Sorts of Sports

NBA Mock Draft 10.0

Here it is, the official NBA Mock Draft compiled by the Sorts of Sports experts. We omited trades and tried to pick based on what the team needs.  Some picks may surprise but we are experts, so trust us.

1- (Chris) Cavs: Kyrie Irving - It would be great if the Cavs took Williams just to mess with the Wolves but the Cavs will take Irving as the future as the franchise. Baron Davis is not the future but he helped paved the way when the Clippers dealt him last year along with this draft pick. Irving is probably the best NBA talent available in the draft. It is mostly all downhill from here.
2- (Zach) Wolves: Derrick Williams - Really the only option here with Rubio, Flynn, and WesJo in the backcourt, plus Love in the shower. Can't forget Beasley either. Clearly this team has been making top 5 picks for a very long time. D-Will is pretty versatile for a 7 footer too; is this the next LaMarcus Aldridge?
3- (Dan) Jazz: Brandon Knight - since Robert Mitchell is locked up, the Jazz will have to settle for the Kentucky PG at this pick.  After missing out on Kyrie, the Jazz are hoping Knight can fill in 75% of Deron Williams shoes.  They already have a solid frontline and this kid has huge upside.  Although we all want this pick to be Jimmer for obvious reasons (except for the Knick fan in me), Knight is still a solid pick and is apparently a great kid who should fit in well in Utah.
4- (Brett) Cavs: Enes Kanter - If the draft plays out this way, Kanter is the no-brainer. Cleveland needs everything and Kanter gives them the inside/outside combo with Irving. He's not a typical European prospect. Kanter spent a year in prep school in California and although he was ineligible, was part of last year's Final Four team at Kentucky. Option B is to trade down to #9 and wait for Jimmer because the Cavs need a PR boost, depth and someone who can score.
5- (Pat) Raptors: Kemba Walker - Bryan Colangelo has a reputation of falling for European players, and there are a bunch in this draft, but if any team can use a natural leader it's the Raptors.  Kemba brings leadership, toughness, and the ability to contribute right away.  DeMar DeRozen is at his best when getting up and down the floor, and Walker would thrive with him in that type of system.  The Raptors still owe Jose Calderon 2 years at around $10 million a year, so if they decide to fill another need area they could take Jan Vesely from the Czech Republic.
6- (Drew) Wizards: Kawhi Leonard - Wizards could go in a number of directions with their 6th pick having needs just about everywhere other then PG.  Their dream scenario would be trading up to nab Derrick Williams to pair with John Wall without having to deal away McGee , but perhaps their most logical move would be trading down with Charlotte acquiring Charlotte’s # 9 + #19 in exchange for #6.  In this scenario Washington would own the #9, #18, and # 19 picks, but for this mock drafts sake let’s assume Washington keeps their pick and selects either Marcus Morris, Kawhi Leonard or takes a chance on international prospect Jan Vesely.
7- (Chris) Kings: Jimmer Fredette- The likelihood that they trade this pick is high that Felton comes in at PG and Evans moves to SG. But for the sake of this argument, they need a guard with a clean reputation. Burks would be a good fit but he lacks the upper body stregth says one scout, to be a good PG and he is more of a straight shooter, although his 3P% dipped below 30% last year. Jimmer can keep Tyreke and Cousins in line and save this team for another year.
8- (Zach) Pistons: Klay Thompson - With an aging backcourt and some youth already up front, I think the Pistons roll the dice on a big guard who can score it. While guys like Tristan Thompson, the Morris twins, and Bismack Biyombo have all been mentioned around this pick, every team who wants to compete for a title needs someone who can score it from the wing, and Will Bynum, Rodney Stuckey, and AARP members Rip Hamilton/Ben Gordon just are not going to cut it.
9- (Dan) Bobcats: Tristan Thompson - the Bobcats are one team that has a need at every position, which basically results from a shaky draft history.  Therefore, they can start their rebuilding process by taking Thompson, who should help fill the void of the departed Gerald Wallace.  Thompson is one of the only true PF's in this draft and is as close to being a sure contributor as you're going to find at this point.  Although they could focus on scoring by getting Burks here, I think Thompson is the pick.  Jan Veseley is still on the board, but given the Bobcats consistent whiffs in the first round, it doesn't seem likely that they'll take an international project.
