2010 NBA Mock Draft (Version 14)

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

 

Wall may be hitting the proverbial freshman wall (no pun intended), but he's still undeniably the best talent in this draft class.  This is a no-brainer for the Nets.

 

2)    Golden State Warriors- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)

 

Favors has struggled lately, but he is a great athlete with superstar potential, so he is definitely worth a look anywhere in the top five and Golden State could really use some frontcourt depth.

 

3)    Minnesota Timberwolves- Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)

 

Turner is the most versatile player in this draft class.  He can play all three perimeter positions and is an excellent ball handler with good size.  He is also a solid athlete with a nose for the rim.  He'll have to improve his outside jump shot, but if he can, he has a chance to be special at the next level.

 

4)    Sacramento Kings- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)

 

Aldrich doesn't have the superstar potential that a GM would like to find in the top five, but he's a known commodity who should help from day one.  Spencer Hawes has been wildly erratic this season, and Aldrich would provide a stabilizing force down low for an improving franchise.

 

5)    Detroit Pistons- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)

 

Detroit will likely be looking at a fringe top-five pick, and they could really use a back-to-the-basket big man.  They'll have a tough choice of a group including Aldrich, Davis, and DeMarcus Cousins.  Aldrich probably makes the best fit, but with him gone, the Pistons will target Davis, who has big upside, but fewer character questions than Cousins.

 

6)    Washington Wizards- Wesley Johnson- SG (Syracuse)

 

Johnson is able to play multiple positions and can have a major impact on both ends of the floor.  If his game continues to grow like it has in his first season with the Orange, he will become the type of NBA player that the Wizards can build around.

 

7)    Indiana Pacers- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

 

Motiejunas projects to be a Troy Murphy-type of big man who can stretch the floor with his jump shot.  Rumors have been circulating that Murphy may be on his way out of Indiana, making Motiejunas a seamless replacement.

 

8)    Utah Jazz (from New York)- DeMarcus Cousins- PF (Kentucky)

 

Cousins has always had superstar potential, but he has showed good consistency and improved maturity recently, which should make him a top-ten lock, with a chance at cracking the top five.  Utah will likely need depth up front when Carlos Boozer's deal expires this summer, and Cousins could develop into a wonderful bargain at #8.

 

9)    Philadelphia 76ers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)

 

Philadelphia could use a true point guard or a 3-point shooter capable of stretching the floor.  Henry has been very cold lately, but he's a very adept shooter with an NBA body who should be able to contribute from day one.

 

10) Los Angeles Clippers- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)

 

Aminu has good athleticism and rebounding ability, but some scouts question his natural position.  He shows flashes of the lateral quickness and ball skills required to play small forward, but his below average jump shot and physical style are far more reminiscent of a traditional power forward.

 

11) Miami Heat- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)

 

The Heat have won just one game over the past two weeks and now find themselves staring at a spot in the lottery.  The Heat will have $44 million free this summer, but only three players under contract next year.  If Dwyane Wade leaves, absolutely anything could happen, but gambling on a player with Monroe's talent would be a great start to a big summer in South Beach.

 

12) New Orleans Hornets- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)

 

New Orleans quietly had one of the best drafts in the league last year, acquiring promising young guards Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton, but they could still use some frontcourt depth.  Patterson plays like a grizzled NBA veteran.  He's a tough rebounder with a surprising jump shot and he should be a fixture as a productive role player for a long time.

 

13) Memphis Grizzlies- Avery Bradley- SG (Texas)

 

Bradley is a bit of a tweener.  He has great size for a point guard, but has played mostly off the ball at Texas.  His skills, however, speak for themselves.  He has been a factor defensively from day one and has shown flashes of explosiveness offensively.  He's definitely worth a bit of a gamble late in the lottery.

 

14) Houston Rockets- Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)

 

Alabi has good size and surprising touch, hinting that there might be a wealth of untapped potential remaining.  He would be a nice addition to a team looking to take pressure off of Yao Ming's aging joints.

 

15) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Hassan Whiteside- PF (Marshall)

 

This is Whiteside's first inclusion in the 2010 Mock Draft, and while I think he'll probably stay at Marshall for one more season, he might be wise to capitalize on his buzz by entering the draft this year.  The power forward depth of this class may hurt his draft position, but I would be surprised to see him outside of the 12-16 range.

 

16) Chicago Bulls- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)

 

Anderson is the best shooter in this class without question, and that is the one asset the Bulls need more than any other.

 

17) Milwaukee Bucks- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)

 

Sanders needs to put on at least 30 pounds in order to be a force in the NBA, but he's very springy, similar to Tyrus Thomas.  He should be a good weak-side shot-blocker from day one.

 

18) Miami Heat (from Toronto)- Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)

 

As I mentioned earlier, Miami needs a lot of help moving forward, and an all-world athlete like Robinson should fill a role in their rebuilding.

