1: Cleveland Cavaliers, Ben McLemore
Ben
McLemore is a athletic guard/forward, who can score with ease. This
would be perfect for the Cavaliers. The Cavs starting lineup would look
like this PG: Kyrie Irving, SG: Dion Waiters, SF: Ben McLemore, PF:
Tristan Thompson, and C: Anderson Varejao. Varejao in my opinion is why
the Cavs should not draft Nerlens Noel. Last year before Varejao got
injured he was averaging around 14 and 14. McLemore last year in
college averaged 15.9 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 2.0
assists per game.
2: Orlando Magic, Nerlens Noel
Nerlens
Noel was thought to be a guaranteed number one overall pick for a long
time. But, because of many different red flags Noel's stock has gone
down. But, because of Noel's potential, I still have him being taken
2nd overall. The Orlando Magic need a rim protector to help out Nic
Vucevic who has a nice jumper, and could develop into a Pau Gasol type
player. Noel in his Freshmen year averaged 10.5 points per game, 9.5
rebounds per game, 1.6 assists per game, and 4.4 blocks per game.
3: Washington Wizards, Otto Porter Jr.
Otto Porter Jr. would be a great fit for the Washington Wizards. The
Wizards are lacking a small-forward presence. Their two options at the
small-forward position are Martell Webster, and Trever Arzia both who
are around 10 points per game players. Porter Jr. also played for the
Georgetown Hoyas whose home court is the same arena that the Wizards
play in. Porter I think would make the Wizards a playoff team, because
they need just one more piece which I think Porter can be. Last year
Porter averaged 16.2 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 2.7
assists per game.
4: Charlotte Bobcats, Alex Len
Alex
Len is a very potent post player, and is a legit 7 footer at 7ft
1inches and 255 pounds. This is the type of player that the Bobcats
need. The Bobcats front-court consists of Bismack Biyombo, and Josh
McRoberts. As you can probably tell this is not the best front-court in
the league. Alex Len has an average, that can develop into a good
jumper. Also, Len because of his big body can bully people in the paint
which is shown by his 53.4 field goal percentage. Len in his Freshman
year averaged 11.9 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game, 1.0 assists
per game, and 2.1 blocks per game.
5: Phoenix Suns, Victor Oladipo
Victor
Oladipo had a breakout year this year playing for the team ranked 1st
in NCAA basketball this year. Oladipo is a lock down defender, and has a
big body for a shooting guard type player. Oladipo is 6 ft 5 in and
216 pounds with a 6 ft 9 in wingspan. The Suns current starting
shooting guard is Wesley Johnson who is a 9 point per game type player
who can't defend. Oladipo would be a major improvement. Oladipo
averaged 13.6 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per
game, and 2.2 steals per game.
6: New Orleans Pelicans, Trey Burke
Trey
Burke would be a great fit for the Pelicans. Even though they already
have Greivis Vasquez who had a good year last year, I think that last
year was a peak year and not a break out year for Vasquez. Because of
that I believe that Burke would be a good fit for New Orleans. Burke is
a good ball handler, and scorer that being shown by the fact that he
won the college player of the year award. In his Sophomore year at
Michigan Burke averaged 18.6 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and
6.7 assists per game.
7: Sacramento Kings, Anthony Bennett
Anthony
Bennett would fill in a much needed gap for the Kings. Their current
starting Small-Forward is John Salmons would is pretty much a spot up
shooter who is isn't amazing at shooting. Bennett is a player with a
pretty good motor who is very physical. Bennett who is 6 ft 8 in is
also 240 pounds. Bennett in his Freshman year for UNLV averaged 16.1
points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, and 1.0 assists per game.
8: Detroit Pistons, Micheal Carter-Williams
Micheal
Carter-Williams is a pass first type points guard that has the
potential to be a Rondo type of player. With Jose Calderon becoming a
free agent the Pistons lost their primary point guard. The Pistons
already have to legitimate big men with Andre Drummond, and Greg
Monroe. Calderon being a free agent gives the Pistons around 26 million
in cap room which makes them able to invest in a better Small-Forward.
