Official 2012 NBA Draft Thread

[finallyfamous]

Quit it with that @%*%

 

[mmg]

Originally Posted by FinallyFamous

Quit it with that @%*%

The lebron talk? Seeing how your a cavs and overall Ohio fan, would you take him back with open arms? Let's say he wins 1 or 2 more chips in MIA and wants to finish his career in Cle?

 

[mr marcus]

lamb pull up and off the screen shots is gonna make him a decent player off gate

 

[buc em]

Originally Posted by Lightweight Champion

Man, if the Kings trade #5 for #14 and #16 I'd be happy. Harkless and Henson? Easy takes.

You would be so dumb to take just those two picks for #5. And Henson isn't going to make it past the Pistons at 9.

 

[doublejs07]

Upon hearing of Sunday night's developments, one rival general manager told ESPN.com that he believes Houston's real aim is acquiring two top-10 picks this week to turn around quickly and offer both to the Orlando Magic as part of a considerable trade offer for Dwight Howard.

The Rockets' willingness to trade for Howard -- even without the All-Star center's signature on a contract extension -- is an open secret around the league. But it's believed that two top-eight picks, assuming Houston managed to complete trades with both Sacramento and Toronto, would seriously pique the interest of new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan, who could then quickly start following the same sort of roster-building blueprint relied on by his previous employers in Oklahoma City.



http://www.sbnation.com/n...dwight-howard/in/2691969

 

[pharelfor3]

All that for Howard?? houston is def in win now mode

 

[pmatic]

Yes, Anthony Davis is going first in Thursday's NBA Draft. But, what happens next?

The usual caveats must be applied liberally here. It's the week of the Draft. Everyone you know that doesn't have your last name is lying, and you might want to check out the story of your sibling or parent. Teams that want players to slip pass along salacious rumors about them; teams looking to move up in the first round tell anyone listening how bad this Draft is and how there are no good players in it.

The "experts" on their 15th Mock Draft still manage to get 80 percent of their picks wrong. (I know. I will be joining them before Thursday. Sigh.) How do you know what Orlando is going to do in the Draft when you don't know when they'll trade Dwight Howard, or for what, or who the new coach will be? Rob Hennigan, the new GM, just fired everybody who'd been doing all the scouting for Orlando, while he was in Oklahoma City.

However, there are a few things we know. Sort of.

There is near-unanimity that Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger's back problems have him slipping, though he will still go somewhere in the first round. There is a consensus building that the Bobcats, who currently have the second pick, will play it safe and take Kansas forward Thomas Robinson. A 7-59 team needs everything, and Robinson will fill the power forward spot just fine. Michael Jordan cannot afford another Draft-night whiff.

At No. 3, according to league sources, the Wizards are likely to take either Florida guard Bradley Beal or North Carolina swingman Harrison Barnes. They still like Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, but it seems less likely they'd go for a small forward after acquiring Trevor Ariza from New Orleans [see below]. And Kidd-Gilchrist's struggles to shoot wouldn't fit in with the Wizards' crying need for increased perimeter scoring. While many scouts around the league think Barnes will struggle at the two guard spot, Washington thinks he could play the position.

The Cavaliers, currently picking No. 4, are trying to do what they accomplished last season, when they got an extra first-round pick from the Clippers for Mo Williams that turned into the No. 1 overall pick, eventual Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving. With its own first-rounder (the No. 4 pick), Cleveland took forward Tristan Thompson.

And league sources said this weekend that the Cavs were actively trying to get another top-five pick to go with their own fourth overall selection, using the 24th pick overall and center Anderson Varejao as trade bait. So far, neither Charlotte, Washington nor Sacramento (fifth) have had any interest, according to sources.

Cleveland, at No. 4, would seem to have its pick of whatever wing player the Wizards don't take -- Beal, Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist. Barnes and Kidd-Gilchrist would each be especially difficult to pass on. Barnes is Cavs guard Kyrie Irving's best friend, and has the same agent. Kidd-Gilchrist was Irving's high school teammate in New Jersey at St. Patrick's High School. With Antawn Jamison leaving, the need for a three is acute.

Sacramento would seem to have a need for a point guard at No. 5, and Damian Lillard, the Weber State point who has become the top point guard prospect, shot very well at his workout for the Kings over the weekend. But Isaiah Thomas' emergence last season as a rookie has quelled some of the angst within the organization about that position. The Kings don't appear to be so enamored with any of the top prospects that they'd be willing to move up to No. 2 and take Charlotte's pick, along with Tyrus Thomas' hefty contract.

