Monday, June 30, 2014

NBA Draft Grades


Last Thursday could be a major game changer for many franchises across the NBA landscape. No, we didn’t see any blockbuster deals like some expected, but we saw some draft picks traded, we saw potential superstars selected, and we saw some shocking picks nonetheless. So with the NBA Draft finally behind us, we wanted to share with you our thoughts on each team and grade them on their performance.

NOTE: Honestly each team’s grade is still “incomplete” because of the ongoing free agency period. Some teams have trades lined up already, others will be seeking trades based on who they drafted, and others still have holes to fill and free agency, rather than the draft, is how they will fill those needs. But, we’ll grade teams based on the draft alone anyways... cause it’s fun!

Atlanta Hawks

Draft Day Players: Adreian Payne (15), Walter Tavares (43), Lamar Patterson (48)

There is nothing “sexy” about this draft, as two of the players they drafted were college seniors with limited upside. With that said, Payne and Patterson have the potential to help immediately, which is probably what Atlanta was trying to accomplish. I particularly love Payne, as he can help on both sides of the floor and replace Elton Brand, who is a free agent. Tavares is a wildcard here, as he is young, big, and does possess huge upside. But he’s a player that will be stashed in Europe for at least a couple years.

Grade: B

Boston Celtics

Draft Day Players: Marcus Smart (6), James Young (17)

My draft grade is lower now than it could be in a couple of weeks. I love the talent they got in Smart and Young, but the Smart pick doesn’t make sense to me unless they trade Rajon Rondo. If they trade Rondo next month for some nice pieces (particularly at center or on the wing), then this draft becomes a sure A. With that said, Smart will be an excellent 2-way player for Brad Stevens for years to come, and Young has the potential to be a very good as well. If both find consistency on their outside shots, both could be All-Stars multiple times.

Draft Grade: B+

Brooklyn Nets

Draft Day Players: Markel Brown (44), Xavier Thames (59), Cory Jefferson (60)

My draft grade comes with a caveat: not having a first round pick due to their “all-in” trade last year really hurt them in a loaded draft. BUT, they picked extremely well in the second round and picked three guys capable of contributing in the near future. Brown can score the ball, Jefferson can rebound and do the dirty work, and Thames is really someone that can do everything on the court. So my grade is fairly high, due to the fact they picked well, not because they landed game-changers like other teams did.

Grade: A-

Charlotte Hornets

Draft Day Players: Noah Vonleh (9), P.J. Hairston (26), Dwight Powell (45), Semaj Christon (55)

Really think Charlotte nailed the draft. Adding Vonleh at #9 was an absolute steal, even though they planned on taking a shooter there. He can replace McRoberts at power forward (assuming Josh opts out), and he and Zeller are a great young combo paired up with Al Jefferson. This team needed a shooter, so grabbing Hairston at 26 was a home run. This guy tore up the D-League last year, and he’ll make an instant impact. Like Vonleh, Christon is another one that fell on draft night but is a massive steal. A couple months ago he was a definite first round pick, so he’ll be a nice backup for Kemba in my opinion. Powell could make the roster down the road and give some decent minutes off the bench. Charlotte was a playoff team in 2014, yet they added players that made them deeper for sure, and a couple that could become very dominant NBA players.

Grade: A+

Chicago Bulls

Draft Day Players: Doug McDermott (11), Cameron Bairstow (49)

The Bulls also needed a shooter, so coming away with McDermott was great for them. By trading their two first rounders for him, they may have saved a little money in the process too, which is important for free agency in July. Bairstow is another guy that fits Thibodeau’s mold well, but he may start in the D-League or worse as the roster is pretty loaded for the time being.

Grade: A-

Cleveland Cavaliers

Draft Day Players: Andrew Wiggins (1), Joe Harris (33)

I’m be tough on them because I’m not a Wiggins at #1 guy. Parker is who I would have drafted hands down. People talk about upside, but they ignore the tape. Did anybody watch college basketball last year? At worst, Parker is an unselfish version of Carmelo Anthony. At best he’s Kevin Durant. Wiggins doesn’t have that capability at all. I’d rather draft a superstar than a very good defender. Plus, trading the pick would have brought back a ton as well. If they really want Lebron, how could they not have traded #1 to Minny for Kevin Love? They blew their chance. With that said, Wiggins is still a nice talent, and Harris is a nice shooter. So I won’t go any lower than a C+.

