Point Guard: Demetri McCamey, Illinois Sr. (6-3, 200)
A lot of the hate for Demetri McCamey comes from the fact that he plays at Illinois, he's a big, strong point guard with broad shoulder, but he's not Deron Williams. There's a lot more than just body type and school that compare between these two. Both struggled with weight at time during their college career, have a deep three point shot, and have pure point guards skill but can also score some. The difference between the two is huge and it's why Williams was a top 5 pick and McCamey might not be a first round pick: athleticism. When Williams got his weight under control, he had new found explosiveness. Not only jumping, but speed and start-stop ability (his full speed crossover is insane) but when McCamey lost weight, he was just an average athlete. So he's not Deron Williams, but he's got a lot to like. He's a pure point guard with very good floor vision and an excellent jump shot (he's hitting 48% of his 3s). If a team wants a solid backup/borderline starter who can run a team and hit open shots, he's worth a pick.
Highlights
Will Go: Early 2nd
Should Go: Mid-to-late 1st
Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson, Washington State Jr. (6-6, 200)
Everyone is calling Jimmer Fredette the next Stephen Curry, but I've got a different candidate: Klay Thompson. Like Curry, Thompson lacks elite quickness or athleticism, but makes up for it in a multitude of other ways. He's probably the best shooter in the nation with unlimited range. Also, like Curry he can handle the ball and create for teammates, averaging 4.3 assists per game, which is more than Fredette (who plays more minutes on a better team), and has tremendous basketball IQ (he's the son of former NBA-er Mychak Thompson). He also rebounds (5.1 rpg) and contributes defensively (2 spg, 1 bpg). True, Thompson lacks the athleticism to be an elite defender, but he's got enough quickness to stay in front of people and with a little added strength combined with his IQ, he could be an average to above-average defender at the next level. The bottom line is that he's a smart, character guy who will do the little things to help his team win, but also have to potential to be 15 ppg scorer.
Highlights
Will Go: Late 1st/Early 2nd
Should Go: Middle 1st
Small Forward: Kris Joseph, Syracuse Jr. (6-7, 210)
Unlike the guys before him on this list Kris Joseph doesn't lack athleticism. He's an explosive leaper and can really fly down the court. The issue with him is he's still developing his game, despite being a Junior, he's clearly a late-bloomer. Each year he's gotten better, increasing his scoring average, his decision making (way fewer travels and charges) and, most impressively, his 3 point shooting (from 22% to 38% ). I also like the way his game translates to the NBA, in college the lane is constantly clogged and players can be more physical on the perimeter but at the next level Joseph will be able to use his impressive handling ability and quickness to slash to the basket, while keeping teams honest with his jumper. He's already a foul magnet in college (he's shot 124 free throws this season) and with the spaced NBA floors he'll have more room to finish at the rim. He may never be a starter in the NBA, but with his high motor and offensive ability, he'll be a valuable player of the bench for a long time.
Highlights
Will Go: 2nd
Should Go: Late 1st
Power Forward: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State Sr. (6-8, 225)
Probably the most underrated player in this whole draft, I'd take Faried in the late lottary without a second thought. He leads the country in rebounding and excels at using length, athleticism, and a never ending motor to gather rebounds at an incredible rate, especially on the offensive end (the next closest offensive rebounder has 40 less than Faried). Think it's just the weak competition of the Ohio Valley? Against several future lottery picks from Florida and Ohio State (most notably top 5 pick Jared Sullinger) he averaged 17.5 points and 15 boards while shooting 63% from the floor and blocking 2 shots. Defensively, he's so athletic and long, it makes up for his lack of height and if he hits the weight room in combination with his tremendous mobility and quickness, he has the potential to be an ace defender who could guard positions 1 through 4. He scores a lot of his points off these offensive rebounds, but the offense is coming along. Will he ever be a polished scorer at the next level? Probably not, but the awesome rebounding and defensive potential, to go along with a great motor and work ethic will give you a player who'll help you win games plane and simple. He reminds me of a more athletic Anderson Varejao, that's worth a late lottery pick, right?