But the Kings could also be looking at a two guard, and that would give them several solid options. If Barnes were to slip to five, he'd be a perfectly solid choice. So would Harkless, who was scheduled to work out in Sacramento Monday.

But Syracuse's Dion Waiters is coming on like a freight train, with sources insistent that he'll be gone somewhere between No. 6 (Portland) and No. 8 (Toronto) after earlier rumors had Phoenix making a promise to take Waiters at 13. The Kings could shake loose a few additional assets if they let it be known they're looking hard at Waiters, whose offensive skills continue to have NBA types drooling.

"His talent, it's exceptional," one scout said Saturday. "There's no guard in the Draft that can do what he does."

Portland could go in any direction. League sources maintain the Blazers are shopping the second of their two first-rounders, the 11th pick overall, in search of young assets in return. But at six, the Blazers have needs across the board. Lillard would make an awful lot of sense here if he's not taken by Sacramento, but the Blazers, who still need to replace the retired Brandon Roy, might not be able to pass on Waiters.

At No. 7, with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson set in the backcourt, the Warriors are more likely committed to taking a frontcourt player rather than Waiters. But whether that's Harkless (who worked out for the Warriors Sunday) or mercurial Connecticut freshman center Andre Drummond or someone else is up for grabs. With the oft-injured Andrew Bogut coming off yet another surgery, a center would not be a reach here. Both the Warriors and Raptors have also been rumored as being interested in acquiring Bulls forward Luol Deng, who has two years and $27.6 million left on his deal.

Much was made this weekend about Toronto having scouts in Houston, where Great Britain's Olympic team is having a training camp in advance of the Games next month -- and where Deng, who is playing for England in the Games, is working out.

But the Raptors insist they were there to watch Jonas Valanciunas, their first-round pick from 2011 who is expected to come to the NBA this season. He was playing for the Lithuanian national team that scrimmaged England Sunday. Another member of the Lithuanian team is Linas Kleiza, the Raptors' forward, who was also getting a look-see.

"There is nothing there with Deng," a Raptors source texted Sunday night.

Believe what you will. It's four days before the Draft.

Toronto also supposedly has a jones for Waiters, with sources saying that Coach Dwane Casey wants an "alpha male" for his still-young squad.

At No. 9, many around the league believe Detroit is locked into taking a big man, with North Carolina forward John Henson the pick of most. He'd be a perfect fit with center Greg Monroe, with his shot-blocking and defense a good compliment to Monroe's passing and scoring.

That brings us back to the Hornets, with the 10th pick. There's no reason that New Orleans couldn't go big-big, with a center prospect like North Carolina's Tyler Zeller a safe selection that would provide depth with Gustavo Ayon in the middle next season. (Incumbent center Chris Kaman is so, so out of there.) But there's a school of thought that says with Davis in tow at one, the Hornets may go for a guard at 10.

The next wing off the board is a photo finish at the moment, league sources say, between Connecticut sophomore Jeremy Lamb and Duke freshman Austin Rivers. There had been some whispers over the weekend that Lamb, who hadn't worked out for teams since suffering an ankle sprain in Toronto earlier this month had a shoulder issue; his right shoulder had popped out once in high school. But a thorough vetting by the league's doctors, according to a source close to Lamb, gave Lamb the thumbs -- or shoulders -- up. He will have to strengthen the shoulder and keep working at it throughout his career, but he will not require surgery.

Lamb worked out in Phoenix over the weekend and is scheduled to be in Portland on Monday. Rivers, however, is moving up fast.

If Portland still has its No. 11 pick, it's hard to see the Blazers going for another guard if they've used the No. 6 pick to fill that need. With several solid big men available here -- either Henson or Zeller or Illinois sophomore Meyers Leonard -- the Blazers almost have to take someone big to begin the post-Oden era.

At No. 12, Milwaukee is also believed to be looking big, having had to play Drew Gooden in the hole down the stretch last season after the Bogut trade. The Suns, who supposedly promised Waiters they'd take him at 13, now likely have to figure out a way to trade up in order to get him. Houston has No. 14 and 16 and would love to move up in order to take a difference-maker.

