1. Hornets – Anthony Davis, PF, KentuckyEtch this pick in stone. No one else is under consideration and New Orleans will not trade the pick either. Davis is a tremendous weakside shot blocker and very good rebounder. Davis will make his impact felt immediately on the boards and defensively.
2. Bobcats – Thomas Robinson, PF, KansasThe Bobcats have made it known they are open to moving the pick for the right price. Robinson has been moving up boards with great workouts and interviews. Many around the league view him as among the most NBA-ready prospects and could give the Bobcats a boost in their frontcourt. While the Bobcats like Robinson, Kidd-Gilchrist and Barnes are both possibilities here as well.
3. Wizards – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, KentuckyWashington is looking to put talent around John Wall and Kidd-Gilchrist compliments him very well. The Wizards would be ferocious in the fast break and Washington would add a versatile defender and excellent rebounder as well. While Kidd-Gilchrist must improve his jump shot at the next level, he is the youngest player in the draft and has arguably the best motor and work ethic so odds are he will improve. According to sources Washington prefers Kidd-Gilchrist to Beal.
4. Cavs – Bradley Beal, SG, FloridaWhile Cleveland does like Harrison Barnes and could envision him playing alongside Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal has too much potential to pass on at 4. The Cavs must find talented players to surround Irving with and Beal is among the best shooters in this draft and combined with his size and frame has the potential to be a very good defender as well. Beal and Irving would certainly be exciting to watch. Early indications in Cleveland are that they are more comfortable with the perimeter players in the lottery but are considering Andre Drummond a viable option and will work him out before the draft.
5. Kings – Harrison Barnes, SF, North CarolinaThe Kings are looking for a particular type of player at 5. Sacramento wants to add a player who is mature, polished and a winner. Barnes is a very reliable scorer and while he may not have as big of an upside as some of the other prospects he is less likely to bust out. One eastern conference GM described Barnes as being a great 3rd option in the NBA, especially if he is paired with a point guard who can facilitate and a big that can score in the post. In Sacramento playing with DeMarcus Cousins could allow Barnes to flourish.
6. Trail Blazers – Andre Drummond, C, ConnecticutThe Blazers are looking to pair LaMarcus Aldridge with a big man to help take the pressure off of him on both ends. With Drummond being there at 6, Portland would get a player with the more upside than any other prospect besides Anthony Davis. Drummond is the prototype of what you want a center to look like physically and has freakish athleticism and agility for a player his size. His post game is a work in progress but if the Blazers are patient with him it could be a homerun. Drummond has as much upside as any center prospect since Dwight Howard but does come with risk too.
7. Warriors – Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State The Warriors are somewhat flexible as they can wait to see who falls to them or they can target someone to bolster their frontcourt. Sullinger is a name that keeps being mentioned in connection to the Warriors. Sullinger silenced a lot of skeptics by measuring in at a legit 6’9” and toning up at the Combine. Combined with his polished post game and on court IQ Sullinger should be able to provide valuable minutes as a rookie backing up David Lee and Andrew Bogut. Sullinger’s physical limitations could cause him to fall on draft day and the Warriors are considering Terrence Jones, Moe Harkless, and Perry Jones as well.
8. Raptors – Jeremy Lamb, SG, ConnecticutLamb is a long, athletic, scoring guard that would do very well playing alongside DeMar DeRozan in Toronto. The Raptors need someone like Lamb who can provide an additional scoring option on the perimeter. The fact that Lamb is an aggressive defender will also make him more appealing in Toronto. Lamb recently sprained his ankle causing him to cancel several workouts. Toronto could consider Dion Waiters here as well as Damian Lillard as well since Jose Calderon’s name is being included in trade talks.
9. Pistons – John Henson, PF, North CarolinaHenson provides length, rebounding and shot-blocking, all things the Pistons are looking to pair alongside Greg Monroe. While Henson is not as athletic as some presumed he would instantly compliment Monroe. According to a source Detroit seems more inclined to go big at this point.
