Official 2012 NBA Draft Thread

[raw120]

Originally Posted by manamazing55

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh


MKG's, a very good ball handler, and a good passer, could play PG in a pinch, people have compared him to scottie pippen, which if he could develop a jumpshot might not be too crazy. It's more likely he ends up as a Andre Iguadala type, elite defender, good passer, can't shoot.

I think youre spot on about MKG. My thing is, im not spending a top 5 pick on a guy thats a defender essentially. I can go get an athletic defender, theyre a dime a dozen, but in the top 5, I want someone that impacts my team offensively right away

  

Guys like MKG aren't a dime a dozen.  And why can't he impact the team offensively right away?  Just because he didn't have three point range during his freshman season?  He won't improve?  MKG can score in a variety of ways and is one of the best transition finishers to come out in a number of years.  

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

What's the point of the Davis in a Hornets hat pic?

Dude probably is just matching w/ his SLH Lebrons

 

[doublejs07]

Originally Posted by PMatic

So where does that leave Vesley in Washington? I see more athlete than basketball player when I watch him play.

He's still got a role with the team...he had a real good April 8/7/3(steals), and that was in 15 games.  It took a while, but he finally started to come around.  Despite his inability to hit a jumper, he did get minutes at both the 4/3.  I think he'll put in good work this offseason and come back a better player.  His April was something that he could build off of. 

TBH, I think Trevor Booker is the player who might be the odd man out, depending on which way the team goes via the draft.    

 

[the wizard]

If Charlotte keeps the pick, they have to pick Drummond.

Wouldn't be surprised if Houston tries to trade up for him either.

 

[brandon3000]

Originally Posted by thekillerj23

Originally Posted by Animal Thug1539

Kevin Cleveland wrote:

---

So who will be there at 4?

Assuming Davis goes to NO, Beal to Bobcats and Wiz take MKG

Beal could very easily not go top three.

QUIET AS KEPT, I wanted Beal this whole time

 Peep the avy..

.
  
Idk much about college basketball so I trust my fellow Clevelander, Beal all the way

true, wanted outside shooting.... IDK about Barnes.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Andre Drummond is growing on me, I'm looking at tape, and his stats, everything things seems so...fixable. 

 

[dior paint]

Originally Posted by PMatic

So where does that leave Vesley in Washington? I see more athlete than basketball player when I watch him play.

Truth be told...he might be a nice piece in the future but nobody here really gives a %+%% about him.
I just hope he can be an athletic utility big man spark plug off the bench type. He can run the floor and finish. Expecting anything else from him is a waste...
 
I've already chalked that up to being an L. I was on board w/ Leonard being the pick 

 

[pharelfor3]

I'm trying to figure out why the rockets have the Knicks pick. Jordan Hill or something???

 

[mikeknows]

Originally Posted by DaComeUP

No way is TRob a SF.

it would be worse then trying out Derrick williams at SF

i dont buy the Trob hype

 

[the wizard]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

Andre Drummond is growing on me, I'm looking at tape, and his stats, everything things seems so...fixable. 

same.

I see where Bynum, Favors and even Hibbert were at this stage in their careers, and I think it makes sense to take a chance on him if I'm Charlotte.

 

[manamazing55]

Originally Posted by raw120

Originally Posted by manamazing55

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh


MKG's, a very good ball handler, and a good passer, could play PG in a pinch, people have compared him to scottie pippen, which if he could develop a jumpshot might not be too crazy. It's more likely he ends up as a Andre Iguadala type, elite defender, good passer, can't shoot.

I think youre spot on about MKG. My thing is, im not spending a top 5 pick on a guy thats a defender essentially. I can go get an athletic defender, theyre a dime a dozen, but in the top 5, I want someone that impacts my team offensively right away

  

Guys like MKG aren't a dime a dozen.  And why can't he impact the team offensively right away?  Just because he didn't have three point range during his freshman season?  He won't improve?  MKG can score in a variety of ways and is one of the best transition finishers to come out in a number of years.  

