Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 35
  1. #1
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default My Crazy Mock 2014

    So last year, and a few years prior to that, Iwrote one of these. It's sort of my take on the mock draft, and my gimmick is that I do two mocks. One follows what I think will happen. It's based mostly on my rudimentary knowledge of each teams' behavior. Along with the general concensus is on prospects. Then I do a second that represents what I personally would do if I were running the team picking. Now I have no secret knowledge. Everything is based on much of the public opinion going around, so there's a ton of overlap, although last year was a mess, and neither really was close at the end, but it takes into account my notion of value, my beliefs about team building, my opinion on the value of skills, and my personal take on players based on what I've seen as well as what I've read. Here goes. As always, I expect no one to read all this, but Ilike doing it anyway.

    CAVS
    Think: At this point Ithink the two Kansas guys are the only possibilities. Sucks that it's the Cavs again, after they blew up the draft last year, but I think this draft will be safer. We know they like the idea of pairing a big with Kyrie, seeing as they took a swing with Bynum. SFwas weak last year. And Wiggins has the near Lebron level HS pedigree. But I think they smarten up and go Embiid. Wiggins actually would be a better fit here than most places, because Kyrie is ball dominant enough that he wouldn't be pressed to save the way he would most places. He could just be a top notch defender and fill the lanes. But a big this gifted to me is just too much to pass up.

    Would: Last year I went different both sides on the top pick. Iwould definitely take Embiid here if I ran the Cavs.


    BUCKS
    Think: Wiggins. New owners, small market, and like it or not Wiggins still has a ton of cache as a basketball commodity. And it allows for some interesting things. He and Giannis and Knight and Larry Sanders and Jon Hensen. This could be a team of super long dynamic athletes. They could build a title caliber defense. They'd need it because that roster can't shoot from outside of 15 feet. But it would be an interesting group to watch.

    Would: First thing I'd do is wait to see if Embiid is around. If he's not, I'd try like hell trade this pick. I'd kill to get the Sixers two firsts. They tanked the hardest all season. You'd think they'd have someone in particular in mind. And I'd try to leverage the two Magic firsts against them. And Iwould do that because I don't think Wiggins is a great fit. I'd like to see an Exum Knight backcourt. But I'm not sure I'm willing to take him here. And in fact I think Randle makes more sense on this roster because he's more of a getting buckets kinda dude, and you can protect him defensively with Sanders and Hensen. He would give there offense more focus. Right now they have nothing but a bunch of athletes running around and Brandon Knight pretending to be a PG. But since I don't predict trades in this (it's complicated enough), I'd go Parker. Like I said, the offense is aimless, and say what you will about Paker, I know he can be a focul point on that end. I'm not positive what position he is yet. I think he made a good case as a stretch four with his rebounding at Duke. I'm not sure he can defend at the three. But I like the idea of using him and Giannis/Hensen together. You can sort of hide Parker on any of three positions and use Giannis on the better wing, or Hensen on a PF when they're stacked against a bigger one.


    SIXERS
    Think: Word has it they love Exum. Seems like a smokescreen to me after what they got out of MCW. As much as teams are pushing Exum up, I still think the top tier in this draft is Parker and the two Jayhawks, and it's not as if the Sixers are talented enough to be jumping tiers to accomadate fit. Ithink they'll take whoever is left out of the group, and in this case, I think it'll be Parker. I do think this is a good fit for them. Not unlike the Bucks, the Sixer offense feels a bit rudderless. But at least MCW is a pick and roll savant, and they have something to build off of. Parker would ideal to stretch the floor for them. In this case, I'd hope Noel is back at it 100%, because I'd love to go small with Parker at PF really stretching the floor while MCW runs pick and rolls. And a 4-1 pnr with the two of them would be a hell of a weapon. Wroten and MCW both have the size and athleticism to cover for him as a SF, especially when they play him next to Thad Young, and have Noel at his back. He can really be hidden defensively. That's actually a pretty fun five. Unfortunately it's pretty much all the value on the roster.

    Would: Again, I'd consider trading the pick (you may be getting the sense I'm not the biggest Wiggins guy, which is sort of true. I just feel like he's really the best player in the second tier. Actually I kinda feel like Embiid is the first tier, then Parker and Wiggins are the best in the second tier, but it's a deep tier, and there's value behind them if you can get value from someone who wants to move up to get a guy who a year ago was headlining "the best draft since Lebron came into the league"). That said I don't think this would be a bad landing spot for Wiggins either. A little like a combo of both the first two teams. A great athletic foundation with which to add Wiggins makes this team possibly dynamic defensively. And like Cleveland, MCW is gonna demand the ball in the PnR, so Wiggins doesn't have to worry quite as much about being an offensive savior, and can focus on cutting and filling. MCW, Wroten, Wiggins, Young, and Noel, could make for a nightmare defending you if they're trained to get out and create havoc.


    MAGIC
    Think: I have the same three off the board in both trains of thought now. The concensus next guy is Exum. I know the Magic toyed with Olidipo at PG, and it may help him long term, but that's not ideal. Giving him another big, combo guard who can take most of the ball handling pressure would make that a really hard backcourt to guard. Whoever has the weaker defender can be put into PnR, or dropped into the post. I also know that Aaron Afflalo had a great year last year, but he's not really a part of this team's future. His contract makes him a very tradable asset. Vujevic is a keeper up front. I think Toby Harris may be best as a face up four. Harkless has a lot of life in him as a three. And I'm still fond of Nicholson as a rotational big who can play pick and pop. But this team looks like they're gonna build around two good sized athletic combo guards and let that be their identity.

    Would: I would go Exum too. I like Big Guards. Always have. I'd be too enamoured with the notion of the two big guards and throwing all sorts of exotic guard post up sitations at people. You could maybe talk me into Randle, who I'm probably more fond of than most. He and Vujevic would be a dynamic rebounding tandem, but you don't want to be throwing outlets to Oladipo for 6 years. Vuj has that face up game, so they'd be a nice high low pairing. And putting Harris at SF would create a meat grinder up front. But they'd still be weak protecting the rim. And guys who can switch ends and have the ball are the name of the game in the modern NBA.


