1.) New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis PF, Kentucky
-This is a 100% locked pick. This pick is so certain Anthony Davis may already be in New Orleans training and chatting with his new teammates. Anthony Davis is a specimen of a basketball player, at 6'10 220 lbs, Davis brings a big body in the paint who excels at defense and shot blocking. Anthony Davis is very athletic with his length and versatility making him even more of a danger our threat in the paint. While Davis has an excellent defensive game, he is still developing an offensive game, but only at the age of 19 years old has an enormous amount of potential. Davis will be the No.1 pick in this draft and be the future for this Hornets franchise.
2.) Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF, Kentucky
-Easily the worst team in the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats have to be steaming after the lottery. Despite the track record of Michael Jordans' prior drafts, he couldn't have messed up with Anthony Davis. He won't get his chance now, as the Hornets lost the lottery getting the 2nd pick. At 2 the Hornets should go Best Player Available and that is Michael Kidd-Gilcrhist. MKG is one of my favorites from this draft as he has great ability to drive the ball inside for easy baskets, he also is very versatile on defense. Kidd-Gilchrist can cover both Guard and Forward positions, and at a high level. The biggest asset Michael has is his motor and heart, he plays every minute going 100%, and hustling on every play. This type of playing style is exactly what the Bobcats need.
3.) Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal SG, Florida
-The Washington Wizards have their man for the future in John Wall, but in order to continue to rise back to relevancy in the NBA they will need to give Wall some weapons. At 3 the Wizards can give Wall a complement scorer in Bradley Beal. Beal draws comparisons to Eric Gordon and those claims are spot on. Beal has a sweet stroke from the outside and has shown a wide range from beyond the 3 point line. He isn't just an outside shooter though as Beal can drive to the hoop for the And 1 as well. In Washington, Beal and Wall can develop into one of the more deadly Guard duo's in the league and give the Wizards a bright future, for the first time in a long time.
4.) Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeremy Lamb SG, UConn
-The Cavaliers spent 2 picks last year by taking PG Kyrie Irving at 1 and PF Tristan Thompson at 4. Now fast forward a year later, and both players are looking like they could be cornerstones for this franchise. The Cavaliers will again pick at 4 and try to find a complement scorer to Irving. UConn SG Jeremy Lamb can be just that guy for this team. Lamb possesses a great outside game with a tremendous ability to make 3's, and possessing the instincts and athleticism to come off screens and hit the open jump shot. Lamb has seen his stock rise up boards as of late, and while this may seem early, could be the pick for the Cavs at 4.
5.) Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson PF, Kansas
-Kings fans had to be heart broken when they found out once again the NBA Draft Lottery wasn't kind to them. In a year when a player like Anthony Davis or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may have turned this franchise around, they instead will stay at the 5th pick in a difficult circumstance. At 5 the Kings may look to trade out either packaging the 5th pick with Tyreke Evans, who will enter the final year of his contact this upcoming season, and may not be extended after a disappointing 2 years following his breakout rookie season. The Kings may try to get a veteran SF like Rudy Gay or Andre Igoudala, but if neither are available they will have to pick at 5. At 5, the Kings would be happy to get PF Thomas Robinson. Robinson broke out this year displaying his size and athleticism to NBA Scouts, while also putting his toughness and explosiveness in the paint on display. A pairing of DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson could be dynamite for the Kings, even if they aren't in Sacramento.
6.) Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn): Harrison Barnes SF, North Carolina
-The Trail Blazers fell on some hard luck this year after having Brandon Roy retire before the season, the team suddenly went into rebuild mode. They fired their coach, traded Gerald Wallace, Marcus Camby, and saw LaMarcus Aldridge go down later in the season with a hip injury. The telling sign for this franchise was the release of former No.1 pick Greg Oden and previous mention of Roys retirement. Both players were considered franchise players years earlier, only to have knee injuries bring them down. Now the team will try to turn their hopes around and what better way to do that then with Harrison Barnes. Barnes brings an excellent jump shot and ability to score and rebound that could lift this Trail Blazers team back to the promise land. He is a developing defender and needs work on his 3 point shot, but the talent is there to be an All Star.