Last year Carter-Williams averaged 11.9 points per game, 4.9 rebounds
per game, 7.3 assists per game, and 2.8 steals per game.
9: Minnesota Timberwolves, Shabazz Muhammad
Shabazz
Muhammad has gone through a lot of criticism because of the fact that
scouts thought that he was lazy, and not in shape. But, despite but a
lot of Muhammad's critics there is no denying that he can score.
Muhammad who is a shooting guard/small forward could fit well into the
Timberwolves offense. The Timberwolves do not have a legitimate small
forward. In his freshman year Muhammad averaged 17.9 points per game,
5.2 rebounds per game, and 0.8 blocks per game.
10: Portland Trailblazers, CJ Mccollum
Cj
Mccollum has all of the potential to be this years Damian Lillard, so
naturally he would be selected by the Trailblazers. Mccollum and
Lillard would be one the best scoring back courts in the league. Those
two players have very much in common both went to small schools, and in
those schools averaged fantastic scoring statistics. Mccollum in his
Senior year averaged 23.9 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, 2.9
assists per game, and 1.4 steals per game.
11: Philadelphia 76ers, Cody Zeller
Cody
Zeller would be a great fit for the Sixers. Zeller is a very athletic
Power-Forward/Center. Zeller does a great job of finding the open man
in the post and running the floor on the fast break. The Sixers have
been lacking a big man presence for years, Zeller could solve a lot of
those problems. Although Zeller is a little bit undersized, his
athleticism can make up for that. Zeller had a 35 in vertical leap at
the NBA combine which was the highest out of all big men. Zeller
averaged 16.5 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, 1.3 assists per
game, and 1.3 blocks per game.
12: Oklahoma City Thunder, Gorgui Dieng
Gorgui
Dieng is what Oklahoma city needs. He is a big man that has the
potential to be like Serge Ibaka who is currently a star for the
Thunder. The current starting center for the Thunder is Kendrick
Perkins who as most people know is not an offensive force, but is also
not quick on his feet like Dieng is. Serge Ibaka could be a great
teacher for Dieng. When Ibaka came into the league he played a lot like
Dieng did in college. Dieng averaged 9.8 points per game, 9.4 rebounds
per game, 2.0 assists per game, and 2.5 blocks per game.
13: Dallas Mavericks, Dennis Schroeder
Dennis
Schroeder has the potential to be a Rajon Rondo type player. Schroeder
has a high motor and is always looking for the open man. This was
shown at the Nike Hoop Summit which raised Schroeder's value by a ton.
Schroeder is the big international prospect this year. The Mavericks
have had lots of success with German prospects in the past. Schroeder
averaged 11.6 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists
per game in the German basketball league.
14: Utah Jazz, Kelly Olynyk
Kelly
Olynyk is probably going to be one of the most under-valued players in
this draft. He led the Bulldogs to a 32-3 record, and was undefeated in
their conference the WCC. Olynyk is 7ft and about 240 pounds, so he is
a big man. Even though Olynyk has a good jumper, that doesn't mean he
has no post game. The Utah Jazz lost both Al Jefferson, and Paul
Millsap to free agency. They won't be able to sign both so they could
sign one and draft Olynyk. Olynyk averaged 17.8 points per game, 7.3
rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game, and 1.1 blocks per game.
15: Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Adetokunbo
Giannis Adetokunbo
is one of the most intriguing players in the NBA draft this year.
Scouts have been skeptical because of the fact that Adetokunbo has not
played played around other top prospects. But, because Adetokunbo has
length, versatility, and tons of potential at the age of 18 is the
reasons I have him so high up in this mock draft. The Bucks are losing
Monta Ellis this year, and probably Brandon Jennings, so Adetokunbo
could be a great start to a rebuilding project. Giannis averaged 9.5
points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 1.4 assists per game.
