Chad Ford Draft Mock 2.0

1. Joel Embiid | Milwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: Kansas AGE: 19 HT: 7-0 WT: 250 POS: C

Analysis: Unless a major trade-deadline deal shakes up the team (unlikely, according to sources), the Bucks look nearly certain to have the best chance to lock up a No. 1 pick on lottery night. That's a good thing. While the team has an interesting collection of young players, no one except rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo and perhaps John Henson looks like the sort of foundational player you can build a franchise around. That gives the Bucks a lot of flexibility to go in multiple directions. They could use upgrades in the backcourt and frontcourt. Any of the top five or six players on our Big Board would provide them with a major upgrade. So if the Bucks don't really draft for need, they draft the player with the most upside, and I think at this point that's clearly Embiid. The Bucks have really nothing going for them offensively in the paint and Embiid has proved to be a surprisingly gifted offensive player who is only going to get better with time. Pair him with Antetokounmpo and the team is set with a very intriguing foundation going forward.

2. Andrew Wiggins | Orlando Magic
COLLEGE: Kansas AGE: 18 HT: 6-8 WT: 200 POS: SG

Analysis: The Magic are loaded with young players, but like the Bucks, none of them scream franchise star just yet. Rookie Victor Oladipo and big man Nikola Vucevic are the closest the Magic have to really high-upside young talent. The team's biggest need may be at the point -- Jameer Nelson is on the trade block and it's still unclear whether Oladipo can make the transition to the 1. That puts both Dante Exum and Marcus Smart in play here. But sources say the Magic are intrigued by Wiggins. He hasn't been dominant the way several other freshmen have been, but the athletic tools are all there and lately (with the exception of that Oklahoma State game) he's been much more aggressive on offense. An Oladipo-Wiggins backcourt might be the most athletic in the NBA.

3. Jabari Parker | Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Duke AGE: 18 HT: 6-8 WT: 241 POS: SF

Analysis: The Sixers have two young building blocks in place -- rookies Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel. Thaddeus Young might be a third piece if he can survive the trade deadline. That frees up the Sixers to look at either a wing or a forward. They have a number of intriguing options here, but I think it would be hard to pass on Jabari Parker at this slot. Carter-Williams is a facilitator. Noel is a shot-blocker. They're going to need an efficient offensive player who can score in a variety of ways, and Parker would be a terrific fit.

4. Dante Exum | Boston Celtics
COUNTRY: Australia AGE: 18 HT: 6-6 WT: 188 POS: PG

Analysis: The Celtics' biggest need is in the middle. Kelly Olynyk was their draft choice last year, but he's more of a stretch 4. But there aren't a lot of those players in the draft after Embiid, which is partly what makes him so valuable. The Celtics could go with Julius Randle here, but with Jared Sullinger playing so well, the need for a physical frontcourt player isn't as pressing. The Celtics' backcourt is pretty set with Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley, but that wouldn't stop the Celtics. General manager Danny Ainge is a fan of Exum, Rondo's future in Boston is perpetually in doubt and while Bradley has been good, Exum might be an upgrade long-term.

5. Julius Randle | Utah Jazz
COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 19 HT: 6-9 WT: 225 POS: PF

Analysis: Jazz fans will be hurting if Parker is off the board when they draft. If they keep playing .500 ball the rest of the way, that's exactly what could happen. But Randle isn't a bad consolation prize.

6. Marcus Smart | Cleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: Oklahoma St. AGE: 19 HT: 6-4 WT: 225 POS: PG

Analysis: Owner Dan Gilbert made a trade a few weeks ago for Luol Deng, hoping that by the end of the season the Cavs are in the playoffs, not in the lottery. The odds are pretty heavily stacked against them. The more likely outcome is the Cavs fall just far enough down in the draft to essentially kill their chances of landing a top pick. However, if the Cavs are in the Nos. 6 to 10 range, there's still plenty to be happy about. Take Smart. The Cavs have several offensive-minded players on a team that's coached by a guy who craves defense. Smart is an absolute terror on the defensive end and would be a lethal companion in the backcourt with Kyrie Irving. You can play two point guards when one of them, Smart, is built like a tank. Plus, he brings all the leadership qualities to the table that the Cavs desperately want and need. In short, after pulling his hair out with the likes of Dion Waiters and Anthony Bennett, Mike Brown should establish at least a semblance of the defensive identity he craves with Smart's help.

