I wrote my first "Grade: A" mock draft in early May. Several things have happened since that necessitate an update.
1. The NBA draft lottery slightly adjusted the draft order (the Knicks and Lakers essentially swapped spots).
2. The NBA draft combine gave us accurate measurements and testing for most of the top prospects in the draft as well as updated medicals on the top prospects.
3. Several young international players on my last board withdrew their names from the NBA draft on June 15.
4. I've been on the workout circuit for the past month, spending time with many of the top candidates in the draft to get a better feel for both their personalities and work ethic.
5. I've spent a lot of time learning more about individual team needs.
With all that said, it's time for "Grade: A" mock draft version 2.0.
What is a 'Grade: A' mock draft?
Every year I produce roughly 12 Big Boards and eight mock drafts as a way of reporting how NBA scouts and GMs rank various players in the draft (Big Board) and what each individual team is thinking about doing with its draft picks (mock draft). Both are reported pieces that examine what NBA teams think, and what they're likely to do.
My opinion typically doesn't come into play until after the draft is over, when I produce my annual draft grades column. It's the first take of the year from me on whom I actually liked and didn't like in the draft.
This year, my editors asked me to try something a little different. My NFL draft counterpart Mel Kiper produced a "Grade: A" mock draft last month, playing the role of GM for all 30 teams and taking what he believed to be the best possible player and fit for each team. In other words, it was what every team would have to do to earn an A grade from Kiper.
While I don't have Kiper's hair (or much hair at all, for that matter) or longevity (he's been doing this for 30 years -- I've been covering the NBA draft for ESPN since 2001), I agreed to give it a shot.
No sources. No anonymous GMs whispering in my ear. My take for all 30 teams, roughly seven weeks before the draft.
Per Kiper's piece, please read the ground rules for this sort of mock:
1. At each slot, I make a pick in the best interest of only the team with the pick. I won't pass on a player at No. 4 just because I like the team fit better at No. 5.
2. No trades unless they've already been established as of June 23.
3. Team needs are taken into account; however, value can and often will supersede need. If there's clearly a best player available on the board, I won't pass on him just to fill a need.
Again: I'm not reporting or predicting who will go where. This is my opinion about what should happen. Not what will happen.
Below is a team-by-team look, as well as a pick-by-pick version so you can see how the order of the picks progressed and get an idea of who was off the board when each team selected.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Needs: PF, shooting
Round 1 (1) Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C, Fr., Kentucky
Round 2 (31) Delon Wright, PG, Sr., Utah
Round 2 (36) Cedi Osman, F, Turkey
Analysis: Not only do I personally believe that Towns is the best player in this draft, I also believe he's a terrific fit for Minnesota. He's better than any of the 4s the Timberwolves currently have on the roster, can play the 5 when needed and he gives them a big who can stretch the floor or score with his back to the basket. He's a perfect fit next to their young core of Andrew Wiggins, Ricky Rubio, Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng, and you are talking about the best young core in the NBA. And with young players like Zach LaVine, Anthony Bennett and Adreian Payne coming off the bench and vets like Kevin Garnett, Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin on the roster, the Wolves could be playoff bound faster than anyone expects in the West.
Wright is an excellent candidate to back up point guard Rubio. He can get any shot he wants for himself or others and is very unselfish. Osman is my favorite international player in the draft after Kristaps Porzingis and Mario Hezonja. He's not the world's best athlete and his jump shot still needs work, but I'm not sure there's a player in the draft who goes harder every single play and there's plenty of basketball skill to go with it. They'll be fine letting him continue to develop in Turkey until he's ready.
