Chad Ford Mock Draft 7.0

7.0

Spoiler

[rquoter]Happy Draft Day. This year, I think the NBA has something really crazy in store for all of us. Yes, this draft class is one of the weakest we've ever had, but that's led to some incredible parity between projections of players. Just as important to any draft night discussion, there's a ton of trade talk going on right now.

Like every year, as late Wednesday night turned to early Thursday morning, a number of teams reported they were still debating between three or four prospects on their boards. Agents and players are wringing their hands right now. No one knows who's going where.

So the draft should be fun. And the mock draft? It's hard to pinpoint who teams will take when they haven't decided yet, but we're going to try. And then try again a little later in the day. And then try again right before the draft.

In other words, check back often for versions 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 as we continue to collect information on who will go where.

Here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, at how the draft will play out Thursday night.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Cleveland
(via L.A. Clippers)


Kyrie Irving

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 191 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke
Analysis: I know there's still some uncertainty out there. There always is. But all signs continue to point to Irving as the No. 1 pick. He has a chance to be special and, in this draft, that makes him worthy of going this high.

The Cavs may not love what's left for them at No. 4, but at least they walk away feeling that they got the best player in the draft.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Minnesota


Derrick Williams

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Wolves will work the phones until the last minute looking for a trade. If they keep the pick? They are considering Enes Kanter and started telling teams around the league on Wednesday that they're leaning in that direction.

I can see the appeal of Kanter. He probably fits a need more. But Williams is the second-best talent in this draft and I think talent ultimately trumps need, so they'll take Williams and sort it out later this summer.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Utah
(via New Jersey)


Enes Kanter

Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
Country: Turkey
Analysis: GM Kevin O'Connor is now issuing his famous "no comment" when asked about what the Jazz will do here. They are one of the most tight-lipped teams in the league. They aren't leaking who they'll take at No. 3.

So why did I change this from Brandon Knight to Kanter? Because it's hard to get legit centers in the league, especially ones with Kanter's upside. So are point guards, which is why Knight could be the pick. But as of very early Thursday, I think the Jazz will go with size and upside and Kanter.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Cleveland


Jonas Valanciunas

Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 245
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania
Analysis: We had Valanciunas in this position last week. But on Monday we reported that Valanciunas' buyout with his team in Lithuania would prohibit him from coming to the NBA next season.

The Cavs love Valanciunas, but do they love him enough to draft him even if he won't be coming to the NBA right away? There are growing signals that they do. Valanciunas was in Cleveland on Tuesday meeting with Cavs brass. They conducted a physical and a workout as well which has seemingly calmed their fears.

But another serious dark horse here is Tristan Thompson. As I reported on Wednesday, Thompson met with owner Dan Gilbert in Cleveland on Monday, and the Cavs are intrigued. As I gather more info, this is one spot where the mock could change in Version 7.1.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Toronto

Brandon Knight

Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 177
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: GM Bryan Colangelo has been looking for defensive help, and I had been hearing over the past 24 hours that Bismack Biyombo and Kawhi Leonard had risen on the Raptors' board. But if Knight slides this far, I don't think they'll pass.

Knight has tremendous upside, is a good defender in his own right and, alongside DeMar DeRozan, would give the Raptors an intriguing young backcourt.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Washington

Jan Vesely

Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech Republic
Analysis: The Wizards need rebounding and would love it if Kanter was still on the board. They've also been huge fans of Vesely and would jump at the chance to take him here. His ability to run the floor would be a welcome fit alongside John Wall and JaVale McGee.

Tristan Thompson is the other player to watch here. The Wizards need help on the boards and Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Sacramento

Kemba Walker

Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Age: 21
School: UConn
Analysis: Walker wins this battle by process of elimination. In the past 24 hours, it sounds like the push for Jimmer Fredette, Kawhi Leonard, Alec Burks and even Klay Thompson has cooled. I'm told that ideally the Kings would like to find a way to trade this pick for a veteran.

