Drafttek Draft Takes

#19 Cleveland Cavaliers: SG, PG, F

Team Analysis: The number one thing this team needs is to keep LeBron James happy. If everyone stays healthy and this team meshes they might not need to do any dealing. Consistency is what they’re looking for along with immediate impact. If they take a Euro and stash him overseas and things go badly midseason, LeBron will be this much closer to jumping ship.

Potential Pick: Brandon Rush (SF-Kansas)

Player Analysis: Injury problems plague this kid out of Kansas after he suffered a broken elbow as a child and can still not straighten it 100%. However, it has never affected his above-average jump shot. He has NBA athleticism and body and will be able to contribute right away on almost any team in the league. He is great at both creating his own shot and shots for other teammates.

#20 Denver Nuggets: PG, SF

Team Analysis: This team, as it is, is floating. The top three scorers do not compliment each other and there is literally no perimeter defense. Rumors are flying around about Iverson, Camby, and Anthony all moving but if everything stays the same they need to add some one with creativity and control on the court.

Potential Pick: Courtney Lee (SG- W Kentucky)

Player Analysis: If Lee had had a better NCAA tournament he would have been a lottery pick, but questions about his gamesmanship abound. He is an A+ shooter from midrange and can create his own. A better defender than many people think he his and an excellent passer although his assist numbers do not always support that. Carries a lot of guilt about his team’s exit in the NCAA Tourney but did not have the most help.

#21 New Jersey Nets: Forward, Center, Guard (Last Pick: Danilo Galinari)

Team Analysis: Assuming Galinari is the first pick it is easy to see the Nets back in the playoffs next year. Still with their second pick the Nets will be looking for depth and probably size.

Potential Pick: Alexis Ajinca (C- France)

Player Analysis: Ajinca needs a year or two to add muscle to his 7-1 frame. He has not had a lot of time at the highest levels of European play and is all projection right now. He looks to be an excellent rebounder and shot blocker and needs to add footwork in the paint and consistency to his jump shot.

#22 Orlando Magic: SG, PF

Team Analysis: The Magic got career years out of 4/5 starters (Nelson being the one exception) to think that the stars will align and everyone play that well again would be short sighted. An immediate upgrade at shooting guard would be great but the biggest improvement would be size in the paint to take pressure off of Dwight Howard.

Potential Pick: Mareese Speights (C/PF- Florida)

Player Analysis: Speights is a tad short to be a true center in the NBA but could make it work on most teams. He would be even better as an on-the-block power forward and has a lot of room to grow and polish his already NBA-ready game. Lack of stamina is a big problem and is probably not ready for heavy minutes. Needs a heavy hand to guide his development.

#23 Utah Jazz: SG, PG

Team Analysis: The biggest improvements this team can make are within. Mehmet Okur is a 15-7 guy who could be 20-10. Ronnie Brewer is only getting better along with Paul Milsap. If the team needs to add anything it is depth at the guard positions. If nothing is there expect a Euro pick to stash. Popular opinion is that Roy Hibbert could go here which is a possibility but his game mirrors Boozer too much that it may clog the middle. (And do you really want Okur off the bench?)

Potential Pick: Nicolas Batum (SF-France)

Player Analysis: Batum played really well in a few games and practices for Nike and had people believing he was the European Shawn Marion. However, even at a very low European league he averaged only 8 pts and 3 reb. His game closely resembles a poor man’s Josh Smith. Batum is 1-2 years away from helping most NBA teams but could help his cause if he shows his jump shot is ready for primetime.

#24 Seattle SuperSonics: C, F, PG (last pick: Kevin Love)

Team Analysis: Assuming Kevin Love went with the first pick they still need a distributor from the guard position, a dead eye jump shooter, or a young athletic point guard. However the spot for immediate upgrade potential is Center.

Potential Pick: Roy Hibbert (C-Georgetown)

Player Analysis: Hibbert has all the size, strength, and footwork of Olajuwon with absolutely none of the fluidity, grace, and creativity that made him great. He is a good passer who was able to showcase his skills a lot more when Jeff Green was in town. At only 21 he still has a lot of time to refine his athleticism but is a leader with great basketball skills. Some feel he needs to drop 10 lbs and play with more speed and finesse, others feel he needs to add 10 lbs and play with more power.

Note Bene: The entire Mock Draft along with commentary and debate can be heard this evening at 5:05 Central Time on the Average Joe Sports Show (www.knuj.net)

#13 Portland Trailblazers: SF, PG

Team Analysis: Let’s face it; this team is a playoff contender next year regardless of who they pick up with this pick. They are getting Greg Oden which will push either Aldridge or Pryzbilla to the bench (or to another city via trade) and Rudy Fernandez is joining the team after a great year in Spain and will be an immediate upgrade to their bench scoring. This pick may be combined with Travis Outlaw but if they stand pat look for them to either take a player to stash overseas (a trend now in Portland) or a player who can help at multiple positions.

