Chad Ford's Mock Draft, Version 6.0
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
With the NBA draft two days away, it's time to take our first full look at how both rounds will play out Thursday. Teams continue to narrow down their lists, but with tons of trade talk and last-minute workouts taking place, there still are plenty of things up in the air.
Here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, at all 60 picks.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Cleveland
(via L.A. Clippers)
Kyrie Irving
Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 191 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke
Analysis: Two days before the draft, the Cavs are still claiming they haven't made up their mind. ESPN's Ric Bucher reported the Cavs had settled on Irving on Monday, but while the report was running on the ticker, owner Dan Gilbert was meeting with Derrick Williams in Cleveland.
While sources continue to point toward Irving's being the No. 1 pick, Williams' camp is holding out hope that it has a chance. Could the Cavs still have concerns about Irving's toe? Or are they worried that at No. 4 they can't get a solid big man?
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
Derrick Williams
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: Arizona
Analysis: Still hearing the Wolves are hoping to get a great offer for the No. 2 pick. Hearing the best one they have right now is from Phoenix (Marcin Gortat and the No. 13 pick).
If they can't find a trade they like, they'll swallow hard, take Williams and work out the rest this summer via trades. If they get Williams, Michael Beasley could be gone by the time the season starts.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Utah
(via New Jersey)
Brandon Knight
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 177
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: The Jazz have had virtually every prospect in the draft come in for a workout. It doesn't sound like they are in love with anyone at No. 3. Knight and Kemba Walker are both possibilities if the Jazz go with a guard. Big men Enes Kanter and Jan Vesely also are getting a look here.
I'm hearing there's a slight preference for Knight right now, but truthfully it sounds like all four players are still in the mix at No. 3.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Cleveland
Enes Kanter
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
Country: Turkey
Analysis: We had Jonas Valanciunas in this position last week. But on Monday, we reported Valanciunas' buyout with his team in Lithuania would prohibit him from coming to the NBA next season.
The Cavs love Valanciunas, but do they love him enough to draft him even if he won't be coming to the NBA next season? I doubt it at No. 4. The Cavs have been exploring a number of trade possibilities to move down a few spots in the draft. If they stay here, I think Kanter is their guy.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Toronto
Jan Vesely
Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech Republic
Analysis: Bryan Colangelo saw both Vesely and Bismack Biyombo this weekend in New York. Biyombo is a much bigger leap of faith at No. 5 than Vesely is. Kemba Walker and Kawhi Leonard are in the mix as well. But Vesley has been the favorite for a while, and I think he still is.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Washington
Kawhi Leonard
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 228
Age: 19
School: San Diego State
Analysis: The Wizards need rebounding and would love it if Enes Kanter was still on the board. They also have been huge fans of Vesely and would jump at the chance to take him here. But if they're both off the board, this pick comes down to Leonard, Tristan Thompson and Klay Thompson.
It might be a tough call for the Wizards, but the smart money is on Leonard. The Wizards have been all over him all year. He's tough, he's versatile and if he ever learns to really shoot the basketball ... watch out.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Sacramento
Kemba Walker
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Age: 21
School: UConn
Analysis: This becomes a tough call if Kawhi Leonard is off the board. The Kings need help at both small forward and the point. The only other small forward to really consider here is Chris Singleton. The Kings do like him, but he might be a reach at No. 7.
Of the point guards left on the board, the Kings can choose between Walker and Jimmer Fredette. Walker might be the safer pick. He's a leader, he can play right now, and he brings toughness and character. But I'm not sure he's the best fit.
Fredette, as we've been writing for the past three weeks, is the dark horse here. The Maloof brothers love him, he's probably a better fit in the Kings' backcourt than Walker and the fans in Sacramento would love him. Also don't count out Alec Burks. Sources say he had a terrific workout in Sacramento, and the Kings think he could be a point guard at the next level. He's a long shot but worth mentioning here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Detroit
Bismack Biyombo
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: Congo
Analysis: We've had the Pistons taking Valanciunas the past few weeks, but with Valanciunas now planning on returning to Europe for another year, I don't think the Pistons will take the chance. With Kemba Walker also off the board, the Pistons are down to two prospects -- Biyombo and Tristan Thompson.