Grade: C+

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Day Players: None

The Mavs entered the week with only a couple of second rounders, which they traded (along with players) to New York for Chandler and Felton. Didn’t love the trade, but Chandler could help them as he did a few years ago. They also didn’t own a first round pick because of a previous trade to OKC. I have to give them an F, as this was a great draft and they missed out.

Grade: F

Denver Nuggets

Draft Day Players: Jusuf Nurkic (16), Gary Harris (19), Nikoa Jokic (41)

I’m cheating a little and grading on their draft and the trade they made right before draft acquiring Aaron Afflalo for Fournier and a second rounder. Amazing deal for them since they acquired a starter for basically nothing. In the draft, they turned #11 into two potential All-Stars in Nurkic and Harris. Harris was a top ten player in this draft in my opinion, and Nurkic has massive upside and might end up being the best center in the draft. Jokic was a smart second round pick as well because he could be a solid player and he’ll be stashed in Europe since their current roster is already full.

Grade: A+

Detroit Pistons

Draft Day Players: Spencer Dinwiddie (38)

The lottery killed the Pistons, as Cleveland’s luck caused them to lose their draft pick to Charlotte. For a team that needed an impact star, this hurt. They did nail their second round choice though. Dinwiddie was a first rounder before his injury, and he brings great point guard skill to the table. I would love to see them part with Brandon Jennings and let Dinwiddie run the team from day 1.

Grade: B-

Golden State Warriors

Draft Day Players: None

Their draft pick was traded in order to acquire Aguodala last year. Good deal for them, as he’s better than anyone they could have landed in the 20’s. But it’s still tough for Golden State to swallow, as that pick could have been valuable in landing Kevin Love this season.

Grade: C

Houston Rockets

Draft Day Players: Clint Capela (25), Nick Johnson (42)

I like what Houston did, although I expected them to save cap space by trading #25. Nonetheless, Capela will stay overseas to develop while they make a run at Melo and others. Nick Johnson was a first round talent that can help them defensively right away. Solid selections if you ask me.

Grade: B+

Indiana Pacers

Draft Day Players: None

I’m a frustrated Pacers fan. We traded our first round pick to Phoenix, along with Plumlee and Green, to get Scola. At the time it was fine, but he didn’t help us get any closer to defeating the Heat. In fact, Plumlee and Green broke out with the Suns, and I’d love to have them back with us now. This first rounder could have gotten us a bench player that could score, something we still lack. Ouch!

Grade: F

LA Clippers

Draft Day Players: Chris Wilcox (28)

I like Wilcox, as he’s a terrific shooter that can stretch the floor for them. But they lack inside depth and drafted Bullock to do the same thing as Wilcox a year ago. Good player but wrong position.

Grade: C

LA Lakers

Draft Day Players: Julius Randle (7), Jordan Clarkson (46)

I thought LA did a nice job. Randle can help immediately, which is something Kobe will like. He also has a chip on his shoulder since he thinks he should have been higher. That’s good for them too. Clarkson was a first rounder a few months ago, and I believe he could help this year too as a bench spark plug. Now for those free agents…

Grade: A-

Memphis Grizzlies

Draft Day Players: Jordan Adams (22), Jarnell Stokes (35)

Memphis tried to get a scorer in Adams, which he is, but they needed one that could really shoot, which he can’t consistently. Stokes fits them well, but he’s simply a bruiser, so his upside is limited. So not terrible, but not great either.

Grade: C+

Miami Heat

Draft Day Players: Shabazz Napier (24)

The Heat nailed this draft for two reasons: 1. Napier fits a position of need and is a guy that can help immediately based on his experience. 2. Most importantly, this is whom Lebron wanted, so making him happy helps ensure he stays put. Win-win.

