NBA Mock Draft – Version 2.0.3

Best player in the draft. Will only get better with time and has the work ethic and physical tools to become an elite player in the game.

Seems like MJ really wants T-Rob here. He thoroughly outplayed Andre Drummond in a recent one-on-one workout that cemented his status as a top 5 lock. Could go in a bunch of directions here, but this seems the most likely. Or could a trade possibly be in the works for this pick?

Lacking a complimentary player in the back-court to pair with John Wall, Beal is the perfect selection here. He’s got lots of range, and while not ultra-athletic, he will use his strengths to become a very good player in the pros.

Hardest working player in the draft who will succeed in the NBA based on his effort level. Parts of his game (shooting, ball handling) still missing, but he’s not going to disappoint any team that selects him, especially as a role player alongside Kyrie Irving. Harrison Barnes could also go here.

The Kings could use a scorer at the small forward position if the Tyreke Evans small forward experiment is deemed over. Barnes should be a better player in the pros than he was in college. He can create his own shot and has great size.

Rumors are running wild that the Blazers are very high on Lillard and could possibly take him with this pick. Has been shooting up draft boards due to his overall offensive game. Some question his leadership ability, but Lillard answered his critics during his workouts.

Another player whose stock has risen during the pre-draft process. Has received a guarantee from a lottery team according to reports, but this is the highest I have ever had him rated. The Warriors also love Terrence Ross according to my sources, but he would be too high to select here.

Rivers has been climbing up draft boards after basketball people have finally realized his talent. He could fit in well the the Raptors, who need a scoring punch and outside shooting presence desperately.

The Pistons are a team that can take Drummond here and wait as long as they need for Drummond to fully develop his game. He’s got the most potential in the entire draft class, and needs to work on just about every aspect of his game to become what many believe him to be—a dominant, top center in the pros. Scouts, coaches, and even teammates question his effort level.

The most NBA ready big man in the draft class. Got a very good offensive skill set that can still be improved on, and very athletic and long to become a nice defensive player as well. Ready to contribute now.

Super long and super athletic, Henson is a defensive machine, but will need to add some serious weight to succeed in the pros. He does possess great physical tools, and has gotten better every year in college. If he can put it all together, watch out.

Leonard was once deemed to be undervalued, but now he’s deemed to be overvalued. Got great size and length to become a starting caliber NBA center. Zeller is more NBA ready due to his development and experience in the college game, but Leonard may have a higher ceiling if he puts in the effort.

Has recently seen his stock drop due to his inconsistent workouts for NBA teams. Phoenix cannot pass on him here though, as they need a two-guard who can find his way to the basket.

Ross is high on a lot of people’s draft boards. Love his offensive game and overall size, but questions linger around his basketball IQ and physicality. He can really shoot the ball.

Good athlete who runs the floor real well. Can really rebound the ball, especially on the offensive end. Needs to increase his effort level to become a better player.

Smart floor leader with an IQ off the charts. Should not have many problems running the show with his leadership skills. Does not have great athleticism, is a blow average shooter, and is a bit slow for his position. Reminds me of Andre Miller.

If he declared for the draft last year, he might have been a top-5 pick. Now after winning a championship at Kentucky, Jones has a nice game for a power forward that should translate well into the pros. Defense and attitude are two major questions though.

Stock is continuing to drop, but Jones is still a mid-first rounder at worst. Has everything you’re looking for physically in a basketball player, but he does not realize how good he can be. It’s a shame.

Stock has free-fallen due to his “medically red flagged” back. Best value pick of the draft. A below-the-rim player who eats up space as well as anyone I have ever seen at the college level. Defense has improved drastically since he lost lots of weight to become a more agile player. Should translate nicely into the pros.

Another player that might go in the lottery based on his past workouts and interviews with teams, but needs to mature as a player to get in a team’s rotation. If everything clicks together in a few years, people will take notice.

The most versatile player in the draft. Can even run point guard a la Lamar Odom if asked (he did at Iowa State). Will be a good pro if he can put his offensive skillset all together. Poor shooter. Issues with flying also might scare teams.

Defensive minded pick. Will never become a force offensively, but his long, big body will help a team who needs size down low. Good rim protector.

Like Harkless, another player who might end up going ten spots higher due to the love affair teams have with him. Nicholson can really use his length to his advantage offensively, but will need to improve effort level and defense. Possible replacement for Josh Smith?

Good athlete and very capable shooter. Will be a serviceable role player on an up and coming team. Fits in well with Cleveland at this spot.

Might not be a first rounder if the Grizzlies didn’t need a point guard badly. Still a work in progress, but really showed positive strides during his national championship campaign, especially in March. Also needs to become a better floor general.

Indiana is working out Green for a second time, and with a pick late in the first round, one has to think he would be the selection here. Great character guy with a high IQ and above average stroke. Will never be an impact, elite performer, but should stick in the NBA given his versatility and coachability.

Big man who has got the body to become a good center in the pros. Offensive game is very raw, but he does use his size to his advantage. Defensively, he can help protect the paint. Will be a serviceable backup center right off the bat.

International prospect who has produced in one of top European leagues. Known to have very skilled offensive game, but sometimes shot selection is very questionable. Lazy defender too. Just 19 years old, has plenty of time to develop.

Reports say that Taylor is the guy that the Bulls want. Craft, experience collegiate player with good athleticism and good work ethic. Inconsistent, but motivated all the time. Should fit in very well with the Bulls system.

Barton has seen his stock increase after workouts to the point where he seems like a sure-fire late first rounder. Very good ball handling and scoring guard who provides lots of energy. A bit skinny, but will be a good pro.