2011 NBA Lottery/Draft

[TruffleShuffle]

Sorry if this is a repost but I thought I'd put this brilliance here: http://nbadoppelgangers.tumblr.com/

 

Only ones that even look close to alike are Maggette and Xzibit, and that's because they are smiling the same.

 

really? only one pair out of those entire three pages looks anywhere close to alike?

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bronson Pinchot one is good.

[tfarks]

I'm having a hard time figuring out why Markieff Morris is sneaking in to the top half of the 1st round while someone like JaJuan Johnson is going at the top of the 2nd. If it means the Cavs can nab Johnson, that's awesome, but I still don't understand it.

 

Irving, Jonas, Johnson, and someone like Richmond would be fantastic. If they are considering Thompson, I'd rather try to trade down than take him at 4.

 

I think Johnson will end up going in the 1st round. But the fact that he has strength issues and trouble rebounding, in college, is a big negative. If he can't do it there he's going to get pushed around rather easily in the NBA, I think a lot of scouts don't have much faith in his post game transitioning due to getting bodied, and doubts if he is able to use his left hand more. It depends on who wants a stretch 4 that can deal with these deficiencies. His perimeter offensive game and the active D and shot-blocking ability is enough to make him a 1st rounder IMO.

 

As for Morris. He's the opposite of JJ when it comes to size and projects to be a true PF. He seems to be a safe pick. One that won't overwhelm you due to athleticism and a lackluster wingspan, but finishes well around the rim and should be a pretty good defender. The thing is his upside is limited, he seems to be destined as a role player and not much more. If I'm the talent starved Pacers I get more risky than that. They already have Hansbrough.

[tfarks]

I know there are some Michigan fans on here. If Darius Morris is truly in the mold of an Andre Miller he sounds like a great 2nd round pickup.

he's a great penetrator, passer, can rebound well for a PG, but his jump shot needs work

 

Yeah that definitely sounds like Andre Miller. I would have no reservations about picking him up in the 2nd round.

[Guest]

Sam Smith's mock: http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/smith_110623.html

 

A further word on the Bulls draft. They’re committed to adding only two players to the team, so there’ll be an international player somewhere. There hasn’t been much opportunity to move up as teams basically want either Omer Asik or Gibson. I’d want to hang onto Gibson for a potential trade for a veteran shooting guard. Plus, you’re not getting into the lottery, where only perhaps Klay Thompson is good enough to become a starting shooting guard within maybe a year.

 

I can see if he’s here in the second round the Bulls going for Marquette’s Jimmy Butler, a player in the hard working mold of Marquette guys who teams like. Although the Bulls have a dozen or more players on their list, the ones I’ve mentioned are among the few I think really would work. Point guard Diante Garrett, who played for former Bull Fred Hoiberg at Iowa State, also is a good future point guard prospect as the Bulls need someone long term to backup Derrick Rose.

 

I think if the Duke guys, Smith and/or Singler fall to No. 30, they’re possible, though I personally think Purdue’s Johnson is a much wiser choice. Others they’re believed to be considering include Justin Harper of Richmond, Charles Jenkins of Hofstra, Chandler Parsons of Florida, Malcolm Lee of UCLA and Travis Leslie of Georgia. We’ll know soon. But it doesn’t appear this draft will much affect the fate and future of the team.

[bukie]

Is E'Twaun Moore on draft lists anywhere? Maybe I'm just romanticizing his college days, but he seems like exactly the type of player the Bulls could use in the back court.

[tfarks]

Why would the Bulls take Singler if they already have Kyle Korver?

[Guest]

Diante Garrett is terrible.

[javy knows my name]

Is E'Twaun Moore on draft lists anywhere? Maybe I'm just romanticizing his college days, but he seems like exactly the type of player the Bulls could use in the back court.

 

Read the previous page. Someone's second round is contained in a spoiler, with him going to the Bulls

[bukie]

I also really like Leuer as an offensive big man prospect, as he was way more valuable last year than most people perceived.

