NBA Draft

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

can someone please copy/paste Chad Ford's mock draft? TIA
It looks like this draft is front-heavy with PFs.

[Droid101]

The format is going to be screwy. It's not just writing, it's little boxes with their pictures and shit. Here goes:


It's time for our first mock draft of 2011.

Although very little is set in stone at this point -- the draft order will change, players' stocks will change and we won't know which underclassmen have officially declared for the draft until the April 29 deadline -- we can focus on what each team would likely do with its pick.

(If you want to see what your team would do with the No. 1 pick, play our Lottery Mock Draft, which has more than 2,000 scenarios. Also check out our Top 100 list, which is a reflection of the consensus of NBA scouts and GMs about a player's relative draft value.)

Here's our first stab at the first round, after taking into account team needs.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Charlotte

Anthony Davis

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: If the Bobcats are lucky enough to win the lottery, they'll land the consensus No. 1 player in the draft -- Davis. Davis is already a nightmare on the defensive end and is an emerging force on the offensive side. Pair him together with Bismack Biyombo on the front line, and I'm not sure anyone will score in the paint against the Bobcats.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Washington

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 18
School: Kentucky
Analysis: The Wizards are desperately trying to change their culture, and landing Kidd-Gilchrist would be a major move in the right direction. He's not the most polished player in the draft, but few players work harder on either end of the floor. He cares more about winning than stats and would immediately add energy, toughness and heart to a team that urgently needs all three.

However, Kidd-Gilchrist told reporters near the end of the regular season that he'll return to Kentucky for another season. If that holds true and the Wizards can't get him, Thomas Robinson or Harrison Barnes are their next best options.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


New Orleans

Thomas Robinson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 237 pounds
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: The Hornets have a tough call here. Andre Drummond has more upside and Perry Jones would be tempting. But if they're trying to build a team around winners, Robinson is the guy. He would bring toughness, physicality and energy to the paint for the Hornets.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Portland (via Nets)

Bradley Beal

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 195 pounds
Age: 18
School: Florida
Analysis: The Blazers grabbed this pick from the Nets as part of the Gerald Wallace trade last week. The pick is top-three protected, so if the Nets keep losing, it will revert back to New Jersey. For now, this is the best-case scenario for the Blazers, who have a lot of needs after blowing the team up. And shooting guard is a big one.

Beal hasn't had a domiant freshman season, but his scoring ability in the backcourt would help the Blazers get over the loss of Brandon Roy a little sooner.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Toronto

Harrison Barnes

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Raptors have been looking for a legit small forward for several years and Barnes would be a perfect fit. While he hasn't had the elite season we expected (those early Kobe comparisons have totally faded), he's still a lethal shooter who could turn into a Danny Granger/Glen Rice sort of player down the road.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Detroit

Andre Drummond

Position: C
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 275 pounds
Age: 18
School: UConn
Analysis: The Pistons are in desperate need of size and athleticism in the front court. While Drummond is a bit of a gamble, it's a risk worth taking at this point in the draft. He has all the physical tools to be a dominant big man in the pros. Although he was really inconsistent during his freshman season at UConn, with time and patience he could be the perfect complement to Greg Monroe on the front line.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Sacramento

James Michael McAdoo

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 233 pounds
Age: 19
School: North Carolina
Analysis: McAdoo's appearance this high might raise some eyebrows since he's been a backup for most of the season and hasn't put up great numbers. But he's played very well ever since John Henson went down with a wrist injury. Plus, his upside is really high. On the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton take most of the shots, so they need a player like McAdoo who can make an impact without the ball.

If McAdoo doesn't declare for this year's draft, however, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Kings roll the dice with Baylor's Perry Jones.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Cleveland

Cody Zeller

Position: C
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: Indiana
Analysis: The Cavs passed on drafting big man Jonas Valanciunas last year, so I don't think they'll pass on a big man again this year. They may have a greater need at the wing, but Zeller would give them a long-term answer at the 5.

One of the most efficient players in the country this season, Zeller has the quickness and skill level NBA teams like out of centers. The only caveat? Zeller, like Kidd-Gilchrist, is seriously considering returning to school for his sophomore season. If he does, expect the Cavs to go after a wing like Jeremy Lamb.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Utah (via Warriors)

Damian Lillard

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 185 pounds
Age: 21
School: Weber State
Analysis: The Jazz have talented young players at every position except point guard. Enes Kanter is the center of the future, Derrick Favors is set to take over at power forward, Gordon Hayward is already doing his thing at small forward, and the team is high on Alec Burks at the 2.

Enter Lillard. While the Jazz won't just draft to fill a position, Lillard is as talented as anyone in this range. He's more of a scorer than a pure point guard, but his ability to hit jump shots and get his teammates involved will be alluring to the Jazz.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Milwaukee

Perry Jones

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 20
School: Baylor
Analysis: The Bucks traded Andrew Bogut at the deadline for Monta Ellis. While Ellis will help with some of their scoring needs in the backcourt, the loss of Bogut creates some long-term problems up front. But with no elite center at this point in the draft, there's no exact fit here.

