| | | |
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L.A. Clippers
|
Blake Griffin
| Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 248 pounds
Age: 20
School: Oklahoma |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Clippers brought in Blake Griffin for a public workout and continue to be on the path to select him with the No. 1 pick.Sources around the league say that trade talks with the Clippers are virtually nonexistent when it comes to Griffin. In other words, Griffin will be a Clipper.Meanwhile, the Clippers are focusing on finding a new home for
Chris Kaman or
Zach Randolph.
| | | |
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Memphis
|
Hasheem Thabeet
| Position: C
Height: 7-3
Weight: 267
Age: 22
School: Connecticut |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Grizzlies continue to be a bit of an enigma right now. They are talking to a number of teams about a potential trade, andteams including the Kings, Wizards, Knicks, Rockets and Celtics have shown interest. The Grizzlies continue to publicly pursue
Ricky Rubio as well, though awell-placed source in Rubio's camp said it's likely (though not definite) that it will skip Memphis when Rubio goes on a three-city U.S. tour nextweek.
There also have been rumblings that
Tyreke Evans is in the mix in Memphis. But when the dust clears, it looks as though the most likely scenario has Thabeet in Memphis ondraft night if the Grizzlies keep the pick.
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| |
Oklahoma City
|
Ricky Rubio
| Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Country: Spain |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Thunder have been their typical quiet selves. GM Sam Presti has told a number of agents that he is interested in theirplayers, but it has been difficult to ascertain the direction toward which they are leaning.
We continue to hear that the Thunder have expressed interest in Rubio, Thabeet,
James Harden,
Jordan Hill and
Stephen Curry.
Rubio likely will make a visit to OKC sometime before the draft, but major questions exist about how he would fit there. The team sees
Russell Westbrook as its point guard of the future and isn'tsure how he would fare without the ball in his hands. Maybe more importantly, Presti is an opportunist. If he can get a couple of good assets in return for theNo. 3 pick, he won't be afraid to pull the trigger.
But if he doesn't, and if Rubio is off the board, the team will have to make a tough decision. Thabeet would give the Thunder the shot-blocking theydesperately need. Harden would give them the savvy of a veteran. Curry would give them shooting. Hill would give them rebounding and energy. Oklahoma Citycould use all those things, but our guess is that it will settle on Harden.
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Sacramento
|
Tyreke Evans
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Age: 19
School: Memphis |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Another week, another player for the Kings. I think, ideally, the Kings will figure out a way to move up in the draft.They've had some preliminary discussions with the Grizzlies, but the price is high. Moving up two spots would cost them the No. 4 pick and last year'slottery pick,
Jason Thompson. That's a high pricefor Rubio. Probably too high.
If they don't trade up and if Rubio doesn't fall to them, they will be in a tough position. The team needs a point guard, preferably a big one, andtwo players stand out.
JrueHoliday's combination of size and defensive ability are intriguing. However, his lack of production at UCLA is a big concern. Evans was muchmore productive at Memphis and has terrific upside as a scoring point. The other possibilities here include
Brandon Jennings,
Jonny Flynn and Curry.
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Washington
|
James Harden
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 222
Age: 19
School: Arizona State |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: As we've been reporting since draft lottery night, the Wizards continue to shop the pick. Asource in Washington told me that they've had a number of interesting offers. Their goal is to get back a veteran who can play right now and to shed a fewmillion dollars off their cap if possible.
A number of teams including the Knicks, Mavericks, Rockets and Pacers are all possibilities here. If they keep the pick, they'll have a tough choicebetween Harden and Hill. From the intel I've received, it sounds as though Harden may be slightly ahead.
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Minnesota
|
Stephen Curry
| Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 181
Age: 21
School: Davidson |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Wolves really need help at center and point guard. There aren't any centers left worth taking. They've been lookingat Evans here, but in this mock draft, he's already off the board. Curry becomes an interesting prospect if Evans is gone.
