Post by gp on Feb 20, 2010 6:11:39 GMT -5
Mock Draft Lottery thru Day 85
By: Galo Pesantes
1. Los Angeles Lakers - Tim Duncan
PF Wake Forest 6'11'' 248 19 B- C C B B- A
Duncan barely beats out Garnett for the top spot in this year's draft simply because he's a heralded college basketball phenom. Since he's coming out after his sophomore season, his room to grow should be even higher and could even reach his peak by his early 20's still. While Garnett should garner consideration for being the top pick along with Iverson, Duncan should still hold the crown and be the better BBS player when all is said and done.
2. Boston Celtics - Kevin Garnett
PF Farragaut Academy (SC) 6'11'' 220 19 B- C C B B A
The 'Big Ticket' takes a backseat in the No. 2 slot only to Mr. Fundamental, Tim Duncan. But, Garnett is actually rated better coming out of the draft in the rebounding category. Garnett's game is so well-balanced that he can virtually fit in with every team in the league and put Hall of Fame type numbers during his tenure there. Expect Garnett to move to small forward, his natural position, depending on the team he lands with.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Allen Iverson
SG Georgetown 6'0'' 165 20 A- C+ C+ B- C- A
In any other draft, Iverson would undoubtedly be the top selection but in this unprecendeted amateur draft, he goes No. 3 to a very fortunate team. The former Georgetown Hoya will certainly be a scoring menace with the basketball but will not be without his share of turnovers which hurts his value compared to Duncan and Garnett. Iverson is also not as polished defensively as the two picks in front of him. However, Iverson will be the toughest matchup in BBS at the guard position as his speed is unfathomable coming into the league as a rookie.
4. Miami Heat - Antonio McDyess
PF Alabama 6'9'' 220 21 B- C- C- B- C+ A
The former Alabama standout has strong ratings to start out with and the size to play the 4 or 5 spot if needed right now in the league. Dice should have some great upside but probably won't have the impact as the top-3 players in this draft. However, Dice should set the tone on any team on the offensive side of the ball as well his prescence known on the defensive end. Look for McDyess to by a 18/10/2 type player at the peak of his run.
5. Utah Jazz (via IND) - Antoine Walker
SF Kentucky 6'8'' 224 19 B- B- C C B- A
Even his days at Kentucky, Antoine Walker has never seen a shot he didn't like. That kind of mentality shouldn't change in BBS. While he may not shoot robust percentages, he has the capability of averaging more than 17 a game as a rookie. As an inside-outside scorer, that type of scoring set alone coupled with his rebounding prowess, should keep him in the top five picks taken. Walker will never make an All-Defensive team and should be a legitimate liability concern with handling the basketball.
6. Memphis Grizzlies - Jerry Stackhouse
SG North Carolina 6'6'' 218 20 B+ C+ C+ C D A
Stack is a hell of an athlete with the ball in his hands. On isolation sets, Stackhouse should be able to beat his man off the ball and explode to the rack. He also has a decent mid-range jumper and his ability to knock down the three point shot is also developing. Yet, like Walker, his defense drops his draft value a bit and his rebounding is atrocious for a player his stature. His potential and scoring ability though should make him an interesting prospect in the top 7 picks.
7. Utah Jazz - Michael Finley
SG Wisconsin 6'7'' 225 22 C+ B- C B- C- A
Fin Dog is a nice alternative to Walker or Stackhouse if your looking for a little more than just scoring. While Finley will also give you a strong, balanced attack to score, he can also defend and is much more athletic. He is a step ahead of most SFs in this draft pool by being much quicker with the ball and should be able to create his own shot with further development. His only downsides maybe his lack of rebounding and playmaking ability for his teammates.
8. Charlotte Bobcats (via HOU) - Theo Ratliff
C Wyoming 6'10'' 225 22 C+ C D+ A- C+ B
Every successful BBS team needs shotblocking, so why not pick up a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate in this year's pool? Ratliff will rack up at least two blocks per contest in his first year and should only get better as the rest of his game flourishes. He may never be more than a B rated rebounder or B- scorer but his defense and shotblocking abilities deserve attention in the second half of the lottery.
9. Charlotte Bobcats - Damon Stoudamire
PG Arizona 5'10'' 171 22 C B+ B- C D+ B
Stoudamire's teammates in Arizona knew him as 'Mighty Mouse' but in the BBS, he's gonna need a lot more than that. While Stoudamire has a great stroke from the perimeter, he isn't a big threat to penetrate or score within 5-10 feet from the basket. His ball handling is getting better but should have his share of turnovers during his first few years at the helm of a team. His rebounding is perhaps his weakest point of his game but at 5'10 he should have a good motor behind him.
