After Tuesday’s lottery, here’s an updated look at our extended first round mock draft.
| 1. |  | Kyrie Irving 6-2 175 PG Duke Fr. | The Cavs are likely to go with Irving here, although Williams will surely get some consideration. Baron Davis was acquired late in the season but he’s obviously nearing the end of his career. With 2 later picks, nabbing the top PG in the draft would be an excellent start for a franchise in disarray. Despite missing most of the season, Irving has the pole position to be the top pick. He didn’t look the same coming back from the injury, but scouts expected that and he just needs time to round back into form physically. He’s got some Chris Paul to his game and a chance to be special. The injury and missing time is obviously a concern but there’s a lot to like about Irving’s potential. Another option would be taking Williams and hoping Knight would fall to them at 4, but with Utah so enamored with Knight, that may not be possible. | |
| 2. |  |  | Derrick Williams 6-9 235 PF Arizona So. | The Timberwolves could look to move this pick with a player similar to Williams already in the fold in Beasley. But questions remain whether you can win with B-Easy. The T-Wolves could also look at going with Enes Kanter here, but Williams appears to be the more likely option. After a tremendous sophomore season in which he led Arizona to the Elite Eight, Williams had some standout NCAA tourney performances, in particular his domination of Duke in the Sweet Sixteen. DW has a big wingspan and plays with a high motor. The biggest knock against him is that he lacks the muscle to bang inside, but he put work in during the summer. His toughness playing through a broken pinkie and showing no ill effects was impressive. A lot will depend on team needs for whichever team ends up with the top pick. |
| 3. |  |  | Brandon Knight 6-3 175 PG Kentucky Fr. | Utah GM Kevin O’Connor has been enamored with Knight since the season and now is in position to grab him as a replacement to Deron Williams. Knight is an absolute gym rat and a tremendous kid who will work hard on his game. It has become a PG dominated league and Knight has the size and speed to be a standout at the position. He may have some holes and take time to round into a complete point guard, but it’s hard to argue with opting for such a strong competitor and character guy here. A clutch shooter, Knight has go to ability with his quick first step and ability to create shots. Long rated at the top or near the top of his class, Knight has elite level speed and quickness for a player his size. Despite lacking much leaping ability, he’s a prolific scorer with a killer instinct. Knight has a professional mind set, always looking for ways to improve his game and has worked extremely hard in the weight room resulting in a chiseled physique. He’s a bigtime shooter, but detractors point to his lack of passing ability/point guard skills. An excellent end to the year guiding UK to the SEC title and 2 game winners in the NCAA tourney taking them to the Final Four has his stock on the rise. He’s a potential top 10 pick if a team believes he can develop into a full time starting PG. |
| 4. |  |  | Enes Kanter 6-11 261 PF/C Kentucky Fr. | The conspiracy theorists are sure to be out in full force after the Cavs were awarded the two highest possible picks (1 and 4) after losing LeBron. Kanter missed the entire season after being declared ineligible by the NCAA. He toyed with the USA squad at the Hoop Summit in April of 2010 putting up a record 34 points and 13 boards. He has long dominated his age group in Europe and measured a legit 6-11 with a 7-foot wingspan over the 2010 summer at the Amare Skills Academy. Key questions: Did he prove enough on the junior level? Will his knees check out in predraft physicals? There are also some concerns that he could be a year or two older than his listed age. Landing the draft’s top PG and center is a nice way to start fresh. |
| 5. |  |  | Jonas Valenciunas 6-11 232 C Lithuania 1992 | Toronto is in rebuilding mode and although this is probably a reach for Valanciunas as he’s a long ways from being NBA ready. His perceived upside could land him here to Toronto at 5. Valanciunas is a legit center prospect with a huge wingspan and a high motor. He still needs to add weight and could have trouble retaining his athleticism, but it’s hard to find many European scouts that are not enamored with his potential. |
| 6. |  |  | Jan Vesely 6-11 230 SF/PF Czech Republic 1990 | The Wizards are extremely high on Vesely. He’s is ultra long and athletic and has the ability to play either forward position. He’s a tweener but a good tweener in the sense that he can create mismatches due to his size. He will need to add strength and could struggle some guarding on the perimeter due to lack of foot speed, but his incredible length and improving skill set make him a projected high lottery pick. He has had a strong end to the season for Partizan Belgrade after starting off slowly. |
