I had the Sonics selecting Russell Westbrook with the number four pick, so point guard should be pretty much set. You also have Durant at the two, so positions three through five need to be addressed.
The Sonics have drafted a number of big men over the last few seasons who have, quite frankly, just not panned out (at least to date). The Sonics have six selections total in this draft, and can afford to go best player available rather than need.
Bill Walker is a big forward that can defend and jump out of the gym. He is strong enough to keep big forwards from bullying him down low, and quick enough to keep most slashers in front of him. There have been serious concerns about his knees, but he has shown lately that he can come back from injuries and still be effective out on the court.
No. 25 Overall Selection (Houston Rockets): Darrell Arthur, Power Forward, Kansas
Arthur is a scoring forward, and that’s about it. He has a good mid-range jumper and can finish at the rim good enough. He and Yao Ming would make a decent inside-outside tandem. He will have trouble getting into their line-up however, with Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes, and Carl Landry at the four spot.
He is the best player available at this point in the draft though, so you can find a way to play the best talent available if that is the draft methodology you choose to use.
No. 26 Overall Selection (San Antonio Spurs): Keith Brumbaugh, Small Forward, Hillsborough Community College
An extremely athletic, hard working lefty that can flat out score. He hasn’t faced good competition but has gotten a reputation for being a hard worker. The Spurs have a need at small forward with Bruce Bowen’s advancing age and Ime Udoka’s mediocrity.
Brumbaugh may need a year, but I think he would fit in with the Spurs' system. I know some of you are saying “Who is this?” but trust me, you will know soon enough. He will make a solid pro. The Spurs are notorious for taking guys in the later part of rounds that most fans have never heard of. They are very much the Patriots of the NBA when it comes to drafting. Brumbaugh will be their next diamond in the rough.
No. 27 Overall Selection (Portland Trail Blazers): Nathan Jawai, Power Forward, Australia
Jawai is a big, physical, low-post player. He is strong going to the basket and could develop dominating post-moves if groomed correctly. Jawai also rebounds and block shots well, and looks like a significantly more mobile Kendrick Perkins.
No. 28 Overall Selection (Memphis Grizzlies): Alexis Ajinca, Power Forward, France
Ajinca has a 7’8” wingspan and stands at 7’1”. He needs to fill out before he will be strong enough to play in the NBA, but his length is certainly intriguing. He also has decent skills around the basket on both ends. The Hornets could use some depth at the four and five, and Ajinca could be a tremendous help.
No. 29 Overall Selection (Detroit Pistons): Davon Jefferson, Forward, USC
Jefferson served as O.J. Mayo’s sidekick in his one year at USC. He is ridiculously athletic and can finish at the rim in a lot of ways. His ball handling is good, and can get where he wants to go off the dribble. Jefferson is a beast on the offensive boards and runs the floor exceptionally well.
He draws a lot of comparison to Richard Jefferson in my mind. I think the Pistons pick up another Stuckey-type steal in this draft if they can get Davon Jefferson.
No. 30 Overall Selection (Boston Celtics): Courtney Lee, Shooting Guard, Western Kentucky
A college senior that draws comparisons to Ray Allen. He most likely WON’T be Ray Allen, but he has a sweet stroke, can slash, and is at his best shooting from the mid-range. That’s very Ray-like if you ask me, and of the Big Three, Allen is probably going to be the first to decline.
This is a sound pick if you’re the Celtics, as Lee will provide bench depth right away. Sam Cassell, Eddie House, Tony Allen, James Posey, and P.J. Brown could all be gone next year, so the Celtics’ bench production has to come from somewhere next season.
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