[piratejpParticipant]

Picks 6-30 from ESpin’s Mock 5.0

Mock Draft: Version 5.0, Picks 6-30Comment Email Print Share By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Archive

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota

Tyreke Evans
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Age: 19
School: Memphis

Analysis: The Wolves really need help at center and point guard, but in this mock draft, there aren’t any centers left worth taking. They’ve been looking at Evans here, but Stephen Curry is an option even if Evans is still on the board.

Both players can play both guard positions, and combined with Randy Foye could give the Wolves a pretty formidable backcourt. Curry’s maturity, dead-eye shooting and name recognition would make him a smart pick for the Wolves. But Evans’ size and versatility give him a very slight edge.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Golden State

Stephen Curry
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 181
Age: 21
School: Davidson

Analysis: The Warriors don’t have a traditional point guard, but they might have several to choose from, including Jonny Flynn, Brandon Jennings and Curry.

Flynn is the purest point guard of the bunch, but he lacks size and shooting ability. Jennings has the most upside and was very impressive in a workout at Golden State, but he’s a ways away. If the Warriors are after someone who could come in and deliver right away, Curry would be the guy. His versatility and shooting ability paired with Ellis make him seem like a must for the Warriors.

At the same time, I’m hearing significant buzz that Jordan Hill could be the pick if the team ends up trading away Brandan Wright. Louisville’s Terrence Williams is also high on the board at Golden State. No. 7 seems too high for him, but don’t be surprised if the Warriors are willing to do a trade down to get him.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New York

Jordan Hill
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 232
Age: 21
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Knicks will be disappointed if Curry is off the board, but the truth is that they have needs everywhere.

If they draft for the frontcourt, Hill is probably the guy. With David Lee hitting (restricted) free agency this summer, Hill would be a perfect fit for New York at the 4. But don’t count out one sleeper here: Ohio State’s B.J. Mullens. His combination of size and athleticism is tempting. He’s far from ready, but the Knicks need a big man and they are intrigued.

If drafting for point guard, the Knicks would have to decide between experience and upside. Flynn has the ability to come in and play right away in New York. Jennings has more long-term upside. I think Jennings playing a year in Italy will make him intriguing to Mike D’Antoni, but Flynn is more of a pure point guard right now and that’s what the Knicks need.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Toronto

DeMar DeRozan
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 211
Age: 19
School: USC
Analysis: The Raptors have some needs on the wing since Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion are hitting free agency. DeRozan is one of the most gifted players in the draft, and his strong play at the end of the season combined with a confident performance at the combine could push him even higher than No. 9. But if he’s here, sources say the Raptors won’t pass.

If DeRozan is gone, they’ll decide between Duke’s Gerald Henderson, Earl Clark and Holiday, with Holiday in the lead.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Milwaukee

Jonny Flynn
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 196
Age: 20
School: Syracuse

Analysis: Flynn is a hot name right now and could go as high as No. 4. He’ll also get a strong look from the Warriors at No. 7 and the Knicks at No. 8. But if he falls, the Bucks will welcome him with open arms.

They face losing two free agents — Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions — this summer due to financial constraints, perhaps leaving openings at both the 1 and the 4.

If Flynn is gone, they’ll try to find the best player among Holiday, Jennings, Jeff Teague and Earl Clark.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Jersey

Tyler Hansbrough
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 234
Age: 23
School: North Carolina
Analysis: I know a lot of people were shocked when we put Hansbrough here this week, but sources continue to insist that he and Louisville’s Terrence Williams are the front-runners now in New Jersey.

Rod Thorn has said he needs a moose, and in fact, the Nets have needs at both forward positions. But the three best candidates — DeJuan Blair, Earl Clark and James Johnson — all have issues. Blair’s medical reports have created major red flags about his knees. Johnson is carrying around some baggage from his Wake Forest days. And Clark isn’t the physical player they’re really looking for.

Williams has his own set of issues that teams are sorting through, which gives Hansbrough a legit shot at going this high. He isn’t going to be a dominant player in the league, but he has been productive, is as tough as nails and has measured better than expected in size and athleticism.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Charlotte

Gerald Henderson
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215
Age: 21
School: Duke

Analysis: I don’t want to say this is a sure thing, but it feels pretty close. Since shipping Jason Richardson to Phoenix in December, the Bobcats have had some needs in the backcourt. Raja Bell can’t hold down the fort forever.

While they hope a player like DeRozan or Evans falls to them, they can settle for Henderson. He isn’t the best offensive 2-guard in the draft, but he’s NBA-ready and can play lockdown defense.

If Henderson is gone, Earl Clark and B. J. Mullens are possibilities.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Indiana

Brandon Jennings
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 165
Age: 19
Country: Italy
Analysis: This is where draft forecasts really start to break down. I’ve heard the names of 10 different players associated with the Pacers here.

