NBA Mock Draft '07
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by user Sportsbrief
With the NBA Finals just about over, (not sure Cleveland knew they even started), let’s look ahead to one of the greatest nights in sports, the NBA Draft. June 28 th, I can’t wait. Here’s how I see it breaking down. And look, both rounds!
Round 1:
1. Blazers- Greg Oden, C, Ohio St .
Not much to really say here. I’m not going to go out on a limb and say anyone else but Oden will be the first pick later this month. If they can pull off the Zach Randolph for Antawn Jamison trade look out for the Blazers. With a starting five of Jack, Roy, Jamison, Aldridge, Oden… fans and Portland would certainly have something to cheer about.
2. Sonics- Kevin Durant, F, Texas
Couldn’t bench press 185 pounds once. Not once. Really? I think most bloggers can bench 185. I know that you’re not allowed to write for the Sports Brief unless you can. But the fact is he still was the most dominant player in the country last year, and not even 20 years old he will get stronger. When he’s making 10+ million a year he can sit in his mansion and laugh at me while I put up 185 at the local Y. And yes, as a Celtics fan, as soon as I heard about his workout I thought for a second he could slip to 5 th. I can wish right?
3. Hawks- Mike Conley, PG, Ohio St .
They can’t pass up another point guard can they? Apparently they didn’t want Deron Williams, Chris Paul, or even Ray Felton two years ago. Last year they passed up on Brandon Roy (I know he’s a SG, but still rookie of the year) and Randy Foye. They also could have traded down for someone like Rajon Rondo, Marcus Williams, or Jordan Farmar. Don’t think Ty Lue is the answer down in Atlanta.
4. Grizzlies- Al Horford, PF, Florida
Florida big man shouldn’t fall past Memphis here at four. Yes they would really like Oden, and with the league’s worst record probably feel like they “deserve” him, but as it shook out they have the fourth selection. Horford is probably more suited for a power forward role in the West, but with Pau Gasol, Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay, and Stromile Swift he quickly becomes the best option at center. Frankly not a big fan and I don’t expect big things from Horford. I hope the Grizz take him just so the Celtics can’t screw it up.
5. Celtics- Yi Jianlian, F, China
Yi or bust. And by bust I mean trade the damn pick. If the C’s keep this pick and do not use it to acquire someone like a Shawn Marion or Rashad Lewis I hope they go with Yi. No one knows a whole lot about him minus all the youtube clips, but after Oden and Durant there’s no one who really jumps out at me. I’ve heard comparisons to Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire, and even Allen Iverson. Of course he could also be the next Nikoloz Tskitishvili… wait he was also the 5 th pick? Damn it. I still can’t believe Oden or Durant won’t be playing in Boston next year. Unbelievable.
6. Bucks- Corey Brewer, SF, Florida
I really believe that Brewer will end his career as the best pro of all the Gators he won back to back championships with, and it won’t be close. He has great skills, and if he works at it, he could survive in this league with his defense alone. Horford is overrated, Noah is an Anderson Varejao with college experience, and Green is a back up point guard at best. If Milwaukee resigns Mo Williams, they could have a solid five with him, Redd, Brewer, Villanueva, and Bogut. Yeah they would definitely rather have Durant, but for a team that tanked even worse than the Celtics or Grizzlies they really earned the 6 th pick.
7. Timberwolves- Brandan Wright, PF, North Carolina
By picking up Brandan Wright, the T-Wolves could think about moving Kevin Garnett, even though he will never ask to be traded. Draft Wright, and build around him, Randy Foye and Craig Smith. Maybe McCants will even find his game, and with whatever they get from the Garnett deal the future could be bright.
8. Bobcats- Jeff Green, SF, Georgetown
Though he isn’t a great scorer Green can do just about everything. Charlotte is stacking up some talent of college stars, but has yet to become any kind of threat in the league. Felton, Okafor, and May are three up and coming players, while Morrison proved to be more of a liability for this team. Green’s defense could possibly make up for the mustached one, but if Morrison shoots 37% from the field again he won’t even be out there.
9. Bulls from Knicks- Spencer Hawes, C, Washington
How the hell does a team with young stars of Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, and supporting guys like Ty Thomas, Andres Nocioni, and Chris Duhon have a top 10 pick? Oh that’s right, I forgot about the Knicks. Good thing they got rid of Tyson Chandler or this team might have been too good through 2017. I’m not sure how good Hawes will be, but he’s the obvious choice here because of his size and low post scoring.
10. Kings- Julian Wright, PF, Kansas
Not much offense here either out of Wright. But in Sacramento most of the offense comes from the backcourt anyway, all they need out of him is solid defense and to catch some ally-oops. This shows what a crap shoot the lottery is. After Oden and Durant there’s a lot of solid guys with potential, but there’s a great chance at some busts as well. If Conley goes 3 rd to the Hawks you’re looking at picks 4-14 being anyone’s guess as far as who will come out of this as winners.
