Here's my latest mock

[Ozymandias]

Less than a month to go!!

Team needs are sorta included, I'm a big believer in going after the BPA so this reflects that. Part of Jackson to the Lakers is definitely based in team need. I agree with the Jazz GM that the draft should actually be after free agency. I think that contributes to the Team need delusion.

** = indicates International players who can still withdraw their names (IIRC the deadline is 10 days before the draft)

1. BOS - Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
2. LAL - Josh Jackson, SG/SF, Kansas
3. PHI - De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
4. PHX - Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
5. SAC - Jayson Tatum, SF/SG, Duke
6. ORL - Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
7. MIN - Dennis Smith, PG, NC State
8. NYK - Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida State
9. DAL - Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
10. SAC - Frank Ntilikina, CG, France **
11. CHA - Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga
12. DET - OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana
13. DEN - Justin Patton, C, Creighton
14. MIA - Justin Jackson, SF, UNC
15. POR - Jarrett Allen, C/PF, Texas
16. CHI - Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
17. MIL - Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia **
18. IND - Harry Giles, PF, Duke
19. ATL - Donovan Mitchell, CG, Louisville
20. POR - Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C, Germany
21. OKC - Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia
22. BKN - TJ Leaf, SF/PF, UCLA
23. TOR - Frank Jackson, CG, Duke
24. UTA - Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
25. ORL - Jonathan Jeanne, PF/C, France
26. POR - Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
27. BKN - DJ Wilson, PF, Michigan
28. LAL - Ivan Rabb, PF, California
29. SAS - Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, Syracuse
30. UTA - John Collins, PF, Wake Forest


31. ATL - Tony Bradley, C/PF, UNC
32. PHX - Cam Oliver, PF, Nevada
33. ORL - Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia
34. SAC - Derrick White, CG, Colorado
35. ORL - Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah
36. BOS - Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana
37. PHI - Semi Ojeleye, SF, SMU
38. CHI - Monte Morris, PG, Iowa State
39. PHI - Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
40. NO - Arnoldas Kulboka, SF, Lithuania**
41. CHA - Mathias Lessort, PF/C, France
42. UTA - Johnathan Motley, PF/C, Baylor
43. HOU - PJ Dozier, CG, South Carolina
44. HOU - Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue
45. NYK - Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon
46. PHI - Josh Hart, SG, Villanova
47. MIL - Dillon Brooks, SF/SG, Oregon
48. IND - Devin Robinson, SF/PF, Florida
49. DEN - Alec Peters, PF, Valparaiso
50. PHI - Tyler Dorsey, CG, Oregon
51. DEN - Edmond Sumner, CG, Xavier
52. WAS - Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina
53. BOS - Elie Okobo, PG, France**
54. PHX - Viny Okuou, C, Congo**
55. UTA - Marcus Marshall, CG, Nevada
56. BOS - Vlatko Cancar, SF, Slovenia**
57. BKN - Kennedy Meeks, C, UNC
58. NYK - Dwayne Bacon, SF/SG, Florida St.
59. SAS - Chance Commanche, C/PF, Arizona
60. ATL - Damyean Dotson, SG, Houston

I'm hoping the board falls better than this for Sacramento, the recent withdrawals hurt the depth at the top of the 2nd for sure.

Fultz has been at the top of my board pretty much since preseason. I had Fox #1 on my board pre-season **crosses fingers**...

 

[Ozymandias]

I have some positions listed differently than most. For example you'll notice at #10 I've got Ntilikina listed as a combo guard, not because he's not a PG but because I believe his ability to play off the ball (and be run around screens for catch and shoot situations) is being severely undersold. I've seen him play more than a handful of games.

His performance in the final at the U18 tourney last summer was unreal, one of the best performances from any I've seen in this class. He doesn't have the blazing first step like Dante Exum but he's a better prospect in my book, he's more polished/versatile and his shot is further along.

 

[Ozymandias]

 

[Ozymandias]

Not to hate on Lonzo. He's a great prospect, one of the best amateur floor generals I've seen. Perhaps I'm dead-wrong and overthinking this, I think it makes sense for the Lakers to posture that they're gonna take Lonzo 2nd to try and goad PHX into trading up 2 spots.

I do think Fox is better. I've said for a long time 'Let Fox get these other top-ranked PG's infront of his face and he'll give them fits' which was on full display in the tournament game, that was the gameplan and it worked masterfully. I am slightly biased towards lefties tho, let that be known, I do think it's a justifiable bias but lemme just put that in the open.

This is just my 2 cents. Things will change for sure.

I actually think higher of Tatum than the 5th pick it just isn't reflected in this particular mock.

Justin Patton is a player I have rated well over consensus, Chris Mullin has compared him to Marcus Camby... Fox too. Anunoby, Frank Jackson apparently, though I'm rather convinced DX is flat out wrong (a la Terry Rozier or Zach LaVine). I'm missing a few names of favorites but I've definitely gotta say Cameron Oliver, I think it's absurd some have him mocked in the 50's, he can ball. I love Kennard too, he's got some Gordon Hayward type of elements to his movements offensively.

Then there's several personal favorites listed in the 50's. I don't think anyone's got Marcus Marshall on their boards except for me. Elie Okobo too, he fits into the lefty bias.

