It's that time of the year again, where so-called 'experts' throughout the world of the internet offer their expertise on the future of the NBA. It is mock draft magic time! So why not join the fun as Posts By Panos break their mock draft virginity with our first ever edition. For the sake of honesty, there is absolutely no way I have watched every single college basketball player during the past year, have learned how to pronounce any of the Europeans' names or have any insight into how an actual NBA front office operates, even if I can probably do a better job than most of them. Regardless, let's get our mock drafting on!
1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving (PG-Duke)
In the latest edition of NBA conspiracies the Cavs managed to win the lottery a year after LeBron James left the team to join the Miami Heat, and thus save basketball in Ohio. Even though Irving barely played for Duke last year, he is still the best point guard and overall player in the draft. The Cavs would be wise to begin their rebuilding process with Chris Paul-lite, if the comparisons do come true. But just to play the other side, Irving could be injury prone and at best be Brevin Knight, part deux. Also can someone explain to me how are there Cavaliers in Ohio? Was the Isle of Tortuga just outside of Akron?
2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Derrick Williams (PF-Arizona)
There have been rumblings, according to my sources, no, I don't have any sources, that the T-Wolves and their embattled GM David Kahn are seriously looking into drafting the Turkish Delight, Enes Kanter. I think many of you know my thoughts on Turkish Delights, so I will just leave it at this, the T-Wolves will be best served to trading this pick for a solid veteran. But if they keep the pick the choice should be Williams who almost led Arizona to the Final Four. He is a dynamic athlete, who in the new NBA of more athletic and shorter players, could play the four position with no problems.
3. Utah Jazz - Enes Kanter (C-Kentucky's Bench/Turkey)
Imagine you are the Turkish Delight and your first five years in the United States are in Kentucky and Utah . . . . quite the culture shock from the streets of Ankara. I believe that the Jazz's philosophy is to bring in size and potential with their first pick in the lottery and then grab the point guard they so desperately need with their second pick. It just shows you how far Devin Harris has fallen.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jonas Valanciunas (PF-Lithuania)
The Pirates of Tortuga, I mean Cavaliers go with the first European player whose name we cannot pronounce. The Turkish Delight doesn't count because he is under the mandatory four syllable European last name quota. First of all, no one has any idea how good young Jonas will be. This is the part of the draft where we start rolling a dice and hope for the best. So in essence the Cavs could be drafting a young Sabonis or end up with the second coming Kostas Koufos, no disrespect Kostas but you are as soft as Charmin.
5. Toronto Raptors - Brandon Knight (PG-Kentucky)
Continuing the theme of misplaced NBA team names, the Raptors make a wise decision and pick up their point guard of the future in Brandon Knight. Teaming Knight with DeRozan in the back court could actually be an intriguing proposition. However, knowing how incompetent the entire organization is I would not be surprised if Colangelo mortgages the future by trading the pick for Tony Parker and his harem of international loose women. The owners of the Brass Rail and For Your Eyes Only could only hope.
6. Washington Wizards - Jan Vesely (SF-Czech Republic)
Jan Vesely is the pick for the Wizards especially after it has been confirmed that the Wizards invited officials from the Czech embassy to the Wizards draft party. Regardless Vesely represents good value at this position for the Wizards, because he is a young, athletic tweener that could play in an up-tempo system and is not afraid of physical contact and loves to rebound. Many have compared him to a European Tom Chambers. Hey, I remember the 1987 NBA All-Star Game, Tom Chambers was a beast.
7. Charlotte Bobcats - Tristan Thompson (PF-Texas)
The Charlotte Bobcats completed a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings to grab the #7 overall pick in order to draft Tristan Thompson. Oh Canada! Thompson will become the highest drafted Canadian if he is chosen before pick #15, which is where Steve Nash was chosen when he left Santa Clara. The Bobcats are looking for a safe bet, so I assume that they will stay away from the Euros and instead focus on John Hollinger's fourth best player from last year according to statistical data. Thompson will undoubtedly show Canadian heart and passion . . . now if he can only improve on that 49% mark from the free throw line.
8. Detroit Pistons - Bismack Biyombo (C-Congo)
This son of the Congo will provide immediate help for the Pistons at the center position. Compared to the number five slot, Biyombo is a better value lower in the lottery. Furthermore, the comparison between Ben Wallace and Biyombo can begin right now. With a front court of Greg Monroe and B-Mac the Pistons could be in a prime position for a rebuild.
