Welcome all you hardcore fans and average fans to MY favorite time of the year....NBA draft!
The Jazz are very happy if this draft goes my way. They want to groom a pg of the future after loosing Deron Williams in the (other) blockbuster Trade this past season. (Which is how Jazz got this pick from the Nets) I may have sounded like I was down on Kyrie earlier. I am not, I just love Derrick Williams. Kyrie is a True Point Guard with shooting range. I also LOVE that he wants to play for Australia in International competition (born there) as opposed to US. Shows me has Pride and is not a Front-runner. I love the underdog mentality and I also love what he did for Duke. On my next video game I am going to shut off "early entry" to see how he would have looked his Sr. Yr. He is the REAL DEAL at PG.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers-Jan Vesely (Serbia 6'11) GO SIZE!! U have Baron Davis locked in for the next two years at $13 million each. You can pair Vesely with Verajao and make a formidable frontcourt. Vesely is very athletic. Verajao is a defense first bigman, and Hickson is developing so the Cavs have seriously strengthened thier frotncourt with these 2 picks. The Cavs already have a top pg in Baron Davis and have committed $26m over the next 2 yrs so I think they are set at pg. Look for the cavs to trade this pick Can shoot it outside or go to the post. He is a matchup problem as he is a little too quick for power-forwards but big enough to give small forwards a problem. He can creat off the dribble and is a threat to knock down the 3. A very competitive man. Needs to become a better rebounder.
As you all know, this is the time when all of us geeks do our draft to prove that we are all smarter than everyone else....Kind of a "rock/paper/scissors" mentality in my mind. I am just like all of you, I love the draft and I think I am smart enough to get these picks. I know Im going to be wrong, heck, The Cavs ALREADY basically said they are going to take Kyrie Irving. But I want to go by my own march, and my Gut (as big as it is getting) My Gut says Derrick Williams!
I am the guy that spent 4 hours and 2500 words on why the Blazers should take Durant over Oden.. I was wrong about the actual pick, but as of right now, Im right about the player (although you CANNOT fault the Blazers for going after a potential Franchise Center Like Yao Oden )
Lets Start off VERY CLEAR. Derrick Williams IS the Best Player in this draft. He is the Best player from this draft in 3 years. In ten years we will still be saying he was the best player from this draft. This is no knock on Kyrie Irving.
Lets start
As a Duke fan, you would assume I would just blindly chose Irving just because, well, just because. oh yeah, he played for Duke?? As a duke fan I didnt ACTUALLY see that much of him. He played 8 games, All non conference (one NCAA Tourney game). So we didnt see him vs the toughest conference in the nation.
A quick look at his stats: 11gp; 27mpg; 17.5ppg; 4.2apg; 52% shooting 3.3 rpg; and 1.45steals per game; 46% on 3's (18 of 39)
again, all non-conference games: Princeton, Miami of ohio, Colorado, Marquette,Kansas State, Oregon, Mich ST. Butler in the reg season and against Dwilliams' Arizona Wildcats in the NCAA's
Lets average the most important games on that list and throw out the duds, shall we?
Princeton- (because it was his college debut) 17points 25m;9asts, 2 stls, 3-6 3pointers;4 rebs and 4-10 from field (1turnover)
-Damn good game against a tourney team and even better as it was his debut...although there was no one on the Tigers that can run with him.
Kstate- was ranked #4 at the time, and was looking like a potential final 4 team. Plus had Jacob Pullen is a 3rd team all american pg so this should be a good test: 31m 17points 6 assists 5 rebs 3 turnovers; 2 stls; and 4 fouls 5 for 12 shooting (also held Pullen to 1 of 12 shooting and 4 turnovers)
Marquette- another NCAA tourney team,They did not start well, but finished strong in the big east
Irving had 34mins, 11points; 7 asts, 2stls, 2 rebs, and 5 turnovers; shot 1-4 from 3 and 4 of 9 overall.
