Official 2013 NBA Draft Thread

7 footer w/ a stress fracture in his legs. Plus all year the knock on him was that he wasn't consistent and didn't bring it all the time. Len just screams bust to me.
 
[table][tr][td]Chad Ford @chadfordinsider [/td][td]4h[/td][/tr][tr][td]
Kings could really shake-up the draft at 7. Heard they like both Tony Snell & Tim Hardaway Jr. a lot. Both in Sacramento today working out
[/td][/tr][/table][table][tr][td]Chad Ford @chadfordinsider [/td][td]4h[/td][/tr][tr][td]
Kings also like Muhammad, but he had to pull out of a 2nd workout w/ Kings today because of an injury …
[/td][/tr][/table][h2]Chat with Chad Ford[/h2]
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[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:03 PM)



Aloha, welcome to the chat today. We'll be talking NBA Draft all hour! Let's roll ...

[h6]Brad (Ohio)[/h6]


For the Cavs pick is it down to Noel, and Len?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:05 PM)



No. There's more in the mix there. But I think those two are the favorite. However, despite the internet chatter, I don't think it's correct to say that the Cavs are leaning toward Len. I think they're using this week to evaluate everyone. Figure out who the best fit is and I think by early next week we'll have a read on the favorite. To me it's Noel until I hear otherwise from Cleveland and I've yet to hear otherwise.

[h6]Ryan (Toronto)[/h6]


Aloha Chad! If Len goes 1, how far do you see Noel possibly sliding?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:06 PM)



Doubt he gets past Charlotte at 4.

[h6]Andrew Z. (Struthers, OH)[/h6]


How much would you say McLemore is slipping?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:08 PM)



Hard to say. He's not been impressive in workouts and his representation situation is a huge, huge mess. McLemore isn't being projected in the best light which is a shame because he's a really good young man. He's just naive and he doesn't understand what it take at the next level and he has people advising him who don't know either. But the talent is there. If a team believes they can guide and mold McLemore, change the situation around him, they'll take him. But that's easier said than done.

[h6]Alex (DC)[/h6]


What do you think is the best player/team fit in this draft? Otto Porter to the Wizards seems like a perfect fit to me.
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:09 PM)



Porter is a great fit in Washington, Cleveland and New Orleans. I think he goes 1, 3 or 6.

[h6]Dan (Ocala, Fl)[/h6]


So if you were drafting for the Magic, you would take??
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:11 PM)



Oladipo. I think they're leaning the same way from the sound of things. The McLemore workout/interview wasn't great. Don't think they're sold on the PGs. Obviously Noel is a possibility if the Cavs pass on him at No. 1.

[h6]Nick (Charlotte)[/h6]


What are the Bobcats doing ... they are so secretive!
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:13 PM)



Tell me about it ... Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had no idea he was going No. 2 until they called his name! I think it's down to Anthony Bennett and Alex Len.

[h6]Noah (L.A.)[/h6]


Are the Suns basically just waiting to see who drops to them at 5? Seems like not a bad position in this draft.
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:15 PM)



Probably. There are six top shelf talents in the draft -- Noel, Oladipo, Porter, Bennett, McLemore and Len. That means two of those guys are there when they draft and given their roster, I think they take the best one, regardless of position. I have them projected with McLemore ... but if McLemore goes 2, then Oladipo is the likely pick there.

[h6]Mike (Detroit)[/h6]


Any chance we see Burke to the Pelicans? I know they say they believe in Rivers but PG seems like a position of need.
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:16 PM)



Yes. There's a chance. There's interest there. But if Alex Len falls to them? I think he goes ahead of Burke. Ditto if Otto Porter, Nerlens Noel are on the board. Not sure how they feel about Bennett, Oladipo or McLemore.

