When it was announced that the Philadelphia 76ers had won the right for the second overall pick in this season’s draft, Washington Wizards owner Irene Pollin looked in shock as her team was the only one not called to that point.
It seemed as if she didn’t even know what she’d won, and in consensus number one pick John Wall, Pollin didn’t exactly pull out the “John Wall Dance” that he’s made famous (although that would’ve made for the greatest draft lottery ever).
Still, Pollin’s naivete towards this year’s draft could mean for a shake-up at the top. While some will say that Wall is easily the best player available, some have chirped that Evan Turner would be a better fit in Washington.
However, should the Wizards feel the need for a post player instead, this year’s depth of big men could intrigue them. And with the upcoming monumental free agency period approaching, this could be one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent history.
So, to channel a futuristic David Stern: With the first pick in the 2010 NBA draft, the Washington Wizards select...
1. Washington Wizards -- John Wall, G, Kentucky
When the Wizards were awarded the number one overall pick, did anyone else hope that Wall (who was shown shortly after the announcement) would go guns a’ blazing?
The gesture would’ve definitely made it easier for Wizards star, and gun aficionado, Gilbert Arenas to make a shift from his preferred position (PG) to a more reasonable one (SG) to accompany the young Wall.
Still, it would be wise for Arenas (something he’s not known for) to mature and become more team-oriented in order to let “the next Derrick Rose” come to Washington. At least that’s what Wizards fans are hoping to hear out of the quick-triggered Arenas when their draft talks begin.
Wall would be an excellent compliment to Arenas if in fact he lets the young prospect do his own thing and be a facilitator for the entire team.
If Wall proves to be the player that everyone thinks he’ll be and Arenas can stay humble and healthy, the Wizards would feature one of the most explosive backcourts in the NBA.
2. Philadelphia 76ers -- Evan Turner, G, Ohio State
In my first mock draft (before the lottery was selected) I wrote that the Sixers would love to get a guard who could score, but at the position that they were at (sixth), no player of that caliber would be available.
I wrote that, like the Wizards, they could be one of a few teams that could be looking to trade down to select a lesser-tier guard like James Anderson or Eric Bledsoe. Fortunately for both teams, they fell into the spots where the only two upper-tier guards will likely be available, one and two.
So for both the Wizards and the Sixers, either Wall or Turner would fill a huge need. And with Washington taking Wall (or at least according to me), Philly will have to “settle” for Turner.
The most versatile prospect in this year’s draft, Turner could play the 1, 2, or 3, but with the Sixers he would probably asked to be the floor general.
With solid young post players like Samuel Dalembert, Thaddeus Young, and Andre Iguodala, along with an aging but still efficient (when healthy) Elton Brand, the Sixers would clearly benefit from a player with Turner’s ability, whichever position he’s asked to play.
3. New Jersey Nets -- Wesley Johnson, F, Syracuse
With a point guard already in place in Devin Harris, the Nets may have benefited slightly from their drop from one to three. Add in emerging star Brooke Lopez at center and underachieving Yi Jianlian at power forward, and New Jersey should ultimately be looking for a shooting guard/small forward.
Sure, LeBron James would fill this gap pretty nicely if in fact he chooses the Nets in free agency, but with uncertainty surrounding just that, the team could shore up the position by drafting Johnson.
He has a scorer's mentality, but under Jim Boeheim’s tutelage became a more complete player this past season. Well-seasoned and well-traveled, Johnson is one of the most mature players in this draft and would be beneficial for youngins such as Terrence Williams and Chris Douglas-Roberts.
If the Nets start seeing any signs that LeBron wants to come to Jay-Zville, they may go after Derrick Favors to put pressure on Yi. If not, look for Johnson to be selected third.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves -- DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky
The Timberwolves may have gotten the worst of the lottery as they’ll miss out on the SG/SF that they’re really searching for. Still, most experts think that Johnson will be available in this spot.
If that’s the case, or if Turner falls (which is very unlikely), look for Minnesota to take either one. If not, they’ll have to go with one of the many big men available early on.
Cousins would come in a similar mold as current T-Wolves center Al Jefferson (only slightly larger). The pick would make Jefferson (and his $13 million owed next season) expendable for a possible sign and trade for one of the big-name free agents.