 

[Telemachus]

One reason I don't think the Lakers are posturing is because Magic has been gushing about Ball all season (well before he became the GM).

 

[funkykingston]

I can't see the Sixers taking Fox. Brett Brown is adamant that Simmons will be the team's PG. They'll want shooters around Simmons and Embiid and to ask Fox to play off the ball as a shooter takes away his strengths and highlights his biggest weakness.

I think they'd draft Ball over him in a second. He's a much better shooter and he plays far better off the ball. I actually think the ideal fit for Ball (if Simmons & Embiid can stay healthy) would be in Philadelphia.

I am a big Fox fan but I think the Sixers are maybe the worst fit for him.

 

[kingsfan1984]

Thanks for the detailed write up and Mock. I enjoy the draft and armchair GM conversations as much as anyone even though my 2 cents isn't worth much admittadly so. I think the saying is having enough brains to realize i dont have none lol.

Curious as to why you think Dallas would take Monk over Frank? If we end up with a SF at 5 I wouls love to find Frank N waiting for us at 10 but doubtful we would get so lucky.

 

[Ozymandias]

I can't see the Sixers taking Fox. Brett Brown is adamant that Simmons will be the team's PG. They'll want shooters around Simmons and Embiid and to ask Fox to play off the ball as a shooter takes away his strengths and highlights his biggest weakness.

I think they'd draft Ball over him in a second. He's a much better shooter and he plays far better off the ball. I actually think the ideal fit for Ball (if Simmons & Embiid can stay healthy) would be in Philadelphia.

I am a big Fox fan but I think the Sixers are maybe the worst fit for him.

I understand this, and don't think it'll happen. I'd consider it though here's my rationale;

With Simmons and Fox you can run the fast-break at warp speed and Fox is able to create extra transition opportunities with his ability to get steals. I also think Fox is more versatile than some might think, he doesn't need to dominate the ball he can play super-fast in spurts, and with a passer like Simmons around Fox can slash and dish to Embiid at will, and then you fill in shooters all around them. I also think Timothe Luwawu and Saric are built for this style of play. Seems like they'll be trying to go after a shooter at point like Kyle Lowry.

I have a tough time pegging a pick for the 76ers, I really like Luwawu I thought he was lottery quality last year. They've also got Korkmaz stashed and they still have plenty of extra draft picks to come, which is why I like taking the scarce commodity that Fox brings.

I kinda like Tatum at that spot too, which is far off a consensus opinion.

 

[Ozymandias]

One reason I don't think the Lakers are posturing is because Magic has been gushing about Ball all season (well before he became the GM).

I just think it's not a good match defensively to put Russell at the 2, having him chase Klay Thompson around screens seems like asking for trouble. A player like DeMar DeRozan is an even worse matchup, he'll get sliced up to pieces (not that greater defenders don't have the same issue)

BUT if they intend to Package Russell for Paul George, then It makes tons of sense. I can't presume any trades doing these mocks, though surely there will be a handful.

Josh Jackson at the 2 between Russell and Ingram is a perfect fit IMO.. He throws post-entry passes like a PG and Zubac (who I really like) would benefit greatly.

Call it crazy but I also think Jayson Tatum at the 2 would be viable, that doesn't help the defense all that much though, not compared to Jackson.

 

[Ozymandias]

Thanks for the detailed write up and Mock. I enjoy the draft and armchair GM conversations as much as anyone even though my 2 cents isn't worth much admittadly so. I think the saying is having enough brains to realize i dont have none lol.

Curious as to why you think Dallas would take Monk over Frank? If we end up with a SF at 5 I wouls love to find Frank N waiting for us at 10 but doubtful we would get so lucky.

Firepower. Monk is one of the great wild-cards in this pool. Harrison Barnes, IMO, was fantastic last year and should be the run away MIP especially his improvements as an ISO scorer, I'm not sure anyone could've projected. They've got a defensive big on board with Noel. Monk could feast picking his spots on the weakside.

I think Monk could save them some roster spots too, one of Seth Curry or JJ Barrea could quickly be rendered redundant.. Both of them can fetch some sort of return even if it's minor.

I also think there's a bit of a low-key tanking element going on there too. Cuban is smart enough to signal to pull the plug -- he could have his eyes set on the Marvin Bagley sweepstakes, there's no way he;s gonna repeat the error with Dirk that the Lakers made by trying to go for it every year to appease Kobe, Monk is high risk / High reward, there is a slight chance he could develop some ability to run point, he needs time though, the Mavs certainly have that though, time.

Frank falling to the Kings here is quite fortuitous. I almost had him go to the Knicks.

 

[Telemachus]

I just think it's not a good match defensively to put Russell at the 2, having him chase Klay Thompson around screens seems like asking for trouble. A player like DeMar DeRozan is an even worse matchup, he'll get sliced up to pieces (not that greater defenders don't have the same issue)

BUT if they intend to Package Russell for Paul George, then It makes tons of sense. I can't presume any trades doing these mocks, though surely there will be a handful.

Josh Jackson at the 2 between Russell and Ingram is a perfect fit IMO.. He throws post-entry passes like a PG and Zubac (who I really like) would benefit greatly.