Los Angeles Lakers
Needs: C, SF, SG
Round 1 (2) Kristaps Porzingis, F, Latvia
Round 1 (27) Joseph Young, SG, Sr., Oregon
Round 2 (34) Anthony Brown, SG, Sr., Stanford
Analysis: This is where it gets tougher for me. Porzingis is the second-highest-ranked player for me personally, but the difference between him, Emmanuel Mudiay, D'Angelo Russell and Jahlil Okafor is pretty small. Russell or Okafor is the best fit of the four. The Lakers need shooting, and Russell can play both positions in the backcourt. Okafor gives them a huge upgrade at center. But I'm also a big believer that teams should think long term here, and in the long run, I believe Porzingis has the highest ceiling behind Towns. He's got elite size, can stroke the 3, and he's a good athlete. I'm not sure he necessarily fits yet in the Lakers, but given the talent, I think you make him fit. I think the Lakers, by the way, can take care of some of their backcourt needs later in the draft. Young is an elite scorer who can get his shot off from anywhere. Brown has been an elite shooter the past two seasons at Stanford. I'm not sure either guy is anything more than a rotation player, but the Lakers need help everywhere and Young has a chance to be a Lou Williams-type and Brown someone like Wesley Matthews if things go his way.
Philadelphia 76ers
Needs: PG, SG, SF, shooting
Round 1 (3) Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China
Round 2 (35) Christian Wood, C, UNLV Round 2 (37) Olivier Hanlan, G, Jr., Boston College
Round 2 (47) Vince Hunter, F, So., UTEP
Round 2 (58) Daniel Diez, F, Spain
Round 2 (60) Arturas Gudaitis, C, Lithuania
Analysis: The Sixers have six -- that's right, six-- picks in the draft. But five of them are in the second round, meaning they only get one real shot in this draft to add a major difference-maker. I don't expect the Sixers to actually draft six guys. Three is much more likely. But for now, here's what it would look like if they kept all of them. Nerlens Noel looked like a keeper after a strong finish to his rookie year. Joel Embiid has the potential to be the best player in the 2014 draft if he can stay healthy (which is a major question mark right now) and keep progressing. The Sixers could end up with a monster front line in a few years. What they need -- desperately -- is some backcourt help. In the first version of the "Grade: A" mock draft, I had them grabbing Russell. But after watching them both workout and interviewing them, I actually think it's Mudiay who has the slight edge over Russell. He's bigger, more athletic and I think he has a unique maturity that will matter in the league. He doesn't provide the shooting that Russell does, but his shot isn't broken. He's clearly been working on it. Defensively? Mudiay is far ahead.
The rest of the draft is a who's who of upside. Wood is a great athlete and has the ability to both stretch the floor and protect the rim. It's his work ethic that caused him to fall into the second round. Hanlen is a combo guard who can score and play the point. He's better than what he showed at Boston College. Hunter's an elite athlete who, if he ever learned how to shoot, could be a steal at this point in the draft. Diez and Gudaitis are draft-and-stash guys because there's no way the Sixers want or need six rookies on their roster. Of the two, Diez is especially interesting because of his ability to shoot.
New York Knicks
Needs: PG, C, SG, SF
Round 1 (4) D'Angelo Russell, G, Fr., Ohio State
Analysis: With Towns, Porzingis and Mudiay off the board, this comes down to Okafor vs. Russell. The Knicks need help everywhere so need can't really factor into the equation. Here's why I would take Russell: I think he's a perfect fit in the triangle, an offense that Phil Jackson seems hell-bent of using despite the lack of personnel. His floor vision, size and shooting will all be an instant hit there. They also really need size, but I think an Okafor-Carmelo Anthony front line will be too porous defensively. If they went big, I think Willie Cauley-Stein would actually be a better fit in New York than Okafor.
Orlando Magic
Needs: PF, rim protection, shooting
Round 1 (5) Mario Hezonja, G/F, Croatia
Round 2 (51) Nikola Milutinov, C, Serbia
Analysis: I love the idea of Porzingis here and hope in the actual draft he ends up falling to Orlando; I think he's the best fit there. But if he's not on the board, I think the Magic need to pass on Okafor and grab Hezonja here. With Nikola Vucevic in the middle and Aaron Gordon at power forward (I know the Magic would prefer to play him at that 3, but with Hezonja he'd need to play 4) and a backcourt of Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo, Hezonja fits perfectly. He's an elite shooter and scorer -- something the Magic desperately need. I can see the Okafor argument here as well. The Magic could always trade Vucevic for a shooter (I don't see them playing together) but Hezonja is so good, I wouldn't hesitate just to take him. Milutinov is a draft-and-stash guy somewhat in the mode of Vucevic. Skilled, big, but not a great rim protector or athlete.
