Monday, June 14, 2004
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
With Chicago pre-draft camp is behind us, we can start weeding the field in advance of Thursday's deadline for underclassmen to withdraw from the NBA draft. From what we hear, Martynas Andriuskevicius, Kosta Perovic, Tiago Splitter, Johan Petro, Roko Leni Ukic, Ryan Gomes and Lawrence Roberts, among others, are planning to opt out. So for purposes of this mock, we're leaving them off the list.
The biggest mover this time around is prep point guard Shaun Livingston, whom we have being selected No. 2. If the Clippers don't trade the pick, chances are they'll take someone they can use more than Dwight Howard. If they trade, all bets are off. We should point out, though, that as many teams are trying to trade up for Livingston as they are for Howard.
The other big change is Oregon's Luke Jackson, who cracks the lottery in our projection for the first time after a series of stellar workouts.
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
Emeka Okafor
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 257 | AGE: 21
He measured a legit 6-foot-10 with shoes (and had an amazing 7-foot-4 wingspan) in Chicago, quieting critics who claimed he's too small to play center in the league. Now we just need to find out about his back. He claims it hasn't bothered him since before the Final Four. Either the Magic will draft him, or the Bobcats or Bulls will trade up to No. 1 to get him.
2. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Shaun Livingston
PEORIA H.S. (ILL.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7½ | WEIGHT: 186 | AGE: 18
The Clippers are trying to trade down, but if they elect not to, it will be because they've joined the growing throng in the NBA that believes Livingston -- not Howard -- is the best high school player in this draft. He's young, but he fills a need, and in the next two years he easily could become the Clips' best player.
Insider scouting report on Shaun Livingston
3. CHICAGO BULLS
Andre Iguodala
ARIZONA | SOPHOMORE | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 217 | AGE: 19
The Bulls like Iguodala, Luol Deng and Josh Childress. However, of those three, Iguodala has the most upside. He's the most athletic, the best defender, a superior passer and may be the most ready to step in and contribute right away.
Insider scouting report on Andre Iguodala
4. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Dwight Howard
SW ATLANTA CHRISTIAN H.S. | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10¼ | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
If Howard goes No. 2, the word out of Charlotte is Josh Childress will go here. However, it's becoming more conceivable that Howard could slip to this spot. If he does, Bernie Bickerstaff, who claims he doesn't really want a high school guy, will have no choice but to select Howard.
Insider scouting report on Dwight Howard
5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Luol Deng
DUKE | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 19
The Wizards already have more small forwards than any team in the league, but Deng is way ahead of both Jared Jeffries and Jarvis Hayes. They'll also give Childress and Andris Biedrins a long look here.
Insider scouting report on Luol Deng
6. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Smith
OAK HILL ACADEMY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8¼ | WEIGHT: 221 | AGE: 18
The Hawks are working on a trade for this pick with the Clippers. If Atlanta keeps the pick, Smith makes a lot of sense. He's gotten some bad press over the past week, but his big-time athleticism and game will sell some tickets in Atlanta. If the trade happens, and if the Clips get Jason Terry as part of it, they'll likely draft Pavel Podkolzine at this spot. If they pick up Atlanta's extra pick instead, Livingston will be the guy. They need a point guard in the worst way.
Insider scouting report on Josh Smith
7. PHOENIX SUNS
Devin Harris
WISCONSIN | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 20
If Marytnas Andriuskevicius keeps him name in the draft, pencil him in here. If not, the Suns likely will select Harris. Leandrinho Barbosa is more of a combo guard, and it looks like Milos Vujanic might not be coming next season, after all. Besides, Harris is better than both and should be able to step right in and help Phoenix. Is he the next Kevin Johnson?
Insider scouting report on Devin Harris
8. TORONTO RAPTORS
Ben Gordon
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-2¼ | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a big in the worst way and both Podkolzine and Biedrins are real options here. But I'm not sure new GM Rob Babcock has the stomach to take on a project right now. Gordon's workouts have been lights out. A combo of Gordon and Carter in the backcourt makes a lot of sense.
