NBA Mock Draft, Version 2.0
by Scott Schroeder on May 10, 2025 9:01 AM EDT
in NBA Draft 2010
30 comments
Here it is - Ridiculous Upside's second stab at mocking the 2010 NBA draft. I hope you like it, but if you don't, we'll have these updated every Monday - and the lottery on May 18th will certainly (probably) bring more changes.
You'll notice there weren't that many pick sthat changed from last week's rendition (at least early in the draft/types of players selected for each team), but those that did change were the direct result of:
- feedback from people in and around the NBA (sources, as they call them),
- myself being able to watch more of some of the players I was interested in
- feedback in the comments on picks that made more sense than what I originally pegged in Version 1.0
- Players deciding to go back to school instead of staying in the draft.
Please check out our Guide To Mock Drafts to answer any questions before any flambéing occurs. After the jump I've provided brief analysis on all 30 first round picks, along with links to blogs about each team and player (updated this week to incorporate what I could find from SB Nation's wonderful plethora of college blogs). Feel the excitement!
Also, if you have any issues, leave the feedback in the comments. If there are so many issues that you think you can make a better version, post it in the fan posts and, if we like it, it could make the front page. If there are enough people that use the fan posts for their mock, we'll probably have a contest - with prizes!
Pick |
Team |
Player |
| 1 | New Jersey Nets | John Wall (Kentucky) |
| 2 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Evan Turner (Ohio State) |
| 3 | Sacramento Kings | DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky) |
| 4 | Golden State Warriors | Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech) |
| 5 | Washington Wizards | Wesley Johnson (Syracuse) |
| 6 | Philadelphia 76ers | Al-Farouq Aminu (Wake Forest) |
| 7 | Detroit Pistons | Ed Davis (North Carolina) |
| 8 | Los Angeles Clippers | Greg Monroe (Georgetown) |
| 9 | Utah Jazz (from NYK) | Cole Aldrich (Kansas) |
| 10 | Indiana Pacers | Xavier Henry (Kansas) |
| 11 | New Orleans Hornets | Daniel Orton (Kentucky) |
| 12 | Memphis Grizzlies | Patrick Patterson (Kentucky) |
| 13 | Toronto Raptors | Ekpe Udoh (Baylor) |
| 14 | Houston Rockets | Hassan Whiteside (Marshall) |
| 15 | Milwaukee Bucks (from CHI) | Donatas Motiejunas (Lithuania) |
| 16 | Minnesota Timberwolves (from CHA) | James Anderson (Oklahoma State) |
| 17 | Chicago Bulls (from MIL) | Gordon Hayward (Butler) |
| 18 | Miami Heat | Solomon Alabi (Florida State) |
| 19 | Boston Celtics | Paul George (Fresno State) |
| 20 | San Antonio Spurs | Luke Babbitt (Nevada) |
| 21 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Larry Sanders (VCU) |
| 22 | Portland Trail Blazers | Damion James (Texas) |
| 23 | Minnesota Timberwolves (from UTA) | Kevin Seraphin (France) |
| 24 | Atlanta Hawks | Eric Bledsoe (Kentucky) |
| 25 | Memphis Grizzlies (from DEN) | Elliot Williams (Memphis) |
| 26 | Oklahoma City Thunder (from PHX) | Quincy Pondexter (Washington) |
| 27 | New Jersey Nets (from DAL) | Devin Ebanks (West Virginia) |
| 28 | Memphis Grizzlies (from LAL) | Stanley Robinson (UConn) |
| 29 | Orlando Magic | Willie Warren (Oklahoma) |
| 30 | Washington Wizards (from CLE) | Avery Bradley (Texas) |
Second Round |
Team |
Player |
| 31 | New Jersey Nets | Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech) |
