defrocked
06-25-2007, 09:35 AM
#1 Portland Trailblazers
Pick: Greg Oden, C, Ohio State, Fr.
Why?: The kid's a stud, and even if the 5 spot isn't their most pressing need, you don't pass up a big man this good. As close to a two-way lock as there is.
#2 Seattle Supersonics
Pick: Kevin Durant, SF/PF, Texas, Fr.
Why?: More accurately title pick #1(A). Love this player. Most polished freshman I've ever seen in college basketball. His workouts have reportedly been dissappointing, but I put very little stock in workouts. This guy has proven what he's able to do on the court, and that's all that matters.
#3 Atlanta Hawks
Pick: Al Horford, PF, Florida, Jr.
Why?: After the first two studs, Horford has emerged as the consensus third best player in the draft. While the Hawks have way too many forwards as it is, they still don't have a player like Horford, who is as talented from the low block. He's a definite upgrade over their first-rounder last year, Shelden Williams. They could go Mike Conley, Jr. here, but I think he's too much of a project still for this high in this good of a draft.
#4 Memphis Grizzlies
Pick: Brendan Wright, PF, North Carolina, Fr.
Why?: He's not as ready as Horford, but the Grizz aren't exactly ready to take the West by storm either. Whether they trade Gasol or not, Wright is a nice fit to this team.
#5 Boston Celtics
Pick: Yi Jianlian, PF, China, Age in Question
Why?: Intriguing player with huge potential. A workout wonder (see Darko), but it's a big question whether his skills will translate to the NBA game. They could go safer here with Corey Brewer, but Ainge seems like a desperate man, and Yi would be an instant draw (not to mention gobs of money from Chinese merchandising).
#6 Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Jeff Green, SF, Georgetown, Jr.
Why?: This is actually a pretty decent team, if they can stay healthy, so they are in a nice position here to draft for depth. Green is a solid all-around player who can even play some point. I personally really like his game, and feel he'll have a solid NBA career in the mold of Tayshaun.
#7 Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: Mike Conley, Jr., PG, Ohio St, Fr.
Why?: I'm not sure why he hasn't been talked about going here since they just traded their starting PG. I have no clue whether they'll trade KG or not, but this needs to be their pick regardless. He may not be the immediate help KG needs, but he's the most solid guy for the future. Couple him with a bunch of young guys they could get in a KG trade and this could become a dangerous franchise again.
#8 Charlotte Bobcats
Pick: Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Florida, Jr.
Why?: This is another young team with a lot of potential. Brewer gives them another scorer and a lockdown defender. If Wallace leaves, he's the replacement. If not, he can help take minutes from Adam Morrison, who has been dreadful thus far.
#9 Chicago Bulls
Pick: Joakim Noah, PF, Florida, Jr.
Why?: If he had entered the draft last year, he may have been the top pick. Instead, he went back, had a solid season and helped his team repeat as National Champs (a very rare feat), and he has plummeted in the draft. Why? He didn't show a lot of progress on his offensive game, still struggling with post moves and his jumper. He's still a very talented athlete with loads of hustle. The Bulls, who received this pick from the dumb-ass Knicks, can nearly choose whoever they want here because they're ready to take over the East for years to come, with or without yet another young talent. Noah will fit in well, swapping hair tips with Big Ben.
#10 Sacramento Kings
Pick: Spencer Hawes, C, Washington, Fr.
Why?: This team needs help everywhere but SG, where they have the solid yet scrawny Kevin Martin. The rest of their relevant players are composed of an unpredictable hothead (Artest) and three formerly solid guys on the downslopes of their careers (Bibby, Miller and Shareef). Hawes is this year's tall white guy with a couple nice post moves. The Kings are praying he'll be more Chris Kaman than Bryant "Big Country" Reeves.
#11 Atlanta Hawks
Pick: Acie Law IV, PG, Texas A&M, Sr.
Why?: With their second pick in the first round, they grab their PG. Law may not have the upside of Conley, but he's more NBA ready. Law has great size and loves crunch time. The Hawks are reportedly more interested in local boy Crittenton (out of Ga Tech), but they'd be fools to pass up Law. If history is any indication, Crittenton is their man.
