Putting a Mock Draft out there...

Portmanteau

Behaviourz2Outcomz
Joined
Jul 15, 2002
Posts
18,044
Likes
15,638
Location
Adelaide
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
Other Teams
Fox Sports FC
Thread starter #1
Just putting some thoughts out there now that we know the lottery order. It gets really hard once you get to Memphis. They could pick anyone and cause chaos, or trade out... and cause chaos.

I think that this indicates that there is a drop off from the top 2 to the 3rd-4th (as we all know) and then perhaps an even bigger after Mayo and Bayless.

1. Chicago - Derrick Rose
Athletic marvel. Playmaker. Raconteur.

2. Miami - Michael Beasley
If you play two combo forwards, does that equal small forward + power forward combo?

3. Minnesota - OJ Mayo
This team needs to swing for the fences. Last player left on the board with superstar potential (save for a complete unknown going bezerk). Has a mean streak. Minnesota definitely need more players who are

4. Seattle - Jerryd Bayless
Last of the self-explanatory picks. Seattle needs a PG, his athleticism will be an awesome match with Durant, Green and Robert Swift for a long time...

5. Memphis - Eric Gordon
This could go anywhere. I don't think Memphis will keep this pick. Lopez is too marginal and Jordan won't flourish on that roster. I have Gordon here because someone is going to latch on to his ridiculous scoring talent. I could see New York moving up to this pick to secure his services. Which makes the next pick difficult...

6. New York - Brook Lopez
Akin to the last pick, Lopez will probably end up in this region (5-8). I don't think this will be New York's actual pick, they will take Gordon or Jordan - someone to get excited about.

7. LA Clippers - Anthony Randolph
Another team that is likely to trade up or (more likely) down. Most of the guards here would be a reach (although I almost considered Westbrook here), so they take a guy with intriguing trade value. It's hard to think of a roster where this guy may fit. Orlando?

8. Milwaukee - Russell Westbrook
They need a livewire. Westbrook defines that term. This will give them security in shipping Mo Williams and/or Michael Redd out.

9. Charlotte - DeAndre Jordan
They have capable players at positions 1-4, but could take a talent upgrade at any of them. There are no talent upgrades available, so they take a monster to sit next to Emeka (when healthy).

10. New Jersey - Nicolas Batum
Assuming they start the season running with Devin Harris, Vince, Jefferson, Williams and Boone - this give them a pogo stick off the bench to run with. Insurance policy if and when Carter or Jefferson are dealt.

11. Indiana - Chase Budinger
Need talent in the backcourt, allowing Dunleavy to play more at SF and Granger at PF. They'd love a PG, but there are none left here worth a look.

12. Sacramento - Donte Green
Need a power forward in the worst way (or any non-wing talent at all, for that matter). They hope that he is this year's Al Thornton.

13. Portland - Joe Alexander
Mike Miller mark 2? Cheaper than trading for him.

14. Golden State - Kevin Love
Stays in California. Ignites the break for Golden State.



The more I think about it, the more pointless it is to predict this draft, I think. Doing this more of an excerise for enjoyment. Outside of the top 4, I like Love, Westbrook and Gordon. They are the only players (IMO) that pass the test of having an A-grade talent at NBA level - passing, athleticism and scoring, respectively.

Everyone else is too marginal. I often think that players with those A talents rise above the middling prospects. Andrew Bynum is probably the best recent case I can think of with that, I had him going at #7 in the draft because 7-feet + nimble feet = gold. You'll recall correctly that he surged from mid/late first round to the Lakers.


So to add those two points together, Memphis, New York and the Clippers should take some combination of Love, Westbrook and Gordon. The problem in constructing this draft is that none of those teams really need those players.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

matty p

Club Legend
Joined
Aug 14, 2006
Posts
2,662
Likes
1,449
Location
Adelaide
AFL Club
Adelaide
#2
Nice job. I was gonna start a thread about this too but I'll just give mine here.

1. Chicago - Derrick Rose

Obviously Rose and Beasley go 1 and 2. If I was Chicago I'd definitely go Rose. I just think he'll contribute more to winning a championship than Beasley would. The last few years with CP3, Deron, Nash and Parker have shown the great impact that a star PG can have on a team, and I think Rose will prove this to be the case as well. Beasley will be a great player too, however I just think Rose will be more capable of leading a team as their number 1 man in the NBA.

