NBA Combine Shooting Results 2010

NBA Combine Shooting Drill Winners and Losers

Winners

Mikhail Torrance- Torrance had the third best overall shooting percentage in the drills, and was exceptional in the mid-range. He made 80% of his collegiate 3's, 56% of his NBA 3's, and made 39-of-42 shots during the timed shooting on the move drill (shots from 15-18 feet).

Andy Rautins- Rautins was always a zone-buster in his time at Syracuse, and Ed at nbadraftblog.com chose him as the best 3-point shooter in this class a few weeks back. The Combine drills proved him right, as Rautins led the group with a combined shooting percentage of 77.7%. Rautins is still a fringe second-round pick, but the Orlando Magic could see him as a J.J. Redick type with little risk at pick #59.

Willie Warren- Warren was a real surprise. I've been hammering him all season because of his poor 3-point shooting percentage (31%), but he really brought it at the Combine. Warren excelled from the mid-range, but also made 76% of his collegiate 3's and 72% of his NBA triples.

Armon Johnson- Johnson had the fifth best overall shooting percentage. Johnson made 76% of his collegiate 3's and 44% of his NBA 3's, which isn't overwhelming, but is impressive for a player who's game is built around penetration. Johnson is far from having the reputation of a dead-eye shooter, but the Combine drills showed that he is, at the very least, competent as he makes the leap to the NBA.

Losers

James Anderson- Anderson is widely considered the best long-range shooter in this class, but he really hurt that reputation with his showing at the Combine. He made a respectable 52% of his collegiate 3's, but only 36% of his NBA long balls, ending with an overall shooting percentage of just 58.1%.

Damion James- James failed to shoot above 50% in four of the six drills and ended up with an overall shooting percentage of just 47.4%, which was the worst of any player outside of Charles Garcia, who I've omitted because I still can't understand why he worked out with the threes instead of the fours.

Stanley Robinson- Robinson is a fantastic athlete, but my fears that he'll struggle in the half-court were confirmed at the Combine. Robinson shot just 47.8% overall, which was just ahead of the Combine's worst shooter, Damion James. Like James, Robinson failed to eclipse 50% from either 3-point distance, and reached that mark only twice in six drills.

Lance Stephenson/Devin Ebanks- While both players had an overall shooting percentage of over 50%, both showed a remarkable disparity between their mid-range and outside games. Ebanks tied Charles Garcia for the last with a 32% clip from the NBA 3-point line, while Stephenson did just better, at 36%.

Notes

Jordan Crawford led the group with 20 makes in 25 attempts from the NBA distance, good for 80%.

Torrance made all of his shots in the first timed shooting drill, making 13-of-13 from the right elbow to the baseline from 15-18 feet.

Lazar Hayward attempted the most shots, with 125.

Warren made the most, at 92-of-120.

NBA Combine Athletic Results 2010

Solomon Alabi- About as expected. Very poor in the agility and speed drills. Unremarkable vertical jump. 10 reps.

Cole Aldrich- Up and down. Surprising speed (3.35) and agility (11.48), with acceptable vertical numbers, but a very discouraging 10 bench press reps.

Al-Farouq Aminu- As expected. 33.5" vertical is impressive, as are speed (3.3) and agility (11.3) for a man of his size. 13 reps is respectable too.

James Anderson- Very good performance outside of agility drill (11.9). After watching live on ESPN3, I can't help but wonder if Anderson had trouble understanding the format of the drill. 35.5" vertical, 14 reps, and 3.2 sprint are all positive results.

Luke Babbit- Outstanding vertical leap of 37.5", challenging for the best at the combine. Lane agility time of 11 seconds flat is also very impressive. Candidate #1 for the Joe Alexander Workout Warrior Award.

Eric Bledsoe- Only competed in bench press. 9 reps is respectable, but unspectacular.

Trevor Booker- Great all-around performance. 36" vertical, 22 reps, 11.2 agility, and 3.1 sprint are all above average for big men. Booker is also in consideration for the JAWWA.

Craig Brackins- No 40" vertical, but 35" is respectable. 11.7 and 3.4 are decent agility and speed numbers, but 6 reps from a "power" forward is disconcerting.

Avery Bradley- Up and down. Very impressive 37.5" vertical and 3.1 sprint, but 11.5 lane agility and 2 reps aren't great.

Derrick Caracter- Probably punched his ticket to Europe. Too slow to play the four in the NBA (12.8 agility and 3.6 sprint are both well below average for a power forward), and doesn't have ideal size to play center. 22 reps are very impressive, however.

Sherron Collins- A bit of an enigma. Showed good burst (3.2 sprint) and explosiveness (33" vertical), but did very poor in the agility drill (12.3). Like James Anderson, I wonder if Collins had a hard time understanding the nuances of the agility drill.

DeMarcus Cousins- About as expected. Nothing Cousins did is really eye-popping, though I find it somewhat suspicious that he chose not to lift. 27.5" vertical, 11.4 agility, and 3.5 sprint are all average among big men.

Jordan Crawford- Somewhat up and down. Crawford posted a solid 34.5" vertical and an 11.0 agility time, but only a 3.4 sprint. That shows his quick first step (ability to create a shot or stay in front), but less than ideal top-end speed (transition offense/defense).

Ed Davis- Solid showing. Davis didn't lift (presumably due to his wrist injury), but he posted a 36" vertical, which is huge for a man of his size (In comparison, Derrick Favors jumped 35.5").

Devin Ebanks- Missed an opportunity to help himself. Ebanks wasn't poor, but his athleticism should be a selling point. A 32" vertical, 6 reps, an 11.7 agility time, and a 3.4 sprint are all just average.

Derrick Favors- Freak athleticism confirmed. Favors jumped 35.5" on the run and 31.5" flat-footed. His flat-footed effort was tied for second best at the Combine, just a half an inch behind Wesley Johnson, and it shows his second leap ability (a trait that has many comparing him to Amare Stoudemire).

Tiny Gallon- So-so except agility. Gallon put on a great show on Day 1, but was only mediocre on Day 2. In fact, his agility time wouldn't even begin to qualify as mediocre. The 13.4 seconds posted by Gallon was nearly 2 seconds off of the desired time of 11.5 seconds.

Charles Garcia- One glaring weakness. Garcia put up respectable numbers in speed (3.2), agility (11.7), and vertical jump (30.5"), but he could only muster 2 reps.

Paul George- Why skip everything but the bench press if you can only put up 4 reps?

Luke Harangody- Exactly as expected. Harangody put up pedestrian numbers in the vertical jump (28.5"), and mediocre numbers in speed (3.4) and agility (11.8), but he led the Combine with 23 reps at 185 lbs.

Manny Harris- Harris only performed the bench press, where he completed a solid 11 reps.

Lazar Hayward- JAWWA nominee number 3. Hayward posted a 36" vertical, 15 reps, a 3.3 sprint, and a Combine-best 10.9 second agility drill.

Gordon Hayward- Steady in all categories. Hayward was near the mode in agility (11.7) and speed (3.2), and around the mean in the bench press (10 reps), but he impressed with his leaping ability. He notched 34.5" with a 30.5" flat-footed effort.

Xavier Henry- May have moved into the lottery. Henry had an up-and-down year, but the biggest knock was his lack of athleticism. A 36.5" vertical and an 11.1 second agility drill may quiet those doubts.

