21. Atlanta Hawks
Jarvis Hayes
Shooting Guard | 6-7, 220 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Georgia
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Chad Ford's Pick: They'd love to get a big point guard here and probably should snatch up Boris Diaw. However, Hayes may be too tempting to pass if he slips this far. The Hawks have needed a consistent 3-point threat since they lost Steve Smith. Hayes' perimeter shooting, combined with his size and athleticism at the two, will be a nice complement to Jason Terry in the backcourt.
Andy Katz's Take: The Hawks would love this scenario. They heard Hayes could be slipping for no other reason than timing and promises. Yet, he would be a hit here, having grown up in Atlanta. Hayes could be the sleeper of the draft. He can score from inside and out. He's a hard worker, and he's a fourth-year junior, meaning he'll be more mature than a lot of other players in this draft.
22. New Jersey Nets
Zoran Planinic
Small Forward | 6-7, 220 | Draft Player Card
Autodorozhnik Saratov | Russia
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Nets have liked Planinic for a while, and he stopped working out after his visit to New Jersey. He tweaked his back, but that didn't hurt him with the Nets. The workout went well enough that he could have locked himself up a spot in the first round. New Jersey could use another point guard if they lose Jason Kidd. If not, they've got a developing player who could help them in a year or two rather than being forced to play too early.
Chad Ford's Take: Planinic is another hot name in the draft at the moment. Insider first reported the Nets' love affair with Planinic last week. It looks like things are still hot and heavy. His workouts have been described as scintillating by several teams. Planinic, at 6-foot-7, has the size, shooting touch, athleticism and versatility that the Nets covet at the point. He should be able to step right in and contribute behind Jason Kidd and Kerry Kittles.
23. Portland Trail Blazers
Leandrinho Barbosa
Point Guard | 6-4, 185 | Draft Player Card
Barcelona | Brazil
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Chad Ford's Pick: The rumor is that high school power forward Travis Outlaw is the man here. I had him down, but then I got to thinking. If I'm Steve Patterson, and I'm trying to change the image of the "Jail Blazers," do I really draft a guy named Outlaw? The more I thought about it, the more it drove me to change the pick. I don't believe Barbosa will fall this far, but if he does, he's a steal at 23. With Antonio Daniels leaving, and Jeff McInnis and Damon Stoudamire on the way out, Barbosa has the size, athleticism and energy the Blazers crave at point guard. He may be a year or so away, but the Blazers can afford to wait.
Andy Katz's Take: Not sure about this pick. Barbosa could easily be a second-round pick. Teams aren't necessarily going to promise a point guard who can't speak English a first-round slot. Letting him slide into the second round wouldn't be a crime. The Blazers are rumored to have promised Outlaw this pick, but that seems farfetched. So, too, would an Ndudi Ebi selection. The more likely scenario is for the Blazers to take either David West or Josh Howard. They have to think senior, experienced and either rebounder or scorer.
24. Los Angeles Lakers
Josh Howard
Small Forward | 6-6½, 202 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Wake Forest
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Lakers covet Schortsanitis and Cook, but they're not around at this point in this mock draft. Los Angeles would have to look at a collection of David West, Mario Austin, Howard and Jason Kapono. Howard might be the most ready to contribute next season. His workouts have been solid, and he's still a more versatile scorer than anyone else in that group. The Lakers could use an athletic, energized veteran college player in their lineup.
Chad Ford's Take: After taking Kareem Rush in the first round last year, it's hard to believe they'd grab yet another swingman this year. Not when several big men are on the board. David West, Mario Austin and Malick Badiane will all get a look here (as will Baby Shaq, if he's still around) but I think the pick will ultimately be Zaur Pachulia. Pachulia, a big man from the country of Georgia, could give the Lakers their next Vlade Divac. With Shaq's long-term health and future up in the air, it's never too late to start developing someone.
25. Detroit Pistons
Travis Hansen
Shooting Guard | 6-5½, 200 | Draft Player Card
Senior | BYU
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Chad Ford's Pick: The Pistons addressed their frontcourt with Darko. Now they'll move to their backcourt. Hansen had a great workout in Detroit last week, and the team likes him. At 25 years old, he has the maturity and a nice perimeter shot that could help the Pistons right away. They'll also take a long look at Boris Diaw and possibly Carlos Delfino here.
Andy Katz's Take: Can't agree here. Carlos Delfino could be the answer. The Pistons would be going with Hansen over Delfino, Austin, Boris Diaw, West and Dahntay Jones. Their pick is more likely to come out of that group. Hansen was impressive in Portsmouth, Chicago and during workouts, but he still could have a hard time cracking the first round. He's an outstanding hustle-play guard. He can make shots and handle the ball. Larry Brown will like him and use him if they draft him.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves
David West
Power Forward | 6-9, 240 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Xavier
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Timberwolves finally have a first-round draft pick, and they're not going to waste it on an unknown. They want a player who knows what he's doing on the court. West is a steal this low in the draft and could be a first-team, all-rookie player if he comes close to his college potential. The Timberwolves could also look at Austin, Hansen or even Troy Bell. But going with a foreign player in this spot seems unlikely.
Chad Ford's Take: With Anthony Peeler leaving, the T-Wolves really need to find a shooting guard who can help right away. I don't think West is the guy here. Someone like Carlos Delfino or Josh Howard are better fits. I like Delfino here. I think he's the most underrated international prospect in the draft. He's got great size, is super tough and has a nice outside stroke. The T-Wolves would be crazy to let him slip away.
27. Memphis Grizzlies
Carlos Delfino
Shooting Guard | 6-7, 215 | Draft Player Card
Fortitudo Bologna | Argentina
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Chad Ford's Pick: I think Delfino will be off the board by here, but if he isn't, Memphis will take him, even if they draft Pavlovic or Pietrus with their first pick. Delfino is a Jerry West-type of player. He's smart, tough, mature and can shoot it. If he's gone, Boris Diaw will be the guy.
Andy Katz's Take: The Grizzlies could end up going with two foreign players in the draft. That's not a shocker, considering both players are skilled. But don't be surprised if they're out shopping these picks, or at least one of them. Delfino is a first-round talent, but remember: Austin, Ndudi Ebi, Kendrick Perkins, Jones, Bell, Malick Badiane are all still on the board.
28. San Antonio Spurs
Zaur Pachulia
Power Forward | 6-11, 250 | Draft Player Card
Republic of Georgia
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Spurs could weigh Pachulia against Kendrick Perkins. Pachulia is a load inside and hasn't played as much basketball as a team like San Antonio would have liked. Pachulia does have low-post scoring ability, and the hope is the Spurs can groom him to fill some of the void left by David Robinson. Picking Austin, Perkins, Ebi or Malick Badiane are all possibilities.
Chad Ford's Take: The Spurs will snatch up Pachulia if he's on the board. If he's gone (and I think the Lakers will grab him at 24), they'll have several interesting choices. One is to go with someone like Josh Howard or Travis Hansen, if they're on the board. Two, take a veteran big guy like David West. Three, go really big with Serbia's Slavko Vranes. At 7-foot-6 with shoes, Vranes would be the tallest player in the NBA.
29. Dallas Mavericks
Malick Badiane
Power Forward | 6-11, 225 | Draft Player Card
Senegal
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Chad Ford's Pick: Something's fishy here. Badiane's decision to stay in the draft almost certainly means he's a first-rounder. He's a strong, athletic rebounder and shot blocker -- just what the Mavs need. The downside is he's a few years away. But Mark Cuban can afford to wait because ... well ... because Mark Cuban can afford everything.
Andy Katz's Take: No shocker. Badiane is tied in tight with the Dallas scouting staff. Badiane is a raw athlete who still is learning the game. His basketball IQ is still not up to speed, but he's long, lean and could be a defensive pest. He wouldn't have stayed in the draft without a guarantee of going in the first round. This dumped Ebi, Outlaw, Perkins, Jones and Diaw to the second round. We've got one more mock draft, but the guarantees for Ebi, Outlaw and Perkins haven't been uncovered yet.
Jarvis Hayes
Shooting Guard | 6-7, 220 | Draft Player Card
Junior | Georgia
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Chad Ford's Pick: They'd love to get a big point guard here and probably should snatch up Boris Diaw. However, Hayes may be too tempting to pass if he slips this far. The Hawks have needed a consistent 3-point threat since they lost Steve Smith. Hayes' perimeter shooting, combined with his size and athleticism at the two, will be a nice complement to Jason Terry in the backcourt.
Andy Katz's Take: The Hawks would love this scenario. They heard Hayes could be slipping for no other reason than timing and promises. Yet, he would be a hit here, having grown up in Atlanta. Hayes could be the sleeper of the draft. He can score from inside and out. He's a hard worker, and he's a fourth-year junior, meaning he'll be more mature than a lot of other players in this draft.
22. New Jersey Nets
Zoran Planinic
Small Forward | 6-7, 220 | Draft Player Card
Autodorozhnik Saratov | Russia
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Nets have liked Planinic for a while, and he stopped working out after his visit to New Jersey. He tweaked his back, but that didn't hurt him with the Nets. The workout went well enough that he could have locked himself up a spot in the first round. New Jersey could use another point guard if they lose Jason Kidd. If not, they've got a developing player who could help them in a year or two rather than being forced to play too early.
Chad Ford's Take: Planinic is another hot name in the draft at the moment. Insider first reported the Nets' love affair with Planinic last week. It looks like things are still hot and heavy. His workouts have been described as scintillating by several teams. Planinic, at 6-foot-7, has the size, shooting touch, athleticism and versatility that the Nets covet at the point. He should be able to step right in and contribute behind Jason Kidd and Kerry Kittles.
23. Portland Trail Blazers
Leandrinho Barbosa
Point Guard | 6-4, 185 | Draft Player Card
Barcelona | Brazil
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Chad Ford's Pick: The rumor is that high school power forward Travis Outlaw is the man here. I had him down, but then I got to thinking. If I'm Steve Patterson, and I'm trying to change the image of the "Jail Blazers," do I really draft a guy named Outlaw? The more I thought about it, the more it drove me to change the pick. I don't believe Barbosa will fall this far, but if he does, he's a steal at 23. With Antonio Daniels leaving, and Jeff McInnis and Damon Stoudamire on the way out, Barbosa has the size, athleticism and energy the Blazers crave at point guard. He may be a year or so away, but the Blazers can afford to wait.
Andy Katz's Take: Not sure about this pick. Barbosa could easily be a second-round pick. Teams aren't necessarily going to promise a point guard who can't speak English a first-round slot. Letting him slide into the second round wouldn't be a crime. The Blazers are rumored to have promised Outlaw this pick, but that seems farfetched. So, too, would an Ndudi Ebi selection. The more likely scenario is for the Blazers to take either David West or Josh Howard. They have to think senior, experienced and either rebounder or scorer.
24. Los Angeles Lakers
Josh Howard
Small Forward | 6-6½, 202 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Wake Forest
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Lakers covet Schortsanitis and Cook, but they're not around at this point in this mock draft. Los Angeles would have to look at a collection of David West, Mario Austin, Howard and Jason Kapono. Howard might be the most ready to contribute next season. His workouts have been solid, and he's still a more versatile scorer than anyone else in that group. The Lakers could use an athletic, energized veteran college player in their lineup.
Chad Ford's Take: After taking Kareem Rush in the first round last year, it's hard to believe they'd grab yet another swingman this year. Not when several big men are on the board. David West, Mario Austin and Malick Badiane will all get a look here (as will Baby Shaq, if he's still around) but I think the pick will ultimately be Zaur Pachulia. Pachulia, a big man from the country of Georgia, could give the Lakers their next Vlade Divac. With Shaq's long-term health and future up in the air, it's never too late to start developing someone.
25. Detroit Pistons
Travis Hansen
Shooting Guard | 6-5½, 200 | Draft Player Card
Senior | BYU
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Chad Ford's Pick: The Pistons addressed their frontcourt with Darko. Now they'll move to their backcourt. Hansen had a great workout in Detroit last week, and the team likes him. At 25 years old, he has the maturity and a nice perimeter shot that could help the Pistons right away. They'll also take a long look at Boris Diaw and possibly Carlos Delfino here.
Andy Katz's Take: Can't agree here. Carlos Delfino could be the answer. The Pistons would be going with Hansen over Delfino, Austin, Boris Diaw, West and Dahntay Jones. Their pick is more likely to come out of that group. Hansen was impressive in Portsmouth, Chicago and during workouts, but he still could have a hard time cracking the first round. He's an outstanding hustle-play guard. He can make shots and handle the ball. Larry Brown will like him and use him if they draft him.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves
David West
Power Forward | 6-9, 240 | Draft Player Card
Senior | Xavier
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Timberwolves finally have a first-round draft pick, and they're not going to waste it on an unknown. They want a player who knows what he's doing on the court. West is a steal this low in the draft and could be a first-team, all-rookie player if he comes close to his college potential. The Timberwolves could also look at Austin, Hansen or even Troy Bell. But going with a foreign player in this spot seems unlikely.
Chad Ford's Take: With Anthony Peeler leaving, the T-Wolves really need to find a shooting guard who can help right away. I don't think West is the guy here. Someone like Carlos Delfino or Josh Howard are better fits. I like Delfino here. I think he's the most underrated international prospect in the draft. He's got great size, is super tough and has a nice outside stroke. The T-Wolves would be crazy to let him slip away.
27. Memphis Grizzlies
Carlos Delfino
Shooting Guard | 6-7, 215 | Draft Player Card
Fortitudo Bologna | Argentina
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Chad Ford's Pick: I think Delfino will be off the board by here, but if he isn't, Memphis will take him, even if they draft Pavlovic or Pietrus with their first pick. Delfino is a Jerry West-type of player. He's smart, tough, mature and can shoot it. If he's gone, Boris Diaw will be the guy.
Andy Katz's Take: The Grizzlies could end up going with two foreign players in the draft. That's not a shocker, considering both players are skilled. But don't be surprised if they're out shopping these picks, or at least one of them. Delfino is a first-round talent, but remember: Austin, Ndudi Ebi, Kendrick Perkins, Jones, Bell, Malick Badiane are all still on the board.
28. San Antonio Spurs
Zaur Pachulia
Power Forward | 6-11, 250 | Draft Player Card
Republic of Georgia
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Andy Katz's Pick: The Spurs could weigh Pachulia against Kendrick Perkins. Pachulia is a load inside and hasn't played as much basketball as a team like San Antonio would have liked. Pachulia does have low-post scoring ability, and the hope is the Spurs can groom him to fill some of the void left by David Robinson. Picking Austin, Perkins, Ebi or Malick Badiane are all possibilities.
Chad Ford's Take: The Spurs will snatch up Pachulia if he's on the board. If he's gone (and I think the Lakers will grab him at 24), they'll have several interesting choices. One is to go with someone like Josh Howard or Travis Hansen, if they're on the board. Two, take a veteran big guy like David West. Three, go really big with Serbia's Slavko Vranes. At 7-foot-6 with shoes, Vranes would be the tallest player in the NBA.
29. Dallas Mavericks
Malick Badiane
Power Forward | 6-11, 225 | Draft Player Card
Senegal
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Chad Ford's Pick: Something's fishy here. Badiane's decision to stay in the draft almost certainly means he's a first-rounder. He's a strong, athletic rebounder and shot blocker -- just what the Mavs need. The downside is he's a few years away. But Mark Cuban can afford to wait because ... well ... because Mark Cuban can afford everything.
Andy Katz's Take: No shocker. Badiane is tied in tight with the Dallas scouting staff. Badiane is a raw athlete who still is learning the game. His basketball IQ is still not up to speed, but he's long, lean and could be a defensive pest. He wouldn't have stayed in the draft without a guarantee of going in the first round. This dumped Ebi, Outlaw, Perkins, Jones and Diaw to the second round. We've got one more mock draft, but the guarantees for Ebi, Outlaw and Perkins haven't been uncovered yet.