[h6]Andrew Z. (Struthers, OH)[/h6]


What are the best and worse case scenarios for Trey Burke?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:20 PM)



Mike Bibby as a ceiling. to Kemba Walker

[h6]Vishal (Orlando)[/h6]


Is there a chance that a team looking for point guard help drafts CJ McCollum before Michael Carter Williams and Trey Burke? I think the Magic would be a good fit.
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:21 PM)



Maybe. I think the Suns like McCollum more than Burke or Williams. Ditto for the Blazers. Think the Kings prefer Carter-Williams. Pistons are neck-and-neck with Burke/Carter-Williams. Have heard the Magic and Pelicans both may prefer Carter-Williams.

[h6]Mike (Detroit)[/h6]


Tony Snell or Hardaway Jr. to the Kings at #7? Could that really happen?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:22 PM)



Snell is in for his second workout. They worked very hard to get Hardaway Jr. in. There isn't a lot of consensus after the top 6 so ... I guess so. Shabazz Muhammad also in the picture at No. 7.

[h6]Kyle (Mpls)[/h6]


Twolves?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:24 PM)



Looking for wings. Hearing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Muhammad and Sergey Karasev seem to be the focus right now.

[h6]Mac (Portland, OR)[/h6]


Chad, what do you think the Blazers will do if both Caldwell-Pope and McCollum are no longer available? Please tell me they won't select Steven Adams, he's Meyers Leonard 2.0.
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:26 PM)



I think you have the two guys -- McCollum and Caldwell-Pope right. Both players are high on their board. I agree with you on Adams, though I think Adams is tougher and the Blazers may just need the extra body. This is way out of left field, but I'm not totally discounting a sleeper pick like Antetokounmpo or Ricky Ledo here if McCollum and Caldwell-Pope are both gone.

[h6]Patrick (NJ)[/h6]


Who are the Sixers leaning towards?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:28 PM)



Sounds like Cody Zeller and then either Kelly Olynyk or Mason Plumlee at 11.

[h6]Jo Jo (Houston, Texas)[/h6]


Good afternoon, Mr. Ford!Who's is in play for the Mavs pick (what are you hearing)? Pistons, Cavs, others? What is it going to cost besides taking on Marion?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:30 PM)



I've also heard the Knicks, Thunder and Cavs. Cost is either a 2014 first rounder or taking back Marion into room. By the way, some teams think that the Mavs may already have a deal as the trade talk has silenced in Dallas the past few days. The Mavs can't officially announce anything until after they make their draft selection.

[h6]otto mattic (wdc/slc)[/h6]


Please tell me Jazz either trade up for PG they *really* want (McCollum/Burke) or go BIG at 14 (Dieng) and take one of the leftover PGs/BAP at 21. Isn't that their better option, considering their defensive needs (21st in league)?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:32 PM)



I think you have their plan right. There's a chance either Burke, McCollum or Carter-Williams will be there at 14. The draft is that unpredictable. If they aren't, see them going for a big here (Nogueira, Olynyk, maybe Dieng) and then addressing PG at 21. Sounds like Larkin, Schroeder, Isaiah Canaan all strongly in the mix at 21.

[h6]Nathan (Green Bay)[/h6]


Other than Larkin, Schroeder, KCP, and Tim Hardaway, the Bucks haven't worked out anyone who looks to be a first round pick. What is going on in Milwaukee in regards to #15???
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:34 PM)



Well, you can tell they're heavily focused on guards. I think all of those players are in play at 15. Should add Isaiah Canaan as well. Heard that he had the best workout of the PGs there.

[h6]Stephen (Sugar Land)[/h6]


What's the difference between Rudy Gobert and Lucas Nogueira?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:35 PM)



Both tall and crazy long. Nogueira a better athlete and defender. Gobert a little bigger and a little more polished offensively. Many teams now have Nogueira ranked higher now.

