June 21, 2010 – Allen Moll
As the 2010 NBA Draft is only a little more than a few days away, we unveil our final Mock Draft: Version 8.0 – Final Cut. With it all but set in stone that John Wall and Evan Turner are going #1 and #2 to Washington and Philadelphia respectively, the rest of the lottery is still up for grabs as teams are feverishly working out players like DeMarcus Cousins, Derrick Favors, and Wes Johnson in order to finalize their draft day selections.
Late in the game, a number of players like Patrick Paterson and Greg Monroe are generating buzz over some pretty fantastic workouts or they aced the interview portion of the draft combine. Conversely, some player’s draft stock continues to be a question mark like Demarcus Cousins and Cole Aldrich after a not so good showing when officially measuring out and weighing in at the combine. While others like Scottie Reynolds and Sherron Collins will wait to hopefully hear their name called all together, after finishing off stellar careers in college. In what would be a first time occurance in the past decade, an international player may not even be selected until the 2nd round after both Donatas Motiejunas and Jan Vesely decided to play another year in Europe before invading the NBA. How far will Cousins slide? Will Memphis keep all of their 1st round picks? How will the Draft impact Lebron, Wade, and Bosh’s futures? We’ll have to wait until Thursday June 24th to find out the answers.
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:Version 8.0 – Final Cut:
| Draft Order | College Team | Projection | Position | Physical |
1.Was |
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. Also has potential to be elite level defender and can be a weakside shotblocker from the point guard position. Drafting Wall to be the new face ofthe franchise gives the Wizards a fresh start after the Arenas felony gun possession fiasco. Comparison: Derrick Rose | ||||
2.Phi |
Ohio State | Evan Turner | SG/SF | 6’7″, 210 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. Should be a perfect fit at the 2 guard in Philly alongside emerging PG Jrue Holiday, giving them a much needed #1 option. Allows Iguodala to slide to his natural SF position, if he is not traded. Sources tell me Turner is so much of a lock at #2 that he didn’t even bother working out for the Wizards. Comparison: Brandon Roy | ||||
3.NJ |
Georgia Tech | Derrick Favors | PF | 6’9”, 240 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 finished product. Pairing Favors with the emerging Brook Lopez could help entice Lebron to play for the Nets. Comparison: Dwight Howard | ||||
4.Minn |
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. The Wolves have a lot of holes, so drafting the best available works with Johnson still on the board. There has been some rumblings that Minnestota may try and make a trade with Philly for the #2 pick since Turner is the player they covet. Comparison: Tayshawn Prince | ||||
5.Sac |
Georgetown | Greg Monroe | PF/C | 6’11”, 250 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. Monroe could be a shot blocking presence that has been lacking in Detroit since Sheed and Ben Wallace left town. Monroe impressed nearly everyone in team workouts and could slide here into the Top 5. Comparison: Marcus Camby | ||||
6.GS |
Wake Forest | Al Farouq-Aminu | SF/PF | 6’8”, 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. 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. Aminu measured well at the combine with an amzing 7’4 wingspan, making him a possible scoring PF if he adds weight. Golden State loves him and he fits perfectly in their uptempo system. Comparison: Josh Smith | ||||
7.Det |
Kentucky | DeMarcus Cousins | PF/C | 6’11”, 290 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. “Boogie” has slipped on draft boards since he weighed in at a whopping 292 lbs with a combine high of 16% body fat. Some GM’s are concerned with attitude and lack of commitment. Has potential to be best in class or all-time bust. Go with the latter. Comparison: Derrick Coleman. | ||||
8.LAC |
Nevada | Luke Babbitt | SF | 6’9”, 220 lbs |
| Babbitt has been the talk of the pre-draft combine by impressing with his long length and near 5% bodyfat. Despite only average athleticism, he is a volume scorer with a high release point, and achieved a rarety in college basketball: averaging 20+ppg, 9 rebs, shoot 50% from field, 90% on FT, and more than 40% from three. He could be a sleeper of the draft if he is a team’s #2 option, which is perfect for the Clips, who need a lot. Comparison: Chris Mullen | ||||
9.Utah |
