2014 Mock Draft (over half a year late edition)

So I can remember...

1. CLE - Andrew Wiggins, Kansas
2. MIL - Jabari Parker, Duke
3. PHI - Joel Embiid, Kansas
4. ORL - Noah Vonleh, Indiana
5. UTA - Dante Exum, International
6. BOS - Aaron Gordon, Arizona
7. LAL - Julius Randle, Kentucky
8. SAC - Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State
9. CHA - Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette
10. PHI - Nik Stauskas, Michigan
11. DEN - Gary Harris, Michigan State
12. ORL - Rodney Hood, Duke
13. MIN - Adreian Payne, Michigan State
14. PHX - Doug McDermott, Creighton

*As always, projections represent what I thought teams should do and not what I believed they actually would do.

2012 NBA Mock Draft

Picks represent who teams should take.  This is not an attempt to project which players teams will actually select.

1) NOH - Anthony Davis, Kentucky
In a class all by himself.

2) CHA - Thomas Robinson, Kansas
See the Captain's take on why Robinson is the right choice for the Bobcats.

3) WAS - Bradley Beal, Florida
I really like Beal, but, with talk of OKC and the Spurs trying to obtain early picks in order to select the Florida freshman, we may be reaching a point where expectations for Beal are becoming unrealistic.

4) CLE - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
Harrison Barnes is a better shooter, but I am confident MKG is better in every other area.

5) SAC - Dion Waiters, Syracuse
Despite similarities to both Marcus Thornton and Tyreke Evans, Waiters, who I believe is the fifth best player in the draft, is the pick, as he provides stingy defense, toughness, and the ability to get to the hole.

6) POR - Andre Drummond, Connecticut
I have serious doubts about Drummond, but his measurements and athletic ability are hard to ignore at the six spot when the Blazers have the eleventh pick in their back pocket.

7) GSW - Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
I can get behind Barnes as the seventh pick, but I am just not convinced he adds anything other than outside shooting.

8) TOR - Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
Lamb is a natural scorer with length, and I think his game translates well to the NBA.

9) DET - Meyers Leonard, Illinois
Young Meyers has some maturity issues he needs to work through, but he is also a really nice athlete with a big frame that looks like it is going to fill out.

10) NOH - Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
I would not fault the Hornets if they went with more length (i.e., Moe Harkless, Terrence Jones, or Tyler Zeller), but I think pairing Marshall with Davis would work out extremely well for Monty Williams' club.

11) POR - Damian Lillard, Weber State
I am finally coming around to the idea of Lillard being a lottery pick (for the point guard-deficient Blazers at least), but, as a shoot-first point guard from a mid-major who is too undersized to play the two, I would not criticize the Blazers for passing on the Weber State product.

12) HOU - Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Can see him being a solid (but not spectacular) starting center for years.

13) PHX - Terrence Ross, Washington
The Suns need a two-guard and preferably one that can shoot.

14) MIL - Moe Harkless, St. John's
Harkless is one of my favorite players in the draft, and I love his instincts on the offensive end.

15) PHI - Terrence Jones, Kentucky
When Terrence Jones falls outside of the lottery, you know you are dealing with a ridiculously deep draft.

16) HOU - Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
If the Rockets keep all three of their first-round picks (though I cannot imagine they will), they can afford to roll the dice on Sully's supposedly balky back.

17) DAL - Marquis Teague, Kentucky
Teague is a more physically imposing version of his older brother, and that is a good thing - especially for the Mavs, who look like they are not going to be luring Deron Williams to Dallas and may be operating without Jason Kidd at the helm next season.

18) HOU - Austin Rivers, Duke
Doc's son was impressive during his single season in Durham, but I am not convinced that he adds wins to the team that drafts him or that anyone wants to play with him.

19) ORL - Perry Jones, Baylor
If Dwight Howard leaves, the cupboard will be bare in Orlando, which is why the Magic take the most talented player left on the board.

20) DEN - Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State
When you have a team full of inconsistent weirdos, sometimes it makes sense to take a blue collar/hard hat/Coors Light type of guy.

21) BOS - Will Barton, Memphis
I am super high on this skinny stat-stuffer, and I think he is a steal for Boston with the twenty-first pick.

22) BOS - Royce White, Iowa State
After reading Grantland's recent piece on White, I am convinced that the problem with selecting him is not that he is dealing with anxiety issues but rather that he is a prima donna who is going to be extremely high maintenance.

