1. Washington Wizards: John Wall, Kentucky PG
Wall is the consensus top prospect in this draft for his incredible speed, and electrifying creative ability. He can run the fast break like no other prospect that has been seen in years and has off the charts athletic ability. Wall is a wizard with the basketball, and is impossible to keep out of the lane with his combination of quickness and skill. He will move Gilbert Arenas to the 2 guard spot in Washington's lineup and quickly become the face of basketball in DC.
NBA Comparison: Rajon Rondo (with better shooting ability)
2. Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner, Ohio State SF
Turner is a high pedigree, multi faceted player who can rebound as well as he can score. Also, despite him being listed as a forward, he can play at point guard as a change of pace. He is an average athlete when it comes to forwards, but is so smooth handling the ball that it doesn't really matter. Look for Turner to compliment Andre Iguodala in Philly to form a dynamic scoring combo.
NBA Comparison: Grant Hill/Brandon Roy
3. New Jersey Nets: Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech PF
Favors is the most athletic and well conditioned big man in the draft. He needs to continue to bulk up his 6'10" frame and get some kind of consistency on his jumper and outside game. Favors has huge upside and already is an accomplished shot blocker and lock down defender. Favors could pair up with Brook Lopez in New Jersey to create a very talented front court of the future.
NBA Comparison: Antonio McDyess/Al Horford
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Wesley Johnson, Syracuse SF
Johnson is the kind of athletic, scoring wing player that the Timberwolves need. He has a great personality and is sure to be a fan favorite in Minnesota, and can be counted on to grab rebounds and play great defense. Johnson is quick and can get through the lane, and is also very reliable on his jumpshot.
NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion
5. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky PF/C
Cousins could possibly be the most talented player in the draft besides his former Kentucky teammate John Wall. Many times this year he showed how dominating he could be in the low post, practically unstoppable from scoring even when double or triple teams converged on him. Unfortunately, there are questions about Cousins maturity and composure on the court. The Kings will take a risk on him considering he is such a talent, and look for him to replace Spencer Hawes in the lineup.
NBA Comparison: Zach Randolph
6. Golden State Warriors: Greg Monroe, Georgetown PF/C
Monroe is a very complete big man prospect. He has a dynamic offensive game (that even includes some outside shooting) and also rebounds and delivers outlet passes to his teammates regularly. Monroe's versatility and experience from two years in the college game will help alleviate the pressures on a weak Golden State front court made up of draft busts Anthony Randolph and Brandan Wright.
NBA Comparison: Brad Miller
7. Detroit Pistons: Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest SF/PF
Aminu is a fairly raw player with all that athletic ability in the world. Like Wes Johnson and Derrick Favors, he relies on that ability to defend and grab rebounds. In the pro's Aminu will have to refine his outside game and learn how to create shots for himself more in order to become a successful small forward. All the physical attributes are there, with his 6'8" height and long wingspan. The Pistons could use Aminu as both a wing player and power forward, and lend his tremendous shot blocking ability also.
NBA Comparison: Marvin Williams/Josh Smith
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Gordon Hayward, Butler SF
For what Hayward lacks in athleticism and aggression he makes up in ball skill and basketball IQ. He is a great teammate, and can lead an offense from the point forward position or play off the ball. His outside jumper and ability to create his own shot should transfer just fine to the next level. The Clippers don't have a small forward on their roster, and with Aminu off the board, Hayward should be the pick.
NBA Comparison: Mike Dunleavy Jr.
9. Utah Jazz: Luke Babbitt, Nevada SF/PF
Babbitt's draft stock has shot up more than perhaps any other player in the past few weeks. He has a reliable three-point shot, which is the highlight of his very well rounded offensive game that includes posting up and passing as well. His defense sometimes is questionable, and many wonder how he will be able to deal with bigger, stronger opponents in the NBA. The Jazz need insurance just in case Carlos Boozer and/or Kyle Korver leave as free agents, and Babbitt is a versatile replacement.