Minnesota could get very crafty with their picks much like they did last season, as they also have the 16th and 23rd overall selections.
One thing that they could do with these picks is choose a young big man that may still need some seasoning (as with Cousins or Derrick Favors) and use their other two picks on their true needs (SG and SF).
5. Sacramento Kings -- Derrick Favors, F/C, Georgia Tech
Sacramento has a pretty solid core of young backcourt players in Omri Casspi, Beno Udrih, and Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans. And although Spencer Hawes and Carl Landry are good role players, neither has the talent that Favors possesses.
He’ll probably work more as a power forward than a center, but could definitely move to the 5 if he adds some bulk.
His athleticism would be a great asset for Evans to work off of, and if indeed selected, would probably find himself starting over Landry.
Having such a talented big man would clearly be beneficial to an up-and-coming youthful team.
6. Golden State Warriors -- Greg Monroe, F, Georgetown
With Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry already in place in the backcourt, the Warriors true need is a big man that could put pressure on another Golden State prospect, Anthony Randolph. And of course, that big man has to be athletic to fit in with Don Nelson’s run-and-gun philosophy.
Enter Monroe.
The 6’11” forward would already bring a bigger body than Randolph (6’10”, 210 lbs) but doesn't give up much athletically. He has good hands for a his size and can put the ball on the floor.
He may need a year to develop, but Monroe is much more NBA-ready than most other prospects.
7. Detroit Pistons -- Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
The Pistons had higher expectations for the 2009-10 season after signing Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva in the offseason.
There was only one problem. They didn’t have a true center (unless you laughably count Kwame Brown or Ben Wallace). Detroit will probably want either Cousins or Aldrich here, but barring an emotional outburst from the former, Aldrich will probably be the only one left at seven.
He would immediately step in and start, and with his high basketball IQ, he shouldn’t see much of a troubling transition to the pros.
8. Los Angeles Clippers -- Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
This is an interesting spot considering the amount of money coming off the books for the Clippers. They could be looking for more depth at the guard position (with only Baron Davis and Eric Gordon definitely coming back next season barring a trade).
However, with no more guards worthy of the eighth pick, the Clips could trade their choice or settle for a SF/PF tweener like Aminu.
He should be able to immediately step in as the starter at SF unless they choose to go that route in free agency. If so, he would be the first man off the bench, and could back up the SF and also first overall pick last season Blake Griffin at the PF spot.
9. Utah Jazz -- Ekpe Udoh, F/C, Baylor
The Jazz are very talented and find themselves in a good position with a top-ten pick in this year’s draft.
However, they’ll probably have to deal with the departure of Carlos Boozer to the free agency market, so a selection of Udoh here would help fill that void.
His body is NBA-ready and may be used as more of a defensive player early in his career. He did show some big boy moves towards the end of this season, but could definitely polish up his offense.
Still, he could bring more athleticism to the Jazz, whose big men (Mehmet Okur and Kosta Koufos, most notably) lack just that.
10. Indiana Pacers -- Ed Davis, F, North Carolina
With Troy Murphy and Roy Hibbert as the main big men for Indiana, Davis’ silky smooth play would be a nice change-up to the frontcourt. Add in Murphy’s pending free agency after next season, and the Pacers would be wise to choose a PF.
Davis will probably need some time to develop, but ultimately should end up as a pretty good offensive pro.
However, until he gets some consistency in his mid-range game, he’ll still be a project.
11. New Orleans Hornets -- Patrick Patterson, F, Kentucky
When the Hornets were last a contender in the West, David West was an All-Star (not to mention Chris Paul was healthy).
Could West regain his old form? Sure, he’s just shy of 30.
But being injury prone always scares general managers and the Hornets may be thinking that it’s time to find West’s heir apparent, which is where a selection of Patterson makes sense.
He’s made from a similar mold as West, but if he improves his mid-range game, could become a better offensive weapon. He provides more athleticism than West and if he develops a jumper, he could become a solid NBA player.
12. Memphis Grizzlies -- Hassan Whiteside, F/C, Marshall
The Grizzlies are probably searching for a point guard while Mike Conley continues to underachieve, but may have to use one of their two later first-round picks for that need as very few quality points are available past Wall.
