Dushenski's Mock Draft 2.0
By Lawrence Dushenski
1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving
All indications are that the Cavs will go with Irving at the top overall pick. He will be their franchise point guard for the next generation, and hopes to live up to the Chris Paul comparisons.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – Derrick Williams
Minnesota is suddenly becoming a highly skilled team. With Ricky Rubio recently committing to the team, and Kevin Love emerging as one of the best rebounders in the league, Williams should be able to fit into the lineup as an explosive wing player.
3. Utah Jazz – Brandon Knight
The draft could take a turn here, but it is unlikely that the Jazz will pass on the heir apparent to Deron Williams. Knight is long for a guard and has high level athleticism, so he should be able to step into the lineup right away and contribute.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Enes Kanter
The Cavs continue to rebuild following The Decision, and with Kanter and Irving, they will have a great young duo moving forward. Kanter is largely unknown after sitting out this past season, but he has displayed enough in workouts for the Cavs to make the move on him with the fourth overall pick.
5. Toronto Raptors – Kemba Walker
The Raptors have needs all over the court, but they would be foolish to pass on the explosive Kemba Walker. He is coming off of a National Championship with Uconn, and should be able to provide some energy to the sometimes dormant Raptors lineup.
6. Washington Wizards – Kawhi Leonard
Leonard brings exactly what the Wizards are sorely in need of. Elite perimeter defence, length and athleticism on the wing and a toughness that every young team requires. He should be able to pair up with John Walla and JaVale McGee to create an exciting young squad.
7. Sacramento Kings – Jimmer Fredette
This may seem like a reach for some, but it might be the best move for the Kings. It will allow Tyreke Evans to play off the ball more, and will add to the scoring ability of the team from day one. Jimmer can score from anywhere, and will instantly become a fan favorite.
8. Detroit Pistons – Jan Vesely
Vesely could be the perfect player to develop alongside Greg Monroe. He plays for of an active perimeter game, but he is not afraid to bang down low. He has drawn comparisons to Andrei Kirilenko, and if he comes close to the level that AK47 reached at his peak, the Pistons will have a steal in a weak draft.
9. Charlotte Bobcats – Tristan Thompson
New Bobcats GM Rich Cho will not have much time to make up his mind on this pick, but if he goes with Thompson, he will not be disappointed. He is active on both ends of the floor, and brings high-level athleticism that the Bobcats lack at times.
10. Milwaukee Bucks – Marshon Brooks
Alec Burks was thought to be somewhat of a lock here for the past few weeks, but Brooks has been abusing his recently in individual workouts. He is an experienced player, as one of the highest ranked seniors in this years class, and should be able to provide the Bucks with some scoring from the two spot.
11. Golden St. Warriors – Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo saw his stock take a serious hit when he had a private workout in Europe in front of several NBA teams. However he may be best suited for the Warriors after all. He is an energy player who excels when he is given the chance to display his athleticism. Is Udoh does not develop into much of a player, Biyombo could step in and take his spot.
12. Utah Jazz – Chris Singleton
He may not be that well known, but Singleton brings a level of grit to the lineup that the Jazz need if they are going to return to prominence. They have the post presence with Al Jefferson and Paul Milsap, but they lack the elite wing defender that all high level teams have. Singleton fills up the stat sheet, and could be take over for AK once he moves on.
13. Phoenix Suns – Jonas Valanciunas
This would be quite the fall for Valanciunas, for his style of play may not meet what teams higher in the draft need at this point. He also has a serious buyout issue that has yet to be resolved that could scare some teams off. He is not very polished offensively, but could develop into a solid contributing player.
14. Houston Rockets – Klay Thompson
The Rockets continue to impress observers in recent years as they play some of the most consistent ball in the league without any stars. Thompson should be able to fit perfectly into this mix, as he played in relative obscurity at Washington St. He has good length for a two guard, and knows how to score the rock.
15. Indiana Pacers – Donatas Montiejunas
Montiejunas needs to fill out, but he has the potential to be a Pau Gasol type player if he does. He has solid range as well, and could stretch the opposing teams defence. The Pacers have a great core, and they should be able to give Monteijunas time to develop.
