[PrecociousNeophyteParticipant]

insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2012/story 

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

 Editor’s note: This mock draft was updated at 3:03 p.m. ET.

 

Happy Draft Day. This year, I think the NBA has something really crazy in store for all of us.

Like every year, as of midnight ET a number of teams reported that they were still debating between three or four prospects on their boards. Agents and players are wringing their hands right now. No one knows who’s going where.

So, this year’s NBA draft should be fun. And the mock draft? It’s hard to predict which players teams will select when they haven’t decided themselves, but we’re going to try. And then try again a little later in the day. And then try again right before the draft.

In other words, check back often for versions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 as we continue to collect information on who will go where.

After talking to numerous NBA team sources, here’s our best stab at how the draft will play out Thursday night. 
 

 

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

Analysis: Rejoice, Hornets fans. Players like Davis come along about once or twice a decade. You’ll have to be patient with both him and the franchise, but the upside is there for some sort of Tim Duncan/Kevin Garnett hybrid. With plenty of cap room to sign Eric Gordon and another significant free agent, plus the No. 10 pick, the Hornets are building a rock-solid foundation.

Trade Scenarios: Are you kidding me?

Hornets’ Big Board (team priorities, according to sources):
1. Anthony Davis

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Bobcats need help everywhere. They don’t have a starting-caliber player on their roster right now. Robinson will be the first. He’s tough, physical and a winner. Remember, he led a very mediocre Kansas team to the national championship game.

Trade Scenarios: There are plenty. The Bobcats’ asking price is high. They would love to get their hands on multiple young assets or a young veteran who could be a star. There are two scenarios in particular to watch: (1) The Cavs could offer their two first-round picks — Nos. 4 and 24 — for the No. 2 pick; (2) the Thunder could offer James Harden to move into the second spot. In either case, the Cavs or Thunder would select Bradley Beal at No. 2.

Bobcats’ Big Board: 
1. Trade
2. Thomas Robinson
3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
4. Harrison Barnes

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Washington	Bradley Beal	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 202 pounds Age: 19 School: Florida

Analysis: The Wizards made the first big trade of the offseason, sending Rashard Lewis and the 46th pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. With the deal, the Wizards essentially upgraded their front court — Okafor likely will be their starting 5, Nene their starting 4 and Ariza their starting 3.

With John Wall running the point, that leaves them with one big hole at the 2. I think this makes Beal a no-brainer for the Wizards, who are lacking a lights-out perimeter shooter. He’s a perfect fit for this new roster.

Trade Scenarios: If the Wizards believe they are in danger of losing Beal to a team moving up in the draft, don’t be surprised if they offer the Bobcats the No. 32 pick to move up one spot. The Wizards might also entertain a James Harden offer from the Thunder for Beal. Finally, if Beal is off the board, the Wizards have talked to teams about moving down to Nos. 5, 7, 8 or 9.

Wizards’ Big Board:
1. Bradley Beal
2. Harrison Barnes
3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
4. Thomas Robinson

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Cavs need both a starting 2 and a starting 3. This is a toss-up between Kidd-Gilchrist and Barnes. If they choose MKG they get a hard-working winner who can grow with Kyrie Irving. They were teammates in high school and won a state championship together. While Kidd-Gilchrist still needs a lot of polish on his offensive game, his motor, toughness, defensive pedigree and willingness to work on his game make him a great pick for the Cavs.

Trade Scenarios: Ideally, the Cavs would like to move up to the No. 2 spot to grab Beal. If they did that trade, the Bobcats would take Thomas Robinson here. But the price is high and the Cavs might not want to give up the 24th pick. The Cavs have also explored adding a second pick in the 8-to-12 range, according to sources. Dion Waiters and Terrence Ross are both candidates in that range.

Cavs’ Big Board:
1. Bradley Beal
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
3. Harrison Barnes
4. Dion Waiters
5. Terrence Ross

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Kings aren’t in love with anyone here if this scenario plays out this way. Sources say that the Kings are still confident they’ll make a deal with the Rockets (who covet Drummond). If they don’t, sources say GM Geoff Petrie is now leaning toward taking Drummond over Barnes. He feels it’s a more tradable chip down the road and the team needs a shot-blocker (the one thing Drummond does well now) next to DeMarcus Cousins.

