No change here. Anthony Davis is 100% going to be the pick and all the focus of New Orleans is who to take at 10 and what they're going to do in free agency and trades. They already swung a big trade with Washington, riding themselves of Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza's contracts.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, PF Kansas Jr. (6-8¾, 244) Unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan isn't sold on Michael Kidd-Gilchrist so he'll most likely target Brad Beal, Thomas Robinson, or Harrison Barnes (who you know Jordan wants really bad). Robinson is the best fit because he's the best mix of instant impact and long-term upside. It's not going to be a quick rebuild for Charlotte but they need to get better in the short term as well, because you can't have a historically bad season twice in a row and expect to draw fans or make any money.
3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, SG Florida Fr. (6-4¾, 202)
After trading for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, it's pretty clear that the Wizards are targeting Beal. The have a big hole at shooting guard and really need some long distance shooting, making Beal a perfect fit. All of a sudden this is a team that could contend for a playoff spot in the weak East so adding Beal, a nice mix of potential and early production, makes a lot of sense.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF Kentucky Fr. (6-7½, 233)
The one thing that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist won't do right away is be a go-to scorer. Luckily for Cleveland, they already have a go-to scorer in Kyrie Irving. MKG will be great as a second banana to Irving, right off the bat bringing hustle, energy, rebounding, and defense as well as a little scoring.
5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, G/F North Carolina So. (6-8, 228)The Kings have to be hoping that either Harrison Barnes, MKG, or Thomas Robinson falls to them, as Brad Beal and Andre Drummond aren't as good as fits. Barnes might be their third choice, but he'll still be a really nice fit because of his shooting, basketball IQ, and defense. The Kings have a hole at small forward and would have a very dangerous scoring combo of Barnes, Tyreke Evans, Isiaiah Thompas, and Marcus Thornton on the perimeter. The only question is, with Jimmer Fredette and DeMarcus Cousins there too, will there be enough shots to go around?
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn): Andre Drummond, C Connecticut Fr. (6-11¾, 277)
The Blazers probably have to most talent of any lottery team and they've got two picks in the top 11 with which to work to get back to a playoff level. Andre Drummond is the last of the high level prospects and a nice fit into the massive void of the center position. Drummond doesn't always bring it on offense, despite elite tools, but he's an outstanding defender and rebounder, which is more than a lot of teams have at center and a good fit with LaMarcus Aldridge.
7. Golden State Warriors: Dion Waiters, SG Syracuse So. (6-4, 221)The Warriors are in a bad spot in this draft, they're right outside the top tier of players and really crave a small forward, but there aren't any close to being a good value here. With what players are here they could go for frontcourt or backcourt depth. Waiters is the kind of tough guard that Mark Jackson seems to like and can play some point, which is valueable considering the injury problems of Steph Curry.
8. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard, PG Weber State Jr. (6-2¾, 189)
The Raptors need someone who can create their own shot, Lillard is one of the best in the draft at doing just that. This will also allow Toronto to trade Jose Calderon, who they've been trying to deal seemingly for years or let Lillard learn behind Calderon and play the off guard some until Lillard comes off the books in 2013.
9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF North Carolina Jr. (6-10½, 216)
The Pistons, like Golden State, are in a terrible spot in the draft, their needs and what are available don't match up well. John Henson, Meyers Leonard, Arnett Moultrie, and Terrence Jones are all possibilities but Detroit seems to favor Henson at this point, who's the defensive presence they need.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, SG Duke Fr. (6-5, 203)After trading Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, the Hornets would like to restock their frontcourt, but Autin Rivers or Jeremy Lamb are too good of a value here. New Orleans seems to prefer Rivers, and it makes sense because he's got potential to be a primary ball hander next to Eric Gordon, who can also handle the ball, and hope two combo guards make a point.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Jeremy Lamb, SG Connecticut So. (6-5¼, 179)
Jeremy Lamb and it makes sense for the Blazers, who have the under-performing Wes Matthews and not much else at shooting guard. Lamb has big time offense/defense potential and would give Portland a strong core with LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Andre Drummond, and Lamb.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, C Illinois So. (7-1¼, 250)
After the Bucks traded Andrew Bogut, they ended up with two offensively limited, long armed, skinny shot blockers. Meyers Leonard is a solid defender and rebounder but can also score around the basket and run the floor. Leonard has a lot more potential than Larry Sanders or Ekpe Udoh and should be more steady of a contributor.
13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Ross, G/F Washington So. (6-7, 197)
If the Suns lose Steve Nash, they'll be without a marketable star. Terrence Ross might never be a star, but he'll be marketable for his first season or two and will make some highlight plays that will bring in fans. Ross
is big, athletic and can shoot, he also is a quality defender. Ross needs to get an in-between game and become more of a playmaker, but he'll be a solid player in any result.
The Rockets are always stuck on the edge of the playoffs but haven't been able to add any premier talent because of where they draft. Perry Jones is as talented as anyone in this draft, but his motor and lack of playing his size have him dropping down boards but if Kevin McHale can unlock some of Jones' potential and teach him to play in the paint, they could have a star.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones, PF Kentucky So. (6-9½, 252)
There's a rumor that the Sixers will amnesty Elton Brand this summer, if they do they'll need to add another power forward to go along with Thad Young. Terrence Jones is more of an interior player than Young, though he can play on the perimeter as well. Another guard is also an option here.
