2010 NBA Mock Draft Volume One: Lottery Edition
Here’s my first crack at a 2010 NBA Mock Draft. I’ll start with just the lottery picks.
1. Washington Wizards—John Wall, PG, Kentucky
It seems that point guards are the name of the game in this league. Washington could consider Evan Turner, since they already have Arenas. But, they can’t pass on Wall, the draft’s top prospect.
2. Philadelphia 76ers—Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State
There is always a chance that they trade out of this slot, but I doubt it. Philadelphia will likely add Turner to their backup, with Jrue Holiday, and slide Iggy over to the three.
3. New Jersey Nets—Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
The Nets effectively dropped out of the LeBron Sweepstakes when they failed to land the No.1 pick. While it would have been nice to land Wall, they can plug in Favors, an athletic big man, to play alongside Brook Lopez.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves—Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
The Wolves nab a top Syracuse player for the second straight year. Johnson gives Minnesota a talented wing player, which is a position of need. His three-point shooting can help stretch the floor. Of course, the Wolves make so many trades. It’s hard to predict what they’ll do.
5. Sacramento Kings—DeMarcus Cousins, PF/C, Kentucky
If Cousins didn’t have baggage (maturity, weight issues, inconsistency), he would likely be the top big man selected in this draft. There's still time for him to move up, or slide down, if he doesn’t impress. For now, I’ll add him to the Kings’ frontcourt.
6. Golden State Warriors—Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest
Aminu is very athletic, and should thrive in the Warriors system. He gives them a boost in both rebounding and defense.
7. Detroit Pistons—Greg Monroe, PF/C, Georgetown
Monroe gives the Pistons length. He’s not a great rebounder or defender, but he has the best passing skills of any big man in this draft.
8. Los Angeles Clippers—Patrick Paterson, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers need a wing player. Unfortunately, this draft isn’t loaded with high level wing talent. Paterson gives them another option to bang around the basket.
9. Utah Jazz—Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
Utah needs more lenght if they want to compete with the Lakers. Aldrich gives them a true center.
10. Indiana Pacers—Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina
Davis is one of those players that hasn’t had the chance to establish himself, thanks to a wrist injury. He has the pedigree, and the skills, to succeed at the next level.
11. New Orleans Hornets—Donatas Motiejunas, C, Benetton Treviso
Motiejunas is a European big man that can step out and knock down shoots. Okafor can do the dirty work down low while Motiejunas can stretch defenses.
12. Memphis Grizzlies—James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State
The Grizzlies can go in a number of directions. Judging by their need to rely on Allen Iverson and Jerry Stackhouse, they could use guard help. Enter James Anderson, who can shoot the rock.
13. Toronto Raptors—Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall
With Chris Bosh all but gone, the Raptors will have a gaping hole in the middle. He will help out with rebounding and defense initially, and has the ability to improve on the offensive end.
14. Houston Rockets—Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor
The Rockets need help in the front court, regardless of Yao Ming's health. Udoh will give Houston a defense boost with his long wingspan. His offensive game could take some time to develop.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