Potential Pick: Donte Green (SF- Syracuse)

Green is a player with tons of potential but still an ability to help an NBA team right away. He is another guy who is 6-11 and can play either forward position. Not ready to log starter’s minutes in the NBA due to lack of decision making skills but an excellent 3^rd or 4^th option with plus shooting, slashing, and defense.

#14 Golden State Warriors: PF, C, SF, PG

Team Analysis: Last year’s playoff run was an aberration not something to be expected. This team is a lot closer to being a perennial lottery team than a playoff threat. They have an undersized and underachieving front line (although Biedrins has greatly improved) and are not getting much from the Small Forward or Backup PG positions. SG is really their only position with depth. The drafting of a tall forward gives the Warriors the ability to move Al Harrington to the SF and move Stephen Jackson out of town.

Potential Pick: Robin Lopez (C-Stanford)

Player Analysis: Maybe this is too good of a fit, I’m not sure. It’s right down the road from where he played his college ball and he fits with the system. There truly are not many seven-footers who move in transition like Lopez and are polished enough on the offensive glass to handle a team that takes so many jump shots. Robin is not as good as his brother Brook but at this point of the draft is the best combination of size and defense that many teams are looking for.

#15 Phoenix Suns: C, PF, SG

Team Analysis: The Phoenix Suns as we know them are dead. No more constant running, no more super-tempo. The administration tired of that act and not only inserted Shaq into the lineup but got rid of the coach who installed it. There is really no telling what kind of player this organization is looking for although they are VERY weak along the front court especially if you consider the days of Diaw playing the five-spot done with. Phoenix is still a playoff team and a top-5 team in the NBA but they will need to conform to a new offense and prepare for the days without Shaq and Steve Nash.

Potential Pick: JaVale McGee (PF- Nevada)

Player Analysis: This seven-footer out of Flint, Michigan (by way of Nevada) has pedigree to beat the band (Father drafted by NBA in 1985, mother played and coached in WNBA). More to the point however is that he is athletic, good with either back or front to the basket and right now is one of the more polished high post players in the draft. Meanwhile he has a LOT of potential and room to grow as a back to the basket low post scorer and a frame with a lot of muscle to be added. At only 241, he could stand to add 20lbs in the next few years.

#16 Philadelphia 76ers: G, PF, C

Team Analysis: The Sixers have a superstar in Iguodala and an above average yet aging PG in Miller. Other than that they could stand an upgrade at every other position. Many of the young players on this team are underachieving and they could use another veteran more than anything. This pick plus Andre Miller could bring a good parcel back to Philly. If they stick with it, look for another body to be added at either Forward or SG.

Potential Pick: Darrell Arthur (PF- Kansas)

Player Analysis: One of the players who definitely could have used another year to add weight and polish to his game. He reminds a lot of scouts as a shot-hungry Tayshaun Prince because of his length and his defensive skills. Above average both near and away from the basket, does not have a LOT of range on his shots and definitely would fit most teams much better at a 4 even though his body right now resembles a 3.

#17 Toronto Raptors: C, SF

Team Analysis: The Raptors do not have as many wholes as their detractors would like you to believe. Even without TJ Ford they are a plus at the PG position if Calderon is resigned and Ukic comes over from Croatia and plays to expectations. What they need is a SF who isn’t a situational player (Moon-defense/Kapono-3 point specialist) or size (ie Power) to put along side Chris Bosh. Brandon Rush is a serious possibility here.

Potential Pick: Kosta Koufos (C-Ohio State)

Player Analysis: In a league where international big men are all the rage, Koufos took a year in the NCAA to show he could bang as well as be a finesse player. Still…his game resembles an Okur or a Milicic more than a Boozer/Kaman. He can hit shots from all over the court and is a perfect compliment to a low-post PF/C because he can play many different styles. Is a below average passer and ball handler and doesn’t enjoy defense as much as scouts would like.

#18Washington Wizards: F, C, SG

Team Analysis: The polar opposite of the Raptors. This team is much worse than their record allows and that is even if everyone returns and is healthy. This team makes the playoffs in the weak Eastern conference with spit and vinegar alone and while it’s admirable it doesn’t last. Antonio Daniels only works at PG if there are enough scorers around him and if Gilbert Arenas is on the floor it is ok. However that leaves a lack of depth at both of those positions. Nick Young needs to become a 15 pt scorer and the team lacks a true starting caliber big man (Jamison is a PF but he isn’t big).

Potential Pick: DeAndre Jordon (C- Texas A&M)

Player Analysis: This is a guy who isn’t going to help out right away except for the occasional 10-10 outburst that accompanies many rookie seven-footers. Meanwhile he is VERY raw and could benefit from a lot of teaching especially in the areas of scoring with his back to the basket and defense. He is an upgrade over many of the league’s big men right away with lots of room for improvement.

