NBADraft.net's final 2010 mock draft
With the draft coming up tonight, here's one last crack at predicting how things will play out ...
1. Washington Wizards: John Wall, 6-4, 195, PG, Fr., Kentucky
Wall is the real prize of this year's draft, and while there's some debate over whether he's talented enough to really be a team's savior, he certainly has a chance to turn around the Wizards. This organization appeared headed for destruction until the lottery gods threw them a life boat. (See him in action)
2. Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner, 6-7, 215, SG/SF, Jr., Ohio State
Turner offers the safest and most NBA ready option available for the Sixers, two things that are music to GM Ed Stefanski's ears. Turner's ability to "fit in" will allow him to thrive and help to improve the Sixers instantly. (See him in action)
3. New Jersey Nets: Wesley Johnson, 6-7, 205, SF, Jr., Syracuse
The Nets appear to be willing to gamble that they can add one of the top free agent power forwards (Nowitzki, Bosh, Amare, Scola) during the summer. Johnson adds more to the team right away, and for a team with a new owner that is looking to instantly change the culture of losing within the organization, Johnson makes sense. (See him in action)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Favors, 6-10, 245, PF/C, Fr., Georgia Tech
Despite offending Favors and his agent Wallace Prather Jr. with comments he made after his workout alluding to the fact that he was out of shape, team President David Kahn will take Favors here. Favors may ultimately overtake both Turner and Wes, as his potential is boundless. The Wolves appear to have lucked into an excellent talent, despite it not being the guy they really wanted (Johnson). Assuming they keep Kevin Love, a Favors-Love combination should work well together with sheer athleticism matched with skill, not to mention it sounds a lot like "Flavor of Love," of TV fame. (See him in action)
5. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, 290, C, Fr., Kentucky
Detroit would be ecstatic to see Cousins fall into its lap at 7. Cousins is the big mystery of this year's draft. His draft position will be directly related to psychological evaluations by teams, which he has received mixed reviews on. He's a talent, but it will take the right situation with a coach and team that is able to get him to stay focused and doing the right things on and off the floor to be successful. Despite the Pistons' mini-collapse since the Billups trade, Joe D has made this a long-standing winning organization known for stability, which is exactly what Cousins needs. (See him in action)
6. Golden State Warriors: Ekpe Udoh, 6-10, 235, PF/C, Jr., Baylor
There is still some debate over whether the Warriors will take Monroe, but his workout with the team received poor reviews. Monroe lacks the athleticism to shine in workouts but would be a better choice than Udoh. Udoh is a reach taken this high. After struggling to stand out in two years at Michigan, the 23-year-old was surrounded by quality teammates. Playing in a wide-open system at Baylor, he flourished. Was he a one-hit wonder, or will he be able to have the same success offensively at the NBA level? There are also rumors that this pick will be involved in a package trade. (See him in action)
7. Detroit Pistons: Ed Davis, 6-10, 225, PF, Soph., North Carolina
According to sources, Joe Dumars has given Davis a promise at No. 7 overall. Davis was projected as the No. 2 pick for this draft a full year ago. He offers a lot of upside but also some risk after missing the final months of the season to a wrist injury. He has not looked sharp shooting the ball in workouts, likely affected by the injured wrist. (See him in action)
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Al-Farouq Aminu, 6-8 1/2, 215, F, Soph., Wake Forest
The Clippers taking Aminu is beginning to look like one of the draft's certainties. Barring a trade, it's unlikely that he goes higher than their pick, and even though they love Babbitt, Aminu is said to be at the top of their list of small forwards. (See him in action)
9. Utah Jazz (from New York Knicks): Luke Babbitt, 6-9, 220, F, Soph., Nevada
The Jazz may be letting Andrei Kirilenko go this summer and appear ready to part ways with Carlos Boozer, as well. Babbitt has the versaility to play either forward spot, although he appears to be more of a natural 3. The Jazz are said to be extremely high on him. (See him in action)
10. Indiana Pacers: Greg Monroe, 6-11, 245, PF, Soph., Georgetown
Larry Bird appears to be actively shopping this pick. The 10th pick seems to have become more valuable as it appears there's a good chance that Monroe could be available here. Monroe has the type of skills that should allow him to fit in anywhere. (See him in action)
11. New Orleans Hornets: Paul George, 6-9, 215, F, Soph., Fresno State