#12 Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Julian Wright, SF, Kansas, Soph.
Why?: Philly would love Wright to fall to the 12 spot. He's a nice young talent who fits in at a position they could use some help. Korver is more suited as a game changer coming off the bench to hit some threes. Even with a great fit in Wright, this team is a ways away from doing anything.
#13 New Orleans Hornets
Pick: Nick Young, SG/SF, USC, Jr.
Why?: Another great fit if it happens. Young could be an instant starter on a team looking for help on the perimeter.
#14 Los Angeles Clippers
Pick: Javaris Crittenton, PG, Georgia Tech, Fr.
Why?: An ugly injury to Livingston has put his future effectiveness in question, leaving the Clippers pining for a healthy young PG. Crittenton has great size at 6'5", but needs a little time to develop. This team, just a couple years off a solid team, looks back at home as a below .500 team.
#15 Detroit Pistons
Pick: Al Thornton, SF/PF, Florida St, Sr.
Why?: This is not the team's biggest need, but Thornton is too big a talent to pass up. He's received criticism for poor workouts, which has caused him to drop in some mock drafts, leaving the Pistons ready to grab him at the #15 spot (a pick they received from Orlando in the Darko deal). He'd provide solid backup to Tayshaun, as well as spot duties at PF. This pick could change depending on Detroit's confidence in their ability to sign GHill, but I'd be happy with this pick regardless of how that plays out.
#16 Washington Wizards
Pick: Derrick Byars, SG/SF, Vanderbilt, Sr.
Why?: This team could go a variety of different ways. They're reportedly in the Kobe and Marion talks, but I don't buy into that too much. Given with what they have, Byars seems like a nice fit, solid defensively and can put the ball in the bucket when necessary, which won't be often with Arenas, Butler and Jamison on the floor.
#17 New Jersey Nets
Pick: Jason Smith, PF/C, Colorado St, Jr.
Why?: Regardless if Vince Carter re-signs or not, the Nets biggest need is some front court help, after never replacing Kenyon Martin when they traded him away so long ago. Smith is an agile big man who could work well when the Nets push the ball on breaks (when they're at their best, in my opinion.
#18 Golden State Warriors
Pick: Thaddeus Young, SF, Georgia Tech, Fr.
Why?: The Warriors, coming off their stint as the underdog darlings on the NBA playoffs, are poised to lose two swingmen, making Young an perfect pick. He's been slated to go higher in other mocks, so Golden State would jump at the opportunity to select him. While he's still a little ways away from being a difference maker, this is a young team that looks poised to go nowhere but up.
#19 Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Rodney Stuckey, SG/PG, Eastern Washington, Soph.
Why?: There isn't a team whose future is more up in the air than the Lakers. Kobe's on-again-off-again trade demand is on-again, and looks to stick this time around. This pick is especially tough because who they draft here depends on 1) if they move Kobe before the draft, and 2) who they get back in a deal. With all that uncertainty, this will be my best guess, trying to walk the tightrope between all possible scenarios. If Kobe left, Stuckey would have the awful task of replacing Kobe in the lineup. If Kobe stays (seeming more unlikely by the day), Stuckey serves as solid backup at both guard spots, giving the Lakers some punch off the bench. They could also go with a pure point guard in local boy Gabe Pruitt (out of USC), but that pick seems far too blah for a franchise in desperate need of a savior.
#20 Miami Heat
Pick: Josh McRoberts, PF, Duke, Soph.
Why?: The Heat are a team stuck between two philosophies. The age of their players dictates a win-now attitude, but they just don't have the talent left to be an elite team anymore. This year seemed to be their last chance at the title, and Dwayne's sobbing and subsequent carting off in a wheelchair (for a shoulder injury!) put an end to that. This was a very tough pick for me, as I don't know what they're going to decide. Shaq is still a great player, but he can't last a full season, and his top gear, once he's decided to use it, isn't what it used to be. Couple that with the fact his backup is even two years older and only has one kidney, and you have a clear sign that they need help in the frontcourt once these guys are gone. McRoberts is a nice choice because he can give some spot help now, but should really hit his prime as Shaq and Zo retire.
