Keefe's 2016 NBA Mock Draft

Before we get started, a quick breakdown of what you got here.  This is how I WOULD draft it if I were the GM for all 30 teams, not how I expect the draft to go.  Also I am not predicting any trades (which of course there will be), so the Celtics won't take 8 players... but if they did, here is who I would have them take...

Round 1

1. Philadelphia 76ers - Ben Simmons, F, LSU, Freshmen

Despite some issues (shooting, not making the tournament, trying to angle for LA) I still think Simmons is the best player in the draft and who Philly should take.  They have all kinds of problems and need to figure it out, or don't, doesn't really effect me.

2. Los Angeles Lakers - Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke, Freshmen

Just a string bean of a guy, but so was/is Kevin Durant.  That is obviously an unfair comparison, one he will have to deal with.  He may not even stay in LA long, as LeBron will sign with the Lakers and then he will trade Ingram for Carmelo.

3. Boston Celtics - Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma, Senior

People act like he came out of no where this year.  Not true.  He was Big 12 Player of the Year as a Junior, he improved every year he was at Oklahoma.  Best shooter in the draft, sign me up.

4. Phoenix Suns - Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky, Freshmen

I also love this guy.  The "Blue Arrow" and if the Celtics draft him, well, he'd just be the "Green Arrow" almost makes too much sense.  Not a super-athlete but his shooting ability should make him an NBA starter in short order.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia, International

6. New Orleans Pelicans - Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington, Freshmen

Unreal athlete whose stock is flying up draft boards.  I'd be worried about his poor rebounding (and Tyrus Thomas comparison) but his potential is too high to pass up at #6.

7. Denver Nuggets - Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State, Freshmen

I love shooters.  There aren't many in this draft.  After Hield and Murray there might not be another one that even goes in the lottery.  If I'm the Nuggets (and I am in this scenario remember) I'd pair up Emmanuel Mudiay with the next best shooter IMO, Malik Beasley.  (Maybe trade down for him, but I'm not here to orchestrate deals.)

8. Sacramento Kings - Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, Junior

I'm not even sure he's as good as Marcus Smart, but that may not be a horrible thing as I am very pro-Marcus Smart.  I'd be concerned about his injuries and his jump shot, will probably struggle to score in the NBA but can make play for his teammates and defend.

9. Toronto Raptors - Timothe Luwawu, SG, France, International

This is based more off of need for Toronto than me being a huge fan of... who is it, Tim Luwawu?  I don't claim to be well versed in the international players outside or scouting reports and the occasional YouTube video, but Luwawu feels like the next best guard in the draft and the Raps may be saying goodbye to DeMar DeRozan.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah, Sophomore

Sneaky lot of big men in this draft and Poeltl is right at the top.  He was very productive last year at Utah (17 points 9 rebounds) and is more than just a plotting 7 footer as he gets up and down the floor.  And if you're curious it's "Ya-kob Per-del"  I know, confusing.

11. Orlando Magic - Skal Labissiere, PF, Kentucky, Freshmen

This guy was projected to be the #1 pick in some places before the college season started.  But then, sadly for Skal, the college season started.  He sucked.  Just an awful player.  However by the end of the season he started to show off some of what everyone had been talking about.  7 footer, who can run and shoot.  Still a project, but could be worth it.

12. Utah Jazz - Wade Baldwin, G, Vanderbilt, Sophomore

In a draft without a ton of great guards (or perhaps players), Baldwin could see himself go in the lottery.  More of a combo guard with crazy wingspan (6'11 while he's just 6'3).  He can defend and is a solid shooter (40% from 3).  14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists last season.

13. Phoenix Suns - Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette, Freshmen

I've read 3 player comparisons for Henry Ellenson: Kevin Love, Brian Scalabrine, Brian Cardinal (The Janitor).  Jesus Christ guys, we can only compare him to other white players?  Sad times.

14. Chicago Bulls - Dejounte Murray,  G, Washington, Freshmen

Murray is another great one-and-done athlete out of Washington, like Criss, who should be criticized for missing the tournament.  However he's an intriguing player who can play both guard spots, he'll need to add muscle but has the ability to create highlights.

