Cam Andrews’ Final NBA Mock Draft

www.zimbio.com

With the NBA Draft only seven days away, it’s time for analysts and fans alike to start pumping out mock drafts like there’s no tomorrow. I know I’m a bit late on mine but hey, better late then never right? So without further ado, let’s get this show on the road.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves (Karl-Anthony Towns, PF, Kentucky)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have lots of young talent on their roster, but with this pick they have the chance to create something special. They have the opportunity to pair two #1 picks (three if you count Anthony Bennett) together and create a dangerous roster for the future. The T-Wolves biggest roster hole seems to be power forward considering their best player at that position under contract next season is Anthony Bennett. Karl-Anthony Towns not only fills that positional need, but also gives the Timberwolves the best player in the draft. Duke center Jahlil Okafor is a close second, but he projects as more of a center and the Wolves already have Nikola Pekovic and Gorgui Dieng. Towns makes too much sense to not be picked first overall.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke)

I know there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Okafor, but I don’t buy into the fact that he doesn’t go second to the Lakers. Like I said, Towns going to the Wolves makes too much sense to not happen, and the Lakers still need a big man. Okafor is by far the next best big man available. No matter how explosive Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell may be, the Lakers have to draft Okafor at this point. The Lakers starting center last year was the 6’10” 235 pound Jordan Hill and he’s probably closer to 6’9″. Having a true center would certainly be a step in the right direction for this young Lakers team.

3. Philadelphia 76ers (D’Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State)

The 76ers have a lot of positional needs, but more than anything, they just need elite talent. Considering that they already have two potential all-stars in the front court, it makes sense that they’d try to stay away from more players in that area. Russell will give this Sixers team both talent and a starting point guard of the future. With his rare mix of passing and scoring ability, Russell will not only put up great stats for himself, but help those around him as well. This is the type of players that will really propel the Sixers to the next level.

4. New York Knicks (Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky)

The New York Knicks lack a lot of things, but most of all they lack any sort of defense. They could go with Justise Winslow with this pick to find some defense, but Cauley-Stein also fills a large positional need. Carmelo Anthony may be more efficient playing power forward, but he can stay at small forward for a while until the Knicks find another. Right now, Andrea Bargnani figures to start at center for the Knicks. Though at this point in his career, Bargnani is better suited for a bench role. Cauley-Stein will be able to come in and be an elite shot blocker from day one.

5. Orlando Magic (Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia)

The Orlando Magic have a roster full of young talent. Power forward is the one spot left on the Magic’s roster that still need to be addressed in terms of finding a future starter. If Tobias Harris leaves then small forward could be another need, but the Magic can match any offer for Harris this offseason. Porzingis is the perfect power forward for this magic team as well. The Magic don’t have much three point shooting on the roster. Porzingis will surely be able to supply that.

6. Sacramento Kings (Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China)

The Sacramento Kings have the beginnings of a great franchise. By that, I mean they have a franchise cornerstone and some solid role players around him. However, one thing that all playoff teams need is someone who can run their offense. As a big man, Demarcus Cousins can’t exactly bring the ball up the court and initiate things, so the Kings need someone else to take that job on. That’s where Mudiay comes into play. Mudiay has the makings of a solid floor general, that will fit the mold of someone like John Wall. Hey may never be a prolific shooter, but he’ll be able to pass and lead the team.

7. Denver Nuggets (Justise Winslow, SF, Duke)

The Denver Nuggets need a wing player, and while sharp shooter Mario Hezonja would help fix the Nuggets shooting woes, Winslow can’t be passed up. Winslow has the highest upside of any small forward in the draft, and that’s too much for the Nuggets to pass up. The Nuggets don’t have too many players that will be part of their team after this rebuild but by drafting Winslow they give themselves a corner piece for years to come.

8. Detroit Pistons (Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia)

The Pistons need a great wing player to pair with Andre Drummond. Hezonja will bring NBA ready shooting, which the Pistons need desperately. There have been questions about his character though, and that could be a huge problem for the Pistons who are still trying to reconstruct their team chemistry. However, at this point Hezonja is worth the risk. Scouts are saying that there have been few european prospects in the past few years that have as much upside as Hezonja.

9. Charlotte Hornets (Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky)

Stanley Johnson is the most talented player available at this point, but he doesn’t guarantee scoring in the future. Booker can bring just that. The Hornets need shooting badly, whether it’s coming from the bench or from the starting lineup. Booker will fill this need and make the Hornets offense a whole lot more dynamic. He has defensive question marks but the defense can handle itself once the Hornets have an offense that’s even close to presentable.

