Post by heelsguy25 on Dec 22, 2010 5:29:24 GMT -5
The 2005 Draft is quickly approaching. The season is nearing the end 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. We will look first at the lottery picks. A look at the rest of the first round will be out shortly.
1. Washington Wizards
Previous lottery position: #1
Current record: 20-57
Team needs: PF, C
Projected Selection: PG Chris Paul
As much as this team needs frontcourt help, Paul is too nice to pass up. He is the best player in this draft and should be a strong player right out of the gate. The Wizards have already begun to move some of their guards to make room for Paul, potentially. The PG class is scarce in this draft compared to other positions, so is the risk worth it?
2. Phoenix Suns
Previous lottery position: #2
Current record: 21-55
Team needs: SF, C
Projected Selection: C Andrew Bogut
Bogut is the best big in this draft, and thats what the Suns need. Pairing Bogut with Howard would be a good thing for this team who cant seem to climb out of the cellar. The Suns could look at Williams here, but are best served going big with this pick.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Previous lottery position: #3
Current record: 23-51
Team needs: SG, PF, C
Projected Selection: C Andrew Bynum
We feel a big is a good pick here. The 76ers could be tempted to go with Deron Williams here and have a 1-2 punch of Harris and Williams in the backcourt to start next season. This GM seems content on going young, so any lick is a good pick in their eyes.
4. Houston Rockets
Previous lottery position: #4
Current record: 26-50
Team needs: PG, SG
Projected Selection: PG Deron Williams
This team needs alot of help, so any pick could be a good one. They lack scoring outside of Carter, so look for scoring to be their top concern this offseason. A player like Danny granger could fill that gap a bit.
5. New York Knicks
Previous lottery position: #5
Current record: 26-48
Team needs: PG
Projected Selection: SF Danny Granger
The Knicks need depth and may trade this pick if they get a great offer. They could go BPA here, but may find that guy to be a big in Al Jefferson. If Jefferson is here and the Knicks nab him, then the frontcourt could either be stuffy or very deep in NY.
6. Charlotte Hornets
Previous lottery position: #9
Current record: 32-44
Team needs: PG, C
Projected Selection: Pf Al Jefferson
Grabbing Jefferson here would be ideal for Charlotte. They lack some bigs and Jefferson would be a nice git here. He is a banger and loves to attack the rim. If Jefferson is gone look for the Hornets to go BPA here with the likes of Ellis, Gay and Foye.
7. Milwaukee Bucks
Previous lottery position: #6
Current record: 32-43
Team needs: PF, C
Projected Selection: PF LaMarcus Aldridge
Jefferson is their top target here some scouts say, but on our board he is gone so Aldridge is the next best guy. He isn't much of a banger like Jefferson, but is lanky enough to cause match-ups problems for some guys around SSBL.
8. San Antonio Spurs
Previous lottery position: #7
Current record: 33-42
Team Needs: PG, PF
Projected Selection: PF Paul Millsap
The Spurs will have some tough decisions to make if Payton and Ratliff bolt for FA. We feel they will try to resign Payton in FA if that happens. The frontcourt will look a little weak if Ratliff leaves so look for the Spurs to bulk it back up. Grabbing Millsap should help since he can rebound and plays pretty good defense.
9. Utah Jazz
Previous lottery position: #8
Current record: 35-43
Team needs: SG
Projected Selection: SG Monta Ellis
The Jazz could have a tough decision here. Do they go with a true SG here like Ellis, Foye or Rashad McCants or go with a guy whose more of a SF but much more promising like Rudy Gay. The Jazz need help, so in our eyes any thing is better then the options they have now.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers
Previous lottery position: #11
Current record: 34-39
Team needs: PF, C
Projected Selection: PF Andray Blatche
We still like Blatche here as we feel he adds bulk to the inside of this team. Word from some scouts and league sources is that this pick could be moved though.
11. Dallas Mavericks
Previous lottery position: #10
Current record: 34-39
Team needs: SG, SF
Projected Selection: SF Rudy Gay
This could be a steal if Gay falls this far. The Mavericks, like the Spurs before them, could have some decisions to make. Both Hill and Anderson are FA, and the scoring load could be quite light if they both leave for FA. Gay could step in right away and lock down the SF spot if that happens. Gay isn't super polished yet, but has plenty of room to grown and become an All-Star.
12. Toronto Raptors
Previous lottery position: #12
Current record: 35-40
Team needs: Depth
Projected Selection: PF Ronny Turiaf
Toronto is back in the lottery. they were once a top 4 team in the East, now lottery bound. They need depth at some positions so BPA could work here. A lack of bigs going into next season could denote them to grab a big. Turiaf has really propelled up the draft boards and could be a nice pickup in the lottery. Some question how his skills will translate, but the Raps GM is known for taking chances.
13. Sacramento Kings
Previous lottery position: #13
Current record: 37-38
Team needs: SG
Projected Selection: SG Randy Foye
The Kings need some scoring from their 2 guard and could get it with Williams. He is a combo guard but loves to score the rock in a variety of ways. Another target for the Kings to look at is UNC SG Rashad McCants. McCants can score and loves hitting the big shot, but is he starter quality?
The season is almost over, so the lottery picture is almost set. its all up to how the ping pong balls fall though. The decisions from the wild cards should come shortly. Stay tuned...
