2010 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
It’s mid-June, which means that teams are already inviting players for workouts. And unless you’re the Lakers or Celtics, your attention is shifted completely towards free agency and the draft.
This draft presents some intriguing prospects and after the top pick, it’s really difficult to get a gauge on the draft.
One thing that I already know is that this is a draft full of big men and lacking in point guards. In other words, the complete opposite of last year’s draft.
Teams that need big men should take them while they’re available because there are about nine big men who could possibly go in the lottery.
The second thing that I know is that the Kentucky Wildcats are loaded with NBA prospects. Five ex-Cats are likely going to go in the first round.
1. Washington Wizards- John Wall
It is a well-known fact that John Wall is going to be the Wizards' choice. He’s the type of player who could turn around a franchise in disarray. Wall is the best prospect in the draft, flat out. He has unprecedented speed, athleticism, and he can get to the rim at will. Wall could have an impact similar to what Chris Paul is doing for the Hornets.
The question is, where does Wall fit next to Gilbert Arenas? The Wizards will likely play both together, a potentially explosive backcourt.
John Wall is going to be the face of the Wizards franchise. And that's the kind of addition that couild help the Wizards make a serious run at some free agents.
2. Philadelphia 76ers- Evan Turner
Like the Wizards, the Sixers are searching for their franchise-changer. After years of mediocrity, the Sixers are looking for a potential star and Evan Turner is the guy they need to take despite the need for a big man.
The team could look at Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins due to the need for a center. Sam Dalembert is a free agent after this season and may very well not return. In this league you can’t build a contender with Andre Iguodala as the team’s best player.
Evan Turner could come in, it would be his team right away, and he could make a serious run at the Rookie of the Year award next season.
Turner isn’t a clear fit next to Iguodala, but Iguodala is a small forward and Evan Turner is a shooting guard who can play three positions.
The more important aspect is that while Turner may fulfill a need like Favors or Cousins, he can play with the team’s other building-block, Jrue Holiday.
Holiday got limited playing time but shined late in the season. He's shown great potential considering he was the youngest player in the NBA.
A backcourt of Holiday and Turner could be the best in the league in five years or so. Turner may not have the upside or athleticism, but he’s the 2nd best player in this draft and a potential franchise-changer.
3. New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors
The Nets entered the lottery with the best odds at landing John Wall but find themselves picking third. However, the Nets are looking at a player in Favors who has the biggest upside in this draft. It's been tough to get a good gauge on Favors since his guards struggled to get him the ball in the post and his coach never seemed to make getting him the ball a priority.
Favors has been called the miniature version of Dwight Howard. He has similar measurements, physical tools, and is raw just like Dwight Howard was in his rookie year.
Pairing Favors with Brook Lopez would provide the Nets with a deadly duo of big men. While the Nets aren’t getting Wall or Turner, they are getting a player in Favors who has No. 1 pick talent and could develop into a superstar down the road.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMarcus Cousins
The Timberwolves ultimately want to move up and grab Evan Turner, but they still have a few options here. I have them taking the best player on the board, DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins, like Favors, has No. 1 pick talent. He’s been compared to many dominant bigs such as Shaq and Moses Malone.
Cousins is the biggest enigma in this draft. He has elite strength, great post moves, skill, and is the most dominant player when he’s at his best. He also has some attitude issues, bad conditioning at times, and a hot and cold motor, which is what will keep him from being a top two pick.
In my opinion, Cousins is the best big man and the second most talented player in this draft. If Cousins pans out, years from now we could be looking back in shock seeing that DeMarcus Cousins went fourth. He’s the biggest high-risk, high-reward guy in this class.
As for the fit in Minnesota, a big reason I think the Wolves would take Cousins over Wesley Johnson and others is that I believe David Kahn will likely trade either Al Jefferson or Kevin Love. Neither Jefferson nor Love is a franchise type player, or a true center.
While I can’t see all three fitting together, Cousins can fit perfectly with one of them and ultimately end up the best player in this draft.
5. Sacramento Kings- Wesley Johnson
Johnson is a very polished player who can play the two and three positions. Johnson was never thought of as a lottery pick at Iowa State, but established himself as one of the best college players in the country at Syracuse.
He’s a great passer, shooter, and an aggressive scorer. Johnson would be a great fit next to Tyreke Evans because Johnson could stretch defenses with his shooting ability, giving Evans room to maneuver. Some believe Johnson is a Joe Johnson/Shawn Marion type.
I don't believe Johnson will be a superstar, but he’ll have a long successful career.