    JAZZ
    Think: Now it gets interesting, because it really feels like Randle is the next best prospect, but this team has a fair amount vested in Kanter and Favors. And really in Hayward and Burke too. I'm sure they'd love Parker. But I just don't see them getting there. Aaron Gordon would be interesting running next to Trey Burke, but there's already spacing issues on this team. The best fit would be someone to space the floor more. But Gary Harris, Stouskas, McDermott, are all reaches here. I think they'll have to just stick to the board and go Randle.
    Would: Like I said before, I really like Randle. Personally I'd try to trade either of the two bigs they have looking for quality young floor spacing just to take Randle here. I'd prefer to pair him with Favors, because I do think there's gonna be some defensive limitations with Randle that Favors would be more able to cover. If you were drafting middle of this draft, would you take Kanter for Gary Harris? Stouskas? McDermott? Rodney Hood? James Young? I'd be trying to do that if I were Utah.
    Last edited by Thorpesaurous; 06-02-2014 at 09:15 AM.

  2. #2
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    CELTICS
    Think: This is my team, for full disclosure. The Celtics have some good pieces. Olynek, Sullinger, Bradley are all good young rotation level players. And Rondo and Green are both guys that can start on a title team in my eyes in the right situation. But they don't have anyone really dynamic moving forward. The biggest swing for the fences play here is Aaron Gordon, whom the C's have been linked to throughout this pre draft period. The Celtics haven't had an athlete like this ... since they started making athletes like this. I don't think Ainge thinks anyone at this point is a game changing prospect, and he may be right, so I think he will probably take the guy with the most upside.

    Would: First I'd hope Randle slips to me, which I don't think is impossible. Iknow around here people have already written that Randle isn't much better than Sully, whom I like, but come on. Sure they're cut from the same cloth, but otherwise, not at all. Randle to me would also pair well with Olynek, who I think is a total keeper, as a floor stretching big. But this is all fantasy talk. I'm also not entirely sold on Gordon. To be fair, I wasn't the biggest Blake Griffin fan either. But Griffin at least was a difinitive PF. Gordon isn't quite big enough for that, and just really limited in terms of ball skills. If I were running the C's (god willing), I'd make the most controversial pick of the first round, the exact opposite of Gordon, Doug McDermott.
    Hear me out. First, I saw him in person all week at the Big East tournament, from really great seats, and he does some really remarkable things out there. He's a much better player than some of the guys he's been compared to, the pure shooter types. He's actually a really super passer and ball handler. He seemed bigger than I thought he'd be. And then he showed up at the combine and showed really well athletically. Also, while Gordon has the most upside, he's also perhaps the most bustable player. McDermott to me will stick in the league for the shooting skill alone, even if he does become a specialist. If they choose to continue building around Rondo, having some spacing around him, rather than Green and Bradley (ugh) isn't a bad idea. And if they choose to continue the tear down and look to the multi first round drafts from the Nets, this is a piece that can stick like Olynek and Sullinger.
    Sure the kid may be crushed under the expectations of being the sixth pick to Boston as a sharp shooting senior white kid from a small school ... but I'll bet no one even picks up on that.


    LAKERS
    Think: I think they'd love to land Gordon here. To have their own mini Blake. But I just don't think he'll be here. And I don't think they'd feel as strongly about McDermott. I think they'll go Marcus Smart. It may not be fair to just assume they'll take the biggest name. But that's what I think they'll do. Smart may thrive under the pressure Kobe Bryant will put him under. Or he may kill him. I do like Smart. I think he plays as a better athlete than he measures. And I still value all the intangibles people claim he lost last season. He's tough and competitive. He's gonna get to the rim. My fear with him is that he's a ball dominant guy, who may not be good enough to be a ball dominant guy on a good team, and now I have to worry about what I have when I get someone else with the ball. For that reason I secretly like Gary Harris more as the "oversized PG who may not really be a PG" PG

    Would: If it's my team, I shock again and leave Gordon hanging (there may be a pattern of doubt, albeit tier to tier, I have with premium athletes who have somewhat questionable ball skills). If I'm the Lakers and I'm looking big, I go Noah Vonleh. Truer size for the position. Extreme length. Excellent motor. And a very good stroke. You'll hear a lot of people claiming he's a better prospect than Randle over the next several weeks because of the truer size, plus he can shoot. He just lacks the dynamic ball elements. I'd also seriously consider Gary Harris as a PG here. I'm not positive he's a PG, but if they're gonna force feed Kobe the ball anyway, a PG who can space the floor would be a nice option. And if he plays himself into the position moving forward, he's a better athlete with really good size and a shooter to boot. In this setting I'd like him over Marcs Smart. Saric would give you some of the same things but with perhaps more upside.


    KINGS
    Think: Outside of Cousins, and perhaps McLemore, this roster remains a mess. I can live with the throwing shit at the wall at SF in the form of Gay and Derrick Williams. Hell I could see DW playing small ball four. I'm not the worlds biggest Isiah Thomas guy. I know he's played it well, but I feel like he's so much a change of pace guy, I'd try to trade him with his value up, and would even be willing to give Ray McCallum a shot. I loved McLemore coming in last year. More than most. When I did this last year I think I may have argued for him at one. In this version, Vonleh is still around, and he makes a ton of sense. They need to stop throwing these undersized PFs out there with Cousins. Get the guy some help. Vonleh could really help Cousins anchor that defensive end, where DC isn't as bad as advertised, but has a tendency to wonder. Vonleh's legit size and length would let you take the focul pressure off DC on that end. And at the same time he's got some spacing ability with his jumper. Sure he doesn't have the upside because his ball skills are a touch limited, but Cousins is your ball dominant big, Vonleh is a perfect stay in his lane kind of pick.

