Mock Draft: Version 7

Here is Version 7 (definitely the last one) of our NBA Mock Draft, posted on Thursday, June 24. The draft is about 5-6 hours from now and I am not happy with how Version 6 (yesterday's) turned out. It now appears that Derrick Favors is going to the Nets (again), leaving the Wolves with Wesley Johnson, but of course, that could change in a moment's notice. According to many people, the Top 7 picks are set in stone, but that sounds a little too easy. In any case, here's my best guess at what might happen tonight.

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1. Washington Wizards – John Wall PG Kentucky

Two words: Done deal.

2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner SG Ohio State

The Derrick Favors rumors have been put to rest and Turner is nearly a lock to go at No. 2. Thankfully, I never wavered on keeping him here.

3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors PF Georgia Tech

It's probably going to be Favors here, but there's also still a chance they could take Wesley Johnson. I had Favors here for most of these mocks and should have just left him there in the last version.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson G/F Syracuse

David Kahn should get his man – if he doesn't trade the pick and if the Nets don't pull a fast one on the Wolves. Minnesota is desperately trying to move Al Jefferson, which is something to keep in mind as well.

5. Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins C Kentucky

It is sounding very much like Cousins will land in Sacramento, but Greg Monroe is also an option.

6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe PF Georgetown

I had Al-Farouq Aminu going here in Version 6, which was really bugging me. Either I'm a genius and the only person on the planet who thinks he'll go that high, or I'm an idiot. I'm caving to the pressure and dropping Aminu, and giving the Warriors the best-passing big man in the draft. And if the GSW takes Aminu, I am going to be crushed.

7. Detroit Pistons – Ed Davis F North Carolina

All signs are pointing to the Pistons taking Davis if Cousins and Monroe are off the board, but Davis is a tough guy to get a read on. Horrible season for the Tar Heels and plenty of question marks about his work ethic. He should have come out last year.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu SF Wake Forest

I had Gordon Hayward here in Version 6, but nearly lost sleep over it. I've had Hayward going to Indy all along, and am going back to that. I was also losing sleep over having Aminu so high, but at No. 8 to the Clippers feels right. I'm also going to go ahead and call Aminu the steal of the draft, and my sleeper pick for Rookie of the Year.

9. Utah Jazz (from Knicks) – Luke Babbitt SF Nevada

The Jazz will likely need a replacement for free agent Kyle Korver, as well as some insurance for oft-injured Andrei Kirilenko. Babbitt is a sharp shooter whose stock has risen over the last couple weeks. Ed Davis is also a real possibility, as are any players listed above who slip through the cracks.

10. Indiana Pacers – Gordon Hayward F Butler

I've had Hayward here nearly all along and even though the Pacers still don't sound like they're planning on taking him, I'm gambling that it's a result of a Larry Bird smoke screen. We'll see.

11. New Orleans Hornets – Paul George G/F Fresno State

The Hornets are set at point guard with Chris Paul, have a promising young shooting guard in Marcus Thornton, David West at power forward and Emeka Okafor at center. Small forward is a serious need due to the age and injury history of Peja Stojakovic, and If Davis, Babbitt or Hayward falls this far, the Hornets are going to throw a party. If they're all gone, George is the guy who makes the most sense, and could end up being the steal of the draft.

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Ekpe Udoh PF Baylor

It sounds like the Grizzlies really fell in love with George, but the Hornets, or another team, could easily swoop in and steal him. Zach Randolph isn't going to be around forever and Darrell Arthur hasn't exactly knocked anyone's socks off. Udoh averaged 14 & 10 at Baylor, but will probably be more of a role player in the NBA. Patrick Patterson is also a real possibility here. Udoh could also end up going much higher, as the Warriors and Pacers both love him. In fact, It wouldn't surprise me to see the Warriors take Udoh and the Pistons get Monroe, or for the Pacers to take Udoh instead of Hayward if both are available at 10.

13. Toronto Raptors - Cole Aldrich C Kansas

Chris Bosh seems good as gone in Toronto, while Andrea Bargnani is a center only on paper. Additionally, Hedo Turkoglu wants out and the team is shopping Jose Calderon. Pick and position in Toronto, and there's likely a hole to fill. We had Daniel Orton going here for a minute, but his stock is falling faster than BP's. We also had Aldrich going much higher in the previous version, and while he could still land in Detroit, Toronto feels more likely to happen at this point.

14. Houston Rockets – Xavier Henry G Kansas

The Rockets have Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin, but also don't really need any more big men who aren't centers. Henry's draft position is up in the air and he could easily go 10 picks later than this, although we have a feeling his stock is rising.

15. Milwaukee Bucks (via Bulls) – Patrick Patterson PF Kentucky

Patterson reminds us of guys like Carl Landry, DeJuan Blair and Jason Thompson, and could end up being a double-double machine. The Bucks have needs at several positions, and could really go in any direction here. They are said to like Henry with this pick, but we've got him off the board to the Rockets. Patterson's stock has been all over the board, but it seems like he'd be a good fit with Scott Skiles and his overachieving squad of guys many casual fans have never heard of.

