Insider Request- Fords’ Mock Draft 7.0

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	New Orleans	Anthony Davis	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-11 Weight: 222 pounds Age: 19 School: Kentucky

Analysis: How hot of a commodity is Davis? As I wrote on Monday, sources said the Cavs offered the Hornets picks 4, 24, 32 and 33 for the No. 1 pick — a deal the Hornets quickly and firmly declined. Davis is the one player in this draft that a team can immediately build around, so you can expect the Hornets to continue to receive and decline great offers.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Charlotte	Thomas Robinson	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-9 Weight: 244 pounds Age: 21 School: Kansas

Analysis: The Bobcats are actively talking to teams about trading the No. 2 pick. Why? Not only is there no franchise player at No. 2, but I’m told there’s a bit of a split right now in Charlotte between taking Robinson or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Sources say Michael Jordan isn’t sold on building around the limited offensive arsenal of Kidd-Gilchrist, but the team also has questions about how high Robinson’s ceiling is.

I think MKG is the second best prospect in the class, but it’s very close between him, Robinson and Bradley Beal. If the Bobcats keep the pick and take Robinson, they’d be getting a super-athletic, physical 4 who should be an instant upgrade over Tyrus Thomas and D.J. White.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Washington	Michael Kidd-Gilchrist	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-8 Weight: 233 pounds Age: 18 School: Kentucky

Analysis: The Wizards are happy at the No. 3 spot and I continue to hear it will come down to Kidd-Gilchrist or Beal. In this mock, both players are still on the board, so the choice is difficult.

Kidd-Gilchrist would give the Wizards some much-needed toughness and defense at the 3, albeit with a less advanced offensive game. Meanwhile, Beal would give them a dominant 2-guard, who can shoot the basketball, to pair with John Wall. I’m still not sure which way they’ll go, but either player would be a very good addition to their roster.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Cleveland	Bradley Beal	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 202 pounds Age: 18 School: Florida

Analysis: The Cavs need a wing and like MKG, Beal and Harrison Barnes. Andre Drummond is also in the mix, but the Cavs don’t yet have a comfort level with him. If this comes down to Beal or Barnes, I think Beal will have the slight edge here. But it’s not a given. The Cavs have been interested in Barnes for the past year and could decide that his size is what they need.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Sacramento	Andre Drummond	Position: C Height: 7-foot-0 Weight: 279 pounds Age: 18 School: UConn

Analysis: Drummond measured out very close to DeMarcus Cousins last weekend at the draft combine. If the Kings draft him, they would suddenly have a massive front line, adding Drummond’s athleticism, rebounding and shot-blocking to Cousins’ polished offensive game.

The Kings have not shied away in recent years from prioritizing talent over players with question marks; Drummond, who has a questionable motor, has such a high upside, I’m not sure they pass here, either. If they do, however, it’s because they fell in love with UNC’s John Henson and feel he’s more mature and willing to blend.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Portland (via Nets)	Damian Lillard	Position: PG Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 189 pounds Age: 21 School: Weber State

Analysis: If Drummond falls here, I think they take him. But if he doesn’t, I’m hearing Lillard could be the man. He wowed at the draft combine and measured very similar in size and athletic ability to Derrick Rose. While Lillard isn’t nearly the same prospect as Rose, the Blazers need a point guard and Lillard has the potential to be very, very good. Taking him at No. 6 is no longer a reach. Harrison Barnes and Jeremy Lamb would also be in the mix here.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Golden State	Harrison Barnes	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-8 Weight: 228 pounds Age: 20 School: North Carolina

Analysis: I think both the Warriors and Barnes’ camp, who want Barnes to go to a big market and an up-and-coming team, would do backflips if he slides this far. The team desperately wants to get a great small forward out of this draft and there’s a pretty big drop-off after Barnes.

The Warriors worked out both Terrence Jones and Perry Jones on Monday, but weren’t blown away with either player. Both are really 4s trying to pass themselves off as 3s. Jared Sullinger is also in the mix here and I’m hearing Moe Harkless is a potential dark horse for this spot, as well.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Toronto	Dion Waiters	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 221 pounds Age: 20 School: Syracuse

Analysis: The Raptors adamantly denied they were the team that persuaded Waiters to drop out of the combine with a promise to draft him in the lottery. Given the team’s attempts to trade the pick, I sort of believe them. But that won’t stop them from drafting Waiters if they keep the pick and he’s still on the board.

