With the draft just mere hours away, there is an incredible amount of uncertainty regarding every pick after number 1 overall. In addition, the picture is clouded even more by teams looking to trade up, trade down, trade their superstar, trade for a superstar, or even trade their whole roster. This mock draft is very very very likely to be completely in accurate, but that really isn't the point is it? Enjoy!
01. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl Towns, C Kentucky (6-11, 250) Age: 19
This has become a near lock at this point and it would be very surprising if Minnesota went in any other direction. What is more interesting is if Minnesota will attempt any draft night deals involving Kevin Martin or Nikola Pekovic.
02. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C Duke (6-11, 272) Age: 19
This is becoming more and more firm but still not a lock by any means. It seems that Kristaps Porzingis and D'Angelo Russell are the others in consideration. A trade is also a possibility, with L.A. supposedly trying to acquire DeMarcus Cousins.
03. Philadelphia 76ers: Mario Hezonja, G/F Barcelona (6-8, 200) Age: 20
Everyone is so sure that this pick will be Russell that it makes me feel like the exact opposite is going to happen. Philadelphia never lets any info out so if you read any rumors about who they are interested in, don't trust them. Porzingis, Hezonja, Mudiay, and Russell seem like the most like outcomes, with the two Euros being most likely in my mind, though Russell makes a lot of sense in a vacuum.
04. New York Knicks: D'Angelo Russell, SG Ohio State (6-5, 193) Age: 19
Whether it be trading their pick for someone like Eric Bledsoe or reaching for a fit in the triangle, it just seems like there is so much smoke around New York doing something besides what is expected that it will happen. Okafor, Russell, Porzingis, Mudiay, and Winslow are all possibilities if they do draft here, as are guys like Trey Lyles and Frank Kaminsky if New York goes off the board.
05. Orlando Magic: Kristaps Porzingis, PF Sevilla (7-2, 230) Age: 20
Winslow is the player that fits what Orlando has done in the last couple drafts, but Porzingis isn't a dissimilar type of intense, committed player either and has significantly more upside than Winslow. The Magic have also been rumored to be involved in a Cousins/Lakers trade, which would obviously change the landscape of their team greatly.
06. Sacramento Kings: Justice Winslow, G/F Duke (6-7, 222) Age: 19
First of all: who know what will happen with this roster in the next couple of days, it could be a completely different team by next week. Though Mudiay would be the smart pick, I get the feeling George Karl isn't particularly interested in developing a young point guard and would rather acquire one by trade (Lawson) or free agency (Rondo). Winslow can be a Rudy Gay replacement if he is traded, or play alongside him.
07. Denver Nuggets: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG Guandong (6-5, 200) Age: 19
Mudiay would be a steal at this point and would make trading Ty Lawson much easier. Even if Lawson isn't traded, Mudiay definitely has the size to play next to Lawson and would fill their hole at shooting guard. I could see them taking any of the guys that are drafted before them in this mock here, or moving up with the help of Lawson/Faried.
08. Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson, F Arizona (6-7, 242) Age: 19
Once they acquired Ersan Illysova, Detroit's number one need became clear: small forward. They would love Winslow or Hezonja if they fall, but Johnson's ability to shoot and defend multiple positions wouldn't be a bad consolation. Kelly Oubre and Sam Dekker are more off the board possibilities.
09. Charlotte Hornets: Frank Kaminsky, PF Wisconsin (7-1, 231) Age: 22
Al Jefferson opted in and Spencer Hawes was acquired by trade, but neither are long term options at center for Charlotte. Frank Kaminsky is the logical choice here though Willie Cauley-Stein is an option. Kaminsky is a perfect fit for this roster because of his ability to stretch the floor, something Charlotte desperately needs.
10. Miami Heat: Myles Turner, C Texas (7-0, 239) Age: 19
This is just a hunch, but I think Miami may be looking at this pick as more of an asset than as chairman contributor. If they want early help, Kaminksy, Oubre, or Johnson would definitely help but Turner has a lot of long-term appeal and could be flipped pretty easily to a rebuilding team in exchange for a veteran.
11. Indiana Pacers: Willie Cauley-Stein, C Kentucky (7-1, 242) Age: 21
Larry Bird loves Cauley-Stein and this would be perfect scenario for them if Cauley-Stein falls to their pick. The Pacers want to play fast and Cauley-Stein would be much better for that over Roy Hibbert without having much if any of a defensive drop-off.
12. Utah Jazz: Devin Booker, SG Kentucky (6-6, 206) Age: 18
The Jazz have a really loaded roster but they're offense is built off of shooting and ball-movement, which suits Booker who can really shoot and is a smart player that moves the ball well. Kaminsky is a great fit here too because he can play alongside both Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors.
