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Stojakovicfor3
Gators123
Gators123
gopack10PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Cleveland
(via L.A. Clippers)
Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 191 pounds
Age: 19
School: DukeAnalysis: I know some uncertainty is still out there. There always is. But all signs continue to point to Irving as the No. 1 pick. He has a chance to be special, and in this draft, that makes him worthy of going this high.
The Cavs may not love what’s left for them at No. 4, but at least they walk away feeling that they got the best player in the draft.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Minnesota
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: ArizonaAnalysis: The Wolves will work the phones until the last minute looking for a trade. If they keep the pick? They are considering Enes Kanter and started telling teams around the league on Wednesday that they’re leaning in that direction.
I can see the appeal of Kanter. He probably fits a need more. But Williams is the second-best talent in this draft, and I think talent ultimately trumps need, so they’ll take Williams and sort it out later this summer.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Utah
(via New Jersey)
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
Country: TurkeyAnalysis: GM Kevin O’Connor is now issuing his famous "no comment" when asked about what the Jazz will do here. They are one of the most tight-lipped teams in the league. They aren’t leaking who they’ll take at No. 3.
So why did I change this from Brandon Knight to Kanter? Because it’s hard to get legit centers in the league, especially ones with Kanter’s upside. So are point guards, which is why Knight could be the pick. But as of very early Thursday, I think the Jazz will go with size and upside with Kanter.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Cleveland
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 245
Age: 19
Country: LithuaniaAnalysis: We had Valanciunas in this position last week. But on Monday we reported that Valanciunas’ buyout with his team in Lithuania would prohibit him from coming to the NBA next season.
The Cavs love Valanciunas, but do they love him enough to draft him even if he won’t play in the NBA right away? There are growing signals that they do. Valanciunas was in Cleveland on Tuesday meeting with Cavs brass. They conducted a physical and a workout as well, which has seemingly calmed their fears.
But another serious dark horse here is Tristan Thompson. As I reported on Wednesday, Thompson met with owner Dan Gilbert in Cleveland on Monday, and the Cavs are intrigued. As I gather more info, this is one spot where the mock could change in Version 7.1.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Toronto
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 177
Age: 19
School: KentuckyAnalysis: GM Bryan Colangelo has been looking for defensive help, and I had been hearing during the past 24 hours that Bismack Biyombo and Kawhi Leonard had risen on the Raptors’ board. But if Knight slides this far, I don’t think they’ll pass.
Knight has tremendous upside, is a good defender in his own right and, alongside DeMar DeRozan, would give the Raptors an intriguing young backcourt.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Washington
Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech RepublicAnalysis: The Wizards need rebounding and would love it if Kanter was still on the board. They’ve also been huge fans of Vesely and would jump at the chance to take him here. His ability to run the floor would be a welcome fit alongside John Wall and JaVale McGee.
Tristan Thompson is the other player to watch here. The Wizards need help on the boards, and Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Charlotte
(via Sacramento)
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: Texas(Sources: Kings trade No. 7 pick to Bobcats)
Analysis: The Bobcats made the first big move of the draft Thursday when they pulled the trigger on a three-team trade that nabbed them Corey Maggette and this pick for Stephen Jackson, Shaun Livingston and the No. 19 pick.
I’ve heard they want Thompson here. But Michael Jordan did become enamored with Bismack Biyombo at a workout in Charlotte on Wednesday. I’m leaning Thompson here, but will keep digging.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Detroit
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: CongoAnalysis: The Pistons have been leaning toward Thompson. But if he’s not on the board, I think their next two options are to select Bismack Biyombo or to trade down in the draft.