6. Golden State Warriors- Greg Monroe
Monroe is the most skilled big man in terms of fundamentals. He’s the best passing big man in this draft, he has a solid jump shot, he’s unselfish, and he has a terrific basketball IQ. Monroe lacks elite athleticism, but his combination of size and skill can get him by just fine in the NBA
With Monroe, the Warriors are adding another solid young piece that could fit into their system. Don Nelson could do some dynamic things with Monroe, especially playing alongside Stephen Curry. The Warriors already have a man in the middle in Andres Biedrins, but he’s nothing like Monroe, who could come in and score effectively.
I don’t know how much longer Don Nelson will coach this team, but I do know the next coach could have a great foundation of Curry, Anthony Randolph, and Monroe.
7. Detroit Pistons- Al Farouq Aminu
Aminu is an extremely long, athletic player who can play both the three and four positions. In his second season at Wake Forest Aminu improved his perimeter skills and added toughness. He’s one of the most athletic players in this draft, and as for the fit with the Pistons, Aminu could slot right in at the four.
The team has looked into trading Tayshaun Prince, which would mean Aminu could play the three spot as well.
The Pistons are still a ways from returning to being a contender, but Aminu is a player who could be part of their long term future.
8. Los Angeles Clippers- Xavier Henry
Despite being the first Kansas Jayhawk to ever go one and done, Xavier Henry is one of the most polished players in this draft. Henry, has an NBA body, NBA three point range, and tested well at the combine.
Henry's performance at the combine show he can be a top ten pick despite his game tailing off at the end of the season.
Henry can be a little one-dimensional, but he brings qualities that the Clippers need. Remember that the Clippers started Rasaul Butler at shooting guard position last season. Henry can be a consistent shooting guard with solid shooting and penetration skills.
The Clippers need some three point shooting, which Henry could also bring. The bottom line is that Henry will come in and be productive right away, and the Clippers could use some NBA ready talent.
Expect the Clippers to look at Gordon Hayward, Luke Babbitt, Ekpe Udoh, and Ed Davis. Ultimately, I think their need for a consistent two guard outweighs their need for a big man; unless they are sold they can get LeBron James or Rudy Gay (which seems more plausible).
9. Utah Jazz- Luke Babbitt
The Jazz have been extremely high on Luke Babbitt. They feel he’s the type of player who can fill the void left by Kyle Korver.
The Jazz already brought Babbitt in for a workout, along with Xavier Henry, Gordon Heyward, and Al Farouq Aminu. While Greg Monroe is atop the Jazz board, I doubt he’ll be available. Babbitt is a solid fit for the Jazz and a smart player. The only problem is that he can’t play any defense.
10. Indiana Pacers- Ed Davis
There will be a lot of pressure for the Pacers to select hometown kid Gordon Heyward, but they already have a small forward in Mike Dunleavy Jr. who they owe a lot of money to, and other wing players.
The Pacers may have the worst point guard situation in the league, but there is no point guard really worth taking in the top ten.
Which is where Ed Davis comes in. Davis might not slip this far, but if he does the Pacers shouldn’t think twice about grabbing him. Davis is still pretty raw, but he has great potential, athleticism, size, and shot-blocking ability.
Davis could’ve been a top three pick had he come out last year, and he came into this season thinking that if he dominated he could contend for a top three pick again.
Davis, however, didn’t dominate. Instead he underperformed and injured his wrist, missing the end of the season.
Davis still has the potential to be a solid player. The Pacers have been looking for a physical forward and Davis could be that guy.
11. New Orleans Hornets- Cole Aldrich
The Hornets recently hired former Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams, and now look to fill the large void they have in the middle. The Hornets frontcourt is lacking depth, relying entirely on Emeka Okafor.
Cole Aldrich would be the most NBA ready of the big men available. Aldrich would be a great value pick at No. 11. He’s not the type of player who will be an all star, but he can block shots and could end up having a very long career.
12. Memphis Grizzlies- Avery Bradley
The Grizzlies desperately need a point guard, as Mike Conley has failed to live up to expectations. Bradley may not live up to expectations either. He averaged a meagre two assists, which is not what you want to see in from a starting point guard.
Bradley is considered a tweener, but tweeners have had success in the league. Just look at Jrue Holiday and Russell Westbrook. Bradley can also be the best defender in this draft. Bradley may be a risk, but the Grizzlies have a need at point guard, and the explosive, athletic Bradley could be the Grizzlies point guard of the future.
13. Toronto Raptors- Ekpe Udoh
The Raptors are likely losing Chris Bosh this offseason, which means they need to find a replacement at the four position. Udoh is the type of player that can be a defensive game changer, and Toronto’s defense was among the worst in the league.
The Raptors have needs at other positions too. They could look at Eric Bledsoe if they feel they are going to ship Jose Calderon, or they could go for another wing and add Paul George. But the Raptors desperately need a defensive anchor and a power forward, and Udoh can fill both those voids.