The Jazz have a really loaded roster but they're offense is built off of shooting and ball-movement, which suits Booker who can really shoot and is a smart player that moves the ball well. Kaminsky is a great fit here too because he can play alongside both Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors.
13. Phoenix Suns: Kelly Oubre, G/F Kansas (6-7, 203) Age: 19
The Suns could be in very different spot if they end up trading Eric Bledsoe for the number 4 pick, but if they stay here I'd expect them to look for frontcourt depth, big or wing. Oubre is the kind of player Phoenix likes and would be a nice compliment to T.J. Warren at small forward, I could see him in Gerald Green's role from last season.
The Suns could be in very different spot if they end up trading Eric Bledsoe for the number 4 pick, but if they stay here I'd expect them to look for frontcourt depth, big or wing. Oubre is the kind of player Phoenix likes and would be a nice compliment to T.J. Warren at small forward, I could see him in Gerald Green's role from last season.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, PG Murray State (6-2, 183) Age: 20
The Thunder have a pretty loaded roster, but after next season they will have a need for a backup point guard. Cameron Payne strikes a nice balance between scoring and distributing with the requisite spot-up shooting ability to play next to Russell Westbrook on occasion.
The Thunder have a pretty loaded roster, but after next season they will have a need for a backup point guard. Cameron Payne strikes a nice balance between scoring and distributing with the requisite spot-up shooting ability to play next to Russell Westbrook on occasion.
15. Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn): Bobby Portis, F/C Arkansas (6-11, 246) Age: 20
It seems unlikely that Atlanta would let Paul Millsap depart in free agency, but even if he stays their frontcourt is shallow. Portis can play either the four or the five and has range on his jumper, which would fit right into Atlanta's offense. A wing to replace the potentially departing DeMarre Carroll is another possibility.
It seems unlikely that Atlanta would let Paul Millsap depart in free agency, but even if he stays their frontcourt is shallow. Portis can play either the four or the five and has range on his jumper, which would fit right into Atlanta's offense. A wing to replace the potentially departing DeMarre Carroll is another possibility.
16. Boston Celtics: Trey Lyles, F/C Kentucky (6-10, 241) Age: 19
Lyles isn't the best compliment to what the Celtics already have in their frontcourt, but teams view him as a lottery talent, so Boston may not be able to pass him up. Their biggest need is an athletic big man, so Kevon Looney and Christian Wood are possibilities. The latest rumor is Boston looking at Jordan Mickey here, but they might be able to get him with their second first rounder.
Lyles isn't the best compliment to what the Celtics already have in their frontcourt, but teams view him as a lottery talent, so Boston may not be able to pass him up. Their biggest need is an athletic big man, so Kevon Looney and Christian Wood are possibilities. The latest rumor is Boston looking at Jordan Mickey here, but they might be able to get him with their second first rounder.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Kevon Looney, PF UCLA (6-9, 222) Age: 19
After trading Illysova to the Pistons, the Bucks are light on "true" big men. Kevon Looney, as well as Christian Wood, are definitely Bucks-type players: long, versatile, and can shoot a little. A pure shooter like R.J. Hunter would also make sense for Milwaukee.
After trading Illysova to the Pistons, the Bucks are light on "true" big men. Kevon Looney, as well as Christian Wood, are definitely Bucks-type players: long, versatile, and can shoot a little. A pure shooter like R.J. Hunter would also make sense for Milwaukee.
18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans): Delon Wright, PG Utah (6-6, 181) Age: 23
This may be a surprise, but the Rockets put a lot of stock in statistical evaluations of prospects and Delon Wright, despite his age, rates as one of the best players in the draft. He is also a really good player and a great fit for Houston.
This may be a surprise, but the Rockets put a lot of stock in statistical evaluations of prospects and Delon Wright, despite his age, rates as one of the best players in the draft. He is also a really good player and a great fit for Houston.
19. Washington Wizards: Jerian Grant, PG Notre Dame (6-4, 198) Age: 22
The Wizards would be ecstatic for the local product Jerian Grant to fall to them. He fits exactly what Washington needs, able to capably backup John Wall but also has the size to play next to him. A smallball lineup with Wall, Grant, and Brad Beal would be deadly.
The Wizards would be ecstatic for the local product Jerian Grant to fall to them. He fits exactly what Washington needs, able to capably backup John Wall but also has the size to play next to him. A smallball lineup with Wall, Grant, and Brad Beal would be deadly.
