Chad's Mock 2.0
1. Washington Wizards - John Wall - PG - Kentucky
Wall is the closest prospect to a "sure thing" in this year's draft. The comparisons between Wall and Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose are overdone simply because the league is experiencing an influx of long, athletic point guards right now. Wall supporters who have argued that he is a better shooter than Rose should look no further than their college stats. Rose shot slightly better from the field and the three point line by percentage in his one year stint at Memphis than Wall in his year at Kentucky. This is cause for some concern as Rose is still far from a consistent shooter after two years in the league but has superior athleticism compared to Wall to supplement while he improves. In any case, I think Wall will be 10-15 year starter in the league barring injury, however I do not expect him to be the transcendent force that many have made him out to be.
2. Philadelphia 76ers - Evan Turner - SG/SF - Ohio State
As disappointing a season as the 76ers had in 2009-10, they are a talented, athletic team that may only be one or two pieces away from a playoff run in 2010-11. If trade rumors surrounding the Sixers and their second overall pick are not true, I expect Philadelphia to select Turner who could be the missing piece in the Philly backcourt. Though Turner is slightly less athletic than the ball handling wings that he has earned comparisons to (think Tracy McGrady in Orlando) his ability to score and create for teammates and willingness to take big shots should immediately take scoring pressure off of Iguodala who hasn't exactly lived up to the billing of Franchise Player status.
3. New Jersey Nets - Derrick Favors - PF - Georgia Tech
He might be Dwight Howard, he might be Kwame Brown, he might be Tyrus Thomas. We won't know for another three years, but for now the Nets will keep their fingers crossed.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves - Wesley Johnson - SF - Syracuse
5. Sacramento Kings - DeMarcus Cousins - PF/C - Kentucky
Cousins will be a star at the next level. Often hovering around 20 minutes a game in college, Cousins was still dominant enough to glean SEC Freshman of the Year honors in addition to a first team All-SEC selection and first team All America recognition. Cousins' point and rebound per minute numbers were through the roof and he was just as pivotal to Kentucky's success in 2009-10 as fellow freshman Wall. Cousins will soon be one of the best rebounders in the Western Conference and offensively he should fit right in with his exceptional hands and strong outlet passing. Though many worry about Cousins' weight and body fat percentage I contend that his size will work more to his advantage at the shrinking NBA center position. Cousins' "character issues" have been blown out of proportion in an era where the smiling faces of young stars such as Lebron James and Dwight Howard have cast a negative light on players who play with a mean streak. That mean streak combined with Cousins' exceptional skill, good feet and defensive IQ will provide for a long career for Cousins. Like Tyreke Evans last year, the Sacramento Kings will get a steal with their top five pick this summer.
6. Golden State Warriors - Al-Farouq Aminu - SF/PF - Wake Forest
The Warriors finally got it right with a first round pick taking rookie sensation Stephon Curry with the seventh overall pick last June. This year the Warriors will grab a wingman for Curry and Monta Ellis' up and down scoring fests who can get out on the break and finish as well as add rebounding and toughness to the young team. Aminu is a particularly good fit in that he played in a similarly high octane offense last year alongside athletic, shooting point guard Jeff Teague at Wake where they and Bulls forward James Johnson elevated the team to a top nation ranking at one point. I was even more impressed with Aminu when I watched him dismantle Greg Monroe in a lopsided high school matchup two years ago that was billed to be epic and turned out to be a complete clinic. With a series of one and two dribble pullups as well as fast break dunks and inside post moves Aminu destroyed Monroe on national television culminating in a facial in traffic that left Monroe forever posterized in my mind. Something tells me the Warriors might take a stupid risk on UNC forward Ed Davis who seems to be the second coming of Brandan Wright, another former Tar Heel and failed Warriors pick. Wishful thinking makes the pick Aminu here.
7. Detroit Pistons - Greg Monroe - PF - Georgetown
General Manager Joe Dumars has been one of the most confusing executives in the league as of late. Recently his move to spend near-franchise money on two reserves in Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva has left Pistons fans both perplexed and disappointed. The Pistons are in dire need of a floor leader as Rodney Stuckey hasn't exactly panned out as the point guard of the future he was chosen to be with the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Unfortunately this pick is about ten slots too high for Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe who may be this draft's most underrated player. I'm putting Greg Monroe here simply because I can't seem to peg him as a logical fit for any of the teams above this pick and yet I can't see him falling out of the top ten. I would feel sorry for Monroe had he not been such a monumental disappointment for the G'town Hoyas over the last two years. On the bright side Monroe has been quoted as saying that best case he'd like to be a Lamar Odom type player in the league. $90 million over ten years and zero all star appearances, can't argue with that kind of career. Let's just move on.
8. Los Angeles Clippers - Paul George - SF - Fresno St.
Some things just make sense. The Clippers have had a gaping hole at the small forward position since the departure of free throw line resident Cory Maggette and have lacked consistent perimeter shooting, well...forever. Enter widely unknown prospect George, a long, athletic small forward in the Rudy Gay mold. George has said himself that he believes he has the ball handling skills to play shooting guard in the NBA if necessary as well as small forward and he has proven his long range shooting touch. George shot 91 percent from the free throw line in his sophomore year, a tremendous asset at the next level.