Sacramento Kings
Needs: rim protection, PG
Round 1 (6) Jahlil Okafor, C, Fr., Duke
Analysis: From a fit standpoint, Cauley-Stein is the guy here. But I don't think you draft for need when there's a clearly superior talent on the board, and I think landing Okafor would be great for Sacramento. No, I don't think he and DeMarcus Cousins can play together, but landing Okafor finally gives the Kings front office some ammunition to persuade owner Vivek Ranadive that they should trade Cousins. I just don't think, culturally, Cousins gets the Kings over the top, and Okafor is a similar talent without any of the baggage. He's going to be a monster offensively like Cousins, he'll rebound and he'll draw double teams. And moving Cousins could land them another pick in the top 10 or, if they choose, a veteran to protect the rim or play the point.
Denver Nuggets
Needs: SG, SF
Round 1 (7) Justise Winslow, F, Fr., Duke
Round 2 (57) Keifer Sykes, PG, Sr., Green Bay
Analysis: There are seven guys in this draft whom I'm totally sold on: Towns, Porzinigs, Mudiay, Russell, Hezonja, Okafor and Winslow. So pick No. 7 is a real cutoff in the draft. I think you fall into another tier after it. The Magic could take him at five (the difference between him and Hezonja is razor thin for me) or the Kings at six (I believe he'd be an upgrade over Rudy Gay within a year), but I think this is where he probably lands in the draft and on my own board. Winslow, for all of his plusses (motor, NBA strength and athleticism, leadership) still has question marks. His 2-point jump shooting was atrocious this season. He dominated the game by playing power forward for much of the season -- a position he'll never play in the pros. And as much as his 3-point shot looked more than solid all year, his free throw shooting and lack of sample size put red flags there as well. So could he be the Kawhi Leonard of this draft? Absolutely, but being a bit cautious with him doesn't sound unreasonable either given the data. As for Sykes, he's one of my sleepers in this draft. He's super quick, explosive. He just lacks size and an elite jump shot. But at 5-7, I think he's got great value.
Needs: SF, shooting
Round 1 (8) Kelly Oubre, G/F, Fr., Kansas
Round 2 (38) Dakari Johnson, C, So., Kentucky
Analysis: After those seven are off the board, I personally see a pretty big scrum between players Nos. 8 to 19. I can make an argument for all 12 and I really struggle personally to get much separation between them. Now that the Pistons have traded for Ersan Ilyasova to protect them at the 4 if Greg Monroe bolts, they can focus their attention at shoring up the wing. You can make an argument for Stanley Johnson, Sam Dekker or Devin Booker here. But to me, Oubre has the most upside and the Pistons need to be patient enough to wait for it. His length, defensive potential and his ability to shoot 3s could make him a star someday. He's risky, but I tend to personally err on the side of upside. I don't love safe picks in the top 10. Johnson gives them a solid backup in the middle. He's not sexy, he's not going to be an All-Star someday, but you can't play Andre Drummond 48 minutes a night, and Johnson is a worthy 10- to 15-minute-a-night backup.
