NBA Mock Draft 1.0

1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving
The Cleveland Cavaliers struck gold the night of lottery by landing the number one and fourth pick in this year’s draft. Last year was basically a throw away season for the Cavs and they should look to revamp the entire roster. In order to rebound from a disappointing season they need to draft according to talent, not necessarily need. Even though Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions are on the roster, that should not stop the Cavs from taking the best player in the draft, Kyrie Irving.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – Enes Kanter
Minnesota just can’t win. Even after posting the league’s worst record, they were still unable to win the first pick in the draft. Assuming Kyrie Irving goes number one, the Timberwolves should look to trade this pick for a veteran that has an interest in playing defense. Derrick Williams will be hard to pass up, but with his older clone in Michael Beasley already on the roster, that would be a wasted pick. If the Wolves decide to keep the pick they should take Enes Kanter and hope he and Kevin gel into a promising duo in the paint.

Also, if this pick is traded, Derrick Williams will be selected number two by whoever moves up to take the pick.
3. Utah Jazz – Derrick Williams
Utah would love for Derrick Williams to slip to them. If he is available they should take him and he will be a starter instantly. If he is gone, I expect them to look for guard help. Brandon Knight is a possibility as combo point/shooting guard threat.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jan Vesely
With the fourth pick the Cavs need to address either the shooting guard or small forward position. Alec Burk is a possibility, Kawhi Leonard is a possibility and Jan Vesely is a possibility. I think Jan should be the pick because he has the highest upside of the three. At 6’11 he can play small forward and power forward. He is very athletic for his same and has the range to shoot it from beyond the arc. He and Kyrie should grow into a solid one-two punch.
5. Toronto Raptors – Brandon Knight
The Toronto Raptors will likely have a busy offseason. It appears that they have given up on Andres Bargnani and will also likely look to upgrade the point guard position. With the fifth pick they can look at a player like Kawhi Leonard who is drawing comparisons to Gerald Wallace or they could look to create a very dangerous backcourt by taking Brandon Knight and replacing Jose Calderon. Brandon Knight has the skills to play the point guard position in the NBA. At Kentucky he was a “do it all” type of guard because that’s what his team needed but I believe paired up with DeMar Derozen he can comfortably mold himself into a very good point guard.
6. Washington Wizards – Kawhi Leonard
The Washington Wizards are a bad basketball team and it is mainly because of their wing players. They need a solid small forward of the future that will also play some defense from time to time. Kawhi Leonard has been a fast riser on many draft boards and he appears t be a great fit the Wizards. He has size, he’s athletic, he can spread the floor and he plays defense.
7. Sacramento Kings – Kemba Walker
At the combine Kemba Walker surprised many people when he measured at 6’1 in shoes. I assume that will bring his stock up a little but for now I can’t see him going higher than pick seven to the Kings. I don’t see Kemba being a starting point guard, especially not with the Kings because they need a facilitator and floor general more than a scoring threat but he can be a very solid player off the bench with his scoring ability.
8. Detroit Pistons – Bismack Biyombo
This pick makes too much sense, which is why it probably won’t happen, but for now I’ll place Bismack Biyombo with the Pistons. They need help inside and with Greg Monroe emerging as a promising young big man last year, Biyombo can step in and do what he does best, which is block shots and clean the glass. A lot of scouts compare him to Serge Ibaka and if that is the case, he will fit perfectly in Detroit.
9. Charlotte Bobcats – Chris Singleton
The Bobcats gave away Gerald Wallace to clear up cap space. Gerald Henderson and Stephen Jackson look like they could be a decent combo on the wing for the short term but the Bobcats should draft a small forward they can groom. Chris Singleton is a very skilled small forward, who can also play power forward. Offensively he is raw but he has the ability to anchor a defense right away. Once he polishes his offensive game it will be like Gerald Wallace was never traded.
10. Milwaukee Bucks – Alec Burks
Alec Burks is an interesting prospect. In a league where a 6’6 shooting guard is no longer the proto-type, Burks has unique size for his position with rare point guard play making ability. Burks is a master at getting in the paint and scoring. The biggest knack on his game is his inconsistent jump shot. Once he adds a consistent jump shot to his game, he could prove to be the steal of the draft.
11. Golden State Warriors – Marcus Morris
The Golden State Warriors need players that care about playing defense if they are ever going to take the next step as a team. With that being said Tristian Thompson should probably be the pick hear because of his athleticism and ability to block shots. Unfortunately, I think the Warriors will follow their old strategy and draft guys that put the ball in the basket. Marcus Morris is a polished combo forward who has the ability to score all over the floor. In college he played power forward but lately he has been trying to sell scouts on the idea that he is a small forward. If he can effectively make the transition to small forward he will be a solid role player for the any team.