11. Hawks from Pacers- Joakim Noah, PF, Florida
Speaking of winners, this “guy” did a lot of that at Florida. I already made the comparison to Anderson Varejao, and I’m standing by it. Varejao was the last pick of the 2004 draft, and averaged under 7 points and 7 boards this year. So why would you pick him with a lottery pick? He may surprise people and play like a poor man’s AK-47… and the way AK played this season, a poor man’s Kirilenko doesn’t even belong in the league.
12. 76ers- Al Thornton, F, Florida St .
Thornton had some huge games against some great teams. Keeping in mind who is on these teams check out the numbers from: vs. Florida- 28 pts 9 reb, @ UNC 29 pts 12 rebs, @ UVA 30 pts 16 rebs, and you can also throw in a 45 point performance at Miami and you can say this guy made the most out of his senior season with the Seminoles. He’s been compared to Shawn Marion, and if the 76ers take him and have him play along side Iguodala they could be scary.
13. Hornets- Nick Young, SG, USC
Nick Young could be the missing piece for the Hornets that helps get them into the postseason. He’s a silky smooth scoring wingman that would compliment their fantastic point guard Chris Paul, and their bruising low post scorer David West. Young really improved his three point shooting from his sophomore season (33%) to his junior year (44%) at USC. Still pretty raw, but I like this pick for the Hornets over anyone else who is available.
14. Clippers- Acie Law, PG, Texas A&M
They should have their point guard of the future in Shaun Livingston, who’s actually younger than Law, but after the horrific injury the Clippers may have to select yet another PG with a lottery pick. The team regressed this past season, but a proven winner like Acie Law could give them the push they need to get back to the playoffs.
15. Pistons from Magic- Rodney Stuckey, SG, Eastern Washington
Playing out in the Big Sky not a lot of people have seen or even heard of Stuckey. I’m not going to lie and say that I caught many Eastern Washington games this season, but from what I’ve heard about this guy he could land right in the middle of round 1. He’s a scoring machine who can also dish the ball making him twice as valuable. The Pistons have no bench, particularly at guard, so picking a combo guard like Stuckey would be wise.
16. Wizards- Thaddeus Young, SF, Georgia Tech
One and done at G. Tech for Young. Another guy who would be picked mainly on potential, but if the Wizards to get rid of Antawn Jamison, suddenly they need some help at that position. Who knows what will happen with Arenas, but with Agent Zero, Caron Butler, and Thaddeus Young they’d certainly be a team you wouldn’t want to miss.
17. Nets- Sean Williams, C, Boston College
If Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson are all back on the Nets next season, (I doubt they will be, but for this let’s say they are), then they need something up front. No one on New Jersey last year averaged 1.0 blocks per game. Williams would be an instant force in the middle for a team that not only needs a low post stopper but also a scoring threat.
18. Warriors- Jason Smith, PF, Colorado St .
Big guy who can get up and down the floor, would be perfect for Nellie Ball. He can even shoot the 3 a little, and make free throws, something that killed the Warriors last year. Showed he could rebound last year as he averaged a double-double for the Rams. Smith would definitely work his way into that short Nellie rotation.
19. Lakers- Josh McRoberts, PF, Duke
If Noah and Horford are going to be busts, I don’t even know what to call McRoberts. A top pick if he left after his freshmen year, McRoberts returned to school for a disappointing season at Duke. He and the team struggled and now he finds himself dropping to 19, at best. I think he should go even lower, but the Lakers might try to take a big name.
20. Heat- Javaris Crittenton, PG, Georgia Tech
Jason Williams is 31, Gary Payton (if he returns) is 38. The Heat are an old team, average age of last year’s squad was 29. Crittenton (19) and Wade (25) could be the backcourt in Miami for years to come. Javaris, like Thaddeus Young is another one and done Yellow Jacket. We’ll have to wait and see how they do, but one thing is for sure, the rest of the ACC is happy with their decisions to go pro.
'21. 76ers from Nuggets- Tiago Splitter, PF, Brazil '
With the second of their three first round picks the 6ers take a chance on an international player that has garnered a lot of hype the past few years. If they do take Thornton with their first pick, then every else would be gravy. It’s not 100% that he would be able to play next year in the NBA, so a team with multiple picks, like Philly, might feel like they can take a shot on him.
22. Bobcats from Raptors- Morris Almond, SG, Rice
Almond is a great scorer and fantastic shooter. Playing for a team that didn’t receive much coverage, Morris is a bit under the radar. With three straight seasons shooting over 44% from long range, he might be the best shooter in the draft. What Jeff Green brings in defense and intangibles, Almond brings in offense. These two guys could help turn around the bobcats entire franchise.
23. Knicks from Bulls- Aaron Gray, C, Pitt
I really don’t think the Knicks will pick Aaron Gray, but come on. Imagine all the New York fans as the commissioner announces: “With the 23 rd pick, the New York Knicks select… Aaron Gray.” Even David Stern would smirk at that one. I hope this happens.
