Team needs have not been taken into account with this mock draft. Click on the players’ name for a complete scouting report.
1. New Jersey- John Wall, PG, Kentucky, 6-4, Fr.
This kid is so talented that by his committment to Kentucky, the Wildcats have gone from a Top 25 team to a realistic title contender this season. He is beyond gifted and so quick with the ball in his hands whether it’s creating on the drive for other teammates or finishing at the rim himself. His outside shot does need some work though.
Think: Derrick Rose
2. ?Minnesota- Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown, 6-10, So.
Probably the most versatile big man in college basketball, Monroe is the total package. He has a great inside/outside game, can put the ball on the floor, and is a tremendous passer. Expect him to develop into a more dominating player in his sophomore campaign with the Hoyas which will only catapult his draft stock.
Think: Chris Bosh
3. Memphis- Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech, 6-9, Fr.
Favors is a well-rounded prospect with a combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He uses his great length to be an intimidating shot blocker. While he is better suited as a post player right now, he projects more as a combo forward in the NBA. To excel at that position, Favors will have to improve his limited range from the perimeter.
Think: Josh Smith
4. Utah (from New York)- Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina, 6-10, So.
Davis’ stock blew up during the Tar Heels tournament run and he is expected to become one of the best big men in college this season. He is a very solid rebounder and gifted shot blocker, but his offensive game is a bit limited.
Think: Al Horford
5. Washington- Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma, 6-4, So.
Warren’s successful freshman year with the Sooners was understandably overshadowed by Blake Griffin’s player of the year season. With Griffin gone to the NBA, Warren will have every chance to prove just how talented of a scorer he is. A combo guard who can create his own shot, he has great range and is not afraid to attack the basket.
Think: Ben Gordon
6. Golden State- Evan Turner, SF, Ohio State, 6-7, Jr.
Turner possesses all the skills needed of a wing player as demonstrated by his triple-double in Ohio State’s season opener. He is at his best with the ball in his hands when he is driving and finishing at the rim or creating for his teammates. With that said, he can also play on the perimeter where he shot 44% from downtown during his sophomore year.
Think: Caron Butler
7. L.A. Clippers- Donatas Motiejunas, F/C, Lithuania, 7-0, 1990
A very intriguing prospect, Montiejunas has the size to play center but ability to step out on the perimeter and play the three. He is skilled on the block, can also handle the ball, and stroke it from the outside. Unlike most Europeans prospects, Montiejunas will be a free agent in the summer of 2010 meaning an NBA team won’t have to deal with any Ricky Rubio-like issues regarding a buyout and he could come to the states right away.
Think: Andrea Bargnani
8. New Orleans- Terrico White, SG, Mississippi, 6-5, So.
The SEC freshman of the year has the perfect mixture of athleticism and strength for playing at the next level. White can handle the rock and creates his own shot with ease. He needs to improve his decision-making but has the potential to grow into a dangerous scorer at the next level.
Think: Andre Iguodala
9. Indiana- Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia, 6-9, So.
The Mountaineer sophomore really showed signs of growth during his first year at West Virginia. He is a long, athletic point forward-type player with ridiculous leaping ability and also a defensive stopper. Ebanks needs to get stronger to compete at the next level and work on a pretty inconsistent jump shot.
Think: Andrei Kirilenko
10. Philadelphia- Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas, 6-11, Jr.
Aldrich doesn’t look like much a basketball player at first glance, but is actually a fundamentally sound big man. He has a nice touch on his odd-looking jump shot, is a solid rebounder and shot blocker. The Jayhawk junior is not going to wow anybody with his athleticism, but is very crafty around the basket.
Think: Chris Kaman
11. Detroit- Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest, 6-9, So.
Aminu likely would have been a lottery pick if he declared for the 2009 draft, but decided to return to Wake to improve his all-around game. His size and athleticism will certainly be attractive to an NBA team. If he can polish his shooting and ball-handling during his sophomore season, he will be a sure-fire top ten pick in 2010.