10- (Brett) Bucks: Marcus Morris - Morris is an efficient offensive player, something the Bucks desperately need. Especially around the rims with Bogut's nagging injuries, Milwaukee needs more help inside. Morris is more of a polished prospect than projects like Biyumbo. The Bucks feel like they are a few breaks away from the playoffs, and someone like Morris can come in be effective from the start. As we've seen, Drew Gooden as a starting PF does not equal the playoffs. This is the perfect fit for the defensive minded Skiles, who needs a playoff appearance to save his job.
11- (Pat) Warriors: Alec Burks - The Warriors front office will be a happy bunch if either Burks or Klay Thompson fall to them at 11.  With an undersized backcourt, and a bunch of rumors around a possible trade of Monta Ellis, Burks fills an immediate need as a natural slasher/scorer with size (6'6).  If Ellis ends up getting dealt, Burks should be able to replace some of Monta's slashing/scoring ability while adding more of a defensive presence, purely due to his size/length.
12- (Drew) Jazz: Chris Singleton -  It’s difficult to gauge the caliber of talent between picks 5-30.  The Jazz have Brandon Knight locked in as their PG of the future so I’m going with Chris Singleton at #12 to help ease the loss of AK47.  Singleton is a BIG SF with terrific defensive instincts.  With Favors, Jefferson, Millsap, Knight, and Harris carrying the load offensively Singleton will be able to carve out a niche as their go-to defender.
13- (Chris) Suns: Iman Shumpert- The Suns are not bringing Vince carter back so they will look to someone who can not only score, but play defense, something that Vince Carter failed to do. Someone like Chris Singleton fits this mold, but he is too much defense for the Suns so Iman Shumpert seems like the better option, especially if he is still here. Other teams may try to trade up to get Iman and the Suns may try to move up to get to Burks or Jimmer, but if all stays pat then Iman is the man for the Suns.
14- (Zach) Rockets: Jan Vesely - Hard to believe big Jan fell to 14, but the Rockets are certainly pleased with how this draft has unfolded. Jan provides some size and athleticism to a front court that could use a little of both. Projected by many as a early lottery pick, Kyle Lowery, K-Mart, Buddinger and Luis Scola are going to pleased with the latest white, European, Dirk-clone. Actually, the Dirk comparison may be a little premature because he really needs to sharpen up some of his perimeter skills, but whether the Rockets buy out his contract overseas or not, you'll be seeing the big fella making contributions in the near future.
15- (Dan) Pacers: Marshon Brooks - looking at the draft board, most of the top prospects still available are low-post guys.  The problem is that the Pacers seem to have an influx in this area with Psycho-T, Hibbert, and crew.  Therefore, it seems the Pacers will pass on the likes of Biyombo and the other Morris to land probably the most dynamic scorer left.  Marshon should be able to take some pressure off the dynamic Danny Granger, allowing the Pacers developing front line to handle the rest.
16- (Brett) 76ers: Bismack Biyumbo - This is right about where he should fall. Brooks was the perfect fit as Philly is in desperate need of a crunch-time scorer. Sorry Andre, but you are more Scottie than Michael. Maureese Speights hasn't lived up to his potential and Elton Brand barely averaged over a block a game last year. Biyumbo follows in a storied tradition of middling defensive specialists in Philly that includes Theo Ratliff's expiring contract and Seton Hall product Samuel Dalembert.
17- (Dan) Knicks: Markieff Morris- As a Knicks fan, the way this draft played out so far is definitely worst case scenario.  The Knicks are desperate for another scoring option, but there doesn't seem to be much value in that area at this point.  Valanciunas' contract situation will scare them off - they probably didn't want to invest in a project at this point anyway (ditto to Motiejunas) - and Faried is too one dimensional.  With the likelihood that they will buy a later pick to scoop up a second-tier PG (Darius Morris or Josh Shelby), this may be the pick.  Morris should provide immediate help off the bench and will hopefully play an Anthony Mason/Charles Oakley role.  But oh how sweet it would have been to land a guard here and buy into Jeremy Tyler in the 2nd Round.  All Knicks fans: start praying for those Steve Nash trade rumors to keep heating up...
18- (Drew) Wizards: Nikola Vucevic- The Wizards may very well snag Jonas brother Valanciunas here and hope that he suits up for them in 2012-2013, but it’s hard to forget what happened to Orlando who’s still waiting for their 05’ Intl. pick Fran Vasquez.  Safe pick is Vucevic who’s worked out well and brings a legit 6”11 250 frame and a soft touch.