Charlotte Hornets
Needs: shooting, shooting, shooting
Round 1 (9) Devin Booker, SG, Fr., Kentucky
Round 2 (39) Kenneth Smith, PG, Sr., Louisiana Tech
Analysis: With the Lance Stephenson trade last week, the Hornets' need for shooting has never been stronger and now they have the minutes to give someone to fill the hole. They are, however, in a funny place at No. 9. The two best shooters left aren't high upside guys. They'll do their job, and I'm not sure they'll do much else. It's with great reluctance that I put Booker here. I'm not as big of a fan as some. I worry about a lot of things. But I do think shooting is their only major need and Booker is the best equipped to fill it. I'd take Oubre for sure if he was still on the board, but he's not and there aren't really any other obvious options for them. Booker will do his job and, frankly, sometimes that's enough. Smith is one of the purest point guards in the draft to the point that he's very reluctant to shoot. But his basketball IQ and his ability to penetrate make him a nice backup and counterpoint to Kemba Walker.
Miami Heat
Needs: C, SF, SG
Round 1 (10) Myles Turner, F/C, Fr., Texas
Round 2 (40) Norm Powell, SG, Sr., UCLA
Analysis: I have Stanley Johnson going here in my mock and was tempted to put him here as well. He or Sam Dekker fit the mold Pat Riley wants and can play right away. But the Heat are rarely in a position to make a top-10 pick and because of that, I think they should broaden their vision beyond the now. In a couple of years, Turner could end up being one of the top players in this draft. He's huge, versatile, can protect the rim and stretch the floor. He's just not ready yet. But with Hassan Whiteside's unpredictability, he gives the Heat a nice backup and, long term, a potential stud starting center. As for Powell, he has the type of NBA toughness and elite athleticism that could spell Dwyane Wade 15 minutes every night to give him some much-needed rest.
Indiana Pacers
Needs: C, PF, SG, backup PG
Round 1 (11) Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C, Jr., Kentucky
Round 2 (43) Andrew Harrison, G, So., Kentucky
Analysis: Larry Bird made it clear in the exit interview that the lumbering Roy Hibbert was part of the past. He wanted a more athletic, quicker front line going forward. If Cauley-Stein actually fell this far, he'd be absolutely perfect in Indiana and the up-tempo approach they want to move to. Cauley-Stein to me is a fit type of pick. On the right team, he could be a stud. On the wrong team, a bust. I think the Pacers are the right team. As for Harrison, I think Bird has proved he's willing to rehabilitate high school stars and give them a second chance. It worked with Stephenson and I think it could work for Harrison, as well. The Pacers could use the help at both backcourt positions and if Harrison humbles himself and puts in the work, I could see him eventually helping much like Stephenson once did off the bench.
Utah Jazz
Needs: backup PF, C, SG
Round 1 (12) Kevon Looney, F, Fr. UCLA
Round 2 (42) Rakeem Christmas, F/C, Sr., Syracuse
Round 2 (54) Larry Nance Jr., F, Sr., Wyoming
Analysis: The Jazz are one of the few teams in the lottery without any glaring needs. Their starting five of the future is pretty set: Dante Exum at point guard, Alec Burks at shooting guard, Gordon Hayward at small forward, Derrick Favors at power forward and Rudy Gobert at center. That starting five has a chance to be awesome someday, and I don't think anyone in Utah is going to mess with it. Burks is the biggest question mark of the group, but given his recent contract extension, they're going to try to make it work. And even if it doesn't, the way Rodney Hood played toward the end of the season gives them hope that his replacement might already be on their roster.
That frees them to take the best player available, and I think that's Looney. If there is a third tier in this draft, it ends around No. 12 and Looney is the last guy in it. He has the talent of a top-five pick, but it's still unclear where his position will be in the pros, and he's seen as a longer-term project than most. Utah has the flexibility to be able to wait on him. Someday he could be backing up both Favors and Hayward. He's one of the most versatile players in the draft and a steal at No. 12. Christmas doesn't have a huge amount of upside, but he's was super productive his senior year, can play the 4 and the 5 and should provide some rebounding and shot blocking off the bench.