[h6]Vince (Columbus)[/h6]


Celtics seem to be in an awkward spot. Unless there's a slider there at 16, I'm not sure any of the names in that range fit the Ainge profile. I could see guys like the Greek kid or Ricky Ledo intriguing Ainge, but they seem like later-round picks. Any inkling into Danny's thinking?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:37 PM)



He's a little preoccupied now with Doc Rivers, KG and Pierce. So many different directions this team can go. I think that means he doesn't draft for need nor does he draft for now. Who has the most talent and future upside? Muhammad might be too good to pass up here. Could see them going after a guy like Ricky Ledo or Giannis Antetokounmpo

[h6]Chris (South Carolina)[/h6]


Any idea what the Hawks are thinking? It's been awfully quiet out of ATL
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:39 PM)



Danny Ferry doesn't really show his hand too often. I think they like Mason Plumlee and Gourgi Dieng as bigs. Jamaal Franklin and Tim Hardaway as guards. Also I think they grab one international player. Sergey Karaseve if he's there. Also they really like Antetoukounmpo

[h6]Jake (Chicago)[/h6]


Tony Snell at #19 to the Cavs. I find him to be a steal, what are you thoughts?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:40 PM)



Possible, but I think they have Karasev and REggie Bullock ahead of him.

[h6]Don (Chicago)[/h6]


Are the Bulls leaning shooter or big man?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:41 PM)



Could use both. Might depend on who slides. But I think they'd prefer the shooter -- Karasev, Bullock, Crabbe, Hardaway are all there. They also like Jamaal Franklin a lot though I don't really consider him a shooter.

[h6]Jordan (NYC)[/h6]


How about some love for the bottom half of the draft? Who do have the Knicks, Nets and Pacers drafting?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:43 PM)



Nets looking at wings and bigs -- Tony Snell, Tim Hardaway and Gourgi Dieng seem like possibiltiies.Pacers looking at PGs and bigs -- Kelly Olynyk, Isaiah Canaan both strongly in the mix there. Tony Snel another possibility.Knicks are a tougher read. Heard Tony Mitchell there a lot. Also hear they really like Nate Wolters.

[h6]Marc (Bristol)[/h6]


What's your buddy John Hollinger going to do?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:46 PM)



Besides order Portebella mushroom sandwiches and obsess about bike lanes? I told him to draft D.J. Stephens. If he doesn't work out as a player -- he'd put on a hell of a half time show.

[h6]Brejohn (Texas)[/h6]


Does Jackie Carmichael get drafted in the first round?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:47 PM)



No, but he'll be a very solid second round pick.

[h6]JT (NYC)[/h6]


Is DJ Stephens the kid from Memphis with the crazy hops??
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:48 PM)



Yes sir. CRAZY hops.

[h6]Kevin (WV)[/h6]


I still say Archie Goodwin slips into the bottom of the first! Are you saying there is no chance?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:50 PM)



Not saying that. In fact, personally, I think teams drafting from 15 on are crazy not to roll the dice with younger players like Ricky Ledo, Antetoukounmpo, Tony Mitchell and Goodwin. Their sin is that they are in the draft too early. But upside is so much higher than so many players int he draft. Could they bust? Sure. But I might be willing to gamble given what I'd lose is a solid rotation player.

[h6]Chris Manning (Ohio)[/h6]


What do you think of Ohio University point guard D.J. Cooper?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:51 PM)



A sleeper. Has worked out really well. Some teams have him ranked highly on their analytics scores. Interesting prospect as a second round pick.

[h6]Josh (Michigan)[/h6]


What are some possible second round steals?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:52 PM)



Isaiah Canaan, Mike Muscala, Erick Green, Nate Wolters, Grant Jerrett, Pierre Jackson

[h6]Brandon (NC)[/h6]


Any buzz on Seth Curry or Ryan Kelly from Duke?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:53 PM)



Kelly getting some buzz right now. Curry not as much. Some teams in the 30s really like Kelly. Another stretch four.

[h6]Justin R. (Scottsdale, AZ)[/h6]


What are your thoughts about Carrick Felix, ASU?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:54 PM)



Has worked out very well wherever he's gone. Think he's becoming a lock for the second round.