12. Utah Jazz – Jimmer Fredette
For whatever reason, Jimmer Fredette seems like he would fit well in Utah. I don’t think any team would take him and expect him to be their starting point guard but with two picks in the first round he is worth the risk for the Jazz. He will instantly become a fan favorite and will provide scoring to the Jazz bench. I personally wouldn’t draft him in the top-20 because I think there are a lot more players with higher ceilings but again, with two picks in the first round, he is worth the risk for Utah.
13. Phoenix Suns – Tristan Thompson
The Suns are slowly transitioning for life after the Steve Nash and Grant Hill era. They made a solid move by getting Marcin Gortat last year and now they need a solid power forward to pair him with. Tristan Thompson is a very talented prospect who can impact the game offensively and defensively. He has the ability to play on the block or up to the foul line extended.
14. Houston Rockets – Jonas Valanciunas
About two months ago Jonas Valanciunas was seen as a top five pick in this draft. While most of his stock was contingent on the lack of talent at his position, he still has shown signs of a very good prospect, being productive in a competitive league in Europe. His stock has taken a hit because of contractual issues with his current team. He appears to be in a Ricky Rubio like situation where his contract will need to be bought out, but under rules, an NBA can only contribute $500,000 to a foreign buyout. If he manages to get his buyout situation cleared up before the draft, he will likely be a top nine pick.
15. Indiana Pacers – Josh Selby
Josh Selby is an interesting prospect. Coming out of high school Rivals had him rated as the number one player in the country. He appeared to be an elite undersized scorer that has a dangerous quick first step, making it easy for him to get to the rim, uncanny athleticism and the ability to be a dead eye spot up shooter from three point range. Unfortunately, due to an injury and an NCAA suspension, Selby’s stint at Kansas was less than stellar. At times we saw the quick first step that has been captured on many YouTube videos from his high school days, early we saw his dead eye shooting from three point range, but we never saw the explosiveness and athleticism he showed in the McDonald's All-American game or Dunk Contest. For this reason Selby has seen his stock all over the place, ranging from mid lottery to early second round. I personally am still a believer in Selby; you just have to understand what you are getting. Despite the fact that he is only 6’3, Selby is a shooting guard. He isn’t a combo-guard. Right now he does not have the ability to set up teammates. He is purely a scorer, and as long as the team that drafts him understands that, he can be a very effective role player. I think his size will always hinder his career but there are plenty of undersized natural scoring guards that have made a living in the NBA. It will take Selby time to make up for the year that was all but wasted at Kansas but whoever drafts him may be in for a pleasant surprise.
16. Philadelphia 76ers – Lucas Nogueria
Big men will always be high commodities in NBA drafts because the center position is dying. Foreign centers are intriguing to scouts because you never know how a center playing in a foreign leagues game will translate to the NBA. Lucas Nogueria is a young prospect who has captured the attention of scouts for the last two years. At 7’0 Nogueria has displayed the ability to be a very promising prospect. He has a thin frame but the skill set is there. No one believes that Nogueria is ready to make an impact on the NBA now but his future is promising, so whether he decides to come over to the US after the draft is still in question. A few more years of seasoning would be good for his game but when he is ready to make the jump, he should thrive at the center position.
17. New York Knicks – Kenneth Faried
The Knicks have been flirting with the idea of taking Josh Selby, Kenneth Faried or Jimmer Freddette. Obviously it is still very early so they could just be blowing smoke. I don’t think Selby or Fredette will be available at pick 17 but Kenneth Faried would be a solid selection. Faried’s game is very simple. He is a scrappy, elite rebounder. He is undersized at 6’7 but rebounding is not about size, it is about heart and determination. Those are two things Faried will never lack. He did not break Tim Duncan’s NCAA rebounding record by accident. His motor is ridiculous and would complement the Knicks high octane scorers well.
18. Washington Wizards – Dontas Motiejunas
The Wizards need to add size at the power forward and center positions. Dontas Motiejunas would give them exactly what they need. He has the size to play both positions but should be looked at primarily as a power forward. Motiejunas will not be used as a defender but more as an elite scorer for his size. He is a Euro finesse game that could go well paired next to JaVale McGee.
19. Charlotte Bobcats – Darius Morris
Darius Morris is a playmaker. He was a little bit under the radar at Michigan but that was only because he played for Michigan. At 6’5 he can play point guard or move over to shooting guard. Many people compare him to Andre Miller but I think that is mostly because they resemble each other in the face. Scouts say he lacks elite athleticism, which may be true but with his size I doubt he will need to be an elite athlete, just a decent one. I’m not sure if Darius is ready to make a contribution immediately off the bench but in time I see his as a starting point guard in the NBA.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves – Malcolm Lee
Malcolm Lee is another promising prospect from UCLA that did not have the college career that most expected. Now we are left wondering if Lee did not reach his potential because of the type of player he is or because of the system at UCLA. Looking back in the last few years, Aaron Afflalo, J’rue Holiday, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Darren Collison have all come from UCLA and have gone on to be very good pros, regardless of how they performed at UCLA. Everyone wants to know if Lee will excel in the NBA like his fellow Bruins or has he shown us his best at UCLA.
