Obviously alot will change with the lottery but I want to take a quick stab at predicting the first 35 picks based on some info I read on Fords chat and my own draft observations.
Ford things Prozingis is the most likely to jump into the top 4 out of the assumed 2nd tier
Ford thinks Turner could jump up from his projected 10 based on what he is hearing about his medical information and improved running form
1. Minn: Anthony-Towns, I still think towns and okafor are a close 1/2 but Towns versatility wins out
2. NYK : Okafor, his passing will fit well in triangle, interesting how he fits with Melo
3. Phili: Russell, Phili values shooting
4. LAL: Mudiay, BPA
5. Magic: Porzigis, could fit perfect with Vucevic at center and Gordan at SF down the road
6. Kings: WCS, tough spot to predict. My money is that they trade the pick. PF and PG are the needs but no one is really available unless they reach. If Turner really is a riser could see him toping out here as a high upside option.
7. Denver: Winslow, would be SF of the future likely leading to the trading of Chandler
8. Detriot: Hezonja, he is a possible center piece scoring option for a team thats weak at wing
9. Charlotte: S Johnson, tough fit with MKG already on team Turner or Kaminsky would be options if not for the fact that their last two picks has been PFs.
10. Miami: Turner, years away from being ready but in theory he can play along side Bosh or Whiteside. I haven't been a huge fan but Ford and others seem to be.
11. Indiana: Kaminsky, a shooting 4/5 would be a nice piece for a team looking to up the tempo. Could also see them trading down to land a PG (see Utah)
12. Utah: Dekker, the jazz are set with youth at every position. BPA is Oubre or Dekker I go Dekker because his size allows some usage as small ball 4. Trading up with Indy for Kaminsky may be a home run as he would fit well with Favors and Gobert. If trade went down could see Indy taking Grant.
13. Suns: Oubre, they have a whole at SF and Oubre could fill it down the road. Also wouldn't shock me to see them take Grant figuring to play him as 3rd guard.
14. OKC: Hollis-Jefferson, this is my WFT pick. As crazy as it sounds he would be a good fit. OKC played Andre Roberson 19mpg as a non shooting guard. RHJ is the same type of player just superior at everything but rebounding. I could see him at SG along side Westbrook and Durant. Effectively playing defensive specialist guarding 1-3 on one of the few teams that can cover for him limited offense.
15. Nets: Grant, he would be able to play right away along side D-Will or Jack.This team isnt looking for projects and Grant falling to them should fit them well.
16. Celtics: Lyles, short term he is a poor fit but but he would give the Cs a PF with a higher ceiling then either KO or Sully. He has both beat in terms of length and mobility and should develop into a nice inside outside big man. I think the Cs either move up or out of this pick. Though I rank Lyles 1 the remaining PFs Portis, Looney, Wood and Harrell are very close in value. I can see DA making a move with a team looking for a PG as T Jones and Payne will be available or a team that wants Booker.
17. Bucks: Booker, they are stocked with young talent Booker would be the BPA and give then a not down shooter.
18. Rockets: T Jones, they need more depth at PG and Jones despite his young age will be close to NBA ready thanks to his high bball IQ
19. Washington: Looney, he will be a project but the Wiz can afford to develop him and he has a high ceiling
20. Raptors: Portis, he slips do to lower ceiling and lack of other teams needs. He would fit well in Toronto and they need help at PF
21. Mavs: Hunter, Im not super impressed with him but scouts seem to think he will really score the ball in the NBA. Seems like a nice fit with the Mavs
22. Bulls: Harrell, if Thibs is still there he will be a great fit, especially if they move Gibson. Harrell provide toughness and athleticism from the bench.
23. Blazers: Alexander, a bit of a stretch but he was highly ranked out of high school and showed alot of physical potential. If Aldridge walks Alexander may be a nice long term fit next to Leonard.
24. Cavs: Payne, slipped do to lack of need at PG. Obviously Cavs dont have a need either but this is a BPA pick. If draft goes this way I see Cavs trading him.
25. Grizzles: Upshaw, early for him due to red flags but I expect he will show well in workouts and he is a great fit behind Gasol. The Grizz can afford to gamble
26. Spurs: George Lucas, with Ginobli in question I assume they will look to guard in hopes of finding a young developmental project
27. LAL: Wood, long athletic big who will need to add strength his high ceiling makes this a good pick
28. Celtics: J Anderson, another tough spot to pick, anderson is NBA ready and projects as a nice 3-D role player
29. Nets: McCullough, he is a project but with no early picks for a while the Nets need players to develop. Grant would help now and McCullough potentially down the road.
30. Warriors: T Harvey, why not add another great shooter. Some questions about his competition level but coming off the bench he may be great fit.
31. Minn: J Martin, athletic 4/3 who could contribute sooner then later. Seems like a nice fit for lineups with Towns at the 5.
32. NYK: Andrew Harrison, this will be a stretch but he is a big PG something P Jackson has seemed to like in the past. He is also use to spotlight which will help in NY. Was ranked super high out of highschool.
33. Celtics: D Johnson, may only project as a backup but has a strong frame and a back to the basket game. This is a good value pick in 2nd rd.
34. LAL: Wright, I have him falling a bit due to already being 23. This is a value picks and he should be ready to contribute right away
35. 76ers: Vezenkov, draft and stash shooting SF
36. Minn: Powell, physical SG who fills a niche they don't have currently in roster
37. 76ers: Rozier, they need a PG Rozier would have a shot at minutes right away
38. Pistons: R Vaughn, young SG with potential
39.
Topic: Early projections of the 1st round (pre lottery) (Read 1234 times)