Insider - Chad Ford - Mock Draft: Picks 1 to 30

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Chad Ford's Mock Draft: Picks 1 to 30


By Chad Ford


The lottery results are in and the Toronto Raptors are the big winners this year.

At this point very little is set in stone. Expect this mock draft to fluctuate greatly over the course of the next five weeks.

The process of team workouts has just started. Over the next few weeks the Orlando NBA pre-draft camp and the Reebok Eurocamp will dramatically alter the face of the draft.

But for now, here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, at figuring out how the draft might go in June.

CHAD FORD'S MOCK DRAFT

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


Toronto

Andrea Bargnani Position: PF

Height: 7-0

Weight: 225

Age: 20

Country: Italy

The skinny: Raptors president Bryan Colangelo needs a center and a point guard, but there is not a legitimate candidate to be the No. 1 pick at either position. So Colangelo will go with the player he considers to be the best available. He knows Bargnani better than anyone else does and will find a way to play him with Chris Bosh.



Chicago (via New York)

Tyrus Thomas Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 229

Age: 19

School: LSU

The skinny: It's a tough call here between Tyrus Thomas and LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge would give them the low post scoring they need, but word is that the Bulls think Thomas has more potential and a bigger heart. Don't be surprised if the Bulls shop their two picks for a veteran.



Charlotte

Adam Morrison Position: SF

Height: 6-8

Weight: 205

Age: 21

School: Gonzaga

The skinny: The Bobcats need a scorer and a small forward. Not only is Morrison a great fit on the court, but he'll also get fans in the seats. But before we chisel Morrison's name in stone, don't count out Rudy Gay here either. GM Bernie Bickerstaff loves long, athletic players with great pedigrees and told me on Tuesday that he felt like Gay was getting a bad rap.



Portland

LaMarcus Aldridge Position: PF

Height: 6-10

Weight: 240

Age: 20

School: Texas

The skinny: Andrea Bargnani is near the top of their list and may be the pick if Toronto doesn't take him. Nate McMillan likes Brandon Roy and he might get him. But Aldridge fits a need in the frontcourt, is one of the top three prospects in the draft, and is the type of kid off the court that the Blazers are trying to attract. Don't be surprised if the Blazers try to acquire another pick to get both Aldridge and Roy.



Atlanta

Brandon Roy Position: SG

Height: 6-5

Weight: 195

Age: 21

School: Washington

The skinny: A difficult situation for the Hawks. They'd prefer to get their hands on one of the three bigs taken ahead of them, particularly Bargnani. But if all four are off the board, look for them to go with the best player available. Roy has the ability to swing to the point, especially with another good ball-handler like Joe Johnson in the backcourt. Roy isn't the perfect answer to the Hawks' point guard woes, but he will give Atlanta one of the biggest backcourts in the league.



Minnesota

Rudy Gay Position: SF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 222

Age: 19

School: UConn

The skinny: This is a good get for the Wolves. Gay was the consensus No. 1 prospect in the draft at the beginning of the year and still has the potential to be the best player in the draft. Combined with Kevin Garnett, the Wolves would sport one of the biggest frontcourts in the league.



Boston

Rajon Rondo Position: PG

Height: 6-2

Weight: 171

Age: 20

School: Kentucky

The skinny: This is on the high end for Rondo, but he has several things going in his favor. First, after a bad season, he's working out well and reminding scouts why they had him ranked in the Top 5 before the season began. On pure talent and upside, he's one of the Top 10 prospects in the draft. Two, he's a perfect fit in Boston. He's a super athletic point guard who can push it and play defense. His shot stinks, but given the number of Celtics who like to let it fly, he's not going to need to take many jumpers.



Houston

J.J. Redick Position: SG

Height: 6-4

Weight: 190

Age: 21

School: Duke

The skinny: The Rockets have a number of needs, but the biggest is two guard. This is awfully high for Redick, but he should be a good fit in Houston. With Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady facing constant double teams, the Rockets need someone who can make them pay from the three point line. The team also needs help at the point and up front and players like UConn's Marcus Williams and Bradley's Patrick O'Bryant are options.

Golden State

Randy Foye Position: SG

Height: 6-4

Weight: 205

Age: 22

School: Villanova

The skinny: The Warriors don't have any glaring needs. With Baron Davis' health always in question, having a big time experienced combo guard like Foye could be a gem. Besides, at this point, he's the best player on the board.



