The top pick is set and Minnesota is leaning towards taking Derrick Williams at 2. We’re hearing that Utah will take Enes Kanter at 3 and look to grab Jimmer Fredette at 12. Cleveland will likely take Valanciunas at 4 allowing Toronto to get the PG they covet at 5 in Brandon Knight.
| 1. |  | Kyrie Irving 6-3 191 PG Duke Fr. | The Cavs have decided on their guy, making it known that they will select Irving with the top pick. Kyrie has a chance to be an all star level guard when he reaches his prime, but the expectations on him will be considerable as the top overall pick. He lacks superstar athleticism and the Chris Paul comparisons may be raising expectations too high. The hope for Cleveland is that he can make his teammates better, and therefore impact a team more than an athlete like Williams. | |
| 2. |  |  | Derrick Williams 6-8 248 SF/PF Arizona So. | Williams worked out for Minnesota on the 17th and was described as "a monster" by their scouting staff. The T-Wolves best play would be to move Beasley. It’s unclear if B-Easy has much trade value considering most teams are skeptical that you can win with him. Williams, who measured and tested extremely well at the combine has proven that he’s a winner. Minnesota is said to be shopping the pick, but in reality they should grab onto Williams and see what he can become for them. As of Wednesday afternoon, the T-Wolves are still taking a hard look at Kanter here according to team brass. |
| 3. |  |  | Enes Kanter 6-11 259 C Kentucky Fr. | We’re hearing that Kanter is going to be the Jazz pick at 3. He gives them a legitimate bigman for the future. He’s missed 2 years of development, but has kept himself in great shape and got a chance to practice every day with a Final Four team. Kanter gives then a lot more flexibility with their 12th pick to find a "pairing", which will likely end up being "Jimmer". |
| 4. |  |  | Jonas Valenciunas 7-0 240 C Lithuania 1992 | The Cavs have long coveted Jonas Valanciunas and Dan Gilbert feels confident that he can get his buyout worked out. The consensus among European scouts is that Valanciunas is worthy of a top 5 pick and many feel he has even more potential than Enes Kanter. The Cavs are likely one of those teams, but apparently the decision has been made for them by Utah. If not Valanciunas, Tristan Thompson was a player that worked out extremely well for them and is the probable pick. |
| 5. |  |  | Brandon Knight 6-3 177 PG Kentucky Fr. | Knight is the guy that Bryan Colangelo wants here and with Utah taking Kanter at 3, Knight falls to them at 5. For a young rebuilding team, Knight will have time to develop without too much expected of him right away. He’s one of the most clutch and mentally tough freshmen that you will find. |
| 6. |  |  | Jan Vesely 6-11 230 SF/PF Czech Republic 1990 | The Wizards have long been high on Vesely and his transition game would work extremely well with John Wall. Vesely finished the season strong with some nice playoff performances including a season high point total. He shoots free throws about as well as Shaq, but his outside shot isn’t so terrible, so there’s hope he can improve upon it with work. Vesely is not a great defender but his length and athleticism gives him a chance to develop. Tristan Thompson is another player Washington is high on. |
| 7. |  |  | Kawhi Leonard 6-7 227 SF San Diego St. So. | Leonard’s poor combine athleticism results might be attributed to the fact that he didn’t warm up ahead of time. His lack of shooting ability is a concern, although he has shown some improvement after the season ended. The Kings could always opt for a PG here (but Tyreke would not be happy playing off the ball), but they appear to be leaning towards Leonard and could potentially find a sleeper like Norris Cole at 35. |
| 8. |  |  | Tristan Thompson 6-9 227 PF Texas Fr. | Tristan plays the same position as last year’s first rounder Greg Monroe but his skill set is completely different allowing the two to coexist. Tristan has worked out extremely well and is showing tremendous hunger and will get consideration before this pick. His forte is defense and energy, while his offensive game remains raw. One of the real boom or bust picks for this year’s draft. Despite his buyout situation, Jonas Valanciunas could tempt a team to move up for him (or even Detroit to take him) here and leave him overseas next year. |
