Way Too Early NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0

As the NBA season heads into April, most NBA talking heads start to yap incessantly about playoff seedings and who will win what division and what first round matchup looks best on paper and who will win the MVP and who will be the dark horse, etc. For me, most of this stuff isn't that interesting. I don't care who wins the divisions and makes the playoffs- just get me there. There will be great matchups regardless of whoever gets seeded where. Yeah, we'd all love to see Knicks-Bulls after last weekend's MeloDrama. I'm sure more than a few want to see Boston against Miami or Chicago. And I'm sure lots of people want to see if Memphis can replicate last year's run. They're also curious about the always-entertaining LeBron v. Durant MVP discussion. Yes, even Skip Bayless, despite his constant "LeBron is disqualified because he plays with Dwyane Wade" fallacious argument. I guess my main point is that there's a ton to talk about in the NBA right now, which of course means some stuff will get pushed to the back burner. That's only natural. But for some folks, the season is now basically over or has been since January. This, coupled with the new rule requiring collegiate players to decide on their NBA futures by the end of April, in turn leads some fans to look ahead. For them, this means mocking the NBA draft incessantly. Without further ado, let's give the people what they want, Jalen Rose style.

For the record, I am using the current records of all teams (as of April 13, when this post was first written) and assuming that the Finals and lottery will fall according to the current standings. In a nutshell, the lottery will be ordered as it would be according the the current probabilities and we're assuming the teams with the best records each win their conferences and meet in the Finals. (Currently Oklahoma City versus Chicago) The list of players I am using can be found here.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, C, Kentucky

This pick, like usual, is a complete slam dunk. Anyone who picks here is going to draft Davis, even if they don't have a need for him. A Bismack Biyombo-Anthony Davis frontcourt looks very interesting on paper. I'm particularly interested in what career path Davis' will take. Will he develop into a Tim Duncan-type player with a mid-range game to go with an inside game, plus his rebounding and shot-blocking, or will he be another Marcus Camby who rebounds, blocks shots, and hits the occasional 18-footer? 

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

On a team chock full of knuckleheads like John Wall, Andre Blatche, and Jordan Crawford, getting an all-basketball, no-nonsense grinder like Kidd-Gilchrist makes a ton of sense for the Wizards. Adding Nene was a good start towards getting the Wizards back on track to returning to contention, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Luckily for Washington, that's MKG's calling card. He might not turn into Dwyane Wade, but having a top pick who busts his tail and sets an example for the boneheads on your team to follow is something every team loves having. 

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Considering that New Orleans is currently giving minutes at the 4 to Gustavo Ayon, Lance Thomas, Carl Landry, and Jason Smith, this pick is a total no-brainer. 

4. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C, UConn

With DeMarcus Cousins developing, the perimeter stuffed with wings and a lack of top-shelf point guards available in this draft, going best player available is the best route the Kings can take. Drummond is a high-ceiling big with uncommon athleticism, a high basketball IQ and the requisite size to bang away with the centers in the NBA. He'll need time to develop like most young big men.

5. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SG, UNC

Though he played small forward in Chapel Hill, Barnes is a near-lock to play shooting guard in the NBA. Possessing great size for the position (6-8) and a silky smooth mid-range jumper, it would appear that Barnes fits the mold of a prototypical NBA 2. With DeMar DeRozan's development coming along slowly and the Raptors looking at a roster absolutely devoid of perimeter scoring (other guards: Jose Calderon, Jerryd Bayless, and Justin Dentmon.), Barnes makes a huge amount of sense. They could take Bradley Beal instead. Either way, there's no way the Raptors won't leave the draft without a shooting guard.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Now that the Cavs have their point guard of the future in Kyrie Irving, it's time for them to get him some help on the perimeter. That's where Beal comes in. Though his size isn't ideal, his scoring ability, length, and ball-handling skills will be much appreciate by a team that is severely lacking in that area after Kyrie Irving. 

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor

The Blazers are facing a rebuilding project after nuking their roster at the trading deadline, but they got off to a good start in securing this pick from New Jersey in their trade of Gerald Wallace (it is a top 3 protected pick). With almost every player the Blazers would like to have gone by pick #7 and a hole at the weakest position in the 2012 draft (point guard), the Blazers follow the Kings' lead and the best player available, the enigmatic Jones. Considering they have two lottery picks, they can afford to take a chance on potential.

