NBA Mock Draft Rd 1 (Pt 1)
Now that the NBA Draft Lottery is complete and we are flying through the playoffs, we here at the FSB feel that it is time to start discussing the future of the NBA. No we don't mean where LeBron will go, the major media outlets have that covered for us, we are talking about yet another Mock Draft!
Was- John Wall, PG Comparison: Athletic Jason Kidd
The Lucky Wizards will likely select John Wall with the first selection, and shift suspended guard to the shooting guard.Wall is the premiere player in this Draft. He has premiere athleticism, court vision, passing, and speed from the point Guard position. His athleticism and anticipation give him elite defensive potential. He can get to the lane almost at will. His jumpshot is inconsistent, and perhaps the talent at Kentucky allowed him to get by without improving it. Still, I think he projects slightly better than Derrick Rose, as he is better in the half-court and on the defensive end than Rose was at a similar stage.
Phi- Evan Turner, SG Comparison: Brandon Roy
The Philadelphia 76ers, were also fortunate to land a top pick after deciding to re-build late in the season. While Holiday, Igoudala, and Turner would offer immense versatility together, none are much threats as perimeter shooters. I think they will likely weigh trading down with the Timberwolves, but will ultimately select Turner and put Andre Igoudala back on the trade block. Turner compares to Brandon Roy, as both were talented players in systems where as the team’s best player, they were asked to handle the ball and make decisions. Turner gets to the free throw line with his great handles and threatening pull-up jumper. Turner is an average 3-point shooter.
NJ- Derrick Favors. PF Comparison: Carlos Boozer/ Shawn Kemp
The Nets, who had the greatest odds to reap the benefits of the top pick, fell down to 3rd. While this may ultimately remove them from the LeBron sweepstakes, Derrick Favors will be the easiest GM move, as they would not have to seek out a blockbuster trade. Favors would team with Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, Terrence Williams, and Courtney Lee to form a solid young core. He is an prototypical power forward, with solid athleticism. He is a solid rebounder, and shotblocker, as his long arms and explosive vertical make up for his average height. He is a powerful finisher, and is improving on the offensive end. He didn’t have great guard play at Tech, which may have impacted his stats.
Min- Derrick Cousins. C/PF Comparison: Al Jefferson/ Kendrick Perkins
The Timberwolves will likely push for a trade with 76ers for Evan Turner, who would fit in nicely in their backcourt with Johnny Flynn and Ramon Sessions. If Minnesota, can not land Turner, Cousins will likely merit consideration. Cousins would complement Kevin Love, and move Al Jefferson to a willing trade partner for a capable scoring wing. Cousins has top tier skill, but there are many things that has NBA scouts questioning his selection. First of all, he must continue to improve his athleticism and conditioning to succeed in the NBA. Entering Kentucky, Cousins struggled running the floor and though he improved, he rotated often with fellow freshman Daniel Orton. Though, in the time he was in, Cousins was the most efficient Collegiate player. Cousins, also has a fiery temper and will allow his emotions to get the best of him. He has committed many flagrant fouls, and gotten a way with some bush league tactics at times. He will likely need a veteran mentor or coach to help control him. If Cousins can put it together, he will be a top Center in the league.
Sac- Wesley Johnson,SF Comparison: Caron Butler
Sacramento will likely hope that the Timberwolves, pass on Wes Johnson so they can select him. The Kings fell to 5th, though they had the 2nd highest chance at the top pick. By not securing Wall or Turner, Sacramento likely keeps Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans at the point guard, though he projects better as a shooting guard. Wes Johnson, seem like the best available compliment for Evans, as he can extend the defense with his jumper, and guard other teams scorers, alleviating the pressure on Evans. Wes Johnson, was an unheralded transfer from Iowa State before the season, but began it looking like a top 3 pick. He possesses ideal athleticism and physical attributes which should translate on the defensive end, as we saw in Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 defense. Though he saw the majority of his minutes as a 4, he has sweet jumper. He likely projects as capable 2nd scorer, but most continue to work on ball handling and creating his own shot.
GS- Greg Monroe, PF/C Comparison: Spencer Hawes
The Warriors had a mediocre season and will need to improve to impress future owners. With a sale impending, “Nellie-ball” will likely continue to be in effect, leading to more excitement, though not fruitful. They will look to upgrade their forntline depth. Greg Monroe is a fundamentally sound big man after 2 years in the Georgetown system. He was highly recruited, but is only a fair athlete. He would be suited in a system that can employ his finesse skills.
Det- Cole Aldrich, C Comparison: Joel Pryzbilla / Roy Hibbert
After selecting versatile forwards in last draft, the Pistons should look to improve by adding a low post scoring threat. The Pistons hope for Aldrich, but ultimately their decision hinges on who the Warriors select. Cole Aldrich is very skilled Center with soft hands and good jumpshot. He’s gritty and can rebound, block and pass. While he isn’t great in transition, I think he can be good enough to play solid minutes. He is a solid serviceable center, and doesn’t provide much upside.
LAC- Al Farouq Aminu, SF/PF Comparison: Josh Smith/ Julian Wright
The Clippers will likely address the SF position in the offseason. They will look at re-signing Travis Outlaw, or working a sign-and-trade for Rudy Gay. They can use this pick for depth and insurance, as there is no point guard of the future worth taking at this point. Al Farouq Aminu is a very raw, athletic combo forward. Ultimately, he likely will settle in as a stretch 4. His explosive athleticism, motor and length project him as a top defender and capable rebounder. He will have to continue to improve his ball-handling and shooting.