| 32 | Oklahoma City Thunder (from MIN) | Miroslav Raduljica (Serbia) |
| 33 | Sacramento Kings | Jordan Crawford (Xavier) |
| 34 | Washington Wizards | Dominique Jones (South Florida) |
| 35 | Golden State Warriors | Jerome Jordan (Tulsa) |
| 36 | Detroit Pistons | Armon Johnson (Nevada) |
| 37 | Milwaukee Bucks (from PHI) | Terrico White (Mississippi) |
| 38 | New York Knicks | Craig Brackins (Iowa State) |
| 39 | New York Knicks (from LAC) | Sylven Landesberg (Virginia) |
| 40 | Indiana Pacers | Jarvis Varnado (Mississippi State) |
| 41 | Miami Heat (from NOH) | Darington Hobson (New Mexico) |
| 42 | Miami Heat (from TOR) | Sherron Collins (Kansas) |
| 43 | Los Angeles Lakers (from MEM) | Trevor Booker (Clemson) |
| 44 | Portland Trail Blazers (from CHI) | Robin Benzing (Germany) |
| 45 | Minnesota Timberwolves (from HOU) | Artsiom Parakhouski (Radford) |
| 46 | Phoenix Suns (from CHA) | Charles Garcia (Seattle) |
| 47 | Milwaukee Bucks | Dexter Pittman (Texas) |
| 48 | Miami Heat | Tiny Gallon (Oklahoma) |
| 49 | San Antonio Spurs | Greivis Vasquez (Maryland) |
| 50 | Dallas Mavericks (from OKC) | Brian Zoubek (Duke) |
| 51 | Oklahoma City Thunder (from POR) | Latavious Williams (Tulsa 66ers) |
| 52 | Boston Celtics | Pablo Aguilar (Spain) |
| 53 | Atlanta Hawks | Da'Sean Butler (West Virginia) |
| 54 | Los Angeles Clippers (from DEN) | Elijah Millsap (UAB) |
| 55 | Utah Jazz | Mikhail Torrance (Alabama) |
| 56 | Minnesota Timberwolves (from PHX) | Manny Harris (Michigan) |
| 57 | Indiana Pacers (from DAL) | Jeremy Wise (Bakersfield Jam) |
| 58 | Los Angeles Lakers | Jon Scheyer (Duke) |
| 59 | Orlando Magic | A.J. Ogilvy (Vanderbilt) |
| 60 | Phoenix Suns (from CLE) | Lance Stephenson (Cincinnati) |
1. New Jersey Nets - John Wall, PG (Kentucky freshman)
Do I really have to write more than "duh" for the analysis? I guess so, because NetsDaily is debating John Wall versus Evan Turner right now. I really think it's closer than it appears, but I don't think anyone is going to be able to pass on Wall with the top pick. May 10th Update: The thing I learned this week from our friends over at SB Nation's Kentucky blog A Sea Of Blue is that Wall might be a better guy off the court than a baller on the court - and that's saying something.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Evan Turner, SG/SF (Ohio State junior)
My man Stop-N-Pop over at Canis Hoopus actually has DeMarcus Cousins at the top of his big board, but I don't see the Wolves passing on Turner unless he performs poorly in workouts (or declines to work out for Minnesota, a la Stephen Curry). In the end, neither does Stop-N-Pop, saying "He is a fantastic defensive rebounder for his position. He also carries a TS% of 58.1%. Lots of possessions + lots of assists + lots of rebounds + good shooting = you can't pass this kid up." May 10th Update: It should also be reassuring that Kevin Pelton called Turner the "most NBA-ready player in college basketball," no?
3. Sacramento Kings - DeMarcus Cousins, C (Kentucky freshman)
Sactown Royalty has a post with some great discussion on which player the Kings should draft and ultimately, after reading through the comments, it comes down to either the best available player or a big ol' center. I think right now Cousins probably fits in regard to both, but I could also see Derrick Favors make the leap once workouts begin (moving Jason Thompson to the 5). May 10th Update: I know attitude is the biggest knock on Cousins, but after reading this article from Yahoo! Sports, I'm not as worried.