Highlights
Will Go: Mid 1st
Should Go: Late Lottery
Center: Lucas Nogueria, Brazil (7-0, 225)
Looking at Chad Ford's top center rankings, by number 5 you get Alex Oriakhi. No offense to Oriakhi, but if that doesn't tell you that there's a dearth of talent at center in college basketball, you haven't seen Oriakhi try to hit a jump shot. Luckily, the International talent pool is there, at least for one team in the middle of the first round. Enter Lucas Nogueria, a legit 7 footer from Brazil with tremendous athleticism and a great motor. At 18, he's still raw on offense, but defensively he's a menace; all over the court blocking shots, rebounding, and defending in a very Joakim Noah-esque way. Noah was about the same size coming out of college at 22, so if Nogueria can add 10-15 pounds by the time he turns 20, he'll be way ahead of Noah, who is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA despite being on about 230 pounds. Offensively, it all has to do with how you develop him, but the tools are there. Even if he doesn't develop much of a game, you've still got a potential ace defensive player and rebounder.
Highlights
Will Go: Late 1st
Should Go: Mid 1st
Sixth Man: Nolan Smith, Duke Sr. (6-4, 185)
Scouts have this irrational fear of combo guards that I don't understand, if a guy can play he can play. And Nolan Smith can play. He's not a pure point, but I could see him running the point in certain systems and he doesn't have prototypical height for a 2 guard, but he's an excellent defender who'll be able to hold his own against most 2s. So what's the problem? I don't really know. He's can hit an open 3 (though he could stand to get a little more consistent there), drive and finish, create for teammates (5.6 apg) and crash the glass (4.8 rpg). Plus he's got a nice first step and the athleticism and strength to finish. The bottom line is Smith is a character guy with a great IQ and a winners attitude, will he ever be a starter? Probably not, but you could do a lot worse at backup guard then this guy.
Highlights
Will Go: 2nd round
Should Go: Late 1st
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
2011 NBA Mock Draft: 2/13
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Perry Jones III, PF Baylor Fr. (6-11, 220)
Perry Jones has been solid all season, growing more attuned to the college game and showing all his skills, but some scouts have been troubled by the fact that he's deferring too much (something I don't have a problem with, deferring to more experienced upperclassmen is called basketball IQ) but when his team really needed him on the road in a must win game against Texas A&M he had the best game of his young career, going for 27 points (9-16 FGs, 9-9 FTs) while constantly drawing double teams. The Cavaliers have had a historically bad season, but a guy with the potential of Jones could turn things around and give them the star the lost after "The Decision".
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Harrison Barnes, SF North Carolina Fr. (6-7, 215)
It's hard to believe that I've got Harrison Barnes this high after his start to the season, but if the turnaround he's started in the last couple games keeps on to the end of the season, scouts are going to quickly fall back in love with him. He's got the skills no doubt, but it's the motor that's the problem with him. There aren't really any good fits here for the Wolves, they have a contract logjam at point guard and the floor-bound centers don't fit well with Kevin Love, so a swingman to replace the presumably departing Corey Brewer is the best they can do.
3. Washington Wizards: Jared Sullinger, PF Ohio State Fr. (6-9, 260)
I love this fit for the Wizards, they lack any kind of effort or fundamentals down low, while being the fourth worst rebounding team in the NBA. Jared Sullinger can gobble up rebounds and provide the basketball IQ and thumping down low that's the complete opposite of Andray Blatche. Sullinger also fits really well with the mobile, shot blocking JaVale McGee.
4. Sacramento Kings: Kyrie Irving, PG Duke Fr. (6-2, 180)
This is the dream situation for the Kings, who would love a point guard like Kyrie Irving to pair with Tyreke Evans. Evans is the best when the ball is in his hand, so shooting is a necessity(45% from 3). But when Evans is off the court or facing a difficult matchup, the Kings struggle to score, so Irvings scoring (17.4 ppg) and playmaking ability (5.1 apg) will relieve that.
5. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter, C Kentucky Fr. (6-10, 255)
Enes Kanter would be in contention for the top pick if he hadn't been suspended for the season because he got benefits from his Turkish team. Andrei Barngani is much better suited to power forward and has serious rebounding issues. Kanter is a true center (though undersized) who's probably the second be rebounder in the draft. He's not an explosive athlete or shot blocker, but he's not a terrible defensive player, just average. The offense however, is anything but average. He can grind under the basket or step out and shoot all the way to 3, as well as handle the basketball.
6. New Jersey Nets: Terrence Jones, SF Kentucky Fr. (6-8, 225)
The small forward spot has been a total disaster for the Nets this season, with Travis Outlaw and Stephen Graham getting most of the minutes. Terrence Jones has and NBA ready game and an NBA ready body. He can score off the dribble, post up, or shoot the three as well as handle and pass like a guard and rebound like a forward. His game will only get better with the NBA rules and style.
7. Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, PF Lithuania (6-11, 230)
Jonas Valanciunas has been tearing up the Euroleague lately and has clearly established himself as the top international prospect in this draft. At only 18 years old, Valanciunas combines prototypical power forwards frame with a physical demeanor in the paint and a soft touch around the basket. He merely needs to continue to add strength and work on his perimeter skills because he's got everything else: IQ, motor, wingspan, athleticism. He'll give the Pistons a bright frontcourt future when paired with Greg Monroe.
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Hamilton, SF Texas So. (6-7, 215)
How Jordan Hamilton isn't a favorite for player of the year is beyond me. At least he's finally getting his due as an draft prospect. He's a classic 3 man, with all around offensive ability: whether it's long distance shooting (41% from 3), slashing, or posting up, you won't find a better offensive player in the country. He's also a gritty player (7.7 rpg) who's shown the ability to be a lockdown defender and as well as make plays for others (2.4 apg). He's as polished a 20 year old as you'll see and will be able to help a team from day one in the NBA, with considerable upside as well. Al-Farouq Aminu has been solid season, but his future is at the 4. Hamilton would give the Clippers a young talent at all 5 positions.
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Derrick Williams, SF Arizona So. (6-8, 210)
Is Derrick Williams a 3 or a 4? Is he too small to play inside? Does he lack the perimeter skills to play on the outside? The real question is, who cares? The guy can ball and is having a ridicules season, check these stats: 19.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game on 63% shooting from the field and 69% from 3.
10. Charlotte Bobcats: John Henson, PF North Carolina So. (6-10, 210)
The Bobcats could potentially lose 4 of their top 5 center and power forwards to free agency this summer, so they'll probably be looking for a front court player with their first round pick. Michael Jordan will love John Henson because they're both Carolina guys, plus Henson's length and athleticism fit the Bobcats defense first style. There are questions about his ability to add strength and finish after contact, but an emerging offensive game paired with tremendous physical upside is too much to pass on.
11. Golden State Warriors: Kawhi Leonard, SF San Diego State So. (6-7, 225)
Dorell Wright has been great this season, but he's only done it for half a season so far and is backup is Vlad Radmanovic. Not only will Kawhi Leonard challenge Wright for a starting role, but his toughness and rebounding will one of the worst defensive and rebounding teams in the league. Plus his athletic ability will play great in the Warriors up-and-down style.
12. Houston Rockets: Josh Selby, PG Kansas Fr. (6-3, 190)
Aaron Brooks will most likely either be traded before the deadline or not be resigned when he becomes a free agent and Kyle Lowry will be the starter next season. Lowry is a great defender and has great court vision, but he's small and not a scorer. Josh Selby will make a nice backup because he's big, also defends well, and can score at will when he gets in a grove. He also has the shooting ability to be a two guard in certain situations ala Monta Ellis.
