NBA Draft Preview: Preliminary Mock Draft

 

A legitimate big man is hard to find, and Oden is the real deal. Often compared to Bill Russell, Oden is a polished shot blocker but a little rough on the offensive end.

 

 

Boston Celtics — Kevin Durant

 

This versatile forward can score, rebound, and block shots. Durant could be the complementary scorer that Paul Pierce needs to make Boston a winner.

 

 

Milwaukee Bucks — Brandon Wright

 

The talented freshman from North Carolina brings low-post scoring and rebounding ability. Wright is an excellent power forward prospect in a deep class.

 

 

Phoenix Suns — Al Horford

 

What do you get a team that has everything? How about a versatile big man coming off his second straight national title. With his ability to run the floor, Horford would give the Suns another weapon in their already deep frontcourt.

 

 

Seattle Sonics — Corey Brewer

 

The Sonics biggest weakness is defending the perimeter, and Brewer was the best in the nation last season at doing just that. The Sonics also need an insurance policy in case Rashard Lewis decides to leave via free agency.

 

 

Portland Trail Blazers — Roy Hibbert

 

A big-bodied center who scores and rebounds. Hibbert could form a formidable duo with LaMarcus Aldridge, and his inside presence would take pressure off emerging star Brandon Roy.

 

 

Minnesota Timberwolves — Spencer Hawes

 

While not the banger K.G. needs to partner with, Hawes is a proven inside scorer who can take some  offensive pressure off Garnett.

 

 

Charlotte Bobcats — Jeff Green

 

A versatile small forward who can do all the little things that make a team better. Could help solidify a young Charlotte team searching for an identity. While he may not be the most gifted player in this draft, Green can contribute right away.

 

 

Chicago Bulls — Joakim Noah

 

Noah fits the bill for a team in need of one more frontcourt player. A long, lean forward who can block shots.

 

 

Sacramento Kings — Julian Wright

 

Good size and strength at small forward. Could provide insurance for the volatile Ron Artest.

 

 

Atlanta Hawks — Mike Conley

 

An impact point guard with huge upside. The Hawks are in need of a young dynamo to run the show—and Conley is the best guard in this class.

 

 

Philadelphia 76ers — Yi Jianlian

 

A talented seven-foot forward with great shooting ability. Not a back-to-the-basket scorer, but won't have trouble shooting over people from seven feet up.

 

 

New Orleans Hornets — Derrick Byars

 

A big-time performer who can score in bunches and do a little bit of everything else.

 

 

Los Angles Clippers — Nick Young

 

A scoring swingman with good athletic ability.

 

 

Detroit Pistons — Thaddeus Young

 

An unpolished small forward with great upside on the offensive end.

 

 

Washington Wizards — Al Thornton

 

A versatile and athletic forward with experience.

 

 

New Jersey Nets — Tiago Splitter

 

A solid but unspectacular big man who can help beef up the Nets frontline.

 

 

Golden State Warriors — Josh McRoberts

 

A great passing forward who could add a bit of height to the fast-paced Warriors offense.

 

 

Los Angles Lakers — Alando Tucker

 

A smart player with NBA skills and leadership ability to boot.

 

 

Miami Heat — Acie Law

 

A top-notch point guard with great scoring ability.

 

 

Charlotte Bobcats — Arron Afflalo

 

Afflalo is a smart, defensive-minded wing player with decent shooting range.

 

 

New York Knicks — Marcus Williams

 

A long small forward with excellent rebounding skills.

 

 

Utah Jazz — Rudy Fernandez

 

Fernandez is a slick guard who excels on the offensive end.

 

 

Houston Rockets — Javaris Crittenton

 

Likely the best point guard available when Houston's turn comes up. Crittenton is raw, but the Rockets need a youngster who can run the offense.

 

 

San Antonio Spurs — Daequan Cook

 

A scorer who could add some punch to the Spurs bench.