This was on Wednesday, June 2, 2004........missed it....
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By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
This week's Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, has provided some clarity in our efforts to project the first round of the NBA draft.
Russian big man Pavel Podkolzine has gotten most of the buzz in Treviso and has moved from No. 13 to No. 8 on our draft board. The Suns have been impressed with Martynas Andriuskevicius' showing, and appear poised to select the Lithuanian center at No. 7.
There were many other changes to the top 10 since our initial mock draft, including Andre Iguodala's rise from No. 9 to No. 3. Here's a look at how the entire first round could shake out.
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
Emeka Okafor
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 252 | AGE: 21
Winning this pick in the lottery could be the answer to some prayers in Orlando. There is one player in this draft who can come in and make a difference right away for the Magic and it is Okafor. They've missed a tough, blue-collar rebounder and shot-blocker since Ben Wallace left town. Okafor has more upside and should be fine playing center in the East. Alongside Juwan Howard, he may be the one guy who can convince Tracy McGrady that there's hope in Orlando. If he does, then this pick really is magic.
Insider scouting report on Emeka Okafor
2. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Dwight Howard
SW ATLANTA CHRISTIAN H.S. | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 18
Why do the Clippers always get the opportunity to create chaos for everyone? Neither Okafor or Howard are great fits in L.A. Okafor and Elton Brand don't really fit. And the Clippers have another athletic four waiting in the wings in Chris Wilcox, who would duplicate Howard. My guess is that the Clippers will try to trade down. They want a point guard, and there just isn't one worth taking this high. The Hawks would love to have Howard, and I'm sure the two could work out a trade. Maybe the Hawks would be willing to send No. 6 and No. 17 to the Clips for this pick. If they don't move it, Howard is the only choice that really makes sense right now.
Insider scouting report on Dwight Howard
3. CHICAGO BULLS
Andre Iguodala
ARIZONA | SOPHOMORE | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 207 | AGE: 19
The Bulls like Iguodala, Luol Deng and Josh Childress. However, of the 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
Luol Deng
DUKE | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 19
The Bobcats would love it if Deng fell to them here. He's a very safe pick at the this point in the draft, and from everything we're hearing coming out of Charlotte right now, safe is a big priority. They should take Shaun Livingston here, but the word out of Charlotte is they don't want a high school player.
Insider scouting report on Luol Deng
5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Andris Biedrins
LATVIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Wizards really should take a chance on Pavel Podkolzine here. But from what we hear they're one of the teams that's a bit scared of him. Biedrins is also a risk, but his skill set is far more advanced than Pavel's at this point. He's one Euro who should be able to come in and play right away.
Insider scouting report on Andris Biedrins
6. ATLANTA HAWKS
Shaun Livingston
PEORIA H.S. (ILL.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 18
The Hawks are trying to trade this pick to the Clippers to move up to No. 2. If the Clips get Jason Terry as part of the trade, they'll likely go with Podkolzine. If they get Atlanta's extra pick instead, Livingston will be the guy. They need a point guard in the worst way. Ben Gordon and Devin Harris have more experience, but neither has the upside of Livingston.
Insider scouting report on Shaun Livingston
7. PHOENIX SUNS
Martynas Andriuskevicius
LITHUANIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 18
Mike D'Antoni was in Treviso to watch Andriuskevicius play and had to walk away impressed. Andriuskevicius wants a top-five commitment and wants to be allowed to return to Lithuania for one more year. The return part shouldn't be a problem for Phoenix. But will Martynas' agent let him slide to seven? After his performance in Treviso, he could be the No. 1 pick in the draft next year. If he pulls out, Podkolzine and Devin Harris are two guys at whom the Suns would have to take a long look.
Insider scouting report on Martynas Andriuskevicius
8. TORONTO RAPTORS
Pavel Podkolzine
RUSSIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-5 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 19
The Raptors have no size, and Podkolzine, at 7-foot-5 and 300-pounds, is almost like getting two players for the price of one. Who knows what the Raptors' brass will do, given the disorganization there. However, Pavel is the best prospect on the board, fits a need and will be able to give his team at least 15 minutes of tough banging next year.
