NBA Mock Draft 2

Only about an hour till the NBA draft and this will help show us where all the big free agents will go. Will LeBron go to New Jersey even though they didn’t get Wall? Will Miami help itself and make some big moves to keep Wade and draw another max free agent to town? I could technically say every pick is up for trade but I won’t do that. We know there will be a lot of activity so I’ll only discuss that on a few picks. This is should be an interesting draft considering the implications and the depth overall. Well that all starts today.

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall – Point Guard – Kentucky

I still am not a big fan of the consensus no. 1 overall pick. He disappeared on offense at times and just didn’t seem like the star everyone made him out to be.

He has ridiculous athleticism and potential but he has a lot of bad qualities. He drives down the court wildly, isn’t a natural passer and cannot shoot the ball (think Rajon Rondo in shooting abilities). On top of it, he makes some of the dumbest turnovers I’ve ever seen. He averaged almost five turnovers a game and didn’t even rank in the top 100 in most efficient players in college.

His two best qualities besides the aforementioned are his great defensive skills, and his size. At 6-4 he is a tall, lanky point guard who can seemingly shut down players at will.

The real question is the city he is going to. Can Gilbert Arenas really let Wall handle the ball and help mentor him? That’s a huge question considering that Arenas was a shoot first type of point guard and was suspended after drawing a gun on another young teammate, Javaris Crittenton, along with storing guns in his locker.

He has insane potential but I don’t see a great player in him.

Expect – Derrick Rose has been the comparison but without I don’t buy it.

2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner – Shooting Guard – Ohio State

Turner has conceited the top pick in the draft to Wall. He actually refused to work out for the Wizards. Those seem to be slightly immature but I can’t say I disagree with him.

He isn’t as athletic as Wall but he is the most NBA-ready player in the draft. There aren’t as many questions about his ability. People know what they are getting in this young man, which is something special.

New Coach Doug Collins reportedly wants Derrick Favors but he shouldn’t have control over the draft. I believe that Collins was a bad choice as coach. Just because someone sounds good on TV doesn’t mean he is a good coach. I mean come on; he couldn’t win with Michael Jordan. Let me say that again. MICHAEL. JORDAN. And people think he is a good coach? Ha no way.

On a side note, Collins said he was a “builder of great teams.” There is the old fool trying to claim that he built the great Chicago teams with Jordan. I bet Collins wants credit for the Lakers winning the Championship and the Celtics getting Garnett and Allen three years ago too. Collins is a joke, and not “haha” funny, more like “durrrrrrr.”

Expect – Brandon Roy of the East.

3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors – Power Forward – Georgia Tech


I’ve had mixed opinions on the freshman. I thought he was extremely overrated, then I liked, then I hated him, and now I’ve made up my mind… he is a special talent who is extremely raw that I have fallen in love with – in the right system.

If you expect Favors to be a back to the basket stud, I think you will be extremely disappointed. If you plan on using him in the Amare Stoudemire or Kenyon Martin (pre knee injuries) mold, then you have a winner.

In the transition game Favors could be a special talent along with the guys I just mentioned. He is big, explosive, fast, but still raw. He is explosive around the basket, fast in the transition game, but raw in the half court offense.

And supposedly the Nets will take Favors here because he is more “tradeable” than Wesley Johnson. They plan on packaging Favors with another pick or player for someone like Chris Bosh. We will see,

Expect – Best comparison I’ve heard was Antonio McDyess before all the injuries, along with my two comparisons above. He has been compared to Bosh but the only thing they have in common, is they both went to Georgia Tech.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson – Small Forward – Syracuse

I’ve had Demarcus Cousins here for awhile, BUT on the Dan Patrick Show T’Wolves President David Kahn said they will take Johnson or Favors, depending on which one is available.

If the T’Wolves end up trading or plan on trading Al Jefferson, then they should take Cousins. If they plan on keeping Jefferson, then Johnson is a great pick.

Oh and Kahn said that he thinks last year’s pick – Ricky Rubio – will end up playing for Minnesota. Don’t plan on it Kahn. He should just trade the young European point guard while he still has some stock left.

Johnson seems to be a safe pick but not the typical safe pick with little upside. He has some really nice potential.

