1. New Orleans Hornets
Anthony Davis: PF, 19, 6-10, 222, Kentucky, Fresh.
While Davis continues to insist “nothing is set in stone” yet, the Hornets’ front office has done little to hide that their mind was made up immediately upon learning they will select No. 1. Davis is far from a finished product, particularly on the offensive end, but he will be a strong Rookie of the Year contender thanks to his length, athleticism, intensity and instincts.
2. Charlotte Bobcats
Thomas Robinson: PF, 21, 6-9, 244, Kansas, Junior
Although the Bobcats and their fans will certainly be disappointed not to end up with Davis after the miserable season they endured, they should get over that fairly quickly when they realize they are about to add an important piece to their roster who is arguably more ready to compete from day one than Davis.
Robinson will bring a blend of strength, athleticism and competitiveness that the team sorely lacked this season inside the paint. He will pair well with 2011 draft pick Bismack Biyombo to form one of the longest and most explosive interior frontcourts – certainly defensively – in the NBA.
3. Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal: SG, 18, 6-5, 202, Florida, Fresh.
After adding two significant contracts to their books this week in a controversial trade, the Wizards’ biggest position of need appears to be at the shooting guard position. Beal has the perfect skill-set and demeanor to complement the ultra-quick but mediocre perimeter shooting John Wall, which should make him an excellent fit on Washington’s roster.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: SF: 18, 6-7, 233, Kentucky, Fresh.
The Cavs have virtually nothing on the wing going into next season and would be very happy to see Kyrie Irving’s former high school teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist available right here. Kidd-Gilchrist could fill an immediate hole, bringing intensity and toughness that will immediately improve Cleveland’s shaky perimeter defense. He’s one of the most competitive players in this draft. Still very much a work in progress offensively, he would form a formidable transition duo with Irving and hyper-athletic Tristan Thompson.
Some reports indicate that Harrison Barnes could be the pick here, but according to our sources that is not the case.
5. Sacramento Kings
Harrison Barnes: SF, 19, 6-8, 228, North Carolina, Soph.
Sacramento’s front office and coaching staff are reportedly leaning toward picking the player who can help the most next season. They do not have the job security to wait on a prospect like Andre Drummond who could take two to three years to develop. With that in mind, Barnes is both the safest and most logical pick here considering how weak the Kings are at small forward, despite the fact that he refuses to work out for them (like everyone else in the top five).
Trading the pick to a team like Houston (or someone else) as part of a deal involving Kyle Lowry, Tyreke Evans and the #14 and #16 picks appears to be a very real option according to numerous NBA executives, but Sacramento reportedly hoping to find a better alternative and has stalled on pulling the trigger. If Houston were to trade up, it appears that Andre Drummond would be the target, which could cause Harrison Barnes to fall as far as Toronto’s pick.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn)
Damian Lillard: PG, 21, 6-3, 189, Weber State, Junior
A consensus has emerged the past few days amongst NBA teams regarding Neil Olshey’s intentions with this pick. While at one point it appeared that Lillard may have been available with their later lottery pick (#11), the likes of Golden State, Toronto and New Orleans have fallen hard enough for him that that no longer appears to be an option. Lillard had one of those mythical one on zero workouts where he simply could not miss (see the details here: http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingdwight?Lillards-Trail-Blazer-workout-was-appare=1&blockID;=730884&feedID;=8351 ), causing Portland to decide that he is their pick here.
7. Golden State Warriors
Dion Waiters: SG, 20, 6-4, 221, Syracuse, Soph.
This has been one of the toughest picks to lock down over the last few weeks, as there have been countless opinions about the direction they should head. As of late, Jerry West appears to have pushed this front office (and ownership) in the direction of Dion Waiters, despite the fact that he has refused to work out for the team and has not conducted a physical or even an interview with them. Surely this will set a bad precedent in coming years for how agents should conduct themselves during the draft process, which could cause some push-back from the NBA league office, but for now, it looks fairly likely that Waiters is the pick here.
8. Toronto Raptors
Austin Rivers: SG, 19, 6-5, 203, Duke, Fresh.
After souring on initial long-time favorite Jeremy Lamb, following an injury shortened workout, Toronto will be disappointed to see the new apples of their eye, Dion Waiters and Damian Lillard, get picked back to back right in front of them. Rivers is reportedly the pick for now, unless Toronto is able to convince Sacramento to trade down and hope Harrison Barnes is still available here. Rivers can coexist with the likes of Jose Calderon and #1 free agent target Steve Nash harmoniously, both of which are hampering the Raptors from making significant moves for now until their situations clear up.
9. Detroit Pistons
Andre Drummond: C, 18, 7-0, 279, Connecticut, Fresh.
