May 10, 2010 – Allen Moll
As the 2010 NBA Draft is only a little more than 6 weeks away, we unveil our newest Mock Draft: Version 6.0. Changes made to draft selections are based on players’ stock rising or falling in NBA team workouts and a number of players deciding to return to school at the May 8th early entry deadline.
There has been a number of high profile prospects whose stock is skyrocketing on internet draft boards like Kentucky’s Daniel Orton, Butler’s Gordon Hayward, and Baylor’s Ekpe Udoh. Conversely, some 1st round prospects like have pulled out of this year’s draft like Duke’s Kyle Singler who will return to the college ranks to further improve his draft stock and possibly win back-to-back titles, while International star Jan Vesely has decided he is not quite ready for the NBA and will remain in Europe for another year or two.
These are only my choices and not the consensus picks of all of The Hoop Doctors writers, with that said here is my 2010 Mock Draft:Edition 2 – Top Prospects:
| Draft Order | College Team | Projection | Position | Physical |
1.NJ |
Kentucky | John Wall | PG | 6’4”, 190 lbs |
| Wall remains as a no-brainer as the #1 pick. He has freakish quickness and can get to the rim at will. His most interesting attribute is his amazing ability to finish with his left even though he is right-handed. Agressive, unselfish, and intense at both ends of the floor and exudes immediate star power. Could use work on outside jumper. Also has potential to be elite level defender and can be a weakside shotblocker from the point guard position. Comparison: Derrick Rose | ||||
2.Minn |
Ohio State | Evan Turner | SG/SF | 6’7″, 200 lbs |
| Turner can dominate a game like very few others in this draft using his high basketball IQ, athleticism, and being able to get to the free throw line with ease. Two pluses are his impressive mid-range jumper and the ability to create his own shot. His only downside is that although he is capable of knocking down an occasional three, it really isn’t a major weapon in his arsenal. Has incredidble passing ability while playing either guard position in college but projects as a stat stuffing 2 guard at the next level. Reining NCAA POY. Wall is considered the better prospect because of a higher ceiling and since some feel that Turner may already be a finished project. Comparison: Brandon Roy | ||||
3.Sac |
Kentucky | DeMarcus Cousins | PF/C | 6’10”, 280 lbs |
| Cousins uses his powerful core, nimble footwork, and a soft touch offensively to dominate the painted area like no other player in college this season. Although he plays a bit below the rim, the sky is the limit to his potential as a possible game-changer and 10 year All-Star. He has shown a propensity to fight authority but has gotten better as the season went on. Can score either facing or with his back to the basket. Depending on team needs, he could go anywhere in the Top 5. Comparison: Derrick Coleman. | ||||
4.GS |
Georgia Tech | Derrick Favors | PF | 6’9, 230 lbs |
| With a ridiculous upside that rivals only Wall, Favors could be a lock as a 20-10 player at the next level because of a long wingspan, which helps make him an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder. Offensively, he has an excellent power game around the rim and can shoot comfortablyout to 15 feet, which could work well in the pick-and-roll heavy NBA but is far from a finishedproduct. Rumored to possess an excellent work ethic, Favors could be a fow post force reminicent of Elton Brand coming out of Duke. Comparison: Antonio McDyess | ||||
5.Wash |
Wake Forest | Al Farouq-Aminu | SF | 6’9”, 215 lbs |
| Aminu was wise to return for his sophomore season since he has greatly improved his draft stock by both proving he can score in other ways besides the dunk and by leading the Demon Deacons to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tourney. Possessing a 7’4 wingspan, Aminu can score, rebound and swat shots with proficiency. Another year in college would have done him wonders, but with the uncertainty at Wake concerning a new coach and stellar incoming recruiting class, the time was right for Al to leave. Needs to improve jumpshot and get stronger, but at only 19 yrs old is an intruiging prospect. Comparison: Josh Smith | ||||
6.Phi |
Georgetown | Greg Monroe | PF/C | 6’11”, 235 lbs |
| Monroe has the perfect make-up as a semi-athletic big man who can score, rebound, block shots, and pass like Tim Duncan out of the post. He could be a game changer, when he is motivated and focused. At times an enigma, Monroe came out of HS as a Top 5 talent and that remains, although there are questions about his work ethic and desire to be one of the best. Needs to add bulk to bang with the bigs at the next level and improve mid range jumper. Comparison: Marcus Camby | ||||
7.Det |
Syracuse | Wes Johnson | SF | 6’7”, 195 lbs |
| Wes has prototypical size and skill to help right away at the SF position. At Syracuse, he showed the ability to do a little of everything but excelled in the open floor. Offensively he has 3 pt range but is average at best when it comes to ball-handling. Was sometimes to unselfish and is probably seen as a complimentary player in the NBA rather than a go-to-guy and needs to add weight. Has potential as a plus defender. Could start immediately on right offensive system. Comparison: Tayshawn Prince | ||||