13. Phoenix Suns: Donatas Motiejunas, PF Lithuania (7-0, 220)
Donatas Motiejunas forgoed being a top ten pick last season, but he hasn't hurt his stock too much. Phoenix needs to start planning for a time without Steve Nash, which means they'll need to get some players who can score on their own. Motiejunas has three point range, can handle the ball on the perimeter, and score in the post. He needs to add some muscle, but he's got NBA level athleticism.
14. Memphis Grizzlies: Jan Vesely, PF Czech Republic (6-11, 240)
Zach Randolph will be a free agent next season and is unlikely to be resigned, that will leave the Darrell Arthur to play the 4 for the Grizzlies. Memphis seems to like Arthur best as a energy guy off the bench, so they'll be looking for a starter who'll compliment center Marc Gasol well. Gasol is a low-post, back to the basket guy, so slotting someone like Vesely who's best as a high post, face up player would be a great fit. Vesely does his damage with his sweet jump shot that, given his height, he can get off over anyone. He's also handles the ball well and is an good finisher.
15. Indiana Pacers: Kenneth Faried, PF Morehead State Sr. (6-8, 215)
Jeff Foster, Solomon Jones, and Josh McRoberts will all be unrestricted free agency at the end of this season, and that will leave Tyler Hansbrough as the Pacers only power forward option. Despite improving their rebounding from last year, the Pacers still aren't physical on the boards (and are in the lower third in the league in offensive rebounding) and that will only get worse when one or all of those free agents leave. Kenneth Faried is the best rebounder in the country and will provide an immediate boost to the rebounding and defense of any team that takes him.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky Fr. (6-4, 185)
The Sixers don't have a huge amount of needs, but they're in the lower half of the league in three point shooting, and lack a real strong shooter off the bench. Brandon Knight can provide that, while making a nice fit with either Lou Williams or Evan Turner in the back court because both guys can handle the ball or shoot, making them a tough match up.
17. New York Knicks: Kemba Walker, PG UCONN Jr. (6-1, 170)
It's hard to tell what exactly the Knicks team needs will be because if they make a big trade like everyone expects, the team will look completely different. So I'll play it safe and give them a luxury pick. Kemba Walker has really hit the skids in Big East play, which isn't surprising because Big East teams aren't going to let one player beat them. If Walker can learn to be more efficient and score effectively without taking 18 shots a game like he is now, he'll be a dangerous weapon. If not, he'll have trouble convincing teams it's worth have a player who shoots 41% from the field and doesn't really effect the game in other ways.
18. Portland Trail Blazers: Thomas Robinson, PF Kansas So. (6-9, 230)
It's weird to think that Thomas Robinson would go ahead of Marcus Morris, but it's likely that will be the case. Robinson has an NBA body and athleticism, and a solid skill set that includes a nice mid-range shot, an emerging back to the basket game, and nice hands. The one question about him is that he hasn't gotten a ton of playing time behind the Morris twins, only averaging 15 minutes a game, though he's been very productive when he's on the floor with 8.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg on 63% shooting
19. Utah Jazz: Mason Plumblee, PF Duke So. (6-10, 230)
The Utah Jazz have had the same problem for years, they lack a big, athletic frontcourt player who can rebound, defend and block shots. Mason Plumblee can do all that. He's very athletic and has a great motor. Offensively, he got a nice mid-range jumpshot, but that's about it. However, in Utah's offense he'll get good looks while he works on the rest of his overall game.
20. Denver Nuggets: Marcus Morris, PF Kansas Jr. (6-8, 225)
Kenyon Martin and Sheldon Williams are both unrestricted free agents at the end of this season, so the Nuggets will be looking for a power forward in the draft or free agency. Marcus Morris isn't an off the charts athlete, nor does he have prototypical height. But he's very skilled, can shoot from 3, handle the ball, and score on the block. He's also a good rebounder and defender. Morris will probably never be a star in the NBA, but he can be a solid starter that can help a team in many ways.
