick last year, but this year after stepping up his game in every way possible, he's in the discussion for the lottery. The most important thing he's improved is his outside shooting (13% from deep to 41%), which was really the last question that remained about whether he could be a small forward in the NBA. He's got the athleticism and the quickness and now that he's improved his shooting ability I think he has a chance to be a very good player at the next level, and one who'll eventually be a great defensive player (watch what he did to Duke's Kyle Singler). He'll be able to play of Dwyane Wade well and will be a good fit with the Heat's defense first team strategy.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte Bobcats): Hassan Whiteside C, Marshall
Fr. (6-11, 225)
The hardest prospects to evaluate are raw, super-athletic players from small schools. The reason is that they dominate weaker players using only their athletic abilities. The problem is in the NBA most everyone is super-athletic, so aside from extra special players, you need more than that to be successful night in and night out in the NBA. Let's get this out of the way: Hassan Whiteside is an incredible athlete for his size but he really has no other offensive game besides dunks. Of course, playing in Conference USA that's enough to get by for a near-7-footer. But raw as he is, Whiteside has great tools. He's got length to go with his athletic ability, is very quick in tight spaces and runs the court very well for his size, much like Dwight Howard on the break trailing for alley oops or put backs. In fact, Whiteside, while not the in the same class as Howard as far as natural ability, compares very favorably to him. He's a monster shot blocker, the best in the country at 5.5 per game, he moves like Howard, and he even looks like Howard when he dunks. Also like Howard, he's a terrible free-throw shooter (57%), doesn't have much of a jump shot (though he may actually be a better shooter than Howard, believe it or not). He needs to gain considerable muscle to play center in the NBA, but that's not a problem because he's got a great frame. Defensively, he's a nightmare with his length and leaping ability, blocking an altering anything near him. He also times his jumps well and doesn't foul much (2.5 fouls per game). I honestly believe he could step into an NBA game right now and make a difference defensively. Other than that, it's questionable. But I do believe he can develop offensively into decent scorer who affects the game defensively. That's what the Timberwolves really need; someone to protect the rim and play beside Kevin Love and Al Jefferson, who are really good players but not great defensive players. Love and Jefferson can handle the scoring down low while Whiteside develops and blocks shots.
13. Houston Rockets: Patrick Patterson PF, Kentucky Jr. (6-8, 245)
Patrick Patterson is proof that stats don't always tell the story with draft prospects. His scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks are all down from last year, yet he's moved from a borderline first round pick into the lottery. The reason for the decline in stats is freshman John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Eric Bledsoe, who are tearing it up for UK, while Patterson has become the third option. But instead of sulking, he's thriving. Showing that he's a character guy, who can score produce even if he's not the Alpha Dog. Defense is a great way to see a players maturity and he's shown better technique and hustle on his rebounds, tougher on-ball defense, better help D, and more overall passion on that end, doing the dirty little things to help his team win. On offense, he's still developing a post game but is a very effective finisher around close to the rim, it's the getting there from the low post that he's working on. He's good at getting to the rim on cuts as well, as he's very mobile and quick, and when he gets there he knows what to do. His ideal position on the floor is the high post, where his range (he's shooting 40% on 3s and takes 1.5 per game), unselfishness, quickness and finishing ability make him a triple threat. Physically, except for being a little undersized, he's got an NBA body that can take the abuse of banging in the paint, is great at running the floor, and is an explosive leaper. After the Rocket's traded Carl Landry, they need to add depth to the front court and Patterson will be a good fit because with Yao at center and scoring down in the low post, Patterson will be free to play out of the high post, where he excels. Also, Yao's size and shot-blocking will also help offset Patterson's slight undersize-ness. Shooting guard was another need, but if the
14. Milwaukee Bucks: Larry Sanders PF, VCU Jr. (6-10, 220)
Larry Sanders has two very important things for rawer prospects to have. First, the potential: Sanders is brimming with it. He's the prototypical height for a power forward at the next level, an excellent athlete, and he's unbelievably long (7-6 1/2 wingspan). Second, the he's a really hard worker with great character. He's shown improvement every year, especially on the offensive end where he's developing some range and already has some basic post moves (this may not sound great, but trust me, most young athletic big men have almost nothing). Obviously, he's already a great rebounder and shot blocker and the sky's the limit on offense for him because he's got the quickness and athleticism. Once he adds some strength, he should become and elite defensive player. In Milwaukee, there's a definite need for a 4, Hakim Warrick was traded, and now there starter is Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (a natural 3 who is a great defensive player but averages 6.8 ppg), with Ersan Ilyasova (another natural 3 who's decent offensively but an awful defensive player, especially at the 4); so Sanders makes sense.
