This mock draft is not what I think each team will do because I don't have the insider information and I'm not just going to copy and paste other websites into my blog. This mock draft is what yours truly, Bryan Ferrer would do if he was the general manager of each NBA team.
1) Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel. Center. Kentucky.
As much as I would like to see the Cavaliers add scoring and athleticism, Noel seems so mature and humble for his age. With all the negative conversation about not returning from ACL surgery until December-January, the Cavs can afford to ease him into action as they have drafted Tyler Zeller and Tristan Thompson to go along with double-double machine Anderson Varejeo. As much as I would entertain the idea of drafting Kansas guard Ben McLemore and moving him to the small forward, the chance to draft your starting point guard and center number one overall within a three year span sets up a bright future.
As much as I would like to see the Cavaliers add scoring and athleticism, Noel seems so mature and humble for his age. With all the negative conversation about not returning from ACL surgery until December-January, the Cavs can afford to ease him into action as they have drafted Tyler Zeller and Tristan Thompson to go along with double-double machine Anderson Varejeo. As much as I would entertain the idea of drafting Kansas guard Ben McLemore and moving him to the small forward, the chance to draft your starting point guard and center number one overall within a three year span sets up a bright future.
2) Orlando Magic: Anthony Bennet. Power Forward. UNLV.
There is a lot of talk about the Orlando Magic drafting a point guard, but I see other immediate holes that need to be a bigger priority. The Magic got a lot out of Ryan Anderson when he was in Orlando and now with the opportunity to draft a player with more athleticism, strength and rebounding ability pairing him up in the front court next to Nikola Vucevic is a nightmare for opposing teams. Bennet has the chance to be the best player in this draft class, scary potential.
3) Washington Wizards: Otto Porter. Small Forward. Georgetown.
The Washington Wizards would love if Noel or Bennet fell to them at three, but this could turn out to be the best case scenario for Washington. With John Wall and Bradley Beal as their back court they are the only team in the top 8 picks that would not surprise me to make the playoffs next year. This Wizards have utilized the draft very nicely in recent years, but I believe all that will be for nothing if they select Alex Len of Maryland.
4) Charlotte Bobcats: Victor Oladipo. Shooting Guard. Indiana.
The way we are accustomed to seeing Michael Jordan draft I would not be the least bit surprised if this was Len. What a horrible decision that would be as I believe Len is not even lottery worthy. McLemore intrigues me more than Oladipo, but I cannot ignore all the hype he is generating as the draft gets closer. I think this pick needs to be a shooting guard as long as either Oladipo or McLemore are on the board.
5) Phoenix Suns: Ben McLemore. Shooting Guard. Kansas.
Finally, a team from the Western Conference is on the clock. Phoenix has a ton of guys under contract, but I believe only two guaranteed starters: Goran Dragic and Martin Gortat. Micheal Beasley, Jared Dudley and Shannon Brown, Luis Scola and the Morris twins are solid players to have on the roster, but as the draft gets closer I am becoming more of a believer that Ben McLemore will be the best player in the draft. For the Suns to have the chance to select him at five this would be a dream scenario that I would not pass on.
6) New Orleans Pelicans: C.J. McCollum. Point Guard. Lehigh.
The Pelicans have a few nice pieces with Ryan Anderson and Anthony Davis down low and Greivis Vasquez playing at a Most Improved caliber player last season I believe it is time to throw in the towel on Austin Rivers. McCollum is a lethal scorer and has excellent handling skills. I prefer McCollum over Trey Burke and that is why he is my selection for the Pelicans.
7) Sacramento Kings: Alex Len. Center. Maryland.
Above, I know I said I would not draft Len in the lottery, but I have to be realistic. He is going to be taken in the top ten and possibly in the top five. However, if there is a "perfect" fit, it is in Sacramento. The Kings have been looking for a fresh start for quite some time and it's pretty clear DeMarcus Cousins is out. Drafting a big man in Len makes Cousins even more expendable. Maybe Kings fans can hope for a Vlade Divac comparison for Alex Len?
8) Detroit Pistons: Micheal Carter-Williams. Point Guard. Syracuse.
Will the pressure of selecting in state college star Trey Burke get to the Pistons? Then again, it wouldn't be that bad of a pick as Brandon Knight showed last year he is better playing off the ball and for goodness sake, Rodney Stuckey is not the answer. The Pistons have had incredible drafts in recent years and this could easily be their last lottery pick. I am selecting M-C-W as I believe he has more upside than Burke and will develop into a better point guard at the NBA level.
