Post-Lottery NBA Mock
The Lottery is over and we now have an actual real draft order to play with.
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
The Clips shocked the world and landed the No. 1 pick in the draft, and will now try to not screw it up. Blake Griffin, who shows traits of both Carlos Boozer and Amare Stoudemire, is the unanimous choice for being taken at No. 1, but the only problem is the Clippers already have Zach Randolph at power forward. Point guard Ricky Rubio is also a possibility here, but you have to think that even the Clippers will get this one right and take Griffin.
2. Memphis Grizzlies – Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
What will the Grizzlies do now that they unexpectedly are picking No. 2? They are set at point guard with Mike Conley looking like the real deal, so taking Rubio doesn't make a ton of sense. However, Rubio would probably love to play with Marc Gasol, the team's current starting center. The Grizz will also give a long look at Hasheem Thabeet here, but Gasol proved he's a real center this season. They will likely have a hole at power forward, making Jordan Hill look like a very logical choice (Hakim Warrick is a free agent and isn't likely to return). The Grizzlies have a lot to think about, and it's possible they could take any of the three aforementioned players with the pick, but for now I'll say it's Hill. They could also trade down, as teams will be willing to pay for the rights to Rubio – which probably makes more sense than keeping the pick.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn
UConn center Hasheem Thabeet should easily be taken in the Top 3, which is now nearly guaranteed with the Thunder moving up. They desperately need a center and he's the best one in the draft. However, it just doesn't make sense for Ricky Rubio to go fourth in this thing, although if these teams draft by need and not talent, Rubio makes more sense for the Kings than any of the Top 3 teams.
4. Sacramento Kings – Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
Rubio is the consensus No. 2 pick in this draft, but the Grizzlies and Thunder simply don't need him. The Grizz have Mike Conley, while the Thunder have Russell Westbrook at point guard and really need a shooting guard and center. The question is, do the Top 3 teams actually have the stones to pass on Rubio? The future is clearly not Beno Udrih in Sacramento, and the Kings will feel like world-beaters if Rubio does happen to fall. Do I feel good about having Jordan Hill at No. 2 and Rubio at No. 4? No. Is it possible? Yes. But it's not likely. Look for Rubio's spot in mock drafts to fluctuate from day-to-day and week-to-week until we get a sense of what the Grizzlies are thinking about doing with the No. 2 pick. Hill just doesn't sound right there.
5. Washington Wizards – James Harden, SG, Arizona St.
The Wizards aren't exactly heavy at shooting guard, making James Harden look like the perfect pick for them here. In addition, they'll probably look at Brandon Jennings, Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, DeMar DeRozan and Gerald Henderson, as well. Harden (a lefty) looks like a safe pick and is said to be as versatile (and potentially good) as Manu Ginobili.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves – Brandon Jennings, PG, USA
Jennings is a bit of mystery here, as his stock could rise or fall quite a bit before draft day. He went to Europe last year straight out of high school, gaining valuable experience, and would look great running the offense in Minnesota. Randy Foye is better as a shooting guard than point guard, but we doubt the Wolves and their new mystery coach are ready to put the future of the team in the hands of Sebastian Telfair. Jennings, Ty Lawson, Eric Maynor and Jonny Flynn will also get a look here. However, the Wolves might be smart to make a run at trading for the No. 2 pick with Memphis and grabbing Ricky Rubio. The Wolves' infrastructure is such a mess, and still undefined, so I'm not sure they're even in a position to make that deal right now. Jennings could be the next Tony Parker, and has the charisma and confidence to make him my early favorite for Rookie of the Year.
7. Golden State Warriors – Ty Lawson, PG, UNC
I've got Lawson higher than most of the other mocks I've looked at do, but I get the sense his stock will rise between now and draft day. That is, as long as he doesn't get in any trouble with the law, as he did a year ago. Lawson led the Tar Heels to a championship, and the Warriors still don't have anyone locked into the role of "point guard of the future." Lawson would certainly qualify.
8. New York Knicks – Stephen Curry, G, Davidson
Curry has long been rumored to the Knicks and I haven't seen anything to change my mind. If he falls by New York, the Bucks make a lot of sense. I doubt he's been guaranteed anything by Donnie Walsh, but I doubt Mike D'Antoni wants to continue to rely on guys like Nate Robinson, Larry Hughes and Quentin Richardson. Curry is reading D'Antoni's book, which adds a little more fuel to the fire.