Trade Scenarios: By now the whole world knows the Rockets are aggressively trying to move up and get this pick. Houston’s latest offer (Kyle Lowry and the No. 16 pick) was rejected. But you can expect the Rockets to keep plugging away until they get something done. The Rockets aren’t the only team trying to get here. The Lakers and Hawks have also tried to convince Sacramento to part with its pick.

Kings’ Big Board:
1. Thomas Robinson
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
3. Andre Drummond
4. Harrison Barnes
5. John Henson

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Blazers need a point guard and a big man. They’ll have an easy choice here if Drummond goes at No. 5. Lillard is a steady, athletic guard who can shoot the lights out and get to the rim. He had a stellar workout in Portland in front of Paul Allen that really sealed the deal.

Trade Scenarios: GM Neil Olshey told Portland reporters on Wednesday night that it’s unlikely the team will trade either of its picks at Nos. 6 or 11.

Blazers’ Big Board: 
1. Damian Lillard
2. Dion Waiters
3. Andre Drummond

 

 

 

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

Analysis: Still not sure which way this goes, folks. Jerry West is a big fan of Dion Waiters. Owner Joe Lacob isn’t sure if they can pass on the size and potential of Andre Drummond, if he doesn’t go at No. 5. GM Bob Meyers thinks Harrison Barnes would be a steal here. I usually pick the owner in these types of fights. … Then again, this is Jerry West you’re talking about.

If it’s Waiters, I think it’s a great fit for the Warriors. Both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are primarily jump shooters. Adding Waiters to their backcourt gives them a guy who can get to the basket at will. Sort of a Monta Ellis player at a fraction of the price.

Trade Scenarios: The Warriors have discussed moving both up and down in the draft. Here’s the most compelling scenario: If Andre Drummond or Lillard falls to No. 7, don’t be surprised if the Warriors trade No. 7 to the Rockets for pick Nos. 12 and 18. The Warriors believe there’s still a lot of value down there, and the Rockets covet both Drummond and Lillard.

Warriors’ Big Board:
1. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
2. Trade
3. Dion Waiters
4. Harrison Barnes
5. Andre Drummond

 

 

 

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

Analysis: This is actually Plan B for the Raptors and it’s a great one for them. They need shooting and looked at a number of veteran small forwards at this spot. They really like Barnes, and he’s a very easy fit for them. This is a home-run scenario for Toronto.

Trade Scenarios: The Raptors have discussed getting a veteran small forward or point guard here. There has been talk that they would like the Rockets’ Kyle Lowry, but they want to keep their salary flexibility going into the summer. They’ve also explored moving up to No. 5 to get their hands on Waiters or Barnes.

Raptors’ Big Board:
1. Dion Waiters
2. Harrison Barnes
3. Damian Lillard
4. Austin Rivers
5. Jeremy Lamb

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Pistons, who desperately need size in the middle, are holding their breath that Drummond slides this far. If the Kings don’t take him at No. 5, he just might. They like John Henson, too. They need length, athleticism and shot-blocking — Henson provides all three.

Trade Scenarios: The Pistons have flirted with the idea of moving up to secure Drummond, but it’s more likely they stay at No. 9.

Pistons’ Big Board: 
1. Thomas Robinson 
2. Andre Drummond
3. John Henson
4. Tyler Zeller
5. Perry Jones

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	New Orleans (via Wolves)	Austin Rivers	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 203 pounds Age: 19 School: Duke

Analysis: Hornets coach Monty Williams is a fan of Rivers, and Rivers really wants to be in New Orleans. The question is whether he can play alongside Eric Gordon. The Hornets think Rivers can be a point guard at the next level and are willing to try it.

Trade Scenarios: The Hornets tried to move down a few spots and get multiple mid-first-round picks, but so far they’ve been shut down.

Hornets’ Big Board:
1. Damian Lillard
2. Andre Drummond
3. Austin Rivers
4. Jeremy Lamb
5. Kendall Marshall

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Portland	Tyler Zeller	Position: C Height: 7-foot-0 Weight: 247 pounds Age: 22 School: North Carolina

Analysis: If the Blazers go with a guard at No. 6, don’t be surprised if they go big with their other selection. Zeller isn’t a sexy pick, but he is capable of playing right now, has solid size for his position and runs the floor well.

Trade Scenarios: See Blazers comment at No. 6.