Darington Hobson- Steady. Nearly exactly the same scores as Gordon Hayward, except a little worse in the flat-footed vertical jump.

Damion James- Showed his competitiveness. James will never be confused for the best athlete in this class, but he performed very well at the Combine. A 33" vertical, 13 reps, a 10.9 agility drill, and a 3.2 sprint are all very good.

Armon Johnson- Johnson is the fourth candidate for the JAWWA. He posted a fantastic vertical at 38.5", and did an astounding 18 reps (which was just one behind Dominique Jones, who lead all perimeter players with 19), and put up solid speed (3.2) and agility (11.3) numbers.

Wesley Johnson- JAWWA honorable mention #1. Johnson had the best flat-footed leap at 32" and a very impressive 37" running leap. He also did 16 reps and had good speed (3.1) and agility (11.4) drills.

Dominique Jones- JAWWA honorable mention #2. Jones led all guards with 19 reps, jumped a respectable 32.5", had an average sprint (3.3), and ran a great agility drill (10.9).

Jerome Jordan- Didn't take part in any drills.

Sylven Landesberg- Average across the board. 32" vertical, 8 reps, 11.6 agility drill, and 3.4 sprint. There's really nothing of note there at all.

Gani Lawal- Solid showing. Lawal's numbers are very close to Landesberg's actually, aside from his 20 reps and faster sprint (3.2).

Greg Monroe- Up and down. Monroe posted solid, but unspectacular results in his vertical (29") and his bench press (15 reps), but appear to be a little out of shape, running a 12.1 agility drill and a 3.4 sprint.

Daniel Orton- Out of shape. Like Monroe, Orton struggled in the agility (12.3) and speed (3.4) drills. He did post a 30.5" vertical, and he completed 13 reps.

Artsiom Parakhouski- Nothing surprising. Parakhouski isn't an athletic marvel, so his modest numbers shouldn't be a surprise. 26.5" vertical, 16 reps, 12.1 agility, 3.3 sprint.

Patrick Patterson- Very consistent. Patterson lived up to his MO by being extremely consistent. He posted a 33.5" vertical, 17 reps, and respectable times in the agility (11.1) and speed (3.3) drills.

Dexter Pittman- Didn't take part in any drills.

Andy Rautins- Decent showing, but still a fringe 2^nd rounder. Nothing spectacular about a 30.5" vertical, 8 reps, an 11.3 agility drill, or a 3.5 sprint.

Ryan Richards- Obviously still needs some work. A 28.5" vertical with 4 reps at 185 pounds is not indicative of a player ready to produce in the NBA. An 11.3 agility drill and a 3.4 sprint aren't overwhelming either.

Stanley Robinson- Somewhat disappointing. I may be the only one, but the first thing I scanned for when these numbers came out was Robinson's vertical. 37.5" is very good, but I was surprised to see him fail to get to 40".

Larry Sanders- Hurt his stock a bit. Sanders really struggled with the agility drill (12.5), failed to display his leaping ability (28"), and confirmed that he needs to add muscle (7 reps).

Jon Scheyer- Didn't take part in any drills.

Lance Stephenson- Solid showing. Stephenson impressed with a 33" vertical, and was average in everything else (10 reps, 11.4 agility, 3.4 sprint).

Mikhail Torrance- Showed that he belongs. Torrance showed that he belongs in the first round discussion, but up comparable numbers to the much better known Stephenson (32"-8 reps-11.4-3.2).

Evan Turner- About as expected. Turner showed good explosiveness, leaping 34.5". He also put up an 11-second flat agility drill, which is very good. His 9 reps and 3.3-second sprint were just average.

Ekpe Udoh- Up and down. Udoh put up nice numbers in the agility (11.2) and sprint (3.3) drills, but was very impressive in the leaping drills, where he did 31" flat-footed and 33.5" on the run.

Jarvis Varnado- Lacks strength and mobility. Varnado had a good vertical at 32.5", but did only 3 reps and struggled in the agility (11.6) and speed (3.4) drills.

Greivis Vasquez- Didn't take part in any drills.

John Wall- If you didn't have a man-crush before, you should now. 39" vertical, 10.8 agility drill, 3.1 sprint. Do I need to explain?

Willie Warren- A solid showing. A 31.5" vertical, 10 reps, and an 11.2 agility time are all very good. He did post a 3.5-second sprint, but I'll assume that's an aberration.

Terrico White- The final JAWWA nominee. White was the surprise winner of the best vertical leap at an even 40". He also posted respectable efforts in the bench press (10 reps), agility (11.4), and speed drills (3.2).

Hassan Whiteside- Up and down. Whiteside surprised me by completing 12 reps on the bench press. He also jumped 31.5", but had below average times in the agility (11.8) and speed (3.5) drills.

2010 Top 10 SFs (6-10)

The following is a list of the number 6-10 small forward prospects in the 2010 NBA Draft, along with their current NBA comparison, their main strength, biggest weakness, career outlook, and ideal situation.

6. Quincy Pondexter (Washington) – Josh Childres

Strength: Maturity. Along with Damion James and Sherron Collins, Pondexter is one of only three seniors who have a chance of being picked in the first round. He had a very consistent four year career at Washington, where he became one of the best scorers in the country.

Weakness: Exposure. Pondexter was never a huge name, and at Washington he was overshadowed by the likes of Spencer Hawes, Jon Brockman, and more recently highly touted freshman Abdul Gaddy.

Verdict: Pondexter may not have superstar potential, but he could be a steal for someone in the late 20's or early 30's. He'll be able to come in and add eight points per game as a rookie, with an expanded role increasing his output.

Best Fit: Someone is bound to fall in love with Pondexter, and I hope that like Marcus Thornton (Hornets) and Wesley Matthews (Jazz) last year, that team lands him on draft day, because if he's given an opportunity, Pondexter will almost certainly make the most of it.

7. Gordon Hayward (Butler) – James Jones

Strength: Basketball IQ. Hayward is probably number two in this class in terms of basketball IQ, right behind Evan Turner. He understands the nuances of the game and does a great job of getting his teammates involved.

Weakness: Physicality. Despite Hayward's size and offensive skill, he'll likely be a liability early in his pro career due to his lack of strength and physicality. I won't be surprised to hear the term "soft" used to describe Hayward more than once.

Verdict: For some reason, I think of Hayward in the same light as former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Each is undeniably skilled, with a defined set of physical limitations. However, it is the intangible aspect of each player's game that is his best asset. Unfortunately, I think the speed of the NBA game will limit Hayward's ability to read and react like he did so effectively at Butler. It pains me to say, because I like the kid, but I just don't see his skills translating well to the NBA. With that said, I think Hayward would be an unbelievably perfect fit for the European style of play.

Perfect Fit: I've had Hayward slotted in with San Antonio at #20 in my mock draft, and I think that's a good fit because Greg Popovich knows better than to ask too much of Hayward athletically. As tepid as I am about Hayward's prospects, if he could make it anywhere, he could make it in San Antonio.

8. Devin Ebanks (West Virginia) – Earl Clark

Strength: Potential. Ebanks had huge hype when he entered West Virginia last year, but he really hasn't done much to live up to expectations in his two years in Morgantown. He is still an intriguing prospect because of his long arms and his athleticism, but he is far from a finished product.