Whiteside would be the fifth seven-footer on the Memphis roster, but would easily be their most athletic big man.
He’s still pretty raw, but his potential is through the roof, and would battle for playing time early in his career.
13. Toronto Raptors -- Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky
The Raptors will probably be losing Chris Bosh to free agency and will be searching for some depth in the frontcourt.
Picking Orton at number 13 would allow them to move Andrea Bargnani to the power forward spot (which was occupied by Bosh) and play more of a true center at the 5.
Orton is definitely a project but already has the body for the NBA. He’ll need to polish his low-post game, but could be ready for a starting lineup in a couple of years.
Then again, if he goes to Toronto where post depth is lacking, he may be forced to grow up quickly.
14. Houston Rockets -- Larry Sanders, F, VCU
Houston's 1 through 3 are pretty set for the future with Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, and Trevor Ariza. The oft-injured Yao Ming is set to be a free agent after next season (unless he opts out of his $17.7 million player option this season), so the Rockets will probably be looking to add some size.
Sanders may not be the ideal option as for his size (6'9"), but he could definitely benefit from having quick guards so that he can utilize all his skills.
He's still very much a project, but for the Rockets, they seem to have the time as the oldest of their trio of backcourters (Martin) is only 27.
Look however for the Rockets to maybe be on the move from number 14, either up (to get Orton or Whiteside) or down (to get Solomon Alabi).
15. Milwaukee Bucks -- Xavier Henry, G, Kansas
The Bucks really need a power forward, but if Sanders, Whiteside, or Patterson aren't still around they may try to deal with the future departure of Michael Redd (who has an $18.3 million player option for next season).
Henry has a similar body-type to Redd's (6'6", 210 lbs. to 6'6", 214 lbs.). He'll need to work on his ball-handling skills, but he showed at Kansas that he wasn't afraid to shoot the ball on a team full of talent.
He may not be the quickest guard in the draft, but should serve as a good compliment to rising point guard Brandon Jennings.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Gordon Heyward, G/F, Butler
As I said with their first pick, the T-Wolves are really looking for a SG/SF to compliment Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Jonny Flynn.
Although they miss out on Turner, they still get a good fall-back option at 16 with Heyward.
He's one of the most basketball savvy players in this year's draft, and that should help him develop quicker than the rest of the pack. He can shoot and slash, and should immediately challenge for a starting spot in the right situation.
17. Chicago Bulls -- Eric Bledsoe, G, Kentucky
The Bulls would benefit more from a better defender like Avery Bradley, but if they want him they should be able to trade down past 20 and still get him.
If not, they'd definitely settle for some offense, and Bledsoe would bring just that. He has an NBA-ready shot and great range, but needs to polish his ball-handling to become truly effective in the pros.
Still, the kid has plenty of upside and with the right mindset could turn into a dynamic scoring threat in the NBA.
18. Miami Heat -- James Anderson, G/F, Oklahoma State
Much of what the Heat do in the draft has to do with what their feelings about free agency are by June 24th. Whether Dwyane Wade wants to stay or go will weigh heavily on their draft-day decision.
That said, Anderson is probably the best player available at this point. He can score in bunches and has enough size (6'6", 195 lbs.) to play either SG or SF.
With some uncertainty with their roster, they may go with the versatile option of James Anderson.
19. Boston Celtics -- Damion James, F, Texas
Much like the Bulls, the Celtics will probably be looking at Avery Bradley for his defense (not to mention the pending free agency of Ray Allen), but again could probably move down a few spots to get him.
They could still add some big man depth with the addition of James. His size (6'7", 225 lbs.) will make him develop into more of a SF than the PF that he was used to playing in college.
For that transition to happen, he'll have to work on his mid-range game and his ball-handling. However, he still has the physicality to become a solid defender in the league without sacrificing anything on the offensive end.
20. San Antonio Spurs -- Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State
The Spurs are undoubtedly aging, but still have some good young pieces that they've drafted in recent years (most notably George Hill and DeJuan Blair).
To add to the youth movement and address their need for a true center they can draft Alabi. The defensive-minded 7-footer definitely needs to develop some post moves to become efficient offensively.
