BFT's 2012 Mock Draft V3

[Built Ford Tough]

Alright, this is a little later than I had intended it to be. I was aiming to do one right after the NCAA Tournament finished, but as you can tell, I'm a week late in my third mock draft.

 

Like last time, I'm using my judgement on players who i think will enter. That means I will not be including Cody Zeller despite him still being included on some other mock drafts as I believe he will be returning to Indiana for his sophomore season.

 

As usual, write ups for lottery picks only, although this may change in my next edition. I'm not sure yet.

 

V4 will be posted after the lottery which is May 30th. So I'm aiming for the first week of June, but as I don't know for sure what I will be doing then, I'm not making any promises.

 

Anyways, enough chit chat. Here is the mock:

 

 

1. Charlotte Bobcats: PF Anthony Davis, Kentucky, Freshman

 

Davis has been the consensus number 1 pick for pretty much the entire season and he showed exactly why as he led Kentucky to their 8th National Championship, winning Most Outstanding Player in the process. The final game against Kansas showed just who Davis is a special prosect as he completely dominated the game despite struggling to score the ball all game long. His defense, rebounding and shot blocking controlled the tempo of the game. His offense is still inconsistent, but he has shown improvement as the season went along, including a nice ability to play a point forward role from the high post, which is obviously a testament to his days as a point guard.

 

 

2. Washington Wizards: SG Bradley Beal, Florida, Freshman

 

Beal had a coming out party in the tournament, putting together a stellar run of games that showcased his vast skillset. He averaged 15.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.5 steals on on 60.6 FG% and 41.3 3PT%. His defining game was a 21 point, 6 rebounds, 4 assist, 2 steal and 2 block on 8-of-10 shooting against the third seeded Marquette. That game showed Beals ability to have an all-around impact on the game.

 

For the Wizards, Beal would slot in perfectly as a do it all shooting guard beside John Wall. He is an excellent shooter which will give Wall and Nene the space they need to work inside, he will be able to handle some of the playmaking and ball handling responsibility to help ease the pressure off of Wall, is a very good defender giving the Wizards a nice long, athletic backcourt. I know that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the popular choice here, but Beal gives the Wizards a higher upside player who can impact the game in a variety of ways like MKG, but can also be a dynamic scoring threat in addition to all of the intangibles he brings.

 

 

3. New Orleans Hornets: PF Thomas Robinson, Kansas, Junior

 

Robinson gives the Hornets a dynamic and explosive athlete at the power forward position to build around. Robinson has begun to develop a solid faceup game, improved his handles as the season has gone and is adding a nice mid range jumper to his repertoire. He is also a terrific rebounder who does a great job of establishing position and battling for the 50-50 rebounds. With his athleticism, he would be even more effective with the more fast paced and less congested NBA game.

 

Robinson didn't have a great tournament as at times he struggled with his efficiency, but he did prove that he is capable of coming up big when it matters by being the catalyst of multiple double digit comebacks before ultimately falling short against Kentucky in the final game of the collegiate season. With him getting very little playing time his first two years with Kansas, he also has more upside than you would expect from a college junior.

 

 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky, Freshman

 

Many people believe Kidd-Gilchrist will be the second overall pick and I can understand why, but I just don't think he has the offensive upside that you would want from a top 3 pick. He is by no means an offensive liability as he does a nice job of finishing around the basket, excells in transition and can do a bit of ball handling here and there, but it is certainly not a strong part of his game.

 

Despite that, MKG is a fantastic defender, excellent rebounder and has a relentless motor. He is the type of player that every team needs. The ultimate glue guy who does all of the little things that are required if you are to win in this league. He may never be a number one, or even number two, scoring option, but he will be that guy you look to when you need a big defensive stop or come away with a key rebound in the dying minutes of a close game, as he proved in the final minutes of the championship game when he made a potential game saving block on Tyshawn Taylor.

 

 

5. Sacramento Kings: PF/C Andre Drummond, Connecticut, Freshman

 

Drummond didn't live up to expectations and dominate like he was projected to, but he did show flashes of the immense potential that he has. His combination of size, strength and athleticism is very rare in a player of any age, let alone a teenager. He still needs to work on his fundamentals, focus and understanding of defensive and offensive positioning. The potential of a DeMarcus Cousins and Drummond frontcourt pairing is simply too much to pass up, though.

