2010 PHSports Mock Draft: Would’ve Should’ve (Lottery Edition)

Pay will be dishing out the expertise in a week or two; however, I’d like to rant on who I’d take if I would draft, as a team President and/or GM (within the lottery only, mind you).

Enjoy…

Fear not Wizard fans. I won't stray you from the obvious #1-selection.
Credit: UKBigBlueNation

#1. Washington Wizards select … John Wall (G, Kentucky)
He’s offering almost everything Derrick Rose did. While point guards often take a back seat to big men with the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, there is NO valid reason I can see not to take Wall and build your franchise around him. Of course, this is the Wizards…

#2. Philadelphia 76ers select … DeMarcus Cousins (C, Kentucky)
Pay made an excellent case that, if the 76ers front office decides to keep Iggy, Turner isn’t the right man for Philadelphia with the #2 pick. While there is NO denying his immense all-around talents, I’d be willing to take a chance on Cousins. He has a mean streak that, if harnessed, could produce scary results (especially in a center-starved Eastern Conference). Assuming his fitness is addressed, of course.

#3. New Jersey Nets select ... Evan Turner (G/F, Ohio State)
You don’t get the #1 pick, yet you may walk away with pound-for-pound the best pure talent in this draft. He can help immediately, but shouldn’t be asked to. He is a vital cog, but not a 1A performer for a future title contender. Instead, Turner reminds me of a clone combining some of the best traits of Danny Granger (if his outside shooting improves) and Scottie Pippen (if his defense improves). Scary stuff, right?

Al Jefferson's future in Minnesota isn't set in stone, right?
If not, this pick becomes a true wild-card.
Credit: NBC Sports

#4. Minnesota Timberwolves select … Derrick Favors (PF/C, Georgia Tech)
I’m not completely sold on the guy, but he offers a lot more bulk than many of the other options at the all-too-popular PF/C position this draft. Current Minnesota-big Al Jefferson may not be a permanent fixture for the franchise, so Favors, as the very least, offers a future replacement. If Jefferson is a T-Wolf for good, I’d jump all over Wes Johnson’s athleticism as a #3 alongside Love and the aforementioned Jefferson.

#5. Sacramento Kings select … Greg Monroe (PF/C, Georgetown)
Utah has to be praying Monroe slips to #9, but he won’t. Monroe is a new-age Brad Miller, who enjoyed quite a bit of success in SacTown during his tenure. While Monroe doesn’t scream “All-Star” to me, he is a great compliment alongside Tyreke Evans and the youthful Kings.
Note: I’d love to swap at #9 with Utah and see Sacremento wait and select Kansas’ Xavier Henry, by the way.

#6. Golden State Warriors select … Cole Aldrich (C, Kansas)
I’m not nearly as high on Aldrich as this pick might entail. However, I think Biedrins (and his contract) should be moved this offseason, if possible. The last thing this team needs is another developing swingman-esque athlete on their roster (Morrow, Maggette, Randolph). I love Wes Johnson’s potential…but don’t like him sitting so much on an already youthful team.

For Johnson to truly become a superstar, he needs an envrionment (and head coach) who can nurture his potential and help enrich his skill-set. If those happen, he's the #2-overall talent in this draft, in my opinion.
Credit: Syracuse.com

#7. Detroit Pistons select … Wesley Johnson (SF/PF, Syracuse)
It’s odd to see Detroit selecting this early, isn’t it? If only they didn’t give out those two deals last year (Gordon/Villenueva especially), they’d be a much bigger player in the Summer of 2010. Johnson has a tremendous upside, but needs steady coaching and stability. He needs to learn how to find his shot off the dribble and NOT fall in love with an inconsistent outside shot. His length alone already allows Detroit to move Tayshaun Prince, as well.

#8. Los Angeles Clippers select … Ekpe Udoh (PF/C, Baylor)
I love this guy. I loved everything he did in the NCAA Tournament. The Clipper have their young nucleus…for now…with Gordon (PG) and Griffin (PF). Nevertheless, the rest of their roster (especially with veterans Baron Davis and Chris Kaman far from locked into the teams’ future), isn’t much to smile about. Udoh is a big body who can split minutes at the 4 with Griffin and bring some muscle into the paint. He also doesn’t need the ball in hands to be a productive contributor. I see a lot of Serge Ibaka in him.

