Thursday, June 24, 2004
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
The warning shots have been fired, but the full cannon blasts might be coming today.
Two big trades went down Wednesday night, dramatically altering the face of the 2004 NBA draft (7 p.m. ET, ESPN). However, numerous NBA sources claim Wednesday was only the beginning. Almost every pick in the first round is up for grabs right now.
"I've never seen the trade-talk activity so hot," one GM said. "I think there is going to be a record number of trades (Thursday) night."
What has happened and what will happen? Here's Insider's take and our updated mock draft -- at least as they stand some eight hours before the first pick.
The Bulls acquired the Suns' No. 7 pick Wednesday, giving them two picks in the top 10. The team was talking to numerous teams Wednesday night in an effort to deal at least one of those picks for a veteran or two.
Who's interested? The Pacers are talking about sending Al Harrington to the Bulls for the No. 7 pick. With it, the Pacers would select Luke Jackson.
The Celtics and Sonics were talking to the Bulls about the No. 3 pick. There's talk the Bulls could swap Tyson Chandler, Jerome Williams and the No. 3 to Seattle for Ray Allen and the No. 12.
The Heat and Rockets aren't out of the hunt, either. Miami is offering the No. 19, Caron Butler and Eddie Jones for Chandler, Williams, Pippen and the No. 3. The Rockets have talked to the Bulls about a swap of either No. 3 or No. 7 for Cuttino Mobley. This could be part of a three-way deal with the Magic for Tracy McGrady (with the pick going to Orlando), or it could just be the Rockets moving up in the draft and gaining assets to sweeten the pot for the Magic.
The Mavericks moved into the lottery by swapping Antawn Jamison for the Wizards' No. 5 pick, Jerry Stackhouse and Christian Laettner. Washington badly wanted out of the first round, preferring to get an experienced player in return. While Jamison is awfully expensive for what he produces, the deal is a good one for the Wizards. They dumped two bad contracts and picked up a guy capable of scoring 25 points per game.
Dallas' move into the top five has created enormous speculation that the team plans to move the pick to the Lakers or another team as they try to collect assets to trade for Shaquille O'Neal. However, with Mark Cuban claiming he won't trade Dirk Nowitzki, I think the debate is pointless. The Lakers won't trade Shaq to the Mavs unless Nowitzki is included.
So, who will the Mavericks take at No. 5? My hunch says it's Pavel Podkolzine. I was with Donnie Nelson in Italy when Pavel played at the Reebok Eurocamp. He impressed everyone there, but no one more than Nelson. The Mavs need someone big and tough. If they can't get Shaq, they might make a run at Erick Dampier (who just announced he'll opt out of his contract) in free agency. With all the assets the Mavs have, surely they can work out a sign-and-trade with the Warriors that makes sense. If not, Dampier still may be lured by the mid-level exception. Podkolzine is the perfect young player to put in his place.
What else is going on? The mock draft has the answers:
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
Dwight Howard
SW ATLANTA CHRISTIAN H.S. | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10¼ | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
Magic GM John Weisbrod remains tight-lipped about who he's selecting. Okafor's agent, Jeff Schwartz, and Howard's agent, Aaron Goodwin, told Insider on Wednesday they still were waiting to hear from the Magic. There is a definite split in the Magic front office. However, over the past two days it appears Howard has gained a slight edge. With the direction the Magic are going, they feel more comfortable with the fact that Howard would need more time to develop. The fact they have concerns, however minor, about Okafor's back also factors into the decision. After the Grant Hill fiasco, they are understandably a little sensitive on the subject of injuries.
Alternative pick: Emeka Okafor.
2. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Emeka Okafor
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 257 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
GM Bernie Bickerstaff is doing backflips if Okafor falls to him here, because the Bobcats prefer Okafor to Howard. Bickerstaff is old school. He likes tough players with heart and experience. Okafor is a great young face for the franchise. If Howard falls here, they'll take him and still be happy. But Okafor is Bernie's guy.
Alternative pick: Dwight Howard.
3. CHICAGO BULLS
Ben Gordon
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-2¼ | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
Word around the league is Chicago will take Gordon here. But be careful what you believe. The Bulls fooled everyone last year when they selected Kirk Hinrich at No. 7. Could they do it again? GM John Paxson wants impact players and believes Gordon has the best chance of being one next season. How a Gordon-Hinrich backcourt will fare is anyone's guess. The Bulls also have a strong affinity for Andre Iguodala. He's a tough backcourt defender who appears, on paper, to be a better long-term fit with Hinrich.
However, there also is a lot of talk the Bulls are looking to trade this pick. Shaun Livingston also is a possibility here. Several teams have been trying to move up to get him, and the Bulls might be willing to facilitate a trade. The Pacers, Sonics, Sixers and Celtics have been aggressively pursuing a high lottery pick. The Bulls, who are in the market for veterans, are talking about scenarios that would bring Al Harrington or Paul Pierce to Chicago.