Expect – Shawn Marion when he was with the Suns

5. Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins – Center – Kentucky

To me this should be a great pick. They traded for Samuel Dalembert and dumped the disappointing Spencer Hawes recently but I would still take Cousins. They supposedly are in love with him so the Dalembert trade shouldn’t affect this pick at all.

If the Kings can keep Cousins in check and motivated they could have the best player in the draft. He is a great low post threat and can defend well too.

I actually think that Cousins was the better player at Kentucky over Wall. Just watch the tape. Cousins dominated every game while Wall wasn’t great. Plus Cousins was the guy that got the ball at the end of the game.

He was possibly the most efficient player in college according to an ESPN analyst.

Expect – Zach Randolph with less range but better down in the post.

6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe – Power Forward – Georgetown

They got rid of scorer Corey Maggette, so this pick isn’t set. Even though every single analyst and mock has him here, I'm not sold. They already have a ton of long lanky SF/PF.

He got a couple years in college, so hopefully he is mature enough for Don Nelson. If not, at the first sign of trouble, Nelson will force him to the end of the bench. Maybe in the stands. Just ask the talented Anthony Randolph.

They could use a big man also but if Nelly is running things, who knows?

They reportedly want to trade this pick but send Monta Ellis and his contract with it. We will see.

Expect – heard Brad Miller thrown out there. Most laughable comparison? Chris Bosh. Not even close.

7. Detroit Pistons – Cole Aldrich – Center – Kansas

I said all of this stuff before on my last mock, but it still applies.

Remember the Pistons of a few years ago? They were being compared to the Bad Boy Pistons of the 80’s and early 90’s. Tough defensive minded teams that controlled the game. Sound familiar? Apparently General Manager Joe Dumars (who was on those Bad Boy teams) forgot that last year when he assembled a roster of little tweener girls and softies.

Maybe Dumars should just be fired. He has assembled talent but his old reliable guys have aged or been traded away. Without his old faithful’s mentoring and developing the younger guys the team will disappoint again. Their young guys haven’t developed as hoped or just don’t make sense for the team.

Aldrich is a tough defensive minded center who controls the paint on both sides of the floor. Teams won’t be able to drive the lane at will with the threat of Aldrich blocking their shots.

With the former Jayhawk, maybe some Bad Boy flavor will be injected into the lineup.

Expect – I keep hearing Joel Przybilla but I think Cole has a higher ceiling, I think he is Andrew Bogut-light.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Al–Farouq Aminu – Small Forward/ Power Forward – Wake Forest

What a surprise, the Clippers in the Lottery. After getting the prize of last year’s draft in Blake Griffin (who broke his knee cap and didn’t even get to play in one game) the Clips are back again. “That other team from L.A.” has talent like it did a few years ago when they made the playoffs but have quickly fallen back into irrelevance.

I actually think he has one of the highest potentials to bust. I just can’t seem to fall in love with him. I’ve even left him off my draft board because I forget about him.

I love Xavier Henry here but apparently no one thinks he will go this high.

I don’t think it really matters who we have here because this pick is reportedly up for trade. There were reports that Chicago will package 17 and Luol Deng to get this pick. Very interesting. But that won’t happen with Chicago trading Kirk Hinrich and the 17th pick to the Wizard.

Expect – I heard Marvin Williams or Josh Smith. I doubt that on both accounts.


9. Utah Jazz (from the New York Knicks) –Luke Babbitt – Small Forward – Nevada

Sloan has had success in the past with sweet shooting wings. Babbitt will be playing next to possibly the best point guard in the league in Deron Williams so I like this pick a little more because of him.

Problem is, don’t expect Babbitt to guard anyone. He can score but his defensive abilities are the equivalent to a kindergartener defending Kobe.

Regardless, I think Kyle Korver is a free agent and the Jazz need shooters.

Expect – Adam Morrison or Danillo Gallinari

10. Indiana Pacers – Gordon Hayward – Small Forward – Butler

I think Utah will regret taking Babbitt over Hayward but Hayward fits the Pacers “pick the best white guy” technique here.

I'm not meaning that as a knock on Hayward because I believe he is more athletic and talented than everyone believes with more potential than most believe. He could even be taken higher.

Hayward probably should have stayed at Butler for one more year, maybe even two, but with a year learning from the pros and controlled playing time, Hayward could become a star.

Expect - Heyward has been compared to Larry Bird – which is reach because Bird was utterly dominate at Indiana State, while Heyward was just a budding star at Butler – which is a fun comparison, BUT I believe he will be a better Mike Miller.

