1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Plan A: Kyrie Irving , trade up for 2nd pick
Plan B: Derrick Williams
With a depleted roster full of no-name reserves, Cleveland will need to strategically stockpile as many assets as they can. Considering the uncertainty of both the availability and talent at the 4th pick, Plan A for the Cavs should be to select Irving, and then trade up for Derrick Williams. If Cleveland selects Irving first overall and keeps the 4th pick, they could be limiting their potential to land a second top tier player with the idea that pairing Irving with Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker wouldn’t make sense, and Enes Kanter could be gone.
If the Cavs can’t land that 2nd pick, then Williams should be their guy. He’s a worthy candidate with star potential and zero red flags concerning his skill level, physical tools or personality. Those who are critical of his questionable position shouldn’t confuse the term "tweener" with versatility. At 6’8.75 with a standing reach of 9’0 and a wingspan 7’1.5, Williams’ size, athleticism and mobility will allow him to comfortably play multiple positions.
2. Minnesota Timberworlves
Plan A: Trade for established player
Plan B: Derrick Williams
Plan C: Enes Kanter
Ideally, Minnesota would be best off dealing the second pick for established talent considering their posse of point guards and logjam at the 3 and 4 positions. If that’s not an option, then the Wolves will likely have to address some daunting questions regarding their potential new lineup…
Would Derrick Williams be able to play alongside Michael Beasley, who occupies similar floor space and would force Kevin Love to play the 5? Or does Minnesota fill a need over talent, and draft a center from Turkey who after playing scarcely over the past two season, brings promise but not certainty?
With Ricky Rubio’s struggles overseas the past two years, the point guard position is still not necessarily set. But considering the measures the team took to get him over, it would be extremely difficult to explain drafting Irving to Rubio’s family.
3. Utah Jazz
Plan A: Derrick Williams
Plan B: Kyrie Irving
Plan C: Enes Kanter
Plan D: Brandon Knight
Assuming Williams and Irving are off the board, it’s likely that Utah will likely be choosing between Brandon Knight, Enes Kanter and Jonas Valanciunas. Devin Harris has lost some support which could tip the scales towards Knight, but with the need for a center, Kanter would seem to make the most sense. Kanter could team up with Al Jefferson to form a mean one-two punch on the interior.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
With Kyrie Irving :
Plan A: Enes Kanter
Plan B: Tristan Thompson
If the Cavs take Irving with the first pick, then Kanter seems like the most logical compliment (assuming they like Kanter over Jonas Valanciunas, which we do). It’s also very possible the Jazz feel the same way, leaving Tristan Thompson as the top option on the board. Thompson was asked back after working out extremely well against Enes Kanter, however he may not quite justify a pick in the top 4.
With Derrick Wiliams :
Plan A: Brandon Knight
Plan B: Enes Kanter
If the Cavs take Derrick Williams with the first pick, they should then look to address the point guard position. Brandon Knight would be an excellent fit, with a substantially high ceiling and strong character. If Knight goes to Utah, Enes Kanter would be a solid choice with the team going with what they have at PG and looking for something more substantial in the future.
5. Toronto Raptors
Plan A: Brandon Knight
Plan B: Enes Kanter
Plan C: Kemba Walker
It appears unlikely Brandon Knight will be around, and I’m skeptical of Kemba Walker as a fit here. The Raptors lack weapons to surround Walker with, which can bait him into being overly aggressive with his shot, and hinder his progression as an orchestrator. Kanter would fit well with what they currently have in their frontcourt with Bargnani and Ed Davis.
6. Washington Wizards
Plan A: Enes Kanter
Plan B: Jan Vesely
The Wizards have many needs, and should look to select the best non-point guard prospect available. Kanter could provide Washington with an upgrade over Javale McGee at center.
Plan B should be Jan Vesely, who is widely believed as the most NBA-ready prospect overseas. With the ability to run the floor and finish around the rim, he could be an excellent running mate next to John Wall. Vesely has size at 6’11, yet displays impressive mobility, length and athleticism that should give Washington a touch of everything they are missing from the forward position.
7. Sacramento Kings
Plan A: Jimmer Fredette
Plan B: Kawhi Leonard
Plan C: Kemba Walker
Assuming Brandon Knight, who the Kings love, will be long gone by the 7th pick, they should be pleased with what Jimmer Fredette can give them. Sacramento’s two building blocks in Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins both lack discipline and stability, and Fredette can bring just that.
