BCP Mock Draft 1.0

[SWedd523]

Well folks, our season is firmly down the drain. Many of you have given up all hope on this season, and that is perfectly understandable as it seems the majority of the team has done the same. On the bright side, college basketball conference play has been in full swing for a couple of weeks now. That means each player’s respective strengths and weaknesses are fully apparent, and the mock draft sites are beginning to come to a relative consensus on what the order will be come draft night.

Now with our “rebuild” being in full effect, the draft has become a vital aspect to our future success. You may remember us doing a consensus BCP Mock Draft in the past, and we will do the same when it comes closer to the actual draft night. But with us being at the halfway point to the season, I felt that it was as good a time as any to unveil our own work.

My opinions likely won’t match up with what the popular draft sites out there have to say, nor will they necessarily follow along with your own personal thoughts. And that is absolutely okay as there is a comment box below this post, and a forum ripe with discussion on the topic. So feel free to share your thoughts! Without further ado, I present to you: The BCP Mock Draft v1.0





1. Charlotte Bobcats Anthony Davis (6’10″ PF, Kentucky, Freshman)

Reasoning: Davis has largely cemented his position as the clear #1 pick in the draft. He has incredible defensive instincts that rival our own Bismack Biyombo, and the pair would instantly form one of the most formidable defensive tandems in the league. Offensive production may be an issue, but Davis has shown the ability to be a threat on that end of the floor. Comparison–young Kevin Garnett

2. New Orleans Hornets Andre Drummond (6’11″ C, Connecticut, Freshman)

Reasoning: The Hornets have holes all over the place. Eric Gordon is their main building block, and he has an impending contract dispute to handle. In situations like these, it is hard to pinpoint exactly where they could go. But as of now, it’s fairly certain that they’d go with Drummond. He hasn’t been nearly as impressive as many thought he would be, but it’s hard to not see the potential with him. He can potentially be a game changer on both ends of the floor if he “figures it out”. Comparison–Amare Stoudemire

3. Washington Wizards Thomas Robinson (6’9″ PF, Kansas, Junior)

Reasoning: Washington is another tough team to figure out, but for an entirely different reason. The Wizards have a ton of young talent that simply has not been able to put it all together for whatever reason. They could go a bunch of different ways with this pick, but Robinson is picking up a lot of steam with his productivity as a double double machine. Despite not being the best fit or best player on the board, he seems like the type of player they would go with. Comparison–J.J. Hickson

4. Toronto Raptors Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6’7″ SF, Kentucky, Freshman)

Reasoning: Barnes may be the better player, but Gilchrist is just the type of player the Raptors need. The Raptors have the necessary scoring in Bargnani and DeRozan, but they desperately need a player who can lock down the opponent’s best perimeter threat. Enter Gilchrist. While he isn’t a very good offensive player, he does all the little things the team needs to win without demanding too many touches on the offensive side of the floor. Comparison–less athletic Gerald Wallace

5. New Jersey Nets Harrison Barnes (6’8″ SF, North Carolina, Sophomore)

Reasoning: This could potentially change depending on the potential Dwight Howard trade/signing. As of now, Barnes would provide the floor spacing that would really be welcome alongside Deron and Brooks because he can score without needing to dominate the ball. He is also capable of being strong enough defender to hold his own with most SFs in the league. Comparison–Glen Rice

6. Sacramento Kings Jared Sullinger (6’9″ PF, Ohio State, Sophomore)

Reasoning: Sullinger presents too much value for the Kings to pass up. They may be better off taking a reach on a John Henson as he could provide a nice defensive presence next to DeMarcus Cousins, but Sullinger can potentially provide a calming presence to a lineup that hasn’t been able to put it all together yet. His lunchbox approach to the game could be just what they need. Comparison–Kevin Love

7. Detroit Pistons Meyers Leonard (7’0″ C, Illinois, Sophomore)

Reasoning: The Pistons may also be looking at a John Henson, but it is still a bit early to go with him. Meyers Leonard has been moving up draft boards over the past few weeks due to his much improved game this year. As a legit 7 footer with some bulk, he can provide a bit of everything on the floor while also being a nice athletic fit next to Monroe and point guard Brandon Knight. Comparison–poor man’s LaMarcus Aldridge