23) ATL - Quincy Miller, Baylor
Love his length; love his upside.

24) CLE - Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
Cavs add a capable post scorer with a nice mid-range jumper to pair with the more defensive-minded Tristan Thompson.

25) MEM - Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt
Impressive athlete who can defend and knock down the three ball, which is important since it looks like the Grizzlies will be losing their most prolific three-point shooter, O.J. Mayo.

26) IND - John Henson, North Carolina
Loved Henson as a game-changer on the defensive end at the college level but pretty convinced he is going to be manhandled in the Association.

27) MIA - Draymond Green, Michigan State
Defending champs add the third best player in college basketball with the twenty-seventh pick.

28) OKC - Jae Crowder, Marquette
Though undersized, Crowder, a poor man's Larry Johnson, will contribute off the bench as either an extremely physical three or a four in a small-ball lineup.

29) CHI - Tony Wroten, Washington
The Bulls pick up crazy ass Tony Wroten.

30) GSW - Evan Fournier, France
At 6-7, Fournier has good size for a two-guard and possesses a smooth offensive game, though I think he will have trouble defending early in his career.

4 Players To Take in the 2nd Round
Jared Cunningham, Oregon State
Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette
Doron Lamb, Kentucky
Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin

4 Players To Avoid in the 1st Round
Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt
John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
Khris Middleton, Texas A&M
Miles Plumlee, Duke

Mock 2012 NBA Draft (Lottery)

With the college basketball season on the downward slope towards March Madness, a better understanding of the top prospects for this year's NBA Draft is unfolding. Here, we look at the lottery picks and my thoughts on who should be chosen at each spot.

1. Washington Wizards - Anthony Davis, PF Kentucky Frosh.
- The Wizards need immediate help across the board. Davis and Andre Drummond have the most upside of any player in this draft, but I feel Davis may be ready to make an immediate impact on the defensive end of the floor, whereas I'm not sure Drummond will be much more than an athletic finisher in his rookie year.

2. Charlotte Bobcats - Harrison Barnes, SG/SF UNC Soph.
- As mentioned above, Drummond and Davis are considered the two picks with the highest upside in next year's draft, so it is hard to imagine him slipping past the number 2 pick. However, the Bobcats need a high profile scoring guard, and with Barnes playing his college ball in state, I think they would be wise to take a serious look at Barnes with their pick. Barnes hasn't taken the college basketball world by storm as almost everyone projected, but he projects to be a prolific scorer at the next level. Barnes' one-on-one game is advanced for his age, and I happen to be in the camp that believes he will be a better pro than college player, and he's been a pretty damn good college player.

3. Brooklyn Nets - Andre Drummond, PF UCONN Frosh.
- The Nets need some serious athleticism along their frontline, which is currently being left in the hands and slow moving feet of Memhet Okur, Kris Humphries, and Shelden Williams. They get Brook Lopez back from injury, and are in the running for Dwight Howard, but Drummond would play well with either and won't need the ball to make an impact.

4. Detroit Pistons - Jeremy Lamb, SG UCONN Soph.
- Even with the praise I previously heaped on Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Lamb has been the better college player. He could end up being a better scorer than Barnes, is probably a better ball handler, and slightly more athletic; however, Barnes is bigger and stronger, and thus I think he projects better at the next level.

5. New Orleans Hornets - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF Kentucky Frosh.
- MKG is deservedly praised for his energy and effort on the basketball court, but too often that overlooks how skilled he is in all facets of the game. MKG is an elite defender and rebounder, but is also a very good ball handler, passer, and finisher in transition. He gets to the foul line at a good rate and makes a high percentage of his free throws. If he develops a better jump shot, he could produce like Gerald Wallace's all-star worthy years, plus bring every intangible you could want from a player.

6. Utah Jazz - Kendall Marshall, PG UNC Soph.
- Likely to trade Devin Harris per rumors, Utah has plenty of depth on the frontline and likely won't look to Jared Sullinger or Thomas Robinson at this point. They may look to trade down if Barnes, Lamb, or MKG don't fall to them, but I think they should take a serious look at Marshall. He's a big point guard who doesn't shoot well and isn't super athletic, but at this point seems like he could develop into a slightly past his prime Jason Kidd.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers - Brad Beal, SG Florida Frosh.
- Beal reminds me of a skinnier Eric Gordon at this point in his career. Cleveland needs a 2 guard for the future, and I think after Lamb and Barnes, Beal is the next best option in this draft. He's a little undersized, but I believe he will also be able to play some point at the next level.