#9. Utah Jazz select … Xavier Henry (SG, Kansas)
Call me crazy, but this guy might be the sleeper of the early-to-mid 1st round. Henry just scratched the surface last year and would benefit tremendously from Jerry Sloan and the veteran-laden Jazz. Imagine if he used his length to play defense. Scary. While replacing Boozer (potentially leaving this summer) may be priority #1 for the Jazz, the 2-guard position in Utah hasn’t been nearly productive enough in recent years. In fact, when has it been since Jeff Hornacek???

#10. Indiana Pacers select … Al Farouq-Aminu (SF/PF, Wake Forest)
I think he may be one of the easiest busts to predict, especially if he goes in the top 5 or 6. Nevertheless, I hope he finds a team that allows him to mature at a realistic pace. He doesn’t need to be in a place like Golden State or Los Angeles, earning minutes based on measurements. Instead, let the Pacers avoid the all-too-easy pick – Gordon Hayward – and give themselves an athletic, high-risk/high-reward piece to their young nucleus.

Are people too easily writing this guy off? I'd be guilty alongside those who already have.
Credit: NBADraft.net

#11. New Orleans Hornets select … Hassan Whiteside (C, Marshall)
CP3 is leaving. Count on it. Nevertheless, Darren Collison may be more than just a stop gap at the point guard position. Then again, is there a point worth of this slot? I doubt it, highly. I know Okafor is there, but let’s be honest…he’s not a center. Never has been in the NBA. So why not take a chance on Whiteside and see if he’s more Andrew Bynum than Saer Sene.

#12. Memphis Grizzlies select … Avery Bradley (SG, Texas)
A high-riser, maybe for only me, Bradley would allow the Grizzlies to make some tough moves on the fates of their young roster. There’s no telling where Rudy Gay ends up and Mike Coley has far from sewn up the point guard position in Memphis. Frankly, I’d be willing to build around Mayo (PG) and work from there. Selecting another untested big, alongside the already-developing Hasheem Thabeet, is a mistake. Take a 2-guard who can play with or without the ball. Zach Randolph’s legal troubles (surprise surprise) may alter this completely.

#13. Toronto Raptors select … Larry Sanders (PF/C, VCU)
Homer, right? Probably. Here come the Ed Davis-lovers. Bosh decides this pick (basically), doesn’t he? Problem is, they won’t know for sure come draft day where Bosh stands. While he’s likely gone (even if it’s a sign-and-trade), the Raptors also need to deal with Hedo and the potential of a large chunk of cap-space available with no free agent to lure. Sanders, who has done as well as any bigs in rookie camps, still has a LOT of work to do. Especially with his attitude. Nevertheless, Sanders has just as many, if not greater, physical tools equal of the BCS-conference draftees many have going before him. He is just scratching the surface, while also performing at a higher level than several bigs who have only been “projected” to perform (Whiteside, Orton, etc.).

#14. Houston Rockets select … James Anderson (SG, Oklahoma State)
He’s my Paul Pierce/Danny Graner/Rajon Rondo/DeJuan Blair of this year’s draft. A guy I know will be a solid NBA pro. Some are superstars and some are glue guys. Nevertheless, each draft has a guy or two that far too many GOOD teams passed over. Anderson could be a star, but won’t be a top 10 (or even top 20???) pick. The Rockets would be wise to get this guy on their roster, no matter if it’s “too early” or not. He’d also earn plenty of minutes, which he might not do going in the twenties.

There are more than a few absent names in this top 14, right? Patrick Patterson, Gordon Hayward, & Ed Davis (below).
Credit: JBJSports

Of course, the true story will be told soon enough. 17+ days, to be prices.

PHSports 1-Round NBA Mock Draft - Version C-L-E-M-E-N-T

It should come as no surprise that I'm simply offering a "counter" to our resident NBA Draft expert (aka Pay). Why? Half is boredom (the school year has just ended for me, my second full-year as a teacher) and the other half is my interest in the draft altogether.

