Official 2012 NBA Draft Thread

[ricardo malta]

Originally Posted by airmaxpenny1

Terrence Jones is a better ball handler and shooter though it's not really a question....Terrence Jones led a team to a Final 4 last year, this year he has been overshawdoed cause he has the top 2 players in the draft on his team but even his emotional, unstable self will bust his @+@ out there instead of just floating through games.  Perry just floats good luck with that, kid has zero motor right now.

He led?  You sure about that?  I'm pretty sure that was spread evenly amongst everyone on that squad, especially down the stretch.

The only reason TJ got the hype was because of his hot start.  After that UNC game he sunk and it was Knight who carried them on the low.

All in all, I would still take TJ in the lottery.  That potential is untapped when he's playing his hardest.  And let's not forget that even when his offense left him he was still a beast on defense and on the boards.

 

[wildkycat]

Terrence Jones can only get his jumper off when a defender gives it to him. It's not a bad shot, just terribly slow. Some people still seem to have this misconception about him that he's not improved, or he's some emotional baby after one bad game, horrible actually, that resulted in a loss. He had a 2 game "slump" if you will right after that when his finger was broke. He got the over-rated label after being a pre-season AA... but there's 6 players on this team that average double figures. He's been playing well for a long while... going hard as I've ever seen him. He still rebounds, defends, and blocks a lot of shots... but his jumper should not be counted on. Surely y'all remember Cal getting caught in camera calling TJ a selfish mother *@%@%+, right? His unselfishness this season is one of the reasons this team is as good as they are. Now, could he be "the man" and a franchise player one day? I'd lean towards no, but it's hardly definite.

 

[Arthur Shelby]

Originally Posted by airmaxpenny1

Brandon knight led a team to a Final 4 last year, with some help from deandre liggins & Jorts

Fixed 
After his run in the maui invitational T jones was really up and down that yr

 

[wildkycat]

I typed that up before I saw Malta's post... if anyone lead that squad, it was Brandon Knight.

 

[al3xis]

Do not see how Jones or Jones could play SF in the NBA. Perry can't shoot or dribble at that level (and seriously doubt at 6'11 he's quick enough laterally) and Terrence can't dribble twice consecutively with his right hand and has a catapult release.


^^^^ I like Mason Plumlee, I feel like I'm one the few.

 

[pmatic]

Speaking of UK talent, I really like Doron Lamb. Has the makings of a quality role player.

 

[champcruthik]

I like what I'm seeing from you guys about Terrence Jones. Thought I was the rare minority that has him highly rated, top-10 even. The good thing about Terrence is he's versatile enough to play a 3/4 hybrid at the next level, kind of like Josh Smith which is why I keep alluding to that specific comparison. Terrence Jones can impact a game significantly without scoring through his defense and rebounding. I love when he attacks the glass aggressively, although I wouldn't say he does every play or every game for that matter. Franchise player? No. Solid number two option? Yes, absolutely. More of a sure thing than PJ3 for me and far better offensively than Henson without much of a drop-off defensively. 

 

[ricardo malta]

Originally Posted by ChampCruThik

I like what I'm seeing from you guys about Terrence Jones. Thought I was the rare minority that has him highly rated, top-10 even. The good thing about Terrence is he's versatile enough to play a 3/4 hybrid at the next level, kind of like Josh Smith which is why I keep alluding to that specific comparison. Terrence Jones can impact a game significantly without scoring through his defense and rebounding. I love when he attacks the glass aggressively, although I wouldn't say he does every play or every game for that matter. Franchise player? No. Solid number two option? Yes, absolutely. More of a sure thing than PJ3 for me and far better offensively than Henson without much of a drop-off defensively. 

Number 2 option?  At the next level?

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Here some clips of him handling the ball/



I don't know I think Perry Shows good potential as a ball handler, most of his turnovers handling the ball are usually due to poor decisions/ over dribbling than a bad handle. This year he hadn't been able to show it at all but last year pre Quincy Miller he showed the ability to handle it on the perimeter and defensively I think he's less of a liability at 3 than at 4/5.

My point is I don't see, I would at least want to try him at the 3 because I think that is where his highest ceiling lies, I simply he doesn't have the baseline level of toughness to be a really good 4/5 in the NBA and he lacks any at all defensive instincts, especially when making defensive rotations that are required of a 4/5.