Insider scouting report on Pavel Podkolzine
9. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Josh Childress
STANFORD | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 205 | 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
Devin Harris
WISCONSIN | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 175 | AGE: 20
The Cavs have a lot of needs, but it's hard to see them passing on Harris if he slips this far. He's one of the most mature point guards in the draft. His ability to score and run an offense are big pluses in Cleveland.
Insider scouting report on Devin Harris
11. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Ben Gordon
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
It will be a shocker if Gordon slips this far, but obviously it isn't inconceivable. Gordon could go as high as No. 5 to the Clippers. I doubt he falls below this point, though. Gordon, if he's on the right team, has the ability to challenge Emeka Okafor for rookie-of-the-year honors. Gilbert Arenas thrived in Golden State, and Gordon is the closest player to him in the draft.
Insider scouting report on Ben Gordon
12. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Kosta Perovic
SERBIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 19
The Sonics know they have to go big. The problem is figuring out whom to pick. With the three-headed monster in the paint -- Calvin Booth, Jerome James and Vitaly Potapenko -- you can understand their reluctance. All they need is another big stiff taking up bench space. That said, there are too many big men on the board for the Sonics to totally ignore them. The best of the lot may be Perovic, a thin, but skilled, big man who got considerable playing time in Serbia this year. But don't pencil in his name just yet. Many teams believe Perovic will pull out of the draft if he's not projected to be a top-five pick. If so, look for the Sonics to give Tiago Splitter, Rafael Araujo and Kris Humphries long looks.
Insider scouting report on Kosta Perovic
13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Kirk Snyder
NEVADA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 225 | AGE: 21
Snyder's agent recently canceled his workouts with the Nuggets and Jazz and indicated he had gotten a promise from a team in the lottery. Several sources claim it's the Blazers, though the Blazers themselves deny it. For now we're leaving him here.
Insider scouting report on Kirk Snyder
14. UTAH JAZZ
Sergei Monya
RUSSIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
The Jazz claim they haven't 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
Robert Swift
BAKERSFIELD H.S. (CALIF.) | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 18
Several teams really like Swift, and the latest buzz has the Celtics having to use the first of their three first-round picks to snag him. This is what we know right now: Swift is not working out for any team, and apparently the Celtics are on board.
Insider scouting report on Robert Swift
16. UTAH JAZZ
Rafael Araujo
BYU | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 280 | AGE: 23
The Jazz would love to wait unti No. 21 to grab Araujo, but given his stock and the fact the Nuggets like him and another Denver favorite, Snyder, is off the board, Utah has to grab him here. The Jazz need a big, physical center to replace Greg Ostertag, and Araujo is the best on the board.
Insider scouting report on Rafael Araujo
17. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Smith
OAK HILL ACADEMY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
How does a guy we had ranked sixth fall all the way to 17? A lot has to do with fit and position. The Hawks will absolutely consider him at six, but after that there's a long string of teams that have no room for a player like Smith. He could easily go No. 5 to Washington or No. 6 for Atlanta. But if he doesn't? He could be in for a free-fall unless Andriuskevicius and Perovic drop out.
Insider scouting report on Josh Smith
18. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
J.R. Smith
ST. BENEDICT PREP (N.J.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 18
Smith is another player who is very difficult to project. He has the skills to be a high lottery pick. But his relative lack of experience, combined with questions about his work ethic, may scare off teams in the lottery. If he was the sixth pick in the draft, I wouldn't be shocked. But if he fell to 18, it wouldn't surprise me either. Smith would be a great fit in New Orleans. David Wesley and George Lynch currently are handling the shooting guard spot there, but neither should be starting. Both are role players who are more effective coming off the bench. Smith could provide the electricity and outside shooting the Hornets desperately need.
Insider scouting report on J.R. Smith
19. MIAMI HEAT
Jameer Nelson
SAINT JOSEPH'S | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-11 | WEIGHT: 190 | AGE: 23
If Pat Riley's staff had its way, the Heat probably would take a chance on a talented big Euro like Mile Ilic or a college bruiser like Araujo. However, since Riley is the ultimate decision-maker, that probably won't happen. Nelson's game bears a striking resemblance to Tim Hardaway's -- a Riley favorite for years. The team fears it will lose Rafer Alston in free agency and wants more help in the backcourt. The only question really is about size. Can Nelson and Dwyane Wade play together in the same backcourt without giving opponents a matchup advantage, size-wise?