-EHH game vs not a great opponent
Michigan State- Always a contending team; Also has a future NBA player at PG Kalin Lucas...Another good test
Kyrie's Line-36mins, 31points, 6rebounds, 4 assists; 2 stls; 3 turnovers shot 8-12 from field and got to the line 16 times making 13 of them.
Kalin Lucas had 14points 3rebounds 2 assists , and 2 turnovers a win for duke and a definite win for Kyrie in this matchup against a really good guard.
Butler- Rematch of title game from yr before, Butler also has an NBA ready guard in Shelvin Mack who was critical the season before helping to push the Bulldogs to within a half-court heave of the title. This is also Kyrie's last game before the injury
Irving-34m 21points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal 5 turnovers, 6 of 10 from field 6-6free throws and 3-6 from 3.
Mack-11points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists,3 turnovers 4 of 6 from field
-Another win for Duke and another head to head victory for Irving against another quality pg (who is slated to be drafted end of 1st round early 2nd round Thursday)
NCAA's
Fast forward to 3rd round (is that what they call it now? I mean, there are how many play-in games?)
Vs ARIZONA
(Let me say this, HUGE lift and showed some real guts coming back. Kyrie could have shut it down and not A)risk another injury and B)risk playing like shit and having his stock drop)
The numbers:31m; 28 3 assist; 1 stl; 1 turnover; 9-15 fg and 2 for 4 from 3 point line.
Duke's season ends.
Let's Do some fast math here:In HIS 6 MOST IMPORTANT games of his college career and we have 25ppg; 3.6 rebounds per game; 1.6 stls; 5.1 assists; 3TO's; 52% from field and 44%(11-25) on 3's NOT BAD AT ALL.
Kyrie Irving (6'3") is not the most athletic guy and that is a problem in a league with Derrick Rose, John Wall, Rondo (1 name guy now) playing his position. He was very advanced for his age and obviously (OBVIOUSLY) had Great Coaching with Coach K. But can he translate to the pro's? He only played 8 games and was a HUGE impact in all those games.
Lets Also point out that Duke was 24-3 without him (including 2 wins against UNC!!)
DERRICK WILLIAMS- a 6 foot 9 scoring machine. Think Michael Beasley without the Marijuana and immaturity.... He is VERY efficient with the ball. He score 19.5 points per game on only 10 shots attempts per game!! read that again...19.5 on 10 shots, (Kobe needs 30 shots to get 30 points)....He gets to the line 25% of the time when he gets the ball (and makes 75% of his Free-throws); he made 57% of his 3 pointers. He can post Low or post mid range. he can back you down or he can turn and face you. Makes "loud" dunks and seems to be an emotional player (in the positive sense). He has a "soft touch" around the rim, does not take bad shots and works hard on the offensive glass. Whats not to like?? Well, he isn't an athletic freak, in last yrs draft we would be #10, Average athleticism and wingspan (7foot 1). Not a great defensive rebounder and can turn the ball over. I think that can change with some NBA coaching.
To the picks!
Cavaliers- By my count, there are more/better PG here than top notch big men. I am really teetering on who the Cavs should draft even though I am pretty sold that Williams is the best player. You ALWAYS take the best player with #1 pick, no matter what position your team needs. The Cavs need a lot of help. PG is a need, but a go-to franchise scorer is also a need here. Take the best player!
Another benefit to drafting Williams is that the Cavs have the #4 pick (trade w Clippers ->Mo Williams/Jamario Moon for Pick and Baron Davis in a cost cutting move by the Clips). So you can still get your pg of the future at 4.
My Pick: Derrick Williams
(they will probably go with Kyrie here because everyone says they should, except for me)
(they will probably go with Kyrie here because everyone says they should, except for me)
#2 Minnesota Timberwolves- David Kahn is confused. "should I take the PG? I love point guards!!!"
ok serious, The Wolves are looking to get big. They just got Spaniard Ricky Rubio (finally) and Kevin Love is undersized at Power Forward So I see them taking Enes Kanter (6'11 Kentucky).