Utah (NYK)- Ekpe Udoh, PF Comparison: Jason Thompson
The Utah Jazz will focus on replacing impending free-agent Carlos Boozer. The lack of front-court depth was exposed in the playoffs. I think Greg Monroe, would be a better fit, but Udoh has great upside. Ekpe Udoh has great upside. This long-armed, athletic big man has great defensive potential and is a solid rebounder. Given time, he can improve both his back to the basket and facing the basket offense. He has decent enough handle and midrange game for a forward, and provides good work ethic.
Ind- Gordon Hayward, SF Comparison: Rashard Lewis
The Pacers are one of the most perplexing teams in the draft. They really underachieved last year, and then passed on trading T.J. Ford, Jeff Foster and Troy Murphy, all of whom could have gotten greater return value than they are worth. Indiana then went on a winning streak late in the season when they had nothing to play for, effectively taking them out of play for a elite upside talent in the draft. Still, Danny Granger needs lots of help, and the best way will be to rebuild completely. After drafting college starts Roy Hibbert, Brandon Rush and Tyler Hansbrough in recent years, I gave them local star Gordon Hayward. His versatility and scoring ability, will put him on the floor. Gordon Hayward is lanky quick forward who was the best player on the Cinderella Butler team. Hayward as a great skill set for his size. He can shoot and create his own shot. While he will need to add some muscle, he is a willing rebounder and passer. He likely won’t be a great defender, but I appreciate his fearlessness going against Kyle Singler in a competitive NCAA title game.
NO- Daniel Orton , C Comparison: Brendan Haywood/ Andrew Bynum
New Orleans seems to be at a crossroads, as they will have to assemble enough pieces to appease star Chris Paul. Paul was injured for half of this season, and was aptly replaced by rookie Darren Collison. Collison and fellow rookie Marcus Thorton emerged as solid players after just their rookie season. While that is good for the Hornets, they are stuck with Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson’s contracts until the end of next season, and James Posey’s until 2012. New Orleans will have to consider packaging Collison with a contract for some cap relief and talent. In the draft, I would anticipate them looking for a capable center, such as Daniel Orton. Daniel Orton is a bit of an enigma. He has the talent to become a capable starter with NBA strength, and could be a good rebounder and shot-blocker. Still in High school, his motor was questionable, and his limited minutes on a talented Kentucky team did nothing to dispel it. If he can develop offense with his back to the basket, he would have all-star potential
Mem- Xavier Henry, SF/SG Comparison: Paul Pierce/Martell Webster
Memphis will need to replace impeding free agent SF Rudy Gay. Gay will likely demand a close to maximum deal, and it will be interesting to see how much the Grizzlies will offer him. Memphis will also need to continue to add depth, especially at the guard positions, if it desires to continue to push for a playoff spot. Xavier Henry has an NBA ready body and can really shoot. While he started the college season hot, he deferred to the upperclassmen on a deep veteran Kansas team. He will have to improve his ball handling
Tor- Ed Davis, PF Comparison: JJ Hickson
Toronto will likely have to address the loss of All-Star power forward Chris Bosh. Bosh is a maximum deal player and can choose from markets in Houston, Miami, Chicago, New Yoark, as well as Toronto. They will likely need a post player that can pick up for some of the defense inefficiencies of Andrea Bargnani. They can also consider upgrading at point guard, as a shoot first point guard will likely fit in next to Hedo Turkogulu.
Ed Davis is an athletic power forward with phenomenal upside. He has been on the NBA radar for the past 2 years, but underachieved throughout his college career. This has scouts convinced that Davis can not lead a team, but is more of a second fiddle. He will need to get stronger, but he is a willing shotblocker and rebounder.
Hou- Donatas Motejunas, PF/C Comparison: Andrea Bargnani
Houston had a tough year with Yao injured, and Tracy McGrady aging quickly. The crafty Rockets
front office was able to move the disappoint McGrady, and 6th man PF Carl Landry for SG Kevin Martin and PF Jordan Hill. The Rockets additionally cleared enough cap room to sign a max free agent like Texas native Chris Bosh. The Rockets will need to add some depth at center, and point guard if Kyle Lowry doesn’t re-sign. Donatas Motejunas is a very talented offensive center. He can shoot from the perimeter, handle, and has a decent back to the basket game. He isn’t a great defensive player or rebounder. He is a lefty that reminds scouts of Andrea Bargnani. He could be an option to stash in Europe or in a reserve role.
Mil- Luke Babbit, SF Comparison: Omri Cassipi/ Linas Kleiza
Milwaukee really emerged looking a lot better around the core of Brandon Jennings, and Andrew Bogut. The Bucks are a strong defensive team under Scott Skiles, and they could use a scorer at the forward position. The Bucks will also have to re-sign John Salmons, or keep Michael Redd at the shooting guard. Babbit is a very talented under-the radar player. His smooth stroke and skill set are assets on the offensive side. Defensively, Babbit is a liability as he isn’t fast enough to keep up with a 3, not strong enough to play the 4.