But if they stay here, I'm reluctantly putting Walker here. If he does go to the Kings, he's going to breathe a huge sigh of relief. From what I can gather, he's in danger of sliding, and sliding far, if the Kings don't take him here.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Detroit

Tristan Thompson

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: Texas
Analysis: The Pistons are likely going to add a player with size here. Thompson, Bismack Biyombo and Markieff Morris are all options. All three worked out in Detroit on Tuesday and played well. Morris may have been the best of the bunch, but this is a bit high for him.

I think the Pistons will seriously look at moving this pick to the Rockets for the 14th and 23rd picks. Kawhi Leonard is also a potential pick here. But if the Pistons stay at 8, I think Thompson has a slight edge over Biyombo.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Charlotte

Kawhi Leonard

Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 228
Age: 19
School: San Diego St.
Analysis: The Bobcats will be thrilled if Leonard is still on the board here. While Leonard isn't the same player as Gerald Wallace, he brings much of the same intensity. Bismack Biyombo is also an option here, as are the Morris twins and Alec Burks. But I doubt the Bobcats could pass on Leonard.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Milwaukee

Klay Thompson

Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Washington St.
Analysis: The Bucks are also listening to a number of offers for this pick. They could move down or totally out of the draft. If they keep the pick, I think it likely comes down to Thompson and Alec Burks. They play the same position but have different strengths. Thompson is a shooter; Burks is a slasher.

Since the Bucks are telling me pretty strongly that they're holding on to Brandon Jennings as their point guard, and since the team is making a strong drive to get back to the playoffs, I think Thompson is a better fit.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Golden State

Bismack Biyombo

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: Congo
Analysis: Warriors adviser Jerry West is a fan of Klay Thompson and would likely select him if he's still on the board. Ditto for Jonas Valanciunas. But if they're off the board, don't be surprised if the Warriors grab Biyombo. They desperately need size and toughness in the paint and Biyombo can deliver from day one.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Utah

Jimmer Fredette

Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Age: 22
School: Brigham Young
Analysis: I wonder ... will crazed Jimmer fans rush to the streets of Salt Lake City and Provo if Fredette's name is called here? He's been a long shot for weeks because we've had the Jazz taking Brandon Knight.

But if Utah goes with Kanter, it's likely they'll select Jimmer here. I think it's a good pick. Jazz fans probably think it's the best pick in franchise history. We'll see.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Phoenix

Marcus Morris

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: The Suns have been hoping that Tristan Thompson falls to them here. Maybe he will. But with the Cavs, Wizards and Pistons all giving him a serious look, I doubt it.

Marcus Morris isn't the defensive presence they've been talking about, but he fits a need at the 4 and can still be an integral part of the Suns' offense. Iman Shumpert and Marcus' brother Markieff are also possibilities here.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Houston

Nikola Vucevic

Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 260
Age: 20
School: USC
Analysis: The Rockets are talking to everyone -- and I mean everyone -- about moving up in the draft. Everyone from the Wolves at 2 to the Warriors at 11 have heard the pitch. I think someone ultimately will bite, and I think it could be Detroit.

But if not, the Rockets are likely to reach a little bit for some size in the paint. They are desperate for it, and Vucevic is the biggest man in the draft. Chris Singleton and Markieff Morris are also options.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Indiana


Markieff Morris

Position: PF/C
Height: 6-9
Weight: 241
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: The Pacers will be bummed if Jimmer is off the board. They too have been exploring moving up in the draft, but it looks like they'll have to get to 11 to get him. If they can't, they'll go with a decidedly less sexy pick, but one that actually fills a bigger hole.

The Pacers need size, rebounding, toughness and a big man who can stretch the floor. Morris can do all of that, and he may be scratching the surface of his potential. Alec Burks and Chris Singleton are other possibilities here.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Philadelphia


Jordan Hamilton

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: Texas
Analysis: The Sixers need size, but with Thompson, Vucevic and Morris all off the board, the only other big man worth taking here is Kenneth Faried. If Faried were a little bit bigger, I think they'd do it. Instead, I think the Sixers will prepare for the inevitable trade of Andre Iguodala.

It may not come on draft night, but most believe it will happen sometime before the season, and that's why Hamilton is the pick. Donatas Motiejunas is another possibility here.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


New York


Chris Singleton

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida State
Analysis: The Knicks have a bunch of scorers. What they really need are defenders. Singleton will get looks as high as No. 9 to the Bobcats, but I doubt he will slide any further than here. Not only is he the best defender in the draft, he also has potential to be a spot-up 3-point shooter.

