Mock drafts before the lottery can seem like pointless exercises, but they are useful in gauging team needs and what players will likely be available around when they pick. No matter who wins the lottery or where teams move, they aren't going that far from where they are currently situated. This draft is what I currently think will happen, not necessarily what should happen.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves (25%): Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C Kentucky (6-11, 250) Age: 19
The Timberwolves look to have a future superstar in Andrew Wiggins and young building blocks in Ricky Rubio and Gorgui Dieng as well as a collection of young talents that may turn into above-average NBA players. Add to that potentially a top overall pick and no worse than a top 5 pick and you have a future contender. If they do land the top pick, as the odds favor, then they could honestly consider any of the top 4 talents, but Towns is the obvious pick because he is the best prospect and will give Minnesota a backbone on both offense and defense.
2. New York Knicks (19.9%): Jahlil Okafor, C Duke (6-11, 270) Age: 19
For the Knicks, it may be best for them to fall a spot in the lottery and "lose out" on Okafor, who is a wonderful talent but perhaps not the best fit for the Knicks offense. Okafor has some question marks, but their is no denying his ability to score in the paint and rebound, but how he functions along side Carmelo and in the triangle is anyone's guess. Still, at this point the Knicks should be married to neither their system nor Derek Fisher as coach and their primary goal should be acquiring talent for the next great Knicks team, not to fit the triangle.
3. Philadelphia 76ers (15.6%): D'Angelo Russell, G Ohio State (6-5, 180) Age: 19
The 76ers had as successful as season you can have when winning only 18 games. Nerlens Noel showed himself to a legitimate piece, Jerami Grant, Tony Wroten, and Robert Covington emerged as potential role players all while Joel Embiid got healthy. Now they need an engine to make the team run and D'Angelo Russell is ideally suited to that role as perimeter alpha dog because he can both score and distribute with equal excellence. At his best, Russell can be a 20 point a game scorer averaging 8+ assists and shooting over 40% from 3.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (11.9%): Emmanuel Mudiay, PG Guandong (6-5, 200) Age: 19
The Lakers basically need talent at every position and Emmanuel Mudiay is the last of the elite tier of four atop the draft, so any other pick would be a mistake. Mudiay is the kind of talent that can help turn the Lakers around, both with his on court impact but also the ability to attract free agents that will want to play with a young point guard that loves to push the ball and plays very hard defensively. Of course, the Lakers will probably but impatient and sign Rajon Rondo then trade this pick for some role players in an effort to "win now".
5. Orlando Magic (8.8%): Justise Winslow, SF Duke (6-6, 225) Age: 19
The Magic will hope to jump into the top four and get one of those elite prospects, but if not Justise Winslow or Willie Cauley-Stein wouldn't be a terrible consolation prize. Winslow fits Orlando's draft profile of high character defenders who love the game and winning. Winslow will also benefit the Magic offense because of his ability to shoot, handle the ball, and pass. Wille Cauley-Stein would make sense also to help offset Nikola Vucevic's defensive woes, as would Mario Hezonja to help upgrade their anemic offense.
6. Sacramento Kings (6.3%): Willie Cauley-Stein, C Kentucky (7-0, 240) Age: 21
Since it is uncertain who exactly is making the decisions at this point in Sacramento, trying to predict what they will do is somewhat of a crapshoot. Sacramento was middle of the road offensively, but were bottom 5 defensively. Willie Cauley-Stein may not be an obvious fit next to DeMarcus Cousins, but I actually think it is a great because Cousins can carry the load offensively while WCS can orchestrate the defense, which would be definitely upgraded by his presence due to his ability to guard all 5 positions and protect the rim.
7. Denver Nuggets (4.3%): Mario Hezonja, G/F Barcelona (6-8, 200) Age: 20
Like Orlando, the Nuggets don't have a coach yet, so their decision making process could be a greatly affected once they hire one. Still, they have some obvious needs, mainly acquiring talent everywhere but point guard and center. Mario Hezonja is one of the most talented players in the draft and Denver has shown a proclivity to dip into international prospects, so the fit is obvious, especially when you consider that Randy Foye was Denver's starter at shooting guard last season. Hezonja may have an adjustment period but by the end of his rookie season I'd expect him to not only be starting, but excelling.