19- (Chris) Bobcats Michael Jordan Hamilton- The Bobcats could make moves in the draft if they get Thompson with their first pick and they go for Jordan Hamilton later. Jordan is a versatile and could fill in at SG or SF. He may not be 100% NBA Ready but he is long and has a great shot. At 6-8 it is easy for him to pop over smaller 2-guards. He won’t be even close to Michael Jordan, but if Jordan can give him advice, he will at least pan out to be Ron Harper.
20- (Zach) Wolves: Jonas Valanciunas - This draft has worked out pretty well for the Wolves if they can pick up another skilled big man like big Jonas. Lottery talent in the middle of the first round. Clearly David Kahn has begun another run on a specific position, and I'm not sure if anyone will be able to stop him.
21- (Dan) Blazers: Tobias Harris- The Blazers have one of the deeper rosters in the NBA - especially up front.  However, with Brandon Roy being limited, they could still use another scorer or a PG.  Since there aren't any true scorers out there and drafting a PG at this point would be somewhat of a reach, I think they take someone who gives them some versatility - Tobias Harris.  Although Faried is still available, I don't think rebounding is what this team really needs.  Drafting Jordan Hamilton would also only add to the logjam at SG/SF, as these positions are filled with guys that are equally as good or better.  With Harris, there is the potential to hit a homerun and you can add a versatile scorer that can play at the PF position off the bench as well as spell some of the teams SF's.  However, this team is still a superstar away from being in contention - it's too bad that those type of guys don't exist this late in the 1st.
22- (Brett) Nuggets: Reggie Jackson - This team doesn't have any glaring holes.It's a 10-deep squad with no real go-to guy. And in this draft at pick 22 you won't find one. In anticipation of Felton being traded, I think they fill a backup point guard hole here.
23- (Pat) Rockets Jeremy Tyler: I was torn with this pick, but the Rockets could really use help at the center position.  Based on talent alone, Tyler is worth the risk at pick 23.  The Rockets have been looking for a center to pair with Luis Scola ever since Yao Ming went down, and I don't think they can count on former #2 overall pick Hasheem Thabeet to fill that role.  Tyler is the type of player who will come into the league with a chip on his shoulder and could provide a big lift in the front court for the Rockets going forward.
Other option: Donatas Motiejunas
24- (Drew) Thunder: Xavi Rabaseda (Spain)-There’s 3 things in life that are guaranteed. Death, Taxes and Sam Presti drafting a player that nobody saw coming.  Presti, an Emerson Grad who received his Doctorate from RC Buford and Greg Popp’s School of Spurs has positioned his OKC Thunder to contend for the next decade.  Whether it’s Russel Westbrook, Serge Ibake, or James Harden, Presti’s picks have panned out (Lets forget BJ Mullens for a moment).  Presti doesn’t see or need impact guys at #24 and would prefer to save the guaranteed cash to first round picks under the current CBA.  In Xavi Rabaseda he gets a EURO swingman with a lot of talent who can be stashed overseas and then brought in as OKC’s modern-day Manu Ginobili. Presti doesn’t have a 2nd rounder so he’ll leave people scratching his head by reaching and stashing Rabaseda.  And I can’t blame the guy.  It would be a good move.
25- (Chris) Celtics: JaJuan Johnson- They need someone to take over KG’s minutes and JuJuan is a beast. He is aggressive and scores points. When it comes to NBA ready I think JaJuan will surpass many expectations in his first season regardless of where he ends up. If he gets on the Celtics he will have a role with Big Baby likely walking out the door.
26- (Zach) Mavs: Keneth Faried - When you are the defending champs there aren't many holes to fill but when you can add a rebounding monster this late in the draft, it can only help. He brings youth and athleticsm to an aging team especially with Chandler as a free agent.
27- (Pat) Nets: Justin Harper - The Nets could use help in a bunch of areas, and Harper bring the type of versatility that could make him a strong value pick for the Nets here. Harper is a big body who can step outside and knock down a jumper, which could play well along side Brook Lopez. With the potential loss of Kris Humphries, Harper would be a good fit in NJ.
28- (Brett) Bull: Shelvin Mack -The Bulls didn’t have a capable guy to run the 2nd unit and he can be used in crunch time as a good shooter
29- (Pat) Spurs: Donatas Motiejunas - Purely a value pick here. Donatas was a projected lottery pick early this season, and with Tim Duncan well into the back 9 of his career he could fill a potential big need in the near future. The Spurs are always looking for help in the frontcourt, so Donatas makes sense.
30- (Drew) Bulls: Nolan Smith - Because they need another guard and the last time they drafted a guard from Duke it turned out really well.