Post by heelsguy25 on Dec 18, 2010 11:08:10 GMT -5
The 2005 Draft is quickly approaching. The season is half over and its about time when teams start to do their planning on the whose who of the draft. We will take a look at what we think the draft will look come that night. The picks are based on a few factors: team needs, upcoming free agents of the team and other roster issues. Our writers come together and make these selections, so they are just that, opinions. It is still early to say whose in and out of the draft so this mock will include players who are still testing the draft waters.
1. Phoenix Suns
Previous lottery position: 3rd
Current record: 15-37
Team needs: SF, C
Projected Selection: C Andrew Bogut
The Suns are back atop the projected lottery. This team has a good one two punch in Arenas and Howard, but need more bulk downlow. With drafting Bogut they get that. He is essentially the white version of Howard. A team of Howard and Bogut would be hard to stop on a nightly basis. If the team feels that Duhon isn't a good fit as a starting PG, look for them to not hesitate and draft Chris Paul.
2. Washington Wizards
Previous lottery position: 2nd
Current record: 16-38
Team needs: PF, C
Projected Selection: C Andrew Bynum
The Wizards remain at #2 and draft a big here again. Andrew Bynum is a nice fit as he gives this team some bulk upfront, which they lack. After reading our mocks, some scouts are wondering why we don't pick the obvious picks for these top teams. Sometimes drafting a player just to draft him doesn't help the team as much as filling a need. Bynum fills a need for this club. He is young, and some say raw, but we like his chances of being a force right away.
3. Houston Rockets
Previous lottery position: 6th
Current record: 17-36
Team needs: PG, SG
Projected Selection: PG Chris Paul
If the Rockets land a top 3 pick, they draft Paul or Williams. Paul will help this team alot and will finally put Wagner back at his natural position of SG. Houston cant mess this up if they draft at #3 can they?
4. New York Knicks
Previous lottery position: 4th
Current record: 18-38
Team needs: PG
Projected Selection: PG Deron Williams
The Knicks would love to have Paul, but they get the next best thing in Williams. Williams can score, pass and rebound. He is a solid player and will help this team immensely if they draft him here.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Previous lottery position: #1
Current record: 18-27
Team needs: SG, PF, C
Projected Selection; PF Al Jefferson
Philadelphia is getting better as the season goes along. Is that what the GM really wants? They still should land in the top 5 and land a solid player. Jefferson will help this team has they have next to nothing in the form of bulk downlow. PF is a position they need and top PF are a rarity in this draft so nabbing Jefferson would be the smartest move for this team.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
Previous lottery position: #5
Current record: 21-35
Team needs: PF, C
Projected Selection: PF LaMarcus Aldridge
Aldridge is a big body who can do a multitude of things well. He will give the big body presence this team lacks. With Boozer as the PF look for this club to try Aldridge out as the 5 if he is drafted here.
7. Charlotte Hornets
Current record: 16-21
Team needs: PG, C
Projected Selection: C Marc Gasol
In our previous mock we had Charlotte grabbing a PG. They need a big body also so we go the foreign route. Marc, the brother of Pau should help this club sooner than later. He isn't as gifted as his big brother, but is a load downlow, and that's what this team needs. Another option for this team is Robert Swift.
8. San Antonio Spurs
Previous lottery position: #10
Current record: 23-30
Team needs: PG, PF
Projected Selection: PF Andray Blatche
The Spurs need more big bodies and could go young here. Blatche is raw, but is a force downlow. He dominated the HS ranks, but will his skill set translates to the big leagues? The Spurs could go BPA here as well and nab a player like Danny Granger or Rudy Gay.
9. Utah Jazz
Previous lottery position: #13
Current record: 24-29
Team Needs: SG
Pojected Selection: SF Danny Granger
The Jazz lack a scoring punch and could get it in the mold of New Mexico shooter Danny Granger. Granger can play both SG and SF and knows how to put the ball in the hoop. He is a big body and loves to drive to the hoop. He would help this team out alot and is a no brainer if the Jazz pick at 10.
10. Dallas Mavericks
Previous lottery position: #11
Current record: 19-23
Team needs: SG, SF
Projected Selection: SF Rudy Gay
The Mavs would love Granger here, but settle for the next best thing in UCONN standout Rudy Gay. Gay is a prototypical SF. He can score, pass and rebound. His defense is suspect, but should get better over time. Gay would be a nice replacement if both hill and Anderson bolt for FA.
11. Boston Celtics
Previous lottery position: N/A
Current record: 29-33
Team needs: PG, SG, SF
Projected Selection: SG Monta Ellis
Welcome to the lottery Boston. The Celtics have a tough choice here. they have James slotted at PG, but is that the best fit? If they choose to bring LeBron back to his natural SF position, then they draft a SG or PG. The best player that fills both needs is Ellis. He is a combo guard, but loves to score. A combo of James and Ellis could be a nice pair for years to come.
12. Sacramento Kings (via Lakers)
Previous lottery position: N/A
Current record: 27-28
Team needs: SG, SF, PF
Projected Selection: SG Randy Foye
The Kings land in the lottery thanks to acquiring the Lakers pick. this team needs alot of help and drafting the best player will be a step in the right direction. Foye could help this team as he is a scoring guard. He can play PG as well.
13. Chicago Bulls
Previous lottery position: 9
Current record: 28-31
Team needs: PF
Projected Selection: Amir Johnson
The Bulls slide in the lottery projections. They have a few choices here but could go big. Johnson is a young prospect but scouts love his tenacity. He can rebound and block shots and should help the Bulls in the frontcourt.
The season is far from over, so this lottery picture will change. The decisions form the draftees should come as the season winds down, so we will unveil a new mock every so often leading up to draft day. Stay tuned...