8. Detroit Pistons (2.8%): Kristaps Porzingis, PF Sevilla (7-0, 220) Age: 19
Greg Monroe is an unrestricted free agent and will likely not be back in Detroit so the Pistons will likely be looking for a long term starter to pair with Andre Drummond. Kristaps Porzingis would be an ideal fit there because he is such a skilled perimeter player who can stretch the floor. He is also a great athlete who can block shots and won't hurt Detroit's defense once he has grown into his body. Porzingis has star potential and would be a great fit in Stan Van Gundy's offense, sort of a cross between peak Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu with better defense.
9. Charlotte Hornets (1.7%): Stanley Johnson, SF Arizona (6-7, 245) Age: 18
What the Hornets most need is a point guard that can relegate Kemba Walker to a bench role (where he would be awesome) but considering the contract they just gave him, it's unlikely to happen. In lieu of that, they will be in the market for some wing players because both Gerald Henderson and Jeff Taylor are free agents, while Lance Stephenson is born ready for the bench. After Stanley Johnson there is a drop off in prospects, so they'd be smart to take him even if it didn't fill a need, which it does. Johnson is similar to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in how hard he works every time he is on the court. He is a much better shooter than MKG, which should allow them both to play together.
10. Miami Heat (1.1%): Kelly Oubre, SF Kansas (6-7, 200) Age: 19
When healthy, the Heat will have a starting 5 to rival any team in the league. Their bench? Not so much. The Heat under Pat Riley haven't shown much interest in young players, but they also haven't picked this high in quite a while. Kelly Oubre was very inconsistent at Kansas, so he will benefit from being drafted by a team that isn't going to rely on him heavily, instead he can back up Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng and figure out the consistency surrounded by talented players and an excellent coach.
11. Indiana Pacers (0.8%): Myles Turner, F/C Texas (6-11, 240) Age: 19
In 2012, the Pacers drafted a young, incredibly talented player in the lottery who needed to develop some consistency and polish. Five years later, Paul George is one of the ten best players in the NBA, so why not take a similar route in this draft? Myles Turner has tremendous size, a 7-4 wingspan, and great touch on his mid-range jump shot. In a year or two, his range could be to the 3-point line and Indiana would have a center who can both block shots and space the floor. I ascribe to the idea that a team that is rarely in the lottery should take shots on high upside players because you can find higher-floor players later in the draft.
12. Utah Jazz (0.7%): Jerian Grant, PG Notre Dame (6-5, 202) Age: 22
The Jazz have a roster loaded with young talent, including players like Dante Exum who will likely be taking big steps forward every year for the next number of years. Point guard is a position that is in some flux and could use a steady hand. It still isn't certain what Exum's best position is and Trey Burke is best suited as a bench option. Jerian Grant is ready to step in and solidify Utah's point guard position with scoring, passing, and defense, all things Grant can do. He can also play off guard alongside Burke or Exum. Those three, plus Rodney Hood and Alec Burks, will give Utah a deep, versatile backcourt.
13. Phoenix Suns (0.6%): Frank Kaminsky, F/C Wisconsin (7-0, 234) Age: 22
With Brandon Wright as a free agent, the only center on the Suns roster is Alex Len, who has shown a ton of promise but has been injured a lot. Frank Kaminsky isn't a traditional center and may be better suited as at the 4, but he should be able to find time at both positions. The Suns offense would really benefit from Kaminsky's shooting ability, something they lost when Channing Frye left, and he can really compliment Len and Markieff Morris playing alongside either. Kaminsky is ready to come in right away and contribute, which will appeal to the Suns who wil want to wash away the mess that was last season quickly.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (0.5%): Sam Dekker, F Wisconsin (6-9, 220) Age: 20
Kaminsky, Oubre, or Grant would be a great fit in OKC but with all of them off the board they may have to take a chance on a less certain prospect. Dekker is best suited as a stretch-4 who can take bigger players off the dribble to the rim, where he shot a very impressive 75% last season. The Thunder have a glut of bigs, but none quite like Dekker who would have the added bonus of allowing cross-matches with Durant at the 4. He is also a smart, high character, hard working player who would fit nicely into OKC's roster.
15. Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn): Kevon Looney, PF UCLA (6-9, 220) Age: 19
Paul Millsap and Elton Brand are free agents, and while the latter is likely to retire, the former could make a lot of money on the open market, leaving his future in Atlanta in doubt. Kevon Looney is developing a 3-point shot, something Atlanta covets, and is an outstanding offensive rebounder. I am not as bullish as some on his game, but Atlanta drafted a similar player last season, Adreian Payne and subsequently traded him. The biggest difference? Looney is a whooping five years younger than Payne.
16. Boston Celtics: Bobby Portis, PF Arkansas (6-11, 242) Age: 20
Brandon Bass is a free agent and I don't know if Boston will be looking to re-sign a 29 year-old undersized power forward. But even if they do, depth will be needed behind him as Jonas Jerebko is also a free agent. Bobby Portis is a well-rounded power forward with great size and a 7-1+ wingspan. He can score from anywhere inside the arc and has even started making college 3s. Defensively he isn't a dominant shot blocker, but he is smart, positions himself well, and plays hard. Portis is unlikely to be a star but is even more unlikely to be a bust. As a starter I could see him averaging 12 and 8 with good defense and rebounding.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Devin Booker, SG Kentucky (6-6, 206) Age: 18
The Bucks were seventh in 3P% last season, but just twenty-sixth in attempts, so even if Khris Middleton is re-signed they'll be looking to upgrade their perimeter shooting in the offseason. The questions about Devin Booker surround what else he can do besides shoot, not his shooting. Put him on the floor and he will make 3s and space the floor. Whether he becomes more than just a 3-point specialist will depend on his ability to defend and put the ball on the floor, but the shooting will definitely play.
18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans): Tyler Harvey, SG Eastern Washington (6-4, 185) Age: 21
This would be a surprise, and I don't value Harvey this highly, but the Rockets' needs at point guard are unique and Harvey would be a great fit. With James Harden to play as the de facto point guard, Houston really just needs someone who can make shots and play a little defense. Harvey should be able to be at least average vs. other point guards, but man can he shoot. Any situation, off the dribble, spotting up, pull ups, does not matter. Harvey will get comped to a poor-man's Steph Curry, so I could see him rising a lot before the draft, even if there are some flaws, many of which would masked by Houston's personnel.
19. Washington Wizards: Cameron Payne, PG Murray State (6-2, 180) Age: 20
John Wall is clearly the Wizards' best player and one of the best point guards in the league, so he will be on the court for the majority of the minutes at point guard, but when he is on the bench, you want a better option than Ramon Sessions. Cameron Payne can legitimately play point guard, is a good shooter, and can score enough that he could play alongside Wall at times, who has the size to guard 2s. Payne likely won't be a star, but as a role player he can provide a ton of value.
20. Toronto Raptors: Christian Wood, PF UNLV (6-10, 220) Age: 19
Amir Johnson has struggled this season and has likely played his last game in Toronto, ditto for Tyler Hansbrough, which would leave Patrick Patterson as the lone power forward on the roster. Christian Wood is talented enough to go 8 pick higher and would be great value here. Wood is athletic with a 7-2 wingspan, and a good mid-range shooter who can be dominant on the glass while also blocking shots a high rate (2.6 a game as a Sophomore). Wood has the upside to be an above-average starter with a high likelihood to be at least a bench option.
21. Dallas Mavericks: Tyus Jones, PG Duke (6-1, 190) Age: 18
The Mavericks could be losing up to 11 players in free agency, so they could really go any direction here. I think though, that finding the right point guard will be crucial because of how Dallas likes to run their free-wheeling offense. Tyus Jones would be a great fit because he can shoot from 3, knows how to use screens, and will almost always make the correct decision. Dallas may not be willing to hand over the keys of their roster to an 18 year-old rookie, but even if he is just a back-up, Jones will be a contributor offensively for a long time.
22. Chicago Bulls: R.J. Hunter, SG Georgia State (6-6, 190) Age: 21
While Jimmy Butler is very to re-sign in Chicago, Mike Dunleavey is not, so adding another perimeter scorer to go with Butler and Doug McDermott should be a priority in free agency or the draft. R.J. Hunter is a better shooter than his numbers suggest last season and should flourish as a role player because he won't command nearly the defensive attention he did in college. Hunter is also decent creating off the dribble and can run pick-and-roll, a nice plus to go with his shooting ability.
