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Like a lot of NBA teams, I'm sure the Spurs will have tentative, pre-arranged trades on the table, and will be ready to "pull the trigger" if a specific player they like starts to fall.
No one can really trust you because you haven't come with "insider" information or insight as of yet. There are certain posters that have the beat on specific Spurs players or aspects of the franchise...to this point, you're not one of them.
I also question why the Spurs would zero in on two players that they haven't even personally worked out. Not saying it's impossible to select them, but it would seem they'd at least like to interview them before making a $2M decision.
Like a lot of NBA teams, I'm sure the Spurs will have tentative, pre-arranged trades on the table, and will be ready to "pull the trigger" if a specific player they like starts to fall.
MYSA.com has compiled a list of potential draftees that J-Mac has profiled in recent weeks. I don't know how much you can actually infer from the list, but here are the names along with a blip from J-Mac.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s...wFullArticle=y
Last edited by Bruno; 06-21-2010 at 04:33 AM. Reason: Don't copy/paste mysa.com content. Thanks.
lol MySA
Look at that. I just threw up.
Updated: Consensus Mock Draft
George has fallen out of the lottery, with regards to the consensus, but DX has him going at 8.
As far as the wings most would like to see the Spurs draft, it's looking like a pretty decent possibility one of Henry, Babbitt or George will fall out of the lottery.
The consensus says that'll most likely be George on the outside looking in, but the Spurs would still need to probably get their hands on Chicago's pick if he's who they want.
Last edited by Blackjack; 06-21-2010 at 02:19 PM.
Hayward Among Those Invited To Green Room
Butler forward Gordon Hayward is among the players that have been selected to attend Thursday night's NBA Draft.
The league usually invites 15 players to sit in the green room.
Hayward has been projected to go as high as eighth to the Clippers and as low as the late-teens. He will work out for the Pacers on Monday.
Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ar...#ixzz0rW9aQMnN
SpearsNBAYahoo
Warriors trade 34th draft pick to Portland for 44th and cash
chadfordinsider
Blazers swap the 44th pick & cash for the 34th pick. They like some guys at 34, but could package with 22 to move up a few spots
Portland's Depth Makes Prospects Want To Avoid Workouts
Read more: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archiv...#ixzz0rWqx4w5D
The Trail Blazers are having difficulty scheduling individual draft workouts this year due to their depth at a number of positions.
"When you look at Portland's roster, if you're a wing player, they've got four or five wings. If you're a big guy, they've got three centers," said agent Bill Duffy.
"You have to be a student analyzing the composition of the roster, before you allow your guy to go in there. Because a lot of times team say, 'We're going to draft the best player.' Well, for us, that best player might be the third guy on your depth chart when he gets to your team."
Read more: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archiv...#ixzz0rWr01jIB
DraftExpress
13 confirmed Green Room Invites so far: Wall, Turner, Favors, Cousins, Johnson, Monroe, Aminu, Udoh, Davis, Hayward, Aldrich, Babbitt,George
DraftExpress
Supposedly three more Green Room invites still going out. Have to imagine they go to Patrick Patterson/Xavier Henry & probably Avery Bradley
WojYahooNBA
Minnesota offering Jonny Flynn and two first-round picks (16 and 23) to Indiana for a package that includes the 10th pick, sources tell Y!
Adrian Wojnarowski WojYahooNBA
Y! Sources: World Wide Wes pitching to teams that trading for Chris Paul is way to get edge on signing LeBron. http://tinyurl.com/2bvu5v6
I'm really starting to think you are just a very well put together troll.
Ford's latest draft buzz...
The draft is now just three days away and things are beginning to get a little bit clearer. I spent the weekend on the phone talking with various NBA executives and agents trying to get a handle on what's happening in the draft.
Here's the latest:
The Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings made the first big trade of the offseason last Thursday, swapping Samuel Dalembert for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. While the deal made sense for both teams (the Kings needed a shot blocker and the Sixers needed to get under the luxury tax), will there be larger ramifications in the draft?
Sources in both Philly and Sacramento said the trade won't affect their draft plans despite the fact that both teams seemed to fill needs and create new holes in the trade.
The Sixers have been strongly leaning toward taking Evan Turner with the No. 2 pick. However, the addition of Nocioni and the loss of Dalembert leaves them loaded at the wing and pretty bare on the front line. On the surface, it appears that Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins would be better fits.
For the Kings, the team had been looking at both Cousins and Greg Monroe. With the addition of Dalembert as a starting center and the loss of Nocioni, it now appears that their biggest need is at the 3, unless the Kings believe Omri Casspi or Donte Greene is ready to step in and be the starter on a winning team.
However, it looks like both teams are still locked in on their original targets.
More trade talk
The Sixers-Kings deal should be the first of many as we get closer to the draft. The Washington Wizards, Sixers, New Jersey Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves are all sending strong signals that they're keeping their picks. After that, it starts to get a little messier.
I've heard that the Kings, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets have all been talking about moving picks. The Kings, Pacers, Hornets and Bucks would like to trade down, while the Pistons, Grizzlies, Raptors, Rockets, Spurs, Thunder, Blazers and Nuggets would like to move up. And if the Pacers and Hornets can't move down, they, along with the Bulls, might look to get out of the draft completely.
That's a lot to digest and here's why. All of these teams are talking to each other. Some teams are looking at three or four different scenarios with the teams above. You can expect that teams will begin narrowing choices Monday to get things done in enough time before the draft.
From what I can gather, the Pacers, Hornets, Raptors, Spurs and Thunder are the most active right now.
Hot button issues
[+] EnlargeJonathan Daniel/Getty Images
GMs are weighing Derrick Favors' potential this week.We're starting to see players fall into a bit of a pecking order right now as teams try to decide who they like best at particular positions.
Here are the four hottest debates in NBA front offices at the moment:
Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins
Favors and Cousins have now met in Sacramento and Philly, and they'll be in New Jersey together Monday. In Sacramento the two worked out on the court together but didn't actually play against each other. That changed when they went to Philly, as Favors' agent gave them the green light to bang.