I didnt say MKG was a dime a dozen, I said athletic defenders are. If i just want a wing defender, I can get one, I dont have to draft one in the top 5. 3 pt range? Forget that, im talking a consistent jumper, he doesnt have one. People applauded the fact that he took the fewest shots in UK's starting five or whatever, well id hope so, he cant shoot.
In a Top 5 pick, im looking for a guy that can score in the half court set.  Again, draft him 10-15, I see it, draft him top 5, I think its a huge gamble.

Top 5 picks should be franchise-builders imo. Hes obviously not.

  

 

[manamazing55]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

Andre Drummond is growing on me, I'm looking at tape, and his stats, everything things seems so...fixable. 

someone will take the gamble. The raw talent is there. The question is, does he have the "want to" and can you coach him. Talent wise, he was expected to make a huge impact right away at UConn.

He was woefully inconsistent in college. A 18 pt game, then a 7 pt game. Never really put it together

  

 

[gangsta207therevolution]

Thomas Robinson is the prototype at PF though. Why you think you want him at SF? Cause he is 6'9" w/o shoes on?
Whats with the questions about his height anyway, Nike measured him at one of the skills academy's last year he measured at 6'10" with shoes on. Thats taller than Blake if I'm not mistaken. His faceup game is right now better than Blake Griffin's too.

 

[doublejs07]

Originally Posted by gangsta207therevolution

Thomas Robinson is the prototype at PF though. Why you think you want him at SF? Cause he is 6'9" w/o shoes on?

I was thinking in terms of what the Wizards already have...a front court of:

Nene
Seraphin
Robinson

But I'm cool w.

Nene
Robinson
Vesely

(Seraphin coming off the bench)

Just thinking if he could play SOME minutes at SF...nothing more, nothing less. 
  

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Originally Posted by manamazing55

Originally Posted by raw120

Originally Posted by manamazing55

I think youre spot on about MKG. My thing is, im not spending a top 5 pick on a guy thats a defender essentially. I can go get an athletic defender, theyre a dime a dozen, but in the top 5, I want someone that impacts my team offensively right away

  

Guys like MKG aren't a dime a dozen.  And why can't he impact the team offensively right away?  Just because he didn't have three point range during his freshman season?  He won't improve?  MKG can score in a variety of ways and is one of the best transition finishers to come out in a number of years.  

I didnt say MKG was a dime a dozen, I said athletic defenders are. If i just want a wing defender, I can get one, I dont have to draft one in the top 5. 3 pt range? Forget that, im talking a consistent jumper, he doesnt have one. People applauded the fact that he took the fewest shots in UK's starting five or whatever, well id hope so, he cant shoot.
In a Top 5 pick, im looking for a guy that can score in the half court set.  Again, draft him 10-15, I see it, draft him top 5, I think its a huge gamble.

Top 5 picks should be franchise-builders imo. Hes obviously not.

  

What on earth is the definition of a franchise builder? MKG is the exact opposite of a gamble, he works hard, he's an elite defender, good offense player. People who can guard all 3 perimeter positions, elite rebounder, good passers, don't simply grow on tree's even if he's only a solid offensive player, he is special for his defense alone.

drafting you have to balance upside vs probability. Him falling lower than 4 would just be asinine.

 

[scott frost]

Originally Posted by manamazing55

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

Andre Drummond is growing on me, I'm looking at tape, and his stats, everything things seems so...fixable. 

someone will take the gamble. The raw talent is there. The question is, does he have the "want to" and can you coach him. Talent wise, he was expected to make a huge impact right away at UConn.

He was woefully inconsistent in college. A 18 pt game, then a 7 pt game. Never really put it together

  

The team was a mess.

  

 

[buc em]

I want Moultrie or Rivers on the Sixers.

 

[gangsta207therevolution]

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

Originally Posted by gangsta207therevolution

Thomas Robinson is the prototype at PF though. Why you think you want him at SF? Cause he is 6'9" w/o shoes on?