 

[airmaxpenny1]

Obviously Knight was the best player last year but Terrence has shown his ability to produce in a variety of ways. And like WildKY said, there hasn't been a peep from him this year as he has taken a backseat to some of the other guys. If your knocking a kid's jumper at the college level I'm fine with that cause that is what guys usually improve most coming once they get into the league. I think he'll certainly be able to hit open jumpers when the time comes.

What's the word on Doron in terms of the draft? I think he could become a solid 3-point specialist, maybe a better Daquan Cook but he would be smart to stay another year as well. He will prolly be the guy on the team next year offensively if he stays.

I like Plumlee as well in terms of NBA. Guys that big and athletic don't grow on trees, he just made a mistake in going to Duke. For this draft, 09 PG's = 12 Big Men.

I heard that NBA scouts at the McD All-American game today said that looking at this current group of HS Seniors there were really hardly any NBA players so I think all the borderline guys would be smart to come back.

 

[the wizard]

I want nothing to do with Tony Wroten leading my team. Nothing.

 

[mgrand15]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

Here some clips of him handling the ball/



I don't know I think Perry Shows good potential as a ball handler, most of his turnovers handling the ball are usually due to poor decisions/ over dribbling than a bad handle. This year he hadn't been able to show it at all but last year pre Quincy Miller he showed the ability to handle it on the perimeter and defensively I think he's less of a liability at 3 than at 4/5.

My point is I don't see, I would at least want to try him at the 3 because I think that is where his highest ceiling lies, I simply he doesn't have the baseline level of toughness to be a really good 4/5 in the NBA and he lacks any at all defensive instincts, especially when making defensive rotations that are required of a 4/5.

Eh, I know Perry has skills but I just don't think he can handle playing the 3. Even in that video, his handles looked okay but he was being guarded by college 4s, and he could barely get by them. When you're that big, you really need to be really fast, have guard-like handles or a deadly jumper (IMO). I think he might be okay there, just cause he's athletic and skilled but he'd be better served using those handles and jumper to be a face up 4. He's so damn big and strong, it'd be hard imagining him at SF

 The toughness thing is a good point and that's probably where his interview is going to play a role. His defensive instincts are probably way more of an issue than his offensive game. He could be such a difference maker on that end of the floor and he does nothing.
I actually like Terrence Jones. He has that slow release but a couple players like Ginobili and Harden do something similar (I don't know who's teaching lefties how to shoot) and they're okay. I don't think he'll ever be a REALLY good player though. Don't think he'll be able to score in iso situations in the NBA too often. Definitely lower risk than PJ3 but I still think I'd pick Perry over him. I don't see much upside in Terrence, although comparing these two makes me wish PJ3 went to Kentucky. Calipari has all those guys defending like an NBA squad, would've been interesting to see PJ3 with a coach that demanded that kind of effort on defense. 

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

I wouldn't pick Terrence Jones over PJ

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Somebody needs to explain to me whats the difference is between Jeff Green and Terrence Jones, because I see the same guy. 3 point shooters who can't shoot, perimeter players who can't dribble, power forwards how don't rebound. 

 

[champcruthik]

Originally Posted by Ricardo Malta

Originally Posted by ChampCruThik

I like what I'm seeing from you guys about Terrence Jones. Thought I was the rare minority that has him highly rated, top-10 even. The good thing about Terrence is he's versatile enough to play a 3/4 hybrid at the next level, kind of like Josh Smith which is why I keep alluding to that specific comparison. Terrence Jones can impact a game significantly without scoring through his defense and rebounding. I love when he attacks the glass aggressively, although I wouldn't say he does every play or every game for that matter. Franchise player? No. Solid number two option? Yes, absolutely. More of a sure thing than PJ3 for me and far better offensively than Henson without much of a drop-off defensively. 

Number 2 option?  At the next level?

Like many others, you must be forgetting the Terrence Jones #1 Kentucky option early portion of the 2010-2011 season. Two words: offensive onslaught. Like Davis this year, deferring to your teammates does not mean the offensive attack isn't there. If anything, Terrence has been an unselfish team player in Kentucky's run. Surely a good thing. I firmly believe Jones' ceiling is a very possible #2 option for a NBA team. 

 

[dacomeup]

Originally Posted by Osh Kosh Bosh

Somebody needs to explain to me whats the difference is between Jeff Green and Terrence Jones, because I see the same guy. 3 point shooters who can't shoot, perimeter players who can't dribble, power forwards how don't rebound. 