20. Toronto Raptors: Christian Wood, PF UNLV (6-11, 216) Age: 19
Christian Wood is a very Raptors' type selection, he is long, athletic, and inconsistent. However, because they have been unafraid to draft much bigger projects before, I don't think Wood would scare them. He does have some real skills, blocking shots, rebounding, and shooting.
Christian Wood is a very Raptors' type selection, he is long, athletic, and inconsistent. However, because they have been unafraid to draft much bigger projects before, I don't think Wood would scare them. He does have some real skills, blocking shots, rebounding, and shooting.
21. Dallas Mavericks: Tyus Jones, PG Duke (6-2, 185) Age: 19
The Mavericks don't ever play rookies anyway, so who they draft here will have time to acclimate themselves to Dallas' system. I think if you give Jones a year to learn a system he'd master it and be very good running their offense, either as a starter or more likely a backup.
The Mavericks don't ever play rookies anyway, so who they draft here will have time to acclimate themselves to Dallas' system. I think if you give Jones a year to learn a system he'd master it and be very good running their offense, either as a starter or more likely a backup.
22. Chicago Bulls: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F Arizona (6-7, 211) Age: 20
Hollis-Jefferson could go much higher than this, so Chicago would be getting a steal if he fell this far. Not the type of shooter you'd expect a Fred Hoiberg team to want, but he is very good in transition and moving without the ball, both of which really would Hoiberg. Oh and Hollis-Jefferson is the best perimeter defender in the draft.
Hollis-Jefferson could go much higher than this, so Chicago would be getting a steal if he fell this far. Not the type of shooter you'd expect a Fred Hoiberg team to want, but he is very good in transition and moving without the ball, both of which really would Hoiberg. Oh and Hollis-Jefferson is the best perimeter defender in the draft.
23. Portland Trail Blazers: R.J. Hunter, SG Georgia State (6-6, 185) Age: 21
Arron Afflalo declined his option and Wes Matthews is a free agent coming off of a torn Achilles, aka Portland might have a serious need at shooting guard in the very near future. Hunter isn't the defender Matthews is, but he is a similar level of shooter.
Arron Afflalo declined his option and Wes Matthews is a free agent coming off of a torn Achilles, aka Portland might have a serious need at shooting guard in the very near future. Hunter isn't the defender Matthews is, but he is a similar level of shooter.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Sam Dekker, F Wisconsin (6-9, 219) Age: 21
Backup point guard is the biggest need for Cleveland, but if Dekker, who has top ten buzz, falls this far you'd have to think they'd pounce. With the way LeBron changes positional definition on your team, Dekker wouldn't have any problem playing with him at an interchangeable forward spot.
Backup point guard is the biggest need for Cleveland, but if Dekker, who has top ten buzz, falls this far you'd have to think they'd pounce. With the way LeBron changes positional definition on your team, Dekker wouldn't have any problem playing with him at an interchangeable forward spot.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Guillermo Hernangomez, C Sevilla
Both Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos are free agents, making center a big need for Memphis. Hernangomez might not be coming to the NBA next season, but he rates highly in statistical analysis, which Memphis uses a lot of.
Both Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos are free agents, making center a big need for Memphis. Hernangomez might not be coming to the NBA next season, but he rates highly in statistical analysis, which Memphis uses a lot of.
26. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson, SF Virginia (6-6, 231) Age: 21
Justin Anderson and the Spurs seem like a match made in heaven. Anderson is a strong, athletic defender who's jump shot is great as long as he remains consistent. San Antonio is great at getting the most out of players, especially as shooters.
Justin Anderson and the Spurs seem like a match made in heaven. Anderson is a strong, athletic defender who's jump shot is great as long as he remains consistent. San Antonio is great at getting the most out of players, especially as shooters.
27. Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston): Anthony Brown, G/F Stanford (6-7, 211) Age: 22
If the Lakers plan on rolling with Okafor and Julius Randle, they'll need shooting from somewhere else. Brown is one of the best shooters in the draft and is a solid defensive player as well.
If the Lakers plan on rolling with Okafor and Julius Randle, they'll need shooting from somewhere else. Brown is one of the best shooters in the draft and is a solid defensive player as well.
28. Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers): Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville (6-8, 253) Age: 21
The Celtics might prefer Mickey here, but Harrell is just too good to pass up and a perfect Brad Stevens player who competes, sets hard screens, communicates of defense, and can guard multiple positions.
The Celtics might prefer Mickey here, but Harrell is just too good to pass up and a perfect Brad Stevens player who competes, sets hard screens, communicates of defense, and can guard multiple positions.
29. Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta Hawks): Jordan Mickey, PF LSU (6-8, 238) Age: 20
With Thaddeus Young electing free agency, the Nets suddenly only have last season's second rounder Cory Jefferson to play power forward for them. Mickey is a little on the short side, but has very long arms and excellent defensive potential.
With Thaddeus Young electing free agency, the Nets suddenly only have last season's second rounder Cory Jefferson to play power forward for them. Mickey is a little on the short side, but has very long arms and excellent defensive potential.
30. Golden State Warriors: Rashad Vaughn, SG UNLV (6-5, 199) Age: 18
This pick is unlikely to be actually kept by the Warriors, who will look to package it with David Lee to convince someone to take him off their hands. Vaughn is the kind of player teams might be interested in trading for.
This pick is unlikely to be actually kept by the Warriors, who will look to package it with David Lee to convince someone to take him off their hands. Vaughn is the kind of player teams might be interested in trading for.
31. Minnesota Timberwolves: Michael Frazier II, SG Florida (6-4, 199) Age: 21
One of Minnesota's biggest weaknesses is shooting, which is Frazier's biggest strength. He is also a pretty good defender that could be a solid 3-and-D player off the bench for the Timberwolves.
32. Houston Rockets (from New York): Chris McCullough, PF Syracuse (6-9, 199) Age: 20
The Rockets have done a great job identifying under-appreciated assets in the draft, free agency, and the international market. McCullough will likely appeal to Houston because he can both shoot and block shots.
33. Boston Celtics (from Philadelphia): Robert Upshaw, C Washington (7-0, 258) Age: 21
A defensive anchor in the middle is exactly what Boston needs and what Upshaw offers. He has some off-the-court issues, but Danny Ainge isn't scared to take risks.
34. Los Angeles Lakers: Norman Powell, SG UCLA (6-4, 215) Age: 22
The Lakers have a need for reliable shot creators that can actually get the whole way to the rim. That is what Norman Powell is best at, plus he won't have to move very far.
35. Philadelphia 76ers (from Orlando): Terry Rozier, PG Louisville (6-2, 190) Age: 21
Rozier is exactly the kind of player Philly loves: athletic, tenacious defensively, and plays up and down. I would be surprising the Sixers didn't draft him, and he wasn't their starting point guard, provided they don't take one at 3.
36. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Sacramento) Cedi Osman, SF Anadolu Efes (6-8, 190) Age: 20
Minnesota has a lot of players and not a ton of space, instead of a throwaway pick that won't make the roster, it would make sense for them to look at a stash. Osman has a lot of natural talent, but needs to hone his shooting and get stronger.
37. Philadelphia 76ers (from Denver): Cliff Alexander, PF Kansas (6-9, 239) Age: 19
Another Sixers pick, another supreme athlete who plays very hard. Alexander was thought of as a top ten pick before the season, so this would be a smart gamble by Philadelphia.
38. Detroit Pistons: Jonathan Holmes, PF Texas (6-9, 242) Age: 22
Despite the acquisition of Illysova, Detroit still needs another power forward and Holmes would make sense because he is good at creating perimeter shots at his size. A backup center would also fit their roster needs.
39. Charlotte Hornets: Tyler Harvey, SG Eastern Washington (6-4, 181) Age: 21
The Hornets need shooting more than any team in the draft, especially in the backcourt. Tyler Harvey doesn't do much but shoot but he could carve our a Gary Neal-type career in the NBA.
40. Miami Heat: Olivier Hanlan, G Boston College (6-4, 186) Age: 22
The Heat have an excellent starting lineup, but are painfully shallow. Olivier Hanlan is an excellent creator and scorer that would really work well as a bench combo guard.
41. Brooklyn Nets: Rakeem Christmas, F/C Syracuse (6-10, 242) Age: 23
The Nets really need depth in their frontcourt, particularly of the good defender variety. Rakeem Christmas is athletic and long, rebounds, defends, and is capable of scoring around the basket.
42. Utah Jazz: Nikola Milutinov, C Partizan (7-0, 220) Age: 20
The Jazz have a pretty full roster, so a stash prospect may be the direction they go in with their second round pick. Nikola Milutinov needs to get stronger and tough, but has a lot to like with mobility, touch, and footwork.
43. Indiana Pacers: Aaron White, PF Iowa (6-9, 220) Age: 22
The Pacers want to space the floor and play faster, two things White can (theoretically) do. He is great getting up and down the floor while also shooting a well on a limited number of threes last season. White rates as the most efficient scorer in the draft, so don't be surprised if an analytically leaning team takes him early than expected.