So I think the Bucks should do what they did with Brandon Jennings -- take the best talent available and hope they can bring out his potential.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Portland

Tyler Zeller

Position: C
Height: 7-foot-0
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 22
School: North Carolina
Analysis: If the Blazers can land Beal with their first pick, they would likely look to fill their holes at center or point guard. In a weak point guard draft, their two available options here would be Kendall Marshall and Tony Wroten Jr. While both have strengths, I think the Blazers would go big and take Zeller. He's not going to be a star, but he runs the floor like a guard and has gotten better every year.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


New Orleans (via Wolves)

Kendall Marshall

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 188 pounds
Age: 20
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Hornets gave up the best point guard in the NBA when they traded Chris Paul to the Clippers. They aren't going to be able to replace him in this draft. But the consolation prize is Marshall -- the best pure point guard in the draft. He wouldn't be the dynamic scorer that Paul was in New Orleans, but he would make everyone around him better.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Phoenix

Jared Sullinger

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 280 pounds
Age: 20
School: Ohio State
Analysis: Sullinger doesn't necessarily fill a need -- the Suns drafted Markieff Morris to play the 4 last year -- but he's the best player left on the board and the type of guy who could immediately give Phoenix a very different but dominant look in the paint.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Utah

Jeremy Lamb

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 185 pounds
Age: 19
School: UConn
Analysis: Lamb has elite talent, but his laid-back demeanor has given some scouts pause. Higher in the draft, he's a bit of a risk. But down here he's a good bargain for the Jazz as they continue to rebuild their backcourt.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Houston (via Knicks)

John Henson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 21
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Rockets lack long, athletic bigs, and Henson would give them a defensive presence who can guard both forward positions. He's still raw offensively, but he has a little Andrei Kirilenko in his game.

[Droid101]

moar

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


New Jersey (via Rockets)

Quincy Miller

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: Baylor
Analysis: Miller is another player on this list who might be better off returning to school. He's a blue-chip talent, but with another year to heal from an ACL tear in high school and more time in the weight room to bulk up a bit, he could go 10 spots higher in next year's draft. If he stays in the draft, the Nets won't let him slip too far.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Boston

Terrence Jones

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 244 pounds
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
Analysis: Jones is one of those players with top-five talent who doesn't play like it on a consistent basis. That is a gamble the Celtics should be willing to take at this spot in the draft. They did the same thing a few years ago with Rajon Rondo and it paid off big. The similarity between the two? Both players believed in their games, even when their coaches didn't. Jones could be the second coming of Antoine Walker.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Denver

Meyers Leonard

Position: C
Height: 7-foot-0
Weight: 240 pounds
Age: 20
School: Illinois
Analysis: The Nuggets traded Nene for JaVale McGee, but they could still use more size in the middle. Leonard is pretty raw, but he's a terrific athlete who can play good defense right away.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Atlanta

Tony Wroten Jr.

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 18
School: Washington
Analysis: The Hawks have been searching for their point guard of the future for a long time. Jeff Teague has been solid, but he doesn't have nearly the upside that Wroten has. If Wroten had a better reputation (and a better jump shot) he might be a top-five pick. Some scouts see him as another Gary Payton, but he's wild and can get out of control, and that may scare the Hawks away.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Philadelphia

Andrew Nicholson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 222 pounds
Age: 22
School: St. Bonaventure
Analysis: The Sixers still could use size. Elton Brand won't be around forever and the team's next 4 off the bench is Lavoy Allen. Nicholson has gotten dramatically better every year and has some David West to his game. He would be a good fit in Philly and could contribute right away.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Houston (via Mavericks)

Austin Rivers

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 199 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke
Analysis: The Mavericks sent this pick to the Lakers as part of the Lamar Odom trade and then the Lakers turned around and sent it to the Rockets as part of the Derek Fisher deal. The pick is top-20 protected.

There are a lot of opinions floating out there about Rivers. Many scouts have been disappointed with his play and think he needs to return to Duke for his sophomore season. But a handful think he has the potential to be special thanks to his quick crossover, high basketball IQ and killer mentality on the court. At pick No. 21, the upside-to-risk ratio strongly favors the Rockets, who really need to build around some star power.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Memphis

Patric Young

Position: C
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 245 pounds
Age: 20
School: Florida
Analysis: The Grizzlies are looking for toughness and defense in the frontcourt, and Young brings both. He doesn't do much of anything on the offensive end, but he has Ben Wallace-like potential on the defensive end of the floor. Young has stated that he'll be returning to Florida for his junior season. If that's true, St. Bonaventure's Andrew Nicholson or Mississippi State's Arnett Moultrie could get the call here.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Indiana

Terrence Ross

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 21
School: Washington
Analysis: The Pacers are really stacked just about everywhere, so they'll take the best talent on the board. Ross is both an excellent athlete and a terrific shooter. He has some star power to his game, he just hasn't totally harnessed it yet.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Boston

Arnett Moultrie

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 21
School: Mississippi State
Analysis: Moultrie has all the physical tools to be a dominant NBA player. He's long and super-athletic, and he can even get things done on the perimeter. He's just taken a little longer to develop. He would be a good get here for the Celtics.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Orlando

C.J. Leslie

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 206 pounds
Age: 20
School: NC State
Analysis: Leslie may be one of the best athletes in the draft. He's still stuck a little bit between the 3 and the 4, but his game has really matured over the past few months. He's a top-10 talent and worth the risk here.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Cleveland (via Lakers)

