We get picks #16, #28, #33 and #45.

[TheFlex]

I'd love Luwawu with either the Clippers 1st or Philly 2nd. (Half joking) A good way to tell if a guy has skills that can transfer to the Association is if easy player comps come to mind. There are tons of great players with Luwawu's makeup as a draft pick. Taller Danny Green is fun to think about. This is also why I'm still high on James Young.

16 + 28 + 45 for 8-10: Myles Turner
33: Luwawu

[Eddie20]

So many bigs after the lottery are intriguing. There have been so many scenarios for my Celtic wet dreams lately.

Cliff Robinson working out like Ben Wallace.
Upshaw working out like Tyson Chandler.
Rakeem Christmas working out like some crappy Ben Wallace.
Bobby Portis working out like Al Horford.
Kaminsky playing some decent defense.
Christian Wood ending up like a boss.
Myles Turner ends up like a sweet shooting Roy Hibbert.
Moussa Diagne not busting.

They will probably all end up sucking but each provide their intrigue.

Maybe that guy who said we should trade down is right. Draft all the bigs and play 3-4 big men at a time.

Upshaw is the guy we should look into the most out of those bigs... you just don't lead the NCAA in blocks and just fall into obscurity behind "higher upside" players. Dude can swat some shots man, hopefully he's available in the second round.

He got kicked off of two different teams in college. We currently have a core of young hard working guys, adding a guy who could mess up chemistry at this point in our development isn't a bad idea.

Dude, what kind of ego is this guy really going to bring to a locker room of tested pros? Especially, if drafted in the second round... he's not going strut into the Garden thinking he's Demarcus ****' Cousins.

Hassan Whiteside says hello

That's not too bad actually, did you see Hassan's numbers this year?

I'll take it.

Right, but after several seasons out of the league. And actually the Kings, the team that drafted him, reaped none of the rewards.

[Tr1boy]

16= grant
28 = martin
33 = diagne
45= harvey

[chambers]

Basketball Insiders has the Celtics taking in the first round...

16 - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson SF 20 years old; 6'7"; 212 lbs. Arizona, Sophomore

28 - Timothe Luwawu SG 19 years old; 6'7"; 205 lbs. Antibes, International

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-another-nba-mock-draft/?utm_source=Basketball+Insiders&utm_campaign=429d6efb72-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71c9fcb626-429d6efb72-187233185


I would not be mad at that...RHJ is a good player and Luwawu could be a "draft and stash".

Luwawu actually looks intriguing, of course, based on highlights and the write up:

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Timothe-Luwawu-68219/

I'm not a big fan of draft-n-stash because, honestly, how many of those guys are ever really worth the wait.  However, if there's ever been a team with excess picks to use for exactly that kind of player, it's us.

Mike

The great part about drafting and stashing is you dont have to pay their NBA salary or have them count against the cap while they develop.
Ie when James young is finally productive for us we're going to have to pay more than his rookie contract which sucks.

Saves you money as you try to build a longer term contender ie the bulls w mirotic Rubio wolves etc..

[PhoSita]

I'm not a big fan of draft-n-stash because, honestly, how many of those guys are ever really worth the wait. 

Just recently:

Nik Pekovic
Nikola Mirotic
Tiago Splitter
Donatas Motiejunas
Marcin Gortat
Luis Scola
Marc Gasol

At least if you're selecting a big man, looks like it can pay off pretty nicely.

[Evantime34]

Ford's latest mock has us going with Lyles at 16 and Wood at 28. RHJ goes at 25 and if the board broke like this I would love to see them trade up to grab Hollis Jefferson.

[Eddie20]

Ford's latest mock has us going with Lyles at 16 and Wood at 28. RHJ goes at 25 and if the board broke like this I would love to see them trade up to grab Hollis Jefferson.

1st rd:

1. Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C, Fr., Kentucky

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.5 percent 25 percent

The Wolves might have had the worst record in the NBA, but they actually have one of the brightest futures in the league. Andrew Wiggins will likely win the Rookie of the Year Award and has the talent to be a transcendent player. Zach LaVine finished the season strong and won the Dunk Contest. Ricky Rubio, Shabazz Muhammad, Gorgui Dieng all had their moments and several other players such as Anthony Bennett and Adreian Payne have strong futures as well. Adding Towns to the team just makes them scarier - an athletic big man who can score inside and outside and protect the rim? In two years, this team is going to be very hard to contend with.


