Here's the sixth update to our NBA mock draft.
Jimmer Fredette's stock is rising, the Wolves are still trying to move the No. 2 pick, and
Kyrie Irving still looks like the No. 1 pick, while
Derrick Williams is still a possibility for the Cavs. The NBA Draft takes place on June 23. Follow me on Twitter for the latest Draft updates, as well as what's going through my brain as I write the upcoming NBA Fantasy Draft Guide this summer.
1. Cavaliers (via Clippers) - Kyrie Irving PG Duke
Derrick Williams is a real possibility here, but Irving is still the clear No. 1 choice out of the mock draft community. I'd like to get daring and put Williams No. 1, but I'm not feeling that brave – yet.
2. Timberwolves - Derrick Williams F Arizona
All indications are that the Wolves are still trying like heck to move this pick, but regardless of where it ends up, Williams and Irving are nearly a lock to go 1 & 2 in this draft. Enes Kanter could jump into the Top 2, but it's very hard to imagine Irving or Williams being on the board at No. 3.
3. Jazz (via Nets) - Brandon Knight PG Kentucky
Knight and Enes Kanter look like they're going to go third and fourth, although the order is clearly up for debate. I think the Jazz have more needs at point guard than in the middle, so I'm simply going with Knight due to his position. Their back up point guards are Earl Watson and Ronnie Price, while starter Devin Harris rarely seems to be healthy.
4. Cavaliers – Enes Kanter C Turkey
The Wizards really seem to want Kanter, but it's starting to sound like he won't be there at No. 6. The Cavs have big-man needs and Kanter appears to be the best one in the draft. If they can't swing a deal to move up to the No. 2 pick, taking Kanter at No. 4 makes sense. He's got a great personality and would be a PR win as well. We really haven't had a chance to see Kanter much, as he was ruled ineligible to play for Kentucky after receiving more than $30,000 from his Turkish team. Kanter ended up serving as a student assistant coach at UK. He's 6-11, 265, meaning he clearly has the size to play center in the NBA, but is not projected to be a shot blocker due to a limited wingspan.
5. Raptors – Kemba Walker PG UConn
Walker became a household name during the NCAA tournament and while his size is an issue (6-feet, 180 pounds), plenty of other small men have succeeded in today's NBA. Think Brandon Jennings. It makes sense the Raps would look for a back up for Jose Calderon at point guard. They also have Jerryd Bayless, but Walker or Knight look like a great way to spend this pick. And once again, if they're finally done with Andrea Bargnani at center, they will also give Enes Kanter a serious look if he's still on the board. And with late word that the Raps are open to trading Bargnani, Kanter (as well as Valanciunas) is a real possibility here.
6. Wizards – Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic
Vesely's stock is on the rise and the Wizards had a disaster at SF with Rashard Lewis and Josh Howard last season. If they can't get Kanter, Vesely looks like the next best option for the Wiz.
7. Kings - Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State
The Kings have been struggling to find a suitable small forward since they let Gerald Wallace go and Leonard appears to fit a big need. The biggest question is whether or not Leonard is really worth the No. 7 pick. We'll find out in nine days.
8. Pistons – Alec Burks SG Colorado
Burks is a true shooting guard and with the future of Rip Hamilton up in the air, as well as the constant struggles of Ben Gordon, getting a shooting guard (or small forward) makes sense for Detroit. Burks might be a reach at No. 8, but the Pistons could easily roll the dice on him.
9. Bobcats – Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania
He's a skinny center, built in the mold of Andris Biedrins, but is also possibly the best one in the draft. He could be a steal this late, although there are conflicting reports about just how easy it will be to buy him out of his European contract. But given that the Bobcats are looking at starting Kwame Brown at C, getting a good one in the draft should be a top priority.
10. Bucks – Marcus Morris PF Kansas
The Bucks are deep at most positions but could use an upgrade at power forward. Morris' stock has been climbing and he looks like a pretty safe bet at No. 10. Morris is ready for the NBA, is going to be a nice rookie and reminds me a bit of Greg Monroe, who was a very pleasant surprise this season.