Jeff Taylor

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 22
School: Vanderbilt
Analysis: Taylor is another elite athlete who can play way above the rim. What he's lacked for most of his career is a great jump shot. But Taylor has improved dramatically in that area lately, making him a lethal weapon on both ends of the floor. The Cavs really need help at the 3, making him a nice match.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Golden State(via Spurs)

Dion Waiters

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Age: 20
School: Syracuse
Analysis: The Warriors lost one of the most relentless drivers in the game when they shipped Monta Ellis off to Milwaukee. Waiters would be able to fill some of that void as an electric scorer off the bench.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Miami

Draymond Green

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 22
School: Michigan State
Analysis: The Heat need players with experience who excel in bringing out the best in their teammates. Green can be a point-forward type who does a little bit of everything. Think of him as a better-passing Udonis Haslem.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Oklahoma City

Mason Plumlee

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 230 pounds
Age: 22
School: Duke
Analysis: Plumlee's upside is probably similar to that of the Pacers' Jeff Foster. While he won't be a dominant player on either end of the floor, he's big, he'll defend and he'll flush things around the rim.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Chicago

Moe Harkless

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 18
School: St. John's
Analysis: Harkless reminds me a little of Trevor Ariza. He is a terrific scorer and defender who needs to get a more settled jump shot. Although the Bulls need a shooter, Harkless would be tough to pass up here if he's still on the board.

[JohnnySic]

Anyone whom passes on Drummond #1 will regret it.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Anyone whom passes on Drummond #1 will regret it.

I don't see it, I really don't. I've seen Drummond play a bunch of times this year and he was extremely unimpressive. Great body to be sure, but he looks like he lacks the IQ, will, and skill to be a good NBA player. Hell he lacked the IQ, will, and skill to even be a good college player.

Having an NBA body does not equal being an NBA player, we see that every single year. The guy just doesn't have a feel for the game.

[WeGetRing2012]

If Houston gets Austin Rivers with that pick from the Lakers I will be pissed :mad:

[niko]

Anyone whom passes on Drummond #1 will regret it.
over Davis? Really?

[InspiredLebowski]

Anyone whom passes on Drummond #1 will regret it.Drummond's going to get a GM fired.

[Qwyjibo]

If Jared Sullinger does fall out of the top 10 he will be another example for every underclassmen on why you should leave school if you are a projected high pick. If you see basketball as your future career there is no reason not to declare the moment you're locked in as a top 10 pick. If Sullinger came out last year I would've been surprised if he fell past Cleveland at #4.

This is the exact reason why Drummond and MKG would be fools to go back. (since they hinted at it)

[JohnnySic]

over Davis? Really?
Davis is a tweener. Nice college player, but in the league he's Joakim Noah. For a #1 pick, no thanks.

Drummund has all the tools to become a dominant big...

[Owl]

NC to have 5 guys go in the lottery, wow. I remember the hype about 5 Kentucky guys in the first round, and one of those only squeaked in and didn't really play in college or pros (Daniel Orton).

[niko]

Davis is a tweener. Nice college player, but in the league he's Joakim Noah. For a #1 pick, no thanks.

Drummund has all the tools to become a dominant big...
Davis is pretty damn big. Tweener PF/C?

[InspiredLebowski]

Teams are really projecting Cody Zeller as a 5?

[Whoah10115]

I don't really give a shit about college basketball but Unibrow is a player I want.



Also, this rundown is pretty stupid. This guy is just piecing together very random players and teams. It's also stupid for him to give a draft order, when there are still 20-25 games left and it's a lottery.


He should run down each team and list their needs, and then the players that would most suit their needs. Not just pair teams and players. That's useless and not at all informative.

[christian1923]

Davis is a tweener. Nice college player, but in the league he's Joakim Noah. For a #1 pick, no thanks.

Drummund has all the tools to become a dominant big...

:biggums:

He's joakim noah?? watch a kentucky game son

[IGOTGAME]

Jeremy Lamb is gonna be really good NBA player. He will thrive under NBA rules. I would take him in the top 4. I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be a star.

[Qwyjibo]

Davis will be a PF in the NBA and nothing else. He is the perfect size for it too. If a GM didn't take him #1 then it would be the last job he ever had in the NBA.

[RaininTwos]

Plz let toronto get harrison barnes. I can't even remember who we drafted last year, his name is too difficult for me lol but them two will definitely do work on this team.

Bayless
Derozan
Barnes
Bargs
wtf is his name? Jonas something. F8ck.

[christian1923]

We all know that if jordan gets that number 1 pick he is going to take the bust waiting to happen harrison barnes.

[InspiredLebowski]

Plz let toronto get harrison barnes. I can't even remember who we drafted last year, his name is too difficult for me lol but them two will definitely do work on this team.

Bayless
Derozan
Barnes
Bargs
wtf is his name? Jonas something. F8ck.Big V's going to be a helluva player for Toronto

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

you know what stands out to me: UTAH
Utah and OKC are the future of the Western Conf.
They are already loaded for the future, they get two more good picks, and then in position to trade Millsap and/or AlJeff to further balance/enhance their team.
If I am a Jazz fan, I like the future.

[Qwyjibo]

I dream of the Raptors building around an Anthony Davis and Valanciunas PF-C combo for the next 6-7 years. Then that dream becomes a nightmare when I realize that the team is still run by Bryan Colangelo.

[GOBB]

Anyone whom passes on Drummond #1 will regret it.