At No. 15, the Sixers would seemingly be in the market for a guard, with leading scorer Lou Williams opting out of his deal and becoming an unrestricted free agent next Sunday. But word is that Philly may be choking on the contract demands of starting center Spencer Hawes as well (you hear numbers like $8 million a year being thrown around), and may have to go big in case it can't come to terms with the 7-footer.

Outside of the lottery teams, the most intriguing questions involve just who has supposedly made a promise to Iowa State big man Royce White, whose stock is climbing rapidly in the final days. Several reports say the Celtics, who have the 21st and 22nd picks, took the pledge. But a source insisted Sunday night that not only did Boston not make a pledge to White, it couldn't even get him in last week for a workout.

If that's true, Minnesota, at 18, would be a likely destination for White, unless you actually think the Wolves are really committed to Michael Beasley long-term. White played for Fred Hoiberg, the Wolves' former player and assistant GM who is now the coach at Iowa State. Plus, White was born and raised in Minneapolis and originally signed with the University of Minnesota but never played a game there. He can flat-out play, and is potentially another talented big to pair with All-Star Kevin Love and Derrick Williams.

Utah, which lost its hold on the seventh pick, is trying hard to use its tradeable assets -- a glut of power forwards -- to move into the top 10 and take a guard, according to sources. It's believed third-year power forward Derrick Favors is the only one of the Jazz big men that is completely off the table.

Link

 

[venom lyrix]

Originally Posted by Lightweight Champion

Man, if the Kings trade #5 for #14 and #16 I'd be happy. Harkless and Henson? Easy takes.

in this draft I agree, trading the 5 for two picks in the top 20 is a great deal, especially for a team like Sac

 

[pmatic]

Jared Sullinger didn't get an invite to the Green Room. From a consencus top 5-10 pick last year to dropping to the middle of the first round. I guess the red flags could have came up last year too, but still.

New video:

 

[shorty doo wop]

Ford's new mock is out

 

[the gr8]

^^^ If anybody with insider can post this... much appreciated

 

[pmatic]

Mock Draft, Version 9.0

With the 2012 NBA draft three days away, it's time to take our first full look at both rounds. As teams continue to narrow their draft lists, trade talk and last-minute workouts have plenty of things still up in the air. Here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, at how the draft will play out Thursday.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

New Orleans
[/td][td]

Anthony Davis
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 222 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Hornets' big trade with the Wizards last week put their blueprint in sharp relief. This team is going young and will build around Davis. Although the Hornets won't be great next season, they're building a rock-solid foundation. In addition to the No. 1 pick, they now have plenty of cap room to re-sign Eric Gordon and another significant free agent, plus the No. 10 pick.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Charlotte
[/td][td]

Thomas Robinson
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 244 pounds
Age: 21
School: Kansas[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Robinson is a bit of a placeholder right now. The Bobcats have had all the major players in for workouts but are in the process of seeing whether they'd be better off trading this pick. As we've reported the past three weeks, they're looking for multiple young assets in return.

The most likely scenario has the Bobcats swapping the No. 2 pick with Cleveland for the No. 4 pick and either pick No. 24 or picks 33 and 34. Obviously, the Bobcats would prefer the 24th pick, but the Cavs would prefer to hold on to it. Although the Cavs aren't the only team in play for the pick, they have the most realistic scenario right now and likely would take Bradley Beal at No. 2. If the Bobcats end up keeping the pick, it sounds as though Robinson has a slight edge here.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Washington
[/td][td]

Bradley Beal
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 202 pounds
Age: 18
School: Florida[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Wizards made the first big trade of the offseason, sending Rashard Lewis and the 46th pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. With the deal, the Wizards essentially upgraded their front court -- Okafor likely will be their starting 5, Nene their starting 4 and Ariza their starting 3.

With John Wall running the point, that leaves them with one big hole: at the 2. I think this makes Beal a no-brainer for the Wizards, who are lacking a lights-out perimeter shooter. He's a perfect fit for this new roster. And if the Wizards believe they are in danger of losing Beal, don't be surprised if they offer the Bobcats the No. 32 pick to move up one spot. If Beal is off the board, it looks as if Harrison Barnes is Plan B.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Cleveland
[/td][td]

Harrison Barnes
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 228 pounds
Age: 20
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Ideally, the Cavs would like to move up to the No. 2 spot to grab Beal. But the price is high and they might decide to settle at No. 4. If they do, they have a tough choice between Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes.

