Draft Review: Miami Heat

Second Round

James Ennis, SF Long Beach State (50)

The Heat only had one pick, but they made the most of it by taking a prospect perfect for their system. James Ennis doesn't have big upside, but he can do three things well: spot up, finish, and defend, which fits very well in Miami. If the Heat decide to she'd salary in the form of Mike Miller, Ennis could step in as a replacement.

Projected Rotation

PG: Mario Chalmers/Norris Cole

SG: Dwyane Wade/Ray Allen

SF: LeBron James/Mike Miller

PF: Shane Battier/Rashard Lewis

C: Chris Bosh/Udonis Haslem

Draft Review: Oklahoma City Thunder

First Round

Steven Adams, C Pittsburgh (12)

It's important to remember that the Thunder weren't likely to get anyone who can help them short term, so while I don't love Steven Adams as a prospect, I understand the idea of taking a project when can contribute down the line. Adams has a long way to go offensively and even catching the ball, but he also has the potential to be an Omer Asik-type defensive player with long arms, strength, and physical play. If he can become that, this pick pays off regardless of his offense.

Andre Roberson, PF Colorado (26)

I love this pick, though somewhat of a reach value-wise, Andre Roberson is the kind of player I would want on my team. He is a long, athletic, super-high motor forward who rebounds like crazy. He isn't quite the freak in that respect that Kenneth Faried is, though Roberson is a better defensive player who can guard on the perimeter, block shots, and disrupt passing lanes. Put him on the floor and just let him wreck havoc defensively and not worry about his offense.

Second Round

Alex Abrines, SG Spain (32)

This seemed like a pretty obvious way for Oklahoma City to go with one of their picks, take the most talented overseas player on the board, stash him overseas for a while reap the reward down the line if he turns into anything. This saves a roster spot and money, but still invests in the future. Alex Abrines is an athletic shooter who projects as a Rudy Fernadez-type. 

Grant Jerrett, PF Arizona (40)

This is another pick I like for the Thunder, a no risk high reward selection. Grant Jerrett is a very good shooter at 6-10, 232 with a ton of upside. He was a top recruit in high school who didn't get much playing time at Arizona, and when he did was asked to just spot up. If he continues to develop as a shooter and improves the post game he showed in high school, Jerrett could be a very solid player for the Thunder and the kind of big they lack.

Projected Rotation

PG: Russell Westbrook/Reggie Jackson

SG: Thabo Sefolosha/Jeremy Lamb

SF: Kevin Durant/DeAndre Liggins

PF: Serge Ibaka/Nick Collison

C: Kendrick Perkins/Hasheem Thabeet

Draft Review: Denver Nuggets

Second Round

Erick Green, G Virginia Tech (46)

The Nuggets traded out of the first round, presumably to save money, and ended up with a talented prospect in the second round none the less. Erick Green is a poor-man's C.J. McCollom, a quick scoring combo guard who can score from all over the floor. I actually like his potential to play point guard full time over McCollom because he is much less turnover prone. With all the changes in Denver, in the front office, coaching, and on the roster, there are a lot of unknowns in Denver, so Green's role could depend on what happens.

Joffrey Lauvergne, PF France (55)

Another prospect to be stashed overseas, Joffrey Lauvergne is athletic and mobile for a player his size, though he needs to add a lot of strength. Lauvergne also has a pretty high skill level with the potential to be a stretch-4 down the line. He needs to get tougher as a rebounder and defender and will turn 22 this year, but there's a chance he turns into something eventually.

