Pro Basketball News - The voice of pro basketball

By Tony Mejia

Pro Basketball News

ORLANDO, Fla. - The following is a mock draft put together after talking to people who actually make decisions about who is being picked where, which is always handy info to have when putting together one of these. Projections can and will change once the workout schedule gets hot and heavy, because one team's gem will be another's discard in what's shaping up as an "eye of the beholder" draft once you get into the second half of the lottery.

Though this draft isn't heavy on can't-miss prospects, it looks to be deeper than the past few editions, a direct result of forcing kids to put in at least one year in college. While many critics believe the current rules cheapen the college experience, it does enrich the talent pool because it forces those who would've turned pro right out of high school to enter the NBA as more complete products.

We're witnessing the evolution of this rule paying dividends because prospects are hitting the ground ready to work as opposed to finding they're in way over their heads when putting their names directly in the NBA ring. Scouts are now able to project success with a few more resources at their disposal, adding the input of accomplished coaches to the on-court proof of at least one season of competition at a higher level. The trickle-down effect also results in juniors and seniors who have developed into first-round talents having competed against a higher caliber of competition, lessening the guessing games involved.

Here's an educated guess of how the first round shakes out entering the pre-draft festivities in Orlando. Be sure to check back often over the next few weeks as we sift through the workouts and misinformation teams put out there ahead of June 26.

1. Chicago - Michael Beasley, F, 6-9, 235, Fr., Kansas State: The Bulls are facing a decision most front office personnel are roughly 60/40 on. Given the rapid development of Chris Paul and Deron Williams, there are those who feel that picking up a floor general of Derrick Rose's caliber is an opportunity that can't be passed on, but it would be irresponsible to project that type of success for him. Despite last year's down season, Kirk Hinrich is still locked in to a long-term deal at a reasonable rate and remains the team's future at the position. Beasley offers Chicago the frontcourt scoring threat its lacked for years and is considered the consensus top prospect.

2. Miami - Derrick Rose, G, 6-3, 190, Fr., Memphis: The Heat missed out on the top pick they were favored to get, but are set to get their hands on the player they covet, a lead guard who can help alleviate some of the pressure on Dwyane Wade. There are concerns that both players need the ball in their hands to be successful and that Rose's inconsistent jumper would keep him from taking full advantage of playing next to another playmaker, but that pales in comparison to the potential explosiveness of a backcourt that should alleviate the offensive deficiencies that plagued Miami throughout last season's disaster.

3. Minnesota - Brook Lopez, C, 7-0, 260, So., Stanford: He's the most polished big man in the draft by a long shot, efficient at scoring in the post and far more athletic than typically given credit for. Minnesota has spent past lottery picks on guards Randy Foye, Rashad McCants and swingman Corey Brewer, so it makes sense that they would look to add a tag-team partner for rising star Al Jefferson.

4. Seattle - Jerryd Bayless, G, 6-3, 200, Fr., Arizona: His game has drawn comparisons to former Wildcat standout Gilbert Arenas, which means scouts are hesitant to endorse him as the prototypical point guard. Still, as long as he can convince the Sonics that he's willing to work hard on the defensive end, Bayless would be another great building block for a team moving in the right direction. Mayo, Gordon and Westbrook will also get heavy consideration, with Westbrook being an especially strong sleeper due to his potential as a defensive standout.

5. Memphis - Eric Gordon, G, 6-3, 215, Fr., Indiana: It's no secret that the Grizzlies are in full-scale rebuilding mode, which means Mike Miller's days are numbered. Although promising Spanish sniper Juan Carlos Navarro is already in place, a team that plans to run and gun can never have too many shooters, opening the door for the best one available in this year's draft to find a home. The Hoosiers stand out has drawn comparisons to Chicago's Ben Gordon due to his size and skill set.

6. New York - O.J. Mayo, G, 6-5, 195, Fr., USC: Already the most popular player in this draft, a move from Hollywood to Manhattan would only increase Mayo's appeal. Despite the scandals that have haunted him as an amateur, Mayo has already displayed the people skills necessary to smooth over rough edges, impressing everyone who has come into contact with him with his professionalism. All that's left is for his game to match. Mike D'Antoni won't have a Steve Nash available to him, so picking up multiple guards comfortable with the ball in their hands is the next best option. He's got the personality and temperament to succeed in the big city.