Insider scouting report on Ben Gordon
9. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Josh Childress
STANFORD | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7¼ | WEIGHT: 196 | AGE: 20
The Bulls, Bobcats and Wizards all love Childress so he could end up going much higher. However, if he does slip, he won't get past Philly. Childress' length, athleticism and great defensive effort are a great fit in Philly.
Insider scouting report on Josh Childress
10. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Luke Jackson
OREGON | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 212 | AGE: 22
The Cavs are trying to trade this pick for a veteran small forward who can shoot. The word around the league is they've targeted the Wolves' Wally Szczerbiak. If they can't cut a deal before the draft, look for them to take Jackson. He's been wowing teams in workouts and makes a lot of sense alongside LeBron.
Insider scouting report on Luke Jackson
11. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Pavel Podkolzine
RUSSIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-5 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 19
The reward really starts outweighing the risk if Podkolzine slips this low. There isn't a player on the board worth passing him up for now. The Warriors look like they're losing both Erick Dampier and Adonal Foyle, meaning they'll have a gaping hole to fill in the middle. No one fills it bet than Pavel.
Insider scouting report on Pavel Podkolzine
12. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Andris Biedrins
LATVIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
Biedrins may be slipping just a little bit. He could go as high as Washington at No. 5 or to the Raptors at No. 8, but it's tough to believe he would slip past Seattle here. Biedrins is tall, athletic, plays tough defense and is more ready to play than most Euros. He's already better than any of the three centers in Seattle.
Insider scouting report on Andris Biedrins
13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Kirk Snyder
NEVADA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 228 | AGE: 21
Snyder's agent recently canceled his workouts with the Jazz, Celtics and Nuggets. The teams claim Snyder got a promise. His agent cites "scheduling difficulties." Whether there's a promise or not, Snyder's a great fit in Portland. He's a jack of all trades, and the Blazers' backcourt needs someone like that.
Insider scouting report on Kirk Snyder
14. UTAH JAZZ
Sergei Monya
RUSSIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
The Jazz claim they have not made a promise to Monya. Fine. But they still have interest, and the Russian-Marc Fleisher connection is too good to pass up. Besides, Monya is the most NBA-ready Euro in the draft. They'll love him in Utah.
Insider scouting report on Sergei Monya
15. BOSTON CELTICS
Rafael Araujo
BYU | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 280 | AGE: 23
The Celtics want Monya, but it's unlikely he'll get past Utah at No. 14. That means the decision comes down to Araujo, Robert Swift or Peter John Ramos. The Celtics like all three, but after spending an hour talking with Danny Ainge last week, my gut says they'll go with Araujo.
Insider scouting report on Rafael Araujo
16. UTAH JAZZ
Peja Samardziski
MACEDONIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 17
Ainge gets his revenge for the Jazz taking Monya at 14 by selecting Araujo, the other player Utah has high on its board. The Jazz need some bigs in the worst way, and the best three left are Samardziski, Robert Swift and Peter John Ramos. None are ready to play in the NBA next season. Of the three, Samardziski is the best fit -- a smart basketball player with a great outside touch and a clever game.
Insider scouting report on Peja Samardziski
17. ATLANTA HAWKS
Al Jefferson
PRENTISS H.S. (MISS.) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9¾ | WEIGHT: 263 | AGE: 18
He measured well in Chicago and has been moving up with some strong workouts over the past few weeks. Jefferson isn't the best athlete in the draft at his size, but he's quick off the floor, has good strength and is as consistent as a high school kid can get. He could do some damage in the paint for the Hawks next season.
Insider scouting report on Al Jefferson
18. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
J.R. Smith
ST. BENEDICT PREP (N.J.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 227 | AGE: 18
Allan Bristow claims there's only a 30 percent chance his team would take a high school kid, but I can't see Smith slipping past here. He fills a big need, is an unbelievable athlete, can shoot it and should be a staple in the backcourt with Baron Davis for years.