 

Worst case scenario is that Drummond becomes a DeAndre Jordan like shot blocker and rim protector, which will still compliment Cousins very well. Best case scenario is that the Kings find themselves with two absolutely dominant big men to build around in a league that is hurting for dominant bigs.

 

 

6. Toronto Raptors: SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, Sophomore

 

Everybody knows the story with Barnes. He was one of the most hyped players to ever enter college. Some were calling him the next Kobe Bryant. He was the first ever Freshman to be named Preseason All-American and was supposed to be the next big thing.

 

Things didn't exactly turn out that way. Barnes struggled early one, bounced back to finish his freshman season strong. He continued that into the early parts of his sophomore season but down the stretch, he struggled. After Kendall Marshall got injured Barnes shot just 8-30 in the final two games of his college career, which was a huge concern for peoeple feared he may struggle creating his own offense. Despite that, Barnes has textbook form on his jumper, has great size, is a solid rebounder and can still score the ball. Who knows, maybe with the increased spacing at the next level he will be able to create his own shot more effectively as well. He still has the potential to be a bonafide number one offensive option, which is something the Raptors desperately need and is also something that cannot be said for a vast majority of this class.

 

 

7. Portland Traiblazers (From New Jersey): SG Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut, Sophomore

 

Lamb broke out in last years NCAA Tournament, continued it over into the summer where he was the go to scorer for USA's U-19 team and looked to bring that momentum into his sophomore season. He sort of accomplished that as he was the highest scoring wingman out of the projected lottery picks, but the Huskies had an inconsistent and underwhelming season. Lamb didn't show a lot of aggressiveness or assertive himself. Part of the problem was plaing with two ball dominant, seflish point guards, but part of it was also on Lamb simply not demanding the ball.

 

Still, despite his up and down season Lamb is a great shooter, has nice athleticism, can create his own offense off the bounce (although he looks to finish with mid range jumpers as oppsed to getting all the way to the rim) and has an absolutely ridiculous wingspan that enables him to shoot over anybody and be a terror in the passing lanes. Expect him to absolutely wow in pre draft workouts and shoot up the draft board from his current projection as a late lottery pick.

 

 

8. Detroit Pistons: PF John Henson, North Carolina, Junior

 

This is the first pick where I am using need as a more dominating factor than talent. That isn't to say that Henson is not a talented player but there are more gifted players on the board.

 

Despite that, Henson gives Detroit a shot blocking and defensive presence to pair alongside budding star center Greg Monroe. Henson will be able to provide the shot blocking inside that Monroe doesn't give them, is a good rebounder and offensively, he has developed a nice mid range jumper which will help keep the interior open for Monroe to operate in the lost post. Henson will need to bulk up and add muscle to avoid being physically dominated by NBA big men and will never be a star, but he does give them the ideal pairing next to Monroe and a great building block to add to a nice young core.

 

 

9. Utah Jazz (From Golden State): PG Damian Lillard, Weber State, Junior

 

The Jazz's need for a point guard is well known. They have nice young players at every other position. Weber is a dynamic scorer who can penetrate into the lane at will. He has a nice jumper that stretches out to the three point line. He has a nice combination of size, length and athleticism, although he isn't freakish in any of these areas. He does combine them with an advanced skillset and a swagger to back it up.

 

He does need to work on his playmaking skills as he is not a traditional pass first point guard by any means. He is a scoring guard first and foremost, but that isn't to say he has no playmaking ability. He definitely needs to learn when he needs to pass and when he needs to look for his own shot, but that will come with more experience and also being surrounded by a better team, since he really was the only offensive threat for Weber State.

 

If the Jazz decide a more traditional point guard is needed to share the ball between the rest of their young talent, Kendall Marshall would be the pick here.

 

 

10. New Orleans Hornets (From Minnesota): C Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, Senior

 

After drafting their power forward of the future with an earlier pick, the Hornets complete the re-tooling of their frontcourt by selecting Zeller here.

 

Zeller has great touch around the basket, a nice hook shot over both his right and left shoulder in the post and is a capable shooter from 18 feet and in. His best attribute is without a doubt his ability to run the floor and establish deep position before the opposing bigs can get set. He compliments this with great hands which allows him to catch passes despite being on the run, which is something a lot of bigs can't do. Him and Robinson would combine to be a formidable big man duo.