15. Memphis Grizzles: Eric Bledsoe PG, Kentucky Fr. (6-1, 190)
If Eric Bledsoe goes back to school and runs the show with John Wall gone, he'll be a top ten pick. That is, however, if there isn't a lockout, and that's the multi-million dollar if for guys like Bledsoe. Assuming he does declare, I still think he goes in the top 15 because he's very talented and there are zero top point guard prospects after Wall. Bledsoe is smaller than Wall, and isn't the same athlete, he's still very explosive and has great length. He's a pass first point guard with a high IQ (which is something teams covet), and is very good at finding teammates. He can get his own shot too, though he isn't a consistant shooter. He has a great motor and is a very good defender, and he the potential to shut down smaller point guards, though he wouldn't be quite as effective against bigger guards. He'll go out and give 110% every game, which can't be said for a lot of players. The Grizzles have a good nucleus right now, and assuming Rudy Gay comes back, they won't have any needs as far as starters are concerned. However, backup point guard is a big concern as Jamaal Tinsley will be gone next year and Marcus Williams is, well Marcus Williams. Bledsoe will be able to step into that role immediately and will certainly be able to push Mike Conley for the starting job, as Conley has been decent but not spectacular and may be suited to the backup role himself. Also, Bledsoe's passing ability will be a great fit with this teams scoring ability.
16. New Orleans Hornets: Jan Vesely PF/C, Czech Republic (6-11, 240)
Jan Vesely is a solid prospect with great size and athleticism. He also has a nice jump shot with good range and isn't afraid to bang down low. He has the length and mobility to be a good defensive player, but he'll have to develop a mean streak and add strength to compete at that end at the next level. The Hornets have nothing in their front court besides Emeka Okafor and David West, so adding a guy like Vesely who can play both the 4 and the 5 makes sense.
17. Chicago Bulls: James Anderson SG, Oklahoma State Jr. (6-6, 195)
James Anderson was my sleeper for the 2010 draft, I still think he's a really underrated player at this point but now other people are catching on after several 30 point games and showcasing his skill in OSU's upset win over then number 1 Kansas. He's got great height, and NBA body and long arms, making him the prototypical 2 guard size in the NBA. Offensively, he's a pure scorer (23 ppg). He's got a great jump shot and NBA 3 point range, add to that, that this year he's become more of a slasher to keep defenders honest, he's really tough to handle without doubling. He may never be a superstar, but he could certainly be a starter averaging 15 points on a good team. On defense, he's solid and plays hard on that end, he's also a very good rebounder for a 2 guard (6 rpg).
18. Miami Heat (from Toronto Raptors): Solomon Alabi C, Florida State So. (7-1, 245)
Center is such a coveted position in the NBA that, much like quarterbacks in the NFL, they tend to be over drafted. I'm not a fan of Solomon Alabi, though he does have some likeable aspects. He's a legit 7-1, which is rare. He's also got great length and a good motor and decent mobility, making him a good shot blocker. However, he doesn't have much on offense, very raw in the low post and not much range to speak of. The biggest red flag is that even at his great height, he's not a good rebounder at all, averaging just 7 per game. I'm always wary of big men who don't rebound well in college because a) they should be good at it and b) it's not going to get any easier in the NBA. I can't see Alabi being much of a scorer in the NBA, but with his size he projects as a defensive center that could be a valuable asset to a playoff team. He's a bright, hardworking kid with a great personality so I think he'll stick in the NBA and bring tangibles and intangibles to a team for years to come. Lately he's really been struggling and his stock has, as I predicted dropped a lot lately. In Miami, Jermaine O'Neal will probably be gone next year, so center becomes a big need in Miami.