Weakness: Maturity. Ebanks missed the first few games of the Mountaineers regular season with an undisclosed personal issue, which only added to the belief that Ebanks was somewhat unstable. Add to that his inconsistent play and lack of statistical improvement, and many wonder whether Ebanks will ever reach his potential.

Verdict: At this point, Ebanks is a hit-or-miss prospect at best. Personally, I see him as the type of player who will be better on his second or third team, once he realizes that his NBA dream is hanging in the balance.

Best Fit: The best thing that could happen to Ebanks is falling into the second round. Having to win a contract rather than having one guaranteed to him would be a huge motivational tool, which is not to be underestimated when dealing with 20-year old young men. A team with a promising perimeter rotation would also challenge Ebanks, so a team like New Jersey (#31) would be optimal.

9. Stanley Robinson (Connecticut) – Rodney Carney

Strength: Athleticism. Robinson will be a top five NBA athlete as soon as his name is called on draft night. He can jump out of the gym and get up and down the floor with the best of them.

Weakness: Polish. Size and athletic ability aren't the issue with Robinson. The real question is what he'll be able to do in a half-court set in the NBA. He doesn't have great ball skills or a consistent jump shot, and his ability to defend at the next level is still up in the air.

Verdict: I've been very critical of Robinson from the beginning because I believe that at the very foundation of basketball scouting is the question of whether a guy is an athlete or a basketball player. Robinson is clearly a great athlete, but when I try to determine what he'll do on the floor, I run into trouble after "get up and down in transition" and "posterize guys on a nightly basis". He just doesn't seem to have one usable basketball skill which would make it necessary to keep him on the floor.

Perfect Fit: Put simply, the Warriors.

10. Darington Hobson (New Mexico) – J.R. Giddens

Strength: Versatility. Hobson averaged 16 points, nine rebounds, and four and a half assists per game for Steve Alford's Lobo's last season. He has the size to play either wing position in the NBA and could even play some point forward if the situation dictated.

Weakness: Lack of quality experience. Hobson spent only one year in Division I, and at New Mexico of all places. While the Mountain West was relatively strong in 2010, it paled in comparison to major conferences like the ACC and the Big 12. After earning a #3 seed in the NCAA tournament, is appeared that the March Madness stage would be Hobson's coming out party, but an early exit at the hands of Pac-10 #11 seed Washington (See: #6: Quincy Pondexter) doused those hopes.

Verdict: Honestly, Hobson is one of the players in this class that I know the least about. He had a very productive season at New Mexico, but for some reason, I give a lot of the credit to the system and the players around him. Watching him at the Chicago Combine, Hobson moved well, but he seems a little awkward to me. Like I said, my knowledge of him is very limited, but I don't see him as an NBA starter.

Perfect Fit: I think Hobson would be one of the better options for the Knicks when their two second round picks come up in the late 30's. Hobson is versatile and would be a nice fit with Wilson Chandler or some unnamed free agent signee.

2010 NBA Mock Draft (May 24th)

1. Washington Wizards- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)

No brainer at the top.

2. Philadelphia 76ers- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)

This one is also a no brainer. It may be someone else picking, but the value is too much to draft anyone else at #2.

3. New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)

Favors is a perfect fit next to Brook Lopez. That will be a formidable frontcourt duo for the foreseeable future.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)

There is absolutely no reason for the Timberwolves to make the pick here. The either need to trade up to get the player they really want (Turner) or trade down and still get the player they covet at #4 (Wesley Johnson).

5. Sacramento Kings- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)

I still think that Aminu is a better fit than Wesley Johnson because he (Aminu) provides the versatility that the Kings currently lack.

6. Golden State Warriors- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)

The Warriors have more than enough perimeter players already and Monroe is the best big man available at this draft slot.

7. Detroit Pistons- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)

If Minnesota is unable to move up and get Turner, I expect them to cut a deal with Detroit that allows the Pistons to obtain Cousins, while Minnesota moves down to pick Johnson and add another asset (perhaps Tayshaun Prince).

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)

The Clippers need a small forward, they aren't afraid of the public scrutiny of making a huge reach in the top 10, and Donald Sterling loves Whitey, so this pick makes a lot of sense.

9. Utah Jazz (from New York)- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)

Speaking of teams that love Whitey, it's hard to see the Jazz passing on Cole Aldrich, but Patterson is ready to be a contributor from day one, and he may have slightly more upside than Aldrich.

10. Indiana Pacers- Avery Bradley- SG (Texas)

The Pacers could opt for a power forward here, but they have larger needs in the backcourt, and Bradley adds toughness at both guard positions.

11. New Orleans Hornets- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)

Aldrich is the perfect compliment to Emeka Okafor because he is proficient defensively, but much more of a weapon on the offensive end.

12. Memphis Grizzlies- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)

I made this pick about a month ago, and you probably thought I was crazy, but George will be a lottery pick come draft night. Take it to the bank.

13. Toronto Raptors- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)

I still like the idea of Udoh in a Raptors' uniform, don't ask me why.

14. Houston Rockets- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)

This is spectacular value for Darryl Morey and the Rockets at #14.

15. Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)

17. Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee)- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)

18. Miami Heat- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)

19. Boston Celtics- Damion James- SF (Texas)

20. San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

22. Portland Trail Blazers- Dominique Jones- SG (South Florida)

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Kevin Seraphin- PF (France)

24. Atlanta Hawks- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)

25. Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Willie Warren- PG (Oklahoma)

26. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton- C (Kentucky)

27. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)

28. Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Craig Brackins- PF (Iowa State)

29. Orlando Magic- Jordan Crawford- SG (Xavier)

30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland)- Quincy Pondexter- SF (Washington)

2010 Top 10 SFs (1-5)

The following is a list of the top 5 small forward prospects in the 2010 NBA Draft, along with their current NBA comparison, their main strength, biggest weakness, career outlook, and ideal situation.

1. Al-Farouq Aminu (Wake Forest) – Lamar Odom

Strength: Athleticism. Aminu is a truly remarkable athlete. Standing 6'8.5" with a standing reach of over 9 feet, Aminu has above average small forward size. He excels in transition and demonstrates a solid dribble-drive game.

Weakness: Jump shot. Aminu really struggles with his jump shot outside of about 15 feet. In today's NBA, that is a requirement from a successful small forward.

Verdict: I'm one of a few who believes that Aminu is better suited as a power forward at the next level. He's a great rebounder, who is admittedly a little undersized for the NBA four spot, but his speed and athleticism would make him a mismatch for bigger, more stationary defenders.

Best Fit: An up-tempo system like New York or Golden State. Golden State's unique brand of run-and-gun small-ball fits Aminu like a glove. Unfortunately, Anthony Randolph already fills that role for the Warriors.

2. Wesley Johnson (Syracuse) – Corey Brewer

Strength: Shooting range. Johnson is a versatile athlete who performs well without excelling in any single area. He had great numbers at Syracuse in terms of steals and blocks, but a lot of that is a result of their zone system. However, Johnson's natural range and scoring ability appear to be above average for an NBA small forward.

Weakness: Shot creation. While Johnson is a more than capable shooter, scoring in the NBA requires more than that. Johnson will struggle to create air space at the next level, especially if he lands with a team who needs him to carry the offense.

Verdict: I'm not as high on Johnson as most. He had a wonderful season in his only year at Syracuse, but I worry that much of that success is a factor of the system in which he played. He is a great athlete with a nice jumper, but his dribbling, physical development, and on-ball defense will all need work at the next level. I'm not saying Johnson won't have a productive NBA career, but there is certainly still some work to be done.