#21 Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Tiago Splitter, PF, Brazil, Age 22
Why?: Splitter has been an intriguing player for a few years now (entering the draft then withdrawing each of the past three years), but he won't be able to come to the States for at least a year because of his contract with his current team. Still, the Sixers aren't a team that's going to contend for a little while, so this is a nice value pick for them long-term.
#22 Charlotte Bobcats
Pick: Glen Davis, PF, LSU, Sr.
Why?: While I'm not a fan of his game, the fact remains that Charlotte is in dire need of big men, and Davis is one of the best remaining. He fits their preference to draft a player with experience (all four years at LSU) and success in college (Final Four appearance two years ago).
#23 New York Knicks
Pick: Sean Williams, PF/C, Boston College, Jr.
Why?: The Knicks have zero inside presence on D, inviting players to take it to the hoop anytime they want. Williams is an exceptional shot blocker with great length. Plus, he's a bit of a headcase, getting kicked off his college team, so he'll fit in perfectly in the New York media soap opera.
#24 Phoenix Suns
Pick: Rudy Fernandez, SG/PG, Spain, Age 22
Why?: His very European skill set is a perfect fit to the Suns style. He has 3-point range and can get his shot off in a hurry, something he'll need to do with the Suns constant drive and pitch offense. He also possesses good ball handling skills, opening up some spot PG duties when necessary. He also gives the Suns another piece in their race with the Spurs and Raptors for most international players.
#25 Utah Jazz
Pick: Daequan Cook, SG, Ohio St, Fr.
Why?: During the playoffs last year, I heard, "Give the Jazz a shooting guard and they'll be dangerous" more times than I care to count. Here's their shooting guard. He'll need a year or two, but he and last year's first rounder Ronnie Brewer could make for a vicious combo to pair in the backcourt with Deron Williams.
#26 Houston Rockets
Pick: Marco Belinelli, SG, Italy, Age 21
Why?: While their biggest need is help for Yao in the post, there isn't any a big man worth using this pick on. Bellinelli fits their new offense crafted around Phoenix's up tempo play. For the sake of my blood pressure, I'll ignore the idiocy of choosing to adopt a running stlye with a plodding big man like Yao, as well as the fact that Phoenix has done nothing but prove you can't win with that style in the playoffs. Breathe...
#27 Detroit Pistons
Pick: Gabe Pruitt, PG, USC, Jr.
Why?: The Pistons would be ecstatic if Pruitt was still here at 27. Lindsey Hunter is not an adequate back-up PG, nor is Flip Murray. Pruitt has the size Joe D likes at 6'4", but at 170 pounds, could stand to bulk up to avoid injury. If not, I suppose he'd fit right it with scawny teammates Rip and Tayshaun.
#28 San Antonio Spurs
Pick: Alando Tucker, SG/SF, Wisconsin, Sr.
Why?: The Spurs are an interesting team, looking all-together beatable on paper, with their dependence on so many limited-skill players, but they just plain follow their game plan meticulously. At the start of the season, I said they needed help at point and in the post, and they wouldn't survive the West without it. About that... Sadly, I look at their roster and still feel the same way. To the topic at hand, I can see Tucker being molded into Bruce Bowen II, only with more of an offensive drive. This pick solidifies something I've noticed about the NBA draft in the past decade. The worst teams, those with the earliest picks, take gambles on guys with higher potential upsides, allowing proven players to fall to the better teams with lower picks. Many of those with potential don't fully pan out, leaving the worst teams at the bottom. Meanwhile, the quality teams choosing the proven guys get solid contributions and stay on top.
#29 Phoenix Suns
Pick: Aaron Brooks, PG, Oregon, Sr.
Why?: At just 5'11", Brooks' size could be a liability to some teams, but to Phoenix, it could be an advantage. His quickness fits their style perfectly, and the negative effects of his small stature is minimized on D because so many of Phoenix's opponents get caught in the fast pace tempo, negating their chances to post Brooks up.
#30 Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Morris Almond, SG, Rice, Sr.
Why?: The only team with three first rounders, Philly should come out of the draft with a new look to their roster. Almond gives them nice flexibility at the 2 and 3 spots, as well as scoring ability whenever he's on the court. He can be everything Willie Green was supposed to be for the Sixers.