In the past few days, it appears Barnes has moved ahead of Kidd-Gilchrist on the Cavs' board. The team needs shooters and believes he's further along. The Cavs love Kidd-Gilchrist, too, but it sounds as if he has become a tougher sell thanks to his limited offensive repertoire.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Sacramento
[/td][td]

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 233 pounds
Age: 18
School: Kentucky[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: In a lot of ways, if Kidd-Gilchrist falls here, it's a godsend for Sacramento. The Kings are loaded with players who want to jack up 20 shots a game. Kidd-Gilchrist is the only guy in this range who can affect a game dramatically without the ball in his hands. He's also a high-character player who will add toughness and a winning attitude to the locker room.

The Kings also have explored trading down in the draft (the Rockets seem to be the team with the most interest) and could look to add players such as John Henson (whom they've been high on all year) and Moe Harkless (who works out for them Monday) if they swap No. 5 for Houston's Nos. 14 and 16.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Portland (via Nets)
[/td][td]

Damian Lillard
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 189 pounds
Age: 21
School: Weber State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Blazers need a point guard and a big man. They'll have to make a very tough choice here between Lillard and Andre Drummond. Lillard is a steady, athletic guard who can shoot the lights out and get to the rim. Drummond is a super-athletic big man who can block shots. Although teams usually opt for size, the fact that Drummond is two to three years away might tip the scale toward Lillard. The Blazers, remember, aren't rebuilding, they're retooling. Dion Waiters is the sleeper pick here.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Golden State
[/td][td]

Andre Drummond
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-foot-0
Weight: 279 pounds
Age: 18
School: UConn[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Warriors are desperate to add an athletic big to their front line. So Drummond should be a no-brainer, right? Wrong. The front office and ownership also love players with a great motor, which Drummond lacks. But, although he's not an ideal fit, I don't think the Warriors will be able to pass on Drummond if he slides this far. If they do pass on him, however, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller are in the mix.

The dark-horse pick is Washington's Terrence Ross. Jerry West is a big fan and was the mastermind behind last year's Klay Thompson pick. Ross isn't a perfect fit, either, but the Warriors will focus on collecting assets at this point.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Toronto
[/td][td]

Dion Waiters
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 221 pounds
Age: 20
School: Syracuse[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: I don't believe the Raptors promised to pick Waiters at No. 8; most signs point to the Suns making him that promise at No. 13. However, Toronto is the only team that has worked him out and really needs a guard who can get to the basket at will.

Jeremy Lamb and Austin Rivers are also possibilities here, but, from everything I can gather, Waiters is in the lead.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Detroit
[/td][td]

Meyers Leonard
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-foot-1
Weight: 250 pounds
Age: 20
School: Illinois[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Pistons had a huge workout scheduled for Monday with Leonard, Tyler Zeller, Perry Jones, Terrence Jones, John Henson and Jared Sullinger. Going into the workout, it looked as if Leonard and Henson had a slight edge over the rest of the group.

The Pistons really want to move Greg Monroe back over to the 4 and need a big, physical center to guard the paint. Leonard could be that guy. However, the team also sees Henson, with his elite shot-blocking ability, as a potential fit, and he could very well be the guy.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

New Orleans
(via Wolves)
[/td][td]

Austin Rivers
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 203 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: After the first nine picks, things start to break down a little bit. The Hornets can go in a lot of directions and also are exploring trades. Sources say they offered the Rockets the 10th pick for Nos. 14 and 16 but were turned down last week.

If they keep the pick, they really need help at center, point guard and small forward. Although Rivers doesn't fill any of those positions, I'm told the Hornets have been enamored with him. Tyler Zeller, Jeremy Lamb and Moe Harkless are other possibilities here.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Portland
[/td][td]

Tyler Zeller
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-foot-0
Weight: 247 pounds
Age: 22
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: If the Blazers go with a guard at No. 6, don't be surprised if they go big with their other selection. Zeller isn't a sexy pick, but he is capable of playing right now, has solid size for his position and runs the floor well. Other possibilities here include Dion Waiters, Austin Rivers, Jeremy Lamb and Terrence Ross.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Milwaukee
[/td][td]

Terrence Ross
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 197 pounds
Age: 21
School: Washington[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Bucks really need a center, but, with the top three big men off the board, I think they'll decide to reverse gears and fill a need in their backcourt. The Bucks are devoid of shooters, and Ross has a very pretty stroke and good size for his position. Jeremy Lamb and Moe Harkless are other possibilities here.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Phoenix
[/td][td]

Jeremy Lamb
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 179 pounds
Age: 20
School: UConn[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Lamb suffered a high ankle sprain in a workout in Toronto and has struggled to get well enough to resume workouts. Although GMs think he's talented, they have questioned his toughness. His inability to work out has hurt him a bit, too.

