NBA Lottery Mock Draft

So I know that I've posted one time in 3 years, but the NBA Draft always gets me excited. With that in mind, here is my own version of what I think may happen tonight. There are several different permutations that could occur based on which teams decide to trade their picks, so this could get blown up quickly.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving, PG - Duke

Kyrie Irving is the clear number one pick in this draft. I don't buy the smoke show that Cleveland put on with Williams, having him in to speak to the owner this week, etc. That was a attempt at manipulating what the Timberwolves could do at number 2. Irving is the surest thing in the draft, and while he may not be a star, he has the lowest floor, and in my opinion will reach his potential as a top 5-10 PG in the NBA.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Enes Kanter, F/C - Turkey (Kentucky)

Grainy Youtube footage aside, there is not much video to see of Enes Kanter. Kanter played professionally in Turkey at age 16. and was ruled ineligible by the NCAA, thus preventing him from playing at Kentucky last season. All reports suggest he is a legit power player who can score in the paint and can step outside and hit the jumper. He gets after it on the offensive glass as well. He is a good complement to Kevin Love and this pick makes more sense for the T-Wolves as they already have a glut of wing type players similar to Derrick Williams. I don't trust Kahn's ability to make a deal if he were to draft Williams, and I believe that other NBA GM's wouldn't meet a fair asking price in this situation. The Wolves could ruin this by mock by trading this pick.

3. Utah Jazz - Derrick Williams, F - Arizona

Is Williams a 3 or a 4? He thinks he is a 3, most scouts believe he will need to play the 4, but either way he will fit in nicely with the rebuilding Jazz. The Jazz could also take Brandon Knight here, but I think they will roll the dice with Jimmer later in the draft. The Jazz will not pass up on a top 2 talent at pick #3.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jonas Valanciunas, PF - Lithuania

If I'm Cleveland, there is no way I take Valunciunas at this point in the draft, but ESPN is reporting that they are likely to exactly that. I would expect Cleveland to try and trade down to take Valunciunas, potentially at 6, 7, or 10. San Antonio has very high interest in the Lithuanian big man, but I don't think Cleveland is a realistic trade partner for the Spurs. If the Cavs decide they don't want to wait, Tristan Thompson could be the pick here.

5. Toronto Raptors - Brandon Knight, PG - Kentucky

I have to believe that Bryan Colangelo will not take another Euro here. I just can't see ownership being on board with that. Besides, with the opportunity to take a top 2 PG in the draft, how could they possibly go in another direction. The Raptors have an aging and fragile Calderon running the point with an inconsistent Jerryd Bayless backing him up. Isn't this the perfect situation for the Raptors? If Knight is off the board, I have no doubt that they take Kahwi Leonard. Just a gut feeling. New defensive coach + highly rated defensive player with upside? He is the fallback guy here.

6. Washington Wizards - Tristan Thompson, PF - Texas

Regardless of where Thompson is picked, he will most certainly be the highest Canadian ever drafted. The Wiz have been linked to Jan Vesely here, but they are in need of rebounding and Thompson is their man. A one-and-done, Thompson is a good shot blocker and a very good rebounder with good touch around the basket. I like him over Vesely because I feel he is the more polished product.

7. Sacramento Kings - Kemba Walker, PG, UConn

I don't like anyone in this spot for the Kings. I think they trade this pick and that someone moves up to take Walker, but I can't figure out who.


8. Detroit Pistons - Kahwi Leonard, F - San Diego St.

I had the Pistons all over Biyombo, but with news that Biyombo has a buyout that comes into play, I could see him sliding and sliding hard. Detroit is a blue collar city and the Pistons built their championship teams on defense and rebounding, leading me to believe that Leonard is the guy here. If the blueprint works, why not try it again?

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Markieff Morris, F - Kansas

Not the greatest choice, but it's Michael Jordan, so who knows what will happen.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Klay Thompson, G - Milwaukee

He's got big time range, and Milwaukee has been rumored to be on him since day 1.

11. Golden State Warriors - Jan Vesely, F - Czech Republic

Athletic guy who can jump out of the gym, seems like a perfect guy for the uptempo Warriors.

12. Utah Jazz - Jimmer Fredette, G - BYU

Seems like a match made in heaven. According to sources, GM Kevin O'Connor is not fully sold on this pick, but I think the Jazz appease the home fans and go with the Jimmer. The Jazz could be a very fun team to watch.

13. Phoenix Suns - Marcus Morris, F - Kansas

The Suns are higher on Markieff, but they'll settle for the other Morris brother at 13.

14. Houston Rockets - Bismack Biyombo, F - Congo

The Rockets are high on Valanciunas, but there is no chance that he is available at 14. Too many teams in front of them like him, and teams behind them (San Antonio) are equipped to trade up to get him. They'll take the sliding Biyombo and work out the buyout details. With a second first round pick, they can afford to take Biyombo here.