15. Denver Nuggets - Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Gonzaga, Sophomore

Arvydas Sabonis' son!  It'd make me feel older if Arvydas wasn't already like 50 years old when he joined the Portland Trail Blazers.  Younger Sabonis was productive with the Zags last year (17.5 points, 11.8 rebounds.)

16. Boston Celtics - Diamond Stone, C, Maryland, Freshmen

I like Diamond Stone and I'm not sure why.  Probably the name.  He's in the Kendrick Perkins role but if you are looking for a big body to take up space, score a few buckets and maybe be an enforcer I think Diamond is the guy.

17. Memphis Grizzlies - Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor, Senior

Won't be a flashy pick but Prince is a guy who could step in and defend the scoring wings around the league.  Feels like a 0 time All-Star but 11 year career type of player.

18. Detroit Pistons - Isaiah Whitehead, G, Seton Hall, Sophomore

Most have him going in the 2nd round so this is one of my big leaps (along with Beasley) in this 1st round.  Whitehead went to the famed Abraham Lincoln High School (Marbury, Telfair, Stephenson) where he was a McDonald's All-American before going to Seton Hall.  He improved significantly from his freshmen year to his sophomore year and helped the Pirates win the Big East.  He's tough, can score, defend, I'd take him in the 1st round.

19. Denver Nuggets - Jaylen Brown, SF, California, Freshmen

On the flip side of Whitehead, here's Jaylen Brown.  Everyone thinks he's a Top 5 pick, only problem is, he sucks.  To be fair, the only games I saw Brown play start to finish were in the Pac-12 Tournament and NCAA Tournament, where HE WAS HORRIBLE.  He put up 14.6 points per game, while shooting under 30% from 3 and 65% from the FT line.  Not a fan.  Has BUST written all over him.  But I've been wrong before, so I'll take him here at 19.

20. Indiana Pacers - Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame, Junior

Little guy had a nice season for the Irish (16 points, 5 assists).  Not a great shooter but won't kill you like some others (JAYLEN BROWN).  Could be a solid back up PG in the league.

21. Atlanta Hawks - Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia, International

Good ole Ivica Zubac.

22. Charlotte Hornets - Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State, Freshmen

One of these potential picks you have to make.  Probably more D-League than NBA next year but in the 20s may be worth a shot.

23. Boston Celtics - Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State, Senior

I usually don't like drafting college seniors in the first round, but in this scenario I have the Celtics taking the 2 best college players/ seniors from last year.  C's don't have a lot behind Jae Crowder right now and I think Valentine could bring some of that toughness and physicality to the position.  He can defend 2's and 3's and is ready to help out next year.  I didn't love him during the season but have started to talk myself into him.

24. Philadelphia 76ers - Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey, International

Read a comparison to Gordon Hayward.  That's kinda a interracial comparison, right?  Least they did't say Hedo Turkoglu

25. Los Angeles Clippers - Gary Payton II, PG, Oregon State, Senior

He's obviously no where near the player his father was, but GPII filled up the box score as a Beaver and I think will be a useful piece at the next level.  Most mocks have him in the 2nd round but I'd take a chance last 1st, especially for a team that is currently good, like the Clippers.

26. Philadelphia 76ers - Thon Maker, C, Australia, International

Raw.  Maker is 7'1 and 215 pounds.  I'm 5'11 and if I have a big breakfast, 215 pounds.  That can't be good.  For either of us.

27. Toronto Raptors - Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse, Canada

Richardson can shoot it a bit, even though his overall numbers weren't great.  So let's call him streaky.  But at 6'6 with a 7 foot wing span he makes for an interesting prospect.  Throw in the likely departure of DeRozan and it'd make since for Toronto to look at this spot.  (Had them taking Luwawu at 9.)

28. Phoenix Suns - Caris LeVert, G, Michigan, Senior

Big guard who can guards PG, SG, and SF.  Another skinny guy, lots of them in the draft, needs to mix in a protein bar and arm/chest day.

