1. Cavaliers (via Clippers) - Kyrie Irving PG Duke
We don't believe that he will be the top tier PG that some are projecting him to be, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility. With or without Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions around, he projects to play 22-26 minutes right off the bat and should be playing 30+ mpg by the end of the year, making him a nice mid-to-late round selection.
2. Timberwolves - Derrick Williams F Arizona
There has been a flurry of rumors about the Wolves shopping this pick, but ultimately they stayed put and made the obvious choice. Williams is a capable defender but is incredibly polished offensively -- he gets to the line and makes his FTs (75% last season), hits mid-range jumpers, and can take defenders off the dribble with either hand. Fantasy owners should consider him a gamble in the late-middle rounds.
3. Jazz (via Nets) - Enes Kanter C Turkey
Kanter's wingspan will keep him from being a great shot blocker, but he can play both inside and out. We'd have a better feel for his NBA game had he been allowed to play at Kentucky, but he was ruled ineligible. If he wins a starting job in Utah, he's likely worth a late-round fantasy pick. In other words, he'd be a lot more intriguing if he was going to block shots.
4. Cavaliers – Tristan Thompson PF Texas
This is sure to scramble draft boards as many teams had him pegged to go a few picks later, but for the Cavs this is a safe pick for a team desperately needing size. Thompson is a relentless rebounder that can block shots, but he will need to refine his post game before he climbs fantasy draft boards. And if Anderson Varejao and J.J. Hickson are still in the fold, playing time could be an issue.
5. Raptors – Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania
Valanciunas is 7'0" and has proven to be efficient offensively, making 70% of his FGs in Europe during the 2010-11 season. He weighs just 240lbs, however, and fantasy owners should note that he may have a steep learning curve in his rookie season in the NBA.
6. Wizards – Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic
We had him going here and he's an exceptional athlete. He should be fun to watch run the floor with John Wall, while the Wizards needed help at small forward. This looks like a very good pick for the Wizards, but if Rashard Lewis is healthy next season, Vesely might have a hard time finding enough minutes for fantasy use.
7. Bobcats (via Kings) - Bismack Biyombo F/C Congo
He had a tough workout that caused his offensive game to fall under scrutiny, and as a result he'll be a bit underrated in that area. On the other hand, he's a threat to triple double with points, blocks, and boards and is a defensive beast. He may have some buyout issues, but should be ready to suit up for Charlotte and barring an unforeseen issue with his development, he should get starter's minutes for a less than impressive Bobcats frontcourt.
8. Pistons – Brandon Knight PG Kentucky
This is a steal for Detroit, who benefited from a few surprises and need-based selections and wound up landing a polished 6'3" guard who could slide into a starting role with ease.
9. Bobcats – Kemba Walker PG UConn
Smokescreens and a suspicious knee had Walker falling out of the lottery up until draft time, but he is a winner and a leader, which is why the Bobcats scooped him up. He'll play behind D.J. Augustin next season, meaning he's not likely to offer much fantasy value as a rookie.
10. Kings (via Bucks) – Jimmer Fredette G BYU
This was a business decision as much as it was a basketball decision, but that's not to slight Jimmer, who has unlimited range and uncanny shotmaking ability. Defense will be the issue, and now the Kings need to figure out how to handle three guys who like to have the ball in their hands, as he'll join Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton on the wings. Should Paul Westphal start all three, the Kings could turn into a fantasy juggernaut.
11. Warriors – Klay Thompson G/F Washington State
Thompson is a deadly shooter and should fit in nicely with the Warriors, whose blitzing offense isn't likely to slow down too much under new coach Mark Jackson. He's been working on diversifying his offensive moves (he's struggled to finish around the basket) but a lack of athleticism will limit his defensive upside. From a fantasy perspective, he's an intriguing source of points and 3s but isn't an automatic pick.
12. Jazz – Alec Burks SG Colorado
The Jazz were praying to see Jimmer Fredette here, but he was snagged by the Kings at No. 10. Burks needs to improve his shooting, but can pass, get to the rim and even play some defense. We don't see him having fantasy value as a rookie, but he should be looked at as a sleeper in this draft.
13. Suns – Markieff Morris PF Kansas
Markieff surprisingly goes in front of his twin brother Marcus, and boasts a somewhat versatile game with the ability to hit mid-range jumpshots and finish at the rim. While he's versatile, he doesn't necessarily excel at any one facet of his game, though his recent improvement is encouraging. He will bring the Suns a more traditional PF, but for fantasy purposes he'll need to catch a few breaks before he should be owned.
14. Rockets – Marcus Morris PF Kansas
Morris fits the Rockets' fondness for high-efficiency players, as he's equally adept at posting up shooting jumpers, he rebounds well, and he rarely turns the ball over. He's also a tenacious defender, but his fantasy potential as a rookie is capped by the presence of Luis Scola.
