Chad Ford Mock Draft 6.0

J.R. · Jun 25, 2013

Round 1

1. Cleveland - Nerlens Noel

Analysis: Yes, for the sixth straight mock draft, I have Noel at No. 1 despite a consensus among NBA bloggers that Maryland's Alex Len is going to be the top pick. I wrote a long post on True Hoop Monday night on why I think the Cavs are leaning toward Noel.

Here's the short version: While I think Len and Anthony Bennett also are in play for the top pick, Noel appears to be a better fit with the criteria the Cavs are using this year and have used in the past to select in the lottery. The team itself has remained tight-lipped -- in part because a number of different trade scenarios they are exploring could alter the composition of their team. -- but I think it's going to be Noel.
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2. Orlando - Victor Oladipo

Analysis: If the Cavs pass on Noel, the Magic are leaning strongly toward selecting him with the No. 2 pick in the draft. If Noel is off the board? Things get a little tougher. The Magic have explored a number of trade options if Noel isn't there at No. 2. If they can't work out a trade, it appears they continue to lean toward taking Oladipo over McLemore. While McLemore is a stronger offensive player, Oladipo's defense and his crazy motor hold a strong appeal for the Magic. Cody Zeller is a dark horse here at No. 2.
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3. Washington - Otto Porter

Analysis: With so much up in the air in this draft, Porter to the Wizards at No. 3 remains a constant. He's appeared here in every mock and I think it's unlikely we move him. While the Wizards have a lot of interest in Anthony Bennett, sources say they are now leaning toward taking Porter at 3. He fits a need, fits their culture and is, like Oladipo, viewed as a sure thing by many NBA GMs and scouts.
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4. Charlotte - Alex Len

Analysis: There is essentially zero information coming out of Charlotte right now. That's how the Bobcats like it. Even Michael Kidd-Gilchrist didn't know he was going to the Bobcats until they called his name on draft night. We appear to be in a similar situation here. Len, Bennett and McLemore are the three most obvious fits. While there seems to be some movement toward Len, this one is more of a guess. Indiana's Cody Zeller also has fans in Charlotte, too.
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5. Phoenix - Ben McLemore

Analysis: I'm struggling with where to place McLemore. He's struggled in workouts in Cleveland, Orlando and Phoenix. Everyone loves the talent, but teams are clearly wary of him and the workouts have given pause. I know the Suns would prefer Oladipo, and sources say there's strong support in the front office for Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams and Indiana's Zeller, as well. We're keeping McLemore here at No. 5, but I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up going a few spots lower in Mock 7.0 on Thursday.
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6. New Orleans - Trey Burke

Analysis: Here's where things really get tricky. If Porter or Len still are here at No. 6, I believe the Pelicans will draft either one of them. If both players are off the board, the team has to move onto Plan B. While Bennett might be tempting, the Pelicans do need depth at the point guard position and will struggle to let Burke slide. Michael Carter-Williams also could be in the mix here.
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7. Sacramento - C.J. McCollum

Analysis: The Kings continue to be all over the place. Every day a new prospect; this reflects a young front office, an inexperienced head coach and owner and very little time to prep for the draft. McCollum, Bennett, Shabazz Muhammad, Steven Adams are all possibilities here. Ditto for Carter-Williams.

However, after his second workout there, McCollum's name is beginning to surface as a potential selection. The Kings also are exploring trades right now. Two sources told ESPN.com that they're using Jimmer Fredette as trade bait to pick up another first-round pick in the mid- to late first round so they can grab either Tim Hardaway Jr. or Tony Snell. The Jazz, in particular, have been looking to move up and like McCollum, so that's one plausible scenario.
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8. Detroit - Anthony Bennett