However, Lamb went into Phoenix this weekend and toughed out a workout on the bad ankle. A source in Phoenix told me the Suns were impressed with his toughness and willingness to fight through the workout. His performance there could keep him in the lottery. If Lamb is gone, Terrence Ross, Dion Waiters and Austin Rivers are all possibilities here. So is Arnett Moultrie.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Houston
[/td][td]

John Henson
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 216 pounds
Age: 21
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Rockets have to be disappointed that all of the top wings and top will be off the board at No. 14. They've been very active in trade calls and are looking at everything from moving up into the top five (I believe Andre Drummond is their target) to moving out of the draft.

The name of the game for Houston now is collecting assets. Henson is a terrific shot-blocker and rebounder. He lacks strength, but he's rangy. If he bulks up, he could be a force in the paint down the road.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Philadelphia
[/td][td]

Perry Jones III
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 234 pounds
Age: 20
School: Baylor[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Jones might be the toughest player in the draft to project right now. Everyone is both scared to take him and scared not to take him. I heard the same assessment from a number of NBA GMs the past few weeks.

Whichever GM first overcomes his fear of taking Jones gets a super-athletic 6-11 forward who lacks the motor or toughness teams usually look for in a big man. At some point, the reward outweighs the risk, and that calculation probably starts here. Terrence Ross, Arnett Moultrie, Moe Harkless and Jared Sullinger are other possibilities.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Houston (via Knicks)
[/td][td]

Moe Harkless
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 207 pounds
Age: 19
School: St. John's[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Rockets are looking for assets as they try to package players to facilitate a trade. Adding Harkless to their stock of young players might be a smart move. Lots of teams have shown interest in him. He is athletic, has great upside and can defend multiple positions. He's sort of a young Trevor Ariza.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Dallas
[/td][td]

Terrence Jones
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 252 pounds
Age: 20
School: Kentucky[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Rejoice, Mavs fans. After weeks and weeks of having Kendall Marshall going No. 17 to the Mavs, we have a new name for you. Although I still believe the Mavs really like Marshall, it would be tough to pass on Jones here. His versatility, rebounding and shot-blocking would all be welcome in Big D. The Mavs are another team that has been actively exploring moving up in the draft the past few days.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Wolves (via Jazz)
[/td][td]

Arnett Moultrie
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 223 pounds
Age: 21
School: Mississippi State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Wolves are really hoping a sweet-shooting 2-guard will fall to them here. Alas for Minnesota, it looks as if they'll all be taken in the lottery. That leaves the Wolves with three options: (1) They can go with an athletic big man, such as Moultrie, Fab Melo or a real dark horse such as Miles Plumlee; (2) they can reach for the next best 2-guard, Will Barton; (3) they could try to use forward Derrick Williams as trade bait to move up in the draft.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Orlando
[/td][td]

Jared Sullinger
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 268 pounds
Age: 20
School: Ohio State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: I'm not sure when the bleeding will end for Sullinger, whose stock is falling now that concerns about his back have every GM in the league a bit skittish. However, sources say the Suns and Sixers are still considering him in the middle of the first round.

The Magic also could use a real low-post scorer. Sullinger is the top talent left on the board and a player who could come in and contribute immediately.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Denver
[/td][td]

Kendall Marshall
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 198 pounds
Age: 20
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Andre Miller's contract is up with the Nuggets this summer, and, in most every way, Marshall is the perfect replacement. They have similar builds and games. Although Ty Lawson is the clear starter in Denver, the Nuggets could really use depth at the position. Royce White and Andrew Nicholson are options here, as well.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Boston
[/td][td]

Royce White
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 261 pounds
Age: 21
School: Iowa State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: According to sources, White pulled out of all his remaining workouts Thursday and has gone silent. He's not injured, and sources claim he has received a coveted first-round promise from a team. Promises are notoriously hard to pin down, but two sources are pointing in the direction of the Celtics.