11. Warriors – Bismack Biyombo F/C Congo
The Warriors clearly don't need help at guard, while center remains a question mark. Ekpe Udoh might be capable, while Andris Biedrins could bounce back. However, Biyombo has upside and potential, and the Warriors seem to be in a bit of a gambling mood. He's got points/rebounds/blocks triple-double potential and a relatively simple buyout from his professional team, clearing the way for him to play in the NBA once the lockout issues are resolved.
12. Jazz – Jimmer Fredette G BYU
Fredette's stock is rising and he would be a great fit in Utah after attending BYU. He could potentially go earlier than No. 12, but if he's there, it's hard to imagine the Jazz passing on him. He'll sell tickets, hit shots and help solidify their shaky core of point guards.
13. Suns - Tristan Thompson PF Texas
Thompson is a near lock for the lottery and the Suns could use a true power forward, as Channing Frye plays more like a shooting guard than a big man.
14. Rockets – Jordan Hamilton SF Texas
Like Alec Burks, Hamilton is a smooth scorer and plays best when he's the main cog in a team's offense. That means it could take him a while to get going in the pros, but he might be the best pure shooter in the draft, and his quick release will be a key to his success in the pros. The Rockets aren't exactly deep at SF and Hamilton makes sense – especially since he's already in Texas.
Here's the sixth update to our NBA mock draft.
Jimmer Fredette's stock is rising, the Wolves are still trying to move the No. 2 pick, and
Kyrie Irving still looks like the No. 1 pick, while
Derrick Williams is still a possibility for the Cavs. The NBA Draft takes place on June 23. Follow me on Twitter for the latest Draft updates, as well as what's going through my brain as I write the upcoming NBA Fantasy Draft Guide this summer.
1. Cavaliers (via Clippers) - Kyrie Irving PG Duke
Derrick Williams is a real possibility here, but Irving is still the clear No. 1 choice out of the mock draft community. I'd like to get daring and put Williams No. 1, but I'm not feeling that brave – yet.
2. Timberwolves - Derrick Williams F Arizona
All indications are that the Wolves are still trying like heck to move this pick, but regardless of where it ends up, Williams and Irving are nearly a lock to go 1 & 2 in this draft. Enes Kanter could jump into the Top 2, but it's very hard to imagine Irving or Williams being on the board at No. 3.
3. Jazz (via Nets) - Brandon Knight PG Kentucky
Knight and Enes Kanter look like they're going to go third and fourth, although the order is clearly up for debate. I think the Jazz have more needs at point guard than in the middle, so I'm simply going with Knight due to his position. Their back up point guards are Earl Watson and Ronnie Price, while starter Devin Harris rarely seems to be healthy.
4. Cavaliers – Enes Kanter C Turkey
The Wizards really seem to want Kanter, but it's starting to sound like he won't be there at No. 6. The Cavs have big-man needs and Kanter appears to be the best one in the draft. If they can't swing a deal to move up to the No. 2 pick, taking Kanter at No. 4 makes sense. He's got a great personality and would be a PR win as well. We really haven't had a chance to see Kanter much, as he was ruled ineligible to play for Kentucky after receiving more than $30,000 from his Turkish team. Kanter ended up serving as a student assistant coach at UK. He's 6-11, 265, meaning he clearly has the size to play center in the NBA, but is not projected to be a shot blocker due to a limited wingspan.
5. Raptors – Kemba Walker PG UConn
Walker became a household name during the NCAA tournament and while his size is an issue (6-feet, 180 pounds), plenty of other small men have succeeded in today's NBA. Think Brandon Jennings. It makes sense the Raps would look for a back up for Jose Calderon at point guard. They also have Jerryd Bayless, but Walker or Knight look like a great way to spend this pick. And once again, if they're finally done with Andrea Bargnani at center, they will also give Enes Kanter a serious look if he's still on the board. And with late word that the Raps are open to trading Bargnani, Kanter (as well as Valanciunas) is a real possibility here.
6. Wizards – Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic
Vesely's stock is on the rise and the Wizards had a disaster at SF with Rashard Lewis and Josh Howard last season. If they can't get Kanter, Vesely looks like the next best option for the Wiz.