21. New Orleans Hornets: Trey Thompkins, PF Georgia Jr. (6-9, 245)
David West is a free agent this summer and all signs point to him leaving. If that's the case, they'll have a big hole to fill at power forward. Trey Thompkins can shoot all the way out to three point range, and can also bang in the paint. He also rebounds well and can block shots. Nothing spectacular, just solid all around, sort of like David West.
22. Phoenix Suns (from Orlando Magic): Jimmer Fredette, PG BYU Sr. (6-2, 195)
I know that everyone is in love with Jimmer Fredette now, but I'm a little more skeptical. Maybe he's a lottery pick, maybe not. But let me put it this way, if Josh Selby or Brandon Knight played 4 years at BYU, how many points would they average? I think it'd be more than Fredette. He's still a solid player, but the Stephen Curry comparisons are a little ridicules. He would be a good fit on the Suns, though, who are likely to lose Steve Nash in the next season or two. Goran Dragic will be the starter, but Fredette will make a nice backup who can play beside him at times due to his shooting ability.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Chris Singleton, SF Florida State Jr. (6-9, 220)
Marvin Williams still isn't anything but an average starter in the NBA, so the Hawks should be looking at least for someone to give him some competition. Chris Singleton is one of the best defenders in the nation and has 3 point range.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Patric Young, C Florida Fr. (6-9, 235)
Rebounding and post defense have been a huge problem for the Thunder this year. Patric Young, though undersized, has the ability to play the 4 or the 5 with an elite NBA body, strength, and athleticism. He's also an a natural rebounder and shot blocker.
25. Chicago Bulls: Klay Thompson, SG Washington State Jr. (6-6, 195)
The Bulls don't just need a shooter at the 2 guard spot, they need a scorer to take some pressure off Derrick Rose. Klay Thompson is the most underrated player in the country. He's got a sweet stroke from the outside, can drive the ball, create for teammates, and rebound from the 2 guard position.
26. Los Angeles Lakers: Alec Burks, SG Colorado So. (6-6, 190)
The Lakers don't have a lot of needs, but another wing scorer who can help Kobe Bryant out scoring on the outside and give him a rest. Alec Burks is an explosive scorer with tremendous athletic ability and is in constant attack mode.
27. Dallas Mavericks: Tristan Thompson, PF Texas Fr. (6-8, 235)
If Tristan Thompson were two inches taller, he'd be a lottery pick. As he is now, he could go anywhere from the mid first down. He's got really long arms, explosive leaping ability, can hit a jump shot, and is a great shot blocker and rebounder,
28. Toronto Raptors (from Miami Heat): Demetri McCamey, PG Illinois Sr. (6-3, 200)
The Raptors add another name to the mix for point guard, where the play has been lackluster to say the least.
29. Boston Celtics: Lucas Nogueira, C Brazil (7-0, 220)
A project big man for the Celtics to store in Europe to bring over when the Celtics are rebuilding after the Big 3 move on.
30. San Antonio Spurs: Travis Leslie, SG Georgia Jr. (6-4, 205)
A Spurs type player who averages 7 rebounds as a 6-4 guard and is the best athlete in country.
Perry Jones has been solid all season, growing more attuned to the college game and showing all his skills, but some scouts have been troubled by the fact that he's deferring too much (something I don't have a problem with, deferring to more experienced upperclassmen is called basketball IQ) but when his team really needed him on the road in a must win game against Texas A&M he had the best game of his young career, going for 27 points (9-16 FGs, 9-9 FTs) while constantly drawing double teams. The Cavaliers have had a historically bad season, but a guy with the potential of Jones could turn things around and give them the star the lost after "The Decision".
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Harrison Barnes, SF North Carolina Fr. (6-7, 215)
It's hard to believe that I've got Harrison Barnes this high after his start to the season, but if the turnaround he's started in the last couple games keeps on to the end of the season, scouts are going to quickly fall back in love with him. He's got the skills no doubt, but it's the motor that's the problem with him. There aren't really any good fits here for the Wolves, they have a contract logjam at point guard and the floor-bound centers don't fit well with Kevin Love, so a swingman to replace the presumably departing Corey Brewer is the best they can do.
