By Joe Kotoch, ProBasketballDraft.com
Draft day has arrived and with it comes a flurry of trades and rumors. Four trades have been made so far and executives around the league believe that many more will follow. Houston is aggressively acquiring assets and appears to be all in for Dwight Howard. Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, and Tyreke Evans all have been mentioned in possible deals as well.
There is a growing sense around the NBA that Charlotte, Sacramento, Golden State, and Houston all are willing to trade their lottery picks. According to sources Portland will keep both of their lottery picks and appear to be focused on Damian Lillard with the 6th pick. Syracuse SG Dion Waiters is steadily moving up the board, while UCONN C Andre Drummond appears to be sliding.
Here is the final Mock Draft based on information from sources throughout the league.
1. Hornets – Anthony Davis, PF, KentuckyIt is just a matter of hours until the Commissioner calls Davis’ name. Davis is the consensus top pick in the draft and his combination of length, athleticism, and defense make him unique. Davis is a great weakside shot blocker and rebounder, who will instantly be among the most exciting shot blockers in the NBA.
2. Bobcats – Thomas Robinson, PF, KansasThis pick is hardly a given as Charlotte is desperately seeking to trade out of this spot but if the Bobcats were to make the pick at 2, sources indicate that Robinson would be the choice. Robinson is a very good rebounder and finisher around the rim. Robinson would provide Charlotte with frontcourt scoring and be able to play alongside last year’s first round pick Bismack Biyombo. If this pick is dealt it likely means Bradley Beal is going second.
3. Wizards – Bradley Beal, SG, FloridaWith the recent acquisition of Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza it seems that the Wizards are going all in to make the playoffs. With urgency towards winning the Wizards are deep with bigs (Nene, Okafor, Andray Blatche, Jan Vesely, and Kevin Seraphin) and have Chris Singleton and Ariza to play on the perimeter. Where is the shooting? John Wall needs spacing and it would seem that Beal is the no-brainer. Beal is great shooter with range and can also create and handle the ball. Pairing Beal with Wall would give the Wizards an exciting young backcourt.
4. Cavs – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, KentuckyHere is where the draft gets interesting. Cleveland is one of the hardest teams to get a read on as they have worked out all of the top prospects. According to sources, Cleveland has locked in on Kidd-Gilchrist and is prepared to draft him at 4. A trade up to 2 remains a possibility but the Bobcats and Cavs are haggling over the price. Now reports are surfacing that Dion Waiters might be seriously in the mix at 4.
5. Kings – Harrison Barnes, SF, North CarolinaThe Kings would love for Kidd-Gilchrist or Robinson to fall to them but if they don't this pick becomes much more available. The Kings need to add maturity and someone that can help on the court right away. Barnes is a polished offensive player that can immediately start in Sacramento. Teams interested in trading up with Sacramento may have to pay a steep price.
6. Trail Blazers – Damian Lillard, PG, Weber StateWord around the league is that Neil Olshey has focused his attention on Lillard at 6 and has no intention of moving their picks. Lillard would instantly upgrade Portland’s PG situation and can provide a nice coring punch as he is able to score all over the court. Lillard is among the safest lottery picks and still has upside.
7. Warriors – Dion Waiters, SG, SyracuseAccording to a source the Warriors would be willing to trade up to select Kidd-Gilchrist but there are other reports that Golden State may deal down to a team looking to draft Andre Drummond. If Golden State stays with this pick it sounds as though they are leaning towards Waiters, who Jerry West has recommended. Some around the league believe that Waiters over time may be one of the top offensive players in this draft.
8. Raptors – Austin Rivers, SG, DukeReports out of Toronto are that Rivers was more impressive than Jeremy Lamb and that the Raptors are looking for backcourt help. Rivers is one of the most creative scorers in the draft and oozes with confidence.
9. Pistons – Andre Drummond, C, ConnecticutDetroit has been scrambling to check out Drummond’s background with his stock slipping a bit. If Drummond is on the board at this point his upside is too much to pass on. Drummond has arguably the second highest ceiling in the draft and should be able to help defensively and on the glass right away but needs to work on his post game. Questions about his motor could prevent Drummond from reaching his potential.