Perfect Fit: I'd love to see Johnson somewhere like Philadelphia or Golden State where the existing perimeter players are athletic slashers who will look to drive-and-kick, accentuating Johnson's strength as an outside shooter.

3. Paul George (Fresno State) – Danny Granger

Strength: Size. George has fantastic size for a perimeter player. Like most players on this list (and frankly, most NBA small forwards) his natural position is somewhat in question. He may be more of a shooting guard, but at 6'8.75" with a 8'11" standing reach, he has power forward size!

Weakness: Lack of quality experience. George played two years at Fresno State, but rarely faced NBA-quality competition. He was also put into a situation where he seldom played a team-oriented offensive game, which may have imparted on him some selfish tendencies.

Verdict: While George is far from a "can't miss" prospect, his size and scoring ability are undeniable. Players who's bodies are larger than their skill set (See: Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, etc.) are always valuable, as are players who display the ability to score on a consistent basis. I think that when it's all said and done, George will likely be the steal of the 2010 draft.

Best Fit: George could fall anywhere between #11 and #20, with just about everyone in that range providing a respectable fit.

4. Damion James (Texas) – Jonas Jerebko

Strength: Consistency. James has been a solid contributor at Texas for four years, and now he'll take his smooth mid-range jumpers and tough rebounds to the NBA. He should be able to make an immediate impact on whichever team chooses him.

Weakness: Athleticism. Unlike some of the other players on this list, James won't wow you with his athletic ability. He'll never win a dunk contest and he'd be less than comfortable leading the fast break.

Verdict: Not every player in the NBA is a superstar. GMs come into the draft knowing that only a handful (if that) of the player pool will become All Stars. Therefore, the goal for most of those picking outside of the top five is to find a solid contributor. James is exactly that. He has a level-headed personality and a very reliable game on both ends of the floor. He'll likely have a very long and successful NBA career, which elicits the term "glue guy" more than once.

Best Fit: With the NBA's free agency period looming, many teams will likely have a new look next season. James would be a good fit with one such team, because his maturity and style of play will help a potentially mismatched set of pieces fit together nicely.

5. Luke Babbit (Nevada) - Ryan Anderson
   

Strength: Efficiency. Babbit was probably the most efficient scorer in college basketball this past season, posting a 50% clip from the field, 42% from 3-point range, and an incredible 92% from the free throw line.

Weakness: Athleticism. NBA scouts wonder whether Babbit has a natural position and whether he's athletic enough to guard NBA threes or strong enough to guard NBA fours.

Verdict: Babbit had a strong showing at the Chicago Combine, but his stock assures to continue to polarize NBA scouts. Memphis is reportedly very high on him, with the 12^th pick a real possibility, but falling into the 20's is also possible. Ultimately it will be Babbit's effectiveness on defense that will define his career. If his tenacity and will are enough to overcome his physical inadequacies, he'll have a long career. If he becomes blindsided by the money and the prestige of being an NBA player, and his intensity level suffers, he'll find himself in Adam Morrison territory.

Best Fit: Babbit would be a great fit with a team like the Boston Celtics, who really take pride in the defensive intensity. Learning good habits will be a great foundation to a long and successful career.

2010 NBA Mock Draft (May 21st)

1. Washington Wizards- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)

Wall doesn't find a perfect fit in Washington, but unless there's a trade at the top, he'll find himself in a Wizards uniform next fall.

2. Philadelphia 76ers- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)

There has been minimal discussion about the 76ers going a bigger direction with this pick, but the likelihood is that Turner is picked here, either by Philadelphia, or perhaps by the Timberwolves, who are reportedly very high on Turner.

3. New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)

Favors is and always has been the best fit for New Jersey, so slipping back to number three can't be too devastating for the re-building Nets.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)

Wesley Johnson is the trendy pick at this spot, but I think David Khan will realize that Cousins has too much value to pass over. Even if he never plays a game for Minnesota, Cousins has to be the pick here.

5. Sacramento Kings- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)

Sacramento would love to land Cousins, but if not they'll take their pick between Aminu and Wesley Johnson. I think Aminu's versatility will be the deciding factor, because Johnson isn't a clear cut upgrade over Francisco Garcia or Donte Greene at this point.

6. Golden State Warriors- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)

Golden State will likely undergo a culture shift when their new ownership group takes the reigns, so I expect Nelly ball to be a thing of the past. Monroe is a big man who can score on the block and get all of the Warriors' shooters involved.

7. Detroit Pistons- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)

I think the Pistons will end up with Monroe very high on their wish list, but they'll settle for Aldrich, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready big man in this draft.

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)

This is a no-brainer for the Clippers, which means they'll probably find some way to screw it up. With that said, Johnson should be the pick here because of his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor.

9. Utah Jazz (from New York)- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)

Utah badly needs to address their lack of depth up front, even if Carlos Boozer re-signs this summer. Davis has a lot of potential, but he isn't quite as big of a risk as Hassan Whiteside.

10. Indiana Pacers- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)

If Indiana finds themselves in position to either draft a power forward (for the second straight time in the lottery) or reach for a player of need, Udoh would make sense. His value is still high at this spot, and his skill set is very different than the players the Pacers already have on their roster (Troy Murhpy and Tyler Hansbrough, specifically).

11. New Orleans Hornets- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)

Like Utah, the Hornets could use some frontcourt depth at any cost. Whiteside has as much upside as anyone in this draft, but his maturity is a serious concern. Playing behind a seasoned shot blocker like Emeka Okafor would be about the best fit imaginable.

12. Memphis Grizzlies- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)

Memphis is reportedly very high on Babbit, who can shoot and rebound, but lacks a natural position. Some scouts feel that his intensity and hustle will make up for his physical shortcomings, but others think he could be the next Joe Alexander.

13. Toronto Raptors- Avery Bradley- SG (Texas)

Bradley's stock is already on the rise, but I expect it to really explode once we enter the one-on-one workouts. Bradley is a stifling defender who should give most of the point and combo guards in this class a very tough time.

14. Houston Rockets- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)

Darryl Morey is one of the most savvy GMs around, so I expect him to make a great pick at the 14^th spot. George has undeniable scoring ability and his athleticism is certainly NBA-caliber.

15. Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)

Milwaukee would be very pleased at this spot. They have their choice between two second tier power forwards (Patterson and Donatas Motiejunas) and two second tier shooting guards (Xavier Henry and James Anderson), which are their two biggest need positions. In the end, they choose Patterson, who has too much value to bypass at #15.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)

After selecting Cousins at #4, Minnesota still has some serious needs on the perimeter. Lucky for them, Henry and James Anderson are still both on the board here. Anderson is the more polished, but Henry has the most upside, which appeals to the re-building Timberwolves.

17. Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee)- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)

I've been saying it for months- this is too perfect of a fit for it not to happen.

18. Miami Heat- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)

Miami lost confidence in Mario Chalmers in his sophomore season, and although Miami has plenty of cap space to work with, the pickings at point guard are very slim. They would be smart to add a point through the draft and focus their energy elsewhere during free agency.

19. Boston Celtics- Damion James- SF (Texas)

Boston needs to address their lack of scoring off their bench. James is a versatile player, who can score and rebound from either forward spot.