10. Hornets – Damian Lillard, PG, Weber StateDamian Lillard is the best point guard in this draft, a tremendous athlete and can score from all over the court. Lillard will help create space for Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis. Lillard’s name is being mentioned as a possibility for Portland and Toronto so the Hornets would be ecstatic to see him available.
11. Trail Blazers – Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse According to sources, the Blazers prefer Lillard over Marshall and should Lillard not fall to Portland the Blazers will look at wings. Waiters is an intriguing name, having been reportedly promised while in Chicago, who will provide the Blazers with a slashing guard that can create for himself as well as set up teammates. Some experts believe Waiters can play some point or initiate the offense. It’s fair to say that Portland with two lottery picks will be willing to gamble on a prospect if they believe he has high upside. 12. Bucks – Meyers Leonard, C, IllinoisLeonard really improved his stock at the Combine by showing off elite athleticism and interviewing better than many expected. There is no question that Milwaukee wants a player that can help now but since the Bogut trade the Bucks have no longterm center. Leonard is still raw but has a lot of potential and could be a great fit with Brandon Jennings.
13. Suns – Austin Rivers, SG, DukeThe Suns are looking for help on the perimeter and while they would love to draft Waiters there is a real chance he is gone by 12. Rivers is one of the better players and scorers in this draft, who is very creative and smooth. With the Steve Nash era possibly ending the Suns need to find a player that can initiate the offense and Rivers certainly is capable of doing that. Terrence Ross and Jeremy Lamb are also possibilities for the Suns.
14. Rockets – Perry Jones, PF, BaylorJones is perhaps the biggest enigma in the draft because he has great size and special talent but never played up to his potential in college. Jones needs to go to a team that will properly utilize his talents in order to reach his potential. Jones would give the Houston a dimension that they currently lack on offense, as he is very skilled and comfortable facing the basket. Having been stuck at the end of the lottery the past few seasons Darryl Morey needs to shake it up on draft night and hitting on Jones could vault the Rockets into the playoffs.
15. Sixers – Terrence Jones, PF, KentuckySullinger falling to this point would be a great fit for the Sixers. One of their biggest weaknesses was frontcourt depth and scoring, which Sullinger would certainly upgrade. Sullinger would also be good future replacement for Elton Brand. He surprised many by measuring in at a legit 6’9” at the NBA Combine.
16. Rockets – Tyler Zeller, C, North CarolinaThe Rockets struggles to replace Yao Ming have been well documented. Having swung for the fences with their previous pick Houston can play it safe and take Zeller. The 7-footer moves well for his size and has good hands and is efficient in the post but lacks the high-end upside to be an elite starter at his position.
17. Mavericks – Terrence Ross, SG, WashingtonThe Mavericks need to infuse youthful talent on their aging roster. Ross is one of the top shooters and athletes in the draft. With his length and athleticism Ross could be a good defender eventually. Playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki could certainly help Ross. Moe Harkless is said to be under consideration for this pick as well.
18. Timberwolves – Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’sHarkless was one of the better freshmen in college last year with his versatile skillset and high motor. Harkless will provide toughness, defense, rebounding and is improving offensively. This pick is likely to be dealt on or before draft night but if the Wolves pick look for a perimeter player that won’t command the ball to be effective and can blend in with Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio instantly.
19. Magic – Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi StateThe Magic are in limbo with the current Dwight Howard situation. Regardless of what happens, they need to take the best player on the board. Moultrie could crack the lottery but falling this far would benefit the Magic, which would give them a young, viable big that is physically ready for the NBA and polished enough to help on both ends of the court.
20. Nuggets – Kendall Marshall, PG, North CarolinaWith Andre Miller a free agent and 36, the Nuggets could tap Marshall to replace him. Ironically, Marshall compares favorably to Miller with his size and court vision. Marshall has very good court awareness and is a very skilled passer. Denver can go in a lot of directions on draft night and will likely take the best player available. Marshall is a lottery-caliber prospect and would blend in well in Denver and compliment Ty Lawson.