For now, I’m putting Biyombo here, partly as a placeholder. He has serious upside as an elite defender, and the Pistons have experience with a similar big man, Ben Wallace. Biyombo should be a good fit next to Greg Monroe.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Charlotte
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 228
Age: 19
School: San Diego StateAnalysis: The Bobcats will be thrilled if Leonard is still on the board here. Although Leonard isn’t the same player as Gerald Wallace, he brings much of the same intensity. Bismack Biyombo also could be an option here, as well as Chris Singleton and Alec Burks.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Sacramento
(via Milwaukee)
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Age: 22
School: Brigham Young(Sources: Bucks trade No. 10 pick to Kings)
Analysis: When we first reported a few weeks ago that the Kings were looking seriously at Fredette, there were mostly chuckles. But it now appears to be very close to reality. With Beno Udrih gone, it becomes even more likely that the Kings will go with a point guard. Kemba Walker is another possibility here, but his lack of shooting ability — in the absence of Udrih — tilts things toward Jimmer.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Golden State
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Washington StateAnalysis: The Warriors would be thrilled with this outcome. They’ve been concerned that Thompson won’t be on the board when they pick. They’ve been high on him for weeks and feel as if he would bring them another big-time shooter to play alongside Stephen Curry and/or Monta Ellis. Chris Singleton is also a serious prospect to go here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Utah
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Age: 21
School: UConnAnalysis: Whewwww. I think the Jazz were leaning toward not taking Jimmer Fredette at No. 12. If he’s gone, that saves them some serious backlash in Utah. The Jazz were seriously considering Walker at No. 3. If he falls here, I don’t think they’ll pass on him.
Alec Burks also could be a possibility. I’m told they spent some serious time looking at him in the past 48 hours.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Phoenix
Position: PF/C
Height: 6-9
Weight: 241
Age: 21
School: KansasAnalysis: I had Marcus Morris here in Mock 7.0, but I’m now hearing it’s his brother, Markieff, who is higher on the Suns’ board. Earlier this year, I wrote that some teams prefer Markieff to Marcus even though Marcus is more skilled.
Markieff has better size and is a better rebounder and shot-blocker. Meanwhile, Marcus is getting pegged as a tweener right now, which may cause him to slide. Iman Shumpert is also strongly in the mix here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Houston
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 260
Age: 20
School: USCAnalysis: The Rockets are talking to everyone — and I mean everyone — about moving up in the draft. Everyone from the Wolves at 2 to the Warriors at 11 have heard the pitch. I think someone ultimately will bite, and I think it could be Detroit.
But if not, the Rockets are likely to reach a little bit for some size in the paint. They are desperate for it, and Vucevic is the biggest man in the draft. Chris Singleton and Markieff Morris are also options.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Indiana
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: ColoradoAnalysis: Under this scenario, the Pacers’ three biggest targets (Jimmer Fredette, Klay Thompson and Markieff Morris) are all gone. Burks didn’t work out for the Pacers, but they’ve done their homework. He’s probably the best talent left on the board, even if he does duplicate Paul George to a certain extent.
Marcus Morris, Chris Singleton and Marshon Brooks would also get looks here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Philadelphia
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: TexasAnalysis: The Sixers need size, but with Thompson, Vucevic and Morris all off the board, the only other big man worth taking here is Kenneth Faried. If Faried were a bit bigger, I think they’d do it. Instead, I think the Sixers will prepare for the inevitable trade of Andre Iguodala.
It may not come on draft night, but most believe it will happen sometime before the season, and that’s why Hamilton is the pick. Donatas Motiejunas is another possibility here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
New York
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida StateAnalysis: The Knicks have a bunch of scorers. What they really need are defenders. Singleton will get looks as high as No. 9 to the Bobcats, but I doubt he will slide any further than here. Not only is he the best defender in the draft, but he also has potential to be a spot-up 3-point shooter.
Iman Shumpert, Alec Burks and Marshon Brooks are also in the mix here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Washington
(via Atlanta)
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: KansasAnalysis: This would be a major slide for Marcus. But his insistence that he’s not really a power forward has hurt his stock a bit. Teams don’t believe he can be a 3 and now see him as somewhat of a tweener.
Still, at this point, he’s a good value and could play some 3 and some 4 in Washington.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Milwaukee
(via Charlotte)
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 22
School: Providence(Sources: Bobcats trade No. 19 pick to Bucks)
Analysis: The Bucks want scoring and are looking for another wing now that John Salmons is gone. Brooks was one of the best scorers in college basketball and wouldn’t be a huge risk at No. 19. He could be a steal for Milwaukee here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Minnesota
(via Memphis)
Position: PG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 221
Age: 20
College: Georgia TechAnalysis: The Wolves added some serious offensive pop with the arrival of Ricky Rubio and, in this mock, Derrick Williams. Shumpert would give them a major defensive presence in their backcourt.
