May
28
My Mock Draft - A Lesson in Research
By Kassandra Posted in: Blazers, Bobcats, Bucks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Celtics, Jazz, Kings, Knicks, Magic, Mavericks, Nets, Nuggets, Pacers, Pistons, Raptors, Rockets, Sixers, Spurs, Suns, Thunder, Timberwolves, Warriors, Wizards
It really is that time of year when all eyes are on the NBA draft. As many will do, I have conducted my own mock draft. Looking at the rosters and stats for each team with a first-round pick, I have predicted the order of picks in the draft, as well as a comment on each pick.
Criteria employed included a combination of player rankings, team needs and likely availability of players as the draft proceeds.
The NBA draft will be held at 4 p.m. pacific time, June 23 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. It will be televised on ESPN.
Kyrie Irving
1.
Cleveland - Kyrie Irving, PG. The Cavaliers are pretty much starting from scratch; selecting a floor general is where they start.
2.
Minnesota - Brandon Knight, PG. The T-Wolves will be tempted top pick a center to create twin towers, but decide Knight is a better pick for them.
3.
Utah - Jan Vesley, SF. With two lottery picks, the Jazz opt to fill their thin spot at sf.
4.
Cleveland - Jonas Valanciunas, C. The Cavaliers continue to build, this time going big.
5.
Toronto - Derrick Williams, PF. The Raptors could try to fill a few positions, and Williams makes the most sense for them here.
6.
Washington - Bismack Biyambo, PF. The Wizards pick a PF to compliment John Wall.
7.
Sacramento - Tristan Thompson, PF. The Kings look to boost their front line by selecting Thompson.
8.
Detroit - Kemba Walker, PG. The Pistons are tempted to take Jimmer Ferdette, but they choose the national champion instead.
9.
Charlotte - Enes Kanter, C. The Bobcats consider going with a SG, but they go big with Kanter instead.
10.
Milwaukie - Kawhi Leonard, SF. The Bucks hope to fill their roster with a wingman here.
11.
Golden State - Lucas Nogueria, C. The Warriors need help in the middle. They think the seven-footer will give them that.
12.
Utah -Bojan Bogdanovic, SG. the Jazz picked a SF with the third pick and select Bogdanovic to compliment him on the other wing.
13.
Phoenix - Jimmer Ferdette, PG. The suns tab Ferdette as the heir apparent to Steve Nash.
14.
Houston - Marcus Morris, PF. The Rockets nab Morris to boost their rebounding.
15.
Indiana - Markieff Morris, PF. Draft broadcasters chuckle when the Pacers take the second Morris brother directly after the first, but fill their biggest need.
16.
Philadelphia - Justin Harper, PF. The 76ers decide to add depth and future to their front line.
17.
New York - Kenneth Faried, PF. The Knicks decide to give Amar'e Stoudemire some help up front.
18.
Washington - Tyler Honeycutt, SF. Making their second pick of the first round, the Wizards opt to go with Honeycutt.
19.
Charlotte - Alec Burks, SG. The Bobcats took a center at number nine, and add Burks 10 spots later.
20.
Minnesota - Davis Bertans, SF - The T-Wolves can't pass up on the 6'10" Bertans.
Donatas Motiejunas
21.
Portland - Donatas Motiejunas, C. The Trail Blazers consider going small here, but opt for front-line depth with the seven-footer.
22.
Denver - Klay Thompson, SG. The Nuggets add some firepower to their arsenal.
23.
Houston - Jeremy Tyler, C. The Rockets add Tyler to take some relief on Yao Ming should he return.
24.
Oklahoma City - Travis Leslie, SG. The thunder go for depth and future here.
25.
Boston - Keith Bensen, PF. The Celtics desperately need a big and think Bensen is their guy.
26.
Dallas - Jordan Hamilton, SF. Depth is the key factor in the Mavericks' selection of Hamilton.
27.
New Jersey - JaJuan Johnson, PF. The Nets like Johnson when their selection comes up.
28.
Chicago - Tobias Harris, SF. The Bulls are looking for help on the wings and take Harris with this selection.
29.
San Antonio - Nikola Vucevic, PF. The Spurs hope the 6'10" Vucevic can take over for Tim Duncan one day.
30.
Chicago - E'Twuan Moore, SG. Making their second selection in three picks, they close out the first round with Moore.
To view my official mock draft on this site, click here:
Kassandra's Mock Draft. Obviously, some are going to disagree with certain selections. That's understandable. If you have any comments, please feel free to comment.
~ Kassandra
In Kassandra's Words will feature regular blogs throughout the off-season. Comments and questions are welcome and encouraged. Seasons begin and end, but our Blazers are forever. Please follow on twitter: @Kassandra227