16. Philadephia 76ers – Marcus Morris
The 76ers are another team with a solid core of players who could always use some more grit inside. He should be able to provide that for them and work hard off the bench. He is not flashy on either end of the court, but he provides valuable depth or the '6ers.
17. New York Knicks – Alec Burks
Burks has been getting beat up a bit in workouts, but the Knicks will likely jump at him if he falls to them at 17. Burks has great size for a two-guard, and he dominated the NIT with Colorado. He has the potential to develop into a poor mans Brandon Roy if he develops properly.
18. Washington Wizards – Markieff Morris
The other Morris brother would be a fine fit with the rebuilding Wizards. He is not quite as polished as Marcus, but he is tough as nails and will be an excellent rotation players for years to come.
19. Charlotte Bobcats – Tobias Harris
If the Bobcats can leave the draft with Thompson and Harris, they will be moving in the right direction. Harris is still young and has room to develop, but if he progresses according to plan he could provide MJ and Cho with a solid 3/4 player.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves – Tyler Honeycutt
The T-Wolves have struggled for year trying to find a consistent two guard. But if Honeycutt is not rushed and he is allowed to develop at his own pace, he could add another good young piece to their nucleus. He has great length at the two, and despite being a bit of a tweener, he is versatile and can contribute on both ends.
21. Portland Trailblazers – Nikola Vucevic
Vucevic is a legit 7 footer, and if Oden signs an offer sheet elsewhere this offseason, he could step in and provide the presence that the former first overall pick never could. He is not afraid to step out and take a shot from downtown, and should be able to provide the Blazers with an Okur-type player.
22. Denver Nuggets – Kenneth Faried
The Nuggets are trying to develop something resembling a team identity following the Melo trade, and Faried could step in and help with just that. The bruising big man burst onto the scene when Morehead State defeated Louisville in March Madness, and he should be able to translate that into a solid career.
23. Houston Rockets – Darius Morris
After shipping Aaron Brooks out of town at the deadline last season, the Rockets are without a real point guard. Morris has good size at 6'4”, and his aggressiveness should fit in perfectly with the Rockets style of play.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder – Kyle Singler
The Thunder have few needs, but Singler should be able to fit one of them. A polished wing player that can contribute all over the court. He had a great career at Duke, and should enter the league with the mentality necessary to be successful. The Thunder could also very well trade of sell this pick.
25. Boston Celtics – Jordan Hamilton
The Celtics would likely run up to the podium if Hamilton is still available at this point. His game is somewhat similar to that of Jeff Green, but the Celtics are in a transitionary period where they are looking to acquire as much talent as possible. Similar to how they did before they made the moves for KG and Ray Allen.
26. Dallas Mavericks – Davis Bertans
The Mavs are coming off an impressive championship run, and will return most of their squad. They might be able to get another diamond in the rough with Bertans, and let him develop for a few more years. He just might be the next Dirk.
27. New Jersey Nets – Iman Shumpert
While the Nets have Deron Williams on the team, there is no guarantee that he will stay there for more than a year. Shumpert in the meantime can learn from the All-Star for a year and then possibly take over the reigns of the team.
28. Chicago Bulls – Jeremy Tyler
Tyler has a great build, and had he stayed state-side to play college, he could be going in the lottery. Instead he took a misguided trip to Israel and Japan to play pro ball. The Bulls are a fairly complete team, but could benefit from Tyler's size and stregth.
29. San Antonio Spurs – Nikola Mirotic
The Spurs grab another solid Euro player who will step into the lineup in a few years and make an impact. San Antonio has this drafting this down to an art form, and they continue to do what they do best.
30. Chicago Bulls – Reggie Jackson
The Bulls are sorely in need of a two guard, and Jackson brings ridiculous length and shutdown defensive abilities to a solid all around squad.