Insider scouting report on Jameer Nelson
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 18
There are a number of guys the Nuggets will look at with this pick, but the word here in Treviso is that Petro has caught their eye. Petro is long, pretty athletic and has a great NBA body. He's still very raw offensively, but at this pick he makes some sense. The Nuggets probably would leave a guy like Petro in Europe another year or two.
Insider scouting report on Johan Petro
21. UTAH JAZZ
Peja Samardziski
MACEDONIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 17
This will come down to Samardziski and Al Jefferson. Jefferson is more ready to come in and contribute right away. But Samardziski is much bigger, more skilled and has the fundamental set Jerry Sloan loves. Plus, the Jazz can leave him in Europe another year or two to let him season. The only question is whether his agent will leave him in the draft if he slips this low.
Insider scouting report on Peja Samardziski
22. NEW JERSEY NETS
Luke Jackson
OREGON | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 22
The Nets need to get two things out of this draft -- more size and better perimeter shooting. Only one guy, Damir Omerhodzic, really fits both criteria, and he could very well be the pick. However, Omerhodzic is still very raw, and the Nets would prefer a player who could come in and help immediately. Enter Jackson. He's been great in workouts. He's versatile, pretty athletic and one of the better shooters in the draft. He should be able to fit in and find minutes immediately. After that, he could be the permanent replacement for Kerry Kittles, whose contract expires next year.
Insider scouting report on Luke Jackson
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
Kris Humphries
MINNESOTA | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Humphries may be slipping just a little bit. Scouts are concerned about position and some off-the-court attitude issues. Still, he seems like too good a talent to let slip this low. A steal for Boston if he's here.
Insider scouting report on Kris Humphries
25. BOSTON CELTICS
Tiago Splitter
BRAZIL | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 19
This is kind of silly in some ways. If Splitter slipped this low, his agent obviously would pull him out of the draft. Still, he's officially in the draft, and we have to rank him somewhere. He likely will be the third Euro in the draft to pull out if things go according to this projection. If he stays in, Danny Ainge gets the steal of the draft here. Boston likely would leave him in Europe for another year. Dorell Wright and Viktor Khryapa are possibilities here if Splitter pulls out.
Insider scouting report on Tiago Splitter
26. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Al Jefferson
PRENTISS H.S. (MISS.) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 265 | AGE: 18
Jefferson is another player who is tough to project. Everybody likes him, but nobody loves him. He was dominant in high school, but his lack of athleticism and his pedestrian size might actually keep teams away. I wouldn't be surprised if he went as high as Seattle at No. 12, Boston at No. 15 or the Jazz at No. 21. But for now, this is how the dominos fall. The Kings need more help in the low post, given Chris Webber's history of health problems, and Jefferson gives them that dirty low-post scoring option they've missed. Word is they're also hot for JUCO standout Donta Smith, so don't be surprised if they go that direction.
Insider scouting report on Al Jefferson
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Sasha Vujacic
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 19
The Lakers have a lot of ways they can go here, but they have a history with Vujacic. Last year, the team was seriously interested in him after he impressed GM Mitch Kupchak at the Chicago pre-draft camp. A year later he's gotten stronger and is putting up great numbers in Italy. His ability to play three positions is an asset in the Lakers' system, as is his experience.
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 as a valuable role player coming off the bench.
Insider scouting report on Anderson Varejao
29. INDIANA PACERS
Peter John Ramos
PUERTO RICO | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 275 | AGE: 19
Some teams have him ranked much higher, but now that the buzz is swirling around Pavel, expect talk about Ramos to subside a little bit. I still wouldn't be surprised if Ramos went in the late lottery, but more likely he's somewhere in the 20s. The Pacers like him and would have to seriously consider him here.
Insider scouting report on Peter John Ramos
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By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
This week's Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, has provided some clarity in our efforts to project the first round of the NBA draft.