7. Kings - Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State
The Kings have been struggling to find a suitable small forward since they let Gerald Wallace go and Leonard appears to fit a big need. The biggest question is whether or not Leonard is really worth the No. 7 pick. We'll find out in nine days.
8. Pistons – Alec Burks SG Colorado
Burks is a true shooting guard and with the future of Rip Hamilton up in the air, as well as the constant struggles of Ben Gordon, getting a shooting guard (or small forward) makes sense for Detroit. Burks might be a reach at No. 8, but the Pistons could easily roll the dice on him.
9. Bobcats – Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania
He's a skinny center, built in the mold of Andris Biedrins, but is also possibly the best one in the draft. He could be a steal this late, although there are conflicting reports about just how easy it will be to buy him out of his European contract. But given that the Bobcats are looking at starting Kwame Brown at C, getting a good one in the draft should be a top priority.
10. Bucks – Marcus Morris PF Kansas
The Bucks are deep at most positions but could use an upgrade at power forward. Morris' stock has been climbing and he looks like a pretty safe bet at No. 10. Morris is ready for the NBA, is going to be a nice rookie and reminds me a bit of Greg Monroe, who was a very pleasant surprise this season.
11. Warriors – Bismack Biyombo F/C Congo
The Warriors clearly don't need help at guard, while center remains a question mark. Ekpe Udoh might be capable, while Andris Biedrins could bounce back. However, Biyombo has upside and potential, and the Warriors seem to be in a bit of a gambling mood. He's got points/rebounds/blocks triple-double potential and a relatively simple buyout from his professional team, clearing the way for him to play in the NBA once the lockout issues are resolved.
12. Jazz – Jimmer Fredette G BYU
Fredette's stock is rising and he would be a great fit in Utah after attending BYU. He could potentially go earlier than No. 12, but if he's there, it's hard to imagine the Jazz passing on him. He'll sell tickets, hit shots and help solidify their shaky core of point guards.
13. Suns - Tristan Thompson PF Texas
Thompson is a near lock for the lottery and the Suns could use a true power forward, as Channing Frye plays more like a shooting guard than a big man.
14. Rockets – Jordan Hamilton SF Texas
Like Alec Burks, Hamilton is a smooth scorer and plays best when he's the main cog in a team's offense. That means it could take him a while to get going in the pros, but he might be the best pure shooter in the draft, and his quick release will be a key to his success in the pros. The Rockets aren't exactly deep at SF and Hamilton makes sense – especially since he's already in Texas.
15. Pacers – Klay Thompson G/F Washington State
Paul George looks like the shooting guard of the future in Indy, but is still unproven. And given that they've continued to struggle to find a lock at the position, grabbing Thompson makes sense. I also think they'd like to get Fredette here, but he'll likely be gone. Thompson is expected to have some shot selection issues early in his career.
16. Sixers – Kenneth Faried PF Morehead State
Faried has a great nose for the ball, is one of the best rebounders in college history and will dive for loose balls without hesitation. Hustle is a word that best describes him and with Elton Brand likely declining with age and health, Faried appears to be a good fit. There's also talk the Sixers want USC center Nikola Vucevic here, but I'm not sure he's really a Top 20 pick.
17. Knicks – Markieff Morris PF Kansas
Morris will be an undersized power forward, but can shoot it well enough that he might be able to play some small forward in the NBA. The Knicks really need a center, but can always slide Amare Stoudemire to the five and start someone else, like Morris, at the 4. They're also said to be interested in Vucevic with this pick, so stay tuned.
18. Wizards (via Hawks) – Josh Selby SG Kansas
Selby has all kinds of potential but hasn't really lived up to the hype as of yet. The Wizards don't really need another shooting guard at this point if Jordan Crawford and Nick Young (restricted free agent) continue to play well. But if they take a small forward with their first pick, grabbing another shooting guard makes sense with this one.
19. Bobcats (via Hornets) – Chris Singleton SF Florida State
Singleton has the potential to be another Josh Smith or Gerald Wallace, which I'm pretty sure, would make Michael Jordan and company happy. I think he's another potential steal for such a late pick in this draft, and the Bobcats aren't exactly loaded at small forward. But if they don't get a center with their first pick, they'll probably be targeting on here.