Although he’s not the most offensively gifted player in the draft, his ability to guard both backcourt positions combined with his elite athleticism make him an interesting choice at No. 20.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Portland
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead StateAnalysis: The Blazers fell in love with Faried last year before he withdrew from the draft. If they are fortunate enough to get a second chance at him this year, they’ll grab him. His relentlessness on the boards is a nice complement to LaMarcus Aldridge’s more offensive-minded style.
Markieff Morris, Tobias Harris, Iman Shumpert and Reggie Jackson are others to watch.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Denver
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 223
Age: 18
School: TennesseeAnalysis: I guess we can’t call Harris one of the more underrated players in the draft when he hasn’t moved off 22 in any of our mocks. He can play both the 3 and 4, and he has a very high basketball IQ and an NBA body. Harris doesn’t do any one thing at an elite level, but he is one of the most well-rounded players in the draft.
Iman Shumpert, Chandler Parsons and Tyler Honeycutt are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Houston
(via Orlando)
Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: LithuaniaAnalysis: At this point in the draft, you quit worrying about draft needs and you draft according to talent. Motiejunas is a major talent. He’s got flaws, but at No. 23, you live with them. If the Rockets don’t trade the pick away, Jimmy Butler is a possibility here, as is Darius Morris.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Oklahoma City
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 23
College: DukeAnalysis: I don’t have Singler rated as a top-30 prospect. But I might be mistaken. A source said the Thunder are very high on Singler and believe he could be an Andres Nocioni-type player in the NBA.
He is tough, has a good motor and will be able to knock down open shots. If he plays that role in the NBA, he’s well worth the 24th pick. Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Boston
Position: G/F
Height: 6-8
Weight: 222
Age: 21
School: MarquetteAnalysis: If the Celtics are going to keep competing for a title, they need players who know their roles, can play without the ball in their hands and meld in. Butler brings toughness, defense and heart.
Butler epitomizes that approach with his game and would be a great fit with the Celtics as a player who can play multiple positions off the bench. Reggie Jackson is another strong possibility here, as is Norris Cole.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Dallas
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
Country: SerbiaAnalysis: The Mavs likely will stay primarily a veteran team. So they’ll work to add value wherever they can. Mirotic is a talented player who would go 10 spots higher if he weren’t stuck in Europe the next two or three years with a difficult contract to escape.
But the Mavs can afford to be patient with a talent like this and hope that in a few years, he’ll be ready to step in and play right away.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
New Jersey
(via L.A. Lakers)
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
Age: 21
School: Boston CollegeAnalysis: Jackson hasn’t done any workouts, has a knee injury and isn’t sharing his medical records. Why would the Nets take a player like that? Well, they, along with a lot of NBA teams, believe that another team has shut down Jackson’s workouts with a promise to draft him.
That shouldn’t stop the Nets from grabbing Jackson anyway. Yes, they have Deron Williams. But he’s not a sure thing to stay in New Jersey after next season. Even if he does, Jackson would be a terrific backup and could play off the ball in certain situations.
If Jackson hadn’t suffered a knee injury just as the draft prep began, he could have gone much higher. Norris Cole, Justin Harper, Josh Selby and Chandler Parsons also are possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Chicago
(via Miami)
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 21
School: RichmondAnalysis: Harper was one of the best stretch 4s in college basketball last season. He also has size and is a pretty good athlete. The Bulls need perimeter shooting, and Harper should be able to give them some.
Charles Jenkins, Tyler Honeycutt and Jeremy Tyler are also possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
San Antonio
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 18
Country: LatviaAnalysis: The Spurs have done a good job over the years of finding young international players and stashing them overseas for a few years until they’re ready.
Bertans showed he can be a big-time shooter at the Nike Hoop Summit and adidas Eurocamp, and he’s only 18 years old. So it’s worth taking a flier on him and seeing what he can accomplish after another year or two in Europe.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS 
Chicago
Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 188
Age: 22
School: DukeAnalysis: The Bulls need scorers in their backcourt and ultimately need to find a backup for Derrick Rose at point guard. Smith isn’t the sort of player who really wows you with one thing. But he’s a winner, he’s versatile and he’s been a solid shooter in college. He’s a perfect backup guard.
