This topic contains 10 replies, has 7 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar ghettosermon 12 years, 10 months ago.

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  • #29665
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    ghettosermon
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    http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_mock_drafts/9188

    I think too often we get stuck in mocking the same players to every team that we don’t fully see all potential options. With this mock I tried to make picks the way I think we could see them on draft night. There are always draft night surprises and I tried to incorporate that into my mock. Below are explanations for some of my controversial picks before you bash me completely. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

    Enes Kanter going #3:

    I know many don’t think that the Jazz should go big at #3, but IMO in this draft you go BPA, and Kanter to me is the last of the prospects with “allstar potential” left on the board. If you think about it, Kanter’s strength inside is the perfect complement to Al Jefferson who is incredibly skilled in the post but a bit soft defensively. I understand that you have Favors, Milsap, and Okur but IMO there is nothing wrong with great depth. Okur is a valuable expiring who can be used at the trade deadline to fish a future pick. Favors who I am still incredibly high on as a star in this league, will continue to get time to develop and best case scenario down the line is that he and Kanter become a great 1-2 duo. Milsap appears to be the one odd man out but even in that I’d still feel confident making the pick. Milsap is a terrific player with an friendly contract, moving him for a SG shouldn’t be a problem. At worst Milsap’s motor gives you a great 6th man who has enough versatility to play SF at times like he showed last year. I feel like Devin Harris is serviceable enough than to draft Knight who I don’t believe to be a franchise PG. TBH I see Knight being just a solid pro much like Harris. With no elite SG, the only other pick I’d consider here is Jan Vesely to fill that role void with the likely departure of AK-47.

    Jan Vesely going #5:

    With the contract extension given to Bryan Colangelo this pick screams Colangelo to me. We know he will do his due diligence in scouting Vesely, and I truly believe he’s a great fit. I know it creates some clutter as Ed Davis and Barganani are both PF’s essentially, but apart from thinking Bargs could be delt, Vesely I think is ready to start at SF right off the bat. His athleticism, motor, and skill set translate well to the next level. If he can develop his jump shot he will be an even more valuable commodity playing beside Derozan. As he grows into his body he could potentially slide to PF, but for now he’s a SF. Kemba makes some sense. With potential buyout problems with Valanciunas I think Vesely is the smarter pick and will be in the NBA next year. I know there is some pressure from the native fan base to get local kid Tristan Thompson, but he is far too similar to Ed Davis to draft a backup with the #5 pick. Vesely at least boosts the international profile of the team.

    Klay Thompson going #10:

    I’m sure I’ll catch a ton of flack for this pick but I just don’t see the merit of drafting a guy like Alec Burks playing beside Brandon Jennings. The Bucks have suffered with the inconsistent shooting of a guy like Salmons I just don’t see how Burks improves the SG position since he’d be a defensive downgrade. What the Bucks need are shooters to surround Brandon Jennings. Brandon Jennings needs to go back to his passing ways, and getting a shooter like Thompson would help alleviate the pressure on Jennings to do it all. In this draft if you can find a guy who does one thing well, you pick him, Thompson can flat out shoot and that is exactly what the Bucks need.

    Tobias Harris going #12:

    I know Burks is kind of the trendy pick here and I do find merit with that pick, but I really feel like the Jazz have a team that’s ready to compete immediately, and Harris brings that immediate impact and potential starter. I really think that Harris has been lost within all of the Tennessee drama but I truly believe he has just as much potential as these other guys considered “lottery locks.” I have read a ton of people calling him a safe pick, great at everything master of none, etc, but I think people forget how exciting of a prospect he was coming out of high school a year ago. He looked like Melo-lite, and while I’m not insinuating he’ll ever be an Allstar I think people are severely underrating his offensive potential. He’s just good at everything, is a hard worker, high IQ, and will be a great teammate. I think a guy like him should be valued higher than he is in a draft with so much uncertainty. I think you are looking at the very least a solid role player with potential to really good. I know SG would still be an issue but you do have Bell and Heyward, and I think you can turn Milsap or Favors into a really good SG.

    Kenneth Faried going #16:

    It’s no doubt the 76ers need front court help in the worst way. Brand had a career rejuvenation but really how much faith can you put in him staying healthy. You have Spencer Hawes but really what else do you have beyond that. Mareese Speights has been an utter disappointment, seemingly getting worst every year. His efficiency is among the lowest for big men in the league, and he simply doesn’t give effort defensively and on the boards. At this point an undersized Thad Young at PF is 100x better than having to play Speight. While Faried won’t help your post scoring his rebounding and shot blocking immediately improve the overall defensive profile of your team. Having a guy like him is perfect since it’s the guards Holiday, lou Will, Turner, Iggy who will be taking the majority of shots.