9. Toronto Raptors – Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
The Raptors would probably love to see Curry fall to No. 9, but it doesn't seem likely. Anthony Parker's career in Toronto could be over and they clearly need a shooting guard. Evans looks like he's ready to play in the NBA and should fit into the Raptors' plans to run. He's a player Bryan Colangelo would feel good about getting this low.
10. Milwaukee Bucks – DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC
The Bucks have Michael Redd, Luke Ridnour, Ramon Sessions and Charlie Bell in their backcourt, but need to think about the future. DeRozan is a bit of a project and sets up best for a fast-paced offense, but you have to think Scott Skiles would like to get his hands on him either way.
11. New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark, SF, Louisville
The Nets are still reeling from the loss of Richard Jefferson (traded to Milwaukee), so Clark could be a steal for them later in the lottery. He's a great defender with a ton of potential, and could eventually solve the Nets' problems at SF. Jarvis Hayes and Bobby Simmons are obviously on the downside of their careers. Devin Harris and Chris Douglas-Roberts look like the backcourt of the future in Jersey, while Yi Jianlian, Ryan Anderson and Brook Lopez have the big-man spots covered. Clark looks like a no-brainer here, if available.
12. Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
Henderson is a guy whose stock I see possibly rising before the draft, but for now, he should go somewhere between the 10th and 12th picks. With Raymond Felton, D.J. Augustin and Raja Bell around, he may not make much noise as a rookie if he plays for Larry Brown. But he really came on in his junior season at Duke and should make for an excellent pro. The Bucks will likely have a big interest in Henderson too, but he also fits in very well in Charlotte.
13. Indiana Pacers – Eric Maynor, PG, VCU
Jarrett Jack appears to have emerged as a possible point guard of the future in Indy, but they could still use some depth at the position. Brandon Rush and Danny Granger have the wings covered, Roy Hibbert looks like a solid center prospect and Troy Murphy is their power forward. Point guard has to be the pick for the Pacers, but the only question is 'which one?' Ty Lawson and Johnny Flynn are also possibilities here.
14. Phoenix Suns – DeJuan Blair, PF, Pitt
The Suns could use a PF if Shaquille O'Neal doesn't return and they slide Amare Stoudemire over to center. He's an undersized big man, in the mold of Paul Millsap or Craig Smith, but could do some damage with the Suns as a rookie. Steve Kerr reportedly loves him.
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Post Lottery
15. Detroit Pistons – B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State
Have to make up for the loss of Sheed, Kwame and McDyess. Mullens could be the next Chris Kaman, although that may not be a good thing after what Kaman did this season.
16. Chicago Bulls – Wayne Ellington, SG, UNC
Best player available, but may end up being nothing more than a jump-shot specialist in the NBA. Could end up being Ben Gordon, or could just be another Daequan Cook. I think he's probably going to end up somewhere in between the two.
17. Philadelphia 76ers – Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
Andre Miller is as good as gone and it's time to plan for the future at point guard. Flynn's not the best decision maker, but could end up being another Delonte West.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami) – James Johnson, SF, Wake Forest
I'm still not really even sure what the Wolves need – as usual. Another forward wouldn't hurt, although they already have a similar player in Ryan Gomes – a forward who isn't sure if he is a 3 or a 4.
19. Atlanta Hawks – Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
Why, oh why didn't they just take Chris Paul instead of Marvin Williams? Speedy? Bust. Acie Law? Bust. Mike Bibby? Solid, but may be headed elsewhere. Teague is athletic as they come and has been compared to Monta Ellis. Could be a steal this late.
20. Utah Jazz – Chase Budinger, SF, Arizona
Andrei Kirilenko has probably worn out his welcome and they're solid everywhere else, unless Mehmet Okur leaves. Budinger, who can play the 2 or the 3, reminds me of a mid-90's version of Brent Barry, who won the Dunk Contest in '96.
21. New Orleans Hornets – Patrick Mills, PG, St. Mary's
The Hornets are still not happy about losing Jannero Pargo and are still in the market for a back up for Chris Paul. Mills could end up being that guy, although he's likely to be a shoot-first point guard in the NBA.
