ESPN "Insider" Chad Ford just posted a new mock draft. He has Chris Taft falling all the way to the King's 23 pick and Hakim Warrick going to the Nets at 15. However, he has the Rockets landing: Wayne Simien KANSAS | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 22 The Rockets could use a tough rebounder with experience and Simien fits the bill. Concerns about injuries and size are the only things keeping him out of the lottery. He's one of the few guys who isn't afraid to go inside and bang, but also has a nice perimeter game. He's worked out really well just about everywhere. I know everyone has already weighed in over and over, but hey, what else are we gonna talk about? For those of you who are interested, the rest of the draft is below... 1. MILWAUKEE BUCKS Marvin Williams NORTH CAROLINA | FRESHMAN | SMALL FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 18 The Bucks appear to be leaning toward taking Bogut in the draft, but we're sticking firm to the belief that Williams is the best prospect on the board. Bucks GM Larry Harris has said he will draft on talent, not position, and we think once Williams rolls into town for a workout on June 19th, he'll change his mind. Scouting report on Marvin Williams 2. ATLANTA HAWKS Andrew Bogut UTAH | SOPHOMORE | CENTER HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20 Bogut told Insider on Friday that the Hawks told him that they'd take him with the No. 2 pick if he was still on the board. The team is desperate for a center, so it makes sense. If Bogut ends up going No. 1, they've told Williams they'll take him No. 2. Scouting report on Andrew Bogut 3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS Gerald Green GULF SHORES ACADEMY | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 19 This is a tough pick to project because the Blazers are shopping it hard. Most of the teams trying to get up to this spot are after Chris Paul. The Blazers are looking at Paul, too, but given their commitment to Sebastian Telfair in the lottery last year, look for them to fill another need and grab Green, a player many feel has the upside of Tracy McGrady. Scouting report on Gerald Green 4. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS Chris Paul WAKE FOREST | SOPHOMORE | POINT GUARD HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 178 | AGE: 20 The Hornets' biggest need isn't at the point, but Paul is a big upgrade over Speedy Claxton and Dan Dickau. Suddenly the loss of Baron Davis doesn't sting as much. In fact, Paul's a better prospect than Baron was. Scouting report on Chris Paul 5. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS Deron Williams ILLINOIS | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20 The Bobcats are still trying to figure out a way to grab Paul or Marvin Williams. They'd trade No. 5 and No. 13 to get up to the second spot, but aren't willing to do it just to get to No. 3. If it doesn't work, they'll decide between Deron Williams, Raymond Felton and Danny Granger at this position. Scouting report on Deron Williams 6. UTAH JAZZ Fran Vasquez SPAIN | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22 The Jazz desperately need a point guard. But they also need more size and athleticism up front. The Jazz could move up a spot or two in the draft to grab Paul or Deron Williams but they aren't high enough on Raymond Felton to pick him here. Vasquez is a safe pick who can step in and give them more depth in the paint. Scouting report on Fran Vasquez 7. TORONTO RAPTORS Danny Granger NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 225 | AGE: 22 Granger's stock just keeps climbing. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and should have the Shawn Marion-type ability to play like a 4 while playing the 3. He has a good handle, a dramatically improved 3-point shot and he's unselfish. He also has a great body and big-time athleticism. He's already an upgrade from Jalen Rose at small forward. While the Raptors have greater needs at center and point guard, they'll settle this year for the best prospect on the board. Scouting report on Danny Granger 8. NEW YORK KNICKS Channing Frye ARIZONA | SENIOR | CENTER HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 22 The Knicks secretly worked out Frye on the west coast about a week ago and walked away pretty convinced that he was their guy at No. 8. Frye is a skilled, athletic big man who has improved his body and his athleticism the last few months. He'd be the tallest decent player on the Knicks roster next season. Scouting report on Channing Frye 9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS Ike Diogu ARIZONA STATE | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 21 The Warriors wanted Frye or Granger, but if they're off the board, they'll look for the next-best power forward. Sean May, Hakim Warrick and Chris Taft will all get looks here as well. Diogu gets the nod because of his length (he has the reach of a seven-footer, a la Elton Brand) and shot-blocking ability. Scouting report on Ike Diogu 10. LOS ANGELES LAKERS