1st Round
1. Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose (Memphis) [PG, 6-3, 205 lbs, 19 yrs] - The Bulls will take a long look at Beasley, who would be a better fit here, but the general consensus in the league seems to be that Rose is the better prospect.
2. Miami Heat: Michael Beasley (Kansas State) [PF, 6-10, 235 lbs, 19 yrs] - From all indications, the Heat have no interest in Beasley as a player. However, with all the teams who do like Beasley, it's unlikely that they won't be able to find a trade partner if they take him here. Both Minnesota and Seattle are strong possibilities to trade for Beasley and send back their first round pick and perhaps an expiring contract or two.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: O.J. Mayo (USC) [SG, 6-4, 195 lbs, 20 yrs] - If the Heat really can't make a trade happen, they probably take Mayo at #2 and then the Timberwolves can draft Beasley here. However, with so many suitors, it's hard to see Miami being forced to draft Mayo second. Minnesota takes whoever is available between Mayo and Beasley.
4. Seattle Supersonics: Russell Westbrook (UCLA) [PG, 6-3, 189 lbs, 19 yrs] - It seems the Sonics has soured on Jerryd Bayless a bit and, like many teams, have taken a strong liking to Westbrook. Both are fairly similar players, though Westbrook has a reputation as a better and more aggressive defender. Seattle could also opt for a big man and take Brook Lopez.
5. Memphis Grizzlies: Brook Lopez (Stanford) [C, 7-0, 260 lbs, 20 yrs] - Memphis could use some more size, especially after the Darko-Kwame Brown experiments appear to be fruitless. Kevin Love is also an option, as would be a guard such as Eric Gordon, but Lopez seems the sensible choice.
6. New York Knicks: Jerryd Bayless (Arizona) [PG, 6-3, 190 lbs, 19 yrs] - The Knicks need a point guard above all, and although Bayless isn't exactly the next Steve Nash, he's the best point guard available here. D.J. Augustin is an option, but this is too high to draft him. There was talk the Knicks were going to trade David Lee to Memphis for the Grizzlies pick, in which case they could grab Bayless and Danilo Gallinari, but those talks appear dead now.
7. Los Angeles Clippers: Danilo Gallinari (Italy) [SF, 6-9, 212 lbs, 19 yrs] - Eric Gordon is a strong possibility as well, but Gallinari would make a lot of sense here. Supposedly Gallinari would not have stayed in the draft unless he had a top 10 guarantee (from a team he'd want to go to) and this seems like the most likely team to offer that guarantee.
8. Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Gordon (Indiana) [SG, 6-4, 215 lbs, 19 yrs] - The Bucks could opt for a forward such as Joe Alexander, but Gordon is one of the most talented prospects in the draft. In fact, he was considered a top 3 or 4 pick for a long time. That said, it's hard to see the Bucks passing up that talent at this point.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kevin Love (UCLA) [PF, 6-10, 275 lbs, 19 yrs] - Love seems like a natural fit for Larry Brown, and he would look good alongside Emeka Okafor. He and Okafor are opposites in many ways and could complement each other fairly well, even if it still leaves the frontcourt a bit undersized.
10. New Jersey Nets: Anthony Randolph (LSU) [PF, 6-11, 220 lbs, 18 yrs] - Randolph has fallen out of favor with a lot of teams due to mediocre performances in workouts. John Hollinger's article that projected him as a terrible pro could not have helped. However, Randolph's value is in his upside. The Nets can take a chance on him and hope he becomes a valuable player in a few years.
11. Indiana Pacers: Joe Alexander (West Virginia) [SF, 6-8, 220 lbs, 21 yrs] - D.J. Augustin seemed like he had to be the pick here for a long time, but now that the Pacers have T.J. Ford, they can grab Alexander. Alexander has been great in workouts and projected as the best swingman using Hollinger's system, so the Pacers get a potential steal here.
12. Sacramento Kings: D.J. Augustin (Texas) [PG, 6-0, 180 lbs, 20 yrs] - The Kings also benefit from the Jermaine O'Neal trade, as it makes Augustin available. They need the point guard help and now they won't be tempted to reach for Mario Chalmers.
13. Portland Trailblazers: Brandon Rush (Kansas) [SG, 6-7, 205 lbs, 22 yrs] - Portland has been trying to shop this pick, but Rush is a good choice here whether they keep it or not. If they keep Rush, he should be able to contribute immediately. If not, they should find plenty of takers, particularly the Suns.