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gopack10PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Cleveland
(via L.A. Clippers)Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 191 pounds
Age: 19
School: DukeAnalysis: I know some uncertainty is still out there. There always is. But all signs continue to point to Irving as the No. 1 pick. He has a chance to be special, and in this draft, that makes him worthy of going this high.
The Cavs may not love what’s left for them at No. 4, but at least they walk away feeling that they got the best player in the draft.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Minnesota
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: ArizonaAnalysis: The Wolves will work the phones until the last minute looking for a trade. If they keep the pick? They are considering Enes Kanter and started telling teams around the league on Wednesday that they’re leaning in that direction.
I can see the appeal of Kanter. He probably fits a need more. But Williams is the second-best talent in this draft, and I think talent ultimately trumps need, so they’ll take Williams and sort it out later this summer.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Utah
(via New Jersey)Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
Country: TurkeyAnalysis: GM Kevin O’Connor is now issuing his famous "no comment" when asked about what the Jazz will do here. They are one of the most tight-lipped teams in the league. They aren’t leaking who they’ll take at No. 3.
So why did I change this from Brandon Knight to Kanter? Because it’s hard to get legit centers in the league, especially ones with Kanter’s upside. So are point guards, which is why Knight could be the pick. But as of very early Thursday, I think the Jazz will go with size and upside with Kanter.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Cleveland
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 245
Age: 19
Country: LithuaniaAnalysis: We had Valanciunas in this position last week. But on Monday we reported that Valanciunas’ buyout with his team in Lithuania would prohibit him from coming to the NBA next season.
The Cavs love Valanciunas, but do they love him enough to draft him even if he won’t play in the NBA right away? There are growing signals that they do. Valanciunas was in Cleveland on Tuesday meeting with Cavs brass. They conducted a physical and a workout as well, which has seemingly calmed their fears.
But another serious dark horse here is Tristan Thompson. As I reported on Wednesday, Thompson met with owner Dan Gilbert in Cleveland on Monday, and the Cavs are intrigued. As I gather more info, this is one spot where the mock could change in Version 7.1.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Toronto
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 177
Age: 19
School: KentuckyAnalysis: GM Bryan Colangelo has been looking for defensive help, and I had been hearing during the past 24 hours that Bismack Biyombo and Kawhi Leonard had risen on the Raptors’ board. But if Knight slides this far, I don’t think they’ll pass.
Knight has tremendous upside, is a good defender in his own right and, alongside DeMar DeRozan, would give the Raptors an intriguing young backcourt.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Washington
Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech RepublicAnalysis: The Wizards need rebounding and would love it if Kanter was still on the board. They’ve also been huge fans of Vesely and would jump at the chance to take him here. His ability to run the floor would be a welcome fit alongside John Wall and JaVale McGee.
Tristan Thompson is the other player to watch here. The Wizards need help on the boards, and Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Charlotte
(via Sacramento)Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: Texas(Sources: Kings trade No. 7 pick to Bobcats)
Analysis: The Bobcats made the first big move of the draft Thursday when they pulled the trigger on a three-team trade that nabbed them Corey Maggette and this pick for Stephen Jackson, Shaun Livingston and the No. 19 pick.
I’ve heard they want Thompson here. But Michael Jordan did become enamored with Bismack Biyombo at a workout in Charlotte on Wednesday. I’m leaning Thompson here, but will keep digging.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Detroit
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: CongoAnalysis: The Pistons have been leaning toward Thompson. But if he’s not on the board, I think their next two options are to select Bismack Biyombo or to trade down in the draft.
