Hey, let's get predictions for tomorrow night's NBA Draft. Make a comment with your lottery picks (Nos. 1-14) on this thread so we can keep track of each others picks. During the past week or so, I asked a few of PROTRADE's best NBA draft minds to submit their picks to me beforehand, those picks are displayed in the post along with a little banter from "experts" Chad Ford and Bill Simmons, and the picks from popular draft sites NBADraft.net and DraftExpress.com.
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1st Overall: Chicago Bulls
Last Year 1st Rnd: Joakim Noah, 9th
Team Needs: Point Guard/Center
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My Pick: Michael Beasley -- While Rose has the potential to be on the same level someday as Jason Kidd or Chris Paul, the Bulls already have Krik Hinrich. Beasley is too beastly to pass up, if the Bulls don't go for the college POY, they'll be sorry.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Derrick Rose
PinballClemens: Michael Beasley -- Despite rumors of Chicago leaning towards the hometown favorite in Derrick Rose, I see the Bulls clearly needing to upgrade their talent at the PF spot. Drew Gooden just isn't going to cut it at the four spot for an 82- game season, so expect Chicago to take the explosive forward Michael Beasley with their No. 1 overall pick. At only 19 years old, the sky is the limit for this phenom -expect him to come in and average 25 points and 8 rebounds a game off the bat. With Hinrich already locked up in a multi-year deal, Beasley seems like the prudent choice for Bulls' future.
Toddler84: Michael Beasley -- But if you are the GM and want to sell more tickets right away the choice is Rose... And remember now, the Bulls are LUCKY to even have this pick and Beasley is the better and bigger talent, hands down.
NBADraft.net: Derrick Rose
DraftExpress.com: Derrick Rose
Chad Ford: Derrick Rose -- Rose and Beasley finally got their close-ups in Chicago last week, and sources say both players worked out well.
Bill Simmons: Derrick Rose
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2nd Overall: Miami Heat
Last Year 1st Rnd: Jason Smith (Traded), 20th
Team Needs: Point Guard/PowerForward/Center
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My Pick: Derrick Rose -- Rose is athletic, speedy, has size and is a proven winner. He falls to the Heat at No. 2 because there is still room for improvement on his outside shot and his passing ability.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Michael Beasley
PinballClemens: Derrick Rose -- I see Derrick Rose being available and taken with the No. 2 pick, as Miami is almost certainly looking to go point guard with this pick. Miami is a team that needs leadership, defense and a player willing to sacrifice himself and his glory for the good of the team. Derrick Rose seems to fit those qualities. If, not available, expect Miami to trade down this pick somewhere for a veteran forward and draft between Nos. 4-6 and try to get Bayless or Westbrook.
Toddler84: Derrick Rose -- He would compliment Wade and Marion very well, especially in transition. Miami will be right back in the hunt with either pick, but great point guards are harder to find.
NBADraft.net: Michael Beasley
DraftExpress.com: Michael Beasley
Chad Ford: Michael Beasley -- The Heat continue to wait and hope that somehow Rose falls to them at No. 2. Rose opted against working out in Miami, but did invite Heat brass to Los Angeles for a private workout -- though Heat team president Pat Riley didn't show up.
Bill Simmons: Michael Beasley
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3rd Overall: Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Year 1st Rnd: Corey Brewer, 7th
Team Needs: Center/Point Guard
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My Pick: Brook Lopez -- As a Wolves fan, I've come to dread draft day. This year, I don't care who we take with our "Leattner" pick. At 21, Lopez seems to have the most upside for a team that would love to have a solid 7-footer to complement Al Jefferson.
MilwaukeeBaller32: O.J. Mayo
PinballClemens: O.J. Mayo -- Minnesota will most likely trade this pick down for an established NBA pro at the forward position (ie- Charlie Villanueva from Milwaukee) and be drafting in the No. 8 spot. Expect the Milwaukee Bucks to grab this No. 3 draft position and draft the man they have been coveting - O.J. Mayo
Toddler84: Brook Lopez -- The presence of Lopez will not only take the pressure off of Jefferson but will turn Big Al into a future All-Star. Then, maybe the "Puppies" will look like the Wolves again. Mayo is still a project, while Lopez is ready to make an impact.
NBADraft.net: O.J. Mayo
DraftExpress.com: O.J. Mayo
Chad Ford: O.J. Mayo -- As of Sunday, the word out of Minnesota was that the team will draft Mayo if Beasley is off the board. Though Mayo doesn't fit a need, he would be considered the best player available, and that appears to be swaying Minnesota in his direction.
Bill Simmons: Kevin Love
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4th Overall: Seattle SuperSonics
Last Year 1st Rnd: Kevin Durant, 2nd
Team Needs: Guard/Power Forward
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My Pick: Jerryd Bayless -- The Wildcat freshman has star-quality and will look to become the next best ex-Arizona NBA point guard (Mike Bibby, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Terry, Damon Stoudamire).