Call it crazy but I also think Jayson Tatum at the 2 would be viable, that doesn't help the defense all that much though, not compared to Jackson.

Personally, I think they should try to trade Russell (or make him their primary player off the bench) and move Clarkson into the starting lineup at SG.

 

[Kingsfan23]

Monk over Nkitlina for the Mavs? I heard the Mavs visited Frank in Europe and are high on him. PG seems more a need than another smallish SG shooter, unless they think Monk can man that PG which makes him attractive to many

 

[Joshoua]

I hope LA takes Ball he will bust and never be better then Ingram or Russell. Matter fact I believe Faultz, Jackson, Fox, and Smith will all be better then him

 

[funkykingston]

I understand this, and don't think it'll happen. I'd consider it though here's my rationale;

With Simmons and Fox you can run the fast-break at warp speed and Fox is able to create extra transition opportunities with his ability to get steals. I also think Fox is more versatile than some might think, he doesn't need to dominate the ball he can play super-fast in spurts, and with a passer like Simmons around Fox can slash and dish to Embiid at will, and then you fill in shooters all around them. I also think Timothe Luwawu and Saric are built for this style of play. Seems like they'll be trying to go after a shooter at point like Kyle Lowry.

I have a tough time pegging a pick for the 76ers, I really like Luwawu I thought he was lottery quality last year. They've also got Korkmaz stashed and they still have plenty of extra draft picks to come, which is why I like taking the scarce commodity that Fox brings.

I kinda like Tatum at that spot too, which is far off a consensus opinion.

If Ball falls to them I think the Sixers pounce on him. If Fultz & Ball go 1&2 then I think the 3rd pick is Jackson, either to Philly or to the team that trades up to #3 to get him.

Then again the Sixers ARE going to work out Fox and Dennis Smith so they could go with one of those two. I think Smith is going to go higher than most predict. I think he could go as early as 3 but is off the board by 6 at the latest.

 

[Ozymandias]

Monk over Nkitlina for the Mavs? I heard the Mavs visited Frank in Europe and are high on him. PG seems more a need than another smallish SG shooter, unless they think Monk can man that PG which makes him attractive to many

Frank will probably be higher in my next update. He seems to fit the criteria for what I believe the Knicks are looking for. Interested to hear how his team workouts go. I love Monk and hope he goes #3 to the 76ers for all parties involved. I can't co-sign that pick though, I do think the height issue is a bit overemphasized. His length defensively is more the issue, he easily plays effectively over his height, his jumpshot release is very high, reminds me a bit of Jerryd Bayless in that aspect.


The mud and subterfuge will start flinging shortly. Things will change. It's unlikely Kulboka and Okobo will be in this draft tbh.

I just wanted to clean up my last mock after the college pull outs. It really sucks for the Kings at #34 that Andrew Jones and Maryland's Justin Jackson pulled out, they were worthy. Don't even get me started on Robert "The Rocketeer" Williams and Miles Bridges either, thats old news tho...

 

[Ozymandias]

If Ball falls to them I think the Sixers pounce on him. If Fultz & Ball go 1&2 then I think the 3rd pick is Jackson, either to Philly or to the team that trades up to #3 to get him.

Then again the Sixers ARE going to work out Fox and Dennis Smith so they could go with one of those two. I think Smith is going to go higher than most predict. I think he could go as early as 3 but is off the board by 6 at the latest.

You're probably right. I hope (for the Kings sake) Smith or Monk goes 3rd. Thats a jackpot scenario.

 

[ockingsfan]

Less than a month to go!!

Team needs are sorta included, I'm a big believer in going after the BPA so this reflects that. Part of Jackson to the Lakers is definitely based in team need. I agree with the Jazz GM that the draft should actually be after free agency. I think that contributes to the Team need delusion.

** = indicates International players who can still withdraw their names (IIRC the deadline is 10 days before the draft)

1. BOS - Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
2. LAL - Josh Jackson, SG/SF, Kansas
3. PHI - De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
4. PHX - Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
5. SAC - Jayson Tatum, SF/SG, Duke
6. ORL - Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
7. MIN - Dennis Smith, PG, NC State
8. NYK - Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida State
9. DAL - Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
10. SAC - Frank Ntilikina, CG, France **
11. CHA - Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga
12. DET - OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana
13. DEN - Justin Patton, C, Creighton
14. MIA - Justin Jackson, SF, UNC
15. POR - Jarrett Allen, C/PF, Texas
16. CHI - Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
17. MIL - Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia **
18. IND - Harry Giles, PF, Duke
19. ATL - Donovan Mitchell, CG, Louisville
20. POR - Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C, Germany
21. OKC - Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia
22. BKN - TJ Leaf, SF/PF, UCLA
23. TOR - Frank Jackson, CG, Duke
24. UTA - Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
25. ORL - Jonathan Jeanne, PF/C, France
26. POR - Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
27. BKN - DJ Wilson, PF, Michigan
28. LAL - Ivan Rabb, PF, California
29. SAS - Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, Syracuse
30. UTA - John Collins, PF, Wake Forest