Think: Travis Outlaw
12. Oklahoma City- Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State, 6-10, Jr.
Brackins is a lengthy, but not very physical forward who has a nice touch on his shot and can knock down mid-range jumpers. He made huge strides between his freshman and sophomore seasons as he nearly doubled his scoring and rebounding. The Cyclone will need to add some muscle to help him match-up better against NBA power forwards.
Think: Hakim Warrick
13. Toronto- Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State, 7-1, So.
Alabi is still very much a work in progress and how his game develops during his sophomore season will determine how high of a pick he may be. He has the size and shot-blocking ability that NBA teams covet in their big men, but has a long way to go in terms of his offensive game.
Think: DeSagana Diop
14. >Utah- Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky, 6-9, Jr.
The Wildcat junior decided to return to school after briefly testing the NBA waters thus summer. Patterson has a nice low post game and uses his strength and length to help him on the boards which will be beneficial at the next level since he is a bit undersized to play the four in the association. He can also step out and knock down the mid-range jumper, runs the floor well, and has decent handles.
Think: Kenyon Martin
15. @Minnesota (from Charlotte)- Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas, 6-6, Fr.
Henry is a smooth shooting southpaw who is very comfortable with the ball in his hand and attacking the basket. For a freshman-to-be, he has good strength to not be bullied around in the NBA. With a strong freshman showing at KU, Henry could vault himself into the lottery.
Think: J.R. Smith
16. Sacramento- Larry Sanders, PF, VCU, 6-10, Jr.
Sanders’ crazy 7-7 wingspan makes him a force on the glass with his rebounding and tremendous shot blocking prowess. His offensive abilities are still very raw but the learning curve is loaded with potential.
Think: Sean Williams
17. San Antonio- Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati, 6-5, Fr.
There are some questions regarding Stephenson’s selfishness, and work ethic. Still, there is no questioning this kid’s ability when he wants to play. He has a nice jumper, is dangerous on the drive, and possesses a great build. Can he pull it together though?
Think: Isaiah Rider
18. Houston- Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech, 6-9, Jr.
Lawal is a slightly under-sized power forward who has a nice low-post game. He is a solid rebounder and decent shot blocker, but doesn’t have much of a perimeter game and is a poor free throw shooter. Lawal is very active around the rim and uses his athleticism to help his game.
Think: Brandon Bass
19. Cleveland- James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State, 6-6, Jr.
Anderson is a pure scorer who makes a living outside the three-point line. He is a good athlete, but is more of a jump shooter than slasher and needs to be more aggressive on the drive to improve his all-around game and earn more trips to the free throw line.
Think: Brandon Rush
20. Chicago- Arnett Moultrie, PF, UTEP, 6-11, So.
A very solid rebounder, Moutlrie’s offensive game still has plenty of room to grow. He had an impressive summer playing for the U.S. U-19 team and could be poised for a breakout season with the Miners which would only do wonders for his stock.
Think: Brandan Wright
21. Milwaukee- Damion James, SF, Texas, 6-8, Sr.
Once projected a lottery pick, James had a very disappointing junior season with the Horns which led to his decision to return to school after briefly declaring for the draft. He is a tremendous athlete, and very physical especially on the glass. His outside shooting somehow took a step back which really hurt his stock.
Think: Wilson Chandler
22. Portland- Jerome Jordan, C, Tulsa, 7-0, Sr.
Jordan has the size and potential that is intriguing to NBA teams. He is still growing as an offensive player and has average athleticism at best. Jordan is a good shot blocker, but is probably a career back-up unless he makes major strides during his senior season.
Think: Theo Ratliff
23. *New Jersey (from Dallas)- Jarvis Varnado, PF, Mississippi State, 6-9, Sr.
Due to his length and athleticism, Varnado was the top shot blocker in college basketball, averaging 4.7 swats a game. He is also a solid rebounder and his offensive game continues to improve. He made a wise choice in returning to college to fine tune that part of his game.
