Mock Draft 1.0

1. New Orleans Hornets- Anthony Davis 6’10 220  PF Kentucky

Well duh. Every team would have picked this kid if they were given the chance. This should be Charlotte’s pick, but the NBA has a crappy way of doing their draft as I have pointed out in a previous article. Davis is about as safe of a pick as you can get, but any new player has bust potential. He is phenomenal on the defensive end, blocking shots and getting rebounds. He can score well for a big man just leaving college too. His only knock is his weight, he needs to be able to hold his own in the post. He may be able to remedy this in the offseason and if he does watch out for him to be the next great big man in this league. He will most likely play next to Emeka Okafor which isn’t a bad place to be early in your career. He will be on a young blossoming team so he will get his chance to shine in his rookie year and beyond.

1. Charlotte Bobcats-  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 6’7 228 SF Kentucky

The Bobcats got robbed in the draft lottery so they will miss out on Anthony Davis. There have been rumors that they may trade out of this spot. If they can find a nice suitor this would be the best move. They can pick up a pick or 2 next draft and get a seasoned veteran which is what this team really needs. If they hold onto the pick Kidd-Gilchrist would be the best decision. He has excellent work ethic, he can rebound well and also play great D. He can take the ball to the rim, but he is lacking an outside shot. With his work ethic I believe he can develop one and if he does look out for him to turn into one of the best SF’s in the league. 

1. Washington Wizards- Thomas Robinson 6’9 240 PF Kansas

The Wizards would be wise to pick up Robinson. He would play next to a seasoned vet in Nene. He has an NBA ready body, he rebounds strong is athletic and has explosion at the rim. He is a poor mans Blake Griffin, but not that poor. He has better footwork in the post and has a better mid-range jumper. He is foul prone and doesn’t shoot free throws well. He will improve playing next to Nene, who could teach him a few things. He might even be an immediate starter for the Wizards next season and would make it easier to move Blatche. 

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Bradley Beal 6’4 205 SG Florida

The Cavs have a lot of positions to fill, but their biggest need is SG.. Beal is undersized, but he can catch and shoot and has a smooth jumper although he is streaky, this would be the best pick for Kyrie Irving to grow with. Beal rebounds great for his size and attacks the basket. He does have one glaring strength and weakness, his unselfishness. He is unselfish and doesn’t force this issue which is great for the young guy, but he is too unselfish and defers to his teammates when he has a better shot. He needs to work on when to defer and when not to. He and Irving will form a nice PG/SG guard combo in the near future.

1. Sacramento Kings- Andre Drummond 6’11 275 C UConn

Drummond can either be Kwame Brown or Dwight Howard. He is very raw on the offensive end, doesn’t have shooting touch or post moves, however, he can finish at the rim. He is also Lazy, taking plays off and not boxing out. He is very good on the defensive end and he rebounds well. He has the size and strength of an NBA ready prospect. The Kings will take a risk on him simply because of his NBA ready body and they want to form a nice front court duo with him and Demarcus Cousins. If Drummond pans out it will be one of the most brilliant moves ever, but if he doesn’t he will go down as one of the top draft busts. 

1. Portland Trail Blazers-Dion Walters 6’4 215 SG Syracuse 

With Portland’s two best choices off the board, Beal and Drummond, they will either settle for the next best prospect on the board that fill a position of need or they will trade out. We will go under the assumption that they will stay at this pick since I wont do trades in my mocks until they happen. Walters is most effective around the rim and finishes well there too. He is a capable shooter, but he could work on his shot over the offseason. He only played zone in college so he needs to prove that he can play man to man in the NBA. This isn’t the pick the Blazers wanted, but they will have to settle, plus they have another lottery pick to look forward to.

1. Golden State Warriors-Harrison Barnes 6’8 210 SF North Carolina

The Warriors covered up their biggest weakness at center when they  traded for Andrew Bogut, assuming he will stay healthy. There next biggest need is SF and Barnes would be a nice fit. Barnes would have been a sure fire #1 pick last year, but he fell of a little bit this year. He has a sweet outside game, he can create his own shot and he can pull up from anywhere. He is also well versed at finishing around the rim, when he decides to go inside. He needs to work on his shot selection and he needs to take it to the rim instead of settling for jumpers. He will be a good fit in Golden State because they have quality players at every position and he may not have to start right away.

1. Toronto Raptors-Perry Jones 6’10 220 F Baylor

Toronto is not going anywhere any time soon so why not take a chance on a prospect with lots of boom-bust potential. Jones is the anti-Bargnani, who play PF, he can finish well around the rim and and has a lot of athleticism for his size. He has a decent mid-range game, He is great in transition and his wingspan helps with shot blocking and rebounding. He is very inconsistent, doesn’t have or use a lot of strength. He needs to work on his jump shot and free throws while working on his all around offensive game. Again the Raptors aren’t going anywhere this season so it is well worth the risk to select Jones.