Seattle

Shelden Williams Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 250

Age: 22

School: Duke

The skinny: The Sonics need defense and Williams provides that. He's one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the draft. With Reggie Evans gone and Chris Wilcox hitting free agency, adding a big, physical player like Williams is a good insurance policy.



Orlando

Ronnie Brewer Position: SG

Height: 6-7

Weight: 220

Age: 21

School: Arkansas

The skinny: The Magic have had their eye on Roy and Redick. If both are gone, then the team must move on to Plan B of finding a big guard to pair in the backcourt with point guard Jameer Nelson. Brewer is a good fit. He can swing to the point, plays aggressive defense and knows how to get to the basket.



New Orleans/

Oklahoma City

Patrick O'Bryant Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 250

Age: 19

School: Bradley

The skinny: After giving up Jamaal Magloire and losing Chris Andersen to a drug suspension, the Hornets lack that super athletic defensive presence that can rebound and block shots. O'Bryant is the best center on the board. He's very raw, but has the size and athleticism to be a significant presence in the middle down the road.



Philadelphia

Marcus Williams Position: PG

Height: 6-3

Weight: 205

Age: 20

School: UConn

The skinny: Allen Iverson shocked many with his strong point guard play this season, but the Sixers really need him at the two. Williams is the best pure point guard in the draft and it would be a mild surprise if he was still on the board here. He's the crafty floor leader that the Sixers have wanted for years.



Utah



Hilton Armstrong Position: C

Height: 6-11

Weight: 235

Age: 21

School: UConn

The skinny: The Jazz's first priority is finding a scoring two guard. Foye and Redick are at the top of the list, but if they're both off the board, the Jazz will look to their other need at the center position. Greg Ostertag is retiring and the team could use an athletic shot blocker to help out Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer in the paint. Armstrong is a late bloomer who is still finding his game, but he does have the size, athleticism and shot blocking to be a legit NBA center.



NO/OC Hornets

(via Milwaukee)

Rodney Carney Position: SF

Height: 6-7

Weight: 205

Age: 22

School: Memphis

The skinny: The Hornets will be psyched if Carney is still on the board here. The team could use an athletic sweet shooting swingman and Carney has the experience to step right in and compete right away. Questions about Carney's toughness and desire are the only reason he's slipping.



Chicago

Mardy Collins Position: PG

Height: 6-6

Weight: 205

Age: 21

School: Temple

The skinny: Collins is a great fit for the Bulls. The team needs a big guard to put in the backcourt with the smallish Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Chris Duhon. Collins stands at 6-foot-7 and can play both positions on the floor. He's an excellent defender and is a crafty player who uses angles to get to the basket.



Indiana

Cedric Simmons Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 235

Age: 20

School: NC State

The skinny: The Pacers have needs up front and in the backcourt, but will have a hard time passing on Simmons if he falls this far. Simmons is an excellent athlete with excellent rebounding and shot blocking skills. With Jermaine O'Neal constantly nursing injuries, and with Scot Pollard leaving via free agency, finding a legit option to replace O'Neal is essential.



Washington

Tiago Splitter Position: PF

Height: 7-0

Weight: 240

Age: 21

Country: Brazil

The skinny: This is a steal for the Wizards if they can get it. On talent Splitter is a Top 10 pick, but he slips this far because of a big buyout with his Spanish team that will force him to stay in Europe one, maybe two more seasons. The good news is that when he does come to the NBA, he'd have a great chance of beating out Brendan Haywood for the starting center gig.



Sacramento

Guillermo Diaz Position: SG

Height: 6-3

Weight: 190

Age: 20

School: Miami

The skinny: The Kings have been unconventional the past few years and it looks like they're heading that direction again. They missed Bobby Jackson desperately this season and are looking for an athletic two guard who can shoot it. Diaz wasn't a great shooter in college, but he's wowed several scouts in workouts with his shooting stroke.



New York

(via Denver)

Shawne Williams Position: SF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 225

Age: 20

School: Memphis

The skinny: Jalen Rose will be gone sooner than later and Knicks fans are still mourning the give away of Trevor Ariza at the deadline. Williams is a guy that Isiah Thomas can love. He's long, athletic, plays multiple positions and can shoot. He really needs another year of school, but playing for the Knicks is like playing for the JV at his point anyway.