[h6]Drew (Massachusetts)[/h6]


Tony Snell finished at or near the top in every category at the combine. Could you see him being a contributor in the league right away?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:55 PM)



He's definitely a guy who is rising very high based on workouts and his athletic profile. My concern is that he was a streaky shooter in college who didn't always play hard. That would give me pause. But then again, could've said the same thing about Paul George.

[h6]Gabe (Seattle)[/h6]


Who wins game 7?
[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:57 PM)



Gotta go with the Heat. Picked them in 7 over the Spurs at the beginning and think they'll find a way. Going to be an incredible game.

[h6]Chad Ford[/h6]
  (1:57 PM)



Gotta run everyone. Just 8 days before the draft. Will do this again next week the day before the draft!!!

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/48279
 
itsaboutthattime said:
[table][tr][td]Chad Ford @chadfordinsider [/td][td]4h[/td][/tr][tr][td]
Kings could really shake-up the draft at 7. Heard they like both Tony Snell & Tim Hardaway Jr. a lot. Both in Sacramento today working out
[/td][/tr][/table][table][tr][td]Chad Ford @chadfordinsider [/td][td]4h[/td][/tr][tr][td]
Kings also like Muhammad, but he had to pull out of a 2nd workout w/ Kings today because of an injury …
[/td][/tr][/table][h2]Chat with Chad Ford[/h2]
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Click to expand...
roll.gif
 if kings take snell or hardaway that early

Bazz got a promise :nerd:
 
CJ003 said:
7 footer w/ a stress fracture in his legs. Plus all year the knock on him was that he wasn't consistent and didn't bring it all the time. Len just screams bust to me.
Click to expand...
Yeah stress fractures this early in his career for someone who's still trying to put weight on their frame is a huge red flag.
 
Mannix:
2013 NBA Mock Draft 4.0

Call it the curious case of Steven Adams.

On paper, the Pittsburgh freshman is impressive. He's 7 feet and 254 pounds, with a wingspan of 7-5 and enormous hands (9.5 inches long, 11 inches wide).
In workouts, he is even better. Over the last few weeks Adams has showcased superior athleticism for a big man, while surprising team executives with a nice perimeter touch. He screens well, looks fluid in the pick-and-roll and runs the floor like a deer.

The problem? When the lights are on, Adams looks lost. At Pittsburgh, scouts routinely commented that the game appeared too fast for Adams, an opinion that was reiterated by team executives at the NBA combine last month. In addition, multiple executives expressed concern about Adams' laid-back disposition.

"Everyone wants a killer," an Eastern Conference executive said. "But Adams comes off like this easygoing guy who just likes to kick back and play his guitar."

How high will Adams go? His position on team draft boards fluctuates wildly. A team that wants a sure thing won't touch him. A team that is willing to wait a few years to unlock his potential will hope to get a steal. In Mock Draft 4.0, the Sixers take Adams with the 11th pick.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Nerlens Noel

Cleveland continues to aggressively shop this pick, according to sources, but one executive said the Cavs "have completely overvalued it." It's looking more and more like Cleveland will keep the pick and, despite speculation that it will take everyone from Ben McLemore to Victor Oladipo to Alex Len, league sources expect Noel to be the guy. He's a 7-foot defensive menace who will solidify the middle, either at power forward or center, and fortify a defense that ranked last in opponents' field-goal percentage (47.6) this season.

2. Orlando Magic - Ben McLemore

A source confirmed an ESPN.com report that McLemore has looked sluggish in recent workouts but, the source said, "That doesn't take away from the year he had last season." Several executives believe that the prototypical 2-guard has "All-Star potential." The Magic have been talking with the Clippers about a deal that would send Eric Bledsoe to Orlando for a package headlined by Arron Afflalo, but Los Angeles prefers to keep Bledsoe for now in hopes of landing a bigger offer, a source said. Afflalo has three years and $23 million left on his contract, but it will be difficult for the Magic to pass on McLemore, a Ray Allen-type shooter with superior athleticism.