| 9. |  |  | Marcus Morris 6-8 230 PF Kansas Jr. | Charlotte could use a versatile forward with scoring ability and toughness. Tyrus Thomas is more athletic but doesn’t have the same skill set nor the ability to play the 3. Morris was one of the most productive players in the country last year and has the versatility to play either forward position. There is speculation that Biyombo could go here after a strong workout yesterday for them. |
| 10. |  |  | Klay Thompson 6-7 206 SG Washington St. Jr. | Klay has become a hot commodity in the 9-10-11 range as he’s seen as a low risk pick that should be able to contribute immediately. The Warriors would gobble him up at 11, and there’s a chance a team will trade in at 10 for him or Milwaukee will draft him. Unlike many players in this year’s draft, Klay instantly has an NBA skill with his ability to shoot the ball. Lacks elite level athleticism but his length helps to make up for his lack of speed and leaping ability. His marijuana charge at the end of the season isn’t considered to be a huge detriment to his stock. |
| 11. |  |  | Alec Burks 6-6 193 PG/SG Colorado So. | Burks has struggled some in workouts as his strength needs to improve allowing players to muscle him. He was one of the top performers in college basketball all season and is our top rated SG prospect. His versatility and ability to fill in at the point adds to his intrigue. Burks never worked out for the Warriors but then again neither did Stephen Curry. Golden State took Ekpe Udoh over Greg Monroe last year, one of the worst draft day decisions. Drafting a one dimensional player like Biyombo would be taking a very similar player. Klay Thompson is also a possibility and would work extremely well with their personnel. |
| 12. | |  | Jimmer Fredette 6-2 196 PG/SG BYU Sr. | Taking Kanter at 3 allows Utah to grab a player with a built in fan base in Jimmer Fredette. There are question marks over whether Jimmer can make it as a full time PG, but even if he can’t he’s certain to make it in the role of a Ben Gordon, Eddie House, instant offense scorer. |
| 13. |  |  | Markieff Morris 6-9 241 PF Kansas Jr. | The Morris Twins have built a reputation for bringing intensity and toughness every time out. Some envision Markieff becoming the better pro (over Marcus) due to his size and better ability to fit a position (PF). Phoenix can use some toughness in the paint and Markief has skills to boot. |
| 14. |  |  | Chris Singleton 6-9 230 SF/PF Florida St. Jr. | The Rockets lost a lot of defense when they traded away Shane Battier. Singleton is seen as one of the few potential lock down defenders in this year’s draft. Houston has a lot of assets and odds are they will make some deals on draft night. |
| 15. |  |  | Kemba Walker 6-1 184 PG UConn So. | With Utah taking Enes, Kemba could slide all the way into the teens. He would be a great value at 15 and could compete with Darren Collison for the starting PG position. Despite his incredible season, there are some concerns over whether he is a true point guard and big enough. His fearlessness, leadership, and character cannot be questioned, however. |
| 16. |  |  | Bismack Biyombo 6-9 243 C Congo 1992 | The Sixers would like to add a beast inside to do the dirty work and Biyombo fits the bill. Bismack’s lack of offensive skills were readily apparent in his workout in Treviso. How much offensive game he can develop is debatable as is his true age. A tremendous shot blocker using his quick reflexes, length (7’7 wingspan) and explosiveness to protect the rim. Nikola Vucevic and Markieff Morris are possibilities here too. If the team indeed decides to move Iguodala, forwards such as Hamilton or Singleton are possibilities. |
| 17. |  |  | Nikola Vucevic 6-11 260 C USC Jr. | The Knicks would love to add an eventual PG replacement for Chauncey Billups. They feel that Jimmer Fredette would be a great fit within the D’Antoni system and are looking to move up to 13 to grab him. If not, Nikola Vucevic is a real possibility here. Vucevic had a great season for USC and shows the ability to knock down shots from the center position. He lacks great speed and athleticism but his length helps him considerably on the boards. Singleton is another player the Knicks are said to be targeting. Darius Morris had two very strong workouts for them and is in the mix as well. |
| 18. | |  | Donatas Motiejunas 7-0 224 SF/PF Lithuania 1990 | Despite projecting a big Euro forward to Washington at 6, Motie and Vesely bring very different skill sets and would work together as a combination because of that. The Wizards have Motiejunas scheduled to come in for a late workout. Despite receiving a lot of criticism for his perceived lack of intensity, Motiejunas had a very solid season. He would be an excellent value in the 18-25 range. He’s a finesse forward and despite lacking great toughness and rebounding, he could develop into a poor man’s Dirk. |
