Draft

2016 Aftermath NFL Mock Draft

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL ,

Well, it is finally here. The season of lying is almost over. This time tomorrow night, Commissioner Goodell will take a walk up to the podium to start the NFL Draft.

This draft has had a lot of focus on it already with all of the trades that have gone down over the last several months. It will be very interesting to see how many more occur on draft night.

Matt Luppino, Brian Mandel and Jack Venezia joined me on Skype earlier this week to make this happen. We took the first 32 picks of the draft, including the first pick of the second round, and divided them up between the four of us. We acted as the general manager for those eight picks, selecting who we think each team should draft.

So without further ado, here are the results of the draft.

Los Angeles Rams logo1) Los Angeles Rams – Jared Goff, Quarterback, California
This pick was a no-brainer. In my opinion he is the best quarterback on the board, and the reason why the Rams traded up. -Mandel

Eagles Logo2) Philadelphia Eagles – Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State
With the big trade up to number two, everyone is saying that the Eagles are taking whichever quarterback the Rams do not take. We shall see if Wentz is the starter from day one or if he rides the bench for a little while. -Venezia

Chargers logo3) San Diego Chargers – Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback, Florida State
At the third overall pick, the Chargers land the best prospect in the draft. Ramsey is listed as a corner but could easily play safety or a nickle linebacker from day one. That kind of versatility makes him the right pick for San Diego. -McGlynn

Cowboys logo4) Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State
I was deciding between Ezekiel Elliott and Bosa here, but I am convinced that any running back could do well behind this offensive line. So Dallas should wait until later and take the best defensive lineman on the board. -Luppino

Jaguars logo5) Jacksonville Jaguars – Deforest Buckner, Defensive Lineman, Oregon
Joey Bosa and Jalen Ramsey are both off the board and Myles Jack has injury concerns, so Buckner is the pick. He is the best all around D-lineman after Bosa. -Mandel

Ravens logo6) Baltimore Ravens – Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss
With Tunsil falling to the sixth pick, the Ravens have to take him. Baltimore’s offensive line has been rag tag for a while now. Tunsil should fix that problem. -Venezia

49ers Logo7) San Francisco 49ers – Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame
We get a mini run on tackles here. San Fran needs a quarterback of the future, but it is too early to take one here. Instead, they plan for the future when Joe Staley retires and grab the best player still on the board without any injury concerns. -McGlynn

Browns logo8) Cleveland Browns Pick: Myles Jack, Linebacker, UCLA
My draft board for Cleveland didn’t have its needs, but rather what it didn’t need (offensive tackle, guard, corner and tight end), so I will be picking best available player. And getting an athlete like Jack for the center of their defensive is great value. -Luppino

Buccaneers logo9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon Hargreaves III, Cornerback Florida
The Bucs’ secondary is more barren then the Sahara Desert, and Hargreaves is clearly the best corner after Ramsey. He will slot in right away across from Brent Grimes. -Mandel

Giants Logo10) New York Giants – Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State
The Giants have had so many injuries along offensive line over the last few years. They may address other issues with this pick, but I think an offensive lineman would be a safe add here. -Venezia

Bears logo11) Chicago Bears – Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
Chicago passes on Ezekiel Elliot with Jeremy Langford firmly in place and instead addresses the major issue it has at linebacker. John Fox will be intent on adding more playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.- McGlynn

Saints logo12) New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville
This was the top player on my board for New Orleans, with a big need up front on the D-line. If they can shore up their pass rush, that abysmal secondary could see improvements. -Luppino

Dolphins logo13) Miami Dolphins – Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson
Although they just signed Mario Williams, Miami needs to look towards the future with their pass rush. Lawson looks like a steal at this range. -Mandel

Raiders logo14) Oakland Raiders – Jarran Reed, Defensive Lineman, Alabama
With Khalil Mack getting to the quarterback, the Raiders will get a good run stopper in Reed. This gives them a nice one-two punch on their defensive line. -Venezia

Titans logo15) Tennessee Titans – Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
The Titans acquired DeMarco Murray to pair with Marcus Mariota. Now they need someone to block for them. Decker can start on the right side while Taylor Lewan mans the left. Protecting the franchise quarterback should be a priority. -McGlynn