For now, I’m putting Biyombo here, partly as a placeholder. He has serious upside as an elite defender, and the Pistons have experience with a similar big man, Ben Wallace. Biyombo should be a good fit next to Greg Monroe.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Charlotte
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 228
Age: 19
School: San Diego StateAnalysis: The Bobcats will be thrilled if Leonard is still on the board here. Although Leonard isn’t the same player as Gerald Wallace, he brings much of the same intensity. Bismack Biyombo also could be an option here, as well as Chris Singleton and Alec Burks.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Sacramento
(via Milwaukee)Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Age: 22
School: Brigham Young(Sources: Bucks trade No. 10 pick to Kings)
Analysis: When we first reported a few weeks ago that the Kings were looking seriously at Fredette, there were mostly chuckles. But it now appears to be very close to reality. With Beno Udrih gone, it becomes even more likely that the Kings will go with a point guard. Kemba Walker is another possibility here, but his lack of shooting ability — in the absence of Udrih — tilts things toward Jimmer.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Golden State
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Washington StateAnalysis: The Warriors would be thrilled with this outcome. They’ve been concerned that Thompson won’t be on the board when they pick. They’ve been high on him for weeks and feel as if he would bring them another big-time shooter to play alongside Stephen Curry and/or Monta Ellis. Chris Singleton is also a serious prospect to go here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Utah
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Age: 21
School: UConnAnalysis: Whewwww. I think the Jazz were leaning toward not taking Jimmer Fredette at No. 12. If he’s gone, that saves them some serious backlash in Utah. The Jazz were seriously considering Walker at No. 3. If he falls here, I don’t think they’ll pass on him.
Alec Burks also could be a possibility. I’m told they spent some serious time looking at him in the past 48 hours.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Phoenix
Position: PF/C
Height: 6-9
Weight: 241
Age: 21
School: KansasAnalysis: I had Marcus Morris here in Mock 7.0, but I’m now hearing it’s his brother, Markieff, who is higher on the Suns’ board. Earlier this year, I wrote that some teams prefer Markieff to Marcus even though Marcus is more skilled.
Markieff has better size and is a better rebounder and shot-blocker. Meanwhile, Marcus is getting pegged as a tweener right now, which may cause him to slide. Iman Shumpert is also strongly in the mix here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Houston
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 260
Age: 20
School: USCAnalysis: The Rockets are talking to everyone — and I mean everyone — about moving up in the draft. Everyone from the Wolves at 2 to the Warriors at 11 have heard the pitch. I think someone ultimately will bite, and I think it could be Detroit.
But if not, the Rockets are likely to reach a little bit for some size in the paint. They are desperate for it, and Vucevic is the biggest man in the draft. Chris Singleton and Markieff Morris are also options.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Indiana
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: ColoradoAnalysis: Under this scenario, the Pacers’ three biggest targets (Jimmer Fredette, Klay Thompson and Markieff Morris) are all gone. Burks didn’t work out for the Pacers, but they’ve done their homework. He’s probably the best talent left on the board, even if he does duplicate Paul George to a certain extent.
Marcus Morris, Chris Singleton and Marshon Brooks would also get looks here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Philadelphia
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: TexasAnalysis: The Sixers need size, but with Thompson, Vucevic and Morris all off the board, the only other big man worth taking here is Kenneth Faried. If Faried were a bit bigger, I think they’d do it. Instead, I think the Sixers will prepare for the inevitable trade of Andre Iguodala.
It may not come on draft night, but most believe it will happen sometime before the season, and that’s why Hamilton is the pick. Donatas Motiejunas is another possibility here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS New York
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida StateAnalysis: The Knicks have a bunch of scorers. What they really need are defenders. Singleton will get looks as high as No. 9 to the Bobcats, but I doubt he will slide any further than here. Not only is he the best defender in the draft, but he also has potential to be a spot-up 3-point shooter.
Iman Shumpert, Alec Burks and Marshon Brooks are also in the mix here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Washington
(via Atlanta)Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: KansasAnalysis: This would be a major slide for Marcus. But his insistence that he’s not really a power forward has hurt his stock a bit. Teams don’t believe he can be a 3 and now see him as somewhat of a tweener.
Still, at this point, he’s a good value and could play some 3 and some 4 in Washington.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Milwaukee
(via Charlotte)Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 22
School: Providence(Sources: Bobcats trade No. 19 pick to Bucks)
Analysis: The Bucks want scoring and are looking for another wing now that John Salmons is gone. Brooks was one of the best scorers in college basketball and wouldn’t be a huge risk at No. 19. He could be a steal for Milwaukee here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Minnesota
(via Memphis)Position: PG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 221
Age: 20
College: Georgia TechAnalysis: The Wolves added some serious offensive pop with the arrival of Ricky Rubio and, in this mock, Derrick Williams. Shumpert would give them a major defensive presence in their backcourt.
