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The NBA draft is set for June 24, and while it’s clear whom Washington will select with the top overall pick, the rest of the first round is tough to figure.
We’ll take our first stab at a mock draft:
1. Washington Wizards: John Wall, 6-4, 195, PG, Fr., Kentucky
This is a complete no-brainer, as Wall is the one guy in this draft with superstar potential written all over him. He’s fast, athletic and proved to have quality leadership skills in his lone season in college.
2. Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner, 6-7, 215, SG/SF, Jr., Ohio State
New coach Doug Collins and the Sixers’ brass will have a difficult call here. While a big man like Derrick Favors may be needed more, the guess is that Philly goes with the safer pick in the versatile Turner.
3. New Jersey Nets: Derrick Favors, 6-10, 245, PF/C, Fr., Georgia Tech
The athletic and mild-mannered post player would fit perfectly alongside Brook Lopez on the Nets’ front line. Favors is oozing with potential and is a coaches’ dream in terms of his attitude.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Wesley Johnson, 6-7, 205, SF, Jr., Syracuse
The T’Wolves could use a wing who can stretch the defense and make shots from the perimeter. Johnson can do just that.
5. Sacramento Kings: Al-Farouq Aminu, 6-8 1/2, 215, F, Soph., Wake Forest
The Kings have a bunch of big bodies and one of the top young guards in the league, but they could use an athletic wing. Aminu thrives in transition and would fit in well in Sacramento.
6. Golden State Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, 290, C, Fr., Kentucky
This one just makes sense. Maybe Don Nelson can handle the enigmatic big man, who could either become a star or flop at the next level.
7. Detroit Pistons: Greg Monroe, 6-11, 245, PF, Soph., Georgetown
He won’t blow you away with his athleticism, but the skilled big man knows how to play. He’ll become one of the top passing big men in the NBA, and as long as he’s not expected to carry a team, Monroe will be an above-average NBA player.
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Luke Babbitt, 6-9, 220, F, Soph., Nevada
The Clippers will get Blake Griffin, last year’s top overall pick, back healthy and will have a solid combo up front with Griffin and Chris Kaman. The backcourt is Baron Davis and Eric Gordon, so the need is for a wing. Babbitt can do it all, and his stock is rising.
9. Utah Jazz (from New York Knicks): Cole Aldrich, 6-11, 235, C, Jr., Kansas
Carlos Boozer will be a free agent come July, and with this being such a big-man-heavy draft, look for the Jazz to go with a front-line guy. The question becomes which one. We’re giving the nod to Aldrich, who is the most ready after three years in college.
10. Indiana Pacers: Ed Davis, 6-10, 225, PF, Soph., North Carolina
The long and athletic big man isn’t ready to come in and do much in the NBA right now, but he’s worth the risk. He runs the court well and is a shot-blocker but needs to work on being able to score in the post.
11. New Orleans Hornets: Patrick Patterson, 6-9, 240, PF, Jr., Kentucky
He has expanded his game and also worked on his athleticism. Patterson is one of the few guys who should be able to step right in and play against NBA guys from the get-go. He’ll rebound and give effort each and every night.
12. Memphis Grizzlies: Gordon Hayward, 6-8, 210, F, Soph., Butler
Hayward is a versatile wing who does a variety of things to make his team better. He won’t step in and make a huge impact immediately, but he can become a quality NBA player.
13. Toronto Raptors: Ekpe Udoh, 6-10, 235, PF/C, Jr., Baylor
With the likelihood that Chris Bosh is history, the Raptors will need to add a big man — and Udoh has some of the same attributes of Bosh. He’s long and athletic and can affect the game on the defensive end.
14. Houston Rockets: Daniel Orton, 6-9 ½, 270, PF, Fr., Kentucky
He only averaged three points a year ago, but the Rockets need another big man down low who can help spell Yao Ming when he returns.
15. Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago Bulls): Xavier Henry, 6-6, 210, SG, Fr., Kansas
He’s not Michael Redd, but he can certainly help soften the blow because it looks like even if Redd returns, he won’t be the same player. Henry can score, but he needs to become more than just a one-dimensional player.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte Bobcats): Donatas Motiejunas, 7-0, 215, PF/C, 19, Bennetton Treviso
The skilled Lithuanian can give the T’Wolves a different look up front.
17. Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee Bucks): James Anderson, 6-6, 210, SG, Jr., Oklahoma State
The Bulls could use a wing who can really score — and that’s exactly what Anderson will give them. He’s strong and is a versatile scorer.
18. Miami Heat: Eric Bledsoe, 6-1 ½, 190, PG, Fr., Kentucky
The Heat just need to grab the best player available, and Bledsoe has a chance to be an upper-tier point guard in the league with his speed, athleticism and also his ability to make shots.
19. Boston Celtics: Damion James, 6-8, 225, F, Sr., Texas
He’s a big-time athlete who can rebound and is also capable of scoring from the perimeter and in the paint.
20. San Antonio Spurs: Hassan Whiteside, 7-0, 225, C, Fr., Marshall
This would be the ideal spot for the long and talented Whiteside, who could learn from one of the best in Tim Duncan.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Solomon Alabi, 7-1, 235, C, RS Soph., Florida State
Once he gets stronger, Alabi could become a solid big man in the league. His length and athleticism make him a quality shot-blocker, and he’s also capable of scoring on the block.
22. Portland Trail Blazers: Jordan Crawford, 6-4 ½, 200, SG, Soph., Xavier
I’m not really sure what Portland needs besides health, but Crawford is a guy who can shoot it from deep — which is one of the Blazers’ needs.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Avery Bradley, 6-3, 180, G, Fr., Texas
The best scenario for Bradley is to be taken by a team where he can be brought along slowly and learn how to play the point. He’s a big-time defender, though, so that should get him playing time right away.
24. Atlanta Hawks: Paul George, 6-9, 215, F, Soph., Fresno State
He’s an under-the-radar guy who has a ton of potential. He’s versatile, a big-time athlete and is more skilled than many give him credit for.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver Nuggets): Larry Sanders, 6-11, 220, F, Jr., VCU
This is one of those potential picks. Sanders is long and talented, but it’ll take him some time.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix Suns): Gani Lawal, 6-9, 230, PF, Soph., Georgia Tech
Big-time athlete who runs the floor extremely well for a big man and can be a big-time rebounder.
27. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas Mavericks): Sherron Collins, 6-0, 215, PG, Sr., Kansas
The Nets could use a backup point guard, and the former Kansas star can come in and give them back-up minutes.
28. Memphis Grizzlies (from Los Angeles Lakers): Elliot Williams, 6-4, 180, G, Soph., Memphis
The local pick is also one that could help because Williams could become an insurance policy in case the team decides to move O.J. Mayo.
29. Orlando Magic: Stanley Robinson, 6-8, 215, SF, Sr., UConn
Robinson will give the Magic an athletic forward who is also capable of stepping out and making shots.
30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland Cavaliers): Kevin Seraphin, 6-10, 255, PF, 20, France
On tape, he looks like an impressive athlete with limited skills.