Russian big man Pavel Podkolzine has gotten most of the buzz in Treviso and has moved from No. 13 to No. 8 on our draft board. The Suns have been impressed with Martynas Andriuskevicius' showing, and appear poised to select the Lithuanian center at No. 7.
There were many other changes to the top 10 since our initial mock draft, including Andre Iguodala's rise from No. 9 to No. 3. Here's a look at how the entire first round could shake out.
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
Emeka Okafor
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 252 | AGE: 21
Winning this pick in the lottery could be the answer to some prayers in Orlando. There is one player in this draft who can come in and make a difference right away for the Magic and it is Okafor. They've missed a tough, blue-collar rebounder and shot-blocker since Ben Wallace left town. Okafor has more upside and should be fine playing center in the East. Alongside Juwan Howard, he may be the one guy who can convince Tracy McGrady that there's hope in Orlando. If he does, then this pick really is magic.
Insider scouting report on Emeka Okafor
2. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Dwight Howard
SW ATLANTA CHRISTIAN H.S. | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 18
Why do the Clippers always get the opportunity to create chaos for everyone? Neither Okafor or Howard are great fits in L.A. Okafor and Elton Brand don't really fit. And the Clippers have another athletic four waiting in the wings in Chris Wilcox, who would duplicate Howard. My guess is that the Clippers will try to trade down. They want a point guard, and there just isn't one worth taking this high. The Hawks would love to have Howard, and I'm sure the two could work out a trade. Maybe the Hawks would be willing to send No. 6 and No. 17 to the Clips for this pick. If they don't move it, Howard is the only choice that really makes sense right now.
Insider scouting report on Dwight Howard
3. CHICAGO BULLS
Andre Iguodala
ARIZONA | SOPHOMORE | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 207 | AGE: 19
The Bulls like Iguodala, Luol Deng and Josh Childress. However, of the 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
Luol Deng
DUKE | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 19
The Bobcats would love it if Deng fell to them here. He's a very safe pick at the this point in the draft, and from everything we're hearing coming out of Charlotte right now, safe is a big priority. They should take Shaun Livingston here, but the word out of Charlotte is they don't want a high school player.
Insider scouting report on Luol Deng
5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Andris Biedrins
LATVIA | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Wizards really should take a chance on Pavel Podkolzine here. But from what we hear they're one of the teams that's a bit scared of him. Biedrins is also a risk, but his skill set is far more advanced than Pavel's at this point. He's one Euro who should be able to come in and play right away.
Insider scouting report on Andris Biedrins
6. ATLANTA HAWKS
Shaun Livingston
PEORIA H.S. (ILL.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 18
The Hawks are trying to trade this pick to the Clippers to move up to No. 2. If the Clips get Jason Terry as part of the trade, they'll likely go with Podkolzine. If they get Atlanta's extra pick instead, Livingston will be the guy. They need a point guard in the worst way. Ben Gordon and Devin Harris have more experience, but neither has the upside of Livingston.
Insider scouting report on Shaun Livingston
7. PHOENIX SUNS
Martynas Andriuskevicius
LITHUANIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 18
Mike D'Antoni was in Treviso to watch Andriuskevicius play and had to walk away impressed. Andriuskevicius wants a top-five commitment and wants to be allowed to return to Lithuania for one more year. The return part shouldn't be a problem for Phoenix. But will Martynas' agent let him slide to seven? After his performance in Treviso, he could be the No. 1 pick in the draft next year. If he pulls out, Podkolzine and Devin Harris are two guys at whom the Suns would have to take a long look.
Insider scouting report on Martynas Andriuskevicius
8. TORONTO RAPTORS
Pavel Podkolzine
RUSSIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-5 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 19
The Raptors have no size, and Podkolzine, at 7-foot-5 and 300-pounds, is almost like getting two players for the price of one. Who knows what the Raptors' brass will do, given the disorganization there. However, Pavel is the best prospect on the board, fits a need and will be able to give his team at least 15 minutes of tough banging next year.
