BFT's 2012 Mock Draft V4

[Built Ford Tough]

Will be the second last one I post. The last will come a couple days before the draft after workouts and the like have concluded.

 

Keep in mind this isn't what I think will happen, but what I would do if I was making these picks. Of course, there are some players that I'm off on whether it is because of not seeing them or other factors. Workouts will play a large role in moving and shuffling of the draft, and I mention that for a couple of prospects in particular that are probably ranked too low.

 

Unlike other versions, I have some explainations for the non-lottery picks as well, although they are just brief, few sentences. The lottery picks are more in depth.

 

Anyways, with that said here is version 4 of my mock:

 

 

1. New Orleans Hornets: PF Anthony Davis, Kentucky, Freshman

 

The Hornets were the big winners of the lottery, jumping from the fourth spot to the first, which means that they will walk away with the real prize of this draft; Anthony Davis.

 

Davis has been the consensus number one pick for a vast majority of the year. There was a brief debate prior to the start of the college season but once Davis stepped onto the floor as a Kentucky Wildcat, all debate ceased. Davis' defensive ability, freakish length, superb athleticism, high basketball IQ and relentless motor are just too good to pass up. He has the potential to be the best power forward in the league, be a legitimate defensive anchor and a true franchise player.

 

Simply put, he is far and away the best player in this draft.

 

 

2. Charlotte Bobcats: SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky, Freshman

 

After having the worst season in NBA history, the light at the end of the tunnel for the Bobcats was supposed to be Anthony Davis. However, the ping pong balls didn't fall in their favour and instead they will be selecting second.

 

After the abysmal season that this year was, the Bobcats need to add some tenacity, toughness and a fiery competitor who wants nothing more than to win. That sums up MKG to a tee. He may not be the guy who you build a team around but he is the kind of player that every championship calibre team needs. He simply does whatever it takes to win.

 

That isn't to say he doesn't have any skill and is a pure hustle player. He is an efficient slasher, tenacious defender and a good rebounder for his size. He has the ability to become a lockdown perimeter defender. The inability to create his own offense and a broken jump shot will likely prevent him from ever becoming a first or second offensive option, but his contributions in all other facets of the game is so valuable that you can overlook his lack of go-to scoring ability.

 

 

3. Washington Wizards: SG Bradley Beal, Florida, Freshman

 

There are rumblings that the Wizards were looking to deal this pick for a veteran if they didn't win the lottery and, obviously, they did not do that, so it remains to be seen if they will keep this pick come June 28th.

 

On the bright side, should the Wizards decide to not deal this pick they really didn't lose out from falling from second to third in the lottery. Their main target at two should have been Florida's Beal and they are still in position to draft him here.

 

Beal possess a picturesque jumper that will provide floor spacing that the Wizards desperately need. His knockdown shooting ability will create more driving lanes for John Wall and will also give Nene a reliable shooter to kick the ball out to should defenses decide to double him in the post. Beal can also take ball handling pressure off of Wall, is the best rebounding guard in the draft and has the potential to be an absolute stat stuffer with his ability to block shots and wreak havoc in the passing lanes.

 

 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: C Andre Drummond, Connecticut, Freshman

 

Cleveland grabbed their point guard and franchise player of the future in 2012 Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick last year. This year, they will look to pair Irving (and fourth overall pick Tristan Thompson) with a running mate for the next decade and Drummond could very well be that guy.

 

Drummond is quite possibly the biggest question mark in this draft. Will he realize his sky-high potential and become the dominating force that many predicted him to be when he was in high school? Or will the enigmatic play during his lone season at Connecticut plague him for the rest of his career? Nobody rally knows the answer to this question and it is for that reason Drummond is such a risk despite his immense physical tools.

 

Regardless, Drummond will, at the very least, be a shot blocking presence in the mold of a DeAndre Jordan, and those types of players will always have a place in the NBA. If he is able to translate his talent and physical tools into production on the court, the Cavs may find themselves with the most dominant point guard/center duo in the league and the foundation of a championship team in place.

