ESPN insider mock draft and Big Board from NBA players.
This article appears in the June 28 issue of ESPN The Magazine.
In April, the NCAA named John Wall a consensus All-America. In May, NBA GMs praised his all-league talent. Now, it's June and in our confidential survey of 30 likely draftees, Wall is the clear No. 1. But after we asked the obvious, our 10-question survey turned to tougher topics -- agents, scouts and workouts. That's when the players had a question: "This is anonymous, right?" Yep. After that, they dished like, well, Wall with a ball.
Who is the draft's best player?
The vast majority -- 60% -- picked Wall. Three players (10%) couldn't believe we had the audacity to inquire: "Well, of course it's John Wall." Duh. Others talked about his game: "Real good point guard who can run and lead a team." Still others seemed to just plain like him: "He's a good guy. John's not someone who is just potential." Projected top-fiver Evan Turner was the only other player named more than once, getting eight votes (26.7%).
Which NBA player do you most want to dunk on?
This one wasn't even close. LeBron and Shaq tied for second at 20%. But the winner for most desired-to-dunk-upon ... Dwight Howard, who earned 35% of the vote. Most players wanted to slam on the NBA's reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Others just wanted to slam Howard. "He bullies people," says one likely second-rounder.
Which team had the toughest workout?
One-third of respondents had Heat fatigue. As in, Pat Riley and the Miami brass hosted the toughest run (and run-again) throughs. "It's like a track workout. Everything's full-court, one-on-ones, two-on-twos, three-on-threes," says one out-of-breath early entrant. At the other end of the spectrum, 21.4% of players thanked Chicago for the league's easiest workout.
When was your first contact with an agent?
"They reach out to you on Facebook, Twitter, games -- random guys literally coming out of corners," said a player who was part of the 90% contacted before their eligibility was complete. "I was walking off my college practice floor one day, and this guy with a black leather jacket handed me his card and said to call him. It was like out of a movie."
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Don McPeak/US Presswire
The NBA draft's most overrated player? The guy who averaged only 13.2 minutes a game.What is more of a grind, recruiting by colleges or evaluations by NBA teams?
More than three-quarters (76.7%) went with the pros. A common sentiment? "Every time you work out for NBA teams, you're trying to show them your best," said one guard on the lottery bubble. "Coming out of high school, colleges were trying to show you their best."
What traits or skills do scouts underrate the most?
Players had 12 different answers, but No. 1 was résumé. "It's easier to get drafted on potential than achievements," said one Tourney veteran. As for most overrated, 23.3% named size/wingspan. "It's just measurements," said a likely lottery pick who happens to have impressive measurements.
Who's the draft's most overrated player?
Scouts see Daniel Orton's springy 6'10", 260-pound frame and envision Kendrick Perkins. But his peers look at the ex-Kentucky player and see a frosh who had zero starts and saw just 13.2 minutes per game. Said one of the 20% who tabbed Orton as most overrated: "Top 20? Come on. He came off the bench for a good college team!"
How many agents did you meet with?
Three players met with only one agent. One prospect met with 10 agents, and three more interviewed eight agents each. The final tally: The average interview process involved 4.2 suits per sweat suit. How did the rooks make their final choices? Nine said they chose an agent they felt comfortable with. Five said they based their decision on who connected best with their families. And four more cited trust as the No. 1 factor.
On a scale of 10 (1 being incredibly fun; 10 being incredibly not fun), how would you rate the draft process?
With an average rating of 4.8, most players said the draft evaluation process is more enjoyable than excruciating. But, those who didn't like it were a lot more vocal. "This is hard as hell," said a center who gave the process an eight. "You don't know where you're going to end up, and you have no control over it."
Who's your dream team to be picked by?
Sure, many rooks (11.7%) want the Lakers to hand them a jersey. But the team most named was the Spurs, with 16.7% of the vote. Respondents point to tradition, Gregg Popovich (one of five coaches in NBA history with four league titles) and playing with 12-time All-Star Tim Duncan. "I want to go somewhere I can learn," says one great college big man. The nightmare team? The Bucks. Explains a projected second-rounder: "They're young, but they always seem young."
Elena Bergeron is a staff writer and Anna Katherine Clemmons is a contributing writer for ESPN The Magazine.
In ESPN The Magazine's second-annual players-only mock draft, pro ballers picked the college stars they want on their team. Then, we asked resident draft guru Chad Ford to weigh in on the selections below. No. 1 was no surprise, but the same can't be said about picks Nos. 2-30.