 

19) Portland Trail Blazers- Damion James- SF (Texas)

 

Portland could use frontcourt help, but the value isn't really there with this pick.  Instead, they opt for James, who could be the answer at small forward, but can also log some minutes at the other forward spot.

 

20) Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Jan Vesely- SF (Czech Republic)

 

Oklahoma City will likely use some or all of their $12 million in cap space to sign a big name power forward like Amare Stoudemire, David Lee, or Carlos Boozer, which would bring them to 13 players under contract plus two first-round picks.  I would expect one pick to be an international player, leaving Sam Presti with a little roster flexibility.

 

21) Oklahoma City Thunder- Dexter Pittman- C (Texas)

 

Oklahoma City brings in Kevin Durant's former teammate to sure up their front line.  Pittman is a good rebounder with great touch near the basket.

 

22) San Antonio Spurs- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)

 

Ebanks has all the physical tools, but often looks disinterested and disconnected from the action on the floor.  If his individual workouts go well, he could land much higher, but for now, I'll slot him in at #22, where Greg Popovich can teach him to play the game the right way.

 

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

 

Lawal is a phenomenal rebounder, who will take a lot of defensive pressure off of Brook Lopez.

 

24) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Mario Delas- SF (Croatia)

 

Like many European prospects, Delas is raw, but he has averaged 10.5 points on 71% field goal shooting and 92% free throw shooting in his first two Euro League games this season.

 

25) Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)

 

Udoh is very long and has great shot-blocking instincts.  Like Larry Sanders, he needs to put on weight to be a factor in the NBA, but the Grizzlies' depth up front should protect him until he's ready.

 

26) Boston Celtics- Willie Warren- SG (Oklahoma)

 

It's hard to find a place for Willie Warren in this draft, which makes it more and more likely that he'll return to Oklahoma for his junior season.  This seemed far fetched a few weeks ago, when Warren was projected as a likely lottery pick, but his assists numbers (4.2 per game) and shooting percentages (42% from the field and 28% from 3-point range) are less than impressive.  If he does enter his name, he should expect to slide a bit, but not past the Celtics, who could use a backup point guard and a high-energy scorer off the bench.

 

27) Orlando Magic- Armon Johnson- PG (Nevada)

 

Johnson has great size (6'3") and has put up steady numbers at Nevada this season.  He struggles with his outside shot (21% for the season), but gets to the basket and scores in the mid range with ease (51% overall field goal percentage).

 

28) Atlanta Hawks- Lance Stephenson- SG (Cincinnati)

 

Stephenson is a high upside prospect with questions about his character.  He is New York City's all-time leading high school scorer and had a good start to the season, but has struggled recently.  If he can return to his early season form, he should find his way into the first round.

 

29) Memphis Grizzlies (from LA Lakers)- Paul George- SF (Fresno State)

 

George is an athletic slasher with a propensity for hoisting up contested outside shots.  If he can improve his shot selection as he matures, he will make Rudy Gay expendable when his rookie contract expires next year.

 

30) Cleveland Cavaliers- Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)

 

Babbit is the best pure shooter available (53% from the floor and 40% from distance), and he can score in bunches (21.4 per game).  He is also an underrated rebounder (9.9 per game), who could either spell LeBron or play alongside him in certain situations.

2010 NBA Draft Player Rankings (Version 3)

The following is a list of the top prospects from international leagues and the NCAA.  It includes underclassmen and various international prospects, and is not an estimate or a projection of which players will enter their names into the 2010 NBA Draft.  (Players in italics are new additions to the top 100.)

 

1)    John Wall- PG (Kentucky)- (16.4 pts, 3.5 rebs, 6.6 asts, 1.9 stls, 47% FG, 80% FT)

2)    Evan Turner- SG (Ohio State)- (18.9 pts, 9.5 rebs, 5.7 asts, 1.9 stls, .8 blks, 56% FG, 73% FT) (17 games)

3)    Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)- (11.5 pts, 8.5 rebs, 2 blks, 1 stls, 60% FG, 59% FT)

4)    Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)- (9.4 pts, 4.3 rebs, 1.6 stls, 53% FG, 66% FT, 20 mins)

5)    Wesley Johnson- SG (Syracuse)- (16.7 pts, 9 rebs, 2.3 asts, 1.7 stls, 1.8 blks, 54% FG, 75% FT, 42% 3P)

6)    Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)- (14 pts, 9.5 rebs, 2.7 blks, 59% FG, 68% FT)

7)    Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)- (16.1 pts, 11.1 rebs, 1.4 stls, 1.5 blks, 46% FG, 69% FT)

8)    Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)- (11.6 pts, 10.3 rebs, 3.7 blks, 56% FG, 71% FT)

