NBA Draft Tonight (plus latest ESPN mock draft)

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I'm in the Frye camp now.

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I have a feeling that the Raps are taking Jack.

-McGee

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[Aces McGee]

At 7?

-McGee

[MoreWineII]

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ugh. i hate the blazer management. i know they are somehow going to <font color="black">[censored]</font> this up.

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Well, they already made the trade down with Utah, so that's a good start (no sarcasm)

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Did you see how many picks they got for that trade down? In a draft like this, with so much mediocre talent between 5 and 25, this was a great trade.

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Agreed. #3 was too high to draft Webster or Green and that's who they're after. This way, assuming they don't trade #27, they can get a project in what is really an incredibly deep draft, I think.

I'm hoping they take Webster. He might not be quite as gifted as Green, but it sounds like his mental makeup is 100x better and that's really what this franchise needs.

I think Green blowing off that workout because he didn't want to dribble against Nate was a really bad sign.

[mmbt0ne]

16, sorry. I wasn't thinking.

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Almost everyone in the NBA agrees that this may be the deepest draft in the last 20 years. With so many college underclassmen, high school seniors and international players keeping their names in this year, there are literally 30 more players who could actually make the NBA next season – especially with the new minor league set to take off.

Pay attention closely to the second round. Many of these players would have been late first-rounders in past drafts, and several of them have the potential to be very good players.

Also see: First-round mock



31. ATLANTA HAWKS
Monta Ellis
LANIER (Miss.) | H.S. | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 176 | AGE: 19
Ellis could very well go in the first round, but if he's still on the board, the Hawks will jump on him – especially if they don't get a guard in round one. Ellis has a ton of talent, but he's probably years away. Could be the second coming of Chauncey Billups.






32. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Nate Robinson
WASHINGTON | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-8 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 21
Robinson will get a look from both the Suns and the Pistons, but if he slips, he won't last long. He'd be great on an up-tempo team like the Clippers, which has two big point guards in Shaun Livingston and Marko Jaric, and could afford to play Robinson at the two.

Scouting report on Nate Robinson



33. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Ryan Gomes
PROVIDENCE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22
Gomes also is in the mix with Detroit and San Antonio, but if he slips, it's hard to see him getting by the Hornets, who are desperate for a versatile small forward like Gomes.

Scouting report on Ryan Gomes



34. UTAH JAZZ
David Lee
FLORIDA | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Jazz could go a number of ways here, but it would be tough to pass on Lee – the most athletic power forward at the Chicago combine.

Scouting report on David Lee



35. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Mile Ilic
SERBIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 21
The Blazers have been high on Ilic and can afford to leave him in Europe for the next few years and let him continue to develop over there.

Scouting report on Mile Ilic



36. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Jason Maxiell
CINCINNATI | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 22
The Bucks get the finesse with Bogut and the ferocity with Maxiell, the strongest and most aggressive big man in the draft. He's undersized, but next to Bogut, he'll be just fine.

Scouting report on Jason Maxiell



37. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Dwayne Jones
SAINT JOSEPH'S | JUNIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 242 | AGE: 22
Jones is a little undersized to play center, but he's long and a great shot blocker, things the Lakers could really use.

Scouting report on Dwayne Jones



38. ORLANDO MAGIC
Matt Walsh
FLORIDA | JUNIOR. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 22
If Walsh doesn't go to Miami at No. 28, he won't last too long in the second round. One of the draft's best shooters will help the Magic with their perimeter woes.

Scouting report on Matt Walsh



39. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Axel Hervelle
BELGIUM | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
Hervelle has picked up the rep as the Dennis Rodman of Europe for his glass-cleaning skills. This is a down-the-road pick who could develop nicely over time.

Scouting report on Axel Hervelle



40. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Brandon Bass
LSU | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Bass would be a mid-first rounder if he were a little taller. The big man does a little of everything. Good rebounder with an improving perimeter game.

Scouting report on Brandon Bass



41. TORONTO RAPTORS
C.J. Miles
SKYLINE HIGH | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 18
Miles has a few interested parties in the first round (like Denver) but chances are he slips a little bit. He's the type of kid who did everything well, but nothing great – in high school in Dallas. A project who could pay off big with a little patience.

Scouting report on C. J. Miles



42. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Deji Akindele
CHICAGO STATE | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 22
He was horrible at the Chicago predraft camp, but teams are still intrigued by his strength and size. He is a long term project who will likely spend the next two years playing in the D league.