| 7. |  |  | Kemba Walker 6-0 179 PG UConn So. | The Kings have a bit of a mess on their hands after the Tyreke Evans at point guard experiment failed. Walker brings exactly the type of mental toughness and leadership that this team needs to surround their young talented players (Cousins and Tyreke) with. Taking Kemba in the mid-lotto and turning him into a starting PG could be overly optimistic. There’s no disputing the incredible impact he had on the college game this year. Had a sensational junior year leading the Huskies to the National Championship. Walker is a fearless warrior. He wants the ball in his hands and delivers in key situations, as he proved all season. It will be interesting to see how his game translates to the the next level. He’s undersized and doesn’t have the freakish athleticism or defensive intensity of a Nate Robinson. But on the offensive end he’s like a mini-Iverson in some ways with his tremendous quickness and ability to get shots off using his crossover and step back. Regardless, he’s put himself in position to be taken in the mid lottery. |
| 8. |  |  | Kawhi Leonard 6-7 220 SF San Diego St. So. | Leonard has impressed scouts with his developing perimeter game and all around athleticism. His jumpshot was considered a weakness during the season but has shown nice improvement while working out in Las Vegas at Impact Basketball. He’s a player on the rise and could go as high as 5 to Toronto. Kawhi is at his best slashing to the basket and crashing the boards. He’s got enormous hands and long arms and plays the game with hunger. His ball handling is underrated and he also displays the ability to find the open man and set up teammates. He’s an athlete with a high motor, two excellent attributes to build from. |
| 9. |  |  | Tristan Thompson 6-9 230 PF Texas Fr. | He’s long and freakishly explosive with strong legs, making him an intimidating shot blocker. Thompson did a tremendous job shutting down Derrick Williams in their match up in the 2nd round of the tournament. He lacks much of an offensive game getting most of his points on dunks and may never be a huge scorer at the next level. Works hard on his game and had a surprising freshman season. Thompson will likely need time to be a consistent contributor, but his upside could ultimately land him in the top 10. |
| 10. |  |  | Alec Burks 6-6 185 PG/SG Colorado So. | The Bucks are set at the PG position with Brandon Jennings. They could use a replacement for Michael Redd at the SG position however. Burks is all over the place on team’s boards. Some have him rated in the top 10, while others have him in the 20s. He was one of the top performers in college basketball all season and is our top rated SG prospect. His versatility and ability to fill in at the point adds to his intrigue. He’s tremendous in the open floor, but struggles to beat elite athletes and get to the rim in the half court. A consistent outside shot remains the missing piece to his game. Has a very quiet personality/demeanor but is focused and driven. |
| 11. |  |  | Marcus Morris 6-9 230 PF Kansas Jr. | The Warriors could use some additional firepower in the frontcourt and adding Marcus Morris here could give them a solid boost at the forward position. Marcus is considered to be the more versatile of the two with better scoring and potential to even play some SF. One of the most polished, versatile and productive forwards in the country. He’s not as explosive as his brother Markieff, but has better range, touch and overall scoring ability. Despite having T-rex arms (6-foot-7 wingspan), Morris is a solid athlete who can get by bigger, slower opponents off the dribble utilizing his versatility. |
| 12. | |  | Klay Thompson 6-6 190 SG Washington St. Jr. | After adding Knight at 3, the Jazz once again look to improve their backcourt. CJ Miles is coming along nicely, but Thompson would offer them the type of shooter they have been missing since Kyle Korver left town. Unlike many players in this year’s draft, Klay has an NBA skill with his ability to shoot the ball. Lacks elite level athleticism but his length helps to make up for his lack of speed and leaping ability. Has a polished all around game. His marijuana charge at the end of the season isn’t considered to be a huge detriment to his stock. |
| 13. |  |  | Bismack Biyombo 6-9 240 C Congo 1992 | After losing Amare, the Suns could use an inside presence. Biyombo began playing at the senior level in the Spanish ACB league on January 9th. Since then he’s created a huge buzz about his NBA potential with the first triple-double Hoops Summit history, recording 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks. A tremendous shot blocker using his quick reflexes, length (7’7 wingspan) and explosiveness to protect the rim. Scouts are intrigued with him as you don’t often find a combination of his physical attributes along with his energy level and motor. The biggest question surrounding Biyombo is his actual age. He’s listed as being 18, but scouts feel he’s likely closer to 21-22, and there are some reports that he could even be as old as 23-26. If he’s somewhere close to 20, he’s a likely lotto pick, but research into his true age could ultimately cause him to slide come draft night. |
| 14. |  |  | Markieff Morris 6-10 245 PF Kansas Jr. | Houston has depth at the 2 and 4 spots, which are the positions likely to have the most talent available at their pick. A trade is certainly a possibility. Markieff Morris would give them a Carl Landry type of PF to add depth. The Morris Twins have built a reputation for bringing intensity and toughness every time out. As long as no concerns arise about character, look for both twins to end up in or just outside the lottery. |