Athleticism.

No way I take Terrence Jones over Perry, though.

What do y'all see Plumlee as? A serviceable role player?


I don't think a team with Terrence Jones as a #2 is a very good team in the NBA.

 

[lavious]

Originally Posted by dreClark

I wouldn't pick Terrence Jones over PJ

Pretty much. I like PJIII a lot more than most though.
I think at best Terrence Jones is the 3rd best guy on a good team.

 

[dior paint]

Jeff Green is certainly more athletic than TJ.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Jeff Green is also a better ball handler.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

I think y'all are splitting hairs, I think there games are essentially the same, and I think that TJ is likely to have the same level of success.

 

[proshares]

Chad Ford's mock draft 2.0.

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With the Final Four upon us, players declaring for the draft and the NBA standings still in commotion, it's time for our second mock draft of the season. Here's our best stab at the first round (assuming every eligible prospect declares) taking into account team needs.

(If you want to see what your team would do with the No. 1 pick, play our Lottery Mock Draft, which has more than 2,000 scenarios. Also check out our Top 100 list, which is a reflection of the consensus of NBA scouts and GMs about a player's relative draft value.)

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Charlotte
[/td][td]

Anthony Davis
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Bobcats have a 25 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Bobcats, along with every other team in the lottery, got a huge scare on Sunday when Davis went down with what looked like a knee injury. Davis ended up being just fine, allowing Wildcats fans and everyone to breath a sigh of relief. Whether you think this draft is really good or just so-so, it drops dramatically if Davis isn't in it.

For the Bobcats, Davis could be a franchise changer. Pair him together with Bismack Biyombo on the front line, and I'm not sure anyone will score in the paint against them.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Washington
[/td][td]

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 18
School: Kentucky[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Wizards have a 19.9 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Wizards got two encouraging signs this weekend: (1) Kidd-Gilchrist shook off a mini-slump to produce two of the best games of his career in propelling Kentucky to the Final Four, and (2) sources say MKG will declare for the draft after the Wildcats' season is over.

Kidd-Gilchrist tweeted that he hasn't actually made a decision yet, but given his previous stance was that he intended to stay in school, the writing is on the wall. Adding his toughness and leadership would be crucial for a Wizards team that is in desperate need of both.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

New Orleans
[/td][td]

Thomas Robinson
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 237 pounds
Age: 21
School: Kansas[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Hornets have a 15.6 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Hornets will have a tough call here. Andre Drummond has more upside, but if they're trying to build a team around winners, then Robinson is the man. He has carried a mediocre Kansas team on his back to the Final Four and just refuses to back down. He'll bring toughness, physicality and energy to the paint in New Orleans.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Portland (via Nets)
[/td][td]

Bradley Beal
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 195 pounds
Age: 18
School: Florida[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Blazers have an 11.9 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Blazers grabbed this pick from the Nets as part of the Gerald Wallace deal the teams struck before the trade deadline. It's Top 3 protected, so the pick could still revert back to New Jersey. Beal is coming off a terrific weekend in which he finally started playing like the talent he is. He would be a perfect long-term replacement for Brandon Roy.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Toronto
[/td][td]

Andre Drummond
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 275 pounds
Age: 18
School: UConn[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Raptors have an 8.8 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Raptors have been looking for a legit small forward for the past several years and Harrison Barnes would be a perfect fit. However, after Barnes' struggles this past weekend against Ohio and Kansas, the Raptors may want to take another look to see if he still has the upside we all thought he did coming out of high school.

Drummond has been a disappointment, too, but if you are going to miss, you probably ought to miss big. Pairing him in a frontcourt with last year's lottery pick, Jonas Valanciunas, could finally make Andrea Bargnani expendable.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Detroit
[/td][td]

Cody Zeller
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: Indiana[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Pistons have a 5.4 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Pistons are in desperate need of size and athleticism in the frontcourt. While I think the Pistons would prefer Drummond, Zeller would still be a great get. He's quick, tough and very polished for a freshman. Pairing him with Greg Monroe would immediately make the Pistons better -- if Zeller actually decides to declare.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Sacramento
[/td][td]

Harrison Barnes
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Kings have a 5.3 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Kings need a small forward and landing Barnes at this point in the draft could be a steal. Yes, he looked oddly passive late in the season and seems one-dimensional, but Barnes' ability to defend and shoot the jumper should be welcome in Sacramento. If he turns into a Danny Granger/Glen Rice sort of player down the road, the Kings would get great value here.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Cleveland
[/td][td]

Perry Jones III
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 20
School: Baylor[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Cavs have a 2.8 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Cavs need talent and, based on pure talent, there are few players who hold a candle to Jones. He's struggled to stay engaged offensively and defensively for Baylor, which is a huge concern -- if Jones didn't have those issues, he'd be battling Davis for the No. 1 pick. But at some point in the draft the reward outweighs the risk. What do the Cavs have to lose here?

