Top 5 Players Born In January

1: Hakeem Olajuwon:
Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the best big men of all time so it is no surprise that he is number one on this list.  Olajuwon's dream shake was one of the most unstoppable moves of all time.  In terms of footwork he is the most skilled big man of all time.  Nicknamed the Dream, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points per game, 11.1 rebounds per game, and 3.1 blocks per game in 18 years.

2: Dominique Wilkins:
Nicknamed the Human highlight film, Dominique Wilkins was one of the most exciting players of all time.  Wilkins was a 9 time all-star a one time NBA scoring champion, a 2 time slam dunk contest winner.  Wilkins scored the 11th most points in NBA history.  In his 16 years in the NBA Wilkins averaged 24.8 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists per game.

 3: Alex English:
Alex English was one of the NBAs best scorers in the 1980s, and when he retired he was 7th on the all time scoring list, he was later surpassed, and now is the 14th on the all time scoring list. English was an all star 8 of the ten years that he started with the Nuggets he won one scoring title, and led the Denver Nuggets to 9 postseason appearances in a row.  In his 16 years in the NBA English averaged 21.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 3.6 assists per game.

4: Dwayne Wade:
Dwayne Wade is up there in terms of the best shooting guards of all time, which means he's in the company of Micheal Jordan, and Kobe.  But he is not there for no reason.  Wade at one point in his career was considered either the best or second best player in the game, but Wade's career is not over even though he seems to be injury prone Wade is still averaging 20 points per game this year.  In his ten years in the NBA so far Wade is averaging 24.6 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game.

5: Vince Carter:

Vince Carter in my opinion is the best dunker of all time.  But, dunking wasn't all he did.  Carter was an 8 time all star.  Carter was also the rookie of the year in the 1998-1999 season, and won the slam dunk contest in 2000.   If Carter was not so injury prone he may have been even better than he was.  In fact he got injured in the 2003 playoffs while with the Raptors, which could have cost him the only ring of his career.  In his 15 years in the NBA Carter averaged 20.6 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 3.8 assists per game.

NBA Mock Draft

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.

Top 10 Best NBA Players of All Time

10: Julius "Dr. J" Erving

Dr. J was not only one of the best NBA players of all time, but was also one of the classiest NBA players of all time as raved by almost everyone that the Doctor played with.  Erving was the star of ABA before he was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.  Known for his athleticism Erving was one of the funnest players to watch on the court.  Erving was the first player in recorded history to dunk from the free throw line.  Erving's career stats are 24.2 points per game 8.5 rebounds per game, and 4.2 assists per game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_2FZqlRsYw

9: Kobe Bryant
Kobe is  probably going to be known as the second best shooting guard of all time.  Kobe is the most clutch player in the NBA right now, and may be one of the best clutch players of all time.  Kobe has 5 rings and 1 MVP award which shows that Kobe is just one of the most competitive players of all time.  Kobe has averaged 35 points per game one time in his career.  Kobe's career statistics are 25.5 points per game 5.3 rebounds per game, and 4.8 assists per game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EDilYikI1k

 8: Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan aka the Big Fundamental is widely considered the best power-forward of all time.  Duncan who was the first over all pick in the 1997 NBA Draft.  With a smooth jumper, and a great post game Duncan has the whole package for a big man.  Throughout his career Tim Duncan has been the model of consistency for any position.  Tim Duncan's career stats are 20.2 points per game 11.2 rebounds per game 3.1 assists per game, and 2.2 blocks per game.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOAgFnjX91I 

 7: Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon
Hakeem will always be known as one of the best big-men of all time.  Hakeem was one of the most dominant post players in the game, and had a jump shot that was smooth as silk.  Hakeem was an MVP once, and a 2 time defensive player of the year.  Along with that Hakeem won 2 NBA championships, and was the MVP of both of those series.  Hakeem's career stats are 21.8 points per game 11.1 rebounds per game 2.5 assists per game and 3.1 blocks per game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxDopaqTxiY

6: Bill Russell

Bill Russell is one of the best team players of all time, what I mean by that is that he didn't need the spotlight, if his teammate succeeded he would be just as happy is he succeeded himself.  Russell was one of the all time great rebounders in the game of basketball.  This is somewhat surprising because of the fact that Russell was only 6 feet 9 inches, which is undersized for a big man.  But, don't let the size fool you Bill Russell throughout his career averaged 22.5 rebounds per game 15.1 points, and 4.3 assists.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRao33sJLT8


5: Wilt Chamberlain
Stat wise Wilt Chamberlain is the best player in NBA history.  Wilt was a freak of an athlete, at 7 feet 1 inches he won a triathlon.  Wilt is also the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in one game.  Also, Wilt's career stats are off the charts.  In his career Wilt averaged 30.1 points 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.  He also put up one of the best individual seasons in NBA history where he averaged 50.4 points, and 25.7 rebounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG-WyDGXSsA

4: Larry Bird:
Larry Legend is probably the best player in any sport that isn't that athletic.  Larry was not athletic but, he used everything else besides that to his advantage.  Larry had a silky smooth jumper, and also was a great passer.  Larry was the savior of a struggling Boston Celtic team, and a struggling NBA league.  Larry throughout his career averaged 24.3 points per game 10.0 rebounds per game 6.3 assists per game, and 1.7 steals per game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kfYnqiVK34

3: Lebron James
In my opinion Lebron James is the best player in the world right now.  Almost everyone would agree that Lebron is the most athletic player in NBA history.  Lebron is a four time MVP and as almost everyone knows is a one time NBA champion.  When he won that championship, he was the MVP for the series.  Lebron's stats are 27.6 points per game 7.3 rebounds per game, and 6.9 assists per game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-QTiByTKaI

2: Ervin "Magic" Johnson 
Magic Johnson aka Showtime was one of the best players ever.  He was the 1st overall pick of the 1979 NBA draft out of Michigan State.  Magic was a three time regular season MVP, 3 time finals MVP, and a 5 time NBA champion.  Magic is probably the best stat stuffer in NBA history.  Throughout Magic's career he averaged 19.5 points per game 7.2 rebounds per game 11.2 assists per game, and 1.9 steals per game.  It seemed like Magic could find anyone on the court.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19eFn2XMqfU 

1: Micheal Jordan
Micheal Jordan is widely considered the best player in NBA history.  This is because he could shoot, he could dunk, he was a great defender, etc.  Micheal was pretty much good at everything Micheal was the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft out of the University of Carolina.  Micheal was an 5 time MVP, 6 time finals MVP, and 6 time NBA champion.  Micheal Jordan only appeared in 6 NBA finals, he never lost a final.  Jordan averaged throughout his career 30.1 points per game 6.2 rebounds per game 5.3 assists per game, and 2.3 steals per game.  Micheal was the greatest player to ever play basketball.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD54eF2XKJA