21. Celtics – Royce White, PF, Iowa StateWhite is a very interesting player with his unique game for his size and position. He has lottery talent but off-court concerns could drop him down the 1st round. The Celtics would benefit from him falling as they need to add young talent to their aging roster. White really impressed execs at the Combine with his performances in the gym and interviews. With back-to-back picks Boston can afford to take a gamble especially with this kind of upside.
22. Celtics – Quincy Miller, SF, BaylorMiller's torn ACL held him back during his freshman season but make no mistake he has lottery abilities and is a very skilled player for his size. Miller is versatile enough to play some PF as well. Learning behind Paul Pierce could only help Miller with his development. The Celtics would be getting a very good value pick here.
23. Hawks – Tony Wroten Jr., SG, WashingtonThe Hawks are one of the oldest teams in the league and need to improve their depth. Wroten is a very talented player who could fill multiple roles for the Hawks coming off the bench. While Wroten is far from a finished product, he has the athleticism to be able to contribute right away but his jump shot really holds him back.
24. Cavs – Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure Nicholson is a good value pick in the late 1st round. He can contribute on the boards and provide scoring off the bench. Nicholson also has very good range for a player his size, possibly could be a stretch-4. With the Cavs needing more scoring to ease the burden on Irving, Nicholson could make a lot of sense. Evan Fournier, Royce White, and Quincy Miller are all possibilities if they are available at this point. 25. Grizzlies – Marquis Teague, PG, KentuckyWith the so much money tied up between Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph it seems like the Grizzlies will need to make a move for flexibility. Mike Conley could be the player moved and if that is the case adding a player with Teague’s potential is essential. Teague is a quick, score first PG but showed the ability to subjugate his game for the benefit of his team at Kentucky. Hearing Will Barton, Doron Lamb, and John Jenkins are under serious consideration as well.
26. Pacers – Evan Fournier, SG, Poiters The Pacers could look for a big here but adding a player like Fournier would be wise. Indiana appeared to struggle in the playoffs to create offense and the crafty Frenchman would be able to give the Pacers a penetrating guard that can also distribute. Fournier is only 19 but has played well on the big stage in France.
27. Heat – Fab Melo, C, Syracuse Miami struggles with length and don’t have a true shot blocker to protect the rim. Melo would fit well with the Heat as his best skills are on the defensive end and rebounding. While he may have inflated stats due to the zone, Melo is an intriguing specimen who if he develops any offensive game would be a very good starter. Melo does have red flags with respect to his character but joining a team with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade should help expedite the maturation process. Festus Ezeli and Draymond Green are other names to keep an eye on here.
28. Thunder – Jeff Taylor, SF, VanderbiltThe Thunder don’t have any glaring needs, so they’re in a position to take the best player available at their slot. 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 – Doron Lamb, SG, KentuckyThe Bulls are in a unique position in that Derrick Rose is likely to miss a significant portion of next season while recovering from a torn ACL. Chicago has the talent to compete for the playoffs without Rose but still need to pair him with more scorers to ease the burden on him. Lamb is a great fit for Chicago in that he is one of the best shooters in the draft and also can play some PG.
30. Warriors – Draymond Green, PF, Michigan StateContinuing to beef up their frontcourt, the Warriors will look to take a NBA ready player like Green. Green is more of a PF but could play some SF. Green is a talented scorer with range and a very good passer. While Green may not project to be a star he should be a productive player for a long time.
31. Bobcats – John Jenkins, SG, VanderbiltJenkins is one of the top shooters in the draft and the Bobcats sorely lack talent. If Jenkins is falls to the second round he is a steal.
32. Wizards – Will Barton, SG, Memphis Barton can give the Wizards the spacing they need to allow John Wall to slash. Another wing that could easily go in the 20’s.
33. Cavs – Festus Ezeli, C, VanderbiltCleveland has no true center on their roster and Ezeli has some upside and should contribute right away.
34. Cavs – Tornike Shengelia, PF, CharleroiExpect the Cavs to select at least one player who will be stashed overseas. Shengelia has a nose for scoring and can play some SF.
35. Warriors – Darius Miller, SF, KentuckyExperienced starter and solid all-around player, Miller helps Golden State upgrade its perimeter.