 

 

5. Sacramento Kings: PF Thomas Robinson, Kansas, Junior

 

The Kings have a bunch of talent on their roster. The problem is that most of this talent overlaps and does not mesh well. Guards Tyreke Evans, Isiah Thomas and Marcus Thornton all need the ball in their hands to be their best. The same can be said for center DeMarcus Cousins. They are all also labelled as immature and need a strong personality to keep them in line.

 

Enter Thomas Robinson.

 

If Robinson is still on the board at five, which is far from certain, the Kings management would be jumping for joy. Other than Davis, there is not a single prospect in this draft that would be a better fit for this team. Robinson would come in and immediately be able to contribute. His tenacious rebounding would give the Kings a formidable duo between him and Cousins. He possess the athleticism to be able to get out in transition with the Kings' guards. He wouldn't give them the shot blocking that they would like beside Cousins, but that is about the only complaint you could have about the fit.

 

Perhaps most importantly of all, he would give them the type of personality that would demand respect and ensure that guys like Cousins and Evans would be 100% focused on the game at all times. He would give them the kind of leadership they desperately need.

 

 

6. Portland Trailblazers (from Brooklyn): SG Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut, Sophomore

 

After Brooklyn didn't move into the top three, the Blazers find themselves with this pick after the Gerald Wallace trade at the deadline. They have a variety of different options with this pick as they have needs at PG, SG and C, and possibly SF as well with Nicolas Batum being a restricted free agent. The decision should ultimately come down to Lamb and North Carolina's Harrison Barnes. With Batum likely being given a long-term extension, it makes sense to turn to shooting guard and Lamb.

 

Lamb was the highest scoring wing player in this this draft. He has a silky jumper that is just as effective curling off of screens as it is pulling up off the dribble. He is effective at creating his own offense, although he does have a tendency to settle for mid range jumpers as opposed to getting right to the rim. However, with a jumper as good as his, it is tough to fault him for playing to his strengths.

 

Defensively he can get bodied up and have his lack of strength exploited because of his lanky frame, although he does make effective use of his freakish length by playing passing lanes, contesting shots and closing gaps on defense.

 

 

7. Golden State Warriors: SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, Sophomore

 

Portland passing on Barnes would be an absolute dream for the Warriors after initiating a full blown tank job in order to prevent the Jazz from receiving this pick. After seeing no team below them jump ahead of them during the lottery, the Warriors breathed a sigh of relief as they will be ensured of keeping this pick.

 

Barnes would step in and be able to contribute immediately to this Warriors team. His shooting ability will fit right in with fellow perimeter marksmen Stephen Curry and Klay Thomspon. It would also provide even more floor spacing for big men David Lee and Andrew Bogut. He isn't adept at creating his own offense, although he does have the ability to run pick and rolls and has a nice escape dribble to create separation to get his jumper off.

 

Defensively he has nice size and fundamentals. His lateral quickness isn't great and he will never be a lock down defender, but he does use his body well to guide the opposition to where he wants them to go. He is a solid rebounder, although he didn't get to show it much playing alongside the stacked UNC bigs.

 

While he may not ever live up to the potential everybody initially believed, Barnes will be a successful pro and would give the Warriors a great boost as they look to make the jump into the playoffs next year.

 

 

8. Toronto Raptors: PG Damian Lillard, Weber State, Junior

 

The Raptors biggest need is at the small forward spot, but with them winning a few too many games down the stretch of the regular season, losing the coin toss to the Golden State Warriors and then having no lottery luck, they simply aren't in position to draft a small forward unless somebody completely blows them away during workouts.

 

Despite their need for a small forward, they also have a hole at point guard with Jose Calderon entering the final year of his contract and Jerryd Bayless being a restricted free agent this summer. The team doesn't seem to view Bayless as a long term option at the point anyways. That leaves Weber State's Damian Lillard as the most logical choice, if the team even keeps the pick which is far from certain.