If you could squeeze in some added interest due to a certain (VCU) Ram in the draft (Maynor!)...then you'd understand even further. By the way, be sure to check out the new poll to voice YOUR opinion, too!

Before I embarrass myself any further, enjoy... except it might be helpful to understand that I'm "mocking" who I believe would be the best fit for each team. Does that make it truly a mock draft??? Meh.

Round 1

Anybody who can "accidentally" do something like this seems to be #1 pick potential, right?
Credit: CommercialAppeal.com

1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin [PF, Oklahoma]
Move Zack Randolph as fast as possible (20 and 10 be darned), wait out B Diddy for another season-plus until he and his U-G-L-Y contract can be moved, and relish the talented trio of Thornton, Gordon, and Griffin and the future to come, even as the Clippers.

2. Memphis - Hasheem Thabeet [C, Connecticut]
As talented as Rubio may be, Thabeet is a defensive presence that could be paired alongside Marc Gasol not-so-surprisingly well. OJ Mayo and Rudi Gay need a stable point guard, which may not be Mike Conley (Jr.) nor Mr. Rubio.

3. Oklahoma City - James Harden [SG, Arizona State]
I wonder about this guy after seeing his performance in the NCAA Tournament this past season. However, I do realize that Harden would fit nicely in an offense in which Kevin Durant garners a ton of attention. Losing out on Thabeet is a big blow to a team in dire need of an interior defensive presence.

The emerging Spanish-driven interest in anime basketball will soon sweep the U.S.
Wait and see.
Credit: AS.com

4. Sacramento - Ricky Rubio [PG, DKV Joventut]
Excitement has been missing in Sacremento for quite some time. While still young, Rubio could become just as special as Tony Parker in the next half-decade. Seriously.

5. Washington - Stephen Curry [PG/SG, Davidson]
"Earning" the #5 pick was all-too-typical for the lowly Wizards. The real hope for this franchise rests on the (relative) health of Agent Zero. While Evans has all the tools, Curry could be a lethal shooter if Arenas/Butler/Jamison can (somehow) remain healthy for a playoff run down the stretch next season.

6. Minnesota - Tyreke Evans [PG, Memphis]
Minnesota still doesn't have an answer at point guard. Duh. The Foye/Roy debacle a few years back may sting this franchise for the next dozen-or-so years. Ditto for Love/Mayo. Step 1 to rebuilding for the better is taking a young, talented playmaker with leadership qualities which are ever expanding. Enter, Tyreke Evans.

7. Golden State - Jrue Holliday [PG, UCLA]
The last thing Golden State needs is another tweener in the front court. While far from a polished point, Holliday is an outstanding defender (for a 19-year old, especially) who has the ability to find his own shot and those of his teammates.

While it's too early and easy to speculate what might be...it's still fun.
Credit: CarJerks.com

8. New York - Johnny Flynn [PG, Syracuse]
"Six in the City" is a friendly reminder to what this phenom can do at MSG. While the build-up for LeBron includes the purging of BLOATED salaries, there is also a need for talent to surround LeBron, or whomever (Bosh, Amare, Wade, ???) the Knicks throw a max contract at in the summer of 2010.

The YouTube-esque antics of "Cowboy" Bosh might not be necessary if he went continental, US that is!
Credit: NewsTalks650.com

9. Toronto - Jordan Hill [PF, Arizona]
I like Pay's direction here for the Raptors (Ellington), but only if Bosh was going to remain a Raptor. I don't see that happening as the big man will no longer be the most talented NBA player outside of the continental US. While Hill still has plenty of question marks, a top 5-grade from countless scouts and mock draft "experts" is enough to lead me to believe he's (maybe) the right fit to compliment and potentially replace the uber-talented aformentioned Mr. Bosh.

10. Milwaukee - Brandon Jennings [PG, Lottomatica Roma]
I can't tell you much about the kid, as I don't watch ANY international basketball outside of the World Championships and Olympics. Nevertheless, he has a talented skill set and professional experience (limited or not), or so I read. With Sessions a major question mark for the Bucks front office, it never hurts to have quality depth at a vital position ready.