22. Dallas Mavericks – Jrue Holiday, G, UCLA
First of all, how sweet is that first name? Secondly, the Mavericks need a starting 2-guard. He's been compared to Rodney Stuckey, and while he's not likely to compete for ROY, he was one of the best freshmen in the country last year.
23. Sacramento Kings (via Houston) – Derrick Brown, SF, Xavier
Maybe Brown can help make up for the loss of John Salmons and help back up Francisco Garcia at the same time. Brown is possibly the most athletic player in the draft and led his team with 73 dunks last year. He's yet to hire an agent, so he may or may not stay in the draft. If he returns to Xavier, he could be a lottery pick next year.
24. Portland Trailblazers – Omri Casspi, SF, Israel
Why not? He's got great size (6-8, 220) and a good shooting touch, but hasn't really played enough to prove he'll ever be more than an NBA role player.
25. Oklahoma City (via San Antonio) – Terrence Williams, SG, Louisville
It's really hard to say what the Thunder will be looking for here, but with Thabo Sefolosha as their starting shooting guard makes, it makes sense that they will try to add some depth there. Williams has an NBA body, but isn't a flashy scorer. Much like Sefolosha, he will likely emerge as a solid fantasy performer at some point, contributing in many categories, but not dominating in any.
26. Chicago Bulls (via Denver, via Oklahoma City) – Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech
They don't really need another PF, but Lawal may be the best player on the board. He's a hard worker and won't be afraid to do the dirty work, but will probably be an average NBA role player.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando) – Tyler Hansbrough, PF, UNC
Hakim Warrick may be on his way out of town and Hansbrough, who is one of the most well known college players in recent memory, could end up becoming a double-double machine in the NBA.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Boston) – Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga
Solid inside/outside player, but needs to bulk up. Could be fantastic NBA scorer down the line. Wolves don't need another guy like this, but could gamble on him anyway. Especially if Kevin McHale is still in charge of anything.
29. Los Angeles Lakers - Sam Young, SF, Pitt
Young has a nice combo of inside/outside game and can probably play three positions. Think Ryan Gomes.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers – DaJuan Summers, SF, Georgetown
Too bad he'll never see the light of day behind you-know-who. He will be primarily a jump-shot specialist in the pros, unless he does a lot of work on his rebounding skills.
The Lottery is over and we now have an actual real draft order to play with.
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
The Clips shocked the world and landed the No. 1 pick in the draft, and will now try to not screw it up. Blake Griffin, who shows traits of both Carlos Boozer and Amare Stoudemire, is the unanimous choice for being taken at No. 1, but the only problem is the Clippers already have Zach Randolph at power forward. Point guard Ricky Rubio is also a possibility here, but you have to think that even the Clippers will get this one right and take Griffin.
2. Memphis Grizzlies – Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
What will the Grizzlies do now that they unexpectedly are picking No. 2? They are set at point guard with Mike Conley looking like the real deal, so taking Rubio doesn't make a ton of sense. However, Rubio would probably love to play with Marc Gasol, the team's current starting center. The Grizz will also give a long look at Hasheem Thabeet here, but Gasol proved he's a real center this season. They will likely have a hole at power forward, making Jordan Hill look like a very logical choice (Hakim Warrick is a free agent and isn't likely to return). The Grizzlies have a lot to think about, and it's possible they could take any of the three aforementioned players with the pick, but for now I'll say it's Hill. They could also trade down, as teams will be willing to pay for the rights to Rubio – which probably makes more sense than keeping the pick.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn
UConn center Hasheem Thabeet should easily be taken in the Top 3, which is now nearly guaranteed with the Thunder moving up. They desperately need a center and he's the best one in the draft. However, it just doesn't make sense for Ricky Rubio to go fourth in this thing, although if these teams draft by need and not talent, Rubio makes more sense for the Kings than any of the Top 3 teams.
4. Sacramento Kings – Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
Rubio is the consensus No. 2 pick in this draft, but the Grizzlies and Thunder simply don't need him. The Grizz have Mike Conley, while the Thunder have Russell Westbrook at point guard and really need a shooting guard and center. The question is, do the Top 3 teams actually have the stones to pass on Rubio? The future is clearly not Beno Udrih in Sacramento, and the Kings will feel like world-beaters if Rubio does happen to fall. Do I feel good about having Jordan Hill at No. 2 and Rubio at No. 4? No. Is it possible? Yes. But it's not likely. Look for Rubio's spot in mock drafts to fluctuate from day-to-day and week-to-week until we get a sense of what the Grizzlies are thinking about doing with the No. 2 pick. Hill just doesn't sound right there.
