Similar to ESPN's Chad Ford, I've designed a "Lottery Machine" that selects the 2010 NBA Lottery at random, based on the prescribed lottery odds of each team. Using a program called Mathematica (Courtesy Wolfram Research), I've compiled 22 random lotteries, which I will use to complete a different mock draft each weekday from now through May 18th when the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery is held.
And, no, there are no comments today. It's not like I'm getting paid to do this. What do you want from me?
1)Minnesota Timberwolves (2)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
2)Philadelphia 76ers (6)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
3)Detroit Pistons (7)- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)
4)New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)
5)Sacramento Kings- Greg Monroe- PG (Georgetown)
6)Golden State Warriors- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)
7)Washington Wizards- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)
8)Los Angeles Clippers- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)
9)Utah Jazz (from NYK)- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)
10)Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)
11)New Orleans Hornets- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)
Similar to ESPN's Chad Ford, I've designed a "Lottery Machine" that selects the 2010 NBA Lottery at random, based on the prescribed lottery odds of each team. Using a program called Mathematica (Courtesy Wolfram Research), I've compiled 22 random lotteries, which I will use to complete a different mock draft each weekday from now through May 18th when the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery is held.
And, no, there are no comments today. It's not like I'm getting paid to do this. What do you want from me?
1)Washington Wizards (5)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
2)Minnesota Timberwolves (2)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
Similar to ESPN's Chad Ford, I've designed a "Lottery Machine" that selects the 2010 NBA Lottery at random, based on the prescribed lottery odds of each team.Using a program called Mathematica (Courtesy: Wolfram Research), I've compiled 22 random lotteries, which I will use to complete a different mock draft each weekday from now through May 18th when the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery is held.
1)Sacramento Kings (3)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
Turner's size and slashing ability will give the Kings quite a combo on the perimeter.I can't name a defense in the league that wouldn't have a tough time stopping Tyreke Evans and Turner.
2)New Jersey Nets (1)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
For months, Wall has been considered a no-brainer with the first pick, but he's not nearly the runaway talent that Blake Griffin was last year.In all likelihood, it will be a three horse race in June, with Turner and DeMarcus Cousins giving Wall a run for his money.It's even possible that the Nets opt for Derrick Favors instead of Wall here, but his value is too much to pass up.
3)Los Angeles Clippers (8)- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)
The Clippers are the big lottery winners today, and they opt for Cousins, who would be a great fit next to Blake Griffin in the long-term.
4)Minnesota Timberwolves- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)
Johnson provides an efficient offensive game and leadership abilities to a team that badly needs them.Minnesota could also trade this pick if they don't think Johnson has the skills to get it done defensively at the next level.
5)Golden State Warriors- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)
Golden State would probably rather have any of the four players drafted ahead of them, but they'll settle for Al-Farouq ("Don't call me Al") Aminu.He doesn't have the outside shooting that the Warriors covet, but he would fit nicely in their up-tempo system.
Monroe is an interesting prospect, but Philadelphia would be a good fit.They have enough returning talent to bring him along slowly, and a nice young core developing for the long-term.
8)Detroit Pistons- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)
I've said for months that the Pistons need to target a traditional back-to-the-basket big man in the draft, and if they miss on Cousins and Favors, they'll look at either Aldrich or Hassan Whiteside.
9)Utah Jazz (from New York)- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)
Davis has a lot of upside and will be able to play either frontcourt position, which is a huge advantage for a Jazz team which will be thin up front, especially if Carlos Boozer leaves and/or Mehmet Okur misses time with his ruptured Achilles.
10)Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)
Henry is a do-it-all shooting guard, who will need some seasoning to reach his full potential, but should be able to take some heat off of Danny Granger right away.
11)New Orleans Hornets- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)
Whiteside has huge upside and would benefit from learning behind a great shot blocker like Emeka Okafor.
Zach Randolph took a huge step forward last year, but his role in Memphis' plans is still up in the air.I expect the Grizzlies to take the best player available with their lottery pick, and Motiejunas fits the bill.
13)Toronto Raptors- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)
For some reason, I can see Udoh in Toronto.Get used to his name in this spot.
14)Houston Rockets- Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)
Like the Pistons, the Rockets need a center.Yao isn't getting any younger, and I don't expect his lower extremities to become any sturdier.
15)Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)
Milwaukee needs help at the two and the four, so it's either Patterson or James Anderson here.
16)Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)
Jan Vesely's omission from the draft may have a bigger impact on the Timberwolves than any team.They really could have used his outside shooting, length, and defense, not to mention his deferrable contract.Still, Anderson is a more athletic version of Wayne Ellington, which would be a small upgrade at the two spot.
17)Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee)- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)
This pick represents more fallout from the Vesely decision.With Anderson gone, the Bulls will opt for the best shooter available in George.