14. Golden State Warriors: Donte Greene (Syracuse) [SF, 6-10, 225 lbs, 20 yrs] - Greene's combination of shooting, athleticism, and versatility make him a natural fit for Golden State. He is similar to a number of players they already have, but he should be able to find some playing time.
15. Phoenix Suns: Mario Chalmers (Kansas) [PG, 5-11, 195 lbs, 20 yrs] - The Suns are hoping Rush falls to them here, but if not, Chalmers is a good option. They have needed a backup point guard for years now and he should be able to help, as well as knock down a few open threes when given the chance.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Darrell Arthur (Kansas) [PF, 6-10, 225 lbs, 20 yrs] - The Sixers could use help at shooting guard as well, but the best players available here are big men. A center such as Kosta Koufos is an option, but he too closely resembles Jason Smith for the Sixers to take him. Instead they help their power forward depth and add Arthur.
17. Indiana Pacers: Kosta Koufos (Ohio State) [C, 7-0, 265 lbs, 19 yrs] - Koufos is a nice pick here for the Pacers who need more size in the middle now that Jermaine O'Neal is gone. They could also consider a point guard, if Chalmers or Augustin is available, to back up Ford. If not, they have to take a big man and Koufos is the best one available.
18. Washington Wizards: JaVale McGee (Nevada) [C, 7-0, 237 lbs, 20 yrs] - McGee should make a nice backup for Brendan Haywood, as he is more of a scoring big man who was an effective three-point shooter in college. He is also an excellent shot-blocker and could help the Wizards' interior defense.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers: Marreese Speights (Florida) [C, 6-10, 245 lbs, 19 yrs] - The Cavs could opt for a shooting guard, such as Chris Douglas-Roberts, but they need help inside. Speights is raw, but he should give them some low-post scoring and much-needed depth at the size positions.
20. Charlotte Bobcats: Roy Hibbert (Georgetown) [C, 7-2, 275 lbs, 21 yrs] - In Hibbert, Charlotte gets an experienced big man who should have no problem playing significant minutes as a rookie. Hibbert can play alongside either Okafor or Love and let them move to their more natural power forward positions.
21. New Jersey Nets: Nicholas Batum (France) [SF, 6-8, 210 lbs, 19 yrs] - There are a number of good big men still on the board, but the Nets go after the upside of Batum, after drafting a center with their earlier first round pick. The Nets already have swingmen, but Batum could be brought along slowly, as the team is rebuilding anyway.
22. Orlando Magic: DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M) [C, 7-0, 255 lbs, 20 yrs] - The Magic could go for a shooting guard, such as Courtney Lee, but it's hard to pass up on Jordan's talent at this point. Considering they had to give Marcin Gortat minutes in the playoffs, they could use another body in the middle.
23. Utah Jazz: Robin Lopez (Stanford) [C, 7-0, 245 lbs, 20 yrs] - The Jazz need to work on their interior defense and shot-blocking and those happen to be Robin Lopez's specialties. The Jazz will probably opt for the best big man available here, though it's hard to imagine anyone else being as good a fit as the other Lopez.
24. Seattle Supersonics: Alexis Ajinca (France) [PF, 7-1, 240 lbs, 20 yrs] - The Sonics have taken plenty of big men with "upside" in recent years, but with a roster loaded with young talent, taking a player like Ajinca who could stay overseas for a year or two if necessary would be sensible decision. Ajinca has gained a lot of momentum recently and this could even be too low for him. The Sonics would have to bite if he's available.
25. Houston Rockets: Jason Thompson (Rider) [PF, 6-11, 250 lbs, 21 yrs] - The Rockets could use another big man to back up Yao Ming. Sure, Mutombo is signed on for another year, but he can't back up Yao forever.
26. San Antonio Spurs: Courtney Lee (Western Kentucky) [SG, 6-5, 200 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Spurs need scoring above all and Lee should be able to step in and at least be an upgrade over the aging Brent Barry. They could also opt for a foreign player and stash him abroad, in typical Spurs fashion, but the team needs help now if they want to compete for another title with their aging roster.
27. Portland Trailblazers: Ante Tomic (Croatia) [C, 7-2, 237 lbs, 21 yrs] - The Blazers certainly don't need more rookies on their roster right now, so the only conceivable reason they trade for this pick is to draft an international player. Tomic makes sense here, as would Serge Ibaka.
28. Memphis Grizzlies: Chris Douglas-Roberts (Memphis) [SG, 6-6, 195 lbs, 21 yrs] - This is already a pretty big fall for Douglas-Roberts and it's hard to see Memphis passing on him here. He should be able to step in and help them right away as a backup shooting guard.