 

Zeller may not be a physical specimen or have the upside as some other candidates. What he does have is a great understanding of the game and a very low risk attached to him. Zeller will be an NBA player and he will be an effective one. He is simply too talented and too smart of a player not to. The question is whether his low ceiling is worth being selected this early or if the Hornets would be better served with drafting a player with more upside here.

 

 

11. Portland Trailblazers: PG Kendall Marshall, North Carolina, Sophomore

 

Marshall is the best passer in this draft. Nobody did more for their stock than him during the conference and NCAA tournaments. He was beginning to show more scoring potential than many originally thought he had, including hitting the three ball at a very efficient clip. He started to use his size more and bully opposing point guards, which is something he will need to continue to do to make up for pedestrial atheleticism.

 

What was most evident is how disjointed the Tar Heels offense was without him. The most prolific offensive team in the country struggled to do anything on that end of the floor without his playmaking ability. A team full of McDonald's All-Americans could do next to nothing without his playmaking ability. Put him in a lineup with players such as Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Mathews, Jeremy Lamb and JJ HIckson and you have the ideal point guard to get all of these talented offensive players the opportunities that they need to thrive.

 

 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Perry Jones III

 

This pick is all about upside, and PJ3 is oozing it. He is gifted both physicall with tremendous length, athletically with a fluidity that not many big men have and from a skills standpoint with the ability to step outside, handle the ball and beat you inside as well.

 

If he has all of these things, why is he falling to the late stages of the lottery, then? Well, he has shown a very low motor and the inability to take over a game despite his physical tools. He disappears for entire halves or even games which leaves many people questioning his desire for the game or even going as far as to question his heart.

 

At the end of the day Jones is too gifted to pass up at this stage in the draft. If he does ever put it all together there is no question that he could become the best player in this draft class. With a pick in the late lottery, that it too enticing to pass up.

 

 

13. Utah Jazz: SF/PF Terrence Jones, Kentucky, Sophomore

 

Much like the previous pick, this is another one with upside in mind. When motivated and playing hard, there aren't 12 players in this draft better than Jones. He can beat you inside and out, holds a quickness advantage over opposing 4's and a size and strength advantage over 3's. He is a solid rebounder, can block shots and is a solid individual defender as well.

 

The problem is that, like Perry Jones III, he disappears for stretches. His play in the tournament started to turn people around on him as he had a great run and was vital in Kentucky's championship, but those runs does not completely eliminate the previous two seasons when these problems were consistently a factor.

 

With Utah having so much young talent already on the roster, they can afford to take a gamble on Jones' upside here, though.

 

 

14. Phoenix Suns: PF Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Sophomore

 

This is probably low for Sullinger but his inability to do anything against the length of Kansas in the Final Four cemented basically all of the concerns I have with him at the next level.

 

In college, his lack of athleticism isn't much of a problem since he can simply overpower and bully most players. The fact that he plays below the rim doesn't matter because he uses his body to carve out space. However, at the next level when the players are bigger, stronger and more athletic, will he be able to do these things? He certainly struggled against size and length in the tournament.

 

Still, Sullinger does have a refined post game, has added a face up jumper to his arsenal and does a great job of using his body to carve out space both offensively and when battling for defensive rebounds. It is not like he doesn't have any skill or talent because he most definitely does. I just can't get over how much he struggles when he isn't the biggest guy on the court. Kevin Love did just fine in the NBA and he had all these concerns coming out of UCLA as well, but he was also more talented and athletic than Sullinger. Still, who knows.

 

 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: C Meyers Leonard, Illinois, Sophomore

 

 

16. Denver Nuggets: SG/SF Terrence Ross, Washington, Sophomore

 

 

17. Houston Rockets (From New York): PF/C Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State, Junior

 

 

18. Dallas Mavericks: SG Austin Rivers, Duke, Freshman

 

 

19. New Jersey Nets (From Houston): PG/SG Tony Wroten Jr., Washington, Freshman

 

 

20. Orlando Magic: PF Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure, Senior

 

 

21. Memphis Grizzlies: SF Moe Harkless, St. John's, Feshman

 

 

22. Atlanta Hawks: SF Royce White, Iowa State, Sophomore

 

 

23. Boston Celtics: SG Dion Waiters, Syracuse, Sophomore

 

 

24. Boston Celtics (From LA Clippers): SF Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt, Senior

 