3. Washington Wizards - Otto Porter

Porter has no plans to work out for Charlotte, a sign he is confident he will be a top-three pick. Anthony Bennett and Oladipo will get some consideration, but it would be shocking if the Wizards pass on Porter, a versatile forward with an excellent mid-range game who will slip right into a young core headlined by John Wall and Bradley Beal.

4. Charlotte Bobcats - Alex Len

The Bobcats badly need a big man to shore up a frontcourt that ranked among the worst scoring and rebounding units in the league this season. The defensive-minded Oladipo will get strong consideration,but two team executives believe that Len -- a physical center who rebounds well, protects the paint (2.1 blocks) and can play with his back to the basket -- is on the rise, despite the fact that a stress fracture in his left ankle has kept him out of individual workouts. And remember this: New coach Steve Clifford has an excellent reputation when it comes to developing big men.

5. Phoenix Suns - Anthony Bennett

The Suns have their eyes on everyone, and Oladipo will get a long look here. But several NBA executives believe that Bennett has the biggest upside in the draft. "He's ridiculously talented," a Western Conference general manager said. "There's a superstar in him." Phoenix is short on stars -- short on a lot, really -- so the Suns can afford to snap up the best player on the board, and that's Bennett. He is an explosive athlete, has a credible back-to-the-basket and face-up game and legitimate three-point range (38.3 percent last season). He's something of a tweener, but the Suns have holes everywhere. He will find a place to play.

6. New Orleans Pelicans - Victor Oladipo

Why could Oladipo slip? Perimeter shooting, and the fact that several NBA talent evaluators are skeptical that he will be effective enough. "One year as a consistent shooter scares the crap out of me," an Eastern Conference executive said. There are mixed signals out of New Orleans as to whether the organization believes Austin Rivers is the long-term solution at point guard. Drafting Oladipo when Trey Burke and Michael Carter-Williams are still on the board would be a clear sign of the team's faith in Rivers. Oladipo was one of the biggest stars at the combine, and teams that interviewed him came away impressed with his maturity. He is renowned for his work ethic, and while those questions about his jump shot linger, teams love his athleticism and bulldog defensive mentality.

7. Sacramento Kings - Trey Burke

A source said Shabazz Muhammad had an excellent workout with the Kings last week, and is in consideration here. Still, landing Burke, an accomplished scorer and underrated playmaker, would solidify the point guard position in Sacramento, and that may be too good to pass up. Expect Carter-Williams to be in the mix, too.

8. Detroit Pistons - Shabazz Muhammad

Some guesswork here, as Muhammad won't work out for the Pistons until Monday, three days before the draft. But Detroit has a desperate need for scoring and Muhammad can do that right away. There is top-pick talent in Muhammad (whom you can read more about in this week's Sports Illustrated), a physical, 6-6 swingman with terrific reflexes and an array of moves around the rim. Muhammad told me last week that he is patterning his game after James Harden. If he turns out to be anywhere close to the player Harden is, he will be a steal.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves - C.J. McCollum

The Wolves could opt for a natural shooting guard like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but McCollum, who worked out with Minnesota this week, is a dangerous combo guard in the mold of Damian Lillard. McCollum lacks Lillard's point-guard instincts, but the Wolves don't need a natural playmaker with Ricky Rubio around. What they need is a shooter, and McCollum is as good as they get.

10. Portland Trailblazers - Cody Zeller

Zeller worked out for Portland for 45 minutes two weeks ago, with Blazers owner Paul Allen in attendance. Zeller picked up some momentum from the combine, and it's unlikely he will slip out of the top 10. Teams still want to see how advanced his perimeter game is in workouts, but his tremendous athleticism and productivity in college are impressive. The Blazers are set at power forward, but with the dwindling number of power centers in the NBA, a Zeller-LaMarcus Aldridge frontcourt would have enormous offensive potential.