NBA Comparison: Danilo Gallinari
10. Indiana Pacers: Epke Udoh, Baylor PF
Udoh is far and away the best shot blocker in the draft. It is nearly impossibly to post up and get a shot over his outstretched arms. His length is also vital to his rebounding prowess, and raw offensive ability. In the pros he will have to refine his offensive game and bulk up, but look for Udoh to be a defensive beast throughout his career. The Pacers would benefit greatly from his athleticism and energy.
NBA Comparison: Serge Ibaka
11. New Orleans Hornets: Ed Davis, North Carolina PF
The Hornets would be thrilled to have Davis fall this far to them. He would add much needed depth inside for the team, and provide offensive spark off the bench. He possesses a very lean 6'9" frame that would need bulking up to help him play in the NBA low post. Davis is a decent athlete with excellent length and finishing touch around the basket.
NBA Comparison: JJ Hickson
12. Memphis Grizzlies: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky PF
Patterson has the ideal build and height for an NBA forward, and the athletic ability to match. Teams love his work ethic, maturity, and all out defense, which should lead to the Grizzlies picking him if available. He would be a breathe of fresh air considering the off the court issues their usual starter, Zach Randolph, regularly has. Patterson's rebounding ability leaves something to be desired, for he was never a great one in college, and his face up game to the basket is in question as well.
NBA Comparison: Carl Landry/Kenyon Martin
13. Toronto Raptors: Cole Aldrich, Kansas PF/C
Aldrich is a fundamentally sound big body down low that has solid low post offensive and defensive games. He lacks great athleticism though, and could be outmaneuvered in the pros by much quicker centers. Also he has an unorthodox shooting motion which could hold back his mid range game and free throw shooting. Specifically, Aldrich's relentless rebounding and shot blocking ability should make him a decent replacement for Chris Bosh once the superstar leaves in free agency
NBA Comparison: Joe Pryzbilla
14. Houston Rockets: Xavier Henry, Kansas SG
Henry is an a strong and well built shooting guard prospect whose well rounded offensive game leaves scouts salivating. He shoots incredibly well from three, and slashes through the lane and can pull up for jumpers equally as effectively. Henry has the potential to be an All-Star, especially with the pedigree he had coming out of high school, and then playing for a legendary program like Kansas. Henry's defense is slightly in question, but is nothing that can't be developed. His athletic ability is good, but not great; which could pose some problems when matched up on high caliber perimeter defenders. The Rockets get a steal at the end of the lottery with a top 10 talent that could develop into a great player down the line.
NBA Comparison: Paul Pierce
Draft's most underrated player: Paul George, Fresno State SG/SF
George is one of the biggest sleepers in the draft, and personally I would put him on a plateau up there with Evan Turner as one the two most well rounded scorers in it. He is a terrific three point shooter, but can get a little trigger happy from beyond the arc sometimes. He possesses great speed and court vision that helps him run the fast break with ease, usually ending with a dunk by him or assist he dishes to one of his teammates. He is an athletic freak that rebounds well and plays solid defense, and that combo along with his shooting is rare to find in prospects.
NBA Comparison: Danny Granger
Draft's most overrated player: Daniel Orton, Kentucky PF/C
Talent and athleticism are great to have in a prospect like Orton, but another thing is needed is needed to succeed in the NBA: experience (well at least a little). In college Orton averaged 3 points per game and 3 rebounds per game because of very spotty playing time. Sure, he played behind DeMarcus Cousins, one of the best big men in college, but still it is a worry he had probably as much playing time all season as John Wall had in a single game. In the NBA, Orton could be a solid defensive specialist and rebounder, but not much else considering he is so raw and doesn't have much offensive ability (and hasn't had a chance to develop it either). He should be being talked about as a second round pick, not a potential lottery guy.
NBA Comparison: poor man's Kendrick Perkins
-JS
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