With the NBA draft less than a week away, Detroit Jock City reader Rob Dean put together a mock draft of the NBA lottery. Our thanks go out to him for such a detailed effort!
Who does he see going to the Pistons with pick number eight? Keep reading to find out.
1. Kyrie Irving, 6-3, PG, Duke
The Cleveland Cavaliers are considering three different players with the first pick: Irving, Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter. None are likely to be perennial All-Stars, but Irving allows the Cavs to trade Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions to solidify what has become the most important (and competitive) position in the NBA. Irving brings athleticism and outside shooting.
Best Case Scenario: Chris Paul
Worst Case Scenario: Chauncey Billups
2. Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona
The Minnesota Timberwolves are entertaining trade offers for this pick, but whether they
keep this pick or trade it to the Washington Wizards for Javale McGee, Williams is the likely selection. His improvement at Arizona suggests a solid work ethic and would be a good complement to Kevin Love on the perimeter. With Rubio crossing the Atlantic, there are alley-oops in Williams’ future.
Best Case Scenario: Carmelo Anthony
Worst Case Scenario: Andre Iguodala
3. Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
The Utah Jazz are considering moving the pick along with Devin Harris and/or Paul Millsap, but if they keep this pick, expect the Jazz to shock everyone and select Fredette, the home-state hero. Is Fredette a future All-Star? No, probably not, but the pressure to select him is immense and his outstanding workouts this month make it unlikely he will be available at 12, when Utah had originally hoped to select him.
Best Case Scenario: Mark Price
Worst Case Scenario: Brent Price
4. Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky
The Cavs need interior size and Kanter provides strength, athleticism, and rebounding. He may be the most talented player in the draft, and would be the first selection if not for missing his only season at Kentucky due to eligibility issues. The Cavs are considering Vesley, but since they brought Kanter in for a second workout this week, chances are likely they select him here if he is available.
Best Case Scenario: Andrew Bogut
Worst Case Scenario: Rafael Araujo
5. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
The Toronto Raptors select Knight, a slashing point guard who hit big shots during the tournament for Kentucky but struggled all year with his outside shot. Defensively, he is a huge upgrade for a defense that was among the league’s worst last season.
Best Case Scenario: Russell Westbrook
Worst Case Scenario: Jerryd Bayless
6. Jan Vesley, SF, Czech Republic
The Washington Wizards select Vesley, who is athletic on the fast break and active around the rim. He compliments John Wall, who needs a better running mate than Yi Jianlian.
Best Case Scenario: Josh Smith
Worst Case Scenario: Mike Dunleavy
7. Kemba Walker, PG, Uconn
The Sacramento Kings select Walker, a fearless team leader who provides much needed maturity and stability for the young Kings roster. He will be successful in the NBA if he can distribute the ball to Evans and Cousin, but that’s uncertain since he always seemed to look for his own shot in college.
Best Case Scenario: Stephon Marbury, Minnesota Timberwolves
Worst Case Scenario: Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks
8. Bismack Biyombo, C, Congo
The Detroit Pistons select Biyombo, an super-athlete with a great motor and better work ethic. He has been playing professionally since the age of 14, so the lack of any offensive skill is concerning. However, he recorded a triple-double at the Nike Hoops Summit, blocking 10 shots while drawing comparisons to Big Ben 2.0. Fear the ‘fro, meet fear the ‘bo.
Best Case Scenario: Ben Wallace
Worst Case Scenario: Mohammed Saer Sene
9. Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
The Charlotte Bobcats select Thompson, the best outside shooter in the draft who has rocketed up draft boards with his consistent workout performances and deadly shot.
Best Case Scenario: Reggie Miller
Worst Case Scenario: Jason Kapono
10. Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
The Milwaukee Bucks replace Michael Redd with Burks, a sharp-shooting guard from Colorado whose athleticism and patience will create a solid backcourt alongside Brandon Jennings.
Best Case Scenario: Ray Allen
Worst Case Scenario: Trajan Langdon
11. Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence
With Monta Ellis likely leaving this summer, the Golden State Warriors pair Stephen Curry with Brooks, an athletic do-anything scorer who has drawn (quiet) comparisons to Kobe Bryant.
Best Case Scenario: Joe Johnson
Worst Case Scenario: Nick Young
12. Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania
The Utah Jazz pick Valanciunas, whose draft stock is falling due to buy-out issues from his contract in Europe, and stash him overseas to develop.
Best Case Scenario: Andrea Bargnani
Worst Case Scenario: Frederic Weis
13. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
With Grant Hill likely playing his last NBA season, the Phoenix Suns select Leonard, an athletic, slashing forward who led the Aztecs last year in nearly every statistical category.
Best Case Scenario: Danny Granger
Worst Case Scenario: Anthony Parker
14. Darius Morris, PG, Michigan
The Houston Rockets select Morris, a high-energy, pass-first point guard whose steady leadership guided the Wolverines to an unexpected bid in the NCAA Tournament.
Best Case Scenario: Rajon Rondo
Worst Case Scenario: Ramon Sessions
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