In a strange twist of fate, the Pistons see arguably the second most talented player in the draft, at their biggest position of need, fall right into their laps. Drummond brings exactly the type of size, length, frame, athleticism and defensive prowess they lack next to the more offensively minded Greg Monroe, making this as easy a pick to call as we’ve seen since Anthony Davis went off the board.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota)
Jeremy Lamb: SG, 19, 6-5, 179, Connecticut, Soph.
New Orleans will be a little disappointed to see the likes of Lillard and Rivers come off the board earlier, causing them to take the next best guard available. While possibly an odd fit playing the same position as their best incumbent player Eric Gordon, Lamb gives the team shooting and scoring and is supposedly considered the top talent on the board here.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
John Henson: PF, 21, 6-10, 216, North Carolina, Junior
The Trail Blazers have been looking for a strong interior option to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge for quite some time. Going into next season with only Kurt Thomas and Aldridge under contact, Henson appears to be an attractive option here. His terrific combination of size, length, athleticism give him as much upside as any big man in this draft outside of Davis and Drummond. Henson presents little risk at this stage of the draft and could be a home run pick with proper patience and development.
12. Milwaukee Bucks
Tyler Zeller: C, 22, 7-0, 247, North Carolina, Senior
After trading Andrew Bogut to Golden State and with Ersan Ilyasova an unrestricted free agent, Milwaukee is woefully thin in the frontcourt. Seven-footer Tyler Zeller has the size, polish and experience to step in and play significant minutes inside the paint right away.
13. Phoenix Suns
Terrence Ross: SG/SF, 21, 6-7, 197, Washington, Soph.
The Suns are in a serious transition phase, with many key roster pieces entering free agency, making it difficult to pinpoint just one area of need. Regardless of whether Steve Nash and Aaron Brooks return, their wing rotation could use a serious upgrade, which could make an athletic sharp-shooting prospect like Terrence Ross very attractive here. Ross refused the Suns’ overtures to visit and workout for Phoenix throughout the pre-draft process, but much like with Waiters in Golden State, it doesn’t appear that that will prevent them from picking him here.
14. Houston Rockets
Meyers Leonard: C, 20, 7-1, 250, Illinois, Soph.
This pick (and 16 and 18) is widely assumed to be in play, as the Rockets have a number of young prospects on their roster and may not be looking to bring three more rookies into the fold. Regardless of whether it’s Houston making the pick, Meyers Leonard is a safe bet to come off the board at this stage. He’s too big, talented and athletic to fall much further, and the Rockets can afford to be patient with him as his frame fills out and his feel for the game improves.
15. Philadelphia 76ers
Perry Jones: PF, 20, 6-11, 234, Baylor, Soph.
The Sixers are in a position to pick the best player that drops to them at 15, and Perry Jones is one of the most talented prospects in this draft. He can play alongside any of the frontcourt players the 76ers have at the moment, and would benefit greatly from the tough love of head coach Doug Collins.
16. Houston Rockets (via New York)
Moe Harkless: SF, 19, 6-9, 207, St. John’s, Fresh.
Many NBA teams are pointing to Harkless as one of the fastest rising players in the draft at this late stage, as he’s reportedly done a terrific job of convincing executives of his significant potential with his work in the interview and workout process. Harkless passes the eye test on first glance, has been shooting the ball better than expected, and is one of the youngest players in the draft, having just turned 19 last month.
No one actually knows if its Houston, Sacramento or someone else who will be making this pick, but Harkless has worked out for both teams and has strong enough momentum to be selected at this part of the draft.
17. Dallas Mavericks
Terrence Jones: PF, 20, 6-9, 252, Kentucky, Soph.
While almost certainly a top-10 talent, Jones (or one of his power forward counterparts) could pay the price for how deep this draft is at his position. Six power forwards have already come off the board at this point in this mock draft. The Mavericks have other needs, but could have a difficult time passing on a player like Jones, who can do a little bit of everything on the floor and looks ready to play from day one.
18. Houston Rockets (via Utah)
Kendall Marshall, PG, 20, 6-4, 198, North Carolina, Soph.
With starting point guard Aaron Brooks publicly demanded to be traded, and backup Goran Dragic an unrestricted free agent, the Rockets’ point guard situation looks tenuous at best. General Manager Daryl Morey knows how difficult it is to acquire playmakers of Kendall Marshall’s stature in free agency or via trades, which gives him very good value at this stage in the draft.
19. Orlando Magic
Jared Sullinger: PF/C, 20, 6-9, 268, Ohio State, Soph.
Sullinger was likely to be selected in the top-10 until red-flags uncovered in his NBA Combine physical put a serious damper on his draft stock. Rumors are flying that Sullinger could require surgery that could sideline him for the entire year potentially, which makes it virtually impossible to peg where he’ll end up landing on draft night.