9)    DeMarcus Cousins- PF (Kentucky)- (16.4 pts, 10 rebs, 1.9 blks, 54% FG, 66% FT)

10) Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)- (13 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts, 1.8 stls, 43% FG, 77% FT, 39% 3P)

11) Avery Bradley- PG (Texas)- (12.5 pts, 2.8 rebs, 2.3 asts, 1.4 stls, 47% FG, 47% FT, 41% 3P)

12) Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)- (15.5 pts, 9.6 rebs, 3,2 asts, 1.5 stls, 1.7 blks, 51% FG, 64% FT)

13) Willie Warren- PG (Oklahoma) - (16.1 pts, 3.4 rebs, 4.2 asts, 43% FG, 79% FT, 28% 3P)

14) Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)- (15.1 pts, 7.5 rebs, 1 blks, 59% FG, 62% FT, 40% 3P)

15) Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)- (11.1 pts, 8.7 rebs, 2.7 asts, 1.1 stls, .8 blks, 43% FG, 82% FT)

16)  Jan Vesely- SF (Czech Republic)- (7.5 pts, 2.5 rebs, .9 stls, 56% FG, 61% FT, 3.8 fouls, 22 mins)

17) James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)- (22.2 pts, 5.8 rebs, 1.3 stls, 46% FG, 81% FT, 2 3PM/G)

18) Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)- (12.7 pts, 7 rebs, 2.4 blks, 57% FG, 83% FT)

19) Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)- (16.2 pts, 7.6 rebs, 1.3 blks, 53% FG, 66% FT, 41% 3P)

20) Jordan Hamilton- SF (Texas)- (9.3 pts, 3.2 rebs, 1.6 asts, 41% FG, 65% FT, 38% 3P)

21) Hassan Whiteside-PF (Marshall)- (13 pts, 8.8 rebs, 5.3 blks, 55% FG, 58% FT)

22) Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)- (15 pts, 9 rebs, 2.6 blks, 54% FG, 66% FT)

23) Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)- (14 pts, 9 rebs, 1.3 blks, 55% FG, 64% FT)

24) Damion James- SF (Texas)- (17.8 pts, 11 rebs, 1.7 stls, 1.1 blks, 50% FG, 65% FT, 37% 3P)

25) Paul George- SF (Fresno State)- (17 pts, 7.3 rebs, 3.2 asts, 2.6 stls, 47% FG, 88% FT, 39% 3P)

26) Lance Stephenson- SG (Cincinnati)- (12 pts, 5.1 rebs, 2.6 asts, .9 stls, 46% FG, 67% FT)

27) Armon Johnson-PG (Nevada)- (15.8 pts, 3.2 rebs, 5.5 asts, 51% FG, 63% FT, 21% 3P)

28) Craig Brackins- PF (Iowa State)- (17 pts, 8.1 rebs, 2.4 asts, 1.3 blks, 45% FG, 75% FT)

29) Ekpe Udoh-PF (Baylor)- (14.1 pts, 10.4 rebs, 4.1 blks, 50% FG, 68% FT)

30) Jarvis Varnado- PF (Mississippi State)- (13.5 pts, 11.3 rebs, 5 blks, 56% FG, 63% FT)

31) Dexter Pittman- C (Texas)- (11.4 pts, 6.2 rebs, 2.1 blks, 68% FG, 53% FT)

32) Sheron Collins- PG (Kansas)- (15.6 pts, 4.3 asts, 1.2 stls, 45% FG, 84% FT, 39% 3P)

33) Luke Babbit- SF (Nevada)- (21.4 pts, 9.9 rebs, .9 blks, 1.2 stls, 53% FG, 89% FT, 40% 3P)

34) Jerome Jordan- C (Tulsa)- (15 pts, 8.2 rebs, 2.7 blks, 55% FG, 70% FT)

35) Da'Sean Butler- SG (West Virginia)- (17.3 pts, 6.2 rebs, 3.4 asts, .9 stls, 45% FG, 80% FT, 40% 3P)

36) Eric Bledsoe-PG (Kentucky)- (10.8 pts, 3.2 rebs, 3.3 asts, 1.6 stls, 45% FG, 71% FT, 41% 3P)

37) Quincy Pondexter- SF (Washington)- (20.6 pts, 8.3 rebs, 1.4 stls, 55% FG, 82% FT)

38) Mario Delas- SF (Croatia)- (10.5 pts, 2 rebs, 71% FG, 92% FT, 5 fouls, 17 mins, 2 games)

39) Elias Harris- SF (Gonzaga)- (15.6 pts, 8.3 rebs, 1.1 stls, 55% FG, 68% FT)

40) John Scheyer- SG (Duke)- (18.9 pts, 3.4 rebs, 5.6 asts, 1.5 stls, 44% FG, 91% FT, 39% 3P)