8.LAC |
North Carolina | Ed Davis | PF/C | 6’9”, 225 lbs |
| Davis has the tools to be a good NBA player: big body, long wingspan, decent mid range game, but hasn’t shown the ability to dominate games as of yet. Shows excellent potential as an elite level rebounder and defender but his offense has not yet caught up to his defense. Has good hands, excellent basketball IQ, and can run the floor. Another year at UNC would have done wonders for Davis, who with a resurgent Tarheels program, could surge into the Top 5 picks next year. Comparison: Al Horford | ||||
9.Utah |
Kansas | Cole Aldrich | PF/C | 6’11”, 250 lbs |
| As a skilled 7 foot big man, Aldrich will help out immediately on the defensive side of the ball, but is limited offensively. Cole is smart to declare now since he has nothing more to prove at the collegiate level. Cole is a bit lacking in athleticism and lateral quickness, but relies on tremendous heart and toughness. Should block 2+ shots and snag 10+ boards on any given night. Comparison: Joel Pryzbilla | ||||
10.Ind |
Baylor | Ekpe Udoh | PF | 6’10”, 240 lbs |
| Ekpe has been flying up draft boards since pro teams are taking notice to an ever improving offensive game to match an NBA ready defensive presence. Once thought of as only an elite shot blocker, he has worked hard on being able to now be at least a threat with the ball around the basket by being able to score with his back to the rim and hit a mid-range jumper. Very athletic and has tremendous heart. A bit older than earlier prospects but is not yet a finished product. Needs to add weight. Comparison: Brook Lopez | ||||
11.NOH |
Kansas | Xavier Henry | SG | 6’6”, 220 lbs |
| Henry had a good but inconsistent season as he becomes the first KU player ever to be a one-and-done player. Xavier has prototypical size at the 2 guard position and could blossom into a perrennial all-star. Has the ability to score in bunches and will only get better. Could improve handles, is turnover prone, and go from just good to great on defense. Sometimes deferred to upperclassmen at Kansas. Down the line, has potential to be an absolute steal in he draft. Comparison: Joe Johnson | ||||
12.Mem |
Internatl | Donatas Motiejunas | PF/C | 7’0”, 225lbs |
| Like any international player, Donatas es a bit of a mystery, but what little is known is that he is an extremely quick power forward who relies on finesse rather than strength. Motiejunas is a very skilled offensive player with imposing height that could be a match-up nightmare in the Dirk Nowitzki mold in a best case scenario, hence his high ranking. Has impressive range on his jumper out to the 3 pt arc but is very limited in lateral movement, and consequentially at this point, is a defensive liability. Comparison: Andrea Bargnani | ||||
13.Tor |
Marshall | Hassan Whiteside | PF/C | 7’0”, 225 lbs |
| Hassan has been both a breakout star and a mystery because of little TV exposure since his squad didn’t make it to the NCAA’s. Whiteside is this year’s trendy, fringe lottery pick because of his ability to help an NBA club immediately on the defensive end. Tremendous potential as a 19 year old who led the nation in blocked shots and developing low post game which produced 3 triple-doubles this season. Because of his slight frame, he tends to get pushed out of the lane by bigger opponents, but has pick-and-pop ability out to 20 feet. Needs to add weight. Defense is way ahead of offense. Comparison: Joakim Noah | ||||
14.Hou |
Kentucky | Patterick Paterson | SF/PF | 6’8”, 230 lbs |
| Patterson has excellent size and skill-set for the NBA. He can score, rebound, and defend and was arguably the steadying force on a young Kentucky squad. He sometimes deferred to Wall, Cousins, and Co. and at times seemed to fall in love with the 3 point line, even though he is capable of knocking down a few treys. With a bit of a questionable work ethic, Patterson could either be a steal or a bust depending on the team and his motivation. Comparison: Rasheed Wallace | ||||
15.Mil |
Oklahoma State | James Anderson | SG | 6’6”, 195 lbs |
| Anderson was arguably the best SG in the nation, as evidence of his making a number of 1st Team All American lists. He had an outstanding junior campaign where he averaged 22+ ppg and ranked among the Top 5 in the nation in scoring. He has the ability to drain buckets with an effortless release and scores as easily as anyone in the draft. Average at best defensively and with the dribble. If you want instant offense, Anderson is your man. Comparison: Danny Granger | ||||
16.Minn |
Texas | Damian James | SF/PF | 6’8, 210lbs |
| James had one of the best careers in the history of the storied Longhorn program and should be one of the first seniors taken on draft day. Although Texas stumbled down the stretch, James was the one constant as a team leader. leading scorer and rebounder. Virtually no one plays harder than James and he has a game which appears that he is playing on a pogo stick. Some say he will never be a superstar but he has excellent work ethic and will never take a play off. Comparison: Kenyon Martin | ||||