23. Portland Trailblazers: Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville (6-8, 240) Age: 21
For the Knicks, it may be best for them to fall a spot in the lottery and "lose out" on Okafor, who is a wonderful talent but perhaps not the best fit for the Knicks offense. Okafor has some question marks, but their is no denying his ability to score in the paint and rebound, but how he functions along side Carmelo and in the triangle is anyone's guess. Still, at this point the Knicks should be married to neither their system nor Derek Fisher as coach and their primary goal should be acquiring talent for the next great Knicks team, not to fit the triangle.
3. Philadelphia 76ers (15.6%): D'Angelo Russell, G Ohio State (6-5, 180) Age: 19
The 76ers had as successful as season you can have when winning only 18 games. Nerlens Noel showed himself to a legitimate piece, Jerami Grant, Tony Wroten, and Robert Covington emerged as potential role players all while Joel Embiid got healthy. Now they need an engine to make the team run and D'Angelo Russell is ideally suited to that role as perimeter alpha dog because he can both score and distribute with equal excellence. At his best, Russell can be a 20 point a game scorer averaging 8+ assists and shooting over 40% from 3.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (11.9%): Emmanuel Mudiay, PG Guandong (6-5, 200) Age: 19
The Lakers basically need talent at every position and Emmanuel Mudiay is the last of the elite tier of four atop the draft, so any other pick would be a mistake. Mudiay is the kind of talent that can help turn the Lakers around, both with his on court impact but also the ability to attract free agents that will want to play with a young point guard that loves to push the ball and plays very hard defensively. Of course, the Lakers will probably but impatient and sign Rajon Rondo then trade this pick for some role players in an effort to "win now".
5. Orlando Magic (8.8%): Justise Winslow, SF Duke (6-6, 225) Age: 19
The Magic will hope to jump into the top four and get one of those elite prospects, but if not Justise Winslow or Willie Cauley-Stein wouldn't be a terrible consolation prize. Winslow fits Orlando's draft profile of high character defenders who love the game and winning. Winslow will also benefit the Magic offense because of his ability to shoot, handle the ball, and pass. Wille Cauley-Stein would make sense also to help offset Nikola Vucevic's defensive woes, as would Mario Hezonja to help upgrade their anemic offense.
6. Sacramento Kings (6.3%): Willie Cauley-Stein, C Kentucky (7-0, 240) Age: 21
Since it is uncertain who exactly is making the decisions at this point in Sacramento, trying to predict what they will do is somewhat of a crapshoot. Sacramento was middle of the road offensively, but were bottom 5 defensively. Willie Cauley-Stein may not be an obvious fit next to DeMarcus Cousins, but I actually think it is a great because Cousins can carry the load offensively while WCS can orchestrate the defense, which would be definitely upgraded by his presence due to his ability to guard all 5 positions and protect the rim.
7. Denver Nuggets (4.3%): Mario Hezonja, G/F Barcelona (6-8, 200) Age: 20
Like Orlando, the Nuggets don't have a coach yet, so their decision making process could be a greatly affected once they hire one. Still, they have some obvious needs, mainly acquiring talent everywhere but point guard and center. Mario Hezonja is one of the most talented players in the draft and Denver has shown a proclivity to dip into international prospects, so the fit is obvious, especially when you consider that Randy Foye was Denver's starter at shooting guard last season. Hezonja may have an adjustment period but by the end of his rookie season I'd expect him to not only be starting, but excelling.
8. Detroit Pistons (2.8%): Kristaps Porzingis, PF Sevilla (7-0, 220) Age: 19
Greg Monroe is an unrestricted free agent and will likely not be back in Detroit so the Pistons will likely be looking for a long term starter to pair with Andre Drummond. Kristaps Porzingis would be an ideal fit there because he is such a skilled perimeter player who can stretch the floor. He is also a great athlete who can block shots and won't hurt Detroit's defense once he has grown into his body. Porzingis has star potential and would be a great fit in Stan Van Gundy's offense, sort of a cross between peak Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu with better defense.