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Utah (via Warriors)
[/td][td]

Damian Lillard
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 185 pounds
Age: 21
School: Weber State[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Jazz have a 1.7 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: The Jazz need a point guard, but this draft doesn't appear to have an elite PG prospect right now. The question is whether to go with Lillard (an explosive scorer who can play both positions), Kendall Marshall (a pure point guard who is an excellent facilitator) or Tony Wroten Jr. (the most talented of the group, but also the riskiest). I think they split the difference and go with Lillard, but the truth is this decision is very much up in the air right now.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Milwaukee
[/td][td]

James Michael McAdoo
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 233 pounds
Age: 19
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Bucks have a 1.1 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: McAdoo had a breakout game against Kansas in the Elite Eight, scoring 15 points in 19 minutes. He's unproven, but his athleticism, versatility and upside make him a pretty safe pick at No. 10. McAdoo isn't really a need for the Bucks, but they can keep collecting talent.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Portland
[/td][td]

Tyler Zeller
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 22
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Blazers have a 0.8 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: If the Blazers can land Beal with their first pick, they would likely look to fill one of their holes at center or point guard. In a weak point guard draft, their two available options at the 1 would be Marshall and Wroten. While both have strengths, I think the Blazers would rather go big and take Zeller. He's not going to be a star, but the senior runs the floor like a guard and has improved each season.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

New Orleans
(via Wolves)
[/td][td]

Kendall Marshall
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 188 pounds
Age: 20
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Hornets have a 0.7 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: Marshall helped his stock more than any player in the tournament last weekend, even though he didn't play a minute. North Carolina, with all of its talent, struggled to find a coherent offense without Marshall conducting the show. He's not Chris Paul, but he would make everyone around him better in New Orleans.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Phoenix
[/td][td]

Jared Sullinger
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 280 pounds
Age: 20
School: Ohio State[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Suns have a 0.6 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: Sullinger doesn't necessarily fill a need -- the Suns drafted Markieff Morris to play the 4 last year -- but he's the best player left on the board and the type of guy who could immediately give Phoenix a very different but dominant look in the paint.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Houston
[/td][td]

Jeremy Lamb
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 185 pounds
Age: 19
School: UConn[/td][/tr][/table]
(The Rockets have a 0.5 percent chance of winning the lottery.)

Analysis: Lamb is a versatile swingman somewhat in the mold of Kevin Martin. But with Martin heading into the last year of his deal in Houston, Lamb could be a nice long-term replacement.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Houston (via Knicks)
[/td][td]

John Henson
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 21
School: North Carolina[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Rockets lack long, athletic bigs, and Henson would give them a defensive presence who can guard both forward positions. He's still raw offensively, but he has a little Andrei Kirilenko in his game.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Denver
[/td][td]

Terrence Jones
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 244 pounds
Age: 20
School: Kentucky[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Jones has enough talent to be five or six spots higher in the draft, but his inconsistent attitude may push him down a few spots. He'd be a great fit for the Nuggets, another versatile player who can play either forward position and shoot the basketball.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Minnesota (via Jazz)
[/td][td]

Austin Rivers
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 199 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Wolves would get this pick if the Jazz fall out of the lottery. Minnesota's biggest need is at 2-guard and Rivers would be a fantastic fit. His abilities to get to the basket and shoot from downtown are coveted, and with alpha dogs Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love already in place, Rivers may actually start playing to his strengths instead of trying to take over the team like he did at Duke.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Boston
[/td][td]

Royce White
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 240 pounds
Age: 20
School: Iowa State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: White has as much talent as virtually anyone in this draft. But there are questions about some off-court issues and an anxiety disorder that includes the fear of flying. I think Doc Rivers might be the perfect coach to get through to him.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Philadelphia
[/td][td]