19. Portland Trailblazers: Xavier Henry SG, Kansas Fr. (6-6, 220)
Though Xavier Henry has hit a wall somewhat his freshman year (he had a nice game against a good defensive team in Texas however), I think it'll be hard for NBA teams to look at the tape of when he was playing fantastic at the beginning of the season and not see the upside, as well as the distinct skills he brings to a team that will make him a great third option on a team and help him have a real impact. Plus, I think the stats don't tell the who story, because lets face it: Sherron Collins isn't doing him any favors as the score first point guard he is, and I also feel like he's having to play out of position more as a 3, when he's a natural 2 in my mind. Henry is the best catch-and-shoot guy in the draft, he has a sweet stroke and NBA range. He's not yet a guy who'll create for himself of the dribble, and he's not an elite athlete but he's got prototypical NBA 2 guard size and is a strong finisher when he gets to the rim. His stock is on the rise these last few games after putting in several solid games in a row. Watch out: if Kansas wins the national championship or makes it to the Final Four, guys like Henry will shoot back into the lottery.
20. San Antonio Spurs: Gordon Hayward SF, Butler (6-8, 200)
Gordon Hayward is a perfect Spurs player. He's tough, plays hard, plays tough D, likes to make his teammates better and can score in many ways. He's underrated as an athlete, though he won't wow you. He's got great size for a 3 but handles like a guard. He's a great shooter, can bang down low, likes to rebound and plays tough defense, especially down low. He may struggle to check quicker 3s because he lacks elite lateral quickness, however playing on a strong team defensive team like San Antonio will mostly nullify that.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ekpe Udoh PF, Baylor Jr. (6-10, 240)
Wesley Johnson is the high profile transfer prospect in this draft, but there's another transfer that has a chance to make some serious noise in the Association. Ekpe Udoh is already a dominant defensive player, averaging 10.3 rebound and 4.2 blocks per game, he excels in using his leaping ability and great length grabbing boards (especially on the offensive end) and protecting the rim. He had a triple double of 18 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 blocks against Morgan State. On offense, he's developing. He doesn't have much in the low post yet, but he's improving and he's got a pretty good midrange game with range that I think will eventually extend to the 3-point line. He's got the tools to be a great defensive player at the next level (once he gains some strength) and a hustle scorer who'll eventually be a good pick and pop guy. He reminds me a lot of Serge Ibaka, though isn't nearly as raw as Ibaka was. I think after the season, or at least after Baylor gets more exposure, like if they reach the Sweet 16 (a possibility, they're good) I could see a Russell Westbrook-type rise for Udoh. The Thunder have a great starting 5 and good back court depth, but they are really shallow up front and could use some more production of there. Udoh is one of my favorite players in this draft and I think he could be a very solid player at the next level.
22. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix Suns): Aaric Murray PF/C, Le Salle Fr. (6-10, 250)
Aaric Murray is a relative unknown right now, but if you watch him play, there's a lot to like, especially at this point in the draft. Murray fits the Thunder because he's a banger who likes to play in the low post and is an excellent rebounder. He still raw in scoring down low, but he's got a nice 15 foot jumper that he can make consistently. I like him a lot as a prospect because he can bang in the paint with weaker centers, or take less mobile centers out and shoot. He's also a potential pick-and-pop guy. Defensively, he's already pretty big and strong (he's about Amare Stoudmire's size), so if he bulks up even more he could be a force down low on defense. He's also mobile enough to play the pick-and-roll and is an excellent shot blocker. The Thunder need a guy to eat up rebounds and protect the rim at the center position.
23. Boston Celtics: Avery Bradley PG/SG, Texas Fr. (6-3, 180)
Avery Bradley is another one of those players written off as too small, or a "tweener", by many scouts but I think that Bradley is one of the most underrated prospects in the draft. Look, he's lightning quick and a great athlete, making him a very good scorer, in the vein of a Monta Ellis. Unlike Ellis, however, he's a lockdown defender already and will only get better, not only because of his physical skills but also because he takes pride in his D and works constantly to improve it. He's jumpshot is developing, and when he gains more strength he'll be an even better finisher. He fits well with the Celtics because they lack backcourt depth and value defense.