He can play both positions on the floor and combined with
RandyFoye could give the Wolves a pretty formidable backcourt. Curry's maturity, his dead-eye shooting and his name recognition all make this apretty smart pick for the Wolves.
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Golden State
|
Jrue Holiday
| Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 199
Age: 18
School: UCLA |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Warriors don't have a traditional point guard and while Don Nelson would prefer a veteran Ithink it will be hard for them to pass on Jrue Holiday if he's still on the board. Holiday isn't nearly as polished as Flynn, but he gives them somemuch-needed size and defense in the backcourt next to
MontaEllis. I also expect that the Warriors will take a long look at Brandon Jennings here. But his lack of size hurts him a bit.
And while were at it, I'm hearing significant buzz that Louisville's
Terrence Williams is also high onthe board at Golden State. Seven seems too high, but don't be surprised if the Warriors are willing to do a swap to get him.
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New York
|
Jonny Flynn
| Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 196
Age: 20
School: Syracuse |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Knicks will be disappointed if Curry is off the board, but they still have a chance to really help their backcourt. Thequestion is whether they go for experience or upside. Flynn has the ability to come in and play right away in New York. Jennings has more long-term upside. Ithink Jennings playing a year in Italy will make him intriguing to Mike D'Antoni, but Flynn is more of a pure point guard right now and that's what theKnicks need.
And while we're on the subject, don't count out one sleeper here -- Ohio State's B.J. Mullens. His combination of size and athleticism isintriguing. He's far from ready, but the Knicks need a big man and they are intrigued.
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Toronto
|
DeMar DeRozan
| Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 211
Age: 19
School: USC |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Raptors have some needs on the wing since
Anthony Parker and
Shawn Marion are hitting free agency. On talent alone, DeMarDeRozan is one of the most gifted players in the draft. His strong play at the end of the season combined with a confident performance at the combine couldpush him higher.
But if he's here, sources say the Raptors won't pass. If DeRozan is gone, they'll decide between Duke's
Gerald Henderson and Holiday.
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Milwaukee
|
Jordan Hill
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 232
Age: 21
School: Arizona |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Bucks will jump for joy if this scenario happens. Hill is a top-five talent, but if the Wizardspass, he may slip here. None of the other teams are really after a power forward. Hill would be a godsend for the Bucks.
They face losing both of their free agents --
CharlieVillanueva and
Ramon Sessions -- this summerdue to financial constraints. That loss could leave them wide open at both the point and the 4.
If Hill is gone, they'll try to find the best player among Flynn, Holiday, Jennings,
Jeff Teague and
Earl Clark.
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New Jersey
|
Tyler Hansbrough
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 234
Age: 23
School: North Carolina |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Rod Thorn has said he needs a moose, but it won't be easy to find one here. The Nets have needsat both forward positions but the three best candidates,
DeJuan Blair, Earl Clark and
James Johnson, all haveissues. Blair's medical reports have created major red flags about his knees. Johnson is carrying around some baggage from Wake Forest. And Clark isn'tthe physical player they're really looking for.
That has caused two new players to emerge on their list -- Tyler Hansbrough and
Terrence Williams. Williams hashis own set of issues that teams are sorting through which gives Hansbrough a legit shot at going this high. He isn't going to be a dominant player in theleague, but he's been productive, is as tough as nails and has measured better, in size and athletically, than people predicted.
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Charlotte
|
Gerald Henderson
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215
Age: 21
School: Duke |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Since shipping
JasonRichardson to Phoenix in December, the Bobcats have some needs in the backcourt.
Raja Bell can't hold down the fort forever.
While they hope a player like DeRozan or Evans falls here, they can settle for Henderson. Henderson isn't the best offensive 2-guard in the draft, buthe's NBA-ready and can play lockdown defense.