The Raptors have a roster full of soft jump-shooters. What they really need is a tough player who can get to the basket and get his own shot at the end of games. Someone like Waiters. Damian Lillard and Jeremy Lamb are also possibilities at No. 8.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Detroit	John Henson	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-10 Weight: 216 pounds Age: 21 School: North Carolina

Analysis: Greg Monroe has been a revelation in the middle for the Pistons, but they really need to pair him alongside an athletic shot-blocker. Although Henson is painfully thin, he rebounds, blocks shots and defends multiple positions.

It wouldn’t be a perfect solution in Detroit, but the Pistons don’t have a lot of other options here unless they want to reach a bit for Meyers Leonard who, after his stellar showing at the draft combine, might be worth it.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	New Orleans (via Wolves)	Jared Sullinger	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-9 Weight: 268 pounds Age: 20 School: Ohio State

Analysis: We’ve been assuming the Hornets would try to fill their hole at point guard here with a player like Damian Lillard or Kendall Marshall. They may. But the buzz has been around Jared Sullinger’s name here. I could see why the Hornets would think that Davis and Sullinger would be an ideal pairing together. They complete each other.

I do, however, wonder whether Sullinger’s weak results in the athletic testing portion of the draft combine might change their mind. Sully may be the worst athlete in the draft.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Portland	Jeremy Lamb	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 179 pounds Age: 20 School: UConn

Analysis: If the Blazers get Lillard at No. 6, they’ll be tempted to reach for a big like Leonard. However, this might also be a great opportunity to fill out their backcourt with another guard.

Lamb has great length for his position, is a smooth athlete and, combined with Lillard, would give the Blazers a powerful scoring punch. Don’t count out Austin Rivers and Dion Waiters here, either; I hear Portland’s new GM, Neil Olshey, is a fan of both.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Milwaukee	Meyers Leonard	Position: C Height: 7-foot-1 Weight: 250 pounds Age: 20 School: Illinois

Analysis: The Bucks gambled a few years ago on Brandon Jennings and it paid off big time. At this point in the draft, Leonard is risky but could have huge upside. The Bucks really need a center after trading Andrew Bogut to the Warriors at the trade deadline. Leonard is a work in progress, but has the size and athletic ability to be a dominant big man down the road.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Phoenix	Austin Rivers	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 203 pounds Age: 19 School: Duke

Analysis: The rumor du jour in Chicago was that the Suns had promised to select Dion Waiters at No. 13. However, if it’s true, a promise doesn’t guarantee that he’ll be there when they’re drafting. If he’s already off the board, it could come down to Austin Rivers or Terrence Ross.

Rivers didn’t play a minute at the combine, but I was told by multiple NBA GMs that he really was impressive in interviews and lessened fears that he could be uncoachable. Ross played and played well, but doesn’t have quite the star power that Rivers brings to the table. It could be a tough call, but I hear Phoenix is leaning Rivers’ way.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Houston	Tyler Zeller	Position: C Height: 7-foot Weight: 247 pounds Age: 22 School: North Carolina

Analysis: The Rockets’ biggest need is in the middle and Zeller should be a solid option. Scouts don’t think Zeller is going to be an All-Star someday, but he’s big, he runs the floor very well and he has a great touch around the basket. Meyers Leonard has now passed him on our Big Board, but Zeller should ultimately land somewhere between Picks 8 and 14.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Philadelphia	Terrence Jones	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-8 Weight: 252 pounds Age: 20 School: Kentucky

Analysis: The Sixers might have a tough choice here between Jones, Terrence Ross and Arnett Moultrie. The team needs size, but it also needs shooting. Jones may be the compromise. He measured out very well for a power forward at the combine, has an NBA body and proved to be a solid rebounder and shot-blocker in college. He has tremendous upside if he puts his heart into it.

Ross, meanwhile, would give the Sixers the starting-caliber sniper that they’ve long lacked, while Moultrie is a long, bouncy, athletic big man who could stretch the floor for them.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Houston (via Knicks)	Moe Harkless	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-9 Weight: 207 pounds Age: 19 School: St. John’s

Analysis: We have the Rockets going safe at No. 14, so I think they can afford to gamble a little at No. 16. Harkless was another high riser at the draft combine. He is a great athlete, has toughness and has tremendous upside.