George figures to go between Nos. 8-13. He's a virtual lock to go in the lottery, which is surprising considering before the year some scouts didn't even have him on their radar. George is a high/risk reward pick who likely won't pay immediate dividends but his long-term potential is among a small handful at the top of this year's draft class. (See him in action)
12. Memphis Grizzlies: Patrick Patterson, 6-9, 240, PF, Jr., Kentucky
Patterson is one of the true sleepers of this year's draft and one of the only locks to have a quality NBA career. Perhaps because he was forced into a complementary role behind Wall and Cousins, teams are sleeping on him. He was invited to the green room, but it isn't expected that he will get his name called until late in the lottery. (See him in action)
13. Toronto Raptors: Cole Aldrich, 6-11, 235, C, Jr., Kansas
The Raptors worked out Aldrich on Tuesday, and he's one of the players they are strongly considering with their pick. Aldrich would give the Raptors a solution at the center position, something they have struggled to fill over the past few years playing Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh, who may be gone via free agency, together in the front court. (See him in action)
14. Houston Rockets: Gordon Hayward, 6-8, 210, F, Soph., Butler
Jimmy Chitwood ... err Hayward has really surprised people with quality workouts after such an impressive season leading Butler to an improbable run to the title game. He received a green room invite and stands a good chance of getting taken between 11 and 15. He sort of duplicates what Chase Budinger brings to the table, but shooters are always in high demand. (See him in action)
15. Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago Bulls): Xavier Henry, 6-6, 210, SG, Fr., Kansas
The Bucks have been extremely active already putting deals together to bring in Corey Maggette. Henry would be an excellent value for them at 15. They are extremely high on Lance Stephenson, but it appears unlikely that they would pass up the more highly rated 2-guards such as Xavier Henry, Avery Bradley and James Anderson to take him. (See him in action)
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte Bobcats): Avery Bradley, 6-3, 180, G, Fr., Texas
Bradley got a long look from the Raptors at No. 13, but in the end, he will likely be taken just outside the lottery. The Timberwolves could look to go big again here, but will most likely be able to grab a second big man at No. 23, so taking a talented guard such as Bradley makes sense. The Wolves are extremely high on Paul George but not high enough to take him at 4. He won't be available here, so their only shot at him will be to package their picks to move into the lottery. (See him in action)
17. Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee Bucks): James Anderson, 6-6, 210, SG, Jr., Oklahoma State
The Bulls would like to find a running mate in the backcourt for Derrick Rose and are said to be high on Anderson. Anderson would offer the team a shooting guard with the ability to contribute right away, which is just what a playoff team can use. (See him in action)
18. Oklahoma Thunder (from Miami): Daniel Orton, 6-9½, 270, PF, Fr., Kentucky
After moving up to the 18th pick, the Thunder are well positioned with three mid-first rounders. Entering the draft without an agent, reports are numerous that Orton is falling like a rock, possibly into the second round. His decision to shut down workouts is beginning to appear to be a big mistake -- something that cost DeAndre Jordan dearly back in 2008. But based on the level of interest in him, we find it hard to believe that he will fall much further than Nos. 20-25. Oklahoma City, Boston, San Antonio and Memphis are all possibilities for him. Indiana is another team showing interest in him, but that scenario would likely mean obtaining a pick in this range to select him. (See him in action)
19. Boston Celtics: Eric Bledsoe, 6-1½, 190, PG, Fr., Kentucky
The Celtics could use a replacement for Sheed and someone such as Craig Brackins would make sense here. There's also a chance the pick will be moved. Similar to the way New Orleans used their first rounder on a point guard last year in Collison and now have a valuable chip, Bledsoe would also provide an athletic backup for Rajon Rondo. (See him in action)
20. San Antonio Spurs: Larry Sanders, 6-11, 220, F, Jr., VCU
The Spurs could use some defensive help inside, and with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, Sanders has the length to disrupt things defensively in the paint. Tim Duncan is still effective offensively, but having a player like Sanders to relieve him of defensive duties would help to keep him fresh at the end of games. (See him in action)
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Seraphin, 6-9, 263, PF/C, France
Seraphin is said to have a promise in the early 20s. It has been speculated to be San Antonio, OKC or Portland. Although his agent would like him to play in the NBA next year, his inability to play summer league will make that more difficult. After all, the team that drafts him holds the cards on that decision.