Anyone who has watched Andre Drummond wouldnt say such a thing.

[CelticBaller]

Anyone who has watched Andre Drummond wouldnt say such a thing.
yeah, the kid aint ready for the NBA. The dude has a high cieling but his low IQ makes me wonder if he even tries hard or he just came to the NCAA to be a one an done. He has a better chance of landing #1 next year in a weaker draft if he improves his skills.

[irondarts]

Anyone whom passes on Drummond #1 will regret it.
I used to like Drummond as the #1 guy, but at this point, there's no way in hell he should go first overall, especially over Anthony Davis. Davis is a serious stud and the consensus first pick.

Drummond is about as raw as you can get, he has an NBA body but nothing else about him is anywhere near NBA ready. I think he needs to stay at UCONN for at least 3 years, if he leaves after this season he will be a mega disappointment in the NBA.

[ralph_i_el]

If the Wizards get Davis, MKG, or Trob I will be ecstatic.

Barnes could work out great (we need a scoring wing) but could also be a huge bust. We just traded away McGee so don't think Drummond is a priority. Low IQ jumping bigs haven't worked out great for the wiz

I fee like Davis is a player in the KG mold.

[(e)]

Davis is a tweener. Nice college player, but in the league he's Joakim Noah. For a #1 pick, no thanks.

Drummund has all the tools to become a dominant big...
You're drunk as fck. I would trade Noah for Davis right now lol

Davis is going to be a force in the league. Crazy long, awesome defender, has a good handle and can hit a 20 footer consistently. If he isn't taken 1 overall, he's the steal of the draft.

[GOBB]

I dont want the Bobcats to win the lottery. But I do want them to stop sucking ass. :confusedshrug:

I can live with Anthony Davis playing for the Wizards., Cavs

[LBJMVP]

if cleveland even thinks about taking cody zeller i will be so pissed off.

i want beal, lamb, perry jones.... if we end up doing really well in the lottery than hopefully MKG

but cody zeller? :facepalm

[D12"Magic"]

Wow, I really like Q. Miller and if we can land him with Houston's pick Ill feel more Optimistic.

[blablabla]

Davis and Gilchrist will be the best Players out of this draft imo
I also think Green and Rivers will be huge steals
TRob will be good too

[GOBB]

Davis and Gilchrist will be the best Players out of this draft imo
I also think Green and Rivers will be huge steals
TRob will be good too

I see Rivers returning to school. So he wont be a steal.

[hawksdogsbraves]

you know what stands out to me: UTAH
Utah and OKC are the future of the Western Conf.
They are already loaded for the future, they get two more good picks, and then in position to trade Millsap and/or AlJeff to further balance/enhance their team.
If I am a Jazz fan, I like the future.

Totally agree, they've done a masterful job of blowing the team up and rebuilding.

The Blazers are doing a good job of it as well though there are more moves they'll need to make. If that pick they got from the Nets ends up being a 4 or 5 then that deal will turn into a HUGE win for them.

[NuggetsFan]

Wow, I really like Q. Miller and if we can land him with Houston's pick Ill feel more Optimistic.

I was positive he was going to light it up this year. Reminded me of Kevin Durant coming out of HS for whatever reason. Was way off, same with Perry Jones too.

Hope Wroten slips or even Q.Miller at this point down to Denver somehow.

[D12"Magic"]

I was positive he was going to light it up this year. Reminded me of Kevin Durant coming out of HS for whatever reason. Was way off, same with Perry Jones too.

Hope Wroten slips or even Q.Miller at this point down to Denver somehow.
Yeah agreed, I was projecting him to be a top pick in this draft, that ACL injury he suffered in his Senior year was bad. I think he could be a steal, definitely a marketable guy.

[AAckley1]

What you have to love about Davis is assuming his head is right, the worst comparable player he could become is Marcus Camby. Now some folks most scoff and say you don't take a "Marcus Camby-esque player at #1" but Camby went #2. Would the Bobcats really be upset if they draft a guy who goes on to win multiple DPOY & is a guaranteed 10 pt/10 rb/2 blk guy into his late 30s/early 40s? I say they would be ecstatic.

[ralph_i_el]

What you have to love about Davis is assuming his head is right, the worst comparable player he could become is Marcus Camby. Now some folks most scoff and say you don't take a "Marcus Camby-esque player at #1" but Camby went #2. Would the Bobcats really be upset if they draft a guy who goes on to win multiple DPOY & is a guaranteed 10 pt/10 rb/2 blk guy into his late 30s/early 40s? I say they would be ecstatic.

exactly. Too many people focus on a players ceiling and ignore their floor. Davis is as close to a sure stud as you can get. minimum

[JMT]

Davis and Gilchrist will be the best Players out of this draft imo
I also think Green and Rivers will be huge steals
TRob will be good too

Davis is a far more skilled offensive player than people give him credit for. He's NBA ready and he'll grow into his frame.

Rivers isn't close to ready. I'll be shocked if he comes out.

[The Big Skinny]

if cleveland even thinks about taking cody zeller i will be so pissed off.

i want beal, lamb, perry jones.... if we end up doing really well in the lottery than hopefully MKG

but cody zeller? :facepalm

In my mind there is no question that Cody Zeller will be a better pro then Perry Jones. He has a much better feel for the game. Perry Jones has a weak post game and loves to step back and shoot jumper. If Cody Zeller can become stronger, he will be a very solid C.