 

Despite playing in the unheralded Big Sky Conference, Lillard was one of the best players in college basketball this season. His PER of 33.8 was the second best in all of college basketball this season, he scored 24.5 points a game which, once again, was second best in college basketball and he had a TS% of 64%. For a team who struggled to score the ball this past year, his scoring and shooting ability would be a welcome addition.

 

However, there are still question marks with Lillard. He didn't show much in terms of playmaking this year. Whether that was due to his team needing him to shoulder the scoring load or because he just doesn't have the instincts remains to be seen. He also played very weak competition in the Big Sky which sparks concerns whether he is truly as good as his numbers suggest or if he was a “big fish in a small pond”.

 

Workouts will be key for Lillard to prove that he didn't just abuse lesser competition, and also to show he is more than a scoring combo guard.

 

 

9. Detroit Pistons: PF John Henson, North Carolina, Junior

 

I've had this pick in two out of three of my mocks so far this year, and after hearing that the Pistons will be selecting based on need more than anything, it just reassures my prediction that John Henson will be their pick.

 

His shot blocking and defensive ability compliments Greg Monroe's more offensive oriented game. He was one of the preemptive defensive players in the NCAA this past season. He will need to add muscle to be able to bang down low with opposing big men and there is concern that his thin frame won't be able to hold much muscle. However, he makes up for a lack of strength with excellent length, athleticism and timing. With the Pistons having guys like Monroe, Brandon Knight, Ben Gordon and Rodney Stuckey on the roster already, they need a glue guy defensive player and Henson fits that bill perfectly.

 

That isn't to say he is a lost cause offensively. He does have solid finishing ability, has developed a reliable left hook shot and this past year added a mid range jumper to his arsenal which will help space the offense. His calling card is on the defensive end of the floor, though.

 

 

10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): PG Kendall Marshall, North Carolina, Sophomore

 

After winning the lottery with their own pick, the Hornets are in position to get Davis a point guard to grow and develop with him with the pick they acquired in the Chris Paul trade. There isn't a better option than Kendall Marshall who showed just how valuable his playmaking ability is throughout the college season with the Tar Heels.

 

Not only is Marshall a terrific passer, he has shown the ability to work flawlessly with his bigs in transition and pick and roll scenarios. These are the two areas of Davis' offensive game that are the most developed at this point. Drafting Marshall would help his transition on the offensive end of the floor tremendously.

 

That isn't to say that Davis would be the only one to benefit from playing with Marshall. Everybody from Emeka Okafor to Eric Gordon to Trevor Ariza would benefit. Gordon is really the only player on the roster you can rely on to consistently create his own offense and that is where Marshall becomes so valuable. He simply has the knack for putting his teammates in the best possible situations to succeed and players are more efficient playing with him.

 

His own offense is still a work in progress, although he showed development during the end of his season before fracturing his wrist and elbow, and there are plenty of concerns with his defense, but the guy can run an offense like few others and that alone will be invaluable to the Hornets.

 

 

11. Portland Trailblazers: PF/C Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Sophomore

 

After banking on Jeremy Lamb's upside earlier in the draft, the Blazers would ideally look to find a point guard running mate for him. However, that isn't realistic considering Lillard and Marshall are already off the board. They are very thin at the big man positions as well, and although ideally they would like a legitimate center to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge, there simply isn't one of those worth taking here, so they go with BPA and Jared Sullinger.

 

Sullinger is an efficient low post scorer who uses his low center of gravity and thick frame to establish deep post position. He does struggle at times scoring over length as he is a below the rim player, but his high basketball IQ should be enough to compensate for the lack of lift once he gains experience. He has also added a mid range jumper this year to effectively counter matchups where he simply can't bang down low. He is a very good rebounder as well.

 

Defensively he isn't great as his lack of size makes it easier for taller big men to shoot over the top of him and he doesn't have much in the way of shot blocking ability. He does rotate fairly well, draws some charges and does a nice job of cleaning up the glass.

