NBA Mock Draft III
By Chad Ford and Andy Katz
Updated: June 20
CHICAGO -- Now that the talent pool is set and underclassmen are done "testing" their draft stock, the first round of next week's NBA draft is becoming a little more clear.
Or maybe not.
Yes, by this time next week, LeBron will be a Cavalier, Darko will be shopping for a home in Detroit and Carmelo will be on a Rocky Mountain high, but the next 26 picks remain in flux with just six days to go until Thursday's draft.
Insider's Chad Ford and ESPN.com's Andy Katz break down the first round as it could unfold June 26. Today, Ford makes the odd-numbered picks, while Katz fills in the even-numbered picks.
Note: For players who participated in the Chicago pre-draft combine, heights (with shoes) and weights listed are official combine results. Non-combine participants are listed with their roster or media-guide measurements.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James
Small Forward | 6-8, 240 | Draft Player Card
St. Mary/St. Vincent (Ohio) High School
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: General manager Jim Paxson and coach Paul Silas are quickly developing a game plan for James. They plan on playing him at the point, using Ricky Davis at the off guard, and Darius Miles at small forward. Dajuan Wagner will come off the bench. Paxson believes that if James eventually will be a NBA point, he might as well dive into the deep end of the pool now.
Andy Katz's Take: James' biggest concern is ensuring that he and Coach Silas understand one another as soon as possible. James should play in the summer league to get his feet wet in the NBA. If he does, the Cavs will have a head start in their exhausting rebuilding process. James also needs to get with Wagner, Davis, Miles and Carlos Boozer to make sure this crew can mesh well enough to win.
2. Detroit Pistons
Darko Milicic
Power Forward | 7-1, 250 | Draft Player Card
KK Hemofarm | Serbia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: The question will be how much playing time Milicic will get as a rookie. Milicic needs to play summer league ball so new coach Larry Brown has confidence in him going into fall training camp. Brown's affection for international players could grow in August when the U.S. is in Puerto Rico trying to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. Brown, head coach of Team USA, may have even more of an appreciation for Milicic's game after the international tournament.
Chad Ford's Take: The only question left with Darko is how much he'll contribute in year one. Brown isn't fond of rookies, but Darko isn't your ordinary rookie. After playing two years in the senior league of Yugoslavia, he should be able to give the Pistons solid minutes right out of the gate.
3. Denver Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony
Small Forward | 6-7½, 234 | Draft Player Card
Freshman | Syracuse
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: The Nuggets rolled out the red carpet for Anthony last week and gave even more signs that he's their guy at No. 3. However, as the trade offers keep rolling in you have to begin wondering whether the Nuggets are getting closer to that offer they can't refuse.
Andy Katz's Take: The Nuggets might not keep this pick, but if they do, they will select Anthony. Denver would be making a major mistake by selecting anyone else. Anthony is the most suited to contribute next season as the top collegian in this draft. He should help the Nuggets immediately and put them on the road to recovery. If the pick gets shipped out of Denver, the Nuggets better get someone who can score.
4. Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh
Power Forward | 6-11½, 225 | Draft Player Card
Freshman | Georgia Tech
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: Bosh's workouts have gone well, and the Raptors need someone who can come in and contribute next season. He's a shot-blocker, defensive rebounder and a developing offensive presence. The Raptors once had Keon Clark, and Bosh has a chance to bring a similar presence back to Toronto. The Raptors could look at Chris Kaman or T.J. Ford, but Bosh is more of a sure thing for a team desperate for production out of this position.
Chad Ford's Take: Sources inside the Raptors told me Tuesday that Bosh had moved to the top of their list. A strong workout Wednesday did nothing to change their minds. Still, there is a lot of talk about the Raptors trading the pick. Several teams like Boston, Portland, Detroit and Dallas are really high on Bosh.
5. Miami Heat
Maciej Lampe
Forward | 7-0, 240 | Draft Player Card
Real Madrid | Poland
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: Pat Riley's been in denial for too long. He's been searching for a big three that shoots the ball from the perimeter since Lamar Odom worked out for him four years ago. Lampe, at 18, may be raw, but he's probably the best prospect left on the board. He's got the size (7-0) the body (265) and that sweet touch from the perimeter. The only question? Can the Heat wait a year on him? If the answer is no, they'll go with Dwyane Wade.