Lions Logo16) Detroit Lions – Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
Again, top player on my board for Detroit, who NEEDS to replace Megatron after he retired.  Treadwell is big and has great route running and footwork, so he could be another big body for Stafford to throw too. However, with him still on the board, I’m debating Ezekiel Elliott. -Luppino

Falcons logo17) Atlanta Falcons – Darren Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
It seems like every the Falcons are picking an edge rusher, but Lee is more than that. He has the potential to be an all around good linebacker, which is something Atlanta desperately needs. -Mandel

Colts logo18) Indianapolis Colts – Ezekiel Elliot, Running Back, Ohio State
The Colts have to take Elliot if he falls this far in the draft. Frank Gore did well enough this year but Father Time will come soon enough. -Venezia

Bills logo19) Buffalo Bills -Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson
Mario Williams left in free agency and Kyle Williams is coming off knee surgery. It is only a matter of time before Rex Ryan needs to find a new starter on the defensive line, so Buffalo stays ahead by drafting Dodd. -McGlynn

Jets logo20) New York Jets – Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End, Oklahoma State
I nearly got Paxton Lynch here, but I could see the Jets making trades here for him, or working to resign Ryan FitzMagic. So instead, let the Jets get the fastest defensive end in the draft and convert him to an outside linebacker, and he could be devastating. -Luppino

Washington made up logo21) Washington – Karl Joseph, Safety, West Virginia
By signing Josh Norman at corner, the Redskins need to look towards safety.  He is a bruiser and will make the secondary stronger. -Mandel

Texans logo22) Houston Texans – Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver, TCU
Doctson is a big wide receiver and even though he may be a bit raw, he will make an instant impact. If he can stretch the field well, DeAndre Hopkins will have some of the receiving weight taken off of his shoulders. -Venezia

Vikings logo23) Minnesota Vikings – Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor
Coleman was an explosive scoring machine at Baylor and Minnesota needs some more offensive weapons to take the pressure off Adrian Peterson. I’m sure Teddy Bridgewater will enjoy having Coleman and Stefon Diggs running routes for him. -McGlynn

Bengals Logo24) Cincinnati Bengals – A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Bengals have a couple of needs here, like wide receiver next to AJ Green, but I think a defensive tackle to work behind or alongside Domata Peko until he retires fits the bill.  Coming from Alabama, however, he could be ready immediately, which makes this pick even better. -Luppino

Pittsburgh_Steelers logo25) Pittsburgh Steelers – Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss
The Steelers need an upgrade at defensive and why not take a gamble at Nkemdiche. If any one can keep him on the track and allow him to show his potential, it is the Steelers. -Mandel

Seahawks logo26) Seattle Seahawks – Andrew Billings, Nose Tackle, Baylor
The Seahawks sure like building up their defense. Barring any drastic changes to earlier picks, I would expect the Seahawks to bolster their defensive line, even if they can’t get a plug and play starter. -Venezia

Packers logo27) Green Bay Packers – Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
If he is still on the board at 27, the Packers need to take Ragland. He would allow them to finally bump Clay Matthews back outside to rush the passer. He also has the ability to contribute as a rookie, and has the potential to develop into a three-down player. -McGlynn

Chiefs Logo28) Kansas City Chiefs – William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston
If I’m Kansas City, I’m excited to see Jackson here, who clocked a 4.37 to lead all cornerbacks at the combine. When you have to face Derek Carr, Phillip Rivers, and the tandem of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders twice a year, you need a top secondary. -Luppino

Arizona_Cardnals_logo_(1994-2004)29) Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama
There were still cornerbacks on the board, but the Cardinals also need an upgrade on the O-line. With Kelly, they have a nice pick that projects well to the future. -Mandel

Panthers logo30) Carolina Panthers – Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State
After losing Josh Norman, the Panthers need some help at corner. Apple was the best available in this mock draft in my opinion, but Carolina could way some other options here to fill the spot. -Venezia

Denver_Broncos31) Denver Broncos- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis
Obviously, if he stays on the board this long, someone will trade up to snag him. However, none of us really thought Lynch deserved to go before this point. He will take at least a year to develop and coming from such a different style at Memphis, I don’t know how well the transition to the NFL will go for him. -McGlynn

Browns logo32) (Round 2, Pick 1) Cleveland Browns – RB Derrick Henry, Alabama
This is still Cleveland, so plenty of room for curveballs.  Here, they need offense desperately, and the Heisman Trophy winner is on the board, but is he too much like Trent Richardson? Don’t be surprised if it’s a defensive lineman or center though. -Luppino

What do you do if you are the Nets?