41) Terrico White- SG (Mississippi)- (14.8 pts, 4.7 rebs, 1.3 asts, .7 stls, 43% FG, 68% FT, 35% 3P)

42) Trevor Booker- PF (Clemson)- (15.8 pts, 8.6 rebs, 2.4 asts, 1.6 stls, 1.4 blks, 53% FG, 59% FT)

43) Scottie Reynolds- PG (Villanova)- (18.7 pts, 2.8 rebs, 3.5 asts, 1.6 stls, 49% FG, 80% FT, 40% 3P)

44) A.J. Ogilvy- C (Vanderbilt)- (13.5 pts, 6.2 rebs, 1.6 blks, 1.1 stls, 51% FG, 72% FT)

45) Kemba Walker- PG (Connecticut)- (13.3 pts, 4 rebs, 5.9 asts, 2 stls, 40% FG, 77% FT)

46) Sylven Landesberg- SG (Virginia)- (18.1 pts, 5.2 rebs, 2.9 asts, 45% FG, 83% FT, 38% 3P)

47) Charles Garcia- PF (Seattle)- (20.3 pts, 8.7 rebs, .9 blks, 46% FG, 62% FT)

48) Lazar Hayward-PF (Marquette)- (18.6 pts, 7.8 rebs, 1.7 stls, 44% FG, 83% FT)

49) Chris Wright- SF (Dayton)- (14 pts, 7.3 rebs, 1.2 blks, 53% FG, 70% FT)

50) John Henson- PF (North Carolina)- (3.5 pts, 2.2 rebs, 1.1 blks, 48% FG, 54% FT)

51) Gordon Hayward- SF (Butler)- (16 pts, 7.8 rebs, 1.8 asts, 1.2 stls, 48% FG, 84% FT)

52) Artsiom Parakhouski- C (Radford)- (22.5 pts, 13.2 rebs, 2.2 blks, 60% FG, 56% FT)

53) Jimmer Fredette- PG (BYU)- (21.4 pts, 3.2 rebs, 4.9 asts, 1.5 stls, 47% FG, 90% FT)

54) Luke Harangody- PF (Notre Dame)- (24.8 pts, 9.9 rebs, .8 blks, 49% FG, 77% FT)

55) Elliot Williams-SG (Memphis)- (19.6 pts, 4.1 rebs, 3.8 asts, 1.5 stls, 49% FG, 77% FT)

56) Greivis Vasquez- SF (Maryland)- (17.7 pts, 4.5 rebs, 6 asts, 1.6 stls, 43% FG, 82% FT)

57) Alexey Shved- PG (Russia)- (2 games)

58) Aaric Murray-C (La Salle)- (12.4 pts, 6.6 rebs, 2.4 blks, 48% FG, 68% FT, 44% 3P)

59) Matthew Delladova-PG (St. Mary's)- (12.5 pts, 3.2 rebs, 4.8 asts, 1.3 stls, 41% FG, 89% FT)

60) Scotty Hopson- SG (Tennessee)- (13.2 pts, 3.5 rebs, 1.4 asts, 1 stls, 48% FG, 59% FT, 41% 3P)

61) Damian Saunders-PF (Duquesne)- (15 pts, 12.4 rebs, 2.4 asts, 2.7 stls, 3.3 blks, 51% FG, 50% FT)

62) Malcolm Lee- PG/SG (UCLA)- (12.5 pts, 4.4 rebs, 3.6 asts, 1.2 stls, 43% FG, 68% FT)

63) Manny Harris- SG (Michigan)- (18.3 pts, 6.4 rebs, 4 asts, 1.9 stls, 43% FG, 80% FT)

64) JaMychal Green-PF (Alabama)- (14.7 pts, 7 rebs, .9 stls, 2 blks, 51% FG, 68% FT)

65) Arnett Moultrie- PF (UTEP)- (11 pts, 7 rebs, 1.5 stls, .8 blks, 48% FG, 65% FT)

66) Aubrey Coleman-SG (Houston)- (25.9 pts, 7.4 rebs, 2.3 asts, 3.1 stls, 44% FG, 74% FT)

67) Kenneth Faried- PF (Morehead State)- (17.2 pts, 13.7 rebs, 1.7 stls, 2 blks, 56% FG, 60% FT)

68) Latavious Williams- PF (USA-D League)- (6.3 pts, 7 rebs, .8 blks, .7 stls, 51% FG, 57% FT)

69) Chris Singleton-SF (Florida State)- (10.8 pts, 7.5 rebs, 2.4 asts, 2.3 stls, 1.7 blks, 43% FG, 50% FT)

70) Deon Thompson- PF (North Carolina)- (14.4 pts, 6.5 rebs, .8 blks, 1.2 stls, 51% FG, 71% FT)

