Post by Kasey on Jun 21, 2015 16:07:56 GMT -8
June 21 --
The NBA season essentially begins on June 25 with the NBA draft. Though I did not post a mock draft last year (because the Blazers did not have a pick), I have returned with my best, educated guesses as to what each team may do in the first round. The Minnesota Timberwolves will get things started, and the Blazers will be up with the 23rd pick.
In the comments below, please include your thoughts on whom the Blazers, or any other team, may select; or if a trade may happen.
Aside from that, here we go:
Karl-Anthony Towns (photo courtesy sbnation.com)
1. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Karl-Anthony Towns; PF/C, 7'0", 248 lbs - Kentucky (freshman)
As much as they might think about Jahlil Okafor here, the 'Wolves will look to pair up Towns with Nikola Pekovic and the impressive Andrew Wiggins on the front line.
2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Jahlil Okafor; C, 6'11", 272 lbs -, Duke (freshman)
After the 'Wolves take Towns off the board, this is a no-brainer. The Lakers are rebuilding and Okafor would literally be their centerpiece. If Okafor goes first, the Lakers will select Towns.
3. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Kristaps Porzingis; PF, 7'0", 230 lbs - Sevilla (international)
The 76ers possess some young talent in Nerlens Noel, but the setback to Joel Embid's recovery from his foot injury may prompt the 76ers to go big here. Otherwise, they likely take a wing player.
4. NEW YORK KNICKS
D'Angelo Russell; PG/SG, 6'5", 193 lbs - Ohio St. (freshman)
Carmelo Anthony is pretty much all the Knicks have to show for their terrible season. They could go several ways here, but choose the combo guard Russell.
5. ORLANDO MAGIC
Willie Cauley-Stein; C, 7'1", 242 lbs - Kentucky (junior)
Some think the Magic will go small here, but I don't see it given they have Victor Oladip and Elfrid Payton in the backcourt. They select the defensive-minded Stein instead.
6. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Emmanuel Mudiay; PG, 6'5", 200 lbs - Guangdog (China)
Mudiay may be the best true point guard in the draft. The Kings will mull this over for several moments but, in the end, select their point guard of the future.
7. DENVER NUGGETS
Justice Winslow; SG/SF, 6'6", 222 lbs - Duke
Reports are that Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried are unhappy. New coach Mike Malone will have his work cut out for him. First up will be replacing the departed Arron Afflalo.
8. DETROIT PISTONS
Mario Hezonia; SG/SF, 6'8", 215 lbs - FC Barcelona (international)
Rumors are swirling that the Pistons may look to go big here in case Greg Monroe leaves via free agency, but they instead address the wing with Hezonia.
9. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Devin Booker; SG, 6'6", 205 lbs - Kentucky (freshman)
The recent trade for Spencer Hawes tells us that the Bobcats will try to address the backcourt. They would have loved local product Winslow, but go with Booker instead.
10. MIAMI HEAT
Stanley Johnson; SF, 6'6", 242 lbs - Arizona (freshman)
With Bosh expected to return, and Hasaan Whiteside having a breakout season, the Heat like Johnson's size and upside. He can play both ends of the court, which is a huge appeal.
11. INDIANA PACERS
Trey Lyles; PF, 6'10", 240 lbs - Kentucky (freshman)
The Pacers love the idea of binging Lyles along to play alongside Roy Hibbert. He has great size and could be brought along quickly
12. UTAH JAZZ
Sam Dekker; SF, 6'9", 220 lbs - Wisconsin (junior)
The Jazz have addressed the backcourt and found their center in Rudy Gobert. They take Dekker to bolster the small forward position.
13. PHOENIX SUNS
Myles Turner; C, 6'11", 240 - Texas (freshman)
The Suns have some pieces with Eric Bledsoe and the Morris twins. With this pick, they look to add a big man to hold down the middle.
14. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Kelly Oubre; SF, 6'7", 205 lbs - Kansas (freshman)
With the prospect of losing Kevin Durant via free agency, the Thunder look for his potential replacement. If nothing else, Oubre could develop into a capable backup should Durant stay.