8. Milwaukee Bucks Jeremy Lamb (6’5″ SG, Connecticut, Sophomore)

Reasoning: Milwaukee is in a bit of a precarious position. They aren’t nearly good enough to be a contending team, but they aren’t bad enough to get a high lottery pick, and their salary cap situation is sticky. Enter Jeremy Lamb who is a top 4 talent that is a great fit next to a point like Brandon Jennings. He has the ability to control the ball and score from anywhere on the floor while also being a fantastic defender. Comparison–Eddie Jones

9. Cleveland Cavaliers Bradley Beal (6’4″ SG, Florida, Freshman)

Reasoning: Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson is a great start in the post-LeBron era. Now they need to start surrounding those two with floor spacers and legit post scorers. Beal is the best of the bunch. He is a fantastic shooter who is also known for being a strong defender. There are some concerns about his height, but he plays bigger than his size. Comparison–Eric Gordon

10. Utah Jazz Damian Lillard (6’2″ PG, Weber State, Junior)

Reasoning: First surprise of the draft. Playing for tiny Weber state, Lillard is off to an incredible start this year. Lillard possesses nearly ideal size from a PG and has really grown into his role as the main man. Plays the game very much like our own Kemba Walker, very quick with a scorer’s mentality, while also displaying good defensive fundamentals. Many may be wary about his production due to his relatively weak competition, but he has shown the potential to be a difference maker on the next level. Comparison–Kemba Walker

11. Phoenix Suns Perry Jones (6’11″ PF, Baylor, Sophomore)

Reasoning: Is he not the perfect player for a Suns team? Jones has every bit as much potential as anybody else in this draft, yet he scares scouts off with his mental approach to the game. He is a fantastic athlete who can do a bit of everything on the floor but doesn’t show the consistency that could make him a future star. If he can figure it out, he can be a steal this late in the draft. Comparison–Chris Bosh

12. Utah Jazz Quincy Miller (6’9″ SF, Baylor, Freshman)

Reasoning: This is a tough one to figure out. They just spent lottery picks on Alec Burks and Gordon Hayward, and they also have Kanter, Favors, and Millsap. Their only real hole was filled with the 10th pick, so I could definitely see them trading this pick. Assuming they keep it, I see them going with Miller. He provides insurance for an up-and-down Hayward and has the talent level to be a very good scorer. He won’t be a great defender, but he’ll have the big men to cover for his deficiencies.

13. New Orleans Hornets Terrence Jones (6’9″ SF/PF, Kentucky, Sophomore)

Reasoning: In this mock, I already have the Hornets taking Andre Drummond. Now I see them going for a guy who can help with the scoring burden. I looked at both of the Zeller brothers but can’t seem to justify going with them this early. Jones is a gifted scorer and rebounder but disappears at times which makes him a scary prospect. But he can be a nice go-between with Gordon and Drummond. Comparison–Marvin Williams

14. Portland Trailblazers John Henson (6’10″ PF, North Carolina, Junior)

Reasoning: Marcus Camby isn’t getting any younger, so why not pick up a guy who can instantly replicate most of his production? Henson has a developing offensive game to pair with outstanding defensive and shot blocking instincts. He would be a great fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge. Comparison–Marcus Camby

[SWedd523]

15. Boston Celtics Austin Rivers (6’4″ SG, Duke, Freshman)

Reasoning: Almost too poetic. I personally believe Rivers will go back to school, but I can see him coming out if he thinks he has a chance to play for his dad. It’s time for the Celtics to start their rebuild with Rondo as their main piece. Rivers presents the scoring instincts they’ll need moving forward and is a nice match with the pass first Rondo. This is probably a bit too early for him, but I’ll keep him here for now.

