2010 NBA Mock Draft, Picks 1-15
I posted my lottery picks last month. Here’s a look at the first fifteen picks.
1.Washington Wizards – John Wall, PG, Kentucky
Nothing has changed to move Wall out of the top spot.
2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State
Turner remains the Sixers’ best choice.
3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
Favors remains the logical choice to bolster the Nets’ frontline.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves – DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky
While Wesley Johnson fills a need at the small forward position, they are easier to come by than true centers. Cousins gives the Wolves a force in the middle to pair with undersized Al Jefferson and/or Kevin Love.
5. Sacramento Kings – Greg Monroe, C, Georgetown
With Cousins moving up a slot in this mock, the Kings go for Monroe instead to solidify the middle.
6. Golden State Warriors – Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
Johnson slips to Warriors, who gladly snatch him up. He is a great fit in their system as he can run the floor and stretch defenses with his three-point ability.
7. Detroit Pistons – Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor
Udoh gives the Pistons a talented big man that can help out on both ends of the court. His shot blocking ability will be coveted.
8. Los Angeles Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest
The Clippers continue to put the pieces together as Aminu fills as need at small forward. With Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Aminu, Blake Griffin, and Chris Kaman, the Clippers have a talented, young nucleus.
9. Utah Jazz – Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
The Jazz were exposed for their lack of size against the Lakers. Aldrich gives them a better chance to advance.
10. Indiana Pacers – Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina
Davis could end up one of the top three to five players in this draft. Getting him at ten, while filling a need, is a steal for the Pacers.
11. New Orleans Hornets – Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky
What Patterson lacks in size, he makes up for it with ability. Chris Paul will fall in love with him.
12. Memphis Grizzlies – Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada
Babbitt won’t confuse anybody for a defensive stopper, but he is very talented offensively. He gives Memphis another shooter.
13. Toronto Raptors – Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall
Assuming Chris Bosh does not return to the Raptors, it’s rebuilding time. That affords them to take the raw Whiteside and allow him to develop. He should be a force immediately on defense and grow into an offensive player.
14. Houston Rockets – Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky
Even if Yao Ming is healthy, they need insurance in case he is injured again. Orton needs some time to develop, which the Rockets can provide him as long as Yao is healthy.
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler
Hayward made a name for himself in Butler’s impressive tourney run. He gives the Bucks another smart player that can knock down open shots.
Click here for picks 16-30 .
Originally published at LestersLegends.com .
