Chad Ford's Mock Draft Has Charles Jenkins Going to the Chicago Bulls With the Last Pick of Round One

The first thing that sticks out about Hofstra guard Charles Jenkins is his ability to score. He averaged over 22 points a game his senior season and shot 52 percent. He is built like a bulldog at 6-3 and 220 pounds and can out-muscle smaller defenders in the post.

He is a very physical player that loves contact and gets to the foul line at will. Ford thinks he could be helpful off the bench for the Bulls:

The Bulls need scorers in their backcourt and ultimately need to find a backup for Derrick Rose at point guard. Jenkins' ability to play both backcourt positions is intriguing. He is big, strong, a very good shooter and one of the best pure scorers in the draft. He is a real sleeper.

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The problem is that he isn't the quickest player and he won't be dazzling anybody with his speed. Jenkins also had little help at Hofstra and will likely struggle early on off the ball.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

The Bulls don't really need anybody, so adding scoring depth to the backcourt is a win. He can come off the bench for a few minutes at a time and possibly turn into Ben Gordan 2.0.

The Bulls could use a scoring threat like Jenkins and he should fit in well in Chicago.

Chad Ford's Mock Draft Puts Lucas Nogueira on the San Antonio Spurs at Pick No. 29

Ladies and gentlemen...your most raw first round pick!

Lucas Nogueira is an 18-year old from Brazil. He stands at a towering 6-11...yet he is only 215 pounds!

He has to bulk up in a big way if he ever expects to survive in the NBA trenches. But he is a incredible shot blocker that runs the floor well and can be very explosive. Ford thinks a guy like Nogueira is right up the Spurs alley:

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 are ready. Nogueira seems like another good candidate.

He is long, athletic and a terrific shot-blocker. He just needs more experience and about 30 pounds of muscle. A few years in Europe should help prepare him.

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Letting him stay in Europe will be huge in his development. Clearly he is not going to step on a NBA court next season and be effective.

Good or Bad Fit?

Good

The Spurs have lucked out in the past with letting guys fine tune their game in Europe. Little is known about Nogueira, but he is filled wit potential and isn't that risky of a pick this late in the first round.

The Spurs window of opportunity is closing fast and they can't afford to spend a ton of time and resources developing a kid that can't drink legally for another two-and-a-half years.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Picks Tyler Honeycutt to the Chicago Bulls at Pick No. 28

UCLA guard/forward Tyler Honeycutt didn't make a huge impact in his two years of college, but he has a lot of the traits NBA scouts love.

Honeycutt is a very cerebral player with a great basketball IQ, he is a very disciplined shot blocker that rarely leaves his feet unless a shot is going up. A 6-8 guy that averages 2.1 blocks a game is quite impressive.

He is an intense defender that shows extreme effort on that end of the floor, because of that Ford thinks he would be great on a Tom Thibodeau coached team:

The Bulls continue to look for long-term answers at the 2, and Honeycutt could be a really nice steal here if he slides this far. He not only has a great basketball IQ and the ability to handle the ball, but is also a good shooter who can stretch the defense.

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Honeycutt is still a work-in-progress on offense. He can't create his own shot and has a very unreliable jumper as he shot a mere 40 percent from the field.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good fit

The Bulls are a defensive team and Honeycutt fits the mold. The lack of offense may come back to haunt the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, but they pride themselves on defense and tend to draft those kind of players.

If Honeycutt can develop a more consistent jump shot? Icing on the cake.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Thinks Justin Harper is Heading to the New Jersey Nets at Pick No. 27

Justin Harper is a 6-10 forward out of Richmond who is a great athlete that can run out on the fastbreak and beat his man off the dribble one-on-one.

He averaged 18 points on an incredibly efficient 53 percent from the field. He even made 44 percent of his three's— a very tantalizing stat for a guy that's so tall. Ford thinks he can step in and play for the Nets right off the bat:

Harper fits a need for New Jersey. He is big and athletic and can shoot the ball with range. After experimenting with guys like Yi Jianlian and Troy Murphy in this role over the past few years, Harper is cheaper and has more upside.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

He isn't the greatest rebounder for a man of his size and can shoot too many jumpers. Sometimes he struggles to create his own shot and the dreaded term "soft" has been mentioned when talking about Harper.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

Harper is declaring after his junior season and will be ready to step in right away and contribute instantly to a team that has a ton of needs to address.