1. Washington Wizards | John Wall, PG, Kentucky
"There are so many things to like about him. He's strong, fast, smart, and he's a leader. He's just a pure talent. We've been talking about him all year. We're excited. He'll be an immediate impact type of player. He's just that good."
--Andray Blatche, Wizards, F
"Can't argue with Blatche here. Big men need great point guards, and Wall has the chance to be great."
--Chad Ford
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2. Philadelphia 76ers | Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
"I'm a little biased, because he's a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket too. But he's a talented big who can get us 10 boards and 10 points and be a great defender. Derrick is a pick for the future, or we can trade for a veteran ... Can we do that?"
--Thaddeus Young, 76ers, F
"Thaddeus Young may be a bit of a homer, but I actually agree with him here. Evan Turner's upside is Brandon Roy. Favors is Dwight Howard. Who would you choose?"
--Chad Ford
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3. New Jersey Nets | Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State
"He is a good athlete with multiple talents. He also has a high basketball IQ, which is important in adapting and being successful."
--Devin Harris, Nets, PG
"Turner is a great pick for the Nets. His point guard skills are good enough that he could eventually push Harris back to the 2, his more natural position."
--Chad Ford
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4. Minnesota Timberwolves | Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
"He has the ability to create off the dribble and can score in bunches. Wes is a guy who likes to get out and run, which is what we need to do. We want to be more of an up-tempo team, and he has an explosiveness you'd pay to see."
--Kevin Love, Timberwolves, F
"DeMarcus Cousins is probably the better player, but I'm sure Kevin Love doesn't want any more competition in the paint than he already has. Johnson is a great fit, but I'm not sure he has the extra gear to become a superstar."
--Chad Ford
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5. Sacramento Kings | DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky
"There's a lot of good guys out there at this spot in the draft. DeMarcus is big [6'11"] and built [292] and can run and rebound [9.9 a game last season]. Add him to our frontcourt, and we'll be ruling."
--Tyreke Evans, Kings, G
"Cousins could be the Tyreke Evans of the draft. He's the most NBA ready freshman in the country and should have a major impact on day one for the Kings."
--Chad Ford
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6. Golden State Warriors | Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown
"Given what he brings to the table, he'll fit right in with Don Nelson's style of play, and he'll be a good threat in the post."
--Monta Ellis, Warriors, G
"It's true that Monroe would fit in Don Nelson's system. He's the best big man passer in the draft and quite versatile on the offensive end."
--Chad Ford
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7. Detroit Pistons | Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
"We're looking for a good post player who can do a variety of things. Cole can play with his back to the basket, and on D he can clog up the middle, altering or blocking shots. Big men who can play both ends of the floor are a real plus."
--DaJuan Summers, Pistons, F
"Unfortunately, DaJuan, while the Pistons have no one in the middle, they've shown virtually no interest in Aldrich up to this point."
--Chad Ford
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8. Los Angeles Clippers | Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest
"He's very athletic, and we have a young, athletic team. Rebounding [10.7 per, 12th in NCAA] is his strength, and I can see both of us as slashers to the rim. We don't really have a 3 right now, so he'd have a chance to start."
--Eric Gordon, Clippers, G
"It's true that the Clippers don't have the 3. But the question on everyone's mind is whether Aminu is a 3 or a 4 trapped in a 3's body. If it's the latter, he's going to struggle."
--Chad Ford
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9. Utah Jazz | Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor
"Regardless of what happens with Carlos Boozer, we need a guy who can step in and block shots. Ekpe is one of the best in the draft (3.7 bpg, fifth in NCAA) and hopefully he'll be able to be molded into Coach Sloan's system."
--Kyle Korver, Jazz, G
"Korver's a free agent, and if Monroe's not on the board, look for GM Kevin O'Connor to draft his replacement -- either Luke Babbitt, Gordon Hayward or Xavier Henry."
--Chad Ford
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10. Indiana Pacers | Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina
"He would add a dimension to our front line that would really help us."
--Danny Granger, Pacers, F
"Can't disagree with Granger. The Pacers are painfully unathletic on their frontline and Davis is bouncy. But he's also not ready and, given the state of things in Indiana, that's a real problem."
--Chad Ford
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11. New Orleans Hornets | Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall
"We're deep in the backcourt with Chris Paul, Marcus Thornton and myself, but we need to improve our interior depth. The guy is a legitimate seven-footer and a great shot blocker [5.4 bpg, first in NCAA]. And everyone knows you can't teach size."