11. New Orleans Hornets – Paul George – Small Forward – Fresno State

Haven’t heard of him? That’s ok. The 6’ 8” “2” guard from Fresno State can really light it up and after Whiteside may just be the biggest “high-risk, high-reward” prospect in the draft.

Hopefully this pick pleases Chris Paul. Paul has been saying he wants to stay in New Orleans but wants to win now.

Expect – A young Tracy McGrady

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Patrick Patterson – Power Forward – Kentucky

Patterson could have been a higher pick last year or even if he had come out after his freshman year, but choose to stay in school.

He is an offensive minded power forward – and is willing to be unselfish – who will not play much defense at first but he should learn fast.

His pro potential has started to fade but here he is a solid value who could be a starter for a long time.

Expect – Carl Landry

13. Toronto Raptors – Eric Bledsoe – Point Guard – Kentucky

Bledsoe – my highest rated point guard – is the fourth Wildcat taken in the first and for good reason. The kid has skills. He has that “NBA ready body,” has toughness, can play defense and can score in bunches.

He might not be a true point guard yet but there are a couple of point guards he can learn from in Toronto.

Would have been a top five or10 pick if he stayed at Kentucky for just one more year.

Expect – I like him as a Tim Hardaway type player or even a Raymond Felton

14. Houston Rockets – Ekpe Udoh – Power Forward – Baylor

I constantly got Udoh and Aminu mixed up and probably will still. They both are lengthy tweeners and both have weird names. Udoh is known as a good defender with nice shot blocking abilities and uses his 6’ 10” frame and long wingspan to his advantage.

Udoh will form a nice defensive front court tandem with Luis Scola or Yao Ming, when he returns from injury.

Expect – Theo Ratliff or Serge Ibaka

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Xavier Henry – Shooting Guard – Kansas

He and George could actually switch positions in this draft. He was my personal reach in the draft. I think he will be better than his stock at the moment. It is the NBA where they draft purely on potential, and I think he has great potential.

Henry has a NBA ready body and has that desired range. He was at one point rated higher by talent evaluators than John Wall. He did have a slightly less than inspiring freshman year but so did most of the team. I tend to agree with them.

Maybe another year in college and he could have been the top overall pick. He could even rise up the boards if teams realize how much of a talent this guy is.

He isn’t great at creating his shot yet but he wouldn’t have to with the talent around him.

Even with the Bucks trading for Chris Douglas–Roberts and Corey Magette they supposedly will take Henry here.

Expect – I'm thinking Michael Redd and even saw a Paul Pierce comp.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves – James Anderson – Shooting Guard – Oklahoma State

He is a bit of an enigma. He rises one minutes drops the other. Let’s just say he could go anywhere from 11 to 26. Who knows what teams think of him the next minute?

Anderson is a top-five talent but had a rough season at Oklahoma State, dropping his stock. Even though he isn’t crazy athletic, he seems to have a high ceiling.

The T’Wolves need scoring so this pick with Johnson should help.

I'm expecting the T’Wolves to package this pick and the 23rd pick to move up so take this pick with a grain of salt.

Expect – Brandon Rush seems fair.

17. Washington Wizards – Jordan Crawford – Shooting Guard – Xavier

Remember that movie last summer that had a college player dunking on LeBron James? It was hidden for a little bit but finally was revealed. It was grainy, but we know who dunked on James; that would be the Xavier wingman.

Again a raw player but this team is young and will pick up the slack. Put Crawford in the backcourt with John Wall and you have a highly athletic, explosive, and nice scoring pair. He could have used another year at Xavier but he is a first round draft pick so no big deal I guess.

I had the Bulls taking him here but I’ll stick with him here. He can come off the bench from behind Gilbert Arenas for a year or two and then we will talk.

Expect – Haven’t heard any good comparisons that I liked. No clue at this point.

18. Oklahoma City Thunder – Solomon Alabi – Center – Florida State

The Heat stupidly traded back so they wouldn’t have to pay for a draft pick. Oklahoma City wanted a big and everyone believes this is the pick

Alabi is long, Lanky and should be great defensively. He is raw and will take time to develop but the Thunder have time.