There we are. Tear it up.
Pick: Greg Oden, C, Ohio State, Fr.
Why?: The kid's a stud, and even if the 5 spot isn't their most pressing need, you don't pass up a big man this good. As close to a two-way lock as there is.
#2 Seattle Supersonics
Pick: Kevin Durant, SF/PF, Texas, Fr.
Why?: More accurately title pick #1(A). Love this player. Most polished freshman I've ever seen in college basketball. His workouts have reportedly been dissappointing, but I put very little stock in workouts. This guy has proven what he's able to do on the court, and that's all that matters.
#3 Atlanta Hawks
Pick: Al Horford, PF, Florida, Jr.
Why?: After the first two studs, Horford has emerged as the consensus third best player in the draft. While the Hawks have way too many forwards as it is, they still don't have a player like Horford, who is as talented from the low block. He's a definite upgrade over their first-rounder last year, Shelden Williams. They could go Mike Conley, Jr. here, but I think he's too much of a project still for this high in this good of a draft.
#4 Memphis Grizzlies
Pick: Brendan Wright, PF, North Carolina, Fr.
Why?: He's not as ready as Horford, but the Grizz aren't exactly ready to take the West by storm either. Whether they trade Gasol or not, Wright is a nice fit to this team.
#5 Boston Celtics
Pick: Yi Jianlian, PF, China, Age in Question
Why?: Intriguing player with huge potential. A workout wonder (see Darko), but it's a big question whether his skills will translate to the NBA game. They could go safer here with Corey Brewer, but Ainge seems like a desperate man, and Yi would be an instant draw (not to mention gobs of money from Chinese merchandising).
#6 Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Jeff Green, SF, Georgetown, Jr.
Why?: This is actually a pretty decent team, if they can stay healthy, so they are in a nice position here to draft for depth. Green is a solid all-around player who can even play some point. I personally really like his game, and feel he'll have a solid NBA career in the mold of Tayshaun.
#7 Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: Mike Conley, Jr., PG, Ohio St, Fr.
Why?: I'm not sure why he hasn't been talked about going here since they just traded their starting PG. I have no clue whether they'll trade KG or not, but this needs to be their pick regardless. He may not be the immediate help KG needs, but he's the most solid guy for the future. Couple him with a bunch of young guys they could get in a KG trade and this could become a dangerous franchise again.
#8 Charlotte Bobcats
Pick: Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Florida, Jr.
Why?: This is another young team with a lot of potential. Brewer gives them another scorer and a lockdown defender. If Wallace leaves, he's the replacement. If not, he can help take minutes from Adam Morrison, who has been dreadful thus far.
#9 Chicago Bulls
Pick: Joakim Noah, PF, Florida, Jr.
Why?: If he had entered the draft last year, he may have been the top pick. Instead, he went back, had a solid season and helped his team repeat as National Champs (a very rare feat), and he has plummeted in the draft. Why? He didn't show a lot of progress on his offensive game, still struggling with post moves and his jumper. He's still a very talented athlete with loads of hustle. The Bulls, who received this pick from the dumb-ass Knicks, can nearly choose whoever they want here because they're ready to take over the East for years to come, with or without yet another young talent. Noah will fit in well, swapping hair tips with Big Ben.
#10 Sacramento Kings
Pick: Spencer Hawes, C, Washington, Fr.
Why?: This team needs help everywhere but SG, where they have the solid yet scrawny Kevin Martin. The rest of their relevant players are composed of an unpredictable hothead (Artest) and three formerly solid guys on the downslopes of their careers (Bibby, Miller and Shareef). Hawes is this year's tall white guy with a couple nice post moves. The Kings are praying he'll be more Chris Kaman than Bryant "Big Country" Reeves.
#11 Atlanta Hawks
Pick: Acie Law IV, PG, Texas A&M, Sr.
Why?: With their second pick in the first round, they grab their PG. Law may not have the upside of Conley, but he's more NBA ready. Law has great size and loves crunch time. The Hawks are reportedly more interested in local boy Crittenton (out of Ga Tech), but they'd be fools to pass up Law. If history is any indication, Crittenton is their man.
#12 Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Julian Wright, SF, Kansas, Soph.