 

He isn't the ideal compliment to Aldridge defensively, but he does give them a nice high post/low post offensive duo. He is also simply put the best player available at this position and, while may never be a star, he will have carve out a nice career similar to another undersized big man like Paul Millsap.

 

 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: SF/PF Perry Jones III, Baylor, Sophomore

 

Everybody knows the story with this talented enigma. He has all the tools you could ask for. Excellent length, explosive athleticism, is oozing natural talent and all that. Put him in an empty gym and you would be hard pressed to find anybody who doesn't see a player with superstar potential.

 

Unfortunately, basketball isn't played in an empty gym and Jones has never really managed to translate all of his athleticism and talent into extended periods of dominance. Sure, he has a game here and a game there where you are completely blown away by the things he can do on the court, but there are even more moments where you completely forget he is on the court. He disappears for games at a time and has been labelled as soft because of it.

 

However, there simply is no denying his talent. Put in the right situation with the right coaching staff and personnel around him and you may end up with the best player of this draft, Anthony Davis included. He is that gifted. Of course, on the flip side he could be out of the league in five years as well.

 

With the Bucks in the position that they are, they simply can't afford to pass up his potential and with a late lottery pick like this, you might as well swing for the fences and hope you hit a home run.

 

 

13. Phoenix Suns: SG Dion Waiters, Syracuse, Sophomore

 

The Suns are likely losing Steve Nash this summer and would probably want to replace him. That isn't likely to happen via the draft, though, unless they reach for a point guard here. Instead, look for them to find their shooting guard of the future instead. That leaves them with a handful of options. They can choose between Duke's Austin Rivers, Washington's Terrence Ross or Syracuse's Dion Waiters. I believe Waiters is the best of that group both short term and long term, so he is the pick here.

 

Waiters has the ability to break down defenses at will. He is constantly putting pressure off the bounce and can get to the rim as well as any perimeter player in this draft. If you are looking for looking a penetrating shooting guard to slash and attack the rim, Waiters is exactly that. With the NBA being so perimeter oriented these days, a guy like Waiters will make a living at the free throw line.

 

The rest of his game isn't as refined as his slashing ability. His jumper can be inconsistent, he can be lazy on defense and he may be a tad undersized at the next level. The jumper can be fixed and he does have solid playmaking instincts as well.

 

With a Suns team lacking real shot creating ability and star potential, Waiters is just too tempting to pass up here.

 

 

14. Houston Rockets: C Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, Senior

 

Houston is really a mess right now. They've stockpiled assets for the last few years hoping that they could flip those into a star player. They missed out on Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony and seem an unlikely destination for Deron Williams or Dwight Howard. Despite stockpiling assets, they are thin at center so taking Zeller makes sense.

 

Zeller may not have the upside as many of his freshman and sophomore counterparts, but what he does have is a very polished game that makes him able to contribute immediately. He can score around the rim with both hands, is a capable mid range shooter, hits his free throws at a high percentage and has great hands that enable him to catch nearly everything thrown to him. With that said, the best part of his game is without a doubt his ability to run the floor. There isn't a big in this draft that runs the floor better than he does.

 

He won't solve the Rockets treadmill problem, but he will give them a reliable player that will be able to contribute immediately.

 

 

15. Philadelphia: PF Terrence Jones, Kentucky, Sophomore

 

Jones is very talented, but suffers from disinterested syndrome. With Philly being a team full of blue collar guys, taking a chance on Jones' talent and hoping Doug Collins can bring out the best in him is probably the best course of action.

 

 

16. Houston (from New York): SG Austin Rivers, Duke, Freshman

 

Despite not being as high on Rivers as many other people, he has the ability to create his own offense and many people believe he could become a very good player. Despite not seeing the potential that most do in him, Houston makes sense to roll the dice on his potential given their need for an impact player.

 

 

17. Dallas: PG/SG Tony Wroten Jr., Washington, Freshman

 

On talent alone Wroten Jr is probably a top seven pick. However, he has a completely broken jumper, plays out of control and needs to learn to run an offense better. With Jason Kidd ageing and no other point guard option in the system, Dallas takes a chance that playing a year under Kidd will help settle him down.