7.) Golden State Warriors: Jared Sullinger PF, Ohio State
-The Warriors got what they wanted from the Draft Lottery, they lost. Fortunately in this case, losing is good as the Warriors got to hold onto their 1st Round pick and stay in the Top 10. At 7 while the Warriors would love to get a guy like Harrison Barnes, it is doubtful he will be available at the pick. So instead they go after Jared Sullinger the big man from Ohio State who is a terrific rebounder and has an excellent motor. Coming off the bench, Sullinger would be one of the Warriors better assets and could prove to be a quality big man in the future. While he may not ever be the dominant big man he was in college, he should be a key piece for the Warriors future.
8.) Toronto Raptors: Perry Jones III SF, Baylor
-Perry Jones has the chance to be a very big Small Forward or a skinnier Power Forward. What Jones possesses is pure athleticism and length with his long wingspan and leaping ability the word "potential" is the name attached mostly to Jones. At 8 the Raptors can take a chance on the young forward in the hopes he can grow, and be their starting SF/PF for the future.
9.) Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond C, UConn
-The Pistons already have a big man in Greg Monroe, but at 9 the upside of Andre Drummond would be to hard to pass up. Drummond possesses raw talent on offense that could turn him into a force down low but that is still far away. What Drummond brings is excellent low post defense, and the ability to block shots. In Detroit a pairing of Monroe and Drummond would be a deadly front court duo making it nearly impossible to rebound or make shots inside. In the end Drummond could be a star, or he could be the biggest bust in the draft.
10.) New Orleans Hornets: (via MIN): Kendall Marshall PG, North Carolina
-After selecting Anthony Davis with the first pick, the Hornets now can spend their pick acquired in the Chris Paul trade, by selecting their Point Guard for the future. A trio of Marshall, Eric Gordon, and Davis would provide the Hornets with 3 young developing stars who can carry this team back into the national spotlight. What Marshall brings is a pass first PG who can search the floor for the open man either on the wing or down inside. The question marks are there about his consistency but if he can continue to play at a high level this will be a great draft for the Hornets.
11.) Portland Trailblazers: Damian Lillard PG, Weber State
-The Trail Blazers got their SF of the future in Harrison Barnes at 6, now they look to get their lead guard of the future at 11. While Lillard is listed as a Point Guard he is not the classic point man. He likes to take his own shots showing range from the 3 point line. Lillard also has a sweet jumped, and his athleticism is also underrated. The problem with Lillard is his effort, at times he can be seen standing around on defense not sticking to his man. If the Trail Blazers can coach him up, he can be one of the better Guards from this class.
12.) Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller C, North Carolina
-After trading Andrew Bogut at the Trade Deadline, the Bucks are desperate to land a big man. At 12 they would love to see a player like Drummond fall, but with him off the board Tar Heels Center Tyler Zeller is a nice option. While some may classify Zeller as soft, what he brings is a more finesse style of play. Zeller is a skilled passer for a big man, and is skilled around the rim. His offensive game is good but not great with a nice finish around the rim and a above average mid range jumper. He won't be an intimidating force inside, but he will contribute down low.
13.) Phoenix Suns: Terrence Ross SG, Washington
-If the Suns can't bring back Steve Nash look for the Suns to draft a Point Guard at this spot. In this scenario we will say Nash comes back for one last run. With Nash, the Suns will look to bring in a scorer on the wings. Terrence Ross is an excellent 3 point shooter and has the size and athleticism to drive to the basket. What Ross still needs to work on is his ball handling and decision making. Pairing him with a guy like Terrence Ross could help develops Ross' game and make the Suns contenders in the West.
14.) Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard C, Illinois
-The Rockets come into this draft with most of their spots filled except at the Center position. There are no true dominant big men this late in the draft so the Rockets may reach a bit with Meyers Leonard. Leonard has great size at 7'1 245 lbs and uses his size and aggressiveness to attack opponents inside the paint and block shots. What Leonard still has to work on is his physicality and he needs to bulk up. That all can be improved on in an off season making Leonard a perfect piece for this likely Rockets playoff team.