--Darren Collison, Hornets, G
"I hope Collison is willing to chaperone Whiteside for the next three years, because while his talent level is off the charts, his maturity level is off the charts in the other direction."
--Chad Ford
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12. Memphis Grizzlies | Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas
"That Henry is real nice. But he played only one year in college, so he's got a lot to learn."
--Zach Randolph, Grizzlies, F
"Big men love players that can stretch the defense, and Henry is one of the best pure shooters in the draft."
--Chad Ford
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13. Toronto Raptors | Daniel Orton, PF/C, Kentucky
"I saw most of [Kentucky's] games. Daniel didn't get a lot of publicity because of all the other freshmen, but he did great when he played. I like his size and toughness. Look for him to make his mark on defense with boards and blocks."
--DeMar DeRozan, Raptors, G
"The Raptors need a big man. The problem is they need a big man now, and Orton looks about three years away at this point."
--Chad Ford
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14. Houston Rockets | Eric Bledsoe, G, Kentucky
"He can give us depth at the point, because when our top guys were out last year, we had trouble bringing up the ball. But he can score and pass the basketball. Plus, the fact that he's from my school doesn't hurt. I'll take him under my wing."
--Chuck Hayes, Rockets, C
"Bledsoe has been compared to a better version of Kyle Lowry, so I get the connection. But the Rockets want to win now, and Bledsoe may need a year or two to develop, which won't help matters."
--Chad Ford
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15. Milwaukee Bucks | Tiny Gallon, F, Oklahoma
"He's got good hands and footwork, rebounds well, and I love that he can finish. A guy like that makes it easier on any point guard."
--Brandon Jennings, Bucks, G
"The Bucks really like Gallon ... but in the second round. I don't care how good of a point guard Jennings is, if he can't keep Gallon away from the buffet line, he's not going to make anything easier on Milwaukee."
--Chad Ford
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16. Minnesota Timberwolves | Paul George, SF, Fresno St.
"We need shooters who can stretch the D and open up the paint for our interior guys. We've been effective when our inside/outside game is on. That's why Paul would be a good fit for us."
--Kevin Love, Timberwolves, F
"Apparently Love has been reading my mock draft. We've had George here for weeks. Pair him with Wesley Johnson and the Wolves go a long way toward solving their perimeter problems."
--Chad Ford
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17. Chicago Bulls | Derrick Caracter, PF, UTEP
"I know him, and I know how hard he has been working to get to the next level. His big body [6'9", 280] would be a great fit for the Bulls."
--Joakim Noah, Bulls, C
"No way this happens. While Caracter is a talented low post player and has gotten himself back into shape, his shaky rep in college makes him a huge stretch this high in the draft."
--Chad Ford
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18. Miami Heat | Solomon Alabi, C, Florida St.
"Solomon played locally, so I've caught him on TV a bit. He's a true center [7'1", 237] who can run the floor, block shots, and has a better jump shot than he's given credit for. He'd be a great add, and he'd be playing close to where he went to school."
--Daequan Cook, Heat, G
"If IQ really mattered in the NBA, Alabi would be the No. 1 pick in the draft; the guy is unbelievably smart. He probably should've been a physicist. I'm just not sure how being brilliant translates to success in the paint."
--Chad Ford
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19. Boston Celtics | Terrico White, Ole Miss, G
"He's a country boy, country strong. He's athletic, too -- a real Tyrus Thomas type."
--Kendrick Perkins, Celtics, C
"'Country boy, country strong?' Terrico White? The softest two guard in the draft? The guy who never gets it to the rim? Maybe he meant Charmin boy, Charmin strong."
--Chad Ford
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20. San Antonio Spurs | Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler
"He's skilled, smart and plays hard. He is a proven winner who still has the potential to grow as a player. Plus, he brings valuable intangibles. He had to work to get to where he is, he hustles, he's got a winning attitude and makes winning plays."
--Matt Bonner, Spurs, F
"I expect we'll see Hayward going significantly higher than No. 20 on draft night. But if he slipped this far to the Spurs, they'd be thrilled. He's tougher and more athletic than you think."
--Chad Ford
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21. Oklahoma City Thunder | James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma St.
"Although there are not a lot of wing minutes available here, we need more knock-down shooters to space the floor for our scorers. I saw him hit a ton of jump shots live against my Jayhawks this year in Stillwater."
--Nick Collison, Thunder, F
"James Anderson's closest comp is James Harden, the guy the Thunder drafted last year with the No. 3 pick. I have a feeling they don't believe they need his clone."