Alternative picks: Andre Iguodala, Luol Deng, Shaun Livingston.
4. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Shaun Livingston
PEORIA H.S. (ILL.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7½ | WEIGHT: 186 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
Among the top 10, this may be the toughest pick to project. L.A. wants a point guard, and Livingston is the best prospect on the board. But Devin Harris is the most NBA-ready, and Gordon, if he's still on the board, is the most NBA-ready, period. The word is coach Mike Dunleavy prefers Harris or Gordon to Livingston. However, the Clippers' brass knows, in the long run, Livingston could be the best player in the draft. If Harris or Gordon goes here, you know Dunleavy has some serious juice. If it's Livingston, Dunleavy's hold on the Clips isn't as strong as folks believe. This is a real toss-up between these three.
Alternative picks: Ben Gordon, Devin Harris.
5. DALLAS MAVERICKS
Pavel Podkolzine
RUSSIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-5 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
Clearly the first preference is to move this pick to L.A. as part of a deal to land Shaquille O'Neal. However, with Mark Cuban claiming he won't trade Dirk Nowitzki, and with ESPN.com colleague Marc Stein reporting the Lakers won't trade with Dallas without getting Nowitzki, where does that leave us? I believe Stein. I don't think the Mavs can get Shaq without giving up Dirk.
Mavericks president Donnie Nelson loves Podkolzine. I was with him in Italy when Nelson got his first chance to get on the floor and put Pavel through a workout, and that was before Dallas even owned a first-round pick. Nelson fell hard for the kid. Some people claim this is too high to take him, but that's nonsense -- if you like him, take him. There's no guarantee he'll be on the board lower. Toronto will look at him at No. 8. Golden State at No. 11. Seattle at No. 12. Utah with either No. 14 or No. 16. If he's the guy the Mavs' want, and this was the spot they could work a deal to trade into, take him.
With that said, one source in Dallas said Wednesday night that Livingston definitely was in the mix here, as well, should he still be on the board. Livingston has enormous trade value and could facilitate another deal down the road.
Alternative pick: Shaun Livingston.
6. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Childress
STANFORD | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7¼ | WEIGHT: 196 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
Another tough call. I've been told the Hawks are all over the board here. Why does Childress get the nod? According to sources, GM Billy Knight has taken a liking to him. He believes Childress has the versatility to play multiple positions. If Childress doesn't get picked here, he could free-fall. If Livingston were available here, they'd have to give him a serious look. Iguodala, Deng and Josh Smith also are possibilities, in that order.
Alternative picks: Livingston, Iguodala, Deng, Smith, Harris.
7. CHICAGO BULLS
Luke Jackson
OREGON | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 212 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
The Bulls really like Jackson here. However, they may not be keeping this pick. The Pacers may be targeting the Bulls here in an effort to get Jackson. Larry Bird loves him, and he makes some sense in Indiana. A trade of Al Harrington for Pippen and the No. 7 works under the cap. If the Bulls keep the pick, they'll face a tough decision between Jackson and Deng or Iguodala, two guys they really like. Jackson brings the offense. Iguodala brings the defense. Deng is something in between. Depending what they do at No. 3, one may make more sense than the other.
Alternative picks: Iguodala, Deng, Childress.
8. TORONTO RAPTORS
Devin Harris
WISCONSIN | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
This is a best-case scenario for Toronto. They could use a point guard, and Harris is the most NBA-ready point in the draft. Luol Deng and Jameer Nelson also are under consideration here, but if Harris is on the board, he's a slam dunk.
Alternative picks: Jameer Nelson, Luke Jackson, Luol Deng, Josh Childress, Rafael Araujo.
9. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Luol Deng
DUKE | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
Another slam dunk. Philly has been talking about moving up into the top three to get their hands on Deng. Under this scenario, though, he falls into their laps at No. 9. The Hawks at No. 6, the Bulls at No. 7 and the Raptors at No. 8 all seriously would consider Deng. However, his stock appears to be slipping a bit based on fears that his rawness and lack of athleticism will keep him from being the impact player many thought he would be.
If Deng is off the board, the Sixers will focus on three players -- Iguodala, Josh Smith and Andris Biedrins. Biedrins is the most interesting name of the three. He refused to work out for Philly, however, the team is very high on him.
Alternative picks: Iguodala, Josh Smith, Andris Biedrins.
10. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Andre Iguodala
ARIZONA | SOPHOMORE | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 217 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
This is Jim Paxson's dream scenario. They love Iguodala, and he'd be a great fit alongside LeBron James. His ball-handling ability could give the Cavs the biggest backcourt in the NBA. However, Iguodala obviously isn't a lock to be here. He could go as high as No. 3 and will get consideration at Nos. 6, 7 and 9. If he's off the board, Kirk Snyder could be the pick. He's a lot like Iguodala, but doesn't have quite the upside.
Alternative picks: Robert Swift, Kirk Snyder, Luke Jackson.
11. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Andris Biedrins
LATVIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
The Warriors made a promise to Biedrins a few weeks ago. So, if he's here, they have to take him. If he's off the board, the Warriors may opt for high school center Robert Swift, who has been rising on everyone's draft boards by ... doing nothing. He hasn't worked out for anyone, and yet his stock has risen every week. At one time he was supposed to be the 25th pick in the draft. Now some teams claim he's a lock for the top 10. The Celtics are trying to move up to get him. This may be where they have to go.
Alternative picks: Swift, Podkolzine.
12. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Al Jefferson
PRENTISS H.S. (MISS.) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9¾ | WEIGHT: 263 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
This is a bit of a surprise. After hearing for weeks the Sonics were trying to decide between Luke Jackson and Kirk Snyder, it appears Jefferson has moved to the top of their list. The Sonics drafted Nick Collison, who plays the same position. However, Jefferson is likely a few years away, so there won't be a big-time crunch right now.
Robert Swift and Snyder also are options here. The Sonics are looking at moving Ray Allen, and Snyder would be a nice replacement. The Sonics may also explore trading down with Utah. The Jazz want to get up to No. 12 to ensure the player they want is still on the board. They're offering No. 16 and No. 21 to the Sonics in an effort to get it done.
Alternative picks: Jackson, Swift, Snyder.
13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Kirk Snyder
NEVADA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 228 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
The Blazers are looking for a few swing players who can contribute immediately, and Snyder is the best player left on the board. They may be tempted to take Sebastian Telfair here, fearing he may not be on the board when they draft again at No. 22. But the chances of that happening are slim. They're better off with Sndyer, anyway.
Alternative picks: Telfair, Swift, Sergey Monya.
14. UTAH JAZZ
Sergey Monya
RUSSIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
The Jazz will have to decide between Monya and Swift here. They love both players and know that whoever they don't select will be nabbed by the Celtics with the next pick. While Swift appears to have a huge upside, Monya is the safer pick. He's the most NBA-ready Euro in the draft and just so happens to be close friends with Andrei Kirilenko. Given that the Jazz just lost Aleksandar Pavlovic, this makes a ton of sense.
Alternative picks: Rafael Araujo, Swift, Podkolzine.
15. BOSTON CELTICS
Robert Swift
BAKERSFIELD H.S. (CALIF.) | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
Danny Ainge breathes a huge sigh of relief here. The Celtics have been rumored to be after Swift for months and may be the team responsible for keeping him from working out with other teams. They believe he won't fall this low, but given the current shake-ups, Swift dropping here is a possibility. If the Jazz select him, Boston likely will grab Monya. If both guys are off the board, BYU's Araujo or Minnesota's Kris Humphries likely are the next guys on the Celtics' list.
Alternative picks: Monya, Humphries, Araujo.
16. UTAH JAZZ
Rafael Araujo
BYU | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 280 | AGE: 23
Insider scouting report
The Jazz need a center, and if Swift is off the board, Araujo makes the most sense here. Araujo is ready to contribute right away. He's tough and plays with passion. He'll be a Jerry Sloan favorite. His only real competition comes from Kris Humphries. The Jazz were blown away with Humphries' workout, and he'd be a great fit too. They'll cross their fingers that he's still on the board at No. 21.
Alternative picks: Humphries, J.R. Smith, Josh Smith.
17. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Smith
OAK HILL ACADEMY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8¼ | WEIGHT: 221 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
This is a tough call for the Hawks. They already took one swingman at No. 6. Do they do it again at No. 17? Smith is a steal if he falls this low, and given his local ties, the Hawks have to go with the best player on the board. Childress has the ability to play the two. Smith, with more time and strength, also could play some four. Humphries will be a big temptation here. He fills a need at the four and looks like he's ready to play now. Also, don't sell Viktor Khryapa short. The Hawks like him and can stash him overseas if they want.
Alternative picks: Humphries, Jameer Nelson, Viktor Khryapa.
18. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
J.R. Smith
ST. BENEDICT PREP (N.J.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 227 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
The Hornets would like to address a need at the two, and Smith may be the most NBA-ready high school player in the draft. His deep shooting and huge hops will be be popular in New Orleans. A Smith-Baron Davis backcourt could be terrific down the road. They also like Nelson and Humphries, but neither player has the upside of Smith.
Alternative picks: Nelson, Humphries, Sasha Vujacic.