11. Philadelphia 76ers - Steven Adams

Everyone knows Adams is a project, one who will be best served spending all of next season in the D-League getting used to the speed of an NBA game. But Adams' workouts have general managers drooling. "If he were as good as the sum of his parts, he would be in the mix for No. 1," an Eastern Conference executive said. Philadelphia needs a big man and new GM Sam Hinkie, a disciple of Daryl Morey in Houston, could make a play for a high-risk/higher-reward big man.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors) - Kelly Olynyk

The Thunder need low-post scoring and Olynyk is the most accomplished scoring big man in the draft. There are questions about Olynyk's strength and concerns about how he will match up with bigger, more physical defenders after three years at Gonzaga. But there is no denying Olynyk's offensive skills. He has a variety of moves in the post and showcased guard-like perimeter shooting at the combine.

13. Dallas Mavericks - Michael Carter-Williams

Let's be clear: Dallas is actively trying to trade this pick. The Mavs want to keep as much cap space as they can to make a run at Dwight Howard and/or Chris Paul, and the guaranteed money a rookie makes eats into that flexibility. If Dallas keeps the pick -and Carter-Williams, who will be in the mix in the top 10, is still on the board, expect the Mavs to snap him up and groom him as the point guard of the future.

14. Utah Jazz - Dennis Schroeder

The Jazz badly need a point guard, and Schroeder and Shane Larkin are the best of the remaining bunch. Rumors around the league persist that Schroeder has an early first-round promise, and the Jazz make as much sense as any. An Eastern Conference scout described Schroeder as "a miniature [Rajon] Rondo." At 19, Schroeder has natural point-guard instincts, superior speed and an improving jump shot. Several teams in the 20s would love for Schroeder to fall, but don't expect him to get past too many point-guard-starved teams.

15. Milwaukee Bucks - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Bucks are likely to need help in the backcourt, where Brandon Jennings is a restricted free agent, J.J. Redick is an unrestricted free agent and Monta Ellis is opting out to become an unrestricted free agent. Caldwell-Pope made huge strides as a sophomore, surging up a few teams' draft boards late in the season. He's more of a prototypical 2-guard, which will give new coach Larry Drew a traditional option even if the undersized Ellis returns.

16. Boston Celtics - Mason Plumlee

With or without the core of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce -- two players who may not be in Boston when training camp opens -- the Celtics need size. Plumlee is an athletic 7-footer with good hands who should be more effective offensively playing alongside Rondo, who can get him plenty of open looks around the rim. He's also considered a highly intelligent big man, and if Garnett stays, Plumlee would benefit from playing a season (or more) with one of the best defensive bigs in the game.

17. Atlanta Hawks - Gorgui Dieng

If Josh Smith departs as a free agent, the Hawks could move Al Horford to power forward -- his more natural position -- and search for a more traditional center. Dieng, 23, has a defensive reputation (he was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year last season after averaging 2.5 blocks and 9.4 rebounds), but his offensive game is better than most think. Dieng is a strong passer with a decent mid-range jump shot. Scouts also say he is one of the best screen men in the draft.

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets) - Lucas Nogueira

Worth noting here: The Hawks are exploring several options, including trading one or both of their back-to-back picks and/or using a pick on a player they can stash overseas. One executive told me after my last Mock Draft that Nogueira will rise quickly as the draft gets closer. Scouts love his rebounding and shot-blocking potential, as well as his ability to play in the open floor. "He runs like a deer," a Western Conference executive said. "When he puts some weight on, he's got the potential to be a starting center."

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers) - Sergey Karasev

Karesev shut down his workouts last week and returned to Russia, a clear indicator that a team in the first round has promised to pick him. Karasev is an NBA-ready swingman coveted for his versatility and superb catch-and-shoot skills. He faced quality competition in the PBL, Russia's top league, and reportedly looked sharp at the Nike Hoops Summit in April.