    Jimmer going #17:
    There are several options here for the Knicks. We’ve all heard the buzz or Selby and Charles Jenkins, but I think it’s all smoke, or at the very least guys they are considering if the majority of their Big board is gone. I truly don’t believe Jimmer will fall past 17. D’Antoni loves him and I can’t see him passing up on a guy who he thinks he can develop into the next Steve Nash. Right or wrong I’ve got to think that his thought process is such. PG is most definitely the #1 need. Billups is going to be an expiring and simply is not the same player he used to be. Toney Douglass is a nice 6th man scorer or maybe even starting SG, but his PG skills or lack thereof have killed the Knicks.

    Donatas going #18:In recent years when picking in that 15-20 range it seems like the Wizards have been able to pick up guys who were projected as lottery picks, from Nick Young to Javale Mcgee both talents seemed to fall to the Wizards in this mid-late first range. Donatas would be the same. He’s a guy who I am extremely high on but seems to have had his stock drop purely on the fact that he’s been on the draft radar for so long. Scouts have found ways to nit pick his game unnecessarily over guys like Vesely, Biyombo, Valanciunas who are newer to the scouting world and have mystery covering some of their weaknesses. Flip Saunders loves those stretch 4’s and Donatas would be nice playing the pick and pop with Wall. Yi wasn’t completely useless last year but with a 5+ mil qualifying offer why not draft a guy on the rookie scale like Donatas who will not only make less money but have potential to be a starter down the line if Blatche doesn’t stay with the team long term.

    Marshon Brooks going #20:

    Having had Kyrie fall to them in this particular mock I think their 2nd pick would fall to C or SG. With no great center to play beside love on the board I think the fast rising Brooks would be the best fit. Wesley Johnson is playing out of position at the 2 guard, this pick would allow the Wolves to slid Wes Johnson to the more natural 3 where he is most efficient. So not only would this pick give the Wolves a nice SG but it would also let their #1 pick from last year to develop correctly. Would be a nice competition between he and Webster.

    Darius Morris going #21:

    Andre Miller has a team option and is only getting older. Patty Mills is a FA and Armon Johnson has shown in the D-league and short stints with the Blazers that his PG skills and decision making are not at an NBA level. Morris is the perfect replacement to groom under Miller.

    Jordan Hamilton going #22:

    With both Wilson Chandler and Aaron Afflalo set to get new contracts I think I’d rather keep Afflalo because of his defense and 3 point shooting. No doubt Wilson can score but I think I’d let him go if he is offered in that 5 year/40+mil range. Jordan Hamilton brings that same scoring ability.

    Jimmy Butler going #24:

    I know for sure this pick will get scrutinized and even I had to do a double check when I made the pick, but in all honesty I think it makes sense. Firstly I do not have Butler ranked as a first round talent. I have him in my overall rankings at #44, so yeah while I don’t have him ranked in the top 30, it wouldn’t be a massive reach. Every year it seems a “role player” considered a 2nd rounder is drafted early. Whether it be Craig Brackins #21, Quincy Pondexter#26, Lezar Heyward #30, Demmare Carroll #27, Jared Dudley #22, etc, and in a draft year like this there is no reason to think another “2nd round guy” won’t rise into the first. Butler is the guy I believe will make that rise, and the Thunder appear to be the perfect fit at this point in my mock. The Marquette lineage and success of Wesley Matthews certainly has helped Butler’s stock, but he is a good player in his own right. Versatile defender, high character, high IQ, and tested surprisingly well athletically. For a team like the Thunder there is no doubt that they are in win now mode. They feel like they really screwed a big chance this year so they are looking for an instant contributor. Butler is one of those glue guys, great role player who will get playing time based on his work ethic. You can talk value all you want but when you truly look at it, who else should they take with Honeycutt, Hamilton, Harris, etc gone. The value in the late first is evidently in combo guards. From Shelvin Mack to Norris Cole, Charles Jenkins, Malcolm Lee, Shumpert, etc, but do the Thunder really need another guy like that. They have their backup PG in Maynor and with as much the media has made of the KD vs. Westbrook ball issue and Harden needing the ball more I don’t think drafting a score first PG will help anything. I say go with the guy who you know will carve out minutes immediately.

    David Lighty #32:

    I know this is higher than most see Lighty going but I say why not, and why can’t he sneak into the late first? Defensively he is one of the strongest perimeter in the entire draft, add to that he has potential to be a great knock down shooter I don’t know why someone wouldn’t want this guy in the late first-early 2nd. I think even the Bulls at the end of round 1 could give him a look. A guy who plays defense and can knock down shots should be in high demand. Doesn’t hurt that he’s a local kid. He could get major minutes right off the bat at SG.

