Mock Lottery: The Dawn of a New Era

We have now arrived to Draft Day. As I pointed out in my initial post "It All Started in 96" , I have enjoyed the hype and noise surrounding draft day as much as I love the Draft itself. The crowning moments of the Draft are all in the Lottery. Don't get me wrong there are steals and nuggets sprinkled through out the Draft, however the best moments come in the first 14 picks. 95 percent of the absolute studs have been drafted with the first 14 picks. The list of legends and future legends speaks for itself, Michael Jordan in 84, Shaq in 92, LeBron in 03 and Damian Lillard in 12.

Its both the culmination of a childhood dream and the beginning of a new life, full of fame and fortune. The real ballplayers such as Kevin Durant, Reggie Miller, Karl Malone and Kevin Garnett capitalize. A few individuals have faltered under the pressure of being such a high draft pick (Michael Beasley, Hasheem Thabeet, Marvin Williams, Darko Milicic), but the majority have thrived. Tonight its all celebration, tears, joy and for some a sense of completion. Tomorrow, its endorsement deals, contract negotiations, summer league and your first trip into the deep end. So now we look at my final take based off of several sources (Chad Ford: ESPN Insider, Aaron Smith: Hoopshype.com and the fine folks at Draftexpress.com) and my own personal take. I take pride in knowing this game and loving this game. Tonight, like every year I am excited for all of the young men and I look forward to seeing them suit up.

The Draft Fanatic

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel: Center: Kentucky
Why? Always take the combination of need meets best available talent. Cavs may move the pick, but if they don't might as well not over think this one. Noel when healthy can block shots and rebound, two things that always carry over from the college game. 

2. Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo: Shooting Guard: Indiana
Why? May have the most upside of any person in the draft. Has a "Russell Westbrook" like motor. When his jumper evolves, he will become an All-Star.

3. Washington Wizards: Otto Porter: Small Forward: Georgetown

Why? Final piece to a young team on the verge of returning to the playoffs. Ready to start now.









4. Charlotte Bobcats: Ben McLemore: Shooting Guard: Kansas
Why? Provided he falls this far, Jordan can't mess this up. He is sure fire offense which is what the Bobcats lack. Playing for the original 23 will provide him with all the confidence he needs. 

5. Phoenix Suns: Anthony Bennett: Small Forward/Power Forward: UNLV

Why? Second best prospect talent wise. The Larry Johnson upgrade. The Suns were terrible last season, this will be a step in the right direction. He will have the keys to the kingdom. 

6. New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Burke: Point Guard: Michigan
Why? Best point guard on the board and the perfect Robin to Anthony Davis's Batman. Big heart, Big Shot, Big Handle...Ask Kansas

7. Sacramento Kings: C.J. McCollum: Shooting Guard: Lehigh
Why? High character kid, can take pressure off of DeMarcus Cousins on offensive end. Time to change the culture of players now that prior ownership, management and coaching have moved on.  

8. Detroit Pistons: Michael Carter-Williams: Point Guard: Syracuse
Why? Rare combination of size and point guard skill. If Drummond continues to develop at current pace, then you want a young point guard to develop with him. This could become the new age Magic/Kareem or Penny/Shaq.  

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kentavious Claldwell-Pope: Shooting Guard: Georgia
Why? This years version of Klay Thompson. Pure shooter, with good handle and ability to guard. Great fit on a young team in need of perimeter offense. 

10. Portland Trailblazers: Alex Len: Center: Maryland
Why? Not going to lie, this player will make or break this Mock Draft. He has the talent to be a top 5 pick, but are those teams willing to wait for him to come around. Best player left on the board, if Aldridge leaves he is a great insurance policy. 

11. Philadelphia 76ers: Cody Zeller: Power Forward: Indiana
Why? They need to erase this past year. Andrew Bynum set this team back, Zeller will move them forward. Big motor, nice game and has a Pro Pedigree. 

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Steven Adams: Center: Pitt
Why? For a team so close to winning a Championship, its hard to say what they lack. Eventually Perkins will wash out and Adams will prove to be more than a great replacement. He has all the raw tools that Serge Ibaka possessed. Could become a jackpot pick. 

13. Dallas Mavericks: Sergey Karasev: Small Forward: Russia

Why? Could be heir apparent to Dirk Nowitzki. He has a NBA game now and isn't afraid to let it go. 

14. Utah Jazz: Shane Larkin: Point Guard: Miami
Why? They need depth at the Point Guard. Last season when Mo Williams got hurt, they went from a playoff team to an outsider. He has energy, athleticism (40+ inch vertical) and great shot. Perfect long term answer and counterpart for the stable of young big men (Favors and Kanter).