8. Toronto Raptors - Jared Sullinger, PF/C Ohio State Soph.
- Sullinger may be the best college player in the draft, but many question whether his game translates to the NBA. He's an undersized PF, but possesses incredible strength and touch around the basket. Guys of his build have found better success as of late in the NBA, and Sullinger's ability to knock down outside shots could make him a valuable asset for an NBA team. Sullinger's also a great post defender and an elite rebounder at the college level, skills that seem to translate well to the NBA.

9. Phoenix Suns - Thomas Robinson, PF Kansas Jr.
- Robinson is a player of the year candidate this year in college basketball. Limited in action behind the Morris twins last year, Robinson looks to be better than either in his junior year. Robinson plays with great energy, has refined post up and face up games, able to back his man down or take him off the dribble. He is an elite rebounder and should be ready to contribute immediately at the next level.

10. New Orleans Hornets - Terrence Ross, SG Washington Soph.
- Ross is a dangerous outside shooter who has elite athleticism. Though at times he seems passive, Ross has not shyed away from the big stage. He has great size for the SG position, and would be able to play some SF as well.

11. Milwaukee Bucks - Terrence Jones, SF Kentucky Soph.
- Jones is a unique talent who possesses an improved outside shot, above average ball handling skills, and elite athleticism. At 6'9, Jones could be a matchup nightmare for NBA SFs by either backing them down in the post or putting the ball on the floor. He shoots it well enough that you have to respect him on the perimeter, and he has a quick first step to blow by defenders. Jones has to develop a better feel for the game, recognize when and where to pass out of double teams and avoid help defense.

12. Brooklyn Nets - Austin Rivers, SG Duke Frosh.
- Rivers inadequacies have been displayed during his freshman year at Duke, but what scouts loved about him - his quick first step; fearless, although streaky, shooting, and athleticism to finish above the rim - have proven to be valid. Rivers often seems single minded when driving to the basket, and hasn't been able to finish after contact very well, but he will continue to be able to break defenses down at the next level.

13. Milwaukee Bucks - Perry Jones III, SF/PF Baylor Soph.
- Jones may be the most offensively gifted athlete in the draft, but many question his aggressiveness and work ethic. It's easy to see him falling into the same pattern as Brandon Wright or Anthony Randolph, but when Jones is aggressive, he is better than either of those guys. Jones' upside is to significant to ignore

14. Boston Celtics - Arnett Moultrie, PF Mississippi State Jr.
- Moutlrie is a super athletic power forward who rebounds and can step outside and knock down shots. He could work in the pick and roll situations currently run by Rondo and Garnett, and may be the replacement for Garnett down the line. The Celtics are in desparate need for some athleticism along their front line that can also provide some scoring off the bench. Moultrie gives them both.

2011 NBA Mock Draft

Picks represent who teams should take. This is not an attempt to project which players teams will actually select.

1) CLE - Derrick Williams
2) MIN - Brandon Knight
3) UTA - Jan Vesely
4) CLE - Kyrie Irving
5) TOR - Enes Kanter
6) WAS - Tristan Thompson
7) SAC - Kemba Walker
8) DET - Bismack Biyombo
9) CHA - Alec Burks
10) MIL - Marcus Morris
11) GSW - Kawhi Leonard
12) UTA - Jimmer Fredette
13) PHX - Jordan Hamilton
14) HOU - Darius Morris
15) IND - Kenneth Faried
16) PHI - Nikola Vucevic
17) NYK - Jonas Valanciunas
18) WAS - Klay Thompson
19) CHA - Donatas Motiejunas
20) MIN - Markieff Morris
21) POR - Nolan Smith
22) DEN - Chris Singleton
23) HOU - Tyler Honeycutt
24) OKC - Nikola Mirotic
25) BOS - Reggie Jackson
26) DAL - JaJuan Johnson
27) NJN - Kyle Singler
28) CHI - Iman Shumpert
29) SAS - Marshon Brooks
30) CHI - Justin Harper