2. Jahlil Okafor, C, Fr., Duke

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.5 percent 19.9 percent

Phil Jackson might not want to rebuild, but he needs to. The free agent money New York will throw around this summer is unlikely to give them a superstar to pair with Jahlil Okafor. However, with Okafor, they have a great chance of adding a dominant big man who can score the basketball at will. There are few big men in the NBA who can do what Okafor can already do on offense. Defensively? That's a bigger question mark and might lead the Knicks to consider Emmanuel Mudiay instead. But for now, Okafor remains the No. 2 prospect on our Big Board and is a nice fit in New York.



3. Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.5 percent 15.6 percent

If you listen to SMU head coach Larry Brown - Mudiay is the guy they've wanted all along. With Michael Carter-Williams now running the point for the Milwaukee Bucks, Mudiay is suddenly a fit - perhaps a better one than either Towns or Okafor given the 76ers' cornucopia of big men already in the fold. While Mudiay is a bigger question mark than others on the board, he also has the most upside of anyone. Sam Hinkie hasn't shied away from taking risks in the past and I doubt he's going to stop this year. If Mudiay, Joel Embiid and Dario Saric perform as well as Nerlens Noel did at the end of this season, Hinkie and head coach Brett Brown are going to have a very dangerous team going forward.


4. D'Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.5 percent 11.9 percent

Will Kobe Byant will ever be able to perform at an All-Star level again? It's doubtful. What the Lakers need is the next player who can light it up offensively. Russell is that guy. He's not the same player as Bryant (who was much more athletic, aggressive and a better defender) he brings a lot to the table that Bryant didn't (a sweet 3-point shot and the ability to get others involved). He's more James Harden than Bryant, and given how challenging it was to find chemistry with Bryant on the floor, that might be a good thing. With Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, the Lakers will finally have a young core to get excited about.


5. Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.5 percent 8.8 percent

The Magic are very happy with their young backcourt - Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo - and have a big man to anchor them in the middle. What they need now is a big, athletic rim protector who can also stretch the floor. Enter Porzingis. There are few international players who have come into the league with his talent. He might duplicate Channing Frye a bit (albeit a better version of Frye) but the Magic shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on him. Porzingis is a better long-term prospect in virtually every way.


6. Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Jr., Kentucky

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.5 percent 6.3 percent

The Kings will be tempted to grab Winslow, who would be a steal at this point in the draft. However, they have even bigger needs. The Kings need a rim protector to pair in the front court with DeMarcus Cousins and Cauley-Stein is the best on the board. But rim protection is just part of his appeal. Cauley-Stein doesn't need the ball to impact the game (a great thing on a team filled with guys who do need the ball) and he can guard all five positions on the floor. If the Kings are going to have identity as a defensive team - it starts with Cauley-Stein.


7. Justise Winslow, G/F, Duke

Odds of Winning Lottery: 4.3 percent

Winslow has been the hottest name in the draft since March and for good reason. He's blessed with an elite NBA body and athleticism and plays with a crazy motor every second he's on the floor. There are questions about his ability to shoot off the bounce, but the rest of the package is totally there. With Arron Afflalo shipped off to Portland, Winslow should fit right in between Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari next season.


8. Mario Hezonja, G/F, Croatia

Odds of Winning Lottery: 2.8 percent

The Pistons need shooting and have a pretty big hole at small forward next year. Hezonja should be a nice fit. Not only does he stretch the floor, but he's very athletic and likes to attack. Given that he's been playing at the highest levels of European basketball this season, he'll be more ready than most rookies to step in and play right away. With Stan Van Gundy eyeing the playoffs next season, that's a major factor in who they select with the No. 8 pick.


9. Kelly Oubre, G/F, Kansas

Odds of Winning Lottery: 1.5 percent

The Hornets were a major disappointment last year. They desperately need to put a shooter in their system and I think they may skip over a few potentially more talented candidates to get one. The question is which one. Oubre has the most upside, Devin Booker has the sweetest stroke and R.J. Hunter might be the most prepared to come in and contribute right now. But I think they'll have a hard time passing on Oubre, who has elite size and length to go along with a smooth shooting stroke. The fact that Bill Self also turned him into a committed defender this year makes him an even more attractive candidate.