I love everything I have read about this guy. The only reason he could not play at Kentucky last yr was because he got paid as a pro in 2008-09 as a backup on a turkish team. I could type in the name of that team here, but I think some of you will have an eye fall out. He has a high basketball IQ and is very athletic for his size. He is very coach-able as well. Very good post player. Has a TON of upside!!
I love everything I have read about this guy. The only reason he could not play at Kentucky last yr was because he got paid as a pro in 2008-09 as a backup on a turkish team. I could type in the name of that team here, but I think some of you will have an eye fall out. He has a high basketball IQ and is very athletic for his size. He is very coach-able as well. Very good post player. Has a TON of upside!!
#3 Utah Jazz- Kyrie Irving (6'2 Duke)
The Jazz are very happy if this draft goes my way. They want to groom a pg of the future after loosing Deron Williams in the (other) blockbuster Trade this past season. (Which is how Jazz got this pick from the Nets) I may have sounded like I was down on Kyrie earlier. I am not, I just love Derrick Williams. Kyrie is a True Point Guard with shooting range. I also LOVE that he wants to play for Australia in International competition (born there) as opposed to US. Shows me has Pride and is not a Front-runner. I love the underdog mentality and I also love what he did for Duke. On my next video game I am going to shut off "early entry" to see how he would have looked his Sr. Yr. He is the REAL DEAL at PG.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers-Jan Vesely (Serbia 6'11) GO SIZE!! U have Baron Davis locked in for the next two years at $13 million each. You can pair Vesely with Verajao and make a formidable frontcourt. Vesely is very athletic. Verajao is a defense first bigman, and Hickson is developing so the Cavs have seriously strengthened thier frotncourt with these 2 picks. The Cavs already have a top pg in Baron Davis and have committed $26m over the next 2 yrs so I think they are set at pg. Look for the cavs to trade this pick Can shoot it outside or go to the post. He is a matchup problem as he is a little too quick for power-forwards but big enough to give small forwards a problem. He can creat off the dribble and is a threat to knock down the 3. A very competitive man. Needs to become a better rebounder.
#5 Toronto Raptors New Coach Dwayne Casey is a Defense first coach and the Raptors were the worst defensive team last yr They could use a defensive Center to off set Bargnani or a defensive SF . All that said, I see them excitedly taking Brandon Knight (6'3 Kentucky Freshman) as their franchise PG. Night is a well rounded PG who shows strong Character and is super competitive. He has good clutch shooting and quick first step. High level speed and quickness and a professional demeanor to go along with his killer instinct he showed in the NCAA's. (note, the Cavs might take him only because he decided not to join Lebron and his Super Agent Leon Rose and the CAA staff..just saying) He is also VERY confident as he wanted to go against the other best guards in draft workouts. Shows me he isn't scared of anyone.
#6 Washington Wizards All info I have read points to the Wizards selecting Kawhi Leonard (6'7 SF from San Diego St) Kawhi Led the Aztecs to their best season ever last yr and he is leaving early to test his skills at the next level. He is an all around athlete, and has been favorably compared to Gerald Wallace in that aspect. He needs a little work on his offense, but he has a "high motor" and he is a very good athlete with long arms. He is also a better passer than people give him credit for. He is a defense first type of player but athletic enough to run with John Wall. Adds toughness to a relatively soft frontcourt.
#7 Sacramento Kings- Kemba Walker (6foot, Connecticut) Bring leadership and a very underrated PG set to a team that needs both. Enables the kings to move Tyreke Evans off the ball as well as he can score/spread the floor when they use Evans in the pick and roll. His maturity and fearless clutch shooting will bring a spark to the kings similar to what jj berea does for the Mavericks. He will be able to help spread the floor to give Evans and Demarcus Cousins some space to work with. Look for the kings to also look at Chris Singleton with this pick. I have read they really like him and have a need at SF.