29. San Antonio Spurs - Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina, Senior

I haven't like a North Carolina player out of the draft since maybe Vince Carter or maybe Rashad McCants (yikes!), but Brice Johnson was so productive (17-10) plus he feels like such a Spurs pick.

30. Golden State Warriors - Ben Bentil, F, Providence, Sophomore

Not a lot of love for Ben Bentil in the 1st round and I'm not sure why.  One of the knocks on him is that he's an undersized PF at 6'8.  But if you look around the league, that's what a PF is now.  All teams play small, and what a fit he would be with Golden State.  He's already an established offensive player, he put up 21 points per game last year, 33% from 3, 78% at the line, can rebound a bit, and his wingspan gives him a chance to defend bigger dudes.


Round 2
31. Celtics - Cat Barber, PG, North Carolina State, Junior
32. Lakers - Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt, Junior
33. Clippers - Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky, Sophomore
34. Suns - Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas, Freshmen
35. Celtics - Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain, International
36. Bucks - Malcolm Brogdon, SG, Virginia, Senior
37. Rockets - Paul Zipser, SF, Germany, International
38. Bucks - Kay Felder, PG, Oakland, Junior
39. Pelicans - Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV, Freshmen
40. Pelicans - Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV, Sophomore
41. Magic - A.J. Hammons, C, Purdue, Senior
43. Jazz - Guerschon Yabusele, PF, France, International
43. Rockets - Daniel Hamilton, SF, UConn, Sophomore
44. Hawks - Ante Zizic, C, Croatia, International
45. Celtics - Wayne Seldon, SG, Kansas, Junior
46. Mavericks - Georgios Papagiannis, C, Greece, International
47. Magic - Joel Bolomboy, PF, Weber State, Senior
48. Bulls - Robert Carter, PF, Maryland, Junior
49. Pistons - Zhou Qi, C, China, International
50. Pacers - DeAndre Bembry, SF, St. Joseph's, Junior
51. Celtics - Alex Poythress, F, Kentucky, Senior
52. Jazz - Jarrod Uthoff, F, Iowa, Senior
53. Nuggets - Isaiah Cousins, G, Oklahoma, Senior
54. Hawks - Sheldon McClellan, SG, Miami, Senior
55. Nets - Michael Gbinije, SG, Syracuse, Senior
56. Nuggets - Zach Auguste, PF, Notre Dame, Senior
57. Grizzlies - Fred VanVleet, PG, Wichita State, Senior
58. Celtics - Georges Niang, F, Iowa State, Senior
59. Kings - Perry Ellis, PF, Kansas, Senior
60. Jazz - Kyle Wiltjer, F, Gonzaga, Senior

2015 NBA Mock Draft

Once again, this is how I would draft 1-60.  Not predicting trades. (But I'd expect a ton of them.)

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, C, Freshman

Don't let the low numbers at Kentucky fool you, Towns is the best overall big man in the draft.  Even though the NBA is going smaller and smaller an elite big like this would be dumb to pass on.

2. Los Angeles Lakers - Jahlil Okafor, Duke, C, Freshman

One of the worst defensive bigs in the history of college, least that's what it sounds like now.  Skilled offensively was the top rated guy just about all year until everyone realized Towns was better.

3. Philadelphia 76ers - D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, PG, Freshman

Can do it all.  (Hopefully a lot better than Evan Turner, who put up similar numbers at OSU).  Perhaps the most NBA ready guard in the Draft, could see LA grabbing him at #2.

4. New York Knicks - Justise Winslow, Duke, SG, Freshman

This is my favorite player in the Draft.  I wouldn't take him over those other guys, but Winslow could be a perennial All-Star.  D is there right now, O not far behind.

5. Orlando Magic - Trey Lyles, Kentucky, F, Freshman

I honestly don't know what to expect out of Lyles at the next level.  Maybe the most intriguing prospect in the Draft.  #5?  Seems high.

6. Sacramento Kings - Emmanuel Mudiay, China, PG, International

Wish he played at SMU.  I'd have a much better idea of what kind of player he is.  Year in China playing Yi Jianlain had to help.  Right?