71)  Robbie Hummel- SF (Purdue)- (16.5 pts, 7.2 rebs, 2.1 asts, 1.1 stls, 1.1 blks, 46% FG, 88% FT, 36% 3P)

72) Kyle Singler- SF (Duke)- (16.6 pts, 7 rebs, 2.5 asts, 1.2 stls, .8 blks, 41% FG, 76% FT, 36% 3P)

73) Tiny Gallon- PF (Oklahoma)- (10.3 pts, 8.1 rebs, .7 blks, 54% FG, 70% FT)

74) Kalin Lucas- PG (Michigan State)- (15.6 pts, 2 rebs, 4 asts, 1 stls, 46% FG, 81% FT, 38% 3P)

75) A.J. Slaughter- SG (Western Kentucky)- (17 pts, 3.3 rebs, 4 asts, 1.9 stls, 41% FG, 83% FT, 36% 3P)

76) William Buford- SG (Ohio State)- (14.2 pts, 5.1 rebs, 3.3 asts, 1 stls, 43% FG, 79% FT, 37% 3P)

77) Renardo Sidney- PF (Mississippi State)- (1 game)

78) Kenny Boynton- PG (Florida)- (14.1 pts, 3 rebs, 3 asts, 1.1 stls, 38% FG, 75% FT, 26% 3P)

79) Samardo Samuels- PF (Louisville)- (15.7 pts, 7.5 rebs, 1.2 blks, 53% FG, 71% FT)

80) Klay Thompson-SG (Washington State)- (21.2 pts, 4.9 rebs, 2.4 asts, 1.5 stls, 43% FG, 80% FT)

81) Artem Zabelin- PF (Russia)- (3.2 pts, .8 rebs, 70% FG, 50% FT, 4.8 mins, 5 games)

82) Jerome Dyson- SG (Connecticut)- (19 pts, 4.5 rebs, 4.7 asts, 1.2 stls, .8 blks, 42% FG, 70% FT, 34% 3P)

83) Jeff Taylor- SF (Vanderbilt)- (13.3 pts, 5.3 rebs, 1.3 stls, 52% FG, 72% FT)

84) Keith Benson-C (Oakland)- (17.5 pts, 10 rebs, 3.2 blks, 54% FG, 75% FT)

85) Tomas Satoransky- SG (Czech Republic)- (1.8 pts, .7 rebs, 1.2 asts, 35% FG, 77% FT, 7 mins, 13 games)

86) Yancy Gates-PF (Cincinnati)- (10.5 pts, 6.6 rebs, 1.1 blks, 55% FG, 57% FT)

87) JuJuan Johnson- PF (Purdue)- (14.4 pts, 6.6 rebs, .8 stls, 2.2 blks, 53% FG, 74% FT)

88) Tyshawn Taylor- PG/SG (Kansas)- (7 pts, 2.4 rebs, 3.3 asts, 1 stls, 45% FG, 69% FT, 36% 3P)

89) Dwayne Collins- PF (Miami)- (11.7 pts, 8.3 rebs, 1 blks, 60% FG, 52% FT)

90) Michael Washington- PF (Arkansas)- (13 pts, 6 rebs, 1.2 blks, 51% FG, 68% FT)

91) Brandon Paul- SG (Illinois)- (8.6 pts, 2.7 rebs, 1.4 asts, 1 stls, 35% FG, 67% FT)

92) Storm Warren-PF (Louisiana State)- (12.4 pts, 7.7 rebs, 1.4 blks, .9 stls, 56% FG, 69% FT)

93) Ater Majok- C (Connecticut)- (2.6 pts, 3.3 rebs, 1.9 blks, 49% FG, 47% FT, 15 games)

94) Raymar Morgan- SF (Michigan State)- (10.8 pts, 5.6 rebs, 2 asts, .9 stls, 55% FG, 63% FT)

95) Durrell Summers- SG (Michigan State)- (10.8 pts, 5 rebs, 44% FG, 82% FT)

96) Keion Bell-PG (Pepperdine)- (19.5 pts, 5.3 rebs, 3.9 asts, 1.5 stls, 45% FG, 75% FT, 34% 3P)

97) Arinze Onuaku- C (Syracuse)- (10.3 pts, 4.5 rebs, 1 stls, 1 blks, 69% FG, 43% FT)

98) Rodney Williams- SF (Minnesota)- (5.4 pts, 1.8 rebs, .8 blks, 58% FG, 61% FT)

99) Kevin Thompson-PF (Morgan State)- (13 pts, 12.4 rebs, 1.9 asts, 1.1 blks, 50% FG, 62% FT)

100) James Florence- PG (Mercer)- (19.4 pts, 3 rebs, 5 asts, 1.7 stls, 42% FG, 74% FT)