[tfarks]

I'd certainly take a shot with Etwaun Moore. He can shoot the ball with good range, as well as out of pick n' rolls and catch and shoot. He doesn't appear to be a liability defensively, in spite of his underwhelming athleticism. I've heard people rave about his intelligence and intangibles, if you're into that sort of thing.

 

His Achilles heel is ball handling and dribble penetration, something you prefer to not have out of your 2 guard spot but certainly something you can work with. I bet he has a long NBA career coming off the bench.

[Guest]

If Burks is available in the late 10s, I wish the Bulls could trade up without parting with Taj or Omer. Don't think that's feasible.

[WrigleyField 22]

Why would the Bulls take Singler if they already have Kyle Korver?

Why would you worry about team need when picking at the bottom of the first round?

[WrigleyField 22]

If Burks is available in the late 10s, I wish the Bulls could trade up without parting with Taj or Omer. Don't think that's feasible.

Is Burks really worth that risk? Even if he is someday is a starter, he won't be right away. You'd be better off using Taj or Omer to get a guy like Mayo or to a lesser extent Lee who can play now and be a long term solution.

[Guest]

If Burks is available in the late 10s, I wish the Bulls could trade up without parting with Taj or Omer. Don't think that's feasible.

Is Burks really worth that risk? Even if he is someday is a starter, he won't be right away. You'd be better off using Taj or Omer to get a guy like Mayo or to a lesser extent Lee who can play now and be a long term solution.

 

Oh yeah, I would only want to trade up for Burks if the Bulls didn't have to part with Taj or Omer.

[SouthSideRyan]

If Burks is available in the late 10s, I wish the Bulls could trade up without parting with Taj or Omer. Don't think that's feasible.

Is Burks really worth that risk? Even if he is someday is a starter, he won't be right away. You'd be better off using Taj or Omer to get a guy like Mayo or to a lesser extent Lee who can play now and be a long term solution.

 

Oh yeah, I would only want to trade up for Burks if the Bulls didn't have to part with Taj or Omer.

 

Then what would you give up?

[Exile on Waveland]

If the Pacers pass on Alec Burks and Chris Singleton to take Markeiff Morris I'm punching something cute. Admittedly PF is a huge need for them though.

 

Agreed. I don't want either Morris twin. At all. They're athletic and talented and all, but, well, I'll avoid channeling my inner sulley here. I'm hoping for Burks.

[WrigleyField 22]

If Burks is available in the late 10s, I wish the Bulls could trade up without parting with Taj or Omer. Don't think that's feasible.

Is Burks really worth that risk? Even if he is someday is a starter, he won't be right away. You'd be better off using Taj or Omer to get a guy like Mayo or to a lesser extent Lee who can play now and be a long term solution.

 

Oh yeah, I would only want to trade up for Burks if the Bulls didn't have to part with Taj or Omer.

'Doh. I misread "without" as "with"

 

Carry on.

[Flames24Rulz]

Sorry if this is a repost but I thought I'd put this brilliance here: http://nbadoppelgangers.tumblr.com/

 

Only ones that even look close to alike are Maggette and Xzibit, and that's because they are smiling the same.

 

really? only one pair out of those entire three pages looks anywhere close to alike?

 

Rodney Stuckey looks like an identical twin to 50 Cent.

[tfarks]

Why would the Bulls take Singler if they already have Kyle Korver?

Why would you worry about team need when picking at the bottom of the first round?

 

When you're almost a Finals team and at the end of the 1st round, drafting for need is not a bad idea. You can find role players there. If you're just drafting BPA, then you're still wrong with Singler. It would be better to wing it on a Euro.

 

But really, I just don't like Singler in the 1st round at all, for any team.

[WrigleyField 22]

I don't know enough about specific players to comment on Singler, but regarding team need, there isn't a single position or skill set that the Bulls have too much. Yes that is role player range, but the Bulls do go ten deep currently. You might find a guy to step in right away, yet he may not contribute for a couple years either.