4 I Love as 2nd Round Picks:
Charles Jenkins
Cory Joseph
Malcolm Thomas
Jeremy Tyler

4 I Hate as 1st Round Picks:
Tobias Harris
Chandler Parsons
Josh Selby
Trey Thompkins

2009 NBA Mock Draft--Final Mock

1 Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
2 Grizzlies: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
3 Thunder: James Harden, Arizona State
4 Kings: Ricky Rubio, International
5 Timberwolves: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
6 Timberwolves: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
7 Warriors: Jordan Hill, Arizona
8 Knicks: Stephen Curry, Davidson
9 Raptors: Gerald Henderson, Duke
10 Bucks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
11 Nets: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
12 Bobcats: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
13 Pacers: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
14 Suns: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
15 Pistons: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
16 Bulls: James Johnson, Wake Forest
17 76ers: Brandon Jennings, International
18 Timberwolves: Terrence Williams, Louisville
19 Hawks: Jrue Holiday, UCLA
20 Jazz: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
21 Hornets: DeMar DeRozan, USC
22 Trailblazers: Derrick Brown, Xavier
23 Kings: Earl Clark, Louisville
24 Mavericks: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
25 Thunder: Eric Maynor, VCU
26 Bulls: Toney Douglas, Florida State
27 Grizzlies: DeMarre Carroll, Missouri
28 Timberwolves: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
29 Lakers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
30 Cavaliers: Chase Budinger, Arizona

*reminder: mock reflects not who teams will take but, rather, who they should take

2009 NBA Mock Draft -- Post-Lottery

You can check out Roundball Portfolio's earlier mock drafts here, here, here, and here.

1 Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
Now that Griffin has been measured as a legitimate 6-9 (6-10 in sneakers), it's hard to believe anyone would pass on the explosive power forward.

2 Grizzlies: Ricky Rubio, International
N/A 6-3 180 PG
I don't think Mike Conley is the answer in Memphis, but I'm also not sure if a Rubio-Mayo backcourt makes sense, as both seem to need the ball in their hands – and then there's the whole Rubio not wanting to play in Memphis thing.

3 Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
James Harden is a definite possibility here, but it's not every day you get a chance to add a 7-3 shot-blocking machine to your roster.

4 Kings: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 PG
Jordan Hill is an option for Sacramento, but the Kings need some star power (and a point guard).

5 Wizards: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
Hill adds length, athleticism, and toughness to the Wizards' underwhelming post rotation.

6 Timberwolves: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 OG
Harden would be a steal at six for a Minnesota team that needs to add perimeter scoring.

7 Warriors: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Jr 6-0 195 PG
I love the idea of the swift-footed Lawson directing Golden State's helter-skelter attack.

8 Knicks: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 OG
A point guard is a real possibility here (and wing DeRozan appears to be a popular pick on a lot of draft boards), but Henderson would provide the Knicks with a heady athlete that can defend.

9 Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, USC
Fr 6-6 210 OG
DeRozan won't contribute immediately, but his athleticism can't be ignored at the nine spot.

10 Bucks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
Teague's ability to score in the paint would aid a Milwaukee squad that lacks frontline firepower.

11 Nets: James Johnson, Wake Forest
Soph 6-8 235 PF
Johnson reminds me of former Michigan Wolverine and Los Angeles Clipper Maurice Taylor.

12 Bobcats: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Sr 6-6 220 OG
You're not going to find many mocks with Young in the lottery, but he would provide an offensive boost to a club that lacks a true perimeter scoring threat.

13 Pacers: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG
Even with the emergence of Danny Granger, Indiana needs a marquee name to rejuvenate a flagging fanbase.

14 Suns: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
Psycho T would add production and toughness to the Suns' thin frontcourt.

15 Pistons: Eric Maynor, VCU
Sr 6-3 180 PG
DeJuan Blair is a possibility here, but I'm just not convinced Rodney Stuckey is a point guard.

16 Bulls: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 280 PF
I like fellow Pitt Panther Sam Young here if he falls this far, but Blair would add some bulk to a frontcourt that features rail-thin Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.

17 76ers: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Soph 6-0 185 PG
With Andre Miller getting on in years, I don't think there's a better fit than Flynn-to-Philadelphia on the whole board.

18 Timberwolves: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
Soph 5-11 180 PG
I like Mills, who gets into the lane with ease, playing facilitator to Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.