NBA Power Rankings- February 8th

CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

1)    Cleveland (41-11)- (W-MEM, MIA, NYK) Last: 1

2)    LA Lakers (39-13)- (W-CHA, POR; L-MEM, DEN) Last: 2

3)    Atlanta (32-17)- (W-LAC, CHI; L-OKC) Last: 3

4)    Orlando (34-17)- (W-MIL, BOS; L-WAS) Last: 4

5)    Boston (32-17)- (W-WAS, MIA, NJN; L-ORL) Last: 5

6)    Denver (34-17)- (W-SAC, LAL; L-PHO, UTA) Last: 6

PLAYOFF POWERS

7)    Utah (31-18)- (W-DAL, POR, DEN) Last: 9

8)    Dallas (31-19)- (W-GSW; L-UTA, MIN) Last: 7

9)    San Antonio (29-20)- (W-SAC, LAC; L-POR) Last: 8

10) Phoenix (31-21)- (W-NOH, DEN, SAC) Last: 10

11) Oklahoma City (29-21)- (W-ATL, NOH, GSW) Last: 12

12) Portland (30-23)- (W-CHA, SAS; L-UTA, LAL) Last: 11

COULD CHALLENGE

13) Houston (27-23)- (W-GSW, MEM; L-PHI) Last: 15

14) Toronto (28-23)- (W-NJN, SAC; L-IND) Last: 16

15) Memphis (26-24)- (W-LAL; L-CLE, HOU, MIN) Last: 13

16) New Orleans (27-24)- (W-CHA; L-PHO, OKC, PHI) Last: 14

SERIOUS STRUGGLES

17) Milwaukee (23-26)- (W-MIA, NYK, IND; L-ORL) Last: 20

18) Chicago (24-25)- (W-MIA; L-LAC, PHI, ATL) Last: 18

19) Charlotte (24-25)- (L-POR, LAL, NOH) Last: 17

20) Miami (24-27)- (L-MIL, BOS, CLE, CHI) Last: 19

21) LA Clippers (21-29)- (W-CHI; L-ATL, SAS) Last: 21

TRULY TERRIBLE

22) Philadelphia (19-31)- (W-CHI, NOH, HOU) Last: 24

23) New York (19-31)- (W-WAS; L-MIL, CLE) Last: 22

24) Indiana (18-33)- (W-TOR, DET; L-MIL) Last: 23

25) Washington (17-32)- (W-ORL; L-BOS, NYK) Last: 27

26) Detroit (17-32)- (W-NJN, NJN; L-IND) Last: 26

27) Sacramento (16-34)- (L-DEN, SAS, PHO, TOR) Last: 25

28) Minnesota (13-38)- (W-DAL, MEM) Last: 29

29) Golden State (13-36)- (L-HOU, DAL, OKC) Last: 28

30) New Jersey (4-46)- (L-DET, TOR, BOS, DET) Last: 30

2010 NBA Mock Draft (Version 13)

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

 

Wall finally made his first collegiate mistake after a close win over Vanderbilt on Saturday, voicing his displeasure with John Calipari's assessment of his point guard's play against South Carolina earlier in the week.  While the incident may show some immaturity on Wall's part, let's remember he's still a freshman.

 

2)    Minnesota Timberwolves- Evan Turner- SF (Ohio State)

 

Minnesota needs help on both ends of the floor, along with a player who can bring leadership and versatility to the table.  Turner and Wesley Johnson are the two players in this draft who fit the bill, and Turner seems to be the more consistent and more mature player.

 

3)    Golden State Warriors- Derrick Favors- PF (Georgia Tech)

 

This is a tough pick to project because the Warriors could go several directions.  Wesley Johnson, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Donatas Motiejunas all make sense here too, but Favors has huge upside and would provide much needed frontcourt depth for Golden State.

 

4)    Washington Wizards- Wesley Johnson- SG (Syracuse)

 

Everyday that passes without a trade is another wasted day for this organization.  The Wizards are 16-31 and need to blow up their core and start over.  Johnson is versatile and skilled on both ends of the floor.  He would be a nice perimeter replacement for Caron Butler in the event that Butler changes addresses.

 

5)    Detroit Pistons- Cole Aldrich- C (Kansas)

 

Aldrich has been sliding down draft boards because of his lack of explosiveness and upside, but his play has been very steady as of late, which should help his draft stock.  Kansas also looks poised to make a run in March, and Aldrich is a great fit next to Charlie Villanueva, so this makes a lot of sense.

 

6)    Sacramento Kings- Al-Farouq Aminu- SF (Wake Forest)

 

The Kings are on a major skid and find themselves on the doorstep of another top five pick.  The Tyreke Evans-Kevin Martin experiment seems to be an overwhelming failure, so moving Martin would be prudent.  However, if Sacramento still believes that Evans can play the point, Xavier Henry may be the pick here.  Otherwise, it'll be Aminu.