9. Charlotte Hornets (1.7%): Stanley Johnson, SF Arizona (6-7, 245) Age: 18
What the Hornets most need is a point guard that can relegate Kemba Walker to a bench role (where he would be awesome) but considering the contract they just gave him, it's unlikely to happen. In lieu of that, they will be in the market for some wing players because both Gerald Henderson and Jeff Taylor are free agents, while Lance Stephenson is born ready for the bench. After Stanley Johnson there is a drop off in prospects, so they'd be smart to take him even if it didn't fill a need, which it does. Johnson is similar to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in how hard he works every time he is on the court. He is a much better shooter than MKG, which should allow them both to play together.
10. Miami Heat (1.1%): Kelly Oubre, SF Kansas (6-7, 200) Age: 19
When healthy, the Heat will have a starting 5 to rival any team in the league. Their bench? Not so much. The Heat under Pat Riley haven't shown much interest in young players, but they also haven't picked this high in quite a while. Kelly Oubre was very inconsistent at Kansas, so he will benefit from being drafted by a team that isn't going to rely on him heavily, instead he can back up Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng and figure out the consistency surrounded by talented players and an excellent coach.
11. Indiana Pacers (0.8%): Myles Turner, F/C Texas (6-11, 240) Age: 19
In 2012, the Pacers drafted a young, incredibly talented player in the lottery who needed to develop some consistency and polish. Five years later, Paul George is one of the ten best players in the NBA, so why not take a similar route in this draft? Myles Turner has tremendous size, a 7-4 wingspan, and great touch on his mid-range jump shot. In a year or two, his range could be to the 3-point line and Indiana would have a center who can both block shots and space the floor. I ascribe to the idea that a team that is rarely in the lottery should take shots on high upside players because you can find higher-floor players later in the draft.
12. Utah Jazz (0.7%): Jerian Grant, PG Notre Dame (6-5, 202) Age: 22
The Jazz have a roster loaded with young talent, including players like Dante Exum who will likely be taking big steps forward every year for the next number of years. Point guard is a position that is in some flux and could use a steady hand. It still isn't certain what Exum's best position is and Trey Burke is best suited as a bench option. Jerian Grant is ready to step in and solidify Utah's point guard position with scoring, passing, and defense, all things Grant can do. He can also play off guard alongside Burke or Exum. Those three, plus Rodney Hood and Alec Burks, will give Utah a deep, versatile backcourt.
13. Phoenix Suns (0.6%): Frank Kaminsky, F/C Wisconsin (7-0, 234) Age: 22
With Brandon Wright as a free agent, the only center on the Suns roster is Alex Len, who has shown a ton of promise but has been injured a lot. Frank Kaminsky isn't a traditional center and may be better suited as at the 4, but he should be able to find time at both positions. The Suns offense would really benefit from Kaminsky's shooting ability, something they lost when Channing Frye left, and he can really compliment Len and Markieff Morris playing alongside either. Kaminsky is ready to come in right away and contribute, which will appeal to the Suns who wil want to wash away the mess that was last season quickly.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (0.5%): Sam Dekker, F Wisconsin (6-9, 220) Age: 20
Kaminsky, Oubre, or Grant would be a great fit in OKC but with all of them off the board they may have to take a chance on a less certain prospect. Dekker is best suited as a stretch-4 who can take bigger players off the dribble to the rim, where he shot a very impressive 75% last season. The Thunder have a glut of bigs, but none quite like Dekker who would have the added bonus of allowing cross-matches with Durant at the 4. He is also a smart, high character, hard working player who would fit nicely into OKC's roster.
15. Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn): Kevon Looney, PF UCLA (6-9, 220) Age: 19
Paul Millsap and Elton Brand are free agents, and while the latter is likely to retire, the former could make a lot of money on the open market, leaving his future in Atlanta in doubt. Kevon Looney is developing a 3-point shot, something Atlanta covets, and is an outstanding offensive rebounder. I am not as bullish as some on his game, but Atlanta drafted a similar player last season, Adreian Payne and subsequently traded him. The biggest difference? Looney is a whooping five years younger than Payne.