Insider scouting report on Pavel Podkolzine
9. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Josh Childress
STANFORD | JUNIOR | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 205 | 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
Devin Harris
WISCONSIN | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 175 | AGE: 20
The Cavs have a lot of needs, but it's hard to see them passing on Harris if he slips this far. He's one of the most mature point guards in the draft. His ability to score and run an offense are big pluses in Cleveland.
Insider scouting report on Devin Harris
11. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Ben Gordon
CONNECTICUT | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
It will be a shocker if Gordon slips this far, but obviously it isn't inconceivable. Gordon could go as high as No. 5 to the Clippers. I doubt he falls below this point, though. Gordon, if he's on the right team, has the ability to challenge Emeka Okafor for rookie-of-the-year honors. Gilbert Arenas thrived in Golden State, and Gordon is the closest player to him in the draft.
Insider scouting report on Ben Gordon
12. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Kosta Perovic
SERBIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 19
The Sonics know they have to go big. The problem is figuring out whom to pick. With the three-headed monster in the paint -- Calvin Booth, Jerome James and Vitaly Potapenko -- you can understand their reluctance. All they need is another big stiff taking up bench space. That said, there are too many big men on the board for the Sonics to totally ignore them. The best of the lot may be Perovic, a thin, but skilled, big man who got considerable playing time in Serbia this year. But don't pencil in his name just yet. Many teams believe Perovic will pull out of the draft if he's not projected to be a top-five pick. If so, look for the Sonics to give Tiago Splitter, Rafael Araujo and Kris Humphries long looks.
Insider scouting report on Kosta Perovic
13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Kirk Snyder
NEVADA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 225 | AGE: 21
Snyder's agent recently canceled his workouts with the Nuggets and Jazz and indicated he had gotten a promise from a team in the lottery. Several sources claim it's the Blazers, though the Blazers themselves deny it. For now we're leaving him here.
Insider scouting report on Kirk Snyder
14. UTAH JAZZ
Sergei Monya
RUSSIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
The Jazz claim they haven't 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
Robert Swift
BAKERSFIELD H.S. (CALIF.) | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 18
Several teams really like Swift, and the latest buzz has the Celtics having to use the first of their three first-round picks to snag him. This is what we know right now: Swift is not working out for any team, and apparently the Celtics are on board.
Insider scouting report on Robert Swift
16. UTAH JAZZ
Rafael Araujo
BYU | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 280 | AGE: 23
The Jazz would love to wait unti No. 21 to grab Araujo, but given his stock and the fact the Nuggets like him and another Denver favorite, Snyder, is off the board, Utah has to grab him here. The Jazz need a big, physical center to replace Greg Ostertag, and Araujo is the best on the board.
Insider scouting report on Rafael Araujo
17. ATLANTA HAWKS
Josh Smith
OAK HILL ACADEMY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
How does a guy we had ranked sixth fall all the way to 17? A lot has to do with fit and position. The Hawks will absolutely consider him at six, but after that there's a long string of teams that have no room for a player like Smith. He could easily go No. 5 to Washington or No. 6 for Atlanta. But if he doesn't? He could be in for a free-fall unless Andriuskevicius and Perovic drop out.
Insider scouting report on Josh Smith
18. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
J.R. Smith
ST. BENEDICT PREP (N.J.) | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 18
Smith is another player who is very difficult to project. He has the skills to be a high lottery pick. But his relative lack of experience, combined with questions about his work ethic, may scare off teams in the lottery. If he was the sixth pick in the draft, I wouldn't be shocked. But if he fell to 18, it wouldn't surprise me either. Smith would be a great fit in New Orleans. David Wesley and George Lynch currently are handling the shooting guard spot there, but neither should be starting. Both are role players who are more effective coming off the bench. Smith could provide the electricity and outside shooting the Hornets desperately need.
Insider scouting report on J.R. Smith
19. MIAMI HEAT
Jameer Nelson
SAINT JOSEPH'S | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-11 | WEIGHT: 190 | AGE: 23
If Pat Riley's staff had its way, the Heat probably would take a chance on a talented big Euro like Mile Ilic or a college bruiser like Araujo. However, since Riley is the ultimate decision-maker, that probably won't happen. Nelson's game bears a striking resemblance to Tim Hardaway's -- a Riley favorite for years. The team fears it will lose Rafer Alston in free agency and wants more help in the backcourt. The only question really is about size. Can Nelson and Dwyane Wade play together in the same backcourt without giving opponents a matchup advantage, size-wise?