4. Golden State Warriors - Derrick Favors, PF (Georgia Tech freshman)
The Warriors definitely need help in the front court, as I learned while watching them when they transitioned into the Golden State D-Leaguers. Golden State of Mind's Poor Man's Commish did a pretty good job of breaking down why the Warriors would like Favors while he was tuning into the NCAA Tournament: "Favors is a big body -- not too heavy, and certainly not considered skinny -- who can run the floor, rebound, make inside moves, all of that. He doesn't have a midrange game, but neither did Amare Stoudemire when he came into the NBA, although Favors will need to work on conditioning and chiseling out his frame. He's certainly far better than Andris Beidrins as-is, and look how much the Warriors are paying AB and how badly Warrior fans miss him. Finally, Favors is only a freshman and he has a great attitude, which means he is one hot commodity." May 10th Update: While lurking over at SB Nation's Georgia Tech blog, From The Rumble Seat, I get the notion his defense is sketchier than I had planned. Not that the Warriors would necessarily mind this, I guess.
5. Washington Wizards - Wesley Johnson, SF (Syracuse junior)
I really, really like Wesley Johnson. He didn't play last season after transferring from Iowa State, but there's a lot to like about the guy. He can shoot, run the floor, and hit the boards pretty hard at 'Cuse. Unfortunately, he'll be 23 when the NBA season starts and he played in Syracuse's zone defense (tough to project to the NBA). For more on this pick from a Wizards fan, check Rook6980's in-depth profile of Johnson over at Bullets Forever. May 10th Update: In case you were wondering: No, I'm not the only one that likes him. Check out how much Sean Keeley over at Nunes Magician likes him.
6. Philadelphia 76ers - Al-Farouq Aminu, F (Wake Forest sophomore)
I readily admit I'm not in love with this pick, but it's the one I made. Really, the Sixers aren't going to be happy with this draft pick unless they are helped out in the lottery or are able to trade down and pick somebody that doesn't replicate, essentially, what they already have. Plus, it seems to be fate. May 10th Update: I wrote the preceding for the first rendition of the mock draft with plans on putting a more tradition power forward in this space. Then I hopped on over to Blogger So Dear, SB Nation's Wake Forest blog, to see what they thought, and it seems Aminu should translate better to the NBA than I had planned.
7. Detroit Pistons - Ed Davis, PF (North Carolina sophomore)
It doesn't seem that the Pistons fan base will like me for making this pick, but 6-foot-10 with 58% shooting while getting to the line and cleaning the boards is pretty hard to overlook. In fact, I think he'd probably be in consideration with the top five in the draft had he not been injured to end the season. On the plus side, he has some upside - and some might even say it's ridiculous. May 10th Update: It seems that Davis wasn't even liked by North Carolina fans according to SB Nation's UNC blog Carolina March.
8. Los Angeles Clippers - Greg Monroe, PF/C (Georgetown Sophomore)
The Clippers don't need a big man, really - and I realize this. Steve Perrin from ClipsNation told me as much which is why I went with Xavier Henry last week. Then I was called "ridiculous" by pretty much everyone, so I decided we're going to go the best player available route. Monroe sounds like another character guy that we can get all behind after reading this report from Casual Hoya. If Sokoklis Schortanitis decides not to come over, Monroe will at least be able to fill in any potential holes in the front court rotation. And, just for funsies, we could always try out that experiment with Blake Griffin at the three!
9. Utah Jazz - Cole Aldrich, C (Kansas junior)
With the Jazz having to play Kyrylo Fesenko as much as they have during the playoffs, I think it's rather clear that a big man is needed. "Is Cole Aldrich on a LOST-type collision course with the Jazz?" Basketball John asked. Well, yes, probably. He seems "old school", he's smart and he's tough, all things the Jazz typically value when drafting. If Aldrich is here, I think this almost has to be the pick. At worst, they finally get the next Greg Ostertag (Kansas alum and all)! May 10th Update: I came across a report from Rock Chalk Talk that essentially said Aldrich could have been a lot better had he had a competent backcourt. Deron Williams is a competent backcourt.