| 19. |  |  | Iman Shumpert 6-5 210 PG/SG Georgia Tech So. | Rumors continue to swirl around Iman Shumpert landing within the teens somewhere. He’s a top notch ball handler, defender and athlete in the mold of Houston’s Terrence Williams. Unfortunately he has some of the same red flags as Williams surrounding his attitude. After moving Gerald Wallace, the Bobcats could be coveting Shumpert’s defensive ability and athleticism. |
| 20. | |  | Jordan Hamilton 6-8 228 SG/SF Texas So. | The T-Wolves need to add a SG and would jump all over Hamilton if he slips this far. Minnesota could use Hamilton’s scoring ability and readiness to contribute. He’s one of the draft’s top shooters and measured very well at a legit 6’8. Hamilton has a bit of a short temper and had some minor run ins with Coach Barnes during his tenure at Texas, but nothing that concerns teams too heavily. With a real need for a 2-guard, Marshon Brooks is a possibility here as well. |
| 21. |  |  | Kenneth Faried 6-7 225 PF Morehead St. Sr. | Portland has long been tied to Faried and he would give them a specialty rebounder coming off the bench. Despite lacking much in the way of offensive skills, Faried’s freakish athleticism and relentless approach to rebounding is intriguing. Due to being so one dimensional, some teams have soured on Faried. Regardless, many scouts love his strength, demeanor and passion for the game and see him as a potential top 20 pick despite his shortcomings. |
| 22. |  |  | Tobias Harris 6-8 223 SF/PF Tennessee Fr. | Denver has Harris on their short list of players. After moving Melo, this is a team in the process of rebuilding and Harris is the youngest American player in the entire draft. Tobias can do a little of everything with good vision, passing and ball handling abilities. He also gets good extension at the rim. His lateral speed isn’t ideal. But he is a bright kid with has a professional demeanor. |
| 23. | |  | Marshon Brooks 6-5 195 SG Providence Sr. | Brooks has some interest from teams in the lottery after some strong workouts and there are rumors he could go as high as 9. He proved to be a deadly scorer this year at Providence and a handful to guard with the ball in his hands. He may remind some of Jordan Crawford with his unorthodox style and aggressive nature. His length (7-foot-1 wingspan) allows him to play a few inches bigger than his 6’5 height. |
| 24. |  |  | Reggie Jackson 6-3 200 PG/SG Boston College Jr. | With Jackson sitting out the NBA predraft combine and workouts, there has been a lot of speculation that he has a promise in place and we’ve received word that OKC could be the team. The Thunder are said to be shopping backup point guard Eric Maynor and that could be to clear room for Jackson. Reggie lacks great point guard skills but has a huge (7-foot) wingspan and is a quality isolation player. OKC will hope he can become something in the mold of a Russell Westbrook. He’s one of the draft’s high risk/reward picks and would provide a more streamline backup in terms of style to Westbrook. |
| 25. |  |  | Trey Thompkins 6-10 239 PF Georgia Jr. | Danny Ainge will likely look to bolster the team’s aging and depleted frontcourt. After receiving heavy criticism for his high body fat and perceived laziness, Thompkins could end up falling into the second round. He’s easily the most polished offensive bigman available. The big question is whether he will stay motivated. A player who entered the season as a projected lottery pick has not gotten great reviews and finds himself fighting to stay in the first round. Thompkins is a highly skilled offensive player with range out to college three. He doesn’t wow you with athleticism, but his skill level is that of an NBA vet. Needs to cut out the fast food. Questionable motor, toughness, and work ethic (15% body fat) have him sliding. If Jeremy Tyler doesn’t set off major red flags in psychological testing, he’s also a possibility here. |
| 26. |  |  | Nikola Mirotic 6-10 225 SF/PF Montenegro 1991 | Mirotic recently signed a new deal and is unlikely to be available to play for 3 years. He’s one of the elite level shooting prospects in Europe with combo forward skills. Mirotic allows the Mavs to stash him overseas and have more money to go after free agents to defend their title. |