9. Utah Jazz - Patrick Patterson - PF - Kentucky
Patterson almost certainly would have been drafted higher following his sophomore or freshman seasons at Kentucky but instead chose to return to play for one of the most talented Wildcats teams ever. By opting to do so, Patterson probably forfeited a sizable amount of first year cash but may have guaranteed a much more lucrative career in the long run. Staying at Kentucky and playing in John Calipari's wide open system allowed Patterson to develop range on his jump shot among other developments (24 made three pointers in his junior year versus 0 in his first two seasons). Look for Jerry Sloan and co. to make another safe pick and brace themselves for the almost certain departure of Carlos Boozer at power forward.
10. Indiana Pacers - Xavier Henry - SG - Kansas
In 2009-10 two-guard Brandon Rush had the lowest PER of any player in NBA history who led his team in minutes played for one season. With that said, the Pacers won't be looking to replace Rush with Henry, but rather add depth to a position that currently includes Dahntay Jones and Luther Head. Likewise, Henry also provides much needed insurance for star small forward Danny Granger whose current backup is the talented but oft injured Michael Dunleavy. I see Henry as a quality reserve in the NBA rather than the future star many have predicted him to become.
11. New Orleans Hornets - Ekpe Udoh - PF/C - Baylor
Udoh was one of the pleasant surprises of an exhilarating March Madness in 2010. By leading Baylor in a surprising run to the Elite Eight, Udoh guaranteed his selection as a lottery pick. Udoh's high energy, shot blocking and athleticism will make him a bonafide defender at the next level though he is offensively mainly a finisher. Udoh will benefit greatly from the ability of star point guards Chris Paul and Darren Collison to create in traffic. Udoh will be another quality career reserve of good value at double digits in this draft.
12. Memphis Grizzlies - Ed Davis - PF - UNC
Unfortunately Davis is still mostly a mystery as his sophomore season for the Tarheels, which was expected to be his breakout year, was curtailed by injury. Davis has been compared to every long athletic PF from Amare Stoudemire to Brandan Wright. The Grizzlies have plenty of depth at the guard and small forward positions so they will look to add another explosive rebounder and high flyer down low to complement back to the basket bangers Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.
13. Toronto Raptors - Luke Babbitt - SG/SF/PF - Nevada
Very seldom do I jump on the bandwagon of a European American (white) draft prospect. This year I'm driving the Babbitt bandwagon. Be it the Dirk Nowitzki hair-do, the trademark jab step, or the insane shooting averages (22 ppg on %50 shooting from the field, %42 from the three-point line and %92 from the charity stripe) this guy strikes me as a sure thing at the next level. At 6'9" and 225 pounds Babbitt has the size to bang bodies in the paint to complement his ridiculous shooting abilities, as evidence by his 9 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Furthermore his flashy style and mean streak should translate to competitive success at the next level. With Demar Derozan and Babbitt flying on the wings, the Raptors' point guard of the future (whomever that may be) will be pleased.
14. Houston Rockets - Cole Aldrich - C - Kansas
The tragic truth is that Yao Ming's career as a dominant player at center may be over. The uber talented Yao has already surpassed most of our expectations for a 7'6" Chinese center who was once compared favorably to Gheorghe Muresan. Now its time for the Rockets to start planning for the future as the team's current center is the offensively handicapped Chuck Hayes. The Rockets have efficient and willing scorers in PG Aaron Brooks, SG Kevin Martin, SF Trevor Ariza and PF Luis Scola, so they don't need a scorer at the position, but simply a non-liability will do. Look for GM Daryl Morey will extend his streak of choosing disciplined and effective non-stars in the draft. Look for Aldrich to use his lottery money to replace his front teeth.
15. Milwaukee Bucks - Avery Bradley - G - Texas
The Bucks had surprising success by adding rookie point guard phenom Brandon Jennings,
savvy, scoring swingman John Salmons and rookie head coach Scott Skiles to a healthy and productive Andrew Bogut. Bradley will replace longtime incumbent Michael Redd at shooting guard who has suffered career threatening injuries in each of the past few seasons. Redd will depart as a free-agent this summer leaving Bradley the opportunity to become the team's new go-to long range shooter. Bradley only stands 6'3" but boasts 6'7" wingspan that should allow him to play both guard positions as a pro. Defensively Bradley is quick and disruptive, a bonus to his extensive offensive repertoire that include the best shooting stroke of any player in this draft.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves - Gordon Hayward - SF - Butler
Though I fully expect Wolves GM David Kahn to trade this pick either to move up into the top four or to help add an already proven veteran, I can't see Hayward falling any further after his NCAA heroics of just three months ago. Hayward will still be a project as he needs to add muscle to his slight 6'9", 211 pound frame and toughness to his mostly finesse playing style. Likewise, to have any success at the next level, Hayward will have to improve on his long range shooting as his 3-point shooting percentage inexplicably fell from 45 % in his freshman year to 29% as a sophomore. In any case, the Wolves will likely either trade this pick or look for overseas help at point guard (just kidding... kind of).