10. Washington Wizards - Eric Snow
PG Michigan State 6'3'' 190 22 C C B- B+ C B
Snow is probably the smartest point guard of the three to be taken in the lotto. He rarely makes bad decisions with the ball in his hands. Yet, his trademark has to be his defense. He will probably get you near 2 steals a game as a rookie and be able to overpower smaller point guard. He ranks below Stoudamire solely for his inability to be more than a 10-12 point per game scorer at best.
11. Chicago Bulls - Brent Barry
SG Oregon State 6'6'' 185 23 C+ B+ C+ C C B
Barry will be best suited to be the sixth man off any bench in the league within a few years. His perimeter jumper demands attention from opposing defenses but he can also put the ball on the floor and finish at the goal strong. While Barry has the size, he doesn't have the quickness or desire to play much defense. His playmaking and scoring abilities should be the premier part of his game and keep him in the top 10 discussion.
12. Dallas Mavericks - Kurt Thomas
PF TCU 6'9'' 230 22 C+ C D+ B B- B
Thomas is expected to do all the dirty work on the team. This includes playing tough-nosed defense, getting offensive and defensive boards, drawing charges and scoring under the basket. His back-to-the-basket game is below average but he has the potential to hit a mid-range jumper with regularity with the proper training. Thomas should be a quality pick for any team looking for big man depth.
13. Los Angeles Clippers - Corliss Williamson
SF Arkansas 6'7'' 245 21 B C C- C+ C B
Williamson is a rugged but crafty inside player with the aptitude to do damage in the paint. He will never dazzle scouts or opposing teams with his jumper, ability to create his own shot or even rebounding, but he will post you up and drop step you. Williamson comes out of college as one of the strongest players in terms of overpowering players down on the block. The same notion should true in the BBS, just down expect the same results on the defensive end.
14. Chicago Bulls (via NO) - Travis Best
PG Georgia Tech 5'11'' 182 23 C B B C D+ B
Does Best have the potential to grow into a full-time starter? That has to be the number question in the mind of any GM picking at this point of the draft. While Best posseses qualities that any point guard needs, including an above average jumper, good ball handling and decision making, he really does not have an elite factor that jumps out at you. He could get his share of steals but the Gary Paytons' and Jason Kidds' of the league should have their way with him.
By: Galo Pesantes
1. Los Angeles Lakers - Tim Duncan
PF Wake Forest 6'11'' 248 19 B- C C B B- A
Duncan barely beats out Garnett for the top spot in this year's draft simply because he's a heralded college basketball phenom. Since he's coming out after his sophomore season, his room to grow should be even higher and could even reach his peak by his early 20's still. While Garnett should garner consideration for being the top pick along with Iverson, Duncan should still hold the crown and be the better BBS player when all is said and done.
2. Boston Celtics - Kevin Garnett
PF Farragaut Academy (SC) 6'11'' 220 19 B- C C B B A
The 'Big Ticket' takes a backseat in the No. 2 slot only to Mr. Fundamental, Tim Duncan. But, Garnett is actually rated better coming out of the draft in the rebounding category. Garnett's game is so well-balanced that he can virtually fit in with every team in the league and put Hall of Fame type numbers during his tenure there. Expect Garnett to move to small forward, his natural position, depending on the team he lands with.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Allen Iverson
SG Georgetown 6'0'' 165 20 A- C+ C+ B- C- A
In any other draft, Iverson would undoubtedly be the top selection but in this unprecendeted amateur draft, he goes No. 3 to a very fortunate team. The former Georgetown Hoya will certainly be a scoring menace with the basketball but will not be without his share of turnovers which hurts his value compared to Duncan and Garnett. Iverson is also not as polished defensively as the two picks in front of him. However, Iverson will be the toughest matchup in BBS at the guard position as his speed is unfathomable coming into the league as a rookie.
4. Miami Heat - Antonio McDyess
PF Alabama 6'9'' 220 21 B- C- C- B- C+ A
The former Alabama standout has strong ratings to start out with and the size to play the 4 or 5 spot if needed right now in the league. Dice should have some great upside but probably won't have the impact as the top-3 players in this draft. However, Dice should set the tone on any team on the offensive side of the ball as well his prescence known on the defensive end. Look for McDyess to by a 18/10/2 type player at the peak of his run.