7. Denver Nuggets - Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia, PF, International

Love the comparisons for Porzingis.  Basically every Euro player drafted in the lottery in the last decade.  Never seen him play.  Probably risky to take at #7.

8. Detroit Pistons - Bobby Portis, Arkansas, PF, Sophomore

SEC Player of the Year.  Love Portis.  Not an above the rim type guy but I could see him being a double-double player.

9. Charlotte Hornets - Devin Booker, Kentucky, SG, Freshman

Best shooter in the Draft?  Yes.  Best shooter in the Draft.

10. Miami Heat - Stanley Johnson, Arizona, SF, Freshman

Expected a lot more out of him last year at Arizona, but like Lyles, so much potential.

11. Indiana Pacers - Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, C, Junior

All D no O.  But is he good enough at that end to be worth it?  Ben Wallace was.

12. Utah Jazz - Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, SF, Junior

I like him more than his teammate Frank the Tank.  Dekker can do a lot, sneaky athletic (something you say when it's a white guy).

13. Phoenix Suns - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, SF, Sophomore

I'm a fan of Hollis-Jefferson and his ability to guard perimeter players.  He's not going to score a lot, but could fit a nice role for a team.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder - Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, PF, Junior

Lottery might be high for Harrell, but this isn't the greatest draft in the world.  Tough guy who can bang and shoot it a bit.

15. Atlanta Hawks - Kelly Oubre, Kansas, SF, Freshman

Expected more from Oubre this year as well.  Is he James Young?  Is that good?  I don't know.  I'd lean, yes...?

16. Boston Celtics - Myles Turner, Texas, C, Freshman

Does NOT move very well, but he's a mountain of a man.  Clogs up the paint and has an offensive game to boot.

17. Milwaukee Bucks - Cameron Payne, Murray State, PG, Sophomore

How do you not like these small school PGs?  Curry (Davidson), Lillard (Weber St.), Payton (La-Lafayette),

18. Houston Rockets - Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, PF, Senior

I just don't see him being great in the NBA.  Although watching the NCAA Tournament he can shoot so that won't hurt.

19. Washington Wizards - Jordan Mickey, LSU, PF, Sophomore

Kinda wish he stayed at LSU to play with Ben Simmons.  Although that would not be a Top 3 wish of mine overall.

20. Toronto Raptors - RJ Hunter, Georgia State, SG, Junior

Did not shoot it very well last year (<30% from 3), but this will have to become his calling card to be a worth while NBA player.

21. Dallas Mavericks - Delon Wright, Utah, G, Senior

Poor man's D'Angelo Russell.  He is also the brother of Dorell Wright.

22. Chicago Bulls - Jospeh Young, Oregon, G, Senior

Perhaps the best scorer in the Draft.  He returned for his senior year and was the PAC-12 Player of the Year.  Fun to watch, little Allen Iverson-ish.

23. Portland Trail Blazers - Robert Upshaw, Washington, C, Sophomore

Guy has reach for days.  He can block shots, not sure what else.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Rashad Vaughn, UNLV, SG, Freshman

Solid shooter.  Come to think of it, "Shooter" with Mark Walhberg was a solid film.

25. Memphis Grizzlies - Tyus Jones, Duke, PG, Freshman

Nice little point guard.  Emphasis on the "little."

26. San Antonio Spurs - Mario Hezonja, Croatia, G/F, International

Everyone has him going in the lottery.  I get scared off easy.  For every Dirk & Gasol there's a ton of Jan Vesley's, Tskitishvili's, Yi's, etc.   

27. Los Angeles Lakers - Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, PG, Senior

Harvey Grant's son, Horace's nephew.  Solid player for the Irish.

28. Boston Celtics - Aaron Harrison, Kentucky, SG, Sophomore

Harrison (both really) were so overrated to the point where I now think they are a bit underrated.  Maybe they won't go in Round 1, but I'll take

29. Brooklyn Nets - Dakari Johnson, Kentucky, C, Sophomore

Clearly I like the Kentucky guys more than anyone else.  I saw them play more than anyone else.  I think Johnson could be a decent rotational big.

30. Golden State Warriors - Kevon Looney, UCLA, PF, Freshman

NBA body who can rebound.  I wonder if he will ever be able to score consistently.