10. Hornets – Terrence Ross, SG, WashingtonIf Austin Rivers is off the board then the Hornets will have an interesting decision to make. Ross is one of the top shooters and athletes in the draft. With his length and athleticism, he eventually could be a good defender and is capable of playing either SG or SF.
11. Trail Blazers – Meyers Leonard, C, IllinoisAfter speaking to a source the Blazers seem set on Meyers Leonard here unless Drummond were to fall to this spot. Leonard is still raw but has a lot of potential and could be a great fit with Damian Lillard. Leonard really helped himself at the Combine and has showcased elite athleticism for player of his size.
12. Rockets – Tyler Zeller, C, North CarolinaThe Rockets have struggled to find a replacement to Yao Ming and while Zeller does not project to be an All-Star he should be a solid player for a long time. The 7-footer moves and rebounds very well and is very polished offensively.
13. Suns – Jeremy Lamb, SG, ConnecticutLamb is a long, athletic, scoring guard that can fill it up on offense. The Suns who might be starting the post-Nash era next season would be wise to find help on the perimeter. Lamb would also provide the Suns with an aggressive wing defender.
14. Bucks – Terrence Jones, PF, KentuckyWhile the Bucks might appear to be set with their bigs after trading for Samuel Dalembert they lack consistent offense and that is why Jones may be the most logical choice. Jones was a very good rebounder and defender in college and combined with a NBA-body should be able to contribute right away. According to one GM, Jones’ will surprise with his ability to score in the NBA as he can shoot and skilled enough to get by most PFs. Jones is also an underrated passer.
15. 76ers – John Henson, PF, North CarolinaFrom talking to sources, Philadelphia seems focused on adding depth to it’s front court and while Perry Jones and other options may be available Henson is the obvious choice. Henson provides length, rebounding shot-blocking, and the ability to defend multiple positions.
16. Rockets – Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s With three picks Houston will be one of the more aggressive teams on draft night, as GM Daryl Morey must propel the Rockets into the playoffs. Don’t be surprised to Houston package a combination of these picks to move up for a player like Andre Drummond. If the Rockets stand pat Harkless was the Big East Conference Rookie of the Year and is a great rebounder and defender. He also has the athleticism to get to the rim and finish but still needs to improve as a shooter.
17. Mavericks – Kendall Marshall, PG, North CarolinaDallas really likes Terrence Ross but if he is not available look for Marshall to be the pick. Marshall reminds some around the league of a young Andre Miller as he is a bigger PG with great vision and a very skilled passer. Playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki certainly would help Marshall.
18. Rockets - Perry Jones, PF, BaylorJones is perhaps the biggest enigma in the draft because he has great size and special talent but never played to his potential in college. However, he is very skilled and comfortable facing the basket. If the Rockets actually hold onto all of these picks Daryl Morey can afford to take a gamble.
19. Magic – Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi StateMoultrie has the versatility to play either PF or C. With so much uncertainty surrounding Dwight Howard and his future in Orlando taking a chance on Moultrie who has great athleticism, can rebound and block shots is worth it.
20. Nuggets – Marquis Teague, PG, KentuckyWith Andre Miller a free agent and no depth after Ty Lawson, Denver could opt to take the top PG on the board. Teague is a quick, score-first point but showed the ability to subjugate his game for the benefit of his team at Kentucky.
21. Celtics – Royce White, PF, Iowa StateThe Celtics want to come away with a big with one of their first round picks and have reportedly promised to take White at 21. White has lottery talent but concerns about an anxiety disorder and fear of flying may be overblown. When watching his film White displays the ability to score inside or out and has good vision, passing, and ball handling skills for his size.
22. Celtics – Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio StateSullinger has seen his stock fall sharply over the last few weeks due to medical red flags. Despite his struggles with length and athleticism there is no denying Sullinger is productive and should be a solid post scorer and rebounder in the NBA. Sources have indicated that Boston is willing to draft Sullinger if he falls to them.
23. Hawks – Evan Fournier, SG, PoitersNewly hired President and GM Danny Ferry will likely pull a page from the Spurs and target a player that can be stashed for a year or two and continue to develop before arriving to the NBA. In France, Fournier has been very productive at creating shots for himself and his teammates at the highest level. He is only 19, speaks English pretty well and has great size.
