| PICK |
TEAM |
PLAYER |
SELECTOR |
WEBSITE |
| 1 |
Portland Trail Blazers |
Greg Oden 7'0 Center Ohio State |
Dave |
www.blazersedge.com |
| The Blazers have two pressing needs right now: small forward and point guard. It's almost certain they will try to acquire another first round pick, preferably top 12, to address one of those needs. The carrots they have to dangle are volume-scoring power forward Zach Randolph and third-year point guard Jarrett Jack. Conventional wisdom says they will look for a young forward (Jeff Green and Al Thornton have been mentioned) and try to get a veteran point guard through free agency or trade. It's possible they could also offer Randolph for an experienced small forward. |
| 2 |
Seattle Sonics |
Kevin Durant 6'10 SF Texas |
SP Seattle Office |
SP Mock Draft |
| This is the most enviable position in the draft. Seattle waits for Portland to select which future hall-of-famer they want and then the Sonics take the other. The Sonics are ecstatic that Durant is the player they get. This is the guy they want as the face of their franchise as they fight for a new arena deal. He is much more exciting than Oden and should draw in more fans. The key for Sonics is to find a good sign-and-trade deal for Rashard Lewis. If they can move him for a quality big man this team should be ready for a playoff run. |
| 3 |
Atlanta Hawks |
Al Hortford 6'9 PF Florida |
Chase |
www.mvn.com/nba-hawks/ |
| After some consideration, Atlanta would like to pick Al Horford from Florida
with the third pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Deciding he would be a better
post presence than Yi Jianlian was the final backbreaker in the decision. He
could be the most "NBA ready" player in this year's draft and while we
thought that last year with Shelden Williams he did actually rebound the
ball well when we played him. Horford has a great basketball player's body
and if he turns out to be half as good as Elton Brand he will be a solid
player in the NBA. Atlanta needs players who can improve this team right now
and Jianlian is just too much of a project to be a useful pick. We've wasted
too many picks on projects in the past. With two solid picks in this draft
the Atlanta Hawks could have a legitimate shot at the playoffs in the
Eastern Conference next year.
|
| 4 |
Memphis Grizzlies |
Mike Conley Jr. 6'1 Ohio State |
David |
davidlovesthegrizzlies.blogspot.com |
| The last time the Grizzlies had the #4 pick, they drafted without regard to position. As a result, Drew Gooden struggled, playing out of position for half a season before being traded. They probably would have been better off trading the #4 pick on draft day. Even though better players than Gooden will be available at #4 this year, the Grizzlies should draft a player who can immediately address one of their two needs: a point guard and a rebounding, defensive big man. Conley Jr. solidified his position as the best point guard in the draft during the NCAA tournament. He's ready to contribute now, and the Grizzlies should draft him at #4 or trade down to get him. The big men available aren't rebounding defensive players, who can fill up the lane. They're similar to what the Grizzlies already have, Pau Gasol. |
| 5 |
Boston Celtics |
Yi Jianlian 7'0 PF China |
Jeff |
www.celticsblog.com |
| 7 footers that can shoot and run the floor and get to the basket don't come around every day. He could be very good someday and Ainge seems to think he can contribute some right away. After missing out on the lottery, this team is ready to swing for the fences. |
| 6 |
Milwaukee Bucks |
Jeff Green 6' 8 SF Georgetown |
Ryan |
hoopsaddict.com |
| The Bucks will take Jeff Green as they have question marks at the 3 and he's a better fit than Brandan Wright or Corey Brewer. |
| 7 |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
Corey Brewer 6'8 SF Florida |
Sonia |
iheartkg.blogspot.com |
|
The NBA ready player has athleticism and great defensive skills from which the Wolves would benefit, especially if they would get rid of the problematic players instead of (possibly) trying to unload the franchise's lone star. In addition, Brewer's accustomedness to being part of a winning team will be a great asset. |
| 8 |
Charlotte Bobcats |
Brandan Wright 6'10 PF UNC |
Bumpus |
www.bobcatsplanet.com |
| Largely the best player available (or left depending on who you're talking to) pick, it is believed by many that Wright is the player with the most upside not named Oden or Durant. He has soft hands, excellent defense, and terrific post skills. Many believe he doesn't have enough passion for the game, but that didn't stop Rudy Gay or Charlie Villanueva from having inspiring rookie campaigns. He needs to get stronger, as he is only 210 pounds, but is only 19 and has plenty of room for growth. He is a player that will either be considered a major steal, or a major bust. MJ will pick the Tarheel, and hopefully the already large UNC family involved with the 'cats will help his transition, as he could be the next Chris Bosh. |
| 9 |
Chicago Bulls |
Joakim Noah 6'11 PF Florida |
Matt |
www.blogabull.com |
| Unless tantalized by some of the more offensive-minded players in the draft, I think the Bulls will take Noah in the idea that he can help the team immediately. His skills certainly overlap with Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas, but the Bulls still need size whether it's for offense or defense. While Noah isn't a go-to scorer, he does what the Bulls like: defends, runs, passes, catches and finishes. |
| 10 |
Sacramento Kings |
Julian Wright 6'8 SF Kansas |
TZ |
www.sactownroyalty.com/ |
| Wright has traits Geoff Petrie and the Kings organization love: versatility, passing acumen, and basketball IQ. Julian can fit in immediately at SF and PF, and could also fill in as needed behind Kevin Martin at SG. |
| 11 |
Atlanta Hawks |
Acie Law 6'3 PG Texas A&M |
Chase |
