FINAL MOCK DRAFT

Tonight is the night! In a matter of hours, the most anticipated draft class in over 10 years will take their seats in the green room. The word of the night is DEPTH. This is not only a talented draft class, but it is also an unusually deep draft class. There is a great blend of youth, potential, experience and international flair within this class. The players expected to be drafted at the top of this draft will be expected to be either future superstars or key pieces for future playoff teams. Virtually every team should walk away with what they want or have the ability to make a deal to attain their goal.

There is no secret that the main attractions are Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Dante Exum. The elephant in the room is where recently injured big man Joel Embiid will go. Beyond that its pretty simple to fill the requisite need with what is available.

So take a gander and enjoy. Hopefully I get some of these right.

LOTTERY

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins - While the jury was out for a while on whether to pick Wiggins or Parker, I see the Cavs going with Wiggins. Yes they want to compete immediately but Wiggins will improve day by day and by the end of the season will be the perfect compliment to Kyrie Irving.




2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker - Young Mr. Parker can flat out get it done. He scores at an elite level, has the size to play both the 3 and the 4. He is mature and willing to learn. Face of the Bucks going forward.









3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dante Exum - They will flirt with the idea of drafting Embiid, but I think they will go with something more certain. The funny thing is that Exum may not be that much of a sure deal. The combination of length, potential and athleticism gives him a great foundation for the future.







4. Orlando Magic: Noah Vonleh - He immediately starts next to Vucevic and provides a needed physical presence in the front court. He has great hands and the ability to step away and pull the trigger.






5. Utah Jazz: Aaron Gordon - He will be able to defend 4 positions on the floor and provide insane highlights in the open court. His motor is off the charts and he is a quality kid.





6. Boston Celtics: Joel Embiid - There is no way Embiid goes past the Celtics. The potential for him to bounce back from his foot injury would provide the Celtics with a cornerstone for the future. If he can overcome the injuries, he may develop in to the next great big man.





7. LA Lakers: Julius Randle - Randle is a Rhino with the feet of a ballerina. This kid knows his way to the basket and has great hands. He has a tremendous motor and soft touch.









8. Sacramento Kings: Marcus Smart - This just seems like a no brainer. A team that already has quality scoring options with Cousins and Gay, news someone who can guard on the perimeter and get them the ball. Smart does all of that and brings toughness to the table.








9. Charlotte Hornets: Doug McDermott - Mr. Dougie McBuckets will do just that, get buckets. The Hornets need shooters and McDermott is one of the best two shooters in the draft.






10. Philadelphia 76ers: Nik Stauskas - Shooter. Plain and Simple. He has great length, can handle the ball and can flat out shoot it.










11. Denver Nuggets: Dario Saric - He isn't coming over for 2 seasons, but thats fine. He has been dominating the Adriatic league and has a unique skill set for a player his height (6'10). He can shoot, rebound, pass and stands to get better while remaining overseas for a couple of years.








12. Orlando Magic: Elfrid Payton - Payton has great size for a point guard. He knows how to get to the bucket and likes to get out in transition. He will fit in perfectly with the young players like Oladipo and Harris in Orlando.




13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jusuf Nurkic - If you are going to lose your prize big within the next year or so, then you might as well have another in the hopper ready to come over and play.






14. Phoenix Suns: James Young - Young had a pretty decent freshmen year, but had a better tournament. He can shoot, get to the goal and has the ability to defend 1-3.








REST OF THE FIRST ROUND

15. Atlanta Hawks: Gary Harris
16. Chicago Bulls: Tyler Ennis
17. Boston Celtics: Rodney Hood
18. Phoenix Suns: Adreian Payne
19. Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine
20. Toronto Raptors: Clint Capella
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: T.J. Warren
22. Memphis Grizzlies: K.J. McDaniels
23. Utah Jazz: Cleanthony Early
24. Charlotte Hornets: Shabazz Napier
25. Houston Rockets: Jarnell Stokes
26. Miami Heat: P.J. Hairston
27. Phoenix Suns: Jordan Clarkson
28. LA Clippers: Kyle Anderson
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: CJ Wilcox
30. San Antonio Spurs: Mitch McGary

Mock Draft: 1 Week Out

We are officially less than a week away and the drama of this year's NBA draft is not disappointing. In an interesting and unfortunate turn of events, Joel Embiid the potential number 1 pick suffered a stress fracture in his foot. The big man was just beginning to assert himself as the top prospect in this year's draft after a great workout with Cleveland. Coincidentally it was the Cavs that discovered the stress fracture and alerted Embiid's handlers. In the wake of this injury Cleveland is now faced with a decision between Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker. 

