http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/198096
Mock Draft (1-10)
11.
Indiana Pacers - D.J. Augustin
The Pacers don't look like they have a plan for the future, and D.J. Augustin would be a good start. And with the idea of Jermaine O'neal and Jamaal Tinsley being done with in Indiana, a point guard would be a good pick. The reason I am picking Augustin over Westbrook is simple: 1. Augustin would fit better in Jim O'Brien's system and 2. He is a great character guy. They need a leader on the floor and I'm not sure if Russell Westbrook can do that. Danny Granger, Mike Dunleavy, and D.J. Augustin, this team could be effective in the future.
12.
Sacramento Kings - Russell Westbrook
The Kings were desperately hoping Westbrook would fall into their laps, and he did. Westbrook brings great leadership, and that is what the Kings need at this point. He can play both guard positions, but will most likely stick with point guard in Sacramento. I see him being a Monta Ellis type of player who can come off the bench or even start and produce points easilly. The Kings will be looking for a power forward later in the draft though, because I don't think a team can win with Mikki Moore, Sheldon Williams, Kenny Thomas, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim as their power forwards.
13.
Portland Trailblazers - Joe Alexander
If I were them, and neither Westbrook nor Augustin are available, I would trade down, but from what the sources say, they are extremely high on Joe Alexander, and for a reason. He is very versitale and that could be a great assset for the Blazers. He is also one of the most athletic players in the draft, and with a duo of Roy-Alexander, the Blazers look to have a good shot at the playoffs next season. He is still a little raw since he is still learning the game, but he will improve, and the upside he is tramendous. I will be very excited to see what he does in the NBA.
14.
Golden State Warriors - Darrell Arthur
Darrell Arthur is a perfect selection for the Warriors. He consists of the quickness and athleticism to succeed in the run-and-gun offense the Warriors run. He might be the missing piece they are looking for to go alongside Andris Biedrins. Arthur has the greatest upside as an athlete and a scorer of all the players left on the board. But his greatest weakness is his rebounding skills. At 225 lb., he needs to bulk up to be a good power forward in this league. What the Warriors really need is a backup point guard though. C.J. Watson?
15.
Phoenix Suns - Robin Lopez
For Lopez, playing alongside Amare Stoudemire and Shaquille O'neal is an honor. Robin Lopez is the type of player that hustles at all times, shows toughness, and is a great rebounder and shot-blocker, reminding some people of Anderson Varejao. He is a good fit in an offense where he can play along stars and learn, and I think that it will help greatly. The Suns want to win now and they need depth in the front court. Sean Marks will not be able to be a good backup, so Lopez is the pick here.
16.
Philadelphia 76ers - Marreese Speights
As we all know, the 76ers are searching for a star big man, possibly Elton Brand. If they don't receive Brand, Speights is a younger version of him anyway. He is a low-post banger and shows great offensive promise. Andre Iguodala can't do everything by himself anyway. Sorry Reggie Evans, you are not the answer. He acctually benafitted in college, playing alongside Al Horford and Joakim Noah as a freshman. His size, shooting touch, and potential are what really atract scouts.
17.
Toronto Raptors - Nicolas Batum
Toronto is very high on recruiting European players, and he is one of the best. This athletic swingman's comparison is Rudy Gay, just because he can do a little bit of everything. Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon aren't the best starting pair of swingmen in this league. His potential is great if you ask me, because he is a natural for the game of basketball. Even though he doesn't have the experience, if you let him learn and maybe even let him get some minutes in the D-League, you can grow as a young star. Even though they say he is like Rudy Gay, he is more of a Tayshaun Prince from what I've seen. If the Raptors are healthy next season, they can be a threat in the East.
18.
Washington Wizards - JaVale McGee
Once again, the Wizards are drafting a big man. But this time, it's different. He is from an all-basketball family, where both of his parents played professional basketball. This big man is bursting with potential, but still unprocessed, reminding a lot of people of Andrew Bynum. Even with Andray Blatche and Brenden Haywood having breakout seasons, you never know the health of Etan Thomas, who missed the entire season. The problem many scouts have is his thin frame. Even though he can fly up and down the court, he can't bang with the other big men in the East. Don't look for him to get many minutes in his rookie season.
19.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Chase Budinger
With Devin Brown, Daniel Gibson, and Delonte West all heading to the free agent market, a player of Budinger's caliber would help out greatly. Teams love his shooting ability and size at the shooting guard position. Budinger could easily be a late-lottery pick, but if he slips, the Cavs wouldn't be hesitant to select this Arizona prospect. Not many selections get to work with LeBron James for a living. He could possibly become the next Grant Hill, hopefully without all the drastic injuries. Not many people known that he is a top 5 volleyball player in the nation as well.
20.
Denver Nuggets - Brandon Rush
First off, Iverson needs to play the point guard position, not shooting guard. It just causes way to many matchup situations. And if Iverson moves to PG, J.R. Smith can't do everything. That is why they are selecting Brandon Rush, and champion with great size and long arms. Luckily, he was blessed with the athleticism to do anything on the court. Rush also plays defense, which is what most other Nugget players do not do. It looks like he should be a good fit in the Denver' up-tempo offense. Look for them to search for a big man later in the draft.

Ashley Allen
Tatiana Golovin



Comments (1) Add A Comment
What is the situation in the Anthony deal? Last I heard, it was a rumor.
Anyway...great blog with great picks. I think the best situation for the Trail Blazers would be to trade down. That way, they can get some more picks that will help them more in later drafts.
Dyhard - four in a…
Germantown, WI
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