19. MIAMI HEAT
Kris Humphries
MINNESOTA | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9½ | WEIGHT: 238 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
This is another tough call for Miami. Pat Riley loves Jameer Nelson and has a need at the point. However, the Heat really could use some more size, especially an athletic kid like Humphries who can score with his back to the basket. Brian Grant spends most of his time at center, and Lamar Odom isn't really a four. This will be a tough one, but the edge goes to the kid with the size -- Humphries.
Alternative pick: Nelson.
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Dorell Wright
SOUTH KENT PREP (CT) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
There's no one left on the board that makes perfect sense for Denver. They hope one of the Smiths or Snyder falls to them. But that's unlikely to happen. The choice is between Wright and Kevin Martin. Wright has the bigger upside, but Martin, one of the top scorers in the NCAA last year, is more ready to step in and play now. I think the Nuggets are forward-looking enough to take Wright, but there are people in Denver pushing for Martin. Neither pick would surprise me.
Alternative picks: J.R. Smith, Kevin Martin, Vujacic, Anderson Varejao.
21. UTAH JAZZ
Jameer Nelson
SAINT JOSEPH'S | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0½ | WEIGHT: 199 | AGE: 23
Insider scouting report
Utah wanted Humphries to fall. But if he's gone, look for them to nab Nelson here. Several teams are talking to the Jazz about trading up to 21 and one, the Pistons, loves Nelson. If Nelson still is on the board, expect a deal to go down. The Jazz also like Varejao and could pick him and leave him in Europe for another year.
Alternative picks: Varejao, Humphries
22. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Sebastian Telfair
LINCOLN H.S. (BROOKLYN, N.Y.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-11 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
All the rumors of a Blazers' promise to Telfair appear to be true. Besides, Mo Cheeks loves him. If they believe he's going to be off the board before 22, they may use the No. 13 pick to grab him. If that happens, Western Carolina's Kevin Martin could be the guy here.
Alternative picks: None.
23. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Anderson Varejao
BRAZIL | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
Look for the Blazers to take a Euro with this pick and keep him overseas. They don't need three rookies on their roster. Of the group that's left, Varejao has the most upside. If he's off the board, Ramos and Khryapa will get a look. There's also a rumor floating around the Blazers may have promised this pick to Ha Seung Jin.
Alternative picks: Peter John Ramos, Viktor Khryapa, Ha Seung Jin.
24. BOSTON CELTICS
Kevin Martin
WESTERN CAROLINA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
The Celtics take a beating here. They like Wright and Varejao, and both are off the board. Martin has impressed several teams in workouts. He has great size and athleticism for his position, and he knows how to score.
Alternative picks: Khryapa, Vujacic.
25. BOSTON CELTICS
Peter John Ramos
PUERTO RICO | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3¼ | WEIGHT: 266 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
The Celtics like Ramos, but, given that they landed Robert Swift earlier in our mock, they probably would use him as trade bait if they picked him here. They don't want three first-round picks, and there are enough teams below them who like Ramos to make a pick like this a slam dunk.
Alternative pick: Khryapa.
26. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Donta Smith
SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS CC | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
Putting Smith here may be old news. The Kings like him, but he's been rumored here so long, is he really the pick? It's believed this pick is down to Smith or Beno Udrih, who has been in to visit twice and has the Kings intrigued. Ricky Minard is the sleeper. A few people in the Kings' front office have been on the bandwagon lately. He's an interesting pick -- think of a Ronald Muray clone.
Alternative picks: Khryapa, Martin, Ricky Minard, Beno Udrih.
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Sasha Vujacic
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
Vujacic impressed scouts with his phenomenal shooting touch and extra 15 pounds of muscle in workouts in Chicago. He's not a pure point guard and not the quickest guy in the world, but the way the Lakers play (as long as they keep Shaquille O'Neal, that is) he'll be a great fit, planting himself on the NBA 3-point line and waiting for Shaq to kick it out.
Alternative picks: David Harrison, Kevin Martin, Jackson Vroman.
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Viktor Khryapa
RUSSIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
The Spurs are shopping this pick. If a team like Memphis or Detroit gets here, a totally different player may be taken. If the Spurs keep it, look for them to take a Euro to stash. They love Varejao, but it looks like Khryapa will be the guy who falls. He's a good fit for the Spurs.
Alternative picks: Varejao, Harrison, Tony Allen.
29. INDIANA PACERS
Beno Udrih
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
The Pacers obviously are trying to move up into the lottery to get Shaun Livingston or Luke Jackson. If they stay here, they're crossing their fingers Ramos may fall. If he doesn't, it will come down to Delonte West and Udrih. Udrih is older and more established at the point, so look for them to go that direction.
Alternative picks: Ramos, Delonte West, Harrison.
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
The warning shots have been fired, but the full cannon blasts might be coming today.