Blazers’ Big Board: 
1. Dion Waiters
2. Austin Rivers
3. Tyler Zeller
4. Jeremy Lamb
5. Terrence Ross

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Houston (via Bucks)	Meyers Leonard	Position: C Height: 7-foot-1 Weight: 250 pounds Age: 20 School: Illinois

Analysis: The Rockets agreed to trade Samuel Dalembert and the 14th pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for Shaun Livingston, Jon Leuer, Jon Brockman and the 12th pick, a league source told ESPN.com.

I seriously doubt the Rockets will actually be selecting here on draft night. However, if they do, I think they’ll take the best big man available. Leonard may be a project, but there’s upside here and the team really doesn’t have anything in the middle.

Trade Scenarios: The Rockets are trying to package picks 12, 16 and 18 and Kyle Lowry to get multiple top-10 picks to offer to the Magic for Dwight Howard. The Warriors, at No. 7, could be a serious target with this pick.

Rockets’ Big Board:
1. Tyler Zeller
2. Meyers Leonard
3. Perry Jones
4. Moe Harkless

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Suns need just about everything, so they can afford to take the best player available. But Lamb hits a sweet spot for them at the 2-guard position. They didn’t think he’d be available here and he gives them length and shooting.

Trade Scenarios: It’s been pretty quiet in Phoenix.

Suns’ Big Board:
1. Dion Waiters 
2. Austin Rivers
3. Jeremy Lamb
4. Kendall Marshall
5. Arnett Moultrie

 

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Bucks have moved down two spots in the draft, but it shouldn’t dramatically affect which player they take. In fact, now that they’ve added Samuel Dalembert, they have more freedom to draft a shooter at the wing positions. Ross worked out for the Bucks on Tuesday, and while I don’t think it was a game-changer, they might opt to take him if Tyler Zeller and Lamb are gone.

Trade Scenarios: The Bucks just pulled off a trade to get Dalembert and move down two spots in the draft. Think they’re probably done.

Bucks’ Big Board:
1. Tyler Zeller
2. Jeremy Lamb 
3. Terrence Ross 
4. Terrence Jones
5. Meyers Leonard

 

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Sixers really need size and rebounding in their front court. Moultrie led the SEC in rebounding and is super bouncy. He also has a solid face-the-basket game. He should be a good fit in Philly.

Trade Scenarios: They’ve been looking for a spot higher in the first round to nab Terrence Ross.

Sixers’ Big Board:
1. Terrence Ross 
2. Jeremy Lamb 
3. Arnett Moultrie
4. Perry Jones 
5. Terrence Jones

 

 

 

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: Adding Harkless to their stock of young players could be a smart move. Lots of teams have shown interest in Harkless. He’s young, he’s athletic, he has great upside and he can defend multiple positions. He’s sort of a young Trevor Ariza.

Trade Scenarios: See comment at No. 12.

Rockets’ Big Board:
1. Moe Harkless 
2. Kendall Marshall 
3. Jared Sullinger
4. Perry Jones

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Dallas	Terrence Jones	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-10 Weight: 252 pounds Age: 20 School: Kentucky

Analysis: It would be tough to pass on Jones here. His versatility, rebounding and shot-blocking would all be welcome in Big D.

Trade Scenarios: Dallas is another team that has been actively exploring moving up in the draft the past few days.

Mavs’ Big Board:
1. John Henson
2. Terrence Jones
3. Kendall Marshall
4. Royce White

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Rockets (from Wolves via Jazz)	Kendall Marshall	Position: PG Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 198 pounds Age: 20 School: North Carolina

Analysis: Again, we don’t think the Rockets will be picking here. But if they do, Marshall might be a great fit here. Kyle Lowry wants a trade and Goran Dragic is a restricted free agent who could command a huge offer from the Blazers.

Trade Scenarios: See comment at No. 12.

Rockets’ Big Board:
1. Moe Harkless 
2. Kendall Marshall 
3. Jared Sullinger
4. Perry Jones

 

 

 

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

Analysis: Lead point guard Jameer Nelson is expected to opt out of his contract this summer, and given the rebuilding direction the Magic are going in, the team may not want to pay him.

Teague, had he stayed in school another year, would’ve been a likely top-10 pick in 2013. A team such as the Magic can’t afford to pass on his talent here.

Trade Scenarios: Waiting on the Rockets to make their best offer for Superman.

Magic Big Board:
1. Marquis Teague 
2. Jared Sullinger
3. Terrence Jones 
4. Perry Jones
5. Andrew Nicholson

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Denver	Royce White	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-8 Weight: 261 pounds Age: 21 School: Iowa State

Analysis: Sorry, Celtics fans. Word on the street is that the Nuggets will step in and steal away White before he lands in Boston. The front office is a fan of his ability to be a playmaker from the power forward position and thinks he’s a nice complement to Kenneth Faried and Danilo Gallinari.