10. Indiana Pacers - Xavier Henry, SG (Kansas freshman)
I had Greg Monroe in this spot last week. This week, however, Monroe moved up to take the spot of Xavier Henry (a pick even I admitted was a reach). Luckily, Xavier Henry didn't have to fall too far (because I still like him) and Indy Cornrows readers decided he's the best option - or at least not as bad as fetch9 wants all of us to believe.
The Hornets could probably have used a small forward just as well at this spot, but there really isn't one available without reaching. In Orton, they'll get their center of the future as well as their top backup in the frontcourt right now (with Emeka being able to slide to the 4). Jeff Bower has shown he knows what he's doing with the draft and I don't think he's scared of taking a potential-laden pick (especially since he doesn't have to worry about coaching him). May 10th Update: I'm trying to decide if I like this highlight video from his high school days because he shows a soft touch and seems to be more agile than planned or hate it because he doesn't look as strong as I thought he was.
12. Memphis Grizzlies - Patrick Patterson, PF (Kentucky junior)
It's kind of surprising that his draft stock actually rose this season while his production dropped, but he showed maturity, leadership and all of the other nice words you'd expect out of someone older than the 21-year-old from Kentucky. With Memphis drafting for upside with their first pick last season, I'd expect them to play it safe this year. May 10th Update: No updates, really - but read this about his time at Kentucky and tell me what's not to like.
With the possibility of Chris Bosh leaving, a big man seems to be the likeliest pick at this juncture (both because it fills a potential need and their aren't many other options available). He's a versatile shot blocker with a sweet nickname (The Nightmare) and emerging basketball game. I might be overrating him based on the Tourney, but NBA GM's are known to do that as well.
Chad Ford explained it well enough in his first mock draft: "The Rockets have a habit of drafting value, and this low in the draft, Motiejunas would be a good get. He'll probably spend another year in Italy honing his skills and getting stronger, but when he does get to the NBA, he has the makings of a player." With the Rockets not really having a need in the front court with Yao coming back from injury, may as well draft for value.
15. Milwaukee Bucks - Hassan Whiteside, PF/C (Marshall freshman)
The Bucks need a power forward to play next to Andrew Bogut because Ersan Ilyasova just really didn't get it done. Whiteside should be able to, though his boom-or-bustiness obviously scares Frank Madden and the Brewhoop faithful after the Joe Alexander disaster (debacle? I'm sure there's a phrase for this by now). Oh, and his attitude isn't exactly something they're keen on either. Still, it'd be really tough to pass on Whiteside with this pick and the team's needs.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Anderson, SG (Oklahoma State junior)
Last season, Minnesota took too many point guards. This season, I apparently envision it being wing men. For what it's worth, it'd seem worthwhile to package a couple of their picks and move back into the lottery, but for now I'll slot the sweet-shooting wing who Stop-N-Pop describes as this year's James Harden. Can't hurt, can it? May 10th Update: I checked to see what TAFKAMikeBourn thought about Anderson since he's been too busy to write about anything at RU other than his pizza delivery job. Turns out, he likes him. I'm happy we were able to agree.
17. Chicago Bulls - Gordon Hayward, G/F (Butler sophomore)
Is he being overrated based on his performance in the NCAA tournament? Yes. Is he a versatile, smart player who can shoot? Yes again. I asked your friendly BullsBlogger what the Bulls might be looking for and he essentially said three-point shooting, preferably from a 2-guard and preferably with athleticism. Though Henry and Anderson both fit that description better than Hayward, it does seem Hayward will be able to step in and help an NBA team without too much trouble. May 10th Update: I'm sticking with this pick for now until another 2-guard blows me away (or Xavier Henry continues his inevitable fall). Sorry, Bulls fans - Sue me. Or read what TAFKAMikeBourn had to say about him.