14. Houston Rockets- Paul George
The Rockets already have a small forward in Trevor Ariza, but Ariza doesn’t have the upside as a scorer like Paul George, perhaps the most underrated player in this draft.
George entered the year relatively unknown, but had a great season at Fresno State. The problem is that by draft night I don’t think that George will be available at no. 14.
15. Milwaukee Bucks- Gordon Heyward
Heyward is best known as the guy who led Butler one heave away from beating Duke in the title game. He’s also one of the most versatile players in the draft.
He may have struggled with his shooting, but he is a knock-down shooter, which is important for a team that features Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut.
The Bucks have a huge need at the wing position with the aging, injury-prone Michael Redd and John Salmons looking to test the market.
Heyward needs to add some size, but he is a versatile wing player who can penetrate and knock down three-pointers.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves- Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside is a player who was once predicted to go in the top ten. He reminds me of a seven-foot version of Tyrus Thomas. Whiteside is a monster shot-blocker, but he’s an inconsistent scorer, lacks a go-to move, and is still very raw offensively.
He’s another example of a boom-or-bust player.
The Wolves have a huge need in the middle. They will likely resign Darko Milicic, who gave the Wolves quality minutes late in the season. Darko, however, doesn’t seem to be a long-term fit for the Wolves.
Whiteside has the upside to develop into a Marcus Camby type player. The Wolves will have to be patient and handle him the same way the Wizards are handling Javale McGee.
17. Chicago Bulls- James Anderson
The Bulls are in desperate need of a shooting guard who can score, and Anderson fits the description. The polished swingman out of Oklahoma State averaged 22 points per game. He has the ability to stretch defenses due to his shooting ability and can also get to the rim.
Think of Anderson as a James Harden type. He isn’t flashy, but he can be a solid starting two guard. Anderson can come in and contribute immediately, and at No. 17, he’s a bargain.
18. Miami Heat- Eric Bledsoe
Many believe that if Bledsoe had gone to a program where he was the featured guard, he would have shined. He’s a solid knock-down shooter and a good penetrator.
He has an NBA-ready body, but needs experience playing the point guard position, seeing as he averaged more turnovers than assists.
Bledsoe could be the Heat’s starting point guard of the future and team up with Dwayne Wade to provide an explosive backcourt. He’s certainly an upgrade over Mario Chalmers and Carlos Arroyo.
By draft night Bledsoe could find himself going higher after impressing in his workouts. One of the big questions of the draft will be Bledsoe or Bradley as the second best point guard. Bradley currently has the edge.
19. Boston Celtics- Damion James
James has solid athleticism and a great motor. He’s a hybrid forward, but he can defend multiple positions. James could step in and contribute immediately even if the Celtics decide to bring back their veteran squad next season.
20. San Antonio Spurs- Patrick Patterson
Considered the elder statesman of the Kentucky Wildcats, Patrick Patterson was the team's leader. Patterson improved his jumper and added a perimeter game last season. At pick 20, Patterson is a steal and would be ready to contribute right away.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton
Daniel Orton is a bit of a mystery. He barely created a dent in the Wildcats box score, averaging three points, and three rebounds.
Despite the limited stats, Orton has all the physical tools to be a solid NBA big man. He’s a lottery talent but limited playing time and knee concerns may hold him back.
He’s an Oklahoma City native and could be a great fit with the Thunder. The Thunder are a big man away from being a contender. If the Thunder manage to get Orton they’ll be fortunate, but he could honestly go anywhere between picks 10 and 25.
The Thunder are going to need to be patient with Orton but he could have a big payoff.
22. Portland Trail Blazers- Solomon Alabi
Alabi measured as the biggest player in the draft and he has a terrific motor. Alabi is a terrific rebounder and shot-blocker. He’s far from a finished product, but the Blazers need someone to be able to step in if Greg Oden goes down.
Alabi has a large upside and could eventually be a Sam Dalembert-type center.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves- Kevin Seraphin
A Nike hoops summit product, Seraphin comes into the draft as a bit of an unknown. If picked, Seraphin will likely stay overseas for now, but he has a great upside.
24. Atlanta Hawks- Lance Stephenson
Stephenson is one of my favorite prospects. He’s a very interesting prospect due to the fact that he was highly touted coming out of high school and finds himself on the first round bubble. He has an NBA-ready body, and a great midrange game.
This could be great fit as the Hawks are in jeopardy of losing Joe Johnson; Stephenson is as good as anyone available and could develop into a great player for the Hawks.
25. Memphis Grizzlies- Larry Sanders
26. Oklahoma City Thunder- Craig Brackins
27. New Jersey Nets- Quincy Pondexter
28. Memphis Grizzlies- Devin Ebanks
29. Orlando Magic- Jordan Crawford
30. Washington Wizards- Keith Gallon