31. ATL - Tony Bradley, C/PF, UNC
32. PHX - Cam Oliver, PF, Nevada
33. ORL - Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia
34. SAC - Derrick White, CG, Colorado
35. ORL - Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah
36. BOS - Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana
37. PHI - Semi Ojeleye, SF, SMU
38. CHI - Monte Morris, PG, Iowa State
39. PHI - Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
40. NO - Arnoldas Kulboka, SF, Lithuania**
41. CHA - Mathias Lessort, PF/C, France
42. UTA - Johnathan Motley, PF/C, Baylor
43. HOU - PJ Dozier, CG, South Carolina
44. HOU - Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue
45. NYK - Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon
46. PHI - Josh Hart, SG, Villanova
47. MIL - Dillon Brooks, SF/SG, Oregon
48. IND - Devin Robinson, SF/PF, Florida
49. DEN - Alec Peters, PF, Valparaiso
50. PHI - Tyler Dorsey, CG, Oregon
51. DEN - Edmond Sumner, CG, Xavier
52. WAS - Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina
53. BOS - Elie Okobo, PG, France**
54. PHX - Viny Okuou, C, Congo**
55. UTA - Marcus Marshall, CG, Nevada
56. BOS - Vlatko Cancar, SF, Slovenia**
57. BKN - Kennedy Meeks, C, UNC
58. NYK - Dwayne Bacon, SF/SG, Florida St.
59. SAS - Chance Commanche, C/PF, Arizona
60. ATL - Damyean Dotson, SG, Houston

I'm hoping the board falls better than this for Sacramento, the recent withdrawals hurt the depth at the top of the 2nd for sure.

Fultz has been at the top of my board pretty much since preseason. I had Fox #1 on my board pre-season **crosses fingers**...

I don't really care about who the other teams pick, but if you are right about the Kings getting #5 SF Jayson Tatum and #10 PG Frank Ntilikina, I would be a very happy Kings fan!

 

[ockingsfan]

Monk over Nkitlina for the Mavs? I heard the Mavs visited Frank in Europe and are high on him. PG seems more a need than another smallish SG shooter, unless they think Monk can man that PG which makes him attractive to many

There are a lot of smoke screens right now.

If the Mavs were really that interested in Frank N at #9, I don't think they would make such a public announcement about their travels. I would keep it quiet, so the 8 teams picking before me doesn't take him 1st.

Just saying.

 

[dude12]

I think Lonzo Ball to Lakers at 2 is a lock. I don't see Fox going to the 76ers, I think they would take Monk before Fox based on their roster and I'm not sure they really pass on Josh Jackson. I've got the Suns taking Tatum or Josh Jackson if he falls. They need a SF and there will be at least 1 highly touted SF on the board.....just makes too much sense. It's going to be Fox at 5 to the Kings unless Smith Jr comes and works out and wows the brass.

Sac will take Markannen or Zach Collins at 10 with Isaac off the board despite already having some young bigs but I would not pass on a clear top 10 guy who can shoot like that in these 2 bigs. I think it's less about position at 10 and more about adding elite deep shooting at 10.

 

[funkykingston]

There are a lot of smoke screens right now.

If the Mavs were really that interested in Frank N at #9, I don't think they would make such a public announcement about their travels. I would keep it quiet, so the 8 teams picking before me doesn't take him 1st.

Just saying.

I don't think they make a public announcement. I would imagine that NBA insiders know who the scouts are for each team.

 

[Blob]

Less than a month to go!!

Team needs are sorta included, I'm a big believer in going after the BPA so this reflects that. Part of Jackson to the Lakers is definitely based in team need. I agree with the Jazz GM that the draft should actually be after free agency. I think that contributes to the Team need delusion.

** = indicates International players who can still withdraw their names (IIRC the deadline is 10 days before the draft)

1. BOS - Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
2. LAL - Josh Jackson, SG/SF, Kansas
3. PHI - De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
4. PHX - Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
5. SAC - Jayson Tatum, SF/SG, Duke
6. ORL - Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
7. MIN - Dennis Smith, PG, NC State
8. NYK - Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida State
9. DAL - Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
10. SAC - Frank Ntilikina, CG, France **
11. CHA - Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga
12. DET - OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana
13. DEN - Justin Patton, C, Creighton
14. MIA - Justin Jackson, SF, UNC
15. POR - Jarrett Allen, C/PF, Texas
16. CHI - Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
17. MIL - Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia **
18. IND - Harry Giles, PF, Duke
19. ATL - Donovan Mitchell, CG, Louisville
20. POR - Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C, Germany
21. OKC - Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia
22. BKN - TJ Leaf, SF/PF, UCLA
23. TOR - Frank Jackson, CG, Duke
24. UTA - Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
25. ORL - Jonathan Jeanne, PF/C, France
26. POR - Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
27. BKN - DJ Wilson, PF, Michigan
28. LAL - Ivan Rabb, PF, California
29. SAS - Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, Syracuse
30. UTA - John Collins, PF, Wake Forest