MilwaukeeBaller32: Jerryd Bayless
PinballClemens: Eric Gordon -- Expect Seattle to build on their young nucleus of last year and take the sweet shooting two-guard out of Indiana. Eric Gordon looks like he could possibly be the most "polished" offensive pro of the draft, and at only 19 has plenty of room to grow and develop with the likes of Jeff Green and Kevin Durant.
Toddler84: Eric Gordon -- He is a little bigger than Mayo/Bayless and would open up Durant's game to an All-Star level.
NBADraft.net: Jerryd Bayless
DraftExpress.com: Brook Lopez
Chad Ford: Russell Westbrook -- So why Westbrook? Two reasons: upside and defense. The Sonics have time to let players develop and Westbrook could turn into a better shooting version of Rajon Rondo down the road.
Bill Simmons: O.J. Mayo -- If there's an NBA god, Mayo will land in Seattle and not on the Timberwolves, Knicks or Clippers.
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5th Overall: Memphis Grizzlies
Last Year 1st Rnd: Mike Conley, 4th
Team Needs: Center/Power Forward
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My Pick: O.J. Mayo -- Although the Grizzlies are probably the team that Mayo would least like to play for, it might be the best situation. Mayo would add immediate personality, something the Grizzlies starters (G@y, Conley, Miller) lack.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Kevin Love
PinballClemens: Kevin Love -- The loss of Pau Gasol left a void for a talented big man at the #4 spot. Kevin Love is NBA ready and can give the Grizzlies a much needed boost on offense with his passing ability and rebounding skills. I see the Grizzlies taking Kevin Love with the No. 5 overall pick. If Eric Gordon is available, he could also be the odds-on favorite.
Toddler84: Kevin Love -- He is a force and has a smooth shot, which could edge him past Mayo/Bayless.
NBADraft.net: Kevin Love
DraftExpress.com: Kevin Love
Chad Ford: Eric Gordon -- For weeks we've been hearing that the Grizzlies are high on Love. He fits a need, is one of the more NBA-ready players in the draft and would be popular in Memphis. He still could be the pick. But there's a growing chorus saying that the Grizzlies are looking strongly at Gordon -- an athletic, sweet-shooting 2-guard -- with the pick.
Bill Simmons: Danilo Gallinari -- Frankly, I don't see how Memphis takes anyone else.
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6th Overall: New York Knicks
Last Year 1st Rnd: Wilson Chandler, 23rd
Team Needs: Guard/Center
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My Pick: Eric Gordon -- Prior to an injury-filled freshman season at Indiana, Gordon was being compared to both Rose and Beasley.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Russell Westbrook
PinballClemens: Jerrd Bayless -- Many experts have the Knicks picking the small forward Gallanari from Italy. But something tells me they are after bigger "game" at the Garden. I have to say that the Knicks will most likely try and trade up with either Seattle, Memphis or Minnesota with this pick, packaging David Lee and this pick and will try to acquire either Eric Gordon or O.J. Mayo if they can. If no deal can get done, I expect New York to take Jerrd Bayless.
Toddler84: O.J. Mayo -- He has a "New Yorker" attitude, aka cocky, and would be a good fit in the Big Apple. But he's over-rated, so don't be surprised if he falls.
NBADraft.net: Russell Westbrook
DraftExpress.com: Danilo Gallinari
Chad Ford: Danilo Gallinari -- Gallinari has worked out well everywhere and it sounds like the Knicks are comfortable with him here.
Bill Simmons: Russell Westbrook -- I bought a ticket for the Westbrook Bandwagon back in December and have been touting him ever since.
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7th Overall: Los Angeles Clippers
Last Year 1st Rnd: Julian Wright, 13th
Team Needs: Guard/Small Forward
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My Pick: Russell Westbrook -- The Clippers will have to decide between whoever is available from the guard group: Bayless, Gordon, Westbrook and Augustin.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Danilo Gallinari
PinballClemens: Russell Westbrook -- Los Angeles is desperately looking for a PG here. Westbrook is a young and athletic point guard whom they can build a young nucleus around in this draft.
Toddler84: Russell Westbrook -- He can give them size and energy.
NBADraft.net: Eric Gordon
DraftExpress.com: Jerryd Bayless
Chad Ford: Jerryd Bayless -- The Clippers have been trying to move up in the draft to get Mayo or Bayless. In this scenario, they have Bayless drop into their lap.