 

 

18. Minnesota (from Utah): SG Terrence Ross, Washington, Sophomore

 

Simply put, Minnesota desperately needs a shooting guard and Ross is the best option available. Really not much else to say about this pick.

 

 

19. Orlando: C Meyers Leonard, Illinois, Sophomore

 

With Dwight Howard good as gone, the Magic have a gaping hole they need to fill at center, assuming they don't get one back in a trade. Leonard is no Howard, but he is athletic, a shot blocker and there are some people who think he has untapped potential that the right situation could bring out.

 

 

20. Denver: SF Moe Harkless, St. John's, Freshman

 

Denver really doesn't have any pressing needs that can be filled with a 20th overall draft pick. Maybe a big man if they decide not to pay Javale McGee, but really, they should just go BPA here and that is Harkless. He probably won't have much of an impact immediately, but the Nuggets depth enables them to wait on him.

 

 

21. Boston: PF/C Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State, Junior

 

Boston is lacking in size and Moultrie is the best big left on the board here. By the time workouts come around he likely won't be available here as I imagine he will jump up the board, but for now he makes the most sense. If he does actually fall here, he has the potential to be a real steal.

 

 

22. Boston (from LA Clippers): C Fab Melo, Syracuse, Sophomore

 

Much like the previous pick, Boston continues to add size and bulk up front by drafting Melo. Melo is a strong defender but will likely need a year or two before being ready to contribute. Conditioning is a big concern with him, but with guys like Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers, that shouldn't be a problem in Detroit.

 

 

23. Atlanta: SF/PF Draymond Green, Michigan State, Senior

 

Atlanta really needs depth. Green gives them a versatile player who can play inside, outside and as a point forward. He doesn't solve their issue of simply not being talented enough to contend with a team like Miami, but he does give them another solid piece who does a little bit of everything.

 

 

24. Cleveland (from LA Lakers): SF Quincy Miller, Baylor, Freshman

 

Miller has the talent of a top 10 pick, but an underwhelming freshman season and concerns with a torn ACL suffered in high school have drastically hurt his stock. With Cleveland needing a small forward and another outside shooter, he fits very well with them. Should he regain the form that made him a top recruit coming out of high school, this would be the steal of the draft.

 

 

25. Memphis: PG Marquis Teague, Kentucky, Freshman

 

Memphis needs a point guard to backup Mike Conley as he was forced to play major minutes down the stretch and ended up wearing down in the playoffs. Teague gives them that. Ideally you would want a more reliable backup point, but Teague calmed down a lot towards the end of the season and is likely the BPA here as well.

 

 

26. Indiana: SF/PF Royce White, Iowa State, Sophomore

 

Indiana really doesn't have any pressing needs here. They would probably like to add a star point, but that would be via free agency. White is very talented, but anxiety issues and tweener status hold him back. At 26 and with Indiana's depth, he is too good to pass up here.

 

 

27. Miami: C Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt, Senior

 

Miami needs size and Ezeli is the best option left. Not much else to it.

 

 

28. Oklahoma City: SF Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt, Senior

 

Taylor gives the Thunder another athletic shooter who is a strong defender. They don't really have any other real pressing concerns, maybe a depth big but there simply aren't any of those left.

 

 

29. Chicago: SG Doron Lamb, Kentucky, Sophomore

 

With Derrick Rose likely out for the year, the Bulls would probably want somebody more than just a catch and shoot player, and Lamb can handle the ball a bit in addition to his strong jumper, giving him the edge over somebody like John Jenkins.

 

 

30. Golden State (from San Antonio): SG Evan Fournier, International

 

Much like Moultrie earlier, Fournier will not likely be here after workouts as he is very talented, has nice size and is still only 19 years old. Look for a contender to draft and stash him, but should he fall this far, he is simply too talented to pass up for Golden State.