#8 Detroit Pistons-Jonas Valanciunas (6'11 Center from Lithuania) I would like to see the Pistons grab Klay Thompson here, but it makes sense for them to go with Valanciunas. He is one of the few "legit Centers" in this draft...Long and athletic,a solid offensive game. He needs to add weight and quickness before he becomes an impast player, but he would be a great development project for the pistons who also have Greg Monroe from last yr's draft. Can play both together in the future. Jonas has a great wingspan and is a hard worker, 2 things that go well together. He could stay in Europe 1 or 2 more year, but that isnt the worst thing considering the logjam at that position (Jason maxiel, Monroe, Charlie Villanueva, Jonas Jerebko,Chris Wilcox) that the Pistons have as well as the prospect of a Lockout this yr (I hated writing that!!) BLAH LOCKOUT TALK
I could also see detroit trading this pick to move Richard Hamilton and his huge salary off their team.
#9 Charlotte Bobcats Chris Singleton (6'9, Florida State) He would be a great replacement for the Gerald Wallace role on this team. He is an athletic defensive wing that can cover inside and outside (thing Loul Deng without the scoring)...I keep reading that the 'Cats are looking to maybe take Marcus Morris here, but Im not sure how good he is going to be. A BARELY 6'9 as a slow PF in thisc league?He doesnt have much outside shot and has as high a BUST potential as anyone.. the cats arent that smart so I can see them taking him. Jordan is not as good a basketball guy as he is player, as we all know...back to Singleton, he is versatile and has an improving offensive game. He claims he can cover anyone, and with that attitude, Ill take him!! (Is Jordan even going to be there at the draft room??)
#10 Milwaukee Bucks- Klay Thompson (6-6 Washington St.) I think the Bucks would get a hard-on if this kid falls here. They definitely need a shooting guard and Klay has been said to be the most NBA ready shooting guard in this draft. He has a very refined perimeter game. He comes off screens and is a high percentage outside shooter (which will make Brandon Jennings Very happy)
#6 Washington Wizards All info I have read points to the Wizards selecting Kawhi Leonard (6'7 SF from San Diego St) Kawhi Led the Aztecs to their best season ever last yr and he is leaving early to test his skills at the next level. He is an all around athlete, and has been favorably compared to Gerald Wallace in that aspect. He needs a little work on his offense, but he has a "high motor" and he is a very good athlete with long arms. He is also a better passer than people give him credit for. He is a defense first type of player but athletic enough to run with John Wall. Adds toughness to a relatively soft frontcourt.
#7 Sacramento Kings- Kemba Walker (6foot, Connecticut) Bring leadership and a very underrated PG set to a team that needs both. Enables the kings to move Tyreke Evans off the ball as well as he can score/spread the floor when they use Evans in the pick and roll. His maturity and fearless clutch shooting will bring a spark to the kings similar to what jj berea does for the Mavericks. He will be able to help spread the floor to give Evans and Demarcus Cousins some space to work with. Look for the kings to also look at Chris Singleton with this pick. I have read they really like him and have a need at SF.
#8 Detroit Pistons-Jonas Valanciunas (6'11 Center from Lithuania) I would like to see the Pistons grab Klay Thompson here, but it makes sense for them to go with Valanciunas. He is one of the few "legit Centers" in this draft...Long and athletic,a solid offensive game. He needs to add weight and quickness before he becomes an impast player, but he would be a great development project for the pistons who also have Greg Monroe from last yr's draft. Can play both together in the future. Jonas has a great wingspan and is a hard worker, 2 things that go well together. He could stay in Europe 1 or 2 more year, but that isnt the worst thing considering the logjam at that position (Jason maxiel, Monroe, Charlie Villanueva, Jonas Jerebko,Chris Wilcox) that the Pistons have as well as the prospect of a Lockout this yr (I hated writing that!!) BLAH LOCKOUT TALK
I could also see detroit trading this pick to move Richard Hamilton and his huge salary off their team.