17.Chi |
Kentucky | Daniel Orton | PF/C | 6’11”, 270 lbs |
| As a shock to everyone, Orton decided to remain in this year’s draft since his stock is skyrocketing based on an already NBA ready body and soft hands at the rim. Why return to Kentucky and risk injury? Although he is not a deserving 1st rounder with stats of 4 pts and 4 rebs, Orton has a prototypical NBA big body, who is projected as high as the #10 pick in some mock drafts. He is a bit of a mystery since he only played when Cousins was in foul trouble at Kentucky. With that being said, you can’t teach size, and I don’t doubt that some team will take a gamble on Orton. It’s been done before: Aaron Gray and BJ Mullens. Comparison: Eric Dampier | ||||
18.Mia |
Texas | Avery Bradley | PG/SG | 6’2”, 215 lbs |
| After coming out of HS as the #1 prospect in the entire ’09 class, Bradley showed signs of his tremendous upside as a future NBA player. Problem was he was widely inconsistent. Even though he was a prime candidate of improving his stock by returning for his sophomore season, Bradley decided to remain in this year’s draft even though he still has a shaky jumpshot. On the upside, he showed excellent ablility to get to the rim, is in his element in the open floor, and has the potential to be an elite level defender. Comparison: Ben Gordon | ||||
19.Bos |
Butler | Gordon Hayward | SF/PF | 6’9”, 200 lbs |
| Hayward’s stock may never be higher as he helped lead his club all the way to the National Championship Game. Posessing a unique skill-set, Hayward has tremendous upside even though he is only a sophomore. He showed tremendous heart and leadership for taking the Bulldogs on his back. Gordon can get to the rim off the dribble or drain 18-20 foot jumpers with frequency. Could gain a little weight and improve long range shooting. Although I think it’s a huge stretch, some experts have claimed he could be the next Larry Bird. Comparison: Mike Miller | ||||
20.SA |
Kentucky | Eric Bledsoe | PG | 6’1”, 185 lbs |
| Has prototypical NBA PG body but the jury is still out on whether Bledsoe can run the point, but has an excellent upside since he was almost as highly touted as his teammate Wall coming out of HS. Appears to have tremendous quickness and open court skills which bodes well in an up-tempo style offense. Although his offense was a bit sporadic during the season, he showed just enough firepower during the post-season for an NBA team to make a project out of him. Must improve ballhandling. Comparison: Jonny Flynn | ||||
21.OKC |
Florida St | Soloman Alabi | PF/C | 7’1”, 250 lbs |
| As an earlyentry candidate, Alabi is the definition of raw. He brings immediate elite level shot blocking ability with above average mobility, and is extremely long and athletic. On the downside, his offense is virtually non-existent and is only average rebounder considering his immense size. Right now projects as a 2nd string big defender but could become a starter under the tutelage of a former scoring center, a la now coach, Patrick Ewing. Is a project and will not yield results for a few seasons. Comparison: Sam Dalembert | ||||
22.Por |
Connecticut | Staney Robinson | SF/PF | 6’9”, 225 lbs |
| Stanley has excellent size as an athletic 3 at the next level. As one of the most flashy and athletic players in the draft, he may also have the best hops as he finishes above the rim on seemingly every play and could be a Slam Dunk contestant next season as a rookie. Has worked hard at improving his jumpshot but remains a slasher and is at his best getting to the rim. Rebounds well despite a thin frame. Possible sleeper if he continues to be aggressive and work on his game. Comparison: Nicolas Batum | ||||
23.Minn |
Washington | Quincy Pondexter | SF | 6’6”, 220 lbs |
| As one of the best seniors in the nation, Pondexter projects as a pure scorer at the SF position in the NBA. He has made great strides in improving his overall game in his 4 years as a Husky and has arguably been the best player in a down PAC-10 Conference this season. Inside the arc, he is as offensively talented as any player in the draft because of a lightning quick first step, which allows him to create his own shot at will. Needs to improve 3 point shooting and playing off of the ball. In the right situation, he could be a steal. Comparison: Rudy Gay | ||||
24.Atl |
West Virginia | Devin Ebanks | SF | 6’8”, 210 lbs |
| Devin’s many talents were overshadowed on a talented Mountaineer squad this season. As another long armed tweener type player, Ebanks can do a little of everything but has yet to show he is great at anything. His excellent length creates havoc defensively for smaller guards trying to feed the post or cutters and has a developing offensive game, but needs to improve his jump-shot and add some bulk. Another year in coach Huggins system would have done wonders as a #1 option. Comparison: Thaddeous Young | ||||
25.Mem |
Fresno State | Paul George | SF | 6’7”, 185 lbs |