| 27. |  |  | Davis Bertans 6-9 211 SF Latvia 1992 | Bertans is said to have a promise in the 20s somewhere. There’s also a chance that a team will trade into this range to acquire a pick to select him. Bertans is possibly the top shooter in the entire draft and although he’s a few years away, he could be a very intriguing option to stash overseas with the uncertainty regarding next year’s season. Bertans impressed scouts with his feel for the game and desire on top of his tremendous shooting ability at the 2011 Hoop Summit. |
| 28. |  |  | Kyle Singler 6-9 228 SF Duke Sr. | With a contending team, Chicago could use Singler’s all around feel for the game and NBA readiness. While Singler’s combine athleticism numbers (30 inch vertical) didn’t help his cause, his feel for the game, skill level and toughness should make him a mainstay in the NBA for years to come. Playing the SF position, his lack of athleticism won’t be as big a factor as it might at other positions, and look for his shooting numbers to end up being better than what he showed this season. |
| 29. |  |  | Tyler Honeycutt 6-8 187 SF UCLA So. | If the Spurs are looking for an upside pick, Tyler is about as "boom or bust" as it gets as he’s got considerable upside and risk. Tyler’s 33 point breakout performance opened some eyes as scoring 20+ is never easy in Ben Howland’s methodical offense. He cooled off the second half of the year, but showed enough potential to land in the first round. He has surprising vision and passing skills for a SF and also possesses some ability to knock down shots off the dribble. Despite being slight of frame and having a perceived lack of toughness, Honeycutt crashes the boards hard. |
| 30. | |  | Norris Cole 6-1 175 PG Cleveland St. Sr. | After some strong workouts, Cole is getting looks in the late first round. He’s a quick and athletic point who has been fighting an uphill battle due to playing in a smaller conference. CJ Watson recently signed an extension, but Cole could add depth and eventually push him for the back up position. |
Rockets’ draft
I doubt that Houston will not draft a Center with one of their 3 picks (i.e. You project Nolan Smith as their second round pick). If Biyombo is still available they’ll take him because as you said they need a defender. They can also consider taking Vucevic at 14 or gamble that he will be available at 23 and therefore pick Singleton at 14. If they lose their bet, then they can take Tyler at 23. Otherwise if they didn’t select a Center in the first round and that Tyler is not available then they should take Keith Benson at 38. But I don’t see them taking Brooks at 23: for me he’s close to Kevin Martin and I doubt the Rockets need more offensive power on their wings.
Could you please Aran explain to me why the Rockets wouldn’t pick a Center? Other than that, I agree with most of your picks apart from the fact Giorgi Shermadini is projected undrafted (see my thread please). Could you also explain that to me? Thanks
Rockets’ draft
I doubt that Houston will not draft a Center with one of their 3 picks (i.e. You project Nolan Smith as their second round pick). If Biyombo is still available they’ll take him because as you said they need a defender. They can also consider taking Vucevic at 14 or gamble that he will be available at 23 and therefore pick Singleton at 14. If they lose their bet, then they can take Tyler at 23. Otherwise if they didn’t select a Center in the first round and that Tyler is not available then they should take Keith Benson at 38. But I don’t see them taking Brooks at 23: for me he’s close to Kevin Martin and I doubt the Rockets need more offensive power on their wings.
Could you please Aran explain to me why the Rockets wouldn’t pick a Center? Other than that, I agree with most of your picks apart from the fact Giorgi Shermadini is projected undrafted (see my thread please). Could you also explain that to me? Thanks
I should think Charlotte
I should think Charlotte would be targeting a center as well with one of their first rounders. Their pretty solid everywhere else, but when your center position is the three-headed monster of Joel Przybilla, Kwame Brown, and Desegana Diop, you’ve got problems!!
I should think Charlotte
I should think Charlotte would be targeting a center as well with one of their first rounders. Their pretty solid everywhere else, but when your center position is the three-headed monster of Joel Przybilla, Kwame Brown, and Desegana Diop, you’ve got problems!!