 

7)    Philadelphia 76ers- Xavier Henry- SG (Kansas)

 

Considering that I had Henry going to the 76ers at number three overall just before Christmas, this would be a dream come true for Philadelphia.  Henry has superstar potential and his outside shooting ability will make him an asset from day one.

 

8)    Indiana Pacers- Avery Bradley- PG/SG (Texas)

 

Bradley has played mostly off the ball this season at Texas, but if he can demonstrate solid point guard skills, he'll be a top ten lock.  If not, he's still an intriguing combo guard prospect with killer instincts and tenacity defensively.

 

9)    Utah Jazz (from New York)- DeMarcus Cousins- PF (Kentucky)

 

Cousins had a relatively quiet start for the Wildcats, but he has really raised his level of play as of late.  His athleticism and potential make him a lock to land in the lottery, with the top ten a real possibility.

 

10) Los Angeles Clippers- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

 

Motiejunas has good size and a smooth shooting stroke, but in a class chalked full of traditional back to the basket power forward talent, he'll likely slide a bit on draft day.  He's a steal for the Clippers at #10.  They could use a point guard, but left with Willie Warren and Armon Johnson, the value just isn't there with this pick.

 

11) Milwaukee Bucks- Ed Davis- PF (North Carolina)

 

The Bucks land another big time talent in the late lottery with Davis, who has huge potential, but lacks the drive and polish to be a superstar.  If he contracts Brandon Jennings' desire, he'll be a major headache at the next level.

 

12) Houston Rockets- Greg Monroe- PF (Georgetown)

 

Houston would really love a true center to share time with Yao Ming, but Monroe will have to suffice.  He does have the size to play center in the NBA, depending on the matchup, and has all the skills and IQ to become a great player.

 

13) New Orleans Hornets- Lance Stephenson- SG (Cincinnati)

 

Stephenson has an NBA body and a knack for scoring the ball.  He has some character issues and may be better suited for the small forward spot at the next level, but playing alongside Chris Paul should help on both fronts.

 

14) Memphis Grizzlies- Stanley Robinson- SF (Connecticut)

 

Rudy Gay will likely end up signing his Qualifying Offer and leaving next summer, so an ultra-athletic replacement like Robinson would be a good fit.

 

15) Miami Heat- Patrick Patterson- PF (Kentucky)

 

Udonis Haslem has been a longtime mainstay in South Beach, but with his contract due to expire this summer, Patterson would be a very solid and cost-effective replacement.

 

16) Chicago Bulls- James Anderson- SG (Oklahoma State)

 

Aside from Wall to the Nets, this is the pick I feel the most comfortable with.  The Bulls need a shooter badly, and Anderson is head and shoulders above the rest in this draft class.

 

17) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte)- Jan Vesely- SF (Czech Republic)

 

NBAdraft.net recently released an article stating that Vesely should wait a year or two before throwing his name in the ring, but with the relatively thin crop of international talent in this draft, and the big off-season to come, I think he still has value between 15 and 20.  Minnesota, for instance, has their roster almost full for next season and three first-rounders for the second straight year.

 

18) Miami Heat (from Toronto)- Devin Ebanks- SF (West Virginia)

 

Ebanks has good size and great length, but often looks disinterested, and it's questionable whether or not he'll ever fulfill his huge potential.  Still, he's worth the risk at #18 for a team still looking for its franchise small forward.

 

19) Oklahoma City Thunder- Larry Sanders- PF (Virginia Commonwealth)

 

Oklahoma City is loaded with young talent and has sufficient cap space to make some moves this summer.  They may make a play for a top-tier free agent big man like Carlos Boozer or David Lee, but Sanders would make a very capable backup.

 

20) Portland Trail Blazers- Damion James- SF (Texas)

 

James has been a consistent player at Texas for four years.  He puts up remarkable rebounding totals and impressive offensive numbers, but the one word that describes his game better than any other is smooth.  Almost effortlessly he plays at a high level, and that success should translate at the next level, as well.

 

21) Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix)- Willie Warren- PG/SG (Oklahoma)

 

Oklahoma City uses their second first-rounder on homegrown talent Willie Warren.  He may be an off-guard in a point guard's body, but he has proven scoring ability and would be a great addition to a backcourt rotation of Russell Westbrook, Eric Maynor, James Harden, and Thabo Sefolosha.

 

22) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)- Jerome Jordan- C (Tulsa)

 

Minnesota fills a need with a shot blocker and a true center all in one, with Jordan, who has good size and natural ability and should be a nice player at the next level.

 

23) San Antonio Spurs- Solomon Alabi- C (Florida State)

 

Alabi has great size and a surprisingly refined game.  He is arguably a more polished prospect than Hasheem Thabeet when he went number two overall last April.