10. Stanley Johnson, G/F, Fr., Arizona

Odds of Winning Lottery: 1.4 percent

The Heat's future is very much up in the air this summer. Dwayne Wade, Goran Dragic and Luol Deng can opt out and Chris Bosh's health is still a major question mark. Drafting for need probably isn't the smartest move. Johnson would be a nice fit regardless of what the others do. He's one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft, can play the 2 and the 3 and he's a fierce competitor. He can back-up both Wade and Deng if they come back or take a starting role if one of them (likely Deng) decides to leave.


11. Myles Turner, F/C, Fr., Texas

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.8 percent

Larry Bird threw down the gauntlet in the Pacers exit press conference. They are going to play faster next year and lumbering center Roy Hibbert may no longer fit in the plans. With an aging David West and Luis Scola also occupying the Pacers front line, it's time for an infusion of youth. While Turner runs awkwardly, he's a very good prospect this late in the draft. He's an excellent post defender and rim protector and on offense he can shoot the 3 with ease. He needs to get stronger and more consistent, but he has the talent of a top 5 pick.


12. Kevon Looney, PF, Fr., UCLA

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.7 percent

The Jazz probably will be pinching themselves if somehow Looney lands to him. He was widely regarded by scouts as a top 5 pick most of the year, but an uneven finish for him began to worry scouts about his NBA readiness and position. Still, it's tough to find many players with his combination of skills, length and versatility. He reminds me a bit of a young Lamar Odom and should be perfect backing up both Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward in Utah.


13. Frank Kaminsky, C, Sr., Wisconsin

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.6 percent

Big man Alex Len really started to come along this year, but the Suns don't have a lot of options in the middle behind him. For a team that will once again be eyeing the playoffs next year, Kaminsky should be a good fit. He's a different type of center than Len; he thrives facing the basket and stretching the floor - but he's an adequate rebounder and shot blocker to play the middle. Some scouts love him and some think he's a bust, but this is the right point in the draft to roll the dice on Kaminsky.


14. R.J. Hunter, G/F, Jr., Georgia State

Odds of Winning Lottery: 0.5 percent

The future in OKC has never been more clouded. They have two superstars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook - but the long-term future of both players has never been more in doubt. They could lose both of them to free agency in the next few summers. But for now their best chance to keep them around is to give them one more shot a title next year. Assuming they find a way to re-sign Enes Kanter this summer, their biggest need is at the 2 where the combination of Dion Waiters, Anthony Morrow, Jeremy Lamb and Andre Roberson has played to decidedly mixed reviews. I think a player like Hunter could thrive in OKC. Despite his shooting slump this season, he's an elite shooter, with crazy range, who can handle the ball and defend. He's a potential upgrade over all four of the players they are fielding right now.


15. Sam Dekker, F, Jr., Wisconsin

The Hawks get the right to trade picks with the Nets as a result of the Joe Johnson trade. If they can add Dekker, it will be another feather in the cap for a trade that keeps on giving and giving. Dekker's versatility, toughness, ability to stretch the floor and high basketball IQ make his a great fit on this Hawks team. And Mike Budenholzer runs the right sort of offense to set a player like Dekker free. This would be an ideal fit for both him and the team.


16. Trey Lyles, PF, Fr., Kentucky

He's not going to be a superstar for Boston, but Lyles is the type of heady player that should thrive in Brad Steven's system. He's got a soft touch around the basket, a sweet mid-range jumper and and just understand the game. With Brandon Bass and Jonas Jerebko both hitting free agency this summer, there's going to be a need at the four behind (or maybe in front of) Jared Sullinger.


17. Devin Booker, SG, Fr., Kentucky

The Bucks really need a center. I don't think any team was more bummed than Milwaukee that Jakob Poeltl dropped out of the draft on Monday. But with no real centers left worth drafting this high, they move onto need two, another three point shooter in their backcourt. Booker isn't sexy, but he might be the best shooter in the draft and could be a nice long-term back-up to Khris Middleton at the two.