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Indiana
|
Austin Daye
| Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Gonzaga |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Pacers' biggest need is an athletic big man who can score and block shots. Unfortunately, there aren't any of thoseguys in the draft this year. They are also looking for a starting point guard. But if the draft plays out like this, the Pacers would have to reach.
The good news is that Daye could be a great fit, especially if they start playing
Danny Granger more at the 4. Daye's shooting ability andupside remind some of, dare we say,
Jonathan Bender.
They'll also give a long look to Jennings and Jeff Teague here.
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Phoenix
|
Brandon Jennings
| Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 165
Age: 19
Country: Italy |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Suns could go in a lot of directions depending on where GM
Steve Kerr decides to take the team. There's been a lot oftalk about Earl Clark here and I think he makes a lot of sense. But they may have a hard time passing on Jennings if he's still on the board.
Eventually,
Steve Nash is going to slow down, andJennings has the talent to be a big-time point guard down the road. With a year or two of tutoring from Nash, he could be a special player.
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Detroit
|
Earl Clark
| Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
School: Louisville |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Pistons will begin their summer makeover in the draft. They'd love to add a dominantlow-post scorer, but there just isn't anyone available there. They'll have a tough decision between two upside guys. Clark could be the second comingof
Lamar Odom if he's willing to put in the work.
The versatile forward can play both the 3 and the 4, is amazing in transition, is an excellent rebounder and an emerging shooter. And he has the capability(albeit not always the inclination) to play great defense.
James Johnson issmaller but tougher. He is also inconsistent but has major upside. Both guys have questions about their background.
I think Clark gets the edge based on size. He's big enough to be a full-time 4 in the NBA.
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Chicago
|
DeJuan Blair
| Position: PF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 277
Age: 20
School: Pittsburgh |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: There's been talk that the Bulls may take a look at Hansbrough. He definitely is a
John Paxson-type of player. However, we now have him off theboard. The Bulls will have a tough choice here between Blair, James Johnson and B.J. Mullens.
Johnson is a talent who could give the Bulls an offensive lift at the 4. Mullens has the most long-term upside at a position where the Bulls need help. ButBlair, even with his long-term knee issues, looks like the right fit in Chicago. He's physical, a beast on the boards and gives the Bulls some much-neededtoughness on the frontline.
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Philadelphia
|
Eric Maynor
| Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 164
Age: 21
School: VCU |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: With
Andre Miller hittingfree agency this summer, look for the Sixers to address the point guard position.
Lou Williams is nice but not really a lead guard.
Maynor would give Philly the total package as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Teague will also get a look here, but he's more of a comboguard and the Sixers have that in Williams.
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Minnesota
(via Miami)
|
B.J. Mullens
| Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 258
Age: 20
School: Ohio State |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Wolves don't have a true center, and Mullens is likely to be the best one remaining on the board. At the beginning of theseason, he was ranked in our top five, but he slipped because, although his talent remains, he's years away from being ready. However, a lottery team withlots of first-round picks such as Minnesota can roll the dice and pray the gamble pays off.
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Atlanta
|
Jeff Teague
| Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Age: 20
School: Wake Forest |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Hawks have blown it repeatedly when they've needed a point guard in the draft. They passedon
Chris Paul to draft
Marvin Williams and passed on
Rajon Rondo to draft
Shelden Williams.
Then, two years ago, when they finally got around to picking a point guard, they took
Acie Law ahead of
Rodney Stuckey.
The choice here likely will come down to Teague and
Ty Lawson. Lawson has theexperience and leadership credentials, but Teague has the sizzle and upside.
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Utah
|
Sam Young
| Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 223
Age: 24
School: Pittsburgh |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Jazz are hoping that Hansbrough slips to them here. But if he's off the board, they'll likely be deciding betweenJames Johnson, Sam Young and
ToneyDouglas.
Johnson will be more of a fit in Utah. With it likely that
Carlos Boozer is gone this summer they'll have a lot of need in their frontcourt. The question is whether they can put up withJohnson's sometimes difficult on-court personality.