#9 Charlotte Bobcats Chris Singleton (6'9, Florida State) He would be a great replacement for the Gerald Wallace role on this team. He is an athletic defensive wing that can cover inside and outside (thing Loul Deng without the scoring)...I keep reading that the 'Cats are looking to maybe take Marcus Morris here, but Im not sure how good he is going to be. A BARELY 6'9 as a slow PF in thisc league?He doesnt have much outside shot and has as high a BUST potential as anyone.. the cats arent that smart so I can see them taking him. Jordan is not as good a basketball guy as he is player, as we all know...back to Singleton, he is versatile and has an improving offensive game. He claims he can cover anyone, and with that attitude, Ill take him!! (Is Jordan even going to be there at the draft room??)
#10 Milwaukee Bucks- Klay Thompson (6-6 Washington St.) I think the Bucks would get a hard-on if this kid falls here. They definitely need a shooting guard and Klay has been said to be the most NBA ready shooting guard in this draft. He has a very refined perimeter game. He comes off screens and is a high percentage outside shooter (which will make Brandon Jennings Very happy)
LATE NOTE: Bucks might be trying to trade this pick to get rid of Corey Maggette
#11 Golden State Warriors Donetas Montiejunas (7 foot Lithuania born 1990) New Head Coach Mark Jackson will look to add some balance to this warriors roster. They need a big combo Guard that has a defensive presence to offset their 2 small Guards in Stephen Curry and Monte Ellis (Alec Burks would be a good choice) and they need a scoring Big Man to offset andris Biedrins. Lack of offensive skill (LACK being a HUGE understatement) Hence my choice of Donetas. He can score inside and out, has great size, athleticism and scoring skill. Needs to work on Defense...He is like a young Dirk or Andrea Bargnani. (read, skinny and can shoot)
#12 Utah Jazz-Tobias Harris (6'8 Tennessee) As a freshman he showed great "polish" and is a VERY WELL ROUNDED player. He can do anything well and is almost exactly, in my opinion, what you would want from a Small Forward. can shoot outside or post his man up. great handle and court vision. Not the greatest athlete in the world, but can defend pretty well. Very high basketball IQ and good mid range game also. Needs to improve his body as he is only 19 and has room to grow.
Since, in my draft, the Jazz have already taken Kyrie Irving, its a shame they cannot draft Jimmer. It would have been a great story. The Jazz are also loaded at Center and power forward. Andrie Kirilenko is also a free agent this yr which puts even more emphasis on the small forward position. "AK47" says he wants to coe back to Utah and take a paycut, but NOTHING is guaranteed. I also like Alec Burks in this spot for the Jazz as they need to groom a shooting Guard because Raja Bell and CJ miles are their best at that position (aka needs help)
#13 Phoenix Suns- Marcus Morris (6'9 Kansas) The Suns still looking to replace Amare Stoudamire, Look to impove their frontcourt with this pick. He is a little "smallish" @ a BARELY 6'9, but VERY versatile. He has a good "soft" touch around the rim, and range out to deep mid range. He can play the 3 and the 4 and will only get better playing with Steve Nash. He has good Basketball IQ and a few off the court questions, but I think maturity will set in for him. He does have a lot of goods to bring to the table though. Kind of a tough matchup and a future big off the bench who can really impact a game.
#14 Houston Rockets- Alec Burks (6'6 Colorado) With the risk of losing Yao Ming to free agency (even if they keep him, they would need to suppliment Center position as he is injured all the time and they also have EHEM BRAD MILLER!!) Bismark Biyombo has been mentioned for this pick, but I dont think that would go well since they already have a 1 Dimensional Defensive player inHasheem Thabeet (acquired at deadline in Shane Battier Deal) who, like Biyombo has limited offense (put nicely). Unlike Hasheem, Biyombo is big and strong, rebounds really well, and is a very hard worker. They also have a glut of Power forward (Luis Scola, Jordan Hill, Patrick Patterson) It think they need some wing help and some off the bench scoring. I think Alec Burks can help. He is a well rounded player who's versatility is his main strength. Very Similar to Kyle Weaver. Not the best athlete but excels in the open court with his handle. Ability to play both Guard spots and some small forward. Look for the Rockets to maybe take Marshon Brooks, or Kennith Faried here. They are very active in trade talks, as they have 2 first round picks.