Trade Scenarios: Chris Broussard has reported that the Nuggets have talked about a swap of Wilson Chandler for the No. 7 pick and Dorell Wright.

Nuggets’ Big Board:
1. Kendall Marshall
2. Royce White 
3. Andrew Nicholson
4. Marquis Teague

 

 

 

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. 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.

Trade Scenarios: The Celtics are trying to package 21 and 22 to move up into the early teens.

Celtics’ Big Board:
1. Royce White
2. Jared Sullinger 
3. Andrew Nicholson 
4. Quincy Miller 
5. Draymond Green

 

 

 

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

Analysis: I’m not sure when the bleeding will end for Sullinger, whose stock is falling now that concerns about his back have every GM in the league a bit skittish.

But since the Celtics have two picks, they can afford to take the risk here. It will be a good one. Sullinger can play and he may be the best low-post scorer in the game.

Trade Scenarios: See No. 21.

Celtics’ Big Board:
See No. 21.

 

 

 

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

Analysis: Danny Ferry has been on the job just a few days and could go in a lot of different directions here. Fournier is an interesting pick. He’s a very good scorer at the 2-guard position, but needs to get stronger and work on his jumper

Trade Scenarios: The Hawks are shopping Josh Smith around the league, trying to move up in the lottery. They also have some interest in Pau Gasol, according to sources. The Rockets have also shown interest in Smith.

Hawks’ Big Board: 
1. Royce White
2. Jared Sullinger
3. Andrew Nicholson
4. Evan Fournier
5. Tony Wroten

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Cavs (via Lakers)	Perry Jones III	Position: PF Height: 6-foot-11 Weight: 234 pounds Age: 20 School: Baylor

Analysis: Jones might be the toughest player in the draft to project right now. Everyone is both scared to take him and scared not to take him. (I’ve heard the same assessment from a number of NBA GMs the past few weeks.) His knee issues aren’t helping things.

Whichever GM first overcomes his fear gets a super-athletic, 6-foot-11 forward who lacks the motor or toughness teams usually look for in a big man. But at some point, the reward outweighs the risk, and that calculation probably starts here.

Trade Scenarios: This pick could be in play if the Cavs trade up to No. 4.

Cavs’ Big Board: 
1. Jared Sullinger
2. Andrew Nicholson
3. Perry Jones
4. Fab Melo
5. Quincy Miller

 

 

 

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

Analysis: The Grizzlies lack great depth at the point guard position behind Mike Conley (unless you’re the guy who somehow voted Josh Selby to the all-rookie third team).

Wroten has top-five talent, but he’s wild and can’t shoot. It might be worth rolling the dice on him. For a team like the Grizzlies, they can’t afford to pass on the talent there.

Trade Scenarios: Grizzlies have talked with a number of teams about trading out of the first round.

Grizzlies’ Big Board:
1. Marquis Teague
2. Tony Wroten
3. Evan Fournier

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Indiana	Fab Melo	Position: C Height: 7-foot Weight: 255 pounds Age: 22 School: Syracuse

Analysis: The Pacers had a terrific workout with Melo. They need size, and with Roy Hibbert testing the free-agent waters in two days, they may really need size.

Trade Scenarios: The Pacers have looked to try to get into the top 10. They have a pretty good chip in Darren Collison if they want to use it. Tyler Hansbrough is also in play.

Pacers’ Big Board:
1. Fab Melo
2. Draymond Green
3. Evan Fournier
4. Will Barton
5. Kim English

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Miami	Festus Ezeli	Position: C Height:7-foot-0 Weight: 264 pounds Age: 22 School: Vanderbilt

Analysis: The Heat need size and feel like Ezeli will give them a rugged rebounder.

Trade Scenarios: Miami could be another team that trades out of the first round.

Heat Big Board:
1. Draymond Green
2. Fab Melo
3. Festus Ezeli

 

 

 

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

Analysis: Green is the Thunder’s type of player. He’s smart, versatile and a winner. He can step in and get minutes right away without a huge drop-off in production.

Trade Scenarios: The Thunder are exploring getting to the No. 2 or 3 pick to select Bradley Beal. They are also open to moving out of the draft altogether.