Things are moving back to the Sacramento model for the N.J. workout. Apparently Favors' agent complained that the workout in Philly consisted of Cousins fouling Favors on every play, so we're back to two big guys in a gym shooting jump shots.
The stakes couldn't be higher for Favors at the moment. The general consensus in Sacramento and Philly was that Cousins was much better. That makes some sense. Cousins has 47 pounds on Favors and is much more polished on the offensive end. You would expect it to be that way.
But Favors seems to be suffering from more than that. Wolves GM David Kahn ripped Favors for his lack of conditioning and doubted that he was ready for the NBA. While that certainly could have been a David Kahn smokescreen (I haven't heard feedback he was out of shape in the other two workouts), it all contributes to the narrative that Favors is getting his butt kicked by Cousins at the moment.
Ed Davis or Ekpe Udoh
Davis came into the season with all the momentum, but a so-so year combined with injuries and an underperforming Tar Heels squad hurt his stock a bit. Meanwhile, Udoh resurrected his draft stock by vastly improving at Baylor.
The two haven't gone head-to-head because Davis is still recovering from a wrist injury, but a number of teams including the Pistons, Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz are all trying to get a feel for who they'd prefer if both were on the board.
Right now, Udoh seems to have the buzz. He is more polished, is a better offensive player and has the ability to contribute right away. Davis is a better defender, is more explosive athletically and is bigger. He impressed the Jazz and Pacers in recent workouts with his improved shooting ability, but everyone knows he's a project.
The question really comes down to this: Udoh is 23, and Davis is 21, so in two years, would Davis be as good or better than Udoh is now? If the answer is yes, then the Davis is the best pick. But sometimes it's easier to take the guy you know can get some stuff done right now.
From what I can gather, I don't think Davis will slip past the Jazz at No. 9. Udoh probably won't get past the Pacers at No. 10 if they keep their pick.
Luke Babbitt, Gordon Hayward, Xavier Henry or Paul George
These four wings have all impressed in workouts, and depending on whom you talk to, you'll get a different answer on who is the best prospect. I think the range for all of them starts at No. 8 to the Clippers. The Jazz, Pacers, Hornets, Grizzlies, Bucks and Timberwolves also look to be in the mix.
Each player offers a different skill set. Babbitt may be the best scorer of the bunch and is the most NBA-ready. Henry is the best pure shooter of the group. Hayward has all the intangibles. George has the most upside (both in terms of athleticism and skills).
Each player also has a serious flaw. Babbitt lacks the lateral quickness to guard the quicker 3s in the league. Henry appears to be a bit one-dimensional. Hayward lacks strength and needs to get his shooting back on track. George lacks a great motor.
In what order will they go? It's way too early to say. If I were to handicap it right now, the Clippers are slightly leaning toward Hayward. The Jazz prefer Babbitt, while the Pacers and Grizzlies like George and the Hornets and Bucks favor Hayward.
Avery Bradley or Eric Bledsoe
[+] EnlargeChris Graythen/Getty Images
Avery Bradley may be getting passed by Eric Bledsoe.For teams looking for a point guard, the debate is really between Bradley and Bledsoe. Both players are freshmen and didn't have huge years. Bradley is a superior scorer and has good size for the position. Bledsoe is more of a true point guard and sees the floor better.
Both are considered raw and unproven, but they have tremendous athletic ability and upside. Both have been working out against each other in virtually every city before Bradley injured his ankle in Oklahoma City.
The real question for both players will come down to one spot in the lottery -- the Raptors at 13. While I've been hearing for weeks now that Bradley has the edge on Bledsoe, I had a trusted source tell me over the weekend that it may be Bledsoe who gets the nod in Toronto.
A true Insider mock draft
I'm working hard on our next Mock Draft (version 6.0) for Tuesday. But for those of you sick of hearing what I think every week, here's a pretty good alternative.
It probably doesn't surprise you to hear that most NBA teams do their own mock drafts in an effort to understand what players will be available when they are picking. They use their scouts to talk to other scouts in the league to get intel (along with reading ESPN Insider, of course) and then put a mock together.
I persuaded one of the best drafting GMs in the league to share his team's mock with me. He kindly gave me the first 20 picks. Enjoy!
1. Wizards: John Wall
2. Sixers: Evan Turner
3. Nets: Derrick Favors
4. Timberwolves: Wesley Johnson
5. Kings: DeMarcus Cousins
Note: Monroe had a terrific workout over the weekend. Sounds like Monroe and Cousins are neck and neck here.
6. Warriors: Greg Monroe
Note: Interestingly, after the positive workout, Monroe had a shaky one in Golden State on Sunday. You don't want to be outplayed by Omar Samhan when you're trying to talk a team into drafting you at No. 6. This may change.
7. Pistons: Al-Farouq Aminu
8. Clippers: Gordon Hayward
Note: If you're comparing to our Mock Draft 5.0, we have the first eight in the exact same order. From here, it changes significantly.
9. Jazz: Ed Davis
Note: I think you'll see Mock Draft 6.0 take up this suggestion. I've been hearing all week that Davis doesn't get past No. 9 if Monroe is off the board. Sorry, Luke Babbitt.
10. Pacers: Ekpe Udoh
Note: This also seems like a good bet. We've had Davis falling here for the past two weeks. But Udoh was the guy we had in Indy for our first two mock drafts.
11. Hornets: Cole Aldrich
12. Grizzlies: Luke Babbitt
13. Raptors: Eric Bledsoe
Note: That's the first major surprise I've heard so far. I've had them higher on Avery Bradley for months ... but maybe he knows something I don't.
14. Rockets: Patrick Patterson
15. Bucks: Xavier Henry
16. Timberwolves: Paul George
Note: I think this is probably too low for George. I put him here in my last mock draft but continue to hear he's strongly in the mix for the Clips, Indy and Memphis. Hard to see him sliding past all three.
17. Bulls: Damion James
18. Heat: Avery Bradley
19. Celtics: Solomon Alabi
20. Spurs: Daniel Orton
Note: The Spurs need a big man and they could rip out the heart of folks in OKC if they take Orton one pick ahead of the Thunder.