7. Zach LaVine | Denver Nuggets
COLLEGE: UCLA AGE: 18 HT: 6-5 WT: 180 POS: PG

Analysis:The Knicks sent this pick to the Nuggets as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal. They really can't be complaining too much right now ... though given their abysmal performance this year, the Knicks could really use this pick. The Nuggets have talent at every position and probably don't have to draft for need. LaVine would be an interesting fit for them. He's an elite athlete, a lights-out shooter with great range and can play both the 1 and the 2. He's thin and his shot selection is still shaky, but as far as upside goes, he has the potential to be special.

8. Aaron Gordon | Sacramento Kings
COLLEGE: Arizona AGE: 17 HT: 6-8 WT: 210 POS: F

Analysis: The Kings are getting great offensive production from Isaiah Thomas, Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins but need a lot of help defensively. Gordon isn't the most gifted scorer in the draft, but he makes up for it with elite athletic abilities, a motor that doesn't quit and a disruptive defensive game. Given all the toughness that Gordon brings to the table, you have to believe Mike Malone would absolutely love this pick.

9. Dario Saric | Los Angeles Lakers
COUNTRY: Croatia AGE: 19 HT: 6-10 WT: 223 POS: SF

Analysis: Mike D'Antoni loves point guards. So how about a 6-foot-10 PG who passes, rebounds and is an aggressive scorer? Saric isn't an elite athlete nor is he a dead-eye shooter, but he's a wizard with the basketball, is putting up terrific numbers in Croatia and seems like a great fit on this young Lakers squad. Several GMs told me that if he were in college right now, he'd be at least four or five spots higher on our Big Board, so there's value there.

10. Noah Vonleh | Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Indiana AGE: 18 HT: 6-10 WT: 240 POS: PF

Analysis:The Pelicans send this pick to the 76ers if it falls out of the top five as part of the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to New Orleans on draft night. If the Sixers grab a small forward with their first pick, an athletic, versatile power forward paired next to him seems like a great fit as well. Vonleh is brimming with talent. He can do a little of everything. After beginning the season primarily as a rebounder and defensive presence, he's started showing more dimensions to his offensive game lately, including a nice-looking 3-point shot. His ability to play both inside and out could make him a valuable fit in Philadelphia and, paired with Carter-Williams, Noel and Parker, would create the best young core in the NBA.

11. Gary Harris | Charlotte Bobcats
COLLEGE: Michigan St. AGE: 19 HT: 6-4 WT: 210 POS: SG

Analysis: The Pistons sent this pick to the Bobcats as part of the Ben Gordon trade two years ago. Most NBA teams see a pretty substantial drop in talent after the top 10 players here. Harris is part of that upper tier as one of the most talented guards in the draft. He's struggled a bit with injuries, and after a strong freshman season, his shot abandoned him early this season. But he's the type of two-way player who could be a long-term upgrade over Gerald Henderson in Charlotte.

12. Willie Cauley-Stein | Minnesota Timberwolves
COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 20 HT: 7-0 WT: 220 POS: C

Analysis: The Timberwolves rank dead last in the NBA in shot blocking. There aren't a lot of great shot-blockers in this draft, but Cauley-Stein has a lot of potential here. He's thin and still a major work in progress offensively, but he should be able to provide some rim protection on a team that desperately needs it.

13. Rodney Hood | Memphis Grizzlies
COLLEGE: Duke AGE: 21 HT: 6-8 WT: 180 POS: SG

Analysis: The Grizzlies shoot the fewest number of 3s (14.5 attempts per game) of any team in the NBA. Hood might be the best shooter in the draft, shooting nearly 46 percent from 3 this season. He also has great size for his position, a definite bonus for the Grizzlies.