15. ATLANTA HAWKS (from Brooklyn Nets)
Frank Kaminsky; C, 7'0", 242 lbs - Wisconsin (senior)
With free agency questions involving their front line, the Hawks are thrilled when the center from Wisconsin is available.
16. BOSTON CELTICS
Kevon Looney; PF, 6'9", 220 lbs - UCLA (freshman)
The rebuilding Celtics are looking for some blocks. Looney is versitale and gives them a frontcourt mate for Kelly Olynik.
17. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Bobby Portis; PF, 6'11", 242 lbs - Arkansas (sophomore)
They have Giannis Antetokounmpo and the backcourt covered. Portis gives them size up front. Some have him projected higher, so this is a no-brainer for the Bucks.
18. HOUSTON ROCKETS (from New Orleans Pelicans)
Jerian Grant; PG, 6'5", 204 lbs - Notre Dame (senior)
Whether he will back up Patrick Beverley or over take him for the starting role, Grant is a good fit for the Rockets.
19. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson; SF, 6'7", 220 lbs - Arizona (sophomore)
Washington would love to take a big man, but Hollis-Jefferson is the best available. They already have John Wall and Bradley Beal in the backcourt, so they fill the three-spot with this pick.
20. TORONTO RAPTORS
Cameron Payne; PG, 6'2", 180 lbs - Murray St. (sophomore)
The Raptors have talent at all five positions. Selecting Payne gives them some depth at the point behind Kyle Lowry, or alongside him.
21. DALLAS MAVERICKS
Tyus Jones; PG, 6'1", 190 lbs - Duke (freshman)
The Rajon Rondo experiment didn't work, so the Mavericks will look to Jones to fill a much-needed void at the point.
22. CHICAGO BULLS
Justin Anderson; SF, 6'6", 228 lbs - Virginia (junior)
Anderson has great size as an incoming rookie. The Bulls won't expect to rely heavily on him, but plan to give him every opportunity to crack the starting lineup.
23. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Montrezl Harrell; PF, 6'8", 240 lbs - Louisville (junior)
The Blazers uncharacteristically don't take a guard. Harrell is undersized to play center, but the Blazers look for a replacement for LaMarcus Aldridge if he leaves via free agency.
Montrezl Harrell (photo courtesy rantsports.com)
24. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Christian Wood; PF, 6'11", 220 lbs - UNLV (sophomore)
The Cavaliers could go in a number of directions here. They decide on Wood as a project who could crack the rotation early.
25. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Delon Wright; PG, 6'5", 190 lbs - Utah (senior)
The Grizzlies are stacked so they are looking for depth with this pick. They decide on Wright, who is really a combo guard.
26. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
R.J. Hunter; SG, 6'6", 190 lbs - Georgia St. (junior)
Manu Ginobli is not getting any younger. Hunter could be seen as a potential replacement for him.
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS (from Houston Rockets)
Terry Rozier; PG, 6'1", 190 - Louisville (sophomore)
They will court Rajon Rondo, but Rozier is NBA-ready and is actually a steal at this spot. In the least, this gives them depth.
28. BOSTON CELTICS (from Los Angeles Clippers)
Rashad Vaughn; SG; 6'6", 210 lbs - UNLV (sophomore)
29. BROOKLYN NETS (from Atlanta Hawks)
Guillermo Hernangomez; C, 6'11", 255 lbs - Spain (international)
Brook Lopez is a coveted free agent and is injury prone. Drafting the Spaniard makes sense here for the Nets, even if they keep him overseas for a year or two.
30. GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS
Robert Upshaw; C, 7'0", 250 lbs - Washington (junior)
Assuming they sign their free agents, the Warriors have a whole log ot wiggle room with this pick. Upshaw is insurance for the often-injured Andrew Bogut.
The NBA draft will be held on June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It will begin at 4 p.m. (PT) and be televised on ESPN. Additionally, CSNNW will air their draft coverage from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Portland area.
~ Kassandra
In Kassandra's Words began on the now-defunct Blazers Blogger Network and continues here on this site. Relocating this blog has allowed me to include Blazers blogs, but to also expand it to other sports and teams as well. Feedback is welcome; however, I would request that it be directed toward the topic covered..