11. New Jersey - DeMar DeRozan [SG/SF, USC]
He's coveted by quite a few teams, so landing at #11 isn't likely. Nevertheless, I don't have the same upside-driven mentality for DeRozan as I do for Holliday (maybe it's because only one of them befuddled my Rams). The Nets, outside of Vinsanity, have a nice core of young talent, with a selection like such only helping their roster continue to emerge.

Even MJ wouldn't be foolish enough to waste another lottery pick, especially on K-Fed's twin right? Right!?!?!?
Credit: SyracuseBlog.com

12. Charlotte - DeJuan Blair [PF, Pittsburgh]
Toughness, attitude, and effort have been a few things missing from MJ's recent draft picks. Blair plays like a Larry Brown-coached player already. Done and done.

13. Indiana - Earl Clark [SF/PF, Lousville]
He clearly appears to have top 5 talent. I just wonder about his body and what position he fits into in the NBA system. I could say more, but I'm perplexed on this guy.

14. Phoenix - Ty Lawson [PG, North Carolina]
A lot of people think Johnny Flynn or Eric Maynor is the "guy" who will replace Steve Nash. Not so fast. Nash has potentially 3-4 more years of quality play in him. Nevertheless, Phoenix isn't exactly building for a title anymore (especially with Amare's contract situation growing ever present); meanwhile, backcourt depth is always a MUST. As for Lawson, the guy proved last season how incredibly gritty and talented he has become.

Playing alonside 50 Cent might work out quite well for one of the draft's most talented seniors.
Credit: AskMen.com

15. Detroit - Eric Maynor [PG, Virginia Commonwealth]
Dealing Billups just to "change things up" was a cataclysmic error. Despite the money it will save in the long run, this team will crack at its very core without a steady point guard. It's unfair and unrealistic to ask any rookie to recapture that role. However, Maynor's pass-first attitude and clutch play in the closing moments are two things this team sorely needs sans-Chauncey.

...at the mid-way point...

So who’s MOCK you got??? Pay’s or mine?

Something tells me I’m on the outside of this mock draft mismatch.
Credit: BoxRec.com

16. Chicago - Terrence Williams [SG/SF, Louisville]
Much like Earl Clark at the 3, I wonder if it's at all realistic to expect Terrence Williams to play the 2 (or for that matter the 3) in the NBA? His raw athleticism in this draft may be unmatched, but somehow I don't see a new age Scottie Pippen. Speaking of the Bulls, Chicago is loaded with talent on a roster lacking a true superstar (Mr. Rose is getting there soon, though). Throw one more onto that heap now.

17. Philadelphia - Jeff Teague [PG, Wake Forest]
I don't think Teague will be much of an NBA talent. I do think he can adapt well as a backup point guard though. In fact, I can't think of a better role model than Andre Miller, who was never meant to be a backup (like Teague will be).

18. Minnesota (from Miami) - James Johnson [SF, Wake Forest]
Another guy I'm very low on. Johnson doesn't appear to be more than an 8 and 5 guy. Fortunately for him, teams are in desperate need to overpay such players.

Mr. MOP would see plenty of open shots thanks to the work of Joe Johnson and company.
Credit: Flickr.com

19. Atlanta - Wayne Ellington [SG, North Carolina]
Ellington could go anywhere from the lottery to late first round. What the Final Four MOP needs is to find a team who doesn't need him to score. Instead, he can become a lethal assassin off of the bench, still securing 15-20 minutes a game, as a 3rd or 4th option on the court. Dell Curry and Dale Ellis had different bodies and skill sets than Ellington, but would be great sources of inspiration for the talented former Tar Heel.

20. Utah - Tyler Hansbrough [PF, North Carolina]
Doesn't it fit perfectly? Whether its Boozer or Milsap (or both?) that eventually bolts, Mr. College Basketball the past four seasons could emerge as a talented first-tier reserve for Jerry Sloan and the Jazz.

