I'm bored, and the draft is a very short time away. Since the order is set, and rumors are already flowing, I thought I'd take a crack at doing an NBA Draft.
1.Chicago Bulls-Derrick Rose PG, Memphis I guess you can say the prodigal son returns as Rose in a Chicago native. Word on the street is Kirk Hinrich will be traded soon (possibly to the Miami Heat or even the Orlando Magic), and many feel that Rose would make guys like Thomas and Deng look great. While I think Rose should develop into a great PG (at worst he should be at Andre Miller's level, and we saw what a difference he made in Philly), and I think he'll help Chicago turn around their fortunes in the long run, but part of me thinks they should take Beasely since he is the low post scorer they've needed for a long time.
2.Miami Heat-Michael Beasely PF, Kansas State Beasley is a tad on the short side (6'8 with shoes), but he's got other measurables that will help him out. A polished post player, as well as a decent outside shooter, Beasley could take pressure off Dwyane Wade the instant he steps onto the court. the only concern with Beasley is how could does he want to be. He has the skill to be one of the best, but if he gets lazy he could turn into Derrick Coleman.
3.Minnesota Timberwolves-OJ Mayo SG, USC Lost in all of the criticims Mayo has gotten (from USC's first round exit to the allegations of illegal benefits) is the fact that Mayo is a very good prospect. He's an underrated passer, he can create his own shot, and he is an improving defender. While most think Brook Lopez should be the pick, word is that the T'Wolves want either Mayo or Kevin Love. Love is a bit of a reach here, and for a franchise that needs help selling tickets, Mayo is the right guy. A Foye/Mayo/Brewer/Jefferson core isn't too bad.
4.Seattle Sonics-Jarryd Bayless PG, Arizona How long the Seattle part stays with the team I dunno, but the Sonics look set to take Bayless. He isn't a true PG, but he's an elite prospect that can help in teh rebuilding of the Sonics.
Memphis Grizzlies-Brook Lopez C, Stanford With Rudy Gay,Mike Conley, and Hakim Warrick in place for scoring, Lopez can come in and focus on his forte: defense. Lopez's numbers at Stanford aren't overly impressive, but during the Pac-10 tourny and the big tourny you saw that he was truely an elite player when his teammates gave him the ball. Do not be shocked if the Grizz try to make a trade here using Mike Miller, and one of their 3 young PGs as bait, but Lopez is a good pick.
New York Knicks-Danilo Gallinari SF, Armani Jeans Milano The Knicks will have a tough pick to make, but with them transitioning to a European offense under D'Antoni, why not take the top European player? At only 19 Gallinari has played at the highest competition in Europe. He should become a Hedo Turkulo like player, and help get the negative stigma out of New York.
Los Angeles Clippers-Eric Gordon SG, Indiana If Livingston and Brand can come back healthy, the Clips should be a playoff team. The do however, need to get a young SG. Gordon has lost a lot of popularity since the middle of the season, but has proven himself to be one of the better athletes at the pre draft combine. He is undersized, but he should become a better version of Ben Gordon.
Milwaukee Bucks-DJ Augustin PG, Texas If you want to see a team about to make some major roster changes look no further than the Bucks. when they had TJ Ford the team looked promising, but they've learned over the last 2 years is they can't win with both Michael Redd and Mo Williams as starters; one of them, if not both, will be gone. Augustin has worked to make his style like Steve Nash. While he probably will never play at that level (or atleast Nash's level during his MVP seasons) he should be a good fit for the Bucks.
Charlotte Bobcats-Anthony Randolph PF/SF, LSU Randolph is a combo forward, that has all the talent in the world. Problem is, he has questionable desire. With his Airness and Larry Brown running the show, Randolph might be passed over in favor of a more dedicated player, but he is probably the best player available. Randolph could/should develop into a better version of Tim Thomas; a guy that can play down low if he must, but will cause matchup problems playing outside.
10.New Jersey Nets-DeAndre Jordan C, Texas A&M The Nets are committed to rebuilding, and want to do it with big men. Jordan's talent is enough for most teams to take a flyer on him as he could easily become a top 5 center, but he is not a very smart player and is extremely raw which could make him fall.