Phoenix

Mouhamed Saer Sene Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 232

Age: 20

Country: Senegal

The skinny: Coach Mike D'Antoni loves small ball, but he won't pass on the chance to get a big man if he has a chance. Armstrong is probably the best fit, but Sene has the most upside. He's a legit 7 foot, had a jaw dropping 7-foot-8 wingspan and proved at the Hoop Summit and in Europe that he can rebound and block shots at a jaw dropping rate.



New Jersey

(via L.A. Clippers)

Kyle Lowry Position: PG

Height: 6-0

Weight: 185

Age: 20

School: Villanova

The skinny: The Nets desperately need to upgrade their bench both in the front and the backcourt. Lowry is a super athletic, scrappy point guard who could help run the frentic pace that the Nets like to play. He's not the best shooter in the world, but he does just about everything else well. If he played another year in college, he'd have a shot at the lottery. That makes grabbing him here a steal.



New Jersey

Alexander Johnson Position: PF

Height: 6-10

Weight: 230

Age: 23

School: FSU

The skinny: One of my draft sleepers this year. Johnson may be the most athletic big man in the draft. He's got a 40 inch vertical, runs the floor well and has great toughness at the position. While scouts wish he was a little taller (he's 6-foot-9 in shoes) and a little longer, his explosive athleticism and toughness remind some scouts of Kenyon Martin. The Nets need to get more athletic and tougher up front and Johnson, though a gamble, just might deliver.



Memphis

Aaron Gray Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 270

Age: 21

School: Pittsburgh

The skinny: The Grizzlies have been searching for a legit center ever since Bryant Reeve retired. With Lorenzen Wright hitting free agency this summer, the need has never been greater. Who better to fill that role than the guy who plays and kids of looks like Big Country. While Jerry West would prefer an athletic big man, Gray proved at Pittsburgh that he can be a formidable force in the paint.



Cleveland

Jordan Farmar Position: PG

Height: 6-2

Weight: 180

Age: 19

School: UCLA

The skinny: Danny Ferry will be doing back flips if Farmar is still on the board when they pick. Eric Snow peaked years ago and it looks like Damon Jones is on the down slide. There's nothing flashy about Farmar's game, but next to Marcus Williams, he's the best pure point guard in the draft.

L.A. Lakers

Shannon Brown Position: SG

Height: 6-3

Weight: 190

Age: 20

School: Mich St

The skinny: The Lakers don't need pure point guards in the triangle and Brown should be a good fit. He's tough, super athletic and has improved his stroke dramatically. Brown gives Phil Jackson another backcourt scoring option besides Kobe.



Phoenix

Quincy Douby Position: SG

Height: 6-3

Weight: 175

Age: 22

School: Rutgers

The skinny: Douby should thrive in the Suns small ball system. He plays multiple positions, is great from long range and knows how to light up the scoreboard. With Leandro Barbosa just one year from free agency (and with the Suns looking pretty capped out) he could be a worthy replacement. Texas' Daniel Gibson is also a good option here.




Dallas

Marcus Vinicius Position: SF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 235

Age: 21

Country: Brazil

The skinny: The Brazilian big man can play both the three and the four. He's a little bit of a project, but scouts that have seen him workout think he could be a sleeper. Given the way the Mavs are playing now, tough, versatile, athletic wing players seem to be in vougue.



New York

(via San Antonio)

Maurice Ager Position: SG

Height: 6-5

Weight: 180

Age: 22

School: Mich St

The skinny: The Knicks have a ton of guards in the backcourt, but what they miss is an excellent perimeter shooter. Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Quentin Richardson and Jamal Crawford are all better putting the ball on the floor. Besides, does anyone think most of these guys will be here next season?



Portland

(via Detroit)

Olexsiy Pecherov Position: PF

Height: 6-11

Weight: 222

Age: 21

School: Ukraine

The skinny: The Blazers second pick will probably stay overseas for another year or two. Pecherov looks like Keith Van Horn and has some of his versatility at both the three and the four. He's solid season at Paris Racing has given scouts hope that he might really blossom.
 
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Treesquid PhD

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sounds like a stiff, we don't need to waste picks on size just becuase they are tall. Of course half of you hard up for a center that scores probably think this guy will be ourr #1 option, guess what? no chance
 

hcsilla

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slinslin said:
Another undersized SG is exactly what we don't need Chad Ford...

Not only this but I seriously think that Douby will have a hard time with transition to the NBA. He is a great college scorer ala Troy Bell but his atleticism and one-on-one skills are overrated while his shooting mechanic isn't perfect either.