18. Miami Heat - Solomon Alabi, C (Florida State sophomore)
It was painfully obvious during their quick playoff run that Udonis Haslem can't do it all in the frontcourt, making this pick easier than expected. He can score and block shots and be 7-foot-1, all things that should be of interest to the Heat. He also went to Florida State, which is a bonus (because I like Florida State, not because Miami is in the state of Florida). May 10th Update: I still like him. The jury seems to still be out on him from a Florida State fan perspective, however.
19. Boston Celtics - Paul George, SF (Fresno State sophomore)
What do the Celtics need? I've been lurking over at CelticsBlog for awhile, but they really seem quite content (even Scalabrine gets some love). That said, I'm going to go with the best available player, at least in the eyes of TAFKAMikeBourn. Check this post for everything you need to know about George (and don't ask why he didn't use a picture of Paul George). May 10th Update: None, so check out these highlights until next time!
The Spurs are pretty set as well, with no immediate needs (sure, a center would be nice, but they've been getting by forever without one and seem to like the older free-agent types to fill that role). That said, I will vote for Babbitt to fill the Matt Bonner-role. He might even be a better Bonner, if you believe the hype. May 10th Update: Nope. I could see Alabi falling to this spot, though. I'm not sure that would change things, but it could.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Larry Sanders, PF (VCU junior)
This pick probably isn't going to need to contribute right away, which is why it makes sense to pick a big with potential (he at least has better numbers than Byron Mullens, if nothing else). He kind of replicates the skillset of Serge Ibaka, but if one Ibaka on the floor is nice, two would be even better! Right? Eric Maynor was also his college point guard - which could help his development. May 10th Update: Interestingly enough, Welcome To Loud City (Miss you, Mr. Pappagiorgio) found out exactly what would happen if the Thunder draft Sanders.
22. Portland Trailblazers - Damion James, F (Texas Senior)
I had Quincy Pondexter here earlier, but after talking to some people who have opinions that I trust more than my own I've decided to give James a considerable bump. Chad Ford still likes him more than me, however, as James went No. 20 to the Spurs in his first mock draft saying "James might be one of the more underrated players in the draft. Very few players have his combination of athleticism and motor. He doesn't have a position on offense, but he's a Spurs type of player all the way." Well, the Spurs and the Blazers both have smart front offices, so I'll assume he can be a Blazers type of player as well. BlazersEdge has had their eye on him as well. Check out Burnt Orange Nation as well. I couldn't decide on an individual article, but they know their stuff so feel free to browse around.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin Seraphin, F/C (France)
Here's the deal - as much as I'd prefer the Wolves to do what I want them to do, I have to assume they're either going to trade this pick or stash this pick. With Seraphin on the board (someone I'm really intrigued with in what I was able to watch over the past week), I think he's the pick. He's not ready yet, and maybe he never will be, but it's a pick that could pay off down the road.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Elliot Williams, G (Memphis Sophomore)
With O.J. Mayo apparently sliding over to the point, the Grizzlies will need to fill in at the two - and what better way to do it than with the local kid? Williams can play defense, is a good athlete and could also fill in at the point when needed. May 10th Update: Do it. He's local - those types of things always work out, right? (Wrong)
26. Oklahoma City Thunder - Quincy Pondexter SF/PF (Washington senior)
I really like Pondexter, but I had to drop him in favor of Damion James this week. Still, he seems like an OKC type of guy - a lanky, athletic defender that can play multiple positions. Chad Ford says that "he is an elite athlete and proved this season that he can really score. He's a jump shot away from being a star." With enough shooters, I think Pondexter will fit in just fine.