The Cleveland Cavs hire of David Blatt adds intrigue to the draft because of his love for an uptempo style. I wouldn't be surprised if the roster goes through an overhaul over the next few months to better suit his ideal scheme.

Another pending situation is whether or not the Timberwolves will move Kevin Love either before the draft or on draft night. Kevin Love is attracting lots of potential suitors including Boston, Golden State and Cleveland. While there are several players that will likely be available come draft night, none have more star power and potential to change the status of an entire franchise. 

The Final cog in the ever growing cycle of drama that is this NBA Offseason is the chance that LeBron James will opt out of his contract and entertain the idea of being a free agent. Of course this would send several teams in to a tailspin in an attempt to clear up as much cap space as possible to acquire the talents of the 4 time MVP. Both the Houston Rockets and LA Clippers appear to be potential landing spots for the King if he decides to bolt South Beach. 

The possibilities for shock and awe are endless as we head in to the most exciting non competitive portion of the year. Lots of money and hand shaking will be going on, all in preparation for what should be a very interesting season next year. 

So without further or do I present to you my updated Mock Draft. 

1. Cleveland Cavs: Jabari Parker

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dante Exum

4. Orlando Magic: Marcus Smart

5. Utah Jazz: Noah Vonleh

6. Boston Celtics: Joel Embiid

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle

8. Sacramento Kings: Doug McDermott

9. Charlotte Hornets: Nik Stauskas

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Aaron Gordon

11. Denver Nuggets: Gary Harris

12. Orlando Magic: Dario Saric

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Adreian Payne

14. Phoenix Suns: James Young

15. Atlanta Hawks: Jusuf Nurkic

16. Chicago Bulls: Rodney Hood

17. Boston Celtics: T.J. Warren

18. Phoenix Suns: Zack LaVine

19. Chicago Bulls: Elfrid Payton

20. Toronto Raptors: Tyler Ennis

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: P.J. Hairston

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Kyle Anderson

23. Utah Jazz: Jordan Adams

24. Charlotte Hornets: Cleanthony Early

25. Houston Rockets: K.J. McDaniels

26. Miami Heat: Shabazz Napier

27. Phoenix Suns: Jerami Grant

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Mitch McGary

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jarnell Stokes

30. San Antonio Spurs: Clint Capella

Draft Season!!!

Hello Everyone! Its been a long time but I needed a break after the busy College Basketball season and the awesome finish during the NBA's regular season. Hopefully you all have been keeping up with my Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/thedraftfanatic?ref=hl) where I have been staying on top of all the most recent action. Yep that was a shameless plug! Love it…

We are currently knee deep in the playoffs and I have to say its been an amazing post season so far. Virtually every series has been worth watching and hasn't disappointed. While LeBron is doing what he can to lead the Heat to a third straight title, several young men are preparing for the NBA Draft.

The NBA has already hosted the combine, which several potential lottery picks decided to skip. This is becoming a ridiculous trend but I will address that at a later date. For the players we did see, they did not disappoint. Nik Stauskas, Noah Vonleh, Zach LaVine, Doug McDermott, Rodney Hood, Marcus Smart, James Young, Dante Exum, Aaron Gordon and Julius Randle were the potential lottery picks that participated. They all had strong showings cementing their places in the lottery.

The remainder of the potential top picks, Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid, Gary Harris and Jabari Parker decided not to participate. That does not mean any of them won't be taken in the lottery, nor does it mean they are not worth a top pick either. In fact to show he was in just as much shape as those that did show up to the Combine, Andrew Wiggins's agent tweeted a picture of him jumping 44 inches in to the air.

This field appears to be loaded with talent, some of which will be able to contribute right away. Players such as Tyler Ennis, Glen Robinson III, Elfrid Payton, DeAndre Kane, Shabazz Napier, Adreian Payne and Cleanthony Early are among those that should prove valuable as mid to late first round picks. With all of that in mind, lets take a look at my projections based off the current draft order for the lottery.




1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Joel Embiid
2. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Jabari Parker
4. Orlando Magic: Marcus Smart
5. Utah Jazz: Noah Vonleh
6. Boston Celtics: Julius Randle
7. Los Angeles Lakers: Dante Exum
8. Sacramento Kings: Zach LaVine
9. Charlotte Hornets: James Young
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Gary Harris
11. Denver Nuggets: Dario Saric
12. Orlando Magic: Aaron Gordon
13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Doug McDermott
14: Phoenix Suns: Nik Stauskas

Now many of these picks could absolutely change based on a few factors. Their names are Greg Monroe, Kevin Love and Pau Gasol. Gasol and Monroe are both free agents that could garner their current teams a pretty hefty return to include Love in the way of a sign/trade. Along with the aforementioned teams as potential suitors in the lottery; the Cavs, Suns and Celtics will likely all attempt to negotiate a deal to bring in the young double/double machine.

