First Round
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG Duke Fr. (6-2, 180)
I know what you're thinking, another point guard? But it's really the pick that makes the most sense. Luke Ridnour isn't the future, Jonny Flynn is best suited as a second guard, and Ricky Rubio has more value as a trade chip than as a player. Plus Irving is the best player available and has the potential to push a dismal Timberwolves team into semi-respectability.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Williams, PF Arizona So. (6-8, 240)
The Cavaliers want Kyrie Irving and hope that they'll win the lottery, but if they end up where the odds have them, at number 2, Derrick Williams will make a nice consolation prize. Williams will be a building block piece for this team and should find plenty of playing time at both the 3 and the 4.
3. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter, PF/C Turkey (6-10, 255)
Enes Kanter is the last of the top tier of prospects in my mind and whether Toronto thinks he's a fit on his team or not, you've got to take him. That said, I like his fit on this team. Kanter isn't a great shot blocker, but he's a good, smart defender and a tremendous rebounder. Andrea Bargnani doesn't do either of those things so Toronto could mix and match lineups of Kanter, Ed Davis, Bargnani, and Amir Johnson.
4. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, PF Czech Republic (6-11, 240)
When you watch the Wizards you notice a lack of energy and effort from a lot of their players. Well, energy and effort are Jan Vesely's specialties. He's long and athletic and can block shots and defend, as well as hit three's and finish big time in transition, two things you want when putting players around John Wall.
5. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey Nets): Kemba Walker, PG UCONN Jr. (6-1, 170)
It's hard to imagine Kemba Walker will go in the top 5, but with a lot of the top players returning to school, Walker is incredibly considered one of the safer picks available. The Jazz have Devin Harris to play point guard for a couple years, but Walker can play behind and beside him to learn the trade and be the future at the point guard position for Utah.
6. Sacramento Kings: Jonas Valanciunas, PF Lithuania (6-10, 230)
The Kings traded Carl Landry at the deadline and will lose Samuel Dalembert to free agency so Jason Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins will get plenty of playing time and hopefully blossom. Jonas Valanciunas will give them a very good three big rotation if he can refine his game some.
7. Detroit Pistons: Tristan Thompson, PF Texas Fr. (6-8, 235)
Greg Monroe had an outstanding rookie season and really took off when Chris Wilcox was slotted at power forward next to him. You don't want Chris Wilcox in your starting lineup but Tristan Thompson is similar in that he's a long, athletic shot blocker but has considerable more offensive upside than Wilcox.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Clippers): Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky Fr. (6-3, 185)
The Cavaliers have Ramon Sessions and Baron Davis at the point, but neither guy is the future and Sessions will likely be traded this summer. Brandon Knight is ready to score in the NBA right now (and could even plays some 2 guard) but his point guard skills need work. He'll have time to develop those and be ready to take over at point guard in a year or two.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG Duke Fr. (6-2, 180)
I know what you're thinking, another point guard? But it's really the pick that makes the most sense. Luke Ridnour isn't the future, Jonny Flynn is best suited as a second guard, and Ricky Rubio has more value as a trade chip than as a player. Plus Irving is the best player available and has the potential to push a dismal Timberwolves team into semi-respectability.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Williams, PF Arizona So. (6-8, 240)
The Cavaliers want Kyrie Irving and hope that they'll win the lottery, but if they end up where the odds have them, at number 2, Derrick Williams will make a nice consolation prize. Williams will be a building block piece for this team and should find plenty of playing time at both the 3 and the 4.
3. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter, PF/C Turkey (6-10, 255)
Enes Kanter is the last of the top tier of prospects in my mind and whether Toronto thinks he's a fit on his team or not, you've got to take him. That said, I like his fit on this team. Kanter isn't a great shot blocker, but he's a good, smart defender and a tremendous rebounder. Andrea Bargnani doesn't do either of those things so Toronto could mix and match lineups of Kanter, Ed Davis, Bargnani, and Amir Johnson.
4. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, PF Czech Republic (6-11, 240)
When you watch the Wizards you notice a lack of energy and effort from a lot of their players. Well, energy and effort are Jan Vesely's specialties. He's long and athletic and can block shots and defend, as well as hit three's and finish big time in transition, two things you want when putting players around John Wall.
5. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey Nets): Kemba Walker, PG UCONN Jr. (6-1, 170)
It's hard to imagine Kemba Walker will go in the top 5, but with a lot of the top players returning to school, Walker is incredibly considered one of the safer picks available. The Jazz have Devin Harris to play point guard for a couple years, but Walker can play behind and beside him to learn the trade and be the future at the point guard position for Utah.
6. Sacramento Kings: Jonas Valanciunas, PF Lithuania (6-10, 230)
The Kings traded Carl Landry at the deadline and will lose Samuel Dalembert to free agency so Jason Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins will get plenty of playing time and hopefully blossom. Jonas Valanciunas will give them a very good three big rotation if he can refine his game some.
7. Detroit Pistons: Tristan Thompson, PF Texas Fr. (6-8, 235)
Greg Monroe had an outstanding rookie season and really took off when Chris Wilcox was slotted at power forward next to him. You don't want Chris Wilcox in your starting lineup but Tristan Thompson is similar in that he's a long, athletic shot blocker but has considerable more offensive upside than Wilcox.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Clippers): Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky Fr. (6-3, 185)
The Cavaliers have Ramon Sessions and Baron Davis at the point, but neither guy is the future and Sessions will likely be traded this summer. Brandon Knight is ready to score in the NBA right now (and could even plays some 2 guard) but his point guard skills need work. He'll have time to develop those and be ready to take over at point guard in a year or two.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Terrence Jones, SF Kentucky Fr. (6-8, 225)
Dominic McGuire and Eduardo Najara are the only true small forwards on the Bobcats roster (Stephen Jackson is a 2 guard) and that's not good. John Callipari asked Terrence Jones to take a backseat and fill a lesser role as a rebounder on a guard dominated Final Four team and his stock has dropped (make sense of that one) but he's still going to be a top 10 pick and could be a steal.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Hamilton, SF Texas So. (6-7, 215)
The Bucks offense is dreadful, even when everyone is healthy. Jordan Hamilton is one of the best scorers in the country and should be able to help the Bucks anemic offense get going. Hamilton also is a good rebounder and defender.11. Golden State Warriors: Bismack Biyombo, PF/C Congo (6-9, 245)
The Warriors drafted Ekpe Udoh to be a defensive presence at the center position and he had a promising rookie season when he got on the court but he's better suited to play power forward. Biyombo has tremendous defensive upside and also the length and strength to play center and anchor the Warriors defense.12. Utah Jazz: Kawhi Leonard, SF San Diego State So. (6-7, 225)
Kawhi Leonard is an unusual player who's one of the best rebounders in the country but is also an emerging offensive player. The Jazz will have a hole at the 3 if both Andrei Kirilenko and C.J. Miles leave via free agency.13. Phoenix Suns: Kenneth Faried, PF Morehead State Sr. (6-8, 230)
The Suns options at power forward are Hakim Warrick and Gani Lawal, Warrick has ability but isn't a good rebounder or defender. Kenneth Faried is the best rebounder in the country and has the length, athleticism and lateral quickness to be an ace defensive player.14. Houston Rockets: Donatas Motiejunas, PF Lithuania (7-0, 220)
The Rockets have talented players at every position so they have the freedom to take a luxury pick. Donatas Motiejunas is the most talented offensive players in this draft but questions about his defense, rebounding, and effort cause him to drop.The Pacers could lose Josh McRoberts, Jeff Foster, and Solomon Jones to free agency so they'll be minute available in their frontcourt. Marcus Morris would make a nice backup power forward with his do-it-all skill set.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Patric Young, PF/C Florida Fr. (6-9, 235)
Tony Battie got minutes in the 76ers opening round series against the Heat because Marreese Speights is a terrible defender and takes awful shots. Plus, Spencer Hawes is a free agent this summer. Patric Young is very raw on offense, but his defense and rebounding are NBA ready.
17. New York Knicks: Jimmer Fredette Sr. (6-2, 205)
Jimmer Fredette was born to play in Madison Square Garden and for Mike D'Antoni. His fantastic ability to score and hit deep shots will be adored by MSG fans while his total lack of defensive ability and effort (he somehow blocked only 1 shot in only 1323 minutes) will fit right in with D'Antoni's style of coaching.