The other important question is whether Chicago's great need for an inside presence would override this and force them to take Beasley instead. I think this need can be negated however if they bring Rose on the team. It is a matter of debate - does the PG make a PF look good or does the PF make the PG look good. Looking at what has happened to David West since CP3 came to NOH, or what Boozer has done since Williams was drafted, I think a case can be made that Rose could have a similar effect on a PF playing for Chicago. Does Gooden have the ability to make this transformation to a great PF with Rose as the PG? Maybe he does, but even if he doesn't, Chicago would still have significant trading chips in Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas or Gordon that they could use to acquire a better PF who would flourish playing with Rose. I think that would work better than a combination of Hinrich and Beasley.

Keeping this in mind, I have a vision for how I'd like to see Chicago structured. I've always thought that if a team wanted to be successful, the best way to achieve this is to copy another successful team. With Chicago, I see a great chance to emulate what New Orleans have done this year with a similar playing group if they take Rose.

Rose - Paul (Rose has the ability to be an elite PG)
Gordon - Peterson (Gordon may flourish playing with Rose)
Deng - Stojakovic (Different types of players, but I think Deng's variety would be even more effective than having another shooter)
Gooden (or another PF) - West
Noah - Chandler (Not the same standard, but I think Noah can be a solid rebounder and defender)

2. Miami - Michael Beasley

There have been rumours that Miami may trade this pick if Chicago does take Rose, however I don't know why they'd do this. Beasley should turn out to be a better player than Marion in the end, so I'd rather keep him, or they can keep both.

3. Minnesota - OJ Mayo

Lopez would fit their team better, as they are in need of a C, however I've always thought that pick 3 is far too high for Lopez. All the Timberwolves fans seem to want Mayo, and I think this is the way they'll go. They could be smart and trade this pick, as Mayo seems to be a very high commodity right now, and perhaps they could acquire a better C out of this deal.

4. Seattle - Jerryd Bayless

I guess this is their only option, as they need a PG, however I still think that Bayless will be a bust. If I was Seattle, I would probably trade this pick for a better player, and perhaps try to acquire Hinrich as well, as I would rather have him playing as a pure PG than Bayless. The thing I don't understand is that most people say that Bayless is more of a scorer than a distributor, and that he will probably end up being an SG in the NBA. Yet they still draft him as a PG for the Sonics, in some cases ahead of Mayo. If Mayo was still available and the Sonics wanted a guard, why wouldn't they draft Mayo? Bayless isn't reliable enough for a PG and too small to be an SG. If Bayless is going to be an SG, then why not Eric Gordon also? I think he'll be a better SG than Bayless. I still hope Seattle trade this pick.

5. Memphis - Brook Lopez

If Lopez gets drafted by Minnesota though, which is a big possibility, than I think Memphis would be tempted by DeAndre Jordan. Memphis needs a big man, so they'll surely go big. Mayo might be the only player that makes them do otherwise, however with Conley, Crittenton, Miller, Gay and Lowry already on the team, this may be unwise.

6. New York - DeAndre Jordan

Hard to tell what New York will do with this pick, as there are so many holes on the team. I think it will come down to Jordan or Gordon, but unless they trade Crawford, I don't know that they'll get Gordon as one of them would be wasted on the bench. Some scouts feel that Jordan has the potential and build to be the next Dwight Howard or Bynum, and this will see him go in the lottery. New York might also try and trade up to get Mayo, but I don't know if they will have the bargaining chips to achieve this.

7. Los Angeles Clippers - Eric Gordon

I think Gordon will be such a great fit for the Clippers, and can play the role of Mobley at SG straight away and will be a much better player. I actually think that Gordon, along with Rose, Beasley and Mayo, are clearly the four best players in this draft and will show this in the NBA. If he isn't picked here, I can't see him slipping past Milwaukee. If Livingston can return, or they trade Maggette for a better PG, they will have a nice lineup with Kaman, Brand, Thornton and Gordon.

8. Milwaukee - Danilo Gallinari

The Bucks need an SF, and I think Gallinari would be a perfect fit here. They already have international players Bogut and Yi in their starting lineup, so I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted another international player. Gallinari is supposedly a great leader, and this is a quality that Milwaukee has been lacking.

9. Charlotte - Kevin Love

Most people seem to think that Love's game will not translate well to the NBA, but I think he can be a very successful player. They can no longer depend on May at PF, so this is Charlotte's greatest need, and I think Love could slot in well here with Okafor. A lineup of Okafor, Love, Wallace, Richardson and Felton with Morrison hopefully improving as 6th man should be able to make the playoffs.

10. New Jersey - JaVale McGee

I think they will either take a C or SG here. I don't think Boone or Krstic are strong enough at the C, and Sean Williams is probably a PF, so they take the risk on McGee. Their future looks good already with Harris and Williams along with Jefferson if they keep him.