Here is Version 7 (definitely the last one) of our NBA Mock Draft, posted on Thursday, June 24. The draft is about 5-6 hours from now and I am not happy with how Version 6 (yesterday's) turned out. It now appears that Derrick Favors is going to the Nets (again), leaving the Wolves with Wesley Johnson, but of course, that could change in a moment's notice. According to many people, the Top 7 picks are set in stone, but that sounds a little too easy. In any case, here's my best guess at what might happen tonight.

Follow Me On Twitter

Follow me on Twitter for quick breaking news, draft updates, trade news and anything you'd want to know about in the offseason.

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall PG Kentucky

Two words: Done deal.

2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner SG Ohio State

The Derrick Favors rumors have been put to rest and Turner is nearly a lock to go at No. 2. Thankfully, I never wavered on keeping him here.

3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors PF Georgia Tech

It's probably going to be Favors here, but there's also still a chance they could take Wesley Johnson. I had Favors here for most of these mocks and should have just left him there in the last version.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson G/F Syracuse

David Kahn should get his man – if he doesn't trade the pick and if the Nets don't pull a fast one on the Wolves. Minnesota is desperately trying to move Al Jefferson, which is something to keep in mind as well.

5. Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins C Kentucky

It is sounding very much like Cousins will land in Sacramento, but Greg Monroe is also an option.

6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe PF Georgetown

I had Al-Farouq Aminu going here in Version 6, which was really bugging me. Either I'm a genius and the only person on the planet who thinks he'll go that high, or I'm an idiot. I'm caving to the pressure and dropping Aminu, and giving the Warriors the best-passing big man in the draft. And if the GSW takes Aminu, I am going to be crushed.

7. Detroit Pistons – Ed Davis F North Carolina

All signs are pointing to the Pistons taking Davis if Cousins and Monroe are off the board, but Davis is a tough guy to get a read on. Horrible season for the Tar Heels and plenty of question marks about his work ethic. He should have come out last year.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu SF Wake Forest

I had Gordon Hayward here in Version 6, but nearly lost sleep over it. I've had Hayward going to Indy all along, and am going back to that. I was also losing sleep over having Aminu so high, but at No. 8 to the Clippers feels right. I'm also going to go ahead and call Aminu the steal of the draft, and my sleeper pick for Rookie of the Year.

9. Utah Jazz (from Knicks) – Luke Babbitt SF Nevada

The Jazz will likely need a replacement for free agent Kyle Korver, as well as some insurance for oft-injured Andrei Kirilenko. Babbitt is a sharp shooter whose stock has risen over the last couple weeks. Ed Davis is also a real possibility, as are any players listed above who slip through the cracks.

10. Indiana Pacers – Gordon Hayward F Butler

I've had Hayward here nearly all along and even though the Pacers still don't sound like they're planning on taking him, I'm gambling that it's a result of a Larry Bird smoke screen. We'll see.

11. New Orleans Hornets – Paul George G/F Fresno State

The Hornets are set at point guard with Chris Paul, have a promising young shooting guard in Marcus Thornton, David West at power forward and Emeka Okafor at center. Small forward is a serious need due to the age and injury history of Peja Stojakovic, and If Davis, Babbitt or Hayward falls this far, the Hornets are going to throw a party. If they're all gone, George is the guy who makes the most sense, and could end up being the steal of the draft.

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Ekpe Udoh PF Baylor

It sounds like the Grizzlies really fell in love with George, but the Hornets, or another team, could easily swoop in and steal him. Zach Randolph isn't going to be around forever and Darrell Arthur hasn't exactly knocked anyone's socks off. Udoh averaged 14 & 10 at Baylor, but will probably be more of a role player in the NBA. Patrick Patterson is also a real possibility here. Udoh could also end up going much higher, as the Warriors and Pacers both love him. In fact, It wouldn't surprise me to see the Warriors take Udoh and the Pistons get Monroe, or for the Pacers to take Udoh instead of Hayward if both are available at 10.

13. Toronto Raptors - Cole Aldrich C Kansas

Chris Bosh seems good as gone in Toronto, while Andrea Bargnani is a center only on paper. Additionally, Hedo Turkoglu wants out and the team is shopping Jose Calderon. Pick and position in Toronto, and there's likely a hole to fill. We had Daniel Orton going here for a minute, but his stock is falling faster than BP's. We also had Aldrich going much higher in the previous version, and while he could still land in Detroit, Toronto feels more likely to happen at this point.

14. Houston Rockets – Xavier Henry G Kansas

The Rockets have Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin, but also don't really need any more big men who aren't centers. Henry's draft position is up in the air and he could easily go 10 picks later than this, although we have a feeling his stock is rising.