[KBryant24]

If Houston gets Austin Rivers with that pick from the Lakers I will be pissed :mad:
wow would that suck. but i highly doubt rivers falls that far

[dd24]

you know what stands out to me: UTAH
Utah and OKC are the future of the Western Conf.
They are already loaded for the future, they get two more good picks, and then in position to trade Millsap and/or AlJeff to further balance/enhance their team.
If I am a Jazz fan, I like the future.


Absolutely, I was talking about this with a friend the other day. I was a bit suprised the Jazz didn't make any moves this year at the deadline. They are so loaded with young talent and a lot of it is still sitting the bench. With a few more good young players this year they're going to be forced to make a trade and the players on the block will have their stock go down. Anyway around it, I think the Jazz fans have a lot to look forward too. That's going to be a fun team to watch.

On a different note, based on this mock draft there's part of me that likes Drummond falling to the Pistons and part of me that doesn't. He wasn't that impressive this year, but there is a lot of upside. The Pistons have needed another big man for a while. There's just a big chance for him to end up being a bust too.

[el gringos]

Best case for Davis is Sacramento kings with that group of gaurds and cousins
----------
I wonder how much of Lillard most have seen- Same goes to the other 2 biggest pg prospects out of the pac 12- Jared Cunningham will come from nowhere and shoot way up the lists, and Tony wroten is the real deal and should be looked at as a lottery/teens pick

[dd24]

I wonder how much of Lillard most have seen- Same goes to the other 2 biggest pg prospects out of the pac 12- Jared Cunningham will come from nowhere and shoot way up the lists, and Tony wroten is the real deal and should be looked at as a lottery/teens pick

The PAC 12 was so bad this year it's going to be tough for all those guys to get big time attention. Wasn't the conference 1-29 against top 50 teams? Of the 3 Wroten seems like the best prospect so far. He could be the real deal.

[KG215]

NC to have 5 guys go in the lottery, wow. I remember the hype about 5 Kentucky guys in the first round, and one of those only squeaked in and didn't really play in college or pros (Daniel Orton).

I really don't understand how or why McAdoo is being projected as even a lottery pick, never mind top 7. He got plenty of minutes all season long and never really emerge as the 5* top 5 recruit UNC expected until the latter part of ACC play. Don't get me wrong, he's looked very good lately, but he still needs to show the ability to hit his 12-15 foot jumper with more consistency and show more ability and comfort scoring with his back to the basket. He's a 6'8" tweener forward (some think he could project as a SF but he's a perfect NBA PF with his athletic ability) who needs some polish on a lot of things. There's a ton of potential there, though.

I'm still not 100% sure about Marshall. He was averaging close to 15 points a game to go along with 10 assists over UNC's last 6 or 7 games and scoring was his biggest question mark. I 100% expect Barnes and Henson to go pro (Zeller is a senior) I'm about 50/50 on McAdoo and Marshall.

[Suckafree]

Trob's my favourite player out of this draft....

Interested how he goes in these next few games of the tournament
Dude looks like a beast waiting to happen

[Stern]

Davis is gonna be a 20/10 guy for a long time. i can see him winning mvp and dpoy award some time in the future.

[ganja0710]

The players who have future star material in this draft are Davis, Robinson, Beal, and Lamb. The busts waiting to happen are gonna be Barnes and Drummond.

[el gringos]

I was positive he was going to light it up this year. Reminded me of Kevin Durant coming out of HS for whatever reason. Was way off, same with Perry Jones too.

Hope Wroten slips or even Q.Miller at this point down to Denver somehow.
Those would be good picks and fits for the nugs- neither might fall- my fav riser Jared cunningham could be had but wroten would fit a lot better with lawson

[Stern]

The players who have future star material in this draft are Davis, Robinson, Beal, and Lamb. The busts waiting to happen are gonna be Barnes and Drummond.
This :cheers:

[LBJMVP]

In my mind there is no question that Cody Zeller will be a better pro then Perry Jones. He has a much better feel for the game. Perry Jones has a weak post game and loves to step back and shoot jumper. If Cody Zeller can become stronger, he will be a very solid C.


i fell like perry has more potential, plus cody will do the same as his brother and go to school for a while.

cleveland desperately needs a wing. jeremy lamb or bradely beal would be the perfect pick for us in my mind. but im not a GM and dont get a chance to scout players properly so we'll see.

[DStebb716]

<------ Andrew Nicholson would fit so well with the 6ers. The guy is an absolute beast, and he's going to make whatever team takes him happy. Hard worker, brilliant kid and not an ounce of stupidity in his body.

[Dwyane Rose]

Jeremy Lamb is gonna be really good NBA player. He will thrive under NBA rules. I would take him in the top 4. I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be a star.

Pfft. He won't even be the best Jeremy L.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Doron Lamb is a guy I think is being overlooked who will get picked late first round. I think he could wind up being a really good 6th man type player for somebody, he reminds me of Lou Williams.

Also I really like Bradley Beal. He wasn't overly impressive this year but there's just a smoothness to his game that I really like. I could see him being better than Barnes is, he seems like more of a playmaker.

[JohnnySic]

Davis is going to be a force in the league. Crazy long, awesome defender, has a good handle and can hit a 20 footer consistently. If he isn't taken 1 overall, he's the steal of the draft.
You all just dont know a bust when you see one.