#11 Golden State Warriors Donetas Montiejunas (7 foot Lithuania born 1990) New Head Coach Mark Jackson will look to add some balance to this warriors roster. They need a big combo Guard that has a defensive presence to offset their 2 small Guards in Stephen Curry and Monte Ellis (Alec Burks would be a good choice) and they need a scoring Big Man to offset andris Biedrins. Lack of offensive skill (LACK being a HUGE understatement) Hence my choice of Donetas. He can score inside and out, has great size, athleticism and scoring skill. Needs to work on Defense...He is like a young Dirk or Andrea Bargnani. (read, skinny and can shoot)
#12 Utah Jazz-Tobias Harris (6'8 Tennessee) As a freshman he showed great "polish" and is a VERY WELL ROUNDED player. He can do anything well and is almost exactly, in my opinion, what you would want from a Small Forward. can shoot outside or post his man up. great handle and court vision. Not the greatest athlete in the world, but can defend pretty well. Very high basketball IQ and good mid range game also. Needs to improve his body as he is only 19 and has room to grow.
Since, in my draft, the Jazz have already taken Kyrie Irving, its a shame they cannot draft Jimmer. It would have been a great story. The Jazz are also loaded at Center and power forward. Andrie Kirilenko is also a free agent this yr which puts even more emphasis on the small forward position. "AK47" says he wants to coe back to Utah and take a paycut, but NOTHING is guaranteed. I also like Alec Burks in this spot for the Jazz as they need to groom a shooting Guard because Raja Bell and CJ miles are their best at that position (aka needs help)
#13 Phoenix Suns- Marcus Morris (6'9 Kansas) The Suns still looking to replace Amare Stoudamire, Look to impove their frontcourt with this pick. He is a little "smallish" @ a BARELY 6'9, but VERY versatile. He has a good "soft" touch around the rim, and range out to deep mid range. He can play the 3 and the 4 and will only get better playing with Steve Nash. He has good Basketball IQ and a few off the court questions, but I think maturity will set in for him. He does have a lot of goods to bring to the table though. Kind of a tough matchup and a future big off the bench who can really impact a game.
#14 Houston Rockets- Alec Burks (6'6 Colorado) With the risk of losing Yao Ming to free agency (even if they keep him, they would need to suppliment Center position as he is injured all the time and they also have EHEM BRAD MILLER!!) Bismark Biyombo has been mentioned for this pick, but I dont think that would go well since they already have a 1 Dimensional Defensive player inHasheem Thabeet (acquired at deadline in Shane Battier Deal) who, like Biyombo has limited offense (put nicely). Unlike Hasheem, Biyombo is big and strong, rebounds really well, and is a very hard worker. They also have a glut of Power forward (Luis Scola, Jordan Hill, Patrick Patterson) It think they need some wing help and some off the bench scoring. I think Alec Burks can help. He is a well rounded player who's versatility is his main strength. Very Similar to Kyle Weaver. Not the best athlete but excels in the open court with his handle. Ability to play both Guard spots and some small forward. Look for the Rockets to maybe take Marshon Brooks, or Kennith Faried here. They are very active in trade talks, as they have 2 first round picks.
#15 Indiana Pacers- Jimmer Fredette (6'2 BYU) If you haven't heard of Jimmer Fredette,well, What are you doing reading this? Really, exit out now. I think it is a perfect match here as the Pacers look to add depth at the Guard position, and Jimmy Chitwood err Fredette is a solid combo Guard who can score whenever he wants. I can see the Hoosiers/Pacers going for Biyumbo or Marshon Brooks here as well.