[Make It Naaaashty]

Great job. Good stuff, I agree with most except I think we will draft Austin Rivers instead of Waiters. Atleast I hope we do.

[Built Ford Tough]

Great job. Good stuff, I agree with most except I think we will draft Austin Rivers instead of Waiters. Atleast I hope we do.

 

I could see it.

 

As anybody who has read my comments about Rivers know, though, I don't think much of him. Out of the big four shooting guard prospects in this draft (Lamb, Waiters, Rivers and Ross) I have Rivers 4th on my list. The only reason I have him going ahead of Ross in this mock is because I do think his ceiling is higher than Ross' but I do still think Ross ends up being the better player.

 

I could certainly be way off on him becuase a lot of people who know a hell of a lot more about basketball than I do consider him the best of this group of 4, but I just don't think he is going to be anything more than a 6th man in the NBA.

 

Maybe it is my Duke bias or something (although I loved Irving last year), haha.

[DunkinDerozan]

I like the Lillard pick. Either him or Marshall is what i'm expecting if we keep the pick.

[Flash]

Need Fab Melo but I'm good with Ezeli.

[Smitty]

Jones would just end up being another Speights in Philly..not sure I'd like that.

 

 

Good stuff though man.

[Built Ford Tough]

Jones would just end up being another Speights in Philly..not sure I'd like that.

 

 

Good stuff though man.

 

Would you like Meyers Leonard more? I actually forgot all about Jones and left him out completely at first. I had Leonard going there instead of Jones but when I looked it over again and realized I missed him, I switched it up and put Jones there since I believe he is the BPA and I feel Philly should be drafting BPA.

 

I do see where you are coming from and that is a valid concern. I would just hope that Collins would be able to keep on him and not let him become complacent and coast in games.

 

Need Fab Melo but I'm good with Ezeli.

 

I agree that Melo would be the ideal pick, but there are just too many teams ahead of the Heat that need size and would take a gamble on him. Boston, Atlanta, Cleveland (if they go small with their 4th pick), Orlando and possibly even Philly.

 

With there only being a handful of bigs I just don't see a scenario where he falls to the Heat. He would be a very nice get for them, though.

[Jenneral]

Nice post. I'd kind of like to see Sully fall to the Bucks (even though I don't like him that much). Either way we need to go big in this draft and not miss. This could end up being a critical year for the future of our franchise and the city of Milwaukee.

[Real Deal]

I'll comment more in a bit, but the one thing that stuck out to me immediately is the Hornets' second pick. If Sullinger is still there, I would be shocked if they pass him up, especially since they really have no idea what's going to happen with Carl Landry. Sully could be an excellent backup to Landry, anyway, and the Hornets could have a nice duo up front in about 3-4 years, if those two (Davis and Sullinger) pan out to be solid NBA players.

 

I doubt Chris Kaman returns...not even sure if he likes New Orleans, the city, lol. With Emeka making big bucks, the Hornets won't want to give him the money he wants anyway.

 

Landry will more than likely get a better offer elsewhere...so if he happens to leave, well, Sullinger is a perfect pick, because Emeka is a true center, and while Ayon played surprisingly well in a few games, I can't really say he's a definite starter, either. Who knows...Sullinger could be the guy.

 

Definitely can't go wrong with Marshall, though...but Jack is going to be there for at least another year or two (can't remember his deal, but he doesn't expire this offseason), and they've been pretty high on him lately, so maybe the Hornets would rather look into free agency to find a backup PG if they want to replace Vasquez.

[Cleveland's Finest]

I'd be happy with Drummond, as we definitely need a big man to help Andy out in the short term, and to build around in the long term.

 

However, I really want us to get MKG.

[Dash]

Love the Zeller pick, seems like most mocks since the lottery have had him falling to us and just a few weeks ago I would have assumed we would have had to move up to get him (still might have to). Safe pick and we might have possibly found our starting center for the next 5 or so years.