2nd Round:

31. Timberwolves - Justin Anderson, Virginia, SF, Junior
32. Rockets - Andrew Harrison, Kentucky, PG, Sophomore
33. Celtics - Larry Nance Jr., Wyoming,
34. Lakers - Christian Wood, UNLV, PF, Sophomore
35. 76ers - Cliff Alexander, Kansas, PF, Freshman
36. Timberwolves - Michael Frazier, Florida, SG, Sophomore
37. 76ers - Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse, PF, Senior
38. Pistons - Terry Rozier, Louisville, PG, Sophomore
39. Hornets - Jonathan Holmes, Texas, F, Senior
40. Heat - Chris McCullough, Syracuse, PF, Freshman
41. Nets - J.P. Tokoto, North Carolina, SG, Junior
42. Jazz - Pat Connaughton, Notre Dame, SG, Senior
43. Pacers - Vince Hunter, UTEP, PF, Sophomore
44. Suns - Anthony Brown, Stanford, SF, Senior
45. Celtics - Josh Richardson, Tennessee, SG, Senior
46. Bucks - Dez Wells, Maryland, SG, Senior
47. 76ers - Michael Qualls, Arkansas, SG, Junior
48. Thunder - D.J. Newbill, Penn State, SG, Senior
49. Wizards - Terran Petteway, Nebraska, SG, Junior
50. Hawks - Branden Dawson, Michigan State, PF, Senior
51. Magic - Marcus Thornton, William & Mary, G, Senior
52. Mavericks - Olivier Hanlan, Boston College, G, Junior
53. Cavaliers - Norman Powell, UCLA, SG, Senior
54. Jazz - Richaun Holmes, Bowling Green, PF, Senior
55. Spurs - Ryan Boatright, UConn, PG, Senior
56. Pelicans - Brandon Ashley, Arizona, PF, Junior
57. Nuggets - Cady Lalanne, UMass, PF, Senior
58. 76ers - Chris Walker, Florida, PF, Sophomore
59. Hawks - Quinn Cook, Duke, PG, Senior
60. 76ers - T.J. McConnell, Arizona, PG, Senior

The Rich Keefe Project's 2013 NBA Mock Draft

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas

The Cavs may not keep this pick, but even if they do McLemore should be it.  He's more of a sure thing than Nerlens Noel, Alex Len, or Anthony Bennett.  I know they drafted Dion Waiters 4th last year, but if McLemore is the best player (I think he is) he should be the pick.  For player comp think: Eric Gordon, Bradley Beal, Ray Allen.

2. Orlando Magic - Anthony Bennett, F, UNLV

A shoulder injury kept him out of the Draft Combine and workouts.  Bennett may be the best athlete in the draft.  He averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds at UNLV last season, his game may be better suited for the NBA.  Heard the report that he weighs 261 now, I'm not too concerned, just keep him away from Glen Davis.

3. Washington Wizards - Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown

A lot of people believe the Georgetown forward will stay in DC.  The Wiz have Wall and Beal in their backcourt and would benefit from a play maker like Porter.  He dramatically improved his deep shooting from his freshmen year (22% from 3) to his sophomore year (42%).  Smart player and a good passer, I don't think he has the highest ceiling but his floor is higher than most in the draft.

4. Charlotte Bobcats - Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky

I'm rooting for Noel.  He's from Everett, MA and played prep school ball up in Tilton, NH.  But at 6'11 and a cheeseburger over 200 pounds, I really question his ability to stack up with NBA big men.  He may still be the first overall pick, but I wouldn't do it.  I'm not worried about his agents, more how he will compete down low.  Not to mention he's coming off an ACL tear and his offensive game is sub par.

5. Phoenix Suns - Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

A very solid player who is getting more attention because of the weak class.  He can play defense, which at the very least should make him a viable NBA player for 10 years (barring injury).  He can also shoot 3's. (Bruce Bowen and Shane Battier made a nice living doing just that, although he is shorter than those guys.)  I like Oladipo and expect him to be one of the better rookies next year.