Expect – Hasheem Thabeet

19. Boston Celtics – Avery Bradley – Shooting Guard – Texas

Ray Allen may be on the way out and the Celtics NEED to get younger. Bradley will be a nice piece and could even start if Allen does leave.

He is super fast and could give Rondo a break. Bradley could also give the Celtics a dynamic scoring option that they needed in say... Game 7 of the NBA Finals?

Expect – Shannon Brown

20. San Antonio Spurs – Damian James – Small Forward – Texas

He is a little bit like DeJuan Blair; in that he is that typical Spurs pick. He can defend pretty much any player on the floor and he can score. In his time in Texas it seemed like he never had any designed plays for him, yet he still scored in bunches.

James maybe the most underrated player in the draft, but it seems like it’s been that way since he came to Texas with Kevin Durant. His play has never gotten the recognition it has deserved, but the Spurs will take it and place him at small forward. Say bye bye to Richard Jefferson guys and girls.

Expect – Luc Richard Mbah a Moute or a shorter and more athletic Blair.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Seraphin – Power Forward - Cholet (France)

Seraphin is in the Mold of Serge Ibaka – who the Thunder already have – but with a lower ceiling. The Thunder have no immediate needs so they could stash him in Europe for a year or two.

Seraphin didn’t start playing basketball until later in his young life which has lead to him being extremely raw. He is inconsistent and at times not focused, but is athletic and has good hands. Patience will be needed for a couple years.

Expect – Jordan Hill

22. Portland Trailblazers – Daniel Orton – Center – Kentucky

Greg Oden hasn’t exactly panned out yet but that hasn’t all been his fault. He has been injured a lot so far, so the Blazers need to find a new project center to work with.

Orton barely played at Kentucky, but that has to do with that big guy DeMarcus Cousins. He would have started at virtually any other university besides Kentucky and Kansas due to his immense talent and ceiling.

Though he is very raw, he could be in the same class that Chris Bosh found himself in
when he was drafted; a boom or bust type of player worth the risk.

Expect – A better Erick Dampier, when Dampier was good.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Hassan Whiteside – Center – Marshall

They grabbed Anderson and Johnson first and now they take a big man with their third and final pick of the first round. Al Jefferson could be on his way out of town.

This pick is likely to be traded anyways.

Expect – Marcus Camby–light

24. Atlanta Hawks – Dominique Jones – Combo Guard – South Florida

He is a natural scorer who can handle the rock. The Hawks need that considering that Joe Johnson is all but prostituting himself to the Knicks.

Expect – I compare him to Jordan Crawford in this draft. I could be wrong though.

25. Memphis Grizzlies – Lance Stephenson – Guard – Cincinnati

He could end up slipping due to some “issues.” So what is holding him back is character issues and questions about his me first personality.

He didn’t have a truly inspiring season at Cincinnati but he has some nice scoring potential.

Expect – Heard Isaiah Rider thrown out there.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder – Tibor Pleiss – Center - Germany

Also their third and final pick. I seriously doubt they keep this pick. They could take the German center and let him develop in Europe like they will let Seraphin.

Expect – No idea, but he is big and physical, so unlike most European big men.

27. New Jersey Nets – Terrico White – Shooting Guard – Ole Miss

White is an elite athlete to put with and already athletic team. Like the incumbent Nets, White is extremely inconsistent player but is gifted with incredible talent. He disappears in games, but when focused he is a special player.

If the Nets sign a player like Joe Johnson, LeBron James or another big time free agent, this pick is mute or trade bait.

Expect – See Jones and Crawford

28. Memphis Grizzlies – Elliot Williams – Point Guard/ Shooting Guard – Memphis

He is a good story. He signed with Duke and then his mother got sick. He requested a transfer to Memphis and Duke obliged. Then the NCAA allowed a waiver for Williams to play immediately due to his mother’s illness.

He is an unreliable shooter but this pick will like be traded too.

Expect – Heard Rodney Stuckey

29. Orlando Magic – Darington Hobson – Combo Guard/ Small Forward – New Mexico

Supposedly Hobson has been promised a first round selection. It has to be here, I don’t see him going much higher.

He could give Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter or any number of players.

Expect – Shaun Livingston

30. Washington Wizards – Grevis Vasquez – Shooting Guard – Maryland

They got Wall so who cares? Vasquez was a great player at Maryland and should be a nice piece for the Wizards.

Expect – Josh Howard maybe?