2010 NBA Mock Draft

The 2010 NBA Draft is one day away and it is not too late for my mock draft. Here we go

1. Washington Wizards - John Wall, 6'4 PG Kentucky

The Wizards had a dissapointing season mostly because of All-Star Point Guard Gilbert Arenas and his "Gun Scandal" (which took a huge blow on my fantasy team). That led to a midseason trade and now DC is in rebuilding mode. The question remains if Arenas is on the trading block or not. Regardless, John Wall is the man at number one. I didn't get a chance to see him play that much. But what I did see was a lot of NBA potential. He does have room to grow, but being a tandem with Agent Zero might just be perfect for him and I can't wait to see them in the starting lineup together.

2. Philadelphia 76ers - Evan Turner, 6'7 SG, Ohio State

Turner was one of the most athletic players in the NCAA tournament this past season. He is very fun to watch. Philly just traded away Samuel Dalembert to Sacto, so some may think Derrick Favors will be their man at number two, but i like Evan Turner here. Andre Iguodala is supposedly on the trading block and Turner would be a perfect replacement. Or perhaps they could be a tandem at the starting wing positions? Unless Iverson returns again.

3. New Jersey Nets - Derrick Favors 6'10 Georgia Tech

The Nets had the worst record all season and were supposed to win the John Wall lottery. However, taking Favors at number three is no disappointment. Could this be the next twin towers with Favors and Brook Lopez? The Nets have a lot of work to do, but Derrick Favors is their man at number three.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves - Wesley Johnson 6'8 SF, Syracuse

The T-Wolves have a lot of potential. Solid big man in Kevin Love. Outstanding upcoming sophomore to the NBA Johnny Flynn (who is so much fun to watch on the hardwood). Wesley Johnson is perfect for them right now. They lack the wing positions and pairing two Syracuse guys seperated by one year could bring much chemistry.

5. Sacramento Kings - Demarcus Cousins 6'11 C, Kentucky

The Kings got a steal in Tyreke Evans last year. Phenomenal 2009 Rookie of the Year season. However, the kings still find themselves in the lottery and need a big man. They just acquired Samuel Dalembert from the Sixers and Cousins seems likely here. Many question his maturity level and that could be a question mark for his career. But his talent level is too good to be overlooked by the Kings.

6. Golden State Warriors - Greg Monroe 6'11 PF, Georgetown

At this point in the draft it's really uncertain in the draft order. Monroe has impressed many in his team workouts and in result has slid his way up in a bunch of mock drafts. Golden State seems perfect for both Monroe and the Warriors. He will have instant impact and will be on a team with Monta Ellis and ROY runner up Stephen Curry. Look for Monroe to a huge part of their season.

7. Detroit Pistons - Ed Davis 6'10 PF, North Carolina

Detroit is in a serious rebuilding mode. Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince have been on the trading block for awhile. Al-Farouq Aminu is also in serious consideration for Detroit. The only reason I have Davis over Aminu is because there is a question as to if Aminu plays the 3 or 4. Davis is a more solid Power Forward and It's likely one of the Rip and Tayshaun duo will stick around. So Ed Davis it is at number seven.

8. Los Angeles Clippers - Al-Farouq Aminu 6'9 SF, Wake Forest

Here the Clipps are again in the lottery as it seems they are every season. Blake Griffin might finally get to play this coming year. Baron Davis and Eric Gordon are a solid 1 and 2 duo. Slide Aminu to the 3 or 4 with Griffin in the lineup and this team should contend. To me, it seems they always have decent talent but always choke so don't be surprised to see them in the lottery next season as well.

9. Utah Jazz - Ekpe Udoh 6'10, Baylor

The Jazz are seriously hoping Greg Monroe slips to them with number nine. That not being very likely anymore, some think Utah will take a wing player with this pick. But the Jazz still have AK-47, CJ Miles (who just had the best year of his career and could continue to improve), and undrafted rookie phenom (and fan favorite) Wesley Matthews who I'm all but guaranteeing they'll resign. So, I do believe they'll still go with a big man which they desperately need right now since they're starting center Mehmet Okur is a 6'11 shooting guard, and Carlos Boozer could be on his way out of Utah. That leaves Paul Millsap as the only true starting bigman for the Jazz. Udoh is perfect for Utah and is exactly what they need. He's long and can block shots. Ekpe is a no brainer to me.

10. Indiana Pacers - Gordon Heyward 6'8 SF, Butler

Heyward was THE Cinderella story of march madness. Some think he may go to Utah at the 9th pick (apparently he has a solid fan base there). He made himself known in the Energy Solutions Arena with his fantastic performances on the way to Butler's final four appearance at home. Why not keep him at home? He'd be a great compliment to Danny Granger and would likely put some more butts in the seats being a hometwon (almost) hero.

11. New Orleans Hornets - Paul George 6'9 SF, Fresno State

New Orleans has a lot of problems. Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton look as if they are the future 1 and 2 of the franchise. CP3 is health but is open to being traded. David West and Okafor fill up the frontcourt so Paul George could be an instant impact player along side Collison and Thornton. Stoyakavic career looks to be over real soon. This could be the replacement they need.

12. Memphis Grizzlies - Xavier Henry 6'7 SG, Kansas

OJ Mayo the Grizzlies best player is likely to bolt in free agency this summer. Memphis acquired Ronnie Brewer from Utah at the trading block last season but i still look for them to take a wing with this pick (if it's not traded tomorrow). Henry is perfect at number twelve.