Thompson has upside, but from what I can gather, the team is still very high on Biyombo. The Pistons know how to develop a defensive stopper like this. This pick might come down to what happens at Tuesday's workout between Thompson and Biyombo.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Charlotte
Marcus Morris
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: The Bobcats have a number of needs, but sources say they are prioritizing taking a veteran college player who can contribute right away. It sounds like the team is down to Morris, Chris Singleton, Klay Thompson and Alec Burks here. Morris might be the least sexy player of the group, but he also might be the safest.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Milwaukee
Klay Thompson
Position: PG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Washington St.
Analysis: I think this pick likely comes down to Thompson and Alec Burks. They play the same position, but have different strengths. Thompson is a shooter, Burks is a slasher.
With the Bucks telling me pretty strongly that they're holding on to Brandon Jennings as their point guard, and with the team making a strong drive to get back in the playoffs, I think Thompson is a better fit.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Golden State
Alec Burks
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: Colorado
Analysis: Jerry West is a fan of Klay Thompson and likely will select him if he's still on the board. But if he's off the board, Burks is a real possibility here. The Warriors' backcourt is undersized with Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis together.
Burks brings size and athletic ability to the table as a third guard or, if the Warriors end up trading Ellis, a potential lead guard down the road.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Utah
Chris Singleton
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida State
Analysis: We've had Singleton here for weeks, and we're not moving him unless the Jazz draft a forward with the No. 3 pick. With Andrei Kirilenko heading into free agency, the Jazz are going to want a defensive stopper who can guard multiple positions.
Tristan Thompson, Jimmer Fredette and Alec Burks are all possibilities here, too.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Phoenix
Tristan Thompson
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: Texas
Analysis: The Suns are in that awkward spot between pushing for the playoffs and rebuilding. Lon Babby says the team will be emphasizing defense, and Thompson could be a solid direction to go.
Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft and fits a major need for the Suns on their front line. I'm hearing two other defensive-minded players -- Kenneth Faried and Iman Shumpert -- are in the mix at No. 13 as well.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Houston
Jonas Valanciunas
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 245
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania
Analysis: Could the Rockets really score Valanciunas this low in the draft? Maybe. If Valanciunas isn't able to come to the NBA, a number of teams will feel pressure to draft players who can help right away. There's a chance the Bobcats, Bucks or Warriors will take him. But it's just a chance.
However, I doubt Valanciunas will slide any farther than this. The Rockets really need a center, and Valanciunas, in the long run, is worthy of a lottery pick. Nikola Vucevic also is a real possibility here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Indiana
Jimmer Fredette
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Age: 22
School: Brigham Young
Analysis: The Pacers could go a number of ways here, but for the fourth straight week, I think Fredette will be their man. In the meantime, the odds are growing stronger that the Kings, Jazz or Suns will take him first.
There also are teams such as the Knicks who are trying to move ahead of the Jazz at No. 12 to get him. So there's a good chance Fredette will be off the board when the Pacers draft, but if he's here, he'll be very hard to pass on. Tristan Thompson and Markieff Morris also are serious options here if both are still on the board.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Philadelphia
Jordan Hamilton
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: Texas
Analysis: The Sixers need size, but they also need shooting. With Andre Iguodala on the trading block, don't be surprised to see them grab Hamilton.
His ability to shoot the ball from range, combined with solid rebounding ability, could make him a surprise pick for Philly. Nikola Vucevic, Donatas Motiejunas and Markieff Morris are also possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New York
Iman Shumpert
Position: PG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 221
Age: 20
College: Georgia Tech
Analysis: The Knicks have been focusing on offense for much of the draft process, but the truth is they need some defenders. Count Shumpert as one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft. He can't shoot, but he's a great athlete who can get to the basket.
Marshon Brooks and Nikola Vucevic are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Washington
(via Atlanta)
Markieff Morris
Position: PF/C
Height: 6-9
Weight: 241
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: In this mock, we have the Wizards going with a forward at No. 6. That sets them up to grab yet more rebounding help in the paint from Morris at No. 18. Morris' size, shot-blocking and ability to stretch the defense with his shooting should make him an attractive option here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Charlotte
(via New Orleans)
Nikola Vucevic
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 260
Age: 20
School: USC
Analysis: The Bobcats need size, and Vucevic is the biggest player in the draft. He might not be a superstar, but he has the chance to be a very solid NBA center in the mold of a player such as Marc Gasol. Kenneth Faried and Reggie Jackson are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
(via Memphis)
Marshon Brooks
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 22
School: Providence
Analysis: The Wolves' biggest hole may be at 2-guard. Wesley Johnson played there some last season, but he's a more natural fit at the 3. Brooks is one of the two or three best scorers in the draft. He'd be a nice get here for the Wolves.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Portland
Kenneth Faried
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead State
Analysis: The Blazers fell in love with Faried last year before he withdrew from the draft. If they are fortunate enough to get a second chance at him this year, they'll grab him. His relentlessness on the boards is a nice complement to LaMarcus Aldridge's more offensive-minded style.