Some players are great in college but dont have the tools to make it translate to the pros. For one example, Brandan Wright was great in college, and we saw how well that went.

Davis will at best be a good player in the league, nothing more.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Gilchrist is the most overrated player in the draft. Davis, Barnes, T-Rob, and Beal are all going to be studs. Look out for Terrance Ross also.

[hawksdogsbraves]

You all just dont know a bust when you see one.

Some players are great in college but dont have the tools to make it translate to the pros. For one example, Brandan Wright was great in college, and we saw how well that went.

Davis will at best be a good player in the league, nothing more.

So basically the 'JohnnySic' draft evaluation is: do they have a good NBA body? Let me ask you, what makes you think Drummond will be a better pro than Davis?

[Whoah10115]

The Knick fan with the Melo Syracuse avatar talked about this PF from some smaller school in NY State...great footwork and post moves and he has the perfect body for the NBA. Don't know how good he is because his competition and because I've seen very little. But I liked what I saw.

[DStebb716]

The Knick fan with the Melo Syracuse avatar talked about this PF from some smaller school in NY State...great footwork and post moves and he has the perfect body for the NBA. Don't know how good he is because his competition and because I've seen very little. But I liked what I saw.

That would be me. I go to school with Drew, he's incredible. This isn't just some bias. I'll just give a few bullet points on him:

-He would have been in some huge conference had he not rolled his ankle/broken his cell phone shortly before a Canadian tournament that would've gotten his recruitment blown up.

-He came into college as a chemistry major and eventually switched to Physics because he needed more time, but he still does all the labs and has around a 3.0 GPA with all the time he has taken off from classes due to basketball.

-His competition? Double and triple teams EVERY time he touched the ball.

-He has the best footwork in all of the land and uses his body EXTREMELY well in the post.

-He has very good shot blocking abilities.

-He can hit the three, as evidenced by his 4/5 from three in the Florida State tournament game.

-He is also EXTREMELY well-spoken and very humble. Works extremely hard and deserves everything he gets.

[Qwyjibo]

So basically the 'JohnnySic' draft evaluation is: do they have a good NBA body? Let me ask you, what makes you think Drummond will be a better pro than Davis?
He just wants to be the one who can say "I told you all!!" in the very slim chance that Davis busts. And if Davis is great, no one will call him out on it because it was so ridiculous since there was no reason to doubt Davis. It's a weak stance to take.

[GOBB]

<------ Andrew Nicholson would fit so well with the 6ers. The guy is an absolute beast, and he's going to make whatever team takes him happy. Hard worker, brilliant kid and not an ounce of stupidity in his body.


I never seen him play. I got to look him up. What kind of game does he have?

[CLTHornets4eva]

You all just dont know a bust when you see one.

Some players are great in college but dont have the tools to make it translate to the pros. For one example, Brandan Wright was great in college, and we saw how well that went.

Davis will at best be a good player in the league, nothing more.


You probably thought that KD was bad because he was rain thin. :coleman:

Since you know so much about identifying tools, what tools does Davis lack?

[CLTHornets4eva]

The players who have future star material in this draft are Davis, Robinson, Beal, and Lamb. The busts waiting to happen are gonna be Barnes and Drummond.

Don't leave out Sullinger on the bust list even though he has fallen to the 6-10 range.

[GOBB]

So basically the 'JohnnySic' draft evaluation is: do they have a good NBA body? Let me ask you, what makes you think Drummond will be a better pro than Davis?

He doesnt have a clue what he is saying. The fact he compared him to Brendan Wright says enough.

[Whoah10115]

That would be me. I go to school with Drew, he's incredible. This isn't just some bias. I'll just give a few bullet points on him:

-He would have been in some huge conference had he not rolled his ankle/broken his cell phone shortly before a Canadian tournament that would've gotten his recruitment blown up.

-He came into college as a chemistry major and eventually switched to Physics because he needed more time, but he still does all the labs and has around a 3.0 GPA with all the time he has taken off from classes due to basketball.

-His competition? Double and triple teams EVERY time he touched the ball.

-He has the best footwork in all of the land and uses his body EXTREMELY well in the post.

-He has very good shot blocking abilities.

-He can hit the three, as evidenced by his 4/5 from three in the Florida State tournament game.

-He is also EXTREMELY well-spoken and very humble. Works extremely hard and deserves everything he gets.



I couldn't remember if it was webb or stebb. Noted :D



This compilation was just fun to look at. He's a legit post player. It's sometimes hard to gage the talent from those clips, but I noticed Burks so I think it's certainly possible.




Do you think he'll go in the first round? He's a big guy and perfectly built, so there's a real chance that he could have immediate impact. It would be fun to see the Nets take him. Boston too. The Knicks would be unlikely, tho I love post players.



So where do you think he'll go and do you think he's a good defender? Do you think he's gonna make an immediate impact and, maybe the most important, any center in the league the most ideal for him to play alongside?

[DStebb716]

I couldn't remember if it was webb or stebb. Noted :D



This compilation was just fun to look at. He's a legit post player. It's sometimes hard to gage the talent from those clips, but I noticed Burks so I think it's certainly possible.




Do you think he'll go in the first round? He's a big guy and perfectly built, so there's a real chance that he could have immediate impact. It would be fun to see the Nets take him. Boston too. The Knicks would be unlikely, tho I love post players.