24. Atlanta Hawks: Wesley Witherspoon SF, Memphis So. (6-8, 200)
Wes Witherspoon is another draft sleeper who I really like. He's got the perfect height-length-mobility-athleticism combination to be the ideal small forward, though he needs to add strength. Besides that, he's got a lot of things going for him: he's developing some range, rebounds well and is a terrific defensive player. The Hawks are a team that can afford to take a chance on a guy like Witherspoon as they already have a very good team. Witherspoon will already compete hard and play defense and if the rest of his game pans out, he'll push to replace Marvin Williams.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah Jazz): Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi St. Sr. (6-9, 210)
I think Jarvis Varnado is underrated at this point because people point to the rawness of his offensive game, however I think the ability he brings as an ELITE defender will be valued by a team like the T-Wolves who struggle with defense in the frontcourt. Varnado is really tough in the paint, not only being one of the best shot blockers in the country (5 bpg) but also as a great on-ball defender. He can use his length and ability to get great position to shut down post players down low, and that's without having NBA strength yet. He'll be a terror when he bulks up. He's also a terrific rebounder. Like I said, he's raw on offense but that will come with time, and even if it doesn't, with the value he brings with the upside of being a top 5 post defender to guard the rim, it's worth it even if he doesn't score a ton, something guys like Al Jefferson and Kevin Love can do.
26. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas Mavericks): Craig Brackins PF, Iowa State Jr. (6-10,
230)
Craig Brackins made a big mistake coming back for his junior year, he went from lottery pick to bottom of the first round due to inconsistencies, lack of effort on defense, and questions about just how talented he is and if he's already reached his ceiling. Brackins is a very skilled offensive player, and I think if he lands with the right team he could be a very productive player. However, questions about his effort level and ceiling will cause rebuilding teams to stay away with valuable picks. The Nets have nothing besides Brook Lopez in their frontcourt and a guy like Brackins, who certainly can score, we'll help with their last-in-the-NBA offensive efficiency.
27. Memphis Grizzles (from Denver Nuggets): Gani Lawal PF, Georgia Tech Jr. (6-9, 230)
Gani Lawal will be this drafts DeJuan Blair. Mark my words, despite being a great rebounder who plays with tremendous effort and continues to improve offensively, Lawal will drop because he is "undersized". Now the similarities aren't exact, Blair also had injury concerns and was a better rebounder, however Lawal is much more mobile and athletic and has better overall offensive upside. Lawal has a nose for the ball and uses his long arms and strength to rip down boards from more passive opponents, he's also very athletic and mobile and will chase down loose balls. He has some developing post moves and a decent jumper, as well. However, I could see him scoring 10 points a game off the bench purely on effort and hustle. He's the ideal energy bench player because he really cares and will be ready to go in and play his heart out in every game. The Grizzles continue to add to their front court depth with Lawal.
28. Orlando Magic: Quincey Pondexter SF, Washington Sr. (6-7, 220)
Quincy Pondexter has the chance to do nothing in the NBA or be a huge steal. First of all, he's an elite athlete who has been producing consistently this year and plays hard on defense, however he's got a very shaky jumpshot and a poor handle. If those parts of his game improve, he's got the physical tools to be a star, if not he'll be just another athletic player who doesn't produce. The Orlando Magic could use a bigger, athletic small forward to match up with the Lebron's and Carmelo's of the league, as Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus are a little undersized.
29. Memphis Grizzles (from Los Angeles Lakers): Chris Wright SF, Dayton Jr. (6-8, 225)
Chris Wright is a insane athlete (seriously, at 2:40 he basically jumps over someone) and many teams will take a chance on him because of his athletic ability. For a team like the Grizzles who have no big needs and can take a flier at the end of the first round, Wright makes sense. Especially is Rudy Gay doesn't return.
30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland Cavaliers): Willie Warren PG/SG, Oklahoma So. (6-4, 210)
Willie Warren's stock has taken a huge hit this season as he's come off as somewhat of a diva and has been hurt, while struggling to be the number 1 guy in Oklahoma. There's no denying he talent though, he's a explosive athlete with a great handle and can really shoot the lights out and fill it up when he gets hot. The Wizards need a hit with this pick and Warren is clearly the most talent player available.