| George is one of those under the radar type players who possess prototypical size and build for a SF in the NBA, even though he has played a number of games at the PF position in college. While the jury is out on whether playing against WAC competition is a proper evaluation of his skills at the next level, he was the go-to-guy on a struggling team even though opposing teams game-planned against him. George has the ability and skill set to possibly be an all star caliber player for many years with his outstanding ability to shoot from way behind the arc. Needs to improve ball-handling, cut down on turnovers, and add bulk. Comparison: Paul Pierce | ||||
26.OKC |
Miss St | Jarvis Varnado | PF/C | 6’9”, 220 lbs |
| After finishing his collegiate career as the NCAA’s all time leading shot blocker, Varnado can help an NBA squad out immediately from the defensive side of the ball. Similar to Udoh, but with less upside, he may be a finished product at age 22. With that being said, he can run the floor with ease for a big man which fits well into an uptempo NBA style team. Good rebounder but average at best offensively and needs to add bulk. Comparison: Andrew Bogut | ||||
27.NJ |
Memphis | Elliot Williams | SG | 6’5”, 215 lbs |
| After transferring from Duke to Memphis last season, Williams fourished as the Tigers best player. Has excellent physical tools that boast tremendous ability to create his own shot and score in bunches. Projects as a Top 3 SG prospect in this draft depending on team needs. Not yet a finished product, but is above average defender and has 3 pt range. Comparison: Jamal Crawford | ||||
28.Mem |
USF | Dominique Jones | SG | 6’4”, 200 lbs |
| Jones isan NBA ready combo guard who can light up a scoreboard on any night. He was arguably the Big East’s most potent scorer because of a quick first step and the ability tocreate his own shot. Fits well in modern NBA where teams have multiple back-court ballhandlers. Is well put together evin if a bit undersized at 6’4. Is average at best defensively but has intangibles like tremendous heart to be a solid pick. Comparison: Will Bynum | ||||
29.Orl |
Oklahoma | Willie Warren | SG/PG | 6’2”, 210 lbs |
| Not many players have taken a bigger hit than Warren this season. If he had come out after his freshman season, he may have been a lottery pick, now some predict he may slide into the 2nd round even though he has the pure athletic ability to be a star at the next level. Despite a lack of size, Warren projects as a prolific scoring SG in the mold of Ben Gordon since he has excellent range out to 30 feet, and is at his best creating his own shot off the dribble. His stock has dropped considerably after numerous squabbles with the coaching staff at OU, an ankle injury that has been slow to heal, and a bout of mono which limited his playing time late in the season. Comparison: Ben Gordon | ||||
30.Wash |
Xavier | Jordan Crawford | SG | 6’5”, 210 lbs |
| Crawford had an excellent sophomore season forthe Musketeers which began by dunking on Lebron James last Summer. But he is much more than that. He is the rime beneficiaries as one of the great performers in this year’s NCAA tourney where he averaged 29 ppg and led his squad deep into the 2nd weekend. Has excellent range on his jumpshot and an excellent first step but must improve ballhandling, passing, and defense. Comparison: Monta Ellis | ||||
2nd Round Players on the Rise:
Kevin Seraphin, France, 6’9, 250lbs – After Jan Vesely decided to stay in Europe to hone his skills, Seraphin has become the next intruiging international player who is only 19 years old, and posesses excellent leaping ability and is excellent in the NBA heavy pick and roll situations. Has only played limited minutes, but some NBA club may take a chance on making him a project since he impressed at the Nike Hoops Summit recently.
Artisom Parakhouski, Radford, 6-11, 260 lb – Although the average fan hasn’t heard of him, the Belarus native was quietly one of the most productive players in all of the college ranks last season but got little exposure playing for Radford. he ranked among the nation’s leaders in scoring and rebounding and played wellagainst fellow prospect Cole Aldrich in the non-conference schedule. His biggest asset is size and he used it to his advantage on the collegiate level. Above average all around talent but needs to develop a go-to-move in the post against NBA opponents.
Terrico White, Ole Miss, 6’5, 215 lbs – While another year in the SEC would have helped his draft stock, White chose to remain in this year’s draft since he is considered a fringe 1st round selection. He has terrific all around talent but has focused on taking every available shot by leading his Ole Miss squad on a deep NIT run after missing the NCAA’s. Although he posesses one of the best mid range games of anyone in the class, he still hasn’t learned how to get to the foul line which is a must in the NBA.
Gani Lawal, GT, 6’9, 230lbs – On a stacked young GT roster, Lawal was the elder statesman on a squad which made a nice NCAA Tourney run. He is an excellent rebounder and defender although is considered only average offensively. Can play either forward spot but must improve ballhandling and jumpshot. Has prototypical size and length for the next level.
For more Mock Drafts from all sorts of Blogs and Analysts check out The Hoop Doctors 2010 NBA Mock Drafts Database!