16. Boston Celtics: Bobby Portis, PF Arkansas (6-11, 242) Age: 20
Brandon Bass is a free agent and I don't know if Boston will be looking to re-sign a 29 year-old undersized power forward. But even if they do, depth will be needed behind him as Jonas Jerebko is also a free agent. Bobby Portis is a well-rounded power forward with great size and a 7-1+ wingspan. He can score from anywhere inside the arc and has even started making college 3s. Defensively he isn't a dominant shot blocker, but he is smart, positions himself well, and plays hard. Portis is unlikely to be a star but is even more unlikely to be a bust. As a starter I could see him averaging 12 and 8 with good defense and rebounding.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Devin Booker, SG Kentucky (6-6, 206) Age: 18
The Bucks were seventh in 3P% last season, but just twenty-sixth in attempts, so even if Khris Middleton is re-signed they'll be looking to upgrade their perimeter shooting in the offseason. The questions about Devin Booker surround what else he can do besides shoot, not his shooting. Put him on the floor and he will make 3s and space the floor. Whether he becomes more than just a 3-point specialist will depend on his ability to defend and put the ball on the floor, but the shooting will definitely play.
18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans): Tyler Harvey, SG Eastern Washington (6-4, 185) Age: 21
This would be a surprise, and I don't value Harvey this highly, but the Rockets' needs at point guard are unique and Harvey would be a great fit. With James Harden to play as the de facto point guard, Houston really just needs someone who can make shots and play a little defense. Harvey should be able to be at least average vs. other point guards, but man can he shoot. Any situation, off the dribble, spotting up, pull ups, does not matter. Harvey will get comped to a poor-man's Steph Curry, so I could see him rising a lot before the draft, even if there are some flaws, many of which would masked by Houston's personnel.
19. Washington Wizards: Cameron Payne, PG Murray State (6-2, 180) Age: 20
John Wall is clearly the Wizards' best player and one of the best point guards in the league, so he will be on the court for the majority of the minutes at point guard, but when he is on the bench, you want a better option than Ramon Sessions. Cameron Payne can legitimately play point guard, is a good shooter, and can score enough that he could play alongside Wall at times, who has the size to guard 2s. Payne likely won't be a star, but as a role player he can provide a ton of value.
20. Toronto Raptors: Christian Wood, PF UNLV (6-10, 220) Age: 19
Amir Johnson has struggled this season and has likely played his last game in Toronto, ditto for Tyler Hansbrough, which would leave Patrick Patterson as the lone power forward on the roster. Christian Wood is talented enough to go 8 pick higher and would be great value here. Wood is athletic with a 7-2 wingspan, and a good mid-range shooter who can be dominant on the glass while also blocking shots a high rate (2.6 a game as a Sophomore). Wood has the upside to be an above-average starter with a high likelihood to be at least a bench option.
21. Dallas Mavericks: Tyus Jones, PG Duke (6-1, 190) Age: 18
The Mavericks could be losing up to 11 players in free agency, so they could really go any direction here. I think though, that finding the right point guard will be crucial because of how Dallas likes to run their free-wheeling offense. Tyus Jones would be a great fit because he can shoot from 3, knows how to use screens, and will almost always make the correct decision. Dallas may not be willing to hand over the keys of their roster to an 18 year-old rookie, but even if he is just a back-up, Jones will be a contributor offensively for a long time.
22. Chicago Bulls: R.J. Hunter, SG Georgia State (6-6, 190) Age: 21
While Jimmy Butler is very to re-sign in Chicago, Mike Dunleavey is not, so adding another perimeter scorer to go with Butler and Doug McDermott should be a priority in free agency or the draft. R.J. Hunter is a better shooter than his numbers suggest last season and should flourish as a role player because he won't command nearly the defensive attention he did in college. Hunter is also decent creating off the dribble and can run pick-and-roll, a nice plus to go with his shooting ability.