15.) Philadelphia 76ers: Josh Henson PF, North Carolina
-Josh Henson is a pure example of how dangerous size can be. At 6'10 he may seem like the average sized PF but it is his 7'4 wingspan that stands out. He has some nice moves inside including a hook shot that is money. The knock on Henson is his small physicality and not being physical. He has to toughen up over the summer in over to be a true threat. At 15 he could develop nicely into a future starter, and end up being an excellent value for this young team. It will take him time to grow in the gym, but once he fills out the 76ers will be dangerous.16.) Houston Rockets (from NYK): Dion Waiters SG, Syracuse
-This pick will in all likelihood be traded on draft night, so while I won't predict a certain trade here, I believe one will happen. The Rockets only real need is at C, and after drafting Leonard 2 picks prior the 16th pick now becomes expendable. Waiters is a dynamite scorer who has flashed the potential to be one of the biggest steals of this draft if he develops his game more. At 16, phones will be ringing off the hook to get Waiters.17.) Dallas Mavericks: Arnett Moultrie PF, Mississippi State
-What a disappointing season it was for Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks. After letting Tyson Chandler walk in Free Agency the team crawled into the playoffs only to be promptly swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavs need to add more depth up front and at 17 Arnett Moultrie would be a nice player coming off the bench. Moultrie has a solid offensive game with a mid-range jumper and can also drive to the hoop. He is one of the stronger players in this draft and also can be a contributor on the boards. He is still a developing player and doesn't project to ever be a true star. But playing behind Dirk for a veteran led Mavericks team would be a good fit for both sides.
18.) Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Austin Rivers SG, Duke
-Call me a pessimist on Austin Rivers. Entering his freshman year Rivers was projected to be a Top 3 pick with a chance to be the No.1 pick in the upcoming draft. Fast forward to now and everyone is calling his decision to come out early a mistake as he likely won't go in the lottery. At 18 the T-Wolves have to consider the young mans potential. Rivers stands at 6'4 190 leaving plenty of room to bulk up and become a stronger player. What Rivers does well is score, and that is what the Timberwolves need. Pair him with a passing ace like Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love drawing the double teams. You have the perfect combination for the future.
19.) Orlando Magic: Fab Melo C, Syracuse
-This pick will surprise most of my viewers so let me just explain it a little more. First off the Magic Ownership have handled Dwight Howard horribly. Serving to his beck and call they fired their GM and Coach in order to please him (Howard will deny it) and they interviewed Shaq for a potential GM candidate because Shaq and Dwight are friends. Dwight Howard is going to leave Orlando as a Free Agent and the Ownership has left the fans and the Magic players out to dry. All in all they will be left without a coach, a GM, and Dwight Howard when all is said and done. In Howards' final year the Magic have to find a Center to develop to replace him. Despite the academic and work ethic issues of Melo the talent is there. Give him a year behind Dwight Howard to learn how to play defense from one of the best big men in the NBA, Melo will become a much better player because of it. It is a very risky pick and sup rising, but I think it could pay off down the line.
20.) Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless SF, St. Johns
-The Nuggets lack a true superstar on this team, but they don't need one. This is a team that is led by the unsung heroes like Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, and JaVale McGee. What this team needs is depth at the wing position which is where Moe Harkless comes in. Harkless stands 6'8 which would make him one of the taller SF's in the league. He plays well on defense and can block shots with his tall wingspan. He is an explosive player going to the hole but still needs work on his 3 point shot and Free Throw shooting. In Denver he wouldn't be expected to start, but he could be a quality scorer off the bench.
21.) Boston Celtics: Quincy Miller SF, Baylor
-The Celtics "Big 3" has gone from young superstars to old veterans nearing the end of their careers and closer to impending post career surgeries. All 3 players are set to hit Free Agency and even if they re all brought back the Celtics need to find the replacements for the future. Quincy Miller out of Baylor reminds many scouts of Nicolas Batum with their athleticism and length (Miller is 6'9) and has a jumper that others would kill for. He can learn from one of the better SF's of all time in Paul Pierce and have a chance to compete for a ring as a rookie.
22.) Boston Celtics (from LAC via OKC): Andrew Nicholson PF, St. Bonaventure
-The Celtics get back to back picks, which everyone loves to see in a draft just because of all the possibilities. As stated before the Celtics will look to find the future stars of their franchise. After drafting Miller with their 1st pick, I think Boston goes after their future PF. Nicholson is a different kind of Power Forward then KG. In fact, they may be polar opposites of each other. Nicholson is much shorter at 6'9 and relies more on his perimeter game then playing inside the post. He is a smart player, never forcing the issue and using his instincts to block shots. He can spend time to learn the physical part of the game from KG while also working on his rebounding. It is another case of a perfect fit for the rookie and could make him an all around player.