Terrible picks by the
Terrible picks by the Bulls….Justin Harper anyone? Nolan Smith? I rather have them then Singler an Cole
Terrible picks by the
Terrible picks by the Bulls….Justin Harper anyone? Nolan Smith? I rather have them then Singler an Cole
“Harris is the youngest
“Harris is the youngest player in the entire draft”
Nope,both Bismack and Bertans are younger
______
overall very good mock,even though I do think that Motiejunas is gonna be lottery pick
“Harris is the youngest
“Harris is the youngest player in the entire draft”
Nope,both Bismack and Bertans are younger
______
overall very good mock,even though I do think that Motiejunas is gonna be lottery pick
Knicks
The Knicks need to add a 2 or 3 somebody athletic that can play some D.
I think Alec Burks or Iman Shumpert would be good picks for them, I also think Malcolm Lee could be a steal in the second round if developed properly.
They need somebody who can pick up the slack if Melo gets in foul trouble or is having a off night.
What the Knicks really need
What the Knicks really need is for Melo and A’mare to play some D and rebound the basketball, but since that is not going to happen I think you are dead on. Chris Singelton would also be a solid pick if he slips.
Knicks
The Knicks need to add a 2 or 3 somebody athletic that can play some D.
I think Alec Burks or Iman Shumpert would be good picks for them, I also think Malcolm Lee could be a steal in the second round if developed properly.
They need somebody who can pick up the slack if Melo gets in foul trouble or is having a off night.
What the Knicks really need
What the Knicks really need is for Melo and A’mare to play some D and rebound the basketball, but since that is not going to happen I think you are dead on. Chris Singelton would also be a solid pick if he slips.
Bobcats @ 9th
"Charlotte could use a versatile forward with scoring ability and toughness."
Really? Try to name something Charlotte couldn’t use… They’re not passing on Valanciunas at 9. Especially after they’ve recently stated that they have no problem taking a step backward to take two steps forward. They’ll play an abbreviated season without their lottery pick if that’s what it takes.
Bobcats @ 9th
"Charlotte could use a versatile forward with scoring ability and toughness."
Really? Try to name something Charlotte couldn’t use… They’re not passing on Valanciunas at 9. Especially after they’ve recently stated that they have no problem taking a step backward to take two steps forward. They’ll play an abbreviated season without their lottery pick if that’s what it takes.
I will go pick to pick with
I will go pick to pick with those I question:
#5 Raptors- for them to draft Kemba Walker means that they would be blowing up the team as it is now. drafting Walker means Calderon must be dealt and that they do not have the confidence that Bayless can be a number one PG. Honestly I feel they should draft Walker and trade Calderon, but is that what Bryan Colangelo has in mind? Seems that Colangelo has a taste for Bismack Biyombo. The Raptors true need is a giant in the middle to block shots and rebound, however drafting him at #5 makes me cringe. does anyone remember Rafael Araujo, a former wasted top ten pick of the Raptors. Out of the league in two years. Ouch. Maybe Colangelo means to trade down into the teens where he could still get Biyombo, add a small pice for the swap, and so that a team who covets Kemba Walker may move up. That seems logical. The Raptors rarely do things logically however.
#8 Pistons- no offense to anyone out there who likes Tristan Thompson, but these extremely athltic combo forwards with little true basketball skills except for being able to jump out of the gym rarely pan out. The do tend to go high though. So the mock mkay be accurate i just hate this pick if Detroit makes it.
Other than those two picks I think the lottery is pretty dead on. I personally think someone will take a chance on Valenciunas before #12, and that the Suns should draft Jimmer Fredette but probably won’t.
Some other notables outside of the lottery that I think are worth noting:
#15- If the suns screw up the 13th pick, which their drafting history suggests they will, then I see Jimmer Fredette here. In Larry Bird’s press conference the other day he mentioned several times about needing to find scoring out of this draft and offseason. If the trade involving Hibbert and this pick for the second overall pick from the Wolves turns out to be bogus, as it seems like it may be, then Jimmer may be Bird’s man. The trade may have some legitimacy though as Bird said in that p/c that he saw no point to trade up in this draft unless it was to move into the top 5. Not sure who it is the Pacers want up their but it is intriguing.