23. Portland Trailblazers: Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville (6-8, 240) Age: 21
LaMarcus Aldridge is a free agent this summer, but even if he re-signs Portland's only other power forward is Joel Freeland. Montrezl Harrell is ideally suited to be a backup big man because he plays with incredibly, often reckless, energy. Put him in the game for 15-20 minutes a night and let him out-work opponents on the glass an in transition. The Blazers' bench has long been a problem and Harrell would be a step in the right direction.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Delon Wright, PG Utah (6-5, 190) Age: 22
The Cavs are in "win while we have LeBron" mode so I doubt they'll be interested in any projects. Deron Wright is basically what he will be right now and good enough to be a rotation player on a playoff team. Many times last season he was the best player on to floor without scoring very much. He is an excellent defender who can guard multiple positions and play point guard on offense. He'll be 23 next season, but as a backup point guard it would be hard to find a more impactful, versatile player.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Robert Upshaw, C Washington (7-0, 250) Age: 21
With both Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos likely to be highly sought-after free agents this summer, the center position in Memphis is in a state of flux and therefore some depth/insurance through the draft would be welcome. Robert Upshaw is a monster defensive player who blocked an insane 7.2 blocks per 40 last season before being kicked off the team. He doesn't seem to be a bad kid, just needs to grow up a bit, something Memphis is in a great position to do because of the leadership and reformed knuckleheads on their team. Even if Gasol re-signs, Koufos is likely gone and Upshaw can replace his defense at least as the Grizzlies back-up center.
26. San Antonio Spurs: Anthony Brown, G/F Stanford (6-6, 215) Age: 22
It will be interesting to see if Danny Green, a free agent this summer, gets any huge offers. My guess: he does and the Spurs don't overpay to keep him. If he does leave, the Spurs can possibly replace his production through the draft with a different color. Anthony Brown is an excellent perimeter defender, though not as disruptive as Green and should be a 40% 3-point shooter. He is also an unselfish player and Willing passer who should flourish in San Antonio's offense. Brown's upside is limited because of his age, but he has the skillset to stick as a role player in the NBA for a long time.
27. Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston): George de Paula Lucas, PG Pinheiros (6-6, 202) Age: 18
The Lakers could really use a potential rotation player with this pick, but they will not want to be taking on any more guaranteed contracts besides the #4 overall pick because of their dreams of a quick rebuild through free agency. George Lucas is the best draft-and-stash prospect available and he has a decent chance of making it to the NBA in a couple of years. Lucas is a big point guard who is still learning th position but has tremendous upside, particularly defensively where he can put his 7-foot wingspan to good use.
28. Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers): Dakari Johnson, C Kentucky (7-0, 255) Age: 19
The Celtics frontcourt lacks both physicality and any kind of consistent post scorer. Kelly Olynyk is better on the perimeter, Jared Sullinger is undersized and always hurt, Tyler Zeller isn't a post up play, while Brandon Bass is a free agent. Like Bobby Portis, Dakari Johnson isn't the athletic shotblocker they desperately need, but he is big enough to clog the paint while also rebounding and scoring around the basket. He is a throwback, low post center and his range is "paint" but he'll compliment Zeller nicely and give Boston a true center to use, probably off the bench.
29. Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta): Cliff Alexander, PF Kansas (6-8, 240) Age: 19
The Nets are still paying for the Joe Johnson trade, losing out on the #15 pick and ending up near the bottom of the first. Thad Young is likely to elect free agency and sign elsewhere, while Mirza Teletovic is a restricted free agent, leaving only second round pick Cory Jefferson as a true power forward on the roster. Cliff Alexander is physically and athletically ready for the NBA, but is limited offensively. He will do the dirty work alongside Brook Lopez that Lopez struggles with, like rebounding and defending. Alexander is probably just a role player, but that is a good find at this point in the draft.
30. Golden State Warriors: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF Arizona (6-7, 220) Age: 20
While most people see Golden State as an explosive offensive team first, they actually had the best defense in the league. One of the big reasons they were so successful is that their perimeter defenders were so versatile: Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes, Andre Igoudala, and Klay Thompson can all guard multiple positions at average or better rates. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a special wing defender to add depth and insurance of both injury and free agency. Hollis-Jefferson isn't much of a shooter, but that won't matter much with all of the Warriors offensive options. Dakari Johnson or Robert Upshaw to backup Andrew Bogut is another possibility if they make it to this point.
Agree or disagree? Let me know!
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Agree or disagree? Let me know!
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
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