 

25. Indiana Pacers: SG/SF Evan Fournier, International

 

 

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (From LA Lakers): C Fab Melo, Syracuse, Sophomore

 

 

27. Golden State Warriors (From San Antonio): SF/PF CJ Leslie, NC State, Sophomore

 

 

28. Miami Heat: C Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt, Senior

 

 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: PF Draymond Green, Michigan State, Senior

 

 

30. Chicago Bulls: SG Doron Lamb, Kentucky, Sophomore

[Real Deal]

It's funny...when I look over this draft, this could be up there with 1984, 1996 and 2003. I'm not going to say that it will breed 3-4 all-stars and future HOF'ers, but I would put money on it being the best draft since 2003, and one of the more intriguing ones we've seen.

 

I'll put out a mock sometime...but I can already tell it's going to be tough as hell. It's going to be hard for me to predict where those first five teams look (well, 2-6, since Davis is already a Bobcat). I know we'll hear more about it as time goes by, but right now, I'm more excited for the draft than I am the rest of the regular season, despite the Lakers being a three seed.

[NomarFachix]

Davis and Biyombo would make for a pretty formidable defensive frontcourt

 

EDIT: Davis and Biyombo will make for a pretty formidable defensive frontcourt

Edited April 10, 2012 by IllWill21

[Newman]

I would be absolutely thrilled if we can get Doron Lamb.

[Jenneral]

Nice mock. I'd be happy if the Bucks landed Perry Jones III. We need to take the best player available come draft night though, regardless of position.

 

Also, this is one of the deeper drafts in recent years. I'm looking forward to seeing who turns into perennial all-stars out of this group.

[Flash]

If Cleveland takes Fab Melo 2 picks before us I might go Dan Gilbert crazy. Great mock though. Only thing I'd have different in mine actually is I don't think Utah passes up Marshall.

Edited April 10, 2012 by Flash

[Dash]

I wouldn't be opposed to Moultrie at that point in the draft, I doubt he's going to make any significant impact in his rookie year but he has potential so he's someone the Rockets can groom for a few years and possibly send down to the D-League although not many players seem to like Houston doing that. It depends on how Houston management sees Moultrie, is he stuck as a tweener or can be play a definite position in the NBA as a power forward or center. It would be preferable that he can play center due to Motiejunas coming over next season and likely playing the 4 slot although I could see him playing the 5 if his growth spurt is true. I could see Houston going two other routes here by either moving up about 6-7 slots in order to draft Tyler Zeller (think he should be our #1 realistic target) or simply stand pat and take Austin Rivers in hopes of him reaching his potential and replacing one of Kevin Martin and Courtney Lee.

[htownborn]

I agree with most of your mock except for Beal to the Wizards. I think that would be an interesting pick and I agree with your points on Beal but I feel Kidd-Gilchrist would make more sense for Washington at #2. For one the Wizards already have Jordan Crawford at SG and he should continue to get better and the WIzards will more than likely have a high second round pick so they can take a back up SG like a John Jenkins or William Buford there. Also I know the Wizards just drafted Vesely and Singleton and still has Rashad Lewis massive contract but if they draft MKG they can amnesty (if there able to do that next year) or trade Lewis and move Vesely to PF and just let MKG start at SF with Singleton backing him up. And I agree with Flash if Utah is to pick a PG that high I seriously doubt they would pass on Marshall for Lillard since he's more of a scorer than the traditional PG's that Utah likes to have.

Edited April 10, 2012 by htownborn

[NomarFachix]

Crawford is horrendous. The Wiz want a SG in a bad way.

[ChosenOne]

I think if the Jazz get the opportunity they are going to take Rivers. I don't see them passing him up.

[Built Ford Tough]

I agree with most of your mock except for Beal to the Wizards. I think that would be an interesting pick and I agree with your points on Beal but I feel Kidd-Gilchrist would make more sense for Washington at #2. For one the Wizards already have Jordan Crawford at SG and he should continue to get better and the WIzards will more than likely have a high second round pick so they can take a back up SG like a John Jenkins or William Buford there. Also I know the Wizards just drafted Vesely and Singleton and still has Rashad Lewis massive contract but if they draft MKG they can amnesty (if there able to do that next year) or trade Lewis and move Vesely to PF and just let MKG start at SF with Singleton backing him up. And I agree with Flash if Utah is to pick a PG that high I seriously doubt they would pass on Marshall for Lillard since he's more of a scorer than the traditional PG's that Utah likes to have.