The Nets have gaping holes in the front court and they have to select the best available big man.

Chad Ford's Mock Draft Likes Davis Bertans to the Dallas Mavericks at Pick No. 26

Davis Bertans out of Latvia is a very tough player to judge. There is a lot to like considering he is only 18-years old and stands at 6-10.

His natural position is small forward and he is a lethal shooter that gets off his shot extremely quickly. Bertans can be extremely aggressive on offense for better or worse and can create his own shot off the dribble. Ford is comparing him to a certain German on the Mavs:

It's unfair to compare any young European player to Dirk Nowitzki. But after watching Bertans shoot the lights out in the practices at the Nike Hoop Summit, that's how some scouts were referring to him. Bertans doesn't have Nowitzki's size or strength and looks to be a pretty serious project. But long term, he could be a really nice addition for the Mavs.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

As is the case with most of these foreign big men, he has to hit the weight room hard if he plans on surviving. The other issue is the aggressiveness in him that at times, causes him to take wild and low percentage shots.

Good Fit of Bad Fit?

Bad Fit

This guy sounds like he is straight off the Dirk Nowitzki tree of giant small forwards. Dirk is only 33 and is clearly still in his prime.

The Mavs can never have enough bulky guys that focus on defense. They need bulk and strength inside, not a skinny 18-year old that will be a 2-3 year project.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Likes Jordan Williams Going to the Boston Celtics at Pick No. 25

The guy that essentially sent Maryland coach Gary Williams into retirement after staying in the draft, Jordan Williams is one of the best rebounders in the entire draft.

The 6-10 sophomore is absolutely relentlessness in the paint and killed the ACC with offensive rebounds and second chance points. At 260 pounds, he is an absolute load to box-out and keep out of the paint. Ford calls him one of the steals of the draft:

The Celtics miss Kendrick Perkins, who was drafted (by Memphis) late in the first round of the 2003 draft. Williams could be another potential sleeper. He is big and physical and was one of the best rebounders in college basketball this past season. If he can stay in the sort of shape he displayed in Las Vegas, he could be a steal at this juncture in the draft.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

The knock on Williams is his lack of athleticism. He is very strong and has long arms, but his speed and lateral quickness isn't ideal.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

Big Baby 2.0.

As Glen Davis is set to become a free agent and likely be departing, Williams is a perfect replacement. It's no secret the Celts need a big guy in the paint that can play solid post defense and rebound the ball. These are two of Williams' strengths.

He has the body and ability to contribute right away for a team that has a small window of time left with their core nucleus.

Chad Ford's Mock Draft Places Nikola Mirotic on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Pick No. 24

The 21-year old Nikola Mirotic is a 6-10, 226 pound forward out of Serbia. He is a crafty player that can hurt you in a variety of ways on offense. Mirotic can take the ball to the hoop, shoot long range jumpers and also pass the ball extremely well.

But as Ford puts it, the Thunder would have to be very patient with Mirotic:

Sam Presti is an opportunist, and he is patient -- two critical traits in a great GM. Mirotic, based on talent, is a lottery pick. But a massive buyout means he won't be playing in the NBA anytime soon. If he stays in the draft -- a big "if" at this point -- someone will gamble on him. If it's Presti, he could be getting a major steal down the road.

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Aside from his need to bulk up and improve his rebounding, it's his European contract that scares teams away. Nobody is sure what the buyout is or when he can get out of it.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

The third youngest team is currently in the Western Conference Finals and can afford a project pick. As long as they can be assured of his presence on the team in the next 2-3 years...a team like the Thunder can wait.

With lottery sized talent, the Thunder would get a steal picking him all the way back at No. 24.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Puts Reggie Jackson on the Houston Rockets at Pick No. 23

The 6-3 Reggie Jackson is a potential first round pick because of this athleticism. He can jump out of the gym and has a very explosive first step that will easily translate to the NBA.