    Lakers Draft picks:

    There is no way the Lakers make all 4 selections. Whoever they take in the 2nd likely won’t get any playing time let alone make the active roster. They will likely sell some of these picks for cash to help pay the luxury tax, or if I were them I’d use all 4 on international players. Nothing wrong with stashing a bunch of future assets in Europe, as 2nd rounders they are unguaranteed contracts but you still own their rights. I particularly like the Albicy pick, he won’t ever be a starter but I can see him having a JJ Barrea type impact. Malcolm Lee would be a great pick as he could play that Shannan Brown role as defensive backup at both SG and PG.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #538257
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    larbear260
    Participant

    i might be bias but i cannot imagine new jersey lettin jeremy tyler slip past them at 27

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  • #538259
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    Lotto Stud
    Participant

    Love your mock man! Not here to bash but I have a few questions……

    If Boston takes Jackson what does the future hold for Bradley because they drafted him last year to learn under Rondo?

    Do you really think we will pass on Tyler at #27 for Thompkins & why would Sacramento create a log jam for the frontcourt by taking Tyler when they have their future plans wrapped up in Cousins & Whiteside?

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  • #538261
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    As for Bradley I’ve never seen him as a PG, he’s a SG trapped in a PG’s body. I think he projects as a backup SG in the future. I just can’t see him running a team. Jackson has more natural PG skills than him, will adding some scoring punch, plus he’s a local kid. As for the Tyler pick to the Kings I think at that point in the 2nd round you go talent over need, he dropped further than I wanted him to so couldnt’ let him pass that point. In the Thompkins vs Tyler debate at 27, I could easily see it being Tyler but I just think Thompkins is perfect playing the pick and pop with Deron. Oh and as for Whiteside, he still has the fact going for him his freakish 7-7" wingspan and shot blocking potential but he’s still a long work in progress. There were times in the D-league last year when eh looked attrocious. Needs to get bigger and work on his skill level before he can make an NBA impact.

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  • #538265
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    Lotto Stud
    Participant

    Thanks for the breakdown

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  • #538266
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    Platypus
    Participant

    dont take this negative, i just want to know what your thinking for certain picks

    1. both bulls picks

    2. Miami

    3. 1st round for spurs

    4. why dont the celtics go center?

    5. washington taking 2 power forwards

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  • #538299
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    xavier328
    Participant

    Swap the Buck pick with the Pacers..

    Bucks take Alec Burk…Hes the better player and better fit.

    Pacers take Klay Thompson.

    Good mock draft though!

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  • #538454
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    WinterSoldier
    Participant

     I really like your mock and reasoning for some of your picks. +1 from me.

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  • #538539
    r377r377
    r377
    Participant

    Nice mock – good theory on Thompson.  Thompson is the better shooter than Burks

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  • #538701
    AvatarAvatar
    Lotto Stud
    Participant

    Marshon Brooks going #20:

    Having had Kyrie fall to them in this particular mock I think their 2nd pick would fall to C or SG. With no great center to play beside love on the board I think the fast rising Brooks would be the best fit. Wesley Johnson is playing out of position at the 2 guard, this pick would allow the Wolves to slid Wes Johnson to the more natural 3 where he is most efficient. So not only would this pick give the Wolves a nice SG but it would also let their #1 pick from last year to develop correctly. Would be a nice competition between he and Webster.

     

    1 more quick question about Brooks to Minny as a 2…… I understand Brooks would be the best option for the starting spot, but what happens to Ellington who they invested a 1st Rounder in 2 years ago? I also believe Johnson will stick it out as a 2, because they already have Beasley who is a for sure SF locking that spot up with Randolph & Hayward as his backups. Webster well I don’t know what to say what he will be doing. 

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  • #538887
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    @ Memphis Tyga:

    • I honestly have never thought of Bradley as a PG and I don’t think Boston does either really, he’s a SG trapped in a PG’s body. While he is somewhat capable you don’t want him as your PG, is kind of in that Shannon Brown mold. Jackson has better PG skills and leadership skills but most important is his offense ability is a much needed spark to the Celtics. Doesn’t hurt that he’s a local kid either. He’s a nice chip for the future once the rebuild starts.
    • I can definitely see the Tyler pick, but I just think Thompkins finesse game really complements Brook Lopez well who is always in the post offensively.
    • As for Tyler to the Kings, in the 2nd round you go BPA. His value was too much to pass up, I could definitely see a future front court of Tyler and Cousins. As for Whiteside he’s still a massive project. He has a 7-7” wing span but that’s about it. He was down right awful at times in the D-league last year. Still has the body of a 13 year old and improve his overall skill level.
    • The T’wolves no longer view Ellington as a future starter. Sure he was a first round pick but last year he was pretty bad. For a guy who was such a good shooter in college he was one of the more inefficient shooters in the league last year. He doesn’t project anymore as anything more than a 7th or 8th man. In fact Webster is a much better player than Ellington although his contract is not pretty. I don’t agree with Johnson being permanently stuck at SG, but if he is Brooks has the skill set to be the perfect 6th man. I do think Johnson is the future SF though. Beasley’s future in Minnesota is questionable plus he , Randolph, and Heyward are really more 4’s if anything.

     

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