Chris McGlynn Basketball, Draft, NBA , , , , ,

Let’s talk about the NBA without discussing Steph Curry or LeBron James. I know novel concept, right?

Mikhail Prokhorov
Nets’ owner Mikhail Prokhorov mortgaged the team’s future in 2013 in attempt to build a super team.

No instead we are going to talk about a certain New York team that has a bit of a foggy future. We are going to tackle the task of rebuilding the Nets.

The Nets are not an enviable team right now. They have a banged up starting five, just bought out their best players’ contract and have no draft picks until the next we have to deal with presidential campaigns again. In short, they don’t have a lot to work with.

You have to start somewhere though and the best way would be with drafting smart. Only issue is, Brooklyn can’t even do that. Remember that trade they swung a couple years back to get Paul Pierce, Jason Terry and Kevin Garnett from Boston? Well the Nets are paying for that now. As I mentioned before, the Nets don’t have control of their own draft pick until 2019. They will have one next year, but it will likely be the Celtics’ pick after Boston opts to swap.

So the next plan would be to build a roster that can be blown up at any time. That way if the young talent starts to come through, Brooklyn can start building in earnest whenever they want. For right now though, the Nets just need to weather the storm and prepare for the future.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.JPG
Hollis-Jefferson was a star at Arizona and was selected in the first round of the 2015 NBA draft.

Brooklyn made a couple of savvy moves during the draft last year to bring in raw, high-ceiling rookies in Markel Brown, Chris McCullough, Sergey Karasav and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. None of them were ready to contribute much at the NBA level this year, but all have the potential to be decent pieces down the road. For right now, that is the future core of the Nets’ roster. All of these guys have potential and if Brooklyn is patient enough they could develop into a good group to work with.

They took out a couple of flyers on Thomas Robinson and Shane McClellan as well. Unfortunately, the Nets only have two players that should be starting on NBA teams right now. Brook Lopez is doing everything he can to keep this team afloat and Thaddeus Young has put together a solid season. Injuries haven’t helped, as Jarrett Jack was lost for the season relatively early on.

With Joe Johnson officially coming off the books during the summer, Brooklyn will have a ton of money to spend. The challenge will be putting together a pitch for prospective players to join the team. They have don’t have much to sell free agents on and likely won’t be a playoff team for the foreseeable future.

Ideally, the Nets would go out and splash some cash to bring in Kevin Durant, Mike Conley or Bradley Beal. But since that isn’t likely to happen, here is who they could nab instead.

Brandon_Jennings
Jennings was traded to the Magic at the trade deadline this year.

During the 2016 offseason, the Nets need to find themselves a point guard. Donald Sloan is not cutting it and he will be a free agent after the year is done anyway. Brandon Jennings and Aaron Brooks are set to be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. Either one of them would be a significant upgrade. Even with Jack returning, he will be coming off a major knee injury and there is no telling how he will bounce back.

Then Brooklyn needs to address the issue of not having a solid-scoring wing who can act also as a perimeter defender. The Nets score the second fewest points per game in the league right now, only ahead of the Sixers. They also rank 28th in opponents’ field goal percentage. Bojan Bogdanovic is not the long term answer. This one is a bit trickier as there aren’t too many great options that the Nets could realistically sign. Luol Deng might jump at some money if the Nets are willing to throw it his way.

This way, the Nets can at least be semi-competitive in 2016-2017. A starting lineup of Jennings, Wayne Ellington, Deng, Young and Brooks would be a lot better than what they have now. And keep in mind, the Nets have nothing to tank for without control of their own draft pick.

Overall, Brooklyn can only hope to keep fans interested and build through free agency for the time being. They are all but tapped out in terms of resources to trade for draft picks. They do not have the means to build through the draft. They just have to hang on to the young talent they have and continue to bring in unproven players with the potential to develop. One day they will have a chance to rebuild, but until then, they have to suffer through a few seasons of below-average ball.

Biggest Risers at the NFL Combine

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL ,

With the NFL combine officially in the books, it is time to look back on the players who made the biggest impact in Indianapolis.

Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Projected: Top 15
Lee came into the weekend as a likely first round pick, with mock drafts pegging him anywhere from 11 to 31. I think Lee’s performance this weekend solidified him as a top 15 pick. He was outstanding in terms of measurables. He posted the fastest time of any linebacker in the 40-yard dash and the 20-yard shuttle. He also lead the way for the broad jump. What will get the most attention is his 4.47 time in the 40. That is tied for the sixth-fastest time by a linebacker in the last decade. With his size, teams might be picking Lee understanding that he could be moved around the field similar to Deone Bucannon in Arizona. Lee could be an athletic piece a coordinator can move around a defense.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Projected: Early Second Round
Spriggs burst onto the scene this weekend. His performance at the combine should boost him into the early second round conversation. He was the top performer for the 40-yard dash and the broad jump. He also logged 31 reps at the bench press, which is a good thing for a prospect whose biggest question marks have been about his strength. Spriggs finished second in the 20-yard shuttle as well. His athleticism was clearly on display and while his performance on the bench won’t completely dismiss any concerns about his power, it will certainly quiet them.

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Projected: Late First Round
Ladies and gentlemen, Derrick Henry means business. In addition to already being 6’3″ and 247 pounds, Henry ran an impressive 4.54 in the 40-yard dash. He tacked on the second-furthest broad jump. Henry’s three cone drill and 20-second shuttle left a little to be desired, but he ran a solid time in the 60-yard shuttle. Henry showed that even though he might take a little bit to get going, he can fly in the open field. He has more athleticism than a lot of people expected. He reminds me of a more athletic Brandon Jacobs and that could be scary for teams trying to tackle him.

Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
Projected: Late Second Round or Early Third Round
Not many people had heard of this kid from Southern Utah heading into the weekend, myself included. Killebrew has great size, measuring in this weekend at 6’2″ and 217 pounds. He ran fast enough in the 40-yard dash (4.65), but he really showed up his athleticism. Killebrew posted a 38-inch vertical, which was second among safeties. He also showed good agility as he finished second in both the 60-yard shuttle and three cone drill. His broad jump ranked third as well. This kid is raw and will not be a starter from day one, but there is a lot of potential to be worked with. He has the tools and intangibles to develop into an NFL starter.

Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
Projected: Early to mid Second Round
Don’t let his height fool you, because Shepard does not play like a small receiver. He measured in at 5’10” this weekend but he also lead all receivers with 20 reps on the bench press. His 41-inch vertical will also get scouts’ attention. Shepard ran a sub-4.5 40 as well showing that he has the speed to compete. He is an accomplished route runner as well. If he continues to show his toughness at the next level, I could see him being a Wes Welker or Julian Edelman type receiver in the right system. He will never be a number one receiver but he would be a good offensive weapon for a lot of teams. This kid is definitely good enough to be an impact player in the NFL.

 

NBA Draft Rapid Reactions

Chris McGlynn Basketball, Draft, NBA, NCAAM ,

The draft is barely in the books but it is time to react to all that happened tonight. There were plenty of winners and losers and even more head scratching selections. The implications going forward are huge as well. Let’s get started.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Selections: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky, Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
Towns will be a superstar and compares well to another Timberwolf in Kevin Garnett. He, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine give the Wolves an exciting young core to build around. The Jones selection is a little troubling. He is unproven and Minnesota has a number of young guards.

Los Angeles Lakers
Selections: DeAngelo Russell, PG, Ohio State, Larry Nantes Jr., PF, Wyoming, Anthony Brown, SF, Stanford
The Lakers made the right choice in selecting Russell. He and Julius Randall certainly give the Lakers some hope for the future. Nantes and Brown infuse some youth and some potential into a team that desperately needs it.

Philadelphia 76ers
Selections: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke, Richaun Holmes, PF, Bowling Green, Arturuas Gudaitas, C, Lithuania, J.P. Tokoto, SG, UNC, Luka Mitrovic, PF, Serbia
Philly had the most picks in the draft and still came away with more. Okafor will be a great player and his presence makes either Joel Embiid or Nerlens Noel expendable. If one of the second rounders can develop then this will be a success for the 76ers rebuilding project.

New York Knicks
Selection: Kristaps Portzingis, PF, Latvia, Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame, Willy Hernangómez, C, Spain
Knicks fans aren’t happy with Portzingis being selected at four and it might have been a bit of a reach. However, if they are patient he could be a steal. I love that they landed Grant though as he should be a playmaker on a team that lacks one.