He may be more suited for a transition-style team where he can utilize his athleticism, but will still be a good defender wherever he goes.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Stanley Robinson, F, Connecticut
The Thunder would really like to add a center with Nenad Krstic, Nick Collison, and Serge Ibaka as their best options, but unfortunately they may not have one available at 21.
They could really try to get Alabi whose style matches OKC's, but if not they could settle for another highly athletic player in Robinson.
His defense is suspect as he's too wiry to guard in the post and seems to get lost when trying to guard the perimeter. However, that lack of defense could easily get lost in the Thunder's high-paced game plan, and his athleticism would be ideal for OKC.
22. Portland Trail Blazers -- Paul George, F, Fresno State
The Trail Blazers have a pretty solid young core growing and have been hurt by injuries the past two seasons. That said, the team has the luxury of being able to take on a project.
The up-and-coming George is just that with his raw untapped skills. He'll be able to run the floor, but lacks the ability to score off of the dribble.
Still, he could grow into a very solid NBA player with the right tutelage.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Avery Bradley, G, Texas
With Cousins and Heyward joining the roster, Bradley would be added for purposes of depth and defense.
He's shown that he can score in spurts, but will need to add some consistency to his game in order to not be known as an offensive liability.
Still, his defense is NBA-ready while he has plenty of room for his body to grow (listed at only 180 lbs.). A big league weight program, however, could help Bradley develop into a premier defender in the pros.
24. Atlanta Hawks -- Elliot Williams, G, Memphis
In the past few years the Hawks have brought some good talent to Atlanta. Now, it seems as if one of their franchise mainstays may be on the way out.
To try to fill the potential void by free agent Joe Johnson, the Hawks will probably try to draft a shooter, and Williams is just that.
But even though he's got a good shot, he'll have to get better with the ball in his hands to become the double digit scorer he was at Memphis.
25. Memphis Grizzlies -- Luke Babbitt, F, Nevada
The Grizzlies still need a point guard, but all of them not named Wall aren't suitable for a 25th overall selection.
That said, Memphis needs to add some perimeter shooting with O.J. Mayo being their only current option from deep. Babbitt has excellent range for his size, and his athletic abilities may make him into a three-point specialist by default.
He doesn't have a good first step and his quickness is subject, but he has shown a good basketball IQ and an ability to slash by being smart rather than quick.
Still, he'll probably make a living behind the arc, at least early in his career.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma
The Thunder have James Harden, who they spent a high draft pick on last season, but could always use depth at the 2. Not to mention, Warren could have been a lottery pick if he would've chosen to come out after his freshman season.
He's shown the ability to score in multiple ways, but hasn't had consistency in any aspect of his offense.
If he can put it together, look for him to become an elite scorer in the NBA. If not, he'll be out of the league in five seasons.
27. New Jersey Nets -- Gani Lawal, F, Georgia Tech
If the Nets don't believe that Terrence Williams will develop into a solid NBA SG, then they may try to go for either Terrico White or Armon Johnson at 27.
If not, they'll try to put some pressure on Yi Jianlian at the power forward position by drafting Lawal. He's kind of small for a power forward (6'9") but has a big strong body that will allow him to be physical in the post.
He has some good post moves but will have to be creative both offensively and defensively when facing the many 7-foot powers in the league.
28. Memphis Grizzlies -- Terrico White, G, Mississippi
White wants to score first and distribute later, making him a good compliment to Mike Conley. He has good size (6'5", 203 lbs.) and could develop into a similar player as Tyreke Evans.
However, he'll still have to work on becoming a more complete player before comparing him to the 2009-10 Rookie of the Year.
29. Orlando Magic -- Devin Ebanks, F, West Virginia
The Magic clearly have a talented team, but probably need to add some depth in the frontcourt. Ebanks would provide just that, but will have to develop a better mid-range game in order to fit in with Orlando.
He still as a very large upside, though as his skills weren't particularly utilized in Bob Huggins' system at West Virginia.
30. Washington Wizards -- Quincy Pondexter, F, Washington
With Wall as their first pick, the Wizards will try to shore up their frontcourt by picking Pondexter. He's a clear slasher and should be a score-first guy in the NBA.
He's very athletic and has a good wingspan, which should make him a quality defender. While Pondexter may never be a superstar in the league, he could easily become a solid role player for years to come.
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