29. Detroit Pistons: Bill Walker (Kansas State) [SF, 6-6, 235 lbs, 20 yrs] - Detroit gambles on Walker's knees holding up. If they do, he could be a steal this late in the draft. At #29, it's a good move.
30. Boston Celtics: J.J. Hickson (NC State) [PF, 6-9, 240 lbs, 19 yrs] - Boston doesn't need another power forward, but there are no players here who fill a particular need for the Celtics, so they likely either take the best available player or draft a forward like Hickson and trade the pick.
2nd Round
31. Minnesota Timberwolves: D.J. White (Indiana) [PF, 6-9, 240 lbs, 21 yrs] - White doesn't have great NBA potential, but Minnesota needs bodies right now. White should be able to give them decent production if he gets playing time.
32. Seattle Supersonics: Jamont Gordon (Mississippi State) [SG, 6-4, 225 lbs, 21 yrs] - Gordon gives the Sonics a little more scoring, as an athletic combo guard. The Sonics have three more picks coming, so odds are at least one of these will be traded.
33. Portland Trailblazers: Serge Ibaka (Congo) [PF, 6-10, 220 lbs, 18 yrs] - Ibaka is probably not ready for the NBA yet, but he could stay overseas for a few years. The Blazers don't have room for prospects right now anyway.
34. Minnesota Timberwolves: Omer Asik (Turkey) [C, 6-11, 230 lbs, 21 yrs] - He's very raw, but his size and athleticism make him an appealing prospect.
35. Los Angeles Clippers: Nathan Jawai (Australia) [PF, 6-10, 270 lbs, 21 yrs] - Jawai provides some depth at power forward, which could prove essential should Elton Brand leave via free agency.
36. Portland Trailblazers: Ryan Anderson (California) [PF, 6-10, 225 lbs, 20 yrs] - Anderson has a great jump shot that extends to NBA three-point range, and could be a good fit alongside Greg Oden.
37. Milwaukee Bucks: Joey Dorsey (Memphis) [PF, 6-9, 260 lbs, 22 yrs] - Dorsey's pro future is questionable, but many scouts see him as a future Ben Wallace-type player. Milwaukee could use his defensive presence in the middle.
38. Charlotte Bobcats: Davon Jefferson (USC) [SF, 6-8, 215 lbs, 21 yrs] - He needs to work on his fundamentals, but he has great overall potential and could help Charlotte down the road.
39. Chicago Bulls: Trent Plaisted (BYU) [C, 6-11, 245 lbs, 21 yrs] - The Bulls could use some size, especially after Aaron Gray has yet to prove he can be a useful NBA player. Plaisted has a lot more upside than Gray, even if his college career was fairly erratic.
40. New Jersey Nets: Nikola Pekovic (Serbia) [C, 6-11, 245 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Nets may not have room for three rookies and they'd have the option of leaving Pekovic in Europe for a year or two.
41. Indiana Pacers: Richard Hendrix (Alabama) [PF, 6-9, 260 lbs, 21 yrs] - He's looked good in Orlando so far. While he's a bit undersized, he's worth a look at this point.
42. Sacramento Kings: Gary Forbes (Massachusetts) [SF, 6-7, 220 lbs, 23 yrs] - He had an excellent pre-draft camp in Orlando and has established himself as a second round pick.
43. Seattle Supersonics: Josh Duncan (Xavier) [SF, 6-8, 225 lbs, 22 yrs] - He'll fight for a spot during Summer League and training camp. No guarantees, but he's a solid all-around player who deserves a look.
44. Golden State Warriors: Shan Foster (Vanderbilt) [SG, 6-6, 205 lbs, 21 yrs] - Foster is one of the top three-point shooters in the draft and he should be able to find a niche in Don Nelson's offense.
45. Sacramento Kings: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (UCLA) [SF, 6-7, 215 lbs, 21 yrs] - Some NBA scouts see Mbah a Moute as a Bruce Bowen-type defender. He doesn't have much of an offensive game, but the Kings could use his defensive prowess.
46. Utah Jazz: Malik Hairston (Oregon) [SG, 6-6, 200 lbs, 21 yrs] - Hairston is a good all-around shooting guard who could get a look off the bench.
47. San Antonio Spurs: Kyle Weaver (Washington State) [SG, 6-6, 185 lbs, 22 yrs] - A great defender with a high basketball IQ. He should fit right in with the Spurs.
48. Washington Wizards: Mike Taylor (Iowa State) [PG, 6-2, 165 lbs, 22 yrs] - With Gilbert Arenas a free agent, the Wizards pick up an insurance policy at point guard.