6. New Orleans Pelicans - Alex Len, C, Mayland

Some buzz out there that Len could go as high as #1.  He outplayed Noel in Maryland's game vs. Kentucky this year.  I saw the Terps play a few times this season, and like a lot of talented freshmen, he'd dominate one minute and then disappear for long stretches.  Also there are an awful lot of white centers in this draft, what percentage of them will actually be any good?

7. Sacramento Kings - Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA

I want to like Muhammad.  Fits all my criteria, highly touted High School Player, scorer, and someone you knew was going to be 1 and done before he evened picked his school.  But then after an up and down season at UCLA (suspended early in the season, shot poor %, although he did average 18 a game), and we find out he's older than we previously thought.  How this happened I have no clue.  Hey Shabazz, you're not a Dominican baseball player.  Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, how do we not have a birth certificate?  College freshmen lie all the time, but they want to be OLDER to buy booze and get into bars.  Weak class should keep him in the Top 10.

8. Detroit Pistons - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia

One of the best players in the SEC on one of the worst teams in the conference, Caldwell-Pope was asked to do everything, and he did.  Arguably the best scorer from the 2-guard spot in the draft, he can rebound, and shot free throws.  He will need to work on his 3 point shot.  One of my favorite players in the draft, along with this next guy.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves - C.J. McCollum, G, Lehigh

The closest thing to Stephen Curry in the draft.  I don't typically like seniors, but when they come from small schools (Damian Lillard) it can work.  McCollum, a combo guard who can SCORE.  19.1, 21.8, 21.9, 23.9.  Those were his scoring averages by year at Lehigh.  He led his 15 seed Mountain Hawks past Austin Rivers and Duke two years ago in the NCAA tournament.  (McCollum will undoubtedly be a better pro than Austin Rivers too for what it's worth.)

10. Portland Trail Blazers - Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

Might be a bit high for Dieng here.  The Blazers had the worst depth in the league last year.  Lillard and Aldridge is a great 1-2 punch and will provide most of the scoring along with Wes Mathews.  Dieng, has no offensive game, but is the best defensive center in the class.  Put him alongside Aldridge and he could be effective for Portland.  They also drafted Meyers Leonard in the lottery last year and should develop. Or we could see a trade, the Blazers wheel and deal with the best of them on draft night.

11. Philadelphia 76ers - Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

I hear a lot of great things about Adams, and I don't get it.  The New Zealander played one year at Pittsburgh (7 points, 6 rebounds).  He'll spend the whole year in the D-League, so good luck with that.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Raptors) - Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse

The Thunder went to hell when Russell Westbrook went down this past post season.  The James Harden deal wasn't good, there is no way around that.  Carter-Williams can serve as a backup point, but can also play alongside Westbrook with both being interchangeable.

13. Dallas Mavericks - Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

Most expect the great Wolverine point guard to go in the Top 10, not me.  He was awesome in college, leading his team to the Title Game.  Burke is barely 6 foot tall, I'd bet on him being a career backup and not a starter.  But I'm sure he's heard that before.

14. Utah Jazz - Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany

The Rajon Rondo clone, Dennis Schroeder of Germany.  With Dario Saric of Croatia pulling out of the draft, he should be the first international player off the board.  There is a rumor that a team made him a promise all the way back at the combine.  I say the Jazz take Schroeder, but I can't promise you.  Zing.

15. Milwaukee Bucks - Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State

Bucks may lose Monta Ellis (unrestricted) and or Brandon Jennings (restricted) to free agency, also known as ALL of their scoring.  Mid-season acquisition J.J. Redick could be gone too, so the Bucks will need a shooting guard.  Franklin can score, but he can also do a bit of everything.  He's 6-5 and led the Aztecs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals last year.  Not a 3-point shooter though... at all.

16. Boston Celtics - Cody Zeller, PF, Indiana

Zeller is one of 10 players to be invited to the Green Room, so it looks like the NBA certainly believes he will go higher than 16 to the Celtics.  The C's are in the rebuild now, and if they stay at 16 (it has been reported that Danny Ainge does not like this draft, most don't) they should just take the best player available.  If the first 15 picks go the way I mapped out (spoiler: they won't) then the C's should take Zeller, an extremely athletic 7 footer who can run the floor.  (I also like Tony Mitchell and Tim Hardaway Jr., I'll have more on potential Celtics picks later in the week.)

