Jeff Goodman Mock Draft

[Eddie20]

He has us taking Turner and Hollis-Jefferson.

1 Karl-Anthony Towns New York Knicks COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 6-11 WT: 250 POS: C
25 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: Jahlil Okafor has been the odds-on favorite all season long, but Towns has come on strong lately, and this will be a difficult decision for Phil Jackson and the Knicks, or whoever gets the top selection. Okafor is a true low-post center while Towns is long, skilled, versatile and has a higher upside.

2 Jahlil Okafor Philadelphia 76ers COLLEGE: Duke HT: 6-11 WT: 275 POS: C
19.9 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: Yes, I know that the Sixers already have a pair of big men in Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel. However, Philly general manager Sam Hinkie loves accumulating assets, and he can either keep Okafor or try to field offers for the pick. Okafor can easily play alongside the more skilled Embiid if that's the route Hinkie opts to take.

3 Emmanuel Mudiay Minnesota Timberwolves COLLEGE: China HT: 6-5 WT: 196 POS: PG
15.6 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: (1) The Wolves have Ricky Rubio, but it will be too difficult for Flip Saunders to pass on the big, strong and athletic point guard who played this past season in China. He just has too much upside and fits along with the new breed of point guard in the league.

4 D'Angelo Russell Los Angeles Lakers COLLEGE: Ohio State HT: 6-5 WT: 176 POS: PG
11.9 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: (3) No one has seen his NBA stock soar quite as much as Russell since the start of the season. He's not an explosive athlete, but he has a high IQ and can both facilitate and score. The Lakers need an upgrade at the point guard spot, and they will get Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle back from injuries next season.

5 Stanley Johnson Orlando Magic COLLEGE: Arizona HT: 6-7 WT: 237 POS: SF
8.8 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: Magic general manager Rob Hennigan has gone the "athletic" route recently by drafting Victor Oladipo, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton. Don't be shocked if Hennigan goes with another high-level athlete in the physically ready Johnson, who is strong and has shot much better than many anticipated this season.

6 Kristaps Porzingis Sacramento Kings COLLEGE: Latvia HT: 6-11 WT: 220 POS: PF
6.3 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: (2) The Kings have a true low-post big man in DeMarcus Cousins, but could use a skilled frontcourt player, and the 7-foot Porzingis fits the bill. He can really shoot it from the perimeter, but it will take him time to adjust to the physical aspect of the NBA game.

7 Mario Hezonja Denver Nuggets COLLEGE: Croatia HT: 6-7 WT: 200 POS: SF
4.3 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: The Nuggets have a nice young inside tandem with Kenneth Faried, and Jusuf Nurkic, along with one of the better point guards in the NBA in Ty Lawson. Denver could use a young wing with size who can make plays for himself and his teammates. That's what Hezonja is: a high-IQ guy who has tremendous court vision and can also score.

8 Willie Cauley-Stein Detroit Pistons COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 7-0 WT: 240 POS: C
2.8 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: The Pistons have to prepare as if they will lose Greg Monroe, and the frontline duo of Andre Drummond and Cauley-Stein would be dominant -- especially on the defensive end. Drummond has the ability to step out on the offensive end, while Cauley-Stein is limited offensively.

9 Kevon Looney Atlanta Hawks COLLEGE: UCLA HT: 6-10 WT: 210 POS: PF
1.7 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: (5) Paul Millsap is a free agent after the season, and even if he comes back to Atlanta, Looney would be a nice addition. He's long, athletic and can really rebound. Looney is a tweener forward now, but could eventually become more of a 3 in the NBA with improved consistency on his perimeter shot.

10 Myles Turner Boston Celtics COLLEGE: Texas HT: 7-0 WT: 240 POS: PF
1.0 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: Some teams might be a little scared off because he has an unorthodox running style, but he's a legit 7-footer who plays hard, can step out and make shots from long distance and is also a quality shot-blocker. Danny Ainge won't be able to pass on Turner due to his size, skill and potential.

11 Justise Winslow Utah Jazz COLLEGE: Duke HT: 6-6 WT: 222 POS: SF
0.9 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: The Jazz could use a defensive-minded, athletic wing, and Winslow brings toughness and is a potential lock-down defender who is more than capable of making jump shots. He'd fit well around guys like Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors.

12 Devin Booker Philadelphia 76ers COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 6-6 WT: 195 POS: SG
0.7 percent chance to win lottery
Analysis: (7) His stock has skyrocketed throughout the course of the season due to his size and ability to make shots from the perimeter. The Sixers could sorely use a knock-down shooter -- and Booker might be the best in the entire draft.

13 Kelly Oubre Phoenix Suns COLLEGE: Kansas HT: 6-7 WT: 204 POS: SF
Analysis: General manager Ryan McDonough has his backcourt of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight, and he loves athleticism. Oubre started his college career slowly, but has come on strong over the last month or so and brings length, athleticism and also a threat from the perimeter.