| 15. |  |  | Jimmer Fredette 6-2 190 PG BYU Sr. | Fredette is a possibility to the Jazz at 12 and will certainly get interest in the late lotto. He’s a Larry Bird kind of player with his old school game and would fit right into the Pacers style of play. Fredette’s magical season has put him in contention to be a lottery pick. His foot speed may limit his long term potential to a degree but his incredible outside shooting will make him a player that can’t be left open at the NBA level. Fredette uses strength instead of quickness to create shots and always seems to be in rhythm. Teams are intrigued with him but also terrified with how he may struggle to handle the speed of the NBA game. At worst he should be a deadly specialty shooter, and at best a quality starting PG. |
| 16. |  |  | Donatas Motiejunas 7-0 224 PF Lithuania 1990 | The Sixers are looking to add a 4 in this draft and will hope that a player such as Markieff Morris falls to them. Motiejunas gives them offensive fire power and has come on late. He had a 31 and 13 rebound performance toward the end of the season. He showed flashes and remains a special offensive talent with the ability to score both inside and out. There are few prospects anywhere with the package of size, athleticism and offensive intrigue that he possesses. Improving his strength and defense is key. He’s a finesse forward and will need to have a beast playing along with him as rebounding, defense and toughness aren’t his strong suit. Does he want to be great? A number of scouts have concerns that he doesn’t have the drive/passion to maximize his vast potential. |
| 17. |  |  | Darius Morris 6-4 190 PG Michigan So. | Morris could be the only "pure" PG in the entire draft. A big point with excellent floor general abilities. He lacks great quickness but shows the ability to run a team and make those around him better. The Knicks are looking to add a point guard here. Morris is probably a little bit of a reach here, but teams really like his ability to pass and run a team. Jimmer Fredette would be another option and could be deadly in D’Antoni’s system. |
| 18. | |  | Chris Singleton 6-9 221 SF/PF Florida St. Jr. | After taking Vesely at 6, Singleton offers them another combo forward with more defensive ability. One of the nation’s elite defenders, Singleton was having a breakthrough junior season and getting lottery hype before breaking his foot. His shot improved, as did his his overall consistency. He wasn’t the same after returning, showing less ability to be an offensive factor, but should still find a place in the late teens to early 20s on draft night. |
| 19. |  |  | Tyler Honeycutt 6-7 195 SF UCLA So. | The Bobcats find a replacement for Gerald Wallace in Honeycutt. Tyler’s 33 point breakout performance opened some eyes as scoring 20+ is never easy in Ben Howland’s methodical offense. He cooled off the second half of the year, but showed enough potential to likely find a spot in the first round. He has surprising vision and passing skills for a SF and also possesses some ability to knock down shots off the dribble. Despite being slight of frame and having a perceived lack of toughness, Honeycutt crashes the boards hard. |
| 20. | |  | Davis Bertans 6-10 200 SF Latvia 1992 | The Timberwolves opt for the draft’s deadliest European shooter in Davis Bertans. Although he’s a few years away, he could be a very intriguing option to stash overseas with the uncertainty regarding next year’s season. Bertans impressed scouts with his feel for the game and desire on top of his tremendous shooting ability at the 2011 Hoop Summit. |
| 21. |  |  | Jordan Hamilton 6-7 208 SG/SF Texas So. | Portland is stacked at every position so they can look for the best player available and find one of the better wings in this draft in Hamilton. Jordan stepped up his level of play considerably as a sophomore. He made a wise decision returning for a second year. He displayed excellent shooting ability. His lack of quickness defensively is a concern and puts his ability to play the SG position in question. He is considered a slow 2 or a small 3. |
| 22. |  |  | Tobias Harris 6-8 210 SF/PF Tennessee Fr. | The Nuggets have a solid nucleus and one of the top young GMs in the business. They can look toward the future with a young forward with potential. There aren’t many freshmen, much less players in the nation with the polish and feel for the game that Harris possesses. Tobias can do a little of everything with good vision, passing and ball handling abilities. His offensive repertoire consists of spotting up from mid-range as well as deep and he also can post up and convert baskets in the paint. He also gets good extension at the rim. His body needs better definition and his lateral speed isn’t ideal. But he is an extremely bright kid with has a professional demeanor, and he’s also younger than most of the other freshmen. |
| 23. | |  | Josh Selby 6-3 183 PG Kansas Fr. | After moving Aaron Brooks during the season, the Rockets find themselves weak at the PG position. Nolan Smith and Shelvin Mack are options, but Selby offers them a player with much more upside. He’s a combo rather than a true point. Selby struggled to live up to his hype, but got caught in a situation where older players received playing time over him and could never get into the rotation. Similar to Jerryd Bayless, he’s an ultra-competitive kid who just needs to mature. |