27. New Jersey Nets - Devin Ebanks, SF (West Virginia sophomore)
Help on the wings definitely wouldn't hurt, as Nets fans well know. Ebanks is the best option remaining - and would be higher if he could shoot. Luckily, he can play defense - so all isn't lost. He should be a good complementary piece in the NBA (and could get better). Not surprisingly, West Virginia fans aren't happy about losing what would have been their best player next year.
28. Memphis Grizzlies - Stanley Robinson, F (UConn senior)
Just go with it. With the possibility of losing both Rudy Gay and Ronnie Brewer, the wing is a position of need. While I'm not totally sold on Robinson, there's a lot to like getting him at this spot. If nothing else, the pick adds to the athletes. Robinson's senior class wasn't exactly a favorite of Huskies' fans, however.
29. Orlando Magic - Willie Warren, G (Oklahoma sophomore)
With Anthony Johnson and Jason Williams both becoming free agents, the Magic could do a lot worse as Warren was projected as a top five pick coming into the season. I'm not sure what happens when he gets to the NBA, but it's probably worth this pick to try and figure it out. The magic are deep enough to be able to take the loss if he looks as bad as he did this past season, but it'll be a steal if he's able to regain his freshman form.
30. Washington Wizards - Avery Bradley, G (Texas freshman)
He can play defense, we know that. We also know he's a (generous) 6-foot-3 "combo guard" that shoots free-throws at a Shaquesque 54% clip. There's a lot to like about him if he can develop just one or two parts of his game, but even as-is he'd be a good lockdown defender in the backcourt for the Wizards who could learn on the job.
For a link to more mock drafts (to compare and contrast), check out DC Pro Sports Report's database.
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As a Wolves fan
I would be absolutely thrilled if the draft works out with Turner, Anderson, and Seraphin. Two wings, both about as ready as can be, one with star potential, and a project big? That’s pretty ideal if they wind up using all three first round picks.
Turner is the guy we all want, obviously, and the Wolves desperately need shooters who have enough else to be on the floor, which seems like a definition of Anderson. That’s about all you can reasonably expect with the 16th pick.
I’ve seen just a bit of Seraphin, and I think there’s something there. He has a pro body, even at this age. He obviously needs to develop his skills, but there’s an impressive physical base from which to do so.
We Are the Washington Generals
by Eric in Madison on May 10, 2025 9:20 AM EDT reply actions
I have trouble seeing the Magic taking Willie Warren
He was arrested last month on two municipal warrents. Otis Smith tends to look for character in his players. Given the dearth of surefire PGs, I’d consider grabbing Dominique Jones or Terrico White if they’re not re-signing Redick, and pick up a prospect PG in the second round.
I’m also not sold on the Ogilvy pick, since the Magic have 2.5 centers - Howard, Gortat, and (in theory) Bass can all play the position. I’m guessing the logic is that Gortat will be dealt, but I’m not 100% sold on the Magic dealing him, since it would take a very solid package to pull him away - statistically, he wasn’t as good this season as last season, but he’s essentially on par with Ilgauskas or Perkins. If he is traded, it would probably at least be for one of those guard positions and a pick, which would change the dynamic of the draft.
Honor is no substitute for victory.
by The Dark on May 10, 2025 9:25 AM EDT reply actions
I agree on Willie Warren — I think somebody takes a flier on him early second, but to a guy like that, you don’t want to give him guaranteed money. And the Magic (I think) are smarter than that. Armon Johnson seems like the better bet here.
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 10, 2025 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
The only knock on Johnson would be his mediocre 3-point shooting - only .249 last season from the college 3. With Orlando’s 4-out/1-in stretch offense, that could be a liability.
That said, I don’t really have a good idea of who the Magic should take. From a purely numbers perspective, I like Jimmer Fredette, but I actually didn’t see any BYU games this year, and the combination of his injury and the fact that he’s not on any draft boards makes me feel that there’s something I’m not seeing.
Honor is no substitute for victory.
by The Dark on May 10, 2025 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
And I missed that Fredette’s going back to BYU for his senior season.