Projected Rotation

PG: Ty Lawson/Andre Miller

SG: Evan Fournier/Wilson Chandler

SF: Danilo Gallinari/Jordan Hamilton

PF: Kenneth Faried/Anthony Randolph

C: JaVale McGee/Timofey Mozgov

Draft Review: Los Angeles Clippers

First Round

Reggie Bullock, G/F North Carolina (25)

This is one of my favorite picks in the first round, it's a perfect marriage of need and talent for the Clippers. Bullock is an ideal role player and exactly what the doctor ordered for this team. He is a really good shooter, one of the best in the draft, and projects as a very good defender at both small forward and shooting guard, two positions that Clippers currently lack depth at. He also has a high basketball IQ and a good motor. Bullock might not have a huge upside, but he does two things at a high level, which is more than enough to stick in the NBA.

Projected Rotation

PG: Chris Paul/ Eric Bledsoe

SG: Willie Green/Jamal Crawford

SF: Caron Butler/Reggie Bullock

PF: Blake Griffin/???

C: DeAndre Jordan/???

Draft Review: New York Knicks

First Round

Tim Hardaway Jr, SG Michigan (24)

I'm not sure what to think of this pick, in one sense I like that the Knicks addressing their guard position, and hopefully moving on from J.R. Smith, but I'm not sure I love the choice of player. Tim Hardaway Jr. is just an underwhelming prospect as a far as am concerned, an average athlete, shooter, and ball-handler. I think Reggie Bullock, Jamaal Franklin, Allen Crabbe, and Glen Rice all would have been better choices.

Projected Rotation

PG: Raymond Felton/Pablo Prigioni (RFA)

SG: Tim Hardaway Jr/???

SF: Iman Shumpert/Anthony

PF: Carmelo Anthony/Amar'e Stoudmire

C: Tyson Chandler/Andrea Bargnani

Draft Review: Indiana Pacers

First Round

Solomon Hill, SF Arizona (23)

Yet again, the Pacers draft a college Senior. Though luckily this time they took one who was actual

productive in college, unlike Miles Plumlee. Solomon Hill can do a lot of things, but I'm not sure anything at an NBA level. I more question the position they drafted rather than the player, small forward is log-jammed in Indiana and Hill isn't versatile enough to play power forward or shooting guard. I think a backup point guard like Isaiah Canaan or forward like Tony Mitchell would have made much more sense.

Projected rotation

PG: George Hill/C.J. Watson

SG: Paul George/Lance Stephenson

SF: Danny Granger/Gerald Green

PF: David West (UFA)/Tyler Hansbrough

C: Roy Hibbert/Ian Mahinmi

Draft Review: Brooklyn Nets

First Round

Mason Plumlee, C Duke (22)

The Nets needed a backup big man who'll run the floor and rebound, so they did very well getting Plumlee at this point in the draft, who will do both of those things. Plumlee is a big and an explosive vertical athlete who is very good on the boards and finishing around the rim. He isn't a polished offensive player and may struggle to defend on the perimeter, but as a backup big man, the Nets could  do a lot worse.

Traded For Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry

The Nets go all in on this next season or two, trading a bunch of spare parts, and more importantly three future first round picks. In the short term, the Nets should be a much improved team, especially if Jason Kidd can get the guards to play any defense. I'm the long term however, there could be some rough years after the roster ages out and the Nets, who owe most of their first round picks for the next 5 years, don't have any way to supplement with young talent.

Projected Rotation

PG: Deron Williams/Tyshawn Taylor

SG: Joe Johnson/Jason Terry

SF: Paul Pierce/Johnson

PF: Kevin Garnett/Reggie Evans

C: Brook Lopez/Mason Plumlee

Draft Review: Golden State Warriors

First Round

Nemanja Nedovic, G Serbia (30)

The Warriors were without a pick in this draft, but they bought their way back into the first round and landed a very interesting prospect. Nemanja Nedovic is a very quick and explosively athletic combo guard who can really get to the rim. He is sort of stuck between positions and isn't a very good shooter, but his ability to attack the rim relentlessly will have value, especially in with a Golden State team that plays uptempo, ball-moving basketball. Nedovic can finish in transition and break down defenses.