I was thinking in terms of what the Wizards already have...a front court of:

Nene
Seraphin
Robinson

But I'm cool w.

Nene
Robinson
Vesely

(Seraphin coming off the bench)

Just thinking if he could play SOME minutes at SF...nothing more, nothing less. 
  

You would be more likely to take a SG and prob MKG if were being frank. The NFL adage of not drafting the same position 2 straight years applies.

 

[jking0821]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

Originally Posted by manamazing55

Originally Posted by raw120


Guys like MKG aren't a dime a dozen.  And why can't he impact the team offensively right away?  Just because he didn't have three point range during his freshman season?  He won't improve?  MKG can score in a variety of ways and is one of the best transition finishers to come out in a number of years.  

I didnt say MKG was a dime a dozen, I said athletic defenders are. If i just want a wing defender, I can get one, I dont have to draft one in the top 5. 3 pt range? Forget that, im talking a consistent jumper, he doesnt have one. People applauded the fact that he took the fewest shots in UK's starting five or whatever, well id hope so, he cant shoot.
In a Top 5 pick, im looking for a guy that can score in the half court set.  Again, draft him 10-15, I see it, draft him top 5, I think its a huge gamble.

Top 5 picks should be franchise-builders imo. Hes obviously not.

  

What on earth is the definition of a franchise builder? MKG is the exact opposite of a gamble, he works hard, he's an elite defender, good offense player. People who can guard all 3 perimeter positions, elite rebounder, good passers, don't simply grow on tree's even if he's only a solid offensive player, he is special for his defense alone.

drafting you have to balance upside vs probability. Him falling lower than 4 would just be asinine.

MKG has IT.  He works hard every minute of every game.  He never quits.  He has a winning attitude/pedigree.  And most importantly he has a high basketball IQ. We need all of that in Washington soooo bad.

 

[calibeebee]

damn what should we doooo????!!!! Two lottery picks, almost the most cap room in the entire league....... Paul Allen will find a way to @#+@ this up, I just know it

 

[dior paint]

MKG to DC just makes sense in general.

The only position where there aren't glaring needs are the 1 and the 5 spot. T-Rob is an upgrade at the 4 spot but NOT as much of an upgrade as MKG would be at the 3.

 

[doublejs07]

Originally Posted by gangsta207therevolution

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

Originally Posted by gangsta207therevolution

Thomas Robinson is the prototype at PF though. Why you think you want him at SF? Cause he is 6'9" w/o shoes on?

I was thinking in terms of what the Wizards already have...a front court of:

Nene
Seraphin
Robinson

But I'm cool w.

Nene
Robinson
Vesely

(Seraphin coming off the bench)

Just thinking if he could play SOME minutes at SF...nothing more, nothing less. 
  

You would be more likely to take a SG and prob MKG if were being frank. The NFL adage of not drafting the same position 2 straight years applies.

If that's the case, we wouldn't take MKG because Vesely plays the 3. 

Anyways, if we can draft MKG, I'd be stoked.  There would be a glaring hole at the 2, but hopefully EG can swing something to secure a 2nd 1st round pick.  There are always teams looking to sell their picks and the Wizards have money to burn.  If he can do that, I hope he can target a guy like Doron Lamb.  If Grunfeld doesn't get another first round pick, maybe Detroit would be interested in some sort of package for Ben Gordon.  He's got a bad contract, but I think he'd fit in nicely alongside of Wall. 

Nene
Seraphin
MKG
Lamb
Wall

Nene
Robinson
Vesely
BG
Wall

Either lineup is a MAJOR upgrade over what they currently have.  It's going to be interesting to see how everything shakes out going forward. 