1. Detroit Pistons-Jared Sullinger 6’9 265 PF Ohio State

The Pistons could use help at either forward position, but putting a capable player next the the emerging Greg Monroe would help. Sullinger is not very athletic and is not explosive near the rim. What he lacks in athleticism he makes up in smarts, various effective moves around the rim and a nice shot out to the 3 point line. He established position well with his NBA and he attacks the glass. He seems like the prefect player to put next to Greg Monroe. 

1. New Orleans Hornets-Kendall Marshall 6’4 195 PG North Carolina

With the Hornets first pick the selected Anthony Davis now they might want someone to get him the ball. Marshall is a true floor general, he is a great passer with court vision, he excels at leading the break and with Anthony Davis that is vital. He does need to work on his offensive game as a whole, he doesn’t finish well at the basket nor does he have an outside shot. Marshall is a true point guard who doesn’t look to score. With Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon (maybe) being his options he wont have to score too much.

1. Portland Trail Blazers-Tyler Zeller 7’0 250 C North Carolina

They filled one position of need with their first pick now they are on to another. The Blazers haven’t had a good young center in what seems like forever. Zeller has shown improvement in his post skills and footwork throughout college, but they can still use improvement. He is a good rebounder especially on the offensive end. He needs to improve on his strength and footwork when defensing the post. He can work on getting his jumper more consistent. He will fit in with Lamarcus Aldrige and he will give Portland an actual presence at center for plenty of years.

1. Milwaukee Bucks-Terrence Jones 6’9 252 F Kentucky

The Bucks miss out on Zeller which really hurts them when they need either a SF or a PF. I think Jones is more of a SF if he can get a more consistent jumper. He has a NBA ready body and plenty of athleticism to boot. He has range from anywhere, but is not consistent. Sometimes he is too selfish and can play with a guards mentality which the Bucks don’t want since they already have 2 scoring guards. He not start right away and I hope he doesn’t, he needs to learn a few things before he can start.

1. Phoenix Suns-Austin Rivers 6’4 190 SG Duke

Somebody has to take a chance on this kid and why not it be the team with barely backcourt talent? Rivers would take the starting spot from day one as he should. He is a pure scorer with limitless range, he shoots well and is good at finishing around the rim. He is a bit undersized to be a pure SG, he is too selfish and doesn’t defend well. Rivers would be a star in Phoenix from day one, he will be one of their top scorers and this is the perfect place for him to shine. 

1. Houston Rockets-Arnett Moultrie 6’11 230 PF Mississippi State

Although he is not a true center that is where he could be playing most of his time in his first season. He will most likely come off the bench, but he offers his intensity and athleticism off the bench. He could be a spark plug of the bench, he is a great rebounder and does well on the offensive end as well. He does have an inconsistent shot which could leave him dead in the water at times since he doesnt attack the rim as often as he should. He will help the Rockets in numerous ways and maybe even taking the starting job at some point. 

15. Philadelphia 76ers-John Henson 6’10 210 PF North Carolina

Henson desperately needs to put on some weight this summer to hang with bigger NBA players. His face up game is raw, but that will be fixed with practice. There is some Nene in him where he tries to be a finesse finisher when he really should be dunking over people. He does have a long wingspan and is a gifted athlete. He can also finish around the rim with regularity which is a plus. With Spencer Hawes being a free agent this would be the ideal pick for this emerging team.

1. Houston Rockets-Jeremy Lamb 6’5 180 SG UConn

Kevin Martin and his ridiculous contract are nearing the end in Houston, whether they try to trade him or just let him walk Lamb will most likely start in year 2. He has a nice outside touch and mid-range game, he does very well moving without the ball. He needs to work on his defense, mostly his effort. Isn’t strong and not very tough. He will also mentally check out when his shot isn’t falling. He can take over for Martin when he leaves and Houston will be better off for it.

17. Dallas Mavericks-Meyers Leonard 7’1 245 C Illinois 

Dallas is the most likely suitor for Deron Williams so you can cross that off of their list of needs. The Mavericks desperately missed a center last year when Tyson Chandler left vis free agency. Leonard is a true 7 footer with athleticism and loads of potential. He can be a force inside when aggressive. He is not very physical and he drifts out to the perimeter too often. He doesn’t defend the pick an roll too well and is not strong. It would be a risk to take Leonard here, but the Mavericks are desperate for a center and should not pass on Leonard.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves-Terrence Ross 6’6 195 SG Washington

Minnesota has missed on a couple of shooting guards in the past, but they shouldn’t stop drafting them. They desperately need a SG and Ross just might pan out. He is an excellent 3 point shooter who uses screen well, he is also long with loads of athleticism. He settles for jumpers too often and doesn’t create his own shot. Think Ray Allen now with more athleticism and not as good from the 3 point arc. 

1. Orlando Magic-Damian Lillard 6’2 195 PG Weber State

Most mocks I have seen have Lillard going to the Blazers, but they cant pass up Zeller. He is a natural scorer, he can score from anywhere and does everything well on the offensive end besides passing. He needs to show more effort on both sides of the ball. The Magic need fresh blood at PG especially with the chance of Howard leaving. It isn’t hard to get the ball to Howard and he could really help him out on the scoring end since no other person on the Magic can.