19 Hawks: Brandon Jennings, International
N/A 6-1 170 PG
Jennings would eventually supplant Mike Bibby in Atlanta.

20 Jazz: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 OG
Jerry Sloan has to like the idea of the sharp-shooting Meeks (Jeff Hornacek) playing off of the Deron Williams (John Stockton)-Carlos Boozer (Karl Malone) pick-n-roll.

21 Hornets: Terrence Williams, Louisville
Sr 6-6 220 OG
With Chris Paul, T-Will, and Tyson Chandler in the lineup, no one will notice Peja Stojakovic's defensive inadequacies.

22 Mavericks: Jrue Holiday, UCLA
Fr 6-3 205 PG
There's a lot of buzz surrounding Holiday, and most seem to be willing to forgive his unimpressive freshman campaign.

23 Kings: Earl Clark, Louisville
Jr 6-10 230 SF
Clark will likely go higher, but the Kings would love to add the enticing (but often frustrating) Louisville product to its young frontline rotation.

24 Trailblazers: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Soph 6-10 200 SF
Daye's a project, but, considering his freakish length and shooting ability, it could very well pay off down the road.

25 Thunder: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 220 OG
A Westbrook – Budinger – Kid Nut Raven – Green – Thabeet lineup would be pretty tasty.

26 Bulls: Toney Douglas, Florida State
Sr 6-2 195 OG
Considering the speculation surrounding Ben Gordon's rumored departure, the Bulls should pick up Ben Gordon Lite.

27: Grizzlies: Derrick Brown, Xavier
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Brown has all the tools and could be an absolute steal.

28 Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
Athletic 7-footer will most likely come off the board sooner.

29 Lakers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Another offensive weapon to take the scoring pressure off Kobe.

30 Cavaliers: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Jr 6-7 245 PF
Go ahead and laugh, but, if anything, Gody should be higher.

2009 NBA Mock Draft--Early Entrants

The following projections represent not who the NBA teams will likely pick but, rather, who they should select. It takes into account seniors and those underclassmen and international players that declared for the NBA Draft prior to the April 26 early entrant deadline. Feel free to compare these projections with my January draft prospectus and the pre-April 26 deadline mock drafts prepared by Commodore Finnegan and myself, which took into account all draft-eligible players, regardless of intent to enter the draft.

1 Kings: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
An explosive physical specimen. I can't imagine a scenario in which he doesn't go first.

2 Wizards: Ricky Rubio, International
N/A 6-3 180 PG
If Washington ever wants to contend, they need to find a real point guard. I enjoy Gilbert Arenas' antics as much as the next guy, but I don't think he's going to lead a team deep into the playoffs.

3 Clippers: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
With Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman at the five, the Clippers can afford to pass on Hasheem Thabeet. The scary thing about Hill is that he has room for development on both ends of the floor.

4 Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
I'm not convinced Thabeet is the next Dikembe Mutombo. Still, he's a game-changer on the defensive end and would be an excellent addition to a franchise that is assembling a roster that could be a force in the near future.

5 Timberwolves: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 OG
Minnesota needs a point guard, but they have three first-round picks, so there's no rush. Moreover, Harden would give Kevin McHale the go-to perimeter scorer he so desperately needs.

6 Grizzlies: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Jr 6-0 195 PG
Memphis needs a power forward, but all of the fours that are worthy of a top-6 selection are staying in school. Tyler Hansbrough may be the best option, but a Psycho T/Marc Gasol post tandem is pretty underwhelming in terms of athleticism.

7 Warriors: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 OG
Still trying to figure out whether Evans will be a one or two in the Association. Playing within the nonexistent confines of Nellie's position-less anarchy (shout out to freedarko) would all but negate that dilemma.

8 Knicks: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
Soph 5-11 180 PG
Has proven himself playing for the Australian national team on the international circuit. While he needs to improve his outside shooting, I really like Mills in Mike D'Antoni's system.

9 Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, USC
Fr 6-6 210 OG
The Raptors lack athleticism in the backcourt, and DeRozan has athleticism to spare. Still a project, but his play towards the end of the season got my attention.

10 Bucks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
Teague's ability to get to the basket would complement Michael Redd's long-range game. Think Jason Terry with point guard skills.