Will the pressure of selecting in state college star Trey Burke get to the Pistons? Then again, it wouldn't be that bad of a pick as Brandon Knight showed last year he is better playing off the ball and for goodness sake, Rodney Stuckey is not the answer. The Pistons have had incredible drafts in recent years and this could easily be their last lottery pick. I am selecting M-C-W as I believe he has more upside than Burke and will develop into a better point guard at the NBA level.
9) Minnesota Timberwolves: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Shooting Guard. Georgia.
This draft pick for Minnesota could be the missing piece that catapults them into the playoffs, the health of Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love also factor into that. Injuries are uncontrollable, but selecting the shooting guard out of Georgia makes the most sense with the ninth pick. Keep in mind, Nikola Pekovic is a restricted free agent and signing him/matching offer sheets is an absolute must.
This draft pick for Minnesota could be the missing piece that catapults them into the playoffs, the health of Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love also factor into that. Injuries are uncontrollable, but selecting the shooting guard out of Georgia makes the most sense with the ninth pick. Keep in mind, Nikola Pekovic is a restricted free agent and signing him/matching offer sheets is an absolute must.
10) Portland Trail Blazers: Steven Adams. Center. Pittsburgh.
The Blazers need to add depth and a big man. With the potential of losing J.J. Hickson to free agency it is crucial that they add size down low. There are some nice free agents they could entertain, but when three players on the roster (Batum, Lillard and Aldridge) were in the top ten in minutes played per game some depth has to be added. I'm not sold on Myers Leonard as a starting center in the NBA especially for a team like Portland who is very close to making the playoffs out West. I believe the Blazers lack a true "big man" center that will protect the paint and be a machine on the boards. For those reasons alone I am selecting Adams. Cody Zeller was my other consideration, but if I'm Portland I'd like to keep Aldridge at power forward.
11) Philadelphia 76ers: Shabazz Muhammad. Small Forward. UCLA.
The 76ers could select a big man here, but I am unsure as to whether or not they will try to resign Andrew Bynum. If the organization wants to go in a different direction this selection could be Zeller. Philadelphia needs to add some scoring and excuse me for continuously passing on foreign players I have not seen play.
12) Oklahoma City Thunder: Trey Burke. Point Guard. Michigan.
For some incredible reason if the draft happens to pan out this way I believe the OKC Thunder will have stuck gold. This seems to be the absolute best case scenario here as a stud a point guard fell out of the top 10. Perhaps it would be a good idea to let Kevin Martin walk and try and trade Kendrick Perkins, allowing OKC to make a push for Al Jefferson in free agency. Point guard might not be the biggest of needs as we witnessed Reggie Jackson replace Russell Westbrook in the Western Conference Playoffs. Burke can take over the point guard duties and Westbrook could be moved to the shooting guard position.
13) Dallas Mavericks: Lucas Nogueira. Center. Brazil.
The Mavericks ranked second to last in rebounding last season and although Dallas is still seeking a Robin for their Batman (Nowitzki) they need a center. With strong consideration in Zeller and Sergey Karasev from Russia, I lean more towards a prospect who can protect the rim like a Tyson Chandler back when they won a ring in 2011.
14) Utah Jazz: Dennis Schroeder. Point Guard. Germany.
With so many question marks regarding their highly touted big man free agents Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson it is possible that Utah does not resign either of them. The Jazz have drafted nicely in years past as they have two big men ready to enter the starting lineup with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. This team needs a point guard and Utah should be very happy to select Schroeder with this pick. His freakish wingspan of 6'-8" and excellent ball handling skills will make him a starter right away for the Jazz.
15) Milwaukee Bucks: Sergey Karasev. Russia. Shooting Guard.
The Bucks have a plethora of forwards so Zeller will continue to fall. With the likely hood of losing Brandon Jennings to free agency I expect them to resign Monta Ellis, or vise-versa. Milwaukee could resign J.J. Redick (who I am hoping for the right price comes to Cleveland), but Karasev is a guy who can play multiple positions and that is something the Bucks like.
16) Boston Celtics: Tyler Zeller. Power Forward. Indiana.
This always seems to happen for Boston, they sit back and the draft literally comes to them. What an absolute steal here as they get younger, athletic and tall. With tons of speculation about trading away Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnet, one this is certain and that is Boston needs to get younger. I absolutely like this pick if I'm Boston.