    Would: In my wish list version, Vonleh's gone already. I'm so smart I keep screwing myself. Aaron Gordon is unquestionably the best prospect left. With Smart probably generally the next best. I'm not crazy about my PG position. I'm not crazy about PF either. I'm going out on a limb again. I'm going Dario Saric. He's getting the foreign big shooter label, but from what I've seen, that's not wholly accurate. His size seems legit. He seems tougher than the typical euro big. But while he's got the jumper to stretch the floor, he's also much more crafty with the ball, both as a passer and ball handler. His stretching and passing would be a really interesting match with Demarcus. Probably give up a little too much defensively as a tandem, but no one else here is a cure all either. I'd obviously have to figure out the availability ahead of time. If I absolutely couldn't get him, I'd probably go Gordon at this point.


    BOBCATS
    Think: This could be a really usefull asset for a playoff team. Obviuosly they're built around Big Al and Kemba's penetration. And they also have an identity to Kidd-Gilchrist and Gerald Henderson as defensive wings. They've got some decent depth. I had high hopes for Jeff Taylor last year as a guy who could space the floor for them until he blew out his achilles (which I'm all too familiar with). Biyombo still looms as a possible defensive presence. And McBob is a nice rotational big with ball skills. I think they continue to try to space around Al and Kemba's penetration and go McDermett. MKG brings a bunch of things to the table, but he's one of he worst shooting wing players in league history. And structurally it's a nightmare. I think Doug would be a great fit. I'd love to see Taylor come back and take some minutes too. After taking some flack for the Al signing, I think this team is going to compete for a little while. Al and Kemba probably won't get them much better than the Hawks were for a while, but that's it's own level of success.

    Would: In this side McDermette's gone. So is Saric, who'd potentially provide some similar spacing and handling up front. Gordon is still looming as the most high end prospect, but if I put Gordon on this roster with MKG, I'd have to kill myself. Smart is also there as a potential SG next to Kemba, but if I'm going to not worry about spacing around Al I may as well just take Gordon. If Micheal Jordan wanted to pay me to think about basketball, I'd toss it up here between Gary Harris, and either James Young or Rodney Hood. I like Harris the best out of the three, but I may be more interested in the extra size and or athleticism I get out of the other two, since Harris' extra ball handling may not be of a ton of value next to Kemba anyway. I feel like I'm giving up on MKG to an extent, which is sad, because I really like the kid. I saw him play a bunch in HS. But when he was drafted they didn't have Al, and the dynamic of the team seemed more geared around building this athletic defensive monster with him and Biyombo and Henderson, and then letting Kemba chuck it and create for these guys who could fill the open court. But things have changed. I'd take Harris. I could live to have another option handling the ball when Kemba's step back isn't working anyway.
    Last edited by Thorpesaurous; 06-02-2014 at 10:35 AM.

  3. #3
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    SIXERS
    Think: In this version, The Sixers got Parker earlier, so they're running hopefully, MCW, Wroten, Parker, Thad, Noel. A nice group of athletes playing PnR around MCW with Parker spacing the floor and being the go to guy when they need to face up and play. The board has gone pretty much as expected here, so there's not the big names floating around like on my side. By most accounts, the best players left on this board would be Gary Harris and Saric, with no real reason to dip into the cluster of Wings that one may or may not like. They'd probably go Saric here if I had to guess. With the number of picks they've accrued, leaving a guy overseas a year isn't going to kill them. Either guy would be a pretty good fit. But Saric is probably closer to a natural four than Thad Young, and may fit better between Noel and Parker. And he'd give MCW more kick out options than Young. Plus young is the least forward looking of any of there assets, considering where he stands age wise and contract wise compared the other guys.

    Would: Basically in my version here, I've already eaten up Saric and Harris, and the guy's who've paid for those choices are Smart and Gordon. The public opinion behind those guys would be the cluster of Wings, Nik Stauskus, and Jusuf Nurkic. I'm also running a more traditional lineup, with Wiggins a pure SF, not a combo guy like Parker. I don't disagree with my logic above. I would like to add more beef. I believe in Noel's promise as a defensive asset. But even at my wildest best for him, there are going to be people he just won't hold up against. Nurkic is 6'11", 280 lbs. Not a great athlete, but good hands and decent touch. Problem is he's no PF. Doesn't stretch the floor. And can't defend out there. And he just can't play with Noel. Sure everyone needs depth. But this team was awfull last year. So bad that if I'm the GM and am drafting depth at 10 in a draft we hyped up ourselves, I should probably be fired. I'm not taking Gordon. I've already got Thad Young playing the undersized, underskilled, super athlete four. I'm gonna take Gordon and hope he becomes the PF I already have? I can't take Smart and put him next to MCW. Both guys need to run PnR. Neither can shoot. And frankly I think MCW is better at it. Stauskus provides some spacing. He's a little like what Gary Harris would've provided. Sort of a PG/SG hybrid. But I'm not crazy about him because I worry about him physically. Shooting is even more a concern here than it was above, because I'm going Wiggins instead of Parker at SF. So I'm going to reach again here. Take the guy I think will wind up being a steal when he does actually go, although here he's considered a reach. I'd say it's just about right for him. Adriene Payne. Sure he's on the older side. But we need help up front. I'm playing a 190 lb center next to a 6-8 PF. I may pick up some rebounding help with MCW and Wiggins. But I don't care about the numbers, you can't make up big rebounds with wing rebounds. They're not the same. Payne gives you some legit size at the PF spot. And he's a solid catch and shoot guy. Frankly he's like a more mature version of what Vonleh is. Probably better at it at the moment, just not the visions of him getting better. It seems like a real reach, but if you look at most mocks, you'll see all the guys between Payne and this spot are pretty much SF or SG types, and there just isn't a ton of room here for that.