The team’s biggest need is an athletic big man who can score and block shots, but Indiana isn’t likely to find one of those guys.

The Pacers are also looking for a starting point guard, and in particular looking at three players that might be considered a reach at No. 13: Brandon Jennings, Eric Maynor and Jeff Teague. I think the Pacers will be sorely tempted to take Jennings. He has superstar upside and they need that in Indy.

If Jennings is gone, they could also still take Maynor or Teague or go with a big like Austin Daye or DeJuan Blair.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Phoenix

Austin Daye
Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Gonzaga

Analysis: The Suns could go in a lot of directions, depending on where GM Steve Kerr decides to take the team.

There’s been a lot of talk about Earl Clark, and I think he makes a lot of sense for Phoenix. But the Suns also have more than a passing interest in Austin Daye. While Clark is the better athlete and more NBA-ready, Daye is a better shooter and has few, if any, character concerns.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Detroit

Earl Clark
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
School: Louisville

Analysis: The Pistons will begin their summer makeover in the draft.

They’d love to add a dominant low-post scorer, but in lieu of that, they’ll have to settle for choosing between two upside guys: Earl Clark and James Johnson, both of whom have had questions raised about their background.

Clark could be the second coming of Lamar Odom if he’s willing to put in the work. The versatile forward can play both the 3 and the 4 and he is amazing in transition, an excellent rebounder and an emerging shooter. And he has the capability (albeit not always the inclination) to play great defense.

James Johnson is smaller but tougher. He is also inconsistent but has major upside.

I think Clark gets the edge based on size. He’s big enough to be a full-time 4 in the NBA.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Chicago

B.J. Mullens
Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 258
Age: 20
School: Ohio State

Analysis: There’s been talk that the Bulls might take a look at Tyler Hansbrough and DeJuan Blair, if available. Both are definitely the kind of player John Paxson likes.

But the word around the league this weekend was that the Bulls might have made a promise to Mullens, who has the most long-term upside of any remaining center, a position at which Chicago needs help. He’s raw, but it’s rare to get a talent like this after the lottery.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Philadelphia

Eric Maynor
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 164
Age: 21
School: VCU

Analysis: With Andre Miller hitting free agency this summer, look for the Sixers to address the point guard position. Lou Williams is nice but not really a lead guard.

Maynor would give Philly the total package as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Teague will also get a look here, but he’s more of a combo guard and the Sixers have that in Williams.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota
(via Miami)

Terrence Williams
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 213
Age: 21
School: Louisville

Analysis: I’m not sure if the Wolves will keep this pick — it appears that a number of teams that want Williams would be willing to trade for it, including the Nets, Knicks, Warriors and Thunder.

If the Wolves keep the pick and take Williams, he would bolster their small forward spot.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Atlanta

Jeff Teague
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Age: 20
School: Wake Forest
Analysis: The Hawks have blown it repeatedly when they’ve needed a point guard in the draft. They passed on Chris Paul to draft Marvin Williams and passed on Rajon Rondo to draft Shelden Williams.

Then, two years ago, when they finally got around to picking a point guard, they took Acie Law ahead of Rodney Stuckey.

The choice here likely will come down to Teague and Ty Lawson. Lawson has the experience and leadership credentials, but Teague has the sizzle and upside.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Utah

Sam Young
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 223
Age: 24
School: Pittsburgh

Analysis: The Jazz are hoping that Hansbrough slips to them here. But if he’s off the board, they’ll likely be deciding between James Johnson, Sam Young and Toney Douglas.

Johnson would be more of a fit in Utah. With Carlos Boozer likely leaving this summer, the Jazz will have a need for help in the frontcourt. The question would be whether they could put up with Johnson’s sometimes difficult on-court personality.

Douglas is the type of combo guard the Jazz currently lack. He shoots it, plays defense and could be a credible backup at both positions for Utah.

But Young is the type of tough veteran the Jazz love. He’s ready to step in and play right now and give them minutes at both the 2 and the 3.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Orleans

DeJuan Blair
Position: PF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 277
Age: 20
School: Pittsburgh
Analysis: Blair has a lot of admirers in the lottery, but concerns about the health of his knees have caused him to slide in draft evaluations.

I doubt he would fall past New Orleans. The team is dire need of toughness and rebounding, and Blair would provide both. There’s just way too much upside to pass on here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Dallas

James Johnson
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 258
Age: 22
School: Wake Forest

Analysis: At No. 22, the Mavs can sit back and see who falls.

Johnson could be a terrific sleeper pick. He has the raw ability to be great, but has hurt his stock a bit in workouts.