Raymond Felton NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20 This is a real steal for the Lakers if they can land Felton here. He has the potential to go as high as No. 5 and the Raptors will give him a strong look at No. 7. He's the fastest point guard in the draft baseline to baseline, has improved his outside shooting and is an excellent floor leader. A major upgrade over Chucky Atkins. Scouting report on Raymond Felton 11. ORLANDO MAGIC Martell Webster SEATTLE PREP | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18 The Magic could go several ways here, but after shipping their best shooter off to Sacramento for Doug Christie, the Magic would find that Webster has a skill they really could use. He's the best pure shooter in high school and one of the four or five best in the draft. He has great size for his position, is mature beyond his years and already has an NBA body. As far as high school guys go, he's the most ready to contribute right now. Scouting report on Martell Webster 12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS Antoine Wright TEXAS A&M | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 21 There's talk that the Clippers are the team that promised Russian forward Yaroslav Korolev. However, it will be tough for the Clips to pass on Wright's versatility, perimeter shooting and athleticism. The Clippers have depth just about everywhere, but Wright will provide insurance should Donald Sterling decide not to pony up for free agents Bobby Simmons and Marko Jaric. Scouting report on Antoine Wright 13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS Joey Graham OKLAHOMA STATE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 216 | AGE: 22 The Bobcats could go in a lot of different directions here. The Bobcats would like to get tougher and more athletic and Graham would be a great choice. He's a hard worker who can play both the 3 and the 4. Reminds some of a bigger Corey Maggette. Scouting report on Joey Graham 14. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES Charlie Villanueva CONNECTICUT | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20 Villanueva has the skills of a lottery pick but proved to be a bit lazy and unreliable at UConn. Still, after so many years without a lottery pick, the Wolves have to swing for the seats. If Villanueva will work hard and focus (Kevin Garnett will demand it), he'll be a nice addition to the Wolves' front line. Russian forward Yaroslav Korolev is also rumored to be a real possibility here. Scouting report on Charlie Villaneuva 15. NEW JERSEY NETS Hakim Warrick SYRACUSE | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 22 He's not Kenyon Martin, but he's long, athletic, runs the floor, and has the experience to contribute immediately. With Jason Kidd running the show, he should get a lot of dunks. Scouting report on Hakim Warrick 16. TORONTO RAPTORS Sean May NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 21 The Raptors need a tough scorer and rebounder in the paint and May should be a perfect fit. Though he's a little undersized to play his natural position (center) in the pros, he should be fine paired next to Chris Bosh. Bosh's ability to dominate in the high post along with May's ability to finish around the rim should give the Raptors an effective high-low punch in the paint. Jarrett Jack will also get a long look here by the Raptors. Scouting report on Sean May 17. INDIANA PACERS Rashad McCants NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20 McCants may be the toughest guy in the draft to project. On talent, he's easily a top-10 pick, maybe top five. But just about every team in the league has uncovered a number of red flags on the background check. He's going to have to prove to teams that whatever problems he had at North Carolina are behind him. If he does, he'll go higher. If he doesn't, he'll slip down to a team like Indiana, which is willing to take the risk on such a talent. Scouting report on Rashad McCants 18. BOSTON CELTICS Yaroslav Korolev RUSSIA | SMALL FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 17 Danny Ainge swears that the Celtics aren't the ones who promised Korolev they'd draft him and I believe him. However, I think the Celtics would seriously consider him if he were on the board. Korolev dramatically raised his stock in the junior tournament at the Final Four in Europe. He reminds me a little of a young Toni Kukoc. Turkish forward Ersan Ilyasova is also another possibility here. The Celtics could use a long, lanky, skilled small forward and both players fit the bill. Scouting report on Yaroslav Korolev 19. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES Julius Hodge NORTH CAROLINA ST | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 21 Hodge may not be the greatest shooter in the draft, but he has all the intangibles Jerry West loves in his players. He's tough, versatile and he seems to want it more than most guys on the floor. The Grizzlies believe he'll be a point guard, at least part-time, in the pros. It looks like they'll lose Earl Watson to free agency and wouldn't mind losing Jason Williams in a trade, so the position is a need. He's earned good reviews in every workout and seems to have moved himself up with every one. West has a history of ignoring convention, which explains why a player like Hodge would go this high. Scouting report on Julius Hodge 20. DENVER NUGGETS Ersan Ilyasova TURKEY | SMALL FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18 With multiple picks, the Nuggets' plan is to leave at least one guy in Europe for a few years. Many believe that Ilyasova was the best young prospect in Europe before a severe ankle injury kept him out most of the year. His workouts went well enough in Chicago to secure his place in the mid first round. Scouting report on Ersan Ilyasova 21. PHOENIX SUNS Johan Petro FRANCE | CENTER HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19 Petro has the size and talent of a lottery pick, but he's been very slow to develop it, which has caused some NBA teams to worry. Petro is probably another year or two away from helping a team, even if he does develop. However, if he ever gets it, he could be the perfect center in the Suns' system down the road. Scouting report on Johan Petro 22. DENVER NUGGETS Francisco Garcia LOUISVILLE | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 190 | AGE: 23 The Nuggets opt for upside with their first pick and go with need for their second. The team needs perimeter shooting and badly and Garcia can deliver. He's not the greatest athlete in the world, but he can stroke it and plays with the passion that George Karl likes in his players. High school guard Monta Ellis is also a possibility here. The Nuggets love him, but would Karl ever play him? Scouting report on Francisco Garcia 23. SACRAMENTO KINGS Chris Taft PITTSBURGH | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20 Taft has the size and strength of a lottery pick and the heart of an NBDL player. He has the physical tools to replace Chris Webber on the Kings front line. But will Rick Adelman, or whoever is coaching the Kings, ever be able to motivate him? Scouting report on Chris Taft 24. HOUSTON ROCKETS Wayne Simien KANSAS | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 22 The Rockets could use a tough rebounder with experience and Simien fits the bill. Concerns about injuries and size are the only things keeping him out of the lottery. He's one of the few guys who isn't afraid to go inside and bang, but also has a nice perimeter game. He's worked out really well just about everywhere. Scouting report on Wayne Simien 25. SEATTLE SONICS Jarrett Jack GEORGIA TECH | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21 Jack could be off the board in the mid-first round, but it's conceivable that he slips all the way to here. He's a very good point guard prospect who just needs to cut down on his turnovers. With Antonio Daniels set to bolt in free agency, the Sonics will have a strong need for a backup point guard with size and toughness. Scouting report on Jarrett Jack 26. DETROIT PISTONS Ryan Gomes PROVIDENCE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22 Skilled forward is an inside-outside scoring threat that reminds some scouts of Corliss Williamson. Started his career at the 4, but played really well at the 3 this year. He's a good offensive rebounder, has extended his range to the NBA 3-point line and is a good passer. Has a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Scouting report on Ryan Gomes 27. UTAH JAZZ Roko Ukic CROATIA | POINT GUARD HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 21 He's had a great year in Croatia. A little wild for Jerry Sloan's taste, but he's long, plays defense and is very tough and experienced. If he could shoot, he'd be a much higher pick. Look for the Jazz to leave him overseas for another season or two. Scouting report on Roko Ukic 28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS David Lee FLORIDA | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22 The Spurs have a history of going international and will also look at France's Mickael Gelebale here, but Lee fits the profile. He's tough, plays defense, runs the floor well and does all the little things that Gregg Popovich appreciates. Scouting report on David Lee 29. MIAMI HEAT Randolph Morris KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19 The big kid from Kentucky should probably head back to school. One good year at Kentucky and he's in the lottery. However, he's too big to slip all the way out of the first round if he decides to stay. Scouting report on Randolph Morris 30. NEW YORK KNICKS Andrew Bynum ST. JOSEPH, N.J. | H.S. | POWER FORWARD HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 17 Bynum has the size to rise much higher in the draft if he works out well. Right now, the general consensus is that he's too big a project to take much higher than this. Still, the Knicks aren't likely to pass. They need size and upside and Bynum has both. If he played two years at UConn, he'd likely be a lottery pick.