Markieff Morris, Tobias Harris, Iman Shumpert and Reggie Jackson are other players to watch.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Denver
Tobias Harris
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 223
Age: 18
School: Tennessee
Analysis: Harris may be one of the more underrated players in the draft. He can play both the 3 and 4, and he has a very high basketball IQ and an NBA body. Harris doesn't do any one thing at an elite level, but he is one of the most well-rounded players in the draft.
Iman Shumpert, Chandler Parsons and Tyler Honeycutt are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Houston
(via Orlando)
Donatas Motiejunas
Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania
Analysis: Would the Rockets really take two Lithuanians? Sure they would. Both players are vastly underrated where the Rockets are getting them, and the Rockets have always been the sort of team that takes advantage of a bargain when it sees one.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Oklahoma City
Kyle Singler
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 23
College: Duke
Analysis: I don't have Singler rated as a Top 30 prospect. But I might be mistaken. A source said the Thunder are very high on Singler and believe he could be an Andres Nocioni-type player in the NBA.
He is tough, has a good motor and will be able to knock down open shots. If he plays that role in the NBA, he's well worth the 24th pick. Nikola Mirotic is another possibility here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Boston
Jeremy Tyler
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 263
Age: 19
Team: Tokyo Apache
Analysis: The Celtics are going to start rebuilding soon and they need to hit a home run again the same way they did with Rajon Rondo. Tyler could be that guy. If he had played in college, he might have had a chance to be a top-10 pick with his talent.
He's long, athletic and raw, but if he succeeds, he could be a major pickup for the Celtics. JaJuan Johnson, Tyler Honeycutt, Justin Harper and Jon Leuer are also possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Dallas
Nikola Mirotic
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
Country: Serbia
Analysis: The Mavs likely will stay primarily a veteran team. So they'll work to add value wherever they can. Mirotic is a talented player who would go 10 spots higher if he wasn't stuck in Europe the next two or three years with a difficult contract to get out of.
But the Mavs can afford to be patient with a talent like this, and hope that in a few years, he'll be ready to step in and play right away.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New Jersey
(via L.A. Lakers)
Reggie Jackson
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
Age: 21
School: Boston College
Analysis: Jackson hasn't done any workouts, has a knee injury and isn't sharing his medical records. Why would the Nets take a player like that? Well, they, along with a lot of NBA teams, believe another team has shut down Jackson's workouts with a promise to draft him.
That shouldn't stop the Nets from grabbing Jackson anyway. Yes, they have Deron Williams. But he's not a sure thing to stay in New Jersey after next season. Even if he does, Jackson would be a terrific backup and a player who could play off the ball in certain situations.
Had he not had a knee injury just as the draft prep began, he could have gone much higher. Norris Cole, Justin Harper, Josh Selby and Chandler Parsons also are possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Chicago
(via Miami)
Justin Harper
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 21
School: Richmond
Analysis: Harper was one of the best stretch 4s in college basketball last season. He also has size and is a pretty good athlete. The Bulls need perimeter shooting and Harper should be able to give them some.
Charles Jenkins, Tyler Honeycutt and Jeremy Tyler are also possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
San Antonio
Davis Bertans
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 18
Country: Latvia
Analysis: The Spurs have done a good job over the years of finding young international players and stashing them overseas for a few years until they're ready.
Bertans showed he can be a big-time shooter at the Nike Hoop Summit and adidas Eurocamp. At 18, he's worth taking a flier on and seeing what he can accomplish after another year or two in Europe.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Chicago
Tyler Honeycutt
Position: G/F
Height: 6-8
Weight: 188
Age: 20
School: UCLA
Analysis: The Bulls need scorers in their backcourt and ultimately need to find a backup for Derrick Rose at point guard. Honeycutt wasn't a dominating scorer in college, but his versatility should make him a nice fit in Chicago.
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
With the NBA draft two days away, it's time to take our first full look at how both rounds will play out Thursday. Teams continue to narrow down their lists, but with tons of trade talk and last-minute workouts taking place, there still are plenty of things up in the air.