As long as coach Doc Rivers can buy into what White is (a ballhandling power forward) and figure out how to play him, he could be a steal at this point in the draft.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Boston (via Clippers)
[/td][td]

Andrew Nicholson
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 234 pounds
Age: 22
School: St. Bonaventure[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Nicholson is another draft sleeper who might really rise with workouts. He's a big stretch 4 who has drawn some comparisons to David West. He would be another welcome addition to the Celtics' summer makeover.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Atlanta
[/td][td]

Tony Wroten Jr.
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 203 pounds
Age: 18
School: Washington[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Hawks don't have any depth behind point guard Jeff Teague. Sources say that, in the past few weeks, they've become enamored with Wroten. His shot is broken and he can be wild, but he has enormous upside as a big point guard who can see the floor and get to the basket.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Cavs (via Lakers)
[/td][td]

Fab Melo
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 255 pounds
Age: 22
School: Syracuse[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: If the Cavs go small with their first pick, Melo could be a nice get with No. 24. He's big and athletic, and he could end up being a terrific shot-blocker. The fact that they have fellow Brazilian Anderson Varejao to mentor him is a bonus.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Memphis
[/td][td]

Marquis Teague
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 180 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Grizzlies lack great depth at point guard behind Mike Conley (unless you're the guy who somehow voted Josh Selby to the all-rookie third team). Teague, had he stayed in school another year, would've been a likely top-10 pick in 2013. A team such as the Grizzlies can't afford to pass on his talent here.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Indiana

[/td][td]

Draymond Green
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 236 pounds
Age: 22
School: Michigan State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Pacers have a big workout scheduled for Tuesday with Green, Will Barton, Kim English and Jeff Taylor that could decide the No. 26 pick. I'm hearing increasingly that the Pacers are very high on Green. He's a smart, tough player who can come in and fill a need immediately for Indiana. Larry Bird has made similar picks in years past and done OK with them. I don't think Green will slide past here. If he's off the board, Barton could be the guy.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Miami
[/td][td]

Jeff Taylor
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 212 pounds
Age: 23
School: Vanderbilt[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Heat could use Taylor's elite athletic ability, lockdown defense and spot-up shooting. He can't create his own shot, but no one will ask him to in Miami, making this the perfect spot for him to land.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Oklahoma City
[/td][td]

Evan Fournier
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 206 pounds
Age: 19
Country: France[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Fournier is the type of player the Thunder easily could stash for a year or two in Europe. Or, given the high level he has played at in France, he might be able to come in and get minutes for them right away -- especially if the Thunder decide they can't afford to re-sign James Harden this summer.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Chicago
[/td][td]

Will Barton
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 174 pounds
Age: 21
School: Memphis[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Bulls are looking at a number of 2-guard options here, but Barton has separated himself from the pack in the past few weeks. He could go as high as 18 to the Wolves, and I don't think he'll slide past Chicago here.


[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Golden State
(via Spurs)
[/td][td]

Quincy Miller
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 219 pounds
Age: 19
School: Baylor[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: There are a lot of concerns about his knee and what position he'll play in the NBA. But his upside is so high that it might be worth taking a gamble this low in the first round. There's very little risk and a lot of potential reward here.

31. Charlotte Bobcats

Kim English | SG | Missouri

If the Bobcats go big with their first pick, don't be surprised if they go with a shooter at No. 31. English's stock has risen through the roof the last month as he has wowed teams with his shooting ability in workouts. He's now getting serious consideration in the late first round. I don't think he slides out of the 30s on draft night.

---

32. Washington Wizards

Scott Machado | PG | Iona

Some in Washington aren't totally sure whether John Wall is really a point guard. Machado, however, is the second-best pure point guard in the draft. He lacks Wall's athletic abilities, but some believe he sees the floor as well or better than Kendall Marshall. He'd be a very nice get for the Wizards at 32.

---

33. Cleveland Cavaliers

John Jenkins | SG | Vanderbilt

The Cavs are hoping to load up on shooters and need help at the 2. Jenkins may be the best long-range sniper in the draft. He has a super-quick release and is aggressive hunting for his shot.

---

34. Cleveland Cavaliers (via New Orleans)

Kostas Papanikolaou | SF | Greece

Papanikolaou really impressed a number of NBA GMs and scouts at the Euroleague Final Four this year with his lockdown defense on Andrei Kirilenko. Ironically, the player he's compared to the most is Omri Casspi, the Cavs' current starting small forward. Papanikolaou is a draft-and-stash prospect. He won't be in the NBA for at least one more season.