Analysis: If Bennett slides to No. 8, Pistons GM Joe Dumars will be grinning ear to ear. For the last three years one of the top-ranked players in the draft has slid to the Pistons. In 2010 it was Greg Monroe. In 2011 it was Brandon Knight. In 2012 it was Andre Drummond. If Bennett is there, the Pistons would grab him. He can play both the three and the four, can both stretch the floor and play in the post. The Pistons have other needs, including point guard, but Bennett is too much of a talent to pass up. Burke and Carter-Williams are the other two possibilities in Detroit.
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9. Minnesota - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Analysis: There seem to be three constants in our mock drafts: Noel at No. 1, Porter at No. 3 and Caldwell-Pope at No. 9. He's been up here for the last three mocks and makes the cut here, as well. While the T-Wolves have interest in other players (Zeller has his fans in Minnesota), Caldwell-Pope has been a favorite of Flip Saunders. The only way this pick probably doesn't happen? If Minnesota finds a way to package the No. 9, No. 26 and maybe Derrick Williams to move up, then they'll grab Victor Oladipo.
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10. Portland - Michael Carter-Williams

Analysis: The Blazers drafted a point guard last year, but they wouldn't hesitate to do it again if Carter-Williams slides. They'd prefer McCollum or Caldwell-Pope, but Carter-Williams would do. He has great size for his position, which should allow the Blazers to play both him and Lillard on the floor together. Zeller and Steven Adams are also possibilities here.
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11. Philadelphia - Cody Zeller

Analysis: Zeller is the fourth constant on this mock. He's appeared at this spot on all six versions. Why? The 76ers need size and athleticsm in their front court and Zeller provides both. I'm told Sergey Karasev, Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee are options here but probably only if Zeller is off the board.
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12. Oklahoma City - Steven Adams

Analysis: Adams has also sat at this spot since the NBA Draft Combine. The Thunder are another team that are notoriously tight lipped, but what little information I can get have Adams, Karasev and Olynyk on their board here. Adams has the most upside so he's at 12, though I wouldn't be shocked if either Karasev or Olynyk went here.
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13. Dallas - Sergey Karasev

Analysis: The Mavericks continue to lean heavily toward trading the pick (if they haven't already). According to various reports, one scenario floating around have them swapping picks with the Cavs. If that happens, it's almost certainly to be for Karasev. There are several other teams who are after Karasev including the Bucks, Hawks and Nets, and they could be great trade partners. If the Mavericks keep the pick, Carter-Williams and Dennis Schroeder also would be possibilities here.
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14. Utah - Lucas Nogueira

Analysis: Not much has changed here since the last mock. If McCollum, Burke or Carter-Williams (probably in that order) are on the board, the Jazz go point guard. If they're gone? The team isn't in love with any of the point guards left on the board. They also need bigs (both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are free agents this summer) and it looks like they're open to using the draft to help address that need as well. Nogueira isn't the only guy they'll look at here. Olynyk and Plumlee also have a shot. But I think Nogueria is the most intriguing of the group.
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15. Milwaukee - Shane Larkin

Analysis: If the draft plays out this way, the Bucks are looking at three names -- Larkin, Schroeder or Glen Rice Jr., who's coming in for a second workout on Tuesday. It's hard to say which way the Bucks are leaning, but it looks like Larkin has the slight edge.
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16. Boston - Dennis Schroeder

Analysis: The Celtics are in the process of blowing up the team which makes it even harder to project what they are doing. Four names to keep an eye on here: Adams, Schroeder, Larkin or Olynyk. If the Celtics can convince Schroeder to stay overseas one more year (thus getting him off their cap and letting him develop) he's probably the guy.
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17. Atlanta - Giannis Antetokounmpo

Analysis: I continue to hear Antetokounmpo's name here. The Hawks can stash him overseas, let him develop and in a few years, he could either be the steal of the draft. Or we'll all forget they drafted him. Either scenario probably works for Atlanta.
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18. Atlanta - Shabazz Muhammad