Sacramento currently dresses Omri Casspi, Francisco Garcia and Dante Greene at the 3 position, so consider selecting Leonard a strong upgrade in both the rebounding and defensive departments.
Plan C would be Kemba Walker, who despite playing a similar position to Tyreke Evans, would be the most promising prospect left. If both are gone, the Kings should consider Marcus Morris as an adequate consolation prize. Morris is an NBA ready player, who unlike Leonard, can create offense on his own. He should be able to fit in nicely next to Cousins and Jason Thompson.
8. Detroit Pistons
Plan A: Jonas Valanciunas
Plan B: Jan Vesely
Plan C: Marcus Morris
Drafting Valanciunas may come down to a GMs job security as he is considered one of the players with the most upside but won;t likely be ready to show anything for a few seasons. And likely won;t play in the NBA at all next year due to his contract situation.
should be Detroit’s plan B, whose 7’4 wingspan would make the Pistons tougher to score on next to the 6’11 Greg Monroe. Plan C would be Morris, who would simply be the best player available for a team who could use an upgrade at practically every position.
Vesely’s versatility will be an attractive quality that should keep Detroit interested in the combo-forward. He can help off-set the Piston’s lack of athleticism in the front court, and replace impending free agent Tayshaun Prince, who is likely to ditch town during Detroit’s rebuilding process, as well as slow footed Austin Daye.
9. Charlotte Bobcats
Plan A: Jonas Valanciunas
Plan B: Tristan Thompson
Plan C: Jan Vesely
Plan D: Marcus Morris
Charlotte could really use a center or a forward who can convert in the paint, however it’s unlikely that any of Valanciunas, Thompson or Vesely will be available at the 9th pick. That leaves Marcus Morris, who would provide Charlotte with another scoring option next to Stephen Jackson. With both Morris’ and Jackson’s ability to play multiple positions, co-existing shouldn’t be an issue. Charlotte finished 29th in the league in points per game, so Morris’ offensive efficiency should translate to more conversions on the offensive end.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Plan A: Donatas Motiejunas
Plan B: Marcus Morris
Plan C: Alec Burks
Milwaukee needs to add a talented scoring forward and Donatas Motiejunas, despite being underrated is the top candidate. Motiejunas has some ability to play both forward spots and despite struggling with his shot in his workout in Treviso, is not likely to slip far.
Brandon Jennings shoots below 40% from both inside and outside the arch, and considering they’ve made five freakin’ Harry Potter movies since the last time Andrew Bogut played 80 games, reliability should be the most coveted intangible. With the Bucks looking to get back into the playoff hunt, Marcus Morris would be able to come in and contribute right away. The Bucks have an empty glass jar for numerous statistical categories, and Morris would be able to contribute some change in each one.
If Morris is gone, Alec Burks will be a likely target. Considering Michael Redd’s crumbling knee and impending free agent status, Burks could fill a need and a want as a scoring guard with size and athleticism. If Milwaukee would rather address a more immediate need.
11. Golden State Warriors
Plan A: Jonas Valanciunas
Plan B: Donatas Motiejunas
Plan B: Marcus Morris
Plan C: Alec Burks
With the unreliable Andris Biedrins as the only true center on the roster, 6’11 Valanciunas would be the perfect gift. But he will likely be long gone and the only way that happens is if teams are scared away by his substantial buyout.
Assuming Christmas doesn’t come early, the Warriors should be looking at Donatas Motiejunas or Marcus Morris. Motiejunas could become a consistent threat in the post, with a high skill level and excellent size at 7 feet. Morris on the other hand could provide Golden State with a consistent scoring threat off the bench, an area they really lack depth in.
And then there’s Alec Burks who many feel will slide due to his lack of a jumpshot and physical strength. Burks could be the ideas backcourt mate for Stephen Curry with Monta Ellis on the way out.
12. Utah Jazz
Plan A: Jimmer Fredette
Plan B: Marcus Morris
Plan C: Donatas Motiejunas
Plan D: Alec Burks
Plan E: Chris Singleton
Considering his struggles defensively and questionable point guard tools, Jimmer Fredette is best suited to start his career as a scoring punch off the bench. But Devin Harris should allow a rookie point guard to come along slowly. Utah lacks offensive firepower outside of their starting five, and 20-25 minutes as a reserve sounds like a reasonable starting point for the popular young local combo-guard.