I doubt the Spurs draft Orton, but just following up on what Ford says, if the Thunder are so enamored with Orton that they're willing to trade multiple picks to acquire him (with their depth of young talent/picks/assets, they might be willing to), then the Spurs should draft him. The Thunder pick 21, 26, 32 and 51. If the Spurs could acquire 21 and 32, then it's a no brainer. I doubt they could get them to bite on 21 and 26, though.
Perhaps the Spurs aren't moving up for a big after all. Could it be they're moving up to grab the best wing player they can get?
I also posted this in the Chad Ford "says" thread, but wanted to know what you guys think too, just in case you are blowing that thread off. With all these rumors we should at least explore the options and I want to know what you guys think of these possible situations here in the Great Think Tank.
When the dust settles and the smoke clears or whatever I don't think tony parker or george hill will be traded, but just in case I got on trade machine and went through picks 2-11 and found trades with each team that are somewhat realistic and I would be happy with. I believe there are only a couple of players I would trade either for if the price is right.
Pick #2: Spurs trade Tony Parker, #20, 2011 1st, 2013 1st and Antonio Mcdyess to 76ers for #2, Elton Brand and Lou Williams
Spurs get the young athletic big they are looking for in Favors and a backup point without giving up Splitter. 76ers get rid of Brand's contract and get Tony Parker who would thrive in the Eastern Conference giving the 76ers a player they can build around. They also get a boatload of draft picks for now and the future. If they can clear enough cap space by the July, 1, 2011 maybe they can make a run at Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Durant.
Pick #3: Spurs trade Tony Parker, #20, 2011 1st, and 2013 1st to Nets for #3, Devin Harris and Keyon Dooling
Spurs once again get Favors and can leave Hill at 2-guard because of Harris. Nets get Tony Parker who could entice a top free agent to come to New Jersey. Also a boatload of picks.
Pick #4: Spurs trade Tony Parker, Dejuan Blair, Rights to Splitter, 2011 1st to T-Wolves for #4, Al Jefferson, Ramon Sessions and Pick #23
Spurs get very skilled big man in Al Jefferson and can choose between Wesley Johnson, DeMarcus Cousins and Greg Monroe with Pick #4. T-wolves get rid of Jefferson who is causing problems and pick up two talented big men. They also get Parker giving them all the point guards they could ever want.
Pick #5: Spurs trade Tony Parker to Kings for #5, Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, and Pick #33
Spurs get whoever is left out of Cousins, Johnson, and Monroe. Kings can move Evans to 2-guard and get rid of bad contracts.
Pick #6: Spurs trade Tony Parker, 2011 1st to Warriors for #6, Corey Maggette, and Anthony Randolph
Spurs get to draft the last remaining out of Monroe, Cousins, and Johnson. They also get a scorer in Maggatte and a talented young big in Randolph. Warriors get parker and Don Nelson gets to stick it to the League, the Mavs, and the Lakers on his way out the door.
Pick #7: Spurs trade George Hill, Antonio Mcdyess, and #20 to Pistons for #7, Jason Maxiell, and Jonas Jerebko
I admit this trade doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but pistons need a true point and maybe they believe Hill can be that guy. They can move Stuckey to 2-guard and get Mcdyess back who produced better than Maxiell. Spurs get young talent and draft either Ed Davis, Ekpe Udoh, or Cole Aldrich.
Pick #8: Spurs trade George Hill to Clippers (Use Camby Trade Exception) for #8, and #54.
Once again makes no sense. Spurs draft whoever is left out of Davis, Udoh, and Aldrich. Clippers get someone who can play for Davis while he spends the season in a suit which is destin to happen.
Pick #9: Spurs trade George Hill and Dejuan Blair to Jazz for #9, Ronnie Price, Sundiata Gaines, and Pick #55
Not going to happen, but whatever. Spurs pick last remaining out of Davis, Udoh, and Aldrich. Jazz would put Hill at 2-guard and replace Boozer with Blair. Jazz get to laugh at spurs for years for making the deal.
Pick #10: Spurs trade George Hill, Antonio Mcdyess, Malik Hairston, and #20 to Pacers for #10, Roy Hibbert, Brandon Rush, and Dahntay Jones
To me this trade makes sense. Spurs get a lot of young talent at multiple positions. They might actually draft a 3 if this happened instead of a big and would have their choice of the litter with Paul George, Xavier Henry, Gordon Heyward, or whoever else they like. Patrick Patterson might be perfect for the spurs here. Pacers get hometown star/hero Hill making money while saving money by trading back.
Pick # 11: Spurs trade Tony Parker, Antonio Mcdyess, Malik Hairston, #20, 2011 1st, and 2013 1st to the Hornets for #11, Chris Paul, James Posey, and Julian Wright.
Spurs get an upgrade at point guard and whoever they like most with pick #11. If the Hornets don't believe they will be able sign Chris Paul in a couple of years now could be the time to trade him. They may not be able to resign Parker either, but at least they get a head start on rebuilding. They get a boatload of picks in order to do so and can trade parker at the trade deadline in february for more future potential.
What do you guys think? Do any of these trades sound reasonable? If Tony Parker/George Hill really are on the block you have to at least explore the possibilities.
Blazers paid $2M to move up from #44 to #34:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2...ory?id=5312274
That's a lot of money.
Having an owner read to spend that kind of money is a big edge for a GM.
http://www.draftexpress.com/twitter.php
Green room:
13 in: Wall, Turner, Favors, Cousins, Johnson, Monroe, Aminu, Udoh, Davis, Hayward, Aldrich, Babbitt,George
If, as DX speculate, Henry and Paterson are also in, it truly sucks for Spurs. Green room guys should be all gone at #20. It means that the best Spurs can do are: Damion James, Quincy Pondexter, Larry Sanders, Hassan Whiteside, Daniel Orton or Solomon Alabi.
When I see what has been said about these players here, I'm not thrilled. With this lack of a good looking pcik at #20, I expect the unexpected in this draft from Spurs.