 

[raw120]

Originally Posted by manamazing55

Originally Posted by raw120

Originally Posted by manamazing55

I think youre spot on about MKG. My thing is, im not spending a top 5 pick on a guy thats a defender essentially. I can go get an athletic defender, theyre a dime a dozen, but in the top 5, I want someone that impacts my team offensively right away

  

Guys like MKG aren't a dime a dozen.  And why can't he impact the team offensively right away?  Just because he didn't have three point range during his freshman season?  He won't improve?  MKG can score in a variety of ways and is one of the best transition finishers to come out in a number of years.  

I didnt say MKG was a dime a dozen, I said athletic defenders are. If i just want a wing defender, I can get one, I dont have to draft one in the top 5. 3 pt range? Forget that, im talking a consistent jumper, he doesnt have one. People applauded the fact that he took the fewest shots in UK's starting five or whatever, well id hope so, he cant shoot.
In a Top 5 pick, im looking for a guy that can score in the half court set.  Again, draft him 10-15, I see it, draft him top 5, I think its a huge gamble.

Top 5 picks should be franchise-builders imo. Hes obviously not.

  

How many franchise builders are there in an average draft? sometimes none and on a rare occasion maybe a couple like 2003.

  

 

[pmatic]

Y! Sports/DraftExpress 2012 NBA Mock Draft No. 1

1. New Orleans Hornets

Anthony Davis: PF, 19, 6-10, 220, Kentucky, Fresh.

While conspiracy theories will abound, basketball purists will appreciate that a team that competed admirably all season long with limited resources was rewarded with some good karma in the form of the No. 1 pick. Hornets general manager Dell Demps wasn't particularly coy about who they might select following the lottery drawing, joking saying that the pick is "top secret." Certainly the team will go through a process including medical evaluations, interviews and potentially a light workout, but it's impossible to look at their roster and style of play and not say that Davis is precisely what the doctor ordered. New Orleans' rebuilding process just got a major boost.

2. Charlotte Bobcats

Thomas Robinson: PF, 21, 6-9, 240, Kansas, Junior

Although the Bobcats and their fans will certainly be disappointed not to end up with Anthony Davis after the miserable season they endured, they should get over that fairly quickly when they realize they are about to add an extremely important piece to their roster who is arguably more ready to compete from Day One than Davis.

Robinson will bring a blend of strength, athleticism and competitiveness that the team sorely lacked this season inside the paint. He will pair well with 2011 draft pick Bismack Biyombo to form one of the longest and most explosive interior frontcourts – certainly defensively – in the NBA.

3. Washington Wizards

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: SF: 18, 6-7, 228, Kentucky, Fresh.

The Wizards will also be disappointed initially not to end up with the top overall pick after finishing with the league's second-worst record. But that should be short-lived as well when they realize that a very exciting piece in their rebuilding process is on the way in Kidd-Gilchrist.

With the Wizards sporting the worst small forward rotation in the NBA this season, Kidd-Gilchrist could fill an immediate hole, bringing a degree of intensity and toughness that will immediately improve their perimeter defense. He's arguably the most competitive player in this draft. Still very much a work in progress offensively, he would form a lethal transition duo with speedster John Wall, as well as the hyper athletic Jan Vesely.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

Bradley Beal: SG, 18, 6-4, 201, Florida, Fresh.

Sporting virtually nothing in their backcourt going into next season outside of Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving, the Cavs need immediate help at the shooting guard position. Beal has the perfect skill set and demeanor to compliment Irving, which should make him an extremely attractive pick. Andre Drummond will likely also get a long look here.

5. Sacramento Kings

Andre Drummond: C, 18, 6-10, 251, Connecticut, Fresh.

This could be shades of 2010, where arguably the second-most-talented player in the draft fell to the No. 5 pick, only to be swooped up by the Sacramento Kings. Drummond could slip for different reasons than DeMarcus Cousins did, but there's little doubt the two complement each other fairly well, possibly forming one of the biggest and most physically gifted frontcourts in the NBA. The question is whether Sacramento will find a way to get the most out of Drummond's immense talent, and whether they are prepared to take on another project player who may take a couple of years to pan out.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn)

Jared Sullinger: PF/C, 20, 6-9, 280, Ohio State, Soph.