Motiejunas would also give Utah something they lack, which is a midrange game and size at 7 feet. Considering how much time Al Jefferson, Paul Milsap and potentially Enes Kanter spend in the paint, Motiejunas’ ability to face the basket and use his dribble will be a refreshing addition.
The Jazz should be looking for a forward with versatility who can score in the midrange. Utah has made it known they are in no hurry to extend CJ Miles, and with Andrei Kirilenko entering free agency, the Jazz have a hole to fill. Morris would be ideal, however it’s unlikely he’ll be available.
If Utah has to fall back on Plan D, then the match made in heaven could come to fruition. Alec Burks would be a great fit here, with his ability to create his own shot from the off-guard position. Burks has the potential to compete for a starting position immediately.
13. Phoenix Suns
Plan A: Jimmer Fredette
Plan B: Markieff Morris
Phoenix has virtually no big men who pose as a threat offensively on the interior. Markieff Morris would be the ideal pick and pop player for Alvin Gentry’s offense. Though he doesn’t have the ceiling of Tristan Thompson, Morris is more likely to contribute early on in his career.
If Morris is gone, the idea of adding Jimmer could be enticing. Nash could be the perfect mentor in regards to teaching Jimmer all the tricks of the point guard trade. If Phoenix is fixed on going big.
14. Houston Rockets
Plan A: Kemba Walker
Plan B: Jordan Hamilton
Plan C: Darius Morris
After trading away Aaron Brooks, the Rockets are in need of a point guard. Walker no longer appears to be a top 7 lock with both Toronto and Sacramento looking at other players (Fredette). It’s unlikely Walker would slip this far, but Houston is a team that could use his offensive firepower.
Houston has needs at the center and small forward positions. Jordan Hamilton could step right in and compete with Chase Budinger and Terrence Williams for the starting small forward spot, or he can maximize his strengths by playing playing some stretch 4 minutes after measuring in at 6’8.5.
Kemba will probably be long gone, and Morris is a player that has used the workouts to really establish himself. He might be a reach at 14, but then again he might turn out to be a great pick.
The wolves have to be taking
The wolves have to be taking in so many offers right now.. hopefully they really wait it out and bag the best..
Motie isnt a GSW target
He’s a soft perimeter big which is the exact oppposite way the W’s personnel and FO have been leaning. I’d say their list is something like this
1. Jonas
2. Thompson (Jerry West loves him)
3. Biyombo
4. Morris
5. Burks
If it was me though Biyombo would be 1st
What is this love of Tristan
What is this love of Tristan Thompson? OVERRATED. Especially at 4? WTF? They already have JJ Hickson, and while I’m not really a fan of him, it’s not like he’s a slouch and I sincerely doubt Tristan will be able to match his success. I’d personally like Kanter,Valanciunas, or VESELY with the 4. His athleticism mixed with Kyrie on the break could be deadly tough. Add a shooter or 2 and they could potentially see playoffs again in a couple years.
lottary
Im guessing Cavs take Williams with the first pick. Who knows how Minnesota will work this out. A trade seems highly likely, and if that happens, then whoever it is has probably traded for either Irving (or williams if he’s there…) but they could well go with Kanter. I mean Kanter is pretty much a sure thing, even if his ceiling isnt that high. He has a good skill set, it strong, seems to have no real red flags, and there arent many guys can play the five. The Cavs then have to think Vesely. (its also possible Twolves would take Vesely if they keep the pick). Toronto is a mystery. Leonard perhaps. I havent a clue. They could take Kemba….but it wouldnt make sense really. The Wizards want Vesely, but he wont be there…..so they might take a Valuncianus…….depends on his contract issues. I happen to think Knight will fall to the Kings. I might be wrong, but while Knight is talented, he is very young and still pretty much a work in progress. Just my hunch. I wouldnt be surprised in fact to see Jimmer go ahead of him. The surprise risers for the first round: Reggie Jackson, who I think is going to be terrific. And Tobias Harris……might go top ten. And Jeremy Tyler will go higher than he deserves, just because of his size. Biyambo is a wild card. That workout tape suggests he has NO handle, none. He is at least a year away from playing.
Fredette over Brandon
Fredette over Brandon Knight?? are you from Utah or mormon?
Brandon Knight is a potential allstar (3-5 years down the line), I see Jimmer having a JJ Redick-type of career…
Most of the time you hear about Irving / Brandon Knight being overhyped, but I can’t believe how high some people think Jimmer is going to go…
Let me just say this, imagine Brandon Knight on BYU’s squad last year and put Fredette on UK’s team…Fredette wouldn’t even be mentioned as a lottery pick.
Fredette
I gott to disagree with you on Jimmer. I don’t like these comparisons of him to JJ Redick. Jimmer can create his own shot and has unbleiveable range. Jimmer isnt a guy who sits back and waits for the pass and just shots it. He makes his own shots which redick cannot and that is why he will do well in the NBA.
I won’t disagree with you on
I won’t disagree with you on Knight, he has all the potential in the world and yes he will be an all star(I see more like 5 years down the road, maybe more). But to say Jimmer wouldnt be a lottery pick if he went to UK, thats absurd. Calipari would have loved to have him on this team, heck, he would run his offense through Jimmer too. The kid is outstanding.
Jimmer will go top 10, and quite honestly, I’d love to see him in a Cavs uniform next season as high as #4. He has a lethal shot, can create his own and attack the rim with his size and strength. I’d love to see the cavs take D-Will and Jimmer. Albeit, it probably would’t happen ever, but I’d love it. To me, I see a little bit of Mark Price in Jimmer, he’ll be an effective shooter with other help around him, he won’t have to be a go to guy in the NBA like in college, and that will raise his shooting percentage dramatically, and make him more effective as a spot up shooter and outside presence. He will be a great alternative to Baron on the Cavs, and with his shot, may eve nsee time with Baron on the court. Gibson has steadily decreased since that magical postseason and to me, hes done. And yes, Jimmer will be a starting PG in 2 years tops.
B-Knight is young, really young. And the fact that both him and Kemba refuse to go to a teams workout with Jimmer, makes me question B-Knight’s and Kemba’s drive. Jimmer wants to be the best, he will outwork anyone to get there. To be the best, you have to beat the best and Kemba and Brandon aren’t even gonna accept the challenge, thats soft.
And for the record, I am not mormon or from Utah. I am a Catholic boy from Cleveland.
I won’t disagree with you on
I won’t disagree with you on Knight, he has all the potential in the world and yes he will be an all star(I see more like 5 years down the road, maybe more). But to say Jimmer wouldnt be a lottery pick if he went to UK, thats absurd. Calipari would have loved to have him on this team, heck, he would run his offense through Jimmer too. The kid is outstanding.
Jimmer will go top 10, and quite honestly, I’d love to see him in a Cavs uniform next season as high as #4. He has a lethal shot, can create his own and attack the rim with his size and strength. I’d love to see the cavs take D-Will and Jimmer. Albeit, it probably would’t happen ever, but I’d love it. To me, I see a little bit of Mark Price in Jimmer, he’ll be an effective shooter with other help around him, he won’t have to be a go to guy in the NBA like in college, and that will raise his shooting percentage dramatically, and make him more effective as a spot up shooter and outside presence. He will be a great alternative to Baron on the Cavs, and with his shot, may eve nsee time with Baron on the court. Gibson has steadily decreased since that magical postseason and to me, hes done. And yes, Jimmer will be a starting PG in 2 years tops.
B-Knight is young, really young. And the fact that both him and Kemba refuse to go to a teams workout with Jimmer, makes me question B-Knight’s and Kemba’s drive. Jimmer wants to be the best, he will outwork anyone to get there. To be the best, you have to beat the best and Kemba and Brandon aren’t even gonna accept the challenge, thats soft.
And for the record, I am not mormon or from Utah. I am a Catholic boy from Cleveland.
thank you
I absolutely 100% agree with you. great post. I AM a mormon boy from Utah, but I still understand and know the game of basketball. I have friends here saying Jimmer is the next Kobe… I laughed in their faces, and they said I’m not a true Jimmer fan :O… ya i almost killed ’em. But ANYWAYS, your post is 100% reaslistic.
Solid.
Great analysis. I sure hope Jimmer drops to 12 so the Jazz can pick him.
I hope Jimmer is taken
I hope Jimmer is taken ANYWHERE before #13…as a Suns fan, I would hate to see him come to PHX…
Not hating on Jimmer at all, I just hope Phoenix doesn’t add a 3rd PG to their roster who can’t play any Defense..
It might be a bit of a stretch, but I would love for PHX to make the first ‘surprise’ pick in the draft and go with Jeremy Tyler…Phoenix needs alot of help right now at the 4…I’ll be honest, channing frye is a bit of a puss and warrick is nothing more than a decent 2nd string player…
I’ll take Tyler’s strength, athleticism, 7’5 wingspan, and ceiling over either of the Morris Twins, and even Biyambo…Outside of Thompson falling to us, Tyler makes the most sense to me.