20. Timberwolves (via Grizzlies) – Marshon Brooks SG Providence
Brooks' stock is rising and he's 22 years old after averaging 24.6 points, seven rebounds and 2.5 assists, while finishing seventh in the nation in scoring. He's a silky smooth scorer and given the Timberwolves love of drafting guards, might work here for them. However, taking a big man like Donatas Motiejunas or JaJuan Johnson might be a more logical choice.
21. Trail Blazers – Donatas Motiejunas F/C Lithuania
Motiejunas surprisingly pulled out of last year's draft and then tore it up in the Italian league this season. He's a great shooter, both from the floor and beyond the arc, and appears to be one of the more NBA-ready players in the draft. However, he really struggled in a recent workout after a weight lifting session, which might have hurt his stock. And with the Blazers running a continuous knee operation clinic for their centers, getting a healthy one is probably a good idea. JaJuan Johnson is also a real possibility here.
22. Nuggets – JaJuan Johnson, F/C Purdue
Johnson was the best scorer in the Big Ten and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year. He averaged 20.5 points, 8.6 boards and 2.3 blocks per game and the Nuggets could use an offensive weapon other than Nene in the paint. His stock was shaky early, but it's starting to look like he should go somewhere between No. 20 & 25.
23. Rockets (via Magic) – Nikola Vucevic PF/C USC
There are rumors that the Sixers and Knicks both want Vucevic, who is the biggest player in the draft. He makes sense for both, but 16 or 17 still feels too early to me. With Yao Ming's future in doubt and a cast of undersized and aging big men in Houston, Vucevic makes perfect sense for them. Maybe I'm naïve and undervaluing him, especially since he averaged 17 points, 10 boards and 1.3 blocks for USC last season. He's a guy I'm going to monitor closely over the next nine days.
24. Thunder – Nikola Mirotic PF Spain
This 6-10 big man can score, rebound, block shots and steal the ball, but the Thunder already have that guy with Serge Ibaka. However, Chad Ford believes the Thunder have already made a promise to him and they could certainly use more big bodies, which is good enough for me. But really, what are the chances two dudes named Nikola are drafted back-to-back? Probably not high.
25. Celtics – Reggie Jackson PG Boston College
Jackson showed an improved jumper last season and would make for a nice-sized point guard at 6-3. He has shown playmaking skills and is unselfish, while also able to play off the ball. The Celtics have many needs as one of the oldest teams in the league, but getting another guard who could play both spots makes sense. And it doesn't hurt that he played at BC, and there are rumors that the Celtics want him with this pick.
26. Mavericks – Tobias Harris F Tennessee
The Mavs don't need guards or centers, nor do they really need forwards, either. Harris could easily go closer to No. 20, but would also be a potential steal this late. This seems like it would be a safe move for the champs. And with Chase Budinger not exactly a lock to start at small forward next season for the Rockets, they will also be giving him a close look at No. 23.
27. Nets (via Lakers) – Charles Jenkins G Hofstra
Jenkins played in mere obscurity for Hofstra over the last four years, but is a dynamic scorer and the true definition of a sleeper pick. He may not end up being taken in Round 1, but we're guessing after teams get to know him via workouts, his stock will rise.
28. Bulls (via Heat) – Nolan Smith G Duke
Smith is a combo guard and it's still unknown whether he can be turned into a real NBA point guard given his turnover issues. But he was able to run Duke's offense when Kyrie Irving was out and played well enough last season to be a lock for a first-round pick. The Bulls could certainly use more shooting guard options and Smith should be the best one on the board this late.
29. Spurs - Davis Bertans F/C Latvia
Bertans has size, athleticism and is just 18 years old. He can run the court and has a nice jumper, clocking in at 6-10, 210 pounds. Chad Ford thinks the Spurs have made a promise to take him here, and while that may not make the most sense with Tiago Splitter and DeJuan Blair wasting away on the bench, it would not be at all surprising.
30. Bulls - Tyler Honeycutt SF UCLA
Honeycutt is nicely sized for a SF at 6-8 and should end up being a silky-smooth NBA player. He has decent athleticism and the Bulls should probably start looking for Luol Deng's eventual replacement. Honeycutt just looks too good to fall out of Round 1.