9. Charlotte Bobcats - Kwahi Leonard (SF-San Diego State)
After their earlier trade, the Bobcats are in a prime position to grab the ready made Gerald Wallace replacement with Kwahi Leonard. Leonard has unbelievable intensity, something that is clearly lacking from last year's edition of the Charlotte Bobcats and thus his demeanor would be looked upon favorably by president Michael Jordan. Also have you seen Leonard's hands . . . . . they are huge . . . . which of course means, that he has a massive . . . . set of gloves.
10. Sacramento Kings - Kemba Walker (PG-UConn)
Kemba Walker would join a group of young Kings led by Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins that might actually have a future in this league. Furthermore, moving Evans to the two-guard position where he can just be a scorer instead of a creating force will maximize his strengths and diminish his weaknesses. The only problem with this pick is that the Kings would like to move this pick for a veteran and if that is the case we could be starting a Kemba watch, because the slide will be on.
11. Golden State Warriors - Klay Thompson (SG-Washington State)
Klay Thompson represents an incredible value for the Warriors at the eleven spot. He could be an ideal sixth man for this team and if they decide to trade Monta Ellis, he is a ready made replacement. The difference between Klay Thompson and Alec Burks in this spot is that Thompson is more a shooter while Burks is a slasher. I would take a shooter instead of a slasher for the Warriors' new offensive system since Monta Ellis can fulfill the slasher role.
12. Utah Jazz - Jimmer Fredette (PG-BYU)
The prodigal son comes home, well home is actually Brooklyn, New York, but Jimmer is meant to play in Utah with their crazy, cowbell ringing fans. Looking back at their earlier pick the Jazz are now able to combine the Turkish Delight with the latest reincarnation of White Chocolate. Quickly, what should this new candy bar be called? The White Turk? If more that anything else, we have made the whitest team in the NBA more awkward and more white, a win-win for everyone involved.
13. Phoenix Suns - Markieff Morris (PF-Kansas)
Time to let the twins come out and play, seriously everything is more fun with twins. If I were in charge of the Suns, I would try my hardest to move up and draft local product Derrick Williams while at the same time allowing Steve Nash to move to a contender so he can chase a ring. However, if the Suns do keep this pick they do need to develop an inside presence alongside the Polish Pistol, Marcin Gortat. The bulkier and better Morris is the pick here.
14. Houston Rockets - NikolaVucevic (C-USC)
The Houston Rockets are in an interesting position, as they have plenty of assets yet no star players. Are they trying to stockpile talent in order to make a run at a Dwight Howard, Chris Paul or Chris Bosh, if he becomes available? We aren't really sure, but in my estimation the Rockets will draft based on need, especially since they are weak at center with the impending departures of free agents Yao Ming and Chuck Hayes. Therefore, the logical big man to take is USC's Nikola Vucevic who could develop into an adequate big man.
15. Indiana Pacers - Alec Burks (SG-Colorado)
The problem with this pick for the Pacers is that they are in essence picking up another Paul George, but the key in the NBA is to stockpile talent, and as long as they stay from another white star I believe many of the Pacer fans will be happy with this pick. Remember that Burks was under consideration with the Warriors at the number eleven position.
16. Philadelphia 76ers - Jordan Hamilton (SF-Texas)
If the 76ers, the only team whose name makes any sense, do trade Andre Iguodala then they can grab a ready made replacement with Jordan Hamilton. Even if they move Evan Turner into the starting line-up, Hamilton can be valuable player off the bench for the 76ers. I believe Hamilton's game will translate better in the pros than it did in college. Rick Barnes is a horrendous coach and getting away from his systems will undoubtedly help a player's career.
17. New York Knicks - Chris Singleton (SF-Florida State)
Alright jump on my soapbox for a second here . . . . as many of you know I am a New York Knicks fan, so let me rant for a second. Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudamire play as much defense in the NBA as I do. So for the love of god, draft a defensive specialist and hey hey, look at that Chris Singleton is available. What are his credentials you ask? He can make the corner free but more importantly he is considered the best wing defender in the draft. No brainer . . . but this is the Knicks and for all I know they will trade up for the Jimmer express.
18. Washington Wizards - Marcus Morris (PF-Kansas)
If this holds up the Wizards will not only come away with a big in a Morris twin but also a fantastic wing player in Jan Vesely and the rebuilding can begin in interest for the Wizards. Even if Marcus Morris is considered two small to play the four position, his weaknesses will be masked by JaVale McGee and his defensive tenacity.