is it just me, or is Ford phone-ing in some of these 'picks' seems like he gets good information and slots those guys first, then just sticks the other players in around the draft order. seems to me that Simien is going to go sooner than 24
Diogu up to #9. I was sort of expecting something like that. By all reports he is having some fantastic workouts and he's bigger than people thought. Simien would be a good pickup for the Rox though.
I think Diogu going 9th is partly a function of the Knicks looking like they're going to take Channing Frye. Willis, I agree with you about some of the picks. Ford kind of brushes off the fact that the coach or team may not like the player and simply picks whichever Euro got his undies all moist today.
I'd be ecstatic to see the Rockets pick Simien. I'm not sure he'll be on the board, but there are some people who didn't even make the first round on this list that seem intriguing to me. What happened to Blatche? Nevermind I can't imagine JVG drafting a highschool kid.
Ryan Gomes....man I wanted him last year, but he decided to go back to college. I think he will be a great pick up for the Rockets. HE is very talented and I think he could be a steal a couple years down the road....
It will be a great day indeed if the Knicks take Channing Frye and continue to waste good draft picks year after year. The guy strikes me as a poor version of Loren Woods, if that's even possible.
I'd rather the Lakers start eating it. At this point dumping on the Knicks is like kicking a dog when it's down.
Simien is a JVG type of guy. But does he provide the speed and defense that we need? Still, this far down in the draft, I'd settle for someone like Simiem who can make up for Yao's lack of rebounding range. Seems kind of Carlos Boozer-ish. We could do worse. If Hakim Warrick doesn't drop to us (which he probably won't), I think the team will choose between Simien and Jarrett Jack. The choice will probably be dictated by their free agency plans, unless they think Simien is good enough to be our starting PF for the next 10 years.
Jack isn't that realistic, the lowest team he's worked out for is the Raptors at 16, so I doubt he'll be available come #24.
I think we can safely say that it won't be a Euro or a high schooler. JVG wouldn't have the patience unless the player had knockout talent, which you won't find this far down in the draft.
Antoine Wright. Anyone see him play? He seems like exactly the kind of swingman the Rockets could use next to McGrady. Maybe the Rockets can trade up to nab that guy. Could he be another Igoudala?
I don't think the Rockets need a swingman. I think people saw Josh Howard rip us and they know that he was picked at the bottom of the 1st round and then they think, "There must be a Josh Howard in this draft for us!" But a guy with that kind of talent doesn't often drop that far. And the Rockets already have the best swingman in the NBA and they also have Bob Sura, who I think would be a better backup swingman than he is a starting PG (Sura reminds me of Mario Elie). I think the team needs to draft based on need, and our needs are rebounding, frontcourt defense, and assists. There's nothing that any swingman in this draft could do that T-Mac doesn't already bring. What we need is a a great defending PF so that T-Mac doesn't have to play that role as well.
Personally I think the Rockets will use their MLE to go after a PF so I think the chances are high that we are looking at a swingman with our 1st round pick. Someone that can play the 2 guard, someone with more size and athleticism that Wesley has. I absolutely feel that PF is a position of need, but I think so is the swingman position.
Even assuming that a new PF will come via free agency, I still think our next biggest need is PG, not at a swing position. We need more assists. The team works too hard to score - some more easy baskets will reduce the constant pressure T-Mac and Yao face. None of the guys on the roster now is a classic PG. That being said, I don't think JVG is interested in a rookie PG. That's why I think that we'll draft a young PF, then pursue a vet PG in FA (like Antonio Daniels).