Thunder Big Board:
1. Evan Fournier
2. Draymond Green
3. Kostas Papanikolaou 
4. Furkan Aldemir

 

 

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Chicago	Will Barton	Position: SG Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 174 pounds Age: 21 School: Memphis

Analysis: The Bulls are looking at a number of 2-guard options here, but Barton has separated himself from the pack in the past few weeks. He’s a terrific scorer and can shoot with range. He just needs to add strength.

Trade Scenarios: The Bulls have been actively trying to move up, but have had no luck so far.

Bulls’ Big Board: 
1. Will Barton
2. Doron Lamb
3. Tyshawn Taylor
4. John Jenkins

 

PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	VITALS
	Golden State (via Spurs)	Quincy Miller	Position: SF Height: 6-foot-10 Weight: 219 pounds Age: 19 School: Baylor

Analysis: There are a lot of concerns about his knee and what position he’ll play in the NBA. But his upside is so high that it might be worth taking a gamble this low in the first round. There’s very little risk and a lot of potential reward here.

Trade Scenarios: Warriors have been busy with lots of stuff.

Warriors’ Big Board:
1. Quincy Miller
2. Kyle O’Quinn

 

[PrecociousNeophyteParticipant]

 Thankyou

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

 31. Charlotte Bobcats

Jeff Taylor | SF | Vanderbilt

The Bobcats need an athletic swingman who can defend and score multiple positions.

 

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32. Washington Wizards

Scott Machado | PG | Iona

Some in Washington aren’t totally sure whether John Wall is really a point guard. Machado, however, is the second-best pure point guard in the draft. He lacks Wall’s athletic abilities, but some believe he sees the floor as well or better than Kendall Marshall. He’d be a very nice get for the Wizards at 32.

 

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33. Cleveland Cavaliers

John Jenkins | SG | Vanderbilt

The Cavs are hoping to load up on shooters and need help at the 2. Jenkins may be the best long-range sniper in the draft. He has a super-quick release and is aggressive hunting for his shot.

 

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34. Cleveland Cavaliers (via New Orleans)

Kostas Papanikolaou | SF | Greece

Papanikolaou really impressed a number of NBA GMs and scouts at the Euroleague Final Four this year with his lockdown defense on Andrei Kirilenko. Ironically, the player he’s compared to the most is Omri Casspi, the Cavs’ current starting small forward. Papanikolaou is a draft-and-stash prospect. He won’t be in the NBA for at least one more season.

 

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35. Golden State Warriors (via Brooklyn)

Kyle O’Quinn | C | Norfolk State

The Warriors think O’Quinn is an underrated big who plays hard and has the length to be a 5 in the league.

 

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36. Sacramento Kings

 

Tyshawn Taylor | PG | Kansas

He is one of the quickest players in the draft and can really defend. He doesn’t always make great decisions with the ball, but he can be electric.

 

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37. Toronto Raptors

Jared Cunningham | SG | Oregon State

Many scouts believe Cunningham could be the true sleeper of this draft. He’s an elite athlete who flies up and down the floor. If he can make the transition to point guard, he could be a sort of poor man’s Russell Westbrook.

 

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38. Denver Nuggets (via Golden State)

Kim English | SG | Missouri

The Nuggets would love to add a big-time shooter. English’s stock has risen through the roof the past month as he has wowed teams with his shooting ability in workouts. He’s now getting serious consideration in the late first round. I’ll be surprised if he slides out of the 30s on draft night.

 

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39. Detroit Pistons

Mike Scott | PF | Virginia

Scott is another player who has been moving up draft boards with excellent workouts. Several teams said he has outplayed several higher-ranked prospects in their workouts, and it’s clear Scott is getting some looks late in the first round.

 

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40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Minnesota)

Orlando Johnson | SG | UC-Santa Barbara

Johnson was one of the best scorers in college basketball. His freakishly long wingspan, NBA body and shooting ability could all come in handy to provide depth for the Blazers.

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41. Portland Trail Blazers

Tomas Satoransky | SG | Czech Republic

Satoransky is a super-talented wing who excels with the ball in his hands. He’s not a great shooter but plays with a great motor, likeMichael Kidd-Gilchrist, and can affect the game without scoring. He would be a nice stash pick for the Blazers here.

 

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42. Milwaukee Bucks

Furkan Aldemir | PF | Turkey

The Turkish big man is an excellent rebounder. However, he lacks elite athleticism and ideal size for his position, dropping him into the second round.

