NBA Draft Blog is coordinating a Bloguin-wide mock draft. I’m in charge of both the Pistons and the Indiana Pacers. We’re almost done with the first round, so check out picks 11-20. I’ll go by 10’s the rest of the way too, with each mock GM’s reasoning on why they made the pick. You can see picks 1-10 here.
11. New Orleans Hornets: Paul George, Fresno State – Roundhouse, TWolves Blog
As tempting as it was to take one of the top bigs still on the board, it was impossible for me to pass on George. Not only is he the best player available, he also fills a gaping hole on the wing for the Hornets. Athleticism, shooting, defense: what’s not to love. Even better, it means we’ll see less of of Peja, Mo Pete, and Posey’s rotting corpses out on the court.
12. Memphis Grizzlies: Luke Babbitt, Nevada – Ed Isaacson, NBA Draft Blog
Babbitt will allow the Grizzlies to avoid paying Rudy Gay a max contract, while he also can slide over and play 4 in case Zach Randolph has a meltdown. At either position, he does enough things well to keep him on the court.
13. Toronto Raptors: Daniel Orton, Kentucky – Lawrence Dushenski, A Stern Warning
The freshman played limited minutes for John Calipari, but displayed impressive length and athleticism is his time on the court. The Raptors are looking towards life without Chris Bosh and need the help alongside Bargnani inside. Orton may not contribute from day 1, but could become a force inside for years to come.
Picks 14-20 are after the jump…
14. Houston Rockets: Hassan Whiteside, Marshall – Isaacson, NBA Draft Blog
This purely insurance for the next inevitable Yao injury. Though when he’s healthy he could also be a great teacher to the raw Whiteside.
15. Milwaukee Bucks: James Anderson, Oklahoma State – Pants, TWolves Blog
The Bucks admirably have the corners set, but nothing long term in the middle. James Anderson would ideally be a large SG who can play some SF when called upon.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves: Epke Udoh, Baylor – Dave Kelsey, TWolves Blog
There’s too much value here to pass up. Nicknamed “The Nightmare”, he’s versatile, he can create his own shot while also being able to hit the midrange jumper, and his shot-blocking ability is off the charts (sorely needed).
17. Chicago Bulls: Gordon Hayward, Butler – Isaacson, NBA Draft Blog
Hayward can act as a playmaker from the small forward position and can allow the Bulls to shop Luol Deng in order to go after 2 max free agents this summer. If that doesn’t work, Hayward is versatile enough to play on the baseline or to be a perimeter shooter.
18. Miami Heat: Eric Bledsoe, Kentucky – Isaacson, NBA Draft Blog
It’s safe to say that the the Heat have not been thrilled with Mario Chalmers, so look for Bledsoe to gain valuable minutes immediately. He is also the kind of point guard who would work well with Dwayne Wade, giving Wade the space he needs to play his game.
19. Boston Celtics: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky – Joe Tetreault
Looking at Avery Bradley’s subpar free throw percentage as a wildly waving red flag, Ainge went with the best player available at 19, Patrick Patterson, a lean, 6’9″ power forward from Kentucky, who becomes the likely replacement for Rasheed Wallace as Garnett’s back up.
20. San Antonio Spurs: Avery Bradley, Texas – Isaacson, NBA Draft Blog
Bradley could have gone has high as the lottery, so to get him at #20 is a steal. He will be groomed to eventually take over for Tony Parker and allows the Spurs to shop George Hill while his stock is at its highest. In the meantime, Bradley can backup both guard positions.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