11. Indiana - Russell Westbrook

The Pacers will either look for a big man or a PG to replace Tinsley in the future. If McGee is still available, they may take him, otherwise I think they go for the next best guard prospect, Westbrook. They will be hoping that they can mold him into an effective PG. Even if they can't though, he should still be a good player at SG.

12. Sacramento - Darrell Arthur

It doesn't seem like Sacramento have much faith in Shelden Williams to become their next PF, so they take Arthur to pair with Hawes in the frontcourt. I think they will both be good players, and with Udrih, Martin and Artest, they have a nice future. If they don't go for a PF, I think they will choose an SF such as Randolph, Alexander or Greene.

13. Portland -
Nicolas Batum

Surely Portland will go for either a PG or an SF, with Roy, Aldridge and Oden all secure in their positions and with strong backups such as Frye and Fernandez. Their most obvious need is a PG, however I don't think there are any at this stage who are worth taking. If I was Portland, I would make a big play for Hinrich if Chicago take Rose. If they do this, then I think they will draft an SF here. Personally I would put Batum ahead of Greene, Randolph and Alexander, although this is debatable. His stock has slipped this year, as he was previously seen as the best international prospect, but I still think he would be worth it. Batum could also be viewed as an SG, and if this is the case, Portland may take Greene or Randolph at this pick instead.

14. Golden State -
Donte Greene

I think Golden State is already set at SG, PF and C in the future with Ellis, Brandon Wright and Biedrins. I also think that Pietrus can be a good player at SF, however I'm not sure that Golden State think the same, and so they take Greene as a great prospect who has also seen his stock slip this year. Randolph and Alexander could also be considered by Golden State, but I think Greene will be the better player. I actually see Greene as this years Thaddeus Young. They were both highly rated players coming into college, who's stock slipped after their 1st season. Young has already shown that he should be a great player in the NBA, and I think Greene can do the same.
 

Look2Me4Guidance

Not A Campaigner
Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Posts
29,623
Likes
12,007
Location
On the punt
AFL Club
St Kilda
Other Teams
Phoenix Suns
#4
Just putting some thoughts out there now that we know the lottery order. It gets really hard once you get to Memphis. They could pick anyone and cause chaos, or trade out... and cause chaos.

I think that this indicates that there is a drop off from the top 2 to the 3rd-4th (as we all know) and then perhaps an even bigger after Mayo and Bayless.

1. Chicago - Derrick Rose
Athletic marvel. Playmaker. Raconteur.

2. Miami - Michael Beasley
If you play two combo forwards, does that equal small forward + power forward combo?

3. Minnesota - OJ Mayo
This team needs to swing for the fences. Last player left on the board with superstar potential (save for a complete unknown going bezerk). Has a mean streak. Minnesota definitely need more players who are

4. Seattle - Jerryd Bayless
Last of the self-explanatory picks. Seattle needs a PG, his athleticism will be an awesome match with Durant, Green and Robert Swift for a long time...

5. Memphis - Eric Gordon
This could go anywhere. I don't think Memphis will keep this pick. Lopez is too marginal and Jordan won't flourish on that roster. I have Gordon here because someone is going to latch on to his ridiculous scoring talent. I could see New York moving up to this pick to secure his services. Which makes the next pick difficult...

6. New York - Brook Lopez
Akin to the last pick, Lopez will probably end up in this region (5-8). I don't think this will be New York's actual pick, they will take Gordon or Jordan - someone to get excited about.

7. LA Clippers - Anthony Randolph
Another team that is likely to trade up or (more likely) down. Most of the guards here would be a reach (although I almost considered Westbrook here), so they take a guy with intriguing trade value. It's hard to think of a roster where this guy may fit. Orlando?

8. Milwaukee - Russell Westbrook
They need a livewire. Westbrook defines that term. This will give them security in shipping Mo Williams and/or Michael Redd out.

9. Charlotte - DeAndre Jordan
They have capable players at positions 1-4, but could take a talent upgrade at any of them. There are no talent upgrades available, so they take a monster to sit next to Emeka (when healthy).

10. New Jersey - Nicolas Batum
Assuming they start the season running with Devin Harris, Vince, Jefferson, Williams and Boone - this give them a pogo stick off the bench to run with. Insurance policy if and when Carter or Jefferson are dealt.

11. Indiana - Chase Budinger
Need talent in the backcourt, allowing Dunleavy to play more at SF and Granger at PF. They'd love a PG, but there are none left here worth a look.

12. Sacramento - Donte Green
Need a power forward in the worst way (or any non-wing talent at all, for that matter). They hope that he is this year's Al Thornton.