Honor is no substitute for victory.
by The Dark on May 10, 2025 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d say point guard is the most immediate need, and with a late first, you try to take a guy with potential since it’s a low risk-high reward pick. Johnson is a 6’3 point guard with plenty of development left. He could flame out, but I see a lot of Ramon Sessions in him, probably because they are both Nevada alum. Pre-Minnesota Sessions. Handles, court vision, no jump shot.
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 10, 2025 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree that PG’s probably the most immediate need, with the two wing positions being secondary, particularly small forward. The Magic have signed for next year:
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Vince Carter/Mickael Pietrus
SF: Pietrus
PF: Rashard Lewis/Ryan Anderson/Brandon Bass
C: Dwight Howard/Marcin Gortat/Bass
PGs Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson will be free agents (and may both retire). SG JJ Redick is a restricted free agent, and SF Matt Barnes has a player option that he will probably choose not to exercise.
PGs/combo guards that may be available at 29 (from looking at this mock and the one at NBA Draft Express):
Armon Johnson
Terrico White
Willie Warren
Eric Bledsoe
Grievis Vasquez
Matt Bouldin
SFs projected to possibly go second round:
Nemanja Bjelica
Luke Harangody
Lazar Hayward
If Bjelica’s still around and definitely willing to come over, Otis might take a chance on him. His skillset sounds similar to Turkoglu’s, although much less refined. I don’t think I want either Harangody or Hayward, although I’d prefer Hayward.
A couple other possibilities - I could see the Magic taking Quincy Poindexter if he falls to 29, and then going for an Alexey Shved or Mikhail Torrance or Greivis Vasquez at 59 (or some other PG who falls to them); or doing some sort of sign-and-trade or out-and-out deal for CJ Watson (who the Magic had their eye on last year), then focusing on wing players.
Ah, speculation - it’s a wonderful thing.
Honor is no substitute for victory.
by The Dark on May 10, 2025 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Luke profiles as a PF. I’m not worried about SF because Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson can both play the 3. Quincy wouldn’t be a bad pick there either. If they want somebody to back up Jameer, it would behoove them to pick up somebody who can actually run the point. Willie Warren and (to a lesser extent) Eric Bledsoe off the list there. Bouldin would be a good fit. It’s too early for Vasquez.
Hayward will be way gone by round 2. Realistic scenario for Orlando this draft is Armon Johnson and DaSean Butler. Best case would be if Quincy fell to them (he won’t) and Sherron Collins fell round 2 (he won’t either). But that’d be a nice little haul either way.
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 10, 2025 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t want to play either Lewis or Anderson at the 3. Lewis was slow-footed at SF with Seattle when he was a few years younger, and Anderson’s never played the position, but is only barely quick enough laterally for the 4 (in my opinion). While they could theoretically do it, particularly for a Big Ball lineup (6’10" SF, 6’10" PF, and 6’11" or 7’0" C? Oi vey), it would be somewhat weaker on defense when compared to the current pairing of Barnes and Pietrus. I’m not really worried about SF, since in theory Peaches, VC, and Sweet Lew can all play the position, but I think it’s our thinnest position after PG, since Carter’s the starting SG, Pietrus is the starting SF and backup SG if we don’t re-sign Redick, and Lewis is the starting PF.
For backing up the point, if the Magic can keep Redick (and if he’s offered less than the MLE, they’ll probably match it), they may be more willing to take a “project” guard like Bledsoe. Carter and Redick can both serve as ballhandlers, and Redick has become surprisingly good at it considering he was just a shooter in college. Flopping the guard positions when the bench comes in might be an effective tactic for a period of time while they work on a new guard’s court vision.
Honor is no substitute for victory.
by The Dark on May 10, 2025 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd say at #29, it's not too early for anyone
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
by Adrian Mac on May 10, 2025 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
For a guaranteed contract? I absolutely disagree.