 

At 16th I can't complain about picking Rivers either. During that late season collapse, Houston's main struggle was finding a way to score points in the 4th quarter because teams eventually picked up that the bulk of our lineup consisted of players that were incapable of creating their own shot (aside from Goran Dragic, Lowry/Scola were nonfactors in that run). Rivers gives us someone who can do that, maybe in a sixth man type of role behind Courtney Lee.

 

Fournier is another possibility with our 2nd pick, at 16 he might be a reach but I wouldn't be shocked to see Houston trade down several picks while picking up an extra asset and then drafting Fournier and stashing him away for a year. With Motiejunas expected to sign with us in the offseason, its unlikely Houston is going to bring in 3 rookies to training camp with a roster that is already loaded with assets. Until we can move those assets in a package deal, a stash pick seems like a strong possibility.

[Built Ford Tough]

Love the Zeller pick, seems like most mocks since the lottery have had him falling to us and just a few weeks ago I would have assumed we would have had to move up to get him (still might have to). Safe pick and we might have possibly found our starting center for the next 5 or so years.

 

I think Zeller falling to the Rockets it a possibility, but a lot of it depends on what the Blazers do with their 6th pick. If they go big and take somebody like Drummond (or even Sullinger if he impresses during workouts) I can see Zeller falling to Houston. If they go small with the first I think it lowers the chances, especially if somebody grabs Sullinger before their second pick.

 

The only other team I can see taking him ahead of Houston would be the Bucks and maybe the Hornets, but New Orleans is unlikely imo.

 

The thing with him is that he won't be considered a "sexy" pick. An average athlete that doesn't have great length and is a senior? They are basically the carbon copy of players who end up sliding a bit in the draft but wind up being mainstays on an NBA roster for 10 years.

 

Fournier is another possibility with our 2nd pick, at 16 he might be a reach but I wouldn't be shocked to see Houston trade down several picks while picking up an extra asset and then drafting Fournier and stashing him away for a year. With Motiejunas expected to sign with us in the offseason, its unlikely Houston is going to bring in 3 rookies to training camp with a roster that is already loaded with assets. Until we can move those assets in a package deal, a stash pick seems like a strong possibility.

 

I really can't comment much on Fournier other than that I legitimately don't believe he will fall down to where I have him. Him and Moultrie are the two guys who I think could end up being draft 10 spots higher than I have them.

 

From what I've read about Fournier, he has all the makings of a guy who will rise up the draft board during workouts. Come draft day it wouldn't be a complete shock to me if he did rise to the late teens range.

 

I'd be happy with Drummond, as we definitely need a big man to help Andy out in the short term, and to build around in the long term.

 

However, I really want us to get MKG.

 

Would you rather go with Drummond or take Barnes at 4? I know the Cavs were infatuated with Barnes last season to the point where there was talk that if he had stayed in the draft they would've considered him over Irving, and from what I hear they are still very high on him. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they took Barnes at 4.

 

I'll comment more in a bit, but the one thing that stuck out to me immediately is the Hornets' second pick. If Sullinger is still there, I would be shocked if they pass him up, especially since they really have no idea what's going to happen with Carl Landry. Sully could be an excellent backup to Landry, anyway, and the Hornets could have a nice duo up front in about 3-4 years, if those two (Davis and Sullinger) pan out to be solid NBA players.

 

I doubt Chris Kaman returns...not even sure if he likes New Orleans, the city, lol. With Emeka making big bucks, the Hornets won't want to give him the money he wants anyway.

 

Landry will more than likely get a better offer elsewhere...so if he happens to leave, well, Sullinger is a perfect pick, because Emeka is a true center, and while Ayon played surprisingly well in a few games, I can't really say he's a definite starter, either. Who knows...Sullinger could be the guy.

 

Definitely can't go wrong with Marshall, though...but Jack is going to be there for at least another year or two (can't remember his deal, but he doesn't expire this offseason), and they've been pretty high on him lately, so maybe the Hornets would rather look into free agency to find a backup PG if they want to replace Vasquez.

 

Fair points.