5. Washington Wizards – James Harden, SG, Arizona St.
The Wizards aren't exactly heavy at shooting guard, making James Harden look like the perfect pick for them here. In addition, they'll probably look at Brandon Jennings, Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, DeMar DeRozan and Gerald Henderson, as well. Harden (a lefty) looks like a safe pick and is said to be as versatile (and potentially good) as Manu Ginobili.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves – Brandon Jennings, PG, USA
Jennings is a bit of mystery here, as his stock could rise or fall quite a bit before draft day. He went to Europe last year straight out of high school, gaining valuable experience, and would look great running the offense in Minnesota. Randy Foye is better as a shooting guard than point guard, but we doubt the Wolves and their new mystery coach are ready to put the future of the team in the hands of Sebastian Telfair. Jennings, Ty Lawson, Eric Maynor and Jonny Flynn will also get a look here. However, the Wolves might be smart to make a run at trading for the No. 2 pick with Memphis and grabbing Ricky Rubio. The Wolves' infrastructure is such a mess, and still undefined, so I'm not sure they're even in a position to make that deal right now. Jennings could be the next Tony Parker, and has the charisma and confidence to make him my early favorite for Rookie of the Year.
7. Golden State Warriors – Ty Lawson, PG, UNC
I've got Lawson higher than most of the other mocks I've looked at do, but I get the sense his stock will rise between now and draft day. That is, as long as he doesn't get in any trouble with the law, as he did a year ago. Lawson led the Tar Heels to a championship, and the Warriors still don't have anyone locked into the role of "point guard of the future." Lawson would certainly qualify.
8. New York Knicks – Stephen Curry, G, Davidson
Curry has long been rumored to the Knicks and I haven't seen anything to change my mind. If he falls by New York, the Bucks make a lot of sense. I doubt he's been guaranteed anything by Donnie Walsh, but I doubt Mike D'Antoni wants to continue to rely on guys like Nate Robinson, Larry Hughes and Quentin Richardson. Curry is reading D'Antoni's book, which adds a little more fuel to the fire.
9. Toronto Raptors – Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
The Raptors would probably love to see Curry fall to No. 9, but it doesn't seem likely. Anthony Parker's career in Toronto could be over and they clearly need a shooting guard. Evans looks like he's ready to play in the NBA and should fit into the Raptors' plans to run. He's a player Bryan Colangelo would feel good about getting this low.
10. Milwaukee Bucks – DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC
The Bucks have Michael Redd, Luke Ridnour, Ramon Sessions and Charlie Bell in their backcourt, but need to think about the future. DeRozan is a bit of a project and sets up best for a fast-paced offense, but you have to think Scott Skiles would like to get his hands on him either way.
11. New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark, SF, Louisville
The Nets are still reeling from the loss of Richard Jefferson (traded to Milwaukee), so Clark could be a steal for them later in the lottery. He's a great defender with a ton of potential, and could eventually solve the Nets' problems at SF. Jarvis Hayes and Bobby Simmons are obviously on the downside of their careers. Devin Harris and Chris Douglas-Roberts look like the backcourt of the future in Jersey, while Yi Jianlian, Ryan Anderson and Brook Lopez have the big-man spots covered. Clark looks like a no-brainer here, if available.
12. Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
Henderson is a guy whose stock I see possibly rising before the draft, but for now, he should go somewhere between the 10th and 12th picks. With Raymond Felton, D.J. Augustin and Raja Bell around, he may not make much noise as a rookie if he plays for Larry Brown. But he really came on in his junior season at Duke and should make for an excellent pro. The Bucks will likely have a big interest in Henderson too, but he also fits in very well in Charlotte.
13. Indiana Pacers – Eric Maynor, PG, VCU
Jarrett Jack appears to have emerged as a possible point guard of the future in Indy, but they could still use some depth at the position. Brandon Rush and Danny Granger have the wings covered, Roy Hibbert looks like a solid center prospect and Troy Murphy is their power forward. Point guard has to be the pick for the Pacers, but the only question is 'which one?' Ty Lawson and Johnny Flynn are also possibilities here.