17. Atlanta Hawks - Giannis Adetokunbo, SF, Greece

The absolute best time to draft foreign players is in the 2nd round.  But with a guy like Adetokunbo, teams won't have that luxury.   I also like grabbing an international guy if you have multiple picks in the 1st round, like the Hawks.  Adetokunbo is 18 years old, a 6'9 small forward, and some compare him to Nic Batum.  Worth a gamble in a draft like this.

18. Atlanta Hawks - Tony Mitchell, F, North Texas

Mitchell is one of my favorite players in the draft, and arguably the best athlete.  He committed to Missouri out of high school but academic issues from transferring high schools prevented him from being a Tiger and he ended up at North Texas, where he averaged a double-double (15-10) as a freshmen.  His numbers were not as good as a sophomore and he even admitted to not playing hard every game.  (Yikes.)  But I like the honesty, and North Texas had a new coaching staff which clearly didn't work out (they were 12-20).  I'd give Mitchell a chance though.  He should go off the board anywhere from 15-25.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Lakers) - Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga

Many predict Olynyk to go higher in the draft, but he has T-Rex arms and benched 185 only 5 times.  (How is that possible?  You'd think his small wingspan would help him in a drill like the bench press.  That's an embarrassingly low number.  I bet all of you reading this could do 6 reps as the warm up at 185...) The Cavs could use a big man to play along with Tyler Zeller and Tristan Thompson, and if they pass on Noel or Len at #1, they may have Olynyk (who did put up 18-7 last year... points and rebounds not bench reps) waiting for them at #19.

20. Chicago Bulls - Allen Crabbe, SG, California

The Bulls seems to be looking for a shooting guard every year.  (Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, Marco Belinelli, Richard Hamilton...) And with Derrick Rose back (I assume), along with Deng, Boozer, Noah, Butler, and Teague, I bet they go shooting guard again.  Jamaal Franklin (who I had go #15) could be in the mix, along with Tim Hardaway Jr.

21. Utah Jazz (from Warriors) - Mason Plumlee, PF/C, Duke

Not sure what the Jazz have up their sleeves with free agents Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.  They do return Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, but big man depth can't hurt.  I have them getting their PG at #14 (Schroeder), I'd expect a PF/C here.

22. Brooklyn Nets - Shane Larkin, PG, Miami

The son of baseball hall of famer Barry Larkin, Shane tested off the charts at the combine.  He proved that he was an elite athlete but he's also under 6 feet.  I think he has a chance to make it in the league, likely as a backup.  And there are worse places to be than learning from and backing up Deron Williams in Brooklyn.

23. Indiana Pacers - Pierre Jackson, PG, Baylor

Another guy who is under 6 feet tall.  The term "pit bull" gets used a lot in describing Pierre Jackson.  I'm a fan of this guy.  Put up 20 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds last year at Baylor.  He competed at drills in the combines and at any pre-draft workout he could get his hands on, not afraid to go against anyone.  The Pacers have built a solid roster, back up point is one place for improvement.

24. New York Knicks - Glen Rice Jr., SG/SF, Georgia Tech/ D-League

My cousin went to the same high school as Glen Rice Jr. down outside of Atlanta.  He's older, but was at one of his high school games and told me about the non stop trash talk Rice would dish out in games.  He said that once on a break away (no one between him and the basket), he slowed down until the nearest defender was close enough so he could personally tell the guy off before he slammed it down.  He was dismissed from Tech after his junior year and played in the D-League last year (Rio Grande Valley) where he scored 14.5 ppg and grabbed 6.6 rpg.  Apparently he has matured, and I would take a chance on him.

25. Los Angeles Clippers - Tony Snell, SG/SF, New Mexico

Gifted athlete who can do a bit of everything, Snell played 3 years at New Mexico.  He is 6-7 with long arms and I think could be a great bench player on a good team.  Good looking jump shot and can defend on the ball.  I wonder if Doc Rivers will play him?