19. Milwaukee Bucks - Marshon Brooks (SG-Providence)
Some have argued that Brooks would be a lottery pick if he could shoot a little bit better. With the Bucks losing John Salmons in an earlier trade, Brooks can come in and fill an automatic need. Of course playing for Scott Skiles Brooks will be counted upon to improve his defensive play, but he should get ample opportunities for the Bucks in the coming season.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Iman Shumpert (PG-Georgia Tech)
Every year there is one prospect that comes out of nowhere in the week before the draft and climbs the draft board like a rocket ship and it is no different with this year as Iman Shumpert is that prospect. Shumpert would ideally fit the T-Wolves because he is not a scorer but actually a defender and could fulfill the Corey Brewer void from the Anthony Randolph trade with the New York Knicks.
21. Portland Trailblazers - Kenneth Faried (PF-Morehead State)
This is probably the only pick other than the top two that hasn't switched since the first mock draft. The Blazers absolutely love Faried and his rebounding tenacity. Even though he is undersized Faried has an uncanny ability to track the ball off the glass and let us remind you that he did lead the nation in rebounding for the past two years. Some have compared him to Denis Rodman without the mental issues.
22. Denver Nuggets - Donatas Montienjunas (PF-Lithuania)
With the Carmelo Anthony trade the Denver Nuggets picked up a bunch of pieces and don't necessarily have the roster space to bring in a new player. Therefore, why not grab a young European big man and let him develop for the next two to three years and with Donatas that is just the situation. Donatas has lottery level talent but because of his buyout he is sliding down the draft and the Nuggets would do well to grab him here.
23. Houston Rockets - Tobias Harris (SF-Tennessee)
Tobias Harris, at only 18, represents great value for a franchise that values collecting assets in order to make a big splash during the trading deadline. Harris is one the most well-rounded players in the draft as he plays both the three and four positions. With his willingness to play any role Harris will do well in the NBA and this could be a potential steal for the Rockets.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kyle Singler (SF-Duke)
The Thunder are merely rounding out a roster as they begin to embark on their championship quest. Adding a well coached four year player like Kyle Singler might not present the most upside but he could definitely be a contributor from Day 1. Singler can also do something that Jeff Green could never do, knock down an open jumpshot.
25. Boston Celtics - Jeremy Tyler (C-Tokyo Apache)
The Celtics need to draft a big man, especially after the failure of the Double O'Neal experiment and the trade of Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder. Jeremy Tyler has been playing abroad in Japan for the past year and could potential develop into an outstanding big man. Just a little side note but there is only a 6.5% chance that the number 25 pick materializes into a serviceable NBA player . . . . so might as well just roll the dice.
26. Dallas Mavericks - Isaiah Thomas (PG-Washington)
The NBA champions would be wise to begin looking for a point guard especially considering that J.J. Barrea is a free agent. Therefore, why not grab his clone in Isaiah Thomas. Thomas has been compared to Nate Robinson, without the ego and with the ability to create for his team mates at a slightly better clip.
27. New Jersey Nets - Reggie Jackson (PG-Boston College)
Supposedly Reggie Jackson has not worked out for any team because of a serious knee injury, however he might have stopped his workouts because he was given a draft promise for the end of the first round. Jackson would be ideally suited to learn from Deron Williams and this could be a great situation for Jackson.
28. Chicago Bulls - Davis Bertans (SF-Latvia)
The Bulls are taking a flier on a young European with fantastic shooting range. Chicago would be wise to let Davis Bertans stay in Europe for a year or two and then bring him over. With two of the final three picks in this year's draft the Bulls can afford to draft a player who would remain in Europe for a year or two.
29. San Antonio Spurs - Nikola Mirotic (PF-Serbia)
While the rumors are gaining steam that the Spurs are willing to part with Tony Parker or George Hill to get into the lottery and draft the fourth Jonas brother, they can afford to draft an unknown European player and let him develop for the next couple of years with this pick. Mirotic is thought to have all-star talent but just needs to develop and the Spurs always seem to find these diamonds in the rough.
30. Chicago Bulls - Nolan Smith (PG-Duke)
The Bulls, after using their first pick on an unknown Europe, would be wise to grab a savvy backup point guard in Nolan Smith. Smith could not only backup Derrick Rose, but he could also switch to the off guard position and bring instant offense to the second unit.
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