Insider scouting report on Jameer Nelson
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 18
There are a number of guys the Nuggets will look at with this pick, but the word here in Treviso is that Petro has caught their eye. Petro is long, pretty athletic and has a great NBA body. He's still very raw offensively, but at this pick he makes some sense. The Nuggets probably would leave a guy like Petro in Europe another year or two.
Insider scouting report on Johan Petro
21. UTAH JAZZ
Peja Samardziski
MACEDONIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 17
This will come down to Samardziski and Al Jefferson. Jefferson is more ready to come in and contribute right away. But Samardziski is much bigger, more skilled and has the fundamental set Jerry Sloan loves. Plus, the Jazz can leave him in Europe another year or two to let him season. The only question is whether his agent will leave him in the draft if he slips this low.
Insider scouting report on Peja Samardziski
22. NEW JERSEY NETS
Luke Jackson
OREGON | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 22
The Nets need to get two things out of this draft -- more size and better perimeter shooting. Only one guy, Damir Omerhodzic, really fits both criteria, and he could very well be the pick. However, Omerhodzic is still very raw, and the Nets would prefer a player who could come in and help immediately. Enter Jackson. He's been great in workouts. He's versatile, pretty athletic and one of the better shooters in the draft. He should be able to fit in and find minutes immediately. After that, he could be the permanent replacement for Kerry Kittles, whose contract expires next year.
Insider scouting report on Luke Jackson
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
Kris Humphries
MINNESOTA | FRESHMAN | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Humphries may be slipping just a little bit. Scouts are concerned about position and some off-the-court attitude issues. Still, he seems like too good a talent to let slip this low. A steal for Boston if he's here.
Insider scouting report on Kris Humphries
25. BOSTON CELTICS
Tiago Splitter
BRAZIL | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 19
This is kind of silly in some ways. If Splitter slipped this low, his agent obviously would pull him out of the draft. Still, he's officially in the draft, and we have to rank him somewhere. He likely will be the third Euro in the draft to pull out if things go according to this projection. If he stays in, Danny Ainge gets the steal of the draft here. Boston likely would leave him in Europe for another year. Dorell Wright and Viktor Khryapa are possibilities here if Splitter pulls out.
Insider scouting report on Tiago Splitter
26. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Al Jefferson
PRENTISS H.S. (MISS.) | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 265 | AGE: 18
Jefferson is another player who is tough to project. Everybody likes him, but nobody loves him. He was dominant in high school, but his lack of athleticism and his pedestrian size might actually keep teams away. I wouldn't be surprised if he went as high as Seattle at No. 12, Boston at No. 15 or the Jazz at No. 21. But for now, this is how the dominos fall. The Kings need more help in the low post, given Chris Webber's history of health problems, and Jefferson gives them that dirty low-post scoring option they've missed. Word is they're also hot for JUCO standout Donta Smith, so don't be surprised if they go that direction.
Insider scouting report on Al Jefferson
27. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Sasha Vujacic
SLOVENIA | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 19
The Lakers have a lot of ways they can go here, but they have a history with Vujacic. Last year, the team was seriously interested in him after he impressed GM Mitch Kupchak at the Chicago pre-draft camp. A year later he's gotten stronger and is putting up great numbers in Italy. His ability to play three positions is an asset in the Lakers' system, as is his experience.
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 as a valuable role player coming off the bench.
Insider scouting report on Anderson Varejao
29. INDIANA PACERS
Peter John Ramos
PUERTO RICO | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 275 | AGE: 19
Some teams have him ranked much higher, but now that the buzz is swirling around Pavel, expect talk about Ramos to subside a little bit. I still wouldn't be surprised if Ramos went in the late lottery, but more likely he's somewhere in the 20s. The Pacers like him and would have to seriously consider him here.
Insider scouting report on Peter John Ramos