Projected Rotation

PG: Stephen Curry/Jarrett Jack

SG: Klay Thompson/Nemanja Nedovic

SF: Harrison Barnes/Draymond Green

PF: David Lee/Carl Landry

C: Andrew Bogut/Festus Ezeli

Draft Review: Chicago Bulls

First Round

Tony Snell, G/F New Mexico (20)

I really like this pick for both the Bulls and Snell. Snell is exactly what the Bulls need in a wing player, a really good shooter who also has big time upside. Snell is very athletic and smooth, particularly laterally, giving him shutdown defensive potential. His issues of inconsistent effort aren't a worry in Chicago because if anyone can get him to work hard, it is Tom Thibodeau. Even if Snell never improves, he is still a very good shooter. I would expect improvement however.

Second Round

Erik Murphy, PF Florida (49)

Thr Bulls haven't had a big with three point range in a long time, so if Erik Murphy can not be too much of a negative on the defensive end, he could make this team and even get spot minutes in certain situations. Murphy isn't much of an athlete or rebounder, but he shot 45% from three and is a good passer. Like almost all second round picks, Murphy isn't going to have a huge, if any impact, but he does have a clearly defined skill.

Projected Rotation 

PG: Derrick Rose/Nate Robinson (UFA)

SG: Jimmy Bulter/Kirk Hinrich

SF: Luol Deng/Tony Snell

PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson/Erik Murphy

C: Joakim Noah/Gibson

Draft Review: Los Angeles Lakers

Second Round

Ryan Kelly, PF/C Duke (48)

Sometimes, despite how many flaws a prospect has, the team that drafts them is such a perfect fit that you can help but thing they will succeed. Ryan Kelly is not athletic, he doesn't rebound well, and will struggle defensively but is such a great fit in Mike D'Antoni's offense that I would be surprised if he didn't get playing time for L.A. Kelly is a very good shooter and passer and will fill that role as a floor-stretching big very well in this system.

Projected Rotation

PG: Steve Nash/Steve Blake

SG: Kobe Bryant (when healthy)/Jodie Meeks

SF: Metta World Peace/???

PF: Paul Gasol/Antawn Jamison

C: Jordan Hill/Ryan Kelly

Draft Review: Houston Rockets

Second Round

Isaiah Canaan, PG Murray State (34)

The Rockets, as usual, get a steal in the second round that other teams foolishly passed up on. Isaiah Canaan should have been a first round pick and should push for plenty of playing time in Houston, especially if the Rockets deal Jeremy Lin. Canaan is super-quick, a knockdown shooter and a terror in transition, the perfect backup scoring guard for an uptempo team like Houston who shoots a lot of threes. I love Canaan as a player and his fit in Houston.

Projected Rotation

PG: Jeremy Lin/Patrick Beverley/Isaiah Canaan

SG: James Harden/Beverley

SF: Chandler Parsons/Carlos Delfino

PF: Terrence Jones/Thomas Robinson

C: Omer Asik/Greg Smith/Donatas Motiejunas

Draft Review: Atlanta Hawks

First Round

Lucas Nogueria, C Brazil (16)

The Hawks are expecting to be big spenders this summer, so they took two first round prospects that are not only talented and but also provide financial flexibility. Nogueria is a project and might not come to the NBA this season, but he has big-time potential, especially as a defensive player. He needs to get stronger and work on his offensive game, but as far as physical tools and demeanor, the sky is the limit, but it will take time.

Dennis Schroeder, PG Germany (17)

Like Nogueria, Dennis Schroeder has high upside, but he is a little farther along and if he wants to, could come over and play in the NBA next season. Schroeder gets compared to Rajon Rondo due to his size, length, and playing style, however Rondo is longer and more explosive athletically. Schroeder on the other hand is a better shooter. Regardless, he will be a nice fit as a backup guard with some big time upside down the line.