3. Washington Wizards: Jared Sullinger, PF Ohio State Fr. (6-9, 260)
I love this fit for the Wizards, they lack any kind of effort or fundamentals down low, while being the fourth worst rebounding team in the NBA. Jared Sullinger can gobble up rebounds and provide the basketball IQ and thumping down low that's the complete opposite of Andray Blatche. Sullinger also fits really well with the mobile, shot blocking JaVale McGee.
4. Sacramento Kings: Kyrie Irving, PG Duke Fr. (6-2, 180)
This is the dream situation for the Kings, who would love a point guard like Kyrie Irving to pair with Tyreke Evans. Evans is the best when the ball is in his hand, so shooting is a necessity(45% from 3). But when Evans is off the court or facing a difficult matchup, the Kings struggle to score, so Irvings scoring (17.4 ppg) and playmaking ability (5.1 apg) will relieve that.
5. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter, C Kentucky Fr. (6-10, 255)
Enes Kanter would be in contention for the top pick if he hadn't been suspended for the season because he got benefits from his Turkish team. Andrei Barngani is much better suited to power forward and has serious rebounding issues. Kanter is a true center (though undersized) who's probably the second be rebounder in the draft. He's not an explosive athlete or shot blocker, but he's not a terrible defensive player, just average. The offense however, is anything but average. He can grind under the basket or step out and shoot all the way to 3, as well as handle the basketball.
6. New Jersey Nets: Terrence Jones, SF Kentucky Fr. (6-8, 225)
The small forward spot has been a total disaster for the Nets this season, with Travis Outlaw and Stephen Graham getting most of the minutes. Terrence Jones has and NBA ready game and an NBA ready body. He can score off the dribble, post up, or shoot the three as well as handle and pass like a guard and rebound like a forward. His game will only get better with the NBA rules and style.
7. Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, PF Lithuania (6-11, 230)
Jonas Valanciunas has been tearing up the Euroleague lately and has clearly established himself as the top international prospect in this draft. At only 18 years old, Valanciunas combines prototypical power forwards frame with a physical demeanor in the paint and a soft touch around the basket. He merely needs to continue to add strength and work on his perimeter skills because he's got everything else: IQ, motor, wingspan, athleticism. He'll give the Pistons a bright frontcourt future when paired with Greg Monroe.
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Hamilton, SF Texas So. (6-7, 215)
How Jordan Hamilton isn't a favorite for player of the year is beyond me. At least he's finally getting his due as an draft prospect. He's a classic 3 man, with all around offensive ability: whether it's long distance shooting (41% from 3), slashing, or posting up, you won't find a better offensive player in the country. He's also a gritty player (7.7 rpg) who's shown the ability to be a lockdown defender and as well as make plays for others (2.4 apg). He's as polished a 20 year old as you'll see and will be able to help a team from day one in the NBA, with considerable upside as well. Al-Farouq Aminu has been solid season, but his future is at the 4. Hamilton would give the Clippers a young talent at all 5 positions.
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Derrick Williams, SF Arizona So. (6-8, 210)
Is Derrick Williams a 3 or a 4? Is he too small to play inside? Does he lack the perimeter skills to play on the outside? The real question is, who cares? The guy can ball and is having a ridicules season, check these stats: 19.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game on 63% shooting from the field and 69% from 3.
10. Charlotte Bobcats: John Henson, PF North Carolina So. (6-10, 210)
The Bobcats could potentially lose 4 of their top 5 center and power forwards to free agency this summer, so they'll probably be looking for a front court player with their first round pick. Michael Jordan will love John Henson because they're both Carolina guys, plus Henson's length and athleticism fit the Bobcats defense first style. There are questions about his ability to add strength and finish after contact, but an emerging offensive game paired with tremendous physical upside is too much to pass on.