--Chad Ford
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22. Portland Trail Blazers | Luke Babbitt, F, Nevada
"His shooting would help spread the floor for us, and that would be huge."
--Joel Przybilla, Blazers, C
"The Blazers lost out on Hedo Turkoglu in free agency last summer. Babbitt can do some of the same things and is a steal this late in the draft."
--Chad Ford
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23. Minnesota Timberwolves | Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier
"We're a team that could use some vets, so I don't know if we'll keep all three picks. But if we could get Jordan at 23 maybe we would. People still talk about that summer league dunk on LeBron. It was one play, but it shows he's got some good tools."
--Kevin Love, Timberwolves, F
"Kevin Love knows his stuff. Crawford's the sleeper of the draft and, if you can't tell by now, Love would love a few more shooters to open up the floor for him. Dude's gonna be a GM someday."
--Chad Ford
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24. Atlanta Hawks | Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington
"He's a mature player who has a great work ethic and leadership skills. I've played with him every summer since he started at U-Dub. He's insurance in case Joe Johnson isn't back with us."
--Jamal Crawford, Hawks, G
"Pondexter is a great athlete, but he's not going to be able to replace Joe Johnson's sweet stroke from the perimeter. The guy can't shoot."
--Chad Ford
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25. Memphis Grizzlies | Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia
"He's a really solid player with good length, too. He'd be a good fit because he'd stretch the floor, opening up the inside for myself, Marc Gasol and Darrell Arthur."
--Zach Randolph, Grizzlies, F
"The Grizzlies do need players who can stretch the floor, but Ebanks isn't one of them. The guy shot 10 percent from beyond the arc during his career at West Virginia."
--Chad Ford
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26. Oklahoma City Thunder | Damion James, SF, Texas
"You can never have enough guys who battle and compete. We could use some more size, but you can't take guys just because they look good on paper. I love his activity and how he prusues the ball off the board."
--Nick Collison, Thunder, F
"James is a warrior. But when everyone describes you as a battler and no one can say exactly what basketball skill you have, you slip to this spot in the draft."
--Chad Ford
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27. New Jersey Nets | Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky
"He's a physical player who can rebound [7.4 per last season], and there's no doubt we could use some more of that. Plus, his shooting range [34.8 percent 3FG last season] means he'd fit nicely next to Brook [Lopez]."
--Devin Harris, Nets, G
"Poor Patrick Patterson. He stays in school. Works on his game. Is a leader in the locker room and every GM (and apparently every player) is bored with him. Way too good to slide this far."
--Chad Ford
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28. Memphis Grizzlies | Sherron Collins, PG, Kansas
"He's a strong guard. Strong body, strong mind. He's good at penetrating the lane, drawing defenders and passing to teammates. He's a guy who likes to get everybody involved, which is just what you want from a point guard."
--Zach Randolph, Grizzlies, F
"Collins struggled with weight and conditioning issues his entire career at Kansas. Perhaps Randolph, who lost a lot of weight prior to this first season with the Grizzlies, can show him how to keep it off."
--Chad Ford
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29. Orlando Magic | Dominique Jones, SG, South Florida
"You always want guys with a knack for filling up the basket, and that's something Jones [11 25-point outings last season] can do. I'm sure we'll be put over the edge by our pick. Once he learns the pro game, DJ is a guy who could help keep us there."
--Jameer Nelson, Magic, G
"So the Magic get blasted in the Eastern Conference finals and it's the 29th pick in the draft that puts them over the edge. I like Dominique Jones, but he couldn't put South Florida into the tournament. I don't think he's the catalyst that delivers Orlando the ring."
--Chad Ford
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30. Washington Wizards | Stanley Robinson, F, Connecticut
"The look of our team is changing. We're getting younger, so Stan's a good fit. Like me, he can play both forward spots, so he's going to be in a lot of lineups. With the additions of Wall and Robinson the Wizards will have helped themselves in a big way."
--Andray Blatche, Wizards, F
"At No. 30 you might as well swing for the fences, right Andray? If Robinson ever gets confidence and a jump shot, he has the physical tools to be a star."
--Chad Ford
i cant beleive Jennings picked Gallon over Wings who can stretch the floor and catch alley oops from him like George, Anderson, and Babbitt. Plus if Patrick Patterson is still there i gotta think they draft him. And I knew Thad wanted the Sixers to get Favors haha...plus he dont want nemore competition on the wing.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/news/story?id=5306147&action=logi...
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2010/insider/news/story?id=5310157&a...
Can someone post the articles?