8. Detroit Pistons: Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

A couple years of drafting in the lottery haven't saved the Pistons from crafting a roster with more holes than a June bride. After drafting Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe in recent years, you have to think the Pistons will be looking to draft anywhere except at the point. With most of the picks from 8-20 being roughly the same in terms of talent, the Pistons go with the 3rd Kentucky player taken so far. Jones is an athletic hybrid power forward in the Josh Smith mold who will make the Ben Wallace/Jason Maxiell abomination at power forward look even worse in retrospect than it is does currently. I can already hear Pistons fans in 2022 saying, "We gave minutes to Ben Wallace and Jason Maxiell in 2012?!" 

9. Utah Jazz: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Using what was formerly Golden State's pick acquired in last season's Deron Williams trade, the Jazz look to continue their roster renovation. With the frontcourt basically settled (Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap starting with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter off the bench), they look to rebuild the perimeter. It's become clear that Devin Harris isn't the answer for the Jazz. Lillard shot up the draft board after a season in which he was one of college basketball's most lethal scorers, albeit against a lesser level of competition than most NBA prospects.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Tyler Zeller, C, UNC

Having already filled their need at power forward with their first lottery pick, the Hornets use their 2nd lottery pick to shore up the rest of their front line. With Chris Kaman about to depart as a free agent and Emeka Okafor the only center of any repute left on the roster, the Hornets would be well-served to address the position before it's too late. 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC

As stated earlier, the Blazers have a gaping hole on their roster at point guard, which is ironic since the disgustingly out-of-shape Raymond Felton held the position for the majority of Portland's 2011-12 season (when he wasn't filling his "gaping hole" with fast food). Anyway, having already used their pick on an "upside" or "potential" kind of player, the Blazers play it safe with their 2nd lottery pick and take the draft's best and only true point guard prospect. While Marshall doesn't wow anyone (NBA scouts included) with his defense, athleticism, or scoring ability, his passing skill, court vision, and anticipation while running the Tar Heels' offense was unparalleled in college basketball last season. At 6-4, 195, Marshall has the kind of size NBA teams love in a point guard. If the Blazers don't like their pickings at point guard and choose to go the free agent route to shore up the position in the offseason, this pick could easily be Jeremy Lamb or even Austin Rivers.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

In trading Andrew Bogut to the Warriors for Monta Ellis, the Bucks left themselves in the unenviable position of having to give Kwame Brown, Larry Sanders, and Ekpe Udoh bigger minutes at center than most teams would like. Sheesh. While Leonard is no Davis or Drummond, his size alone will make him attractive, especially after a season in which he showed marked improvement over his freshman year in Champaign. The pick is a reach, but that's what the Bucks are facing. 

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

The Suns would dearly love to draft a point guard with this pick, but they can't afford to at 13, as any of the remaining prospects at the position would be considered major reaches. They could also draft a big like Jared Sullinger, John Henson, or Arnett Moultrie here.

14. Utah Jazz: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Utah's quest to rejuvenate their backcourt in the 2012 Draft continues, as they add the explosive Rivers to Damian Lillard and bolster their backcourt depth. While Rivers is not the biggest or strongest shooting guard in this draft, his first step is one of the fastest in recent memory and his developing offensive game showed signs of being pro-ready in his only year at Duke. Terrence Ross is an option here, should the Jazz so choose.

15. Houston Rockets: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

In what will likely serve as a warning to future would-be one-and-done freshmen, the Rockets finally draft the hefty Sullinger at the 15th pick, roughly 10 picks below where he was projected to be taken approximately one year ago.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington 

With the future on the wing in Philadelphia still relatively uncertain- Evan Turner has shown flashes, but inconsistently. It's unclear how committed the 76ers' front office is in regards to making Turner their "future," and Ross just happens to be the best available player. His NBA-ready game and excellent size reminded many in Seattle of former Husky Brandon Roy.

17. Denver Nuggets: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

The Nuggets are in the enviable position of having viable players at every position on the court, which frees them up to take the best player available. Moultrie is a bit of a tweener for the PF-C position at the next level, so he'll likely play both for Denver. With Nene having been shipped to Washington, the Nuggets will need some help scoring down low. Their other bigs certainly don't offer much in the way of low-post scoring after put-backs and dunks.

18. Dallas Mavericks: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

The Tar Heels add another player to the draft pool, the third member of their frontcourt to make the first round of the draft. With what figures to be an interesting offseason ahead for the Mavericks, they will likely be looking for cheap options to beef up their front line. Adding Henson would be an interesting choice- while not as skilled as current Mav Brandan Wright nor as large as other current Mav Brendan Haywood (both former Tar Heels), Henson's skills lie firmly in the middle of both of their combined skill sets. Take Wright's size and finesse, pair it with Haywood's defensive capabilities, mix the two, and voilà! You'd get John Henson.

