Final NBA Mock Draft
1. Cleveland drafts Alex Len.
They have been trying desperately to trade this pick. They offered great deals to the Trailblazers and the Timberwolves (along with having talks with the Pelicans and Sixers) but nobody took the bait. Frankly, those teams were stupid to turn down the offers but it looks like Cleveland is stuck with the pick. Porter is the best fit, Oladipo the best player, but it comes down to Noel and Len. I think they go Len. Indications have been that they've been attempting to trade down so they can get Len later. He would play alongside Thompson much better than Noel could. I also half expect them to possibly deal other picks/players later to address SF. If they pass on Len, it will be to draft Noel.
2. Orlando drafts Nerlens Noel.
Orlando will likely stay put and draft Noel if available, Oladipo if not. While I think it's possible Cleveland moves their pick, Orlando will be staying put. How these two picks play out will determine a lot starting at #4 with Charlotte...
3. Washington drafts Otto Porter.
I've been fairly confident in this from day one. The potential 'Deng for #3 and Okafor' trade was interesting but won't happen. This is one pick I'm fairly certain on.
4. Minnesota drafts Victor Oladipo.
As long as Oladipo is still on the board, I think Charlotte trades this pick to Minny for #9 and Derrick Williams (and potentially #26). Minny loves Oladipo and wants to pair him with Rubio and Love as their core for the present and future. Charlotte really likes Cody Zeller, so for them trading to #9 means they are likely still in play for him, while adding a potential star in Williams. If Noel goes first to Cleveland, then I expect the Magic to take Oladipo, and this trade will then not take place. If Charlotte keeps the pick, I think Cody Zeller will be chosen here instead.
5. Phoenix drafts Anthony Bennett.
The decision here would be Bennett vs. McLemore. I think the Suns really like Bennett's upside and doubt McLemore's work ethic. Again, things depend on the above scenarios. A trade could be in play here depending on who is available, particularly Alex Len.
6. New Orleans drafts Trey Burke.
Despite the fact that McLemore is on the board, I think New Orleans is looking for a big man or a point guard, not another shooting guard. If Cleveland passes on Len, he would be in play here potentially. Or Bennett if he's available. But like Porter above, I'm fairly confident on this one.
7. Sacramento drafts Ben McLemore.
It truly is unbelievable that I am now predicting Ben to drop this far. He was in play for the first overall pick for weeks, even months. But his workouts haven't been going great and others have passed him up in my estimation. The Kings would be thrilled though!
8. Detroit drafts Michael Carter-Williams.
They need a point guard and it will be MCW vs. McCollum. I think they go MCW because of his size and skillset offsetting Brandon Knight's. They would work well together. McCollum would be too similar to Knight.
9. Charlotte drafts Cody Zeller.
Charlotte gets their man but at a better spot and they get Williams also. That would be a solid move by Charlotte, and that's shocking as they don't always make those moves! If Minny is here, McCollum or Caldwell-Pope could be the pick.
10. Portland drafts Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
I think they want a shooter/scorer. I think they like Caldwell-Pope's upside more than McCollum. This selection also depends on if they are able to trade Aldridge. If Aldridge is gone tonight, they may draft a big (especially if Zeller is available) to replace him.
11. Philadelphia drafts Lucas Nogueira.
Philly would be pissed in this scenario. I think they covet Cody Zeller. I actually can see them trying to make a move tonight, but it won't happen. They want a big and they have liked Lucas, or "Bebe". He may be their backup plan if Zeller doesn't fall here. Steven Adams or Kelly Olynyk are also names to keep in mind if they go big. If they don't go big, it's because they are picking Sergey Karasev.
12. Oklahoma City drafts Steven Adams.
If Alex Len gets past Cleveland, I expect OKC to push hard for a trade up to acquire him. Look to the Suns at #5 to potentially be a buyer. But in this mock, Len is gone early, out of reach for the Thunder, and OKC will take the best center on their board which should be Adams.
13. Cleveland drafts Sergey Karasev.
I think Cleveland won't be able to make a deal to part with #1, but I do think they could make a deal to acquire #13. This would allow them to draft a potential answer at SF, without the risk of taking one at #1. This trade would help in the long term for Cleveland in terms of the pick, but in the short term Shawn Marion (whose contract they would likely have to take on in the trade) may actually help in the short term. For Dallas, dumping the Marion salary and moving to #19 creates more space for a max contract... or two.
As a side note, this trade isn't as likely as it was a couple days ago. I really doubt Cleveland ends up drafting here, but I doubt even more that it's still Dallas. Just be aware, this pick will be traded tonight, guaranteed. Sergey could still be the pick though as many teams are high on him.
As a side note, this trade isn't as likely as it was a couple days ago. I really doubt Cleveland ends up drafting here, but I doubt even more that it's still Dallas. Just be aware, this pick will be traded tonight, guaranteed. Sergey could still be the pick though as many teams are high on him.
14. Utah drafts CJ McCollum.
I've thought Larkin here for a while, but rumors say the Jazz are enamored by McCollum and may be trying to trade up for him. In this mock, he falls to them. That would be their dream come true. If he's gone and they can't trade up, then keep in mind last week's pick, Shane Larkin.