14. Doug McDermott | Orlando Magic
SCHOOL: Creighton AGE: 22 HT: 6-7 WT: 210 POS: SF

Analysis: The Nuggets will send the lessor of their two picks (their own and the Knicks') to the Magic this summer. I doubt the Magic thought this pick would be a lottery pick so soon, but now that it is, they get a chance to add a second intriguing young player to their squad. McDermott is one of the best scorers in college basketball. Not only does he lead the NCAA in PER among players on our Big Board, he's canning 44 percent of his 3-pointers this season on 5.7 attempts per game, and defenses are plenty keyed on him.

15. Montrezl Harrell | Chicago Bulls
COLLEGE: Louisville AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: 235 POS: PF

Analysis: The Bulls get this pick courtesy of the disastrous Tyrus Thomas trade years ago. Carlos Boozer might be on the chopping block soon by way of amnesty this summer. The Bulls still will have Taj Gibson there, but he could use some help. Harrell isn't the offensive force that Boozer used to be, but he's long, an explosive athlete and he plays with toughness around the rim. He'll be ideal in a backup role for a team like the Bulls that could always use more help on the boards.

16. Jerami Grant | Atlanta Hawks
COLLEGE: Syracuse AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: 203 POS: SF

Analysis: The Nets sent this pick to the Hawks as part of the Joe Johnson trade a few years ago. What if Josh Smith had just been content doing the things he does well instead of launching ill-advised long 2s and 3s all game? Hawks fans probably stay up late at night wondering that. Well, Grant might be your answer. Like Smith, he's a freak athlete who has versatile skills. Unlike Smith, he knows he's not a great 3-point shooter and has taken just five all season.

17. James Young | Chicago Bulls
COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 18 HT: 6-7 WT: 200 POS: SF

Analysis: The Bulls traded Luol Deng a few weeks ago, opening up space at the 3. Tony Snell and Jimmy Butler are both there, but the Bulls need depth and Young is a versatile scorer who could give them some help, especially in addressing their shooting woes. He hasn't shot the rock particularly well this season, but he has the tools to turn into a good shooter, which is good news for team that ranks 27th in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage.

18. Mario Hezonja | Phoenix Suns
COUNTRY: Croatia AGE: 18 HT: 6-6 WT: 200 POS: SF

Analysis: The Wizards sent this pick to the Suns as part of the Marcin Gortat trade at the start of the season. Hezonja is one of the more interesting players in the draft. Scouts, especially international ones, are very high on him. However, he plays sparingly on one of the best teams in Europe, FC Barcelona. Given that he skipped international competitions this summer, whoever drafts him has to draft using a little faith. His upside is tremendous, but he's a gamble. He's just 18 years old, so it could be a gamble worth taking.

19. Tyler Ennis | Toronto Raptors
COLLEGE: Syracuse AGE: 19 HT: 6-2 WT: 180 POS: PG

Analysis: General manager Masai Ujiri had hoped that by shipping off Andrea Bargnani and Rudy Gay for pennies on the dollar, the team would put itself in a position to get high enough in the draft to land Canadian Andrew Wiggins. Instead, the Raptors are currently the favorites to win the Atlantic Division. Even if the team trades away Kyle Lowry, I'm not sure the Raptors can really get bad enough to have a shot at Wiggins. The good news is that the Raptors also are on the prowl for a long-term answer at point guard and there's another Canadian, Ennis, who has been as good as any freshman in the country. Ennis is a steady floor leader who strikes a perfect balance between distributing and scoring. His assist-to-turnover ratio is outstanding for a freshman. He's not an elite athlete, but that's the only real knock against him right now.

20. Chris Walker | Boston Celtics
COLLEGE: Florida AGE: 18 HT: 6-9 WT: 195 POS: SF

Analysis: Celtics GM Danny Ainge has a thing for high school phenoms, and Walker qualifies. He's been forced to sit out all season because of NCAA academic issues, and even if he does become eligible, it's unlikely he will play a major role at Florida. He's raw as a basketball player, but he has elite physical tools. For a team that's willing to be patient and let him develop, he's a pretty good get this late in the draft.