 

I definitely think Sullinger is the better prospect than Marshall, but I think on that team with guys like Davis, Gordon and Ariza (Okafor if he sticks around) Marshall would have a bigger impact. With the exception of Gordon, none of these guys are really capable of creating their own offense and if you are going to commit to a core that features these guys I think you need to have a real playmaker at the point. I love Jack, but he doesn't fit that bill.

 

I won't disagree with you that Sullinger is a good fit for the team, but I do think that Marshall is the better fit and I don't think Sullinger has a significant upside advantage over Marshall (he will be a better player, but we aren't talking all-star to role player, at least in my opinion) to ignore what is, in my opinion, the perfect fit.

 

Even if Lillard, who I think is clearly the best point guard prospect in this draft, is available with the Hornets pick I think Marshall would still be the better pick. I just love his fit on that team.

[Warren2ThaG]

Hope Portland gets either Beal-Marshall-Sullinger-Lamb--Henson

[Smitty]

Would you like Meyers Leonard more? I actually forgot all about Jones and left him out completely at first. I had Leonard going there instead of Jones but when I looked it over again and realized I missed him, I switched it up and put Jones there since I believe he is the BPA and I feel Philly should be drafting BPA.

 

I do see where you are coming from and that is a valid concern. I would just hope that Collins would be able to keep on him and not let him become complacent and coast in games.

 

 

 

 

Leonard I would definitely like.

 

Sullinger is probably a pipe dream at Philly's spot but I'd be one happy man if he dropped to us somehow. He'd be such a great fit for the Sixers...perfect replacement for Brand.

[Built Ford Tough]

Hope Portland gets either Beal-Marshall-Sullinger-Lamb--Henson

 

If they want Beal they either have to either combine their 6th and 11th picks to a team that ends up liking, say, Sullinger/Barnes and somebody like Waiters. If the Bobcats, for instance, think that the upside of that combination (or some other one) more than just taking Beal it would make sense for them to trade down and pick up the additional asset.

 

If they stand pat I can see them getting Lamb for sure, if they really want him. Unless he absolutely dominates workouts (which is a possibility) I don't see any team ahead of Portland being a threat to take him.

 

With their second pick Marshall may be available, but it all depends on New Orleans if you ask me. I know some people think they'll go with two bigs, but I think they will go Davis 1st (obviously) and look to get a guard to pair him with at 10. If Lillard is gone already that pretty much eliminates any chance Marshall would fall to Portland, at least based on how I view things as of right now.

 

With Henson, it literally all comes down to Detroit. If Detroit doesn't pick him, I don't really see another lottery team taking him.

 

Leonard I would definitely like.

 

Sullinger is probably a pipe dream at Philly's spot but I'd be one happy man if he dropped to us somehow. He'd be such a great fit for the Sixers...perfect replacement for Brand.

 

Pipe dream pretty much sums it up.

 

If Sullinger moves anywhere from where I have him, I'm sure it will be up the draft board, not down. Sixers would need to trade up if they want any shot at Sully.

[Check my Stats]

I want Lamb in the worst way. I'd be surprised if Cleveland passed on Barnes. Weren't they really interested in him last year?

[Built Ford Tough]

I want Lamb in the worst way. I'd be surprised if Cleveland passed on Barnes. Weren't they really interested in him last year?

 

I want Lamb too so I'm hoping I am wrong and he is in fact in that third tier group and not the second tier with Drummond, Barnes, Beal, MKG and Robinson. I honestly don't see how he isn't in that group, though.

 

To be perfectly honest, I can see him surpassing Beal as the 1st 2 guard off the board. I think he is going to absolutely dominate workotus and shoot up the draft boards. Ford having him as a late lottery pick seems absolutely laughable to me.

 

As far as Barnes, you are right about Cleveland loving him last year. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they picked him 4th either. I was split 50/50 between him and Drummond when making the pick for Cleveland but I just felt the upside of Drummond is greater than Barnes. Of course, there isn't as much risk with Barnes as there is with Drummond either.