Here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, at all 60 picks.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Cleveland
(via L.A. Clippers)
Kyrie Irving
Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 191 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke
Analysis: Two days before the draft, the Cavs are still claiming they haven't made up their mind. ESPN's Ric Bucher reported the Cavs had settled on Irving on Monday, but while the report was running on the ticker, owner Dan Gilbert was meeting with Derrick Williams in Cleveland.
While sources continue to point toward Irving's being the No. 1 pick, Williams' camp is holding out hope that it has a chance. Could the Cavs still have concerns about Irving's toe? Or are they worried that at No. 4 they can't get a solid big man?
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
Derrick Williams
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: Arizona
Analysis: Still hearing the Wolves are hoping to get a great offer for the No. 2 pick. Hearing the best one they have right now is from Phoenix (Marcin Gortat and the No. 13 pick).
If they can't find a trade they like, they'll swallow hard, take Williams and work out the rest this summer via trades. If they get Williams, Michael Beasley could be gone by the time the season starts.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Utah
(via New Jersey)
Brandon Knight
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 177
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: The Jazz have had virtually every prospect in the draft come in for a workout. It doesn't sound like they are in love with anyone at No. 3. Knight and Kemba Walker are both possibilities if the Jazz go with a guard. Big men Enes Kanter and Jan Vesely also are getting a look here.
I'm hearing there's a slight preference for Knight right now, but truthfully it sounds like all four players are still in the mix at No. 3.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Cleveland
Enes Kanter
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
Country: Turkey
Analysis: We had Jonas Valanciunas in this position last week. But on Monday, we reported Valanciunas' buyout with his team in Lithuania would prohibit him from coming to the NBA next season.
The Cavs love Valanciunas, but do they love him enough to draft him even if he won't be coming to the NBA next season? I doubt it at No. 4. The Cavs have been exploring a number of trade possibilities to move down a few spots in the draft. If they stay here, I think Kanter is their guy.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Toronto
Jan Vesely
Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech Republic
Analysis: Bryan Colangelo saw both Vesely and Bismack Biyombo this weekend in New York. Biyombo is a much bigger leap of faith at No. 5 than Vesely is. Kemba Walker and Kawhi Leonard are in the mix as well. But Vesley has been the favorite for a while, and I think he still is.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Washington
Kawhi Leonard
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 228
Age: 19
School: San Diego State
Analysis: The Wizards need rebounding and would love it if Enes Kanter was still on the board. They also have been huge fans of Vesely and would jump at the chance to take him here. But if they're both off the board, this pick comes down to Leonard, Tristan Thompson and Klay Thompson.
It might be a tough call for the Wizards, but the smart money is on Leonard. The Wizards have been all over him all year. He's tough, he's versatile and if he ever learns to really shoot the basketball ... watch out.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Sacramento
Kemba Walker
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Age: 21
School: UConn
Analysis: This becomes a tough call if Kawhi Leonard is off the board. The Kings need help at both small forward and the point. The only other small forward to really consider here is Chris Singleton. The Kings do like him, but he might be a reach at No. 7.
Of the point guards left on the board, the Kings can choose between Walker and Jimmer Fredette. Walker might be the safer pick. He's a leader, he can play right now, and he brings toughness and character. But I'm not sure he's the best fit.
Fredette, as we've been writing for the past three weeks, is the dark horse here. The Maloof brothers love him, he's probably a better fit in the Kings' backcourt than Walker and the fans in Sacramento would love him. Also don't count out Alec Burks. Sources say he had a terrific workout in Sacramento, and the Kings think he could be a point guard at the next level. He's a long shot but worth mentioning here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Detroit
Bismack Biyombo
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: Congo
Analysis: We've had the Pistons taking Valanciunas the past few weeks, but with Valanciunas now planning on returning to Europe for another year, I don't think the Pistons will take the chance. With Kemba Walker also off the board, the Pistons are down to two prospects -- Biyombo and Tristan Thompson.
Thompson has upside, but from what I can gather, the team is still very high on Biyombo. The Pistons know how to develop a defensive stopper like this. This pick might come down to what happens at Tuesday's workout between Thompson and Biyombo.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Charlotte
Marcus Morris
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: The Bobcats have a number of needs, but sources say they are prioritizing taking a veteran college player who can contribute right away. It sounds like the team is down to Morris, Chris Singleton, Klay Thompson and Alec Burks here. Morris might be the least sexy player of the group, but he also might be the safest.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Milwaukee
Klay Thompson
Position: PG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Washington St.
