Post by Braz on Dec 18, 2022 12:57:43 GMT -8
It's Sunday afternoon and I got football on and felt like looking a bit deeper into our up coming draft. So please enjoy this mock draft based on updated lotto standings!
1. Memphis Grizzlies - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar C 7'2'' 225 22 A- C C B A- A
The Grizz manage to tank after nabbing Pee-Wee last year who should have gone 1. Now they get another top talent and perhaps a top player to come through the draft. Kaj has been dominating the college ranks and comes into the league with amazing skills around the basket that famous hook and boards. He may not be the best stock man off the rip but will surely develop those by year 3. The question here is will Skillz actually build around this guy or trade him?
2. Boston Celtics - Bingo Smith SF 6'5'' 195 23 B C+ C B C+ A
Some might say Pete is the pick here but I got a feeling that the Celtics fall in love with Bingo Smith and shy away from a poor rebounding SG who will likely move to PG in year 1 of the rebuild. Can you imagine the Ahsan trade block for him after hes drafted? 1000+ words only to say at the end hes not available. Bingo has an extremely solid baseline and will likely turn into a stock positive player with good boards. One of those guys who can sit on the roster at the 3 but truly dominate the 2 as long his rebounding stays at C+. If Boston made this pick I think it would be good because 2-5 is similar for me.
3. Dallas Mavericks - Pete Maravich SG 6'5'' 197 22 B- B+ B+ C C A
Brian finally decided to take things in a true direction and tank. I would say it paid off if he lands in the lotto. In this mock Dallas has a slam dunk pick at #3. Hopefully they do not get nervous after Hot Rod busting years ago. Pistol likely will be moved over to PG and those PG camps will help. He should be a scoring machine which will make the fans more excited then they have been in years.
4. Los Angeles Clippers - Gar Heard PF 6'6'' 220 21 B- C- C- B B- A
John tanked all year with hopes of KAJ but ends up with another very solid big after lotto disappointment. As per the scouts Gar is truly good across the board. He can score, handle, hit his jumpers, steal block and defend the post. His ratings come off as pretty middle of the line but I assume that hes slow and doesn't jump much which will make him an early impact player and the big that LAC needs after trading down last draft. After camps Gar should be a stud!
5. Orlando Magic - Bob Dandridge SF 6'6'' 195 22 B B- C B C+ A
Orlando says goodbye to famed GM Galo who leaves them in a great spot. Tons of youth, a top 5 pick and some solid trade assets. I assume this pick will be the next GM and they will easily look at the last of the top 5 players and select Dandridge who could have gone as high as 2 pending preference. Bob projects to be a good scoring wing who can board and steal the ball. Similar to Bingo in that sense he will likely be dominant at the 2.
6. New Orleans Hornets - Steve Mix PF 6'7'' 215 22 B C C- B C+ A
Hornet's have a Glut of PGs so they pass on White for Stevie Mix. Mix should turn into a really good player despite no mention of blocks. He reminds me of Wes actually. Jah will get a nice scoring big for his fast paced offense. Side note his nickname is the Mayor. Might also be good at SF? We shall see what Jah does.
7. Houston Rockets - Jo Jo White PG 6'3'' 190 23 C+ B- C+ B C A
7. Houston Rockets - Jo Jo White PG 6'3'' 190 23 C+ B- C+ B C A
The Rockets get a potential steal here at #7 with JoJo White who was a HOF player. White projects to be a very good PG who can Score, Defend and steal the ball. It seems Jojo handles it effectively which will be very important for GM Broph. I feel like he will be 18/10 2 steals and sub 2 TO as a rookie. Broph debated not taking a Pg but BPA was hard to resist. This also makes up for Ron pick and moves on from Willie trading both for another pick in the draft. This is Jo Jo's team now.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (via Detroit Pistons) - Fred Carter SG 6'3'' 185 24 B- B- B- B- C A
Let me start by saying Fred Carter sounds like a guy Chip would take and never camp so this pick feels right. After going big man earlier in the draft the Clippers are between a few guys for BPA here and take a chance on the B- student Fred Carter. With Camps one can assume Fred is due for a very interesting TC. He can score and he is so quick it is mentioned twice. Not sure where Fred fits in with Smith and Austin but neither guy is a lock to be on the Clips in 3 years. Good asset and likely a good pick at 8.