49. Phoenix Suns: C.J. Giles (Oregon State) [C, 6-11, 235 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Suns add a shot-blocking center to improve their defense.
50. Seattle Supersonics: Keith Brumbaugh (Hillsborough CC) [SF, 6-10, 215 lbs, 22 yrs] - An outstanding talent who has been hurt by poor off-court decisions. The Sonics can gamble on him and let him develop int he D-League.
51. Dallas Mavericks: J.R. Giddens (New Mexico) [SG, 6-5, 200 lbs, 23 yrs] - Dallas takes a shooting guard who should excel in Jason Kidd's fast-paced offense.
52. Miami Heat: David Padgett (Louisville) [C, 6-11, 240 lbs, 23 yrs] - Miami adds a big man with an excellent basketball IQ. There are questions as to whether or not he can stay healthy, but he could develop into a useful player.
53. Utah Jazz: Semih Erden (Turkey) [C, 7-1, 240 lbs, 21 yrs] - Erden brings another Turkish player to Utah's roster. He's still a bit of a project and would probably stay in Turkey for the time being.
54. Houston Rockets: Bryce Taylor (Oregon) [SG, 6-5, 205 lbs, 21 yrs] - Taylor hasn't been as dominant in college as his talent suggests he should have been, but he's a worthy gamble in the second round.
55. Portland Trailblazers: Sasha Kaun (Kansas) [C, 6-11, 250 lbs, 23 yrs] - Kaun doesn't have the potential to be much more than a backup center, but he already has an NBA body and good experience at the college level.
56. Seattle Supersonics: George Hill (Indianapolis) [PG, 6-2, 180 lbs, 22 yrs] - Hill is more of a shooting guard in a point guard's body, but his scoring ability could get him drafted in the late second round.
57. San Antonio Spurs: Pat Calathes (St. Joseph's) [SF, 6-10, 210 lbs, 22 yrs] - This point-forward with a high basketball IQ should be a good fit in San Antonio.
58. Los Angeles Lakers: Othello Hunter (Ohio State) [PF, 6-8, 220 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Lakers add a shot-blocking forward to improve their interior defense.
59. Detroit Pistons: Richard Roby (Colorado) [SG, 6-5, 210 lbs, 22 yrs] - Roby was at one time seen as a future first round pick, but hasn't improved much over his college career. He had a good senior year and his stock could be suffering due to unfair expectations.
60. Boston Celtics: Damjan Rudez (Croatia) [SF, 6-10, 200 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Celtics grab an international player with plenty of upside. Boston can afford to wait on his talent, as they don't have much room for him right now.
32. Seattle Supersonics: Jamont Gordon (Mississippi State) [SG, 6-4, 225 lbs, 21 yrs] - Gordon gives the Sonics a little more scoring, as an athletic combo guard. The Sonics have three more picks coming, so odds are at least one of these will be traded.
33. Portland Trailblazers: Serge Ibaka (Congo) [PF, 6-10, 220 lbs, 18 yrs] - Ibaka is probably not ready for the NBA yet, but he could stay overseas for a few years. The Blazers don't have room for prospects right now anyway.
34. Minnesota Timberwolves: Omer Asik (Turkey) [C, 6-11, 230 lbs, 21 yrs] - He's very raw, but his size and athleticism make him an appealing prospect.
35. Los Angeles Clippers: Nathan Jawai (Australia) [PF, 6-10, 270 lbs, 21 yrs] - Jawai provides some depth at power forward, which could prove essential should Elton Brand leave via free agency.
36. Portland Trailblazers: Ryan Anderson (California) [PF, 6-10, 225 lbs, 20 yrs] - Anderson has a great jump shot that extends to NBA three-point range, and could be a good fit alongside Greg Oden.
37. Milwaukee Bucks: Joey Dorsey (Memphis) [PF, 6-9, 260 lbs, 22 yrs] - Dorsey's pro future is questionable, but many scouts see him as a future Ben Wallace-type player. Milwaukee could use his defensive presence in the middle.
38. Charlotte Bobcats: Davon Jefferson (USC) [SF, 6-8, 215 lbs, 21 yrs] - He needs to work on his fundamentals, but he has great overall potential and could help Charlotte down the road.
39. Chicago Bulls: Trent Plaisted (BYU) [C, 6-11, 245 lbs, 21 yrs] - The Bulls could use some size, especially after Aaron Gray has yet to prove he can be a useful NBA player. Plaisted has a lot more upside than Gray, even if his college career was fairly erratic.