Andy Katz's Take: This may be way too high for Lampe. The Heat is high on Lampe, but this could be too big a leap. The safer picks are Ford or Kaman. Riley needs help right away and can't afford to wait a few seasons for Lampe to develop. The difference is, Lampe is as mature as most players in this draft. He'll understand Riley's teaching and will work hard for minutes. Picking Lampe at five would be a gutsy move and could be questioned.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Dwyane Wade
Shooting Guard | 6-4¾, 212 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Marquette
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: This should have been Pavel Podkolzine, but the Siberian giant withdrew from the draft. The Clippers are always hard to figure, and the obvious answer would be Ford or Kaman here. But the Clippers could go with the best available talent left on the board, and that's Wade. Positions don't mean much on the Clippers, because players come and go so quickly that there usually isn't a long-term commitment. Wade is a versatile wing who can score in a variety of ways. His personable demeanor would be a hit in L.A.
Chad Ford's Take: I know there has been a lot of talk coming out of L.A. about Wade, but I think it's smoke. They've loved T.J. Ford for a long time. GM Elgin Baylor saw first-hand what a little guard like Earl Boykins could do. A combination of Ford and Marko Jaric at point guard gives the Clippers the best of both worlds.
7. Chicago Bulls
Michael Pietrus
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 210 | Draft Player Card
EB Pau-Orthez | France
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: I'm not sure if the Bulls will actually have this pick on draft night. But if they don't, it's because Memphis has traded up to grab it. Either way, it looks like Pietrus is the guy here. The Grizzlies have him ranked as the No. 5 prospect on their board. The Bulls are more divided, but if Wade and Lampe are off the board, he's a slam dunk.
Andy Katz's Take: No arguments on this pick. The Bulls could trade Pietrus, but they have been scouting him extensively. The last-minute trip to France by B.J. Armstrong proves the Bulls' commitment to Pietrus. He's playing in the French playoffs and will be well-seasoned for the Bulls, or whomever he lands with next season. His productivity on the wing makes him a possible impact player next season.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
T.J. Ford
Point Guard | 6-0, 162 | Draft Player Card
Sophomore | Texas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: This will shock some of the Ford loyalists in Austin, but he has a chance to slide down a few notches. The Bucks would love to get either Ford or Kirk Hinrich. If given the choice, they would go with Ford, who could replace Gary Payton and team up with Sam Cassell. The questions dogging Ford are his size, strength and shooting -- but his quickness and floor leadership can erase the doubts.
Chad Ford's Take: With owner Herb Kohl trying to sell, Gary Payton is as good as gone. Kohl won't want to give Payton a lucrative long-term deal while the franchise is still up for sale. If Ford is on the board, Milwaukee is doing back flips. They love him. However, I don't believe he'll slip past the Clippers at No. 6. If he's gone, I think KU's Hinrich is the guy. He has impressed them in workouts and has the experience to step in right away.
9. New York Knicks
Chris Kaman
Center | 7-0½, 252 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Central Michigan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: No one was happier than Kaman when Podkolzine pulled out of the draft Thursday. Kaman was battling Podkolzine for this pick, and it appeared the Knicks were leaning toward Podkolzine. Now, Kaman is the logical choice. He's the only big man in the draft who could make a difference for the Knicks in the short term.
Andy Katz's Take: The Knicks have to get a player who can produce next season. Kaman is the anti-New Yorker, loving a calm, quiet Midwestern lifestyle. But he'll have to get used to the critics. Kaman won't get past the Knicks, unless they saw some blatant flaws in his game. They could consider Nick Collison or Hinrich at this spot, but it's hard to imagine Kaman sliding past the Knicks.
10. Washington Wizards
Kirk Hinrich
Point Guard | 6-3¾ | 186 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Kansas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: Hinrich would be a steal for the Wizards. Eddie Jordan should love coaching a guy like this. He can push the basketball like Jason Kidd and is a crafty defender. Hinrich is a combo guard, but that shouldn't matter in Jordan's system. He can play, regardless of the exact positioning on the court. The Wizards' general manager situation puts this pick in flux a bit, but they still will go with the best available player more than with need.
Chad Ford's Take: The Wizards need a little help everywhere. If Hinrich is on the board, I think they'd snatch him up in a heartbeat. New head coach Eddie Jordan likes to play up-tempo, and no one in the draft does that better than Hinrich. However, if Hinrich goes to Milwaukee at No. 8, I think the Wizards will play it safe and draft his teammate, Nick Collison.
11. Golden State Warriors
Nick Collison
Power Forward | 6-10, 255 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Kansas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: No one completely understands what goes through GM Garry St. Jean's mind. But it's always safe to take the road less traveled with the Warriors. If Gilbert Arenas leaves, they'll need a point in the worst way. But guys like Luke Ridnour and Reece Gaines haven't wowed them. So, like the last two years (with Jason Richardson and Mike Dunleavy), they go with a player that just so happens to play at a position where they don't need any help. It's the Warriors' way.
Andy Katz's Take: This would be a surprise. Collison could go higher at No. 9 but is coveted by Seattle at No. 12. The Warriors would probably go with Ridnour in this scenario, because they could be in need of a point guard, depending on Gilbert Arenas' situation. The Warriors could also consider Gaines. Collison is worth picking at No. 11, but he's a better fit in Seattle at No. 12.
12. Seattle SuperSonics
Michael Sweetney
Power Forward | 6-8, 262 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Georgetown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: The Sonics' first choice is Collison, but they won't turn down Sweetney. They love his power game and his ability to get to the free-throw line. The Sonics' brass made a special trip to D.C. last week to see Sweetney work out. They weren't going to come across the country to watch a marginal pick for their position. Sweetney could be an anchor for the Sonics' inside game.
Chad Ford's Take: I know there are a lot of rumblings that Seattle prefers Collison or even Brian Cook to Sweetney. That's fine, but it doesn't make much sense. Sweetney's game is the antidote for what ails the Sonics. He's tough, scores with his back to the basket, rebounds and gets to the line (and makes his free throws when he's there). I hope for the Sonics' sake that Collison is off the board when they pick.
13. Memphis Grizzlies
Alexsandar Pavlovic
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 207 | Draft Player Card
Budcunost | Serbia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: Who knows what the Grizzlies do here? They're trying to move up to get their hands on Pietrus. If they don't, they have to find another athlete who can swing between the two and three. Pavlovic is considered the best shooter in the draft and is an above average athlete. Put him on the court with Jason Williams, Mike Miller, Pau Gasol and Lorenzen Wright, and you have one of the best shooting teams in the NBA.
Andy Katz's Take: Not sure about this pick. The Grizzlies would grab Lampe if he were still on the board, and they could consider Gaines or Sweetney, if the Georgetown forward were to fall. Ridnour is still on the board in this scenario and could get some attention. Pavlovic was considered more of a middle first-round player, but something must be clicking for the Grizzlies with Pavlovic the final two weeks.
By Chad Ford and Andy Katz
Updated: June 20
CHICAGO -- Now that the talent pool is set and underclassmen are done "testing" their draft stock, the first round of next week's NBA draft is becoming a little more clear.
Or maybe not.
Yes, by this time next week, LeBron will be a Cavalier, Darko will be shopping for a home in Detroit and Carmelo will be on a Rocky Mountain high, but the next 26 picks remain in flux with just six days to go until Thursday's draft.
Insider's Chad Ford and ESPN.com's Andy Katz break down the first round as it could unfold June 26. Today, Ford makes the odd-numbered picks, while Katz fills in the even-numbered picks.
Note: For players who participated in the Chicago pre-draft combine, heights (with shoes) and weights listed are official combine results. Non-combine participants are listed with their roster or media-guide measurements.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James
Small Forward | 6-8, 240 | Draft Player Card
St. Mary/St. Vincent (Ohio) High School
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: General manager Jim Paxson and coach Paul Silas are quickly developing a game plan for James. They plan on playing him at the point, using Ricky Davis at the off guard, and Darius Miles at small forward. Dajuan Wagner will come off the bench. Paxson believes that if James eventually will be a NBA point, he might as well dive into the deep end of the pool now.
Andy Katz's Take: James' biggest concern is ensuring that he and Coach Silas understand one another as soon as possible. James should play in the summer league to get his feet wet in the NBA. If he does, the Cavs will have a head start in their exhausting rebuilding process. James also needs to get with Wagner, Davis, Miles and Carlos Boozer to make sure this crew can mesh well enough to win.
2. Detroit Pistons
Darko Milicic
Power Forward | 7-1, 250 | Draft Player Card
KK Hemofarm | Serbia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: The question will be how much playing time Milicic will get as a rookie. Milicic needs to play summer league ball so new coach Larry Brown has confidence in him going into fall training camp. Brown's affection for international players could grow in August when the U.S. is in Puerto Rico trying to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. Brown, head coach of Team USA, may have even more of an appreciation for Milicic's game after the international tournament.
Chad Ford's Take: The only question left with Darko is how much he'll contribute in year one. Brown isn't fond of rookies, but Darko isn't your ordinary rookie. After playing two years in the senior league of Yugoslavia, he should be able to give the Pistons solid minutes right out of the gate.
3. Denver Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony
Small Forward | 6-7½, 234 | Draft Player Card
Freshman | Syracuse
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: The Nuggets rolled out the red carpet for Anthony last week and gave even more signs that he's their guy at No. 3. However, as the trade offers keep rolling in you have to begin wondering whether the Nuggets are getting closer to that offer they can't refuse.
Andy Katz's Take: The Nuggets might not keep this pick, but if they do, they will select Anthony. Denver would be making a major mistake by selecting anyone else. Anthony is the most suited to contribute next season as the top collegian in this draft. He should help the Nuggets immediately and put them on the road to recovery. If the pick gets shipped out of Denver, the Nuggets better get someone who can score.
4. Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh
Power Forward | 6-11½, 225 | Draft Player Card
Freshman | Georgia Tech
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: Bosh's workouts have gone well, and the Raptors need someone who can come in and contribute next season. He's a shot-blocker, defensive rebounder and a developing offensive presence. The Raptors once had Keon Clark, and Bosh has a chance to bring a similar presence back to Toronto. The Raptors could look at Chris Kaman or T.J. Ford, but Bosh is more of a sure thing for a team desperate for production out of this position.
Chad Ford's Take: Sources inside the Raptors told me Tuesday that Bosh had moved to the top of their list. A strong workout Wednesday did nothing to change their minds. Still, there is a lot of talk about the Raptors trading the pick. Several teams like Boston, Portland, Detroit and Dallas are really high on Bosh.
5. Miami Heat
Maciej Lampe
Forward | 7-0, 240 | Draft Player Card
Real Madrid | Poland
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: Pat Riley's been in denial for too long. He's been searching for a big three that shoots the ball from the perimeter since Lamar Odom worked out for him four years ago. Lampe, at 18, may be raw, but he's probably the best prospect left on the board. He's got the size (7-0) the body (265) and that sweet touch from the perimeter. The only question? Can the Heat wait a year on him? If the answer is no, they'll go with Dwyane Wade.
Andy Katz's Take: This may be way too high for Lampe. The Heat is high on Lampe, but this could be too big a leap. The safer picks are Ford or Kaman. Riley needs help right away and can't afford to wait a few seasons for Lampe to develop. The difference is, Lampe is as mature as most players in this draft. He'll understand Riley's teaching and will work hard for minutes. Picking Lampe at five would be a gutsy move and could be questioned.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Dwyane Wade
Shooting Guard | 6-4¾, 212 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Marquette
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: This should have been Pavel Podkolzine, but the Siberian giant withdrew from the draft. The Clippers are always hard to figure, and the obvious answer would be Ford or Kaman here. But the Clippers could go with the best available talent left on the board, and that's Wade. Positions don't mean much on the Clippers, because players come and go so quickly that there usually isn't a long-term commitment. Wade is a versatile wing who can score in a variety of ways. His personable demeanor would be a hit in L.A.
Chad Ford's Take: I know there has been a lot of talk coming out of L.A. about Wade, but I think it's smoke. They've loved T.J. Ford for a long time. GM Elgin Baylor saw first-hand what a little guard like Earl Boykins could do. A combination of Ford and Marko Jaric at point guard gives the Clippers the best of both worlds.
7. Chicago Bulls
Michael Pietrus
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 210 | Draft Player Card
EB Pau-Orthez | France
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: I'm not sure if the Bulls will actually have this pick on draft night. But if they don't, it's because Memphis has traded up to grab it. Either way, it looks like Pietrus is the guy here. The Grizzlies have him ranked as the No. 5 prospect on their board. The Bulls are more divided, but if Wade and Lampe are off the board, he's a slam dunk.
Andy Katz's Take: No arguments on this pick. The Bulls could trade Pietrus, but they have been scouting him extensively. The last-minute trip to France by B.J. Armstrong proves the Bulls' commitment to Pietrus. He's playing in the French playoffs and will be well-seasoned for the Bulls, or whomever he lands with next season. His productivity on the wing makes him a possible impact player next season.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
T.J. Ford
Point Guard | 6-0, 162 | Draft Player Card
Sophomore | Texas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: This will shock some of the Ford loyalists in Austin, but he has a chance to slide down a few notches. The Bucks would love to get either Ford or Kirk Hinrich. If given the choice, they would go with Ford, who could replace Gary Payton and team up with Sam Cassell. The questions dogging Ford are his size, strength and shooting -- but his quickness and floor leadership can erase the doubts.
Chad Ford's Take: With owner Herb Kohl trying to sell, Gary Payton is as good as gone. Kohl won't want to give Payton a lucrative long-term deal while the franchise is still up for sale. If Ford is on the board, Milwaukee is doing back flips. They love him. However, I don't believe he'll slip past the Clippers at No. 6. If he's gone, I think KU's Hinrich is the guy. He has impressed them in workouts and has the experience to step in right away.
9. New York Knicks
Chris Kaman
Center | 7-0½, 252 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Central Michigan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: No one was happier than Kaman when Podkolzine pulled out of the draft Thursday. Kaman was battling Podkolzine for this pick, and it appeared the Knicks were leaning toward Podkolzine. Now, Kaman is the logical choice. He's the only big man in the draft who could make a difference for the Knicks in the short term.
Andy Katz's Take: The Knicks have to get a player who can produce next season. Kaman is the anti-New Yorker, loving a calm, quiet Midwestern lifestyle. But he'll have to get used to the critics. Kaman won't get past the Knicks, unless they saw some blatant flaws in his game. They could consider Nick Collison or Hinrich at this spot, but it's hard to imagine Kaman sliding past the Knicks.
10. Washington Wizards
Kirk Hinrich
Point Guard | 6-3¾ | 186 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Kansas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: Hinrich would be a steal for the Wizards. Eddie Jordan should love coaching a guy like this. He can push the basketball like Jason Kidd and is a crafty defender. Hinrich is a combo guard, but that shouldn't matter in Jordan's system. He can play, regardless of the exact positioning on the court. The Wizards' general manager situation puts this pick in flux a bit, but they still will go with the best available player more than with need.
Chad Ford's Take: The Wizards need a little help everywhere. If Hinrich is on the board, I think they'd snatch him up in a heartbeat. New head coach Eddie Jordan likes to play up-tempo, and no one in the draft does that better than Hinrich. However, if Hinrich goes to Milwaukee at No. 8, I think the Wizards will play it safe and draft his teammate, Nick Collison.
11. Golden State Warriors
Nick Collison
Power Forward | 6-10, 255 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Kansas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: No one completely understands what goes through GM Garry St. Jean's mind. But it's always safe to take the road less traveled with the Warriors. If Gilbert Arenas leaves, they'll need a point in the worst way. But guys like Luke Ridnour and Reece Gaines haven't wowed them. So, like the last two years (with Jason Richardson and Mike Dunleavy), they go with a player that just so happens to play at a position where they don't need any help. It's the Warriors' way.
Andy Katz's Take: This would be a surprise. Collison could go higher at No. 9 but is coveted by Seattle at No. 12. The Warriors would probably go with Ridnour in this scenario, because they could be in need of a point guard, depending on Gilbert Arenas' situation. The Warriors could also consider Gaines. Collison is worth picking at No. 11, but he's a better fit in Seattle at No. 12.
12. Seattle SuperSonics
Michael Sweetney
Power Forward | 6-8, 262 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Georgetown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Katz's Pick: The Sonics' first choice is Collison, but they won't turn down Sweetney. They love his power game and his ability to get to the free-throw line. The Sonics' brass made a special trip to D.C. last week to see Sweetney work out. They weren't going to come across the country to watch a marginal pick for their position. Sweetney could be an anchor for the Sonics' inside game.
Chad Ford's Take: I know there are a lot of rumblings that Seattle prefers Collison or even Brian Cook to Sweetney. That's fine, but it doesn't make much sense. Sweetney's game is the antidote for what ails the Sonics. He's tough, scores with his back to the basket, rebounds and gets to the line (and makes his free throws when he's there). I hope for the Sonics' sake that Collison is off the board when they pick.
13. Memphis Grizzlies
Alexsandar Pavlovic
Shooting Guard | 6-6, 207 | Draft Player Card
Budcunost | Serbia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Ford's Pick: Who knows what the Grizzlies do here? They're trying to move up to get their hands on Pietrus. If they don't, they have to find another athlete who can swing between the two and three. Pavlovic is considered the best shooter in the draft and is an above average athlete. Put him on the court with Jason Williams, Mike Miller, Pau Gasol and Lorenzen Wright, and you have one of the best shooting teams in the NBA.
Andy Katz's Take: Not sure about this pick. The Grizzlies would grab Lampe if he were still on the board, and they could consider Gaines or Sweetney, if the Georgetown forward were to fall. Ridnour is still on the board in this scenario and could get some attention. Pavlovic was considered more of a middle first-round player, but something must be clicking for the Grizzlies with Pavlovic the final two weeks.