7. L.A. Clippers - Russell Westbrook, G, 6-3, 190, So., UCLA: Shaun Livingston's future is still uncertain, so it's in the Clippers best interest to protect themselves by adding another option in a draft heavy on quality guards. A phenomenal athlete whose best days are in front of him, a Westbrook may ultimately develop into an Antonio Daniels-type. At the very least, he'll aid Livingston's return to health by offering him quality competition.

8. Milwaukee - Kevin Love, F, 6-9, 255, Fr., UCLA: It's a new day in Milwaukee, where the John Hammond/Scott Skiles regime begins. Although they're in it for the long haul, the thought process is that there's enough talent in place to win immediately, so expect the Bucks to grab the player most ready to contribute. Love's stock is rising steadily thanks to an improved physique and his undeniably impressive intangibles, which would help aid the development of Andrew Bogut and Yi Jianlian.

9. Charlotte - Anthony Randolph, F, 6-11, 220, Fr., LSU: This begins the point in the draft where you gamble on upside, so whoever takes Randolph will be banking that he'll fare better out of the gate than former LSU standouts Stromile Swift and Tyrus Thomas. Although Randolph is another athletic marvel in the same vein, he's got a lot more natural talent at his disposal, able to put the ball on the floor and make others better. Other natural fits at this spot include Kansas' Darrell Arthur, Italy's Danilo Gallinari and Texas A&M center DeAndre Jordan.

10. New Jersey - DeAndre Jordan, C, 7-0, 260, Fr., Texas A&M: Nenad Krstic hasn't been able to stay healthy, while Josh Boone and Sean Williams are too slight of frame to be adequate centers, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Nets add another young big man to their arsenal, choosing between 7-footers Jordan, Kosta Koufos and JaVale McGee. None are anywhere close to being a finished product, so this becomes a situation where the player who impresses most in workouts will hear his name called.

11. Indiana - D.J. Augustin, G, 5-11, 175, So., Texas: The Pacers would have a big choice to make given the talent on the board at this point. Although there are a number of frontcourt options available and Jermaine O'Neal's future is uncertain, it would be hard to pass up on a point guard of Augustin's pedigree given the injuries Indiana suffered at that position last season, a turn of events that might have ultimately cost it a playoff berth. Augustin might be undersized, but he's got a floor presence too great to ignore.

12. Sacramento - Darrell Arthur, F, 6-9, 215, So., Kansas: His stock is on the rise and the Kings are in need of quality size, so this would be a perfect marriage. The top prospect off the reigning national champions turned talent into production during his second season at KU, showing off an improved mid-range game to go with superb size and athleticism.

13. Portland - Danilo Gallinari, F, 6-9, 210, Int'l, Italy: At this point last year, many people I talked to lumped this kid's name in as a candidate to be the top selection in this year's draft. It's hard to tell whether Andrea Bargnani's struggles hindered his chances, but it sure looks like they didn't help. More scouts got a chance to see him, so this could be a case of increased familiarity killing the buzz that typically surrounds top European prospects. Regardless, he's a lottery pick, unlikely to fall any further than here. The most interesting comparison I've heard about him is that he's a cross between Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojakovic when they were young prospects.

14. Golden State - Nicolas Batum, F/G, 6-8, 215, Int'l, France: Mickael Pietrus' days by the bay are probably done, but that doesn't mean the Warriors have to be done carrying a French influence on the roster. It's been said that Batum's stock has slipped due to a poor showing last season, but one look at this kid's jaw-dropping athleticism makes it easy to believe the rumor I've heard that there's sand-bagging involved with this 19-year-old. The Rudy Gay comparison isn't far-fetched.

15. Phoenix (via Atlanta) - JaVale McGee, C, 7-0, 240, So., Nevada: This kid drips potential, but also scares teams with his lack of production at a mid-major where he couldn't match the production Nick Fazekas, who was forced to toil through the NBDL as a rookie. The names Channing Frye and LaMarcus Aldridge are thrown around when describing his game, but the biggest variable will be his temperament. It's in his best interest to attack workouts with a ferocity he didn't display in college. If he does that, he'll be too hard to pass up for a team that craves quality size.

16. Philadelphia - Kosta Koufos, C, 7-1, 245, Fr., Ohio State: The man who essentially replaced Greg Oden as the focal point at Ohio State didn't get the attention his predecessor enjoyed, but did put up solid numbers that would've been even better if he had someone the caliber of Mike Conley getting him the ball. Despite the Buckeyes' lack of success, the enormous Koufos impressed enough scouts to make this leap with the knowledge that he could potentially emerge as a lottery pick.