9. Seattle Super Sonics (via Utah Jazz) - Norm Van Lier PG 6'1'' 173 22 C B- B+ A- C B
With this pick Seattle is taking the BPA approach but there are several players on the board worth considering. A lot of times this year JR debated if Louie's TOs were worth it. Lou is amazing but maybe he can hedge his bet here with Norm who was touted at the combine for his quickness, handles and jumper. Norm could be used as an asset or find his place in the rotation. Either way Seattle is improving their franchise.
10. Golden State Warriors (via New Jersey Nets) - Wil Jones PF 6'8'' 205 22 B C C B C+ B Rick Roberson C 6'9'' 231 22 B- D+ C- B B B
The theme of BPA continues and I did not expect to see such a slide from Greeme. I expected the Nets to make playoffs but they hand Stool a lotto and he could use it. The warriors completely failed to get the right big men to secure a reset so he has to hope that here and 12 he can secure bigs or at least assets to then move for bigs. Should have tried to negotiate for Ellis to start the year! Wil Jones based on notes is likely one of the better shot blockers left and with a +8 that solid can move up a rank pre TC. Hopefully between the two bigs one projects to be a starter.
10. Golden State Warriors (via New Jersey Nets) - Wil Jones PF 6'8'' 205 22 B C C B C+ B Rick Roberson C 6'9'' 231 22 B- D+ C- B B B
The theme of BPA continues and I did not expect to see such a slide from Greeme. I expected the Nets to make playoffs but they hand Stool a lotto and he could use it. The warriors completely failed to get the right big men to secure a reset so he has to hope that here and 12 he can secure bigs or at least assets to then move for bigs. Should have tried to negotiate for Ellis to start the year! Wil Jones based on notes is likely one of the better shot blockers left and with a +8 that solid can move up a rank pre TC. Hopefully between the two bigs one projects to be a starter.
11. Milwaukee Bucks - Willie Norwood SF 6'7'' 220 22 B C C- B+ C+ B
I debated putting Willie higher and hope I am wise to let him fall. Willie similar to the other Willie who likely goes right after the lotto can score well already from inside and mid. Norwood is a stocks man with good handles as well. He may have mid pot but comes in as a ready contributor to your team. Does not seem like you should expect many 3s but he should slide in nicely next to Combs in an offense. Solid defender out of the draft. Seems like he is sure to be a starter in this league.
12. Golden State Warriors - Rick Roberson C 6'9'' 231 22 B- D+ C- B B B
I debated putting Willie higher and hope I am wise to let him fall. Willie similar to the other Willie who likely goes right after the lotto can score well already from inside and mid. Norwood is a stocks man with good handles as well. He may have mid pot but comes in as a ready contributor to your team. Does not seem like you should expect many 3s but he should slide in nicely next to Combs in an offense. Solid defender out of the draft. Seems like he is sure to be a starter in this league.
12. Golden State Warriors - Rick Roberson C 6'9'' 231 22 B- D+ C- B B B
Ton's of good players left and a lot of PGs. GSW goes for another big. I like Rick who seems to be coming in as a polished player but similar to other players on the Warriors he does not block. Oh well onward the Warriors beef up and the other guy they took can block
13. Toronto Raptors - Butch Beard PG 6'3'' 185 22 B C B+ B C B
Will likely be trying to trade up but can easily sit here and take one the 5 PGs. Pete and Jojo are going to be gone but whatever is nice would be fine. Butch would be a good player to have to set up for an Balance/inside focus around Connie, Earl and Bradley. I will likely later regret building upon a PG who is limited on shooting 3s but oh well. Camp him up and pray. ***Likely trade up/out
Will likely be trying to trade up but can easily sit here and take one the 5 PGs. Pete and Jojo are going to be gone but whatever is nice would be fine. Butch would be a good player to have to set up for an Balance/inside focus around Connie, Earl and Bradley. I will likely later regret building upon a PG who is limited on shooting 3s but oh well. Camp him up and pray. ***Likely trade up/out