17. Washington Wizards - James Anderson - SG - Oklahoma State
With the trade in place for Hinrich, Wizards should go after players that can finish Wall's passes. James Anderson was one of the best scorers in the country.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder - Daniel Orton - C - Kentucky
The Thunder will leap at the chance to add a young and talented post player to compete for backup minutes behind starter Nenad Krystic. It's a very simple job for Orton. Set screens for Kevin Durant, throw outlet passes to Russell Westbrook, get out of the way and collect your paycheck.
19. Boston Celtics - Hassan Whiteside - PF/C - Marshall
The Celtics will continue to harp on toughness and shot blocking by adding the reigning NCAA leader in blocks. Whiteside and his 7'7" wingspan denied 5.4 attempts a game in just 26 minutes per contest while improving offensively throughout the season.
20. San Antonio Spurs - Kevin Seraphin - C - Guyana
Seraphin is the highest rated foreign prospect. The Spurs are the Spurs. Let's not outthink ourselves.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Damion James - F - Texas
Genius GM Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder grab another league-ready, underrated commodity in James. Likewise, the Thunder add a backup flex forward for all-world superstar Kevin Durant as well one of only two projected first rounders who averaged a double-double collegiately last season.
22. Portland Trailblazers - Elliott Williams - SG - Memphis
After leaving Duke following his freshman year Williams showed the country what he could do as the primary scorer in a more free wheeling offense. Williams averaged 18 points per contest including several highlight dunks like this one from his one year at Duke. Williams' athleticism combined with a scorer's mentality should provide the Trailblazers with a serviceable backup to all-star Brandon Roy as current backup Rudy Fernandez has expressed an interest to leave Portland this offseason.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves - Larry Sanders - C - VCU
Sanders is a project at this slot in the draft. Many have noted that Sanders did not begin playing organized basketball until high school which leads scouts to believe that his ceiling for improvement is very high. I see Sanders in the D-league. No relation, by the way.
24. Atlanta Hawks - Dominique Jones - G - South Florida
Jones is probably the most explosive scorer in this draft and one of my favorite prospects. Jones averaged 21.4 ppg as a junior at South Florida including consecutive games of 46, 28, 37 and 29 point performances during a four-game Bulls winning streak capped by victories over Big East stalwarts Pittsburgh and Georgetown. The Hawks will be losing perennial leading scorer and starting shooting guard Joe Johnson to free-agency this summer and will be elated to welcome the streaky and uber-competitive Jones to the mix.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Eric Bledsoe - PG - Kentucky
Bledsoe is another one of my favorite guys on the board. Bledsoe entered his sole college season as a highly touted and intensely recruited point guard out of Alabama that could have acted as the starting point guard, if not focal point, of just about any NCAA offense. By opting to go to Kentucky, Bledsoe did so with the understanding that he would be playing off guard as a complement to all-world point guard John Wall. Though Bledsoe was statistically outshined by fellow Wildcats Patterson, Cousins and Wall, he cemented his status as a future pro by showing off other assets of his game including his incredible athleticism, relentless on-ball defense and consistent outside shooting touch. Kentucky coach John Calipari often went out of his way to remind the media that Bledsoe was one of his fiercest competitors and rightfully so. Mike Conley's new backup will give him fits in Grizzlies practices.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder - Stanley Robinson - SF/PF - Connecticut
'Length' and 'athleticism' are words that swirl around Thunder draft picks each year. Incidentally these are always the first two words associated with Robinson. Unfortunately, for his entire college career the third word was always 'potential'.
27. New Jersey Nets - Armon Johnson - G - Nevada
The Knicks have explicitly expressed interest in moving into the first round to take Johnson, a tweener guard who shot less than 24 percent from the college three-point line in his Robin season to Luke Babbitt's Batman at Nevada. Add that he averaged less than one steal a game in 35 minutes of play. Sounds like a winner. Not.
28. Memphis Grizzlies - Jordan Crawford - G - Xavier
Crawford is a high percentage shooter and high octane scorer as either a wing or a big point guard. Crawford proved to be gutsy crunch time performer on a national stage with awe inspiring late-game play in the NCAA tournament. Mock drafts are a total crap shoot at this point and Crawford was one of my favorite college players in 2009-10.
29. Orlando Magic - Lance Stephenson - G/F - Cincinnati
Stephenson will be a much better pro than he was college player for his single season at Cincinnati. You heard it here first.
30. Washington Wizards - Solomon Alabi - C - Florida State
At this point in the draft teams are throwing darts in the dark. Alabi has the physical gifts to be a goal protector on the defensive end but seriously lacks offensive prowess. Alabi, much like the Wizards, is a work in progress.
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