http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draf...ory?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-110505 I don't like the two players he has the Rox picking, but a lot can change with the draft lottery and all the workouts. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Minnesota (25 percent chance of winning lottery) Kyrie Irving Position: PG Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 180 pounds Age: 19 School: Duke Analysis: Stop with the David-Kahn-drafting-a-point-guard jokes and you'll realize ... sixth time is a charm. Yes, Kahn has drafted three point guards and signed another two via free agency in his short, two-year term. But to date, none of them has panned out. Two of them -- Ramon Sessions and Ty Lawson -- were traded. Ricky Rubio is still hanging out in Spain with no definitive answer on when he's coming to the NBA. Jonny Flynn has been a major disappointment, and Luke Ridnour is not the future of the franchise. Irving, on the other hand, makes perfect sense for the young Wolves. He has the most potential of any of the guards Kahn has recruited. He also has a high basketball IQ, can shoot (something the Wolves really need) and is a high-character player (another thing they could use). PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Cleveland (19.9% chance of winning lottery) Derrick Williams Position: SF Height: 6-8 Weight: 241 Age: Turns 20 on May 25 School: Arizona Analysis: Williams is an interesting fit for the Cavs. They'd prefer Irving. But if they can't get him, Williams is the guy. If you project him as a small forward, he fits an immediate need. The Cavs still are trying to fill the huge hole left by LeBron James. Williams can't fill it, but he's a terrific talent. If you project him as an undersized 4 in the mold of David West, he's competing with J.J. Hickson (the Cavs' only other young building block of note) for a spot in the starting lineup. That's not ideal for a team that has major holes to fill, but the truth is Williams is the only other player on the Big Board worthy of a top-two pick. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Toronto (15.6% chance of winning lottery) Enes Kanter Position: PF Height: 6-10 Weight: 255 Age: Turns 19 on May 20 Country: Turkey Analysis: Bryan Colangelo has a thing for international players. But that's not the only reason we have Kanter going No. 3. Going into the season, a number of scouts considered him a potential No. 1 pick. Thanks to the NCAA, we never got to see whether he could earn it -- but Kanter has a lot going for him. He is tough, can play inside and out, rebounds the basketball, and has a higher basketball IQ than most of the kids his age. He's a bit undersized for a center, but his toughness in the paint will be a welcome contrast to Andrea Bargnani's Charmin-soft game. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Washington (11.9% chance of winning lottery) Jan Vesely Position: PF Height: 6-11 Weight: 240 Age: 21 Country: Czech Republic Analysis: The Wizards won the draft lottery last year and brought in a thoroughbred in John Wall. What they need is an athletic forward to run the floor with him. Most Euros wouldn't come close to fitting that bill, but Vesely might be the exception. He's terrific in transition and an explosive leaper -- a rarity for Eastern European kids. He's been a starter in the Euroleague for the past few years, and while his numbers don't necessarily wow you, his game looks like it will translate better at the next level. A bit of a risky pick, but after Irving and Williams are off the board, all the picks are risky. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Sacramento (7.6% chance of winning lottery) Kemba Walker Position: PG Height: 6-1 Weight: 172 Age: Turns 21 on May 8 School: UConn Analysis: The Kings have finally come to two realizations in the past year. One, Tyreke Evans isn't a point guard. Two, character and leadership matter. Enter Walker. Not only does he play the right position, but no one in college basketball showed more heart, leadership or a desire to win than Kemba this past season. He has his weaknesses, but he should give the Kings something they really haven't had in a while -- a winner. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Utah (via New Jersey) (7.5% chance of winning lottery) Brandon Knight Position: PG Height: 6-3 Weight: 185 Age: 18 School: Kentucky Analysis: The Jazz acquired this pick in their February trade-deadline deal with the Nets. They lost their All-Star point guard Deron Williams in the deal but picked up this pick, Derrick Favors and Devin Harris in return. The Jazz like Harris but see Knight as a potential franchise player down the road. Knight's freshman season was up and down, but he has a few qualities that make him a terrific fit in Utah. He is big, plays defense, shoots the ball well, and is a great kid on and off the court. He should be a perfect fit with the Jazz. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Detroit (4.3% chance of winning lottery) Bismack Biyombo Position: SF Height: 6-9 Weight: 243 Age: 18 Country: Congo Analysis: Joe Dumars began building the 2000 edition of the Bad Boys around an unheralded, undrafted big man named Ben Wallace a decade ago. Wallace was raw offensively, but his athleticism, length and aggressiveness on the defensive end set the tone for the Pistons for a decade. The past few years, the Pistons have lost virtually all of that mojo. Biyombo might be the perfect remedy for what ails them. He has burst onto the scene and could be a risk. But it's hard to find his combination of length, athleticism and motor at this point in the draft. He should be a perfect complement to the more offensive-oriented Greg Monroe on the Pistons' front line. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Cleveland (via L.A. Clippers) (2.8% chance of winning lottery) Jonas Valanciunas Position: PF Height: 6-10 Weight: 230 Age: 19 Country: Lithuania Analysis: The Cavs had a lot of luck with another Lithuanian big man a decade ago -- Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Can lightning strike twice? Some scouts believe he's the most talented international player in the draft. But questions about his contract situation in Europe combined with fears that he lacks the elite athleticism he needs to compete in the NBA lower his stock a bit. At this point in the draft, he's worth the risk. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Charlotte (1.7% chance of winning lottery) Kawhi Leonard Position: SF Height: 6-7 Weight: 225 Age: 19 School: San Diego State Analysis: The Bobcats are a mess. They have some talent. But they also have huge needs at every position on the floor. Leonard might be a bit of a reach this high, but his game reminds me a bit of a young Gerald Wallace. He plays with a terrific combination of length, athleticism and motor. While he's not as accomplished a ball handler, he's a better rebounder and shooter than Wallace was at this age. The Bobcats certainly can use both his toughness and his versatility. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Milwaukee (1.1% chance of winning lottery) Tristan Thompson Position: PF Height: 6-8 Weight: 225 Age: 20 School: Texas Analysis: The Bucks have two terrific building blocks in Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings -- but after that, it's mostly question marks. They traded last summer for Corey Maggette and signed John Salmons and Drew Gooden as free agents, and none of them really panned out as expected. They really could use help at the 2, 3 and 4 positions. I have Thompson here because, of the players on the board, he's the most likely to be a Scott Skiles-type player. He's tough, aggressive and just a beast on the offensive boards. His skill level isn't particularly high on the offensive end yet, but he's a good fit alongside Bogut on the front line. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Golden State (0.8% chance of winning lottery) Terrence Jones Position: SF Height: 6-8 Weight: 244 Age: 19 School: Kentucky Analysis: I'm not sure Jones is the answer here. He struggled in the second half of the season, and many scouts wonder whether he's going to end up being a tweener in the mold of Al Harrington or Marvin Williams. But Jones' upside and his versatility make him a potential upside pick at No. 11 -- especially if he shows the ability to play the 3 alongside David Lee. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Utah (0.7% chance of winning lottery) Alec Burks Position: SG Height: 6-6 Weight: 195 Age: 19 School: Colorado Analysis: The Jazz have traditionally lacked a scoring athletic slasher in the backcourt. It's been an acknowledged need for years. This might be the year that brings changes. Burks is one of the most athletic guards in the draft. He has a quick first step and is a terrific finisher at the rim. His lack of a consistent jump shot and motor lowers his stock a bit. But at this point in the draft, he's worth the risk. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Phoenix (0.6% chance of winning lottery) Jimmer Fredette Position: SG Height: 6-2 Weight: 195 Age: 22 School: Brigham Young Analysis: Steve Nash won't be around forever, and if the Suns want to continue to play their run-and-gun style, Fredette might be a great option. Like Nash, he is a dead-eye from long range and has a high basketball IQ. He doesn't have the ballhandling skills or court vision of Nash yet ... but neither did Nash when he was drafted out of Santa Clara. Fredette's terrible defense raises concerns, but at least he's a fit on a team that has been willing to overlook Nash's weakness in that area for years. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Houston (0.5% chance of winning lottery) Jordan Hamilton Position: SF Height: 6-7 Weight: 220 Age: 20 School: Texas Analysis: Hamilton would be a great get for the Rockets here if he's still on the board. He might be the best pure scorer in the draft. Hamilton has unlimited range and is always hunting for his shot. His shot selection is flat-out embarrassing at times, but when he gets it going, he's very tough to stop. The biggest question will be whether there's enough shots for both Hamilton and Kevin Martin. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Indiana Marcus Morris Position: PF Height: 6-9 Weight: 235 Age: 21 School: Kansas Analysis: The Pacers' two biggest needs are an athletic guard who can create his own shot off the dribble, and a long, athletic big man who can block shots and rebound. Unfortunately neither of those players appears to be left on the board. So the Pacers have to settle for the next best thing. Morris is more of a hybrid forward who can play both the 3 and the 4, sort of like Danny Granger. His ability to stretch the floor and rebound should be welcome in Indiana -- although I'm sure the Pacers will wish he was an inch or two taller. Boston College's Reggie Jackson is another real possibility here. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Philadelphia Donatas Motiejunas Position: PF Height: 7-0 Weight: 220 Age: 19 Country: Lithuania Analysis: The Sixers have a ton of talent in the backcourt. But their frontcourt is a mess right now. Thaddeus Young is a free agent and a bit of a tweener. Elton Brand rebounded a bit this season, but his best days are behind him. Motiejunas might not be the answer, but at this point in the draft, he's worth a look. He's an aggressive scorer who can get to the rim. However, his lack of rebounding and defense is an issue. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS New York Markieff Morris Position: PF/C Height: 6-10 Weight: 245 Age: 21 School: Kansas Analysis: The Knicks really need a center, but you're not finding a terrific option at this point in the draft. Morris might be the best they're going to find. Not only has he proved to be a solid rebounder and shot-blocker, but he has the ability to step outside and knock down jumpers -- a big plus in any Mike D'Antoni system. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Washington (via Atlanta) Klay Thompson Position: PG Height: 6-6 Weight: 202 Age: 21 School: Washington St. Analysis: Nick Young is heading into free agency, and the Wizards could use another shooter in their backcourt to complement Wall. Thompson rivals Fredette as the best shooter in the draft and would be a great fit for the Wizards. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Charlotte (via New Orleans) Reggie Jackson Position: PG Height: 6-3 Weight: 208 Age: 21 School: Boston College Analysis: The Bobcats, as we noted, have needs just about everywhere. Jackson might be the biggest sleeper of the draft and should be a great fit in Charlotte. He is a terrific athlete, has a ridiculous 7-foot wingspan and shot the lights out this junior season. He has virtually every quality you look for in a modern NBA point guard. The biggest question I have is whether he'll even be around at this point once he hits the Chicago combine and workouts. I think he could have a Paul George-type rise in this draft. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Bobcats ultimately considering him at No. 9. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Minnesota (via Memphis) Nikola Mirotic Position: SF Height: 6-10 Weight: 226 Age: 21 Country: Serbia Analysis: Rest easy, Wolves fans. No, we don't have Minnesota taking yet another point guard here. Instead, we have the team taking a point forward. Mirotic is a serious talent -- a versatile forward playing at a very high level in the Euroleague right now. There are some serious questions about his buyout right now (not sure the Wolves want to revisit this again), but at this point in the draft, he's a great value. If his contract were clean and he could come right away, he'd be a lottery pick. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Portland Kenneth Faried Position: PF Height: 6-8 Weight: 225 Age: 21 School: Morehead State Analysis: The Blazers were very high on Faried last year when he entered the draft and likely would have taken him in the first round. Faried withdrew, however, then came back to have another terrific season. I find it hard to believe they'd pass on him if he falls this far. He was the best rebounder in college basketball, plays hard every night and brings some frantic energy to the court. A steal at No. 21. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Denver Tobias Harris Position: PF Height: 6-8 Weight: 226 Age: 18 School: Tennessee Analysis: The Nuggets have a very bright future, post-Carmelo Anthony. The trade that netted them Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler for Melo might have worked out better for Denver than it did for New York. While the backcourt looks set with Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo, and Nene and Gallinari look like the future on the front line, there's still a need in the frontcourt. Chandler is a free agent, and the Nuggets might not want to meet his asking price. Harris might be one of the more underrated players in the draft. He can play both the 3 and 4, has a very high basketball IQ and has an NBA body. He doesn't do any one thing at an elite level, but he's one of the most well-rounded players in the draft. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Houston (via Orlando) Darius Morris Position: PG Height: 6-4 Weight: 190 Age: 20 School: Michigan Analysis: The Rockets got a career year out of Kyle Lowry, but is he the long-term answer at the point? I think they'd have to take a hard look at Morris if he's here. He's different than Lowry. He is bigger and really sees the floor well. His lack of elite quickness and shooting ability hurts his stock a bit -- but some scouts compare him to a young Andre Miller. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Oklahoma City Tyler Honeycutt Position: G/F Height: 6-8 Weight: 188 Age: 20 School: UCLA Analysis: The Thunder are solid at virtually every position on the floor. But with Jeff Green being shipped off to Boston this year, Honeycutt could come in and bring some depth. Honeycutt isn't as big as Green, but he's a talented, versatile wing with a great basketball IQ. He'd be a great fit in OKC. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Boston Chris Singleton Position: SF Height: 6-9 Weight: 225 Age: 21 School: Florida State Analysis: The Celtics pride themselves on being a defensive team, and Singleton might be the best perimeter defensive player in the draft. He can guard three positions on the floor, and shut down virtually everything with his length, strength and quickness. His offensive game is a still a work in progress, but that's not going to discourage teams this late in the draft. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Dallas Davis Bertans Position: SF Height: 6-10 Weight: 210 Age: 18 Country: Latvia Analysis: It's unfair to compare any young European player to Dirk Nowitzki. But after watching Bertans shoot the lights out in the practices of the Nike Hoop Summit, that's how some scouts were referring to him. Bertans doesn't have Nowitzki's size or strength and looks to be a pretty serious project. But long term, he could be a really nice addition for the Mavs. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS New Jersey (via L.A. Lakers) Justin Harper Position: PF Height: 6-10 Weight: 225 Age: 21 School: Richmond Analysis: Harper played off the radar for most of the season, but scouts really like him. He is a good athlete, has good size and can really stroke the basketball. He plays a bit like a young Rashard Lewis. He won't take over games very often but is a nice complementary player. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Chicago (via Miami) Charles Jenkins Position: SG Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Age: 22 School: Hoftstra Analysis: The Bulls still miss the explosive scoring off the bench that Ben Gordon used to deliver. While it's a stretch to compare Jenkins to him, it's not totally off. Jenkins can stroke the basketball and was one of the most explosive scorers in college basketball. A sleeper for the late first round. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS San Antonio Lucas Noguiera Position: C Height: 6-11 Weight: 218 Age: 18 Country: Brazil Analysis: The Spurs have done a good job over the years of finding young international players and stashing them overseas for a few years until they are ready. Noguiera seems like a good candidate. He's long, athletic and a terrific shot-blocker. He just needs more experience and about 30 pounds of muscle. A few years in Europe should help prepare him. PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS Chicago Bogan Bogdanovic Position: SF Height: 6-7 Weight: 200 Age: 22 Country: Croatia Analysis: Bogdanovic likely will stay in Europe the next few years thanks to a new lucrative contract in Spain. But he could be an asset for the Bulls -- especially when they already have another pick in the first round. Next Five In: Josh Selby, G, Kansas; Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia; Travis Leslie, SG, Georgia; Jon Leuer, PF, Wisconsin; JaJuan Johnson, F, Purdue.
Thanks for posting. I could be wrong, but I don't think Ford has ever been right about who the Rockets are going to pick. Not sure how I feel about Hamilton. He's a bucket getter, no doubt, but I don't think he's better than Budinger at this point and while he very well might be in future, he doesn't strike me as a Morey type of player. Darius Morris I could see, absolutely, though I obviously disagree with Ford about Lowry not being the future PG of this team. A few other thoughts: More like Jeff Green or Al Harrington Really? Nikola Mirotic recently signed an extension through '15/'16 and has a buyout of about $3mil. I could easily see him slipping to the Rockets at #23.
I read that Singleton broke his foot last season and that it could still be a problem for him and may be an ongoing thing. Don't think he's worth the risk.
He doesn't have us picking a center (or big man) at all or a defensive SF with either pick. And he has us picking a scoring SF with questionable defense and a point guard when we already have Budinger, and as well as Lowry and Dragic. Yeah, (while I do respect his opinion) I'm gonna go out on a limb say his analysis for the Rox picks are a little off on this one...
lol, Longhorn fan maybe?? No, in my opinion neither are the BPA at those spots he listed. So Singleton isn't a better player than the Darius Morris? Neither Morris twin is better than Hamilton? I don't mind Hamilton if he is BPA, but I think there are other options there will most likely be better at those spots. Not to mention we already have those players as well.
I'm just picking on you. You said he didn't have us picking a defensive SF or big man with either pick, which is obviously two of our biggest NEEDS. I went back to my BPA vs. Need thread to see if you had commented and sure enough . It won't matter anyways -- if Morey decides to take a slightly less talented guy because he's 3 inches taller, he'll tell us the guy was the BPA anyways.
I hope Les has thrown down the gauntlet on Morey. "You do what ever it takes to get high enough in the draft to get Kanter, Valanciunas or Biyombo.... period."
like trading Kevin Martin? I'm with you.. though I'd throw Vesely in there. I'd really like to be able to scoop him, seems like he could be a really good player in a few years.
Center is the hardest position to fill. Even if we are giving up a better player than what we are getting back, if it is for a quality center that can fill the position for a decade or more we have to consider it. Vesely could be awesome but I'm not convinced yet.
lol, No sweat bro, not worried. I just thought maybe you were upset with someone for suggesting another player besides Hamilton because he's a Longhorn (Don't get me wrong I would like to take him if he really is clearly the BPA on the board at our pick, without a center or SF who are even with him). And yeah, sometimes I guess you could say I think if two players are evenly matched as far a BPA it can become a judgement call and I think you might lean towards need a little more. I am for BPA first most usually, but I don't think it's always an either-or decision exclusively, but perhaps a little of both sometimes. lol, yeah most likely.
I doubt jumping from 14 to top 6 happens unless Morey unloads Martin. 23 + 14 won't get the Rockets anywhere near the top 6. I'd love Kanter, but unless Stevie Franchise steps up to the podium and gets a top 3 pick, there is no chance of him ending up here.