I repeat that if it is the rumored Elli0t Williams, we could still be very happy down the road. Williams might be the guy with by far the most upside from those who are there around 20. Spurs will need to fill the back up SF via trade or free agency and they might do better this route. it's not that hard to find a decent back up SF.
I agree that Spurs should be able to find a decent backup SF for the LLE this summer. However, drafting a SF is very interesting for after 2010-2011. Spurs haven't a single interesting SF prospect in the pipeline. At SG, there are Ginobili under contract for 3 years, Hill and De Colo who is showing good things in Europe.
Players like Elli0t Williams, Dominique Jones or James Anderson have maybe the talent of being the 20th pick but drafting one will create a logjam at SG and won't fix Spurs future hole at SF.
aside all discussion what position Spurs should draft, there is a new statistical analysis about the shooting guards of this years draft on DX and this shows some very intriguing results concerning Williams.
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/...ard-Crop-3517/
he is a very unique player when looking especially at
- Three Point Attempts Per Field Goal Attempt -
and
- Free Throw Attempts Per Possession -
he ranks 4th in the first category, only behind pure shooters (Rautins, Scheyer, Eldridge) and 1st in the latter.
and this is really amazing. the numbers would make him the most versatile SG on offense of all players in this draft as he shoots a lot of 3s (and hits them at a decent rate), but still drives a lot, finishes well in a pretty creative style and also get to the line at will.
his true shooting percentage is very good (61%, 4th overall and again only behind pure shooters) and his efficiency as well. (1.57 PPS)
all this numbers are pretty unique and remind perfectly about another unique player and the name is Manu Ginobili.
add to this the fact that Williams also is a good and willing defender and left handed and we could understand why the Spurs might have fallen in love with him.
Dont be surprised, when you hear the words: "Tibor Pleiß" when we are on the clock!
Don't see him comung over right away, but he will be a nice piece in 2-3 years and I dont see any buyout problems with him (german teams are not like that)
The Blazers paid more to move up 10 spots in the second round than it will cost them to pay the player they select for 2 years!
The Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves are close to swapping first-round draft picks, a source with direct knowledge of the situation tells ESPN.com's Andy Katz.
The Grizzlies would send their 25th and 28th overall picks to Minnesota for the Timberwolves' 16th pick.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2...ory?id=5315275
Mock Draft 6.0
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Washington
John Wall
Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 196 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
(Wall's previous position: No. 1 to Washington)
Analysis: Wall as the No. 1 pick is still the only sure thing in the draft. He had his workout in Washington D.C. last week, and from all indications it went well.
The task for the Wizards now turns to filling in the spaces around him -- getting a healthy and focused Gilbert Arenas, looking for bargains or perhaps Rudy Gay in free agency, and figuring out how to turn the Wizards into a powerhouse franchise. Adding Wall is a big, big step in the right direction, but only one of many the Wizards are going to have to take.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Philadelphia
Evan Turner
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 214
Age: 21
School: Ohio State
(Turner's previous position: No. 2 to Philadelphia)
Analysis: We're keeping Turner at No. 2 even though we continue to hear from some sources that the team is after a big.
Why? Because after the Sixers worked out Turner last week, and even after they swapped Samuel Dalembert for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes, a well-placed source in Philly continues to insist that Turner is their guy.
Still, I continue to hear that head coach Doug Collins prefers the team draft a big. He's been very high on Derrick Favors and, according to sources, was wowed by Cousins after he and Favors worked out in Philly. If Collins wants to win now, Cousins could be the catalyst.
So what does it come down to in Philly? I think we'll find out Thursday who makes the decisions in Philly. If it's Turner, Ed Stefanski is the man in charge. If it's Favors or Cousins, Collins may be running the ship.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New Jersey
Derrick Favors
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 245
Age: 18
School: Georgia Tech
(Favors' previous position: No. 3 to New Jersey)
Analysis: The latest news out of NJ is that there is a three-way scrum between Cousins, Favors and Wes Johnson. Cousins and Favors worked out against each other on Monday in New Jersey. And the team is also high on Johnson because of its need at the wing and his ability to step in and play from day one.
Cousins, who has been awesome in recent workouts in Sacramento and Philly, was good again in Jersey, not only showing his dominant offensive moves in the paint, but shooting the lights out, too. Favors showed off his athleticism and upside, but in terms of NBA readiness, Cousins has the edge.
That could make the Nets' decision pretty tough. Not only does new owner Mikhail Prokhorov want to win now, so does new head coach Avery Johnson. That could push Cousins or small forward Wes Johnson into the foreground.
However, there are issues with Cousins if they take him at No. 3. The Nets are also targeting a number of veteran big men, including Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer this summer. With Brook Lopez already in the middle, would the Nets have minutes for Cousins?
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
Wesley Johnson
Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 206
Age: 22
School: Syracuse
(Johnson's previous position: No. 4 to Minnesota)
Analysis: The Wolves are one of the most active teams in the league right now. They have explored moving up in the draft to get Turner. They've also looked at packaging the 16th and 23rd picks in an effort to move up and get a second top-10 pick.
If they keep the No. 4 pick, it continues to look like their target is Johnson, who we've had going to Minnesota in our mock draft since May. He was in Minnesota last week and wowed everyone in the organization. Not only is he a great basketball player, but he's a great young man and the type of locker-room guy that a young team wants to build with.
However, it appears that all the uncertainty at the top of the draft could be swaying Minnesota. Over the past 24 hours the team has been seriously discussing taking Cousins, who has refused to work out for Minnesota. The team has had some interest in potential trades for Al Jefferson or Kevin Love and has been watching a lot of tape on Cousins to be sure they aren't missing the boat. While he isn't a great fit and there are concerns about his at ude, he's such a talent that the Wolves might be reluctant to pass.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Sacramento
DeMarcus Cousins
Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 292
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
(Cousins' previous position: No. 5 to Sacramento)
Analysis: Last week, we put Cousins here after a terrific workout in Sacramento over Greg Monroe. What's happened since then? Well, Monroe returned to Sacramento for a second workout, and sources say he wowed them again. In addition, the Kings swapped Nocioni and Hawes for Dalembert, giving them a much-needed shot-blocker and rebounder in the middle.