5. Utah Jazz (via IND) - Antoine Walker
SF Kentucky 6'8'' 224 19 B- B- C C B- A
Even his days at Kentucky, Antoine Walker has never seen a shot he didn't like. That kind of mentality shouldn't change in BBS. While he may not shoot robust percentages, he has the capability of averaging more than 17 a game as a rookie. As an inside-outside scorer, that type of scoring set alone coupled with his rebounding prowess, should keep him in the top five picks taken. Walker will never make an All-Defensive team and should be a legitimate liability concern with handling the basketball.
6. Memphis Grizzlies - Jerry Stackhouse
SG North Carolina 6'6'' 218 20 B+ C+ C+ C D A
Stack is a hell of an athlete with the ball in his hands. On isolation sets, Stackhouse should be able to beat his man off the ball and explode to the rack. He also has a decent mid-range jumper and his ability to knock down the three point shot is also developing. Yet, like Walker, his defense drops his draft value a bit and his rebounding is atrocious for a player his stature. His potential and scoring ability though should make him an interesting prospect in the top 7 picks.
7. Utah Jazz - Michael Finley
SG Wisconsin 6'7'' 225 22 C+ B- C B- C- A
Fin Dog is a nice alternative to Walker or Stackhouse if your looking for a little more than just scoring. While Finley will also give you a strong, balanced attack to score, he can also defend and is much more athletic. He is a step ahead of most SFs in this draft pool by being much quicker with the ball and should be able to create his own shot with further development. His only downsides maybe his lack of rebounding and playmaking ability for his teammates.
8. Charlotte Bobcats (via HOU) - Theo Ratliff
C Wyoming 6'10'' 225 22 C+ C D+ A- C+ B
Every successful BBS team needs shotblocking, so why not pick up a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate in this year's pool? Ratliff will rack up at least two blocks per contest in his first year and should only get better as the rest of his game flourishes. He may never be more than a B rated rebounder or B- scorer but his defense and shotblocking abilities deserve attention in the second half of the lottery.
9. Charlotte Bobcats - Damon Stoudamire
PG Arizona 5'10'' 171 22 C B+ B- C D+ B
Stoudamire's teammates in Arizona knew him as 'Mighty Mouse' but in the BBS, he's gonna need a lot more than that. While Stoudamire has a great stroke from the perimeter, he isn't a big threat to penetrate or score within 5-10 feet from the basket. His ball handling is getting better but should have his share of turnovers during his first few years at the helm of a team. His rebounding is perhaps his weakest point of his game but at 5'10 he should have a good motor behind him.
10. Washington Wizards - Eric Snow
PG Michigan State 6'3'' 190 22 C C B- B+ C B
Snow is probably the smartest point guard of the three to be taken in the lotto. He rarely makes bad decisions with the ball in his hands. Yet, his trademark has to be his defense. He will probably get you near 2 steals a game as a rookie and be able to overpower smaller point guard. He ranks below Stoudamire solely for his inability to be more than a 10-12 point per game scorer at best.
11. Chicago Bulls - Brent Barry
SG Oregon State 6'6'' 185 23 C+ B+ C+ C C B
Barry will be best suited to be the sixth man off any bench in the league within a few years. His perimeter jumper demands attention from opposing defenses but he can also put the ball on the floor and finish at the goal strong. While Barry has the size, he doesn't have the quickness or desire to play much defense. His playmaking and scoring abilities should be the premier part of his game and keep him in the top 10 discussion.
12. Dallas Mavericks - Kurt Thomas
PF TCU 6'9'' 230 22 C+ C D+ B B- B
Thomas is expected to do all the dirty work on the team. This includes playing tough-nosed defense, getting offensive and defensive boards, drawing charges and scoring under the basket. His back-to-the-basket game is below average but he has the potential to hit a mid-range jumper with regularity with the proper training. Thomas should be a quality pick for any team looking for big man depth.
13. Los Angeles Clippers - Corliss Williamson
SF Arkansas 6'7'' 245 21 B C C- C+ C B
Williamson is a rugged but crafty inside player with the aptitude to do damage in the paint. He will never dazzle scouts or opposing teams with his jumper, ability to create his own shot or even rebounding, but he will post you up and drop step you. Williamson comes out of college as one of the strongest players in terms of overpowering players down on the block. The same notion should true in the BBS, just down expect the same results on the defensive end.
14. Chicago Bulls (via NO) - Travis Best
PG Georgia Tech 5'11'' 182 23 C B B C D+ B
Does Best have the potential to grow into a full-time starter? That has to be the number question in the mind of any GM picking at this point of the draft. While Best posseses qualities that any point guard needs, including an above average jumper, good ball handling and decision making, he really does not have an elite factor that jumps out at you. He could get his share of steals but the Gary Paytons' and Jason Kidds' of the league should have their way with him.