 

Crawford is a non-factor. You don't pass up on a guy because you have Jordan Crawford on your team. That is ridiculous. Crawford is a low percentage chucker who will never be a starter on a contending team.

 

If you want to go that route, I counter with Singleton already being on the roster. He is a better player than Crawford is.

 

Really though, other than Wall, there is no player on Washington's roster that you would not draft a particular position because you already have *fill in the blank* on the roster.

 

As for Beal, I just think he is a better prospect than MKG. I realize MKG is the more hyped and high touted player, but I truly believe Beal is not only better, but has more potential. Like I said in the write up, Beal has legitimate star potential both offensively and defensively while MKG really doesn't have a lot of offensive potential in my mind.

 

Basically, I'm just not nearly as high on MKG as many other people are. I could easily be wrong about him, but I just don't think he is this can't miss prospect. He will be a great role player but with a top 3 pick in a draft, you should set your sights higher than a glue guy. Beal has the potential to be much more than that.

 

In regards to Lillard over Marshall, I talk about it later in this post when responding to Flash.

 

I wouldn't be opposed to Moultrie at that point in the draft, I doubt he's going to make any significant impact in his rookie year but he has potential so he's someone the Rockets can groom for a few years and possibly send down to the D-League although not many players seem to like Houston doing that. It depends on how Houston management sees Moultrie, is he stuck as a tweener or can be play a definite position in the NBA as a power forward or center. It would be preferable that he can play center due to Motiejunas coming over next season and likely playing the 4 slot although I could see him playing the 5 if his growth spurt is true. I could see Houston going two other routes here by either moving up about 6-7 slots in order to draft Tyler Zeller (think he should be our #1 realistic target) or simply stand pat and take Austin Rivers in hopes of him reaching his potential and replacing one of Kevin Martin and Courtney Lee.

 

I did think of putting Rivers to Houston and I actually had him going there first before I changed it.

 

I just like Moultrie more as a prospect. I know he is a junior and Rivers is a freshman and usually you think the freshman has more upside, but I actually think Moultrie has more room to grow. I just don't think Mississppi State did a really good job of utilizing him and I also don't think him and Sidney really complimented each other very well.

 

I can understand the logic behind Rivers going to Houston, though.

 

I would be absolutely thrilled if we can get Doron Lamb.

 

If I'm being perfectly honest, I don't think he falls to the end of the first round and will be picked up in the 20-25 range. With his skillset I can easily see him impressing in workouts and moving up the board.

 

I do absolutely love the fit for Chicago.

 

If Cleveland takes Fab Melo 2 picks before us I might go Dan Gilbert crazy. Great mock though. Only thing I'd have different in mine actually is I don't think Utah passes up Marshall.

 

Fair enough and I definitely don't disagree with you. I can see an argument for either one.

 

Ultimately, I just think Lillard is going to be a better player. He has more transferable skills to the NBA than Marshall does.

 

I also think with Hayward being a reliable point forward that they don't need a pure facilitator like Marshall and can afford to have more of a scoring point.

 

Really though, there are arguments for and against each of them. It is also difficult to really go into any real detail since I highly doubt anybody on here has seen Lillard play anymore than one time. I know I've only seen just 3 games of his this year. I came away very impressed in thos games, but still, 3 games is hardly enough to judge a player on.

 

I think if the Jazz get the opportunity they are going to take Rivers. I don't see them passing him up.

 

I know that Rivers is a big name and all, but what really seperates him from Alec Burks? High school hype and the Rivers name is all that I can come up with because it certainly isn't anything he did during his only season at Duke.

 

Burks was a much more productive college player. Yeah, he stayed two years but even then, his freshman numbers are better than Rivers' basically across the board. The only thing Rivers had on him was three point shooting.

 

Add to that Burks has very nice size (6'6), wingspan (6'10) and is more athletic than Rivers.

 

He hasn't had a great rookie season by any means, but there have been flashes of his potential. I honestly don't think Rivers is really that much of an improvement on Burks.

 

I guess since they have two picks I can understand it, but still, I'd rather go for a higher upside player such as Jones than Rivers. I'm not very high on Rivers, though. His season at Duke was very average if you look at advanced stats.