So where does that leave Sacramento? I hear Cousins might have a slight lead over Monroe, but it's very close. However, more and more, a third option is emerging: Trading the pick. GM Geoff Petrie has zero history of trading down in the draft, but the Kings are actively exploring their options with so many teams pining to get their hands on Cousins -- everyone from Detroit to Boston has been looking at moving up.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Golden State
Greg Monroe
Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 247
Age: 19
School: Georgetown
(Monroe's previous position: No. 6 to Golden State)
Analysis: The Warriors are among the most difficult teams in the draft to predict right now. Over the course of the past week, I've heard a number of players were atop their list, including Cousins, Monroe, Al-Farouq Aminu, Xavier Henry, Ekpe Udoh, Patrick Patterson ... I could go on.
To me, this is where the gamesmanship really starts. The Warriors could go in almost any direction. The team itself is a bit of a mess. We're not sure who's going to own the team in a month, the coaching situation is up in the air, players are on the trading block and agents who have had their players work out for Golden State don't particularly want their guys to end up there.
For weeks, the word I've been getting is that Cousins is the guy. If he's off the board, the next closest consensus among sources (and I use the word "consensus" loosely) is Monroe. He reportedly had a bad workout in Golden State, but it might not matter. The Warriors need more size, and Monroe's high basketball IQ and skill level should be a nice fit in Golden State.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Detroit
Ed Davis
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: North Carolina
(Davis' previous position: No. 10 to Indiana)
Analysis: Pistons president Joe Dumars has said he wants his team to regain the grit and toughness of past Pistons teams. But picking at No. 7 makes that a bit of a challenge. Detroit is really high on both Cousins and Favors, but most likely it will have to move up in the draft to get one of them.
Monroe is also high on its board, but in our latest scenario, he's gone too. Regardless, the team needs a big man.
For weeks I've had Aminu going to Detroit, but after Aminu canceled his workouts in Detroit, the Pistons have begun looking in other directions.
At this point it looks like it's down to Davis, Udoh or Cole Aldrich. Aldrich is the most NBA-ready center and Udoh is the best shot-blocker of the group. But of the players left on the board, Davis has the most upside. He may be raw, but he's an athletic 6-foot-10 big man with bounce and the ability to crash the boards. The Pistons need to swing for the fences.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
L.A. Clippers
Al-Farouq Aminu
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 215
Age: 19
School: Wake Forest
(Aminu's previous position: No. 7 to Detroit)
Analysis: The Clippers could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, and I keep getting mixed signals.
The latest word has them narrowing the field down to Aminu, Davis, Udoh, Gordon Hayward and Luke Babbitt.
Of those five names, Aminu would be the winner if he was still there at No. 8. The Clippers have a big hole at the 3 and feel he's a top-five talent in the draft. If he's gone, the Clippers' decision is whether to go big or wing. If they go big, I think Davis has the slight edge. If they go with a wing (their biggest need at the moment), it appears that Hayward and Babbitt are neck-and-neck. So which direction will they go?
In that scenario, I think Hayward wins out for two reasons. One, he's got more upside, and two, he's a better defender right now.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Utah
Luke Babbitt
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Nevada
(Babbitt's previous position: No. 9 to Utah)
Analysis: The Jazz are crossing their fingers that Monroe slips to them. If he doesn't, as we've projected here, they have a tough choice. Davis has been moving strongly up their board, but in this mock he's going at No. 7 to Detroit.
The Jazz could still address their need for a big with Udoh, or they can address a big need at the wing. Babbitt, Henry and Hayward are all options the team would be comfortable with.
Which way are they leaning? GM Kevin O'Connor is keeping his cards close to the vest. I think Babbitt has a slight lead over Henry, Hayward and Udoh at the moment. But this one could come down to draft night.
I'll say this: The Jazz have been consistently high on Babbitt all year. They have had success with sweet-shooting small forwards like him, and he can come in and contribute from day one. All that should give him the edge.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Indiana
Ekpe Udoh
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Baylor
(Udoh's previous position: No. 14 to Houston)
Analysis: The Pacers continue to talk to a number of teams about moving up, down or all the way out of the draft. It's no secret the team needs a point guard, and it's no secret that at No. 10, there probably isn't a point guard worth taking.
So the team now has a tough choice if Davis and Monroe are both off the board: Udoh or Paul George? Udoh gives them something they have lacked for years: a legitimate shot-blocker. George has that silky-smooth shooting touch and upside that Brandon Rush hasn't really displayed in Indiana. Of the two, I think Udoh's leading the charge, but as the Pacers continue to talk trade, someone else could be making this pick.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New Orleans
Gordon Hayward
Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 211
Age: 20
School: Butler
(Hayward's previous position: No. 8 to L.A. Clippers)
Analysis: The Hornets have a new head coach, and job No. 1 is filling a pretty large hole in their frontcourt. The Hornets have Emeka Okafor and David West and not much else.
However, the choices of Aldrich and Patterson haven't blown the team away. Both players do not have the sexy upside of other players in the draft.
That could lead the Hornets to the wing, where they eventually have to replace Peja Stojakovic. Hayward has the raw abilities to be a terrific 3 someday. While he struggled with his shot last season, teams think he will adapt well at the next level and has a chance to be a star.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Memphis
Paul George
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Fresno State
(George's previous position: No. 16 to Minnesota)
Analysis: It's tough to know which way the Grizzlies are leaning. Over the course of the past few weeks, the three names that have gotten the most buzz have been George, Babbitt and Patterson.
After making a huge reach for Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2 last season, you'd think the Grizzlies would go conservative and take either Babbitt or Patterson. While neither player has enormous upside, both are NBA-ready and can provide instant offense.
However, as the process moves on, it appears that George is slowly moving to the front of the pack. How do we know? Because George is in for a second workout in Memphis on Tuesday -- this time in front of owner Michael Heisley. If you read the Memphis Commercial Appeal on Sunday, it's Heisley who makes the final decision in Memphis, not GM Chris Wallace. While George is clearly the biggest risk of the group, he's also the player with the most upside. If he develops his many talents, he could be a superstar.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Toronto
Patrick Patterson
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 245
Age: 21
School: Kentucky
(Patterson's previous position: No. 12 to Memphis)
Analysis: The Raptors could go in a number of different directions here. With Bosh likely out the door, Hedo Turkoglu pining for a trade and the team shopping Jose Calderon, you can expect the team to look radically different next season.