    NUGGETS
    Think: This is an ugly roster to me. They've got enough NBA level players to look respectable every night and win games. But there's no difference making assets moving forward. Lawson is probably the best player on the roster. Manimal is an asset. They've got about a dozen guys good teams would like to have, but none of them are drooling over any of them. Lawson is the best guy on the team, and is probably not the best player on the floor at his position 40% of the time he plays. In this version, Gary Harris is to me pretty clearly the best guy left on the board. We're quickly approaching the russian roullette of wing guys. Harris is a good enough athlete to run with these guys. He can serve an extra ball handler and give some insurance behind Lawson. There's no need to chase into the wing pool with Gallinari, Fournier, Chandler, all on the books anyway. The combo guy is a better fit, and a better prospect in a vaccuum anyway.
    Would: Smart and Gordon both continue to loom over this side of my thread. Eventually even my stubborn ass recognizes value. But I'm still a little concerned with fit for Gordon. And again we have a team here that's already starting an undersized, high energy, high athlete, PF. And as much as I don't like Gordon as a SF, it's even worse here because this team already has three other decent options at that position, and they all fit better next to the PF he'd be duplicating if you did put him there. The wings would be worth dipping into, but as I just said, I've got three already. With Mozgov, McGee, Hickson, Arthur, and Faried, Nurkic just isn't worth it. That leaves Smart, which would feel like a steal. There's some fit issues with Lawson sure, but he can totally play SG, even though he can't shoot. In fact his physicality would play well between Lawson and the Euro SFs. I still have concerns, but if I were running this team, I'd be pretty happy about landing this.


    MAGIC
    Think: In both versions, I had the Magic going Exum at four and building around a big, combo guard, mismatch type backcourt. I like Vucevic up front, and Toby Harris I think is interesting as a mismatch player at either forward spot. And Harkless brings some energy at SF. Afflalo had a good season and could maybe move to SF bit. I even like Nicholson. But I think it's clear with that backcourt, you're looking for more frontcourt help here. Of the wings, there's some more combo type guys floating around. Stauskas, Levine. Those types need the ball. But there's a couple who are more traditional catch and shoot type SFs. Rodney Hood comes to mind first. Legit SF size. Good athlete. Good shooter. He could work next to that backcourt spacing the court, and give them a good body defensively and on the glass, and still spread the floor on offense. PJ Hairston may be an option too as a bigger, more traditional type SG.

    Would: In my version, Gordon has hung around long enough. To get an athlete of this caliber and with his pedigree would be way too hard to pass up, even with the short comings. And mostly because I could talk myself into the fit. I've got two ball happening guards anyway. I want my PF to defend and fill the lane and cut off of those guys, and Gordon will do those things. Vuc plays a lot at the high post, so he'll take care of some of the spacing concerns. And he's a plus rebounder, to help make up for what I give up on the glass with Gordon's size. I'm already going small with Toby Harris anyway. Now I can go big small with Harris and Gordon, we'll be able to muscle somebody and Gordon's versatillity on D will keep me defensively viable, or small small with Harkless and Gordon, where we've got two plus athletes running with my double guards. Just talked myself into the Exum/Gordon/Oladipo era. Plus everyone will say I had the best draft in the league.


    TWOLVES
    Think: This to me is a team that could benefit from this year's depth among the wing position. They have to be pretty happy with what they got from Dieng last year, and there is no replacing Kevin Love at this stage. I was not a huge Muhammad guy, as he fell in this thing last year for me. But I do believe he can score in the league, he's just so ball dominant that I don't think he's an option as a starter on a team that's so ball movement centric. Perhaps as a bench focus point. With Rubio and Love passing, I feel like surrounding them with as much shooting as possible is the idea. So I think they'll go Stauskus. James Young and PJ Hairston could also both be in the mix. Hairston is probably the most physically gifted, and most natural SG, but I think having to deal with Shabazz's personality last year may put PJ on the no thanks list hear. I do like Young's stroke and he's a better athlete than Stauskus. But he's not quite the same level of passer and ball handler. Stauskus' experience as a PG this past season probably fits better in their profile of being a free flowing ball moving offense (although that could change under a new coach).

    Would: I'd basically be playing along the same line of thought here. Although I've got Hood as an option on this side too. For me Hairston is kind of a no touch sort of player. In a vaccuum I probably like Young and Hood best out of this group. Levine is the best athlete. But they're all close enough that you can probably go preference. The presence of Buddinger and Shabazz means to me I want someone with a little more ball handling / passing accumen. Not the truer SFs like Hood and Young. Choosing between Stauskus and Levine, I think I'd gamble on Levine's youth and freakish physical gifts. Mostly he just doen't get it yet. Perhaps a team of high IQs can help.
    Last edited by Thorpesaurous; 06-02-2014 at 03:10 PM.

  4. #4
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    SUNS
    Think: This is a really good roster. Good enough that to really add a valuable piece to it they may really have to try to package these and move up. I'd say they're biggest need is up front, but the twins and Plum and Frye all played well and fit the spacing and running they want from their bigs, and they got nothing from Len, who's certainly still a better asset moving forward than anything they'll get here as far as bigs go. They're set with their dueling banjos double PG situation. At SF Tucker is actually a nice fit because he doesn't need the ball, and Green is a nice fit too just as a spacer and lane filler. But that's probably the best spot to look for help. A catch and shoot type out of this group fits better than another guy who thinks he can be an isolation player. I think Hood is the best player of this ilk in this draft, but he's gone in this version. Hairston to me still has a little too much iso in his game. I think they'd go James Young. The drive drive kick scheme they run at Kentucky is not a bad training ground for what the Suns do. For a team as good as the Suns were, getting Young as a guy who could potentially start for them at this point, is a nice fit. Adrienne Payne would be an interesting idea. He'd bring some of what

    Would: My opinion remains the same personally, however on this side, I have both Young and Hood out of this group. Young almost certainly has more upside, but the Suns are already pretty good, and having Hood's more well rounded game I would probably value more. Young may wind up the better player in a vaccuum, but I don't want anyone getting in the way of my double PG ball handling. So I'd take Hood.