Although he’s not the most offensively gifted player in the draft, his ability to guard both backcourt positions combined with his elite athleticism make him an interesting choice at No. 20.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Portland
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead StateAnalysis: The Blazers fell in love with Faried last year before he withdrew from the draft. If they are fortunate enough to get a second chance at him this year, they’ll grab him. His relentlessness on the boards is a nice complement to LaMarcus Aldridge’s more offensive-minded style.
Markieff Morris, Tobias Harris, Iman Shumpert and Reggie Jackson are others to watch.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Denver
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 223
Age: 18
School: TennesseeAnalysis: I guess we can’t call Harris one of the more underrated players in the draft when he hasn’t moved off 22 in any of our mocks. He can play both the 3 and 4, and he has a very high basketball IQ and an NBA body. Harris doesn’t do any one thing at an elite level, but he is one of the most well-rounded players in the draft.
Iman Shumpert, Chandler Parsons and Tyler Honeycutt are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Houston
(via Orlando)Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: LithuaniaAnalysis: At this point in the draft, you quit worrying about draft needs and you draft according to talent. Motiejunas is a major talent. He’s got flaws, but at No. 23, you live with them. If the Rockets don’t trade the pick away, Jimmy Butler is a possibility here, as is Darius Morris.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Oklahoma City
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 23
College: DukeAnalysis: I don’t have Singler rated as a top-30 prospect. But I might be mistaken. A source said the Thunder are very high on Singler and believe he could be an Andres Nocioni-type player in the NBA.
He is tough, has a good motor and will be able to knock down open shots. If he plays that role in the NBA, he’s well worth the 24th pick. Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic are other possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Boston
Position: G/F
Height: 6-8
Weight: 222
Age: 21
School: MarquetteAnalysis: If the Celtics are going to keep competing for a title, they need players who know their roles, can play without the ball in their hands and meld in. Butler brings toughness, defense and heart.
Butler epitomizes that approach with his game and would be a great fit with the Celtics as a player who can play multiple positions off the bench. Reggie Jackson is another strong possibility here, as is Norris Cole.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Dallas
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
Country: SerbiaAnalysis: The Mavs likely will stay primarily a veteran team. So they’ll work to add value wherever they can. Mirotic is a talented player who would go 10 spots higher if he weren’t stuck in Europe the next two or three years with a difficult contract to escape.
But the Mavs can afford to be patient with a talent like this and hope that in a few years, he’ll be ready to step in and play right away.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS New Jersey
(via L.A. Lakers)Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
Age: 21
School: Boston CollegeAnalysis: Jackson hasn’t done any workouts, has a knee injury and isn’t sharing his medical records. Why would the Nets take a player like that? Well, they, along with a lot of NBA teams, believe that another team has shut down Jackson’s workouts with a promise to draft him.
That shouldn’t stop the Nets from grabbing Jackson anyway. Yes, they have Deron Williams. But he’s not a sure thing to stay in New Jersey after next season. Even if he does, Jackson would be a terrific backup and could play off the ball in certain situations.
If Jackson hadn’t suffered a knee injury just as the draft prep began, he could have gone much higher. Norris Cole, Justin Harper, Josh Selby and Chandler Parsons also are possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Chicago
(via Miami)Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 21
School: RichmondAnalysis: Harper was one of the best stretch 4s in college basketball last season. He also has size and is a pretty good athlete. The Bulls need perimeter shooting, and Harper should be able to give them some.
Charles Jenkins, Tyler Honeycutt and Jeremy Tyler are also possibilities.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS San Antonio
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 18
Country: LatviaAnalysis: The Spurs have done a good job over the years of finding young international players and stashing them overseas for a few years until they’re ready.
Bertans showed he can be a big-time shooter at the Nike Hoop Summit and adidas Eurocamp, and he’s only 18 years old. So it’s worth taking a flier on him and seeing what he can accomplish after another year or two in Europe.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Chicago
Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 188
Age: 22
School: DukeAnalysis: The Bulls need scorers in their backcourt and ultimately need to find a backup for Derrick Rose at point guard. Smith isn’t the sort of player who really wows you with one thing. But he’s a winner, he’s versatile and he’s been a solid shooter in college. He’s a perfect backup guard.
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