36. Kings – Miles Plumlee, C, DukeSacramento needs to find a big to pair with Cousins and Plumlee not only is big but arguably among the most athletic prospects. Plumlee doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
37. Raptors – Tyshawn Taylor, PG, KentuckyTaylor is a first round talent and great athlete and if he falls this far is a no brainer for Toronto, who is looking hard at PGs in this draft.
38. Nuggets – Orlando Johnson, SG, UC Santa BarbaraDenver is able to find the promising wing on the board here and he will contribute right away with his scoring ability.
39. Pistons – Kevin Jones, PF, West VirginiaBeyond Monroe the Pistons don’t get enough offense from their bigs. Jones would help space the court and give Monroe space since he is such a good shooter.
40. Trail Blazers – Tomas Satoransky, SG, SevillaAccording to a source the Pistons are targeting international prospects with their second round picks. Satoransky has good size and ball handling skills.
41. Trail Blazers – Kyle O’Quinn, PF, Norfolk State O’Quinn will provide valuable depth to a thin frontcourt. While Portland prefers to go international if O’Quinn is here that may be too tough to pass on.
42. Bucks – Kevin Murphy, SG, Tennessee TechMurphy is one of the top sleepers in the draft as many around the league didn’t feel he played against top competition but Murphy is a gifted scorer with great size.
43. Hawks – Drew Gordon, PF, New MexicoGordon has is a good rebounder with nice size and athleticism. If the Hawks select Gordon he could add depth to their frontcourt right away.
44. Pistons – Jared Cunningham, SG, Oregon StateAccording to several scouts Cunningham is the top athlete in this draft. While very skinny, Cunningham is lightning fast and knows how to finish.
45. 76ers – Kosta 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.
46. Knicks – Darius Johnson-Odom, PG, MarquetteDJO is a very athletic guard that can play both the point and off the ball. Gifted scorer that will be great off the bench.
47. Wizards – Jae Crowder, PF, 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.
48. Jazz – Henry Sims, PF, Georgetown Sims is an intriguing big because he is able to facilitate from the foul line and quick enough to get by his defender. Extremely long wingspan, 7’4”.
49. Magic – Darrion Pellum, SG, HamptonPellum may be the biggest sleeper in the draft. 6’7” and a very talented scorer this small-school product has captured the eyes of several executives.
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.
51. Celtics – Scott Machado, PG, Iona Machado is an exciting player to watch and can light it up in a hurry. Would be a good fit in the Celtics locker room.
52. Warriors – Tu Holloway, PG, Xavier Holloway is a savvy point guard that knows how to run a team and is not afraid to take big shots. Would give the Warriors a backup point guard they need.
53. Clippers – Kim English, SF, MissouriEnglish is a solid all-around player that can shoot. English has high IQ and can play all along the perimeter, which would help the Clippers.
54. 76ers – Kris Joseph, SF, SyracuseJoseph is a proven scorer and solid all-around player. Having played for four years at Syracuse he is ready to step in and contribute right away.
55. Mavericks – Khris Middleton, SF, Texas A&MMiddleton’s stock took a dive this year due to injuries but the talent there is intriguing. Middleton is long and athletic and can score off the dribble, something the Mavericks need.
56. Raptors – Hollis Thompson, SF, GeorgetownThompson is a very reliable shooter because of consistent mechanics. While at Georgetown, Thompson was a very good rebounder as well.
57. Nets – JaMychal Green, PF, AlabamaGreen has had a great draft season as he excelled at Portsmouth and has really wowed teams in workouts. Green is very long and athletic and has a deceptively good offensive game.
58. Timberwolves – Bernard James, C, Florida StateWill 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.
59. Spurs – Leon Radosevic, PF, MilanoRadosevic is your typical European big: smart, polished, and not overly athletic. At 22, with his size would be a likely candidate for a team like the Spurs.
60. Lakers – Mike Scott, PF, VirginiaScott is a very solid offensive player and shows polish. Should be able to provide valuable minutes off the bench for a team right away.