[Flash]

Interesting. Lillard is a definite lotto pick but Marshall is my man crush of this draft lol. I think the sky is the limit for him as a pro. He's got so many great qualities and his offensive game is much improved than where it was last season.

[DunkinDerozan]

I don't know if i see Sacramento picking Drummond with Barnes still up there. I hope so, but if i were in their position, i wouldn't.

[htownborn]

Crawford is a non-factor. You don't pass up on a guy because you have Jordan Crawford on your team. That is ridiculous. Crawford is a low percentage chucker who will never be a starter on a contending team.

 

If you want to go that route, I counter with Singleton already being on the roster. He is a better player than Crawford is.

 

Really though, other than Wall, there is no player on Washington's roster that you would not draft a particular position because you already have *fill in the blank* on the roster.

 

As for Beal, I just think he is a better prospect than MKG. I realize MKG is the more hyped and high touted player, but I truly believe Beal is not only better, but has more potential. Like I said in the write up, Beal has legitimate star potential both offensively and defensively while MKG really doesn't have a lot of offensive potential in my mind.

 

Basically, I'm just not nearly as high on MKG as many other people are. I could easily be wrong about him, but I just don't think he is this can't miss prospect. He will be a great role player but with a top 3 pick in a draft, you should set your sights higher than a glue guy. Beal has the potential to be much more than that.

 

In regards to Lillard over Marshall, I talk about it later in this post when responding to Flash.

 

True Crawford is a streaky shooter and he is shooting a terrible 40% from the field but he's still young as well and that doesn't mean he can't improve. But you make a great case for Beal for the simple fact that Beal knows how to score as well as defend while MKG is a good defender and raw offensive prospect, but I think whoever they take weather it's Beal or MKG it could help them out a lot. Honestly though I feel both would be a bit of a reach at #2 even though I think both have great potential I see a guy like Harrison Barnes as a prospect with more potential yet most makes don't even have him as a top 5 pick (I guess because he disappointed many with his play during the tournament and he struggles to create shots for hisself at times) might just be me though. And that's why I usually don't try to look at many mock draft's before the lottery because no one really has a clue to where these prospects will fall with the exception of Anthony Davis.

Edited April 11, 2012 by htownborn

[Flash]

Yeah I think Beal has overtaken that 2nd spot. I love MKG as a prospect and I can see any team taking him at 2 but Beal is the better player.

[Cleveland's Finest]

Very interesting having us pick Fab Melo with the 26th pick. We certainly need a big man. Besides Tristan and Andy there isn't much, because Erden has not been playing well since coming to Cleveland.

 

I haven't watched much of MKG, but I'd be fine with either him or Beal. We need a starting SG/SF.

Edited April 11, 2012 by Cleveland's Finest

[Built Ford Tough]

Very interesting having us pick Fab Melo with the 26th pick. We certainly need a big man. Besides Tristan and Andy there isn't much, because Erden has not been playing well since coming to Cleveland.

 

I haven't watched much of MKG, but I'd be fine with either him or Beal. We need a starting SG/SF.

 

If Melo is there I think Cleveland are fools if they don't draft him (or at least another legitimate center, which there aren't many of at that stage in the draft). They absolutely need to get a big in my opinion. Of course, if they draft Drummond with their first pick, that changes and I would expect them to target a guy like Doron Lamb, Dion Waiters or some other talented swing with the Lakers pick (or the Mavs pick, if they fall out of the top 20).

 

Yeah I think Beal has overtaken that 2nd spot. I love MKG as a prospect and I can see any team taking him at 2 but Beal is the better player.

 

I actually think out of all the prospects MKG could find himself fall the furthest during all the combine and workouts. He isn't particularly skilled, athletic or long so I doubt he will really wow players. That isn't to say he isn't a good player, but we see guys like Lamb, Barnes, PJ3, etc... shoot up in these situations while the more blue collar players like MKG slide a bit.

 

True Crawford is a streaky shooter and he is shooting a terrible 40% from the field but he's still young as well and that doesn't mean he can't improve. But you make a great case for Beal for the simple fact that Beal knows how to score as well as defend while MKG is a good defender and raw offensive prospect, but I think whoever they take weather it's Beal or MKG it could help them out a lot. Honestly though I feel both would be a bit of a reach at #2 even though I think both have great potential I see a guy like Harrison Barnes as a prospect with more potential yet most makes don't even have him as a top 5 pick (I guess because he disappointed many with his play during the tournament and he struggles to create shots for hisself at times) might just be me though. And that's why I usually don't try to look at many mock draft's before the lottery because no one really has a clue to where these prospects will fall with the exception of Anthony Davis.

