Despite only playing eleven games in college, Kyrie Irving will be first to meet David Stern Thursday night, as Cleveland Cavaliers will select him first in this year's NBA draft. (Photo courtesy of New York Daily News)For the first time in a long time, the NBA draft will again become an event at Daly Dose headquarters in Queens.
That's because I'm now regarded as a college hoops "expert" by some people, (and I'm extremely flattered by your amazingly high opinions of me) so I'm feeling the pressure to produce analysis and insights that are fitting of such a lofty tag. Nevertheless, sixty names will be called by David Stern and deputy commissioner Adam Silver (much to the dismay of old-school NBA fans like myself and certain others in the Daly Dose fan base that still clamor for Russ Granik) at the Prudential Center in Newark in just under 48 hours. In a late-breaking development last night, sources confirmed to various college basketball analysts that the Cleveland Cavaliers will select Duke guard Kyrie Irving first overall; opting for the 19-year-old point guard whose lone season in Durham was shortened by injury to the point where he only competed in eleven of the Blue Devils' contests last year. Irving will be the choice over Arizona forward Derrick Williams, who is (in my opinion) possibly the best player in the draft; and also had a national coming-out party against Irving and Duke in the NCAA Tournament, when the Wildcats handily defeated Duke in the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual national champion Connecticut. So, without any further ado...
1) Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving (G, Duke)
Eleven games isn't enough of a sample size to this analyst, but that's why they pay the executives in Cleveland the big bucks. Despite having his talent and brief career sacrificed due to his much-chronicled toe injury, Irving will become the face of the Cleveland franchise and the Cavs' first true point guard since someone named Mark Price took the court at the old Richfield Coliseum; and that didn't turn out too bad for Cleveland in the 1990s.
2) Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams (F, Arizona)
With Irving off the board and Ricky Rubio deciding to fly across the Atlantic from Spain, Williams becomes the logical pick for the T-Wolves here. Enes Kanter is also a possibility; but the decision not to pass on a natural athlete the caliber of Williams will be an easy one, as the sophomore can play anywhere on a frontline that already features young stars Kevin Love and Wes Johnson. Look for Williams to slide into the power forward position in an attempt to become Minnesota's long-term replacement for the departed Al Jefferson.
3) Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight (G, Kentucky)
Utah really needs a big man above all else, (and I had them taking Kanter here until the aforementioned Irving confirmation) but in the wake of having traded Deron Williams a few months ago, they instead settle for the latest one-and-done John Calipari recruit that just happens to be the best guard in the draft. Knight's arrival in Utah will also allow for Devin Harris to showcase his true talent playing off the ball, which will give both guards ample scoring opportunities while simultaneously taking pressure off Al Jefferson and Andrei Kirilenko up front.
4) Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter (C, Turkey)
The Kentucky recruit ruled ineligible before the season even started falls into Cleveland's lap here after the Cavs opt to take Irving instead of Williams in the top spot, contrary to what I had envisioned for the month following the draft lottery. Kanter actually moves up into this spot after yet another developing situation emerged last night chronicling international prospect Jonas Valanciunas' decision to remain overseas next season. The Lithuanian big man was preferred by Cleveland according to several with intimate draft knowledge; but just as Irving could be the next Mark Price, Kanter could also fill the role of former No. 1 overall pick Brad Daugherty as the Cavs' dominant center of the next decade if the Cavaliers decide to keep the pick.
5) Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker (G, Connecticut)
If Brandon Knight somehow gets past Utah in the No. 3 spot, then he's the pick here unless someone else moves up into the fourth slot to take him. If Knight is gone, however, (as he is here) then Toronto goes instead for the guard who led the No. 9 seed in the Big East tournament on an improbable March run that saw the Huskies win their third national championship. Walker's arrival makes Jose Calderon expendable unless the rookie plays off the ball, which would move DeMar DeRozan into the small forward position.
6) Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely (F, Czech Republic)
Washington trading into the fourth spot to take Enes Kanter can't (and shouldn't) be ruled out either, but Washington will go for the 21-year-old Czech should they stay where they are. Standing 6-11, Vesely will be an inside presence on a Washington team that has already built their backcourt through last year's selection of John Wall in the top spot.
7) Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard (F, San Diego State)
The Kings have had serious discussions about drafting a guard and moving Tyreke Evans to shooting guard, but Leonard is clearly the best player available in this spot. Walker will be the pick if he somehow lasts this long, and Jimmer Fredette will even get a look as well. However, Leonard (despite his 6-7 stature) gives the Kings a swingman that can double as a power forward and be the answer to Chris Webber while giving DeMarcus Cousins a solid frontcourt partner he can also learn from.
8) Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo (F, Congo)
A prototypical boom or bust pick that could either be the next international sensation or even the next Frederic Weis. Biyombo impressed enough in his various workouts last week, but criticisms have also grown just as much. Kemba Walker is atop the Pistons' draft board, and he will be the pick if he's there; but if not, Detroit will almost certainly go for an international player, and if it's not Biyombo, it would most likely be Jonas Valanciunas.
9) Charlotte Bobcats: Marcus Morris (F, Kansas)
Another team that will be taking a long look at a guard, but Morris has been among the most coveted prospects by Charlotte since he announced his decision to forgo his final season at Kansas and enter the draft. Charlotte is already solid in the backcourt with D.J. Augustin and a developing Gerald Henderson, so Morris would be the best fit for a team that could still use some help up front.
10) Milwaukee Bucks: Marshon Brooks (G, Providence)
Brooks' impressive workouts coupled with Michael Redd's liability propels the nation's second-leading scorer last season into the No. 10 spot. Alec Burks will also be drawing interest from the Bucks here, but word is that Milwaukee is really enamored with the Providence product that will be the Friars' highest draft pick since Eric Williams in 1995. Don't be surprised to see the Bulls trade up; and if they do, Brooks will still be the pick.
11) Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson (F, Washington State)
Golden State may be trading Monta Ellis to Philadelphia for Andre Iguodala, but Thompson is the consensus pick here no matter what. Golden State will get the swingman they have been craving for a long time and right the ship here after the selection of Brandan Wright several years ago didn't turn out as well as the Warriors had hoped.
12) Utah Jazz: Jonas Valanciunas (C, Lithuania)
Valanciunas will definitely slide down the board after his announcement to remain overseas, but his fall won't last as long as Aaron Rodgers or Brady Quinn. When he does make his way to the mainland, he gives Utah a solid combo forward/center that could be a poor man's version of Carlos Boozer. If Valanciunas slides even further down, Utah could go for a combination of players from the group of Alec Burks, Jimmer Fredette, or Chris Singleton.
13) Phoenix Suns: Jimmer Fredette (G, Brigham Young)
Chris Singleton will also get a lot of interest from Phoenix if they keep the pick, but all indications are that the Suns will go for a guard if they stay in this spot. Alec Burks could be the choice here as well; but after a positive workout chronicled on YouTube, Phoenix opts for The Jimmer, and the national phenomenon from a year ago will have the privilege and benefit of learning from one of the best at the position in former MVP Steve Nash.
14) Houston Rockets: Donatas Motiejunas (F, Lithuania)
Houston is almost certainly drafting someone for their frontcourt with Yao Ming in the twilight of his career. Motiejunas; who played for Mike D'Antoni's former club in Italy, (Benetton Treviso) has tremendous upside that is getting bigger by the minute after his recent workout, and will fit the bill here. If he arrives in the NBA right away, look for him to form an international "Twin Towers" of sorts with burgeoning star Luis Scola.
15) Indiana Pacers: Alec Burks (G, Colorado)
Burks falls to Indiana after Jimmer Fredette gets scooped up by Phoenix, and Pacer fans will love Burks' versatility almost immediately. Milwaukee could also grab him in the tenth spot, but Indiana is actually the best fit for the combo guard who could draw comparisons to Pacer legend Reggie Miller if he plays off the ball in the Hoosier State.
16) Philadelphia 76ers: Chris Singleton (F, Florida State)
The Sixers solidified their backcourt last year by taking Evan Turner second overall. This time, it's the frontline that undergoes a makeover. Singleton could go as high as twelfth to the Jazz, but falls to Philadelphia in a somewhat controversial pick that will benefit the team by giving it another potent scoring option. Hometown native Markieff Morris and USC big man Nikola Vucevic could also be targets, but both would be considered reaches in this spot.
17) New York Knicks: Tristan Thompson (F, Texas)
Arguably the most intriguing pick after the top three is the one involving the NBA's most scrutinized team. The ouster of Donnie Walsh in the Knicks' front office only spices up the surefire drama, as many assume Isiah Thomas will have a hand in this selection even though he technically is not part of Jimmy Dolan's war room. With the guards the Knicks covet (Brooks and Fredette) off the board, they get the potential steal of the first round in Thompson, a player projected to go as high as eighth after his sensational freshman campaign at Texas. Thompson has an ability to be a perennial double-double player in the NBA; and would not only mature right away, but also be the perfect complement at power forward in between Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.
18) Washington Wizards: Jordan Hamilton (F, Texas)
The Longhorns get back-to-back meetings with David Stern with this selection. Washington is clearly enamored with Hamilton to the point where he is a near-certainty to be drafted in this spot if he is available. The Knicks could also be in play for the junior, but Hamilton getting a second workout for Washington while skipping the chance to show his talent to New York makes him the choice in the nation's capital.