Finding a center is atop GM Bryan Colangelo's list. If Bosh leaves, he'd like to move Andrea Bargnani to the 4. But of the top big men left on the board -- Orton, Whiteside and Solomon Alabi -- none of them is close to being ready.
The Raptors have been looking closely at Avery Bradley, but their inability to find a trade for either Calderon or Jarrett Jack makes taking Bradley a risk. So look for them to focus on the best big man left on the board: Patterson. He may not be a flashy player or filled with upside, but he is tough, plays hard and will be solid at the next level. At pick No. 13, that's all you can ask for. Think of him as this year's Tyler Hansbrough.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Houston
Cole Aldrich
Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 236
Age: 21
School: Kansas
(Aldrich's previous position: No. 11 to New Orleans)
Analysis: The Rockets have been another team trying to move up a few spots in the draft. At No. 14, it looks like virtually every player they covet will be off the board. If they can't move up, that should put them in the mode of taking the best player available.
That would be Aldrich, who is a big with the ability to block shots and rebound. He also has a decent face-the-basket game. With Yao Ming's long-term status really up in the air, Aldrich gives them a backup big that should be able to step in and play right away.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Milwaukee
(via Chicago)
Xavier Henry
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 210
Age: 19
School: Kansas
(Henry's previous position: No. 15 to Milwaukee)
Analysis: The Bucks have a big need at the wing position with Michael Redd coming back from injury and John Salmons looking to opt out of his contract. Of the players left on the board, Henry looks to be, by far, the best value. He can play either the 2 or 3, and can shoot the lights out.
Speaking of upside, we probably should add one more name to the list. It's a long shot, but Cincinnati's Lance Stephenson has impressed in workouts, and the Bucks have had their eye on him for a while. It seems like he's a bit of a reach at 15, but John Hammond rolled the dice on a former high school phenom with a bad rep last year and it paid off. Will he do it again this year?
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
(via Charlotte)
James Anderson
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210
Age: 21
School: Oklahoma State
(Anderson's previous position: No. 17 to Chicago)
Analysis: The Wolves have been actively trying to package Nos. 16 and 23 to move up a few spots in the draft to get their hands on George. But if George is gone, there aren't a lot of prospects they're in love with here.
I think the Wolves would be more aggressive in trying to trade at this point. If they keep the pick, they might go ahead and take Anderson, who doesn't have the upside of some of the other wing guys like George or Hayward, but was one of the best scorers in college basketball last year. He would give the Wolves more shooting on the perimeter.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Chicago
(via Milwaukee)
Avery Bradley
Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: Texas
(Bradley's previous position: No. 13 to Toronto)
Analysis: I've had Anderson here for every mock draft; the Bulls need a 2-guard who can shoot the basketball, and Anderson was the most NBA-ready prospect left on the board. But in this mock, Anderson's already off the board. While I still think Anderson is in the mix here -- along with Dominique Jones and Jordan Crawford -- a name I'm hearing more and more at 17 is Bradley.
With Kirk Hinrich on the trading block, Bradley's ability to swing between the 1 and the 2 is important to a team like the Bulls, who envision him more in a Monta Ellis-type role.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Miami
Eric Bledsoe
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
(Bledsoe's previous position: No. 18 to Miami)
Analysis: Bledsoe has been in this spot since our first mock draft. While teams as high as Indiana (10), Toronto (13) and Houston (14) are in the mix for him, Miami looks like the perfect resting spot for Bledsoe. He's a tough, Pat Riley-type of player and could be a long-term upgrade from the Mario Chalmers-Carlos Arroyo duo at point guard.
Bledsoe was one of the players who really helped himself at the draft combine. Playing outside of Wall's shadow, he often looked like the best guard on the floor. Physically, he's ready for the NBA right now. But he still needs more experience running the point. In the long term, Bledsoe could pay off.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Boston
Damion James
Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 227
Age: 22
School: Texas
(James' previous position: No. 20 to San Antonio)
Analysis: I've had Alabi going to Boston for weeks. But after finding out Monday that the team hasn't been able to get him in for a workout, I'm hedging.
I still believe the Celtics like Alabi a lot, however, the name I'm hearing more and more out of Boston is James. He makes a lot of sense for the Celtics. He's a tough, physical player who can play both the 3 and the 4 for them. He's one of the few guys left in the draft that can come in and play on a veteran team like the Celtics right away.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
San Antonio
Craig Brackins
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 229
Age: 22
School: Iowa State
(Brackins' previous position: No. 26 to Oklahoma City)
Analysis: The Spurs need size, and this pick will likely come down to either Brackins or Alabi. While Alabi has the size and upside, with Tiago Splitter possibly coming to San Antonio this fall, the Spurs may be set at the 5.
Brackins' ability to spread the floor and play inside and outside is coveted in San Antonio. A number of GMs have told me he could end up being the sleeper of the draft.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Oklahoma City
Solomon Alabi
Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Florida State
(Alabi's previous position: No. 19 to Boston)
Analysis: The Thunder will have a tough call to make here between Alabi, Daniel Orton and Kevin Seraphin. The Thunder have been high on Orton all year, but a so-so workout in OKC, along with concerns about his knees, have given them and everyone else in the league pause.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have been high on Alabi for a while. He may seem like a bit of a reach to some, but he appears to be one of the hotter names in the draft at the moment. The Raptors, Celtics, Spurs, Thunder, Heat and Blazers are all showing interest. Those are all teams with historically good draft track records, so watch carefully.