24. Cavs – Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. BonaventureThe Cavs will likely target a big here and while some feel a true center like Fab Melo or Festus Ezeli make sense for Cleveland. Nicholson is a very skilled shooter and has the size to be a dominant rebounder and shot blocker. Nicholson can play alongside Anderson Varejao or Tristan Thompson.
25. Grizzlies – Tony Wroten, PG, WashingtonWith the so much money tied up among Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph, it seems like the Grizzlies will need to make a trade to create financial flexibility. If Mike Conley is moved, adding a player with Wroten’s potential is essential. If the Grizzlies keep Conley, they still need a quality backup point. Wroten has excellent size and athleticism and while he is a poor jump shooter has the abilities to be a very good PG. One source tells me that if Memphis doesn’t select a PG the Grizzlies will target shooters.
26. Pacers – Draymond Green, PF, Michigan StateWord is that the Pacers are narrowing in on Green as they would like to add more offense to their frontcourt. Green is more of a power forward but could play some small forward a la Anthony Mason. Green may not project to be a star but should be a productive player for a long time.
27. Heat – Fab Melo, C, SyracuseThe defending champs struggled at times against length and selecting Melo would certainly help. Melo is raw offensively but in Miami won’t be needed to score much just to rebound, block shots, and defend. Playing alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh will also help Melo mature and develop.
28. Thunder – Jeff Taylor, SF, VanderbiltThe Thunder don’t have any glaring needs so they are in a position to take the best player available. Taylor is a polished, mature player who was very productive in the SEC. He can contribute on both ends and has good athleticism.
29. Bulls – Will Barton, SG, MemphisBarton was in Chicago for an individual workout this week. Barton is among the names rising of late. Barton’s offensive game is very polished as he can slash or shoot and is very long. While Barton has a slender frame he is very productive and confident.
30. Warriors – Quincy Miller, SF, BaylorGolden State is likely to be actively shopping their picks since they have four total. Miller has lottery talent but appeared to still be recovering from an ACL injury. Miller has the versatility to play either forward position and is skilled as a scorer.
31. Bobcats – Darius Miller, SF, KentuckyThe Bobcats still need help at forward and Miller is an experienced starter and solid all around player. Miller is very good at knocking down open looks.
32. Wizards – Festus Ezeli, C, VanderbiltBoth Nene and Emeka Okafor are getting older and selecting Ezeli to develop behind them would be a good move for the Wizards. Ezeli is a quality defender and rebounder but can’t give you much on offense.
33. Cavs – John Jenkins, SG, VanderbiltJenkins is regarded as one of the top shooters in the draft. Jenkins would immediately be in the mix to start at SG in Cleveland. Word is Jenkins might sneak into the first round.
34. Cavs – Miles Plumlee, C, DukeCleveland needs more size and drafting Plumlee would certainly help. Plumlee’s stock has soared with great performances in workouts to the point that he may sneak in round one. Bigs with Plumlee’s size and athleticism are hard to come by.
35. Warriors – Kyle O’Quinn, PF, Norfolk StateWith four picks the Warriors can address many of their needs. Golden State wants to add players that help them win now. O’Quinn has great length and the ability to face the basket. O’Quinn has a lot of promise.
36. Kings – Tyshawn Taylor, PG, KansasSacramento wants winners and Taylor is one. Taylor has first round ability and is a great athlete and defender. While Taylor can play out of control at times he is worth a gamble.
37. Raptors – Scott Machado, PG, IonaMachado is one of the more exciting players as he can light it up in a hurry. A real PG that will give Raptors a nice change of pace to Jose Calderon. Machado could be a great value in the second round.
38. Nuggets – Kim English, SF, MissouriEnglish is rising up the boards rapidly thanks to great workouts where he has been able to show off his jumper. English has the versatility to play multiple positions on the perimeter.
39. Pistons – Jared Cunningham, SG, Oregon State According to several scouts, Cunningham is among the top athletes in the draft and is lightning quick and knows how to finish. Has the ability to play some point.
40. Trail Blazers – Doron Lamb, SG, KentuckyLamb is one of the best shooters in the draft, can play either guard spot in spurts or come off the bench as a shooter. Portland getting this kind of talent and versatility at this point is a steal.