21. Wayne Selden | Phoenix Suns
COLLEGE: Kansas AGE: 18 HT: 6-5 WT: 220 POS: SF

Analysis: Selden has had a disappointing start to his career at Kansas for the most part. He's had his moments, but with Wiggins, Embiid and Perry Ellis on the floor, he's gotten lost in the shuffle a bit. But scouts remain very high on him, and he would give the Suns the sort of power guard they lack.

22. Adreian Payne | Oklahoma City Thunder
COLLEGE: Michigan State AGE: 22 HT: 6-10 WT: 225 POS: PF

Analysis: Payne has turned himself into a very capable stretch 4 this season and should give the Thunder a look that they don't currently have. While his age might be a mark against him higher in the draft, for a contending team like the Thunder that just needs him coming off the bench, it's a bonus. He comes in ready to help.

23. Semaj Christon | Utah Jazz
COLLEGE: Xavier AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 187 POS: PG

Analysis: Christon can play both the 1 and the 2 and combines elite athletic abilities with a scoring touch. He's had a number of big games lately for Xavier and might not be around at this point much longer. The Jazz are happy with Trey Burke, but they could use more help off the bench.

24. Kyle Anderson | Houston Rockets
COLLEGE: UCLA AGE: 20 HT: 6-9 WT: 235 POS: PF

Analysis: Anderson may be the most unusual player in the draft. He's a nearly 6-foot-10 point guard with below-average athletic ability. However, he sees the floor as well as any point guard in the draft, is a terrific rebounder and has been shooting the lights out from 3 this season. He could be a very nice complement to Dwight Howard down the road.

25. Sam Dekker | Los Angeles Clippers
COLLEGE: Wisconsin AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: 215 POS: SF

Analysis: Dekker brings toughness and versatility to the table -- two attributes Clippers coach Doc Rivers loves. Dekker hasn't quite lived up to the expectations he created as a freshman, but NBA scouts still think he can be a tough role player in the pros, and he gives the Clippers help at a position where they could use some depth.

26. P.J. Hairston | Miami Heat
COLLEGE: Texas Legends AGE: 21 HT: 6-5 WT: 220 POS: SG

Analysis: Veteran teams are always looking for lights-out shooters to come off the bench, and Hairston might be a great get at this point in the draft. Had he not run into so many off-the-court issues this summer, he was looking like a potential late lottery to mid-first round pick. If Hairston can get his act together with the Mavericks' D-League team, the Legends, he might not even be around at this point in the draft.

27. T.J. Warren | Charlotte Bobcats
COLLEGE: N.C. State AGE: 20 HT: 6-8 WT: 233 POS: SF

Analysis: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was supposed to be their small forward of the future, but his struggles on the offensive end have limited his impact. Warren won't have any problems there. He's the leading scorer in the ACC and has a real nose for the ball.

28. Chris Wilcox | Oklahoma City Thunder
COLLEGE: Washington AGE: 23 HT: 6-5 WT: 180 POS: SG

Analysis: The Thunder are using both Jeremy Lamb and Thabo Sefolosha at the 2, but with Sefolosha hitting free agency, the Thunder could use another shooter in the backcourt. Wilcox qualifies. He's a little old for his class, but he's consistently been one of the most reliable shooters in college basketball and is a good athlete as well.

29. Jusuf Nurkic | San Antonio Spurs
COUNTRY: Bosnia AGE: 19 HT: 6-11 WT: 280 POS: C

Analysis: The Spurs have had a lot of success drafting international players, and there's no reason to think that ends this year. Nurkic has a lot of admirers in the NBA. He's big, plays with his back to the basket and has soft hands. He's not a great athlete, but at his size and given the role he'd play in San Antonio, he doesn't need to be.

30. Clint Capella | Phoenix Suns
COUNTRY: Switzerland AGE: 19 HT: 6-10 WT: 215 POS: PF

Analysis: The Suns have three first-round picks right now. It's doubtful all of them are coming over next year. Capella is a great athlete and a terrific defender and has been thriving lately in France. A sleeper.

 

Zach Lavine is way tooo high