40. New Jersey Nets: Nikola Pekovic (Serbia) [C, 6-11, 245 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Nets may not have room for three rookies and they'd have the option of leaving Pekovic in Europe for a year or two.
41. Indiana Pacers: Richard Hendrix (Alabama) [PF, 6-9, 260 lbs, 21 yrs] - He's looked good in Orlando so far. While he's a bit undersized, he's worth a look at this point.
42. Sacramento Kings: Gary Forbes (Massachusetts) [SF, 6-7, 220 lbs, 23 yrs] - He had an excellent pre-draft camp in Orlando and has established himself as a second round pick.
43. Seattle Supersonics: Josh Duncan (Xavier) [SF, 6-8, 225 lbs, 22 yrs] - He'll fight for a spot during Summer League and training camp. No guarantees, but he's a solid all-around player who deserves a look.
44. Golden State Warriors: Shan Foster (Vanderbilt) [SG, 6-6, 205 lbs, 21 yrs] - Foster is one of the top three-point shooters in the draft and he should be able to find a niche in Don Nelson's offense.
45. Sacramento Kings: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (UCLA) [SF, 6-7, 215 lbs, 21 yrs] - Some NBA scouts see Mbah a Moute as a Bruce Bowen-type defender. He doesn't have much of an offensive game, but the Kings could use his defensive prowess.
46. Utah Jazz: Malik Hairston (Oregon) [SG, 6-6, 200 lbs, 21 yrs] - Hairston is a good all-around shooting guard who could get a look off the bench.
47. San Antonio Spurs: Kyle Weaver (Washington State) [SG, 6-6, 185 lbs, 22 yrs] - A great defender with a high basketball IQ. He should fit right in with the Spurs.
48. Washington Wizards: Mike Taylor (Iowa State) [PG, 6-2, 165 lbs, 22 yrs] - With Gilbert Arenas a free agent, the Wizards pick up an insurance policy at point guard.
49. Phoenix Suns: C.J. Giles (Oregon State) [C, 6-11, 235 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Suns add a shot-blocking center to improve their defense.
50. Seattle Supersonics: Keith Brumbaugh (Hillsborough CC) [SF, 6-10, 215 lbs, 22 yrs] - An outstanding talent who has been hurt by poor off-court decisions. The Sonics can gamble on him and let him develop int he D-League.
51. Dallas Mavericks: J.R. Giddens (New Mexico) [SG, 6-5, 200 lbs, 23 yrs] - Dallas takes a shooting guard who should excel in Jason Kidd's fast-paced offense.
52. Miami Heat: David Padgett (Louisville) [C, 6-11, 240 lbs, 23 yrs] - Miami adds a big man with an excellent basketball IQ. There are questions as to whether or not he can stay healthy, but he could develop into a useful player.
53. Utah Jazz: Semih Erden (Turkey) [C, 7-1, 240 lbs, 21 yrs] - Erden brings another Turkish player to Utah's roster. He's still a bit of a project and would probably stay in Turkey for the time being.
54. Houston Rockets: Bryce Taylor (Oregon) [SG, 6-5, 205 lbs, 21 yrs] - Taylor hasn't been as dominant in college as his talent suggests he should have been, but he's a worthy gamble in the second round.
55. Portland Trailblazers: Sasha Kaun (Kansas) [C, 6-11, 250 lbs, 23 yrs] - Kaun doesn't have the potential to be much more than a backup center, but he already has an NBA body and good experience at the college level.
56. Seattle Supersonics: George Hill (Indianapolis) [PG, 6-2, 180 lbs, 22 yrs] - Hill is more of a shooting guard in a point guard's body, but his scoring ability could get him drafted in the late second round.
57. San Antonio Spurs: Pat Calathes (St. Joseph's) [SF, 6-10, 210 lbs, 22 yrs] - This point-forward with a high basketball IQ should be a good fit in San Antonio.
58. Los Angeles Lakers: Othello Hunter (Ohio State) [PF, 6-8, 220 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Lakers add a shot-blocking forward to improve their interior defense.
59. Detroit Pistons: Richard Roby (Colorado) [SG, 6-5, 210 lbs, 22 yrs] - Roby was at one time seen as a future first round pick, but hasn't improved much over his college career. He had a good senior year and his stock could be suffering due to unfair expectations.
60. Boston Celtics: Damjan Rudez (Croatia) [SF, 6-10, 200 lbs, 22 yrs] - The Celtics grab an international player with plenty of upside. Boston can afford to wait on his talent, as they don't have much room for him right now.
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