So where do you think he'll go and do you think he's a good defender? Do you think he's gonna make an immediate impact and, maybe the most important, any center in the league the most ideal for him to play alongside?

Right now ESPN has him at number 20. Most have him as a lock for a late-first. So anywhere between 23-30, with a few teams around 18-22 liking him at least enough to take a look. I'll say he lands at 25 for now. He's improving. Today I was in the gym feeding him shots, and he just got on a new diet and workout regime. The guy is going to work. He's one of those "started playing basketball as a junior in high school" kids. I'll show you where he has come from:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394518_10151422859760593_748025592_23333936_104536 6330_n.jpg

^^^That's his tiny frame in high school.

[DStebb716]

I never seen him play. I got to look him up. What kind of game does he have?

All-around. He has the best post moves in the game (not my words, words from Woj and the Chicago Bulls scout that was at a game this year). He constantly improves his deep game. Automatic in the midrange and then a VERY good three point shooter. He'll stretch defenses, but he can take other forwards off the dribble (that he won't do as much in the NBA with more athletic guys).

[DStebb716]

I'm going to do a completely separate post on Drew soon since a lot of people have questions in this thread and others. His name will get out there more and more as the draft comes up.

[Whoah10115]

Right now ESPN has him at number 20. Most have him as a lock for a late-first. So anywhere between 23-30, with a few teams around 18-22 liking him at least enough to take a look. I'll say he lands at 25 for now. He's improving. Today I was in the gym feeding him shots, and he just got on a new diet and workout regime. The guy is going to work. He's one of those "started playing basketball as a junior in high school" kids. I'll show you where he has come from:

^^^That's his tiny frame in high school.




He looks short there.



I hope he goes to a team with a real good center and the best kind of center for his game.




What's his full name again?

[Bernie Nips]

Davis won't make it cos he's got a monobrow. It's science.

[bsyde82]

Don't know much about college basketball's elite players, except the two on Washington, since I'm an alum and its the only college ball I watch really. Here's my two cents on them:

Wroten: overrated. I had such high hopes for him, like a slightly poor man's John Wall of sorts, but I just can't see him succeeding in the NBA. Great physical tools, although not as explosive as I would've thought reading his scouting reports. More fast end to end than explosive hops kind of player. He's very good in ISO breaking someone down, but is surprisingly an average finisher at the rim. His patented thing on offense is basically break someone down or just physically overpower a smaller guard and toss up a wild layup or shot while going for the rebound or putback. I can't see this strategy working in the NBA because he won't be overpowering guards on a regular basis, nor will the interior defense of the NBA allow him to get putbacks and offensive rebounds as he's getting now.

He's got handles, and does have good court vision, but seems to also have low bball IQ. Watching the NIT game last night versus Oregon, he just made some horrible open court decisions, turning fast breaks into turnovers. Turns the ball over at a high rate in general, and his Assist:TO ratio is horrible. I blame some of this on Udub's sorry big men, because they often mishandle some of Tony's dimes. I see this happening less in the NBA.

His biggest weakness is his piss poor shooting. I mean, good LORD is it bad. It's real strange how none of the scouting reports on him coming out of college really paid any attention to this. Made it seem like he was just another inconsistent shooter. He actually is consistent...in bricking. I can't remember the last time he connected on a mid-range shot. He barely attempts any and that speaks to his inability to shoot. His 3 point shot is not pretty. Free throws...oi. He improved marginally later on the in the season, but I was in attendance at the first round Pac12 tourney game, where he clanked 6 free throws in a row at the end of the game to seal Udub's NIT fate. Does this mean he's not clutch? I don't know, he is a freshman after all. On the plus side, his mechanics seem alright, so I feel like he can improve into a serviceable shooter - but that's his ceiling as a shooter.

On to my favorite Udub player, Terrence Ross:

Ross is real frustrating to watch sometimes, because anyone who has seen him play knows he has real NBA talent. Nice frame with room to grow, EXPLOSIVE and smooth athlete (if the alley-oops don't convince you, look up youtube clips of him doing the east bay funk dunk in practice with ease), nice stroke with range, and he can catch and shoot. He became a much better defender this year, and he has the tools to be an elite one with his size and athleticism. His handles are OK, but good enough to slash and ISO when necessary.

Thing with him is he isn't always aggressive, which may be a product of him playing first with Isaiah Thomas, and then Wroten, two ball dominant guards. He'll be absolutely quiet for one half, then explode the next. It's his shooting that really impresses though, mostly because of his mechanics and elevation. Just real smooth. Combine that with his athleticism and I'm not sure why he's not higher on the draft board. Could be that the guys above him are just THAT good, but Udub is not Kentucky, Uconn, etc etc.

I mean, IT was picked last, and Jimmer was a lottery pick, and look who's starting now. Ok cheap shot at Jimmer, but just saying.

[hawksdogsbraves]

How did Washington not make the tourney playing in a horrible conference and with two first round picks in the starting 5?

[JohnnySic]

He just wants to be the one who can say "I told you all!!" in the very slim chance that Davis busts. And if Davis is great, no one will call him out on it because it was so ridiculous since there was no reason to doubt Davis. It's a weak stance to take.
I dont think Davis will bust; I just dont think he's anything all that special. I've seen enough. Its nothing particular that I can put my finger on, but I've been very good at spotting it over the years. Generally, it may involve being a tweener, or lacking strength/athleticism, or lacking other physical tools to translate one's game to the next level.