18)Miami Heat- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)
This pick gives the Heat a promising young backcourt mate for Dwyane Wade, and a lot of flexibility for their pursuit of the big name free agents this summer.
19)Boston Celtics- Damion James- SF (Texas)
Another pick affected by Vesely, as James moves up a few spots in the mock.
20)San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)
Some teams may be worried by Hayward's lack of explosiveness, but he's a heady, versatile player, which would make him a great fit in San Antonio.
21)Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton- C (Kentucky)
Orton is a wildcard because of his limited playing time at Kentucky last year.He played well in spurts, but wasn't able to sure his true colors.I'm excited to see how the workout process treats him.
Portland took a gamble on a combo guard named Brandon Roy four years ago; why not give it another shot?
23)Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Miroslav Raduljica- C (Serbia)
I'm convinced that Raduljica will find his way into the first round, and as mentioned above, the Timberwolves could use a deferrable contract, as well as a true center.
24)Atlanta Hawks- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)
A local product and a ferocious rebounder, Lawal is a great fit for a Hawks' team that could use some toughness of their bench.
25)Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)
Ebanks is a great athlete who didn't really play up to his potential in the Big East.That should remind the Grizzlies' brass of a certain small forward currently on their roster.
26)Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)
Babbit would create matchup problems at the next level just like Jeff Green does.He would also give the Thunder a lot of flexibility on the wings.
27)New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)
Sanders could go much higher, but the depth at power forward in this draft and his wire-thin frame will hurt him on draft day.
28)Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Armon Johnson- PG (Nevada)
Johnson is the player who will benefit the most from the scarcity at the point guard spot in this draft.In a normal year, there is no way he's a first-rounder, but he may well find his way into a guaranteed deal in the 2010 draft.
29)Orlando Magic- Dominique Jones- SG (South Florida)
Jones has always reminded me of Courtney Lee, but after reading his updated profile on DraftExpress.com (http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony), he reminds me more of Tony Allen.He is a steady defender in a combo guard's body with enough handle to run the point, which will be an asset in a class devoid of point guard depth.
30)Washington Wizards (from Cleveland)- Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)
Robinson has elite athleticism, which should be enough for him to slip into the first round.Sadly, though, he doesn't have much else to offer.
Similar to ESPN's Chad Ford, I've designed a "Lottery Machine" that selects the 2010 NBA Lottery at random, based on the prescribed lottery odds of each team. Using a program called Mathematica (Courtesy Wolfram Research), I've compiled 22 random lotteries, which I will use to complete a different mock draft each weekday from now through May 18th when the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery is held.
And, no, there are no comments today. It's not like I'm getting paid to do this. What do you want from me?
1)Philadelphia 76ers (6)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
2)Washington Wizards (5)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
3)Minnesota Timberwolves (2)- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)
4)New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)
5)Sacramento Kings- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)
6)Golden State Warriors- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)
7)Detroit Pistons- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)
8)Los Angeles Clippers- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)
9)Utah Jazz (from New York)- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)
10)Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)
11)New Orleans Hornets- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)
Similar to ESPN's Chad Ford, I've designed a "Lottery Machine" that selects the 2010 NBA Lottery at random, based on the prescribed lottery odds of each team.Using a program called Mathematica (Courtesy Wolfram Research), I've compiled 22 random lotteries, which I will use to complete a different mock draft each weekday from now through May 18th when the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery is held.
And, no, there are no comments today.It's not like I'm getting paid to do this.What do you want from me?
1)Sacramento Kings (3)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
2)New Orleans Hornets (11)- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)
3)Philadelphia 76ers (6)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
4)New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)
Similar to ESPN's Chad Ford, I've designed a "Lottery Machine" that selects the 2010 NBA Lottery at random, based on the prescribed lottery odds of each team.Using a program called Mathematica (Courtesy: Wolfram Research), I've compiled 22 random lotteries, which I will use to complete a different mock draft each weekday from now through May 18th when the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery is held.
1)Sacramento Kings (3)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
If Sacramento is convinced that Tyreke Evans belongs at point guard, they may turn to Evan Turner or DeMarcus Cousins, but having back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners wouldn't be too bad either.
2)New Jersey Nets (1)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
Turner would be a much better fit next to Devin Harris than Wall, but Derrick Favors could get a look here, as well.
3)Minnesota Timberwolves (2)- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)
Minnesota needs all kinds of help on the perimeter, but the better value is Cousins.The promising, yet troubled big man would make Al Jefferson expendable, perhaps for a player like Rudy Gay.
4)Golden State Warriors- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)
Johnson is long, versatile, and very efficient offensively.Playing in Syracuse's zone scheme makes him a bit of a wild card defensively, but Golden State won't even notice.
Washington gets a great player at a great value with Favors at number five.He should become a great player and a stabilizing personality for a team that badly needs one.