[tfarks]

This is much better for the Pacers.

 

Chad Ford Mock 7.1

1st round:

 

By Chad Ford

ESPN.com

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft...ckDraft-110623

 

Quote:

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: I know there's still some uncertainty out there. There always is. But all signs continue to point to Irving as the No. 1 pick. He has a chance to be special and, in this draft, that makes him worthy of going this high.

 

The Cavs may not love what's left for them at No. 4, but at least they walk away feeling that they got the best player in the draft.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Minnesota

 

 

Derrick Williams

 

Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 249

Age: 20

School: Arizona

Analysis: The Wolves will work the phones until the last minute looking for a trade. If they keep the pick? They are considering Enes Kanter and started telling teams around the league on Wednesday that they're leaning in that direction.

 

I can see the appeal of Kanter. He probably fits a need more. But Williams is the second-best talent in this draft and I think talent ultimately trumps need, so they'll take Williams and sort it out later this summer.

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Utah

(via New Jersey)

 

 

Enes Kanter

 

Position: C

Height: 6-11

Weight: 260

Age: 19

Country: Turkey

Analysis: GM Kevin O'Connor is now issuing his famous "no comment" when asked about what the Jazz will do here. They are one of the most tight-lipped teams in the league. They aren't leaking who they'll take at No. 3.

 

So why did I change this from Brandon Knight to Kanter? Because it's hard to get legit centers in the league, especially ones with Kanter's upside. So are point guards, which is why Knight could be the pick. But as of very early Thursday, I think the Jazz will go with size and upside and Kanter.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Cleveland

 

 

Jonas Valanciunas

 

Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 245

Age: 19

Country: Lithuania

Analysis: We had Valanciunas in this position last week. But on Monday we reported that 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 right away? There are growing signals that they do. Valanciunas was in Cleveland on Tuesday meeting with Cavs brass. They conducted a physical and a workout as well which has seemingly calmed their fears.

 

But another serious dark horse here is Tristan Thompson. As I reported on Wednesday, Thompson met with owner Dan Gilbert in Cleveland on Monday, and the Cavs are intrigued. As I gather more info, this is one spot where the mock could change in Version 7.1.

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Toronto

 

Brandon Knight

 

Position: PG

Height: 6-3

Weight: 177

Age: 19

School: Kentucky

Analysis: GM Bryan Colangelo has been looking for defensive help, and I had been hearing over the past 24 hours that Bismack Biyombo and Kawhi Leonard had risen on the Raptors' board. But if Knight slides this far, I don't think they'll pass.

 

Knight has tremendous upside, is a good defender in his own right and, alongside DeMar DeRozan, would give the Raptors an intriguing young backcourt.

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Washington

 

Jan Vesely

 

Position: PF

Height: 6-11

Weight: 240

Age: 21

Country: Czech Republic

Analysis: The Wizards need rebounding and would love it if Kanter was still on the board. They've also been huge fans of Vesely and would jump at the chance to take him here. His ability to run the floor would be a welcome fit alongside John Wall and JaVale McGee.

 

Tristan Thompson is the other player to watch here. The Wizards need help on the boards and Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Sacramento

 

Kemba Walker

 

Position: PG

Height: 6-1

Weight: 184

Age: 21

School: UConn

Analysis: Walker wins this battle by process of elimination. In the past 24 hours, it sounds like the push for Jimmer Fredette, Kawhi Leonard, Alec Burks and even Klay Thompson has cooled. I'm told that ideally the Kings would like to find a way to trade this pick for a veteran.

 

But if they stay here, I'm reluctantly putting Walker here. If he does go to the Kings, he's going to breathe a huge sigh of relief. From what I can gather, he's in danger of sliding, and sliding far, if the Kings don't take him here.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Detroit

 

Tristan Thompson

 

Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 228

Age: 20

School: Texas

Analysis: The Pistons are likely going to add a player with size here. Thompson, Bismack Biyombo and Markieff Morris are all options. All three worked out in Detroit on Tuesday and played well. Morris may have been the best of the bunch, but this is a bit high for him.