11.Indiana Pacers-Russell Westbrook PG, UCLA The Pacers are finally tired of waiting for Jamaal Tinsley to be healthy, and even if he was, they desperatly need a PG. While they are rumored to be in love with Kevin Love, PF is not a position of need for the team. Westbrook is raw offensively and could struggle a bit as a ball handler, but he is a great defender already and will make a difference on that side of the ball.
12.Sacramento Kings-Kevin Love PF, UCLA The Kings need to get younger in the front court. They have their C of the future in Spencer Hawes, but their PFs are lacking (Kenny Thomas is getting older, Shareef Abdur-Rahim is coming off injuries, and Shelden Williams just isn't good). Loves passing and unselfishness should help the Kings become a more organized team.
Portland Trailblazers-Joe Alexander SF, West Virginia Vanilla Sky has impressed NBA scouts with his freakish athleticism to the point he could go higher, but the Trailblazers seem to be the perfect fit for him. They are a young team that has very few needs, but could use a SF that can drive to the basket as well as create his own shot. Alexander can do both.
Golden State Warriors-Darrell Arthur PF, Kansas With Brandon Wright still being too weak physically to get consistent playing time, the Warriors take another physically gifted PF, that can run the floor. Arthus hasn't developed a back to the basket game yet, but in Golden State, that shouldn't be a problem.
15.Phoenix Suns-JaVale McGee PF/C, Nevada The Suns need to get bigger on the bench, and also plan for life after Shaq to help Amare down low. McGee can play down low, but he is also a very fluid mid range shooter so he should fit in with what the Suns want to do. Also, the Suns have said they want to start using Boris Diaw more at the 3, leaving nobody to back up either Shaq or Amare.
Philadelphia 76ers-Marreese Speights PF, Florida The team has gone on record of saying they want to get a sharpshooter in the draft. Brandon Rush is the closest thing to that at this point, and he could be the pick, but they also need a go to guy down low (I think Jason Smith will be a good player, but he's not a low post threat). Speights is drawing comparisons to Al Jefferson, and while I don't really see it, he could realistically add the offense that neither Reggie Evans or Sammy Dalembert can't give.
Toronto Raptors-Brandon Rush SG/SF, Kansas The Raptors need two things; a hard nosed bigman, and a wing player that can not only defend but create his own shot. There aren't any big men that are hard nosed worth taking since Arthur and Speights are off the board, so the Raptors won't hesitate to grab Brandon Rush. A lot of scouts are comparing Rush to Caron Butler, which I can kind of see. Rush's defense, perimeter game, and ability to creat his own shot make him the perfect compliment to Chris Bosh.
Washington Wizards-Donte Green SF/PF, Syracuse Like Beasley, Green has the height to play PF. Unlike Beasley, he doesn't have a great post up game. Still, he is the BPA and can develop into the next Rashard Lewis. And with Antawn Jamison possibly walking, front court is a need.
Cleveland Cavaliers-Chase Budinger SG/SF, Arizona I personally think the Cavs are in a better position this year than they were last year, but they still lack a wing player that can create for himself when LeBron is on the bench. If not for the debacle that was Kevin O'Neil as interm HC, Chase could be a lotto pick due to his athleticism, and shooting. He is not the most creative offensive player but he is effective. If he plays up to his talent level, he should be a little better than a young Brent Barry.
Denver Nuggets-Ty Lawson PG, North Carolina Denver quickly learned that even with AI and Melo, you can't win when your starting PG is Anthony Carter or Chucky Atkins. Lawson does have some injury concerns, but everybody saw the difference he made when he was healthy, and he can take pressure off of AI defensively as well as handle the ball.
21.New Jersey Nets-Nicolas Batum SF, Le Mans Sarthe Basket Nets need some wingmen off the bench, and the 19 year old Frenchmen can provide a lot of athleticism and playmaking off the bench. He's not a great ball handler yet, and is still raw, but he is a very good prospect.
22.Orlando Magic-Chris Douglas-Roberts SG, Memphis As of right now, this is one of the worst kept secrets in the draft. Orlando loves CDR. CDR does have questions about his athleticism and strength, but he can create his own shot, and is a good mid range shooter; 2 things the Magic need.
23.Utah Jazz-Roy Hibbert C, Georgetown Hibbert was a lotto lock last year that came back to school to improve his stock. That move didn't work out too well, but he's going to a good position. The Jazz need size to come off the bench (Paul Milsap is at best 6'7). Hibbert is a legit 7'1.