14 Frank Kaminsky Houston Rockets COLLEGE: Wisconsin HT: 7-0WT: 234 POS: C
Analysis: (4) He's been the best overall player in college basketball this season and would be a great fit in Houston. He is a threat on the perimeter, can also score in the paint, and would complement Dwight Howard well up front.

15 Jerian Grant Charlotte Hornets COLLEGE: Notre Dame HT: 6-5 WT: 185 POS: PG
Analysis: The Hornets need a skilled wing who can shoot it and also defend. Grant is a true combo guard who could fit in alongside Kemba Walker. He's had an All-American-caliber season for the Irish. He can score, facilitate and has the size to compensate for Walker and successfully guard 2s.

16 Trey Lyles Indiana Pacers COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 6-10 WT: 235 POS: PF
Analysis: The Pacers will get Paul George back, and Lyles would give Indiana a skilled forward who can make shots from all over the floor, can rebound at a high level and also possesses a terrific feel for the game.

17 Caris LeVert Milwaukee Bucks COLLEGE: Michigan HT: 6-6 WT: 185 POS: SF
Analysis: The Bucks have a couple of talented, young forwards with Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and also a young, long point guard with Michael Carter-Williams. LeVert is exactly what this team needs. He brings length, can really play defense and has become a reliable perimeter shooter. The question is whether he actually declares for the draft because he's missed the last half of the season with a foot injury.

18 Justin Anderson Oklahoma City Thunder COLLEGE: Virginia HT: 6-6 WT: 222 POS: SF
Analysis: Sam Presti usually goes with the best player available -- and that should be the case even more with the uncertainty surrounding Kevin Durant. Anderson has been injured for the second half of the season, but he's a high-level athlete who shot nearly 50 percent from 3 and is also a tremendous wing defender. The question will be whether Anderson decides to leave school or return for his senior campaign.

19 Montrezl Harrell Washington Wizards COLLEGE: Louisville HT: 6-7 WT: 243 POS: PF
Analysis: The Wizards have Nene and Marcin Gortat up front, but they won't be able to pass on Harrell this late. He's a high-energy guy who can really do work on the glass. Think Thomas Robinson.

20 Kris Dunn Chicago Bulls COLLEGE: Providence HT: 6-3 WT: 180 POS: PG
Analysis: Gar Forman and the Bulls need a quality point guard since Derrick Rose is often injured -- and Kirk Hinrich isn't getting any younger. Dunn is a little wild with the ball at times, but he has great court vision, is long and athletic and has improved his perimeter shot.

21 Bobby Portis Toronto Raptors COLLEGE: Arkansas HT: 6-11 WT: 231 POS: PF
Analysis: The Raptors have athletic guys, but they need a skilled forward. Portis is long, is an above-average athlete and has also proved he can make shots to the 3-point line.

22 Sam Dekker Cleveland Cavaliers COLLEGE: Wisconsin HT: 6-9 WT: 230 POS: SF
Analysis: Best remaining player on the board. Dekker didn't put up eye-popping numbers this season, but part of the reason was due to an early injury and also a loaded group on his team that included Frank Kaminsky. Dekker played exceptionally well at LeBron James' Skills Academy this past summer, and that can't hurt matters.

23 Jarell Martin San Antonio Spurs COLLEGE: LSU HT: 6-9 WT: 241 POS: PF
Analysis: Martin has so much upside, and the Spurs need youth and talent up front to go along with Kawhi Leonard. Martin hasn't shot it well from beyond the arc this season, but he's gotten tougher, and has been extremely effective on the glass. Martin is a high-upside guy.

24 Terry Rozier Dallas Mavericks COLLEGE: Louisville HT: 6-2 WT: 190 POS: PG
Analysis: (11) It's looking more and more unlikely that the Mavs keep Rajon Rondo, and there's also a chance Monta Ellis goes elsewhere. That means Dallas needs another guard, and while Rozier isn't a pure point, he is a guy who can make plays with the ball in his hands -- for himself and for others.

25 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Boston Celtics COLLEGE: Arizona HT: 6-7 WT: 220 POS: SF
Analysis: (9) The Celtics need an athletic wing, and while Hollis-Jefferson isn't a terrific shooter, he thrives in transition and can really, really defend.

26 R.J. Hunter Portland Trail Blazers COLLEGE: Georgia St HT: 6-5 WT: 185 POS: SG
Analysis: The son of Georgia State coach Ron Hunter struggled this season from beyond the arc, but NBA guys are well aware he can stroke it from long distance.

27 Jakob Poeltl Los Angeles Lakers COLLEGE: Utah HT: 7-0 WT: 230 POS: C Analysis: ( The 7-foot Austrian is still a work in progress, but he's got a bright future because he's a big man who plays hard, is agile and runs the court well. True centers are hard to find, and while it will take time for Poeltl, he may be worth the wait.

28 Cliff Alexander Memphis Grizzlies COLLEGE: Kansas HT: 6-8 WT: 251 POS: PF
Analysis: (6) Alexander was projected as a lottery pick entering the season, but he's had a rough season. He struggled on the court, especially on the defensive end, and was held off the court due to an NCAA investigation. But Alexander fits the Grizzlies -- he's a tough power forward who brings a physical nature to the court. His skill level is limited.