Scouting report on Deji Akindele



43. NEW JERSEY NETS
Lucas Tischer
BRAZIL | FORWARD-CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 270 | AGE: 22
The mysterious Brazilian has shocked the teams he's worked out for with his athleticism. He's still very raw offensively, but given his size and athletic ability, worth a reach at this point in the draft. Another likely D leaguer.

Scouting report on Lucas Tischer



44. ORLANDO MAGIC
Randolph Morris
KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
Morris will get some consideration in the later first round, but slipping this far isn't inconceivable. He's a little undersized, lacks athleticism and is a long way away from helping anyone. The Magic are starved for centers, so they'll take a risk.

Scouting report on Randolph Morris



45. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Sean Banks
MEMPHIS | SOPHOMORE | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 206 | AGE: 19
Last year, he was a lottery pick. This year, he's a steal if he can get his act together. Had a big performance in Chicago and is a prototypical small forward prospect.

Scouting report on Sean Banks



46. INDIANA PACERS
Kennedy Winston
ALABAMA | JUNIOR | GUARD-FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 20
One of the better shooters in the draft may slip a little bit. Still, he can stroke it which could help the Pacers replace what they're losing with Reggie Miller.

Scouting report on Kennedy Winston



47. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Mickaël Gelebale
FRANCE | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 22
This athletic swingman really started to develop in Real Madrid this season. The Wolves can leave him overseas, and in a year or two he could be an impact player for Minnesota.

Scouting report on Mickaël Gelebale



48. SEATTLE SONICS
Angelo Gigli
ITALY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 22
The Italian big man is a decent athlete who showed some surprising perimeter skills. Sonics can keep him overseas to develop.

Scouting report on Angelo Gigli



49. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Ronny Turiaf
GONZAGA | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 22
The Wizards need toughness in the paint and that's something Turiaf can provide. With Kwame Brown heading into free agency, he could actually get some minutes next season.

Scouting report on Ronny Turiaf



50. BOSTON CELTICS
Linas Kleiza
MISSOURI | SOPHOMORE | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
Kleiza will actually get a serious look by several teams in the first round. He's very skilled, but just doesn't quite have a position. He's convinced some NBA executives that he might be able to make the switch to the three in the pros. He has a Lithuanian passport which means the Celtics can send him overseas for seasoning for a few years.

Scouting report on Linas Kleiza



51. UTAH JAZZ
Marcin Gortat
POLAND | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 21
Gortat is actually one of the more athletic centers in the draft. He's still raw, but has a lot of upside. Utah would likely leave him in Germany for a year or two.

Scouting report on Marcin Gortat



52. DENVER NUGGETS
Salim Stoudamire
ARIZONA | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 23
The best shooter in the draft slips because of attitude and size issues. Denver really needs him. They also like Milan Majstorovic and Ian Mahinmi a lot and could go that route if Stoudamire is off the board.

Scouting report on Salim Stoudamire



53. BOSTON CELTICS
Rawle Marshall
OAKLAND | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 186 | AGE: 23
He's long, athletic and he's learned how to shoot. A real draft sleeper who could help the Celtics down the road after a stint in the D league.

Scouting report on Rawle Marshall



54. NEW YORK KNICKS
John Gilchrist
MARYLAND | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 195 | AGE: 21
Gilchrist was considered a first-rounder before blowing it this year. He repaired some of the damage with a very nice performance in Chicago. He has good size and toughness for the position and should remind Isiah a little of Stephon Marbury.

Scouting report on John Gilchrist



55. SEATTLE SONICS
Amir Johnson
WESTCHESTER HIGH | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 18
An athletic power forward from Los Angeles who should've gone to college, but he didn't have the grades and was forced into the draft. He's long, athletic and very raw. Would be a nice pick here to go and do his thing in the D league for another couple of years.

Scouting report on Amir Johnson



56. DETROIT PISTONS
Anthony Roberson
FLORIDA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 22
Roberson doesn't really have a position, but he's tough and has a nice stroke.

Scouting report on Anthony Roberson



57. PHOENIX SUNS
Daniel Ewing
DUKE | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 22
The Suns are looking for someone who can run the floor, play defense and relieve Steve Nash for a few minutes every night. Ewing's far from a pure point guard, but he should be able to push it up the floor, shoot and defend.

Scouting report on Daniel Ewing



58. TORONTO RAPTORS
Travis Diener
MARQUTTE | SENIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 165 | AGE: 23
He's a fiery competitor who can stroke it and play the point.