Two big trades went down Wednesday night, dramatically altering the face of the 2004 NBA draft (7 p.m. ET, ESPN). However, numerous NBA sources claim Wednesday was only the beginning. Almost every pick in the first round is up for grabs right now.
"I've never seen the trade-talk activity so hot," one GM said. "I think there is going to be a record number of trades (Thursday) night."
What has happened and what will happen? Here's Insider's take and our updated mock draft -- at least as they stand some eight hours before the first pick.
The Bulls acquired the Suns' No. 7 pick Wednesday, giving them two picks in the top 10. The team was talking to numerous teams Wednesday night in an effort to deal at least one of those picks for a veteran or two.
Who's interested? The Pacers are talking about sending Al Harrington to the Bulls for the No. 7 pick. With it, the Pacers would select Luke Jackson.
The Celtics and Sonics were talking to the Bulls about the No. 3 pick. There's talk the Bulls could swap Tyson Chandler, Jerome Williams and the No. 3 to Seattle for Ray Allen and the No. 12.
The Heat and Rockets aren't out of the hunt, either. Miami is offering the No. 19, Caron Butler and Eddie Jones for Chandler, Williams, Pippen and the No. 3. The Rockets have talked to the Bulls about a swap of either No. 3 or No. 7 for Cuttino Mobley. This could be part of a three-way deal with the Magic for Tracy McGrady (with the pick going to Orlando), or it could just be the Rockets moving up in the draft and gaining assets to sweeten the pot for the Magic.
The Mavericks moved into the lottery by swapping Antawn Jamison for the Wizards' No. 5 pick, Jerry Stackhouse and Christian Laettner. Washington badly wanted out of the first round, preferring to get an experienced player in return. While Jamison is awfully expensive for what he produces, the deal is a good one for the Wizards. They dumped two bad contracts and picked up a guy capable of scoring 25 points per game.
Dallas' move into the top five has created enormous speculation that the team plans to move the pick to the Lakers or another team as they try to collect assets to trade for Shaquille O'Neal. However, with Mark Cuban claiming he won't trade Dirk Nowitzki, I think the debate is pointless. The Lakers won't trade Shaq to the Mavs unless Nowitzki is included.
So, who will the Mavericks take at No. 5? My hunch says it's Pavel Podkolzine. I was with Donnie Nelson in Italy when Pavel played at the Reebok Eurocamp. He impressed everyone there, but no one more than Nelson. The Mavs need someone big and tough. If they can't get Shaq, they might make a run at Erick Dampier (who just announced he'll opt out of his contract) in free agency. With all the assets the Mavs have, surely they can work out a sign-and-trade with the Warriors that makes sense. If not, Dampier still may be lured by the mid-level exception. Podkolzine is the perfect young player to put in his place.
What else is going on? The mock draft has the answers:
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
Dwight Howard
SW ATLANTA CHRISTIAN H.S. | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10¼ | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
Magic GM John Weisbrod remains tight-lipped about who he's selecting. Okafor's agent, Jeff Schwartz, and Howard's agent, Aaron Goodwin, told Insider on Wednesday they still were waiting to hear from the Magic. There is a definite split in the Magic front office. However, over the past two days it appears Howard has gained a slight edge. With the direction the Magic are going, they feel more comfortable with the fact that Howard would need more time to develop. The fact they have concerns, however minor, about Okafor's back also factors into the decision. After the Grant Hill fiasco, they are understandably a little sensitive on the subject of injuries.
Alternative pick: Emeka Okafor.
2. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Emeka Okafor
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 257 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
GM Bernie Bickerstaff is doing backflips if Okafor falls to him here, because the Bobcats prefer Okafor to Howard. Bickerstaff is old school. He likes tough players with heart and experience. Okafor is a great young face for the franchise. If Howard falls here, they'll take him and still be happy. But Okafor is Bernie's guy.
Alternative pick: Dwight Howard.
3. CHICAGO BULLS
Ben Gordon
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-2¼ | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
Word around the league is Chicago will take Gordon here. But be careful what you believe. The Bulls fooled everyone last year when they selected Kirk Hinrich at No. 7. Could they do it again? GM John Paxson wants impact players and believes Gordon has the best chance of being one next season. How a Gordon-Hinrich backcourt will fare is anyone's guess. The Bulls also have a strong affinity for Andre Iguodala. He's a tough backcourt defender who appears, on paper, to be a better long-term fit with Hinrich.
However, there also is a lot of talk the Bulls are looking to trade this pick. Shaun Livingston also is a possibility here. Several teams have been trying to move up to get him, and the Bulls might be willing to facilitate a trade. The Pacers, Sonics, Sixers and Celtics have been aggressively pursuing a high lottery pick. The Bulls, who are in the market for veterans, are talking about scenarios that would bring Al Harrington or Paul Pierce to Chicago.