The Trail Blazers have been looking for a strong interior option to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge for quite some time, and this draft will finally give them an opportunity to do so. Going into next season with only Kurt Thomas and Aldridge under contact, Jared Sullinger certainly appears to be an attractive option here, as his skill set compliments what they already have.

7. Golden State Warriors

Harrison Barnes: SF, 19, 6-8, 223, North Carolina, Soph.

The Warriors took a major leap of faith in trading fan favorite Monta Ellis for injured center Andrew Bogut and handing the full-time ball-handling responsibilities to Stephen Curry, who lost most of the season to an ankle injury. If everyone stays healthy, they have a very intriguing roster on paper, but still could use some additional scoring punch on the wing. Harrison Barnes duplicates many of the things Klay Thompson and Dorell Wright do. He's also not a particularly gifted shot creator, but he has great size and scoring instincts and still has plenty of room to improve at age 19.

8. Toronto Raptors

Jeremy Lamb: SG, 19, 6-5, 185, Connecticut, Soph.

While the Raptors anxiously await the arrival of their 2011 lottery pick, Jonas Valanciunas, next season, they have a chance to plug another hole. Finding a successor to starting point guard Jose Calderon, who is entering the final year of his contract, is a priority, especially considering that Valanciunas will need to have offense created for him, at least initially. The Raptors' wing rotation also looks unsettled, with DeMar DeRozan still unable to find a consistent jump shot, and very little starting material around him. One solution might be to pick Jeremy Lamb, one of the most talented scorers in the draft, and move DeRozan to small forward.

9. Detroit Pistons

John Henson: PF, 21, 6-11, 220, North Carolina, Junior

The Pistons struggled on both ends of the floor last season, ranking 29 [sup]th[/sup] in offensive efficiency and 24 [sup]th[/sup] on defense, meaning this lone pick will surely not solve all their problems. Pairing Greg Monroe with a long and athletic shot-blocker/rebounder like Henson could be a good start, though. The two seem to complement each other fairly well. Finding a long-term solution at small forward will also be a priority, which could mean Harrison Barnes if he's available.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota)

Damian Lillard: PG, 21, 6-2, 185, Weber State, Junior

The Hornets competed admirably despite being forced to trade their franchise player, Chris Paul, and seeing his replacement, Eric Gordon, lose much of the season to injury. That doesn't mask the fact they lack talent at many key positions, particularly in the frontcourt where two of their most experienced players (Carl Landry and Chris Kaman) are free agents this summer. Jarrett Jack exceeded expectations, but may not be a long-term solution, meaning a potential upgrade at point guard could also be in order. Lillard would complement the likes of Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon extremely well, even if Kendall Marshall's court vision and passing savvy could also get a long look here.

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Kendall Marshall, PG, 20, 6-4, 180, North Carolina, Soph.

The Trail Blazers had a disappointing season, partially because of injuries and partially because of the lackluster performance of their backcourt. Offseason acquisitions Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford both struggled to live up to expectations, while Wesley Matthews regressed somewhat after a promising sophomore season. Both of the top point guard prospects, Damian Lillard and Kendall Marshall, will get extended looks here, as will the likes of Austin Rivers, Dion Waiters and others. Drafting a center, such as Tyler Zeller, could also be an option.

12. Milwaukee Bucks

Perry Jones: PF, 20, 6-11, 220, Baylor, Soph.

After trading Andrew Bogut to Golden State, and with Ersan Ilyasova an unrestricted free agent, Milwaukee is woefully thin in the frontcourt. While the Bucks could certainly use some more mass in the paint, they might have a tough time passing up a prospect as talented as Jones, who was projected as a top-five pick just a year ago.

13. Phoenix Suns

Austin Rivers: SG, 19, 6-4, 203, Duke, Fresh.