None of my thoughts matter though…as a Suns fan, you never really look forward to the draft. I’m assuming our knucklehead front office will make sure that this year’s draft ends up like every other draft in recent memory:
a huge disappointment for all Suns’ fans.
jimmer’s defense
just if you haven’t seen ANY article about jimmer’s workouts with teams, is that he is "wowing" people with his intensiveness, speed, and ESPECIALLY his defense. just saying don’t stay hooked on what they said during the season.
Burke
I think burke is a better option!
Burke
I remember when I used to give thumbs down for double post, oh I miss the good times!!!
Klay Thompson/ Kawhi Leonard
If Klay Thompson drops to 19 that would be the greatest steal in draft hisotry. I Think he should be a safe beat for a lottery spot, he is worthly of cracking the top 10. Also i don’t see how Kawhi Leonard is a top 10 pick. or even a lottery pick. He is such a overatted prospect. I Think he will be an nba dud!
Redick does not have Jimmers handle
Jimmer can handle the rock. He can pull up quick off the dribble from 30 feet or mid range. Jimmer will be better than JJ Redick IMO. Not saying Jimmer will be an all star, but he will be more effective than JJ Redick.
Rockets don’t need PG
Trading Brooks was one of the smartest moves the Rockets could have made. It allowed Kyle Lowry to flourish and netted them a great backup in Dragic. PG is currently one of their strongest positions. To say they are "in need of a PG" is just assinine. The Rockets need to draft the best 3 or 5 available.
I think Jimmer to the Kings
I think Jimmer to the Kings makes the most sense. Great 3 guard rotation with Tyreke and Thornton to go along with Cousins, Dalembert, and Thompson up front.
raptors
I’m hoping Colangelo reads your article, because if he drafts Vesely over Knight, Kanter,Walker or Leonard I will be pretty pissed
Cavs
Just a thought…If Cleveland takes Kanter with the #1 that would almost guarantee them a better player at 4 wouldn’t it? Minny wouldn’t draft another PG at 2 and DWill is the same type of player as Beasley (as stated). They would have to reach or trade down (hopefully with the Raptors). Then the cavs could be looking at Knight at 4.
Kanter at the 1 would most
Kanter at the 1 would most likely guarantee the Cavs Knight at the 4… Just don’t think they want to risk the number one pick on a guy whose value is based off one showcase game and some workouts…
As a Jazz fan
I read this article as a Jazz fan and I believe that their plan a for the 12th deepends alot and what happens early with the three. First I think it would make sense for Clevland to take Williams with the pick because they could still land knight with the fourth there is no way both Irvying and Knight getting taken if Clevland passes with out trades happening that night. So if I feel if Cleveland passes on Irving there is a chance he falls to the Jazz which would be tough for them to pass on. but assuming both he and Williams are out of their reach three really comes down between Kanter and Knight who do they like better. I personally feel their need for Kanter deepends on how good he will be at center. Jazz are loaded at powerforwards Their need for a center is for a true center because they have two who are centerfowards and I’ve been reading that he is not. So how well can he play Center? If they believe he will do well at center they should go with Kanter if not then they should go with knight their question on him is can he make other people better? He probably can.
If they go with Kanter then Jimmer is a great choice if available at twelve and if they don’t go with Kanter they go with a point guard at three then Jonas if he falls cause he’s a true center who can shoot but I’m too concerened that he’s another darco and at the least he’s not ready. Dontos seems like he’s probably not ready either and he dose not strike me as a center again they are loaded at the forward position so the Jazz need for a small forward would make sence here if Jimmer is off the board or if they already took Knight in which case I think Burks or singleton should be the choice Singleton would be a great replacement for Andre because he is a lot like him except that Andrea could possibly
play alongside him if they keep him. My problem with Marcus Morris who is also a possibility at twelve is how good will Morris be a deffense? If Andre leaves he is their best defender him and maybe Millsap, Favors So deffense they should consider.
Jimmer better than Reddick
Im an Orlando Magic Fan and I love the player J.J. has turned out to be over the last two seasons… BUT come on now… Jimmer is a stud! J.J. has always been a shooter at best, who can penetrate when guys play him for his jump shot. Jimmer can shoot it, put it on the floor and finish at the rim (not above the rim). I honestly thinks he’s going to be a much more evolved player than J.J.