    HAWKS

    Think: The Hawks are in a weird spot, where they're good enough to be a playoff team, but not contenders. And not young enough to really appear to be getting better with the players they play. I loved Schroeder last year, and really liked the Noguera pick too. I like the notion of continueing to add to that. I think this team may start moving assets soon. Horford, Milsap's great contract. And start building toward the future. Putting up good fights in early playoff rounds isn't the end game anyone has in mind. Nurkic could be worth stashing, and building a front line around he and Noguera moving forward. But a running mate for Schroeder may be the spot you can get more value at here. Even with Young, Stauskus, and Hood all gone in this version. They can still choose between Hairston and Levine. I think the potential of Levine, and the notion of an eventual blur of a backcourt between Levine and Schroeder, would be a nice option moving forward.

    Would: On this side, Hood and Levine are gone. Hairston is still around, but as I said, he just doesn't stand out above the other guys here enough for me to chase the issues he's had. I've got Young and Stauskus though to choose from. It's not the case with all teams, but in this case, with the athleticism moving forward around Schroeder and Nogera, I'd take Young.


    BULLS

    Think: Rose, Noah, Gibson, Butler moving forward. Mirotic should be coing. I really thought Tony Snell was a good fit personality wise with this team last year, but he barely played when it mattered. Thibs will play his guys into the ground. It's another spot where the position of need, another wing, is a good fit for the players who'll be available here. Unfortunately, all the guys are gone except Hairston. I just don't see the Bulls taking Hairston. If Young fell perhaps. The Bulls are a team that isn't opposed to taking an older player. And they're not going to mess with their identity of tough, defensive minded team. As good as Gibson and Noah are, and Boozer still has this last year, they have some rotational issues up front. So I think they'll take Payne. Stretches the floor some around the notion of Rose's penetration. And playing for Izzo is a great frying pan to get ready for Thibs' fire.

    Would: I don't have much in the way of size on this end. Nurkic. But I don't think that works for Chicago. I do have Stauskus and Hairston left over. Hairston is probably the better fit next to Butler. He gives them a bit more size and keeps Butler from having to move to SF exclusively on Defense. But Stauskus could provide some of the flexibility on Offense with the ball, and floor spacing without the ball the Bulls wanted from Dunleavy, and got from Hinrich over the years. He's not the defender Hinrich was though. I'd trust Thibs to get him where he wants him, and use a rotation of Snell, Butler, Stauskus moving forward at my wing positions.


    CELTICS:
    Think: As I said, I'm a Celtic fan, and so I see and hear more about them than most other teams. And there's a particular guy that's getting a lot a press with this pick. Louisiana Lafayette PG Elfrid Payton. Payton is a little like Schroeder was last year. At 6-3 with big wings, he's dynamic defensively and plays at a frenzied pace. He's not a great shooter, and it was Schroeder's improved shooting that pushed him up the board last year. I do think they'll go Gordon up top, so adding Payton here makes this team all of a sudden electrically athletic. And this would mark the first step in what I think is the inevitable trade of Rondo, and really start a full blown rebuilding process.

    Would: Personally, if Iwere going PG here, I'd lean Tyler Ennis. But with the amount of picks the C's have moving forward, I'd be interested in stashing someone. I know the value is the Mountain-esque Nurkic. But I like the idea of Olynek as the center moving forward. And I need a more athletic PF to make that work. So I'd go Clint Capella. A longer, more athletic type PF who's length can make him a real defensive presence, and he shoots a really high percentage in part by playing his role.


    SUNS:

    Think: I had a hard time fitting someone in a few picks ago, so finding someone else isn't gonna be easy. I really think they'd love to package these and move up for some real impact. Or for an impact current player (how cool would one of the Horford be). I don't think they'll want to keep three mid first rounders on an already playoff caliber roster that got nothing from their top five pick last year. So they may go foreign and stow. But, another option is another athlete to run with them. Both Jerami Grant and Cleanthony Early play end to end PF. Both undersized for sure, and not the spacers you want around the double PGs. But the pace at which they play would be interesting. I think they'll go Grant.

    Would: Stowing would be my first choice, but Capella is gone, and I again don't like the fit of Nurkic. Beyond that the foreign option isn't great. So I'd probably see what an athlete like Grant looks like running next to those two end to end PGs at that pace.
    Last edited by Thorpesaurous; 06-02-2014 at 04:04 PM.

  5. #5
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    RAPTORS
    Think: Tough attacking perimeter play in Lowry, Derozen, and Ross, combined with the development of Valanciunus as a threat down low, and finding spacing at PF from Pat Patterson to help with the penetration, seemed to be the identity these guys stumbled onto in a surpisingly successfull season. I know people love Masai Ujiri, but I do wonder if he's as forward looking a GM as some think. He can find value, but he seems to always push forward, and doesn't have any "sometimes a step back can get you two steps forward" type of move in him. That's part of why Denver looks like a smoking pile of league replacement parts. The best prospect left is probably Hairston, but he doesn't really fit. During his time in Denver he had some success with foreign born players, so Nurkic is probably in play. But he's probably not a guy they can look at as a starter. Lowry is a FA, and they may look at someone like Nappier, as a potential piece to give them Leverage with Lowry. And worst case they can always use the depth behind Lowry if they did sign him. So I think they go Tyler Ennis. Bonus for being Canadian. Ennis doesn't have the aggressive nature of Lowry, but his shooting and sound deision making could make him an option to play next to a more aggressive PG in smaller lineups. And Ennis has some length to him that could allow him to defend there.

    Would: I think I could keep Lowry, but the notion of losing him has to drive this decision. Especially because I do think this team is desperate to continue building on this success from this past season. They're not going to want to look at this as a flash in the pan. Payne would've been a nice fit on either side of this. Like a bigger Pat Patterson. But he's gone. None of the wings should really crack their current rotation. I think I'd go Nurkic and try to stow him a year. But I don't have the same optimistic outlook for this team as I think Toronto brass might have. I'd be looking more toward looking at Nurkic and Valanciunus using his more well rounded skill set down the road as a foundation. Rather than trying to build around this perimeter trio, which to me feels like fools gold.


