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Gators123
Tobe BryantWith 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)
Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 191 pounds
Age: 19
School: DukeAnalysis: 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
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: ArizonaAnalysis: 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)
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 177
Age: 19
School: KentuckyAnalysis: 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
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
Country: TurkeyAnalysis: 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
Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech RepublicAnalysis: 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
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 228
Age: 19
School: San Diego StateAnalysis: 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
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Age: 21
School: UConnAnalysis: 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
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: CongoAnalysis: 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
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: KansasAnalysis: 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
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
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: ColoradoAnalysis: 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
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida StateAnalysis: 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
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: TexasAnalysis: 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
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 245
Age: 19
Country: LithuaniaAnalysis: 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
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Age: 22
School: Brigham YoungAnalysis: 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
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: TexasAnalysis: 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
Position: PG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 221
Age: 20
College: Georgia TechAnalysis: 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)
Position: PF/C
Height: 6-9
Weight: 241
Age: 21
School: KansasAnalysis: 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)
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 260
Age: 20
School: USCAnalysis: 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)
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 22
School: ProvidenceAnalysis: 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
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead StateAnalysis: 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
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 223
Age: 18
School: TennesseeAnalysis: 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)
Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: LithuaniaAnalysis: 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
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 23
College: DukeAnalysis: 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
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 263
Age: 19
Team: Tokyo ApacheAnalysis: 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
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
Country: SerbiaAnalysis: 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)
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
Age: 21
School: Boston CollegeAnalysis: 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)
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 21
School: RichmondAnalysis: 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
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 18
Country: LatviaAnalysis: 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
Position: G/F
Height: 6-8
Weight: 188
Age: 20
School: UCLAAnalysis: 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.
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31. Miami Heat (via Minnesota)
JaJuan Johnson | F | Purdue
The Heat are hoping that Reggie Jackson falls this far. But if a team snatches him up, Johnson would be a nice fit. He is long, shoots the ball well and has four years of experience.
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)
Jimmy Butler | SF | Marquette
Once upon a time the Pistons were all about toughness, defense and heart. Butler epitomizes that approach with his game and should be a great fit with the Pistons as a player who can play multiple positions off the bench.
Travis Leslie | SG | Georgia
In this mock draft, the Wizards get two bigs in the first round. With this pick they grab, perhaps, the most athletic 2-guard in the draft. If he was a better shooter, he would be a lottery pick.
35. Sacramento Kings
Norris Cole | PG | Cleveland State
We have the Kings taking a point guard at No. 7 (Kemba Walker). Would they take another one at No. 35? I’m hearing the team is high on Cole and would roll the dice on both players if they were available.
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 that 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 terrific upside.
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.
Charles Jenkins | PG | Hofstra
Jenkins was one of the best scorers in college basketball. Add him to the mix with Marcus Morris and Jordan Hamilton and the Bobcats would seriously increase their scoring punch. Jenkins’ versatility should allow him to play both the 1 and the 2.
40. Milwaukee Bucks
Jon Leuer | PF | Wisconsin
The Bucks could continue to use shooters, and Leuer is one of the two or three best shooting bigs in the draft.
41. Los Angeles Lakers (from Golden State via New Jersey)
Nolan Smith | SG | Duke
The Lakers need to replace Derek Fisher at some point and Smith would be a great candidate. They are both combo guards who have toughness and can shoot the ball. Smith would be a great fit in L.A.
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.
43. Chicago Bulls (via Utah)
E’Twaun Moore | SG | Purdue
The Bulls need both toughness and shooting in the backcourt, and Moore could deliver. He can play both backcourt positions and this season showed that when he gets hot, he can be a lights-out shooter.
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
Jordan Williams | C | Maryland
The Hawks need more size and toughness on their front line. Williams was one of the best rebounders in college basketball last season.
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.
Rick Jackson | PF | Syracuse
Jackson is a tough player with a good motor who can rebound the basketball. The Blazers need more size up front and some extra toughness can’t hurt either.
52. Detroit Pistons
Shelvin Mack | PG | Butler
Mack reminds me a lot of a poor man’s Joe Dumars. A tough, all-around player who really defies a particular position. He should be able to find a spot in the Pistons’ backcourt.
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.
DeAndre Liggins | SG | Kentucky
It’s doubtful the Lakers keep all of these second-round picks. If they do, Liggins is one of the best defenders in the draft. With Ron Artest aging, Liggins could be a solid pick here.
57. Dallas Mavericks
Mindaugas Kuzminskas | SF | Lithuania
He’s a classic Lithuanian small forward — he can shoot it, he can handle the ball and he has a great basketball IQ. He’s a player you stash overseas and hope develops.
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.
Lavoy Allen | PF | Temple
He’s a big man with a soft touch and he’s a good rebounder. At this point in the draft we’re reaching, but there’s some talent there.
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.
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