20. San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)

I've been on this one pretty regularly as well. Hayward's high basketball IQ and winner's mentality make him a perfect fit with Los Spurs.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton- C (Kentucky)

Orton is a very polarizing prospect, but I really can't seem him landing in the lottery. Aside from that, Milwaukee and Boston are possibilities, but slipping to the Thunder seems more likely.

22. Portland Trail Blazers- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

Portland gets a top 10 talent all the way down at number 22, and Kevin Pritchard and company get another highly touted foreign prospect to boot.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Kevin Seraphin- PF (France)

Drafting Cousins likely means that Al Jefferson is on his way out of Minnesota, so drafting a power forward makes some sense. However, with five picks in this draft, selecting a foreign prospect makes even more.

24. Atlanta Hawks- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)

This is another pick that I fell in love with months ago. Lawal is a local product and would give the Hawks bench an infusion of youth and toughness, which they badly need.

25. Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Willie Warren- PG (Oklahoma)

After a bit of a reach for Babbit, the Grizzlies to it again with Warren. He was a projected lottery pick, with some (myself included) projecting him in the top five early in the season, but his play didn't justify those projections. Selecting Warren at this point in the draft would be a calculated risk and a leap of faith, but he is very talented.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Larry Sanders- C (Virginia Commonwealth)

Oklahoma City will probably look to target a point guard at some point in this draft, and going center-center doesn't make the most sense (Unless you're David Khan. Zing!), but Sanders's value is too much to pass up at #26.

27. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Elliot Williams- SG (Memphis)

With Favors added to the roster, the Nets should have their long-term frontcourt all but figured out. Jordan Crawford is the best shooting guard option, but Williams and Dominique Jones are better suited for a combo-guard role, which the Nets could use behind Devin Harris and Courtney Lee.

28. Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Craig Brackins- PF (Iowa State)

Memphis will probably move on of these picks, but if not, Brackins would be a nice fit because of his ability to stretch the floor from the four spot.

29. Orlando Magic- Jordan Crawford- SG (Xavier)

This is basically a dream scenario for the Magic, who get a very talented player who could eventually be a replacement for the recently over-the-hill Vince Carter.

30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland)- Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)

Alabi isn't the most skilled big man, but size sells in the NBA draft, and at 7'1", Alabi has plenty of it.

2010 Top 5 SGs (Plus 1)

The following is a list of the top 6 shooting guard prospects in the 2010 NBA Draft, along with their current NBA comparison, their main strength, biggest weakness, career outlook, and ideal situation.

1. Evan Turner (Ohio State) – Brandon Roy

Strength: Versatility. Turner can play and defend all three perimeter positions. He has the vision and passing ability of a point guard with the size of a small forward. He may need to add a little bulk, but that shouldn't be a problem when basketball becomes his full-time job.

Weakness: 3-point shooting. Turner is an absolute beast in the mid-range, but he struggles to shoot consistently from distance. Adding an outside shot would make him an absolute nightmare to defend.

Verdict: Turner's commitment to the game (as displayed by his remarkably quick return from two broken vertebrae) will help him iron out the issues with his outside jump shot, but I'm not sure his game lends itself well to being a franchise cornerstone. I just think Turner is too unselfish to ever become a 20 point scorer, which makes him more valuable as a second or third option, but never as a franchise player.

Best Fit: Turner would be a great fit alongside a shoot-first point guard or on a roster with an established first offensive option.

2. Xavier Henry (Kansas) – Corey Maggette

Strength: Body. Henry is the type of guy who looks like an NBA player. He was worked very hard to maintain his physique, which should help him in attacking the basket at the next level.

Weakness: Athleticism. Henry is a very adequate long-range shooter and a very efficient scorer, but he failed to really wow scouts with his athleticism. In today's NBA, explosiveness is at a premium, and Henry's perceived lack thereof will likely see him fall out of the lottery.

Verdict: I've been extremely high on Henry all along. At various points during the season I've had him as high as #6 in my mock draft, and I truly believe he'll end up as one of the five best players from this draft.

Best Fit: Henry would be the most productive playing along with an effective drive-and-kick point guard like Derrick Rose or Brandon Jennings.

3. James Anderson (Oklahoma State) – Michael Redd

Strength: Scoring. Anderson is a volume shooter and a big time scorer. His best asset is his deadly outside shot, which is by far the best of any prospect in this draft class.

Weakness: Creating space. As adept as Anderson is at scoring the basketball, the biggest knock on him is his inability to create his own shot. He is athletic and able to finish at the basket, but his first step is below average by NBA standards.

Verdict: Like I mentioned with Sherron Collins yesterday, Anderson's outcome will be largely determined by his situation. If he has the benefit of playing with one or more true creators, he'll be a dangerous shooter, who can't be left open anywhere on the floor. However, if he's pressed with creating for himself or teammates, he'll struggle to find his rhythm and maintain his confidence.

Best Fit: Like Henry, Anderson needs to find a fit with a team with a drive-and-kick point guard.

4. Jordan Crawford (Xavier) – JR Smith

Strength: Athleticism. Everyone knows about Crawford's dunk over LeBron James, but the real value of his athleticism is in his ability to get to a spot. His first step is very quick, and even NBA defenders will have a tough time staying in front of him.

Weakness: Maturity. Crawford has always had the reputation of a hot-head and he did little to change that perception this season. Granted, Xavier had a good year and a great tournament run, but even in his team's NCAA tournament games, Crawford was obviously disinterested at times.

Verdict: Crawford has all the physical tools to be a lottery pick, but I still question his motor and his commitment to his teammates. After all, if a guy is dogging it in a Sweet 16 game (probably the biggest of his life to that point), how much can he really care? I would love to see Crawford blossom into an All-Star at the next level, but I think it's far more likely that his discontent over his limited early role becomes a distraction.

Best Fit: Crawford would be a great fit on a team like the Celtics, where his Alpha Dog mentality would be forcibly replaced.

5. Avery Bradley (Texas) – Randy Foye

Strength: Defense. Bradley is an intriguing prospect because his defensive acumen isn't typical from a player of his size. Bradley is only 6'1.5" in socks, but showed a remarkable ability to defend both guard spots in his only season at Texas.

Weakness: Lack of natural position. Bradley doesn't have the pedigree or experience to be a traditional point guard at the next level. He also doesn't have the prototypical size to play the off-guard in the NBA.

Verdict: Bradley is far from a "can't miss" prospect, but his mix of skills is very intriguing. He is an electric scorer, capable of going off at any moment, and he is likely the best perimeter defender in this draft. If Bradley were three inches taller, he would be a sure-fire top 10 pick. As is, he'll likely land somewhere in the late teens. If he can develop a point guard mentality, he'll be a great NBA player, but if he's destined to be a combo-guard, he's a career rotation player.

Best Fit: Bradley is very raw, so I think finding the right head coach is the most important factor in finding his ideal situation. A grizzled former point guard like Avery Johnson or Scott Skiles would do Bradley a world of good.

6. Dominique Jones (South Florida) – Tony Allen

Strength: Versatility. Jones showed his ability to be a high volume scorer in his time at South Florida, but he also showed the ability to defend and even handle the point guard responsibilities from time to time.

Weakness: 3-point shooting. Jones scored 21 points per game, but only shot 31% from the college 3-point line. If he wants to stick in the NBA, he'll need to work on his perimeter jumper.