Editor's Note: Lawrence Dushenski is a regular contributor for 'the Basketball Post', providing his insight on college hoops. More of his stuff can be found here and he can be followed on twitter @LD10.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving
All indications are that the Cavs will go with Irving at the top overall pick. He will be their franchise point guard for the next generation, and hopes to live up to the Chris Paul comparisons.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – Derrick Williams
Minnesota is suddenly becoming a highly skilled team. With Ricky Rubio recently committing to the team, and Kevin Love emerging as one of the best rebounders in the league, Williams should be able to fit into the lineup as an explosive wing player.
3. Utah Jazz – Brandon Knight
The draft could take a turn here, but it is unlikely that the Jazz will pass on the heir apparent to Deron Williams. Knight is long for a guard and has high level athleticism, so he should be able to step into the lineup right away and contribute.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Enes Kanter
The Cavs continue to rebuild following The Decision, and with Kanter and Irving, they will have a great young duo moving forward. Kanter is largely unknown after sitting out this past season, but he has displayed enough in workouts for the Cavs to make the move on him with the fourth overall pick.
5. Toronto Raptors – Kemba Walker
The Raptors have needs all over the court, but they would be foolish to pass on the explosive Kemba Walker. He is coming off of a National Championship with Uconn, and should be able to provide some energy to the sometimes dormant Raptors lineup.
6. Washington Wizards – Kawhi Leonard
Leonard brings exactly what the Wizards are sorely in need of. Elite perimeter defence, length and athleticism on the wing and a toughness that every young team requires. He should be able to pair up with John Walla and JaVale McGee to create an exciting young squad.
7. Sacramento Kings – Jimmer Fredette
This may seem like a reach for some, but it might be the best move for the Kings. It will allow Tyreke Evans to play off the ball more, and will add to the scoring ability of the team from day one. Jimmer can score from anywhere, and will instantly become a fan favorite.
8. Detroit Pistons – Jan Vesely
Vesely could be the perfect player to develop alongside Greg Monroe. He plays for of an active perimeter game, but he is not afraid to bang down low. He has drawn comparisons to Andrei Kirilenko, and if he comes close to the level that AK47 reached at his peak, the Pistons will have a steal in a weak draft.
9. Charlotte Bobcats – Tristan Thompson
New Bobcats GM Rich Cho will not have much time to make up his mind on this pick, but if he goes with Thompson, he will not be disappointed. He is active on both ends of the floor, and brings high-level athleticism that the Bobcats lack at times.
10. Milwaukee Bucks – Marshon Brooks
Alec Burks was thought to be somewhat of a lock here for the past few weeks, but Brooks has been abusing his recently in individual workouts. He is an experienced player, as one of the highest ranked seniors in this years class, and should be able to provide the Bucks with some scoring from the two spot.
11. Golden St. Warriors – Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo saw his stock take a serious hit when he had a private workout in Europe in front of several NBA teams. However he may be best suited for the Warriors after all. He is an energy player who excels when he is given the chance to display his athleticism. Is Udoh does not develop into much of a player, Biyombo could step in and take his spot.
12. Utah Jazz – Chris Singleton
He may not be that well known, but Singleton brings a level of grit to the lineup that the Jazz need if they are going to return to prominence. They have the post presence with Al Jefferson and Paul Milsap, but they lack the elite wing defender that all high level teams have. Singleton fills up the stat sheet, and could be take over for AK once he moves on.
13. Phoenix Suns – Jonas Valanciunas
This would be quite the fall for Valanciunas, for his style of play may not meet what teams higher in the draft need at this point. He also has a serious buyout issue that has yet to be resolved that could scare some teams off. He is not very polished offensively, but could develop into a solid contributing player.
14. Houston Rockets – Klay Thompson
The Rockets continue to impress observers in recent years as they play some of the most consistent ball in the league without any stars. Thompson should be able to fit perfectly into this mix, as he played in relative obscurity at Washington St. He has good length for a two guard, and knows how to score the rock.
15. Indiana Pacers – Donatas Montiejunas
Montiejunas needs to fill out, but he has the potential to be a Pau Gasol type player if he does. He has solid range as well, and could stretch the opposing teams defence. The Pacers have a great core, and they should be able to give Monteijunas time to develop.