Second Round

Mike Muscala, C Bucknell (44)

Tough he is not a great athlete, Mike Muscala is a knockdown shooter and has the size and length to play the center position in the NBA. Atlanta's role players in the frontcourt have been more of strong, tough, brute types, so Muscala's skill level will be a nice compliment to them, as well as giving the Hawks some much need floor spacing. Muscala is far from a star, but he will be a valuable role player as long as his defense doesn't hurt teams to much.

Raul Neto, PG Brazil (47)

GM Danny Ferry comes from San Antonio so it's no surprise to see him targeting players from overseas and trying to find value there. Raul Neto is a quick, smart point guard who know how to run a team. He needs to work on his defense and shooting, but Neto could be a solid backup in a couple years.

Projected Rotation

PG: Jeff Teague (RFA)/Dennis Schroeder

SG: John Jenkins/Lou Williams

SF: Kyle Korver (UFA)/???

PF: Al Horford/Mike Scott

C: Zaza Pachulia/Mike Muscala

Draft Review: Boston Celtics

First Round

Kelly Olynyk, PF Gonzaga (13)

The Celtics moved up to take Kelly Olynyk, who is probably the most skilled big man in the draft. He has unusually good ball handling skills and is a good enough shooter to be a stretch 4 down the line. Olynyk is also a good post scorer and crafty finisher, however he isn't a great athlete nor is he very long, so he may struggle to finish sometimes. Also, this may cause Olynyk to struggle defensively and on the glass as well. Basically he is a taller, thinner Jared Sullinger, so I don't understand this pick.

Second Round

Colton Iverson, C Colorado State (53)

This is a very good pick for the Celtics at this point in the draft and I think Colton Iverson sticks on the roster. He isn't particularly skilled or athletic, but Iverson is long, strong, and tough. Even if his role is simply a practice guy, Iverson will toughen up Boston's young bigs with his physicality and energy and can pull spot duty as a Ivan Johnson-type.

Traded Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

The Celtics finally pulled the blowup cord and traded franchise stalwarts Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, along with Jason Terry to the Nets for Keith Bogans, MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Kris Joseph, and Gerald Wallace as well as first round picks in 2014, 2016, and 2018. This is may be hard on Celtics fans, and the team certainly may be terrible for a couple years, but it was the right thing to do. The Nets aging roster will be good for a couple years, but by 2016 and 2018, these picks could be very valuable. None of the players added are part of the future, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Rondo be traded soon as well.

Projected Rotation

PG: Rajon Rondo/Avery Bradley

SG: Courtney Lee/Jordan Crawford/MarShon Brooks

SF: Jeff Green/Gerald Wallace

PF: Brandon Bass/Jared Sullinger

C: Fab Melo/Kelly Olynyk

Draft Review: Milwaukee Bucks

First Round

Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF Greece (15)

The Bucks have a lot of question marks on their roster, including basically their entire backcourt entering free agency, so it was interesting to see them take project like Antetokounmpo who could be years away from NBA minutes. I understand the idea, this is a weak draft and Antetokounmpo has star potential, despite the risk, but the Bucks aren't exactly rebuilding yet, and yet they also aren't sniffing contention, just stuck in the middle again.

Second Round

Nate Wolters, PG South Dakota State (38)

As much as I question the Antetokounmpo pick, I love this pick. Nate Wolters is a perfect back-up point guard who is crafty and talented offensively. He has great size and can really shoot the ball and score and pass. He won't ever be a star, or perhaps even a starter, but Wolters should have a solid NbA career.

Projected Lottery

PG: Brandon Jennings (RFA)/Nate Wolters

SG: J.J. Redick (UFA)/???

SF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute/???

PF: Ersan Ilyasova/John Henson

C: Larry Sanders/Ekpe Udoh

Draft Review: Utah Jazz

First Round

Trey Burke, PG Michigan (9)

The Jazz filled their biggest need with the best prospect at that position in this draft, it's hard to do much better than that in a draft. Burke is a perfect fit for Utah and should excel with the talent around him. He has bigs to run pick-and-roll with and a couple of promising young wings. Their biggest need in free agency is shooters however, I could see a return of Kyle Korver. Utah gave up the number 21 and 14 picks to get this, but it was worth.