Analysis: There's a point where a player's reward outweighs the risk. I'm not sure where Muhammad's floor is, but it has to be pretty close. Yes, there are flaws in his game, but at some point you can't ignore his scoring abilities. Olynyk, San Diego State's Jamaal Franklin and Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. also are possibilities.
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19. Cleveland - Reggie Bullock

Analysis: If the Cavs grab Noel at No. 1, look for them to add a small forward or shooter with the second first-round pick. They would love to get their hands on Karasev if they could; they are trying to move up higher in the draft to grab him. Moving to No. 13 seems to be the consensus of where they need to get to, and it looks like they are willing to eat Shawn Marion's salary for a year to get there in a trade with Dallas. If they can't get to No. 13, Bullock is another shooter they really are high on. Bullock shot 44 percent from 3-point range this season and has the size to play both wing positions.
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20. Chicago - Mason Plumlee

Analysis: Every mock draft we alternate between a big and wing for the Bulls. The Bulls need both. Plumlee is an interesting case. Lots of teams like him, few love him. But I think it would be hard for the Bulls to pass on Plumlee's value at No. 20. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jamaal Franklin are other possibilities.
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21. Utah - Isaiah Canaan

Analysis: If the Jazz pass on a point guard at No. 14, they have to be content with what's left at No. 21. In this mock draft, both Schroeder and Larkin are off the board already. But that's OK. I think they like Canaan just as much as those other guards. While he's not quite McCollum, but Canaan's another dynamic scorer who can shoot and get to the basket. Nogueria and Rudy Gobert are also potential picks here if the Jazz go with a point guard at No. 14.
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22. Brooklyn - Kelly Olynyk

Analysis: Olynyk might have one of the largest ranges of anyone in the draft. He'll get looks as high as No. 11 to the Sixers and No. 12 to the Thunder, but he also could work his way down here. Gorgui Dieng and Tony Snell are other options for the Nets at 22.
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23. Indiana - Jamaal Franklin

Analysis: The Pacers are looking at point guards and bigs, but something tells me if Franklin is on the board at No. 23, they'll have a hard time saying no. He's not the shooter they covet, but he's versatile, tough and is a bit like a smaller Kawhi Leonard. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pacers move this pick. They also have some interest in the Kings' offer of Jimmer Fredette for a first-round pick.
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24. New York - Tony Mitchell

Analysis: Mitchell's been at this spot for three mocks and I continue to hear the Knicks like him. He has all the physical tools to succeed in the NBA. Strengh, length, elite athletic ability. And the Knicks really need help on the front line.The Knicks also like Franklin, and South Dakota State's Nate Wolters is a sleeper here.
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25. Los Angles Clippers - Tim Hardaway Jr.

Analysis: The Clippers are going for it and are going to need all the help they can get. That might force them to take a veteran guard who can give them shooting and minutes. Hardaway is a coach's favorite, and I could see the Clippers thinking he'd make a great fit at No. 25.
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26. Minnesota - Gorgui Dieng

Analysis: Dieng has slid in the draft thanks to concerns about his knees, but a number of teams in the 20s still are willing to take the risk. With the T-Wolves in serious talks to swap this pick for the Nets' MarShon Brooks, I could see the Nets grabbing another big to fill out their front line.
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27. Denver - Allen Crabbe

Analysis: The Nuggets are in danger of losing Iguodala this summer after he opted to become a free agent. What they really need is a shooter. Crabbe seems like a great fit for this team. Ricky Ledo is another possibility here as is Tony Snell.
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28. San Antonio - Rudy Gobert

Analysis: The Spurs need size and have never shied away from taking international players. What Gobert lacks in athletic ability he makes up with extreme length for his position. The Spurs also can stash him overseas if they need the cash.
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29. Oklahoma City - Ricky Ledo

Analysis: This might be a bit of a reach. But the Thunder have been looking for an elite shooting guard, and Ledo is as talented as several players in the lottery. He has lots of off-the-court issues, but the Thunder might try to rehabilitate him in their excellent D-League franchise.
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30. Phoenix - Tony Snell