#16 Philadelphia 76ers Bizmark Biyumbo (6'9 Congo) 76ers VERY happy as thier main weakness is at the center position. Biyumbo is a Shot Blosker/Rebounder who is tough and strong. Needs a lot of work on his offense but he has the work ethic. He is favorably compared to Ben Wallace. Like cannot shoot at all like Ben Wallace. A BEAST like Ben Wallace. Almost a clone, he just needs a 'fro and we have the cover of nba 2k5 reborn!
#17 NY Knicks Nikola Vucevic (7' 260 USC) I have read rumors that the Knicks are looking for a pg of the future. Well, RIGHT NOW they need a big man who can compliment Amare. They have an obvious lack of size and interior defense. Vucevic does not solve the Defensive part but he is the best Center available. With a 7'4 wingspan, he will help in the rebounding dept. He is a SKILLED offensive player who has soft touch around the ri and range to 3 point line. Good handle and above average passer. Already has a lot of post moves @ the age of 20. needs to work on his defense and athleticism. They could also go w Markieff Morris here.
#18 Wizards- Markieff Morris (6'9 Kansas) Wizards still need to get bigger to add to Javelle Mcgee and Andray Blatche, who both are skinny dudes playing big man position. Mcgee played for team USA last summer and his confidence is fueling him along with his great wingspan and acrobatic dunks and blocks. Blatche has imporved to be juuuust a level under All-Star and, even ifKG hates him, he stil has good game. Marshon Brooks also makes a little sense here as they continue to build around John Wall, but my money is on the other Morris Twin. He is more of an inside gy than his twin, Marcus,but almost as versatile. He is a "Tweener 4/5" as opposed to his brother being a "tweener 3/4". Markieff has a high basketball IQ and can post up w his back to the basket and he has an improving face up game. He is also a hard worker on and off the court.
Next 2 picks are tough as you will never know what Jordan or Kahn are thinking...Well, Because I don't think even THEY know what they are thinking......
#19 Charlotte Bobcats- Trey Thompkins (6'9 Georgia) I had to think long about this pick. Bobcats still need to get bigger here but could also go with SG Marshon Brooks. I choose size w Thompkins. He is a highly skilled offensive bigman who can really help spreaed the floor with his shooting. Not known as an high level athlete, Trey still compliments the Bobcats Tyrus Thomas, who is an athletic freak but weak offensively.Thompkins is very smooth with the ball as if he has already been in the league. Not known as a guy with high work ethic on or off the court.'Cats could also draft Darius Morris here also.
#20 Minnesota Timberwolves- Marshon Brooks (6'5 Providence) I think they would be ecstatic if Brooks fell here. A true Scoring Guard, he has been to Kobe (in a good way). Was a one man show last year at UPROV and showed his scoring and versatility. He has long arms and hence rebounds well and blocks a lot of shots for his position. Unfortunately, Like Kobe, he has a poor shot selection but shoots a high % from 3 point line. He would be great to pair with Rubio as the young Spaniard loves to play with a scorer. Should also take some pressure off of Kevin Love also. Maybe KAHN gets it right after all? Oh, did you hear that they already decided to fire their coach but are waiting to fire him?? WOW
#21 Portland Trailblazers- Darius Morris (6'4 Michigan State) The need for a young PG or Center is well known. I know the Blazers really like Kennith Faried, but I think logic makes will make this decision. Darius Morris is the only "pure point guard" in this draft. He wont WOW you with his athleticism, but he is a playmaker and makes others around him better. The Blazers could also draftDavid Bertans as they are not afraid to draft Euro players that need another year or 2 overseas to get better.