21. New Orleans - Chase Budinger [SF, Arizona]
While the team definitely took a step back last season after 2007's promising playoff run, not all is lost - especially if Tyson Chandler can restore his health - for Byron Scott's squad. Instead of looking for a long-term project at the center position, why not take an NBA-ready shooter who can be unselfish and still a scorer at the same time?

22. Dallas - Gerald Henderson [SG, Duke]
Unlikely to fall half this far, Henderson's defensive toughness and ability to attack the hoop would be isolated well by an already established playoff-equipped team. A new alternative for Jason Kidd may not fall far enough to 22…I think.

Remember when he was the projected #1 pick? Me neither.
Credit: Photobucket

23. Sacramento (from Houston) - BJ Mullens [C, Ohio State]
Alongside Rubio (selected #4), Mullens has been labeled a #1-pick before. However, Mullens’ fall won't be to #4; but instead likely outside the lottery. Despite several young names already in their frontcourt, Mullens might do well in relative obscurity in SacTown, alongside a talented young point guard who can mature - language barrier or not - alongside him (aka Mr. Rubio).

24. Portland - Sam Young [SF, Pittsburgh]
The PG position still isn't solved - sorry Steve Blake - in Portland. Nevertheless, Sam Young is the exact type of player a playoff team wants. If his defense and weak-side rebounding improve, this is a guy who in 2 to 3 years could become a talented contributor every night. Staying in school may not have improved his draft stock much, but his game is far more polished.

25. Oklahoma City (from San Antonio) - Gani Lawal [PF, Georgia Tech]
Another guy I just don't like. Sorry ACC fans, but I am suspect about some of your outgoing bigs.

Not this Toney. The nickname “Lights Out” still available though?
Credit: BlueCorner.com

26. Chicago (from Denver through Oklahoma City) - Toney Douglas [PG/SG, Florida State]
Now HERE is an ACC guy I love. While Chicago may be wise to deal this pick (and potentially their earlier selection), Douglas can provide instant offense and underrated defensive ball hawking. Sign me up!

27. Memphis (from Orlando) - Austin Daye [SG/SF, Gonzaga]
The name I likely "forgot" way too late in the game. If Daye can competently shoot the NBA three, he may start in 2-3 seasons (for good). If he can't, he's a slasher (at best) who better become a good team defender if he wants more than 4-5 minutes a night anytime soon.

28. Minnesota (from Boston) - Darren Collison [PG, UCLA]
Three picks in the 1st round means the Timberwolves can continue finding pieces OR continue making costly errors in judgment. While I predict a foreign selection here, for the future, I chose Collison to cement their need for point guard depth IMMEDIATELY.

29. LA Lakers - Omri Casspi, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
I'm stealing what Pay said word for word. It was perfect.
One of the most talented young players in Europe over the last two years, Casspi has an inside/outside game that’s more of the finesse and flair style. If Casspi does not get a 1st-round promise, then he will withdraw from the draft as he did last year.

In case you were watching Olympic basketball, you might’ve remembered this talented import.
Credit: News.com.AU

30. Cleveland - Patrick Mills [PG, St. Mary's]
I doubt very very much this is the pick. Nevertheless, LeBron needs playmakers badly. Honestly, I see the Cavaliers trying to secure a big man (Randolph, Sheed, BOSH!?!?!) by any means necessary. Mo Williams is a complimentary piece, but not enough of a #2. While Mills would be lucky to be a starting point guard in the NBA in the next couple seasons, he offers playmaking ability and international experience a few too many experts are underestimating. Until draft night...MOCK YEAH!!!



PS: Check out and vote in the new POLL!!!!

For Every LeBron James … there’s a Chris Washburn

For every LeBron James (high school phenom who lived up to the hype), Chris Bosh (college player who transcended his game after becoming a pro) and even Brandon Roy (4-year senior who was swept under the underclassmen radar), we find countless players who defy expectations in ways you couldn’t imagine.

Some are far better than you would ever expect in your wildest of dreams, while others are doomed to toil in obscurity.