10. Miami Heat (Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona)

The Miami Heat need a young big man, but it seems as if they don’t want to go into a rebuilding mode yet. For this reason they will most likely pick a player that can be used in the lineup immediately. This makes Stanley Johnson a perfect fit. The Heat need more wing depth and probably even a starter for next season. Johnson already brings elite defense and has the potential to add a dangerous offensive game to his arsenal as well. Johnson gives the Heat some potential but also stability in the present.

11. Indiana Pacers (Myles Turner, C, Texas)

The Pacers have expressed interest in running an offense that is more fast paced and more efficient than it has been in the past. Turner possesses great potential as a shooter and could really help space the floor as a potential replacement for Roy Hibbert, who seems to be glued in the paint. Turner’s athleticism has been questioned a bit but that’s mostly due to his awkward gait. He is plenty athletic to push the tempo as a center. He also brings elite shot blocking potential, which will come in very handy as the Pacers look to continue the tradition of focusing on elite defense.

12. Utah Jazz (Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky)

The Utah Jazz have the makings of a future championship contender, but they still need a bit of front court depth. In order to make this as affective as possible, they will choose someone like Lyles who brings something different to the table than their other front court players. Assuming that Utah will start Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert next season, their offense will be very much oriented around the paint when playing through those guys. Lyles will be able to come in off the bench and stretch the floor in order to add a new dynamic that can help the young Jazz get over the playoff hump.

13. Phoenix Suns (Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas)

The suns have a lot of young talent, but no one that they can expect to build around in the coming years. Oubre has the potential to be a perennial all-star, and at pick #13, that’s a gamble the Suns should be willing to take. They could select a big man with this pick to bolster their front court, but with the probable progression of Alex Len and TJ Warren (who can play 3 and 4), finding a future star at the three makes the most sense. He may not be able to contribute immediately next year, but he’ll be a building piece for the future.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (Frank Kaminsky, PF, Wisconsin)

The Thunder have a lot of talent on their roster right now, making this pick a gift of sorts. With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook already on the roster, a lottery pick just adds depth that can propel their team to the next level. One thing the Thunder lack, is talent in the front court. Serge Ibaka is a great rim protector, but they need more offense out of their bigs. Kaminsky will be able to provide that, whether he’s starting or coming off of the bench. Having another scoring option on the Thunder to take some pressure of Westbrook and KD will be immensely helpful.

15. Atlanta Hawks {From BKN} (Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin)

The Hawks have an affinity for upperclassmen. They love NBA ready players who can come in, and be mature in their NBA style scheme. Dekker is someone who is as NBA ready as most in the draft, even though his skills haven’t fully developed. His experience and basketball IQ will be vital as he looks to contribute in year one throughout the Hawks inevitable playoff run.

16. Boston Celtics (Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas)

The Celtics need a big man and Bobby Portis fell right to them. A center would’ve been ideal for the Celtics but there seems to be a large lack of mid first round centers. They will just have to settle for one of the most talented big men in the draft instead. Portis’ upside is somewhat limited, but he will still be a solid player in the NBA. He can play offense and defense at a respectable level and should be a mainstay in the Celtics’ lineup as they look to become an even bigger threat in the playoffs.

17. Milwaukee Bucks (Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville)

The Bucks are close to actually being a very good team. However, when watching them it’s clear that they need some sort of spark plug. They don’t have much energy on their team. At this point in the draft, that need is addressed by drafting Harrell. It could also be done by drafting an automatic three point shooter who can get everyone in the arena excited, but that will need to wait until later in the draft. The Bucks also need another post presence, and help in the rebounding area. Harrell will be able to help with that while also bring some much needed excitement to Milwaukee.

18. Houston Rockets {From CHA} (Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame)

The Rockets are on the cusp of being a serious championship contender, they’re just missing a point guard. When Patrick Beverley got injured last season, Jason Terry was forced to replace him as the starting floor general. Beverley is now a restricted free agent and whether or not he stays or goes, the Rockets need another point guard. Grant is an NBA ready guy who can come in and possibly start from day one. He is a great passer and understands basketball as well as anybody in the draft. The best part is, the Rockets don’t need him to score a ton. All they need from Grant is to run the offense and find open players. Grant can do both of those things at a professional level, and that makes this union perfect.

19. Washington Wizards (Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA)

The Wizards front court is aging very fast. Marcin Gortat and Nene are 31 and 32 respectively and will need to be replaced at some point in the near future. For now though, they are still good enough to start, and that’s perfect for this pick. Looney is very raw and will need to refine his game in order to unlock his full NBA potential. Having a year on the bench behind Nene and Gortat could be very helpful for Looney as he looks to become a starting stretch four farther down the road.