 

I think the Pistons will seriously look at moving this pick to the Rockets for the 14th and 23rd picks. Kawhi Leonard is also a potential pick here. But if the Pistons stay at 8, I think Thompson has a slight edge over Biyombo. A darkhorse here is Valanciunas. If the Cavs take Tristan Thompson at 4, the Pistons are seriously considering taking Valanciunas and waiting a year.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Charlotte

 

Kawhi Leonard

 

Position: SF

Height: 6-7

Weight: 228

Age: 19

School: San Diego St.

Analysis: The Bobcats will be thrilled if Leonard is still on the board here. While Leonard isn't the same player as Gerald Wallace, he brings much of the same intensity. Bismack Biyombo is also an option here, as are the Morris twins and Alec Burks. But I doubt the Bobcats could pass on Leonard.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Milwaukee

 

Klay Thompson

 

Position: SG

Height: 6-7

Weight: 206

Age: 21

School: Washington St.

Analysis: The Bucks are also listening to a number of offers for this pick. They could move down or totally out of the draft. If they keep the pick, I think it 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.

 

Since the Bucks are telling me pretty strongly that they're holding on to Brandon Jennings as their point guard, and since the team is making a strong drive to get back to the playoffs, I think Thompson is a better fit.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Golden State

 

Bismack Biyombo

 

Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 243

Age: 18

Country: Congo

Analysis: Warriors adviser Jerry West is a fan of Klay Thompson and would likely select him if he's still on the board. Ditto for Jonas Valanciunas. But if they're off the board, don't be surprised if the Warriors grab Biyombo. They desperately need size and toughness in the paint and Biyombo can deliver from day one.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Utah

 

Jimmer Fredette

 

Position: PG

Height: 6-3

Weight: 196

Age: 22

School: Brigham Young

Analysis: I wonder ... will crazed Jimmer fans rush to the streets of Salt Lake City and Provo if Fredette's name is called here? He's been a long shot for weeks because we've had the Jazz taking Brandon Knight.

 

But if Utah goes with Kanter, it's likely they'll select Jimmer here. I think it's a good pick. Jazz fans probably think it's the best pick in franchise history. We'll see.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Phoenix

 

Markieff Morris

 

Position: PF/C

Height: 6-9

Weight: 241

Age: 21

School: Kansas

Analysis: I had Marcus Morris here in Mock 7.0 but I'm now hearing it's his brother, Markieff, who is higher on the Suns' board. Earlier this year, I wrote that some teams prefer Markieff to Marcus even though Marcus is more skilled.

 

Markieff has better size and is a better rebounder and shot-blocker. Meanwhile, Marcus is getting pegged as a tweener right now which may cause him to slide. Iman Shumpert is also strongly in the mix here.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Houston

 

Nikola Vucevic

 

Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 260

Age: 20

School: USC

Analysis: The Rockets are talking to everyone -- and I mean everyone -- about moving up in the draft. Everyone from the Wolves at 2 to the Warriors at 11 have heard the pitch. I think someone ultimately will bite, and I think it could be Detroit.

 

But if not, the Rockets are likely to reach a little bit for some size in the paint. They are desperate for it, and Vucevic is the biggest man in the draft. Chris Singleton and Markieff Morris are also options.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Indiana

 

 

Alec Burks

 

Position: SG

Height: 6-6

Weight: 193

Age: 19

School: Colorado

Analysis: Under this scenario, the Pacers' three biggest targets (Fredette, Klay Thompson and Markieff Morris) are all gone. Burks didn't work out for the Pacers, but they've done their homework. He's probably the best talent left on the board even if he does duplicate Paul George to a certain extent.

 

Marcus Morris, Chris Singleton and Marshon Brooks would also get looks here.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Philadelphia

 

 

Jordan Hamilton

 

Position: SF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 229

Age: 20

School: Texas

Analysis: The Sixers need size, but with Thompson, Vucevic and Morris all off the board, the only other big man worth taking here is Kenneth Faried. If Faried were a little bit bigger, I think they'd do it. Instead, I think the Sixers will prepare for the inevitable trade of Andre Iguodala.