16. Houston Rockets (from New York): Tyler Zeller, C North Carolina Sr. (7-0½, 247)
The Rockets have a strong rebounding and shotblocking center in Samuel Dalembert, but they could really use some offense from that position. Tyler Zeller can hold his own on defense and rebounding, but where he'll stand out is on offense, especially getting up and down the floor in Houston's up tempo offense. Zeller is a safe pick to be a solid contributor at center, but without the big upside of some of the other first round centers.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, PG North Carolina So. (6-4¼, 198)
Jason Kidd is a free agent and Roddy Beaubois is far too wild to be the starting point guard on a veteran team. Kendall Marshall is a similar player to Kidd in that he isn't a big scoring option but is an elite passer and loves to set others up. Marshall will provide insurance if Dallas can't lure Deron Williams and will be a quality backup if they do land Williams.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Royce White, F Iowa State So. (6-8, 261)Now that it's pretty clear that Derrick Williams is best suited to play power forward, the Timberwolves need to find a wing player to replace Michael Beasley. Royce White is super-skilled and the kind of unselfish player that will be a great third option on this team. Putting a passer like White with Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio and you'll have an offense that will find the open player on most possessions.
19. Orlando Magic: Arnett Moultrie, PF Mississippi State Jr. (6-10¾, 233)
The Magic need to add talent, it doesn't even matter what position it is they just need talent. Arnett Moultrie is the most talented player on the board, I think there was a chance he went at 9 to the Pistons before deciding not to work out at the combine hurt his stock. This is probably a worst case for Moultrie, but with the cluster of talent in the late lottery/mid-first, there's going to be some talent dropping.
20. Denver Nuggets: Jared Sullinger, PF Ohio State So. (6-9, 268)
Though it's hard to believe that a prospect as talented as Jared Sullinger could fall this far, but part of the appeal of Sullinger was that he was deemed a "safe" prospect, but now that it's come out he could have a chronic back problem, there could be a big fall. The Nuggets don't have many needs, so they can afford to take a risk here on a guy who would have been a top 5 pick in last years draft.
21. Boston Celtics: Moe Harkless, SF St. John's Fr. (6-8¾, 207)
The Celtics have to get younger and more athletic. Rajon Rondo excels at pushing the pace and needs someone to run with him. Moe Harkless could go anywhere in the first round, but given his rawness, I'd expect him to fall some. Harkless excels at slashing to the rim and is a terrific rebounder, he needs to shoot better and play a little harder on defense, but he's got the tools to be a Trevor Ariza-type player down the road.
Andrew Nicholson is a rare combination at the power forward position because he's a very good shooter and an excellent defensive player. Nicholson can also score on the inside as well as hit shots out to the three point line. He's very efficient and was also Atlantic-10 DPOY. Even if the Celtics bring back Kevin Garnett, they'll need frontcourt depth and Nicholson is an upgrade over Brandon Bass.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten Jr, PG Washington Fr. (6-6, 203)
The Hawks never seem to be satisfied with Jeff Teague as their point guard, but with all the big contracts, it seems unlikely they'll be able to upgrade in free agency. Tony Wroten is has the potential to be more than just an upgrade over Teague, he has rare size and athleticism to go with terrific vision and passing. Unfortunately, he also can't shoot and turns the ball over far too frequently. If he can clean that up though, he'll be a star.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Quincy Miller, F Baylor Fr. (6-10, 219)
When you're a lesser team trying to build it's way into a contender, you've got to take some risks. Cleveland is in a prime positions to take one of those risks because they've got the number 4 pick and this pick. Quincy Miller is incredibly talented for his size, but a knee injury has caused concern from teams. When Miller is fully healthy, there aren't many prospects like him: a 6-10 forward who can shoot and handle the ball like a guard.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, PG Kentucky Fr. (6-2, 180)
The Grizzlies have been searching for a backup point guard since Greivis Vasquez, going with everyone from Jeremy Pargo and Gilbert Arenas. Marquis Teague would go much higher if he went back to school for a year, but since he's likely to fall in this draft, Memphis can take advantage. Teague has big upside and could develop into a starter down the line.
26. Indiana Pacers: Fab Melo, C Syracuse So. (7-0, 255)
Roy Hibbert is one of the better young centers in the league, but he's all the Pacers have at center and can be susceptible to foul trouble. Fab Melo reportedly blew the Pacers away at a recent workout and would give Indiana insurance for if Hibbert doesn't resign (he is a RFA) or is injured.
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C Vanderbilt Sr. (6-11½, 264
The Heat will be left with only Joel Anthony and Dexter Pittman at center next season, which is a recipe for disaster. Festus Ezeli is big, athletic, has long arms and can rebound and defend, which is about all the Heat ask for from their centers. Ezeli also runs the floor very well, which will fit well with Miami's uptempo style.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Evan Fournier, G/F France (6-7, 206)
The Thunder reportedly want to trade this pick and don't want a rookie with a guaranteed contract on their books next season. If they can't trade it, they'll most likely take a European prospect they can keep overseas for a year or two. Evan Fournier is the best Euro prospect in this draft and actually could play in the NBA next season if the team that takes him wants it.
Though Chicago really needs to find a point guard to run the team while Derrick Rose is recovering, but I doubt they'll get it here, a veteran signing is much more likely. In that case, they'll be looking for someone to shoulder some of the scoring load while Rose is out. Will Barton can put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the floor and is a gritty, Bulls type player.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Jeff Taylor, G/F Vanderbilt Sr. (6-7¼, 213)
The Warriors are desperate to find another small forward, despite having Dorell Wright and trading for Richard Jefferson last season. There most likely won't be one there for Golden State at 7 without a huge reach, but there's a good chance Jeff Taylor might be here. Taylor's defense alone is worth the pick here, but if his shooting continues to improve, Golden State could have a valuable contributor.
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