18. Kris Dunn, PG, So., Providence

The Pelicans send their pick to the Rockets as part of the Omer Asik trade. The Rockets are hunting for a point guard and they'll have a lot of options at this point in the draft. Dunn, Jerian Grant, Cameron Payne, Tyus Jones and are all serious options here. There have been rumblings that the Rockets have eyes for Jones, the MVP of the Final Four. But I'd be surprised if they passed on Dunn if he declares. Dunn is bigger, more athletic and a more dynamic passer. He doesn't have the steadiness of Jones, but his NBA upside is much bigger.


19. Bobby Portis, PF, So., Arkansas

Portis is one of the least sexiest players in the draft - but that might just make him appealing to the Wizards. Portis is a so solid in every way - he does just about everything well - nothing great. The Wizards already have their young core, but with just one year left on Nene's contract, it's time to start grooming a successor.


20. Jerian Grant, G, Sr., Notre Dame

With Lou Williams, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, heading to free agency, the Raptors may not be able to keep him around much longer. I'm not sure his replacement is here in the draft, but if it was, Grant would be an interesting choice. He can play two positions, is a great athlete and get to anywhere he wants to on the floor. His versatility and maturity makes him a great pick for a Raptors team that is in a win now mode.


21. Cameron Payne, PG, So. Murray State

Rajon Rondo hasn't exactly worked out according to plan. There's still some time for playoff Rondo to make an impact in Dallas, but even if he does, he's an unrestricted free agent this summer and if he plays well, other suitors will surely come calling. While the last thing the Mavs need is a rookie point guard, they do need depth there and many scouts feel Payne, who shows a great balance between scoring and distributing the basketball is one of the biggest sleepers in the draft.


22. Tyus Jones, PG, Fr., Duke

The Bulls are experiencing the joys of having a healthy Derrick Rose again, but finding a long-term back-up for him is important. Jones might be the perfect guy. He's coming off winning the Final Four MOP, he's got a basketball IQ well ahead of his years and he rarely turns the ball over. He could be the perfect long-term back-up for Rose.


23. Montrezl Harrell, PF, Jr., Louisville

Both LaMarcus Aldridge and Joel Freehand are free agents this summer. Aldridge should be back, but the Blazers could use some depth at the four. Harrell is a bit undersized, but his length, athleticism and terrific motor means he should be able to come in an impact the game right away.


24. Delon Wright, PG, Sr., Utah

Matthew Dellavadova has been Kyrie Irving's primary back-up all year. While he's done an adequate job, Wright could be an upgrade. He's the rare senior that still has some upside. While his jump shot is still a work in progress, he has the ability to get wherever he wants on the floor and is a good passer. He'd be a nice back-up in Cleveland.


25. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, G/F, So., Arizona

Tony Allen is still one of the best wing defenders in the NBA, but at the age of 33 he's beginning to slow down. Enter Hollis-Jefferson who might be the best wing defender in this draft. Blessed, like Allen with a NBA body and elite athletic ability, he was a jump shot away from being a Top 10 pick.


26. Justin Anderson, G/F, Jr., Virginia

The Spurs are going to face a pretty huge fork in the road this summer when most of the team hits free agency. Some, like Tim Duncan and even Manu Ginobili, could end up retiring. Others like Danny Green, might be too expensive to re-sign. Anderson seems like a great get here - especially if those elite three point shooting numbers he put up all season aren't a fluke. He's got NBA athleticism and strength - if he can become a 3 and D guy in the NBA, he has a lot of value.


27. Dakari Johnson, C, So., Kentucky

The Los Angeles Lakers are pretty thin at the center position. While Johnson projects more as a back-up then a star, the Lakers could use is rebounding and toughness.


28. Christian Wood, F/C, So., UNLV

The Celtics could use some athleticism in their front court and Wood brings that. He needs to add strength and a more consistent jump shot but Wood would immediately be the best shot blocker on the Celtics.


29. Terry Rozier, G, So., Louisville

Rozier isn't for everyone. He's not a "true" point guard and undersized to play the two. But he's tough as nails, always plays in attack mode and does enough point guard things to get time at the position. Deron Williams has two years left on his deal and Jarrett Jack has one, but if the Nets are serious about the future, the should start grooming Rozier now.