Ford thinks he would fit in well with the other Rockets point guard:

Kyle Lowry is coming off a career year, but Jackson would give them a very different look. Jackson is a terrific athlete, has a ridiculous 7-foot wingspan and shot the lights out his junior year. He has virtually every quality you look for in a modern NBA point guard and would likely be a good complement to Lowry.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

Jackson's big issue is his basketball IQ. He doesn't have a great feel for the game and he will take some horrible shots at times—but it's hard to knock a guy that averaged 18 points a game while shooting over 50 percent from the floor.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

The future of Aaron Brooks is completely up in the air and Lowry is a serviceable option, but an upgrade wouldn't be such a bad idea.

He is a strong defender that would fit in well for a defensive minded team like Houston. Jackson paired up with Kevin Martin would poise some serious issues to opposing defenses as well.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Finds Tobias Harris Going to the Denver Nuggets at Pick No. 22

Tobias Harris left Tennessee after one year because he knew the program was a sinking ship. The 6-8, 225 pound Harris is a load in the paint and will only get stronger as he gets older.

He is an unselfish player that can do it all on the offensive side of the ball. Harris plays multiple positions on the floor and has three-point range. Ford thinks Harris is going to be a steal for the Nuggets:

Harris may be one of the more underrated players in the draft. 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.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

As Ford said, Harris doesn't dominate in any one area of the floor and he will need to work on his conditioning. But all signs point to a long and productive career for Harris.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

With Kenyon Martin likely to leave in free agency, Harris would take his spot and produce 20-25 minutes of strong defense and rebounding—while also being more of an offensive threat.

He will take some time to adjust to the Mile High altitude of Denver, but that will only improve his conditioning quicker.

He would fit right into George Karl's offense, this is a great fit.

Chad Ford's Mock Draft Finds Donatas Motiejunas to the Portland Trail Blazers at Pick No. 21

Donatas Motiejunas would be the fifth foreign born player to be selected in the 2011 NBA Draft. The 7-0 19-year old out of Lithuania is extremely athletic for a big man and can run the floor well.

He is able to score with either hand around the basket and is an exceptional passer. He can take opponents off the dribble and has a great basketball IQ for such a young guy. Ford thinks they select him despite having a bigger need:

The Blazers have been looking for a point guard -- Reggie Jackson, Darius Morris and Nolan Smith will get a look -- but the team also needs depth on its front line. Motiejunas provides that and, at No. 21, he's a big-time bargain.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

The big knock is that the extremely thin Motiejunas (220 pounds) will get pushed around in the paint. He has to add a ton of bulk to his frame to avoid getting pushed around at will.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Bad Fit

The Blazers were the definition of a half court team last season as they averaged fewer possessions than any other team in the NBA. Why in the world would they want a 7-0 skinny guy that likes to run?

The Blazers are better off getting the best point guard available or getting a big man that is comfortable in the post and can be a huge asset in the rebounding department. Motiejunas is better off going to a team that likes to get out on the break and make it a track meet.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Places Marshon Brooks To The Minnesota Timberwolves at Pick No. 20

This guy likes to shoot the ball...a lot.

Marshon Brooks is a shooting guard from Providence that was second in the nation as a senior, scoring 24.6 points a night. He has a ridiculous 7-2 wingspan—yet is only 6-5.

He is lethal with the ball in his hands and is a surefire weapon on offense in the pro's. Ford thinks he fills a gaping hole at the 2-guard:

While the Wolves are stacked with young talent at multiple positions, 2-guard has been an ongoing need for the past two years. The Wesley Johnson at the 2 experiment didn't really go well this past season -- he's been a forward his whole life and will likely stay that way.

Enter Brooks, the second-best scorer in college basketball. Brooks' dynamic ability to create his own shot off the dribble, combined with solid shooting numbers, should be a big help to Minnesota.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

Defensively he needs to put forth more effort and show his coaches that he cares. That's a problem a strong veteran team can easily take care of.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Bad Fit

The Timberwolves aren't a strong veteran team. They are a bunch of kids that are looking to fill up the stat sheet and they don't need a volume shooter like Brooks.

He struggles to get his teammates involved and needs to improve on his 34 percent clip from behind the arc.

The T-Wolves don't need a personality and style of player like Brooks.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Places Jordan Hamilton With the Charlotte Bobcats at Pick No. 19

Jordan Hamilton is the ideal size at 6-7 for a small forward. He is a prolific scorer that averaged 18.6 points in his sophomore season for an offensively challenged Texas team.