17) Atlanta Hawks: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Small Forward. Greece.
The Hawks are one team to watch this summer as they will be in the Chris Paul and Dwight Howard sweepstakes. They also have to resign Josh Smith. A lot of money is going to be spent this summer and nothing saves you more money than drafting a foreign player the team can keep overseas.
18) Atlanta Hawks: Rudy Gobert. Center. France.
I would be shocked if Atlanta keeps one or both of these draft picks. Read pick 17 for reasons as to the selection of Gobert here.
19) Cleveland Cavaliers: Allen Crabbe. Shooting Guard. California.
If the Cavaliers select Noel or any other big man earlier in the draft then I expect this pick to be a shooter. There are a few options Cleveland can take, Reggie Bullock of North Carolina is another shooting guard, Shane Larkin out of Miami Florida as a back up point guard to Kyrie Irving is an option or maybe a scrapper like Jamaal Franklin out of San Diego State? I have been on the Crabbe bandwagon all summer now and believe his range and potential is greater than the above names mentioned.
20) Chicago Bulls: Kelly Olynyk. Power Forward. Gonzaga.
If Chicago can trade Loul Deng, I am all for it as Jimmy Butler emerged as an up and coming do it all talent during the 2013 NBA Playoffs. The Bulls could go guard or big man here and with the trouble Chicago has scoring at times I like the idea of being able to bring in a big off the bench with a mid range game.
21) Utah Jazz: Shane Larkin. Point Guard. Miami Florida.
Here in the beginning of the 20's it needs to become best available and when the best player on the big board is a position of need this turn into an easy and quick selection. I understand that is two point guards for them in the first round, but after looking at their roster try and argue that this is a bad pick. Didn't think so.
22) Brooklyn Nets: Jamaal Franklin. Shooting Guard. San Diego State.
I understand Brooklyn is in a win-now mode and that they need defense, especially in the low post, but I like this pick. With the rumors of Brooklyn trading away MarShon Brooks they could use a guard/small forward who is scrappy, hustles and is athletic. The more this selection sinks in, the more I am liking it. Joe Johnson is not what he once was nor is Gerald Wallace.
23) Indiana Pacers: Reggie Bullock. Shooting Guard. North Carolina.
Every remembers the epic Eastern Conference Finals match with Indiana and Miami. One of the reasons they were unable to pull off the upset is the lack of bench scoring and shooters. Adding a three point specialist helps this Pacers team out in so many ways.
24) New York Knicks: Mason Plumlee. Center. Duke.
Since this is my mock draft, I believe the New York Knicks need to not only add some height, but a center. Tony Mitchell out of North Texas was a close second in terms of this selection, but any chance I am given to add a seven footer I am taking it.
25) L.A. Clippers: Mike Muscala. Center. Bucknell.
With the addition to Doc Rivers experts suggest that Chris Paul will now stay with the Clippers. One thing is for certain, the team cannot continue going forward with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan as their starting front court. There is not much offense there and even though I think it is too soon to right it off, I believe they will. Muscala adds a wide variety of offense for a big man and a team that needs a definite low post scoring option.
26) Minnesota Timberwolves: Gorgui Dieng. Center. Louisville.
After selecting a shooter earlier in the draft now is their chance to get a back up big man. A shot blocking presence off the bench should help get this team into the playoffs.
27) Denver Nuggets: Tim Hardaway Jr. Shooting Guard. Michigan.
Denver is a deep team with plenty of talent. The question will always be asked, can a team win a title without a superstar? I loved what the Nuggets have done personnel wise as they signed Bryan Shaw. There is no doubt in my mind he can coach and their drafts in recent years have been solid. If they keep this pick the Nuggets will be looking for a shooter.
28) San Antonio Spurs: Jeff Withey. Center. Kansas.
The Spurs were within 20 seconds of winning an NBA championship as I have never seen a tougher way to lose a title. A short memory is needed in sports and as San Antonio focuses on the draft I expect them to add some more leadership to their team. Withey would make for a nice back up big man for the Spurs who could turn into a starter if Tiago Splitter leaves.
29) Oklahoma City Thunder: C.J. Leslie. Small Forward. NC State.
I ponder the idea of selecting Glen Rice Jr with this pick, but if I am the general manager I would rather have Leslie. What a solid option off the bench or with teams play smaller line ups he could step in and play when Kevin Durant goes to the power forward position.