Washburn, the 3rd overall pick in 1987, scored a total of 222 points...in his entire 4-year career.
Credit: CNNSI.com

How many of you penciled these 2001 draftees as perennial All-Stars on draft night?
-Gilbert Arenas [31^st pick by Golden State]
-Michael Redd [43^rd pick by Milwaukee]

Even role players like Paul Millsap, Craig Smith and Leon Powe have clearly leapt above the expectations of GMs making selections in the 2006 NBA Draft.

I bet even a few of you considered the plight of these four former Top 10 selections of the new millennium.

-Nikoloz Tskitishvili [5^th pick in 2002 by Denver]
-DaJuan Wagner [6^th pick in 2002 by Cleveland]
-Darko Milicic [2^nd pick in 2003 by Detroit]
-Rafael Araujo [8^th pick in 2004 by Toronto]

Of course, Kwame Brown (#1 to Washington and MJ in 2001) deserves his own billboard in such a situation.

MJ's "legacy" as a GM started with this former #1-selection.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

You can do one better and look at a lot of the 2000 1^st-round…

Marcus Fizer, DerMarr Johnson, Jerome Moiso, Stromile Swift, Courtney Alexander, Dalibor Bargaric (who?), Mateen Cleaves, Joel Przybilla, and Chris Mihm.

Impressive, right?

As for the 2007 crop, how many of you have already penciled in Spencer Hawes and Joakim Noah as busts? I know I have. Although the latter may make me look a little silly if he continues to get the most out of his limited talents (and I don't mean with his recent affinity towards Purple Haze records).

In case you’ve forgotten college basketball already (not likely), Pay has become an expert in modeling blank resumes of prospective teams on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. Let’s see which of our readers can do they same, except when given descriptions of then-prospective NBA talent.

Try and guess who these NBA players are. Answer in the comments, where you will find answers 24 hours from this posting. GOOD LUCK!

Analysis of a NBA player from the 2003 draft. Who is it?

_______________ is really one of a kind. He runs the floor, handles the ball, shoots the NBA 3 and plays with his back to the basket, so you can slot him in at the 3, 4 or 5 positions. OK, a few other guys can do that too; what sets ____________ apart is his toughness in the post. You have to love a guy who has the footwork to spin by an opponent but still prefers to lower a shoulder and bang. Fact is, _____________ plays in attack mode at both ends of the floor. The more you push, the more he pushes back. While he won't be asked to carry the load, he's capable of doing this earlier than you think.

Who am I?

One clue: This pick was NOT David West. However, this draft pick was taken before the all-star. Far, far before actually.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Analysis of another NBA player from the 2003 draft. Who is it?

"I love _____________. I think he can play three positions. Ridiculous shooter and surprisingly good rebounder. If I was a good team, I'd take him. Someone will
end up with a hell of a player, absolute stud."

Who am I?

One clue: It's NOT Josh Howard, the last pick of the 1st-round, who would've been a much savvier lottery selection for this Eastern Conference squad.
Credit: Basketbolhabor.com

Analysis of a NBA player from the 2002 draft. Who is it?

The __________ would have preferred Hilario or Wilcox, but they'll have to settle for
this ____________who takes the ball hard to the basket like a young Shawn Kemp.
Unfortunately, that's about all he does right now. One scout last fall termed
his overall game "clueless."

Who am I?

One clue: we're not talking about former Tennessee Marcus Haislip. Funny story, though...
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Analysis of a NBA player from the 2000 draft. Who is it?

NBA Comparison: Michael Jordan
Strengths: Special player. Extremely gifted athlete. Great ball handler. Very advanced shooter and scorer for his age. A showstopper. Can play the 1 or 2. Super character. As NBA ready as any player in this class. Wow.

Who am I?

One clue: I wonder if this "next" MJ was hatin' on this "next" MJ when this cover dropped in February of 2002?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Good luck in the next 24-or-so hours. You'd be surprised what the "experts" (ESPN, CNNSI.com, NBADraft.net, and countless others) think when scouting the draft.

Make you nervous about the likes of Anthony Randolph (next Lamar Odom?), JaVale McGee (next Andrew Bynum?), and Marreese Speights (next Juwan Howard?)?

Me too.