Orlando Magic
Selections: Mario Herzonja, SG, Croatia, Tyler Harvey, SG, Eastern Washington
All signs say that Herzonja is a lights out shooter and with his size he could be a small forward. That might lessen the blow of Tobias Harris potentially leaving. Harvey needs some time but the Magic have to be happy with their draft.

Sacramento Kings
Selection: Willie Caulie-Stein, C, Kentucky
When your star player demands you take a certain prospect, you usually do it. DeMarcus Cousins and Caulie-Stein will be quite the frontcourt duo in Sacramento. Shame he is the only rookie they got.

Denver Nuggets
Selections: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China, Nikola Radicevic, PG, Serbia
Apparently the Nuggets felt they needed a point guard. Mudiay is a huge question mark but oozes upside. Ty Lawson is likely on his way out though with Radicevic being selected as well.

Detroit Pistons
Selections: Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona, Darrun Hillard, SG, Villanova
Johnson may very well be great someday but with Justise Winslow still on the board I don’t fully understand this one. Darrun Hillard offers some playmaking ability but nothing eye-popping. Decent hall for Detroit but could have been better.

Charlotte Hornets
Selection: Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin
Only one pick means that Charlotte failed to do more. Kaminsky is a talented player though and should contribute immediately. Won’t make Charlotte a contender overnight but definitely a step in the right direction.

Miami Heat
Selections: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke, Josh Richardson, SG, Tennessee
Winslow at 10 might end up being a huge steal for the Heat. Richardson won’t contribute right away but he could be a key bench player in a year or two. Good draft for Miami. If only they could find a way to pay all their free agents now…

Indiana Pacers
Selections: Myles Turner, C, Texas, Joseph Young, SG, Oregon
The selection of Turner means that Roy Hibbert is moving. Plain and simple. The team has already begun shopping him. Young is a bit undersized for a shooting guard but he could still turn in a solid player to spell a starter down the line.

Utah Jazz
Selections: Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky, Olivier Hanlan, PG, Boston College
Lyles is without a doubt a talented player. He is very raw all the way around but he has a lot of potential. Pairing him with Rudy Gobert will be a lot of fun to watch. Hanlan is a good pick too and could be a future starter for the Jazz.

Phoenix Suns
Selection: Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky,
Only one pick but they made it count. Phoenix didn’t make themselves a contender in the draft but they took a valuable piece who should be a starter soon. His shooting alone with get him on the court this year.

Oklahoma City Thunder
Selections: Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State, Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky
Drafting a pro ready point guard to spell Russell Westbrook means the Thunder are realizing how small their championship window is at the moment. Selecting Johnson helps them prolong that potential window a little longer too.

Atlanta Hawks
Selections: Marcus Erikkson, SF, Spain, Dimitrios Agravanis, PF, Greece
Two second rounders don’t exactly scream championship builders. Neither does Tim Hardaway. No idea what the Hawks were thinking, especially when they had a talent like Kelly Oubre fall into their lap.

Boston Celtics
Selections: Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville, R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State, Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU, Marcus Thornton, SG, William & Mary
Rozier is good but a bit of a head scratcher with Jerian Grant still on the board. Mickey and Hunter are very solid picks though and should immediate contribute to this young Celtics team.

Milwaukee Bucks
Selection: Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV
He is a steal. Vaughn is a talented scorer coming from a good program. He will be a solid bench piece right away and help a woefully bad Bucks team on offense. Griveis Vasquez isn’t a bad add either, but it came at too steep a price.

Houston Rockets
Selections: Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin, Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville
Passing on Jerian Grant seems a little foolish but Dekker is a top talent. He showed he could do it all this year at Wisconsin. Harrell will be a good bench asset right away. If the Rockets find a point guard in free agency, they could very easily find themselves in the finals next year.

Washington Wizards
Selections: Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas, Aaron White, PF, Iowa
Landing Oubre for jump change was ingenious. He is in a spot too where he can develop for a year as well coming off the bench. Aaron White provides some depth, about what you would expect from a second round pick.