Phoenix Suns
Needs: backup C, PF, SG
Round 1 (13) Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, G/F, So., Arizona
Round 2 (44) Guillermo Hernangomez, C, Spain
Analysis: While much of the NBA scouting world has been down on Hollis-Jefferson, I remain enthusiastic. Yes, he can't shoot. And it's a problem. But he does everything else at an elite level. He can be a lock-down defender at multiple positions. He can penetrate and finish at the rim. He has a high basketball IQ. If his shot ever started falling, I think he'd be a star. Even if it doesn't, I could see him turning into a star surrounded by more offensive-minded players like Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, Markieff Morris and T.J. Warren. He could play a Andre Iguodala-type role for them on D. Scouts came in with super high expectations for Hernangomez, and while he put up good numbers for his age, he was never dominant in Spain. The Suns aren't getting a game-changer at No. 44, but Hernangomez could play in the NBA right now -- think a young Zaza Pachulia.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Needs: SG, backup PG
Round 1 (14) Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State
Round 2 (48) Guillem Vives, PG, Spain
Analysis: The Thunder really need a long-term backup point guard behind Russell Westbrook and I think Payne is the best fit for the Thunder here. He's a pure point guard, great at the pick and roll and finds a nice balance between scoring the basketball and shooting the ball. I actually have Jerian Grant rated slightly ahead of Payne, but for the Thunder needs, I think he's the better choice. As for Vives, he's another draft-and-stash candidate. A pure point guard with great size who just lacks elite athleticism.
Atlanta Hawks
Needs: SF, C
Round 1 (15) Stanley Johnson, G/F, Fr., Arizona
Round 2 (50) Richaun Holmes, PF, Sr., Bowling Green
Round 2 (59) J.P. Tokoto, SF, Jr., North Carolina
Analysis: The Hawks benefit from the Nets' decision to hand over the farm in exchange for Joe Johnson and of all the actual assets they received (their biggest by far was cap flexibility) this might be the one they cash in on. If Johnson is on the board (or Dekker) they've got a shot to upgrade at the 3 with an 18-year-old. Very few teams with the best record in their conference would ever have such an opportunity. And while I'm not sold that Johnson is a star, I do think he's going to be in the league a long time and would be perfect on a team that's competing for a championship. Holmes was one of the true breakout stars at the combine and gives the Hawks some much-needed toughness and shot blocking in the paint. Tokoto can't shoot, but he's a terrific passer and can defend multiple positions on the floor. He could be a Thabo Sefolosha-type player down the road.
Boston Celtics
Needs: C, rim protection, SF
Round 1 (16) Sam Dekker, F, Jr., Wisconsin
Round 1 (28) Tyus Jones, PG, Fr., Duke
Round 2 (33) Robert Upshaw, C, So., Washington
Round 2 (45) Branden Dawson, SG, Michigan State
Analysis: Celtics fans are rightfully stoked that this year's squad made the playoffs. But it came at a huge price. There are 10 to 12 real difference-makers in this draft, and the Celtics fell to No. 16. If it cost them a chance at a rim protector like Cauley-Stein or Turner, or an upgrade at small forward like Winslow or Hezonja, this year's run hurt the franchise in the long term. I'm not sure exactly where to take the Celtics here, but given their need at small forward, I think Dekker is worth a shot. He's big, athletic and while he's not a lights-out shooter, I do think he can improve. His confidence waxed and waned under Bo Ryan, but I see Brad Stevens as the perfect type of coach for him. Jones won a national championship and might be the best pure point guard in the draft. He's small and lacks elite athleticism, but he should be a terrific change of pace guard behind Marcus Smart.
Upshaw is the one guy who could be a big factor for them. He has major off-the-court red flags, but he was the best shot blocker in the country last year and if he can stay out of trouble will be an absolute steal for the Celtics at No. 33. He's worth the risk given the Celtics' needs. Dawson has the body, athleticism and defensive ability of a first round pick. He could never really get his offense going. Still he could be a defensive stopper for the Celtics down the road.