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Grizzlies) - Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia

The T-Wolves certainly aren't afraid of the international players, they had to fellow Russians on the team last year.  What do we know about Karasev?  He's 19, 6-7, lefty, can shoot from anywhere, but he's not exactly built like Drago.  If he's still on the board at 26, don't expect the T-Wolves to let him pass by.

27. Denver Nuggets - Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF, Michigan

I've been a fan of Tim Hardaway Jr. and his pro prospects for a long time.  I think he could go even higher than this.  He is more NBA ready than a lot of prospects in the draft, and perhaps only contending teams would want to add him in the 1st round rather than shoot for the moon on potential (like some of the foreign players or Mitchell or Adams, etc.)  He's 6-6 (perfect 2-guard height), he's strong, can handle well enough.  Not saying he'll be an All-Star but a solid 10-12 year pro, and in this draft, that's something special.

28. San Antonio Spurs - Rudy Gobert, C, France

A lot of hype about this guy.  I watched him participate in the draft combine and I thought he was the most uncoordinated man run down a basketball court since I saw Gheorghe Muresan playing for the Bullets against the Celtics at the old Garden.  BUT.  He is 7-2 with the longest wingspan in the history of measuring wingspans.  (7-8.5)  If Shawn Bradley was the 2nd pick in the draft, Rudy Gobert will go in the 1st round.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Reggie Bullock, SF, North Carolina

Bullock didn't "wow" anyone at his career at UNC but he may end up being a better player than some of the recent Tar Heels to go pro.  He can shoot.  He's also 6-7 and can handle and rebound a little bit.  He won't hurt you and would be a nice addition to a good team off the bench.

30. Phoenix Suns (from Heat) - Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil

I wouldn't take Lucas Nogueira.  He is a legit 7 footer, despite weighing only 220 pounds.  He's not NBA ready.  He'd be an ideal 2nd round pick, but a team like the Suns, picking in this spot could grab him and wait it out.  This is all on potential.  Watch some of his "highlights."  I'd pass.


2ND ROUND

31. Cavaliers (from Magic) - C.J. Leslie, F, N.C. State

32. Thunder (from Bobcats) - Erick Green, G, Virginia Tech

33. Cavaliers - Isaiah Canaan, PG, Murray State

34. Rockets (from Suns) - Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

35. 76ers (from Hornets) - Ricky Ledo, SG, Providence

36. Kings - Mike Muscala, PF, Bucknell

37. Pistons - Deshaun Thomas, SF, Ohio State 

38. Wizards - Jackie Carmichael, PF, Illinois State

39. Trail Blazers (from T-Wolves) - Ray McCallum, PG, Detroit

40. Trail Blazers - Livio Jean-Charles, PF, France

41. Grizzlies (from Raptors) - Alex Abrines, SG, Spain

42. 76ers - Richard Howell, PF, N.C. State

43. Bucks - Nate Wolters, PG, South Dakota State

44. Mavericks - Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky

45. Trail Blazers (from Celtics) - James Southerland, F, Syracuse

46. Jazz - Colton Iverson, C, Colorado State

47. Hawks - Robert Covington, F, Tennessee State

48. Lakers - Phil Pressey, PG Missouri

49. Bulls - Lorenzo Brown, PG, N.C. State

50. Hawks (from Rockets) - Carrick Felix, SF, Arizona State

51. Magic (from Warriors) - Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas

52. Timberwolves (from Nets) - Trevor Mbakwe, PF Minnesota

53. Pacers - Ryan Kelly, PF, Duke

54. Wizards (from Knicks) - Kenny Kadji, C, Miami

55. Grizzlies - Peyton Siva, PG, Louisville

56. Pistons (from Clippers) - Erik Murphy, PF, Florida

57. Suns (from Nuggets) - Grant Jerrett, PF, Arizona

58. Spurs - James Ennis, SF, Long Beach State

59. Timberwolves (from Thunder) - Rodney Williams, SF, Minnesota

60. Grizzlies (from Heat) - Brandon Paul, SG, Illinois