---

35. Golden State Warriors (via Brooklyn)

Kyle O'Quinn | C | Norfolk State

The Warriors feel that O'Quinn is an underrated big who plays hard and has the length to be a 5 in the league. Yes, they took Andre Drummond at No. 7 in our mock, but in the NBA, you need all the bigs you can get.

---

36. Sacramento Kings

Miles Plumlee | PF | Duke

Plumlee's stock has also risen dramatically over the course of the last month. Despite his pedestrian numbers at Duke, teams are intrigued with his elite athletic abilities and rebounding. Could be the next Jeff Foster.

---

37. Toronto Raptors

Jared Cunningham | SG | Oregon State

Many scouts believe Cunningham could be the true sleeper of this draft. He's an elite athlete who flies up and down the floor. If he can make the transition to point guard, he could be a sort of poor man's Russell Westbrook.

---

38. Denver Nuggets (via Golden State)

Mike Scott | PF | Virginia

Scott is another player who has been moving up draft boards with excellent workouts. Several teams said he has outplayed several higher-ranked prospects in their workouts, and it's clear Scott is getting some looks late in the first round. The Nuggets know all about drafting for production. It paid off with Kenneth Faried last year and could again this year.

---

39. Detroit Pistons

Festus Ezeli | C | Vanderbilt

The Pistons have a dearth of big men in the middle, and if Ezeli slides this far, they'll snatch him right up. He's not flashy, but he could have a long career as a backup 5 in the league.

---

40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Minnesota)

Orlando Johnson | SG | UC-Santa Barbara

Johnson was one of the best scorers in college basketball. His freakishly long wingspan, NBA body and shooting ability could all come in handy to provide depth for the Blazers.

---

41. Portland Trail Blazers

Tomas Satoransky | SG | Czech Republic

Satoransky is a super-talented wing who excels with the ball in his hands. He's not a great shooter but plays with a great motor, like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and can affect the game without scoring. He would be a nice stash pick for the Blazers here.

---

42. Milwaukee Bucks

Furkan Aldemir | PF | Turkey

The Turkish big man is an excellent rebounder. However, he lacks elite athleticism and ideal size for his position, dropping him into the second round.

---

43. Atlanta Hawks (via Phoenix)

Doron Lamb | SG | Kentucky

The Hawks can always use guards who can really stroke the basketball. Lamb is in contention with John Jenkins for the best sniper in the draft.

---

44. Detroit Pistons (via Houston)

Kevin Murphy | SF | Tennessee Tech

The Pistons could really use another shooter at the wings. Murphy was one of the best scorers in college basketball, shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc.

---

45. Philadelphia 76ers

Darius Miller | SF | Kentucky The Sixers are another team in desperate need of shooting, and Miller has both great size and a sweet shooting stroke. While he was just a sixth man at Kentucky, he's still a great pickup here.

---

46. New Orleans Hornets (via Washington)

Tyshawn Taylor | PG | Kansas

This is a steal for the Hornets if they can get Taylor here. Several teams in the late first round are looking at him as a possible selection. I doubt he slides past here. The Hornets need a point guard, and Taylor's athletic ability and defensive prowess should make him well worth the pick.

---

47. Utah Jazz

Robbie Hummel | SF | Purdue

Hummel is a Jazz player all the way. He is tough, has a terrific basketball IQ and can really shoot the basketball. The Jazz could use some help at the 3, and Hummel should be able to provide some immediate relief.

---

48. New York Knicks

Jae Crowder | SF | Marquette

With Mike Woodson running the show instead of Mike D'Antoni, expect the Knicks to be looking for a different sort of player in the second round. Crowder doesn't really have a position in the NBA, but he's tough and physical, and he can rebound.

---

49. Orlando Magic

Chris Johnson | SG | Dayton

Johnson came into OKC earlier in the draft process and impressed with his combination of shooting, length and athleticism. With OKC assistant GM Rob Hennigan now the GM in Orlando, don't be surprised if Johnson is one of the surprise late second-round picks.

---

50. Denver Nuggets

Bernard James | C | Florida State

James is already 27 years old, but the Nuggets won't care. The Iraq war veteran has an NBA body and should be able to come in and play some defense right away.

