Mock Draft Monday

Welcome guest blogger, Arin Thompson.

As part of my first post with the LadyBallers, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to join in on the festivities of this fresh “new” take on sports.

Every Monday, I will be bringing about a new mock lottery draft for the 13 worst teams in the NBA. Since this is the first week, I will just go by the winning percentage of these teams to set the order. Each week after, I will actually do my own version of the ping pong ball drawing, except my drawing will involve pieces of paper and a slightly worn hat. I will explain more of this method on next week’s post.

So, without further introduction/waiting, let’s get to the fun.

New Jersey Nets
John Wall, PG, Kentucky (FR) - This has widely been called the “John Wall” draft and I can’t see a reason that any team would pass up on the opportunity to cash in on the first pick this season. The Nets have Devin Harris at the point now, but I have a feeling that with the big free agent rush this summer, New Jersey wants to lure a big name or two to town. With Wall at the point, this possibility can become a reality. I’d look for Harris to be traded and John Wall holding up the “1” jersey with David Stern come June.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Evan Turner, SG/SF, Ohio State (JR) – If this class is to have a clear number two prospect, then Turner would be the guy. He is certainly a do-it-all kind of player for the Buckeyes, which is something the T-Wolves need. Turner would fit nicely in the backcourt with Jonny Flynn or Ricky Rubio if he ever comes to town. Minnesota is building a nice core of young players, but like most things that involve the T-Wolves, I don’t see it working out for them.

Golden State Warriors
Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse (JR) – The Warriors like to run and in order to do that, they rely on a heavy rotation of wing players. Johnson has really jumped into the national spotlight this season since his arrival at Syracuse. Is he really the third best player in this draft? No, probably not, however he fills a big need and he has a nice skill set to translate into what they want him to do.

Detroit Pistons
Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech (FR) – Looking at Detroit’s roster, there are some glaring holes in the frontcourt. Kwame Brown is going to be an unrestricted free agent and Jason Maxiell really isn’t the answer to the Pistons’ prayers. Favors will add some athleticism to the front line, but Detroit will also need some help in free agency to get back to par.

Indiana Pacers
DeMarcus Cousins, PF/C, Kentucky (FR) - My hometown team has really struggled the last few seasons, but they fall closer to the number one spot each season, because they are good enough to stay out of the early part of the lottery, yet not good enough to push for the playoffs. Ed Davis seems to be the name that is popular with this pick, but Davis is a lot smaller than Cousins and the Pacers really need some beef down low to help out Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough. Cousins would be a bit of a project and Larry Bird is notoriously in love with college upperclassmen and white guys, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Cole Aldrich is the pick here!

Philadelphia 76ers
Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas (FR) – The glut of freshmen will continue with this pick. The 76ers took Jrue Holiday (PG) in last year’s draft, so I’d look for the ‘6ers to pair him up with another backcourt mate in Henry. Henry has a very good skill set, but will also be a project player to get him up to the pro style of play. If Andre Iguodala is traded, then I’d put this pick as a lock come June.

Sacramento Kings
Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina (SO) – The Kings haven’t had too much luck with drafting big men this decade and are feeling the woes of not having a consistent low post presence. With Tyreke Evans running the show, I’d look for the Kings to go with Davis to try and get a shot of energy into the frontcourt.

Washington Wizards
Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest (SO) – Aminu will give the Wizards some flexibility at the three and the four spots on the floor on both the offensive and defensive end. If Caron Butler or Antawn Jamison are around to mentor the young man, then the Wizards could have a future All-Star on their hands.

Utah Jazz (from New York Knicks)
Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas (JR) – This is the perfect fit for Aldrich. I don’t want to say the offense is slow, but it is slower and more efficient than most of the rest of the NBA. Aldrich is a solid low post player that Jerry Sloan would love to have in Utah, especially if Paul Millsap or Carlos Boozer are gone after this season.

Los Angeles Clippers
Devin Ebanks, SF/PF, West Virginia (SO) – Ebanks is a bit of a stretch here, but he really fits with what the Clippers are building and he won’t be taking up a spot occupied by one of their other two pieces of the puzzle, Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin. Ebanks can play the three and the four, he can create his own offense and he is willing to get his hands dirty on defense. His field goal percentage this year bothers me, but I feel he is worth the pick here.

Milwaukee Bucks
Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma (SO) – Warren would be a nice compliment to Brandon Jennings in the Bucks’ backcourt. With Michael Redd’s contract, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bucks try to shop him this summer even with his diminished value from his season ending injury. Warren and Jennings could create one of the most explosive backcourts in the NBA within a few seasons.

Miami Heat
Greg Monroe, PF/C, Georgetown (SO) - Will Dwayne Wade leave or will he stay? That is a huge question waiting to be answered. If he stays I see the Heat going after a big man and I think Monroe is the best available here. Monroe would add a lot of energy to the Heat and could be on the end of several pick-and-roll dunks from Wade.

Chicago Bulls
Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky (JR) – There is a lot of talk about certain big men heading to Chicago via trade, but if that doesn’t happen, I would look for the Bulls to address their post needs with Patterson. He was a very highly regarded pro prospect coming into Kentucky. He has polished his game on both ends of the floor, so the Bulls would be getting a player that is actually ready to play instead of having to worry about developing an underclassman, ala the Tyrus Thomas Project.

Well there you have it. The first edition of Mock Draft Monday here at LadyBallers.net! Feel free to leave comments below.

*Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the LadyBallers Organization/Social Network.