 

It may not come on draft night, but most believe it will happen sometime before the season, and that's why Hamilton is the pick. Donatas Motiejunas is another possibility here.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

New York

 

 

Chris Singleton

 

Position: SF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 230

Age: 21

School: Florida State

Analysis: The Knicks have a bunch of scorers. What they really need are defenders. Singleton will get looks as high as No. 9 to the Bobcats, but I doubt he will slide any further than here. Not only is he the best defender in the draft, he also has potential to be a spot-up 3-point shooter.

 

Iman Shumpert, Alec Burks and Marshon Brooks are also in the mix here.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Washington

(via Atlanta)

 

 

Marcus Morris

 

Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 230

Age: 21

School: Kansas

Analysis: This would be a major slide for Marcus. But his insistence that he's not really a power forward has hurt his stock a bit. Teams don't believe he can be a 3 and now see him as somewhat of a tweener.

 

Still, at this point, he's a good value and he could play some 3 and some 4 in Washington.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Charlotte

(via New Orleans)

 

 

Marshon Brooks

 

Position: SG

Height: 6-5

Weight: 195

Age: 22

School: Providence

Analysis: The Bobcats, in this mock, get their defender with the No. 9 pick. That means they go pure offense 10 picks later. Brooks is one of the best scorers in the draft and would be a good long-term upgrade at the 2. Shumpert is also a possibility here.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Minnesota

(via Memphis)

 

 

Iman Shumpert

 

Position: PG

Height: 6-6

Weight: 221

Age: 20

College: Georgia Tech

Analysis: The Wolves added some serious offensive pop with the arrival of Ricky Rubio and, in this mock, Derrick Williams. Shumpert would give them a major defensive presence in their backcourt.

 

While he's not the most offensively gifted player in the draft, his ability to guard both backcourt positions, combined with his elite athleticism, make him an interesting choice at No. 20.

 

 

 

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 others to watch.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Denver

 

 

Tobias Harris

 

Position: PF

Height: 6-8

Weight: 223

Age: 18

School: Tennessee

Analysis: I guess we can't call Harris one of the more underrated players in the draft when he hasn't moved off 22 in any of our mocks. 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: At this point in the draft, you quit worrying about draft needs and you draft according to talent. Motiejunas is a major talent. He's got flaws, but at No. 23 you live with them. If the Rockets don't trade the pick away, Jimmy Butler is a possibility here, as is Darius Morris.

 

 

 

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. Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic are other possibilities here.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Boston

 

 

Jimmy Butler

 

Position: G/F

Height: 6-8

Weight: 222

Age: 21

School: Marquette

Analysis: If the Celtics are going to keep competing for a title, they need players who know their roles, can play without the ball in their hands and meld in. Butler brings toughness, defense and heart.

 

Butler epitomizes that approach with his game and would be a great fit with the Celtics as a player who can play multiple positions off the bench. Reggie Jackson is another strong possibility here, as is Norris Cole.

 

 

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 weren't stuck in Europe the next two or three years with a difficult contract to escape.

 

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 that 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 could play off the ball in certain situations.

 

If Jackson hadn't suffered 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, and he's only 18 years old. So it's worth taking a flier on him and seeing what he can accomplish after another year or two in Europe.

 

 

 

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

 

 

Chicago

 

 

Nolan Smith

 

Position: SG

Height: 6-4

Weight: 188

Age: 22

School: Duke

Analysis: The Bulls need scorers in their backcourt and ultimately need to find a backup for Derrick Rose at point guard. Smith isn't the sort of player who really wows you with one thing. But he's a winner, he's versatile and he's been a solid shooter in college. He's a perfect backup guard.