General Manager Rob Hennigan was just hired a few days ago, and already will have his first important decision to make. At this late stage in the draft, he can afford to take a flyer on a player who would be a huge steal if the concerns over his back end up being overblown, like most red-flagged prospects in the past.
20. Denver Nuggets
Arnett Moultrie: PF/C, 21, 6-11, 233, Mississippi St., Junior
The Nuggets have good depth at pretty much every position. This should allow them to draft the most talented player that falls to No. 20. Moultrie has the skill-level and athleticism to see minutes at power forward alongside Denver’s bevy of centers, but is also big enough to see some time alongside the likes of Kenneth Faried and Al Harrington.
21. Boston Celtics
Royce White: PF, 21, 6-8, 261, Iowa State, Soph.
The Celtics are ushering in a new era, with a big chunk of their roster entering free agency and a great deal of cap room opening up. Danny Ainge has never had a problem swinging for the fences for a talented prospect with significant long-term upside, and Royce White fits that description perfectly, as he would have been picked significantly higher had teams not been scared off by his fear of flying and anxiety disorder.
22. Boston Celtics (via LA Clippers)
Fab Melo: C, 21, 7-0, 255, Syracuse, Soph.
Boston’s entire frontcourt is entering free agency, making a physically developed 7-footer like Melo an attractive proposition at this stage in the draft. His defensive mentality will fit in well with Boston’s culture.
23. Atlanta Hawks
Quincy Miller: SF, 19, 6-10, 219, Baylor, Fresh.
General Manager Danny Ferry is still unpacking his suitcases at this point, and probably hasn’t studied the draft as much as he would have liked being part of San Antonio’s deep playoff run. Quincy Miller was a top-5 pick in high school who probably left school a year too early, but could be a steal for a team that’s willing to be patient with his development.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LA Lakers)
Andrew Nicholson: PF/C, 22, 6-9, 234, St. Bonaventure, Senior
The Cavs seemingly need everything except a starting point guard at this stage, and adding some size to the frontcourt wouldn’t be a bad idea. Nicholson is big enough to operate alongside Tristan Thompson and a good enough shooter to play with Anderson Varejao.
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Evan Fournier: SG/SF, 19, 6-7, 204, Poitiers, International
With luxury-tax problems looming for the Grizzlies, Memphis might opt for the flexibility of picking an international prospect who has the option of staying in Europe for another season, at their discretion, depending on how things shake out over the offseason. Despite being only 19, Fournier is ready to step into a NBA rotation, and could give the team another weapon at the 2/3 alongside Tony Allen and Rudy Gay. With O.J. Mayo entering free agency, they could always use another ball-handler, which Fournier certainly is.
26. Indiana Pacers
Draymond Green: PF, 22, 6-7, 236, Michigan State, Senior
With a couple of key pieces in George Hill and Roy Hibbert entering free agency, Indiana has some big decisions to make this summer. The team has solid depth at every position right now, and a player like Green fits their culture well with his winning mentality, toughness and unselfish style of play.
27. Miami Heat
Festus Ezeli: Center, 22, 6-11, 264, Vanderbilt, Senior
The Heat have had a hard time surrounding Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James with complementary rotation pieces, but have a chance to add another talented young player to the mix with this pick. Pat Riley has reportedly been looking hard at all of the big men in the draft trying to see if he can add a center who can develop into a serviceable role-player. Ezeli has the size, length and athleticism to warrant being picked here.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jeff Taylor: SF, 23, 6-7, 213, Vanderbilt, Senior
The Thunder could very well decide to trade out of this slot, as it will be difficult to find a player who can crack their deep rotation at this late stage. If not, Taylor is a player that could suit their style of play and culture off the court. He’s big enough to guard multiple positions, can space the floor as a 40-plus percent outside shooter and he has the athleticism to make plays and get out in the open floor.
29. Chicago Bulls
Will Barton: SG/SF, 21, 6-6, 174, Memphis, Sophomore
With Derrick Rose out for the season, and C.J. Watson not expected to be retained, the Bulls are going into next season with precisely zero ball-handlers at the moment. A tough and athletic wing like Will Barton could help provide some temporary relief.
30. Golden State (via San Antonio)
Marquis Teague: PG, 19, 6-2, 180, Kentucky, Fresh.
With four draft picks at their disposal, the Warriors can afford to swing for the fences this late. Teague has the physical attributes, ball-handling skills and instincts to develop into an asset down the road. Having a former point guard in head coach Mark Jackson to mentor him could speed up his development.
See DraftExpress.com (http://www.draftexpress.com) for in-depth scouting reports on all of the prospects and more.