If the Suns indeed want to pick an undersized SG, Shannon Brown is a better choice, IMO.
 

SunsTzu

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In that scenario I'd take Farmer at 21. I've seen lots of drafts having the Suns drafting combo guards but I agree that would be pretty stupid at this point.

Intresting he has Splitter in the draft, I heard he was going to be forced to come out next year becasue of his contract.
 

BillsCarnage

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George O'Brien said:
If the mock goes as he predicts, I'd be very surprised if the Suns didn't try to trade out.

Trade up for Hilton Armstrong. Utah, NO and Philly could all use an athletic SG who could also play SF. Trade Jones and the #20 (maybe a future #2 as well) up and draft Armstrong. Kid has got NBA paint skills. Develop his shot and offensive game over the next few years and there's the replacement for KT.
 

PhxGametime

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Yet another disappointing Draft lol at least this one is just a Mock Draft, although you never know if those are the 2 players that the Suns are hinting at... I would rather have Farmar or Lowry, also I didn't get to see Alexander Johnson FSU this year (although I'm sure I taped some Games) but man he must've lost some weight if he's the most athletic bigman in this Draft with Thomas and Aldridge around, I'll have-to look at his stats but I could be interested in him (I liked him his Freshman year) but lost interest after disappointing Sophmore year...


I won't talk too much about Adams being that I'm a UofA fan and you know how that goes. I too would rather have Shannon Brown than Douby though, Douby is another House (I liked House) but I'd rather have a an athlete, potential defender, and capable shooter; than just a shooter.


Diaz and Shawne Williams - hopefully these 2 players drop but there should be someone there at #21 that could help Team... #27 you never know.
 

PhxGametime

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One more thing, man with Redick most likely to go high and O'Bryant possibly, there is for sure 21 Draftable players... Lowry and Farmar could fill in for minutes while Nash is here, whether the Suns want either to be PG of future is questionable but at #21 they could easily fill House's role. I really don't like Redick and I've never seen O'Bryant but Redick wouldn't be a bust at #21 - I like Diaz, Shawne Williams, Armstrong, Simmons, Carney, Collins, etc.


Farmar, Lowry, and Brown would make it 23 deep that I'd like at #21... some of the Prospects I like I'd rather be there at #27 (ala Adams, J White, T Gray, etc.) but unless they Draft some weak International player again, I SHOULD be happy...
 

Ollie

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Sene at 21 ? Why not, he's fast enough to run with the rest of the team and he's a future defensive enforcer. Problem is that he can't shoot at all and I guess that'd be a problem for D'Antoni, especially if the Suns are in win now mode.

And we still wouldn't adress the second PG problem (well excepted if LB emerges as a real distributing PG, he's still a work in progress, after all).
 
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SunsTzu

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Sun Devil Jay said:
Yup.. Just what Atlanta needs.. Another 2 Guard.

Brilliant Chad.. Brilliant.

I don't aggree with his mock but I certaintly wouldn't rule out Atl screwing the pooch. Their GM just said they would take the most talented player whoever it is. This is a team that was so desperate for a pg yet chose not to pick one last year in one of the best pg classes in recent history.

From what I've read they still think JJ can be their pg. If they really believe that(no matter how much I disaggree) then I could see them taking a SG.
 

F-Dog

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I really doubt the Suns will waste their #21 pick on Sene. On the other hand, Atlanta will probably take Roy if the three 'big men' are gone--if nothing else, it's the worst-case scenario for Phoenix, because Roy is one of the few draftable players who can contribute immediately.


This whole mock draft blows, though--Rondo and J.J. Redick back-to-back at 7/8? :lol:
 

Ouchie-Z-Clown

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SunsTzu said:
I don't aggree with his mock but I certaintly wouldn't rule out Atl screwing the pooch. Their GM just said they would take the most talented player whoever it is. This is a team that was so desperate for a pg yet chose not to pick one last year in one of the best pg classes in recent history.

From what I've read they still think JJ can be their pg. If they really believe that(no matter how much I disaggree) then I could see them taking a SG.


man i hope they blow it again so they continue to stink just enough to get the 4th pick which gets transferred to us next year. that would be sublime. next year's draft will be better than this year's.
 

nowagimp

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David Griffin(VP basketball ops) said yesterday on the radio that the suns were looking for a "pure point guard" to back up nash, and a center, if available. If they are looking for a combo guard, they are blowing draft smoke.
 

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