The NBA Draft takes place tonight in Brooklyn. Here's a look at how I think it SHOULD go down, if I were the GM of all 30 teams
1. Minnesota –
Jahlil Okafor, 6'11, C, Duke. How you pass up on the best offensive big man in many a year, I
don't know. His defensive woes have been way overblown.
2. Los Angeles
– Karl-Anthony Towns, 7'0, C, Kentucky. The Lakers could use a multi-talented big to bolster
their front line, along side Julius Randle.
3. Philadelphia
– D’Angelo Russell, 6'4, G, Ohio State. Russell is the best non big in the draft and Philly, of course, has a
couple young bigs.
4. New York –
Emmanuel Mudiay, 6'5, G, China. As we know, the Knicks’ roster is bare almost everywhere. Why
not start filling the point guard position with an athletic big guard with
loads of potential.
5. Orlando – Kristaps
Porzingis, 7'1, PF, Latvia. The Magic are in a safe position to take a chance on the ballyhooed
foreigner. They could end up stocked with young talented bigs.
6. Sacramento –
Myles Turner, 6'11, PF/C, Texas. The Kings have glaring needs at PG and PF. Turner makes sense
here. He has great size and much potential, despite a somewhat disappointing freshman
campaign at Texas.
7. Denver – Mario
Hezonja, 6'8, G/F, Croatia. Denver needs help everywhere and is in rebuilding mode, so why not
take a chance on a high upside, athletic Croatian SG.
8. Detroit – Justise Winslow, 6'6, G/F, Duke. The Pistons need help at the G/F spots and Winslow's stock has been soaring, largely based on his NCAA Tourney performance where he showed all around skills and the heart of a lion.
9. Charlotte – Frank Kaminsky, 7'1, PF/C, Wisconsin. Word is that MJ is high on Frank the Tank and with the trade of Noah Vonleh, the Hornets have even more room for a solid big.
10. Miami – Stanley Johnson, 6'6, SF, Arizona. Johnson was slightly disappointing as a freshman at Zona, but he is still highly regarded and is a good fit for the Heat with his versatility and hard-nosed play.
11. Indiana – Cameron
Payne, 6'2, PG, Murray State. The Pacers need help at guard, specifically point guard. The Murray
State phenom could be a perfect fit.
12. Utah – Devin Booker, 6'6, SG, Kentucky. The Jazz, like everyone else, can use a 6'6 pure shooter to go with their young mix of talent.
13. Phoenix – Willie
Cauley-Stein, 7'0, C, Kentucky. This is a nice fit for both parties. Who really knows what the
Suns are doing, but Will Trill is a defensive-minded big that runs like a
gazelle.
14. Oklahoma
City – Sam Dekker, 6'9, SF, Wisconsin. OKC needs some scoring reinforcements from the G/F position
and Dekker could be that guy.
15. Atlanta – Bobby
Portis, 6'11, PF, Arkansas. Portis would give the Hawks’ frontcourt depth and versatility.
16. Boston – Trey
Lyles, 6'10, PF, Kentucky. The Celtics are likely looking for the best non guard available at this
spot and Lyles is the guy.
17. Milwaukee –
Montrezl Harrell, 6'8, PF, Louisville. The Bucks could use some bulk and energy up front.
18. Houston – Tyus
Jones, 6'1, PG, Duke. The Rockets need a pure PG and Jones is the best one available at this
spot.
19. Washington –
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 6'7, SF, Arizona. The Wizards could use some help at the forward spot
and Hollis-Jefferson could add defensive toughness, as well.
20. Toronto –
R.J. Hunter, 6'6, SG, Georgia State. The 6’6 Hunter fills a SG and perimeter shooting need for the
Raptors.
21. Dallas –
Delon Wright, 6'5, PG, Utah. The Mavs need a PG and Delon Wright is a pure one that can do a
little bit of everything at 6’5.
22. Chicago – Kelly
Oubre, 6'7, SF, Kansas. If Oubre is still around, this makes sense here. The Bulls need SG
insurance and SF help. Oubre has loads of potential and new coach Fred Hoiberg
is familiar with the former Big 12 player.
23. Portland –
Kevon Looney, 6'9, PF, UCLA. Looney is a good 6’9, long, athletic and skilled gamble for the
Blazers, who may need to replace LaMarcus Aldridge.
24. Cleveland – Jerian
Grant, 6'4, G, Notre Dame. If Grant is still around at this spot, it would be a steal for the Cavs.
Grant can contribute right away at both guard positions, as he can score, but
is very unselfish with a high basketball IQ.
25. Memphis – Olivier
Hanlan, 6'4, G, Boston College. This could be looked at as a bit of a risk/reach, but Hanlan is probably
the best shooter/scorer available and has the size, at 6’4, to be a
combo guard.
26. San Antonio –
Rashad Vaughn, 6'5, SG, UNLV. This is a tough pick. There are no clear choices, but they should take a chance on a young shooting talent that they can develop.
27. Los Angeles
– Justin Anderson, 6'6, G/F, Virginia. The Lakers badly need SF help and Anderson seems to be a
fit here. Anderson came out of nowhere to star for Virginia last year, only to
have his season cut short due to injury. So, this is a bit of a risk.
28. Boston – Jarell
Martin, 6'9, PF, LSU. The Celtics need all the help they can get at the forward position and
Martin has great upside.
29. Brooklyn – Chris
McCullough, 6'9, F, Syracuse. McCullough played in only 16 games as a freshman at Syracuse due to a
season ending ACL injury. He’s raw and a project, but has lots of upside and NY
area ties.
30. Golden State –
Joseph Young, 6'2, G, Oregon. What does the team that has everything get for itself? I say they
go for another explosive shooter/scorer to plug into their backcourt to give
the Splash Brothers a rest.