Insider scouting report on J.R. Smith
19. MIAMI HEAT
Robert Swift
BAKERSFIELD H.S. (CALIF.) | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 18
This comes down to a tough decision between Swift and Jameer Nelson. While the Heat are confident they'll get their hands on Mark Blount in free agency, he'll need help. Miami is one of several teams that are very high on Swift, and at No. 19 he's a steal. Nelson also would be a nice fit here, but he's more of a back-up point guard in the league, and the Heat have plenty of those.
Insider scouting report on Robert Swift
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Peter John Ramos
PUERTO RICO | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3¼ | WEIGHT: 266 | AGE: 19
There are a number of guys the Nuggets will look at here, but it likely will come down to Ramos or Frenchman Johan Petro. The problem is that Petro is looking for a promise before he commits to staying in the draft. The Nuggets aren't ready to give one, given the draft's volatility. If Petro pulls out, Ramos slips in. He's been dominant in Puerto Rico this spring, and the Nuggets know they need a big guy to replace Marcus Camby when he catches a hangnail (what's the over-under on how many games Camby misses once he signs his new long-term contract?).
Insider scouting report on Peter John Ramos
21. UTAH JAZZ
Kris Humphries
MINNESOTA | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9½ | WEIGHT: 238 | AGE: 20
The Jazz took two international players with their first two picks, so look for them to grab at least one American player. Humphries put up huge numbers at Minnesota last season. He can play both the four and the three, giving the Jazz some flexibility down the road.
Insider scouting report on Kris Humphries
22. NEW JERSEY NETS
Jameer Nelson
SAINT JOSEPH'S | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0½ | WEIGHT: 199 | AGE: 23
The Nets breathe a big sigh of relief. With Jason Kidd likely to miss the start of the season with knee problems, the Nets need someone who can play now. Nelson will be great in spot-starting duty and a wonderful sub for Kidd down the road.
Insider scouting report on Jameer Nelson
23. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Sebastian Telfair
LINCOLN H.S. (BROOKLYN, N.Y.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-11 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 18
It may be hard to believe that a prospect with such a big shoe contract can slip this far. Telfair very well could go a lot higher, or slip out of the first round completely. There are a lot of different opinions about him. I think this may be the best fit for Telfair, for two reasons. One, the Blazers need help at the point. Damon Stoudamire is in the last year of his contract, and Portland needs to replace him. It gives them a year to ease in Telfair. Two, the Blazers need a boost at the box office, and Telfair, for all of his faults, will provide that.
Insider scouting report on Sebastian Telfair
24. BOSTON CELTICS
Dorell Wright
SOUTH KENT PREP (CT) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 18
Ainge claims they're looking for a tall wing player, and Wright looks like a good fit. Everyone who sees him play believes Wright has the potential to be a star in the league. It's just going to take a little while for his body to develop.
Insider scouting report on Dorell Wright
25. BOSTON CELTICS
Viktor Khryapa
RUSSIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
The Celtics wanted Monya but end up with his teammate, Khryapa. At 6-9, he has the ability to play small forward. He's a good shooter, a better than average athlete and uses his long arms to harass opponents on the defensive end. He's another guy who really has helped himself in workouts. Ainge, not wanting three rookies on the roster, likely would leave him in Europe another year or two.
Insider scouting report on Viktor Khryapa
26. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Donta Smith
SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS CC | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 20
The Kings are as high on him as anyone. Smith is a big-time athlete with a great NBA body. He was a potent JC scorer and a decent defender. He's a project, but with the team likely losing Gerald Wallace, he's a good replacement.
Insider scouting report on Donta Smith
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Sasha Vujacic
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 19
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.
Insider scouting report on Sasha Vujacic
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Anderson Varejao
BRAZIL | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Spurs have loved him for two years, and he's a nice fit in the organization. He's long, athletic, experienced and plays with a ton of energy. He's a guy who can step right in and be a valuable role player coming off the bench.
Insider scouting report on Anderson Varejao
29. INDIANA PACERS
Beno Udrih
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 22
History says at least one player from the Chicago pre-draft camp makes it into the first round. This year, that guy may be Udrih. He was the best player in the camp last week. At 22, he has more experience than most of the Euros, and he has great size for a point. The Pacers have been following his career closely for several years. With his shooting and experience, he'd be a nice fit in the Pacers' backcourt.