 

The problem with Crawford is that he is literally the exact same player this year as he was last year. I admit to not seeing many Wizard games this year, but from what I have I have seen absolutely no growth in his game. Hell, I haven't really seen any growth since his final year at Xavier. That suggests to me he doesn't really have much upside left.

 

As far as Barnes, I am still higher on him than most and I can understand why you think he would be a good fit in Washington. I don't disagree with it. I think his stock will rise again once measurements come out and pre draft workouts begin, just like somebody like Jeremy Lamb. Both of them are long and skilled and those players usually kill workouts.

 

Then again, I think Beal could solidify himself as the consensus number 2 pick as well, especially if he measures out well (6'5 with a 6'10+ wingspan, which is possible).

 

I am just going off of the information I have now and doing what I think each team will do, not necessarily what I would do for them (although that does play a factor as well).

 

I don't know if i see Sacramento picking Drummond with Barnes still up there. I hope so, but if i were in their position, i wouldn't.

 

Swing for the fences is my opinion. Drummond has as much upside as anybody in the draft and if he reaches that upside, you have the most dominant big man duo in the league bar none. A Cousins/Drummond duo is the type of combination that will lead teams to championships. There is no doubt in my mind about that.

 

Don't get me wrong, Barnes is an excellent fit there as well. He would fit in perfectly with the ball dominant and high usage players like Evans, Thornton, Thomas and Cousins and I certainly understand where you are coming from. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to form the next great "twin towers" duo, especially when dominant bigs are at such a premium right now.

 

Interesting. Lillard is a definite lotto pick but Marshall is my man crush of this draft lol. I think the sky is the limit for him as a pro. He's got so many great qualities and his offensive game is much improved than where it was last season.

 

I like him, but I really don't think he will be that great in the NBA. A better shooting Andre Miller is about what I think his ceiling will be. That is a pretty good player, though, considering Miller has had a very solid career and led the league in assists before.

 

I hope he becomes stud and top tier point guard because he is one of my favourite players in the draft. I just don't think it will happen.

 

Davis and Biyombo would make for a pretty formidable defensive frontcourt

 

EDIT: Davis and Biyombo will make for a pretty formidable defensive frontcourt

 

The best part of them pairing those two up (if it were to happen) is that they will very likely be in a prime position to draft in the top 3 next year as well. I think Davis will be a stud, but I don't think he is going to come in and have a huge impact immediately, so the Bobcats won't be significantly better next year. If they are able to get Shabazz Muhammad next year, look out.

 

It's funny...when I look over this draft, this could be up there with 1984, 1996 and 2003. I'm not going to say that it will breed 3-4 all-stars and future HOF'ers, but I would put money on it being the best draft since 2003, and one of the more intriguing ones we've seen.

 

I can understand where you are coming from. I don't think it will produce the stars that any of those drafts did, but I can easily see it having upwards of 10 players who become good NBA players. It is a very deep draft.

 

The one knock is that there are few players that project to be perennial all-star players like the ones you mentioned did.

[Flash]

Is this the type of draft that shows why the college rule works? Can you imagine if this class hadn't gone to school? Guys like Austin Rivers would've gone top 5 but since they got that year in college teams have a better idea of who's going to be the better players, etc. from this draft.

[Built Ford Tough]

Is this the type of draft that shows why the college rule works? Can you imagine if this class hadn't gone to school? Guys like Austin Rivers would've gone top 5 but since they got that year in college teams have a better idea of who's going to be the better players, etc. from this draft.

 

Yeah, I can agree with that. Throw Drummond into that catagory as well. He would've been a virtual lock to go top 2, possibly even 1st.

 

The same could be said about last years class as well. Barnes would've been a lock for the 1st pick, Knight would've went ahead of Irving and PJ3 would likely be the other top 3 pick. Sullinger would probably go in the top 4 and Irving would fall to 5th.

 

To be perfectly honest, I'd be fine with players having to stay for 2 years. Just make it so that the rule comes into place after the Raptors are done with their tanking, haha.