21. Portland Trailblazers – Reggie Jackson
The Portland Trailblazers need help at the point guard position. There is no guarantee that Andre Miller will return next season and even if he does, a young point guard needs to be grooming behind him. I expect the Blazers to be looking at Reggie Jackson, Darius Morris, Iman Shumpert and Nolan Smith with the 21st pick. I think Morris is the best of the bunch and assuming he is off the board Reggie Jackson should be next in line. If you look at Jackson’s numbers (18 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 50% fg) you would think he was a lottery pick. While Jackson excelled, his Boston College team did not, which leads people to wonder if he is a winner and what kind of leader he will be at the next level. In a weak draft I think Jackson has the potential to sneak into the lottery but his current injury is keeping him out of workouts. If he lands in Portland’s lap, they likely will have found their point guard of the future.
22. Denver Nuggets – Jordan Hamilton
Jordan Hamilton is a top 15 talent in this draft. In college he showed the ability to score when he wants, from various places around the court. His issue is his position and maturity. In college he played shooting guard, small forward and power forward at times. In the NBA he will likely be a small forward and I think that is where he has the best chance of excelling. There were several instances during this season where Jordan showed a lack of maturity, whether it was his lack of leadership when things weren’t going well, or his altercations with the coach. I think Jordan would be best suited on a veteran team looking for a productive player off the bench (say…the Celtics) but I have a feeling a young team will grab him and expect him to contribute right away. If he contains his temper and matures, Jordan Hamilton will have a long career in the NBA.
23. Houston Rockets – Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris is an intriguing prospect because like many wing players in this draft, they have no nature position. Scouts are currently trying to figure out if Tobias is best suited as a power forward or a small forward. We probably won’t figure that out until the season starts but what we do know is that he is very skilled player and could become a valuable attribute to whoever drafts him. Considering his skill set, he could easily be drafted in the lottery. Until there is more clarity as to what position he will play, I will place him in the early twenties.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder – Markieff Morris
Markieff Morris is similar to Tobias Harris. He is very skilled and was productive in college, but what will he bring to an NBA team? I could see Markieff being draft as early as pick 18 but for now I believe he belongs in the mid-twenties. He can rebound and score around the basket, but he isn’t as good of an athlete as you would like and he doesn’t hold a particular skill that he specializes in.
25. Boston Celtics – Klay Thompson
I can guarantee you on my next mock that I will have Klay Thompson going higher than this. He has great size at 6’6 and is probably the best shooter in the draft. The only reason I have him at pick 25 right now is because I think it would be a dream come true for Boston if they could draft Ray Allen’s replacement with Klay Thompson. So Boston, enjoy this imaginary pick until change mind in the next mock.
26. Dallas Mavericks – Jordan Williams
Dallas needs a backup center. Brendan Haywood is decent, but when your role on the team is “6 hard fouls,” the team could use an upgrade. Jordan Williams doesn’t belong in the first round and that is only because he is undersized at 6’9. He has dedicated himself to improving his body and it showed at the combine. If he keeps working hard, he could be what Sean May was supposed to be.
27. New Jersey Nets – Tyler Honeycutt
Tyler Honeycutt is one of my sleepers of the draft. He is full of talent. He can score from all over the court and unlike most prospects, he cares about playing defense. He is versatile and will likely alternate from small forward to shooting guard depending on the lineup. His biggest knock in my opinion is size. At 6’8, Honeycutt is only 190 pounds. Yes, I know, that is terrible. In that respect Honeycutt reminds me of Kevin Durant. Kevin showed you can be thin and flimsy and still excel in the NBA but even Kevin is in the 200 pound club. I assume once basketball is Honeycutt’s job he will do everything in his power to put on weight so he can reach his max potential.
28. Chicago Bulls – Marshon Brooks
Another under the radar prospect…Marshon Brooks destroyed opponents while playing for Providence. He averaged 24 points a game but no one was talking about him. At 6’5, he has nice size for an NBA shooting guard. He has shown the ability to rack up points very quickly, which will be important at the next level. The knock on him is that he is 22 years old (scouts don’t like older prospects) and his teams were never good. Marshon has a lot to prove from now until the draft and I suspect he will display his talent to all the scouts in his workouts.
29. San Antonio Spurs – Keith Benson
Keith Benson Is a big name from a small school. At Oakland he dominated, showing the skills it takes to play in the paint. Staying in college for four years does not help his stock but he seems like the type of polished player the Spurs would draft.
30. Chicago Bulls – Nikola Mirotic
Mirotic is a lottery talent but it is unclear when he will come over to the states. With his status pending, his stock has taken a hit. The Bulls appear to have hit big with Omir Asik and they may luck up with Mirotic as well.