Milwaukee Bucks
Needs: C, shooting
Round 1 (17) Frank Kaminsky, C, Sr., Wisconsin
Round 2 (46) Pat Connaughton, SG, Sr., Notre Dame
Analysis: I'm pretty sure Kaminsky won't actually last this long in the real draft, but I think this would be the best-case scenario for him and Milwaukee. I like Kaminsky, but I don't think he has the upside of a lottery pick. He's, at best, Channing Frye. But on a team like the Bucks who desperately need some size, he could be perfect, get plenty of minutes and meld into a very intriguing up-and-coming team. The combination of Michael Carter-Williams at point guard, Khris Middleton at shooting guard, Giannis Antetokounmpo at small forward, Jabari Parker at power forward and Kaminsky at center has a great long-term future. Connaughton was another star in the draft combine. He's tough, athletic and can really shoot it and the Bucks could certainly use another shooter in the backcourt.
Houston Rockets
Needs: PG
Round 1 (18) Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame
Round 2 (32) Cliff Alexander, PF, Fr., Kansas
Analysis: I don't think there's a person alive who doesn't know that the Rockets need help at point guard. Patrick Beverley is good when he's healthy, but he's a free agent this summer. And that's about it. I know Tyus Jones is the odds-on favorite to get drafted here, but I actually like Payne and Grant as a prospects better. I actually have Grant rated slightly higher than Payne, so this is a great get for the Rockets if he's still there. Grant is one of the best pick-and-roll point guards in the draft, can play both the 1 and 2 and is a fierce competitor. As for Alexander, I never saw why he was rated as a lottery pick. He has the NBA body, but he's undersized and his basketball IQ is really low. But as a backup big who can rebound, and play with energy? Pick No. 32 sounds just about right.
Washington Wizards
Needs: PF, backup C
Round 1 (19) Trey Lyles, PF, Fr., Kentucky
Round 2 (49) Mouhammadou Jaiteh, F/C, France
Analysis: Néné will be coming into the last year of his contract. The Wizards are set with young players at point guard (John Wall), shooting guard (Bradley Beal), small forward (Otto Porter Jr.) and have a veteran center, Marcin Gortat, in his prime. But power forward is still a major need. I'm torn between Bobby Portis and Lyles here. Portis is more of a sure thing: tough, versatile and a great motor. But I think Lyles presents more upside and the Wizards could still use some upside at that position. I know teams have him ranked much higher, but I think his lack of elite athleticism makes him a better play here in the teens. The Wizards' backcourt is the engine that makes this team run. They just need bigs who will play their role, and I think Lyles is perfect for that. Jaiteh is another big man who is probably under-ranked. Scouts fell in love with him as an 18-year-old, were turned off by a poor performance at the Nike Hoop Summit and have ignored the fact that he's gotten much better the last two seasons. He has the size to be a really good backup big man down the road.
Toronto Raptors
Needs: PF, backup C, backup SG
Round 1 (20) Bobby Portis, PF, So., Arkansas
Analysis: Amir Johnson and Tyler Hansbrough are both free agents this summer, as GM Masai Ujiri starts to remake this Raptors team. What the team needs is more players with toughness (a quality Ujiri loves), and Portis looks like the perfect fit for them. He doesn't excel at any one thing, but does just about everything well. He can score inside and outside, rebounds, blocks shots and if he has a talent, it's playing hard.
Dallas Mavericks
Needs: PG, C, SG
Round 1 (21) R.J. Hunter, SG, Jr., Georgia State
Round 2 (52) Chris Walker, F, So., Florida
Analysis: It's time, finally, for the Mavs to start thinking about the future. Monta Ellis (if he opts in) will have one year left on his deal and by then Hunter should be ready to come in and take over. I'm a bigger fan of Hunter than most. I think he's an elite shooter (ignore his shooting this year; he took every shot with two defenders draped on him), has elite length for his position (he has a 6-foot-11 wingspan) and he has a crazy high basketball IQ. He has a lot of Klay Thompson in his game and a Klay Thompson-type player is exactly what the Mavs need. Given the long-term needs of the franchise he's worth a pick here. Walker to me is a swing for the fences. Given his utter lack of production the past two years, it's probably a strike out. But he's so athletic and has such great size for his position, does it really hurt to take a chance on him at No. 54?