Alternative picks: Andre Iguodala, Luol Deng, Shaun Livingston.
4. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Shaun Livingston
PEORIA H.S. (ILL.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7½ | WEIGHT: 186 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
Among the top 10, this may be the toughest pick to project. L.A. wants a point guard, and Livingston is the best prospect on the board. But Devin Harris is the most NBA-ready, and Gordon, if he's still on the board, is the most NBA-ready, period. The word is coach Mike Dunleavy prefers Harris or Gordon to Livingston. However, the Clippers' brass knows, in the long run, Livingston could be the best player in the draft. If Harris or Gordon goes here, you know Dunleavy has some serious juice. If it's Livingston, Dunleavy's hold on the Clips isn't as strong as folks believe. This is a real toss-up between these three.
Alternative picks: Ben Gordon, Devin Harris.
5. DALLAS MAVERICKS
Pavel Podkolzine
RUSSIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-5 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
Clearly the first preference is to move this pick to L.A. as part of a deal to land Shaquille O'Neal. However, with Mark Cuban claiming he won't trade Dirk Nowitzki, and with ESPN.com colleague Marc Stein reporting the Lakers won't trade with Dallas without getting Nowitzki, where does that leave us? I believe Stein. I don't think the Mavs can get Shaq without giving up Dirk.
Mavericks president Donnie Nelson loves Podkolzine. I was with him in Italy when Nelson got his first chance to get on the floor and put Pavel through a workout, and that was before Dallas even owned a first-round pick. Nelson fell hard for the kid. Some people claim this is too high to take him, but that's nonsense -- if you like him, take him. There's no guarantee he'll be on the board lower. Toronto will look at him at No. 8. Golden State at No. 11. Seattle at No. 12. Utah with either No. 14 or No. 16. If he's the guy the Mavs' want, and this was the spot they could work a deal to trade into, take him.
With that said, one source in Dallas said Wednesday night that Livingston definitely was in the mix here, as well, should he still be on the board. Livingston has enormous trade value and could facilitate another deal down the road.
Alternative pick: Shaun Livingston.
6. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Childress
STANFORD | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7¼ | WEIGHT: 196 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
Another tough call. I've been told the Hawks are all over the board here. Why does Childress get the nod? According to sources, GM Billy Knight has taken a liking to him. He believes Childress has the versatility to play multiple positions. If Childress doesn't get picked here, he could free-fall. If Livingston were available here, they'd have to give him a serious look. Iguodala, Deng and Josh Smith also are possibilities, in that order.
Alternative picks: Livingston, Iguodala, Deng, Smith, Harris.
7. CHICAGO BULLS
Luke Jackson
OREGON | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 212 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
The Bulls really like Jackson here. However, they may not be keeping this pick. The Pacers may be targeting the Bulls here in an effort to get Jackson. Larry Bird loves him, and he makes some sense in Indiana. A trade of Al Harrington for Pippen and the No. 7 works under the cap. If the Bulls keep the pick, they'll face a tough decision between Jackson and Deng or Iguodala, two guys they really like. Jackson brings the offense. Iguodala brings the defense. Deng is something in between. Depending what they do at No. 3, one may make more sense than the other.
Alternative picks: Iguodala, Deng, Childress.
8. TORONTO RAPTORS
Devin Harris
WISCONSIN | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
This is a best-case scenario for Toronto. They could use a point guard, and Harris is the most NBA-ready point in the draft. Luol Deng and Jameer Nelson also are under consideration here, but if Harris is on the board, he's a slam dunk.
Alternative picks: Jameer Nelson, Luke Jackson, Luol Deng, Josh Childress, Rafael Araujo.
9. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Luol Deng
DUKE | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
Another slam dunk. Philly has been talking about moving up into the top three to get their hands on Deng. Under this scenario, though, he falls into their laps at No. 9. The Hawks at No. 6, the Bulls at No. 7 and the Raptors at No. 8 all seriously would consider Deng. However, his stock appears to be slipping a bit based on fears that his rawness and lack of athleticism will keep him from being the impact player many thought he would be.
If Deng is off the board, the Sixers will focus on three players -- Iguodala, Josh Smith and Andris Biedrins. Biedrins is the most interesting name of the three. He refused to work out for Philly, however, the team is very high on him.
Alternative picks: Iguodala, Josh Smith, Andris Biedrins.
10. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Andre Iguodala
ARIZONA | SOPHOMORE | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 217 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
This is Jim Paxson's dream scenario. They love Iguodala, and he'd be a great fit alongside LeBron James. His ball-handling ability could give the Cavs the biggest backcourt in the NBA. However, Iguodala obviously isn't a lock to be here. He could go as high as No. 3 and will get consideration at Nos. 6, 7 and 9. If he's off the board, Kirk Snyder could be the pick. He's a lot like Iguodala, but doesn't have quite the upside.