11. Golden State Warriors: Kawhi Leonard, SF San Diego State So. (6-7, 225)
Dorell Wright has been great this season, but he's only done it for half a season so far and is backup is Vlad Radmanovic. Not only will Kawhi Leonard challenge Wright for a starting role, but his toughness and rebounding will one of the worst defensive and rebounding teams in the league. Plus his athletic ability will play great in the Warriors up-and-down style.
12. Houston Rockets: Josh Selby, PG Kansas Fr. (6-3, 190)
Aaron Brooks will most likely either be traded before the deadline or not be resigned when he becomes a free agent and Kyle Lowry will be the starter next season. Lowry is a great defender and has great court vision, but he's small and not a scorer. Josh Selby will make a nice backup because he's big, also defends well, and can score at will when he gets in a grove. He also has the shooting ability to be a two guard in certain situations ala Monta Ellis.
13. Phoenix Suns: Donatas Motiejunas, PF Lithuania (7-0, 220)
Donatas Motiejunas forgoed being a top ten pick last season, but he hasn't hurt his stock too much. Phoenix needs to start planning for a time without Steve Nash, which means they'll need to get some players who can score on their own. Motiejunas has three point range, can handle the ball on the perimeter, and score in the post. He needs to add some muscle, but he's got NBA level athleticism.
14. Memphis Grizzlies: Jan Vesely, PF Czech Republic (6-11, 240)
Zach Randolph will be a free agent next season and is unlikely to be resigned, that will leave the Darrell Arthur to play the 4 for the Grizzlies. Memphis seems to like Arthur best as a energy guy off the bench, so they'll be looking for a starter who'll compliment center Marc Gasol well. Gasol is a low-post, back to the basket guy, so slotting someone like Vesely who's best as a high post, face up player would be a great fit. Vesely does his damage with his sweet jump shot that, given his height, he can get off over anyone. He's also handles the ball well and is an good finisher.
15. Indiana Pacers: Kenneth Faried, PF Morehead State Sr. (6-8, 215)
Jeff Foster, Solomon Jones, and Josh McRoberts will all be unrestricted free agency at the end of this season, and that will leave Tyler Hansbrough as the Pacers only power forward option. Despite improving their rebounding from last year, the Pacers still aren't physical on the boards (and are in the lower third in the league in offensive rebounding) and that will only get worse when one or all of those free agents leave. Kenneth Faried is the best rebounder in the country and will provide an immediate boost to the rebounding and defense of any team that takes him.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky Fr. (6-4, 185)
The Sixers don't have a huge amount of needs, but they're in the lower half of the league in three point shooting, and lack a real strong shooter off the bench. Brandon Knight can provide that, while making a nice fit with either Lou Williams or Evan Turner in the back court because both guys can handle the ball or shoot, making them a tough match up.
17. New York Knicks: Kemba Walker, PG UCONN Jr. (6-1, 170)
It's hard to tell what exactly the Knicks team needs will be because if they make a big trade like everyone expects, the team will look completely different. So I'll play it safe and give them a luxury pick. Kemba Walker has really hit the skids in Big East play, which isn't surprising because Big East teams aren't going to let one player beat them. If Walker can learn to be more efficient and score effectively without taking 18 shots a game like he is now, he'll be a dangerous weapon. If not, he'll have trouble convincing teams it's worth have a player who shoots 41% from the field and doesn't really effect the game in other ways.
18. Portland Trail Blazers: Thomas Robinson, PF Kansas So. (6-9, 230)
It's weird to think that Thomas Robinson would go ahead of Marcus Morris, but it's likely that will be the case. Robinson has an NBA body and athleticism, and a solid skill set that includes a nice mid-range shot, an emerging back to the basket game, and nice hands. The one question about him is that he hasn't gotten a ton of playing time behind the Morris twins, only averaging 15 minutes a game, though he's been very productive when he's on the floor with 8.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg on 63% shooting
19. Utah Jazz: Mason Plumblee, PF Duke So. (6-10, 230)
The Utah Jazz have had the same problem for years, they lack a big, athletic frontcourt player who can rebound, defend and block shots. Mason Plumblee can do all that. He's very athletic and has a great motor. Offensively, he got a nice mid-range jumpshot, but that's about it. However, in Utah's offense he'll get good looks while he works on the rest of his overall game.