20. Chicago Bulls - Allen Crabbe

The Bulls ranked 29th in three-pointers made and 21st in long-range percentage this season, and Richard Hamilton, Marco Belinelli and Nate Robinson could all be gone this summer. Enter Crabbe, who has legitimate NBA range. Crabbe's three-point percentage last season was his lowest in three seasons at Cal, but he shot well at the combine, has good size for his position and has shown an ability to use screens well. It's worth noting that the Bulls have an excellent track record at the back end of the first round (Taj Gibson at No. 26 in '09, Jimmy Butler at No. 30 in '11).

21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors) - Ricky Ledo

Ledo missed all of last season because of academic issues after bouncing around several high schools. There are legitimate concerns about Ledo's maturity, and several executives have told me that they fear how outside influences will affect his career. But the kid can shoot. Utah isn't in win-now mode, so they can afford to wait for Ledo to develop.

22. Brooklyn Nets - Shane Larkin

The Nets would love a big man like Dieng to slip this far. Brooklyn has Deron Williams signed to a long-term contract at point guard, but Larkin is a quick, change-of-pace point guard who could be groomed to back up the three-time All-Star. Larkin is a phenomenal athlete -- he topped the combine in the three-quarter-court sprint (3.08 seconds) and vertical leap (44 inches) -- and an excellent ball handler who projects to play well in the pick-and-roll. And is there any better role model than new coach Jason Kidd?

23. Indiana Pacers - Tony Mitchell

The Pacers are likely to bring back David West, but he will be 33 next season and Tyler Hansbrough isn't considered a long-term solution at power forward. Mitchell is enigmatic -- he admitted he didn't always play hard last year at North Texas -- but he is a 6-9, 236-pound man-child with undeniable inside-out skills and tantalizing talent (he compares himself to Denver's Kenneth Faried). His abilities could make him worth the risk, especially for a team that loves to play physical.

24. New York Knicks - Rudy Gobert

The Knicks desperately need young, active big men to protect an aging front line and replace it down the road. Someone in the first round will take a flyer on Gobert, who has slipped on many teams' draft boards the last few weeks after being considered a lottery-level talent, and New York is in a position to take a risk like this. Gobert is impossibly long at 7-2 with a 7-8½ wingspan and a 9-7 standing reach, both combine records. He didn't show much offensively at the combine, though, and has struggled in workouts amid concerns about his lack of post moves and slender frame.

25. Los Angeles Clippers - Giannis Adetokunbo

Adetokunbo created a lot of buzz after a strong performance in Europe last week, but there are still plenty of concerns. Adetokunbo's representative have been telling teams he is a point guard, a position no one thinks he can play. There are also concerns about the level of competition Adetokunbo has faced -- one executive likened it to Division III talent -- and if he is strong enough to defend NBA forwards. Still, Adetokunbo has great point-forward potential, even if he has to be stashed overseas for a year or two.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies) - Jeff Withey

If the Wolves grab a shooter at No. 9, look for them to go big here. Withey is a skilled defender who is athletic enough to play either power spot. He doesn't create much offense for himself, but he can finish around the rim and should get some easy looks playing with Rubio.

27. Denver Nuggets - Jamaal Franklin

It's unclear whether new GM Tim Connelly will want to pay what it takes to keep Andre Iguodala. If Iguodala walks, Franklin is a nice safety net. Franklin, San Diego State's leader in points, rebounds, assists and steals last season, can do a little bit of everything. He doesn't shoot three-pointers particularly well, but he plays with energy and is a solid defender.

28. San Antonio Spurs - Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway is slowly creeping up several teams' draft boards, as executives who have spoken to him have come away impressed. He is a very good shooter -- a skill the Spurs covet -- who can score in transition. He needs to work on his ball handling and defense, but San Antonio has enough depth that it can be patient with Hardaway over the next few seasons.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Mike Muscala

The Thunder have the second pick in the second round, too, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them grab Muscala, an offensively gifted big man with an accomplished college résumé, with one of them. Muscala is a little light (230 pounds) and isn't especially athletic. But he can make the perimeter jump shot and was an excellent rebounder in college. If Muscala had not laid an egg in the NCAA tournament opener against Butler, it's likely he would be solidly entrenched in the back of the first round.