www.mvn.com/nba-hawks/ |
| Finally addressing the dire point guard needs of this team, the Hawks would like to select Acie Law IV, point guard from Texas A&M. While Atlanta seems to be interested in Javaris Crittendon because of his size and collegiate proximity to the team, Law is by far the better player now. He can help Atlanta get to the playoffs next year. Law could come in and immediately become the starting point guard and leader of the team. He and Horford are both NBA-ready players and could come in and help the Hawks come in right away, something the Hawks really need. This young team needs leadership and not another project, both things that Law is not. With Law and Horford next year, the Hawks will make the playoffs.Comment Section |
| 12 |
Philadelphia 76ers |
Spencer Hawes 6'11 C Washington |
Jon |
www.mvn.com/nba-76ers |
| I really like Al Thornton, but I'm going to take Spencer Hawes here at
12. Hawes is the low post offensive presence that the Sixers need and
he's still growing into his body. He has the most potential out of
everybody available and the Sixers are highly impressed with his
talent. What people don't know about him is that he's got NBA 3 point
range. In his Sixers' workout, he made 7 of 12 from deep. Thornton
is likely going to make the Sixers regret passing on him... |
| 13 |
New Orleans Hornets |
Al Thornton 6'8 SF/PF Florida State |
Keith |
mvn.com/nba-hornets |
| Chris Paul needs a mature, athletic running mate to dish the ball to. Chances are that the Hornets will lose Desmond Mason to free agency. Thornton can come in and contribute right away. He will most likely be put in the small forward slot, immediately making the Hornets a big team with David West and Tyson Chandler down low. Thornton creates matchup problems by being a 6'8" small/power forward with three-point range. |
| 14 |
Los Angeles Clippers |
Nick Young 6'6 SG USC |
Kevin |
clipperblog.com |
| Though it's not an entirely satisfactory choice, Clipperblog selects local product, Nick Young, with the 14th pick in the 2007 draft. As a refined shooter, Young will enable the Clippers to spread the floor, something that's been a bête noire for the team, even with the acquisition of Tim Thomas last offseason. But Young is a lousy passer and occasional knucklehead, not ideal for a team that needs to improve its ball movement and basketball I.Q. |
| 15 |
Detroit Pistons |
Thaddeus Young 6'8 SF Georgia Tech |
Matt |
detroitbadboys.com |
| With Acie Law and Nick Young already off the board, the Pistons will likely choose between Rodney Stuckey and Thaddeus Young. Stuckey is intriguing and may end up getting the nod, but his lack of height works against him, as he's essentially a two in a point guard's body. Young is still raw but has the athleticism and overall ability to be a star in a few years, perhaps forcing the Pistons into a difficult decision regarding he and Tayshaun Prince. In the meantime, the Pistons will settle for him joining the rotation as Prince's primary backup, filling in for the departed Carlos Delfino. Young certainly has his weaknesses (shaky ball-handling being his biggest one), but he can score from all over the court |
| 16 |
Washington Wizards |
Javaris Crittenton 6'5 PG Georgia Tech |
Mike |
bulletsforever.com |
| The Wizards
need depth in the backcourt, with only Gilbert Arenas, Antonio
Daniels, and Caron Butler currently under contract. Crittenton has
worked out extremely well, provides height at the point position, and
has lots of potential.
|
| 17 |
New Jersey Nets |
Sean Williams 6'10 PF Boston College |
Darren |
netsophobia.wordpress.com |
| The Nets will take Sean Williams with the 17th pick, ya he's a risk, but come on, 5 blocks per game can't be ignored no matter what, he's a gamble (a big one) to bring the Nets over the hump and also some inside presence.
With possibly Kidd's final season with the team, It would be good for the team to go guns blazing for that elusive championship, and Williams can void his contract after that one season if he pleases. |
| 18 |
Golden State Warriors |
Morris Almond 6'6 SG Rice |
Jason |
ballhype.com |
| He's not the the most athletic guy in the world, but he's a terrific shooter who should fit in nicely with Nellie-ball. As a SG-SF, he'll help to make up for the expected departure of Mickael Pietrus. |
| 19 |
Los Angeles Lakers |
Rodney Stuckey 6'4 SG Eastern Washington |
Don |
with-malice.com |
| With the 19th pick of the NBA 2007 draft, the Los Angeles Lakers take Rodney Stuckey. Stuckey's the kind of guard that Phil Jackson loves – he's big, and has a frame that could easily bulk up. At the moment he's a combo-guard, but would possibly see most time in the Lakers line-up at the point. |
| 20 |
Miami Heat |
Tiago Splitter 6'11 PF Brazil |
Darren |
www.sportsagentblog.com |
| The Heat may have been looking to trade this spot about a week ago, but thanks to Stan Van Gundy's new job with the Orlando Magic, the Heat were able to pick up another pick in the 2nd round, where they can look to fill another future hole on their roster. The reasoning behind picking Tiago Splitter with the 20th pick is two-fold. We believe that Tiago slipped in the draft and is in fact the best available player on the board (considering all positions). He is a great defender, and the Heat have been playing abysmal defense. Shaq and Zo are getting ready to start playing shuffleboard outside of their multi-million dollar mansions in Miami, and Tiago Splitter is ready to start developing into the next great NBA big man. |
| 21 |
Philadelphia 76ers |
Derrick Byars 6'7 SG/SF Vanderbilt |
Jon |
www.mvn.com/nba-76ers |
| Byars is a lock down defender type who competes at a high level. He
gives Iguodala much needed help on the wing. Byars brings an attitude
that all challenges are meant to be overcome. You can't go wrong with
a player like that. The Byars selection makes the Sixers
feel better about passing on Thornton.