15. Spurs (via Pacers) – Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State
He's a solid all-around player and a great rebounder for his size, especially on the offensive end. He's got to improve his jumper, but could get solid run as a rookie if the trade to the Spurs goes through. Richard Jefferson just didn't get it done for the Spurs last year. Addtionally, it will be interesting to see what the Pacers do with Darren Collison if they're getting Hill.
16. Sixers – Nikola Vucevic PF/C USC
He is the biggest player in the draft and pairs a good jumpshot with a decent back-to-the-basket post game. His deficiencies come in space where his lack of lateral quickness and jumping ability get exposed, but he will get every opportunity to compete with Spencer Hawes for the starting job. He has sleeper potential, but he'll need a fast start to be drafted in most fantasy formats.
17. Knicks – Iman Shumpert G Georgia Tech
Shumpert stands 6'5" and boasts impressive athleticism -- at the draft combine he posted the third-highest standing vertical leap (36.5") since the statistic has been recorded. He struggles in isolation or when he relies on his jumper but is extremely quick and impressive in transition, which bodes well for his role under coach Mike D'Antoni.
18. Wizards (via Hawks) – Chris Singleton SF Florida State
Singleton was projected to go higher than this in most mock drafts. He'll join forward Jan Vesely, who the Wizards took with the No. 6 pick. Singleton was the last player left in the green room, and the Wizards are obviously stocking up on forwards after last season's disaster with Rashard Lewis and Josh Howard.
19. Bucks (via Bobcats) – Tobias Harris F Tennessee
Harris does a lot of things well, but he doesn't do any one thing great, and brings questionable athleticism to the table for the Bucks. Even with wings John Salmons and Corey Maggette heading out of town, it's hard to predict anything but a bench role at this time.
20. Rockets (via Timberwolves and Grizzlies) - Donatas Motiejunas F/C Lithuania
Motiejunas is 7'0"/222lbs., with a versatile offensive game and a soft jumper for someone his size. His toughness is a huge question mark and we're skeptical about his ability to fend off rugged NBA frontcourts, especially while adjusting as a rookie.
21. Trail Blazers – Nolan Smith G Duke
Smith is a minor surprise being drafted this early, but Portland is clearly sold on his ability to play PG at the next level. He's an effective shooter who can run the pick-and-roll but lacks explosive penetration, and should settle into a backup PG role as a rookie.
22. Nuggets - Kenneth Faried PF Morehead State
There was an initial report that he would be sent to Portland in the
Raymond Felton/Andre Miller deal, but that's not the case anymore. He
will have a great shot at stepping into the void left by Kenyon Martin,
and will be somebody to watch as the preseason progresses to see if he
can slip into a starting gig. ... Not the most skilled guy ever, but he makes up for it with insane effort and desire.
23. Bulls (via Timberwolves and Rockets) – Nikola Mirotic PF Spain
Mirotic's talent isn't being questioned, particularly this late in the draft, but he just signed a deal with Real Madrid through the 2014 season. A buyout could free him to enter the NBA sooner, and apparently the Wolves are gluttons for painfully protracted European buyouts.
24. Thunder – Reggie Jackson G Boston College
Jackson's had a promise from the Thunder forever, so he didn't bother to work out, or even be measured, by any other NBA teams. He also may not be the most coachable player around, but the Thunder wanted him and Kevin Durant will likely help him be a good teammate.
25. Nets (via Celtics) – Marshon Brooks SG Providence
Brooks has a solid 6'5" frame and enough athleticism to succeed as a SG in the NBA, but his decision-making and playmaking are serious question marks.
26. Nuggets (via Mavericks) – Jordan Hamilton SF Texas
Hamilton has some conditioning and shot selection concerns, but is a
nice scorer. He'll have plenty of time to learn how to play NBA ball
coming off the bench in Denver. He could also end up being a steal taken
this late in the draft, as he would have gone higher if not for the
aforementioned issues.
27. Celtics (via Nets) – JaJuan Johnson, F/C Purdue
We like Johnson as a sleeper after he had a fantastic Big 10 career at Purdue, although he's not going to get a lot of playing time right away. But if Glen Davis leaves and Kevin Garnett gets hurt, Johnson is going to be forced into action.
28. Heat (via Timberwolves and Bulls) - Norris Cole G Cleveland State
While Mario Chalmers showed some upside during the playoffs, he may be too expensive for the Heat to keep and Mike Bibby would be better off playing in a 40-and-over league, which he may soon qualify for. Even if Cole was to somehow navigate his way onto the court, he is a longshot for fantasy value next to the Big Three.
29. Spurs - Cory Joseph G Texas
Joseph appeared to be a long shot to be drafted at all, but the Spurs saw something they liked. And given the fact they traded George Hill earlier tonight, it makes sense they went after another guard.
30. Bulls - Jimmy Butler F Marquette
Butler's story is amazing, and very similar to the movie The Blind Side. He's a safe pick at No. 30, but isn't going to make much of an impact in fantasyland.