20. Toronto Raptors (Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona)

The Raptors need defense on their team. They’ve got a very potent offense, but their defense just isn’t good enough to make them elite. Jefferson most likely won’t take over as a starter next season unless the Raptors can’t find anyone better in free agency though. He is very limited offensively and will most likely be very similar to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. However, he should be able to come in off the bench and cover most any player on the court at the time.

21. Dallas Mavericks (Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State)

With the inevitable departure of Rajon Rondo, the Mavericks will need to find someone new to run their offense next season. Payne is an absolute steal at this point and he will most likely be able to start for the Mavericks next season. He will not wow anyone with his athleticism, but he is more than capable of running the point at an NBA level. This is a perfect pick for the Mavs.

22. Chicago Bulls (Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia)

Mike Dunleavy has been the starting small forward for the Bulls for the past two seasons, but he is now 34 and his time as a starter is likely coming to an end. Anderson is a very similar player to Dunleavy and will be used as a 3 and D player for much of his career. If Jimmy Butler ends up leaving, Anderson could even take over his spot at shooting guard. Regardless of where he plays, or if he even starts, Anderson is sure to make an impact in year one.

23. Portland Trailblazers (RJ Hunter, SG, Georgia State)

Now that the Blazers have gotten rid of Nic Batum, they are in need of another shooter. If Wes Matthews leaves, that need becomes even bigger. Gerald Henderson will be a serviceable starting two guard. He’ll be able to put up some points for the Blazers, but the need for scoring is still there. Hunter will likely score the majority of his points off the bench, but his impact should still be large.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse)

Kevin Love has opted out of his deal with the Cavaliers, and although he may come back, it’s also possible that he leaves. If Love leaves the Cavaliers will need some depth at power forward. McCollough’s skill set also makes it possible for him to play some small forward in the NBA, and that is another area on the Cavs team that needs depth. If he can develop his body to fit what the NBA demands, he has a chance to be a very solid rotational player in the future.

25. Memphis Grizzlies (Robert Upshaw, C,)

Even if Marc Gasol does return to the Grizzlies, they will need some depth at center. Gasol is also 30, so developing a new young center to potentially take over could be vital. Upshaw has been rightfully criticized for his lack of maturity, but he seems to be putting in effort to fix his problems. He’s got fantastic size and has even worked on his shot while he’s been away from Washington. He looks like he could actually end up being a similar player to Gasol. Considering he will either be mentored by or replace Gasol, this fit is perfect.

26. San Antonio Spurs (Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV)

The Spurs need some more depth on the wings, and Vaughn can provide that. They don’t need any great new starters just yet, which is good because they won’t find one here at 26. There’s still potential at this point in the draft, but more than that, there are tons of great bench players. Vaughn’s biggest problem is his horrible shot selection, but if anyone can fix that, it’s Pop.

27. Los Angeles Lakers (Tyus Jones, PG, Duke)

The Lakers have a solid point guard in Jordan Clarkson, but bringing in talent is the most important thing for them. Jones is the best player left at this point in the draft and even has starting potential. He’s a floor general more than a scorer and will be able to run either the first or second unit with efficiency. Jones’ is a bit of an unknown but his potential is more than enough to get him drafted at this point.

28. Boston Celtics (Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU)

The Celtics need to find big men that can make big contributions. This may include a bit of hitting and missing, but it must be done. Mickey can do a lot of things right, but also has a very skinny frame. He’ll need to add weight to make a smooth transition to the NBA. Mickey should be a solid bench big for the Celtics next season.

29. Brooklyn Nets (Delon Wright, PG, Utah)

Deron Williams will need a replacement soon, and Wright is a steal here. Wright will never be an all-star. He’s 23 already and is probably very near his ceiling, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Wright’s at a level currently that is high enough for him to start. He is a very solid all-around player, if you don’t care about shooting. He can get in the lane with ease, pass very well and play lock down defense, but he has no shot and that’s why he falls so far. However, having a new, young player to run the Nets next era of basketball is a good first step in their inevitable rebuild.

30. Golden State Warriors (Michael Frazier III, SG, Florida)

The Warriors have a couple of their bench shooters leaving this offseason, so finding another is key. The splash bros are absolutely fantastic but they can’t play the whole game. Frazier will be used to make sure that the Warriors backcourt doesn’t lose to much firepower when Curry and Thompson do need to take a rest.