The Suns are in a serious transition phase, with many key roster pieces entering free agency, making it difficult to pinpoint just one area of need. Regardless of whether Steve Nash and Aaron Brooks return, their backcourt and wing rotation could use a serious upgrade, which could make a prolific scoring shot-creating guard like Austin Rivers very attractive here.

14. Houston Rockets

Tyler Zeller: C, 22, 7-0, 250, North Carolina, Senior

After narrowly missing the playoffs for the third straight season, it's difficult to say the Rockets will be able to address all their problems with two mid-first-round picks. Assuming the Kyle Lowry/Goran Dragic situation works itself out, the Rockets are seemingly stacked at most every position besides center, which could make North Carolina's Zeller a solid option right here.

15. Philadelphia 76ers

Terrence Jones: PF, 20, 6-9, 249, Kentucky, Soph.

While almost certainly a top-10 talent, Jones (or one of his power forward counterparts) could pay the price for how deep this draft is at his position, as six power forwards have already come off the board at this point in this particular mock draft. The Sixers have other needs, but could have a very difficult time passing on a player like Jones, who can do a little bit of everything on the floor and looks ready to play from day one.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York)

Terrence Ross: SG/SF, 21, 6-7, 197, Washington, Soph.

This pick is widely assumed to be in play, as the Rockets don't have any real need for more rookies on their roster, as they already have solid depth at most every position. Ross is talented enough to be drafted much earlier than this, as his combination of prototypical size, athleticism and perimeter shooting makes him easy to plug in on most teams' rotations.

17. Dallas Mavericks

Dion Waiters: SG, 20, 6-4, 210, Syracuse, Soph.

The Mavericks are a team in transition, with a large amount of cap space coming up this summer and serious needs in the backcourt. Dion Waiters duplicates some of what sparsely used second-year combo guard Dominique Jones offers, but has good value at this point in the draft. Considering their flexibility, the Mavericks could go in many different directions here.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah)

Quincy Miller: SF, 19, 6-9, 200, Baylor, Fresh.

After eight straight years of missing the playoffs, and with general manager David Kahn entering the final year of his contract, Minnesota will need to make some moves this summer to improve its roster and finally break its postseason drought. The Timberwolves are especially weak at the wing positions, where they could desperately use some additional scoring punch to take the heat off Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. Unless they end up reaching for an experienced perimeter shooting wing like Jeff Taylor, Darius Miller or Orlando Johnson, the T'wolves might be best off drafting the best talent available -- this case Quincy Miller -- and trying to pursue help on the wing in trades and/or free agency.

19. Orlando Magic

Moe Harkless: SF, 19, 6-8, 208, St. John's, Fresh.

Orlando has no coach and no general manager at the moment, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly which direction the team might head in at this early stage. The evolution of Dwight Howard's status with the team will surely play a major role in future plans. It's safe to say that small forward was the weakest position on the Magic last season, and Moe Harkless could very well be deemed the most talented prospect on the board here, even if he'll need time to contribute.

20. Denver Nuggets

Marquis Teague: PG, 19, 6-2, 179, Kentucky, Fresh.

The Nuggets have good depth at pretty much every position on their roster, which should allow them to draft the most talented player that falls to them. Marquis Teague has good size, athleticism, scoring instincts and upside, and could develop into an excellent backup for Ty Lawson, or even play alongside him in the two-guard lineups George Karl likes to use frequently.

21. Boston Celtics

Meyers Leonard: C, 20, 7-0, 240, Illinois, Soph.

The Celtics are ushering in a new era, with a big chunk of their roster entering free agency and a great deal of cap room opening up. The frontcourt is an especially large area of need, making a talented, athletic 7-footer like Meyers Leonard an easy proposition should he fall this far in the draft.

22. Boston Celtics (via LA Clippers)

Evan Fournier: SG/SF, 19, 6-7, 206, Poitiers, International

The Celtics might not hold on to both of their first-round picks, as Danny Ainge is always very active in trade discussions. If they are drafting here, a player like Evan Fournier makes some sense. He would add some much-needed size and shot-creating ability to the rotation. He is one of the more experienced players in the draft despite being only 19. Considering their roster flexibility, the Celtics could go in many different directions here. Ainge has never been afraid to swing for the fences.