30) Phoenix Suns: DeShaun Thomas. Small Forward. Ohio State.
As mentioned above the Suns have a solid and loaded roster, I could see them trading this pick. I think Thomas is a good fit in Phoenix and should win the back up small forward position.
Notables in the SECOND ROUND:
If this is any indication as to how the first round would go I would like to see the Cleveland Cavaliers select Isaiah Canaan/Nate Wolters and Colton Iverson.
There are still a lot of solid point guards on the board whether it is Pierre Jackson, D.J. Cooper or Ray McCallum. Keep an eye on former Duke players Ryan Kelly and Seth Curry. Rodney Williams and Brandon Paul are two names out of the Big Ten Conference to keep an eye on. Solomon Hill out of Arizona could be a second round steal and maybe there will be two Mid American Conference players drafted, as Zeke Marshall will try to be the second. (Considering Cooper should be drafted.)
Thank you for reading, enjoy the drafts and as always expect plenty of trades!
The 76ers could select a big man here, but I am unsure as to whether or not they will try to resign Andrew Bynum. If the organization wants to go in a different direction this selection could be Zeller. Philadelphia needs to add some scoring and excuse me for continuously passing on foreign players I have not seen play.
12) Oklahoma City Thunder: Trey Burke. Point Guard. Michigan.
For some incredible reason if the draft happens to pan out this way I believe the OKC Thunder will have stuck gold. This seems to be the absolute best case scenario here as a stud a point guard fell out of the top 10. Perhaps it would be a good idea to let Kevin Martin walk and try and trade Kendrick Perkins, allowing OKC to make a push for Al Jefferson in free agency. Point guard might not be the biggest of needs as we witnessed Reggie Jackson replace Russell Westbrook in the Western Conference Playoffs. Burke can take over the point guard duties and Westbrook could be moved to the shooting guard position.
13) Dallas Mavericks: Lucas Nogueira. Center. Brazil.
The Mavericks ranked second to last in rebounding last season and although Dallas is still seeking a Robin for their Batman (Nowitzki) they need a center. With strong consideration in Zeller and Sergey Karasev from Russia, I lean more towards a prospect who can protect the rim like a Tyson Chandler back when they won a ring in 2011.
14) Utah Jazz: Dennis Schroeder. Point Guard. Germany.
With so many question marks regarding their highly touted big man free agents Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson it is possible that Utah does not resign either of them. The Jazz have drafted nicely in years past as they have two big men ready to enter the starting lineup with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. This team needs a point guard and Utah should be very happy to select Schroeder with this pick. His freakish wingspan of 6'-8" and excellent ball handling skills will make him a starter right away for the Jazz.
15) Milwaukee Bucks: Sergey Karasev. Russia. Shooting Guard.
The Bucks have a plethora of forwards so Zeller will continue to fall. With the likely hood of losing Brandon Jennings to free agency I expect them to resign Monta Ellis, or vise-versa. Milwaukee could resign J.J. Redick (who I am hoping for the right price comes to Cleveland), but Karasev is a guy who can play multiple positions and that is something the Bucks like.
16) Boston Celtics: Tyler Zeller. Power Forward. Indiana.
This always seems to happen for Boston, they sit back and the draft literally comes to them. What an absolute steal here as they get younger, athletic and tall. With tons of speculation about trading away Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnet, one this is certain and that is Boston needs to get younger. I absolutely like this pick if I'm Boston.
17) Atlanta Hawks: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Small Forward. Greece.
The Hawks are one team to watch this summer as they will be in the Chris Paul and Dwight Howard sweepstakes. They also have to resign Josh Smith. A lot of money is going to be spent this summer and nothing saves you more money than drafting a foreign player the team can keep overseas.
18) Atlanta Hawks: Rudy Gobert. Center. France.
I would be shocked if Atlanta keeps one or both of these draft picks. Read pick 17 for reasons as to the selection of Gobert here.
19) Cleveland Cavaliers: Allen Crabbe. Shooting Guard. California.
If the Cavaliers select Noel or any other big man earlier in the draft then I expect this pick to be a shooter. There are a few options Cleveland can take, Reggie Bullock of North Carolina is another shooting guard, Shane Larkin out of Miami Florida as a back up point guard to Kyrie Irving is an option or maybe a scrapper like Jamaal Franklin out of San Diego State? I have been on the Crabbe bandwagon all summer now and believe his range and potential is greater than the above names mentioned.