30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami Heat) - Reggie Bullock

Phoenix needs a wing scorer and Bullock, who connected on 43.6 percent of his threes last season, has NBA range. Bullock didn't exactly receive a ringing endorsement from Tar Heels coach Roy Williams, who said he was more worried about Bullock going to the NBA than any of the 11 other players who left early under him. But Bullock is a very good shooter from anywhere on the floor who also rebounds well for his position.
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I didn't get the Muhammad-Harden comparisons a year ago, and sure as hell don't get it now.
 
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Only thing Shabazz and Harden have in common is that they are black and left handed. Anybody who picks him in the lottery can expect to back there in 2014.
 
Prepared to be in the minority, but I like Dieng over Adams.

Adams is raw and potential is a dangerous word.

You know Dieng will bring defense, rebounding, and his midrange jumper is improving. Plus you get better value for Dieng in the latter portion of the first round.
 
I like Dieng too even though he's like 30
Very experienced under great coaching, great length and instincts, good rebounding and yes the jumper has greatly improved. Very good pick depending on where you can get him.

Adams has great measurements and "upside" but dude looked like he didn't know how to play basketball often at Pitt
 
I feel anywhere from the 18th pick on is good value for Dieng.

He can enter the bench rotation immediately with defense and rebounding.
 
I like Franklin more than Muhammad although I could be convinced on him. Bullock is who I really need us to get though but at 12 would be kind of early.
 
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DatZNasty said:
I like Franklin more than Muhammad although I could be convinced on him. Bullock is who I really need us to get though but at 12 would be kind of early.
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Franklin took it to Shabazz when SD st. played UCLA. And for most of the game they were matched up against each other. Bazz got his buckets, but it was clear that Franklin was the better player. He willed SD to a win
 
I'm going to be completely honest, all this Reggie Bullock love lately is very strange to me...I mean I get that he can shoot and that is always valuable, but he was pretty ******g underwhelming for three years in Chapel Hill.
 
@PMatic
Thanks for posting those interviews. Interesting to hear the players in a relaxed setting.
Never realized Bill Simmons is so old

Gonna watch the Trey Burke, Vic Oladipo, Otto Porter (when it comes out) interviews.
 
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ChampCruThik said:
I feel anywhere from the 18th pick on is good value for Dieng.

He can enter the bench rotation immediately with defense and rebounding.
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Gorgui on the Knicks this season carries us past Indiana. He's exactly the player this team needs. A tough big, rebounds, growing offensively, passes pretty well, I hope we grab him at 24 if he's there. Most mocks say Tony Mitchell, but Idk, I never saw dude play. Anyone watch Mitchell, is he worthwhile? Manimal-lite?
 
It's funny to hear someone (McLemore) say that they looked up to LeBron James growing up.

I think I liked sports a lot more when I wasn't as old as/older than dudes coming into the league(s).
 
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it's weird isn't it kev seeing a guy like kawhi on the foul line in the finals when he's a year or two younger than you :lol:
 
I was a 5th grader when LeBron came into the league... he's my favorite player simply because I grew up with him. About to be a junior in college and he's at the top of the league. Love it.

I'll probably be like you though in 4-5 years.
 
I saw him play as either a junior or senior when I was either an eighth grader or a freshman

Now, I'm 25 and his hairline belongs in a retirement home. Can't believe he's been in the league for 10 years.
 
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I was a sophomore in high school when LeBron debuted in the NBA. I still remember the day after his first game against the Kings, all the kids were like "He's the real deal!". :lol:
 
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i wish i still had that wallpaper of melo and lebron at half court from their firstgame against each other. still think they should've been co-roy like kidd/hill.
 
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