16. Houston Rockets Cody Zeller (7’0″ C, Indiana, Freshman)

Reasoning: Chances are, the younger Zeller will also return to school. But again, I’m going to assume he’s coming out until he says otherwise. You could just as easily put his brother Tyler in this spot, but Cody has more upside and has shown more intensity as well. Houston has been hurting for big men since Yao Ming’s retirement, and this is a great start.

17. Memphis Grizzlies Arnett Moultrie (6’11″ PF/C, Mississippi State, Junior)

Reasoning: The injury to Zach Randolph showed how thin the Grizzles frontcourt is. They signed Speights, but he is more of a role player than a long term solution. Moultrie can help provide a different dynamic to a roster that features two slow-it-down plodding bigs in Gasol and Randolph. He is a great athlete that thrives off the ball where he can take advantage of his opponent. With Randolph turning 31 soon, they need to find a long term replacement, and Moultrie can be that guy.

18. Denver Nuggets Tyler Zeller (7’0″ C, North Carolina, Senior)

Reasoning: Denver is probably the deepest team in the league. The only place they have any sort of hole is in the frontline. Nene has been accumulating injuries and Andersen isn’t getting any younger. So while Mozgov is a serviceable player, they need somebody who can be a long term solution. Zeller is a great athlete for his size and has the speed and range to help the team for many years to come. He isn’t the toughest defender, but Nene and Faried provide where he is deficient.

19. New Jersey Nets Patric Young (6’9″ PF, Florida, Sophomore)

Reasoning: Kris Humphries will be a free agent after this year, and the Nets need to find some sort of insurance for the possibility that he leaves. Patric Young is as good an athlete as you’ll find in a big man and is built to handle the wear and tear of the NBA. He isn’t a very good offensive player but will hit the boards hard and blocks his fair share of shots. Young will be just the type of player who flourishes next to Deron Williams (assuming he stays)

20. Los Angeles Lakers Kendall Marshall (6’4″ PG, North Carolina, Sophomore)

Reasoning: The Lakers are an aging team that could use a splash of youth across the board. All indications point towards Fisher being on his way out in the very near future so Marshall can come in and fill that void admirably. Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum will need their touches and Marshall is just the guy to get the job done. He is the pass-first point guard of all pass-first point guards. Kobe would love that.

21. Atlanta Hawks Evan Fournier (6’7″ SG/SF, International, 19 years old)

Reasoning: Atlanta has big salary locked up across the board so they’ll benefit by stashing this pick overseas while he develops. Fournier has great size for the position with a good frame that can possibly add some bulk in the future. Fournier isn’t a strong shooter or defender, but he will have plenty of time to develop.

22. Indiana Pacers Terrence Ross (6’7″ SF, Washington, Sophomore)

Reasoning: This is another deep team that doesn’t have many holes, despite not having a true star player. At this point in the draft, their best bet is to draft the best player available. They could easily go with Mason Plumlee here, but Ross projects as a better player in the future. Ross and George could be one of the longer, more athletic wing tandems for a long time.

23. Philadelphia 76ers Mason Plumlee (6’11″ PF, Duke, Junior)

Reasoning: Elton Brand is getting up in age and it’s time they found a replacement. Both Hawes and Vucevic are more finesse big men. They could use a more athletic guy like Plumlee who can go out and do the dirty work. Plumlee is a great athlete and rebounder and can add a sense of toughness that this team lacks in the frontcourt. He won’t be a dependable offensive player, but the Sixers rely on a team approach on that side of the floor anyway.

24. Boston Celtics Mike Moser (6’8″ PF, UNLV, Sophomore)

Reasoning: Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett could potentially be on their way out in the next couple of years. I have them drafting Rivers earlier to replace Allen, and Moser could be the guy who eventually steps into Garnett’s spot. Moser has surprised many people this year with his production as a stretch 4 who is a great athlete for his size. He does most of his damage in an uptempo setting and the Rondo/Rivers duo would benefit from having a big man who can keep up with them down the floor. He isn’t the strongest player, but has a good frame that should be able to add some size, which should help him in the long run.