|
| 22 |
Charlotte Bobcats |
Marc Gasol 7'0 C Spain |
Bumpus |
www.bobcatsplanet.com |
| After thinking it over long and hard, M.J. decides to once again go big and nab Pau's brother, Marc. A very strong big man weighing in at roughly 270 pounds, Gasol has the size, genes, hands and persona to be a feared post player. He will need to improve his endurance to keep up with the Bobcats, but Gasol has an excellent coaching staff to help him through the aches and pains of a rookie. Gasol is a stellar post scorer and often overpowers his man, which will do wonders to compliment Emeka Okafor's stifling defense. This will be a tough team to drive on with Wallace, Okafor, Gasol and Brandan Wright clogging the lanes. |
| 23 |
New York Knicks |
Marco Belinelli 6'6 SG Italy |
Seth |
www.postingandtoasting.com |
| Belinelli is a risk. He's said to be a spotty defender and weighs about as much as I do...but whatever. The Knicks don't really have an open roster spot at this point unless someone gets injured. Belinelli can tool around in Europe for however long and then cross the ocean once he's polished his game and cracked 200 lbs. (Just in case Marco ends up being a bust or a serial killer or something..Morris Almond was my man but he's taken.) Go Knicks! |
| 24 |
Phoenix Suns |
Rudy Fernandez 6'6 SG Spain |
Dan |
www.brightsideofthesun.com |
| The Suns are going to try and trade down to get into the top 10. If they can't for some reason, I expect them to select an international player so they can keep him away from the team and off of the books while he continues to develop.
|
| 25 |
Utah Jazz |
Arron Afflalo 6'5 SG UCLA |
Aaron |
www.dailybasketball.com |
| Although the Jazz passed over a couple solid big men prospects (Jason Smith, Josh McRoberts), the team needs a true center, not another power forward. Instead, the team looks another direction by drafting Arron Afflalo. Almost like a smaller Matt Harpring, Afflalo moves well without the ball and has a decent shot, which head coach Jerry Sloan will love. Afflalo has a good basketball IQ and feeds post players the ball, which doesn't hurt as long as Boozer is around. |
| 26 |
Houston Rockets |
Glen Davis 6'8 PF LSU |
Kurt |
mvn.com/nba-rockets |
| The Rockets need frontline support badly, in lieu of trading away Juwan Howard in the trade for Mike James. Although Chuck Hayes is nice, he can’t do it alone. The LSU standout would provide the big body up front to bang away and create spacing for the offense. He could have come out last year and was criticized for not doing so. This year’s LSU team wasn’t nearly as spectacular, but he still averaged a double-double. With some NBA coaching and training [and mixing in a few salads to his daily intake], Davis would be a good fit to help clog up the middle. |
| 27 |
Detroit Pistons |
Petteri Koponen 6-4 PG Finland |
Matt |
detroitbadboys.com |
| His name hasn't been linked to the Pistons in any pre-draft rumors ... but that just means something must be up. A stud prospect from Europe that international scouting guru Tony Ronzone hasn't heard of? Preposterous.
|
| 28 |
San Antonio Spurs |
Gabe Pruitt 6'4 PG USC |
Matthew |
www.poundingtherock.com |
| The Spurs most glaring weakness is backup PG. Jacque Vaughn, despite his tenacity, grit and hustle, is a crude stopgap at best. Pruitt brings youth, size and the ability to hit the long range j. |
| 29 |
Phoenix Suns |
Zabian Dowdell 6'3 PG Virginia Tech |
Dan |
www.brightsideofthesun.com |
| If the Suns keep the pick, they may as well choose someone who could spell Steve Nash for a while. They've tried several other players as backup to Steve Nash and none of them have seemed to pan out yet. Maybe Dowdell will be what the Suns are looking for.
|
| 30 |
Philadelphia 76ers |
Josh McRoberts 6'10 PF Duke |
Jon |
www.mvn.com/nba-76ers |
| It's take your pick of Jason Smith and Josh McRoberts - either one
could be gone by 21. I'll take McRoberts, one of the most versatile
big men in the draft. His ballhandling and passing ability will be an
asset for the Sixers. They land their frontcourt of the future in
Hawes, McRoberts, and Byars (with Iguodala at guard). |