Toronto Raptors
Selections: Delon Wright, PG, Utah, Norman Powell, SG, UCLA
Wright landed in a good spot and now the Raptors have a contingency plan when Louis Williams or Kyle Lowry becomes too expensive. Powell won’t see much action to start but could be in the mix next season.

Dallas Mavericks
Selections: Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia, Satnam Singh, C, India
Anderson could one day be an All-Star if he reaches his full potential. Rick Carlisle will probably get it out of him too. Singh is another big body who can eventually rotate in and disrupt the paint when Tyson Chandler needs a breather.

Chicago Bulls
Selection: Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas,
The frontcourt is looking very crowded at the moment and with it likely that either Derrick Rose or Jimmy Butler will be gone next year getting a guard might have been good. However, Portis is a steal at 22 and will give the Bulls some depth, or a bargaining chip.

Portland Trailblazers
Selections: Pat Connaughton, SG, Notre Dame, Daniel Diez, SF, Spain
Add in Mason Plumlee as well. With LaMarcus Aldridge set to leave and Nicolaus Batum already gone this team is thinking youth movement. Portland certainly accomplished that.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Selections: Cedi Osman, SF, Macedonia, Rakeem Christmas, PF, Syracuse, Sir’Dominic Pointer, SF, St. John’s
Cleveland landed too high floor, low ceiling prospects in Christmas and Pointer as well as one for the future in Osman. This team is trying to win a title. They made some really good strides toward doing that.

Memphis Grizzlies
Selections: Jarell Martin, PF, LSU, Andrew Harrison, PG, Kentucky
Athleticism with lots of potential was the trend for Memphis. These two picks were definitely risky but they could pay off in the end. No short term help for the Griz though.

San Antonio Spurs
Selections: Nikola Milutinov, C, Serbia, Cady Lalanne, PF, UMass
Of course the Spurs took an international player that most of us had never heard of. I can’t fault them though cause that usually works out pretty well for them. Lalanne could be a role player as well as the Spurs make one last push for a title with their current core.

New Orleans Pelicans
Selection: Branden Dawson, SF, Michigan State
About all you can hope for when you are picking on in the second round. Dawson has some upside and had flashes of brilliance this season for Michigan State. It is doubtful but he could end up like another former Michigan State second-rounder (Draymond Green).

Los Angeles Clippers
Selections: None
Not much to say other than they better have a plan. The Clippers really could have used some new blood so this really hurts.

Brooklyn Nets
Selections: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona, Chris McCollough, PF, Syracuse, Juan Vaulet, SF, Argentina
Giving up Plumlee is no fun but Hollis-Jefferson could be a star one day. McCollough has a ton of potential as well as a highly recruited prospect before he tore his ACL. Vaulet is a prospect for down the road. Good draft for Brooklyn.

Golden State Warriors
Selection: Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA
Looney fits Golden State’s idea of small ball as a stretch 4. With all of Looney’s potential as well, this could be a great pick for the defending champs when we look back in about three years.

NBA Mock Draft

Chris McGlynn Basketball, Draft, NBA, NCAAM ,

by Matt Luppino

The NBA Draft goes live tonight at 7 pm. Here are my predictions for how the first round goes:

  1. Minnesota Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C, Kentucky

Best player with most upside and fewest flaws.  A sure pick for the Wolves.

  1. L.A. Lakers Jahlil Okafor, F/C, Duke

The Lakers need a big guy more than they need another guard.  Kobe Bryant, Jeremy Lin, and Nick Young are all still there, so grab the polished Okafor and have at it on offense.

  1. Philadelphia Mario Hezonja, G/F, Croatia

A classic “why the $*&%?” moment out of Sam Hinkie, but there is a method to the madness here.  Apparently, he can shoot the lights out, which will help a hapless offense in Philly.

  1. New York D’Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State

Finally, someone on the Knicks that can shoot!  Russell can run the offense and put up points too, perfectly fitting into Phil Jackon’s arsenal.

  1. Orlando Kristaps Porzingis, F/C, Latvia

If he’s here at 5, Orlando is ecstatic.  7’1” with a jump shot.

  1. Sacramento Emmanuel Mudiay, G, China

Kings need a guard to feed Cousins and hopefully make him happy enough to stay in Northern California.

  1. Denver Justise Winslow, F, Duke

Winslow is a strong defender and an athletic slasher, but he shot over 40% from 3 as well at Duke.  With those numbers, he could be a beast.