44. Phoenix Suns: Arturas Gudaitis, Zalgris (6-10, 253) Age: 22
Alex Len has been very promising but also injured a lot, Phoenix needs solid depth behind him. Arturas Gudaitis is an athletic big the can dunk, block shots, and rebound. Perfect for a backup center on a fast-paced team.
45. Boston Celtics: Andrew Harrison, SG Kentucky (6-6, 213) Age: 20
The Celtics have a lot of smaller backcourt players and size has never been Andrew Harrison's problem. Harrison is versatile offensively and defensively, something Brad Stevens values.
46. Milwaukee Bucks: Michael Qualls, SG Arkansas (6-5, 201) Age: 21
Qualls tore his ACL working out, but when healthy he is very much a Bucks player: long arms, athletic, plays hard. His injury would allow Milwaukee the ability to let him heal for a year, since they have a pretty dull rotation this season.
47. Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans): J.P. Tokoto, SG North Carolina (6-6, 196) Age: 21
Another Sixers-type guy. Tokoto is a great athlete and defensive player, who can also function as a secondary perimeter playmaker. A poor man's Andre Igoudala, someone Philly knows well.
48. Oklahoma City Thunder: Joseph Young, SG Oregon (6-2, 182) Age: 22
Any Thunder second rounder is probably going to be stashed overseas or in the D-League, but Joseph Young could be useful down the line due to his ability to shoot from all over the floor. A Westbrook/Young backcourt would work.
49. Washington Wizards: Jarrell Martin, PF LSU (6-9, 231) Age: 21
The Wizards desperately need a power forward that can space the floor and Martin has that potential, even if he hasn't really shown it consistently.
50. Atlanta Hawks (from Toronto): Darkari Johnson, C Kentucky (7-0, 265) Age: 21
More depth for Atlanta's frontcourt. Dakari Johnson is a poor athlete and would have to be a backup, but he is good scoring around the basket and rebounding.
51. Orlando Magic (from Chicago Bulls): Josh Richardson, SG Tennessee (6-6, 200) Age: 21
The Magic are light on shooters and Richardson showed to be an ability to make outside shots at an above-average rate. He is also a Magic-type player that loves to play tough defense.
52. Dallas Mavericks: Mouhammadou Jaiteh, C Nanterre (6-11, 247) Age: 20
The Mavericks roster is such an enigma at this point who knows what they really need. Jaiteh is big and has a nice mid-range jumper, but struggles defensively at times. Decent backup potential.
53. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Portland): Quinn Cook, PG Duke (6-2, 179) Age: 22
Backup point guard is a huge area of need for Cleveland, especially one that is able to create his own shot. Cook has played on and off the ball during his time at Duke and would fit what Cleveland wants to do on offense.
54. Utah Jazz (from Cleveland): Julian Washburn, SF UTEP (6-8, 205) Age: 23
This is simply depth for the Jazz, who really don't have a ton of space on their roster. Washburn has 3-and-D potential but needs to work on both.
55. San Antonio Spurs: Daniel Diez, SF San Sebastian (6-8, 216) Age: 22
Diez is an interesting international sleeper in the draft main for the reason that he can really shoot the ball. San Antonio would be stashing him overseas to see if more of his game develops.
56. New Orleans Pelicans (from Memphis): Richaun Holmes, F/C Bowling Green (6-10, 243) Age: 21
The Pelicans could lose Omer Asik to free agency and were thin in the frontcourt to begin with. Richaun Holmes could easily and deservedly go 20 picks higher and could backup Anthony Davis or play with him.
57. Denver Nuggets (from L.A. Clippers): Darion Atkins, PF Virginia (6-8, 240) Age: 22
Atkins is off the radar somewhat, but he is an excellent defender that would appeal to Michael Malone, Atkins might not even be a rotation player, but he would push teammates in practice and be a model defender in Malone's defense.
58. Philadelphia 76ers (from Houston): Alan Williams, C UCSB (6-8, 261) Age: 22
Williams is a big time sleeper because he has done nothing but dominate and rates very well analytically, despite lacking great size or athletic ability.
59. Atlanta Hawks: T.J. McConnell, PG Arizona (6-2, 199) Age: 23
McConnell is a tough defender and playmaker who could be a solid third point guard. Atlanta has shown a liking for college performers in past second rounds.
60. Philadelphia 76ers (from Golden State Warriors): Chris Walker, F Florida (6-9, 208) Age: 20
This is another pick I think is very likely to happen. Chris "Sky" Walker was more "bench rider" at Florida, but their are few athletes in the world that compare to Walker.
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