30. Tyler Harvey, G, Jr., Eastern Washington

Tyler Harvey plays a lot like a poor man's Steph Curry. Is there a team in the league where he's more likely to upgrade from poor man's Curry to the real thing than Steve Kerr's offense in Golden State? Hey, you can never have enough shooting.

[Tr1boy]

Rj hunter at 14??? Lol

Tyler Harvey at 30 is possible.

I want him on the celts

I would be happy with lyles, harvey and martin

No to wood. Too much JJJ like risk. Too thin

[MBunge]

I'm not a big fan of draft-n-stash because, honestly, how many of those guys are ever really worth the wait. 

Just recently:

Nik Pekovic
Nikola Mirotic
Tiago Splitter
Donatas Motiejunas
Marcin Gortat
Luis Scola
Marc Gasol

At least if you're selecting a big man, looks like it can pay off pretty nicely.

1.  Tiago Splitter was picked #27 in 2007.  Taken after him in the draft were Carl Landry, Big Baby, Josh McRoberts, Marc Gasol, Aaron Gray and Ramon Sessions.  Is Splitter really so much better than any of those guys that he was worth the wait?

2.  Portland picked Rudy Fernandez at #24 in that same year, before Aaron Brooks and Aaron Afflalo.  Portland waited a year for him to come to the NBA, and then the guy was out of the league four years later.  And there were several more draft-n-stash Euros taken after Splitter that either never made it to the NBA or were complete busts.

I'm not opposed to draft-n-stash if you're a good team looking to hit a home run with a late 1st round/2nd round pick and won't be hurt too badly if the player never works out.  All things being equal, however, I'd rather have a guy who can come into camp next season so I don't have to wait and hope.

Mike

[Eddie20]

Rj hunter at 14??? Lol

Tyler Harvey at 30 is possible.

I want him on the celts

I would be happy with lyles, harvey and martin

No to wood. Too much JJJ like risk. Too thin

Hunter said that he was told by teams that he could go as early as 15. 14 isn't a stretch.

[Evantime34]

No to wood. Too much JJJ like risk. Too thin

Wood is the same weight as Johnson but Wood got to that weight after 2 years of school while Johnson was 220 after 4 years of college. I think Wood is more likely to be able to put on weight.

Also we play a lot more up tempo and spread offense than we did back then which I think would benefit a guy like Wood.

[Tr1boy]

Rj hunter at 14??? Lol

Tyler Harvey at 30 is possible.

I want him on the celts

I would be happy with lyles, harvey and martin

No to wood. Too much JJJ like risk. Too thin

Hunter said that he was told by teams that he could go as early as 15. 14 isn't a stretch.

Well i would be surprised. Yes he can shoot and has good height/length but has avg quickness, not very athletic, explosive.  Good iq and effort level. Still not 14-16 range imo

[Tr1boy]

No to wood. Too much JJJ like risk. Too thin

Wood is the same weight as Johnson but Wood got to that weight after 2 years of school while Johnson was 220 after 4 years of college. I think Wood is more likely to be able to put on weight.

Hard to say. How many guys like wood, jjj are able to put on weight/strength and succeed in the nba??

Wood is also a little too perimeter oriented for my liking.

I rather take a chance at Harvey (poor man curry) or jarell martin at 28

[Tr1boy]

If the wolves do pick towns , i wonder if Dieng will be available on draft night.

Sullinger for Dieng? Yay or nay

[Evantime34]

If the wolves do pick towns , i wonder if Dieng will be available on draft night.

Sullinger for Dieng? Yay or nay

I would 100% do that deal but I think the Wolves could play both Dieng and Towns so I don't see the need to do the deal on that end.

No to wood. Too much JJJ like risk. Too thin

Wood is the same weight as Johnson but Wood got to that weight after 2 years of school while Johnson was 220 after 4 years of college. I think Wood is more likely to be able to put on weight.

Hard to say. How many guys like wood, jjj are able to put on weight/strength and succeed in the nba??

Wood is also a little too perimeter oriented for my liking.

I rather take a chance at Harvey (poor man curry) or jarell martin at 28

This late in the draft everyone is a crapshoot so I would be fine with any of those guys.

Perimeter 4's are where the NBA is trending, so I do want to see them draft a guy who can play a Jerebko type role in the future.