Alabi measured as one of the tallest and longest players in the draft, and he showed a nice skill game and a terrific motor in the drills. Some scouts are comparing him to Dikembe Mutombo. I don't think Alabi has the same sort of rebounding and shot-blocking ability, but he does have a similar demeanor and presence on the court.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Portland
Kevin Seraphin
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 258
Age: 20
Country: France
(Seraphin's previous position: No. 23 to Minnesota)
Analysis: Kevin Pritchard hit a home run with the 25th pick in 2008 when he drafted French swingman Nicolas Batum. How good is Batum? The Blazers rejected the Wolves' offer of the No. 4 pick for Batum a couple of week ago.
Now they have their eyes set on Seraphin, a French big man with great athleticism and excellent defensive instincts. The Blazers would also love Alabi, but in this case he isn't on the board. Hassan Whiteside and Orton are also possibilities here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
(via Utah)
Larry Sanders
Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 222
Age: 21
School: Va. Commonwealth
(Sanders' previous position: No. 28 to Memphis)
Analysis: With the Wolves going with wings with their first two picks, look for them to take a swing at a player with huge upside at No. 23. Sanders has a freakishly long wingspan and can really run the floor. He also gives the Wolves something that they've been in short supply of -- shot-blocking.
Whiteside and Orton are both possibilities here as well. But it sounds as if the Wolves are a little turned off by the immaturity of both players and might not need a center anyway -- they will pursue Darko Milicic in free agency and sign former second-round pick Nikola Pekovic this summer.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Atlanta
Hassan Whiteside
Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: Marshall
(Whiteside's previous position: No. 22 to Portland)
Analysis: The Hawks could go in a lot of directions here. They might end up having to replace Joe Johnson in free agency. But at this point in the draft, Whiteside's upside might be too much to pass on.
Whiteside is the best shot-blocker in the draft and, when he's playing well, reminds some of a young Marcus Camby. He's immature and needs a lot of work, but at No. 24, there isn't a player left on the board with more upside.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Memphis
(via Denver)
Jordan Crawford
Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 198
Age: 21
School: Xavier
(Crawford's previous position: 27)
Analysis: Crawford's stock has been slowly rising, and now he's in the mix with the Bulls at 17, the Celtics at 19, the Spurs at 20, the Blazers at 22 and the Wolves at 23. But it looks like he won't slide past the Grizzlies here. The addition of Crawford and George would give the Grizzlies a ton of punch in their backcourt.
I'm not sure there are enough basketballs in Memphis for all these guys, but you have to like the talent they're acquiring.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Oklahoma City
(via Phoenix)
Daniel Orton
Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 269
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
(Orton's previous position: No. 21 to Oklahoma City)
Analysis: Orton is a bit of an enigma. His 3 ppg and 3 rpg as a freshman at Kentucky certainly won't wow you. But he has the raw tools to be a successful big man in the pros.
The Thunder were among the teams that were on him early, and they might just get lucky and get him here. While Orton is in the discussion starting at the 10th pick, concerns about his knees and his relative lack of playing time over the course of the past two seasons are weighing on teams.
He could easily end up in the lottery (he's working out for the Pacers on Tuesday), but I doubt he slips further than this.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New Jersey
(via Dallas)
Dominique Jones
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 216
Age: 21
School: South Florida
(Jones' previous position: 25)
Analysis: Jones was one of the best scorers in college basketball last year. He's tough, physical and relentless getting to the basket. While he's not quite the shooter teams want, he's been a guy who has consistently drawn praise in workouts. I think his range starts at No. 17 with the Bulls, and I don't think he slips past here to the Nets.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Memphis
(via L.A. Lakers)
Devin Ebanks
Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 208
Age: 20
School: West Virginia
(Ebanks' previous position: No. 34 to Golden State)
Analysis: The Grizzlies likely won't end up with three first-rounders. They are talking to several teams about trading one or both of their picks in the 20s. However, if they stay here, look for them to focus in on a wing defender to go with the two scorers they drafted ahead of them. Ebanks may not be a special offensive player, but he can guard three positions on the floor.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Orlando
Darington Hobson
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 204
Age: 22
School: New Mexico
(Hobson's previous position: No. 33 to Sacramento)
Analysis: The Magic haven't worked out many players. Each year they pick a small handful of prospects they like and then grab from there. Of the group they've had in, Crawford and Ebanks are off the board. Of the group left, Hobson makes a lot of sense. His playmaking ability and versatility remind some scouts of Turkoglu. The Magic missed that this season.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Washington
(via Cleveland)
Quincy Pondexter
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 22
School: Washington
(Pondexter's previous position: No. 30 to Washington)
Analysis: Pondexter is coming off a great senior season and is one of the best athletes in the draft. With the Wizards trying to rebuild with young players who can get up and down the floor, he seems like a good bet here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------31. New Jersey Nets
Keith Gallon | F | Oklahoma
The Nets will consider Gallon with the 27th pick, but if he falls here, he'd be tough to pass. While Gallon needs to lose weight, he's one of the most skilled big men in the draft. If he gets in better condition, he could be a steal here.
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32. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Minnesota)
Tibor Pleiss | C | Germany
Pleiss will get several looks in the first round. The 7-footer is already a major defensive presence and is willing to stay overseas for a year or two to keep developing. He'd be a great value pick at 32.
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33. Sacramento Kings
Elli0t Williams | SG | Memphis
Williams has limited his workouts to just two teams -- the Spurs and Rockets. Either he has a promise in the first round or rumors about his injury being worse than realized are true. Either way, the Kings would have a hard time passing on him here. He's a nice complement in the backcourt to Tyreke Evans and Beno Udrih.
The Kings are also vey high on English big man Ryan Richards after he wowed them in a workout. If Williams is off the board, Richards could be the pick.
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34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
Trevor Booker | PF | Clemson
The Blazers paid $2 million and swapped the 44th pick for No. 34, so they better get something good. Booker is the type of physical enforcer that the Blazers could use when LaMarcus Aldridge is squeezing the Charmin.
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35. Washington Wizards
Gani Lawal | PF | Georgia Tech
The Wizards are thin all along their frontcourt and Lawal, as a three-year player, should be able to step in and get minutes right away. He's not spectacular, but he's a pretty solid pick at this point in the draft.
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36. Detroit Pistons
Armon Johnson | PG | Nevada
The Pistons could use a backup point guard, and they could do a lot worse than Johnson. He is a terrific athlete with a flair for the dramatic. If he was a better shooter, he would go much higher in the draft.