Grade: A+

Milwaukee Bucks

Draft Day Players: Jabari Parker (2), Damien Inglis (31), Johnny O’Bryant (36)

Another team that had a good night, as I think Jabari Parker was the best player in this draft. He’ll give them a star that can score tons of points. Inglis has massive upside due to his elite athleticism. O’Bryant gives them a big man that could be in the rotation. I think they got things right for the second year in a row.

Grade: A

Minnesota Timberwolves

Draft Day Players: Zach LaVine (13), Glenn Robinson III (40), Alessandro Gentile (53)

I give them an average grade because they could have acquired multiple first rounders by trading Kevin Love. The longer they keep him, the worse return they will get. They are failing in this area! The other reason this is average is that LaVine is very risky. He has massive potential, but there were sure things on the board. I like Robinson in the second, and I’ve heard Gentile could be good one day.

Grade: C

New Orleans Pelicans

Draft Day Players: Russ Smith (47)

No first round pick because they traded it to get Holiday last year, whom I like. They did as Russ Smith in the second, a productive college player, but one that lacks a position. He’ll have to play point guard, despite playing off the ball in college. He does play great defense though, which is nice.

Grade: C

New York Knicks

Draft Day Players: Cleanthony Early (34), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (51), Louis Labyrie (57)

I love Early, so he nearly makes up for the fact they didn’t have a pick in the first round. But I’m not sure he’s a superstar type of player, which they need since they are about to lose Carmelo. Not a huge fan of either of their other second round picks, which stinks as there were guys available that could help.

Grade: B-

Oklahoma City Thunder

Draft Day Players: Mitch McGary (21), Josh Huestis (29)

I like McGary, but I hated the Huestis pick. That puts them in the middle in terms of a grade. I added a minus because they should have traded for Iman Shumpert as was rumored, a guy that could help them immediately.

Grade: C-

Orlando Magic

Draft Day Players: Aaron Gordon (4), Elfrid Payton (10), Roy Devyn Marble (56)

They acquired good talent here no question, but I’m questioning the how and the why. Aaron Gordon is very talented defensively, and has the athleticism to be a great player. But without great size, and perimeter ability, I struggle to see what position he will play and I’m struggling to see how Orlando will score (they traded Afflalo). Exum, Vonleh, and even Smart/Randle were better selections for them at #4. Payton filled a point guard need for sure, but they gave up a future first round pick just to move up two spots. That’s very costly. The best scorer they brought in was Marble, but he’s not even guaranteed a spot on the roster. So good talent, but confusing too.

Grade: B

Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Day Players: Joel Embiid (3), Dario Saric (12), K.J. McDaniels (32), Jerami Grant (39), Vasilije Micic (52), Nemanja Dangubic (54), Jordan McRae (58)

Philly acquired a lot of assets on draft day, but it remains to be seen how they can help on the court. Embiid may end up being the best player in the draft, but his injury history is scary, he’ll be out for a while as is, and how will he fit with Noel? Saric was a top ten talent too, but he’ll be overseas for at least two more years, and he’s another big guy. McDaniels and Grant have upside and were once considered first rounders, but they can’t play offense so how will Philly score? Micic and Dangubic are nice players to stash, but will they ever help? McRae may fill the scoring void, but does he have NBA athleticism to truly help? The best thing about the draft is they picked up another future first round pick, and they guaranteed a top 5 selection next season.

Grade: C-

Phoenix Suns

Draft Day Players: T.J. Warren (14), Tyler Ennis (18), Bogdan Bogdanovic (27), Alec Brown (50)

The Suns used their picks in ways I thought they might. They got a wing scorer in Warren, a backup point guard in Ennis, and a great talent to stash overseas in Bogdanovic. The Suns are a team with a lot of talent now, but they still lack a star. Will they use these pieces to get a star (or two), or will they continue to be a balanced team?

Grade: B

Portland Trail Blazers

Draft Day Players: None

It would have nice to have a pick, maybe one to help the bench. But not sure if anyone at 24 would have helped much for a playoff team looking to take a step further.

Grade: C

Sacramento Kings

Draft Day Players: Nik Stauskas (8)

I like Stauskas and considered him the best shooting prospect in the draft, but I was shocked they went this direction, and there is work to be done. I also thought they would trade him to Chicago for 16 and 19, but Denver did that instead. We’ll see what transpires in free agency, and we’ll see what this means for McLemore.