Think: Ronny Turiaf
24. Atlanta- Marquis Gilstrap, SF, Iowa State, 6-6, Sr.
A JUCO transfer, Big 12 coaches have raved about Gilstrap during the off-season. He will get a chance to play alongside potential lottery pick Craig Brackins which should only help his stock. His offensive game is well-rounded with the ability to attack the basket, stroke it from the outside, and his tremendous strength makes him effective on the boards. Gilstrap could be a major sleeper whose name will only gain more and more pub as the season rolls on.
Think: Kelenna Azuibuike
25. Orlando- Ater Mojak, PF, UConn, 6-10, Fr.
Considering Mojak tested the waters before he even played a minute at UConn (his age allowed him to do so) likely means that Mojak will be a one-and-done college player. Mojak has overcome a lot of adversity in his life, but still has plenty to improve upon before becoming a legitimate NBA player. With his size, length, and potential, he will be a bit of a project for any team that takes him.
Think: Andray Blatche
26. Denver- Tyler Smith, SF, Tennessee, 6-7, Sr.
Smith wisely took his name out of the 2009 draft and return to the Vols for his senior season. He is fearless when attacking the hoop, thrives on the break, and is a great passer. He is not a great outside shooter, but his rebounding and versatility to guard a few positions should make him worthy a first round pick.
Think: Thabo Sefolosha
27. Miami- Greivis Vasquez, G, Maryland, 6-6, Sr.
The Terrapin senior is a combo guard who can handle the ball, but also plays well without it. He understands when to be a distributor and when to be a scorer. Vasquez creates his own shot very well, but needs to get more physical for next level.
Think: Marco Belinelli
28. #Memphis (from L.A. Lakers)- Sherron Collins, PG, Kansas, 5-11, Sr.
There is no questioning Collins’ toughness and leadership. He is a solid outside shooter, but more of a scoring guard in a point guard’s body. A solid athlete, Collins needs to show a better ability to distribute the basketball and prove that he can be a true point guard to succeed in the NBA.
Think: Will Bynum
29. &Oklahoma City (from Phoenix)- Michael Washington, PF, Arkansas, 6-9, Jr.
Washington is a physical presence who one of the most improved players in the country this past season. He uses his strength, athleticism, and length to crash the boards. His shot still needs a lot of work and his low post game is still raw which is why his decision to return for his senior year was a wise one.
Think: Maceo Baston
30. Boston- Manny Harris, G, Michigan, 6-5, Jr.
Harris is a shooting guard who handles the ball well and can score in a variety of ways. He is a great athlete and that helps in on the boards. At times, he plays a little out of control and has questionable shot selection. He will need to show better decision making in his junior season and add some muscle to his thin frame.
Think: Sasha Vujacic
Second Round
31. Trevor Booker, PF, Clemson, 6-7, Sr.
Despite lacking the ideal size, Booker makes up for his shortcomings with his physicality and non-stop work ethic.
32. Scottie Reynolds, PG, Villanova, 6-1, Sr.
Reynolds is a streaky shooter who is more of a two guard in a point guard’s body.
33. Luke Harangody, PF, Notre Dame, 6-8, Sr.
An unbelievably hard worker, Hanrangody has a nice inside/outside game. He is very physical, but not a great athlete.
34. Vladamir Dasic, SF, Montenegro, 6-10, 1988
An athletic Euro prospect, Dasic has good range on his shot, but needs to become more physical.
35. Da’Sean Butler, SF, West Virginia, 6-7, Sr.
A perimeter-based scorer, Butler lacks the explosiveness and athleticism to be a first round pick.
36. Alexy Shved, G, Russia, 6-5, 1989
A combo guard, Shved is a natural talent who still has a ways to go in his development before he is ready to play in the association.
37. A.J. Ogilvy, C, Vanderbilt, 6-11, Sr.
The Aussie has a nice fundamental low post game and soft touch around rim, but lacks the desired physicality of an NBA big man.
38. Milan Macvan, PF, Serbia, 6-9, 1988
Macvan is a banger down low who does all the dirty work, and can also step out and knock down jumpers.