| 24. |  |  | Kenneth Faried 6-8 240 PF Morehead St. Sr. | Faried is easily the best rebounder in the draft and would give Portland’s frontcourt a nice boost. Despite lacking much in the way of offensive skills, Faried’s freakish athleticism and relentless approach to rebounding is intriguing. He’s undersized at 6’8 but his wingspan and explosiveness allow him to play bigger. His shooting ability and offense are way below average. Regardless, scouts love his demeanor and passion for the game and see him as a potential top 20 pick despite his shortcomings. |
| 25. |  |  | Jordan Williams 6-10 260 PF Maryland Jr. | The Celtics could use some interior toughness after surprisingly moving Perkins and Jordan Williams fits the bill. Williams plays with a high motor and shows the intensity and hunger to continue to improve. He has trimmed down considerably in the past month and is showing added mobility. He’s a load in the paint and despite depreciating numbers in Conference play, he was one of the most effective bigs in the country. He’ll need to continue to work hard at improving his body and mobility. |
| 26. |  |  | Trey Thompkins 6-9 245 PF Georgia Jr. | The Mavs are in a position to add the best player available and with a contending team, drafting a player that can pay immediate dividends makes sense. Thompkins is a highly skilled offensive player with a pretty jump shot and range out to college three. He doesn’t wow you with athleticism, but his skill level is that of an NBA vet. He never seems to be in a rush, very patient and level headed. He has struggled some this year without a playmaker setting him up, but remains a refined bigman with solid potential. Questionable motor and toughness have him potentially sliding to the end of the first round. |
| 27. |  |  | Justin Harper 6-10 225 SF/PF Richmond Sr. | The Nets gave up Ryan Anderson in the Vince Carter trade but could grab a similar type of player in Justin Harper. A late bloomer, Harper has solid athleticism and really thrives at facing the basket and knocking down shots. |
| 28. |  |  | Marshon Brooks 6-5 190 SG Providence Sr. | The Bulls have two picks at the end of the first and a need at the wing position. Brooks proved to be a deadly scorer this year at Providence and a handful to guard with the ball in his hands. He would get a lot of easy scoring opportunities playing next to the league’s top point guard and MVP. |
| 29. |  |  | JaJuan Johnson 6-10 220 PF Purdue Sr. | The Spurs could be blowing the team up and looking for sheer upside with this pick, but Johnson would be a nice compliment to Tim Duncan in the paint. The Big Ten Player of the Year had a breakout season giving him a good chance to be selected in the late first round. Although he gets pushed around in the paint by college players, Johnson added weight this year and raised his level of play. His fluidity, length and athleticism will be advantageous at the NBA level, despite being extremely skinny playing in the post. |
| 30. | |  | Shelvin Mack 6-2 190 PG/SG Butler Jr. | Mack led Butler to back to back title games, putting up numerous clutch performances along the way. Is he a true point guard? No. Is he a clutch basketball player? One of the best in the country. He’s not a lock for the first round, but his stock wasn’t going to get any higher. He’s a Vinnie "Microwave" Johnson type who could be a valuable asset to a winning team with the ability to score clutch baskets. Mack vs. Nolan Smith is an interesting debate. |
I’m just wondering how you
I’m just wondering how you know O’Connor is enamoured with Knight I have never heard him say anything about him?
I am surprised to here Kanter age concerns
I thought he checked out because he was born in Switzerland. Stranger things have happened, but I thought the fact that he was born in Switzerland made the birth certificate more legit and kept him out of Ersan Ilyasova territory.
Jajuan Johnson big east????
Jajuan Johnson did not play in the big east…
enes kanter
why would the cavs draft kanter 4 i would go with knight but if hes gone go with kemba walker and pick derrick williams number 1. Kanter has not proven much since the 34 point game his euro stats wasnt that great he didnt play this year and as stated may have knee issues . He is a player that i agree could be a great player someday but is to much of a risk and i think there are safer picks
plus this is just my opinion
plus this is just my opinion but jonas seems to be much better than enes kanter if you draft irving 1 i will say that thes not many options at 4 other than kanter jonas and few others
Blazers draft pick.
The Blazers need a point guard. Either as a back up for Andre Miller, or as a Starter for the future. Speed & the ability to penetrate dish & finish would be nice. The Blazers Also need a physical big (4 or 5). Those are the greatest needs they have, except adding a shooter of course!!!! Drafting a 3( Jordan Hamilton) would just ad to the logjam of wing players they have.
OKC
It’s nice to know that Kenneth Faried will help out Portland but whatabout OKC because IDK how he will find minutes if he isn’t a paint scorer or a back-up 3