Iman Shumpert, Alec Burks and Marshon Brooks are also in the mix here.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Washington
(via Atlanta)


Alec Burks

Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: Colorado
Analysis: Why is Burks, a player being considered as high as No. 7, sliding? It's a good question. He's one of the most promising players in the draft. His game is smooth, he gets to the basket and he has major upside. If the Wizards can steal him here, they'd walk away with a really great draft.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Charlotte
(via New Orleans)


Marshon Brooks

Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 22
School: Providence
Analysis: The Bobcats, in this mock, get their defender with the No. 9 pick. That means they go pure offense 10 picks later. Brooks is one of the best scorers in the draft and would be a good long-term upgrade at the 2. Shumpert is also a possibility here.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Minnesota
(via Memphis)


Iman Shumpert

Position: PG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 221
Age: 20
College: Georgia Tech
Analysis: The Wolves added some serious offensive pop with the arrival of Ricky Rubio and, in this mock, Derrick Williams. Shumpert would give them a major defensive presence in their backcourt.

While he's not the most offensively gifted player in the draft, his ability to guard both backcourt positions, combined with his elite athleticism, make him an interesting choice at No. 20.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Portland


Kenneth Faried

Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead State
Analysis: The Blazers fell in love with Faried last year before he withdrew from the draft. If they are fortunate enough to get a second chance at him this year, they'll grab him. His relentlessness on the boards is a nice complement to LaMarcus Aldridge's more offensive-minded style.

Markieff Morris, Tobias Harris, Iman Shumpert and Reggie Jackson are others to watch.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Denver


Tobias Harris

Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 223
Age: 18
School: Tennessee
Analysis: I guess we can't call Harris one of the more underrated players in the draft when he hasn't moved off 22 in any of our mocks. He can play both the 3 and 4, and he has a very high basketball IQ and an NBA body. Harris doesn't do any one thing at an elite level, but he is one of the most well-rounded players in the draft.

Iman Shumpert, Chandler Parsons and Tyler Honeycutt are other possibilities here.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Houston
(via Orlando)


Donatas Motiejunas

Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania
Analysis: At this point in the draft, you quit worrying about draft needs and you draft according to talent. Motiejunas is a major talent. He's got flaws, but at No. 23 you live with them. If the Rockets don't trade the pick away, Jimmy Butler is a possibility here, as is Darius Morris.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Oklahoma City


Kyle Singler

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 23
College: Duke
Analysis: I don't have Singler rated as a top-30 prospect. But I might be mistaken. A source said the Thunder are very high on Singler and believe he could be an Andres Nocioni-type player in the NBA.

He is tough, has a good motor and will be able to knock down open shots. If he plays that role in the NBA, he's well worth the 24th pick. Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic are other possibility here.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Boston


Jimmy Butler

Position: G/F
Height: 6-8
Weight: 222
Age: 21
School: Marquette
Analysis: If the Celtics are going to keep competing for a title, they need players who know their roles, can play without the ball in their hands and meld in. Butler brings toughness, defense and heart.

Butler epitomizes that approach with his game and would be a great fit with the Celtics as a player who can play multiple positions off the bench. Reggie Jackson is another strong possibility here, as is Norris Cole.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Dallas


Nikola Mirotic

Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
Country: Serbia
Analysis: The Mavs likely will stay primarily a veteran team. So they'll work to add value wherever they can. Mirotic is a talented player who would go 10 spots higher if he weren't stuck in Europe the next two or three years with a difficult contract to escape.

But the Mavs can afford to be patient with a talent like this and hope that in a few years, he'll be ready to step in and play right away.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


New Jersey
(via L.A. Lakers)


Reggie Jackson

Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
Age: 21
School: Boston College
Analysis: Jackson hasn't done any workouts, has a knee injury and isn't sharing his medical records. Why would the Nets take a player like that? Well, they, along with a lot of NBA teams, believe that another team has shut down Jackson's workouts with a promise to draft him.