Grade: B

San Antonio Spurs

Draft Day Players: Kyle Anderson (30)

The NBA Champions return their core, so they didn’t need to add anything big in the draft. What they did add though fit them perfectly, as Anderson is versatile, big, knows how to play, and may be the best playmaker/passer in the draft. That fits Coach Pop well, and many say he’ll be used like Diaw.

Grade: A+

Toronto Raptors

Draft Day Players: Bruno Caboclo (20), DeAndre Daniels (37)

They blew their 20th selection taking a guy I’ve never heard of. Can’t believe he’ll help any time soon, or at all. Only reason this grade isn’t an F is because I love Daniels. He’s a nice second round pick for sure.

Grade: D-

Utah Jazz

Draft Day Players: Dante Exum (5), Rodney Hood (23)

Exum was one of my favorite players in the draft, and I think he’s a steal at 5. He can play with Burke due to different styles, and they can each handle the point guard duties when the other is resting. Hood was another steal at 23, as I thought he’d go around 15. He’s a nice shooter and scorer, and fills a need at the small forward spot. They took a step forward Thursday as a team, especially if they can now re-sign Hayward.

Grade: A+

Washington Wizards

Draft Day Players: None

The Wizards traded their pick to get Gortat, and guy that was monumental in getting them to the playoffs. Well done. Now I hope they can retrain him.

Grade: B

Now it’s on to free agency. Lots of holes to fill for teams and big names to fill them. Some teams need role players, others need stars, but every team needs help. It should be fun, exciting, and confusing, just like this draft was!

By: The Sports Guys

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Sports Guys 2014 NBA Mock Draft #4


Nearly one month ago we released our third 2014 NBA Mock Draft. It’s now time for our fourth and final mock. There have been a lot of “shake-ups” recently (Randle’s injury, Embiid’s injury, Saric’s new contract overseas, Porzingis pulling out of draft altogether, Isaiah Austin’s disease, current contract situations and free agency talk, etc.), so our outlook has changed since last time. With the NBA Draft on Thursday, you’d think things would be getting clearer and clearer, but that’s not the case. In fact, it’s more unpredictable than ever!

We will be predicting the first round again (plus ten), Trust me, that’s quite a task considering the uncertainty of things. So let us know your thoughts after you read… Enjoy!

2014 NBA Mock Draft 4

1. Philadelphia 76ers (via trade with Cleveland) select: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)
1st Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)

Philly has upped their offer very could entice Cleveland to trade the pick to them. The 76ers really want Wiggins, and I think they end up with him. Not sure exactly what it will cost besides #3 and Thad Young, but I think they get it done and get their guy.

2. Milwaukee Bucks select: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)
3rd Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)
2nd Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)
1st Mock: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)

With the 76ers going #1 now, the Bucks would be thrilled as they covet Parker. This would be a no-brainer selection for them.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (via trade with Philadelphia) select: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)
3rd Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)
2nd Mock: Dante Exum (G, Australia)
1st Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)

The Cavs wanted Embiid at #1 before the injury, so here at #3 he is their top option. My guess is they take Embiid and the other assets from Philly, then try and entice Lebron to come home. Won’t happen with Kevin Love, so don’t count on it. Embiid will help them long-term though.

4. Orlando Magic select: Dante Exum (PG, Australia)
3rd Mock: Dante Exum (PG, Australia)
2nd Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)
1st Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)

The Magic are another team trying to move up, but with Afflalo traded earlier today, that won’t happen. With this pick though, they can address their point guard need with the best one in the draft. Exum and Oladipo will be a great backcourt.

5. Utah Jazz select: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)
3rd Mock: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)
2nd Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)
1st Mock: Dante Exum (G, Australia)

Utah could trade down at this point, but staying put will make the pick either Vonleh, Gordon, or Smart. With Favors reportedly on the trade block, Vonleh makes the most sense. His rebounding and ability to stretch the floor will come in handy immediately.