19) Charlotte Bobcats: Markieff Morris (F, Kansas)
Brian Burke strategically manipulated the NHL draft to get Daniel and Henrik Sedin to play together in Vancouver a decade ago. Michael Jordan won't need to conduct an elaborate scheme to get both halves of this set of twins, as the second Morris will be right there for taking to join brother Marcus in Charlotte after the other Jayhawk is already in the Charlotte fold after being drafted ninth; and Markieff will also go a long way in rebuilding the Bobcats' frontcourt.
20) Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyle Singler (F, Duke)
David Kahn has been known to shake it up in recent drafts, (see Ricky Rubio and Wayne Ellington) and this is no exception. However, Singler does add a unique ability to score from mid-range and beyond the arc; but despite his Duke pedigree, he's still a boom or bust pick. He could be the next Dirk Nowitzki, or the next Pat Garrity.
21) Portland Trail Blazers: Nikola Vucevic (C, Southern California)
The seven-footer becomes the latest big man to take his talents to Portland, and the Blazers get to move LaMarcus Aldridge back down to his natural power forward position to accommodate an up-and-coming big man that can rebound just as proficiently as he can score.
22) Denver Nuggets: Tobias Harris (F, Tennessee)
Just as Jordan Hamilton is a near-lock to go to Washington, Harris is just the same with the Nuggets. Denver has made no secret of their love for Harris, and he's what Denver is looking for: A Carmelo Anthony clone. Harris needs to work on his outside shooting, but he does everything else Carmelo has made an All-Star career out of doing after just one year at Tennessee. I still believe Harris would have been better served staying in school at least one more year, as he would have been a surefire lottery pick next year.
23) Houston Rockets: Josh Selby (G, Kansas)
Last year's most sought-after recruit becomes the choice for Houston after the Rockets opt to upgrade their post presence with Donatas Motiejunas at No. 14. Selby is a better choice than the inconsistent Iman Shumpert or Michigan's Darius Morris, whom many believe left Ann Arbor prematurely. Selby can push former Villanova standout Kyle Lowry for immediate playing time, which makes it a win-win situation for the Rockets and their fans.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder: Kenneth Faried (F, Morehead State)
The man that made the biggest impression to me in the NCAA Tournament, considering I had never seen him; yet heard of his through-the-roof potential, Faried is the choice here as Oklahoma City is set at the one, two and three with Russell Westbrook, (or Chris Paul if the rumored trade becomes a reality) James Harden, and Kevin Durant. Faried will also get a chance to start up front for Scott Brooks, especially if Serge Ibaka's playoff form was the aberration some of us feel it may actually have turned out to be.
25) Boston Celtics: Jimmy Butler (F, Marquette)
Let's face it, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce aren't getting any younger; and Marquette has exported versatile players to the NBA even though their second-best (Jerel McNeal; Dwyane Wade is the first of course) wasn't drafted he very well should have been. Nonetheless, Butler is what Doc Rivers (ironically, a former Marquette guy himself) will love: A clutch player who will leave nothing on the court. St. John's fans will be the first to agree with me when I compare Butler to the next Robert Horry, as his overtime buzzer-beater against the Red Storm in 2010 serves as Exhibit A of that analogy.
26) Dallas Mavericks: Davis Bertans (F, Latvia)
The reigning champions will be taking a big for better or worse, but with Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler up front already, Dallas can afford to invest in an international player; bringing Bertans in after he has matured over the next few years. Just look at how Ian Mahinmi turned out: The Frenchman may have ultimately won Dallas the NBA Finals with his coming-out party against the Heat in Game 6.
27) New Jersey Nets: Justin Harper (F, Richmond)
Derrick Favors is gone and Brook Lopez needs help, so this pick makes sense for New Jersey. The Nets kill two birds with one stone by going for the 6-10 Harper, who can rebound and score while also managing to give Deron Williams and Kris Humphries more opportunities to shine.
28) Chicago Bulls: Tyler Honeycutt (F, UCLA)
The first of two picks for the Bulls goes to a swingman that projects to be the shooting guard of the immediate future, teaming with reigning MVP Derrick Rose to form a potent inside/outside duo behind Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer for the team that looks to defend the best record in the Eastern Conference.
29) San Antonio Spurs: Chandler Parsons (F, Florida)
The Pittsburgh Steelers of the NBA already have a valuable 6-10 reserve forward from Florida on their roster named Matt Bonner. What will Gregg Popovich get for an encore, you ask? A player that for all intents and purposes is the next Bonner, and one who will give the Spurs added depth to a bench that will continue to get more time in the sun as the core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili get older.
30) Chicago Bulls: Nikola Mirotic (F, Montenegro)
With Chicago going for Tyler Honeycutt, they can afford to use their second first-round pick on an international player. Mirotic; who at 6-10 has drawn comparisons to a taller (and more offensively proficient) Peja Stojakovic, slides right into a lineup that Tom Thibodeau could use an offensive boost for to complement his world-renowned defense.
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