16: Boston Celtics, Dario Saric
Saric
is a Power Forward/Small Forward which sadly is what the Celtics are
going to need son as Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are aging. Saric is
the probably the best shooting international player in the draft this
year even though he is bigger in size. Saric is only 19 so he is also
more of a potential player. Pierce and KG can help teach Saric the
skills he will need which is mostly defensive skills. Saric averaged
7.7 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game.
17: Atlanta Hawks, Steven Adams
Steven
Adams to go along with the trend is a foreign player with a lot of
potential, and with Josh Smith possibly not returning Adams could be a
great fit for the Hawks. Adams who has a 7ft 5inch wingspan has great
mobility down the floor. His draft stock rose higher in the NBA Draft
Combine where he showed great athleticism which could be a great
replacement for Josh Smith. Adams averaged 7.2 points per game, 6.3
rebounds per game, 0.6 assists per game, and 2.0 blocks per game.
18: Atlanta Hawks, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Caldwell-Pope
is one of the better guards in the draft besides the guards that are
guaranteed lottery picks. At 6ft 5in and 205 pounds Pope has pretty
good size for the guard position. Pope would be staying in his home
state of Georgia, which would be good to keep him comfortable. The
Hawks current shooting guard Devin Harris is going to be a free agent so
it's a perfect fit. Pope averaged 18.5 points per game, 7.1 rebounds
per game, and 1.8 assists per game.
19: Cleveland Cavilers, Mason Plumlee
The
reason that I put Plumlee this low is because of the fact that he
doesn't really have a reliable jumper or a good post game. Also,
Plumlee is 23 years old which is older than most players in this draft.
Plumlee could be a great fit for an undersized Cavilers teams he is 6ft
10in and 235 pounds. Plumlee does a great job of getting into the post
and bullying people. Plumlee in his Senior year averaged 17.1 points
per game, 10.0 rebounds per game, 1.9 assists per game, and 1.4 blocks
per game.
20: Chicago Bulls, Rudy Gorbet
Rudy
Gorbet in my opinion will develop to be a defense force off the bench
for most of his career, which is why it would be a good idea for the
Bulls to pick him. He could back up Noah, Gorbet has a 7ft 9in wingspan
which should be a great force is the league. I would compare him to a
Javale Mcgee. Gorbet averaged 8.4 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per
game, and 1.9 blocks per game.
21: Utah Jazz, Jamaal Franklin
Jamaal
Franklin would be a good fit for Jazz. The Jazz have not had a good
scoring guard ever since Deron Williams was traded. Franklin was a
great scorer for San Diego State this although he was a little
inconsistent. Franklin needs to work on his decision making because he
takes too many shots especially from three point range. Franklin is
also bigger for the guard position at 6ft 5in and 205 pounds. Franklin
in his Junior year averaged 17.0 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game,
and 3.3 assists per game.
22: Brooklyn Nets, Jeff Withey
Jeff
Withey would really complete the Brooklyn Nets starting lineup. Even
though Brook Lopez is a great scoring center he isn't really though like
Withey is. Withey at 7ft and 235 pounds is a legit seven footer.
Withey also is able is score because of his good post presence. Withey
also is a great defensive presence which is something that is much
needed in the Nets organization. Withey in his senior year at Kansas
averaged 13.7 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 0.9 assists per
game, and 3.9 blocks per game.
23: Indiana Pacers, Isaiah Cannon
Isaiah Cannon is a sharpshooting point guard out of Murray State. He could be a great electric scorer off the bench for the Pacers. The Pacers are lacking depth at the point guard position, which is why Cannon could be a great fit for them. Cannon is also a great athlete as well as scorer which would make him fit in with the Pacers type of offense. Isaiah Cannon in his Senior year averaged 21.8 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, 4.3 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game.