11 Nets: James Johnson, Wake Forest
Soph 6-8 235 PF
The Nets need a four man to pair with Brook “The Forbidden Fruit” Lopez. While Johnson may end up playing a lot of three, he has an NBA-ready body to throw around in the post.

12 Bobcats: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
I must admit that I'm a little annoyed by the whole Chapel Hill-to-Charlotte pipeline, but this one just makes sense. Charlotte needs quality post players, and Psychotic Tyler is going to be productive.

13 Pacers: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 OG
Henderson is both a lockdown defender and, at times, an explosive scoring threat. The Pacers need both.

14 Suns: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG
An apprenticeship under Steve Nash is just what the doctor ordered for Curry. I'm not convinced he'll ever be much of a point guard, but, at the very least, he'll provide instant offense off the bench.

15 Pistons: Eric Maynor, VCU
Sr 6-3 180 PG
It's a toss-up between Maynor and Jonny Flynn at the 15 spot. Flynn's fiery, hard-as-nails approach would be a great fit in the Motor City, but Maynor's heady play and sweet stroke give him an ever-so-slight edge.

16 Bulls: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 280 PF
Blair may not have ideal size to play the four, but his 7-3 wingspan should allay any fears that he won't be able to defend at the next level. The wide-bodied Pitt product has his detractors, but he's going to add wins to whatever team selects him.

17 76ers: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Soph 6-0 185 PG
Flynn's an excellent defender and floor general, but his decision-making needs to improve. I like the idea of him learning at the feet of Andre Miller for a couple years before taking over the Sixers' uptempo attack.

18 Timberwolves: Brandon Jennings, International
N/A 6-1 170 PG
I'm not all that high on Jennings, but Minnesota's best option at point guard at the moment is Sebastian Telfair. Needless to say, the Wolves could use Jennings, a springy athlete with playmaking skills.

19 Hawks: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Sr 6-6 220 OG
Young would provide Atlanta with scoring punch off the bench. The Hawks needs a distributor, so they would likely pick up Jonny Flynn or Brandon Jennings if either should fall this far.

20 Jazz: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Soph 6-8 235 PF
With the impending departure of Carlos Boozer, Patterson would be a more than capable backup to Paul Millsap. Taking into consideration the fact that fellow power forwards Ed Davis, Greg Monroe, and Craig Brackins have decided to head back to school, Patterson may not be available this late in the first round.

21 Hornets: Terrence Williams, Louisville
Sr 6-6 220 OG
Imagine all the turnovers a Chris Paul-Terrence Williams backcourt would create. Moreover, New Orleans could use some bounce at the two spot, and T-Will is a top-shelf athlete.

22 Mavericks: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 OG
This may be a little high for the Kentucky junior, but Meeks is the draft's best shooter this side of Stephen Curry. Derrick Brown is also a possibility here.

23 Kings: Toney Douglas, Florida State
Sr 6-2 195 PG
Douglas isn't getting much love from the draft boards, but he's a deadly scorer who can defend. If Sacramento has doubts about Douglas' playmaking abilities, Jrue Holiday is an option.

24 Trailblazers: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Soph 6-10 200 SF
The rail-thin Daye is a few years away from contributing, but the Blazers have a loaded roster and can afford to stash him at the end of their bench for a spell. I also like Jerel McNeal for Portland.

25 Thunder: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 220 OG
Budinger's a great athlete with polished offensive skills. Plus, he's got a great build to play the two at the next level and possesses an excellent shooting touch.

26 Bulls: Earl Clark, Louisville
Jr 6-10 230 OG
Clark is a favorite of draft boards, but I'm not sold on the Louisville junior. He has a decent outside shot, but he needs a great one if he's going to hang around on the perimeter like he thinks he's the next Rashard Lewis.

27: Grizzlies: Derrick Brown, Xavier
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Brown has a great body and a developing game. He has tremendous potential but needs to play with more conviction.

28 Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
Mullens had a disappointing freshman season, but he's a seven-footer with athleticism. Plus, Minnesota has three first-round picks, so it makes sense to take a flyer on Mullens.

29 Lakers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Summers has a mature offensive game and can score in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, he appears disinterested on the defensive end and on the glass.

30 Cavaliers: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Jr 6-7 245 PF
With Lebron being a de facto second power forward when he's in the game, the Cavs' can afford to play the Gody alongside King James. Luke has a developing outside shot, and I think he can play some three at the next level as well.