Verdict: I love Jones's versatility. He offers a very diverse skill set, but he's not really excellent at any one thing. That makes him a poor fit as a starter, but a huge asset as a reserve. Jones will never be a huge name, but he'll have a productive career as a middle-of-the-rotation player.

Best Fit: I'd like to see Jones in a three guard rotation, where he gets a chance to handle and run the point at times, and can play alongside a point guard in other instances.

2010 Top 5 PGs

The following is a list of the top 5 point guard prospects in the 2010 NBA Draft, along with their current NBA comparison, their main strength, biggest weakness, career outlook, and ideal situation.

1. John Wall (Kentucky) - Russell Westbrook

Strength: Athletic ability. There are several choices here, but what separates Wall from your run-of-the-mill collegiate point guard is his ability to do everything on the floor at full speed while remaining under control.

Weakness: Decision-making. Wall was somewhat turnover prone at Kentucky, and his shot selection was less than ideal at times. Decision-making is a biggie at the next level, but Wall has adequate basketball IQ, so his inconsistencies in decision-making should iron themselves out as he matures.

Verdict: Wall is hands down the best prospect in this class. Aside from his undeniable physical tools, he has also shown real maturity during the lead-up to the lottery and combine. He will almost certainly be a franchise player and a perennial All-Star sooner rather than later.

Best Fit: Anywhere. Consider yourselves lucky Wizards' fans.

2. Eric Bledsoe (Kentucky) - Kyle Lowry

Strength: Physicality. Bledsoe has arguably the best frame of any point guard prospect in this class, which is the basis for much of his perceived upside. He uses his strength and quickness effectively in getting to and finishing at the rim.

Weakness: Polish. Bledsoe showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, but he was forced off of the ball so much because of Wall that he never truly demonstrated his point guard skills. At this point, Bledsoe's ability to play on the ball in a pro-style half-court set is very much in question.

Verdict: Another year at Kentucky could have sent him into the stratosphere, but at this point, I see Bledsoe more as a backup than a starter. He is a promising player, who could flourish nicely into a larger role if he receives the type of nurturing and individual attention he requires to reach his potential.

Best Fit: Backing up a veteran point guard who is willing and able to teach him the tricks of the trade.

3. Armon Johnson (Nevada) - Carlos Arroyo

Strength: Size. At 6'3" Johnson has ideal size to play point guard at the next level. He has the size to see over smaller defenders, along with the quickness to put a defense on its heels.

Weakness: Versatility. Johnson has great size and adequate speed, but his jump shot is very much a work in progress. Some players, such as Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo, have been able to work a jump shot into their repertoire. Others, such as Raymond Felton and Mike Conley, have been hamstrung by their inability to capitalize on perimeter openings.

Verdict: The development of Johnson's jump shot will be the defining factor in his career. If he can hone his J, he'll be a serviceable NBA backup. If he can't he'll probably find himself somewhere in Europe.

Best Fit: A team with a traditional four guard rotation, where Johnson fills the role of the backup point guard.

4. Willie Warren (Oklahoma) - Jerry Bayless

Strength: Scoring ability. Warren will never be confused with a traditional pass-first point guard. His effectiveness centers on his ability to get to the hole and score in the paint. Like Johnson, however, Warren struggles to shoot from distance, which makes life very difficult for a score-first player.

Weakness: Lack of a natural position. It actually puts me in physical distress to simply list Warren as a point guard for the purposes of this list. However, that is the position he will be asked to play at the next level, so I will include him anyway. The problem with Warren lies in his unwillingness (not just his inability) to get his teammates involved, and mental hurdles are much more difficult to overcome than those of the physical nature.

Verdict: I'm struck by Warren's overt immaturity. He seemed to butt heads with Jeff Capel this past season, with reports surfacing at one point that Capel didn't want his star player to return for his junior season. Warren clearly faces an uphill battle at the next level, both from a physical and mental standpoint. I would be very surprised to see any tangible impact from him as a rookie, with future returns murky as well.

Best Fit: A team with a more contemporary three guard rotation, where Warren can come off the bench to play with either starting guard.

5. Sherron Collins (Kansas) – Jameer Nelson

Strength: Ball handling. Collins may have the best crossover the NBA has seen since Allen Iverson. That may seem like hyperbole, but Collins is without a doubt the best ball handler in this class. He possesses a very quick first step, which makes him very hard to stay in front of, and he is an adequate outside shooter, which forces defenders to stay close.

Weakness: Humility. Collins gained a lot from his four years at Kansas, but I think that assuming and maintaining the role of team leader may have gone to his head. Collins was so valuable at the college level because of his killer instinct, but in the NBA, where everyone has that killer instinct, you have to learn to pick your spots. Collins showed in the Jayhawks' tournament exit to Northern Iowa that he has yet to learn such discretion.

Verdict: Collins has as much to gain from finding the right fit as any player in this draft. He could mature into a vocal leader, capable of making an impact off the dribble or from the perimeter, or he could toil in self-destructive behavior (See: Nate Robinson) and flame out before reaching his potential.

Best Fit: There are two options here- either a team completely devoid of point guard talent (Hello, Knicks!) where Collins can be the man running the offense, or a team with an established, vocal, veteran leader and a need at backup point guard.

2010 NBA Mock Draft v1

1)Washington Wizards- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)
2)Philadelphia 76ers- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)
3)New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)
4)Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)
5)Sacramento Kings- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)
6)Golden State Warriors- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)
7)Detroit Pistons- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)
8)Los Angeles Clippers- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)
9)Utah Jazz (from New York)- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)
10)Indiana Pacers- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)
11)New Orleans Hornets- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)
12)Memphis Grizzlies- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)
13)Toronto Raptors- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)
14)Houston Rockets- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)
15)Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)
16)Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)
17)Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee)- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)
18)Miami Heat- Daniel Orton- C (Kentucky)
19)Boston Celtics- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)
20)San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)
21)Oklahoma City Thunder- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)
22)Portland Trail Blazers- Avery Bradley- SG (Texas)
23)Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Damion James- SF (Texas)
24)Atlanta Hawks- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)
25)Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Kevin Seraphin- PF (France)
26)Oklahoma City Thunder- Willie Warren- SG (Oklahoma)
27)New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)
28)Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Jordan Crawford- SG (Xavier)
29)Orlando Magic- Lance Stephenson- SG (Cincinnati)
30)Washington Wizards (from Cleveland)- Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)

2010 NBA Mock Draft (May 18th- 2 rounds)

Two rounds with no comments today. Commented mocks will resume tomorrow. Be sure to catch the NBA Draft Lottery tonight on ESPN. Coverage starts at 7:30 ET, with the Lottery unveiled at 8 ET!!