18. Washington Wizards (from Atlanta Hawks): Chris Singleton, SF Florida State Jr. (6-9, 225)
However low the collective basketball IQ of some of the Wizards players is, they've got some ability on offense if they take good shots. Their defense, however, was abysmal. Chris Singleton is a classic defensive stopper who can knock down jumpshots and shutdown the opponents best player.
19. Charlotte Bobcats (from New Orleans Hornets): Markieff Morris, PF Kansas Jr. (6-10, 245)
The Bobcats seem to favor versatile, face up power forwards but will be losing two to free agency in Boris Diaw and Dante Cunningham. Markieff Morris fits that mold and is the kind of premier college player Michael Jordan loves.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Grizzlies): Lucas Nogueria, C Brazil (7-0, 220)
The Timberwolves have a stuff roster with little room for players next season. They also have terrific foreign scouts and should be very aware of Lucas Nogueria's potential to be the elite defender in the middle of their defense alongside Kevin Love a few years down the road after playing some in Europe.
21. Portland Trailblazers: Reggie Jackson, PG Boston College Jr. (6-3, 205)
Andre Miller has taken over as the Trailblazers point guard, but he's 35 and the only other option is Patty Mills. Reggie Jackson is super athletic, can shoot, and run a team. He could be the heir apparent at point guard in Portland.
22. Denver Nuggets: Mason Plumlee, PF Duke So. (6-10, 235)
Kenyon Martin is a free agent this summer and it's hard to imagine they'll bring him back after Nene is resigned. Martin brought a lot of defense and energy to the Nuggets and Mason Plumlee should be able to bring some of that for the Nuggets, with more upside.
23. Houston Rockets (from Orlando Magic): Tobias Harris, SF Tennessee Fr. (6-8, 225)
It must have pained the Rockets to trade favorite son Shane Battier, so it would surprise me if they use their second first round pick if they targeted a similar player. Tobias Harris is a super smart, versatile player much like Battier.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Khris Middleton, SF Texas A&M So. (6-7, 210)
The Thunder's second unit scoring is very reliant on James Harden, who is up to the task, but it would be smart to find another scorer to help him out. Khris Middleton is a perfect backup second unit small forward because he can score in a multitude of ways and also defend, rebound, and pass.
25. Boston Celtics: Josh Selby, PG Kansas Fr. (6-3, 185)
This is purely an upside luxury pick. Josh Selby has worlds of talent but he was a bad fit at Kansas and couldn't ever get it going. The Celtics would give him a team of veterans to mentor him and the ability to bring him along slowly as a backup to Rajon Rondo.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Trey Thompkins, PF Georgia Jr. (6-10, 245)
Behind Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks have Ian Mahinmi and Brian Cardinal, which isn't good. Trey Thompkins isn't great at anything, but does everything well. A perfect backup 4.
27. New Jersey Nets (from L.A. Lakers): C.J. Leslie, PF North Carolina State Fr. (6-9, 205)
This pick is all upside for the Nets. They need some big time players to pair with Deron Williams and C.J. Leslie is the only player available this late with that kind of upside.
28. Chicago Bulls (from Miami Heat): Tyler Honeycutt, SF UCLA So. (6-9, 200)
Luol Deng is so important to the Bulls, but he logs a ton of minutes during the regular season and that's just tempting fate with a player who's had injury problems in the past. A guy like Tyler Honeycutt, who can hit open shots, pass, and is a very good defender can help give Deng some extra bench time without costing the Bulls too much.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic, SF Serbia (6-10, 225)
The Spurs have a packed roster and are notorious for taking Euros and stashing them overseas. Nikola Mirotic is a classic Euro with a high skill level and basketball IQ, but also has a burdensome buyout that will keep him in Europe for a couple years.
30. Chicago Bulls: Klay Thompson, SG Washington State Jr. (6-6, 200)
Keith Bogans has become the king of missing open three pointers early in games. His defense is good, but he hurts the Bulls offense. Klay Thompson isn't as good a defender, but he's a fantastic shooter and should help to take some of the scoring load off of Derrick Rose.
Tony Battie got minutes in the 76ers opening round series against the Heat because Marreese Speights is a terrible defender and takes awful shots. Plus, Spencer Hawes is a free agent this summer. Patric Young is very raw on offense, but his defense and rebounding are NBA ready.