Why?: Philly would love Wright to fall to the 12 spot. He's a nice young talent who fits in at a position they could use some help. Korver is more suited as a game changer coming off the bench to hit some threes. Even with a great fit in Wright, this team is a ways away from doing anything.
#13 New Orleans Hornets
Pick: Nick Young, SG/SF, USC, Jr.
Why?: Another great fit if it happens. Young could be an instant starter on a team looking for help on the perimeter.
#14 Los Angeles Clippers
Pick: Javaris Crittenton, PG, Georgia Tech, Fr.
Why?: An ugly injury to Livingston has put his future effectiveness in question, leaving the Clippers pining for a healthy young PG. Crittenton has great size at 6'5", but needs a little time to develop. This team, just a couple years off a solid team, looks back at home as a below .500 team.
#15 Detroit Pistons
Pick: Al Thornton, SF/PF, Florida St, Sr.
Why?: This is not the team's biggest need, but Thornton is too big a talent to pass up. He's received criticism for poor workouts, which has caused him to drop in some mock drafts, leaving the Pistons ready to grab him at the #15 spot (a pick they received from Orlando in the Darko deal). He'd provide solid backup to Tayshaun, as well as spot duties at PF. This pick could change depending on Detroit's confidence in their ability to sign GHill, but I'd be happy with this pick regardless of how that plays out.
#16 Washington Wizards
Pick: Derrick Byars, SG/SF, Vanderbilt, Sr.
Why?: This team could go a variety of different ways. They're reportedly in the Kobe and Marion talks, but I don't buy into that too much. Given with what they have, Byars seems like a nice fit, solid defensively and can put the ball in the bucket when necessary, which won't be often with Arenas, Butler and Jamison on the floor.
#17 New Jersey Nets
Pick: Jason Smith, PF/C, Colorado St, Jr.
Why?: Regardless if Vince Carter re-signs or not, the Nets biggest need is some front court help, after never replacing Kenyon Martin when they traded him away so long ago. Smith is an agile big man who could work well when the Nets push the ball on breaks (when they're at their best, in my opinion.
#18 Golden State Warriors
Pick: Thaddeus Young, SF, Georgia Tech, Fr.
Why?: The Warriors, coming off their stint as the underdog darlings on the NBA playoffs, are poised to lose two swingmen, making Young an perfect pick. He's been slated to go higher in other mocks, so Golden State would jump at the opportunity to select him. While he's still a little ways away from being a difference maker, this is a young team that looks poised to go nowhere but up.
#19 Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Rodney Stuckey, SG/PG, Eastern Washington, Soph.
Why?: There isn't a team whose future is more up in the air than the Lakers. Kobe's on-again-off-again trade demand is on-again, and looks to stick this time around. This pick is especially tough because who they draft here depends on 1) if they move Kobe before the draft, and 2) who they get back in a deal. With all that uncertainty, this will be my best guess, trying to walk the tightrope between all possible scenarios. If Kobe left, Stuckey would have the awful task of replacing Kobe in the lineup. If Kobe stays (seeming more unlikely by the day), Stuckey serves as solid backup at both guard spots, giving the Lakers some punch off the bench. They could also go with a pure point guard in local boy Gabe Pruitt (out of USC), but that pick seems far too blah for a franchise in desperate need of a savior.
#20 Miami Heat
Pick: Josh McRoberts, PF, Duke, Soph.
Why?: The Heat are a team stuck between two philosophies. The age of their players dictates a win-now attitude, but they just don't have the talent left to be an elite team anymore. This year seemed to be their last chance at the title, and Dwayne's sobbing and subsequent carting off in a wheelchair (for a shoulder injury!) put an end to that. This was a very tough pick for me, as I don't know what they're going to decide. Shaq is still a great player, but he can't last a full season, and his top gear, once he's decided to use it, isn't what it used to be. Couple that with the fact his backup is even two years older and only has one kidney, and you have a clear sign that they need help in the frontcourt once these guys are gone. McRoberts is a nice choice because he can give some spot help now, but should really hit his prime as Shaq and Zo retire.