Terrence Ross
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 21
School: Washington[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Jodie Meeks is the closest thing the Sixers have to a great 3-point shooter. Adding Ross should be an instant upgrade at the backup shooting guard spot.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Memphis
[/td][td]

Meyers Leonard
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 240 pounds
Age: 20
School: Illinois[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Leonard isn't the most polished big man in the draft, but that seems to be the sort of thing owner Michael Heisley loves. Marc Gasol is great, but after him the Grizzlies really do need some help in the middle.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Houston (via Mavs)
[/td][td]

Quincy Miller
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: Baylor[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Here the Rockets go for a player with a lot more talent than his draft position suggests. Miller is still working through some issues from an ACL surgery in his senior year of high school and was not a primary option for Baylor this season. But if he declares, he has tremendous upside at the 3.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Boston (via Clippers)
[/td][td]

Dion Waiters
[/td][td]Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Age: 20
School: Syracuse[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Danny Ainge has never been one to shy away from troubled talent, and in Waiters he could land a star. While size is a much bigger need, Waiters' abilities to get to the basket and score in transition are impressive. If he has matured, the Celtics could be getting a steal here.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Atlanta
[/td][td]

Tony Wroten Jr.
[/td][td]Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 18
School: Washington[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Hawks continue their search for a real point guard. Jeff Teague has been solid this season, but Wroten has so much more upside. On talent alone, he should be a top-5 pick. He's a steal if the Hawks get him here.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Indiana

[/td][td]

Patric Young
[/td][td]Position: C
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 245 pounds
Age: 20
School: Florida[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Pacers are always looking for toughness and defense in the frontcourt, and Young brings both. Jeff Foster's midseason retirement has been a blow, but Young could end up doing some of the same things. He doesn't do much of anything on the offensive end, but he has Ben Wallace-like potential on defense. Young has stated that he'll be returning to Florida for his junior season.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Cleveland (via Lakers)
[/td][td]

Jeff Taylor
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 22
School: Vanderbilt[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Taylor is another elite athlete who can play way above the rim. What he's lacked for most of his career is a great jump shot. But Taylor has improved dramatically in that area lately, making him a lethal weapon on both ends of the floor. The Cavs really need help at the 3, making this a nice match.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Orlando
[/td][td]

Arnett Moultrie
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 21
School: Mississippi State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Moultrie has all the physical tools to be a dominant NBA player. He is long and super athletic and can even get things done on the perimeter. He's just taken a little longer to develop.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Golden State
(via Spurs)
[/td][td]

Moe Harkless
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 18
School: St. John's[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Warriors could really use some help at the small forward position. Harkless reminds me a little of Trevor Ariza. He is a terrific scorer and defender who needs to get a more settled jump shot.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Miami
[/td][td]

Draymond Green
[/td][td]Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 22
School: Michigan State[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: The Heat need players with experience who excel in bringing out the best in their teammates. Green can be a point-forward type who does a little bit of everything. Think of him as a better-passing Udonis Haslem.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Oklahoma City
[/td][td]

Mason Plumlee
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 230 pounds
Age: 22
School: Duke[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Plumlee's upside is probably similar to that of the Pacers' Jeff Foster. While he won't be a dominant player on either end of the floor, he's big, he'll defend and he'll flush things around the rim.

[table][tr][th=""]PICK[/th][th=""]TEAM[/th][th=""]PLAYER[/th][th=""]VITALS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td]

Chicago
[/td][td]

Andrew Nicholson
[/td][td]Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 222 pounds
Age: 22
School: St. Bonaventure[/td][/tr][/table]
Analysis: Nicholson has gotten dramatically better every season and has some David West to his game. He would be a good fit in Chicago -- especially since the Bulls wouldn't mind finding a new home for Carlos Boozer this summer.

Next Five In: C.J. Leslie, NC State; Tony Mitchell, North Texas; B.J. Young, Arkansas; C.J. McCollum, Lehigh; Josh Smith, UCLA.

 

[venom lyrix]

interesting mock draft by Ford.

my boy Harkless going 27? Being told he's projected 15-25.

If he goes 27, the choice to go into the draft wouldn't be a good one IMO

 

[lavious]

Thanks for the mock.
Am I crazy or does Quincy Miller have too much talent/upside/potential to fall out of the top 20?

 

[stackjaxx]

Wroten on the Hawks would be a disaster.

 

[scott frost]

Has Wroten declared for the draft?