Analysis: I think this pick likely comes down to Thompson and Alec Burks. They play the same position, but have different strengths. Thompson is a shooter, Burks is a slasher.
With the Bucks telling me pretty strongly that they're holding on to Brandon Jennings as their point guard, and with the team making a strong drive to get back in the playoffs, I think Thompson is a better fit.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Golden State
Alec Burks
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: Colorado
Analysis: Jerry West is a fan of Klay Thompson and likely will select him if he's still on the board. But if he's off the board, Burks is a real possibility here. The Warriors' backcourt is undersized with Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis together.
Burks brings size and athletic ability to the table as a third guard or, if the Warriors end up trading Ellis, a potential lead guard down the road.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Utah
Chris Singleton
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida State
Analysis: We've had Singleton here for weeks, and we're not moving him unless the Jazz draft a forward with the No. 3 pick. With Andrei Kirilenko heading into free agency, the Jazz are going to want a defensive stopper who can guard multiple positions.
Tristan Thompson, Jimmer Fredette and Alec Burks are all possibilities here, too.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Phoenix
Tristan Thompson
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: Texas
Analysis: The Suns are in that awkward spot between pushing for the playoffs and rebuilding. Lon Babby says the team will be emphasizing defense, and Thompson could be a solid direction to go.
Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft and fits a major need for the Suns on their front line. I'm hearing two other defensive-minded players -- Kenneth Faried and Iman Shumpert -- are in the mix at No. 13 as well.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Houston
Jonas Valanciunas
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 245
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania
Analysis: Could the Rockets really score Valanciunas this low in the draft? Maybe. If Valanciunas isn't able to come to the NBA, a number of teams will feel pressure to draft players who can help right away. There's a chance the Bobcats, Bucks or Warriors will take him. But it's just a chance.
However, I doubt Valanciunas will slide any farther than this. The Rockets really need a center, and Valanciunas, in the long run, is worthy of a lottery pick. Nikola Vucevic also is a real possibility here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Indiana
Jimmer Fredette
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Age: 22
School: Brigham Young
Analysis: The Pacers could go a number of ways here, but for the fourth straight week, I think Fredette will be their man. In the meantime, the odds are growing stronger that the Kings, Jazz or Suns will take him first.
There also are teams such as the Knicks who are trying to move ahead of the Jazz at No. 12 to get him. So there's a good chance Fredette will be off the board when the Pacers draft, but if he's here, he'll be very hard to pass on. Tristan Thompson and Markieff Morris also are serious options here if both are still on the board.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Philadelphia
Jordan Hamilton
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: Texas
Analysis: The Sixers need size, but they also need shooting. With Andre Iguodala on the trading block, don't be surprised to see them grab Hamilton.
His ability to shoot the ball from range, combined with solid rebounding ability, could make him a surprise pick for Philly. Nikola Vucevic, Donatas Motiejunas and Markieff Morris are also possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New York
Iman Shumpert
Position: PG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 221
Age: 20
College: Georgia Tech
Analysis: The Knicks have been focusing on offense for much of the draft process, but the truth is they need some defenders. Count Shumpert as one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft. He can't shoot, but he's a great athlete who can get to the basket.
Marshon Brooks and Nikola Vucevic are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Washington
(via Atlanta)
Markieff Morris
Position: PF/C
Height: 6-9
Weight: 241
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: In this mock, we have the Wizards going with a forward at No. 6. That sets them up to grab yet more rebounding help in the paint from Morris at No. 18. Morris' size, shot-blocking and ability to stretch the defense with his shooting should make him an attractive option here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Charlotte
(via New Orleans)
Nikola Vucevic
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 260
Age: 20
School: USC
Analysis: The Bobcats need size, and Vucevic is the biggest player in the draft. He might not be a superstar, but he has the chance to be a very solid NBA center in the mold of a player such as Marc Gasol. Kenneth Faried and Reggie Jackson are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
(via Memphis)
Marshon Brooks
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 22
School: Providence
Analysis: The Wolves' biggest hole may be at 2-guard. Wesley Johnson played there some last season, but he's a more natural fit at the 3. Brooks is one of the two or three best scorers in the draft. He'd be a nice get here for the Wolves.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Portland
Kenneth Faried
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead State
Analysis: The Blazers fell in love with Faried last year before he withdrew from the draft. If they are fortunate enough to get a second chance at him this year, they'll grab him. His relentlessness on the boards is a nice complement to LaMarcus Aldridge's more offensive-minded style.