13. Toronto Raptors - Patrick Patterson 6'9 PF, Kentucky

The Raptors also face a scary off season with Chris Bosh one of the high coveted free agents on the market this summer. Toronto is still an option for him and regardless, I think Patterson could be their man. Bosh and Patterson would be a dominant front court. I've heard Patterson to be compared to a Mehmet Okur with a better post game. That is very attractive to a lot of teams. Versatile big men.

14. Houston Rockets - Cole Aldrich 6'10 C, Kansas

With Yao Ming's near future uncertain, Aldrich could be a good replacement at Center for the Rockets. Some like to compare him to Greg Ostertag. That being said he still will be in the top half of the draft.

15. Milwaukee Bucks - Luke Babbitt 6'9 SF, Nevada

Babbitt's size and sharpshooting have teams in the lottery looking at him. Utah really likes him and if they go with a big man I think he'll fall to either Memphis at twelve or Milwaukee right here at fifteen. With Jennings, Bogut and Babbit Milwaukee could make a better run in the Eastern Conference in the near future.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Anderson 6'6 SG, Oklahoma State

Anderson fills another whole for the Wolves. Flynn, Anderson, Johnson (4th pick), Love, Jefferson. Yep, I think he'll fit right in. If Minnesota keeps this pick a two guard will be taken. But wait, there's more for Minnesota later.

17. Chicago Bulls - Avery Bradley 6'3 SG, Texas

This is one of the top projected landing places for Lebron James this summer. I don't think this pick with affect that so look for a two guard to be taken. The Bulls have much potential and Bradley I think would be a nice fit in their lineup.

18. Miami Heat - Eric Bledsoe 6'2 PG, Kentucky

Just about every mock draft has Miami taking Bledsoe. Chalmers hasn't impressed and Arroyo isn't really the man D Wade needs. Wade can play both the 1 and 2. That's not a question. Eric Bledsoe is the perfect man to take the 1 responsibilities off of Wade so he can be ... well Dwyane Wade.

19. Boston Celtics - Daniel Orton 6'10 C, Daniel Orton

Here we complete the ridiculous 2010 draft class of the Kentucky Wildcats. Sheed's future is uncertain and who knows how much longer KG has. Perkins is a solid biggy and Orton would work great right beside him.

20. San Antonio Spurs - Solomon Alabi 7'1 C, Florida State

The Spurs need a big man. Manu Ginobili tried to carry them through the playoffs this last season. Timmy just doesn't have what he did and there aren't enough pieces for this team right now. Tony Parker could even be on the trading block. Look for a big man here and in this scenario, Alabi would be that guy.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Craig Brackins 6'10 PF, Iowa State

I have grown highly fond of this team. Russell Westbrook did amazing things for my fantasy team last year. He was the reason I made the playoffs. With Russ, The Durantula and the rest of the supporting cast, all that lacks is a solid front court. Brackins could be that compliment for KD35.

22. Portland Trailblazers - Damion James 6'8 SF, Texas

Portland just always seems to have things go wrong for them. Greg Oden hasn't been able to do anything. They suffered with injuries througout the 2009 season and still made the playoffs. It seems they could always use more wing players. They're stacked with big guys.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin Seraphin 6'10 PF, France

Here we are. The final pick of the first round for the Wolves. Why not grab a solid backup for Love and Jefferson. They got just about everything else from this mock draft. But once again, don't be surprised to see this pick traded.

24. Atlanta Hawks - Hassan Whiteside 7'0 C, Marshall

Whiteside is the most likely bust of this years draft (along with Cousins). Needs to work on growing up a bit. Extremely talented however and with number twenty four, this would be a great pick for the Hawks. Say Hassan grows up. His talent could ride him into being an All-Star. Wouldn't that be a steal for Atlanta?

25. Memphis Grizzlies - Quincy Pondexter 6'7 SF, Washington

Memphis with another wing guy right here. This is also a pick that could be traded as well but i think Pondexter could also be a good filler for the hole OJ Mayo would leave.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder - Larry Sanders 6'11 PF, VCU

Another big guy for OKC. Yep, that's all they need.

27. New Jersey Nets - Jordan Crawford 6'4 SG, Xavier

If i'm correct and the Nets come away with Favors and Crawford out of the first round, no one in New Jersey (or Brooklyn) could be anything but looking forward to the future. Crawford was exciting in the NCAA tourney as Xavier surprised some and busted some brackets. Devin Harris would finally have the complimentary players he's been looking for. Or would he be trade bait for a true PG?

28. Memphis Grizzlies - Devin Ebanks 6'8 SF, West Virginia

Yet another trade possibility. But I like Ebanks and if Memphis doesn't trade any of these picks, he's got a lot of potential for the Grizzlies and would compete well with Pondexter. Rudy Gay is definately a starting wing if OJ Mayo is gone. But Ronnie Brewer finds himself in another logjam with Xavier Henry, Quincy Pondexter and Devin Ebanks. Many possibilities for Memphis that could include trades.

29. Orlando Magic - Darington Hobson 6'7 SF, New Mexico

Hobson carried his Lobos team into the second round of the NCAA tourny last year. From not being ranked in the pre-season to a 3 seed, they made some noise. Hobson won the MWC player of the year when all season he wasn't even in running. Orlando misses Hedo Turkoglu and Hobson would be perfect for SVG's system.

30. Washinton Wizards - Terrico White 6'5 SG, Ole Miss

With Arenas and Wall, White could be the first guard off the bench or even a started if Agent Zero is traded.



There it is folks. Highly looking forward to the draft tomorrow. Wont be able to watch with a busy night ahead but that's what the ESPN app for my Blackberry is for.