31. ATL - Tony Bradley, C/PF, UNC
32. PHX - Cam Oliver, PF, Nevada
33. ORL - Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia
34. SAC - Derrick White, CG, Colorado
35. ORL - Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah
36. BOS - Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana
37. PHI - Semi Ojeleye, SF, SMU
38. CHI - Monte Morris, PG, Iowa State
39. PHI - Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
40. NO - Arnoldas Kulboka, SF, Lithuania**
41. CHA - Mathias Lessort, PF/C, France
42. UTA - Johnathan Motley, PF/C, Baylor
43. HOU - PJ Dozier, CG, South Carolina
44. HOU - Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue
45. NYK - Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon
46. PHI - Josh Hart, SG, Villanova
47. MIL - Dillon Brooks, SF/SG, Oregon
48. IND - Devin Robinson, SF/PF, Florida
49. DEN - Alec Peters, PF, Valparaiso
50. PHI - Tyler Dorsey, CG, Oregon
51. DEN - Edmond Sumner, CG, Xavier
52. WAS - Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina
53. BOS - Elie Okobo, PG, France**
54. PHX - Viny Okuou, C, Congo**
55. UTA - Marcus Marshall, CG, Nevada
56. BOS - Vlatko Cancar, SF, Slovenia**
57. BKN - Kennedy Meeks, C, UNC
58. NYK - Dwayne Bacon, SF/SG, Florida St.
59. SAS - Chance Commanche, C/PF, Arizona
60. ATL - Damyean Dotson, SG, Houston

I'm hoping the board falls better than this for Sacramento, the recent withdrawals hurt the depth at the top of the 2nd for sure.

Fultz has been at the top of my board pretty much since preseason. I had Fox #1 on my board pre-season **crosses fingers**...

Excuse me but if you think Harry Giles (#18) is going to go before my man Donovan Mitchell (#19) you may as well put on blindfold and throw a dart at a dartboard with the players names to come up with your order. Donovan is flying up the draft board after his epic performance in Chicago combine!!! Harry Giles is damaged goods with ACL tears in both knees. That's just a sad and unfortunate situation for the kid but massive red flag for all 30 NBA teams. I would not touch that kid until middle to end of the 2nd round, if that. He's going for CASH GRAB after whopping 4 PPG and 4 RPG. If the kid had more integrity and confidence in his game he would return to Duke and prove he's worthy of NBA and investment and show he has recovered from his injuries. I would be SHOCKED if Harry Giles goes in 1st round. I think Donovan has a chance to go as high as #10 to the Kings. I am not impressed with your other picks either....do you really think Lauri Markkanen is going to go before Jonathan Isaac??? No chance!!!! Jonathan Isaac is a stud. I think the Kings could take him at #5 if Fox is off the board. Besides ORL already drafted a big white stiff. His name is Mario Hezonja.

P.S. I will be happy to say I was wrong and your mock was prescient on June 23rd, and I grant to you opportunity to reorder as you see fit before draft day. Chad Ford has 29 mock drafts after all. And he changes them after draft too! But I don't think I will be making any "mea culpas" relative to aforementioned players.

P.P.S And to drive a mack truck through your mock, Donovan ran the fastest 3/4 sprint since 2008 of ALL prospects....take that Wall and Westbrook! Also there is this on Harry Giles: Only 11 prospects at the NBA combine finished with lower max verticals (32 ½") doesn't help convince scouts his bounce has returned. If any GM takes Giles before Donovan they should be fired. I know that athletic testing is NOT the end all in regards to player analysis, but teams have to mitigate risk when they are throwing guaranteed money at these guys. Throwing guaranteed money at Harry Giles is flushing it down the toilet.

 

[kingsboi]

I don't really care about who the other teams pick, but if you are right about the Kings getting #5 SF Jayson Tatum and #10 PG Frank Ntilikina, I would be a very happy Kings fan!

I don't see Frank making it past the Knicks

 

[kingsboi]

Excuse me but if you think Harry Giles (#18) is going to go before my man Donovan Mitchell (#19) you may as well put on blindfold and throw a dart at a dartboard with the players names to come up with your order. Donovan is flying up the draft board after his epic performance in Chicago combine!!! Harry Giles is damaged goods with ACL tears in both knees. That's just a sad and unfortunate situation for the kid but massive red flag for all 30 NBA teams. I would not touch that kid until middle to end of the 2nd round, if that. He's going for CASH GRAB after whopping 4 PPG and 4 RPG. If the kid had more integrity and confidence in his game he would return to Duke and prove he's worthy of NBA and investment and show he has recovered from his injuries. I would be SHOCKED if Harry Giles goes in 1st round. I think Donovan has a chance to go as high as #10 to the Kings. I am not impressed with your other picks either....do you really think Lauri Markkanen is going to go before Jonathan Isaac??? No chance!!!! Jonathan Isaac is a stud. I think the Kings could take him at #5 if Fox is off the board. Besides ORL already drafted a big white stiff. His name is Mario Hezonja.

P.S. I will be happy to say I was wrong and your mock was prescient on June 23rd, and I grant to you opportunity to reorder as you see fit before draft day. Chad Ford has 29 mock drafts after all. And he changes them after draft too! But I don't think I will be making any "mea culpas" relative to aforementioned players.