Markieff Morris, Tobias Harris, Iman Shumpert and Reggie Jackson are other players to watch.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Denver
Tobias Harris
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 223
Age: 18
School: Tennessee
Analysis: Harris may be one of the more underrated players in the draft. He can play both the 3 and 4, and he has a very high basketball IQ and an NBA body. Harris doesn't do any one thing at an elite level, but he is one of the most well-rounded players in the draft.
Iman Shumpert, Chandler Parsons and Tyler Honeycutt are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Houston
(via Orlando)
Donatas Motiejunas
Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania
Analysis: Would the Rockets really take two Lithuanians? Sure they would. Both players are vastly underrated where the Rockets are getting them, and the Rockets have always been the sort of team that takes advantage of a bargain when it sees one.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Oklahoma City
Kyle Singler
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 23
College: Duke
Analysis: I don't have Singler rated as a Top 30 prospect. But I might be mistaken. A source said the Thunder are very high on Singler and believe he could be an Andres Nocioni-type player in the NBA.
He is tough, has a good motor and will be able to knock down open shots. If he plays that role in the NBA, he's well worth the 24th pick. Nikola Mirotic is another possibility here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Boston
Jeremy Tyler
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 263
Age: 19
Team: Tokyo Apache
Analysis: The Celtics are going to start rebuilding soon and they need to hit a home run again the same way they did with Rajon Rondo. Tyler could be that guy. If he had played in college, he might have had a chance to be a top-10 pick with his talent.
He's long, athletic and raw, but if he succeeds, he could be a major pickup for the Celtics. JaJuan Johnson, Tyler Honeycutt, Justin Harper and Jon Leuer are also possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Dallas
Nikola Mirotic
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
Country: Serbia
Analysis: The Mavs likely will stay primarily a veteran team. So they'll work to add value wherever they can. Mirotic is a talented player who would go 10 spots higher if he wasn't stuck in Europe the next two or three years with a difficult contract to get out of.
But the Mavs can afford to be patient with a talent like this, and hope that in a few years, he'll be ready to step in and play right away.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New Jersey
(via L.A. Lakers)
Reggie Jackson
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
Age: 21
School: Boston College
Analysis: Jackson hasn't done any workouts, has a knee injury and isn't sharing his medical records. Why would the Nets take a player like that? Well, they, along with a lot of NBA teams, believe another team has shut down Jackson's workouts with a promise to draft him.
That shouldn't stop the Nets from grabbing Jackson anyway. Yes, they have Deron Williams. But he's not a sure thing to stay in New Jersey after next season. Even if he does, Jackson would be a terrific backup and a player who could play off the ball in certain situations.
Had he not had a knee injury just as the draft prep began, he could have gone much higher. Norris Cole, Justin Harper, Josh Selby and Chandler Parsons also are possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Chicago
(via Miami)
Justin Harper
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 21
School: Richmond
Analysis: Harper was one of the best stretch 4s in college basketball last season. He also has size and is a pretty good athlete. The Bulls need perimeter shooting and Harper should be able to give them some.
Charles Jenkins, Tyler Honeycutt and Jeremy Tyler are also possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
San Antonio
Davis Bertans
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 18
Country: Latvia
Analysis: The Spurs have done a good job over the years of finding young international players and stashing them overseas for a few years until they're ready.
Bertans showed he can be a big-time shooter at the Nike Hoop Summit and adidas Eurocamp. At 18, he's worth taking a flier on and seeing what he can accomplish after another year or two in Europe.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Chicago
Tyler Honeycutt
Position: G/F
Height: 6-8
Weight: 188
Age: 20
School: UCLA
Analysis: The Bulls need scorers in their backcourt and ultimately need to find a backup for Derrick Rose at point guard. Honeycutt wasn't a dominating scorer in college, but his versatility should make him a nice fit in Chicago.
42. Indiana Pacers
Malcolm Lee | PG | UCLA
Would the Pacers draft yet another point guard? I think so because Lee can play both backcourt positions and gives them a real defensive presence. Jimmer can let if fly on offense, but Lee can be a lockdown defender on the other end.
Malcolm Lee | PG | UCLA
Would the Pacers draft yet another point guard? I think so because Lee can play both backcourt positions and gives them a real defensive presence. Jimmer can let if fly on offense, but Lee can be a lockdown defender on the other end.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft...ckDraft-110621
It's interesting that he mentions the exact same three names (Thompson, Morris, Fredette) that ken Berger did in yesterday's column. Could these be three of the four guys Bird is supposedly interested in?
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