 

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43. Atlanta Hawks (via Phoenix)

Doron Lamb | SG | Kentucky

The Hawks can always use guards who can really stroke the basketball. Lamb is in contention with John Jenkins for the best sniper in the draft.

 

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44. Detroit Pistons (via Houston)

Miles Plumlee | PF | Duke Plumlee’s stock also has risen dramatically over the past month. Despite his pedestrian numbers at Duke, teams are intrigued with his elite athletic abilities and rebounding. Could be the next Jeff Foster.

 

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45. Philadelphia 76ers

Darius Miller | SF | Kentucky The Sixers are another team in desperate need of shooting, and Miller has both great size and a sweet shooting stroke. While he was just a sixth man at Kentucky, he’s still a great pickup here.

 

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46. New Orleans Hornets (via Washington)

Kevin Murphy | SF | Tennessee Tech

Murphy was one of the best scorers in college basketball, shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc.

 

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47. Utah Jazz

Robbie Hummel | SF | Purdue

Hummel is a Jazz player all the way. He is tough, has a terrific basketball IQ and can really shoot the basketball. The Jazz could use some help at the 3, and Hummel should be able to provide some immediate relief.

 

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48. New York Knicks

Khris Middleton | SF | Texas A&M

A year ago, Middleton would have been a potential first-round prospect. Injuries have set him back a bit, but he’s been working out well over the past month.

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49. Orlando Magic

Chris Johnson | SG | Dayton

Johnson came into OKC earlier in the draft process and impressed with his combination of shooting, length and athleticism. With OKC assistant GM Rob Hennigan now the GM in Orlando, don’t be surprised if Johnson is one of the surprise late second-round picks.

 

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50. Denver Nuggets

Bernard James | C | Florida State

James is already 27 years old, but the Nuggets won’t care. The Iraq war veteran has an NBA body and should be able to come in and play some defense right away.

 

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51. Boston Celtics

Justin Hamilton | C | LSU

The big guy out of LSU didn’t put up huge numbers, but he’s had tremendous workouts. The Celtics need size wherever they can get it.

 

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52. Golden State Warriors (via Atlanta)

Quincy Acy | SF | Baylor

Acy is a crazy athlete with a terrific motor. He’s not particularly skilled, but could be a nice bench player at the next level.

 

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53. Los Angeles Clippers

Darius Johnson-Odom | SF | Marquette

 

Odom is undersized for his position, but he’s strong and athletic and can really shoot the basketball. The Clippers need all the help they can get at the 2, and Johnson-Odom can come in and play right away.

 

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54. Philadelphia 76ers (via Memphis)

Hollis Thompson | SF | Georgetown

I keep loading up the Sixers with shooters because … the Sixers could’ve really used some this past season. Thompson is a skilled wing who can play the 2 and the 3. He’s a very good athlete with a very good 3-point stroke.

 

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55. Dallas Mavericks (via L.A. Lakers)

Tornike Shengelia | SF | Rep. of Georgia

With international scouting guru Tony Ronzone back in the fold in Dallas, you can expect the Mavs to get back to finding some hidden talent overseas. Shengelia is a tough, athletic forward with a great motor. He’s not a great shooter, but scouts are really high on him as a prospect down the road.

 

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56. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana)

Jae Crowder | SF | Marquette

Crowder is a tough, physical player who doesn’t have a position but could provide some real toughness for the Raptors.

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57. Brooklyn Nets (via Miami)

Drew Gordon | PF | New Mexico

Gordon is an athletic rebounder who ran into problems at UCLA and had to transfer to New Mexico. His rebounding numbers the past two seasons have been fantastic.

 

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58. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Oklahoma City)

Cameron Moore | PF | UAB

Moore is an athletic rebounder/shot-blocker who would be 20 spots higher if he added another 20 pounds to his frame. While the Wolves do have size, they really need athletes in their frontcourt.

 

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59. San Antonio Spurs

Paul Lacombe | SG | France

Lacombe impressed NBA teams at this year’s Adidas Eurocamp. He is strong, gets to the rim and is a willing passer. He isn’t a great shooter and hasn’t put up big numbers in Europe, but he’s worthy of being stashed away in Europe.

 

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60. Los Angeles Lakers (Via Chicago)

Kevin Jones | PF | West Virginia

 

[KHAM83Participant]

I dont see GS taking Waiters if Barnes is on the board.

[Author]

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