Two guys I see going higher than this mock suggests are Marshon Brooks and Tyler Honeycutt. The size and pure scoring ability of marshon brooks may be too hard for some teams to pass up. If a team can ignore possible character issues then he can jump into the teens. Honeycutt coming out of UCLA and Ben Howland’s system makes him a hard player to judge. These guys rarely put up big numbers howevers they are usually solid all around ball players with high bball IQ’s. Couple that with his great natural skill set and that makes for one exceptional prospect.
As far as teams at the end of the draft having the Bulls and Spurs there makes this an interesting end to the round. The Bulls are viciously hard up for anyone who can put the ball in the basket. Problem is there may not be anyone here that can do that any better than who they have. Maybe roll the dice with one of these picks on Josh Selby and I hope they hit the jackpot with a guy whose stock has fallen off the radar. They can use the other pick to go a bit more proven with a guy like Kyle Singler or jajuan Johnson, just to balance things out. The Spurs on the other hand never do what anyone thinks they will do. They draft guys in first rounds that we have never heard of most less considered them taking in our mocks. Popovich will draft for some need and it will be some guy with great character, whose is versatile in the role he can play, with ability to shoot and defend, and who will work in his system.
#16- Jordan Hamlton is not getting pass the sixers. From what I read they love him, and the sure love their swingmen. Plus Igoudala probably not going to be a member of the team much longer.
I will go pick to pick with
I will go pick to pick with those I question:
#5 Raptors- for them to draft Kemba Walker means that they would be blowing up the team as it is now. drafting Walker means Calderon must be dealt and that they do not have the confidence that Bayless can be a number one PG. Honestly I feel they should draft Walker and trade Calderon, but is that what Bryan Colangelo has in mind? Seems that Colangelo has a taste for Bismack Biyombo. The Raptors true need is a giant in the middle to block shots and rebound, however drafting him at #5 makes me cringe. does anyone remember Rafael Araujo, a former wasted top ten pick of the Raptors. Out of the league in two years. Ouch. Maybe Colangelo means to trade down into the teens where he could still get Biyombo, add a small pice for the swap, and so that a team who covets Kemba Walker may move up. That seems logical. The Raptors rarely do things logically however.
#8 Pistons- no offense to anyone out there who likes Tristan Thompson, but these extremely athltic combo forwards with little true basketball skills except for being able to jump out of the gym rarely pan out. The do tend to go high though. So the mock mkay be accurate i just hate this pick if Detroit makes it.
Other than those two picks I think the lottery is pretty dead on. I personally think someone will take a chance on Valenciunas before #12, and that the Suns should draft Jimmer Fredette but probably won’t.
Some other notables outside of the lottery that I think are worth noting:
#15- If the suns screw up the 13th pick, which their drafting history suggests they will, then I see Jimmer Fredette here. In Larry Bird’s press conference the other day he mentioned several times about needing to find scoring out of this draft and offseason. If the trade involving Hibbert and this pick for the second overall pick from the Wolves turns out to be bogus, as it seems like it may be, then Jimmer may be Bird’s man. The trade may have some legitimacy though as Bird said in that p/c that he saw no point to trade up in this draft unless it was to move into the top 5. Not sure who it is the Pacers want up their but it is intriguing.
Two guys I see going higher than this mock suggests are Marshon Brooks and Tyler Honeycutt. The size and pure scoring ability of marshon brooks may be too hard for some teams to pass up. If a team can ignore possible character issues then he can jump into the teens. Honeycutt coming out of UCLA and Ben Howland’s system makes him a hard player to judge. These guys rarely put up big numbers howevers they are usually solid all around ball players with high bball IQ’s. Couple that with his great natural skill set and that makes for one exceptional prospect.