    THUNDER
    Think: Nurkic at this point would be the most well thought of prospect, but after taking Adams last year, and him playing better than I expected at least, I don't think that makes any sense, other than that stowing him saves the ownership some money, which when trying to predict what this team will do, that's gotta be a factor. Hairston is still available in both threads, and at this point would be the most talented wing. Not totally unlike what they did taking a guy who fell like Perry Jones. If Hairston did wind up playing over Lamb, that would have to be considered a problem, but frankly Lamb shouldn't be sitting for Sepholosha at this point. It would hard to go international and pass on Nurkic, but Clint Capella as a foreign option may be a better fit. He could grow into more of a center, but he's longer and rangier than Nurkic, and may fit something closer to what they do with Ibaka. Plus they could get by not paying him next year.

    Would: Hairston has fallen in both these. And I have him continueing to fall. I just don't think he's good enough to not play Lamb, so what's the point. I do like Capella. And he'd make more sense on this side with Nurkic gone already. But for a lot of the same reasons I mentioned with Toronto, I think Ennis makes a lot of sense here. I really like Reggie Jackson. But there's a lot similarities to between what Ennis does and the things the Thunder have tried to milk out of old man Derrick Fisher. Some perimeter shooting to space around the stars. A steady hand with the ball to take some of the ball handling decision making away from Westbrook. Some length and size to allow him to defend around those guys. He's enough different from Reggie Jackson, that I feel he would fit into that backcourt rotation.


    GRIZZLIES
    Think: Obviously there's no upgrade on the Grizz interior here. Even with Nurkic still available on this side, and being considered a steal at this point. And there's no upgrade on Conley. Even the bench bigs are good pieces for Memphis. I felt Courtney Lee was a really nice mid range cost piece for them last year. He can defend, but maybe not as physically as they'd like, and shoot it. Tony Allen is part of their identity. I know they like Pondexter. But it feels like that wing rotation could still use some more pieces. It's sort of a see what sticks kind of group anyway. So you may as well try throwing more shit. Hairston has fallen in both threads, and at this point the value may be too good. TJ Warren would be another option in that same mix. Jerami Grant would be the best athlete, but probably more of a pop PF than what they need. I think they'll go Hairston.

    Would: If I'm looking for a wing here, I'm going TJWarren. My dislike for Hairston is pretty strong. I've gotta be pretty comfortable that he's gonna be better than whoever else I have a shot at. He's not quite as physically gifted as Hairston, but he's got a knack for scoring, and has more length to make up for the lack of extra athleticism.


    JAZZ

    Think: In both versions, I have the Jazz going Randle at the top of the draft. I also do still think this a pretty asset heavy team for one drafting that high. I'm not positive they can find rotation cracking help back here. Stowing Nurkic would seem like and option. Still probably the highest regarded prospect. But with the two bigs they already have, plus taking Randle, and they have Gobert as a project from last year, that's probably more size than they need. I'd think they'd want more shooting at the wing. The wing depth has sort of run it's course though. Warren would be an option, but he's maybe too much SF to play with Hayward, who's more SF than SG. Hairston just went. The best options at SG are a mish mosh. Jordan Clarkson, Spencer Dinwiddie, Semaj Christion, Glenn Robinson, KJMcDaniels, Jordan Adams, Markel Brown. Concensus seems to be that Adams is the best shooter of that group, and I think they'll value that over the more athletic options at the position with Alec Burks still athlete at that spot in their rotation.

    Would: On my side, Hairston is still here. Probably because I'm about as fond of him as I was Muhammad last year. But we're at a point where the value is too good. He's the best combination of both physical assets, and shooting, at the spot. I'd hope being in Utah would help keep him out of trouble, and that he's not a cancer to my young roster.
    Last edited by Thorpesaurous; 06-03-2014 at 09:53 AM.

  6. #6
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    BOBCATS
    Think: On this side, I had them taking McDermotte. The weakest spot is probably still PF next to Al. It's not a great position in this draft, but there's a couple players left that're interesting. Cleanthany Eearly. He may be a tweener size wise, but he's a good athlete who would fit their profile defensively, and kind of fit in between what MKG and Biyombo do. I think they'll go Kyle Anderson. Rarely these days do you see a guy with this level of ball skills who's not a good shooter. But he's not. What he is is a legit size PF, who's limited athletically, but who's ball handling and passing are superb, and who's understanding of the game is excellent. He's a PF who can play offensively with a post big like Al because he can feed him, and he can break down defenses off the bounce. Think what everyone liked about Royce White but with a labotomy.

    Would: Here I took Gary Harris up top. So I sort of got my shooting next to MKG rather than full blown replacing him as I did with McD in the other version. But it also means I have even less depth at the forward spots. So the PF position makes as much sense here. And I do really love the Anderson fit next to a real post player. It is a problem defensively. But there's no flawless picks at this point. The list of wing guys don't move the needle vs. Harris, a healthy MKG, Henderson, and even a hopefully healthy Jeff Taylor anyway.


    ROCKETS
    Think: I really like this Rockets team. I feel they're legit contenders when everything works. I like the big rotation around Dwight, DoMo, Terrance Jones, Pretty Chandler as a small four. And I say that not being much of a fan of The Beard. I think they'll look SF who can shoot but defend a little more than say Francisco Garcia. TJ Warren is the most natural of the SFs. Has the shooting but not quite the athleticism. Grant perhaps, or Cleanthany Early, but neither can stretch enough. The rest of the wings are closer to SGs. I think Glenn Robinson is the closest combination of things they need.

    Would: I would go in a different direction. I like Patrick Beverly. I like his defensive presence. But this team doesn't run a traditional PG arangement because of the presence of Harden. I would seriously consider Elfrid Payton. There's some similarity to Beverly in his ball hawking defense, frantic pace. He'd cause some spacing issues, but you wouldn't need him to be the true PG some may want out of him, because once the game goes into the half court, they're going to run PnR sets through Harden anyway. His length could allow him to play defense on SGs and hide Harden too. But guy I would walk away with is someone I seem to like more than most. Semaj Christian. Not really a PG, but a guy who can do some of that stuff in the open court, space the floor some, and hide Harden some defensively. I feel like he'd be a good platoon with the smaller Beverly when you're playing the quicker PGs.