Alternative picks: Robert Swift, Kirk Snyder, Luke Jackson.
11. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Andris Biedrins
LATVIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
The Warriors made a promise to Biedrins a few weeks ago. So, if he's here, they have to take him. If he's off the board, the Warriors may opt for high school center Robert Swift, who has been rising on everyone's draft boards by ... doing nothing. He hasn't worked out for anyone, and yet his stock has risen every week. At one time he was supposed to be the 25th pick in the draft. Now some teams claim he's a lock for the top 10. The Celtics are trying to move up to get him. This may be where they have to go.
Alternative picks: Swift, Podkolzine.
12. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Al Jefferson
PRENTISS H.S. (MISS.) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9¾ | WEIGHT: 263 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
This is a bit of a surprise. After hearing for weeks the Sonics were trying to decide between Luke Jackson and Kirk Snyder, it appears Jefferson has moved to the top of their list. The Sonics drafted Nick Collison, who plays the same position. However, Jefferson is likely a few years away, so there won't be a big-time crunch right now.
Robert Swift and Snyder also are options here. The Sonics are looking at moving Ray Allen, and Snyder would be a nice replacement. The Sonics may also explore trading down with Utah. The Jazz want to get up to No. 12 to ensure the player they want is still on the board. They're offering No. 16 and No. 21 to the Sonics in an effort to get it done.
Alternative picks: Jackson, Swift, Snyder.
13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Kirk Snyder
NEVADA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 228 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
The Blazers are looking for a few swing players who can contribute immediately, and Snyder is the best player left on the board. They may be tempted to take Sebastian Telfair here, fearing he may not be on the board when they draft again at No. 22. But the chances of that happening are slim. They're better off with Sndyer, anyway.
Alternative picks: Telfair, Swift, Sergey Monya.
14. UTAH JAZZ
Sergey Monya
RUSSIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
The Jazz will have to decide between Monya and Swift here. They love both players and know that whoever they don't select will be nabbed by the Celtics with the next pick. While Swift appears to have a huge upside, Monya is the safer pick. He's the most NBA-ready Euro in the draft and just so happens to be close friends with Andrei Kirilenko. Given that the Jazz just lost Aleksandar Pavlovic, this makes a ton of sense.
Alternative picks: Rafael Araujo, Swift, Podkolzine.
15. BOSTON CELTICS
Robert Swift
BAKERSFIELD H.S. (CALIF.) | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
Danny Ainge breathes a huge sigh of relief here. The Celtics have been rumored to be after Swift for months and may be the team responsible for keeping him from working out with other teams. They believe he won't fall this low, but given the current shake-ups, Swift dropping here is a possibility. If the Jazz select him, Boston likely will grab Monya. If both guys are off the board, BYU's Araujo or Minnesota's Kris Humphries likely are the next guys on the Celtics' list.
Alternative picks: Monya, Humphries, Araujo.
16. UTAH JAZZ
Rafael Araujo
BYU | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 280 | AGE: 23
Insider scouting report
The Jazz need a center, and if Swift is off the board, Araujo makes the most sense here. Araujo is ready to contribute right away. He's tough and plays with passion. He'll be a Jerry Sloan favorite. His only real competition comes from Kris Humphries. The Jazz were blown away with Humphries' workout, and he'd be a great fit too. They'll cross their fingers that he's still on the board at No. 21.
Alternative picks: Humphries, J.R. Smith, Josh Smith.
17. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Smith
OAK HILL ACADEMY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8¼ | WEIGHT: 221 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
This is a tough call for the Hawks. They already took one swingman at No. 6. Do they do it again at No. 17? Smith is a steal if he falls this low, and given his local ties, the Hawks have to go with the best player on the board. Childress has the ability to play the two. Smith, with more time and strength, also could play some four. Humphries will be a big temptation here. He fills a need at the four and looks like he's ready to play now. Also, don't sell Viktor Khryapa short. The Hawks like him and can stash him overseas if they want.
Alternative picks: Humphries, Jameer Nelson, Viktor Khryapa.
18. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
J.R. Smith
ST. BENEDICT PREP (N.J.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 227 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
The Hornets would like to address a need at the two, and Smith may be the most NBA-ready high school player in the draft. His deep shooting and huge hops will be be popular in New Orleans. A Smith-Baron Davis backcourt could be terrific down the road. They also like Nelson and Humphries, but neither player has the upside of Smith.
Alternative picks: Nelson, Humphries, Sasha Vujacic.