Kansas | Cole Aldrich | PF/C | 6’10”, 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 was 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. He remains a perfect fit in the Jerry Sloan mold of big men, like Greg Oestertag before him. Cole provides defensive insurance when and if Boozer leaves town. Comparison: Joel Pryzbilla | ||||
10.Ind |
Kentucky | Patrick Paterson | PF | 6’9”, 240 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. Patrick is a player on the rise after showing up at the combine with the perfect PF physique, with a 7’1 wingspan and an impressive 5% bodyfat. Comparison: Rasheed Wallace | ||||
11.NOH |
Fresno St | Paul George | SF | 6’9”, 215 lbs |
| Paul has been flying up draft boards after putting up great numbers on a small conference team and impressing virtually everyone in team workouts. George projects well at the NBA level because of some pretty amazing athleticism and 3pt range from anywhere in the gym. Has potential as stat stuffer since he averaged 7+ rebs, 3+ assists, 1 block, and 1 steal per game. Highlight reeldunks are an added bonus. Must improve ball-handling and creating own shot, but is a potential future All-Star. Comparison: Danny Granger | ||||
12.Mem |
Baylor | Ekpe Udoh | SF | 6’8”, 230lbs |
| 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. Although he barely measured 6-9, Udoh more than made up for his lack of height by having an amazing 7’5 wingspan. He could be the eventual replacement for Zach Randolph now that he has major legal issues. Comparison: Brook Lopez | ||||
13.Tor |
Texas | Avery Bradley | PG/SG | 6’3”, 185lbs |
| 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. Toronto desperately needs a point guard and Bradley has the potential to develop into a good one. Comparison: Monta Ellis | ||||
14.Hou |
Marshall | Hassan Whiteside | PF/C | 7”0, 220 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. Hassan is a borderline lottery pick because of an impressive 5% body fat and a combine best 7’7 wingspan. Excellent insurance policy if Yao Ming goes elsewhere. Comparison: Joakim Noah | ||||
15.Mil |
Kansas | Xavier Henry | SG | 6’6”, 210 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. Down the line, has potential to be an absolute steal in he draft. Henry could provide instant offense to replace the always injured Michael Redd. Comparison: Joe Johnson | ||||
16.Minn |
North Carolina | Ed Davis | PF | 6’10, 225lbs |
| 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. If Minnesotadoesn’t trade the pick,he provides excellent front-court depth behind Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. Comparison: Al Horford | ||||
17.Chi |
OK State | James Anderson | SG | 6’5”, 210 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. Would be an excellent 2nd option offensively alongside Derrick Rose at the SG position. Comparison: Danny Granger | ||||
18.Mia |
Texas | Damion James | SF/PF | 6’7”, 230 lbs |
| 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 at times 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. At only 6’7 but with a PF game, James will have to learn how to play against bigger forwards of the NBA. Excellent energetic, 2 way player to give D.Wade some help in South Beach. Comparison: Kenyon Martin | ||||
19.Bos |
Butler | Gordon Hayward | SF/PF | 6’8”, 215 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. Hayward could step in and play right away if Ray Allen is not resigned. Some teams are really high on Hayward as it may not be a shock if he isn’t on the board when #19 gets called. Comparison: Mike Miller | ||||
20.SA |
Connecticut | Stanley Robinson | SF | 6’8”, 195 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. The Spurs need to get younger and more athletic. Robinson could fit right in if the underachieving richard Jefferson leaves town. Comparison: Nicolas Batum | ||||
21.OKC |
Kentucky | Daniel Orton | SF/PF | 6’9”, 260 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. Although he is nearly 2 inches shorter than Cousins, his 7’4 wingspan more than makes up for it, but his 14% body fat is a concern. Most GM’s are coming back to earth on Orton’s stock after being enamored early on. Comparison: Eric Dampier | ||||
22.Por |
Florida St | Solomon Alabi | C | 7’0”, 240 lbs |
| As an early entry candidate as a junior, 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. Perfect fit for a Portland squad who’s patience is growing thin with the oft injured Greg Oden. Comparison: Sam Dalembert | ||||
23.Minn |
Memphis | Elliot Williams | SG | 6’5”, 205 lbs |