That shouldn't stop the Nets from grabbing Jackson anyway. Yes, they have Deron Williams. But he's not a sure thing to stay in New Jersey after next season. Even if he does, Jackson would be a terrific backup and could play off the ball in certain situations.

If Jackson hadn't suffered a knee injury just as the draft prep began, he could have gone much higher. Norris Cole, Justin Harper, Josh Selby and Chandler Parsons also are possibilities.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Chicago
(via Miami)


Justin Harper

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 21
School: Richmond
Analysis: Harper was one of the best stretch 4s in college basketball last season. He also has size and is a pretty good athlete. The Bulls need perimeter shooting, and Harper should be able to give them some.

Charles Jenkins, Tyler Honeycutt and Jeremy Tyler are also possibilities.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


San Antonio


Davis Bertans

Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 18
Country: Latvia
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're ready.

Bertans showed he can be a big-time shooter at the Nike Hoop Summit and adidas Eurocamp, and he's only 18 years old. So it's worth taking a flier on him and seeing what he can accomplish after another year or two in Europe.



PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Chicago


Nolan Smith

Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 188
Age: 22
School: Duke
Analysis: The Bulls need scorers in their backcourt and ultimately need to find a backup for Derrick Rose at point guard. Smith isn't the sort of player who really wows you with one thing. But he's a winner, he's versatile and he's been a solid shooter in college. He's a perfect backup guard.

31. Miami Heat (via Minnesota)

JaJuan Johnson | F | Purdue

The Heat are hoping that Reggie Jackson falls this far. But if a team snatches Jackson up, Johnson would be a nice fit. He is long, shoots the ball well and has four years of experience.


32. Cleveland Cavaliers

Chandler Parsons | SF | Florida

If the Cavs get a point guard and a big man early in the draft, don't be surprised to see them reach a bit for Parsons here. He has great size, is very skilled and has been one of the best workout players in the draft.


33. Detroit Pistons (via Toronto)

Norris Cole | PG | Cleveland State

In our mock, the Pistons miss out on Kemba Walker, but Cole isn't a bad substitute. He's a classic point guard who can fly up and down the floor, make a great pass and get into the lane. He could be the sleeper of the draft.


34. Washington Wizards

Jordan Williams | C | Maryland

The Wizards added some flash with their first two picks in the draft. With the third one, they add some toughness and rebounding. Williams doesn't have ideal size, nor is he a great athlete. But he's a tough rebounder.


35. Sacramento Kings

Tyler Honeycutt | G/F | UCLA

The Kings' other big need right now is at small forward, and Honeycutt could be a great fit. He's got a high basketball IQ, has point-forward skills and he's a solid shooter.


36. New Jersey Nets

Bojan Bogdanovic | SF | Serbia

Bogdanovic was the second-leading scorer in the Euroleague this year. If he could come to the U.S. this year or next, he'd likely be a first-round pick. In the second round, he's a steal.


37. Los Angeles Clippers (via Detroit)

Josh Selby | PG | Kansas

The Clippers have always been a team willing to take chances on young college players who didn't always live up to expectations. If Selby falls this far in the draft, he's a steal here. There's nothing to lose, and a lot to gain.


38. Houston Rockets (via Los Angeles Clippers)

Darius Morris | PG | Michigan

The Rockets would like to add some size in the backcourt and have been fans of Morris for a while. At No. 38, he's worth the risk. He has a lot of Andre Miller to his game.


39. Charlotte Bobcats

Malcolm Lee | PG | UCLA

The Bobcats really need a big point guard to play when teams overwhelm D.J. Augustin with size. Lee is one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft and has terrific upside.


40. Milwaukee Bucks

Jeremy Tyler | C | Tokyo Apache

The Bucks have never been afraid to roll the dice on a player with major upside. They did it with Brandon Jennings and it paid off big-time. Here, Tyler isn't a huge risk. He's big, athletic and can play both the 4 and the 5. He needs time to develop, but he has great potential.


41. Los Angeles Lakers (from Golden State via New Jersey)

Shelvin Mack | PG | Butler

The Lakers need to replace Derek Fisher at some point and Mack would be a great candidate; they are both tough combo guards who can shoot the ball. Mack reminds me a bit of a poor man's Joe Dumars. He could bring a lot to the table in L.A.


