Sorts of Sports

NBA Draft Mock 0.5

With the NFL draft over it is now time to look ahead to the NBA draft. Much like the NFL, the NBA is expected to experience a work stoppage. The draft is June 23rd and the Collective Bargaining Agreement ends July 1st. After that it is anyone's guess as to when we will see the NBA again. The biggest issue facing the CBA this year is that owners want a hard cap to prevent superstar players from fleeing to major market teams and abandoning smaller teams. There is no way the players budge for a hard cap. The draft lottery is scheduled for 2 weeks from now on May 17th so the current order is based on record.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kyrie Irving: I don't like this pick at all. In fact, I'll go on record and say that I don't like this draft at all. There is no NBA star and when you look at the talent in general this could rival the 2000 NBA Draft as one of the worst in recent years. (Of the 2000 Draft only 2 players ever made an All-Star team). The T'Wolves have a horrible track record with PGs and they don't need Williams, so this only makes sense until they trade out of #1.

2. Cleveland Cavs - Derrick Williams: The Cavs didn't have a go to scorer and they lost a lot. Williams will fill the void of an inside threat but they might be better if they get a pick later as well and can take a true scorer like Kemba Walker. They might as well trade down as well.

3. Toronto Raptors - Enes Kanter: They have Bargnani at center so Kanter could slide into the PF slot at 7-feet tall but you don't know what he is going to bring since he sat out all year. Amir Johnson averaged 9&6 for them this year. Can Kanter do any better?

4. Washington Wizards - Jan Vesely: This lottery will feature names that most fans have never heard of before. Vesely is from Czech Republic and could slide into the SF spot if he can learn to shoot. He is 6-11 so it wouldn't be a bad mismatch on offense but he can't compete with the best SF in the league either.

5. Sacramento Kings - Donatas Motiejunas: If they can't keep Sam Dalembert and the contract that he has consistantly demanded they will look for another big man. Motiejunas is 7-feet tall but is better suited at PF. They'd be better if they could snag Kanter.

6. Utah Jazz - Marcus Morris: The Jazz will probably lose AK-47 and CJ Miles to free agency so they need a solid SF. Unfortunately, none of that is to be found here. Morris is the closest thing to that but he shouldn't be drafted this high. Is the first round over yet?

7. Detroit Pistons - Tristan Thompson: Prince is a free agent so the Pistons could look to fill his spot if they lose out to the coveted free agent. He has Prince's build at 6-9, 225, so this could work for them.

8. Cleveland Cavs - Kemba Walker: They need to put life back into this organization and Kemba could be that guy. We all saw how he put UConn on his back to help them get the National Title so maybe he can do the same with the Cavs.

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Markieff Morris: Another guy that shouldn't go this high but the one thing they don't need is a PG. Instead they will draft the best available big man and Morris fits here?

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Alec Burks: Michael Redd could be on his way out of town so the Bucks will need a scorer. This is a top up between Burks and Jimmer. Burks doesn't shoot as well as Jimmer but he is a very athletic guard that can get to the hoop.

11. Golden State Warriors - Jimmer Fredette: Just because I want to see him and Curry take 50 shots a night and cause every team to play a 3-2 zone against them. No they don't need him but can you think of anyone better?

12. Utah Jazz - Trey Tompkins: Another big man to make up for a void inside.

13. Phoenix Suns - Terrance Jones: Does Grant Hill retire? They have Pietrus so it is not a huge void to fill. Sadly, I feel that Jones has the highest upside in this draft class. He can go inside to score or step back for the 3.

14. Houston Rockets - Jordan Hamilton: A Texas guy would fit in nicely here. If they could find a center that would be even better but this allows them flexibility with Chase Budinger.

This is going to drastically change once the lottery is set but as for now teams are just hoping that they cancel the entire season before the draft so that they can get players coming out next year.