P.P.S And to drive a mack truck through your mock, Donovan ran the fastest 3/4 sprint since 2008 of ALL prospects....take that Wall and Westbrook! Also there is this on Harry Giles: Only 11 prospects at the NBA combine finished with lower max verticals (32 ½") doesn't help convince scouts his bounce has returned. If any GM takes Giles before Donovan they should be fired. I know that athletic testing is NOT the end all in regards to player analysis, but teams have to mitigate risk when they are throwing guaranteed money at these guys. Throwing guaranteed money at Harry Giles is flushing it down the toilet.

You best believe he will go in the 1st round. Injury history and all there will be a team out there to take a flier on him and rightfully so. Let's revisit this thread after the draft and see what the rest of the GM's around the league have to say about this.

 

[Blob]

You best believe he will go in the 1st round. Injury history and all there will be a team out there to take a flier on him and rightfully so. Let's revisit this thread after the draft and see what the rest of the GM's around the league have to say about this.

Well....I do think there are stupid teams out there, but I don't think they will be stupid enough to take Giles in the 1st round. Between second round picks #50 to #60 is the best he can hope for if teams are semi-sensible.

 

[Ozymandias]

Excuse me but if you think Harry Giles (#18) is going to go before my man Donovan Mitchell (#19) you may as well put on blindfold and throw a dart at a dartboard with the players names to come up with your order. Donovan is flying up the draft board after his epic performance in Chicago combine!!! Harry Giles is damaged goods with ACL tears in both knees. That's just a sad and unfortunate situation for the kid but massive red flag for all 30 NBA teams. I would not touch that kid until middle to end of the 2nd round, if that. He's going for CASH GRAB after whopping 4 PPG and 4 RPG. If the kid had more integrity and confidence in his game he would return to Duke and prove he's worthy of NBA and investment and show he has recovered from his injuries. I would be SHOCKED if Harry Giles goes in 1st round. I think Donovan has a chance to go as high as #10 to the Kings. I am not impressed with your other picks either....do you really think Lauri Markkanen is going to go before Jonathan Isaac??? No chance!!!! Jonathan Isaac is a stud. I think the Kings could take him at #5 if Fox is off the board. Besides ORL already drafted a big white stiff. His name is Mario Hezonja.

P.S. I will be happy to say I was wrong and your mock was prescient on June 23rd, and I grant to you opportunity to reorder as you see fit before draft day. Chad Ford has 29 mock drafts after all. And he changes them after draft too! But I don't think I will be making any "mea culpas" relative to aforementioned players.

P.P.S And to drive a mack truck through your mock, Donovan ran the fastest 3/4 sprint since 2008 of ALL prospects....take that Wall and Westbrook! Also there is this on Harry Giles: Only 11 prospects at the NBA combine finished with lower max verticals (32 ½") doesn't help convince scouts his bounce has returned. If any GM takes Giles before Donovan they should be fired. I know that athletic testing is NOT the end all in regards to player analysis, but teams have to mitigate risk when they are throwing guaranteed money at these guys. Throwing guaranteed money at Harry Giles is flushing it down the toilet.

Put me in the boat of believers in Harry Giles, I almost wanted to put him higher. Reports of his death as a prospect have been greatly exaggerated.. I think he's become a scapegoat not in a dissimilar fashion to Skal last year... I think the severity of some of his surgeries has been sensationalized by most. That max vertical is not a terrible number for him. I think you're putting too much stock into combine measurements. Giles has great hand-eye coordination and he's still quite agile, prototypical PF build (why DX has him listed at C - who knows?) those are his saving graces, he's got some nice tricks up his sleeve too, good head on his shoulders, good anticipation, he's got 2-way potential... Prepare to be shocked because he's going in the first round, he won't get past Utah at 30 no way, there's a report about Favors wanting to get traded floating today as well.

Also I'd highly advise not to look too much into Giles stats at Duke, they babied him, it's that simple, in no way are those stats any sort of true indicator of his talent. I believe in that kid, he will find his niche in the league.

Lets see how Mitchell performs for teams in workouts. I've followed him since HS and have seen him play a great number of games, and he's got great tools. He's streaky though. Hard to believe this footage is almost 2 years old, time flies.

Lauri Markkanen is a stud as well, you can take that one to the bank. High conviction. His ball-skills are phenomenal, he's got guard moves and you can't play him to drive or shoot because he can burn ya with both. Better prospect than Thon and Kaminsky hands down. If somehow, someway the Kings can land him at #10 it'd be fortuitous.

 

[Blob]

Put me in the boat of believers in Harry Giles, I almost wanted to put him higher. Reports of his death as a prospect have been greatly exaggerated.. I think he's become a scapegoat not in a dissimilar fashion to Skal last year... I think the severity of some of his surgeries has been sensationalized by most. That max vertical is not a terrible number for him. I think you're putting too much stock into combine measurements. Giles has great hand-eye coordination and he's still quite agile, prototypical PF build (why DX has him listed at C - who knows?) those are his saving graces, he's got some nice tricks up his sleeve too, good head on his shoulders, good anticipation, he's got 2-way potential... Prepare to be shocked because he's going in the first round, he won't get past Utah at 30 no way, there's a report about Favors wanting to get traded floating today as well.

Also I'd highly advise not to look too much into Giles stats at Duke, they babied him, it's that simple, in no way are those stats any sort of true indicator of his talent. I believe in that kid, he will find his niche in the league.