He runs the floor very well and has great ball handling skills. Ford finds Hamilton to be a gift for the Bobcats:

Landing Hamilton here would be a steal. Not only is he a terrific shooter with size, but he may be one of the two or three best scorers in the draft. Yes, his shot selection can be a little wild, but he should be a very good fit in Charlotte as it begins the rebuilding process.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

The issue lies in his tendency to be selfish and taking horrible shots at times. In the NBA he will learn quickly that a trait like that is unacceptable and I doubt it will be a long term issue.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

The Bobcats are in desperate need of offense and landing a guy like Hamilton this deep in the draft would be huge. He is capable of averaging 10-15 points a game right off the bat and that's exactly what the doctor ordered for Charlotte.

He will bring a lot to the table and would fit in well with the Bobcats.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Places Klay Thompson With The Washington Wizards at Pick No. 18

Klay Thompson this high?

He has been seemingly off the boards of all mock drafts.

But now he is suddenly in the top 20. Thompson has a deadly shot and his 6-6 frame is appealing for a guard. Ford thinks free agency will make the Wiz make a pick like this:

Nick Young is heading into free agency, and the Wizards could use another shooter in their backcourt to complement Wall. Thompson rivals Fredette as the best shooter in the draft and would be a great fit for the Wizards.

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Thompson led the Pac-10 in scoring with 21.6 ppg and garnered First Team All Pac-10 honors.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Bad Fit

Here in lies the biggest fail in Ford's first mock draft.

Just because the Wiz are losing the ineffective Nick Young doesn't mean they have to address the need with the 18th pick.

Jamal Crawford came on extremely strong for the Wiz at the end of the season and looks poised to take over the starting shooting guard position.

The Wizards need to address their front line woes and look for a guy that can play tough interior defense. They have to shed the soft image they currently posses—Thompson isn't going to change that.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Puts Josh Selby on the New York Knicks at Pick No. 17

Josh Selby is a very dangerous pick to make.

He was one of the top prospects in the entire freshman class because of his NBA body and ability to be a ferocious defender. But he fell in Kansas coach Bill Self's doghouse and showed signs of immarturity at times.

Nevertheless Ford calls Selby a ideal fit for the Knicks philosophy:

GM Donnie Walsh may have made the biggest mistake of his career when he passed on a number of terrific, young but unproven point guards in 2009 so he could draft Jordan Hill. Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson and Jrue Holiday -- and even Darren Collison, Eric Maynor and Jeff Teague -- each appears to be on his way to a long NBA career. Don't expect the Knicks to make the same mistake again.

They've been looking long and hard at Selby for a while, thinking he'd thrive in Mike D'Antoni's system, which allows guards much more freedom than they get at Kansas. Selby has lottery talent, but a shaky résumé. It may be a risk taking him this high, but he has a very high upside.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

His attitude problems are a major concern and teams will really have to do their homework on that. But with the potential to be a No. 1-or-2 player on a championship team—it's hard to pass on him.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

He can focus on his defense right off the bat and we all know how much the Knicks need help on that end of the floor. With superstar veterans like Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire around to stay on Selby...his immaturity issues will be addressed quickly.

Selby has the chance to be a star and cold be a huge contributor for the up-and-coming squad in NYC.

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft Places Markieff Morris to the Philadelphia 76ers at Pick No. 16

The other big Morris brother from Kansas, Markieff is a whole lot more than just a consolation prize. The 6-10 Markieff is actually taller than his brother and is a better defender and leaper.

He has incredible athleticism for a big guy and will block a ton of shots at the next level. Ford says that there are more than a few reasons he would be a good fit:

The Sixers really need a big man, and Morris, a Philly native, is the best one left on the board. Morris has a rep as a good defender, shot-blocker and rebounder, but he also proved at Kansas that he can step out and hit the 3. He's a bit rawer than his brother, but he's a good get at this point in the draft.

MUST READ: Top 25 Big Men in The 2011 NBA Draft

He may not be as polished of a scorer, Morris seems like a guy that just needs to learn from the best to unleash the talent that exists inside of him.

Good Fit or Bad Fit?

Good Fit

Gotta love the fact he is a Philly native. Morris would have the opportunity to play with Elton Brand and soak up all of the valuable information he can provide him.

The 76ers are an up-and-coming team that is ready to win now and the 21-year old Morris is as NBA-ready as almost any player in this draft.