22. Portland Trail Blazers: Elliott Williams, 6-4, 180, SG, Soph., Memphis
Williams has long had a rumored promise at 20 with San Antonio, but there are questions about those reports. Williams missed the combine due to a supposed injury, prompting speculation that he had a promise in the late first round. That buzz appears to have dissipated some. However the Blazers are now the team said to be targeting Williams and could use their 22nd or 34th pick on him. (See him in action)
23. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Hassan Whiteside, 7-0, 225, C, Fr., Marshall
Whiteside has the talent to be a lottery pick and could get some looks at 14 with Houston. He lacks maturity and has not had a great workout tour. He is a player that wont bring much right away and will be drafted on upside. For a team with multiple picks and a need for a shot blocker such as Minnesota, he makes perfect sense. (See him in action)
24. Atlanta Hawks: Craig Brackins, 6-9, 229, PF, Jr., Iowa St.
The Hawks are said to be looking for a wing that can hit shots. Brackins isn't exactly a wing, but he can shoot the ball. Other options here include Willie Warren, Dominique Jones and Terrico White. (See him in action)
25. Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver Nuggets): Armon Johnson, 6-3, 190, PG, Jr., Nevada
The Grizzlies are in need of a point guard and after likely taking a forward at 12 (Patterson, Hayward or George), they should have their choice among a number of PGs here. Bledsoe could be gone, but Johnson, Terrico White and Willie Warren all stand an excellent chance of being available.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix Suns): Devin Ebanks, 6-8, 208, SF, Soph., West Virginia
Ebanks has become a hot name of late with a number of suitors, including Toronto, that would like to acquire a first rounder to nab him. There's a good chance a team will try to move into the 16-21 range for a shot to grab Ebanks. the T-Wolves could also look to grab him at No. 16. (See him in action)
27. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas Mavericks): Gani Lawal, 6-9, 230, PF, Soph., Georgia Tech
Lawal could actually fall into the second round, a sign of just how deep this year's draft is. New Jersey would have a tremendous draft by getting Johnson at No. 3 and following that up with a quality pick like Lawal at No. 27. (See him in action)
28. Memphis Grizzlies (from Los Angeles Lakers): Damion James, 6-8, 225, F, Sr., Texas
ames here at No. 28 would be a much better option for Memphis than DeMarre Carroll was at No. 27 a year ago. James similarly is stuck between positions but has much greater athleticism and defensive ability. Lance Stephenson is a possibility here as well. (See him in action)
29. Orlando Magic: Dominique Jones, 6-4, 216, SG, Jr., Florida International
For a contending team, Jones makes sense as a ready-to-contribute draft pick. He could challenge J.J. Redick in the role of scorer, with less shooting ability but more defense and strength. Redick could also be gone. (See him in action)
30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland Cavaliers): Jordan Crawford, 6-4, 195, SG, Soph., Xavier
Crawford will look to take his game to the NBA and become known for being more than just the guy that dunked on LeBron James. Crawford is also known for having a questionable attitude, but there's enough interest in him that he could find a spot in the end of the first round. Crawford's ability to bring instant offense gives him a real attribute to hang his hat on that some of the other small guards in this class are lacking. (See him in action)
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