To comment on this thread and others on this forum, please login or register.
The NBA season essentially begins on June 25 with the NBA draft. Though I did not post a mock draft last year (because the Blazers did not have a pick), I have returned with my best, educated guesses as to what each team may do in the first round. The Minnesota Timberwolves will get things started, and the Blazers will be up with the 23rd pick.
In the comments below, please include your thoughts on whom the Blazers, or any other team, may select; or if a trade may happen.
Aside from that, here we go:
Karl-Anthony Towns (photo courtesy sbnation.com)
1. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Karl-Anthony Towns; PF/C, 7'0", 248 lbs - Kentucky (freshman)
As much as they might think about Jahlil Okafor here, the 'Wolves will look to pair up Towns with Nikola Pekovic and the impressive Andrew Wiggins on the front line.
2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Jahlil Okafor; C, 6'11", 272 lbs -, Duke (freshman)
After the 'Wolves take Towns off the board, this is a no-brainer. The Lakers are rebuilding and Okafor would literally be their centerpiece. If Okafor goes first, the Lakers will select Towns.
3. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Kristaps Porzingis; PF, 7'0", 230 lbs - Sevilla (international)
The 76ers possess some young talent in Nerlens Noel, but the setback to Joel Embid's recovery from his foot injury may prompt the 76ers to go big here. Otherwise, they likely take a wing player.
4. NEW YORK KNICKS
D'Angelo Russell; PG/SG, 6'5", 193 lbs - Ohio St. (freshman)
Carmelo Anthony is pretty much all the Knicks have to show for their terrible season. They could go several ways here, but choose the combo guard Russell.
5. ORLANDO MAGIC
Willie Cauley-Stein; C, 7'1", 242 lbs - Kentucky (junior)
Some think the Magic will go small here, but I don't see it given they have Victor Oladip and Elfrid Payton in the backcourt. They select the defensive-minded Stein instead.
6. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Emmanuel Mudiay; PG, 6'5", 200 lbs - Guangdog (China)
Mudiay may be the best true point guard in the draft. The Kings will mull this over for several moments but, in the end, select their point guard of the future.
7. DENVER NUGGETS
Justice Winslow; SG/SF, 6'6", 222 lbs - Duke
Reports are that Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried are unhappy. New coach Mike Malone will have his work cut out for him. First up will be replacing the departed Arron Afflalo.
8. DETROIT PISTONS
Mario Hezonia; SG/SF, 6'8", 215 lbs - FC Barcelona (international)
Rumors are swirling that the Pistons may look to go big here in case Greg Monroe leaves via free agency, but they instead address the wing with Hezonia.
9. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Devin Booker; SG, 6'6", 205 lbs - Kentucky (freshman)
The recent trade for Spencer Hawes tells us that the Bobcats will try to address the backcourt. They would have loved local product Winslow, but go with Booker instead.
10. MIAMI HEAT
Stanley Johnson; SF, 6'6", 242 lbs - Arizona (freshman)
With Bosh expected to return, and Hasaan Whiteside having a breakout season, the Heat like Johnson's size and upside. He can play both ends of the court, which is a huge appeal.
11. INDIANA PACERS
Trey Lyles; PF, 6'10", 240 lbs - Kentucky (freshman)
The Pacers love the idea of binging Lyles along to play alongside Roy Hibbert. He has great size and could be brought along quickly
12. UTAH JAZZ
Sam Dekker; SF, 6'9", 220 lbs - Wisconsin (junior)
The Jazz have addressed the backcourt and found their center in Rudy Gobert. They take Dekker to bolster the small forward position.
13. PHOENIX SUNS
Myles Turner; C, 6'11", 240 - Texas (freshman)
The Suns have some pieces with Eric Bledsoe and the Morris twins. With this pick, they look to add a big man to hold down the middle.
14. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Kelly Oubre; SF, 6'7", 205 lbs - Kansas (freshman)
With the prospect of losing Kevin Durant via free agency, the Thunder look for his potential replacement. If nothing else, Oubre could develop into a capable backup should Durant stay.