15. Milwaukee drafts Shabazz Muhammed.
Amazing how he has really fallen since last year. In my opinion, he's gone from overrated to underrated, but the Bucks won't mind.
16. Boston drafts Mason Plumlee.
With Doc gone and uncertainty surrounding Pierce and Garnett, anything can happen with this pick including it being involved in some trade. Rumors say that the Celtics have promised Dennis Schroeder, but I don't think that makes much sense with Rondo already. I say they take a solid big man, and they liked Plumlee in workouts.
17. Atlanta drafts Giannis Adetokoubo.
His name has been discussed a lot by GM's recently. He's been rising on boards dramatically but it remains to be seen whether he'll play in the NBA sooner or later.
18. Atlanta drafts Kelly Olynyk.
I could see Tony Mitchell here, but after drafting Giannis, Mitchell may be too similar in terms of position. Kelly would give them another big to plug in, which would be useful with the future of Josh Smith and Al Horford unknown.
19. Dallas drafts Dennis Schroeder.
I really don't know who Dallas would draft here. Tony Snell and Jamaal Franklin were other names I considered, but it seems to me that their hunt for Chris Paul will fail, and that they should get a point guard for their future. My thought two months ago was that they'd love to take a point guard at 13, so why not at 19.
As a side note, if Cleveland doesn't make the move with Dallas, this pick may end up going to Houston for Thomas Robinson.
As a side note, if Cleveland doesn't make the move with Dallas, this pick may end up going to Houston for Thomas Robinson.
20. Houston drafts Tony Mitchell.
It looks like Houston is dealing Thomas Robinson for either #19 or #20. This would clear cap space to make a run at Dwight Howard. With this pick, I think they stick with their recent trend of acquiring versatile bigs/forwards. Mitchell is that guy and would allow them to move on from Royce White (who has had some mental/off the court issues).
Chicago would deal this pick for Thomas Robinson, and they hope to use him then in a package with Deng to trade for LaMarcus Aldridge. That would be something. If Chicago still has this pick, I look for them to use it on an athletic wing player. Gorgui Dieng would also be a possibility because his defensive minded play fits with the Bulls.
21. Utah drafts Shane Larkin.
Assuming they resign one of both of their free agent big men (Millsap and Jefferson), I think they double up on guards/wings. This would be a dream scenario for them because they are considering Larkin at 14, so getting him here would be nice. He and McCollum would give them a quality guard for the starting lineup and the bench, and they could play together if needed too.
22. Brooklyn drafts Gorgui Dieng.
Brooklyn is a team that may be looking to trade up to acquire more coveted targets, but I think they may end up just drafting here. Dieng would bring defense and rebounding to the power forward spot, something they lacked last year a little bit. They have plenty of scoring already with Deron, Johnson, and Lopez. Defense should be their priority.
23. Indiana drafts Isaiah Canaan.
It looks as if Danny Granger will remain with the team and help anchor an improved bench. Another aspect of the bench they want to address is point guard play. DJ Augustine didn't work out great last year and he won't likely be resigned. Canaan would be a nice backup with experience, leadership, and scoring capabilities. Other options here would be a versatile scoring wing.
24. New York drafts Tim Hardaway Jr.
New York will look to add a scoring/versatile wing most likely. Lots are available in this mock: Snell, Franklin, Bullock, Crabbe, etc. I picked Hardaway Jr. because he is a flat out shooter, the type that the Knicks have used recently. There is a good chance they lose JR Smith and/or Copeland, so Hardaway would fill an immediate void.
25. Los Angeles (Clippers) drafts Allen Crabbe.
As long as LA has this pick (and doesn't trade it for an established player like Aaron Afflalo), i think they look to bring in a shooting guard that could provide bench scoring or be a presence playing next to Chris Paul. Crabbe has great size for a 2, and he can shoot it well. Doc Rivers would be a great coach for him also.
26. Charlotte drafts Reggie Bullock.
This is a tough one to pin. I had Charlotte making a trade with Minny to get this pick, and Charlotte likely didn't work out many of these players as deeply as others throughout the draft process. Seeing as they went with a big at 9, they may look to address a need for another scoring on the perimeter. Tony Snell would fill in nicely as a 2, but he doesn't score that well. Erick Green can score it, but his size makes him similar to Kemba Walker. Bullock though is versatile enough to play either wing position.
27. Denver drafts Tony Snell.
This pick may be for another team, as Denver may be looking to trade it. The Warriors are looking to grab a pick, but is this too low in the draft for them to give up a piece for? I think Denver would look for the best available player, particularly one that is athletic, versatile, and can run the floor. Snell would give them a solid all around player, a shooting guard version of AI, who they might lose in free agency.
28. San Antonio drafts Jamaal Franklin.
He just fits the profile of the Spurs. He can do it all, and reminds me of Kawhi Leonard. With Manu retiring soon (maybe even this year), Franklin can step in to fill that role. Erick Green is another name I've heard for this spot, but Franklin to me is too solid overall to pass up. They could also use another young big, but they have been linked to Al Jefferson in free agency.
29. Oklahoma City drafts Ricardo Ledo.
Since they were unable to trade up from 12 in this mock, I think they take a chance with this pick. They addressed a need at center at #12, this would give them a chance to find an exciting scorer on the perimeter. They also have pick #32 at their disposal. Ledo has massive upside and is considered slightly unknown due to his situation sitting out at Providence last year.
30. Phoenix drafts Glen Rice Jr.
With Bennett taken at #5, they may look to address at need at combo guard. Erick Green (possible here) is slightly undersized, but Rice Jr. is a natural NBA 2-guard. A sleeper here could be Pierre Jackson or Nate Wolters if they choose to draft a point guard.
Well, a lot can change throughout the day and these picks are sure to be wrong. It will be an exciting draft nonetheless. Take care!
By: The Sports Guys
It looks like Houston is dealing Thomas Robinson for either #19 or #20. This would clear cap space to make a run at Dwight Howard. With this pick, I think they stick with their recent trend of acquiring versatile bigs/forwards. Mitchell is that guy and would allow them to move on from Royce White (who has had some mental/off the court issues).
Chicago would deal this pick for Thomas Robinson, and they hope to use him then in a package with Deng to trade for LaMarcus Aldridge. That would be something. If Chicago still has this pick, I look for them to use it on an athletic wing player. Gorgui Dieng would also be a possibility because his defensive minded play fits with the Bulls.
21. Utah drafts Shane Larkin.
Assuming they resign one of both of their free agent big men (Millsap and Jefferson), I think they double up on guards/wings. This would be a dream scenario for them because they are considering Larkin at 14, so getting him here would be nice. He and McCollum would give them a quality guard for the starting lineup and the bench, and they could play together if needed too.
22. Brooklyn drafts Gorgui Dieng.
Brooklyn is a team that may be looking to trade up to acquire more coveted targets, but I think they may end up just drafting here. Dieng would bring defense and rebounding to the power forward spot, something they lacked last year a little bit. They have plenty of scoring already with Deron, Johnson, and Lopez. Defense should be their priority.
23. Indiana drafts Isaiah Canaan.
It looks as if Danny Granger will remain with the team and help anchor an improved bench. Another aspect of the bench they want to address is point guard play. DJ Augustine didn't work out great last year and he won't likely be resigned. Canaan would be a nice backup with experience, leadership, and scoring capabilities. Other options here would be a versatile scoring wing.
24. New York drafts Tim Hardaway Jr.
New York will look to add a scoring/versatile wing most likely. Lots are available in this mock: Snell, Franklin, Bullock, Crabbe, etc. I picked Hardaway Jr. because he is a flat out shooter, the type that the Knicks have used recently. There is a good chance they lose JR Smith and/or Copeland, so Hardaway would fill an immediate void.
25. Los Angeles (Clippers) drafts Allen Crabbe.
As long as LA has this pick (and doesn't trade it for an established player like Aaron Afflalo), i think they look to bring in a shooting guard that could provide bench scoring or be a presence playing next to Chris Paul. Crabbe has great size for a 2, and he can shoot it well. Doc Rivers would be a great coach for him also.
26. Charlotte drafts Reggie Bullock.
This is a tough one to pin. I had Charlotte making a trade with Minny to get this pick, and Charlotte likely didn't work out many of these players as deeply as others throughout the draft process. Seeing as they went with a big at 9, they may look to address a need for another scoring on the perimeter. Tony Snell would fill in nicely as a 2, but he doesn't score that well. Erick Green can score it, but his size makes him similar to Kemba Walker. Bullock though is versatile enough to play either wing position.
27. Denver drafts Tony Snell.
This pick may be for another team, as Denver may be looking to trade it. The Warriors are looking to grab a pick, but is this too low in the draft for them to give up a piece for? I think Denver would look for the best available player, particularly one that is athletic, versatile, and can run the floor. Snell would give them a solid all around player, a shooting guard version of AI, who they might lose in free agency.
28. San Antonio drafts Jamaal Franklin.
He just fits the profile of the Spurs. He can do it all, and reminds me of Kawhi Leonard. With Manu retiring soon (maybe even this year), Franklin can step in to fill that role. Erick Green is another name I've heard for this spot, but Franklin to me is too solid overall to pass up. They could also use another young big, but they have been linked to Al Jefferson in free agency.
29. Oklahoma City drafts Ricardo Ledo.
Since they were unable to trade up from 12 in this mock, I think they take a chance with this pick. They addressed a need at center at #12, this would give them a chance to find an exciting scorer on the perimeter. They also have pick #32 at their disposal. Ledo has massive upside and is considered slightly unknown due to his situation sitting out at Providence last year.
30. Phoenix drafts Glen Rice Jr.
With Bennett taken at #5, they may look to address at need at combo guard. Erick Green (possible here) is slightly undersized, but Rice Jr. is a natural NBA 2-guard. A sleeper here could be Pierre Jackson or Nate Wolters if they choose to draft a point guard.
Well, a lot can change throughout the day and these picks are sure to be wrong. It will be an exciting draft nonetheless. Take care!
By: The Sports Guys