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37. Milwaukee Bucks (via Philadelphia)
Lance Stephenson | SG | Cincinnati
The Bucks are considering Stephenson at 15, so if he were to slide here they'd be thrilled. Stephenson is a very good offensive player. It's his questionable at ude that's causing him to slip this far.
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38. New York Knicks
Terrico White | G | Mississippi
Knicks fans don't have a lot to cheer about, but if White falls this far, they can get a little excited. He has lottery-type talent, but his laid-back demeanor has turned off some teams. He should be dynamite in New York's system and could even play a little point guard.
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39. New York Knicks (via Clippers)
Greivis Vasquez | PG | Maryland
Vasquez is getting looks in the late first round by both Memphis and Orlando, but he should be a good fit for New York and coach Mike D'Antoni, who has always liked big point guards that can see the floor and shoot the basketball. Vasquez won't be able to guard anyone, but on the offensive end, he's got talent.
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40. Indiana Pacers
Da'Sean Butler | SF | West Virginia
Butler was a likely mid-to-late first-round pick before tearing his ACL. He's a bit of a risk here, but the Pacers loved him during the season, and he could be an excellent backup to Danny Granger down the road.
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41. Miami Heat (via New Orleans)
Jarvis Varnado | C | Mississippi State
Varnado is the best shot-blocker in the draft, and given the huge holes the Heat might have in the paint thanks to free agency, he might be able to find some minutes in Miami.
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42. Miami Heat (via Toronto)
Dexter Pittman | C | Texas
Pittman is a big man. With Jermaine O'Neal unlikely to return, the Heat need to start doing something to fill that hole in the middle. Pittman is really talented. If he gets in shape (and you know Pat Riley will demand it) he could be the steal of the draft.
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43. Los Angeles Lakers (via Memphis)
Willie Warren | G | Oklahoma
The Lakers know that Derek Fisher can't keep going forever, and it's unclear whether Jordan Farmer is really the point guard of the future. Warren was projected as a potential top-10 pick at the beginning of the season. But injuries, a terrible sop re season at Oklahoma and questions about his at ude have torpedoed his stock. But at 43, the combo guard is a steal.
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44. Golden State Warriors (via Chicago)
Ryan Richards | PF | England
The Warriors could take a flier on this unproven big man from England. He doesn't know how to play yet, but he has the physical tools to be special.
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45. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Houston)
Miroslav Raduljica | C | Serbia
With three picks in the first round, it's highly unlikely that the Wolves will take another American player here. Raduljica had an excellent season, and you can expect the Wolves to keep him in Europe for a few years to continue developing.
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46. Phoenix Suns
Stanley Robinson | SF | UConn
Robinson has struggled in workouts and his stock has dropped from a mid-first-rounder all the way to here. He shouldn't be discouraged. If ever there were a team that Robinson could thrive on, it's the Suns.
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47. Milwaukee Bucks
Jerome Jordan | C | Tulsa
The Bucks lost Andrew Bogut to injuries this past season and didn't have a lot to replace him in the middle. Jordan is huge and talented. If his motor revved higher, he'd be a first-round pick.
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48. Miami Heat
Thomas Heurtel | PG | France
Heurtel won MVP honors at the adidas Eurocamp. He's a good floor leader but not an amazing athlete. The Heat likely would leave him in France to continue to develop.
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49. San Antonio Spurs
Alexy Shved | G | Russia
Shved is a skilled Russian combo guard, and the Spurs could stash in Europe for a while.
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50. Dallas Mavericks
Sylven Landesberg | SG | Virginia
Landesberg was productive his first two years in college. He's a slasher who knows how to get to the basket. At pick 50, he's a good value.
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51. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Blazers)
Nemanja Bjelica | SF | Serbia
Bjelica is a crafty player who can play a little point forward. He's not a great athlete, but at this point in the draft, the Thunder don't need any more American players.
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52. Boston Celtics
Manny Harris | SG | Michigan
Harris is a high-scoring combo guard who, based on talent, is probably a first-round pick. With the Celtics needing help in the backcourt next season, Harris has the capability to fill in at both positions.
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53. Atlanta Hawks
Dwayne Collins | C | Miami (Fla.)
He didn't put up huge numbers at Miami, but Collins is a big, physical forward who can jump out of the gym.
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54. Los Angeles Clippers (via Denver)
Sherron Collins | PG | Kansas
Collins has struggled in workouts because of his weight, but he recently weighed in at 219. He might be the perfect guy to come in and help the Clippers' other conditioning-challenged point guard , Baron Davis.
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55. Utah Jazz
Jon Scheyer | SG | Duke
Before you start cracking jokes about Scheyer, don't overlook the fact that he'd be a terrific fit in Utah. He can play both guard positions and can shoot the lights out. I've heard him compared to Jeff Hornacek before and it's not a bad comparison.
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56. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Phoenix)
Artem Zabelin | C | Russia
The Wolves have a total of five picks and certainly aren't keeping them all for this year. Zabelin is thin, but very skilled. He's a long-term project who could pay off down the road.
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57. Indiana Pacers (via Dallas)
Ben Uzoh | PG | Tulsa
This athletic combo guard is a great athlete who could provide a spark off the bench for the Pacers at both backcourt positions.
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58. Los Angeles Lakers
Brian Zoubek | C | Duke
Zoubek didn't have a huge career at Duke, but he was a terrific rebounder and could give the Lakers some size and toughness in the middle.
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59. Orlando Magic
Andy Rautins | SG | Syracuse
The Magic are always in the market for shooters and Rautins is one of the best in the draft.
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60. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland)
Mikhail Torrance | PG | Alabama
The athletic combo guard starred at the Portsmouth Invitational, but some concerns about his physical may cause him to slide.
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Next five in: Luke Harangody, F, Notre Dame; Lazar Hayward, F, Marquette; Charles Garcia, F, Seattle; Jerome Randle, G, Cal; Derrick Caracter, PF, UTEP
Last edited by TD 21; 06-22-2010 at 02:49 PM.
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