Analysis: The Suns can go a lot of different directions here, but adding one shooter in McLemore might not be enough. Snell has great length for his position and could give the Suns two athletic shooters on the wing.
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Round 2

31. Cleveland - Mike Muscala

Analysis: Muscala will have to make the transition from college center to NBA stretch 4, but he's one of the most skilled big men in the draft and a steal at 31.
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32. Oklahoma City - Alex Albrines

Analysis: With two picks in the first round, I doubt the Thunder are adding a third player capable of making the roster in the second round. Abrines has a lot of talent and is getting to play against elite competition in Spain. The Thunder can afford to be patient.
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33. Cleveland - Pierre Jackson

Analysis: Jackson is one of the more intriguing guards left in the draft. A ton of talent, he's just undersized. He can shoot it, get to the basket and find his teammates. Might be an ideal backup for Kyrie Irving.
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34. Houston - Glen Rice Jr.

Analysis: It would be poetic justice if Rice slips out of the first and lands here. He played for the Rockets' D-League team, the Vipers. They love him. He could go as high as 15 to Milwaukee, but I think this is his floor.
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35. Philadelphia - Jeff Withey

Analysis: The Sixers want size. They got the stretch 4 in Zeller in the first round and here they get an elite shot-blocker in the second. Withey is a steal at 35.
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36. Sacramento - C.J. Leslie

Analysis: Leslie is an intriguing guy. He had the fastest agility scores of anyone in the draft combine. He's an elite athlete, just a tweener. If he ever locks down on defense, he'll be really good.
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37. Detroit - Archie Goodwin

Analysis: Goodwin was billed as a poor man's Russell Westbrook coming into Kentucky. He struggled mightily, but the raw talent is there. He's got elite speed and athletic abilities. If he ever figures out a jumper, he's got a lot of upside.
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38. Washington - Erick Green

Analysis: Green is one of the more underrated players in the draft. He was one of the elite scorers in the nation and a pretty good point guard to boot. He's a solid backup option for John Wall.
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39. Portland - Grant Jerrett

Analysis: Jerrett left school too early, but the truth is he's a very intriguing prospect as a stretch 4. A good get for the Blazers at No. 39.
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40. Nemanja Nedovic

Analysis: GM Neil Olshey may not love international players, but he's not adding more than two rookies to his roster. Nedovic is a great athlete and could be a nice addition down the road.
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41. Memphis - Andre Roberson

Analysis: How do you predict a John Hollinger pick? I just went over to Kevin Pelton's draft rater and looked to see who was highest on his board. Roberson actually was ranked at No. 3 -- in the whole draft! The Grizzlies can't pass on that at 41.
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42. Philadelphia - Jackie Carmichael

Analysis: Carmichael is one of the toughest forwards in the draft. He's a great athlete and very experienced; the Sixers would help build out their front line with this draft.
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43. Milwaukee - Lorenzo Brown

Analysis: In our first-round mock we have the Bucks taking the smallest point guard in the draft. We offset it here by having them take one of the biggest. Brown isn't a great shooter, but he's got great size and a feel for the game.
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44. Dallas - Marko Todorovic

Analysis: The Mavs have always liked international players. Todorovic is big and can play inside and outside. A great draft-and-stash prospect.
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45. Portland - Livio Jean-Charles

Analysis: Again, the Blazers don't have any more spots and are best served by drafting guys and leaving them overseas. Jean-Charles impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit, but he needs more time to develop.
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46. Utah - Nate Wolters

Analysis: The Jazz would be thrilled if Wolters was still on the board here. He was under consideration at No. 21 and brings size and floor vision to the table.
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47. Atlanta - Bojan Dubljevic

Analysis: The Hawks have multiple first-round picks. They're probably not going to mess with second-rounders. The Serbian big man can really shoot the lights out.
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48. Los Angeles Lakers - Ray McCallum