19. New Jersey Nets: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Having whiffed on their attempts to both resign Deron Williams and trade for Dwight Howard, and also having given away their lottery pick to the Blazers in exchange for Gerald Wallace, the Nets are stuck between a rock and hard place in their first year in Brooklyn. Mikhail Prokhorov can't be pleased with the idea of opening his new Brooklyn arena without an All-Star. No pressure, Moe.

20. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Though this a reach for the other Melo, Boston has a huge need at center for next year, with Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O'Neal about to become free agents. With the majority of the top prospects available here mostly wings, the Celtics could make inroads at continuing their youth movement at shooting guard or small forward, where neither Ray Allen or Paul Pierce are no spring chickens.

21. Orlando Magic: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Whoever will be coaching the Magic at this point won't appreciate knowing that the team will soon be without Dwight Howard. They'll be even less thrilled when they realize that their first step to preparing for life without Dwight is a top-25 pick. Waiters looks the guy most likely to be the Ryan Tannehill of the 2012 NBA draft.

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Royce White, SF, Iowa State

Memphis might enjoy status as one of the league's grittiest, toughest teams, but they are not exactly stuffed with talent. Needing depth at every position but not hurting at any position, the Grizzlies can afford to make a speculative pick on the all-around combination of size and skilled freakish athleticism for a SF that White provides. To me, he's the most interesting player, physically and skills-wise in the whole draft. (Just make sure that all teammates are aware that they should keep their valuables in safes while on road trips.)

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten, PG, Washington

Though he's classified as a point guard by most draftniks, Wroten looks like a prototypical NBA combo guard. Blessed with great size and decent dribbling, he'll likely get minutes at both spot early on in his career. He would have been better served staying in school for another year, in my opinion. His piss-poor shooting could certainly use the work. No one doubts his athleticism- he has that in droves. Might follow Dion Waiters right into the Top 15 picks by the time the draft rolls around.

24. Boston Celtics: Jeffrey Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Having already addressed their need for size, the Celtics can then look ahead to deepening their perimeter with Taylor. Taylor does no one thing particularly well, but many things solidly. You need those guys in the NBA.

25. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Indiana had a fantastic season and enjoyed solid seasons across the board at nearly every position. To that end, they're very similar to Memphis. And just like the Grizzlies, depth is not an area of strength for Indiana. They're solid in the frontcourt with Roy Hibbert, David West, Danny Granger, Lou Amundson, and Tyler Hansbrough collecting most of the minutes down low. Their perimeter game is decent too, with Paul George and Darren Collison there. The Pacers don't need instant starters- they're at the point as an organization where they need good players to bring off the bench. Teague could step in and much like his predecessor at Kentucky, Brandon Knight, give you minutes right away. (It would be too easy to compare him to his brother Jeff.)

26. Cleveland Cavaliers: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Having already added one tool for Kyrie Irving to use, the Cavs do the math, realize two is better than one, and add another shooter for their future star to team up with. No one will confuse Jenkins with Beal, but his role will never be one of starter in the NBA.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Commodores add yet another player to the latter stages of the first round, and the Heat couldn't be happier. Pat Riley couldn't be happier. Though Ezeli is kind of a project, he is a banger and will fight with the other team's center. He could use some extra weight, but most guys drafted here aren't drafted on NBA-readiness. The Heat will have to deal with it.

28. Golden State Warriors: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

There aren't any big men of repute worth taking here, so the Warriors will have to put up with the nice value in Doron Lamb. He's small for a NBA shooting guard, but his efficiency was crucial for Kentucky last year and the Warriors have done a lot nice things offensively by acquiring players who are efficient shooters, like Lamb. Backup point guard is an option here,

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Darius Miller, SG, Kentucky

No NBA team has been more scrupulous when acquiring players than Oklahoma City. Given the amount of emphasis they have placed on team chemistry and togetherness, the addition of Darius Miller would seem to fall in line. Miller had no issues relinquishing a bigger role to Kentucky's own Fab Five last year and has a solid, well-rounded game to boot. He'd contribute from OKC's bench behind the likes of Thabo Sefolosha and James Harden.

30. Chicago Bulls: Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia

For a team that already has everything, why not add player who does the same? Jones doesn't have prototypical power forward size, but he does have a nice jumper and is quicker than you'd expect. There are guards here that the Bulls could be interested in, like Kris Joseph or William Buford.