20) Chicago Bulls: Kelly Olynyk. Power Forward. Gonzaga.
If Chicago can trade Loul Deng, I am all for it as Jimmy Butler emerged as an up and coming do it all talent during the 2013 NBA Playoffs. The Bulls could go guard or big man here and with the trouble Chicago has scoring at times I like the idea of being able to bring in a big off the bench with a mid range game.
21) Utah Jazz: Shane Larkin. Point Guard. Miami Florida.
Here in the beginning of the 20's it needs to become best available and when the best player on the big board is a position of need this turn into an easy and quick selection. I understand that is two point guards for them in the first round, but after looking at their roster try and argue that this is a bad pick. Didn't think so.
22) Brooklyn Nets: Jamaal Franklin. Shooting Guard. San Diego State.
I understand Brooklyn is in a win-now mode and that they need defense, especially in the low post, but I like this pick. With the rumors of Brooklyn trading away MarShon Brooks they could use a guard/small forward who is scrappy, hustles and is athletic. The more this selection sinks in, the more I am liking it. Joe Johnson is not what he once was nor is Gerald Wallace.
23) Indiana Pacers: Reggie Bullock. Shooting Guard. North Carolina.
Every remembers the epic Eastern Conference Finals match with Indiana and Miami. One of the reasons they were unable to pull off the upset is the lack of bench scoring and shooters. Adding a three point specialist helps this Pacers team out in so many ways.
24) New York Knicks: Mason Plumlee. Center. Duke.
Since this is my mock draft, I believe the New York Knicks need to not only add some height, but a center. Tony Mitchell out of North Texas was a close second in terms of this selection, but any chance I am given to add a seven footer I am taking it.
25) L.A. Clippers: Mike Muscala. Center. Bucknell.
With the addition to Doc Rivers experts suggest that Chris Paul will now stay with the Clippers. One thing is for certain, the team cannot continue going forward with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan as their starting front court. There is not much offense there and even though I think it is too soon to right it off, I believe they will. Muscala adds a wide variety of offense for a big man and a team that needs a definite low post scoring option.
26) Minnesota Timberwolves: Gorgui Dieng. Center. Louisville.
After selecting a shooter earlier in the draft now is their chance to get a back up big man. A shot blocking presence off the bench should help get this team into the playoffs.
27) Denver Nuggets: Tim Hardaway Jr. Shooting Guard. Michigan.
Denver is a deep team with plenty of talent. The question will always be asked, can a team win a title without a superstar? I loved what the Nuggets have done personnel wise as they signed Bryan Shaw. There is no doubt in my mind he can coach and their drafts in recent years have been solid. If they keep this pick the Nuggets will be looking for a shooter.
28) San Antonio Spurs: Jeff Withey. Center. Kansas.
The Spurs were within 20 seconds of winning an NBA championship as I have never seen a tougher way to lose a title. A short memory is needed in sports and as San Antonio focuses on the draft I expect them to add some more leadership to their team. Withey would make for a nice back up big man for the Spurs who could turn into a starter if Tiago Splitter leaves.
29) Oklahoma City Thunder: C.J. Leslie. Small Forward. NC State.
I ponder the idea of selecting Glen Rice Jr with this pick, but if I am the general manager I would rather have Leslie. What a solid option off the bench or with teams play smaller line ups he could step in and play when Kevin Durant goes to the power forward position.
30) Phoenix Suns: DeShaun Thomas. Small Forward. Ohio State.
As mentioned above the Suns have a solid and loaded roster, I could see them trading this pick. I think Thomas is a good fit in Phoenix and should win the back up small forward position.
Notables in the SECOND ROUND:
If this is any indication as to how the first round would go I would like to see the Cleveland Cavaliers select Isaiah Canaan/Nate Wolters and Colton Iverson.
There are still a lot of solid point guards on the board whether it is Pierre Jackson, D.J. Cooper or Ray McCallum. Keep an eye on former Duke players Ryan Kelly and Seth Curry. Rodney Williams and Brandon Paul are two names out of the Big Ten Conference to keep an eye on. Solomon Hill out of Arizona could be a second round steal and maybe there will be two Mid American Conference players drafted, as Zeke Marshall will try to be the second. (Considering Cooper should be drafted.)
Thank you for reading, enjoy the drafts and as always expect plenty of trades!