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 11, 2025 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Warren...
would have been a lotto pick if came out last year, came back to an injury plagued disappointing soph season. Rep of a locker room cancer guy, but that late in the draft I think is a good place for him.
Loud City via Far East
boredaroundtheworld.blogspot.com
by rickpidero on May 12, 2025 2:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Late in the draft like first or second pick of round 2, but you don’t want to give guaranteed money to a headcase like that coming off a terrible year. Solomon Alabi, Gani Lawal, Dominique Jones — those guys are late first round picks. Specialized talents that are good at 1/2 things and should be able to succeed at doing those things at the next level. You get what you pay for.
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 12, 2025 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions
You don’t know how much the Jazz picking Aldrich would amuse me. It almost seems like fate.
by yosoysean on May 10, 2025 9:48 AM EDT reply actions
like white people fate, which is referred to as “Wate”
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 10, 2025 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
You linked me! You really linked me!
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 10, 2025 10:35 AM EDT reply actions
Obviously I was very convincing with my Xavier Henry thing
you dropped him a whole spot!
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by fetch9 on May 10, 2025 11:22 AM EDT reply actions
i'd sure be sad to see the knicks pass on jarvis varnado
especially twice!
by Seth on May 10, 2025 11:51 AM EDT reply actions
Aren't you used to being sad by now Seth?
You had to live through Isiah Thomas as your Coach and GM for heaven’s sake.
Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order and Originator of the "Brock Ness Monster".
by Aykis16 on May 10, 2025 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I heard Renaldo Balkman is re-entering the draft. Scoop him up Rosenthal!
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 10, 2025 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Moved Jordan Crawford to the 33 spot over White I see
I like. May 18th is going to affect this board a lot though. If the Kings move up a slot or two, I think you’re looking at a big at 33 instead of a guard. I’d go with Parakhouski or Varnado if that ends up being the case.
Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order and Originator of the "Brock Ness Monster".
by Aykis16 on May 10, 2025 1:57 PM EDT reply actions
Having watched both Aminu and Davis play over the past couple of years, I can safely say that if someone picks Davis over Aminu they will regret it. I’m not convinced that either will be a great player in the NBA, but Aminu’s ceiling is making an all star game. Davis is entirely overrated. He’s a decent rebounder, but he’s got a poor attitude and didn’t get along with many of his teammates at all.
If you’re the 76’ers you have to take Aminu over Davis at this spot IMO.
by BJohnston on May 10, 2025 3:41 PM EDT reply actions
Lucky for me, I am the Sixers. And I will be taking Aminu over Davis every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Liberty Ballers / Ridiculous Upside / @TAFKAMikeBourn
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 10, 2025 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Sherron Collins still getting taken a pick before the Lakers' first second rounder breaks the heart
:(
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
by Ben R on May 10, 2025 6:16 PM EDT reply actions
ya...
they need a PG, would be a nice 2nd round pick up
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by rickpidero on May 12, 2025 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Booker is a decent pick for the Lakers at that juncture
The Lakers really haven’t had a true energy player coming off the bench since Turiaf left, and he looks to be solidly in the Millsap/Landry/Blair mold. Was his three-point shooting in his junior year an outlier though?
Also, any thoughts on Mikhail Torrance?
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
by Ben R on May 10, 2025 6:21 PM EDT reply actions
Booker shooting threes is laughable. He won’t be doing that in the NBA.
by BJohnston on May 10, 2025 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Fair enough. Just curious
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
by Ben R on May 10, 2025 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see the Hawks taking Bledsoe either. I don’t see why they’d go with back to back guards in the first round.
by BJohnston on May 10, 2025 8:05 PM EDT reply actions
Well
the only guards they have under contract for next season are Bibby, Crawford and Teague. All of whom basically play the same position. I’m not sure someone like Bledsoe fixes that, but drafting guards isn’t a bad strategy for them.
Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.
by Jon L on May 11, 2025 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
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