PHSports 2008 NBA Mock Draft – 1st Round

Greetings one and all to our first of many collaborative NBA Mock Drafts here at PHSports. While sooner than later we’ll dive into the foray of a two-round mock, today’s installation is focusing only on Round 1.

Syracuse fans aren't too devastated from Green's early departure. He might be after he sees his draft stock continue to slip.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

We’re taking a leap of faith as several potential prospects won’t make their official decision to declare their intention to enter the draft until the deadline (April 27th). Even more may not sign an agent and end up returning to their college team before June’s draft.

To avoid too much controversy over staying/going, we’ve decided to take an all-or-nothing approach. We’re assuming quite a bit with who may be leaving or staying…but at least we’ll be consistent.

We (Pay & Clement) have decided to be duel it out as a consensus of head coach, player personnel direction, scout, owner/president, and general manager. We LOVE that type of power. Then again, who wouldn’t?

Without further banter, let’s roll!

Rating the Lopez-twins, both all but assured to go before the end of Round 1, is a bit tricky.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

1) Miami Heat
Selection: Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State
Comments: You can’t overvalue PG in this draft or in the NBA, despite how talented Rose is.

2) Seattle Supersonics
Selection: Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Comments: The foundation is starting to build.

3) Minnesota Timberwolves
Selection: Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
Comments: Randy Foye may not be an elite PG, but Minnesota needs a big next to Jefferson.

4) Memphis Grizzlies
Selection: OJ Mayo, SG, USC
Comments: We would trade. Are they set at the 1,2, or 3 (assuming they keep Miller)? Gun to the head …

5) New York Knicks
Selection: Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona
Comments: Somewhat unenviable position here. Shocker with the Knicks involved. Could they potential trade and dump a contract or two?

6) Los Angeles Clippers
Selection: Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana
Comments: He can find his own shot and oddly reminds us of Sam Cassell. Even if Gordon isn’t the prototypical PG.

7) Milwaukee Bucks
Selection: DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M
Comments: The new Los Angeles Clippers. Year by year, they compile lottery picks. In the NFL, they’d be screwed. This pick was downright brutal. In the end, he’s 7-feet tall and won’t take up too many shots. Don’t put any stock into this DeAndre, Milwaukee needs a center…and you’re just about it right now.

8) Charlotte Bobcats
Selection: Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas
Comments: Remember: it’s Jordan. Will Okafor leave? Either way, they need bigs. Gallinari is yet again a victim of not being a proper fit to the needs and system of a team. Shocked by the pick? He can hit the mid-range jumper, plays great defense, RUNS and played on a winning team (which MJ loves).

9) Indiana Pacers
Selection: DJ Augustin, PG, Texas
Comments: Look at the roster, they need a point guard. One that won’t get shot at either (Pay made the joke, Clement demanded it be posted). Augustin has to overcome that Memphis performance in workouts. Get in the gym and get stronger, young man.

10) Chicago Bulls
Selection: Danilo Gallinari, SF, Armani Milan (Italy)
Comments: It’s finally time to take the best player available. Fortunately for Chicago, he has a boatload of talent.

Now that one European has gone. When will another (i.e. Batum) follow?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

11) New Jersey Nets
Selection: Kevin Love, PF, UCLA
Comments: They like their 1, 2, and 3. Even if we HATE their 2 (stop chucking!). They have plenty of bodies up front (Boone, Diop, Swift, Krstic and Williams to name a few). Although, several are in a contract year. To be honest, we’re not gaga over Love at #11. No chance.

12) Sacramento Kings
Selection: JaVale McGee, C, Nevada
Comments: Blake Griffin has ruined this draft by staying in school. He has made far too many “second-choices” for teams. We basically flipped a coin between Lopez and McGee.

13) Portland Trailblazers
Selection: Anthony Randolph, SF, LSU
Comments: They need to take the best player available and honestly can take a risk, on talent and NOT character. Fantastic value on this squad.

14) Golden State Warriors
Selection: Nicolas Batum, SG/SF, Le Mans (France)
Comments: B Diddy with a player option is key: but he’s gonna stay (we think). Free agent Monta Ellis is such a major factor. We’re struggling between potential and fit. Clement still loves this guy.