Analysis: The Lakers could use help anywhere, but McCallum brings a lot to the table as a heady point guard who can run a team and get to the rim.
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49. Chicago - Alexandre Paranhos

Analysis: Paranhos was discovered by Leandro Barbosa. (There's a great story on TrueHoop about him.) The Bulls are one of the few teams that have worked him out. Lots of intrigue surrounding a 6-foot-8 NBA athlete who can shoot the rock.
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50. Atlanta - Raul Neto

Analysis: The Brazilian point guard impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit. He has a bright future down the road.
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51. Orlando - Phil Pressey

Analysis: The Magic didn't get their point guard at the top of the draft, but Pressey might be a nice consolation prize here. He sees the floor as well as any guard in the draft. He's great as long as he doesn't think he's a scorer.
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52. Minnesota - Augusto Lima

Analysis: With multiple first-round picks, the Wolves will likely go international as well. Lima is long and runs the floor well. He's very active, but needs to polish his offensive game.
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53. Indiana - Myck Kabongo

Analysis: There was a time when Kabongo was mentioned as a potential lottery pick. He's a steal here for the Pacers and could, with time, earn a spot in the rotation
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54. Washington - Erik Murphy

Analysis: Stretch 4s are always in demand and Murphy can really stroke the basketball from deep.
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55. Memphis - Angelo Sharpless

Analysis: This super-athletic 2-guard who played at Elizabeth City is under the radar, but he's had a series of impressive workouts for teams.
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56. Detroit - Solomon Hill

Analysis: The Pistons could use a small forward and Hill is a player who doesn't excel in any one area, but is a leader on the floor. A perfect fit with a team like the Pistons.
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57. Phoenix - Richard Howell

Analysis: The Suns are soft. Howell is not. End of story.
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58. San Antonio - Oleksandr Lypovyy

Analysis: The Spurs always find these gems late. Lypovyy was the star at the Eurocamp in 2012, but regressed a bit last year. He's worth taking a shot on at 58.
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59. Minnesota - Vitalis Chikoko

Analysis: Chikoko is a long, athletic big man from Zimbabwe who has been playing in Germany. He's not ready for the NBA, but given his size, length and burgeoning skill level, he could be a nice draft-and-stash type player.
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60. Memphis - D.J. Stephens

Analysis: I'm hoping Hollinger will do me a favor here. The best athlete in the draft. Crazy motor. Just undersized and underskilled. I love him. Played for Memphis. If nothing else, he'd put on a hell of a halftime show. Please John?
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Chamillionaire · Jun 25, 2013

35. Philadelphia - Jeff Withey

Quote:
Analysis: The Sixers want size. They got the stretch 4 in Zeller in the first round and here they get an elite shot-blocker in the second. Withey is a steal at 35.

Would rather have him than Rice Jr. personally.

Aruba77 · Jun 25, 2013

If Carter-Williams lasts all the way till 10, Morey should find a way to swoop in there and grab him.

Pragmatician · Jun 25, 2013

For the millionth time, I know, but Mark Lyons is being vastly overlooked. He's going to be an absolute steal for whatever team drafts him late/signs him in FA.

JMAD21 · Jun 26, 2013

I like GR jr.

Picking him would make me feel much more comfortable about letting Delfino or Garcia go.

DonatasFanboy · Jun 26, 2013

Chamillionaire said: ↑

35. Philadelphia - Jeff Withey

Quote:
Analysis: The Sixers want size. They got the stretch 4 in Zeller in the first round and here they get an elite shot-blocker in the second. Withey is a steal at 35.

Would rather have him than Rice Jr. personally.
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I think Withey is kind of soft, tbh.

Glen Rice to me is all about off the court stuff. I can't judge.

Pragmatician · Jun 26, 2013

As you know, I'm all about Mark Lyons. As the draft gets closer, I am really starting to like Lorenzo Brown at #34.

Maybe we can trade Brooks for a pick in the 50s and take Lyons.

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