I think Monroe will put up better numbers as a pro than he did at Georgetown (similar to former Hoya Jeff Green), and be a great fit next to the physical style of Marresse Speights.
7)Detroit Pistons- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)
Anybody who tries to convince you that Detroit's main objective this season is to do anything besides acquiring a back-to-the-basket big man is just plain wrong.Their perimeter rotation is solid, but they're abysmal up front, where Ben Wallace and Jason Maxiell simply won't do.
8)Los Angeles Clippers- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)
For the second straight year, the draft falls right into the Clippers lap.I'm sure I'll be wrong and they'll do something crazy here.
9)Utah Jazz (from New York)- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)
I still like Hassan Whiteside here, but the Jazz may be trying to challenge for a title sooner rather than later, so Davis would be a better fit.
10)Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)
The Pacers really need a scorer to take the pressure off of Danny Granger, and Henry might be the best pure scorer in this class.
11)New Orleans Hornets- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)
Whiteside would benefit from learning the tricks of the trade from a crafty veteran center like Emeka Okafor.
The Grizzlies don't have any pressing needs, so I expect them to draft the best talent available.At number twelve, that's clearly Motiejunas.
13)Toronto Raptors- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)
There are several power forward types available to replace Chris Bosh, but for some reason, I can see Udoh playing for the Raptors.
14)Houston Rockets- Daniel Orton- C (Kentucky)
Orton is probably more of a power forward, but his wide body and physical style of play make him more likely to handle the center spot than former teammate Patrick Patterson.
15)Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)
Last year the Bucks got lucky with a player who dropped because of character concerns.This time around they'll grab a good value in Patterson because of his perceived lack of upside.
16)Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Jan Vesely- SF (Czech Republic)
I love this pick for the Wolves because Vesely will mature into the lockdown perimeter defender the team desperately needs.Also, they'll save a roster space for a year or two until they're ready to make a legitimate run at a playoff berth.
17)Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee)- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)
If the Bulls pass on Anderson I'm going to look like the biggest idiot alive.
18)Miami Heat- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)
Miami needs to make a splash with this pick because they'll be looking to impress Dwyane Wade and his fellow free agents this summer.Bledsoe has a good ceiling and is an immediate upgrade over Mario Chalmers.
19)Boston Celtics- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)
The Celtics need to find eventual replacements for Ray Allen (short-term) and Paul Pierce (longer-term), and George could fit the bill.He has lottery potential, making him a good value and a good fit at #19.
20)San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)
Richard Jefferson clearly isn't the right fit in San Antonio, and I've been saying since Hayward declared that he's a Greg Popovich type of player.
21)Oklahoma City Thunder- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)
Sanders would be nice insurance for Serge Ibaka, who plays very prominently in the Thunder's long-term plans.The two have similar frames and athletic skills.
Portland's roster is very set for next year, so an international prospect wouldn't surprise me here, but if Rudy Fernandez were on his way out of P-town, Bradley would be a capable replacement.
Minnesota still hasn't filled their perimeter holes, especially at shooting guard, and Williams can score in bunches.He'll need some seasoning, but he has the skills to be a very productive player at the next level.
24)Atlanta Hawks- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)
Just like James Anderson at #17, if the Hawks pass on Lawal here I sure will look like an idiot.
25)Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)
After grabbing a great value in Donatas Motiejunas at #12, the Grizzlies do the same with Ebanks at #25.He still isn't a complete player, but a good coach will be able to get a lot out of his skill set.
26)Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)
Babbit will create matchup problems at the next level, and that's exactly what Sam Presti aims to do.He will be a nice safety blanket behind both Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, and provide a nice hybrid of their skills (shooting and rebounding).
27)New Jersey Nets- Miroslav Raduljica- C (Serbia)
The Nets could use another productive big body to take some heat off of Brook Lopez, and I see Raduljica landing in the first round somewhere.
28)Memphis Grizzlies- Armon Johnson- PG (Nevada)
After two value picks, the Grizzlies draft Johnson for need.Mike Conley took a big step forward over the last few weeks of the season, but their backup situation is still a work in progress.
Orlando is one of the most unconventional teams in the NBA, so Vazquez makes sense as their backup point guard.
30)Washington Wizards- Damion James- SF (Texas)
With the influx of declaring underclassmen, James could be in danger of slipping out of round one.The Wizards, though, could use some help at the small forward spot, as well as another (this time more vocal) stabilizing personality.
Similar to ESPN's Chad Ford, I've designed a "Lottery Machine" that selects the 2010 NBA Lottery at random, based on the prescribed lottery odds of each team.Using a program called Mathematica (Courtesy Wolfram Research), I've compiled 22 random lotteries, which I will use to complete a different mock draft each weekday from now through May 18th when the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery is held.
And, no, there are no comments today.It's not like I'm getting paid to do this.What do you want from me?
1)New Jersey Nets (1)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
2)Minnesota Timberwolves (2)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