15. ATLANTA HAWKS (from Brooklyn Nets)
Frank Kaminsky; C, 7'0", 242 lbs - Wisconsin (senior)
With free agency questions involving their front line, the Hawks are thrilled when the center from Wisconsin is available.
16. BOSTON CELTICS
Kevon Looney; PF, 6'9", 220 lbs - UCLA (freshman)
The rebuilding Celtics are looking for some blocks. Looney is versitale and gives them a frontcourt mate for Kelly Olynik.
17. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Bobby Portis; PF, 6'11", 242 lbs - Arkansas (sophomore)
They have Giannis Antetokounmpo and the backcourt covered. Portis gives them size up front. Some have him projected higher, so this is a no-brainer for the Bucks.
18. HOUSTON ROCKETS (from New Orleans Pelicans)
Jerian Grant; PG, 6'5", 204 lbs - Notre Dame (senior)
Whether he will back up Patrick Beverley or over take him for the starting role, Grant is a good fit for the Rockets.
19. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson; SF, 6'7", 220 lbs - Arizona (sophomore)
Washington would love to take a big man, but Hollis-Jefferson is the best available. They already have John Wall and Bradley Beal in the backcourt, so they fill the three-spot with this pick.
20. TORONTO RAPTORS
Cameron Payne; PG, 6'2", 180 lbs - Murray St. (sophomore)
The Raptors have talent at all five positions. Selecting Payne gives them some depth at the point behind Kyle Lowry, or alongside him.
21. DALLAS MAVERICKS
Tyus Jones; PG, 6'1", 190 lbs - Duke (freshman)
The Rajon Rondo experiment didn't work, so the Mavericks will look to Jones to fill a much-needed void at the point.
22. CHICAGO BULLS
Justin Anderson; SF, 6'6", 228 lbs - Virginia (junior)
Anderson has great size as an incoming rookie. The Bulls won't expect to rely heavily on him, but plan to give him every opportunity to crack the starting lineup.
23. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Montrezl Harrell; PF, 6'8", 240 lbs - Louisville (junior)
The Blazers uncharacteristically don't take a guard. Harrell is undersized to play center, but the Blazers look for a replacement for LaMarcus Aldridge if he leaves via free agency.
Montrezl Harrell (photo courtesy rantsports.com)
24. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Christian Wood; PF, 6'11", 220 lbs - UNLV (sophomore)
The Cavaliers could go in a number of directions here. They decide on Wood as a project who could crack the rotation early.
25. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Delon Wright; PG, 6'5", 190 lbs - Utah (senior)
The Grizzlies are stacked so they are looking for depth with this pick. They decide on Wright, who is really a combo guard.
26. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
R.J. Hunter; SG, 6'6", 190 lbs - Georgia St. (junior)
Manu Ginobli is not getting any younger. Hunter could be seen as a potential replacement for him.
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS (from Houston Rockets)
Terry Rozier; PG, 6'1", 190 - Louisville (sophomore)
They will court Rajon Rondo, but Rozier is NBA-ready and is actually a steal at this spot. In the least, this gives them depth.
28. BOSTON CELTICS (from Los Angeles Clippers)
Rashad Vaughn; SG; 6'6", 210 lbs - UNLV (sophomore)
29. BROOKLYN NETS (from Atlanta Hawks)
Guillermo Hernangomez; C, 6'11", 255 lbs - Spain (international)
Brook Lopez is a coveted free agent and is injury prone. Drafting the Spaniard makes sense here for the Nets, even if they keep him overseas for a year or two.
30. GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS
Robert Upshaw; C, 7'0", 250 lbs - Washington (junior)
Assuming they sign their free agents, the Warriors have a whole log ot wiggle room with this pick. Upshaw is insurance for the often-injured Andrew Bogut.
The NBA draft will be held on June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It will begin at 4 p.m. (PT) and be televised on ESPN. Additionally, CSNNW will air their draft coverage from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Portland area.
~ Kassandra
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Graphic courtesy of David.
