Didn't see it posted, apologies if so. http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=thorpe_david&page=Rookies-110309
John Wall No. 1 pick in December's redraft: John Wall No. 1 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: John Wall The Wizards may be terrible, and Wall simply has to improve his shooting, but there is no question he is at the head of this draft class by a large margin. Despite playing on a bad team with some teammates who play like they don't care, or who struggle to be professionals off the court, Wall has maintained his competitive edge and is on the fast track to becoming an All-Star. He forces Wizards executives to ask, "How does he fit in with John?" every time they study a prospect or veteran. Greg Monroe No. 2 pick in December's redraft: Derrick Favors No. 2 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Evan Turner DeMarcus Cousins has more upside, but the Sixers are looking for guys who'd mesh with their group of veterans and help them get back into the playoffs. Monroe is starter material now and would be a great fit next to Elton Brand (high-low post action would be nice). He would also give the Sixers more of a defensive presence than Spencer Hawes does, and their style of defense would force Monroe to play harder and take more chances, which would help him play even better. Derrick Favors No. 3 pick in December's redraft: DeMarcus Cousins No. 3 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Derrick Favors Knowing how desperately the Nets were looking for a star to acquire, and that this pick was going to be sacrificed to do so, it makes more sense to take Favors than Cousins. Favors has more growing to do on the court, but few teams would be willing to trade their star for the current version of Cousins, as of now, anyway. Favors always projected to be a guaranteed starter with huge upside, and every GM valued him greatly. DeMarcus Cousins No. 4 pick in December's redraft: Al-Farouq Aminu No. 4 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Wesley Johnson I understand why the Wolves didn't draft him (see last week's Rookie Watch), but can't help but think, "What if they had?" The Wolves force the ball inside. They have a great shooting and passing power forward in Kevin Love. And their style of play and personnel is a perfect match for Cousins, who would pair with Love to form the best defensive-rebounding tandem in the NBA. Within three years they would likely have the best power forward/center combo in basketball. Yes, even better than the Lakers' front line of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Patrick Patterson No. 5 pick in December's redraft: Eric Bledsoe No. 5 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: DeMarcus Cousins Don't let Patterson's pedestrian averages fool you. If he had been drafted by Sacramento, or any team not loaded with strong veterans inside, Patterson would likely be a 14 and 7 guy right away with relative ease. And he'd do that more efficiently than the guys in Sacramento. Patterson's shooting and defense would have earned him a starting spot quickly, too. When we revisit this draft in a few years, Patterson will be among the top performers. Ed Davis No. 6 pick in December's redraft: Larry Sanders No. 6 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Ekpe Udoh Given the Warriors' need for defense, I understand why they looked Udoh's way in June -- he has a chance to be very good -- but thus far, Davis is a better rebounder, shooter, finisher and scorer than Udoh (and Sanders). He's also comparable as a shot-blocker. Davis looks like he's going to be a double-double guy in this league as a full-time starter, which could happen as early as next season. He is able to finish at a high rate inside and can also be utilized as a pick-and-pop guy -- that is a rare skill combination. Paul George No. 7 pick in December's redraft: Ed Davis No. 7 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Greg Monroe Monroe is no longer available here, but George looks like a real player and could have worked his way into being Tayshaun Prince's replacement. Evan Turner is also a consideration here, but I think George's upside is the key factor. George should be a strong defensive presence in this league and also has the potential to be a top-two scorer on the team. He's a big upgrade in the "athlete" department as well, a sore point for the current Pistons roster. Landry Fields No. 8 pick in December's redraft: Landry Fields No. 8 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Al-Farouq Aminu I had the Clips taking Fields back in December because Aminu was off the board then. This time I like Fields here because he's a great fit next to Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin. Aminu has more upside, but Fields would give the Clippers at least two perimeter threats on the court with Griffin and two guys who could feed him inside. I also like Fields' fit in the chemistry department; Aminu's cool and casual demeanor would take a backseat to the fire in Fields. Evan Turner No. 9 pick in December's redraft: Wes Johnson No. 9 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Gordon Hayward Going into the season, Turner could have been penciled in as the starting 2 in Utah, where Deron Williams' presence alone would have enabled Turner to have some seams to attack after ball reversal. The Jazz's offense would allow him to make plays inside within its flow, and his rebounding talent would be an immediate help. He represents strong value at this spot in the draft. Wes Johnson No. 10 pick in December's redraft: Xavier Henry No. 10 pick in actual 2010 NBA draft: Paul George With George off the board, Johnson would be the choice here. He's starting to figure out how to use his athleticism to make defensive plays, and has become a very reliable shooter from a few spots on the floor. For me, the question for Johnson has always been his willingness and ability to attack the rim. It looks as if he's making progress there, too. If that continues, he has a chance to be a top-5 player in this class within a few years, if not sooner.
Hindsight 20/20. There is no way anyone could have pegged him top 5-6 on their board pre-draft, right? RIGHT???? EDIT: RIGHT??!?!?!?!
And to think there were people still upset after Morey picked him up AT 14. People on this board won't be happy unless he pick Dwight Howard with a 2nd round pick in the 50s.
I don't think you've been watching Cousins lately. He just made Howard look silly last night. 29 points. Fouled him out. It's clear howard cannot handle his spin move that accompanies his fadeaway. Plus, he is going to become a top passing big. The guy just flat out has a high IQ. If he were a Rocket, there is no way you'd be saying this. on that note: I don't see how Cousins goes lower than 2 on a redraft. He'll end up being the top, imo. But then, I haven't watched Wall that much.
Patterson doesn't play like a rookie. When he's in the game he plays with confidence and when he shoots or makes a post move, it's done with conviction. He does not hesitate. He's confident in his abilities which will serve him very well in this league (and he picked up Adelman's complicated offense in less than a season). I love players with high bball IQ.
The way Cousins plays, if he plays for the Rockets, every time he gets playing time he will just play himself right back to the end of Adelman's bench within three games.
