Some of these picks were terrible, If you want to see the first fifteen picks, click here
Philadelphia- Nikola Vucevic (D)
– The Sixers reached for a post player, I didn’t understand it. The Sixers could move back to as far as 24 and probably still had a solid chance to grab Vucevic. I think he will fit the Sixers well, he has the tools to be a solid starting center. Can’t hate the player, just feel they could have fleeced a team with the prospect of moving this high.
New York- Iman Shumpert (C-)
– At first? BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I booed this pick QUICK, but then I realized, he’s a defensive player. Shumpert should be able to play both guard positions and defend both. I think Shumpert should develop into a solid defensive player with some good offensive ability.
Washington- Chris Singleton (B+)
– I think Washington wrapped up with Singleton and Vesely. They can allow Vesely to be that strong athletic guy who can play both the small and power forward positions. Chris Singleton can be that shutdown defender who can guard four positions. While he doesn’t provide much on offense, I think he could be a Trevor Ariza, potentially Scottie Pippen defender.
Charlotte- Tobias Harris (C) (Sent to Milwaukee)
– Always high on Harris. I think he’s going to be a young player who can be a combo forward at the next level. In Milwaukee, I actually expect him to get some solid playing time next year. The issue with Harris is he never attacks the post, regardless of the fact he has the body for it.
Minnesota- Donatas Motiejunas (C) (Sent to Houston)
– Motie was a lottery pick last season, but he dropped like a rock near the end of last year which pushed him back. This year, Motie went back to the 20’s like last year. This however, is interesting. I think Houston is a great place for him, if he can play some center. If he’s clearly a power forward, I think Houston will have some sort of issue with Morris, Patterson and Motie
Portland- Nolan Smith (B)
– Odd pick here. I love Nolan Smith, but it’s questionable here at 21. I think Smith is a role player who can score at bulk and play both positions. Does he fit in Portland? Sitting behind Raymond Felton, I wonder where he fits; as a point guard, or a shooting guard? Either way, I see another good 5-8 year guy who can play.
Denver- Kenneth Faried (A)
– The best value at the draft. Saves Denver 15 million by not bringing back Keynon Martin. Faried can do most of the things Martin can do and the best thing? He wants to do it. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Faried has a long 10 to 15 year career in which he’s a strong rebounder and great defender off the bench.
Houston- Nikola Mirotic (C) (To Chicago)
– Refuse to comment on the fact this man won’t be coming over in 4 seasons. I’ll be 22 and hopefully not a alcoholic by now.
Oklahoma City- Reggie Jackson ( B)
– I didn’t understand the pick when it was reported, I don’t understand it now. I understand the idea of depth, but OKC already had Eric Maynor. With Brooks on the board, it would have made much more sense to lean there. Most believe that Jackson is a solid combo guard who can backup both Harden and Westbrook. I disagree, but I’m not a GM.
Boston- Marshon Brooks (B+) ( To New Jersey)
– For New Jersey, you add a shooting guard who can shoot the lights out. Early in the process, there were Kobe Bryant comparisons for Brooks, I would say he’s more Nick Young. The biggest question is what else does he do besides shoot the basketball? If he can develop that secondary skill wether it’s his rebounding or passing, I think he’s a steal.
Dallas- Jordan Hamilton (A+) ( To Denver)
– It’s a wierd pick for Denver and let me explain: Jordan Hamilton is a guard/forward (more forward), who can’t defend and take bad shots? Is that not a combination of Wilson Chandler, Aaron Affalo and J.R. Smith? I think Hamilton might take two players spots there. While he isn’t the greatest guard, and he might need a season or two to get those erratic shot selections out, Hamilton has all star potential.
New Jesey- JuJuan Johnson (C) ( To Boston)
– Going to Boston, Johnson has the upside to be something interesting. A 6-11 player who can not only play in the post, but can also pick and pop. I think Johnson can learn alot from Garnett, and I believe that Johnson could replace Glen Davis this season in a off the bench post role. The biggest question is can he be as tough as he was in college. I think Johnson should be able to add 10-20 pounds to his frame.
Chicago- Norris Cole (B) (To Miami)
– Mario Chalmers will be given a couple big offers to lure him away from Miami. Instead of overrating a post player, the Heat decided to grab Norris Cole. When I look at Cole, he reminds me of a Toney Douglas clone with the upside of a Kyle Lowry. Next to a LeBron James, Cole should be able to get open shots.
San Antonio- Cory Joesph (D)
– The Spurs attack the draft well, but I cannot support this pick…at all. For one, there were better guards on the board like Malcolm Lee, Shelvin Mack, Charles Jenkins and Josh Selby. The other is Joesph doesn’t have much upside. I honestly believe he’s a poor man’s Jonny Flynn where he scores more then he passes. The Spurs must think he’s a real backup because Parker is there for the long term.
Chicago- Jimmy Butler (C)
– The Bulls need some toughness, and Butler fits the bill. He’s a rugged player who can play defense and hustle. The biggest question is can he score enough to get enough playing time, and can Chicago open up rotation space to bring him in. When I see Butler, I think he’s a gritty player, similar to Ronnie Brewer.