The Rockets have generally played it safe in the draft the past few years. The upside is that they’ve gotten solid players. The downside is that they haven’t necessarily gotten any elite talent. Harkless could be that guy. Moultrie is another real option for them here.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Dallas	Kendall Marshall	Position: PG Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 198 pounds Age: 20 School: North Carolina

Analysis: With Jason Kidd 39 and a free agent and Rodrigue Beaubois more of a combo guard, Marshall would bring much of what Kidd brings to the table — incredible court vision and size — right away. He’s not a great athlete or a great shooter, but he could keep Dirk & Co. happy.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Wolves (via Jazz)	Terrence Ross	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 197 pounds Age: 21 School: Washington

Analysis: The Timberwolves’ biggest need is to put a shooter in the backcourt with Ricky Rubio. Ross is not only a sharpshooter from 3-point land, but he is also a great athlete and has great size for his position. He’s a steal at 18.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Orlando	Perry Jones III	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-11 Weight: 234 pounds Age: 20 School: Baylor

Analysis: The Magic are in serious danger of losing Dwight Howard in the next year. Not only would they lose the best defender in the NBA, but they also would lose a lot of star power. This is a long way for Jones to slip in the draft. Many believe he’s a top-five talent. But no one knows what position he’ll play in the pros.

He reminds me a lot of the situation Josh Smith was in a few years ago. Jones may find a home in the lottery, but if he doesn’t he could slide this far. Given Jones’ raw talent, he’s definitely worth the risk at this point in the draft.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Denver	Arnett Moultrie	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-11 Weight: 223 pounds Age: 21 School: Mississippi State

Analysis: Moultrie made the head-scratching decision to sit out the draft combine drills. He would’ve looked great in that setting, but instead saw several players leapfrog him on the draft board. I doubt he slips much past the Nuggets or Celtics, though.

His length, athletic ability and shooting touch should all come in handy in Denver. Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague is also an option here.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Boston	Andrew Nicholson	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-10 Weight: 234 pounds Age: 22 School: St. Bonaventure

Analysis: Nicholson is another draft sleeper who may really rise with workouts. He’s a big stretch 4 who has drawn some comparisons to David West. He would be another welcome addition to the Celtics’ summer makeover.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Boston (via Clippers)	Royce White	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-8 Weight: 261 pounds Age: 21 School: Iowa State

Analysis: White may have helped himself as much as anyone in the draft last week. His play on the court was solid, but his interviews were stellar. Most of the NBA executives I spoke with felt that they would be comfortable drafting White somewhere outside the lottery. If the Celtics can add Nicholson and White — two value picks this late in the draft — the rebuild will be well on its way.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Atlanta	Tony Wroten Jr.	Position: PG Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 203 pounds Age: 18 School: Washington

Analysis: The Hawks have been cursed at the point guard position ever since they decided to pass on Chris Paul to draft Marvin Williams. Wroten is no Paul, but he may have the most raw talent of any point guard in the draft. He’s big, he’s athletic and he can get to the basket. If his shot wasn’t broken, and if he had a better rep as a teammate, he’d be a top-10 pick.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Cavs (via Lakers)	Fab Melo	Position: C Height: 7-foot Weight: 255 pounds Age: 22 School: Syracuse

Analysis: The Cavs could really use more help at the 5. Anderson Varejao is around for a few more years but after that the cupboard is bare. Melo might need a few years anyway before he’s ready to be a serious contributor at the next level.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Memphis	Evan Fournier	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 206 pounds Age: 19 School: France

Analysis: I’m hearing the Grizzlies are looking to stash a player over in Europe this year. Fournier, a scoring wing from France, is the best European prospect on the board.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Indiana	Marquis Teague	Position: PG Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 180 pounds Age: 19 School: Kentucky

Analysis: Teague would’ve been a top-10 pick had he decided to stay in school. Instead he followed the rest of Kentucky’s stars into the draft. He could go as high as the mid-first round but I doubt he slips past the Pacers here. Adding Teague would allow them to use Darren Collison as trade bait this summer.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Miami	Draymond Green	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-8 Weight: 236 pounds Age: 22 School: Michigan State

Analysis: The Heat need players with experience who excel in bringing out the best in their teammates. Green can be a point-forward type who does a little of everything. Think of him as a better-passing Udonis Haslem.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Oklahoma City	Jeff Taylor	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 212 pounds Age: 23 School: Vanderbilt

Analysis: An elite athlete, Taylor can be a lockdown defender and has range on his jumper. He’s probably undervalued at this point, but that happens to seniors. The Thunder will capitalize.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Chicago	John Jenkins	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 212 pounds Age: 21 School: Vanderbilt

Analysis: The Bulls need a shooter and Jenkins has one of the best strokes in the draft. His super-quick release and ability to finish at the basket make him an interesting prospect here.

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Golden State (via Spurs)	Festus Ezeli	Position: C Height: 7-foot-0 Weight: 264 pounds Age: 22 School: Vanderbilt

Analysis: If the Warriors can nail down the small forward spot earlier in the draft, don’t be surprised if they go big with their second pick. Ezeli has the size and experience to come in and be a solid backup. I’m told Norfolk State’s Kyle O’Quinn is also an option here.