 

[tfarks]

2nd round:

 

 

Second Round:

 

Quote:

31. Miami Heat (via Minnesota)

 

JaJuan Johnson | F | Purdue

 

The Heat are hoping that Reggie Jackson falls this far. But if a team snatches Jackson up, Johnson would be a nice fit. He is long, shoots the ball well and has four years of experience.

 

 

32. Cleveland Cavaliers

 

Chandler Parsons | SF | Florida

 

If the Cavs get a point guard and a big man early in the draft, don't be surprised to see them reach a bit for Parsons here. He has great size, is very skilled and has been one of the best workout players in the draft.

 

 

33. Detroit Pistons (via Toronto)

 

Norris Cole | PG | Cleveland State

 

In our mock, the Pistons miss out on Kemba Walker, but Cole isn't a bad substitute. He's a classic point guard who can fly up and down the floor, make a great pass and get into the lane. He could be the sleeper of the draft.

 

 

34. Washington Wizards

 

Jordan Williams | C | Maryland

 

The Wizards added some flash with their first two picks in the draft. With the third one, they add some toughness and rebounding. Williams doesn't have ideal size, nor is he a great athlete. But he's a tough rebounder.

 

 

35. Sacramento Kings

 

Tyler Honeycutt | G/F | UCLA

 

The Kings' other big need right now is at small forward, and Honeycutt could be a great fit. He's got a high basketball IQ, has point-forward skills and he's a solid shooter.

 

 

36. New Jersey Nets

 

Bojan Bogdanovic | SF | Serbia

 

Bogdanovic was the second-leading scorer in the Euroleague this year. If he could come to the U.S. this year or next, he'd likely be a first-round pick. In the second round, he's a steal.

 

 

37. Los Angeles Clippers (via Detroit)

 

Josh Selby | PG | Kansas

 

The Clippers have always been a team willing to take chances on young college players who didn't always live up to expectations. If Selby falls this far in the draft, he's a steal here. There's nothing to lose, and a lot to gain.

 

 

38. Houston Rockets (via Los Angeles Clippers)

 

Darius Morris | PG | Michigan

 

The Rockets would like to add some size in the backcourt and have been fans of Morris for a while. At No. 38, he's worth the risk. He has a lot of Andre Miller to his game.

 

 

39. Charlotte Bobcats

 

Malcolm Lee | PG | UCLA

 

The Bobcats really need a big point guard to play when teams overwhelm D.J. Augustin with size. Lee is one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft and has terrific upside.

 

 

40. Milwaukee Bucks

 

Jeremy Tyler | C | Tokyo Apache

 

The Bucks have never been afraid to roll the dice on a player with major upside. They did it with Brandon Jennings and it paid off big-time. Here, Tyler isn't a huge risk. He's big, athletic and can play both the 4 and the 5. He needs time to develop, but he has great potential.

 

 

41. Los Angeles Lakers (from Golden State via New Jersey)

 

Shelvin Mack | PG | Butler

 

The Lakers need to replace Derek Fisher at some point and Mack would be a great candidate; they are both tough combo guards who can shoot the ball. Mack reminds me a bit of a poor man's Joe Dumars. He could bring a lot to the table in L.A.

 

 

42. Indiana Pacers

 

Charles Jenkins | PG | Hofstra

 

The Pacers really need a player who can create for himself off the dribble. Jenkins is a poor man's Jimmer. He was one of the best scorers in college basketball this past season and can play multiple positions. He'd be a nice fit here.

 

 

43. Chicago Bulls (via Utah)

 

Jon Leuer | PF | Wisconsin

 

The Bulls continue to stock up on shooters by adding Leuer to the mix. He was one of the best shooting bigs in the NCAA, and he's a good get at this spot of the draft.

 

 

44. Golden State Warriors (From Phoenix via Chicago)

 

Trey Thompkins | PF | Georgia

 

The Warriors could always use some low-post scoring and Thompkins actually has a lot of talent scoring in the low block. He's got to get in better shape, but at this point in the draft, he's worth the risk.