1. Philadelphia 76ers (6)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)

2. Detroit Pistons (7)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)

3. New Jersey Nets (1)- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)

4. Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)

5. Sacramento Kings- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)

6. Golden State Warriors- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)

7. Washington Wizards- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)

9. Utah Jazz (from New York)- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)

10. Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)

11. New Orleans Hornets- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)

12. Memphis Grizzlies- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

13. Toronto Raptors- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)

14. Houston Rockets- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)

15. Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)

17. Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee)- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)

18. Miami Heat- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)

19. Boston Celtics- Damion James- SF (Texas)

20. San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton- C (Kentucky)

22. Portland Trail Blazers- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Avery Bradley- SG (Texas)

24. Atlanta Hawks- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)

25. Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Willie Warren- SG (Oklahoma)

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Kevin Seraphin- PF (France)

27. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)

28. Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)

29. Orlando Magic- Jordan Crawford- SG (Xavier)

30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland)- Armon Johnson- PG (Nevada)

31. New Jersey Nets- Lance Stephenson- SG (Cincinnati)

32. Oklahoma City Thunder- Elliot Williams- SG (Memphis)

33. Sacramento Kings- Miroslav Raduljica- C (Serbia)

34. Washington Wizards- Craig Brackins- PF (Iowa State)

35. Golden State Warriors- Darington Hobson- SF (New Mexico)

36. Detroit Pistons- Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)

37. Milwaukee Bucks- Terrico White- SG (Mississippi)

38. New York Knicks- Dominique Jones- SG (South Florida)

39. New York Knicks- Jerome Jordan- C (Tulsa)

40. Indiana Pacers- Sherron Collins- PG (Kansas)

41. Miami Heat- Quincy Pondexter- SF (Washington)

42. Miami Heat- Jarvis Varnado- PF (Mississippi State)

43. Los Angeles Lakers- Da'Sean Butler- SG (West Virginia)

44. Portland Trail Blazers- Greivis Vasquez- PG (Maryland)

45. Minnesota Timberwolves- Robin Benzing- SF (Germany)

46. Phoenix Suns- Sylven Landesberg- SG (Virginia)

47. Milwaukee Bucks- Artsiom Parakhouski- C (Radford)

48. Miami Heat- A.J. Ogilvy- C (Vadnerbilt)

49. San Antonio Spurs- Tibor Pleiss- C (Germany)

50. Dallas Mavericks- Charles Garcia- PF (Seattle)

51. Oklahoma City Thunder- Nemanja Bjelica- SF (Serbia)

52. Boston Celtics- Matt Bouldin- PG (Gonzaga)

53. Atlanta Hawks- Manny Harris- SG (Michigan)

54. Los Angeles Clippers- Jerome Randle- PG (California)

55. Utah Jazz- Trevor Booker- PF (Clemson)

56. Minnesota Timberwolves- Paulo Prestes- PF (Brazil)

57. Dallas Mavericks- Aubrey Coleman- SG (Houston)

58. Los Angeles Lakers- Omar Samhan- C (Saint Mary's)

59. Orlando Magic- Mikhail Torrnace- SG (Alabama)

60. Phoenix Suns- Latavious Williams- SF (Tulas 66ers- NBDL)

2010 NBA Mock Draft (May 17th- 2 rounds)

Remember to catch the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery tomorrow May 18^th at 8 ET on ESPN.

1. Sacramento Kings (3)- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)

2. New Jersey Nets (1)- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)

3. Golden State Warriors (4)- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)

4. Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)

5. Washington Wizards- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)

6. Philadelphia 76ers- Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)

7. Detroit Pistons- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)

9. Utah Jazz (from New York)- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)

10. Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)

11. New Orleans Hornets- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)

12. Memphis Grizzlies- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

13. Toronto Raptors- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)

14. Houston Rockets- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)

15. Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)

17. Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee)- Avery Bradley- SG (Texas)

18. Miami Heat- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)

19. Boston Celtics- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)

20. San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton- C (Kentucky)

22. Portland Trail Blazers- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Jordan Crawford- SG (Xavier)

24. Atlanta Hawks- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)

25. Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Willie Warren- SG (Oklahoma)

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Kevin Seraphin- PF (France)

27. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)

28. Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Damion James- SF (Texas)

29. Orlando Magic- Lance Stephenson- SG (Cincinnati)

30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland)- Craig Brackins- PF (Iowa State)

31. New Jersey Nets- Elliot Williams- SG (Memphis)

32. Oklahoma City Thunder- Armon Johnson- PG (Nevada)

33. Sacramento Kings- Miroslav Raduljica- C (Serbia)

34. Washington Wizards- Greivis Vasquez- PG (Maryland)

35. Golden State Warriors- Jarvis Varnado- PF (Mississippi State)

36. Detroit Pistons- Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)

37. Milwaukee Bucks- Dominique Jones- SG (South Florida)

38. New York Knicks- Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)

39. New York Knicks- Terrico White- SG (Mississippi)

40. Indiana Pacers- Sherron Collins- PG (Kansas)

41. Miami Heat- Darington Hobson- SF (New Mexico)

42. Miami Heat- Jerome Jordan- C (Tulsa)

43. Los Angeles Lakers- Da'Sean Butler- SG (West Virginia)

44. Portland Trail Blazers- Sylven Landesberg- SG (Virginia)

45. Minnesota Timberwolves- Artsiom Parakhouski- C (Radford)

46. Phoenix Suns- Trevor Booker- PF (Clemson)

47. Milwaukee Bucks- Robin Benzing- SF (Germany)

48. Miami Heat- Matt Bouldin- PG (Gonzaga)

49. San Antonio Spurs- Tibor Pleiss- C (Germany)

50. Dallas Mavericks- Charles Garcia- PF (Seattle)

51. Oklahoma City Thunder- Nemanja Bjelica- SF (Serbia)

52. Boston Celtics- Jerome Randle- PG (California)

53. Atlanta Hawks- Manny Harris- SG (Michigan)

54. Los Angeles Clippers- J.P. Prince- SF (Tennessee)

55. Utah Jazz- Paulo Prestes- PF (Brazil)

56. Minnesota Timberwolves- Omar Samhan- C (Saint Mary's)

57. Dallas Mavericks- Aubrey Coleman- SG (Houston)

58. Los Angeles Lakers- A.J. Ogilvy- C (Vanderbilt)

59. Orlando Magic- Ryan Wittman- SF (Cornell)

60. Phoenix Suns- Latavious Williams- SF (Tulsa 66ers- NBDL)

2010 NBA Mock Draft (May 16th- 2 rounds)

It's been awhile since I published a straight 1-2-3 mock draft, so I figured I'd take this chance to do it. I've also showed the expectation of each first round pick (Potential vs. Early contribution), the reasoning behind it (Need vs. Value), and the lineup that would result with the picks/trades discussed in this mock. [The trades are Philadelphia-New York and Toronto-Houston.]

1. New Jersey Nets- John Wall- PG (Kentucky)

Early Contribution - Best Available. Lineup: Wall/Harris, Lee/C D-R, Williams/Yi, FA Signee, Lopez.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)

Early Contribution - Primary need: Wing scorer. Lineup: Flynn/Sessions, Turner/Ellington, Brewer/Gomes, Love, Jefferson/Pekovic.

3. Sacramento Kings- DeMarcus Cousins- C (Kentucky)

Potential - Primary need: Low post presence. Lineup: Evans/Udrih, Garcia, Greene, Landry/Thompson, Cousins.

4. Golden State Warriors- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)

Potential - Secondary need: Athletic rebounder/defender. Lineup: Curry/Watson, Ellis/Morrow, Maggette/Azubuike, Randolph/Favors, Biedrins.

5. Washington Wizards- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)

Potential - Primary need: Frontcourt versatility. Lineup: Arenas, Miller/Foye, Thornton/Howard, Blatche/Aminu, McGee.

6. Philadelphia 76ers: Wesley Johnson- SF (Syracuse)

Early contribution - Need in Trade Scenario (Iguodala/Dalembert to NYK). Lineup: Holiday, Williams, Johnson, Lee, Speights.