Rudy Gobert, C France (27)

The Jazz are facing losing both Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson to free agency, so frontcourt depth could be a big need soon. I expect them to re-sign one of them, but it will still be a need. Gobert has big time potential and elite length. He could be an elite defender and roll-man, though might take some time to get there and Utah can afford to give it to him.

Projected Rotation

PG: Trey Burke/Mo Williams (UFA)

SG: Alec Burks/Williams

SF: Gordon Heyward/Marvin Williams

PF: Paul Millsap (UFA)/Favors

C: Derrick Favors/Enes Kanter/Rudy Gobert

Draft Review: Dallas Mavericks

First Round

Shane Larkin, PG Miami (18)

The Mavericks were label to trade out of the lottery, move down to save money, and still get a solid player who can contribute for the team this season. Shane Larkin is a very athletic and skilled point guard who excels in pick-and-roll/pop and can shoot. He is undersized and doesn't have great length, but his athleticism helps. I like the fit because he can run pick-and-pop with Dirk Nowitzki very well.

Second Round

Ricardo Ledo, SG Providence (43)

This could prove to be the steal of the draft or a footnote on history that no one remembers. Ricky Ledo is extremely talented and can get to the rim and shoot from the two guard position. However, he didn't play a minute at Providence because of a suspension and could be out of the league by next draft. However, if he pans out, he could be the next Lance Stephenson.

Projected Rotation

PG: Darren Collison (RFA)/Shane Larkin

SG: Vince Carter/Ricardo Ledo

SF: Shawn Marion/Jae Crowder

PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Marion

C: Chris Kaman/Brandon Wright

Draft Review: Portland Trail Blazers

First Round 

C.J. McCollom, SG Lehigh (10)

The Blazers had a solid starting lineup for the most part last season, but their bench was terrible. C.J. McCollom will instantly upgrade that and give them a real scoring punch off the bench. He is more of a combo guard than Damian Lillard, but he can be the backup point and shooting guard as well as playing alongside but Lillard and Wes Matthews. I expect McCollom to be in the running for Rookie and Sixth Man of the Year next season.

Second Round

Allen Crabbe, SG California (31)

Crabbe is another upgrade to the Blazers bench who should contribute from day 1 as a scorer and shooter off the bench. Crabbe will give them a player who can run of screens as well as spot up and space the floor. He also has all the physical tools to be a good defense, but his attitude and effort on that end is poor, which may have contributed to his fall out of the first round.

Jeff Withey, C Kansas (39)

The Blazers seem to want to move on from J.J. Hickson, so Jeff Withey will likely be able to find minutes in a backup role, provided Meyers Leonard is able to start. Withey can really block shots and is a decent rebounder, but that is about it. He can be a productive backup center, but with little upside.

Marko Tordorovic, SF Serbia (45)

The Blazers can't afford the roster spot of another player on the current roster, so they took a player to stash overseas who could help down the line. Tordorovic isn't very athletic, but he plays really hard and can score in the post some. He needs to improve his perimeter skills and defense to make it in the NBA however.

Projected Rotation

PG: Damian Lillard/C.J. McCollom

SG: Wesley Matthews/Allen Crabbe

SF: Nicolas Batum/Will Barton

PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/???

C: Meyers Leonard/Jeff Withey

Draft Review: Minnesota Timberwolves

First Round

Shabazz Muhammad, SF UCLA (14)

The Timberwolves have been on Muhammad for a while, and may have pulled the trigger at 9 before getting the opportunity to trade back and still get their guy. I don't love the fit, especially if they want him to b their shooting guard and 3-point shooter. Muhammad is a good set shooter, but not a dynamic threat from there, and his defense is questionable at shooting guard. If they plan to get a starting 2 guard in free agency and use Muhammad as a bench scorer, I like this pick more.