I'm not always right. I could be wrong about Davis, but I dont think so. I think he'll be a good player, but not worthy of a #1 pick.

[highwhey]

there's no way sullinger goes that high. would be a pleasent surprise to have him on the suns, but i highly doubt he slips.

[irondarts]

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will go pro and declare for the NBA Draft.


Kentucky freshman forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will enter the 2012 NBA draft after the Wildcats' season ends, multiple sources told ESPN.com on Thursday.


"He hopes he'll be able to announce right after they win the NCAA championship," one source said. "But even if they don't win it all, he's coming. He knows he's going to be a top-5 pick. He can't pass that up."

Back in early March, Kidd-Gilchrist told reporters that he would forgo the lures of the draft and stay in school.

"I'm graduating here," he said then. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying at Kentucky."

The 6-foot-7 Kidd-Gilchrist is averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in 31.3 minutes per game.

"He's the type of kid that you always want on your team," one NBA general manager said. "Coaches love him, his teammates love him and he does all the little things that matter on the court. He cares about winning and that's it. I doubt he ever looks at a box score."

[DStebb716]

He looks short there.



I hope he goes to a team with a real good center and the best kind of center for his game.




What's his full name again?

That was in high school, that's probably why he looks short. He's 6'9, so he's no towering mass. But he has a 7'3 wingspan and plays like a 6'11 guy. He'll be perfect with a good center.

And his name is Andrew Nicholson. Sorry for calling him Drew ha.

[Lebron23]

Miami needs to draft a young shooting guard.

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

Miami needs to draft a young shooting guard.
dearth. serious dearth.
all the ones coming out these days are like 6'4"
they just keep getting shorter and shorter.

[Lebron23]

dearth. serious dearth.
all the ones coming out these days are like 6'4"
they just keep getting shorter and shorter.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is listed at 6'5".


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway,_Jr.

[TeamLAC]

Cannot wait to see Jeremy Lamb in the NBA! :rockon:

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

Tim Hardaway Jr. is listed at 6'5".


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway,_Jr.
would be ironic if he ended up with the Heat!

[Tide]

Miami needs to draft a young shooting guard.

Will Barton

Projected late 1st (Miami)

Loves to run and fits the Heat system perfectly.

[irondarts]

Austin Rivers will declare for the NBA draft and hire an agent.

[Joshumitsu]

Don't see why Blazers pick Beal and Zeller.

Can someone enlighten me?

I'd prefer Barnes+Marshall.

Aldridge plays a finesse game similar to Zeller, so I think there would be decent chemistry right from the start.

Barnes+Marshall+Aldridge=Great long term combo.

[RRR3]

Two things I'll add:

*One of the gym teachers at my high school is Bradley Beal's mother (no lie). A girl in my latin class (I think) dated him briefly (or just wanted to, can't remember lol)
*Hope my boy Quincy Acy gets drafted :rockon: :pimp:

[GOBB]

Austin Rivers will declare for the NBA draft and hire an agent.

Link?

Thought he return.

[irondarts]

Link?

Thought he return.
Link (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/17992524/sources-austin-rivers-leaving-duke-for-the-nba)

[chips93]

Two things I'll add:

*One of the gym teachers at my high school is Bradley Beal's mother (no lie). A girl in my latin class (I think) dated him briefly (or just wanted to, can't remember lol)
*Hope my boy Quincy Acy gets drafted :rockon: :pimp:

ive heard that beal really is genuinely a great kid

god i hope the cavs get him

[RRR3]

ive heard that beal really is genuinely a great kid

god i hope the cavs get him
I don't really know him. His mom's kind of weird though :lol

[irondarts]

Don't see why Blazers pick Beal and Zeller.

Can someone enlighten me?

I'd prefer Barnes+Marshall.

Aldridge plays a finesse game similar to Zeller, so I think there would be decent chemistry right from the start.

Barnes+Marshall+Aldridge=Great long term combo.
Beal is really, really good. A bit undersized but a great, great shooter.

[CLTHornets4eva]

Don't see why Blazers pick Beal and Zeller.

Can someone enlighten me?

I'd prefer Barnes+Marshall.

Aldridge plays a finesse game similar to Zeller, so I think there would be decent chemistry right from the start.

Barnes+Marshall+Aldridge=Great long term combo.

I like the Barnes +Marshall chemistry. I would go with Beal and Zeller b/c I think Beal is possibly the next Ray Allen. Zeller is a good Big to complement LA for a good value.

[Whoah10115]

Don't see why Blazers pick Beal and Zeller.

Can someone enlighten me?

I'd prefer Barnes+Marshall.

Aldridge plays a finesse game similar to Zeller, so I think there would be decent chemistry right from the start.

Barnes+Marshall+Aldridge=Great long term combo.



You don't want Harrison Barnes. You have Batum.



Marshall makes sense.



And if you get two picks I'd consider trying to maybe trade down for more picks. Marshall isn't gonna go that high (unless he recovers from the wrist and leads Carolina to the title) so you can draft him after 10. The Nets pick isn't gonna go lower than that.



Best thing to do is to kick LMA in the face and put him out for the season. Maybe you could get Anthony Davis lol.