In the long run, Dallas would be walking away with a real talent, albeit not necessarily filling a need.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Sacramento
(via Houston)

Ty Lawson
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 199
Age: 21
School: North Carolina

Analysis: We already have the Kings taking a combo guard with their first pick, but after last year’s debacle at the point, they can afford to take another one and hope they can find a new home for Beno Udrih.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Portland

DaJuan Summers
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 21
School: Georgetown

Analysis: The Blazers are looking at trading this pick. But if they keep it, the Blazers can add another forward who can play both the 3 and the 4. Summers already has an NBA body and the kind of shooting ability the team really covets.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Oklahoma City
(via San Antonio)

Chase Budinger
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Thunder would love to get their hands on a legitimate center, but there won’t be anyone worth gambling on at this point in the draft. If the team doesn’t address its needs at the 2 earlier in the draft, Budinger could be an option. With his shooting ability, he would be a nice complement in the backcourt to Russell Westbrook.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Chicago
(via Denver)

Toney Douglas
Position: SG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 184
Age: 23
School: Florida State
Analysis: Douglas would be an insurance policy should Ben Gordon bolt this summer. He’s not as talented a shooter, but he’s good enough to play both backcourt positions in Chicago, and his defense would earn him minutes right from the get-go.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis
(via Orlando)

Omri Casspi
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 211
Age: 20
School: Spain

Analysis: The Grizzlies lack toughness, and Casspi has an abundance of it. He’s not the most skilled player in the draft, but few players possess his grit.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota
(via Boston)

Jonas Jerebko
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
Age: 22
School: Sweden

Analysis: It seems doubtful that the Wolves would keep three rookies on their roster next year, which gives them an interesting choice of international players. Omri Casspi would be an obvious choice. He’s tough, physical and can keep developing overseas. Victor Claver is the other. But word is Jerebko from Sweden is the top choice at the moment.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

L.A. Lakers

Darren Collison
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 166
Age: 21
School: UCLA

Analysis: Collison is a small guard, something Phil Jackson isn’t a big fan of. But he’s super-fast, has a smooth jumper and can get after it defensively. With Derek Fisher winding down his career, Collison is worth a gamble here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Cleveland

Derrick Brown
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Xavier

Analysis: The Cavs could lose both Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao this summer. And after getting bested by the Magic, the need for them to have some athletic 4s who can guard players on the perimeter is paramount.

DeMarre Carroll is a real possibility here.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

Nice work piratejp….Once again Thanks

[dukeballa8711Participant]

I cant get that because you need an insider account…..

[NYKnicksuperFanParticipant]

I would love Jordan Hill but i am confused by Hansborough at 10 and Daye at 14

[blackflash234Participant]

Thanks a Mill!!

[torontoraptors10Participant]

BJ Mullens, Austin Daye drafted before James Johnson and DeJuan Blair?!

[gatorheelsParticipant]

That could really happen.. It’s all about upside & potential & size

[Yankeep12Participant]

Ford is dumb

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Ford is good, he’s doing what were doing with more inside info, making a mock draft.

[grizz_fan7Participant]

Yes ford is very dumb!

[ZKParticipant]

But yes, Ford is dumb!

“At this point I think it’s safe to say the Kings have narrowed it down to Holiday, Flynn and Rubio.”

They have said that Evans is their top choice after Rubio and media members said that Jennings outplayed Flynn in their workout. So what is Ford talking about? The only three guys I see the Kings considering are Rubio, Evans, and Jennings.

[Yankeep12Participant]

Evans blew with the Kings. His shot was terrible and he complained that he was the only player working out. The Kings offered to bring in Terrence Williams to workout too and Evans quickly objected. He basically backed down from a challenge.

[Yankeep12Participant]

and Jennings outplayed Flynn, but overall his shot selection was very bad. He took many bad shots and got lucky on a few. As for the interview portion of the workout, the Kings like Jonny Flynn the best. He was most poised in dealing with the media and provided many answers that Petrie and the Maloofs seemed to like. Out of Flynn, Jennings, Evans, Holiday, and Rubio, Flynn easily has the best personality. He’ll be a great fit in Sacramento.

[piratejpParticipant]

You have it backwards – Flynn outplayed Jennings. They said Jennings deferred to Flynn & basically played more as a 2 during the workout. Maybe that works to his advantage that he can play 2 spots, but the Kings need a leader & would love it if that eminated from the PG spot. If I had to pick a front-runner for the Kings, I’d say it’s Flynn; although Holliday, Rubio, and Evans are all in the mix too.

Remember Thompson wowed them in a workout last year & that’s how he became the pick. Wouldn’t surprise me to see the same thing happen here with Flynn.

[Author]

Posts