#7 LA Clippers: PG, SG, SF

Team Analysis: Bigger problems arise if Corey Maggette and Elton Brand opt out of their current deals but right now the only problem is that Shaun Livingston is unknown and Brevin Knight does not belong in the starting lineup. If a point guard isn’t available an upgrade over Cuttino Mobley should be.

Potential Pick: Russell Westbrook (PG/SG-UCLA)

Player Analysis: Could go a few slots higher because of his projections at Point Guard but right now can probably help a team out much more at Shooting Guard. Is wonderfully athletic with great slashing ability and an above average jumpshot. Westbrook is A+ defensively and has intangibles teams crave. On the downside he is a below average ball handler and plays out of control at times.

#8 Milwaukee Bucks: Guard, SF

Team Analysis: If you believe Milwaukee fans the #1 biggest need for this team is a new owner. However, a new GM and Coach alone will probably put this team as an eight-seed in the east. One of their starting guards (Redd, Williams) is probably leaving this summer so if a top notch combo guard is available they could be looking there as well. The drafting of Alexander would give Skiles a player with versatility and athleticism as well as discipline.

Potential Pick: Joe Alexander (SF-W. Virginia)

Player Analysis: Right now Alexander is a tall SF with poor defensive skills and a propensity to post up. In two years the soul-patched yet baby-faced Alexander will weigh 20 more lbs, have grown into his ears, and be a potential all-star at PF. At his best when he’s getting to the free-throw line he needs a lot of polish but has remarkable amounts of upside and is shooting up draft charts—could go a LOT higher on hype alone.

#9 Charlotte Bobcats: Center, Forward

Team Analysis: This team is set at every starting position except for Center but lacks depth and with its injury history it needs that the most. If Lopez or another Center they like is available they will keep the pick, otherwise it will be traded for veteran help or multiple picks down the road. Charlotte is a playoff team sooner rather than later all this team needs is a healthy season.

Potential Pick: Brook Lopez (C- Stanford)

Player Analysis: Could go as high as #3 (Timberwolves) with possibilities at #5 (Memphis) or #6 (Knicks). He is one of the most tailor made players in this draft but scouts fail to see how he could improve his game. He lacks overall athleticism and creativity on the block. Nevertheless he is a efficient scorer and can play both high and low post.

#10 New Jersey Nets: Forward

Team Analysis: Their PG (Devin Harris) is a future all-star and their SF (Richard Jefferson) is an all-star caliber player right now. Their biggest problem is along the front line due to injury problems with Nenad Kristic—who is a possible 20-10 player, and not knowing what you are going to get on any given night with Josh Boone, Sean Williams, and especially Vince Carter.

Potential Pick: Danilo Galinari (SF-Italy)

Player Analysis: Biggest upside for Galinari is that he can play SG, SF, and PF depending on who drafts him. He lacks defensive ability but is athletic enough that he could be good there given teaching. Right now he projects as an above average bench player and future 6^th man of the year simply because of his versatility. He is a great passer and shows remarkable creativity. Could be left in Europe for a year but wants to play in the NBA (especially in New York/ New Jersey)

#11 Indiana Pacers: PG, C

Team Analysis: This team is a mediocre mess. As they are right now they will never make the playoffs or be bad enough to acquire an immediate impact player in the draft and they couldn’t attract a free agent to save their lives. Meanwhile there is upside to be seen along the roster—Granger and Dunleavy are above average players while Diener, Foster, and Troy Murphy are serviceable but have no business in an NBA starting lineup. If Jermaine O’Neal stays, this pick is definitely a PG…if he is moved they could grab a big body.

Potential Pick: DJ Augustine (PG-Texas)

Player Analysis: Augustine is better than this pick but size concerns (listed at 6-0 but more than likely not even close) and questions about his jumper may drop him as low as the end of the lottery. However he is a great leader and passer and draws comparisons to Steve Nash both in respect to style of play and locker room leadership. Can step in right away and log solid minutes for any NBA and start for many of them.

#12 Sacramento Kings: PF, PG

Team Analysis: Typical media types look at the Sacramento roster and claim they need a PG but let me tell you there is nothing wrong with Beno Udrih as a starter. What they need most of all is to make Artest happy (or get enough in return for him) and solidify a promising yet questionable front line.

Potential Pick: Anthony Randolph (PF-LSU)

Player Analysis: Similar to Joe Alexander in that his body isn’t suited for NBA level competition quite yet. However at 6-10 he can run the floor and has impressive ball handling skills. Would not hurt a team as a SF but he needs to add strength to succeed. Meanwhile he can hit a 13-18’ jumper and may be a serious contender in the 2009 Dunk Contest.