15) Phoenix Suns [from Atlanta]
Selection: Brandon Rush, SF, Kansas
Comments: Likely with Shaq’s contract ($40 million over 2 years), they’re trading this pick. Are they going to build for the future (PG) OR try and stockpile a talented reserve?

16) Philadelphia 76ers
Selection: Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
Comments: Pay and Clement debate if Andre Iguodala is worth a potential $70-million contract. Either way, they’re going to be forced to pay him. Nice work, Billy King. Clement is weary, but Pay’s confidence easily wins out.

17) Washington Wizards
Selection: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA
Comments: Agent Zero: what are you going to do? The same can’t be forgotten about Mr. Consistency Antawn Jamison. Is there a big worth jumping over a PG? Probably not at this point.

18) Toronto Raptors
Selection: Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Memphis
Comments: Swingman, that’s all we decided. Is Clement forcing Russell Westbrook to plummet?

Is the "hate" towards Westbrook as illegitimate as his point guard capabilities?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

19) Cleveland Cavaliers
Selection: Russell Westbrook, PG/SG, UCLA
Comments: Fortunately, the HATE has ended. Honestly, I don’t mind Westbrook at all. But is he a true PG? We’ll see.

20) Denver Nuggets
Selection: Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas
Comments: Defense and he can get off his own shot (evident in the title game, right?). Suddenly, for the first time, the name Lawson is mentioned.

21) Orlando Magic
Selection: Earl Clark, SF/PF, Louisville
Comments: A lot of cap flexibility and a lot of potential as the playoffs arrive.
Can the Magic be as illogical as I am: not taking Hansbrough due to Redick being an overachieving ACC player. Clark needs to grow, from the waist.

22) New Jersey Nets [from Dallas]
Selection: Donte Greene, SF, Syracuse
Comments: Rock solid value at this spot, especially since they can wait on Greene for a season or two. The kid still has a high amount of potential. He was second in the Big East in scoring.

23) Utah Jazz
Selection: Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown
Comments: In a word…keep your depth and trade. Wait, that was several words. Another word: project. Especially since Brewer has had a solid year. We’re taking Hibbert over Thabeet, who is an enigma wrapped in a mystery right now.

24) San Antonio Spurs
Selection: Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut
Comments: Pay wants Dorsey. I want Thabeet out of the Big East. Seattle is devastated. Another project center.

25) Seattle Supersonics [from Phoenix]
Selection: Jason Thompson, PF, Rider
Comments: They have their PG of the future. Shocker: they need a BIG. Don’t take Psycho T, that’s an MJ-pick. Hendrix has a lot of upside, but he might suck too. Ryan Anderson is too much of a 3. Can Jeff Green play the 4 and allow Alexander to play the 3? Gotta love when Rider guys go 1st-round.

26) Houston Rockets
Selection: Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona
Comments: There isn’t a 5 here worth taking. Sorry. So they can use depth at the 3, offensively, at least.

27) Memphis Grizzlies [from LA Lakers]
Selection: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina
Comments: You MUST go big. YOU MUST! He is a character guy who can attract fans and haters. Hometown-esque pick of Dorsey? Not so much.

28) New Orleans Hornets
Selection: Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
Comments: They need a playmaker off of the bench, not a role player. We’re very interested in Julian Wright and his potential progression. This is a luxury pick. You can have a lot of fun with this. We’re wondering: Alexander or Damion James? We like Weaver a lot too. What a fun pick.

29) Detroit Pistons
Selection: Joey Dorsey, PF/C, Memphis
Comments: What’s the deal with McDyess? So much is set, although they’re getting older. The question is: 4/5? Don’t Amir Johnson & Jason Maxiell need help: Dorsey can rebound, play defense, and go away on offense. CHECK!

30) Boston Celtics
Selection: Damion James, SF, Texas
Comments: Will he come out? Who cares, he’s a potential steal and a stud reserve on this talented roster. If he doesn’t come out, then there’s a boatload of talent here anyways. Notably, Tyler Smith.

Dont' cry Joey. A spot on the Piston roster is perfect for you.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

You know we want YOUR comments...NOW!!!!

Until next mock...