Seattle Sonics-Robin Lopez PF/C, Stanford Despite drafting several bigmen over the last couple years, only Nick Collison has developed into a dependable player. Robin Lopez is not the offensive threat his brother is, but he is better on defense, and is also a good shot blocker. Going to Seattle, all he would be asked to do is hustle, which he won't disappoint.
Houston Rockets-Kosta Koufos C, Ohio State Koufos is a very good outside shooter, which makes him a nice complement to the Houston bigmen when he comes off the bench, and he's also a great fit for Adelman's high post offense. Koufos could go higher, but there are rumors that he might go play in Greece (his mother's home country) instead of playing in the NBA which will cause him to fall.
San Antonio Spurs-Courtney Lee SG/SF, Western Kentucky For a team so good, the Spurs have a lot of needs. A young backup PG, a wingplayer, and some youth on the front line. If Tiago Splitter comes over next season, the front court becomes less of an issue, and a back up PG can be had in the 2nd round or FA, but with Finley,Barry, and Bowen all getting older the Spurs cannot igore the wing players. Lee's style of play fits in well with San Antonio's system and he could not only start as a rookie, but could win rookie of the year.
New Orleans Hornets-Jason Thompson PF/C, Rider The Hornets add some size to their bench as well as a nice change of pace to Chandler's dunking off the bench. Really, the only other way the Hornets could go is back up PG.
Memphis Grizzlies-Kyle Weaver SG, Washington State Some might think of this as a reach, but he can do everything well, and is a very good defender. For a rebuilding team, you need players that give their all on both ends of the court.
Detroit Pistons-DJ White PF, IndianaThe Pistons are gonna make a lot of changes to their roster over the summer. I have the Pistons taking White for 2 reasons. 1)They need more youth in the front court and 2)They have reportedly promised White they will draft him at 29. The Pistons have a history of making promises and living up to those they make (Jason Maxiel, Rodney Stuckey, Carlos Delfino)
Boston Celtics-Mario Chalmers PG, Kansas Really, all Boston needs to do is get younger on the bench. I chose PG because Sam Cassell has not only been a huge disappointment coming off the bench (and being 38), but Eddie House is too inconsistent to got consistent PT. In reality though, this pick could be position.
1.Chicago Bulls-Derrick Rose PG, Memphis I guess you can say the prodigal son returns as Rose in a Chicago native. Word on the street is Kirk Hinrich will be traded soon (possibly to the Miami Heat or even the Orlando Magic), and many feel that Rose would make guys like Thomas and Deng look great. While I think Rose should develop into a great PG (at worst he should be at Andre Miller's level, and we saw what a difference he made in Philly), and I think he'll help Chicago turn around their fortunes in the long run, but part of me thinks they should take Beasely since he is the low post scorer they've needed for a long time.
2.Miami Heat-Michael Beasely PF, Kansas State Beasley is a tad on the short side (6'8 with shoes), but he's got other measurables that will help him out. A polished post player, as well as a decent outside shooter, Beasley could take pressure off Dwyane Wade the instant he steps onto the court. the only concern with Beasley is how could does he want to be. He has the skill to be one of the best, but if he gets lazy he could turn into Derrick Coleman.
3.Minnesota Timberwolves-OJ Mayo SG, USC Lost in all of the criticims Mayo has gotten (from USC's first round exit to the allegations of illegal benefits) is the fact that Mayo is a very good prospect. He's an underrated passer, he can create his own shot, and he is an improving defender. While most think Brook Lopez should be the pick, word is that the T'Wolves want either Mayo or Kevin Love. Love is a bit of a reach here, and for a franchise that needs help selling tickets, Mayo is the right guy. A Foye/Mayo/Brewer/Jefferson core isn't too bad.
4.Seattle Sonics-Jarryd Bayless PG, Arizona How long the Seattle part stays with the team I dunno, but the Sonics look set to take Bayless. He isn't a true PG, but he's an elite prospect that can help in teh rebuilding of the Sonics.
Memphis Grizzlies-Brook Lopez C, Stanford With Rudy Gay,Mike Conley, and Hakim Warrick in place for scoring, Lopez can come in and focus on his forte: defense. Lopez's numbers at Stanford aren't overly impressive, but during the Pac-10 tourny and the big tourny you saw that he was truely an elite player when his teammates gave him the ball. Do not be shocked if the Grizz try to make a trade here using Mike Miller, and one of their 3 young PGs as bait, but Lopez is a good pick.