    HEAT
    Think: The Heat are always interesting, because they're so talented, but also because they're structure is cost dependent on their three stars. Finding cheap help on the back end of the draft is more important for them than most contenders, because these guys are gonna play. It also means they can't just take the best prospect, because he's gotta fit. Nurkic is still available, and could be stowed to save cost with all opt outs available. And he may fill their never ending search for help dealing with size. And maybe cover for Bosh being the most possible player to leave. It works for a lot of reasons. And he's a guy who'd be considered a good get at this point.

    Would: On my side, the best available are probably Warren and GRob, but there's that fit issue. Nurkic is gone. They've had great success with Birdman as a high energy big, and there's a guy similar to him here, who's not in his mid thirties. Mitch McGary has some health concerns and the pot red flag, but a year ago he would been a late lottery pick.


    SUNS
    Think: Again, I really think they're going to try to package these three picks into some single thing of more value. But that's just too hard to envision. I have them already taking Grant and James Young here (and Grant and Hood in my other train of thought, so essentially the same thing). McGary is hanging around is this version, and his hyper energetic size might work with their pace. Sort of a bigger version of what Grant brings to the table. It would give them a lot of mixing and matching type pieces up front.

    Would: The size has gone quickly on this side. And I'm not sure I want another SF. I considered Cleanthony Early vs. Grant before, and could get both, but I'm not sure that helps. With three picks, I'd be inclined to try and hide an asset overseas (if I couldn't trade the picks). I like Kristaps Porzingis as the most interesting of the remaining foreigners. He's the classic euro four. 7 feet, but prefers to shoot and handle. With a slight frame and little interest in banging, but a good athlete. Pretty much Jan Vesseley again. But at 19 you still have time. And you'd be hard pressed to find someone to really help this roster now at this point.


    CLIPPERS
    Think: We' into the genuine contenders here. So getting help won't be easy. I like the shooting they've surrounded Paul and the bigs with. I even liked taking Bullock last year to help in that regard before they bolstered the roster, but still liked it after. They're thin up front though after Blake and DeAndre. TJ Warren is still on this side, and is probably the best prospect. His knack for scoring and ability to space would be a reasonable option to platoon with Matt Barnes at SF.

    Would: Personally I'd be willing to reach for help up front. I'd wish McGary was still here. I could go Glenn Robinson for some of the same reasons I think they'd look Warren if real life fell this way. But I'm already running a contender, and played Big Baby Davis and Hedo Turkoglu at PF and C last year at times. I'm going to really reach for a really odd player to try to specifically buy myself 10 - 15 minutes a game. Isiah Austin of Baylor. A legit long 7-1, he actually knocks down perimeter shots on pick and pop in college. Remarkable considering he's blind in one eye. But he can provide that rim protection when DeAndre is out behind Blake. And that threat of hitting a jumper means he won't clutter up the offense. Plus he can run and move. Oddly he's a better asset for the teams drafting at the bottom of the first than most of the second round. So if he doesn't get plucked by someone here, he may not even get drafted.
    Last edited by Thorpesaurous; 06-03-2014 at 10:01 AM.

  7. #7
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    THUNDER
    Think: I had them hiding Capella on this side as a possible future asset. It's a shame no one is considering Isiah Austin, because I'd take him here too since I can't on my "would" side. These guys are often looking for athletes to play chaos defense, and floor spreaders on offense. Finding one guy who does both isn't easy at this point. Cleanthony Early is probably the best athlete left. Semaj Christion would fit some of the same logic that had me taking Ennis on the other side of this earlier. I'll guess they'll go Christion who can do a little of both.

    Would: On my end I had them taking Ennis as a younger version of Derek Fisher. With that side already taken, I would look big again. I've still got hopes Perry Jones will continue to develop, but more rangy athletes who can shoot are always welcome in this system. A biggish SF would be welcome if for no other reason than playing Durant as a nightmare matchup PF may be a real asset for stretches as this team continues to develop some offensive variation. Warren would've been nice, but he's gone. This again is a bit of a reach, but he's a guy who I personally like. DeAndre Daniels of Uconn. I would actually consider CJ Fair of Syracuse too, but Daniels range is more natural.


    SPURS
    Think: The last one, and not surprisingly, one of the best drafting teams ever. I'll start by saying it's a shame Kyle Anderson isn't here on either side. Because he feels a lot like a less Man Breast-y Boris Diaw to me. It's a very nice roster with little reason to think it wouldn't be good next year minus injuries or retirement. So stowing someone makes sense for them. Vasilije Micic has been associated with them on a couple sites, and he appears to be an oversized combo PG with some shooting deficiencies. The Spurs are less afraid of fixing shooters than anyone in the league, so that makes sense to me.

    Would: On this side I still have Glenn Robinson. And he's got the body to do what he's asked defensively on this team, and can shoot it enough to make a reasonable faximile of Danny Green. With the way the move minutes around, he could actually be an asset on the best team in basketball as the last pick in the first round as soon as next year, which is rare.

    That's it. As usual, I don't suppose anyone read all this. I don't blame you. I do this in large part as an exercise for myself because I like it. It's certainly possible I screwed up. I certainly screwed up a bunch of names. And it's very possible I drafted the same guy three or four times, or worse, didn't draft someone who should go third. Feel free to call me a moron.
    Thanks ... Thor.
    Last edited by Thorpesaurous; 06-03-2014 at 07:10 AM.

  8. #8
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    I'll clean this up during the week from computer at work.

  9. #9
    College star el gringos's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    3,928

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    I love that you write what you think should happen. So many here just copy the lists we all see and what is the point of that? So actual personal opinion- rare, and great to see.


    I don't see planning a team around the idea of playing small ball is a good idea. Parker should be drafted as a 3. Tobias Harris should be looked at as a 3.


    Thank you for the interesting read.

  10. #10
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    Quote Originally Posted by el gringos
    I love that you write what you think should happen. So many here just copy the lists we all see and what is the point of that? So actual personal opinion- rare, and great to see.


