After the relative success of my NFL mock draft (alright, moderate to light success), I have decided to try my hand at an NBA mock draft as well. It's a great class this year and it reall all comes down to what a team needs. When all is said and done, it should be an exciting 2011 season with all the new additions. Here goes:
1. New Jersey Nets
John Wall, PG, Kentucky
The problem with holding this number 1 pick is that John Wall seems too good to pass up. Honestly, with Devin Harris already in the mix, Wall would provide a certain upgrade, but the Nets could really use some help from a strong forward. Unfortunately with Brooke Lopez coming off a career year, I can't see the Nets drafting the PF/C threat DeMarcus Cousins, who would be the only other player in the draft I would take ahead of Wall. They could go with Favors or Monroe, but I don't think they'll be impact players like Wall or Cousins. I like Turner a lot too, but again the Nets have a decent young defensive guard in Courtney Lee, who they acquired for Vince Carter last year. On top of it all, John Wall is just an exciting player to watch and he should be able to sell seats in New Jersey, which right now seems like a primary concern.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State
Turner seems like the perfect fit for a struggling T-Wolves team. Paired up with the #6 draft pick of last year, Jonny Flynn, and Minnesota should have a great one-two punch in their backcourt. They also find themselves a new leader that the franchise hasn't seen the likes of since losing Garnett to Boston. Factor in the recent news that Ricky Rubio has decided to play another season in Spain, and Minnesota will have to find a replacement for Brewer in the number two position. Turner seems like a no-brainer, given his drive and ability to perform in the clutch, which he demonstrated by leading Ohio State to a Big 10 Championship.
3. Sacramento Kings
DeMarcus Cousins, PF/C, Kentucky
The Kings will probably be hoping for John Wall, as Udrih has panned out to be an average point guard at best, but they should get lucky with Cousins who I consider the most exciting player in the draft. A big guy like this doesn't come around very often, and he should provide an immediate impact for Sacramento if him and Evans can begin growing together. The Kings could use a little help at pretty much every position except shooting guard, so they may as well go for the most versatile player in the draft, this 6-11, 280 lb. post player with extreme agility.
4. Golden State Warriors
Derek Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
With a strong backcourt and questionable frontcourt, the Warriors have a lot of chances to snag a forward to build around. I can see them taking 1 of any 3 of the forwards available, although I do see them passing on Cousins in favor of a smaller guy since they have Tolliver, naturally a center, playing power forward for them. Maggette's status is questionable as well, which could lean Sacramento more towards a true small forward, namely Wesley Johnson or Al-Farouq, but if the Kings take Cousins and leave Favors, I think he will go in this slot. If Sacramento takes Favors however, look for Johnson to go #4.
5. Washington Wizards
Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
It'll be interesting to see what Washington will do next season with a number five pick and the return of their leading scorer; Grunfeld has confirmed that Arenas will be back with the Wizards next season. I think Washington will be hoping to land Cousins at this point, with gaping holes across the frontcourt, but I don't see them re-signing either Josh Howard or Mike Miller and Johnson will be a great addition up front. He averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in Syracuse last year and should be a quick but sizable guy that would provide some much needed athleticism to this decontructed, ailing Wizards team.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
Al Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest, SF
Elton Brand was a bust last year, and it seems like effects of his injury are definitely lingering, but when your starting small forward is Jason Kapono and a guy like Al-Farouq Aminu is available, he's hard to pass up even if Greg Monroe is still available. Young and Speights both had breakout seasons last year, giving the 76ers some promise up front, and the addition of a freakishly athletic small forward with shot blocking and rebounding ability will certainly strengthen Philadelphia's frontcourt. They're still going to need a true outside shooter with Iguodala's numbers dropping last season, but Kapono will provide excellent sixth man assistance when needed. This team needs some work and Aminu should be a good stepping stone.
7. Detroit Pistons
Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown
With Monroe the Pistons will pickup exactly what they need, someone underneath to compliment their terrific outside shooting. 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds for the Hoyas are numbers to pay attention to, but at 6-11, what really stands out are his 3.8 assists per game and tremendous passing ability. He's going to be able to cause problems underneath while still having the sense to dish the ball out to either Hamilton, Prince, or Stuckey if need be. Definitely a good fit for the Pistons.
8. LA Clippers
Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky
With Al Thornton gone, the LA Clippers will be attempting everything short of voodoo magic (at least one would hope they will refrain from going this far) to land Lebron James. Chances are though, is that they won't, and they'll be stuck looking for a small forward like Johnson or Aminu. Problem is, they'll both probably be gone by this point in the draft, and unless they are able to trade up, they'll have to find a power forward who will have the flexibility to play the three position if Griffin is finally healthy enough to join the team. Patterson fits the bill the best at 6-8 and somewhat undersized for a power forward. The question will be whether or not he will be able to make adjustments to his game and assume the role.
9. Utah Jazz
Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
Cole Aldrich may need a few years before he develops into the center he's capable of becoming, but the Jazz have time to spare. Grabbing this draft pick off the Knicks as part of a three way deal in 2004 that involved McDyess, Penny Hardaway, and Marbury among others, and the Jazz are now able to rebuild when they're still a contender. There is a possibility that they could cover their asses if Boozer decides to leave via free agency and draft one of the many talented power forwards available, but Aldrich I believe is one of those guys you want for down the road. He's a strong fundamentals guy that will be able to score points under the net and rebound who when paired with an explosive forward or guard could produce a well-structured team that can win championships. I think it's worth the time if you've got it.
10. Indiana Pacers
Donatas Motiejunas, C, Lithuania
The Pacers definitely need some help up front and Motiejunas is a big man who has Gasol or Nowitzki potential. I can't see Indiana passing on this guy for any of the North American centers available, especially if Aldrich is off the board. Nuff said about this one, I really don't think the Pacers will draft any other way unless Motiejunas is gone.
Part 2 coming soon.
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