New York Knicks-Danilo Gallinari SF, Armani Jeans Milano The Knicks will have a tough pick to make, but with them transitioning to a European offense under D'Antoni, why not take the top European player? At only 19 Gallinari has played at the highest competition in Europe. He should become a Hedo Turkulo like player, and help get the negative stigma out of New York.
Los Angeles Clippers-Eric Gordon SG, Indiana If Livingston and Brand can come back healthy, the Clips should be a playoff team. The do however, need to get a young SG. Gordon has lost a lot of popularity since the middle of the season, but has proven himself to be one of the better athletes at the pre draft combine. He is undersized, but he should become a better version of Ben Gordon.
Milwaukee Bucks-DJ Augustin PG, Texas If you want to see a team about to make some major roster changes look no further than the Bucks. when they had TJ Ford the team looked promising, but they've learned over the last 2 years is they can't win with both Michael Redd and Mo Williams as starters; one of them, if not both, will be gone. Augustin has worked to make his style like Steve Nash. While he probably will never play at that level (or atleast Nash's level during his MVP seasons) he should be a good fit for the Bucks.
Charlotte Bobcats-Anthony Randolph PF/SF, LSU Randolph is a combo forward, that has all the talent in the world. Problem is, he has questionable desire. With his Airness and Larry Brown running the show, Randolph might be passed over in favor of a more dedicated player, but he is probably the best player available. Randolph could/should develop into a better version of Tim Thomas; a guy that can play down low if he must, but will cause matchup problems playing outside.
10.New Jersey Nets-DeAndre Jordan C, Texas A&M The Nets are committed to rebuilding, and want to do it with big men. Jordan's talent is enough for most teams to take a flyer on him as he could easily become a top 5 center, but he is not a very smart player and is extremely raw which could make him fall.
11.Indiana Pacers-Russell Westbrook PG, UCLA The Pacers are finally tired of waiting for Jamaal Tinsley to be healthy, and even if he was, they desperatly need a PG. While they are rumored to be in love with Kevin Love, PF is not a position of need for the team. Westbrook is raw offensively and could struggle a bit as a ball handler, but he is a great defender already and will make a difference on that side of the ball.
12.Sacramento Kings-Kevin Love PF, UCLA The Kings need to get younger in the front court. They have their C of the future in Spencer Hawes, but their PFs are lacking (Kenny Thomas is getting older, Shareef Abdur-Rahim is coming off injuries, and Shelden Williams just isn't good). Loves passing and unselfishness should help the Kings become a more organized team.
Portland Trailblazers-Joe Alexander SF, West Virginia Vanilla Sky has impressed NBA scouts with his freakish athleticism to the point he could go higher, but the Trailblazers seem to be the perfect fit for him. They are a young team that has very few needs, but could use a SF that can drive to the basket as well as create his own shot. Alexander can do both.
Golden State Warriors-Darrell Arthur PF, Kansas With Brandon Wright still being too weak physically to get consistent playing time, the Warriors take another physically gifted PF, that can run the floor. Arthus hasn't developed a back to the basket game yet, but in Golden State, that shouldn't be a problem.
15.Phoenix Suns-JaVale McGee PF/C, Nevada The Suns need to get bigger on the bench, and also plan for life after Shaq to help Amare down low. McGee can play down low, but he is also a very fluid mid range shooter so he should fit in with what the Suns want to do. Also, the Suns have said they want to start using Boris Diaw more at the 3, leaving nobody to back up either Shaq or Amare.
Philadelphia 76ers-Marreese Speights PF, Florida The team has gone on record of saying they want to get a sharpshooter in the draft. Brandon Rush is the closest thing to that at this point, and he could be the pick, but they also need a go to guy down low (I think Jason Smith will be a good player, but he's not a low post threat). Speights is drawing comparisons to Al Jefferson, and while I don't really see it, he could realistically add the offense that neither Reggie Evans or Sammy Dalembert can't give.
Toronto Raptors-Brandon Rush SG/SF, Kansas The Raptors need two things; a hard nosed bigman, and a wing player that can not only defend but create his own shot. There aren't any big men that are hard nosed worth taking since Arthur and Speights are off the board, so the Raptors won't hesitate to grab Brandon Rush. A lot of scouts are comparing Rush to Caron Butler, which I can kind of see. Rush's defense, perimeter game, and ability to creat his own shot make him the perfect compliment to Chris Bosh.