42. Indiana Pacers

Charles Jenkins | PG | Hofstra

The Pacers really need a player who can create for himself off the dribble. Jenkins is a poor man's Jimmer. He was one of the best scorers in college basketball this past season and can play multiple positions. He'd be a nice fit here.


43. Chicago Bulls (via Utah)

Jon Leuer | PF | Wisconsin

The Bulls continue to stock up on shooters by adding Leuer to the mix. He was one of the best shooting bigs in the NCAA, and he's a good get at this spot of the draft.


44. Golden State Warriors (From Phoenix via Chicago)

Trey Thompkins | PF | Georgia

The Warriors could always use some low-post scoring and Thompkins actually has a lot of talent scoring in the low block. He's got to get in better shape, but at this point in the draft, he's worth the risk.


45. New Orleans (via Philadelphia)

Greg Smith | C | Fresno State

Smith is raw. But he has an NBA body, good athleticism and huge hands. He's a project, but a very solid one.


46. Los Angeles Lakers (From New York)

Malcolm Thomas | PF | San Diego State

Thomas is an elite athlete who can run the floor, rebound and block shots. He's still raw offensively, but he has lots of upside for the 46th pick.


47. Los Angeles Clippers (From Houston)

Giorgi Shermadini | C | Georgia

Shermadini is a talented big man who can really score. He may not come over for a few years, but down the road he could be a very good pickup for the Clippers.


48. Atlanta Hawks

Travis Leslie | SG | Georgia

The Hawks can always use more athletes in the backcourt, and Leslie may be the best leaper in the draft. The question is whether he'll ever learn how to shoot the ball.


49. Memphis Grizzlies

Cory Joseph | PG | Texas

Mike Conley has cemented himself as the Grizzlies' point guard of the future, but Joseph could be an interesting backup down the road. He should've stayed in school, but there's raw talent there.


50. Philadelphia 76ers (From New Orleans)

Keith Benson | C | Oakland

The Sixers continue to need bigs and Benson is one of the biggest players in the draft. He's skilled and a very good athlete for his size; he just needs to get stronger and improve his motor.


51. Portland Trail Blazers

Diante Garrett | PG | Iowa State

The Blazers are looking for a point guard and Garrett has turned a lot of heads with his excellent play in draft camps.


52. Detroit Pistons

E'Twaun Moore | SG | Purdue

Moore is one of the toughest players in the draft. He's an excellent shooter and can even play a little point guard. He's probably a bit of a steal at this point.


53. Orlando Magic

Scotty Hopson | SG | Tennessee

Hopson is not only one of the best athletes in the draft, but he also can shoot the ball. He was inconsistent at Tennessee, but the talent is still there.


54. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Oklahoma City via Miami)

Jereme Richmond | SF | Illinois

Richmond is an athlete and little else right now. But as a long-term project, he still has major upside.


55. Boston Celtics

Jamine Peterson | SF | NBDL

Peterson is one of the best scorers in the draft. He's a great athlete as well. He may have some question marks about his background, but the Celtics have never shied away from players like him.


56. Los Angeles Lakers

Brad Wanamaker | PG | Pittsburgh

Wannamaker is a pure playmaker who is coming off a great career at Pittsburgh. I know it's another point guard for the Lakers, but his toughness is tough to pass up at this point.


57. Dallas Mavericks

Michael Dunigan | C | Oregon

Dunigan has size and athletic ability. Oh, and he dominated the Estonian league this year. Need I say more?


58. Los Angeles Lakers (From Miami)

Julyan Stone | SG | UTEP

The Lakers like big point guards and they like defenders, and Stone fits the bill. Just don't ask him to score.


59. San Antonio Spurs

DeAndre Liggins | SG | Kentucky

The Spurs love guys who can defend multiple positions, and Liggins can do just that.


60. Sacramento Kings (From Chicago via Milwaukee)

Andrew Goudelock | SG | College of Charleston

The Kings like shooters, and Goudelock is one of the best in the draft.
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