Gorgui Dieng, C Louisville (21)

This really just fits like a glove. Minnesota has a need for a backup big who can play good defense, protect the rim, and rebound, all of which Dieng can do. However, what makes him such a good fit is his passing ability from the high post, which is something that Rick Adelman covets in his system. Dieng will fit nicely as Nikola Pekovic.

Second Round

Lorenzo Brown, PG North Carolina State (52)

Falling reall far, Lorenzo Brown is pretty talented to go this late in the draft. A big, pure point guard with a really good feel for the game struggles on offense and will occasionally forget what he does best, which is pass the ball and run a team. Unless a trade happens, there is no room here for Brown in the Minnesota backcourt.

Bojan Dubljevic, PF Serbia (59)

A European big man with great shooting ability, but limited athleticism, Dubljevic has potential as a stretch four down the line, but he may be too much of a liability on defense and the glass to have a real NBA future. However, with the second to last pick in the draft, he has potential.

Projected Rotation

PG: Ricky Rubio/Luke Ridnour/J.J. Barea

SG: Shabazz Muhammad/Alexey Shved

SF: Andrei Kirilenko/Chase Budinger (RFA)

PF: Kevin Love/Derrick Williams

C: Nikola Pekovic (RFA)/Gorgui Dieng

Draft Review: Detroit Pistons

First Round

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG Georgia (8)

Apparently the Pistons view Brandon Knight as a point guard after all, because nothing could reaffirm that more than taking Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a shooting guard through and through. If Knight is able to grow into his role as a point guard, then this a is a great fit for Detroit. He is a very good shooter and defensive player who will space the floor for the Pistons' bigs and provide solid perimeter defense, rebounding, and transition scoring.

Second Round

Tony Mitchell, PF North Texas (37)

This is one of the best picks in the draft and a perfect fit. Tony Mitchell, Andre Drummond, and Greg Monroe will be a forminidable big man rotation and allow the Pistons to always have an athletic, rebounding and defending big man on the floor with Monroe, who can struggle athletically. There won't be a ton of pressure on Mitchell, who can flourish as a backup. 

Peyton Siva, PG Louisville (56)

If the Pistons resign Jose Calderon, then I fully expect Siva to simply be a end-of-the-bench, practice energy, and towel waiving guy. What he offers is mostly intangible, though he is a pesky defender and good open-court player, Siva will be great in practice because he is such a hard worker and plays with infectious energy, which has value in practice and as a third guard, I can definitely see his pressure defense causing Knight to become a better ball handler facing Siva in practice.

Projected Rotation

PG: Brandon Knight/Peyton Siva

SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/Rodney Stuckey

SF: Kyle Singler/Jonas Jerebko

PF: Greg Monroe/Tony Mitchell

C: Andre Drummond/Monroe

Draft Review: Sacramento Kings

First Round

Ben McLemore, SG Kansas (7)

Once again, the Kings have a great talent from Kansas fall to them and snap him up. Thomas Robinson didn't work out, but that had more to do with a terrible culture, coaching, and situation. McLemore is a solid building block with really high upside and an unselfish nature that Sacramento needs, and if the Kings new organization can change the environment around this team, McLemore could be a star, if not he'll at worst be a Jason Richardson-type shooter/athlete.

Second Round

Ray McCallum Jr, PG Detroit (36)

I love this pick for Sacramento, Ray McCallum is pure, steady point guard who is unselfish, hard-nosed, and hard-working; exactly what the doctor ordered for Sacramento, who has a history of laziness and shot gunnery that has completely bogged down and destroyed the franchise for many of the past years.

Projected Rotation

PG: Isaiah Thomas/Ray McCallum Jr.

SG: Ben McLemore/Marcus Thornton

SF: John Salmons/???

PF: Jason Thompson/Patrick Patterson

C: DeMarcus Cousins/Chuck Hayes