24. Suns from Cavs- Derrick Byars, SF, Vanderbilt
Byars really put Commodore basketball on the map this past season, helping Vandy reach the Sweet 16. He can play the 2 or the 3, and run the floor, which of course is essential for playing in Phoenix. It’s going to be real interesting to see what the Suns do this off season. If they lose Marion, what will they do to remind in the top tier of the West?
25. Jazz- Daequan Cook, SG, Ohio St .
As seen in the Western Conference playoffs the Jazz have a lot of pieces to the puzzle. An athletic, scoring shooting guard, is not one of those pieces. Cook might be better suited for another year with the Buckeyes, but with the loss of Oden and Conley, as well as Ron Lewis, you can’t blame him for cashing in on the team’s success. Cook could be that missing ingredient the Jazz need to advance to the NBA Finals. Could be.
26. Rockets- Glen Davis, PF, LSU
His buddy and Final 4 partner from two years ago, Ty Thomas, was a top 5 pick. Big Baby returned for his junior year, and is now a borderline first rounder. Rockets could use another big body to play upfront with Yao. Hayes has played well, Howard has also played. Who knows what you’ll get out of Mt. Mutombo this year, so a big guy like Davis would be a nice pick for Houston.
27. Pistons- Gabe Pruitt, PG, USC
I already had the Pistons taking a big combo guard in Stuckey earlier in the draft, here with their second pick I think they go after another player to bolster the backcourt. Pruitt is a big point guard who should be able to do a lot of the same things as Billups. He put up three solid seasons at USC, and I believe will be good pro.
28. Spurs- Ali Traore, PF, France
Does it matter who they take? International seems to be working for them. Why not take another guy from France. He’s a big fella to boot. I got nothing more on him. I’m sick of the Spurs too. Who’s with me?
'29. Suns- Rudy Fernandez, SG, Spain '
Word is the Suns won’t hang on to this pick. It’s going to be a busy off season for Phoenix. Steve Kerr will have a lot to examine. They have two first round picks, as well as the whole Shawn Marion situation. And with Nash being 33 years old, they need to really get after it the next couple seasons for their best chance of winning the whole thing.
30. 76ers from Mavericks- DeVon Hardin, C, California
Not officially staying in the draft as of yet, but Hardin is big and athletic. Still a bit of a work in progress, one reason he could return to school. The 6ers have three first rounders, they don’t have a great track record of drafting, see: John Salmons, Keith Van Horn, and Shawn Bradley, or they take guys who become good in other places like Larry Hughes and Jerry Stackhouse. Who knows if they’ll hold on to all three guys. The Celts had three first round picks once: Joe Johnson, Kedrick Brown, and Joe Forte in 2001… its ok, I’m almost over it. Not like they passed on Gilbert Arenas three times.
Round 2:
I’ll spare you my pick by pick take in Round 2, as the chances of any of these coming true are as likely as the Olsen twins NOT doing Playboy.
31. Sonics from Grizzlies- Marc Gasol, C, Spain
'32. Celtics- Jared Dudley, F, Boston ' College
33. Spurs from Bucks- Marco Belinelli, SG, Italy
34. Mavericks from Hawks- Taurean Green, PG, Florida
35. Sonics- Marcus Williams, SF, Arizona
36. Warriors from Timberwolves- Arron Afflalo, SG, UCLA
37. Blazers- Alando Tucker, SF, Wisconsin
38. 76ers from Knicks via Bulls- Dominic James, PG, Marquette
39. Magic from Kings via Jazz- Demetris Nichols, SF, Syracuse
40. Lakers from Bobcats- Nick Fazekas, PF, Nevada
41. Timberwolves from 76ers- Wilson Chandler, SF, DePaul
42. Blazers from Pacers- Aaron Brooks, G, Oregon
43. Hornets- Trey Johnson, SG, Jackson St .
44. Magic- Herbert Hill, PF, Providence
45. Clippers- Reyshawn Terry, SF, North Carolina
46. Warriors from Nets- JameOn Curry, SG, Oklahoma St .
47. Wizards- Zabian Dowdell, PG, Virginia Tech
'48. Lakers- Ramon Sessions, PG, Nevada '
49. Bulls from Warriors via Suns, Celtics, and Nuggets- D.J. Strawberry, G, Maryland
50. Mavericks from Heat via Lakers- Kyrylo Fesenki, C, Ukraine
51. Bulls from Nuggets- Marko Tomas, SG, Croatia
52. Blazers from Raptors- Dominic McGuire, SF, Fresno St .
53. Blazers from Bulls- Marcelus Kemp, SG, Nevada
54. Magic from Cavs- Carl Landry, PF, Purdue
55. Jazz- Adam Haluska, SG, Iowa
56. Bucks from Rockets- J.R. Reynolds, SG, Virginia
57. Pistons- Ron Lewis, SG, Ohio St .
58. Spurs- Jared Jordan, PG, Marist
59. Suns- Brandon Heath, PG, San Diego St .
60. Mavericks- Mustafa Shakur, PG, Arizona St .
-Rich Keefe
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