 

24) New Jersey Nets (from Dallas)- Dexter Pittman- C (Texas)

 

Pittman is very active and extremely efficient offensively.  He is also and underrated rebounder and shot blocker.

 

25) Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver)- Armon Johnson- PG (Nevada)

 

Johnson has great size (6'3") and a very efficient game.  He still needs some seasoning, but he has all the tools.

 

26) Boston Celtics- Da'Sean Butler- SG (West Virginia)

 

Butler has good size (6'7") and a deadly offensive arsenal.  The Celtics may have to let either Paul Pierce or Ray Allen walk this summer, and if so, some perimeter depth is an area of huge need.

 

27) Orlando Magic- Sheron Collins- PG (Kansas)

 

Orlando would love to get their hands on Johnson because of his size and potential, but Collins is a nice second option.  He has great leadership qualities, a lightning-quick crossover, and an underrated jump shot.

 

28) Atlanta Hawks- Gani Lawal- PF (Georgia Tech)

 

Lawal isn't a freak athlete like teammate Derrick Favors, but he is a tenacious and consistent player, and perhaps the best rebounder in this draft class.  He would be an improvement from Joe Smith, Randolph Morris, and Jason Collins.

 

29) Memphis Grizzlies- Craig Brackins- PF (Iowa State)

 

Brackins had a huge sophomore year, but has taken a step back as a junior.  He also employs a face-up small forward type of game, leading many to deem him a "tweener".  Still, his consistent jump shot and rebounding ability should be enough for him to land in the first round.

 

30) Cleveland Cavaliers- Ekpe Udoh- PF (Baylor)

 

Udoh has taken a huge step forward after transferring from Michigan to Baylor, and is looking like a fringe first-rounder.  He is very active and athletic, and has great shot-blocking instincts.

NBA Power Rankings- February 1st

CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

1)    Cleveland (38-11)- (W-MIA, MIN, IND, LAC) Last: 1

2)    LA Lakers (37-11)- (W-WAS, IND, PHI, BOS) Last: 2

3)    Atlanta (30-16)- (W-HOU, BOS; L-SAS, ORL) Last: 3

4)    Orlando (32-16)- (W-BOS, ATL, DET; L-MEM) Last: 5

5)    Boston (29-16)- (W-LAC; L-ORL, ATL, LAL) Last: 4

6)    Denver (32-15)- (W-CHA, HOU, SAS; L-OKC) Last: 6

PLAYOFF POSITION

7)    Dallas (30-17)- (W-MIL; L-PHO, POR) Last: 7

8)    San Antonio (27-19)- (W-ATL, MEM; L-CHI, DEN) Last: 8

9)    Utah (28-18)- (W-PHO, POR, SAC) Last: 11

10) Phoenix (28-21)- (W-DAL, HOU; L-UTA, CHA) Last: 9

11) Portland (28-21)- (W-DAL; L-NOH, UTA, HOU) Last: 10

12) Oklahoma City (26-21)- (W-DEN, GSW; L-CHI) Last: 12

13) Memphis (25-21)- (W-ORL, DET; L-SAS, NOH) Last: 13

14) New Orleans (26-21)- (W-POR, GSW, MEM; L-CHI) Last: 16

15) Houston (25-22)- (W-POR; L-ATL, DEN, PHO) Last: 14

16) Toronto (26-22)- (W-MIA, NYK, IND) Last: 17

17) Charlotte (24-22)- (W-PHO, GSW, SAC; L-DEN) Last: 18

SERIOUS STRUGGLES

18) Chicago (23-22)- (W-SAS, OKC, NOH) Last: 20

19) Miami (24-23)- (W-DET; L-CLE, TOR, MIL) Last: 15

20) Milwaukee (20-25)- (W-PHI, MIA; L-DAL) Last: 21

21) LA Clippers (20-27)- (L-BOS, NJN, MIN, CLE) Last: 19

22) New York (18-29)- (W-MIN; L-TOR, WAS, MIN) Last: 22

TRULY TERRIBLE

23) Indiana (16-32)- (W-PHI; L-LAL, CLE, TOR) Last: 24

24) Philadelphia (16-31)- (W-NJN; L-IND, MIL, LAL) Last: 23

25) Sacramento (16-30)- (W-GSW; L-UTA, CHA) Last: 25

26) Detroit (15-31)- (L-MEM, MIA, ORL) Last: 26

27) Washington (16-30)- (W-NJN, NYK; L-LAL) Last: 28

28) Golden State (13-33)- (L-SAC, NOH, CHA, OKC) Last: 27

29) Minnesota (11-38)- (W-LAC, NYK; L-NYK, CLE) Last: 29

30) New Jersey (4-42)- (W-LAC; L-WAS, PHI) Last: 30