Lets see how Mitchell performs for teams in workouts. I've followed him since HS and have seen him play a great number of games, and he's got great tools. He's streaky though. Hard to believe this footage is almost 2 years old, time flies.

Lauri Markkanen is a stud as well, you can take that one to the bank. High conviction. His ball-skills are phenomenal, he's got guard moves and you can't play him to drive or shoot because he can burn ya with both. Better prospect than Thon and Kaminsky hands down. If somehow, someway the Kings can land him at #10 it'd be fortuitous.

I agree with you that Lauri has some ball skills. He can fake and drive and pull-up and keep his balance. This is impressive for a 7'0". I am board with this assessment. I think he may rank better than Kaminsky in this regard. But Isaac is the better prospect.

Regarding Giles, just "no". ACL is a serious injury. It's not a sprained ankle. Its an explosion in the knee. Two ACLs makes the seriousness doubled. The risk is just TOO great to guarantee him 3-5M over a rookie contract. A second round pick or camp invite and minimum deal is where teams will lean. This is my opinion but soon to be proven as fact.

 

[kingsboi]

Put me in the boat of believers in Harry Giles, I almost wanted to put him higher. Reports of his death as a prospect have been greatly exaggerated.. I think he's become a scapegoat not in a dissimilar fashion to Skal last year... I think the severity of some of his surgeries has been sensationalized by most. That max vertical is not a terrible number for him. I think you're putting too much stock into combine measurements. Giles has great hand-eye coordination and he's still quite agile, prototypical PF build (why DX has him listed at C - who knows?) those are his saving graces, he's got some nice tricks up his sleeve too, good head on his shoulders, good anticipation, he's got 2-way potential... Prepare to be shocked because he's going in the first round, he won't get past Utah at 30 no way, there's a report about Favors wanting to get traded floating today as well.

Also I'd highly advise not to look too much into Giles stats at Duke, they babied him, it's that simple, in no way are those stats any sort of true indicator of his talent. I believe in that kid, he will find his niche in the league.

Lets see how Mitchell performs for teams in workouts. I've followed him since HS and have seen him play a great number of games, and he's got great tools. He's streaky though. Hard to believe this footage is almost 2 years old, time flies.

Lauri Markkanen is a stud as well, you can take that one to the bank. High conviction. His ball-skills are phenomenal, he's got guard moves and you can't play him to drive or shoot because he can burn ya with both. Better prospect than Thon and Kaminsky hands down. If somehow, someway the Kings can land him at #10 it'd be fortuitous.

Nice to see I'm not the only one on this ship. He will surprise people, it's all about getting the O.K. from the medical staff.

 

[Gargamel]

Sh,t! I guess my post from last night didn't make it past the server errors. That's either good or bad to you guys (I'm your friendly neighborhood Devilakers fan). We snagged 2 again. Ugh. That's a 7 and three 2s and two of them (Randle/Russell) are feckless and inconsistent. NoDLo is immature as all get out. Pouty postgame interviews, lazy looking play a lot of the time, not too far removed from teen girl phone games. Magic said he needs to become a leader (meaning boost his maturity) right after Byron Scott pointedly remarked in print that Russ was a problem. Randle has good stats, but he's not particularly intense. Only when he wants to be. At best, the stuff he does is not terribly rare and hard to replace. Many say he doesn't fit the GS/Walton mold. Ingram let the LAers breathe a sigh of relief around March when he finally broke out of the wet baby deer learning to stand act. He's a keeper as cited by mgmnt, gonna fill out. I reviewed some 94/5 gms I have and rookie Eddie Jones, who was older than Shaq (4 year college), was more than capable of playing in the big boy's league. Ingram's weight is overhyped. Plenty of stick figures either filled out (Ty Chandler) or remained thin and still found their niche (Reggie).

I think Pelinka and Magic will ultimately take Lonzo over Josh Jax. However, I think Jax is the type of player Luke would want. Kind of a Drayish young monster. His highlight package is jaw dropping, even compared to that of Ball's.

Try to watch that without saying "Wow!" as many times as the play-by-play men do. Philly might not know how lucky they really are to field THAT along with Big Ben as long as he doesn't prove to be a chronic injury case. I see this draft going like the 1994 Draft. Big Dog (high scorer) goes 1, then Kidd over Grant Hill(!) Grant Hill at 3! Dallas felt Kidd would improve the Mavs in more areas than a multi-faceted SF. Even though both of them were gone from Dallas and Detroit within a handful of years, those early JJJ Mavs teams were fun. Toni Braxton had a hand in breaking them up. I'm definitely a little wistful about the thought of having to pass Josh Jax up, but like I said above, the Lakers had a lot of high picks, but it ain't like they got Ben or KAT. They need an impact player, STAT. They need a guy who can help the lesser talents like Julius and Clarkson and Zubac get easy setups. The Lakers with Russ look like Keystone Cops at times. Not surprisingly, Russ was caught on Facebook disliking a post that called for the Lakers to pick Lonzo. He feels nervous already. If they take Lonzo, you're gonna hear me screaming at the TV all the way up in Sacramento when the ball is kept out of Ball's hands. His name is even Ball. Give him the EFFIN BALL! I'm already mad and we're a month away from the draft itself. If Russ finally decides to be a pro in all senses (he got laughed at by Fisher and Worthy after a really snarky reply to a reporter on the Lakers' own channel) and he decides to work on his deficits, I'll feel better about him. I just think he's one of those guys who needs to score in order to remain interested in the game. I also think they draft Lonzo in the hopes of landing Paul George, who is frankly their only option at a star level player (not a superstar) under this current CBA which locked GS into a superteam in perpetuity. That's what happens when people look at the Lakers getting two old buggers in 2004 and going crazy about the concept of "superteams". The NBA FO only showed how incompetent they are once again. Whatever. I heard a rumor about Lakers trading down with Sacto as a partner. Probably just BS. I thought Cousins was a POS to be honest, but that trade to NO smells to me of a meddling owner trying to pressure the GM. That sucks. Worst kind of situation for a team to be in is with a meddling/stupid owner. Jim Buss was defo an example. I felt for ya, honestly.