6. Boston Celtics select: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)
3rd Mock: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)
2nd Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
1st Mock: Marcus Smart (PG, Oklahoma State)

The Celtics have been high on Gordon for weeks, so unless they trade this pick or Embiid falls, I think Boston will take him at #6. He’ll help instantly on defense.

7. Los Angeles Lakers select: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)
3rd Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)
1st Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)

The Lakers are in the running for a point guard, such as Kyle Lowry. That means that Randle gets the nod here over Smart. Randle is NBA ready due to his big body and finishing ability.

8. Chicago Bulls (via trade with Sacramento) select: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
3rd Mock: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)
2nd Mock: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)
1st Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)

The Kings will not be selecting in this spot, and the Bulls continue to be rumored as a heavy favorite to land this pick. They want shooting, and have two picks to offer in exchange, along with some vets. McDermott is a player that Chicago loves, so he beats out Stauskas and Harris. The Bulls are all in.

9. Charlotte Hornets (from Detroit) select: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)
1st Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
Charlotte is another team that covets shooting, so Stauskas is the clear selection with Dougie gone. He’d instantly become a factor off the bench for a suddenly emerging Hornets team. He’s also a great long-term replacement for Gerald Henderson down the road.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans) select: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)
1st Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)

The 76ers would target a wing here (if they don’t give this pick up in their move to #1), likely Harris or Young based on who’s available. Harris is a better defender and a more consistent performer between those two. Harris lacks size to some degree, but playing alongside Exum would negate that, plus he’s got arm length and great athleticism.

11. Denver Nuggets (from New York) select: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky)
Nobody knows for sure what Denver will do. I’ve heard many players rumored here, but if Smart is on the board they would surely take him right?

12. Orlando Magic (from Denver) select: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)
3rd Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
2nd Mock: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)
1st Mock: Jordan Clarkson (PG, Missouri)

If they don’t take Exum at #4, this will be a point guard. In this mock, Exum was taken earlier. That means they this pick is unknown. They need a big, and Saric is the best available. But he’s not going to play in the league for another couple years. Will that matter to them?

13. Minnesota Timberwolves select: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)
3rd Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)
2nd Mock: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)
1st Mock: Nick Johnson (SG, Arizona)

Minnesota’s first round may end up including a lot more than this pick if they deal Kevin Love and get picks back in return. Chicago and Boston have multiple picks, and the Nuggets are offering #11. My guess is that a deal doesn’t get done on or before the draft, which means Minnesota would use this pick on shooting. With McDermott, Stauskas, and Harris gone, the choice is between Hood and Young. Hood gets the nod due to his tremendous shooting at the combine, and the fact they may end up adding a valuable 2-guard in the eventual Kevin Love deal.

14. Phoenix Suns select: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)
3rd Mock: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)
2nd Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)
1st Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)

The Suns may look to address the wing with multiple picks in the first round, and Young is one they are high on. He brings shooting and athleticism, and could be a more consistent Gerald Green down the road. Saric and LaVine are other options here, as is the point guard Payton.

15. Atlanta Hawks select: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)
3rd Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)
1st Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)

The Hawks like international players and they could use another option inside with the future being cloudy with many of their current big men. Nurkic could be gone (at #11 to Denver), so other options would be Saric (if he falls) and Kyle Anderson (whom they love). In this mock, Nurkic makes the most sense.

16. Sacramento Kings (via trade with Chicago) select: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana Lafayette)
3rd Mock: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)
2nd Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)
1st Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)

What a dream scenario for Sacramento. If they keep the #8 pick, Payton is a possibility there. But in this case, they picked up #19, a veteran to be named later, and still got their electric point guard. This would mean they will let Isaiah Thomas walk in free agency, unless they flip him in a sign and trade deal.

17. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn) select: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)
1st Mock: Isaiah Austin (F/C, Baylor)

This draft is all about upside and the future. After taking a chance on Embiid at 6, they take a chance here on LaVine, who has incredible athleticism and upside. With the Celtics in a rebuilding mode, this pick makes a lot of sense.

18. Phoenix Suns (from Washington) select: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)
3rd Mock: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)
2nd Mock: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)
1st Mock: Wayne Selden Jr. (SG, Kansas)

Like I said at 14, the Suns will target some wing players in the first round. Warren is a great scorer, despite not being able to shoot consistently from the outside. He and Young (chosen at #14) could actually compliment each other nicely. Warren is a player that the Suns are high on, especially if LaVine is off the board.

19. Miami Heat (via trade with Sacramento/Chicago) select: Shabazz Napier (PG, UCONN)
3rd Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)
2nd Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Markel Brown (SG, Oklahoma State)

They Heat want to make Lebron happy, and he really wants Napier. Sacramento (active as can be) would take Norris Cole and #26 for this pick, one they acquired from Chicago. Napier would help fill the void at point guard that Chalmers struggling play created.

20. Toronto Raptors select: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)
2nd Mock: Shabazz Napier (PG, UCONN)
1st and 3rd Mock: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)

The Raptors want a point guard, and I’m sure fans would love bringing in the local Canadian one at that. Ennis could replace Lowry if they lose him in free agency. Maybe the team would do a sign-and-trade with Lowry after making this pick...

21. New York Knicks (via trade with Oklahoma City) select: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)
3rd Mock: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)
2nd Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)
1st Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)

The Knicks are shopping Shumpert to try and sneak into the first round. OKC is said to be interested, especially since they may be losing Thabo in free agency and could use a wing defender. OKC would rather trade #29, but the Knicks won’t let them get away with that and will acquire #21 instead. Phil Jackson could use another shooter/scorer, especially since they’ll likely lose Carmelo.

22. Toronto Raptors (via trade with Memphis) select: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)
3rd Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)
2nd Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)
1st Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)

Toronto is trying to acquire this pick because they love both Ennis and Capela. Ennis was chosen at #20, so Capela is the easy choice here.

23. Utah Jazz (from Golden State) select: Jordan Clarkson (G, Missouri)
3rd Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)
2nd Mock: K.J. McDaniels (SF, Clemson)
1st Mock: Mario Hezonja (SF, Croatia)

The Jazz would really like to add a point guard with size to offset Trey Burke, who is small. Clarkson is long, plus he’s got the versatility to play off the ball as well. His ability to score is another attractive feature for Utah.

24. Charlotte Hornets (from Portland) select: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana Lafayette)
2nd Mock: James McAdoo (PF, North Carolina)
1st Mock: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

Sources say that McGary has a promise from Charlotte that they will select him with this pick. That could change depending on who is on the board, or if they trade the pick, but it works out in this mock. McGary and Zeller offer different things, so that rotation is intriguing when paired with Al Jefferson. Payne is another clear option since he is surprisingly on the board.

25. Milwaukee Bucks (via trade with Houston) select: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)
3rd Mock: K.J. McDaniels (SF, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)
1st Mock: Jabari Brown (SG, Missouri)

Houston has fielded offers for this pick, and they have shown interested in Ersan Ilyasova from the Bucks, who could be a nice stretch-4 for them. Other players may end up being involved, but the deal makes sense from both sides. Milwaukee would consider a number of different players here, but the key factor for me is that the player must be able to shoot. With Wiggins (#2) and Antetokounpo already on the wing, they can’t afford to take another non-shooter. Wilcox is the best shooter remaining.

26. Sacramento Kings (via trade with Miami) select: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Glenn Robinson III (SF, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)
1st Mock: James McAdoo (PF, UNC)

Payne is shockingly on the board (don’t expect that tonight), so this selection becomes easy. He’d stretch the floor nicely for them next to Cousins off the bench.

27. Phoenix Suns (from Indiana) select: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Jordan Adams (SG, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)
1st Mock: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana-Lafayette)

Anderson is another guy I could see going earlier, and I doubt the Suns use all 3 first round picks on non-foreigners, but that’s just how it worked out. Anderson will bring excellent passing and versatility to whatever team he goes to.

28. Los Angeles Clippers select: Jarnell Stokes (PF, Tennessee)
3rd Mock: Shabazz Napier (PG, Connecticut)
2nd Mock: Russ Smith (G, Louisville)
1st Mock: A.J. Hammons (C, Purdue)

The Clippers need depth inside and Stokes can provide that. He’s a big body that would bring toughness and physicality. He’s still raw in a lot of areas, but he could help immediately as a defender and rebounder.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder select: Jordan Adams (G, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)
2nd Mock: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)
1st Mock: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)

Since OKC traded #21 for a defender (Shumpert), they may target a scorer here to be another spark plug off the bench. Outside of Reggie Jackson, they haven’t found another guy to do that consistently. Adams isn’t a pure shooter, but he gets buckets. The other option is that this pick also gets traded, although it’s unclear where and for what.

30. San Antonio Spurs select: Vasilije Micic (PG, Serbia)
3rd Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)
1st and 2nd Mock: Vasilje Micic (PG, Serbia)

The Spurs seem to be bringing most the team back for another championship run. That means they don’t need a player to contribute right now, but need a guy that could help down the road (a stash). The Spurs value passing, and Micic is the best pure passer in the draft. Coach Pop has had success with passers and international players, so this is a match made in heaven.

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31. Milwaukee Bucks select: Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, Colorado)
3rd Mock: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)

The Bucks said they like guards that create a mismatch, and Dinwiddie’s 6’6 stature would therefore be appealing. This was a potential lottery pick before his injury, so I like the reward vs. risk in the second round.

32. Cleveland Cavaliers (via trade with Philadelphia) select: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)
3rd Mock: Kristaps Porzingas (F, Latvia)

It’s unclear what will be included in Philly’s move to #1, but I think this pick could be involved. If so, Early is a guy that can help them win now with his maturity and skillset. He reminds me of Kawhi Leonard in many ways, although I don’t expect quite the same impact.

33. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Orlando) select: Walter Tavares (C, Spain)
3rd Mock: DeAndre Daniels (F, Connecticut)

Consider this Embiid back-up (chosen at #3), as Tavares would be a stash overseas. They don’t need another player though to take a roster spot, so this makes sense. Tavares is rising up draft boards, so this would be a wise selection.

34. New York Knicks (via trade with Dallas) select: Patric Young (C, Florida)
3rd Mock: Nick Johnson (SG, Arizona)

The Knicks got this pick from Dallas in the Tyson Chandler deal. They need more depth inside and Young can provide that. He’s a guy that won’t blow you away, but he’ll do a lot of things well to help you win.

35. Utah Jazz select: K.J. McDaniels (SF, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Jarnell Stokes (PF, Tennessee)

McDaniels can add depth at the small forward spot, and give them a very athletic and versatile player. It’s surprising he’s still on the board, as he’ll contribute immediately on defense.

36. Milwaukee Bucks (from LAL) select: Nikola Jokic (PF, Serbia)
3rd Mock: Thanassis Antetokounpo (G/F, NBDL)

Milwaukee has already made three selections in the draft, so stashing a player with this pick is a great option. Jokic is young (19) and made a splash at the Nike Hoop Summit making him suddenly attractive in the early second round. His size and position is another reason Milwaukee could use him.

37. Memphis Grizzlies (via trade with Toronto) select: Joe Harris (SG, Virginia)
3rd Mock: DeAndre Kane (SG, Iowa State)

Memphis needs shooting and Harris is the best shooter left. Think of him as Mike Miller, except slightly shorter. That’s the type of impact they’d hope for.

38. Detroit Pistons select: Glenn Robinson III (SF, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, Colorado)

With Josh Smith potentially moving on, the Pistons need better depth at the 3. Robinson is a first round talent that would help them out big time.

39. Philadelphia 76ers (from Cleveland) select: Damien Inglis (SF, France)
3rd Mock: Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG, Serbia)

This is another guy that was helped by the Nike Hoop Summit. The 76ers love athletes (hence Wiggins at #1), and this is another one that could help down the road. With no rush on winning, this would be a great upside pick.

40. Minnesota Timberwolves (from New Orleans) select: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)
3rd Mock: Jordan Clarkson (G, Missouri)

Once considered a first round lock (and even a lottery pick), this fall is depressing for Grant. His athleticism is worthy of the NBA, but his offense isn’t. If he can improve his jump shot, look out!

The rest of the draft will be very unpredictable. Second round picks change hands quite frequently, and many of the players selected don’t make rosters. We’ll still pay attention though. Enjoy!

By: The Sports Guys