  1. Detroit Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C, Kentucky

So what if Greg Monroe leaves in free agency?  Cauley-Stein will be cheap and probably better by the end of the day.

  1. Charlotte Devon Booker, G, Kentucky

Another great shooter, he can step in alongside Kemba Walker to take the spot of the since-traded Lance Stephenson.

  1. Miami Stanley Johnson, F, Arizona

Johnson is another athlete, who can bring some life to the Heat, who are still reeling from the loss of LeBron James, and maybe now Dwayne Wade too.

  1. Indiana Cameron Payne, G, Murray State

Paul George is healthy, and the front court in Indiana is still pretty strong.  A point guard will put it all together for them.

  1. Utah Frank Kaminsky, F/C, Wisconson

Utah became a defensive stronghold last season, but lacked scoring.  Frank the Tank will not only slot right into the defense, but the big guy can shoot with the best of them.

  1. Phoenix Trey Lyles, F/C, Kentucky

He, like Okafor, is a skilled offensive big man, who could slot in alongside the big, lumbering Alex Len.

  1. Oklahoma City Justin Anderson, G/F, Virginia

The Thunder are only here because of injuries.  But in Anderson, they get a good outside shooter and a great perimeter defender – the last piece they might need to finally win a title.

  1. Atlanta Myles Turner, F/C, Texas

Fits in alongside the punishing defender in Al Horford and the skilled shooter in Paul Millsap.  Can fill in for either one off of the bench.

  1. Boston Sam Dekker, F, Wisconson

A good shooter and an above average defender, he boosts the Celtics immediately.

  1. PHILADELPHIA (Tony Wroten, 2 2nd rounders (35 and 37)) Tyus Jones, G, Duke

THAT’S WHAT HINKIE IS DOING WITH ALL THOSE PICKS!!!  In a shocker, and Milwaukee not seeing many players they need here, they take the back up point guard and more picks in a solid group of second round talent.  Meanwhile, the Sixers get the point guard they desperately need.

  1. Houston Bobby Portis, F, Arkansas

Portis is a big bruiser who went toe-to-toe with Kentucky a few times.  The dude can play.

  1. Washington Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F, Arizona

With Paul Pierce and Trevor Ariza not getting any younger, a fresh infusion of defensive prowess and energy is a great fit here late in the first round.

  1. Toronto Kelly Oubre, F, Kansas

Oubre has a ton of potential, who will have the time to develop with the young, talented nucleus above the border.

  1. Dallas Jerian Grant, G, Notre Dame

Arguably one of the best scorers in the draft, Grant can play alongside either Rajon Rondo as the scorer, or Monta Ellis as the facilitator.

  1. Chicago Terry Rozier, G, Louisville

When Derrick Rose is off the court, the Bulls take a serious step back.  Here, they get their much needed asset at the point.

  1. Portland Montrell Harrell, F/C, Louisville

Now that Lamarcus Aldridge plans on leaving Portland, Harrell, skilled at both ends and the centerpiece behind another strong Louisville team, can begin his role as the successor.

  1. Cleveland Delon Wright, G, Utah

With how frail Kyrie Irving is and how inefficient the Cavs were without a true point guard this postseason, a ball handler has to be at the top of the list for them.

  1. Memphis Anthony Brown, G, Stanford

A 3 and D player, Brown fits in perfectly with the tough defense in Memphis, and Mike Conley will get him the ball.

  1. San Antonio Pat Connaughton, G/F, Notre Dame

Another great shooter and a really high energy guy on defense.  He is an excellent role player for Gregg Popovich.

  1. L.A. Lakers RJ Hunter, G, Georgia St.

Not just the star of the Cinderella Bulldogs, Hunter is a skilled scorer and ball handler, capable of stepping up for the now ancient Kobe.

  1. Boston Kevon Looney, F, UCLA

He might be really, really good at the stretch 4, so the Celtics can take that risk with Jared Sullinger proven in front of him.

  1. Brooklyn Michael Frazier, G, Florida

Deron Williams and Joe Johnson are getting up there in age, so this begins the new wave of Brooklyn talent.

  1. Golden State Nikola Milutinov, C, Serbia
    Scouting report: “Potential pick-and-roll monster that can protect the rim.”  Sounds like the champs to you?  He will be a bigger Draymond Green, alongside Draymond Green.