Washington Wizards-Donte Green SF/PF, Syracuse Like Beasley, Green has the height to play PF. Unlike Beasley, he doesn't have a great post up game. Still, he is the BPA and can develop into the next Rashard Lewis. And with Antawn Jamison possibly walking, front court is a need.
Cleveland Cavaliers-Chase Budinger SG/SF, Arizona I personally think the Cavs are in a better position this year than they were last year, but they still lack a wing player that can create for himself when LeBron is on the bench. If not for the debacle that was Kevin O'Neil as interm HC, Chase could be a lotto pick due to his athleticism, and shooting. He is not the most creative offensive player but he is effective. If he plays up to his talent level, he should be a little better than a young Brent Barry.
Denver Nuggets-Ty Lawson PG, North Carolina Denver quickly learned that even with AI and Melo, you can't win when your starting PG is Anthony Carter or Chucky Atkins. Lawson does have some injury concerns, but everybody saw the difference he made when he was healthy, and he can take pressure off of AI defensively as well as handle the ball.
21.New Jersey Nets-Nicolas Batum SF, Le Mans Sarthe Basket Nets need some wingmen off the bench, and the 19 year old Frenchmen can provide a lot of athleticism and playmaking off the bench. He's not a great ball handler yet, and is still raw, but he is a very good prospect.
22.Orlando Magic-Chris Douglas-Roberts SG, Memphis As of right now, this is one of the worst kept secrets in the draft. Orlando loves CDR. CDR does have questions about his athleticism and strength, but he can create his own shot, and is a good mid range shooter; 2 things the Magic need.
23.Utah Jazz-Roy Hibbert C, Georgetown Hibbert was a lotto lock last year that came back to school to improve his stock. That move didn't work out too well, but he's going to a good position. The Jazz need size to come off the bench (Paul Milsap is at best 6'7). Hibbert is a legit 7'1.
Seattle Sonics-Robin Lopez PF/C, Stanford Despite drafting several bigmen over the last couple years, only Nick Collison has developed into a dependable player. Robin Lopez is not the offensive threat his brother is, but he is better on defense, and is also a good shot blocker. Going to Seattle, all he would be asked to do is hustle, which he won't disappoint.
Houston Rockets-Kosta Koufos C, Ohio State Koufos is a very good outside shooter, which makes him a nice complement to the Houston bigmen when he comes off the bench, and he's also a great fit for Adelman's high post offense. Koufos could go higher, but there are rumors that he might go play in Greece (his mother's home country) instead of playing in the NBA which will cause him to fall.
San Antonio Spurs-Courtney Lee SG/SF, Western Kentucky For a team so good, the Spurs have a lot of needs. A young backup PG, a wingplayer, and some youth on the front line. If Tiago Splitter comes over next season, the front court becomes less of an issue, and a back up PG can be had in the 2nd round or FA, but with Finley,Barry, and Bowen all getting older the Spurs cannot igore the wing players. Lee's style of play fits in well with San Antonio's system and he could not only start as a rookie, but could win rookie of the year.
New Orleans Hornets-Jason Thompson PF/C, Rider The Hornets add some size to their bench as well as a nice change of pace to Chandler's dunking off the bench. Really, the only other way the Hornets could go is back up PG.
Memphis Grizzlies-Kyle Weaver SG, Washington State Some might think of this as a reach, but he can do everything well, and is a very good defender. For a rebuilding team, you need players that give their all on both ends of the court.
Detroit Pistons-DJ White PF, IndianaThe Pistons are gonna make a lot of changes to their roster over the summer. I have the Pistons taking White for 2 reasons. 1)They need more youth in the front court and 2)They have reportedly promised White they will draft him at 29. The Pistons have a history of making promises and living up to those they make (Jason Maxiel, Rodney Stuckey, Carlos Delfino)
Boston Celtics-Mario Chalmers PG, Kansas Really, all Boston needs to do is get younger on the bench. I chose PG because Sam Cassell has not only been a huge disappointment coming off the bench (and being 38), but Eddie House is too inconsistent to got consistent PT. In reality though, this pick could be position.