By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Archive
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesKentucky's John Wall is a slam dunk as this year's No. 1 pick. But how will the rest of 2010 draft go?
All year, in our
Top 100, I have kept tabs on the draft stock of the prospects who might be available for the 2010 NBA draft, based on what scouts and general managers in the league tell me. A consensus gradually forms, and we have a pretty firm idea of how each prospect shapes up at a given time.
In contrast, the mock draft is based more on educated guesses about what specific teams will do. Although we know what teams generally think of prospects, a lot remains unknown.
For starters, we don't know which players might withdraw from the draft by Saturday's deadline. Even when we find out exactly who has stayed in the draft, we won't know in what order the first 14 teams will select.
When we do learn the order, at the May 18 lottery, the draft will still be full of mystery. In the next few weeks, the NBA pre-draft combine in Chicago, the adidas Eurocamp and hundreds of team workouts can dramatically alter player evaluations.
All that said, the draft is beginning to come into focus. We know the lottery odds, we know the top prospects and we know team needs.
So it's time to project the complete first round for the first time. You also can see more than 2,000 lottery scenarios and our projections for the first 14 picks in our
Lottery Mock Draft.
Here is the first of my many mock drafts between now and the June 24 draft:
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New Jersey
|
John Wall
| Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 185 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: This is a no-brainer for the Nets if they are lucky enough to land the No. 1 pick. Some look at starting point guard Devin Harris and wonder whether New Jersey should select
Evan Turner instead.
The Nets don't.
Although they like Harris, they love Wall. The Kentucky freshman is the type of young potential superstar who could lure a big-time free agent to Jersey this summer.
| | | |
|
Minnesota
|
Evan Turner
| Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205
Age: 21
School: Ohio State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Turner would be a terrific fit for the Wolves, who need a versatile swingman who can play multiple positions on the floor. Turner's ability to come in and contribute from day one could help Minnesota immensely next season.
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|
Sacramento
|
Derrick Favors
| Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 215
Age: 18
College: Georgia Tech |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Kings might be terrible at the moment, but a core of Tyreke Evans and Favors would make them very dangerous in the future. Favors didn't have a huge freshman season at Georgia Tech, but he has the potential to be the next Antonio McDyess.
Although it's clear the Kings like Carl Landry and Jason Thompson, neither has the upside of Favors.
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|
Golden State
|
DeMarcus Cousins
| Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: It figures that Cousins would land in Golden State. The Warriors are filled with young talent, but they're also the most dysfunctional team in the league. Enter Cousins, who was the most talented big man in college basketball, but also the most unstable. It's a match made in heaven.
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|
Washington
|
Wesley Johnson
| Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 198
Age: 22
School: Syracuse |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Wizards aren't desperate for a small forward, but they are desperate for some star power after gutting the roster this winter. Johnson's versatility and upside would be too much to pass up here.
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|
Philadelphia
|
Cole Aldrich
| Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 245
Age: 21
School: Kansas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Aldrich might never be a star, but he's a solid big man who rebounds, blocks shots, and scores from inside and out. With only one more season left on Samuel Dalembert's contract, Aldrich would provide some great insurance.
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|
Detroit
|
Ed Davis
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 215
Age: 20
College: North Carolina |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Pistons are high on Al-Farouq Aminu, but the last thing they need is another tweener after adding Austin Daye and Charlie Villanueva last summer. Davis didn't dominate as a sophomore, but he's an athletic big man who's active on the boards. The Pistons desperately need a player like that.
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|
Los Angeles Clippers
|
Al-Farouq Aminu
| Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 205
Age: 19
School:Wake Forest |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Aminu is one of the best athletes in the draft. The question is, what position does he play? If he continues to refine his perimeter game, he'd be a great fit next to Blake Griffin in the Clippers' frontcourt.
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|
Utah
(via New York)
|
Greg Monroe
| Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 250
Age: 19
School: Georgetown |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Jazz are in a position to lose Carlos Boozer this summer via free agency, but Monroe would be a solid consolation prize. He's not super athletic, but he's the most skilled big guy in the draft and would be a perfect fit in Jerry Sloan's half-court offense.
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|
Indiana
|
Ekpe Udoh
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 240
Age: 22
School: Baylor |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Barring a lottery miracle, the Pacers are screwed. A month ago, they were looking at possibly drafting No. 4 and adding a building block next to Danny Granger. But a late-season run dropped them all the way to 10th and ended any realistic chance that they'll get a star.
Udoh, however, would fit a need as an athletic shot-blocker who can run the floor.
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|
New Orleans
|
Daniel Orton
| Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 260
Age: 19
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Orton barely made a dent in the box score for Kentucky, but NBA scouts are convinced he could be a really good NBA center. He is strong and physical, and can dominate on the defensive end.
He needs to improve his offense, but if he does, he could be a star down the road. The Hornets were very thin up front all season. Orton also would give them some insurance in the event Emeka Okafor breaks down.
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|
Memphis
|
Patrick Patterson
| Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 245
Age: 21
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Grizzlies are trying to find a way to eke back into the playoffs. After he drafted a "future" guy in Hasheem Thabeet in 2009, expect GM Chris Wallace to go with a more veteran, proven college player this year.
Patterson doesn't wow you with anything he does, but he's solid in virtually every area. Most importantly for the Grizzlies, he would be ready to come in and contribute on day one.
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|
Toronto
|
Hassan Whiteside
| Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 225
Age: 20
School: Marshall |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Whiteside has as much upside as anyone in the draft not named Wall or Favors. He's a super-long, lanky shot-blocker who nearly had four triple-doubles this season in points, rebounds and blocked shots.