20. Denver Nuggets: Marcus Morris, PF Kansas Jr. (6-8, 225)
Kenyon Martin and Sheldon Williams are both unrestricted free agents at the end of this season, so the Nuggets will be looking for a power forward in the draft or free agency. Marcus Morris isn't an off the charts athlete, nor does he have prototypical height. But he's very skilled, can shoot from 3, handle the ball, and score on the block. He's also a good rebounder and defender. Morris will probably never be a star in the NBA, but he can be a solid starter that can help a team in many ways.
21. New Orleans Hornets: Trey Thompkins, PF Georgia Jr. (6-9, 245)
David West is a free agent this summer and all signs point to him leaving. If that's the case, they'll have a big hole to fill at power forward. Trey Thompkins can shoot all the way out to three point range, and can also bang in the paint. He also rebounds well and can block shots. Nothing spectacular, just solid all around, sort of like David West.
22. Phoenix Suns (from Orlando Magic): Jimmer Fredette, PG BYU Sr. (6-2, 195)
I know that everyone is in love with Jimmer Fredette now, but I'm a little more skeptical. Maybe he's a lottery pick, maybe not. But let me put it this way, if Josh Selby or Brandon Knight played 4 years at BYU, how many points would they average? I think it'd be more than Fredette. He's still a solid player, but the Stephen Curry comparisons are a little ridicules. He would be a good fit on the Suns, though, who are likely to lose Steve Nash in the next season or two. Goran Dragic will be the starter, but Fredette will make a nice backup who can play beside him at times due to his shooting ability.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Chris Singleton, SF Florida State Jr. (6-9, 220)
Marvin Williams still isn't anything but an average starter in the NBA, so the Hawks should be looking at least for someone to give him some competition. Chris Singleton is one of the best defenders in the nation and has 3 point range.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Patric Young, C Florida Fr. (6-9, 235)
Rebounding and post defense have been a huge problem for the Thunder this year. Patric Young, though undersized, has the ability to play the 4 or the 5 with an elite NBA body, strength, and athleticism. He's also an a natural rebounder and shot blocker.
25. Chicago Bulls: Klay Thompson, SG Washington State Jr. (6-6, 195)
The Bulls don't just need a shooter at the 2 guard spot, they need a scorer to take some pressure off Derrick Rose. Klay Thompson is the most underrated player in the country. He's got a sweet stroke from the outside, can drive the ball, create for teammates, and rebound from the 2 guard position.
26. Los Angeles Lakers: Alec Burks, SG Colorado So. (6-6, 190)
The Lakers don't have a lot of needs, but another wing scorer who can help Kobe Bryant out scoring on the outside and give him a rest. Alec Burks is an explosive scorer with tremendous athletic ability and is in constant attack mode.
27. Dallas Mavericks: Tristan Thompson, PF Texas Fr. (6-8, 235)
If Tristan Thompson were two inches taller, he'd be a lottery pick. As he is now, he could go anywhere from the mid first down. He's got really long arms, explosive leaping ability, can hit a jump shot, and is a great shot blocker and rebounder,
28. Toronto Raptors (from Miami Heat): Demetri McCamey, PG Illinois Sr. (6-3, 200)
The Raptors add another name to the mix for point guard, where the play has been lackluster to say the least.
29. Boston Celtics: Lucas Nogueira, C Brazil (7-0, 220)
A project big man for the Celtics to store in Europe to bring over when the Celtics are rebuilding after the Big 3 move on.
30. San Antonio Spurs: Travis Leslie, SG Georgia Jr. (6-4, 205)
A Spurs type player who averages 7 rebounds as a 6-4 guard and is the best athlete in country.
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