Douglas is the type of combo guard the Jazz currently lack. He shoots it, plays defense and could be a credible backup at both positions for Utah.
However, Young is the type of tough, grizzled veteran the Jazz love. He's ready to step in and play right now and give them minutes at both the 2 andthe 3.
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New Orleans
|
James Johnson
| Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 258
Age: 22
School: Wake Forest |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Johnson is a steal if he falls this far. His range is anywhere between 11 and 21, but there havebeen enough background concerns about Johnson's role in Wake Forest's demise to have him slide just a bit.
If he falls this far, the Hornets have to thrilled. He gives them some much-needed athleticism on their frontline and should be able to get some minutes atboth the 3 and 4.
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Dallas
|
Terrence Williams
| Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 213
Age: 21
School: Louisville |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Mavs have been willing to take a chance on big-time athletes with a questionable background. It worked for them with
Josh Howard and it might work again with Williams. He haslottery talent, and if he can focus and improve that jump shot, he could be a long-term replacement for
Jerry Stackhouse. Ty Lawson is also a possibility here.
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Sacramento
(via Houston)
|
Ty Lawson
| Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 199
Age: 21
School: North Carolina |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Kings are already taking one combo guard with their first pick, but after last year'sdebacle at the point, they can afford to take another one and hope that they can find a new home for
Beno Udrih.
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Portland
|
DaJuan Summers
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 21
School: Georgetown |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Blazers are looking at trading this pick. But if they keep it, the Blazers can add another forward who can play both the 3and the 4. Summers already has an NBA body and has that shooting ability the team really covets.
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Oklahoma City
(via San Antonio)
|
Chase Budinger
| Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Arizona |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Thunder would love to get their hands on a center, but there isn't anyone worth reallygambling on at this point in the draft. If the team doesn't address its needs at the 2 earlier in the draft, Budinger could be an option. His shootingability would be a nice complement in the backcourt to Russell Westbrook.
| | | |
| |
Chicago
(via Denver)
|
Toney Douglas
| Position: SG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 184
Age: 23
School: Florida State |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Douglas is an insurance policy should
Ben Gordon bolt this summer. He's not as talented a shooter,but he's good enough to play both backcourt positions in Chicago and his defense will earn him minutes right from the get-go.
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| |
Memphis
(via Orlando)
|
Gani Lawal
| Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 19
School: Georgia Tech |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Lawal is raw, but he's the type of athletic, rebounding machine the Grizzlies currently lack. He's not going to give youtoo much on the offensive end, but that's what
MarcGasol and
Darrell Arthur are for.
| | | |
| |
Minnesota
(via Boston)
|
Victor Claver
| Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 217
Age: 20
School: Spain |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: It seems doubtful that the Wolves would keep three rookies on their roster next season, which gives them an interesting choice ofinternational players.
OmriCasspi would be an obvious choice. He's tough, physical and can keep developing overseas.
But Claver has more long-term upside and, in a few years, could be a great pick if he continues to develop in Spain.
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L.A. Lakers
|
Darren Collison
| Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 166
Age: 21
School: UCLA |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: Collison is a small guard, something Phil Jackson isn't a big fan of. But he's super fast, has a smooth jumper and canget after it defensively. With
Derek Fisher winding downhis career, he's worth a gamble here.
| | | |
| |
Cleveland
|
Derrick Brown
| Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Xavier |
[th=""]PICK[/th] [th=""]TEAM[/th] [th=""]PLAYER[/th] [th=""]VITALS[/th]
Analysis: The Cavs could lose both
BenWallace and
Anderson Varejao this summer. Andafter getting bested by the Magic, the need for them to have some athletic 4s who can guard players on the perimeter is paramount.
DeMarre Carroll is areal possibility here, but after having his physical red-flagged, he may slip out of the first.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPNInsider