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
With Chicago pre-draft camp is behind us, we can start weeding the field in advance of Thursday's deadline for underclassmen to withdraw from the NBA draft. From what we hear, Martynas Andriuskevicius, Kosta Perovic, Tiago Splitter, Johan Petro, Roko Leni Ukic, Ryan Gomes and Lawrence Roberts, among others, are planning to opt out. So for purposes of this mock, we're leaving them off the list.
The biggest mover this time around is prep point guard Shaun Livingston, whom we have being selected No. 2. If the Clippers don't trade the pick, chances are they'll take someone they can use more than Dwight Howard. If they trade, all bets are off. We should point out, though, that as many teams are trying to trade up for Livingston as they are for Howard.
The other big change is Oregon's Luke Jackson, who cracks the lottery in our projection for the first time after a series of stellar workouts.
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
Emeka Okafor
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 257 | AGE: 21
He measured a legit 6-foot-10 with shoes (and had an amazing 7-foot-4 wingspan) in Chicago, quieting critics who claimed he's too small to play center in the league. Now we just need to find out about his back. He claims it hasn't bothered him since before the Final Four. Either the Magic will draft him, or the Bobcats or Bulls will trade up to No. 1 to get him.
2. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Shaun Livingston
PEORIA H.S. (ILL.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7½ | WEIGHT: 186 | AGE: 18
The Clippers are trying to trade down, but if they elect not to, it will be because they've joined the growing throng in the NBA that believes Livingston -- not Howard -- is the best high school player in this draft. He's young, but he fills a need, and in the next two years he easily could become the Clips' best player.
Insider scouting report on Shaun Livingston
3. CHICAGO BULLS
Andre Iguodala
ARIZONA | SOPHOMORE | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 217 | AGE: 19
The Bulls like Iguodala, Luol Deng and Josh Childress. However, of those three, Iguodala has the most upside. He's the most athletic, the best defender, a superior passer and may be the most ready to step in and contribute right away.
Insider scouting report on Andre Iguodala
4. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Dwight Howard
SW ATLANTA CHRISTIAN H.S. | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10¼ | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
If Howard goes No. 2, the word out of Charlotte is Josh Childress will go here. However, it's becoming more conceivable that Howard could slip to this spot. If he does, Bernie Bickerstaff, who claims he doesn't really want a high school guy, will have no choice but to select Howard.
Insider scouting report on Dwight Howard
5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Luol Deng
DUKE | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 19
The Wizards already have more small forwards than any team in the league, but Deng is way ahead of both Jared Jeffries and Jarvis Hayes. They'll also give Childress and Andris Biedrins a long look here.
Insider scouting report on Luol Deng
6. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Smith
OAK HILL ACADEMY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8¼ | WEIGHT: 221 | AGE: 18
The Hawks are working on a trade for this pick with the Clippers. If Atlanta keeps the pick, Smith makes a lot of sense. He's gotten some bad press over the past week, but his big-time athleticism and game will sell some tickets in Atlanta. If the trade happens, and if the Clips get Jason Terry as part of it, they'll likely draft Pavel Podkolzine at this spot. If they pick up Atlanta's extra pick instead, Livingston will be the guy. They need a point guard in the worst way.
Insider scouting report on Josh Smith
7. PHOENIX SUNS
Devin Harris
WISCONSIN | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 20
If Marytnas Andriuskevicius keeps him name in the draft, pencil him in here. If not, the Suns likely will select Harris. Leandrinho Barbosa is more of a combo guard, and it looks like Milos Vujanic might not be coming next season, after all. Besides, Harris is better than both and should be able to step right in and help Phoenix. Is he the next Kevin Johnson?
Insider scouting report on Devin Harris
8. TORONTO RAPTORS
Ben Gordon
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-2¼ | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a big in the worst way and both Podkolzine and Biedrins are real options here. But I'm not sure new GM Rob Babcock has the stomach to take on a project right now. Gordon's workouts have been lights out. A combo of Gordon and Carter in the backcourt makes a lot of sense.