13. Portland - Joe Alexander
Mike Miller mark 2? Cheaper than trading for him.

14. Golden State - Kevin Love
Stays in California. Ignites the break for Golden State.



The more I think about it, the more pointless it is to predict this draft, I think. Doing this more of an excerise for enjoyment. Outside of the top 4, I like Love, Westbrook and Gordon. They are the only players (IMO) that pass the test of having an A-grade talent at NBA level - passing, athleticism and scoring, respectively.

Everyone else is too marginal. I often think that players with those A talents rise above the middling prospects. Andrew Bynum is probably the best recent case I can think of with that, I had him going at #7 in the draft because 7-feet + nimble feet = gold. You'll recall correctly that he surged from mid/late first round to the Lakers.


So to add those two points together, Memphis, New York and the Clippers should take some combination of Love, Westbrook and Gordon. The problem in constructing this draft is that none of those teams really need those players.
Don't think Danilo Gallinari will go Top 14?
 

peternorth

Facts Machine
Joined
May 6, 2005
Posts
82,672
Likes
38,625
AFL Club
Richmond
Moderator #8
jawai to go at number 3
someone to trade for bostons rights to ben pepper
simon dwight to come out of retirement and declare eligibility for the draft
 

beautime

All Australian
Suspended
Joined
Jul 25, 2007
Posts
778
Likes
2
Location
melb
AFL Club
West Coast
#9
I think it will go;

Mike Beasley - Beast and has to be drafted number one

Derrick Rose - Great player, very good with the ball, and and a great athlete. Will play well with wade, and marion.

Lopez - the best centre in the draft.

Baylez - Talented player. Reminds me of Gilbert of what I have seen in his playing.

Mayo - Touted as the number one pick last year. Very mature, and experienced.

Gallinari - the best international talent. D'antoni loves these sorts of players
 

Stiffy_18

Premium Platinum
Joined
Dec 14, 2002
Posts
37,871
Likes
11,930
Location
who cares
AFL Club
Adelaide
Other Teams
Sacramento Kings
#10
I suck at these things so I won't be doing a mock draft myself but I do think there are 3 or 4 teams in the top 10 that could just throw the order up in the air.

I have a funny feeling that Minny will pick Brook Lopez.

Memphis pick will be VERY interesting. They could trade it or pick best available, or use it on someone out of left field that no one sees. Could Memphis pick DeAndre Jordan?! :eek: Nothing would surprise considering who their GM is ;)

It will be interesting to see what Seattle do. Do they pick the best available (Mayo or Bayless) or do they take a punt and pick DJ Augustin to reunite him and Durant?! This is also a pretty interesting pick.

Then there are the Knicks. They need just about everything but a combo guard. Will they got for best available, need or someone that suits the system Mr. Pringles ran in Phoenix. If Mr. Pringles wants to implement similar offensive sets in NY as he did in PHX, then I could see NY picking DJ. Augustin.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Darealrath

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Jul 6, 2002
Posts
11,299
Likes
2,338
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
Essendon
Other Teams
Arsenal, Pacers
#12
11. Indiana - Chase Budinger
Need talent in the backcourt, allowing Dunleavy to play more at SF and Granger at PF. They'd love a PG, but there are none left here worth a look.
Thanks for the nightmares Bresh. Granger is a 3 who is more 2 than 4 IMO and Dunleavy just had his best ever season playing the 2. PG or big man is what we need, not another swingman unless they are an elite talent, which we would have to fluke at #11.

I don't follow college but Westbrook or Augustin are who they are realistically hoping for on the Pacers boards.
 

Portmanteau

Behaviourz2Outcomz
Joined
Jul 15, 2002
Posts
18,044
Likes
15,638
Location
Adelaide
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
Other Teams
Fox Sports FC
Thread starter #13
Thanks for the nightmares Bresh. Granger is a 3 who is more 2 than 4 IMO and Dunleavy just had his best ever season playing the 2. PG or big man is what we need, not another swingman unless they are an elite talent, which we would have to fluke at #11.
Yeah that was a fairly hard pick to mate, mate. Basically, there are no good PGs or bigs at this point IMO. Anyone would be a fair reach. There's Darrell Arthur, but he's a bit of a vanilla prospect as far as your standard NBA PFs go. I could be wrong...
 

Darealrath

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Jul 6, 2002
Posts
11,299
Likes
2,338
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
Essendon
Other Teams
Arsenal, Pacers
#14
Yeah that was a fairly hard pick to mate, mate. Basically, there are no good PGs or bigs at this point IMO. Anyone would be a fair reach. There's Darrell Arthur, but he's a bit of a vanilla prospect as far as your standard NBA PFs go. I could be wrong...
Yeah we are a few picks away too low to get the point guard we need (assuming Tinsley's "issues" continue or more likely he is traded). Just have to hope...(or trade up).
 
Top Bottom