Scouting report on Travis Diener



59. ATLANTA HAWKS
Will Bynum
GEORGIA TECH | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 188 | AGE: 22
Is he a point guard? Probably not. But he's a fantastic athlete who defends, is super quick and really tough.

Scouting report on Will Bynum



60. DETROIT PISTONS
Alan Anderson
MICHIGAN STATE | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 22
He was a star in Chicago because of his ability to get to the line and score. He defends and is the type of player the Pistons like. Too bad he can't shoot.

Scouting report on Andrew Bynum



Other potential draftees: Filiberto Rivera, UTEP; Chris Thomas, Notre Dame; Aaron Miles, Kansas; Orien Green, Louisiana-Lafayette; Marcelo Huertas, Brazil; Cenk Akyol, Turkey; Von Wafer, Florida State; Kelenna Azubuike, Kentucky; Bracey Wright, Indiana; Tiras Wade, Louisiana-Lafayette; Nikolaos Zissis, Greece; Alex Acker, Pepperdine; Jackie Manuel, North Carolina; Milan Majstorovic, Serbia; Dijon Thompson, UCLA; Mindaugas Katelynas, UT-Chattanooga; Jawad Williams, North Carolina; Eddie Basden, Charlotte; Quemont Greer, DePaul; Mike Bell, Florida Atlantic; Omar Thomas, UTEP; Stefano Mancinelli, Italy; Erazem Lorbek, Skipper Bologna (Italy); Lawrence Roberts, Mississippi State; Chevon Troutman, Pittsburgh; Ivan McFarlin, Oklahoma State; Jeremiah Massey, Kansas State; Chuck Hayes, Kentucky; Taylor Coppenrath, Vermont; Juan Mendez, Niagara; Drago Pasalic, Croatia; Uros Slokar, Slovenia; Mustafa Al-Sayyad, Fresno State; D'or Fischer, West Virginia; Mohammed Kone, Southern Idaho (juco); Edu Hernandez-Sonseca, Spain; Luke Schenscher, Georgia Tech; Matt Nelson, Colorado State; Ioannis Bourousis, AEK (Greece); Moussa Badiane, East Carolina; Milan Pupovic, Serbia; Rob Rothbart, France; and Ante Tomic, Croatia.

[tbach24]

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ugh. i hate the blazer management. i know they are somehow going to <font color="black">[censored]</font> this up.

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Well, they already made the trade down with Utah, so that's a good start (no sarcasm)

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Did you see how many picks they got for that trade down? In a draft like this, with so much mediocre talent between 5 and 25, this was a great trade.

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I like the trade for both sides. The Jazz get their premier PG that they wouldn't have got at 5 (assuming they think that Brown/Paul are way superior to the rest) and the Blazers get a bunch of quality picks.

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The Lakers better not let Felton slip! They desperately need a PG! Argh, Mitch Cupcake always screws everything up. Worst. GM. In the entire freaking league.

There were so many trade possibilities - at one point they were the ones trading with Portland for the 3rd, and at another, they were trading with Indiana for Bender and the 17th, which would yield May or Bynum.

I'm preparing myself to be disappointed already. Lakers' mgmt sucks.

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The Lakers better not let Felton slip! They desperately need a PG! Argh, Mitch Cupcake always screws everything up. Worst. GM. In the entire freaking league.

There were so many trade possibilities - at one point they were the ones trading with Portland for the 3rd, and at another, they were trading with Indiana for Bender and the 17th, which would yield May or Bynum.

I'm preparing myself to be disappointed already. Lakers' mgmt sucks.

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At least you don't have Isiah Thomas running the show [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[llabb]

Thomas has arguably made much better moves than Cupcake. I wouldn't want him either, but he's probably preferable to Kupchak, as pathetic as that is.

After St. Jean was run out of Golden State, Kupchak seized the Worst GM in the League crown. No one has made worse moves. Plenty of fans of other teams also have legitimate gripes about their mgmt, and LA has no right to complain overall, with all of the past success.

But a drunk monkey could have done Cupcake's job better than him. The franchise's future has been in decline ever since Jerry West was run out of town. LA was on their way to a dynasty based on West's brilliant moves, and Kupchak destroyed that all. If you believe inside reports, there was a decent chance Kobe would have bailed even after Shaq was traded, and West was the savior who convinced Kobe to stay. Can you imagine how completely miserable LA would be without EITHER Kobe or Shaq?

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Yes I agree, I am prepared to be pissed off in a little while. I think the odds are incredibly high that the Lakers blow this draft.