Finally lets not forget about the always exciting wild card!!!! There are several veteran players that are either headed towards a final year of their contract or just plain unhappy in their current situation that could be dealt on draft night. Thaddeus Young, OJ Mayo, Josh Smith, Rajon Rondo and Kyrie Irving could all possibly be traded for the right combination of picks/players.

We have a little more than a month before the NBA Draft so I expect much of this speculation to become clearer, but in the mean time let your imagination run wild.

The Madness!!!

This year the tournament will rock! There is no clear choice for one singular dominate team. There are several potential candidates and intriguing potential match ups. The other really good thing about the tournament, the rest of the basketball world (casual fans) will get an early glimpse at all of the top rated college players. NBA Draft guys like myself love this time of year because it separates the men from the boys. Let us not kid ourselves in thinking only one man cannot win the tournament, Kemba Walker anyone? It's more than possible for a guy to go from fringe 1st rounder, to definite lottery pick.

The landscape is an interesting one that clearly benefits some teams (Michigan State/Arizona) and will be a reality check for others (Wichita St). While I admire Wichita St and the ride they have been on the last two seasons, I fully expect them to fall to either Kentucky or Louisville. I love Russ Smith and Louisville, but this is not the same team they were a year ago. Florida is primed and ready to run through all opposing teams. Several programs such as Michigan, Villanova, Creighton and Kansas will be immensely entertaining.

I am looking forward to watching Jabari Parker put pressure on opposing teams, which will allow Rodney Hood to explode offensively. I want to see Andrew Wiggins realize his potential as the player with the most upside in the nation and lead his team to the promised land with or without Joel Embiid. Every fan on the planet wants to see Doug McDermott deliver at least one 40 point game en route to a huge pay day this summer. I could keep going, but I would rather drop some jewels and deliver to you my Final Four.

FINAL FOUR:

(1) Florida: They have the leadership, the momentum and pedigree to make it to Dallas.

(4) Michigan State: Mr. Izzo prides himself on taking his Seniors to the Final Four, this year will be no different.
(3) Duke: Jabari Parker is a winner, plain and simple. The only way this fails is if he gets hurt or his backcourt forgets he exists (this happens more often than it should).
(1) Arizona: They have depth, shooting, star power and big game potential.

POTENTIAL PARTY CRASHERS:

Louisville: Repeats are insanely rare in college basketball, but Russ Smith and co have recently caught fire.

UCLA: They upset Arizona in the Pac-12 tourney and they have a massive mismatch at point guard (6-9 Kyle Anderson 15 ppg, 8 rebounds, 6 assists).






Syracuse: They have been stuck in the mud since a horrible loss against Boston College, but they have veterans and a Hall of Fame coach. Don't sleep.








Kansas: Young Mr. Wiggins is in the middle of realizing his potential and if you don't have more than a few days to plan for him….you are in trouble.

Iowa St: This team is sizzling and they have a swagger about them that says overlook me if you want…











Michigan: They get buckets, barely turn the ball over and have experience. Oh and a guy named Nik Stauskas.



Kentucky: It took them a while, but they finally figured out playing like a team might get them somewhere. It won't be easy, but this is the bed they made for themselves.

San Diego St: I fee like this team has become the West Coast version of Wisconsin, they always find a
way to be in the picture.




TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Russ Smith
Kyle Anderson
Doug McDermott
Jabari Parker
Julius Randle
Gary Harris
Nik Stauskas
Aaron Gordon
Cleanthony Early
Andrew Wiggins
*Joel Embiid (Currently Hurt, but expected to play)
Marcus Smart
Tyler Ennis
Marcus Paige

MOST FUN FIRST ROUND MATCH UPS:

UCLA/Tulsa
VCU/SF Austin
Ohio St/Dayton
BYU/Oregon
Gonzaga/Oklahoma St
Texas/Arizona St
Kentucky/Kansas St
UCONN/St Joes
Harvard/Cincy

MOST FUN *POTENTIAL* MATCH UPS:

Michigan/Duke 2
Wichita St/Kentucky
UCLA/Florida
Kansas/Ohio St
Virginia/Michigan St
Creighton/Baylor


The Draft Fanatic