#21 Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Tiago Splitter, PF, Brazil, Age 22
Why?: Splitter has been an intriguing player for a few years now (entering the draft then withdrawing each of the past three years), but he won't be able to come to the States for at least a year because of his contract with his current team. Still, the Sixers aren't a team that's going to contend for a little while, so this is a nice value pick for them long-term.
#22 Charlotte Bobcats
Pick: Glen Davis, PF, LSU, Sr.
Why?: While I'm not a fan of his game, the fact remains that Charlotte is in dire need of big men, and Davis is one of the best remaining. He fits their preference to draft a player with experience (all four years at LSU) and success in college (Final Four appearance two years ago).
#23 New York Knicks
Pick: Sean Williams, PF/C, Boston College, Jr.
Why?: The Knicks have zero inside presence on D, inviting players to take it to the hoop anytime they want. Williams is an exceptional shot blocker with great length. Plus, he's a bit of a headcase, getting kicked off his college team, so he'll fit in perfectly in the New York media soap opera.
#24 Phoenix Suns
Pick: Rudy Fernandez, SG/PG, Spain, Age 22
Why?: His very European skill set is a perfect fit to the Suns style. He has 3-point range and can get his shot off in a hurry, something he'll need to do with the Suns constant drive and pitch offense. He also possesses good ball handling skills, opening up some spot PG duties when necessary. He also gives the Suns another piece in their race with the Spurs and Raptors for most international players.
#25 Utah Jazz
Pick: Daequan Cook, SG, Ohio St, Fr.
Why?: During the playoffs last year, I heard, "Give the Jazz a shooting guard and they'll be dangerous" more times than I care to count. Here's their shooting guard. He'll need a year or two, but he and last year's first rounder Ronnie Brewer could make for a vicious combo to pair in the backcourt with Deron Williams.
#26 Houston Rockets
Pick: Marco Belinelli, SG, Italy, Age 21
Why?: While their biggest need is help for Yao in the post, there isn't any a big man worth using this pick on. Bellinelli fits their new offense crafted around Phoenix's up tempo play. For the sake of my blood pressure, I'll ignore the idiocy of choosing to adopt a running stlye with a plodding big man like Yao, as well as the fact that Phoenix has done nothing but prove you can't win with that style in the playoffs. Breathe...
#27 Detroit Pistons
Pick: Gabe Pruitt, PG, USC, Jr.
Why?: The Pistons would be ecstatic if Pruitt was still here at 27. Lindsey Hunter is not an adequate back-up PG, nor is Flip Murray. Pruitt has the size Joe D likes at 6'4", but at 170 pounds, could stand to bulk up to avoid injury. If not, I suppose he'd fit right it with scawny teammates Rip and Tayshaun.
#28 San Antonio Spurs
Pick: Alando Tucker, SG/SF, Wisconsin, Sr.
Why?: The Spurs are an interesting team, looking all-together beatable on paper, with their dependence on so many limited-skill players, but they just plain follow their game plan meticulously. At the start of the season, I said they needed help at point and in the post, and they wouldn't survive the West without it. About that... Sadly, I look at their roster and still feel the same way. To the topic at hand, I can see Tucker being molded into Bruce Bowen II, only with more of an offensive drive. This pick solidifies something I've noticed about the NBA draft in the past decade. The worst teams, those with the earliest picks, take gambles on guys with higher potential upsides, allowing proven players to fall to the better teams with lower picks. Many of those with potential don't fully pan out, leaving the worst teams at the bottom. Meanwhile, the quality teams choosing the proven guys get solid contributions and stay on top.
#29 Phoenix Suns
Pick: Aaron Brooks, PG, Oregon, Sr.
Why?: At just 5'11", Brooks' size could be a liability to some teams, but to Phoenix, it could be an advantage. His quickness fits their style perfectly, and the negative effects of his small stature is minimized on D because so many of Phoenix's opponents get caught in the fast pace tempo, negating their chances to post Brooks up.
#30 Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Morris Almond, SG, Rice, Sr.
Why?: The only team with three first rounders, Philly should come out of the draft with a new look to their roster. Almond gives them nice flexibility at the 2 and 3 spots, as well as scoring ability whenever he's on the court. He can be everything Willie Green was supposed to be for the Sixers.
There we are. Tear it up.