NBA Tickets – Latest Lottery Mock
The 2010 NBA Draft is fast approaching; let’s take a look at how I think things will unfold in the lottery as of June 10th.
Washington Wizards – John Wall, Point Guard, Kentucky: This is basically a lock at this point. Wall’s $25 million shoe contract with Reebok is a reflection of how many NBA tickets he’s expected to sell, and the Wizards would be wise to make him their choice. As of now, I don’t see any way that Wall doesn’t go number one.
Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner, Shooting Guard, Ohio State: I’m starting to think this one is a lock as well, whether it’s Philadelphia making the pick or somebody else. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Wolves try to get this pick to land Turner. All signs point to Turner either way right now. It will be interesting to see if Andre Iguodala gets shopped this summer if the Sixers draft Turner.
New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors, Power Forward, Georgia Tech: Favors has a ton of upside and probably won’t slip past this spot. The Nets would like to pair him with Brook Lopez, which could develop into one of the more potent frontcourt duos in the league. Favors will get some consideration at number two, but I think it’s likely he ends up a Net.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson, Small Forward, Syracuse: The Timberwolves really Kamagra want Turner and could look to trade up to the two spot to get him. If they get stuck at four, I think Johnson is the pick. They don’t need another big, unless it’s a shot blocking center, but there isn’t a player like that worth drafting here. Johnson would give them a player that can contribute right away.
Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins, Power Forward/Center, Kentucky: The Kings are reportedly one of the teams that are worried about Cousins’ character, but I think the potential of a Tyreke Evans-Cousins pairing will prove to be too enticing for them Viagra Jelly to pass up on. He’s definitely a risk, but his offensive game is incredibly refined for his age.
Golden State Warriors – Al-Farouq Aminu, Small Forward, Wake Forest: The Warriors would likely take Aminu here if the first five picks shake out as I’ve laid out above, as he’s the best player available at this juncture and would fill a need as long as the team viewed him as a small forward.
Detroit Pistons – Ed Davis, Power Forward, North Carolina: I think Greg Monroe is the better overall prospect, but Joe Dumars has expressed the desire to get tougher inside. Toughness is one of Monroe’s few weaknesses, at least at this point in his development, and Davis would bring an ability to rebound and block shots that the Pistons covet.
Los Angeles Clippers – Gordon Hayward, Small Forward, Butler: As I predicted, Hayward’s stock is gaining steam as we approach the draft. He’s a smart player that is ready to contribute right away, but he’s also got upside. The Clippers have a hole at the three, so Hayward could conceivably play major minutes right away if he was selected here.
Utah Jazz – Greg Monroe, Power Forward, Georgetown: Monroe would be an ideal fit for the Jazz if they plan to allow Carlos Boozer to walk this summer. He’s a skilled big man that can pass and has a high basketball IQ that will work very well in Jerry Sloan’s half-court offense. He’d be a good fit backing up Paul Millsap.
Indiana Pacers – Avery Bradley, Point Guard, Texas: I think the Pacers will opt for a point guard, either Bradley or Eric Bledsoe, as long as neither Monroe nor Davis falls to them. Bradley probably gets the nod over Bledsoe due to his defensive prowess. He’s a lock-down defender on the perimeter and can hit the outside shot, though his playmaking skills definitely need work.
New Orleans Hornets – Cole Aldrich, Center, Kansas: Aldrich doesn’t possess much upside, but he’s ready to contribute defensively and on the boards. The Joel Pryzbilla comparisons seem to fit. Though this wouldn’t be a sexy pick, it would help the Hornets right away and fill a position of need.
Memphis Grizzlies – Luke Babbitt, Small Forward, Nevada: Babbitt didn’t get much press throughout the collegiate season, but a lot of teams really like him. He could end up cracking the Top 10, but word is that the Grizzlies love him if he makes it to them at 12. They could be bracing for the potential departure of Rudy Gay this summer, but Babbitt’s shooting ability would be welcomed in Memphis either way.
Toronto Raptors – Ekpe Udoh, Power Forward, Baylor: The Raptors are preparing for the departure of Chris Bosh this offseason, which is all but a certainty at this point, so they’ll probably look to go big with this pick. Udoh is a solid defensive player, which the Raptors really need, and he’s got some offensive upside. He’s older than most of the other prospects, though, which could scare away some teams. He’s solid value at 13.
Houston Rockets – Hassan Whiteside, Center, Marshall: This would be Daryl Morey swinging for the fences, which he can afford to do. The Rockets don’t have any glaring needs, so going for it with Whiteside’s massive upside could be worth the risk. Whiteside could develop into a force in the middle, and I’d be surprised if he didn’t become a solid defensive presence at the very least, but there is some bust potential here.
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