Insider scouting report on Ben Gordon
9. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Josh Childress
STANFORD | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7¼ | WEIGHT: 196 | AGE: 20
The Bulls, Bobcats and Wizards all love Childress so he could end up going much higher. However, if he does slip, he won't get past Philly. Childress' length, athleticism and great defensive effort are a great fit in Philly.
Insider scouting report on Josh Childress
10. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Luke Jackson
OREGON | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 212 | AGE: 22
The Cavs are trying to trade this pick for a veteran small forward who can shoot. The word around the league is they've targeted the Wolves' Wally Szczerbiak. If they can't cut a deal before the draft, look for them to take Jackson. He's been wowing teams in workouts and makes a lot of sense alongside LeBron.
Insider scouting report on Luke Jackson
11. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Pavel Podkolzine
RUSSIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-5 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 19
The reward really starts outweighing the risk if Podkolzine slips this low. There isn't a player on the board worth passing him up for now. The Warriors look like they're losing both Erick Dampier and Adonal Foyle, meaning they'll have a gaping hole to fill in the middle. No one fills it bet than Pavel.
Insider scouting report on Pavel Podkolzine
12. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Andris Biedrins
LATVIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
Biedrins may be slipping just a little bit. He could go as high as Washington at No. 5 or to the Raptors at No. 8, but it's tough to believe he would slip past Seattle here. Biedrins is tall, athletic, plays tough defense and is more ready to play than most Euros. He's already better than any of the three centers in Seattle.
Insider scouting report on Andris Biedrins
13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Kirk Snyder
NEVADA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 228 | AGE: 21
Snyder's agent recently canceled his workouts with the Jazz, Celtics and Nuggets. The teams claim Snyder got a promise. His agent cites "scheduling difficulties." Whether there's a promise or not, Snyder's a great fit in Portland. He's a jack of all trades, and the Blazers' backcourt needs someone like that.
Insider scouting report on Kirk Snyder
14. UTAH JAZZ
Sergei Monya
RUSSIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
The Jazz claim they have not made a promise to Monya. Fine. But they still have interest, and the Russian-Marc Fleisher connection is too good to pass up. Besides, Monya is the most NBA-ready Euro in the draft. They'll love him in Utah.
Insider scouting report on Sergei Monya
15. BOSTON CELTICS
Rafael Araujo
BYU | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 280 | AGE: 23
The Celtics want Monya, but it's unlikely he'll get past Utah at No. 14. That means the decision comes down to Araujo, Robert Swift or Peter John Ramos. The Celtics like all three, but after spending an hour talking with Danny Ainge last week, my gut says they'll go with Araujo.
Insider scouting report on Rafael Araujo
16. UTAH JAZZ
Peja Samardziski
MACEDONIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 17
Ainge gets his revenge for the Jazz taking Monya at 14 by selecting Araujo, the other player Utah has high on its board. The Jazz need some bigs in the worst way, and the best three left are Samardziski, Robert Swift and Peter John Ramos. None are ready to play in the NBA next season. Of the three, Samardziski is the best fit -- a smart basketball player with a great outside touch and a clever game.
Insider scouting report on Peja Samardziski
17. ATLANTA HAWKS
Al Jefferson
PRENTISS H.S. (MISS.) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9¾ | WEIGHT: 263 | AGE: 18
He measured well in Chicago and has been moving up with some strong workouts over the past few weeks. Jefferson isn't the best athlete in the draft at his size, but he's quick off the floor, has good strength and is as consistent as a high school kid can get. He could do some damage in the paint for the Hawks next season.
Insider scouting report on Al Jefferson
18. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
J.R. Smith
ST. BENEDICT PREP (N.J.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6¾ | WEIGHT: 227 | AGE: 18
Allan Bristow claims there's only a 30 percent chance his team would take a high school kid, but I can't see Smith slipping past here. He fills a big need, is an unbelievable athlete, can shoot it and should be a staple in the backcourt with Baron Davis for years.