    I don't see planning a team around the idea of playing small ball is a good idea. Parker should be drafted as a 3. Tobias Harris should be looked at as a 3.


    Thank you for the interesting read.
    Thanks. Always nice when someone reads it. It is a lot of work. And I don't even take the time to edit it. This year in particular is loaded with type o's from my blue tooth keyboard cutting.

    Generally speaking I agree with you on the designing to go small. But I think the league is at the bottom of a small cycle. I really believe the league's size goes through cycles. The 90s Knocks were starting Charles Smith at SF who I'd argue could make an all star team at center in this league. Guys like Bird and Worthy would totally be PFs. Until someone changes the dynamic, I think this will continue. Maybe it's Embiid. Maybe it was supposed to be Oden. But for now I think you have to chase it.

    And specifically in this draft. One of the reasons I bought into Parker is because I do think he's a PF in the current world. The rebounds and blocks, and while not a great defender, he's better snooping in space than locked on the perimeter. He'll need help. He's not an anchor. But if he does have a post threat next to him who can help on the glass and defensively, then offensively he becomes a nightmare. I see the game Terrance Jones ever played, but 3 out every 5 games, and eventually more with the right development. But Jones already has that hard piece to find on his back ... flawed or not.

  11. #11
    alternick = loser :D veilside23's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    P.I.
    Posts
    3,795

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    nice read.. i am happy about parker's weight he is more lean than he was playing @ duke . he look like he has the hops again while he was in high school. crazy thing that makes me wonder is wiggins since he isnt actively trying out for teams i wonder what he improved on . embiid as well since he has that injury.

    My only concern on the top 5 pick would be randle he is like a derrick williams effect on me . i maybe wrong though but if only payne is 2 years younger he would be in the top 5 of this draft no doubt about it.

    so who ever gets payne will be get a gem that is ready to contribute.

  12. #12
    NBA sixth man of the year Thorpesaurous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    7,700

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    Quote Originally Posted by veilside23
    nice read.. i am happy about parker's weight he is more lean than he was playing @ duke . he look like he has the hops again while he was in high school. crazy thing that makes me wonder is wiggins since he isnt actively trying out for teams i wonder what he improved on . embiid as well since he has that injury.

    My only concern on the top 5 pick would be randle he is like a derrick williams effect on me . i maybe wrong though but if only payne is 2 years younger he would be in the top 5 of this draft no doubt about it.

    so who ever gets payne will be get a gem that is ready to contribute.
    I'm totally with you on Payne. I have Payne going higher in both versions of this than I see him in a lot of other mocks. And I like him a ton more than seems the norm on my side. And I feel like if he does fall to some of the lower playoff teams, either out of the lottery, or in the lottery if they own a traded pick, he makes a ton of sense for a team that's already established.

    I do disagree about Randle though. He's got a few flaws for sure. I'm particularly concerned on the defensive end. But while Derrick Williams was sort of an oversized three who seemed to benefit from a hot shooting streak, a classic tweener who really wasn't going to be able to defend either position, and then really bottomed out when it turned out his jumper was fools gold, and he was totally in no man's land.

    Randolf to me has a few things you can hang your hat on. I truely believe he'll rebound no matter what. The post game may be a touch to lefty heavy, so I could see that not developing as people may want, but he's got that, and a few ball skills. To me he's more of a small four, where Williams was a big three.

    The guy I'm most worried about in that tweener mold is Aaron Gordon. Obviously the plus plus athleticism helps, but he's got less ball skill than Derrick Williams had. There's not even the illusion of shooting we got from Williams' hot shooting three point season (one thing I think is overlooked about college is that the season is 30 games, so a season of shooting 40% from three is really just a nice run as a pro. It really can be a season long streak in college). Gordon isn't nearly as strong, and probably not quite as long as Randle, and to me just won't hold up as a PF. He to me is the classic tweener.

    Thanks for reading.

  13. #13
    Very good NBA starter DukeDelonte13's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    8,784

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    well done.


    i have no idea what to think w/ the cavs...

    exact same scouting department since Lebron left that has surprised with every top pick they had save kyrie.

    Bennett was a big time roll of the dice on upside, it may work, it may not.


    Wiggs provides the more immediate impact than Embiid, whereas Embiid if he reaches his potential can become the best center in the league and can turn the cavs into a matchup nightmare against most teams in the league.

    I doubt Wiggs becomes the best wing in the league, i think Parker has that potential though.


    At the end of the day i'll be happy with either of the big 3, but i like Embiid the most.

  14. #14
    NBA Legend Jailblazers7's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    18,698

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    I like your think draft better than your would draft for the Sixers. I think Jabari looks to be in better shape than he was at Duke and can split time at the 3/4 in the NBA. Also, I don't think you can discount the whole 4 time city/state champ thing in the best HS basketball area in the country. The Sixers were a young team that you could see deflate and develop bad habits by the end of the year. A young leader like Jabari is exactly the kind of centerpiece the team needs. I used to be more sold on Wiggins for Philly but I've come around. Don't know a ton about Saric but from everything I've seen/read I'd like the pick. Big, skilled euro who can play a couple positions.

    edit - for the record, I'd rather have Wiggins but I've talked myself into being indifferent when/if Wiggins goes #2.

    I agree with you about Payne being slept on probably just due to his age. You would think people would be less susceptible to that mistake after seeing Lillard but group psychology is always nebulous and silly. I definitely don't see Hinkie grabbing him because he isn't really positioning Philly to compete for another 2-3 years. I think CHI might be the perfect landing spot altho I think he would be fun to see on Phoenix. I would secretly love to see him paired with Big Al in Charlotte too. He would help space the floor and maybe work some high-low action with those two.
    Last edited by Jailblazers7; 06-05-2014 at 02:31 PM.

  15. #15
    Red Nation Smook A.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    15,763

    Default Re: My Crazy Mock 2014

    Damn bro did you write all of that? Wow

    I have to say man... You did a fantastic job

    I would definitely rep you if we still had rep

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •