It will be interesting to see how the 2010 NBA Draft unfolds. There seems to be a consensus top five and then after that, it is a bit of a crap shoot. Here is my latest mock draft. Click on the players name for a full scouting report and click on the team’s name for a full list of off-season needs. You can also check out my 2011 NBA Mock Draft.
By: David Kay
1. Washington– John Wall, PG, Kentucky, 6-4, Fr.
Blowing up their roster at the trade deadline paid off as the Wizards had luck on their side by winning the draft lottery. Wall is the obvious choice since the Wiz only point guard is Gilbert Arenas who just cannot be counted on at this point of his career. Arenas can move to the two while Wall becomes the new face of the franchise.
Think: Derrick Rose
2. Philadelphia– Evan Turner, G/F, Ohio State, 6-7, Jr.
The Sixers also scored big at the lottery moving up four spots and now get to grab Turner. He is the needed compliment to Andre Iguodala on the wing and will bring his versatility to a franchise badly in need of a go-to player.
Think: Scottie Pippen
For one of our MANY interview features on Evan Turner, EASILY the most blogged about individual athlete in The Sports Bank’s history, click this exclusive here
For more on Evan Turner’s effect on his opponents go here
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3. New Jersey– Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech, 6-10, Fr.
While Wall and the number one pick would have been wonderful, Favors actually fits more of a need for the Nets. He will combine with Brook Lopez as a young, talented frontcourt duo of the future.
Think: Al Jefferson
For a feature profile/interview of Favors click here
4. Minnesota– Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse, 6-8, Jr.
The T-Wolves need some scoring help on the wing and Johnson should be a great fit as his all-around game will continue the re-building project in Minnesota. Cousins could also be an option since the T-Wolves lack a true center, but Johnson is the safer pick.
Think: Shawn Marion
5. Sacramento– DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky, 6-11, Fr.
The Kings will take whoever is on the board of the Favors/Johnson/Cousins trio. Cousins is great fit because Sacramento needs a true big man since Spencer Hawes does not appear to be the answer. The young Wildcat is the most talented big man in the draft but there are serious concerns about his maturity.
Think: Zach Randolph
6. Golden State– Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest, 6-9, So.
Outside of their backcourt, the Warriors roster is sort of a mess and they should take the best available player. Aminu is an extremely athletic wing player who could thrive in Golden State’s up-and-down style of play.
Think: Travis Outlaw
7. Detroit– Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown, 6-11, So.
The Pistons are in serious need of some size and will likely pick their favorite between Monroe, Udoh, Davis, and Aldrich. Monroe’s fundamentals make him an attractive prospect, but Udoh’s shot-blocking abilities and athleticism could ultimately win out. I will go with Monroe at this point.
Think: Chris Bosh
8. L.A. Clippers– Xavier Henry, G/F, Kansas, 6-7, Fr.
The pressing need for the Clippers this off-season is finding a small forward. Henry would be a reach at this point as would Babbitt or Hayward, but I think “X” as Brent Musberger calls him (you know, because they are tight?) will be the best player of those three. If the Clips play it safe and take the best available player, look for them to land a post player to back-up Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman.
Think: Paul Pierce
9. ^Utah (from NY)- Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor, 6-10, Jr.
Despite having Paul Millsap signed on, the Jazz should use this pick to find an insurance policy in case Carlos Boozer leaves via free agency. Utah could use someone like Udoh up-front due to his athleticism and shot blocking ability. Reaching for a wing player could also be an option with Kyle Korver and Wesley Matthews both free agents as well.
Think: Serge Ibaka
10. Indiana– Eric Bledsoe, PG, Kentucky, 6-1, Fr.
Before Pacer fans freak out, yes, I am aware that this is really high for Bledsoe to be taken. While Larry Bird has a tendency to take the best available player rather than try to fill a need, Indy needs a point guard of the future BAD. If Bledsoe is not the pick, look for them to take an athletic big.
Think: Raymond Felton
11. New Orleans– Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas, 6-11, Jr.
Outside of Emeka Okafor and David West, the Hornets do not have any depth inside. I don’t think Aldrich is anything more than a back-up in the NBA, but would be a welcome addition off the bench for a team in need of size.
Think: Chris Kaman
12. Memphis– Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina, 6-10, So.
Now that Zach Randolph is having off-the-court issues (SHOCKER, RIGHT?) the Grizzlies will likely have to turn their attention towards finding a power forward through the draft. If the Randolph situation gets resolved, expect them to pursue a scorer like Luke Babbitt to come off their bench.
Think: Al Horford
13. Toronto– Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky, 6-9, Jr.
Patterson impressed scouts with his performance on and off the court at the NBA Draft combine. The Raptors need to begin thinking life post-Chris Bosh since he is unlikely to return and Patterson is a good place to start.
Think: Kenyon Martin
14. Houston- Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada, 6-9, So.
I don’t understand how Babbitt has suddenly gone from a borderline first round pick to being in the top ten of some “expert’s” big boards during the past month, but it appears as if he will not fall out of the lottery. There is no real pressing need for the Rockets entering the off-season and they are in a position to take the best available player to help out their bench depth.
Think: Danilo Gallinari
15.$Milwaukee (from CHI)- James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State, 6-6, Jr.
With John Salmons likely to opt out of the final year of his deal and Michael Redd returning from another season-ending injury, the Bucks need to find some depth at shooting guard.
Think: Brandon Rush
For a feature profile/interview of Anderson click here
16. @Minnesota (from CHAR)-– Hassan Whiteside, F/C, Marshall, 7-0, Fr.
In addressing their need for a wing scorer with their first pick, the T-Wolves can look to add an athletic big man like Whiteside at 16. While he is still a raw talent, Whiteside could grow into a solid frontcourt compliment alongside Kevin Love or Al Jefferson. Daniel Orton would also be an option.
Think: A very poor-man’s Dwight Howard
17. $Chicago (from MIL)- Paul George, G/F, Fresno State, 6-9, So.
The Bulls will try to make a major splash in the off-season by signing one of the top available wing players but they should be prepared to have a plan B in case they don’t land one. George has a multi-faceted game and has the tools to possibly develop into one of the best players in this draft.
Think: Jamario Moon
18. Miami- Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler, 6-8, So.
With only four players under contract for next season, the Heat need help all across the board. Most “experts” think Hayward will be off the board by this point, but if not, he would be the best available player.
Think: Dorrell Wright
Click here for an exclusive interview/profile of Hayward
19. Boston– Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier, 6-5, Soph.
This is high for Crawford compared to other mock drafts, but he is a big-time scorer. With Ray Allen and Tony Allen both free agents, the Celtics should address their need for a two-guard and even if Ray Ray is re-signed, Crawford would be a dangerous scoring threat off the bench.
Think: Anthony Morrow
For a feature profile/interview of Crawford click here
20. San Antonio- Damion James, SF, Texas, 6-8, Sr.
Michael Finley was released and Richard Jefferson has not acclimated himself in San Antonio like the Spurs had hoped so a wing player is the best route to go. James brings a great deal of collegiate experience and toughness that fits well with the Spurs style of play.
Think: Wilson Chandler
21. Oklahoma City- Daniel Orton, F/C, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
OKC needs to get tougher and more physical inside. Enter Orton. He is still a very raw talent as he came off the bench in his only season at Kentucky, but has the NBA-size and strength that teams covet.
Think: a poor-man’s Marcus Camby
22. Portland- Donatas Motiejunas, F/C, Lithuania, 7-0, 1990
The Blazers are in a position to take the best available player. Motiejunas would be a great value this late in the draft and a setting like Portland would give him time to develop his game and adapt to the NBA style.
Think: Andrea Bargnani
23. >Minnesota (from UTAH)- Kevin Seraphin, PF, France, 6-10, 1989
I would be surprised if the T-Wolves keep all three of their first round picks but if they do, taking a foreign player is the likely route they go. Seraphin is a big body who continues to develop his overall game and would not need to come to the league right away.
Think: Kris Humphries
24. Atlanta- Dominique Jones, G, South Florida, 6-5, Jr.
The Hawks will likely use this pick on a shooting guard to help fill the void left by Joe Johnson if he does not re-sign. Jones seems to be climbing up boards and appears to have worked his way into the first round.
Think: Roger Mason
25. =Memphis (from DEN)- Avery Bradley, G, Texas, 6-3, Fr.
NBA teams love his athleticism and defensive abilities, but he is an under-sized two guard who does not have a true position and will need to learn the point to be effective at the next level. He is worth the pick at this point since the Griz have three first rounders but I cannot imagine him being worthy of a lottery pick like other “experts” think.
Think: Shannon Brown
26. &Oklahoma City (from PHX)- Larry Sanders, PF, VCU, 6-11, Jr.
The young, up-and-coming Thunder team could use a defensive-presence in the paint. Sanders is just that as he uses crazy 7-7 wingspan to be an effective shot blocker and rebounder. Adding Orton and Sanders in this scenario would be a nice defensive up-grade in OKC. Don’t be surprised though if the Thunder deal this pick or go the foreign route.
Think: Sean Williams
27. *New Jersey (from DAL)– Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati, 6-6, Fr.
Stephenson is a great talent, but did not put it all together in his lone year at Cincy. I think he will be a good NBA player one day and could be a great building block and future steal for the Nets due to his size and athleticism.
Think: Isaiah Rider
28. #Memphis (from LAL)- Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia, 6-8, So.
Memphis could possibly lose Rudy Gay this off-season and should have a back-up plan just in case. Ebanks’ versatility and ability to defend several positions make him a good late first round pick. If only he could develop an outside jump shot…
Think: Andrei Kirilenko
Click here for an exclusive profile/interview of Ebanks
29. Orlando- Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma, 6-4, So.
Warren was once a lottery prospect but struggled with his shot and injuries this past season causing his stock to plummet. He is worth the risk here for the Nets who could possibly groom Warren as a back-up to Devin Harris.
Think: Ben Gordon
30. +Washington (from CLE)- Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State, 7-1, Soph.
Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee are the only post players under contract for next season so the Wiz need to add a big. Alabi is a good shot blocker at this point of his career, but has a long way to go offensively before he can be a steady part of the rotation.
Think: Johan Petro
Click here for David’s second round.
Check out the Sports Bank’s 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
This mock is listed at the following databases: Hoop Doctors, Walter Football, DC Pro Sports Report
#Pau Gasol trade (top 6 protected)
*Jason Kidd trade (unprotected)
&Kurt Thomas trade (unprotected)
^(unprotected)
=Steven Hunter trade
@Ty Lawson trade via Alexis Ajinca trade (lottery protected)
>Rodney Carney trade via Kyle Korver trade (top 17 protected)
+Antawn Jamsion trade
$John Salmons trade (Bucks have right to swap picks with Bulls)