16. Philadephia 76ers – Marcus Morris
The 76ers are another team with a solid core of players who could always use some more grit inside. He should be able to provide that for them and work hard off the bench. He is not flashy on either end of the court, but he provides valuable depth or the '6ers.
17. New York Knicks – Alec Burks
Burks has been getting beat up a bit in workouts, but the Knicks will likely jump at him if he falls to them at 17. Burks has great size for a two-guard, and he dominated the NIT with Colorado. He has the potential to develop into a poor mans Brandon Roy if he develops properly.
18. Washington Wizards – Markieff Morris
The other Morris brother would be a fine fit with the rebuilding Wizards. He is not quite as polished as Marcus, but he is tough as nails and will be an excellent rotation players for years to come.
19. Charlotte Bobcats – Tobias Harris
If the Bobcats can leave the draft with Thompson and Harris, they will be moving in the right direction. Harris is still young and has room to develop, but if he progresses according to plan he could provide MJ and Cho with a solid 3/4 player.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves – Tyler Honeycutt
The T-Wolves have struggled for year trying to find a consistent two guard. But if Honeycutt is not rushed and he is allowed to develop at his own pace, he could add another good young piece to their nucleus. He has great length at the two, and despite being a bit of a tweener, he is versatile and can contribute on both ends.
21. Portland Trailblazers – Nikola Vucevic
Vucevic is a legit 7 footer, and if Oden signs an offer sheet elsewhere this offseason, he could step in and provide the presence that the former first overall pick never could. He is not afraid to step out and take a shot from downtown, and should be able to provide the Blazers with an Okur-type player.
22. Denver Nuggets – Kenneth Faried
The Nuggets are trying to develop something resembling a team identity following the Melo trade, and Faried could step in and help with just that. The bruising big man burst onto the scene when Morehead State defeated Louisville in March Madness, and he should be able to translate that into a solid career.
23. Houston Rockets – Darius Morris
After shipping Aaron Brooks out of town at the deadline last season, the Rockets are without a real point guard. Morris has good size at 6'4”, and his aggressiveness should fit in perfectly with the Rockets style of play.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder – Kyle Singler
The Thunder have few needs, but Singler should be able to fit one of them. A polished wing player that can contribute all over the court. He had a great career at Duke, and should enter the league with the mentality necessary to be successful. The Thunder could also very well trade of sell this pick.
25. Boston Celtics – Jordan Hamilton
The Celtics would likely run up to the podium if Hamilton is still available at this point. His game is somewhat similar to that of Jeff Green, but the Celtics are in a transitionary period where they are looking to acquire as much talent as possible. Similar to how they did before they made the moves for KG and Ray Allen.
26. Dallas Mavericks – Davis Bertans
The Mavs are coming off an impressive championship run, and will return most of their squad. They might be able to get another diamond in the rough with Bertans, and let him develop for a few more years. He just might be the next Dirk.
27. New Jersey Nets – Iman Shumpert
While the Nets have Deron Williams on the team, there is no guarantee that he will stay there for more than a year. Shumpert in the meantime can learn from the All-Star for a year and then possibly take over the reigns of the team.
28. Chicago Bulls – Jeremy Tyler
Tyler has a great build, and had he stayed state-side to play college, he could be going in the lottery. Instead he took a misguided trip to Israel and Japan to play pro ball. The Bulls are a fairly complete team, but could benefit from Tyler's size and stregth.
29. San Antonio Spurs – Nikola Mirotic
The Spurs grab another solid Euro player who will step into the lineup in a few years and make an impact. San Antonio has this drafting this down to an art form, and they continue to do what they do best.
30. Chicago Bulls – Reggie Jackson
The Bulls are sorely in need of a two guard, and Jackson brings ridiculous length and shutdown defensive abilities to a solid all around squad.
Editor's Note: Lawrence Dushenski is a regular contributor for 'the Basketball Post', providing his insight on college hoops. More of his stuff can be found here and he can be followed on twitter @LD10.
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