39. Stanley Robinson, SF, UConn, 6-9, Sr.
A ridiculous athlete with great ability to finish at the rim, Robinson needs to improve his outside shot if he is going to play at the next level.
40. Dwayne Collins, PF, Miami (Fl), 6-8, Sr.
An under-sized four, Collins uses his strength and explosiveness to be effective down low.
41. Raymar Morgan, SF, Michigan State, 6-7, Sr.
Illness and injury stunted Morgan’s development last season, but he has first round potential when he is healthy.
42. Paulo Prestes, C, Spain, 6-11, 1988
Prestes has great strength and knows how to use it to his advantage, but is not a great athlete.
43. Edwin Ubiles, SG, Siena, 6-6, Sr.
A super athletic wing player who can rise at the rim.
44. Artem Zabelin, PF, Russia, 7-1, 1988
A torn ACL didn’t help his stock this past season, still Zabelin has the athleticism and perimeter game to be an intriguing prospect despite his rail thin frame.
45. Lazar Hayward, G/F, Marquette, 6-6, Sr.
The Golden Eagle senior has great range on his jumper and can play more physical than his height would suggest.
46. Tim Ohlbrecht, PF, Germany, 6-11, 1988
A versatile, lengthy forward who is smooth with his back to the basket and can also knock down the three.
47. DeShawn Sims, SF, Michigan, 6-8, Sr.
The Wolverine has a solid frame and nice inside/outside game.
48. Rodrick Flemings, G/F, Hawaii, 6-7, Sr.
Flemings is an athletic slasher who needs to work on his outside game to be a possible second round pick.
49. Nemanja Bjelica, F, Serbia, 6-10, 1988
A typical Euro-type prospect, Bjelica has nice handles and range on his jumper, but needs to add muscle.
50. Mac Koshwal, PF, DePaul, 6-10, Jr.
The Blue Demon is an intimidating physical presence, but is still developing his all-around game.
51. Deon Thompson, PF, North Carolina, 6-9, Sr.
Thompson is a bit of a tweener forward who has a very nice mid-range game.
52. Matt Bouldin, G, Gonzaga, 6-4, Sr.
Bouldin is an extremely intelligent player who can shoot the rock. He doesn’t have the size to play the two in the NBA, but isn’t a true point guard either.
53. Patrick Christopher, SG, Cal, 6-5, Sr.
At times, Christopher seems unstoppable with his offensive ability, but his tendency to disappear for stretches hurts his ranking.
54. Magnum Rolle, F/C, Louisiana Tech, 6-11, Sr.
The LSU transfer is an athletic big man who needs to become more physical.
55. Quincy Pondexter, G/F, Washington, 6-6, Sr.
Pondexter has greatly underachieved for the Huskies, but has the skills for some team to take him in the second round.
56. Girogi Shermadini, C, Georgia, 7-1, 1989
His size and fundamentals in the post are there, but there is not a lot of upside with this foreign prospect.
57. Tasmin Mitchell, SF, LSU, 6-7, Sr.
Mitchell is physically gifted and plays hard all of the time. Gaining consistency and confidence in his outside shot will be a key for the Tiger senior this season.
58. Dwight Lewis, G/F, USC, 6-6, Sr.
A solid all-around player, Lewis should benefit from being the featured guy for the Trojans this season.
59. Jerome Dyson, SG, 6-3, UConn, Sr.
Coming back from a season-ending injury, Dyson’s lack of ideal height puts his future at the next level in question.
60. Nic Wise, PG, Arizona, 5-9, Sr.
His size is a major concern, but there is no questioning Wise’s toughness or ability to knock down open jumpers.
Outstanding trades:
#Pau Gasol trade (top 6 protected)
*Jason Kidd trade (unprotected)
&Kurt Thomas trade (unprotected)
^(unprotected)
?Marko Jaric trade (top 10 protected)
@Ty Lawson trade via Alexis Ajinca trade (lottery protected)
>Rodney Carney trade via Kyle Korver trade (top 17 protected)