Chicago Bulls
Needs: shooting, backup PG
Round 1 (22) Rashad Vaughn, SG, Fr., UNLV
Analysis: The Bulls always can use shooting and Vaughn is one of the better shooters in the draft. He's also a potential elite scorer who could give them a big scoring punch off the bench. He's been rising on draft boards the past few months and I can see why. He's one of the few guys left in the 20s who could, in the right environment, still be a breakout star.
Portland Trail Blazers
Needs: PF, backup SF
Round 1 (23) Montrezl Harrell, PF, Jr., Louisville
Analysis: LaMarcus Aldridge looks like he might have one foot out the door which would leave a gaping hole at power forward for the Blazers. I don't think you find his replacement at No. 23, but Harrell can give you some depth there. He's not the most skilled big guy on the planet, but he attacks the rim and plays with a great motor. If he's content just playing his role, I think he'll have a long career in the NBA.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Needs: shooting, backup PG, backup C
Round 1 (24) Terry Rozier, PG, So., Louisville
Round 2 (53) Alan Williams, PF, Sr., UC-Santa Barbara
Analysis: The Cavs could go a lot of different directions here, but given Kyrie Irving's health issues, another guard in the backcourt who can play the point makes sense. I like Rozier because he can play both on and off the ball, plays with great toughness and motor and I think still has upside as a player. He gives them immediate athleticism and grit off the bench. Williams is the classic low post rebounder and scorer. He doesn't get off his feet very much, but he knows how to create space. A poor man's Paul Millsap?
Memphis Grizzlies
Needs: shot blocking, shooting
Round 1 (25): Justin Anderson, G/F, Jr., Virginia
Analysis: The Grizzlies could use shot blocking and shooting, and while I originally leaned toward Wood, after hearing various teams voice concerns about him, I'm moving to Anderson. Anderson is big, athletic, can play defense and can shoot. He's the classic 3-and-D guy in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs
Needs: SG, PF
Round 1 (26) Jarell Martin, PF, So., LSU
Round 2 (55) Michael Frazier II, SG, Jr., Florida
Analysis: I don't know what exactly Martin is, but he's athletic, he plays hard and he can rebound. The Spurs can, at times, play positions basketball, and Martin seems like the type of guy who could thrive in the Spurs culture at the 4. Frazier II is a lights-out shooter and could be interesting coming off the bench for them.
Brooklyn Nets
Needs: SG, SF, backup PG
Round 1 (29) Chris McCullough, F, Fr., Syracuse
Round 2 (41) Jordan Mickey, F/C, So., LSU
Analysis: McCullough would've been a likely lottery pick had he stayed another year at Syracuse. A torn ACL has hurt his stock considerably, but the upside is there and the Nets desperately need a few young players who can grow into their roles as the starting vets get older. Mickey is a shot-blocking machine who has never quite figured things out offensively. Two great upside guys on the front line for the Nets don't necessarily fit needs, but it's about taking the best players available.
Golden State Warriors
Needs: shooting (just kidding), backup PF, backup SG
Round 1 (30) Tyler Harvey, G, Jr., Eastern Washington
Analysis: The Warriors need more shooting? Sort of. Certainly not in their starting lineup, but they could use some players off the bench who can light it up from downtown. While NBA scouts have cooled on Harvey after a less-than-stellar performance at the draft combine, I still believe his combination of shooting ability and high basketball IQ will help him find a way to succeed. The Warriors would be the perfect situation for him.
New Orleans Pelicans
Needs: C, shooting
Round 2 (56) Jonathan Holmes, SF, Sr., Texas
Analysis: The Pelicans honestly aren't going to get much at No. 56. But I still am intrigued with Holmes, even if he had a so-so senior year at Texas. He's big, can stretch the floor and the Pelicans could really use some shooting.
Los Angeles Clippers
NONE.