41. Trail Blazers – Tomas Satoransky, SG, SevillaAccording to a source the Blazers will focus primarily on international prospects in round 2. Satoransky has great size to play on the wing and can handle the ball.
42. Bucks – Orlando Johnson, SG, UC Santa BarbaraMilwaukee is in a win-now mode and need a player like Johnson, who is a smooth scoring guard that will contribute right away. Johnson has the frame to get to the rim as well.
43. Hawks – Khris Middleton, SF, Texas A&MFor the second straight mock, the Hawks wind up with Middleton. A disappointing season caused Middleton’s stock to tumble but his talent is undeniable. Middleton is a great athlete and can score.
44. Pistons – Kevin Jones, PF, West VirginiaJones is a sweet-shooting PF that will give the Pistons a dimension they lack. Very productive and efficient, Jones will be able to step in right away and contribute..
45. 76ers – Kostas Papanikolaou, SF, OlympiakosPapanikolaou is a very steady player that doesn’t necessarily excel in any one area but works hard and is productive despite not being very athletic. The 76ers with three picks will definitely look to stash at least one prospect overseas for a year or two.
46. Hornets – Tornike Shengelia, PF, CharleroiShengelia has a nose for scoring the basketball and is a very good athlete. Should be able to play some SF for New Orleans as well.
47. Jazz – Drew Gordon, PF, New MexicoGordon is a very good rebounder and has nice athleticism. Despite taking Anthony Davis the Hornets need more quality bigs and Gordon should be able to help off the bench.
48. Knicks – Darius Johnson-Odom, SG, MarquetteDJO is a very athletic guard that can play both the point and off the ball. A gifted scorer that will be electric off the bench. Perfect fit for the Knicks, who need to add more depth.
49. Magic – Kris Joseph, SF, SyracuseJoseph had a productive career at Syracuse and is an all around player who can score. Orlando needs to inject youth along its perimeter.
50. Nuggets – Furkan Aldemir, PF, GalatasarayAldemir is a very good rebounder who can continue to play and develop overseas. Not your typical European big man as he does not shy away from contact. Would be a great pick up for the Nuggets.
51. Celtics – Kevin Murphy, SG, Tennessee TechAn under the radar wing, Murphy is long and can score. Murphy best attribute is his ability to shoot from outside.
52. Warriors – Bernard James, C, Florida StateJames has the size, strength, and toughness to contribute right away. He will contribute right away due to his size, strength, athleticism, and maturity. James’ character is highly regarded and if he weren’t 27 he would likely be a first round pick.
53. Clippers – Mike Scott, PF, VirginiaScott has been an impressive workout throughout the draft season and is a very productive player. Scott is very polished and should be able to contribute right away off the bench.
54. 76ers – Henry Sims, PF, GeorgetownSims is a unique big that can that facilitate from the foul line and quick enough to get by his defender. Sims is also a good rebounder and shot blocker with his 7’4” wingspan.
55. Mavericks – Jae Crowder, SF, MarquetteCrowder was one of the most productive players in college and while there are questions about his position he gets the job done on the court. Doesn’t need the ball and is a good rebounder.
56. Raptors – Quincy Acy, PF, BaylorAcy describes himself as a Regie Evans type of player and watching him that is a fair description. Acy is extremely athletic, can defend multiple positions, rebounds, blocks shots, and does all the dirty work to help a team win.
57. Nets – JaMychal Green, PF, AlabamaGreen is an athletic forward that moves well in transition and can finish at the rim but lacks a consistent jump shot necessary to excel in the NBA.
58. Timberwolves – Tu Holloway, PG, XavierHolloway is a savvy point guard that knows how to run a team and is not afraid to take big shots. For the Wolves he would be a great backup and fit right into the locker room.
59. Spurs – Leon Radosevic, PF, MilanoRadosevic is your typical European big: smart, polished, and not overly athletic. A likely candidate to spend a season or two overseas before joining the Spurs.
60. Lakers – Hollis Thompson, SF, GeorgetownThompson is a very reliable shooter with range because of his consistent mechanics. While at Georgetown, Thompson was a very good rebounder as well.