25. Orlando Magic Jeff Taylor (6’7″ SF, Vanderbilt, Senior)

Reasoning: In past years, Taylor was known exclusively as an athlete who lacked polish on offense. However, this year he has become a very efficient option for an underwhelming Vandy squad. Taylor can come in and immediately be a strong defensive presence on the wing and can replace most of the production they get from Richardson.

26. Dallas Mavericks Tony Wroten (6’5″ PG, Washington, Freshman)

Reasoning: The Mavericks, like the Lakers, are an aging team that could use an infusion of youth. Jason Kidd is getting up in age and Roddy Beaubois hasn’t produced according to what his potential would suggest. Wroten plays the game in much the same way that a young Jason Kidd did. He is a big bodied guard who possesses strong defensive instincts and exceptional vision. He would do well to learn from Kidd for a year or so.

27. San Antonio Spurs Tony Mitchell (6’9″ PF, North Texas, Freshman)

Reasoning: largely unknown player from a small school. Sounds just like the type of player the Spurs draft late and everybody else kicks themselves for not seeing his talent. Mitchell is producing at a very, very high level and produces in all facets of the game. If Mitchell was putting up his same numbers at a bigger school, he would be in the discussion for a lottery pick.

28. Chicago Bulls Doron Lamb (6’4″ SG, Kentucky, Sophomore)

Reasoning: The only thing the Bulls need is a floor spacing off guard who can handle the ball a bit. Rip Hamilton is too old to be the answer and Brewer is more of a defensive specialist. Lamb is one of the best shooters in the country and can also initiate the offense for 5-10 minutes a night, which would take pressure off Rose.

29. Miami Heat Festus Ezeli (6’11″ C, Vanderbilt, Senior)

Reasoning: Miami is strong at every position but Center. Joel Anthony is obviously not the long term solution and the youngsters they’ve picked haven’t panned out. If not for a preseason injury, Ezeli would be much higher on draft boards. He has great size and athleticism and won’t demand the ball on offense.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder Fab Melo (7’0″ C, Syracuse, Sophomore)

Reasoning: The Thunder are in much the same situation the Heat are. They are very strong across the board but could use some depth at the Center spot. Melo is quickly moving up boards as he showcases his quickness and defensive instincts so he could be much higher come draft night. But as of now, this is a safe spot to put him.

31. Charlotte Bobcats William Buford (6’5″ SG, Ohio State, Senior)

Reasoning: You could just as easily put Tyshawn Taylor, Dion Waiters, or John Jenkins in this spot, but Buford offers a lot of what the team needs. He provides a mature, stable presence that has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, but is most known as being a great shooter who can handle the ball.

[ziggy]

Hey Swedd,

Your mock made the DC Pro Mock draft database.

http://dcprosportsreport.com/NBAMocks.htm

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

If we could trade DJ for that Dallas pick I would love to have Tony Wroten he fills a need and could also become a very valuable player in the future or Thomas Satoronosky in the 2nd round

[bes628]

MKG is staying in school Or so he says.

[SWedd523]

Drummond said he's staying too but remains on all of the mocks

[Chef]

hey swedd: how come everytime i see terrence jones i come away thinking he could be a perennial all star. dude is a beast and a scorer. why is he so low in the draft? case of easy points because of the team he is on?

[SWedd523]

hey swedd: how come everytime i see terrence jones i come away thinking he could be a perennial all star. dude is a beast and a scorer. why is he so low in the draft? case of easy points because of the team he is on?

In my eyes, he has a lot of things working against him

1. He has a bad attitude
2. He is very inconsistent
3. He is stuck between positions
4. He doesnt utilize his natural talents

[Veteran_Picksetter]

In my eyes, he has a lot of things working against him

1. He has a bad attitude
2. He is very inconsistent
3. He is stuck between positions
4. He doesnt utilize his natural talents

Yes.
I have good friends who follow Kentucky, and they say Jones is a head case.
And yeah, he could very well be a 'tweener. I'd like to see his reach measurements.

[Plowright]

Jones last draft wen everywhere saying "I'm a three" (just like Marcus Morris). But in every article and report I read they said, he is a 4.