| After playing sparingly in his lone season at Duke as a former highly touted HS recruit, Williams excelled as the primary scorer for a ravaged Memphis team. While he wasn’t able to get the Tigers to the NCAA Tourney, he did get to showcase his skills to NBA scouts with averages of 18 ppg, 4 ast, and 1.3 steals. Williams is regarded as the 3rd best SG option in the draft behind Anderson and Henry. Must develop his right hand. Eliot has the potential to be a starting 2 guard if he improves his ball-handling. Excellent backcourt depth for the Wolves. Comparison: Lou Williams | ||||
24.Atl |
Kentucky | Eric Bledsoe | SG | 6’1”, 195 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 and cut down on turnovers. Has huge hands and despite diminutive height, has a 6’8 wingspan, which could make him an excellent defender. Could battle for starting PG spot with Teague in the next 2 seasons since the aging Mike Bibby is well past his prime. Comparison: Jonny Flynn | ||||
25.Mem |
Washington | Quincy Pondexter | SF/PF | 6’7”, 215 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. Memphis could trade this pick, but if not, Quincy is the perfect replacement for free agent Rudy Gay if he bolts the Grizz for big bucks. Comparison: Rudy Gay | ||||
26.OKC |
Treviso/France | Kevin Seraphin | PF | 6’9”, 260 lbs |
| After Jan Vesely and Donatas Motiejunas decided to stay in Europe to hone their skills, Seraphin has become the next intruiging international player who is only 19 years old, and posesses excellent leaping ability and would be great 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. A recent knee injury may sway some teams, but Seraphin in undoubtedly an NBA player. Comparison: Louis Scola | ||||
27.NJ |
West Virginia | Devin Ebanks | SF/PF | 6’8”, 210 lbs |
| As one of the most versatile players in the draft, Ebanks oozes potential. At WV, Ebanks was the #2 option after DaSean Butler. providing top notch rebounding(8.5) to go along with an improving offensive game. Devin’s versatility comes on defense where, with a 7’2 wingspan, he seems to get his hands on every shot attempt. Can defend any position 1-4. His weakness is that he at times disappeared in games in college. Needs to be more aggressive and develop more polished offensive game. Excellent distributor, but ball-handling is suspect. Could be used as defensive stopper off the bench in rebuilding NJ. Comparison: Tayshawn Prince | ||||
28.Mem |
Ole Miss | Terrico White | SF | 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. Had lowest bodyfat of any player at the combine at 3.7%. Comparison: Jason Richardson | ||||
29.Orl |
South Florida | 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. Could be Olando’s 6th man in the role of free agent JJ Redick previously. Comparison: Will Bynum | ||||
30.Wash |
Xavier | Jordan Crawford | SG | 6’4”, 200 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 prime 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. Could provide instant offense off the bench behind Arenas in Washington, especiallly if Randy Foye goes elsewhere. Comparison: Monta Ellis | ||||
1st Round Sleepers:
Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati, 6’5, 225 lbs – Originally known as “Born Ready”, Lance was arguably the Bearcats best player his freshman season. In averaging 13 ppg, he led the team in scoring and earned the Big East Freshman of the Year award. With that being said, he could have stayed in school and became a possible lottery pick. With excellent size for the 2 guard position, Stephenson outmuscles most backcourt players and has potential as a volume scorer. Also has shown decent court vision and rebounding ability at only 19 years of age. Questions remain about attitude, work ethic, and a history of numerous off court legal issues. Surprisingly, Lance has impressed GM’s and has gone from not being drafted to a possible 1st rounder. High risk-high reward player.
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. Excellent showing atthe combine with a 7’1 wingspan and had only 4% body fat.
Larry Sanders, VCU, 6’10, 225 lbs – Larry has been on NBA scouts radar for the past two seasons because he projects as a very good defensive big man at the next level. although not extremely athletic, he measured out as having one of the best wingspans(7’5) and standing vertical leap of almost any other player at the combine, which translates into possibly being an elite level shot-blocker. Could be a first round pick of the Spurs as high as #20, since he fits their defensive minded front-court mold.
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. Excellent combine stats of 7’0 wingspan and 6% body fat. Lawal will get drafted but probably not with first round guaranteed money.
For more Mock Drafts from all sorts of Blogs and Analysts check out The Hoop Doctors 2010 NBA Mock Drafts Database!