17. New York Knicks: Jimmer Fredette Sr. (6-2, 205)
Jimmer Fredette was born to play in Madison Square Garden and for Mike D'Antoni. His fantastic ability to score and hit deep shots will be adored by MSG fans while his total lack of defensive ability and effort (he somehow blocked only 1 shot in only 1323 minutes) will fit right in with D'Antoni's style of coaching.
18. Washington Wizards (from Atlanta Hawks): Chris Singleton, SF Florida State Jr. (6-9, 225)
However low the collective basketball IQ of some of the Wizards players is, they've got some ability on offense if they take good shots. Their defense, however, was abysmal. Chris Singleton is a classic defensive stopper who can knock down jumpshots and shutdown the opponents best player.
19. Charlotte Bobcats (from New Orleans Hornets): Markieff Morris, PF Kansas Jr. (6-10, 245)
The Bobcats seem to favor versatile, face up power forwards but will be losing two to free agency in Boris Diaw and Dante Cunningham. Markieff Morris fits that mold and is the kind of premier college player Michael Jordan loves.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Grizzlies): Lucas Nogueria, C Brazil (7-0, 220)
The Timberwolves have a stuff roster with little room for players next season. They also have terrific foreign scouts and should be very aware of Lucas Nogueria's potential to be the elite defender in the middle of their defense alongside Kevin Love a few years down the road after playing some in Europe.
21. Portland Trailblazers: Reggie Jackson, PG Boston College Jr. (6-3, 205)
Andre Miller has taken over as the Trailblazers point guard, but he's 35 and the only other option is Patty Mills. Reggie Jackson is super athletic, can shoot, and run a team. He could be the heir apparent at point guard in Portland.
22. Denver Nuggets: Mason Plumlee, PF Duke So. (6-10, 235)
Kenyon Martin is a free agent this summer and it's hard to imagine they'll bring him back after Nene is resigned. Martin brought a lot of defense and energy to the Nuggets and Mason Plumlee should be able to bring some of that for the Nuggets, with more upside.
23. Houston Rockets (from Orlando Magic): Tobias Harris, SF Tennessee Fr. (6-8, 225)
It must have pained the Rockets to trade favorite son Shane Battier, so it would surprise me if they use their second first round pick if they targeted a similar player. Tobias Harris is a super smart, versatile player much like Battier.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Khris Middleton, SF Texas A&M So. (6-7, 210)
The Thunder's second unit scoring is very reliant on James Harden, who is up to the task, but it would be smart to find another scorer to help him out. Khris Middleton is a perfect backup second unit small forward because he can score in a multitude of ways and also defend, rebound, and pass.
25. Boston Celtics: Josh Selby, PG Kansas Fr. (6-3, 185)
This is purely an upside luxury pick. Josh Selby has worlds of talent but he was a bad fit at Kansas and couldn't ever get it going. The Celtics would give him a team of veterans to mentor him and the ability to bring him along slowly as a backup to Rajon Rondo.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Trey Thompkins, PF Georgia Jr. (6-10, 245)
Behind Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks have Ian Mahinmi and Brian Cardinal, which isn't good. Trey Thompkins isn't great at anything, but does everything well. A perfect backup 4.
27. New Jersey Nets (from L.A. Lakers): C.J. Leslie, PF North Carolina State Fr. (6-9, 205)
This pick is all upside for the Nets. They need some big time players to pair with Deron Williams and C.J. Leslie is the only player available this late with that kind of upside.
28. Chicago Bulls (from Miami Heat): Tyler Honeycutt, SF UCLA So. (6-9, 200)
Luol Deng is so important to the Bulls, but he logs a ton of minutes during the regular season and that's just tempting fate with a player who's had injury problems in the past. A guy like Tyler Honeycutt, who can hit open shots, pass, and is a very good defender can help give Deng some extra bench time without costing the Bulls too much.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic, SF Serbia (6-10, 225)
The Spurs have a packed roster and are notorious for taking Euros and stashing them overseas. Nikola Mirotic is a classic Euro with a high skill level and basketball IQ, but also has a burdensome buyout that will keep him in Europe for a couple years.
30. Chicago Bulls: Klay Thompson, SG Washington State Jr. (6-6, 200)
Keith Bogans has become the king of missing open three pointers early in games. His defense is good, but he hurts the Bulls offense. Klay Thompson isn't as good a defender, but he's a fantastic shooter and should help to take some of the scoring load off of Derrick Rose.
No comments:
Post a Comment