#22 Denver Nuggets- Kennith Faried (6'6 Morehead St.) Denver needs to add more froncourt depth and the athletic rebounder is perfect at this slot. Some compare him to Dennis Rodman (WITHOUT the hair or dress). Has no offensive game to speak of, but has a great wingspan and is tireless on the glass. Very athletic and passionate. He will be a great role player for a playoff team in the future. only 6'6 nut has a 7' wingspan
#23 Houston Rockets- Iman Shumpert (6'6 Georgia Tech) Shumpert was not even on the draft radar a few months ago, but his combine work and the fact that he is the best defensive point guard in the draft as well as a good perimeter shooter. He has good leadership skills and can run a team. Rockets could also draft Reggie Jackson here.
#24 OKC Thunder- Tyler Honeycutt (6'7 UCLA) They sure do like their athletic wings in OKC, and Honeycutt fits the bill. He is a defensive player who has shown flashes of outside scoring ability and he has above average passing skills for a forward. Thunder could also select Reggie Jackson or Kyle Singler here also.
#25 Boston Celtics- Jeremy Tyler (6'11 San Diego High school, Israel, Japan) The need to get bigger and younger is paramount with this pick to compliment the big 4 I think the Celtics take a flyer on Jeremy Tyler was a high ranking recruit as a junior in HIgh school, but he decided to go overseas to learn how to be a pro. He has a 7'5 wingspan and a very good athlete for his size. at 260, he needs work on his body. He has a good mid range jumper but needs work on his post game (offense and defense) Celtics could also draft Jordan Williams, Jajuan Johnson, Kyle Singler or Justin Harper here
#26 Dallas Mavericks- David Bertans (6'9 Latvia) And a perfect scenario unfolds for Dallas. This team is full of veterans and doesn't seem to have much Roster room (or salary room) for a new player now. Brendan Bertans fits here because he needs some time overseas to get better, which is the reason he fell this far in the draft. He is a Sharpshooter who excels at every type of jumpshot with a high release point. great court vision and makes use of his average athleticism with smart cuts and a dangerous 3 point shot. Great Character. He is a little one dimensional now as a shooter, but that is exactly why he would stay overseas for a year or two.
#27 New Jersey Nets- Malcom Lee (6'5 UCLA) Looking to build around Deron williams, Lee is very intriguing here. A combo guard, has great footwork and an improved jumpshot. a great athlete. He has great length, and a quick first step. He has great handle but not great decision making skills. Could also draft Jordan Williams here.
#28 Chicago Bulls- Jordan Hamilton (6'7 Texas) The bulls would love it if my mock draft would be true. Their #1 need is a Shooting Guard to stretch the Defense and give Derrick Rose some breathing room. I doubt he will really fall this far as I am the only one who has him falling this far. Im just not a huge fan of his. He should have stayed another year at Texas. He is an excellent shooter but not a great defender. He lacks quickness and overall defensive technique (which might work since Tom Thibideau is a top defensive Coach and will surely bring the best out of him). They could take Norris Cole,
#29 San Antonio Spurs-Nicola Mirotic (6'10 Montenegro) Needs a yr or 2 overseas, but is right up the alley of the spurs. He has a high Basketball IQ (offensively and defensively), great jumpshot. Also has a wide array of post moves going both ways using both hands and spin moves. He has a great court vision and ball handling skills. He is an above average athlete, and a better defender than people give him credit for. He is also a good offensive rebounder. Could also take Jordan Williams, Justin Harper, Norris Cole, or Jajuan Johnson here.
#30 Chicago Bulls (Justin Harper 6'10 Richmond) The bulls, looking to improve their bench, will look to get this offensive big man who can shoot and spread the floor. They can also draft Shelvin Mack at this spot. Mack had a great tun w Butler to 2 straight Championship Monday appearances. The 2nd one was more impressive because they lost their best player Gordon Hayward to the NBA. Mack has clutch shooting and he is a winner. Helps that he played pg in college and can move over to shooting Guard.
That's it!! I look forward hearing YOU tell me how bad I did!!
Jason Shaw, YOUR Basketball Geek.