14. Phoenix Suns – DeJuan Blair, PF, Pitt
The Suns could use a PF if Shaquille O'Neal doesn't return and they slide Amare Stoudemire over to center. He's an undersized big man, in the mold of Paul Millsap or Craig Smith, but could do some damage with the Suns as a rookie. Steve Kerr reportedly loves him.
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Post Lottery
15. Detroit Pistons – B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State
Have to make up for the loss of Sheed, Kwame and McDyess. Mullens could be the next Chris Kaman, although that may not be a good thing after what Kaman did this season.
16. Chicago Bulls – Wayne Ellington, SG, UNC
Best player available, but may end up being nothing more than a jump-shot specialist in the NBA. Could end up being Ben Gordon, or could just be another Daequan Cook. I think he's probably going to end up somewhere in between the two.
17. Philadelphia 76ers – Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
Andre Miller is as good as gone and it's time to plan for the future at point guard. Flynn's not the best decision maker, but could end up being another Delonte West.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami) – James Johnson, SF, Wake Forest
I'm still not really even sure what the Wolves need – as usual. Another forward wouldn't hurt, although they already have a similar player in Ryan Gomes – a forward who isn't sure if he is a 3 or a 4.
19. Atlanta Hawks – Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
Why, oh why didn't they just take Chris Paul instead of Marvin Williams? Speedy? Bust. Acie Law? Bust. Mike Bibby? Solid, but may be headed elsewhere. Teague is athletic as they come and has been compared to Monta Ellis. Could be a steal this late.
20. Utah Jazz – Chase Budinger, SF, Arizona
Andrei Kirilenko has probably worn out his welcome and they're solid everywhere else, unless Mehmet Okur leaves. Budinger, who can play the 2 or the 3, reminds me of a mid-90's version of Brent Barry, who won the Dunk Contest in '96.
21. New Orleans Hornets – Patrick Mills, PG, St. Mary's
The Hornets are still not happy about losing Jannero Pargo and are still in the market for a back up for Chris Paul. Mills could end up being that guy, although he's likely to be a shoot-first point guard in the NBA.
22. Dallas Mavericks – Jrue Holiday, G, UCLA
First of all, how sweet is that first name? Secondly, the Mavericks need a starting 2-guard. He's been compared to Rodney Stuckey, and while he's not likely to compete for ROY, he was one of the best freshmen in the country last year.
23. Sacramento Kings (via Houston) – Derrick Brown, SF, Xavier
Maybe Brown can help make up for the loss of John Salmons and help back up Francisco Garcia at the same time. Brown is possibly the most athletic player in the draft and led his team with 73 dunks last year. He's yet to hire an agent, so he may or may not stay in the draft. If he returns to Xavier, he could be a lottery pick next year.
24. Portland Trailblazers – Omri Casspi, SF, Israel
Why not? He's got great size (6-8, 220) and a good shooting touch, but hasn't really played enough to prove he'll ever be more than an NBA role player.
25. Oklahoma City (via San Antonio) – Terrence Williams, SG, Louisville
It's really hard to say what the Thunder will be looking for here, but with Thabo Sefolosha as their starting shooting guard makes, it makes sense that they will try to add some depth there. Williams has an NBA body, but isn't a flashy scorer. Much like Sefolosha, he will likely emerge as a solid fantasy performer at some point, contributing in many categories, but not dominating in any.
26. Chicago Bulls (via Denver, via Oklahoma City) – Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech
They don't really need another PF, but Lawal may be the best player on the board. He's a hard worker and won't be afraid to do the dirty work, but will probably be an average NBA role player.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando) – Tyler Hansbrough, PF, UNC
Hakim Warrick may be on his way out of town and Hansbrough, who is one of the most well known college players in recent memory, could end up becoming a double-double machine in the NBA.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Boston) – Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga
Solid inside/outside player, but needs to bulk up. Could be fantastic NBA scorer down the line. Wolves don't need another guy like this, but could gamble on him anyway. Especially if Kevin McHale is still in charge of anything.
29. Los Angeles Lakers - Sam Young, SF, Pitt
Young has a nice combo of inside/outside game and can probably play three positions. Think Ryan Gomes.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers – DaJuan Summers, SF, Georgetown
Too bad he'll never see the light of day behind you-know-who. He will be primarily a jump-shot specialist in the pros, unless he does a lot of work on his rebounding skills.
hno:....thought u had a new site u were beating off....haha must be slow there