With the Raptors in danger of losing Chris Bosh this summer, expect Toronto to swing for the fences to help fans forget Bosh if he bolts.
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|
Houston
|
Donatas Motiejunas
| Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Rockets have a habit of drafting value, and this low in the draft, Motiejunas would be a good get. He'll probably spend another year in Italy honing his skills and getting stronger, but when he does get to the NBA, he has the makings of a player.
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|
Milwaukee
(via Chicago)
|
Xavier Henry
| Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 19
School: Kansas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: John Salmons might end up opting out of his contract, and the Bucks would love to put another blue-chip prospect in the backcourt with Brandon Jennings.
Henry already has an NBA body and can shoot the lights out. He's a little one-dimensional, but he could step in and immediately fill a role for Milwaukee.
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|
Minnesota
(via Charlotte)
|
Gordon Hayward
| Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 200
Age: 20
School: Butler |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Wolves could really use some consistent shooters who could stretch the defense. Adding Evan Turner won't help much in that regard, but Hayward could. Although he struggled with his shot this past season, he generally is considered a lights-out shooter.
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|
Chicago
(via Milwaukee)
|
James Anderson
| Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 195
Age: 21
School: Oklahoma State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Anderson was one of the best scorers in college basketball and could be a very good fit in the Bulls' backcourt. His ability to stretch the defense and attack the basket should make him a nice complement to Derrick Rose.
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|
Miami
|
Eric Bledsoe
| Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
Age: 20
School: Kentucky |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Bledsoe is a tough, Pat Riley type of player and could be a long-term upgrade from the Mario Chalmers-Carlos Arroyo duo at point guard.
Physically, he's ready for the NBA right now. But he still needs more game-time experience running the point. Long term, Bledsoe could pay off.
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|
Boston
|
Luke Babbitt
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
Age: 20
School: Nevada |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Grizzlies are hoping Babbitt falls a few more spots in the draft, but I think the Celtics will beat them to the punch. Babbitt is an excellent scorer both inside and out, and he'll rebound. Most importantly, he could step in right away for the Celtics.
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|
San Antonio
|
Damion James
| Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 224
Age: 22
School: Texas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: James might be one of the more underrated players in the draft. Very few players have his combination of athleticism and motor. He doesn't have a position on offense, but he's a Spurs type of player all the way.
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|
Oklahoma City
|
Solomon Alabi
| Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 245
Age: 22
School: Florida State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Thunder continue to lack a legitimate low-post threat. They drafted B.J. Mullens to be that guy last year, but he's still a work in progress. Alabi will be, too, but at this point in the draft, he has too much size and upside to pass on.
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|
Portland
|
Larry Sanders
| Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 220
Age: 21
School: Va. Commonwealth |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Sanders is raw, but he's a young, athletic shot-blocker who gets up and down the floor and rebounds. Given the Blazers' depth, they would seem to have the time and patience to develop him over the next couple of seasons.
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|
Minnesota
(via Utah)
|
Kevin Seraphin
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 258
Age: 20
Country: France |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: With their third pick of this draft, you can expect the Wolves to stash a player overseas. Seraphin hasn't really produced big numbers in France, but he has Serge Ibaka-like physical upside.
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|
Atlanta
|
Quincy Pondexter
| Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 22
School: Washington |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Pondexter was one of the best seniors in the country. He is an elite athlete and proved this season that he can really score. He's a jump shot away from being a star. Think the next Desmond Mason.
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|
Memphis
(via Denver)
|
Avery Bradley
| Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: Texas |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Bradley is tough to peg. A few teams are looking at him in the late lottery. But if he slides a bit, don't expect him to slip much further than here. Bradley's defensive abilities alone make him a lock for the pros. If he can find a position on offense, he could be a star.
| | | |
|
Oklahoma City
(via Phoenix)
|
Devin Ebanks
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 205
Age: 20
School: West Virginia |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Ebanks has lottery talent. Defensively, he can do it all with his long wingspan and above-average mobility for his size. But until he develops a reliable jump shot, he remains a work in progress.
| | | |
|
New Jersey
(via Dallas)
|
Terrico White
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 211
Age: 20
School: Mississippi |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: White is an elite athlete who, when he's on, is one of the best guards in the country. The problem is, White has a tendency to disappear in games. If the Nets can get him to play with some consistency, he would be a steal here.
| | | |
|
Memphis
(via L.A. Lakers)
|
Paul George
| Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 185
Age: 20
School: Fresno State |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: George suffers from the same issues as White. Great athlete. Very versatile. Doesn't always play hard. With Rudy Gay possibly bolting via free agency, he could be a potential long-term replacement.
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|
Orlando
|
Willie Warren
| Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 210
Age: 20
School: Oklahoma |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Warren was considered a potential top-10 pick at the beginning of the season. However, a poor season, combined with some injuries and some bad chemistry with his coach, really hurt his stock.
But Warren is a steal here and the type of versatile guard who could make an impact for the Magic.
| | | |
|
Washington
(via Cleveland)
|
Elliot Williams
| Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Age: 20
School: Memphis |
[th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Williams would provide a skill set similar to that of Randy Foye, whom the Wizards might lose this summer in free agency, but at a much lower cost. The athletic combo guard can play both the 1 and the 2.
Next five in: Stanley Robinson, F, UConn; Jordan Crawford, G, Xavier; Gani Lawal, F, Georgia Tech; Darington Hobson, G/F, New Mexico; Dominique Jones, SG, South Florida