23.) Atlanta Hawks: Marquis Teague PG, Kentucky
-This is not on purpose I truly believe the Hawks draft Marquis Teague because they want to have the insurance at Point Guard, even if that means taking his older brothers starting spot. While Jeff Teague has shown flashes of being a quality starter, the inconsistencies are still there. Marquis Teague slowly developed as a freshman with streaky play followed by freshman mistakes. He is a strong 3 point shooter, and has proven that he can be a floor general down the line. The story lines are made better with 2 brothers competing for the starting gig, but it would be a good match for a team that needs consistent PG play.
-At 24 the Cavaliers have a chance to take one of my favorite players in this class. When you look at some of these teams in the Conference Finals you see sharp shooters like Manu Ginobli, Mike Miller, and James Harden. Jenkins will give the Cavaliers the sharp shooter most of these playoff teams have who they can call off the bench in crucial moments to hit a big 3. Jenkins is already deadly beyond the 3 point line and if he develops his mid range game more could be an even more lethal scorer off the bench.
25.) Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten PG, Washington
-The Memphis Grizzlies showed this year that they are getting closer to being true contenders in the Western Conference. One piece that could put them over the hump would be Tony Wroten out of Washington. Wroten has drawn comparison to Kings G/F Tyreke Evans who uses his strength and size to dominate his smaller opponents. Wroten is the same type of player at 6'5, he has the ability to create his own shot with his killer crossover move and ball handling skills. He is not a true passer and thrives mainly when he has the ball in his hands. In Memphis, Wroten can come off the bench and dominate the smaller Gaurds in the league right away.
26.) Indiana Pacers: Doron Lamb SG, Kentucky
-The Pacers proved one thing against the Miami Heat, they have trouble scoring. Late in the draft the best option available would be Kentucky Guard Doron Lamb. Lamb is a pure shooter, who has range from all over the court. Lamb's potential is precisely what you get when you draft him, a scorer off the bench who can spark your team when needed. Lamb does need to get stronger, and he stills lacks the ability to drive to the hoop. However, Lamb will bring exactly what Indiana needs. A scorer off the bench who can keep them in high scoring contests, as he should contribute immediately as a rookie.
27.) Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli C, Vanderbilt
-If there is one thing evidently clear about this Miami Heat team, it's that they are truly lacking some toughness in the paint. Ezeli is 6'11 and comes in at a hulking 255 lbs. Ezeli is very physical in the paint, he isn't afraid to foul when he needs to, and is an above average shot blocker. While Ezeli is not gifted offensively, he doesn't need to be for this Miami team. He can just come in play his style of basketball, and help contribute to an NBA Championship.
28.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Jeffery Taylor SF, Vanderbilt
-There is 2 things this young Thunder team needs; more size up front and depth. While 3 time scoring champ Kevin Durant is great off the court, when he is off it OKC runs into problems. At 28 their are no big men that can contribute right away so drafting a guy like Jeffery Taylor seems like the smart choice. Taylor is active on the defensive end and likes to attack the basket. He is a skilled passer for his position, and is physical on both offense and defense. Taylor will never be a legitimate starter as his ceiling is close to the player you get when you draft him. He would give the Thunder depth behind Durant, and give them more options for moving Durant around or giving him rest when need be.
29.) Chicago Bulls: Tyshawn Taylor PG, Kansas
-All was going well for the Bulls going into the 4th Quarter of Game 1 against the 76ers in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs. Then Derrick Rose tore his ACL leaving the Bulls playoff hopes shattered like a vase dropped off the kitchen table. Rose is not expected to make it back for most if not all of next season leaving the Bulls with a need for a PG. While C.J Watson could be a solution the Bulls have to take a PG with their 1st Round Selection. Taylor can play both the 1 and the 2 position, and also has the aggressiveness to attack the basket. What Taylor needs to work on is his decision making and ball handling, as he showed many times at Kansas that he can run into problems with holding onto the ball and reading the floor. There won't be many options for the Bulls in this draft and this may be a reach, but it is a position that needs to be filled.
30.) Golden State Warriors (via SA): Royce White SF, Iowa State
-The last pick in the first round so the Warriors go out and get their Small Forward, or Power Forward since no one is entirely sure where White projects to play. White is a strong rebounder, and plays the game as more of a Point Forward. He uses his strength to establish his position down low and has a nice face up game. He isn't a very good 3 point shooter, but on a team that has Stephen Curry and Dorell Wright it really isn't needed.
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