1. Denver Nuggets-Tony Wroten 6’5 205 PG Washington

The Nuggets pass up on Teague for Wroten because of his ability to play SG when George Karl likes to go to his 2 PG sets. He plays like a Tyreke Evans relying on his ability to get to the rim more than his outside shot. He can create his own looks and is great in transition which is what the Nuggets need when Ty Lawson is off the court. His decision making could use work, his shooting isn’t up to par and could use more effort on the defensive end. Wroten could morph into a nice 6th man for the Nuggets if he works on his outside shot.

1. Boston Celtics-Fab Melo 7’0 244 C Syracuse 

The Celtics Core is getting old and they will need someone to take over for Kevin Garnett soon. Melo has a raw offensive game and isn’t good at anything yet on that end. He needs to develop back to the basket moves. He also fouls too often. He has tremendous upside and rebounds well. He is a project, but when the big 3 breaks up they will need someone to fill in the holes.

1. Boston Celtics-John Jenkins 6’4 215 SG Vanderbilt 

Jenkins is a nice 3 point shooter who can take over for Ray Allen when he leaves during Free Agency. Jenkins wouldn’t start, but he would be nice coming off the bench. He isn’t an inside scorer by any stretch of the imagination. He will not be a starter in the NBA because he is not a complete player, he is a shooter only, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

1. Atlanta Hawks-Moe Harkless 6’8 190 SF St. John’s

Marvin Williams hasn’t proved he can start in the NBA, but maybe Harkless will. He attacks the basket well and has great body control while in the lane. He also has a nice mid-range game. His inside scoring will help this Hawks team. He doesn’t shoot well from 3 point range and needs to get stronger.

Jenkins is a sharp shooter who will replace Ray Allen when he leaves as a free agent. Jenkins would come off the bench behind bradley and display his deadly 3 point shooting and pull-up jumper. He is also a solid defender. He doesn’t attack the basket well, and doesn’t do well off the dribble. Could struggle against NBA SG’s because of quickness. Jenkins replaces Allen who will most likely leave via free agency.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers-Quincy Miller 6’9 210 SF Baylor

The Cavs snagged Beal earlier in the draft and they will find a nice wing player in Miller. They need a SF because playing Luke Walton is not a viable option. He is very athletic who has a nice mid-range game with 3 point range. He has good touch around the rim as well as nice body control. He is not very strong nor physical and he settles for jump shots too option. He needs to assert himself in the lane. Miller might be able to start from day one and that means the Cavs could have 4 starters with 1 or less years in the league.

25. Memphis Grizzlies-Marquis Teague 6’2 190 PG Kentucky

The Grizzlies get a steal in the draft if they pick up Teague. He will push Conley for minutes early in the season and if Conley doesn’t respond well he could be starting. He needs to improve his court vision and get a more consistent jumper. He has the range although he isnt really consistent. He is dangerous off the dribble and finishes well at the rim. He can also defend on the ball. 

26. Indiana Pacers-Doron Lamb 6’4 210 SG Kentucky

Doron Lamb would be a good replacement to Leandro Barbosa if he leaves during free agency. Lamb is a pure shooter who can shoot from anywhere. He doesn’t attack the basket well and needs to add that to his repertoire to become a starter in this league. He is not athletic either. All this together makes him an ideal jump shooter, but not much else.

1. Miami Heat-Festus Ezeli 6’11 255 C Vanderbilt 

The Heat need size they have nobody to start at center. He has a decent post up game, but need to improve. He is a strong finisher with strength and size. He is a solid defender who can block shots. He doesn’t have much touch around the rim and he doesn’t have range. He needs to be more aggressive on the glass. The Heat need a big man and Ezeli might start considering the Heat don’t have any viable options at center.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder-Andrew Nicholson 6’9 240 PF St. Bonaventure 

OKC have a great young core, but they can use a solid big man to come off the bench. Nicholson is an inside outside threat who has 3 point range which is surprising for his position. He needs to get stronger and he settles for too many jumpers. He will be stashed on the bench of this young team and will contribute in garbage time.

1. Chicago Bulls-Tyshawn Taylor 6’3 185 PG Kansas 

With Derrick Rose out for much of the season and John Lucus being a free agent the Bulls will look to draft a point guard. He has drive and dish ability and is active on the defensive end which is a must when playing for the Bulls. He is sometimes careless with the basketball and his decision making can be a problem.

1. Golden State Warriors-Royce White 6’8 250 PF Iowa State

The Warriors added one forward earlier in the draft, now they look to add depth behind David Lee. White is a good rebounder who is quick on his feet. He handles the ball like a guard, which he should for his size. He is not a shooter and effort isn’t always there.  

I will put out another mock when the draft is closer. I don't know why it has a 1 before every team, but I can't fix it.