Insider scouting report on J.R. Smith
19. MIAMI HEAT
Robert Swift
BAKERSFIELD H.S. (CALIF.) | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 18
This comes down to a tough decision between Swift and Jameer Nelson. While the Heat are confident they'll get their hands on Mark Blount in free agency, he'll need help. Miami is one of several teams that are very high on Swift, and at No. 19 he's a steal. Nelson also would be a nice fit here, but he's more of a back-up point guard in the league, and the Heat have plenty of those.
Insider scouting report on Robert Swift
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Peter John Ramos
PUERTO RICO | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3¼ | WEIGHT: 266 | AGE: 19
There are a number of guys the Nuggets will look at here, but it likely will come down to Ramos or Frenchman Johan Petro. The problem is that Petro is looking for a promise before he commits to staying in the draft. The Nuggets aren't ready to give one, given the draft's volatility. If Petro pulls out, Ramos slips in. He's been dominant in Puerto Rico this spring, and the Nuggets know they need a big guy to replace Marcus Camby when he catches a hangnail (what's the over-under on how many games Camby misses once he signs his new long-term contract?).
Insider scouting report on Peter John Ramos
21. UTAH JAZZ
Kris Humphries
MINNESOTA | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9½ | WEIGHT: 238 | AGE: 20
The Jazz took two international players with their first two picks, so look for them to grab at least one American player. Humphries put up huge numbers at Minnesota last season. He can play both the four and the three, giving the Jazz some flexibility down the road.
Insider scouting report on Kris Humphries
22. NEW JERSEY NETS
Jameer Nelson
SAINT JOSEPH'S | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0½ | WEIGHT: 199 | AGE: 23
The Nets breathe a big sigh of relief. With Jason Kidd likely to miss the start of the season with knee problems, the Nets need someone who can play now. Nelson will be great in spot-starting duty and a wonderful sub for Kidd down the road.
Insider scouting report on Jameer Nelson
23. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Sebastian Telfair
LINCOLN H.S. (BROOKLYN, N.Y.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-11 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 18
It may be hard to believe that a prospect with such a big shoe contract can slip this far. Telfair very well could go a lot higher, or slip out of the first round completely. There are a lot of different opinions about him. I think this may be the best fit for Telfair, for two reasons. One, the Blazers need help at the point. Damon Stoudamire is in the last year of his contract, and Portland needs to replace him. It gives them a year to ease in Telfair. Two, the Blazers need a boost at the box office, and Telfair, for all of his faults, will provide that.
Insider scouting report on Sebastian Telfair
24. BOSTON CELTICS
Dorell Wright
SOUTH KENT PREP (CT) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 18
Ainge claims they're looking for a tall wing player, and Wright looks like a good fit. Everyone who sees him play believes Wright has the potential to be a star in the league. It's just going to take a little while for his body to develop.
Insider scouting report on Dorell Wright
25. BOSTON CELTICS
Viktor Khryapa
RUSSIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
The Celtics wanted Monya but end up with his teammate, Khryapa. At 6-9, he has the ability to play small forward. He's a good shooter, a better than average athlete and uses his long arms to harass opponents on the defensive end. He's another guy who really has helped himself in workouts. Ainge, not wanting three rookies on the roster, likely would leave him in Europe another year or two.
Insider scouting report on Viktor Khryapa
26. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Donta Smith
SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS CC | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 20
The Kings are as high on him as anyone. Smith is a big-time athlete with a great NBA body. He was a potent JC scorer and a decent defender. He's a project, but with the team likely losing Gerald Wallace, he's a good replacement.
Insider scouting report on Donta Smith
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Sasha Vujacic
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 19
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.
Insider scouting report on Sasha Vujacic
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Anderson Varejao
BRAZIL | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Spurs have loved him for two years, and he's a nice fit in the organization. He's long, athletic, experienced and plays with a ton of energy. He's a guy who can step right in and be a valuable role player coming off the bench.
Insider scouting report on Anderson Varejao
29. INDIANA PACERS
Beno Udrih
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 22
History says at least one player from the Chicago pre-draft camp makes it into the first round. This year, that guy may be Udrih. He was the best player in the camp last week. At 22, he has more experience than most of the Euros, and he has great size for a point. The Pacers have been following his career closely for several years. With his shooting and experience, he'd be a nice fit in the Pacers' backcourt.