17. Toronto - Joe Alexander, F, 6-8, 230, Jr., West Virginia: Perhaps this draft's greatest success story, Alexander went from being completely off the radar to emerging as one of the country's most intriguing weapons under the tutelage of Bob Huggins, who clearly doesn't get the credit he deserves for his coaching ability. After tearing up the Big East, Alexander is capitalizing while the time is right and projects as a solid combo forward who will be able to compensate for what he lacks in size to be a prototypical '4' thanks to his impressive athleticism and dominant mid-range game.

18. Washington - Marreese Speights, F, 6-10, 250, So., Florida: After taking his lumps against Al Horford and Joakim Noah as a freshman during UF's 2006 national title run, Speights took what he learned and put together a very effective sophomore season under Billy Donovan. He'd probably be a lock for the lottery if he returned for his junior year, so he looms as an excellent value pick at this point in the draft due to his great size and undeniable upside.

19. Cleveland - Brandon Rush, G, 6-6, 210, Jr., Kansas: He showed off his versatility and an increased maturity level in bouncing back from a torn ACL that threatened to jeopardize his pro aspirations. The Cavs have plenty of holes to shore up and could do worse adding a multi-faceted swingman who should be able to contribute immediately.

20. Denver - Roy Hibbert, C, 7-2, 270, Sr., Georgetown: Although he's improved considerably over the years, most feel he's still got miles to go to become a consistent performer at the pro level. His tendency to pick up fouls and disappear for stretches dumbfounded scouts and probably cost him a spot in the lottery, but there's still plenty of teams willing to gamble on his size and potential.

21. New Jersey - Donte Greene, F, 6-10, 220, Fr., Syracuse: A lottery-caliber talent who also struggled to perform consistently, he could wind up being the steal of the draft. His raw skills are undeniable, but whoever selects him must be willing to be patient with his ups and downs. He's got to learn how to play the game, but if he gets the hang of it, watch out.

22. Orlando - Robin Lopez, C, 7-0, 255, So., Stanford: Losing Tony Battie to a shoulder injury in the preseason shed major light on the Magic's lack of frontcourt depth, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them shore up this area. Lopez isn't as polished a scorer as his twin brother but has excellent size, a strong feel for the game and really gets after it.

23. Utah - Chase Budinger, F/G, 6-7, 215, So., Arizona: The best player left on the board, Budinger became frustrated by all the turmoil that surrounded his college program and feels his game is better suited for the pros. The Jazz have upgraded their talent on the wing in recent drafts and can add another body to the mix.

24. Seattle - Chris Douglas-Roberts, G/F, 6-7, 200, Jr., Memphis: CDR has been flourishing in a pro-style system and should hit the ground running as a result. He's got an unquestioned ability to get to score at the basket and has the physical tools to turn himself into a defensive standout.

25. Houston - Alexis Ajinca, C, 7-1, 225, Int'l, France: Painfully thin, but word is the Rockets would be willing to allow the 20-year-old to grow into his frame overseas. His wingspan and timing are reminiscent of Detroit shot blocking specialist Chiekh Samb, but looks to have a better offensive game.

26. San Antonio - Davon Jefferson, F, 6-8, 210, Fr., USC: Fantastic athlete always left you wanting more during his freshman year because his talent stands out so easily to the naked eye. He probably would've been a lottery pick if he'd come out and dominated as a sophomore, but his potential is too great for him to slip all the way out of the first round.

27. New Orleans - Courtney Lee, G, 6-5, 200, Sr., Western Kentucky: Strong guard who has thrived at the mid-major level for years, dealing well with being the focal point of opposing defenses. He can stand to improve his range and ball handling, but is a good choice at this point in the draft. He can best be described as solid.

28. Memphis (via L.A. Lakers) - DeVon Hardin, F, 6-11, 250, Sr., California: On everyone's radar prior to suffering a stress fracture late last year, he'll have an opportunity to overcome a subpar senior year with by impressing in workouts.

29. Detroit - Jason Thompson, F, 6-10, 250, Sr., Rider: The road from the MAAC to the NBA isn't traveled often, but this kid has drawn favorable reviews from enough people that he's almost certain to be earning a pro paycheck next season.

30. Boston - Mario Chalmers, G, 6-2, 190, Jr., Kansas: A winner whose defense is far ahead of his offense, Chalmers wants to leave college on a high note after draining a result-altering 3-pointer in the NCAA Championship Game, but has the option of returning to school if he doesn't land a first round guarantee.

Tony Mejia is the regular contributor to Pro Basketball News. Comment on this article by clicking here.