 

[Ozymandias]

Here's my final mock;

-Team needs are sorta included, I'm a big believer in going after the BPA so this reflects that.

-I'm not a doctor and don't pretend to be, as far as injuries I remain mostly optimistic. There's no doubt that Alec Peters would be higher if not for his combination of injury and advanced age. No one gets chopped downfurther than Jeanne though, I do think he's still gonna get drafted.

1. PHI - Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
2. LAL - De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
3. BOS - Jayson Tatum, SF/SG, Duke
4. PHX - Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
5. SAC - Josh Jackson, SG/SF, Kansas
6. ORL - Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida State
7. MIN - Dennis Smith, PG, NC State
8. NYK - Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
9. DAL - Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
10. SAC - Frank Ntilikina, CG, France
11. CHA - Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
12. DET - Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga
13. DEN - Justin Patton, C, Creighton
14. MIA - Justin Jackson, SF, UNC
15. POR - Jarrett Allen, C/PF, Texas
16. CHI - Donovan Mitchell, CG, Louisville
17. MIL - TJ Leaf, SF/PF, UCLA
18. IND - Harry Giles, PF, Duke
19. ATL - Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
20. POR - OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana
21. OKC - Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia
22. BKN - Bam Adebayo, C/PF, Kentucky
23. TOR - Frank Jackson, CG, Duke
24. UTA - DJ Wilson, PF, Michigan
25. ORL - Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia
26. POR - John Collins, PF, Wake Forest
27. LAL - Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, Syracuse
28. LAL - Ivan Rabb, PF, California
29. SAS - Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C, Germany
30. UTA - Derrick White, CG, Colorado

31. ATL - Tony Bradley, C/PF, UNC
32. PHX - Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah
33. ORL - Cam Oliver, PF, Nevada
34. SAC - Jonah Bolden F, Australia
35. ORL - Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU
36. BOS - Mathias Lessort, PF/C, France
37. PHI - Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana
38. CHI - Monte Morris, PG, Iowa State
39. PHI - Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
40. NO - Johnathan Motley, PF/C, Baylor
41. CHA - Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon
42. UTA - Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue
43. HOU - Dillon Brooks, SF/SG, Oregon
44. HOU - Devin Robinson, SF/PF, Florida
45. NYK - Josh Hart, SG, Villanova
46. PHI - Tyler Dorsey, CG, Oregon
47. MIL - Alec Peters, PF, Valparaiso
48. IND - Frank Mason, PG, Kansas
49. DEN - Edmond Sumner, CG, Xavier
50. PHI - Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina
51. DEN - Vlatko Cancar, SF, Slovenia
52. WAS - Jonathan Jeanne, C, France
53. BOS - PJ Dozier, CG, South Carolina
54. PHX - Dwayne Bacon, SF/SG, Florida St.
55. UTA - Wesley Iwundu, SF/SG, KSU
56. BOS - Damyean Dotson, SG, Houston
57. BKN - Davon Reed 6'5" SG, Miami
58. NYK - Sterling Brown, SG, SMU
59. SAS - George De Paula, CG, Brazil
60. ATL - Marcus Marshall, CG, Nevada


*I do think it's more likely that the Lakers take Ball, which leaves Josh Jackson for PHX and then Fox to SAC at 5.. If I'm the Lakers I'd take Fox though so this is how I'm leaving it.

**Don't be surprised if PHX takes Jonathan Isaac @4, just a heads up.

***Markkanen and Z. Collins get pushed down due to team needs. I've got them a few spots higher on my board.

****Justin Patton probably doesn't go that high, I'm not dropping him out of the lottery though.

*****Paceniks is clearly gonna be the big winner from the Jeanne diagnosis, he gets pushed up for team needs.

****** Hartenstein's talent level is higher than this mock reflects,it's in fact character concerns which are dropping him. Bit of a diva.

*******Marcus Marshall probably won't get drafted, if he was younger it'd be a no-brainer. I'm putting him on the mock anyways, he can ball.

******** Cameron Olvier ends up being the player I have rated highest over consensus.. I really don't see why he's rated so low by most.

*********Hon. Mention to Arizona's Chance Comanche, he was #61..