19. MIAMI HEAT
Kris Humphries
MINNESOTA | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9½ | WEIGHT: 238 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
This is another tough call for Miami. Pat Riley loves Jameer Nelson and has a need at the point. However, the Heat really could use some more size, especially an athletic kid like Humphries who can score with his back to the basket. Brian Grant spends most of his time at center, and Lamar Odom isn't really a four. This will be a tough one, but the edge goes to the kid with the size -- Humphries.
Alternative pick: Nelson.
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Dorell Wright
SOUTH KENT PREP (CT) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
There's no one left on the board that makes perfect sense for Denver. They hope one of the Smiths or Snyder falls to them. But that's unlikely to happen. The choice is between Wright and Kevin Martin. Wright has the bigger upside, but Martin, one of the top scorers in the NCAA last year, is more ready to step in and play now. I think the Nuggets are forward-looking enough to take Wright, but there are people in Denver pushing for Martin. Neither pick would surprise me.
Alternative picks: J.R. Smith, Kevin Martin, Vujacic, Anderson Varejao.
21. UTAH JAZZ
Jameer Nelson
SAINT JOSEPH'S | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0½ | WEIGHT: 199 | AGE: 23
Insider scouting report
Utah wanted Humphries to fall. But if he's gone, look for them to nab Nelson here. Several teams are talking to the Jazz about trading up to 21 and one, the Pistons, loves Nelson. If Nelson still is on the board, expect a deal to go down. The Jazz also like Varejao and could pick him and leave him in Europe for another year.
Alternative picks: Varejao, Humphries
22. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Sebastian Telfair
LINCOLN H.S. (BROOKLYN, N.Y.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-11 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 18
Insider scouting report
All the rumors of a Blazers' promise to Telfair appear to be true. Besides, Mo Cheeks loves him. If they believe he's going to be off the board before 22, they may use the No. 13 pick to grab him. If that happens, Western Carolina's Kevin Martin could be the guy here.
Alternative picks: None.
23. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Anderson Varejao
BRAZIL | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
Look for the Blazers to take a Euro with this pick and keep him overseas. They don't need three rookies on their roster. Of the group that's left, Varejao has the most upside. If he's off the board, Ramos and Khryapa will get a look. There's also a rumor floating around the Blazers may have promised this pick to Ha Seung Jin.
Alternative picks: Peter John Ramos, Viktor Khryapa, Ha Seung Jin.
24. BOSTON CELTICS
Kevin Martin
WESTERN CAROLINA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 21
Insider scouting report
The Celtics take a beating here. They like Wright and Varejao, and both are off the board. Martin has impressed several teams in workouts. He has great size and athleticism for his position, and he knows how to score.
Alternative picks: Khryapa, Vujacic.
25. BOSTON CELTICS
Peter John Ramos
PUERTO RICO | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3¼ | WEIGHT: 266 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
The Celtics like Ramos, but, given that they landed Robert Swift earlier in our mock, they probably would use him as trade bait if they picked him here. They don't want three first-round picks, and there are enough teams below them who like Ramos to make a pick like this a slam dunk.
Alternative pick: Khryapa.
26. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Donta Smith
SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS CC | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 20
Insider scouting report
Putting Smith here may be old news. The Kings like him, but he's been rumored here so long, is he really the pick? It's believed this pick is down to Smith or Beno Udrih, who has been in to visit twice and has the Kings intrigued. Ricky Minard is the sleeper. A few people in the Kings' front office have been on the bandwagon lately. He's an interesting pick -- think of a Ronald Muray clone.
Alternative picks: Khryapa, Martin, Ricky Minard, Beno Udrih.
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Sasha Vujacic
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 19
Insider scouting report
Vujacic impressed scouts with his phenomenal shooting touch and extra 15 pounds of muscle in workouts in Chicago. He's not a pure point guard and not the quickest guy in the world, but the way the Lakers play (as long as they keep Shaquille O'Neal, that is) he'll be a great fit, planting himself on the NBA 3-point line and waiting for Shaq to kick it out.
Alternative picks: David Harrison, Kevin Martin, Jackson Vroman.
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Viktor Khryapa
RUSSIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
The Spurs are shopping this pick. If a team like Memphis or Detroit gets here, a totally different player may be taken. If the Spurs keep it, look for them to take a Euro to stash. They love Varejao, but it looks like Khryapa will be the guy who falls. He's a good fit for the Spurs.
Alternative picks: Varejao, Harrison, Tony Allen.
29. INDIANA PACERS
Beno Udrih
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 22
Insider scouting report
The Pacers obviously are trying to move up into the lottery to get Shaun Livingston or Luke Jackson. If they stay here, they're crossing their fingers Ramos may fall. If he doesn't, it will come down to Delonte West and Udrih. Udrih is older and more established at the point, so look for them to go that direction.
Alternative picks: Ramos, Delonte West, Harrison.