 

 

45. New Orleans (via Philadelphia)

 

Greg Smith | C | Fresno State

 

Smith is raw. But he has an NBA body, good athleticism and huge hands. He's a project, but a very solid one.

 

 

46. Los Angeles Lakers (From New York)

 

Malcolm Thomas | PF | San Diego State

 

Thomas is an elite athlete who can run the floor, rebound and block shots. He's still raw offensively, but he has lots of upside for the 46th pick.

 

 

47. Los Angeles Clippers (From Houston)

 

Giorgi Shermadini | C | Georgia

 

Shermadini is a talented big man who can really score. He may not come over for a few years, but down the road he could be a very good pickup for the Clippers.

 

 

48. Atlanta Hawks

 

Travis Leslie | SG | Georgia

 

The Hawks can always use more athletes in the backcourt, and Leslie may be the best leaper in the draft. The question is whether he'll ever learn how to shoot the ball.

 

 

49. Memphis Grizzlies

 

Cory Joseph | PG | Texas

 

Mike Conley has cemented himself as the Grizzlies' point guard of the future, but Joseph could be an interesting backup down the road. He should've stayed in school, but there's raw talent there.

 

 

50. Philadelphia 76ers (From New Orleans)

 

Keith Benson | C | Oakland

 

The Sixers continue to need bigs and Benson is one of the biggest players in the draft. He's skilled and a very good athlete for his size; he just needs to get stronger and improve his motor.

 

 

51. Portland Trail Blazers

 

Diante Garrett | PG | Iowa State

 

The Blazers are looking for a point guard and Garrett has turned a lot of heads with his excellent play in draft camps.

 

 

52. Detroit Pistons

 

E'Twaun Moore | SG | Purdue

 

Moore is one of the toughest players in the draft. He's an excellent shooter and can even play a little point guard. He's probably a bit of a steal at this point.

 

 

53. Orlando Magic

 

Scotty Hopson | SG | Tennessee

 

Hopson is not only one of the best athletes in the draft, but he also can shoot the ball. He was inconsistent at Tennessee, but the talent is still there.

 

 

54. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Oklahoma City via Miami)

 

Jereme Richmond | SF | Illinois

 

Richmond is an athlete and little else right now. But as a long-term project, he still has major upside.

 

 

55. Boston Celtics

 

Jamine Peterson | SF | NBDL

 

Peterson is one of the best scorers in the draft. He's a great athlete as well. He may have some question marks about his background, but the Celtics have never shied away from players like him.

 

 

56. Los Angeles Lakers

 

Brad Wanamaker | PG | Pittsburgh

 

Wannamaker is a pure playmaker who is coming off a great career at Pittsburgh. I know it's another point guard for the Lakers, but his toughness is tough to pass up at this point.

 

 

57. Dallas Mavericks

 

Michael Dunigan | C | Oregon

 

Dunigan has size and athletic ability. Oh, and he dominated the Estonian league this year. Need I say more?

 

 

58. Los Angeles Lakers (From Miami)

 

Julyan Stone | SG | UTEP

 

The Lakers like big point guards and they like defenders, and Stone fits the bill. Just don't ask him to score.

 

 

59. San Antonio Spurs

 

DeAndre Liggins | SG | Kentucky

 

The Spurs love guys who can defend multiple positions, and Liggins can do just that.

 

 

60. Sacramento Kings (From Chicago via Milwaukee)

 

Andrew Goudelock | SG | College of Charleston

 

The Kings like shooters, and Goudelock is one of the best in the draft.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft...-Round2-110623

 

[Guest]

Ford is saying the Cavs are shopping their trade exception to get a 3rd lottery pick in the 7-8 range so they can take Thompson.

[tfarks]

I don't know enough about specific players to comment on Singler, but regarding team need, there isn't a single position or skill set that the Bulls have too much. Yes that is role player range, but the Bulls do go ten deep currently. You might find a guy to step in right away, yet he may not contribute for a couple years either.

 

Yeah certainly. That's why there's FA.