15. Milwaukee Bucks (via Bulls) – Patrick Patterson PF Kentucky

Patterson reminds us of guys like Carl Landry, DeJuan Blair and Jason Thompson, and could end up being a double-double machine. The Bucks have needs at several positions, and could really go in any direction here. They are said to like Henry with this pick, but we've got him off the board to the Rockets. Patterson's stock has been all over the board, but it seems like he'd be a good fit with Scott Skiles and his overachieving squad of guys many casual fans have never heard of.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Bobcats) – James Anderson G/F Oklahoma State

They've got Jonny Flynn (and eventually (maybe) Ricky Rubio) to run the point, and Corey Brewer at shooting guard. Anderson looks like an NBA swingman, and while he won't be a great player, he is a very good shooter – and Minnesota could certainly use one of those.

17. Chicago Bulls (via Bucks) – Eric Bledsoe G Kentucky

He can play either guard spot and would make for a nice backup for Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose. He's primarily a shooting guard, although he's undersized and struggled in the NCAA Tourney.

18. Miami Heat – Avery Bradley G Texas

The Heat are obviously desperate for a point guard, so they may throw Bradley out there and see if he sticks – if he's still available. He loves to shoot and isn't the fastest guy around, but should be able to have a decent NBA career. It's possible Bradley could end up going much higher, but for now, our guess is the Heat would love to get their hands on him. He could also go much earlier, if the Pacers decide they want to draft a point guard.

19. Boston Celtics - Solomon Alabi C Florida State

Alabi averaged 9.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and a school-record 2.1 blocked shots in 77 games for the Seminoles. The Celtics now have to worry about the knee of Kendrick Perkins and the retirement of Rasheed Wallace, so this pick may make more sense than any others outside of the Top 5.

20. San Antonio Spurs – Hassan Whiteside PF Marshall

Whiteside will be a bit of a project, but is still a possible lottery pick. His wingspan is huge and he's been impressive in workouts. He should become a defensive specialist, somewhat like a junior version of Marcus Camby. But it could take him a few years to develop and the Spurs could use some young big men. Whiteside qualifies, and there aren't many guys with as much upside as he has.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Daniel Orton F/C Kentucky

New reports have Orton falling out of the first round, but I am still not sure I believe it. He's got size and talent, as well as some Cousins-like concerns about his behavior, maturity and conditioning. But now that we're talking about a pick outside of the Top 20, you can throw 'risk vs. reward' out the window. The Thunder still need a young center they can develop, and Orton looks like just that.

22. Portland Trail Blazers – Kevin Seraphin PF France

The Blazers have never been afraid to roll the dice on European players, although Kevin Pritchard won't be calling the shots much longer. The Blazers are long on centers, but not too deep at power forward, and might be willing to stash Seraphin for a year or two.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Jazz) – Quincy Pondexter SF Washington

If the Wolves follow my script, they may not need a small forward like Pondexter here. But Ryan Gomes may not be the long-term answer at SF for the Wolves, and Pondexter will surely be in play here. He's aggressive and quick, and could become a solid bench player for the Wolves. He could also fall into the second round.

24. Atlanta Hawks – Gani Lawal PF Georgia Tech

Lawal not only went to high school in Atlanta, but college as well. He also had a good workout for the Hawks recently and fits a need in their frontcourt. Ideally, the Hawks would like to get a true center, but picking this late, Lawal might be the best thing they're going to get.

25. Memphis Grizzlies (via Denver) – Damion James F Texas

Rudy Gay is a free agent and Zach Randolph is entering the last year of his contract, so the Grizzlies might need a small forward ASAP. James may not be around at No. 25, but would be the pick if he falls. James seems to have all the tools to be a quality combo forward in the NBA, but will need to improve his jump shot.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Suns) – Larry Sanders PF VCU

First of all, I love Larry Sanders, the fictional talk show host, and his sidekick Hank. But I also kind of love the Larry Sanders who played at VCU last year. He plays great D, rebounds and blocks shots. The Thunder could use another big body to complement Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and James Harden. Hey now…

27. New Jersey Nets (via Dallas) – Jordan Crawford SG Xavier

Crawford is mostly famous for dunking on LeBron James last year, but he's quickly making a name for himself with dynamic workouts for NBA teams. He's starting to look like a sure bet to go in the first round, and the Nets might take the bait. They're a little heavy already at shooting guard with Courtney Lee and Chris Douglas-Roberts, but neither of those players is really guaranteed to play their way into being must-starts for the Nets. And if the Nets end up with Favors at No. 3, they're going to want a player who can step in and go right away.

28. Memphis Grizzlies (via Lakers) – Craig Brackins PF Iowa State

Zach Randolph is in the last year of his contract and Brackins' stock is on the rise. He's got a high basketball IQ and is a team player in every sense of the word. Darrell Arthur doesn't look like the answer, but Brackins might be.

29. Orlando Magic – Terrico White SG Mississippi

White is freakishly athletic and has as much potential as any player outside of the Top 5. He is inconsistent and might lose concentration at times, but with Vince Carter's future in Orlando (and the NBA) running out of steam, taking White here makes sense.

30. Washington Wizards (via Cleveland) – Dominique Jones G South Florida

Jones is a combo guard out of South Florida who could slide into Round 2. He can create his own shot and looks like he'll play shooting guard in the NBA. The Wizards need all the help they can get, and Jones could be a solid NBA player, backing up Arenas.