7. Detroit Pistons- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)

Mix of Potential/Contribution - Primary need: Go-to big man. Lineup: Stuckey, Hamilton, Prince/Jerebko, Monroe/Villanueva, Wallace.

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Hassan Whiteside- C (Marshall)

POTENTIAL - Best available. Lineup: Davis, Gordon, Butler, Griffin, Kaman/Whiteside.

9. Utah Jazz (from New York)- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)

Early contribution - Primary Need: Frontcourt depth/post play. Lineup: Williams/Price, Matthews, Kirilenko/Miles, Milsap, Okur/Aldrich.

10. Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)

Mix of Potential/Contribution - Primary need: Do-it-all two-guard. Lineup: Ford/Price, Henry/Rush, Granger, Murphy/Hansbrough, Hibbert.

11. New Orleans Hornets- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)

Mix of Potential/Contribution – Secondary need: Frontcourt depth. Lineup: Paul/Collison, Thornton/Peterson, Peja, West/Davis, Okafor.

12. Memphis Grizzlies- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

Potential – Best Available/Potential need: Roster flexibility (3 picks). Lineup: Conley, Mayo/Brewer, Gay/Young, Randolph/Donatas?, Gasol/Thabeet.

13. Toronto Raptors- Eric Bledsoe- PG (Kentucky)

Potential – Need in Trade Scenario (Bosh to Rockets). Lineup: Calderon/Bledsoe, DeRozan/Weems, Ariza/Turkoglu, Hill, Bargnani.

14. Houston Rockets- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)

Early Contribution – Need in Trade Scenario (Ariza/Hill to Knicks). Lineup: Brooks/Lowry, Martin/Anderson, Battier/Budinger, Bosh/Hayes, Yao.

15. Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago)- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)

Early Contribution – Primary need: Consistent frontcourt production. Lineup: Jennings, Redd/Salmons?, Delfino/Ilyasova, Patterson/Mbah a Moute, Bogut.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Avery Bradley- SG (Texas)

Potential – Secondary need: perimeter defense. Lineup: Flynn/Sessions, Bradley/Ellington, Turner/Brewer, Love/Gomes, Jefferson/Pekovic.

17. Chicago Bulls- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)

Early Contribution – Primary need: 3-point shooting. Lineup: Rose/Hinrich, FA Signee?, Deng/Babbit, Gibson/Johnson, Noah.

18. Miami Heat- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)

Early Contribution – Best Available (Also their only need). Lineup: Chalmers, Wade?, Beasley, Udoh, FA Signee, FA Signee, FA Signee, Do you see where this is going?

19. Boston Celtics- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)

Mix of Potential/Contribution – Primary need: Prepare for the demise of the Big 3). Lineup: Rondo, Allen (I think Tony is more likely than Ray to re-sign.), Pierce/George, Garnett/Davis, Perkins/Wallace.

20. San Antonio Spurs- Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)

Mix of Potential/Contribution – Primary need: Smart wing player who knows how to win. Lineup: Parker/Hill, Ginobili, Jefferson/Hayward, McDyess/Blair, Duncan.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton- PF (Kentucky)

Potential – Primary need: A Center-of-the-future. Lineup: Westbrook/Maynor, Harden/Sefolosha, Durant, Green/Ibaka, Orton/Krstic.

22. Portland Trail Blazers- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)

Early Contribution – Secondary need: Youth infusion in frontcourt. Lineup: Miller/Bayless, Roy/Fernandez, Batum/Webster, Aldridge/James, Oden/Camby.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Kevin Seraphin- PF (France)

Potential – Outside need: Roster flexibility, upside. Lineup: Flynn/Sessions/Rubio, Bradley/Ellington, Turner/Brewer, Love/Gomes/Seraphin, Jefferson/Pekovic.

24. Atlanta Hawks- Damion James- SF (Texas)

Mix of Potential/Contribution – Secondary need: Frontcourt versatility. Lineup: Bibby/Teague, Crawford/Evans, Williams/James, Smith, Horford/Pachulia.

25. Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Jordan Crawford- SG (Xavier)

Early Contribution – Outside need: Best Available. Lineup: Conley/Mayo, Crawford/Brewer, Gay/Young, Randolph/Donatas?, Gasol/Thabeet.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)

Potential – Outside need: Depth at SF. Lineup: Westbrook/Maynor, Harden/Sefolosha, Durant/Ebanks, Green/Ibaka, Orton/Krstic.

27. New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)

Early Contribution – Outside need: Toughness. Lineup: Wall/Harris, Lee/C D-R, Williams/Yi, FA Signee/Lawal, Lopez.

28. Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)

Early Contribution – Primary need: Rudy Gay insurance. Lineup: Conley/Mayo, Crawford/Brewer, Gay/Young/Robinson, Randolph/Donatas?, Gasol/Thabeet.

29. Orlando Magic- Lance Stephenson- SG (Cincinnati)

Potential – Long-term need: Vince Carter insurance. Lineup: Nelson, Carter/Stephenson, Barnes/Pietrus, Lewis/Anderson/Bass, Howard/Gortat.

30. Washington Wizards (from Cleveland)- Craig Brackins- PF (Iowa State)

Potential – Outside need: Frontcourt depth. Lineup: Arenas, Miller/Foye, Thornton/Howard, Blatche/Aminu, McGee/Alabi.

31. New Jersey Nets- Willie Warren- PG/SG (Oklahoma)

32. Oklahoma City Thunder- Armon Johnson- PG (Nevada)

33. Sacramento Kings- Dominique Jones- SG (South Florida)

34. Washington Wizards- Greivis Vasquez- SG (Maryland)

35. Golden State Warriors- Miroslav Raduljica- C (Serbia)

36. Detroit Pistons- Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)

37. Milwaukee Bucks- Terrico White- SG (Mississippi)

38. New York Knicks- Darington Hobson- SF (New Mexico)

39. New York Knicks- Sherron Collins- PG (Kansas)

40. Indiana Pacers- Trevor Booker- PF (Clemson)

41. Miami Heat- Jarvis Varnado- PF (Mississippi State)

42. Miami Heat- Da'Sean Butler- SF (West Virginia)

43. Los Angeles Lakers- Sylven Landesberg- SG (Virginia)

44. Portland Trail Blazers- Elliot Williams- SG (Memphis)

45. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jerome Jordan- C (Tulsa)

46. Phoenix Suns- Artsiom Parakhouski- C (Radford)

47. Milwaukee Bucks- Matt Bouldin- PG (Gonzaga)

48. Miami Heat- Jerome Randle- PG (California)

49. San Antonio Spurs- Omar Samhan- C (Saint Mary's)

50. Dallas Mavericks- Charles Garcia- PF (Seattle)

51. Oklahoma City Thunder- Robin Benzing- SF (Germany)

52. Boston Celtics- Paulo Prestes- PF (Brazil)

53. Atlanta Hawks- Manny Harris- SG (Michigan)

54. Los Angelse Clippers- Nemanja Bjelica- SF (Serbia)

55. Utah Jazz- Latavious Williams- SF (Tulsa 66ers- NBDL)

56. Minnesota Timberwolves- J.P. Prince- SF (Tennessee)

57. Dallas Mavericks- Aubrey Coleman- SG (Houston)

58. Los Angeles Lakers- AJ Ogilvy- C (Vanderbilt)

59. Orlando Magic- Ryan Wittman- SF (Cornell)

60. Phoenix Suns- Ryan Thompson- SG (Rider)