---

51. Boston Celtics

Justin Hamilton | C | LSU

The big guy out of LSU didn't put up huge numbers, but he's had tremendous workouts. The Celtics need size wherever they can get it.

---

52. Golden State Warriors (via Atlanta)

Quincy Acy | SF | Baylor

Acy is a crazy athlete with a terrific motor. He's not particularly skilled, but could be a nice bench player at the next level.

---

53. Los Angeles Clippers

Darius Johnson-Odom | SF | Marquette

Odom is undersized for his position, but he's strong and athletic and can really shoot the basketball. The Clippers need all the help they can get at the 2, and Johnson-Odom can come in and play right away.

---

54. Philadelphia 76ers (via Memphis)

Hollis Thompson | SF | Georgetown

I keep loading up the Sixers with shooters because ... the Sixers could've really used some this past season. Thompson is a skilled wing who can play the 2 and the 3. He's a very good athlete with a very good 3-point stroke.

---

55. Dallas Mavericks (via L.A. Lakers)

Tornike Shengelia | SF | Rep. of Georgia

With international scouting guru Tony Ronzone back in the fold in Dallas, you can expect the Mavs to get back to finding some hidden talent overseas. Shengelia is a tough, athletic forward with a great motor. He's not a great shooter, but scouts are really high on him as a prospect down the road.

---

56. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana)

Khris Middleton | SF | Texas A&M

A year ago, Middleton would've been a potential first-round prospect. Injuries have set him back a bit, but he's actually been working out well over the past month. There's even an outside shot he gets drafted late in the first with the Bulls. But if he does slide, I doubt he slides further than this.

---

57. Brooklyn Nets (via Miami)

Drew Gordon | PF | New Mexico

Gordon is an athletic rebounder who ran into problems at UCLA and had to transfer to New Mexico. His rebounding numbers the past two seasons have been fantastic.

---

58. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Oklahoma City)

Cameron Moore | PF | UAB

Moore is an athletic rebounder/shot-blocker who would be 20 spots higher if he added another 20 pounds to his frame. While the Wolves do have size, they really need athletes in their frontcourt.

---

59. San Antonio Spurs

Paul Lacombe | SG | France

Lacombe impressed NBA teams at this year's Adidas Eurocamp. He is strong, gets to the rim and is a willing passer. He isn't a great shooter and hasn't put up big numbers in Europe, but he's worthy of being stashed away in Europe.

---

60. Los Angeles Lakers (Via Chicago)

Kevin Jones | PF | West Virginia
Jones is a versatile big man who can play inside and out. He's not a great athlete, but his length makes up for a lot. He had a super-productive senior year at West Virginia.

 

[solarius49]

I still dont get what need Draymond Green fills for the Pacers?

 

[Animal Thug]

Barnes over Gilchrist, if available?

Do. Not. Believe.

 

[ValarMorghulis]

No Tony Mitchell?

Scott Machado at #32

 

[Animal Thug]

Draymond Green to the Pacers would be

 

. Please don't let that be..

 

[solarius49]

Originally Posted by Animal Thug1539


Draymond Green to the Pacers would be

 

. Please don't let that be..

I think it would be a terrible pick mannn

 

[woody2626]

If Quincy fell to us at 31

Not happening though

 

[Animal Thug]

Originally Posted by solarius49

Originally Posted by Animal Thug1539


Draymond Green to the Pacers would be

 

. Please don't let that be..

I think it would be a terrible pick mannn

Need-wise, I agree. But best talent available-wise = great pick for you guys.

 

[Deleted member 38182]

Originally Posted by Animal Thug1539

Barnes over Gilchrist, if available?

Do. Not. Believe.

I believe!!! 
Yoloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[big j 33]

Fair warning, Animal Thug.. I might laugh at Cleveland if they take Barnes over MKG. That in no way means I hate Cleveland.. More that I'm high on MKG.

Just wanted to throw that out there.

 

[venom lyrix]

Draymond Green is going to be excellent for whoever he plays for. He knows how to get tough rebounds and can score in the paint. He is a little under sized, but he is a guy that just gets the ball. He is a slightly less physical Dejuan Blair. But both players have similar things to offer on the court.

 

[mister916]

I want to believe

 

[pmatic]

Boogie, Lil' Zeke and MKG.

 

[bhzmafia14]

$+!
D.Lamb dropping all the way to 43?  

What in the hell does Jenkins do better than Lamb to pick him 10 spots ahead?