29 Cameron Payne Brooklyn Nets COLLEGE: Murray State HT: 6-2 WT: 180 POS: PG
Analysis: At this point in the draft, you just go with the best player on the board. Payne came into the season as a hidden gem, but now every NBA guy knows about the Racers' point guard. He's fast, skilled, knows how to play and can both score and set up guys. With Deron Williams aging and injury prone, Payne fits here.

30 Dakari Johnson Golden State Warriors COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 7-0 WT: 255 POS: C
Analysis: The Warriors need a quality young big man who can take up space and rebound. They have Andrew Bogut and David Lee, but those guys have injury histories, so Johnson would help.

[saltlover]

Respectfully, shouldn't you maybe just post a snippet and link the rest?  Especially if it's paywalled.. Don't know if it is.

[jpotter33]

Pistons taking WCS? I don't see that at all, especially with their gaping hole on the wing. Both him and Drummond are pure Centers. I don't see any way in hell that would work.

[colincb]

Sixers supposedly big on Mudiay. Can't see them picking a big and immediately devaluing the two raw bigs they have. Okafor's no franchise player either.

[jpotter33]

Sixers supposedly big on Mudiay. Can't see them picking a big and immediately devaluing the two raw bigs they have. Okafor's no franchise player either.

Yeah, after trading MCW it would seem Mudiay is their target, especially given that they have two franchise bigs, too. That could be a scary core: Mudiay, Noel, and Embiid, though I'm still not convinced that Noel and Embiid can play together at the 4 and 5.

[Celtics4ever]

Not sure I want Turner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNyJw_PiJoU

Find this guy intriguing and boy can he jump possible later pick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRIqB2m6Ens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WplHAqMU_RE

I like Bobby Portis too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-elcbyu5Hjo


for our later pick

[The Rondo Show]

Not sure I want Turner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNyJw_PiJoU

That game was brutal all around because of officiating. Neither Texas', nor Kentucky's front court were able to accomplish much with Turner, Towns, Johnson, Polythress, Lyles, Holmes and Ridley all in foul trouble all game. Hard to judge either front court based on that one.

[The Rondo Show]

I'd love Turner to see what Stevens could do with him. His shot blocking would be extremely helpful and his shooting ability would be fun with Stevens' offense.

Also really like us taking RHJ late in the first. Fantastic athlete and defender, and at the very least he will provide solid minutes off of the bench.

[Celtics4ever]

part of me wonders if we take Trey Lyles, his skillset if right about what CBS likes.

[jonaslopes]

Not sure I want Turner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNyJw_PiJoU

A lot of people have stupid prejudices because of this video. Come on, Kentucky has a monster frontcourt. Texas coach is weak. Turner is young and raw and is still growing into his body. His ceiling is much higher than WCS's. But of course, he is not an athletic knucklehead, the most loved type around this forum. Too much IQ for fans of McGee and Sanders. WCS is better now; Turner will be better for years.

This article is much better: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12305581/texas-freshman-myles-turner-learning-growing-amid-expectations-criticism

[notthebowler]

I hope to God we don't draft RHJ. If you want a D only wing, the D League is full of them. You could probably even get one as an undrafted rookie. Unskilled but athletic perimeter players are a dime a dozen and they don't provide what this team is lacking. I'm ok with a one dimensional defender if he is a post player.

[Eddie20]

Pistons taking WCS? I don't see that at all, especially with their gaping hole on the wing. Both him and Drummond are pure Centers. I don't see any way in hell that would work.

Agreed. Even if Monroe were to bolt I don't see anyway they go WCS. Winslow would probably be their pick. His defensive potential looks perfect for Van Gundy. That would probably mean WCS goes, right before us, to the Hawks.

[jpotter33]

Pistons taking WCS? I don't see that at all, especially with their gaping hole on the wing. Both him and Drummond are pure Centers. I don't see any way in hell that would work.

Agreed. Even if Monroe were to bolt I don't see anyway they go WCS. Winslow would probably be their pick. His defensive potential looks perfect for Van Gundy. That would probably mean WCS goes, right before us, to the Hawks.

Probably, and that's scary. But you never know, they could reach for Oubre too since their weakest spot is the wing.

[Eddie20]

Pistons taking WCS? I don't see that at all, especially with their gaping hole on the wing. Both him and Drummond are pure Centers. I don't see any way in hell that would work.

Agreed. Even if Monroe were to bolt I don't see anyway they go WCS. Winslow would probably be their pick. His defensive potential looks perfect for Van Gundy. That would probably mean WCS goes, right before us, to the Hawks.

Probably, and that's scary. But you never know, they could reach for Oubre too since their weakest spot is the wing.

They could, but Winslow is more "game ready" and coach/GM Van Gundy doesn't strike me as the patient type.

[Tr1boy]

I don't think Celtics take Turner.  He looks like he will get injured. He def runs strange

I rather draft Kaminsky