As far as teams at the end of the draft having the Bulls and Spurs there makes this an interesting end to the round. The Bulls are viciously hard up for anyone who can put the ball in the basket. Problem is there may not be anyone here that can do that any better than who they have. Maybe roll the dice with one of these picks on Josh Selby and I hope they hit the jackpot with a guy whose stock has fallen off the radar. They can use the other pick to go a bit more proven with a guy like Kyle Singler or jajuan Johnson, just to balance things out. The Spurs on the other hand never do what anyone thinks they will do. They draft guys in first rounds that we have never heard of most less considered them taking in our mocks. Popovich will draft for some need and it will be some guy with great character, whose is versatile in the role he can play, with ability to shoot and defend, and who will work in his system.
#16- Jordan Hamlton is not getting pass the sixers. From what I read they love him, and the sure love their swingmen. Plus Igoudala probably not going to be a member of the team much longer.
Some things that a lot of you seem to forget
With all that being said, don’t knock this mock draft too hard. NBADraft.net has a strong track record with their final mock drafts…because they do their homework. While I don’t agree with every pick (ex. I think Burks is above K.Thompson on MIL’s draft board), nothing on this mock draft is ridiculous. I urge anyone who’s curious to search twitter for some more "inside" information on particular teams’ though processes about their pick.
Some things that a lot of you seem to forget
With all that being said, don’t knock this mock draft too hard. NBADraft.net has a strong track record with their final mock drafts…because they do their homework. While I don’t agree with every pick (ex. I think Burks is above K.Thompson on MIL’s draft board), nothing on this mock draft is ridiculous. I urge anyone who’s curious to search twitter for some more "inside" information on particular teams’ though processes about their pick.
True Jazz fans
BYU fans (of which I am one) are NOTORIOUSLY cheap.Too cheap to spend $ on Jazz tickets.True Jazz fans do not want Jimmer . We want players that will help us win.A losing or even sub-par team with Jimmer on it will catch HELL from the fans.And any "plan" to sell tix alone will be sniffed out in a hurry and the front office knows that,therefore we’ll pass on Jimmer for a superior player.
Jazz draft
Perfect pix by utah–best players availble plus met exact needs-SG,C…sweeeeeeeet!!!
True Jazz fans
BYU fans (of which I am one) are NOTORIOUSLY cheap.Too cheap to spend $ on Jazz tickets.True Jazz fans do not want Jimmer . We want players that will help us win.A losing or even sub-par team with Jimmer on it will catch HELL from the fans.And any "plan" to sell tix alone will be sniffed out in a hurry and the front office knows that,therefore we’ll pass on Jimmer for a superior player.
Jazz draft
Perfect pix by utah–best players availble plus met exact needs-SG,C…sweeeeeeeet!!!
Kanter and Fredette make no sense for the Jazz
When have the Jazz ever told fans and the world who they will pick before the draft actually happens. Answer: NEVER. Its always a surprise. Case in point: Last year, Utah was expected to select Ed Davis because he apparently had a great workout with them, instead KOC unpopularity picked Gordon Hayward. (Which actually worked out quite nicely for them.) Most Jazz fans want Jimmer, because they love him. True, he would put fans in the seats, and he would sell tickets, but KOC said he would not select Jimmer just to appease the fans. He would select the right player for our team. And I’m sorry but Kanter and Fredette just don’t make much sense for the Jazz. Why not:
Kanter: because they already have plenty of big men. (Millsap, Jefferson, Favors, Okur, Fesenko) Do they really need a 6th one? Doubt it. True, they could trade one of them. But, Kanter will likely want to start from day 1, which means you have to trade one of your starters in order to squeeze him into the starting lineup. (likely Jefferson) Which means Kanter himself or Favors would have to make up for that. You expect someone who hasn’t basketball competitely for over a year to make up for a developed bruising PF like Jefferson? (ha, yeah right) You expect a player who is still raw offensively and still learning and very young to make up for losing Jefferson. (again, yeah right).
And Fredette? The guy plays no defense and has a sub-par passing game. All he does is score. True, he might be able to play some defense and have a better passing game than I expect, but if he wasn’t asked to play that way at BYU, than I expect that he will be a bit rusty at his defense and passing. Which is same thing that I expect from Kanter since he hasn’t played basketball competitively for over a year. He’s going to be a little rusty. Both those picks just don’t make sense jazz wise.
In concerns to the Jazz.