Hey all. Drafttek has tossed around the idea of doing an NBA draft feature in the spirit of the NFL draft simuation you all have been accustomed to. Well…as our front page lets everyone know we will work on this next year when we get more feedback on how everything is going to work–we all know that “team needs” in basketball can’t be dumbed down to positional things.

So, I did my own mock draft and I decided to use the Blog to get it out to the people. Five installments–six picks a piece–starting today with #1-6.

2008 NBA Draft

#1 Chicago Bulls: Small Forward, PG

Team Analysis: The luckiest team also has the hardest decision. Torn apart midseason they haven’t had sufficient time to know what they really need and the two best players are at their strongest positions. In the end, the best player available is probably Beasley but Point Guard is the wave of the future and Rose is a hometown hero.

Potential Pick: Derrick Rose (PG-Memphis)

Player Analysis: Easily one of the most athletic players in the draft at one of the most important positions. Is a Chicago native who might be the strongest ball handler at the collegiate level in a long time (yes, better than Deron Williams or Chris Paul). He needs to improve jump shooting and free throw shooting.

#2 Miami Heat: PG, Center

Team Analysis: Right now they have a very athletic team and very versatile. Their problem is that they are very injury prone and are weak at the two most important positions. They would really like Derrick Rose and will probably be fielding calls to see if they can get a veteran in a trade-down scenario. Rumored to be enamored with Mayo but that is too much duplicity along the lineup. Beasley gives them the best chance to put points on the board right away.

Potential Pick: Michael Beasley (PF-Kansas State)

Player Analysis: The best player in the NBA draft falls prey to fad—no one wants to miss out on the next great PG. This is a great place for Beasley to land because his only question marks are immaturity issues and having Dewayne Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Pat Reilly around will hopefully solves those. Can play SF or PF and has the ability to play in the post or dominate you with his jump shot.

#3 Minnesota Timberwolves: Center, Guard, Small Forward

Team Analysis: The pick that makes the most sense team needs wise is Brook Lopez but they are going to end up passing on him because he’s not a top-3 talent. This is another pick that may get shopped depending on how enamored they are with OJ Mayo. Some people have delusions that he can play PG but the T-wolves have too many combo guards on the roster already playing out of position. However, if they stay at #3, Mayo is the pick.

Potential Pick: OJ Mayo (SG-USC)

Player Analysis: Best jumpshot in the draft and a better defender than advertised. Carried USC at the college level but would fit better on a team where his task-list is scaled back. He needs to be reigned in both on the court (shot-selection) and off—his primadonna antics will fall on deaf ears in the Midwest.

#4 Seattle Supersonics: Center, Forward, PG

Team Analysis: Seattle, Oklahoma City…wherever they are its probably not going to matter. This team is probably going to be a lottery team for another year or two before they are able to get lucky with a trade or a free agent. This is a young team that doesn’t do a whole lot right. Drafting big men is one of those things that they are horrible at.

Potential Pick: Kevin Love (PF-UCLA)

Player Analysis: Ok, keep going back to well and eventually you’ll get refreshment. Kevin Love is an NBA ready big man. He fits the need and situation like a glove. Although Luke Ridour fell out of favor in the Pacific Northwest, the Sonics still have Earl Watkins who isn’t striking fear into any other teams but gets scorers the ball with efficiency. Kevin Love has a wide array of post moves and is a Chris Webber caliber passing big man.

#5 Memphis Grizzlies: PF, SG, C

Team Analysis: There is a good chance this pick will be traded to L.A. for a pastrami sandwich and the 2030 2^nd round pick. In all seriousness this team has a few useable pieces in Mike Miller, Rudy Gay, and Mike Conley. Mike Miller will be gone sooner or later (for his sake) and that means they need someone who can hit an open jumpshot. Old common knowledge had the Griz taking a Center but with the signing of Marc Gasol they will probably take a shooter instead.

Potential Pick: Eric Gordon (SG-Indiana)

Player Analysis: Indiana wasn’t going anywhere next season although it would have been nice to get a year of work under Tom Crean. Gordon is a very tough player offensively who will fly around in traffic even though he is undersized. Does not need help creating his own shot but needs help being told when not to shoot. Has room for improvement defensively.

#6 New York Knicks: PG

Team Analysis: This team needs more than just a point guard but the roster is locked up tight with bad contracts. The drafting of a PG moves Jamal Crawford over to shooting guard. More than anything they need an efficient scorer who can take over when the rest of the team is having an off-night (7/10 nights).

Potential Pick: Jerryd Bayless (PG-Arizona)

Player Analysis: A shoot-first, ask questions later type of point guard who could play at either guard position. Coaches rave about this guy’s intangibles and will be a great fit in any locker room. Size worries are easily put aside when you see his leaping ability and shot creation. Will have problems defending larger PG/SG