23. Atlanta Hawks

Arnett Moultrie: PF/C, 21, 6-11, 220, Mississippi St., Junior

The Hawks have a big hole on the wing, which could make the likes of Jeff Taylor, Darius Miller or Orlando Johnson attractive here. They also might want to address their frontcourt rotation, which was depleted for much of the season because of injuries. A big man like Moultrie can see minutes at both power forward and center, and would give them a nice boost on the glass, where they were fairly weak this season.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LA Lakers)

Fab Melo: C, 21, 7-0, 250, Syracuse, Soph.

The Cavs seemingly need everything except a starting point guard at this stage, and adding some size and bulk to the frontcourt wouldn't be a bad idea. With the Cavs ranked as one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA this season, Melo has the potential to help in that area down the road once he gets experience.

25. Memphis Grizzlies

Tony Wroten: PG/SG, 19, 6-5, 180, Washington, Fresh.

With luxury tax problems looming for the Grizzlies, their backcourt has plenty of question marks entering next season. The team struggled to find a consistent backup for point guard Mike Conley, while former top-five pick O.J. Mayo is entering free agency and likely expecting a big raise. Tony Wroten isn't ready to step into a playoff rotation right now, but has a great deal of talent which can hopefully be harnessed down the road.

26. Indiana Pacers

Jeff Taylor: SF, 23, 6-7, 226, Vanderbilt, Senior

With a couple of key pieces in George Hill and Roy Hibbert entering free agency, Indiana has some big decisions to make this summer. The team has solid depth at every position right now, with the most pressing need likely being on the wing where the Pacers could possibly use another perimeter shooter to pair with Paul George and Danny Granger. Vanderbilt's Jeff Taylor made more than 40 percent of his 3-pointers this season and has the versatility to defend either wing position.

27. Miami Heat

Tyshawn Taylor: PG, 22, 6-3, 180, Kansas, Senior

While Mario Chalmers had a solid year and is locked in long-term, Miami still doesn't have great backcourt depth behind him and Dwayne Wade. Mike Miller perpetually struggles with injuries and rookie Norris Cole regressed later in the season. Tyshawn Taylor has the size to defend either guard position and should be able to space the floor with his 3-point range.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder

Royce White: PF, 21, 6-8, 270, Iowa State, Soph.

The Thunder have one of the most stacked rosters in the NBA right now, which should allow them to take a clear view of this draft and pick the best talent available. Royce White is easily one of the most talented players around, having fallen here because of the depth of this draft at his position and off-court concerns that could hamper his transition to the NBA. The Thunder can afford to roll the dice here, and he could even provide some of the mismatch potential they lost at the 4-spot with Jeff Green down the road.

29. Chicago Bulls

Orlando Johnson: SG, 23, 6-5, 205, UC Santa Barbara, Senior

The Bulls have been in a perpetual hunt for a floor spacing 3-point shooting wing, and Orlando Johnson could very well fit the bill here. With Derrick Rose likely out for the season, another ball-handler could certainly be in order, but it might be tough to find one here that can also play the type of defense Tom Thibodeau expects.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio)

Andrew Nicholson: PF/C, 22, 6-9, 220, St. Bonaventure, Senior

Having addressed their biggest need (small forward) in the lottery, the Warriors can afford to take a flyer on a talented late-blooming big man like Nicholson who might be able to offer some frontcourt depth down the road. The Warriors don't have an established backup power forward yet, and with the uncertain health of Andrew Bogut, Nicholson's size and length could come in handy down the road.


Link

 

[maxelite]

If the Wizards pass on MKG....my goodness. Not even talking about his abilities, they just need players who will bust their @%% everyday in practice and hustle on every play like Wall does. Getting rid of Young and McGee was a good start.

But, you never know with Ernie Grunfeld.