The best reason for why the Jazz would pass on Brandin Knight is that there will be a quality PG or perhaps two left at #12 while there will not be much left in the way of a quality big.
If the Jazz do Take Kanter Toronto is the team celebrating as Brandin Knight slips to them
Kanter and Fredette make no sense for the Jazz
When have the Jazz ever told fans and the world who they will pick before the draft actually happens. Answer: NEVER. Its always a surprise. Case in point: Last year, Utah was expected to select Ed Davis because he apparently had a great workout with them, instead KOC unpopularity picked Gordon Hayward. (Which actually worked out quite nicely for them.) Most Jazz fans want Jimmer, because they love him. True, he would put fans in the seats, and he would sell tickets, but KOC said he would not select Jimmer just to appease the fans. He would select the right player for our team. And I’m sorry but Kanter and Fredette just don’t make much sense for the Jazz. Why not:
Kanter: because they already have plenty of big men. (Millsap, Jefferson, Favors, Okur, Fesenko) Do they really need a 6th one? Doubt it. True, they could trade one of them. But, Kanter will likely want to start from day 1, which means you have to trade one of your starters in order to squeeze him into the starting lineup. (likely Jefferson) Which means Kanter himself or Favors would have to make up for that. You expect someone who hasn’t basketball competitely for over a year to make up for a developed bruising PF like Jefferson? (ha, yeah right) You expect a player who is still raw offensively and still learning and very young to make up for losing Jefferson. (again, yeah right).
And Fredette? The guy plays no defense and has a sub-par passing game. All he does is score. True, he might be able to play some defense and have a better passing game than I expect, but if he wasn’t asked to play that way at BYU, than I expect that he will be a bit rusty at his defense and passing. Which is same thing that I expect from Kanter since he hasn’t played basketball competitively for over a year. He’s going to be a little rusty. Both those picks just don’t make sense jazz wise.
In concerns to the Jazz.
The best reason for why the Jazz would pass on Brandin Knight is that there will be a quality PG or perhaps two left at #12 while there will not be much left in the way of a quality big.
If the Jazz do Take Kanter Toronto is the team celebrating as Brandin Knight slips to them
jan Vesely
Does anyone remember Yaroslav Korolev? LA Clippers wasted a 12th pick on him in 2005. Well that is Jan Vesely, only the Wizards are gonna waste the 6th pick.
jan Vesely
Does anyone remember Yaroslav Korolev? LA Clippers wasted a 12th pick on him in 2005. Well that is Jan Vesely, only the Wizards are gonna waste the 6th pick.
Jimmer Kemba! JK!!! Ha!
If it comes down to the Jazz deciding to take either Jimmer Freddette or Kemba Walker…they should pick Kemba!!!
Jimmer Kemba! JK!!! Ha!
If it comes down to the Jazz deciding to take either Jimmer Freddette or Kemba Walker…they should pick Kemba!!!
I have Kemba going to the
I have Kemba going to the Kings. Vesely is a guy with high upside but also bust potential.
I have Kemba going to the
I have Kemba going to the Kings. Vesely is a guy with high upside but also bust potential.
Marshon Buckets
Seriously, this guy is going to last til pick #23, I guess NBA gms F up every year, but this kid has some star potential, which is something I have a hard time saying about most of this entire draft class. I’m pulling for my Bucks to somehow end up with Brooks, they ranked last in the entire league in offense and were 3rd in defense, you tell me how Brooks wouldn’t provide immediate help to a team of bricklayers like the Bucks! And Hollinger can take his calculator and shove it where the sun don’t shine, hey Johnny, You ever hear of the old "eyeball test"
Marshon Buckets
Seriously, this guy is going to last til pick #23, I guess NBA gms F up every year, but this kid has some star potential, which is something I have a hard time saying about most of this entire draft class. I’m pulling for my Bucks to somehow end up with Brooks, they ranked last in the entire league in offense and were 3rd in defense, you tell me how Brooks wouldn’t provide immediate help to a team of bricklayers like the Bucks! And Hollinger can take his calculator and shove it where the sun don’t shine, hey Johnny, You ever hear of the old "eyeball test"