24: New York Knicks, Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Knicks current starting shooting guard is Pablo Prigioni who is a good ball handler, but is not a good scorer. Hardaway Jr. would be a major improvement in terms of scoring but a loss in terms of ball handling. If the Knicks resign J.R. Smith than they could either start Hardaway of Smith. Both in my opinion could be a good scoring presence either in the starting lineup or off the bench. In Hardaway's Junior year at Michigan averaged 14.5 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game.
25: Los Angeles Clippers, Reggie Bullock
Reggie Bullock is a Guard/Forward type of player which could be great for the Clippers. Chauncey Billups is their regular shooting guard for the Clippers, but he is very injury prone, and is going to be a free agent. Bullock is a good defender, and scorer. But, Bullock is not a good athlete, and had a bad showing at the NBA draft combine which is part of why he is so late in the draft. Bullock could either start or come off the bench for the Clippers, and Caron Butler could be a great teacher for him. Bullock in his Sophomore year at UNC averaged 13.9 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game.
26: Minnesota Timberwolves, Sergey Karasev
Sergey Karasev is probably on of the least athletic players in this draft class. That being said Karasev is a good passer, can shoot from almost everywhere on the court, and can move well without the ball. The Timberwolves as we know love drafting international players, so Karasev would fit right into their criteria. Also, the Timberwolves basically don't have a small forward. Karasev averaged 16.1 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game.
27: Denver Nuggets, Archie Goodwin
The Denver Nuggets do not have really any depth at the guard position. They have Andre Miller as a backup, but he is getting older. Archie Goodwin really is that good of an all around player let alone guard, but he is extremely athletic, and has a lot of potential which is why I have him so high on this list. If Goodwin would want to fit into the Nuggets lineup he would need to improve his defense. Goodwin in his Freshman year averaged 14.1 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game.
28: San Antonio Spurs, Shane Larkin
Shane Larkin would be a great young addition to an aging Spurs team. If Larkin develops the way that I think he can he could be a great replacement for Manu Ginobili. Larkin has apparently impressed scouts a lot in his personal workouts. Larkin is also a great pick and roll player which could work very well with Tim Duncan's style of offense. Also, Larkin has a 44 inch vertical which is great for a 5ft 11in point guard. Larkin averaged 14.5 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and 4.6 assists per game.
29: Oklahoma City Thunder, Allen Crabbe
Allen Crabbe would pretty much work well as a spot up shooter for a team which is why he would work well for the Thunder. He would pretty much be a Kevin Martin type of player who could develop into an average overall player. Crabbe is pretty big for the guard position at 6 feet 6 inches, and 210 pounds. Crabbe sometimes has brain lapses it seems where he shoots in really bad situations. Crabbe in his junior year averaged 18.4 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, and 2.6 assists per game.
30: Phoenix Suns, Glen Rice Jr.
The Phoenix Suns are very weak at the small forward position which is why Rice would be great for them. Rice had problems in college with his attitude, so he played in the D-League for a year which served him well because he really matured. Also, the D-League is much better competition than NCAA basketball, this could make Rice much more NBA ready. Rice in his year in the D-League averaged 13.0 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 1.9 assists per game.
Otto Porter Jr. would be a great fit for the Washington Wizards. The
Wizards are lacking a small-forward presence. Their two options at the
small-forward position are Martell Webster, and Trever Arzia both who
are around 10 points per game players. Porter Jr. also played for the
Georgetown Hoyas whose home court is the same arena that the Wizards
play in. Porter I think would make the Wizards a playoff team, because
they need just one more piece which I think Porter can be. Last year
Porter averaged 16.2 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 2.7
assists per game.
The Knicks current starting shooting guard is Pablo Prigioni who is a good ball handler, but is not a good scorer. Hardaway Jr. would be a major improvement in terms of scoring but a loss in terms of ball handling. If the Knicks resign J.R. Smith than they could either start Hardaway of Smith. Both in my opinion could be a good scoring presence either in the starting lineup or off the bench. In Hardaway's Junior year at Michigan averaged 14.5 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game.
