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 3rd or 4th 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.