Bill Simmons: Eric Gordon
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8th Overall: Milwaukee Bucks
Last Year 1st Rnd: Yi Jianlian, 6th
Team Needs: Forward/Center
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My Pick: Kevin Love -- If the Bucks are going to draft Joe Alexander, here at No. 8, they are out of their minds. Passing on talent like Kevin Love, Danilo Gallinari, D.J. Augustin or Anthony Randolph to take Alexander wouldn't exactly fill an more of the already empty Bradley Center.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Eric Gordon
PinballClemens: Joe Alexander -- More than likely I see the Bucks trading this pick along with SF Charlie Villanueva to Minnesota in order to get the No. 3 pick. If the Bucks don't trade up, the Bucks will more than likely select the energetic Joe Alexander from West Virginia anyways.
Toddler84: Joe Alexander-- He will have a lot to prove. Plus, doesn't he look like he's from Wisconsin... those cheese heads will grow to love him.
NBADraft.net: Joe Alexander
DraftExpress.com: Joe Alexander
Chad Ford: Joe Alexander -- It sounds like Anthony Randolph is the other player the Bucks are looking at closely here. However, Randolph is further away than Alexander right now. Alexander is still a work in progress too, but if he figures things out, he has a chance to be really special.
Bill Simmons: Joe Alexander -- I don't love the pick for the Bucks since they already have approximately 25 swingmen, but they don't need another combo guard (like Bayless) or a soft inside player (like Brook Lopez), so what the hell do they do?
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9th Overall: Charlotte Bobcats
Last Year 1st Rnd: Brandan Wright (Traded), 8th
Team Needs: Small Forward/Center
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My Pick: Danilo Gallinari -- Gallinari is yet another Italian prospect with plenty of upside. If the Bobcats are trying to draft for the future, they'll go with Gallinari or Anthony Randolph. The real hope for Charlotte is that Brook Lopez falls to them.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Brook Lopez
PinballClemens: Brook Lopez -- The Bobcats definitely need a big man to complement their front line of Okafor, Morrison and Wallace. That is where Brook Lopez and his 7'0" - 250 lb. frame come in.
Toddler84: Danilo Gallinari-- Good investment, but might take time to adjust.
NBADraft.net: Brook Lopez
DraftExpress.com: Russell Westbrook
Chad Ford: Kevin Love -- Love's a Larry Brown type of player -- he knows how to "play the right way." Love would bring toughness, rebounding, basketball IQ and the ability to step in and contribute right now. While he doesn't have ideal size, he knows his way around the basket.
Bill Simmons: Brook Lopez -- I like this pick for them -- he plays hard, he should be able to score in the pros, he's coachable and the Larry Brown/Emeka Okafor combo should be able to protect him defensively a little.
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10th Overall: New Jersey Nets
Last Year 1st Rnd: Sean Williams, 17th
Team Needs: Shooting Guard/Power Forward
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My Pick: Anthony Randolph -- The Nets could go in so many directions with this pick. They are pretty much picking by default, previous picks will determine which direction the Nets will take.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Anthony Randolph
PinballClemens: Alexis Ajinca -- This Nets squad is desperate for a big man that can play the low post, score and rebound. The ideal pick would be Brook Lopez, but expect him to be gone at this point. Ajinca is a 7'0" athletic big man who is very skilled and can step in right away to contribute.
Toddler84: D.J. Augustin -- He would be a good leader in transition, he can break down D, and has a better shot than J Kidd, so why not?
NBADraft.net: Danilo Gallinari
DraftExpress.com: Eric Gordon
Chad Ford: Brook Lopez -- Lopez may have been projected too high at No. 3, but he would be a steal at this point in the draft. The Nets have been looking for a strong, scoring big man for years and Lopez really fits the bill.
Bill Simmons: Darrell Arthur -- Arthur worries me because of the whole "if he didn't try all the time in college, then why would he try all the time if he's making guaranteed money?" conundrum.
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11th Overall: Indiana Pacers
Last Year 1st Rnd: No Pick (Traded to Atlanta)
Team Needs: Guard/Center
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My Pick: D.J. Augustin -- The Pacers look like they are in line to grab D.J. Augustin as a back-up for Jamaal Tinsley.
MilwaukeeBaller32: D.J. Augustin
PinballClemens: D. J. Augustin -- Only 20 years old and plenty of basketball IQ, expect Augustin to be on Indiana's radar. Danilo Gallanari or Joe Alexander could be their other options, especially if the Pacers decide to trade away Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto as is heavily rumored.
Toddler84: Jarryd Bayless -- He's quick and has a good basketball IQ. Bayless and Augustin have similar styles and could switch spots.
NBADraft.net: Anthony Randolph
DraftExpress.com: D.J Augustin
Chad Ford: D.J. Augustin -- The Pacers have been eying two point guards -- D.J. Augustin and Russell Westbrook -- for a while. Augustin is a better floor leader than Westbrook and a better perimeter shooter, and he's more ready to step in and play right away. He should be an excellent fit for Indiana.
Bill Simmons: Jerryd Bayless -- He's not really a point guard, but he could absolutely dribble the ball upcourt and run the offense during the 40 games a year that Tinsley takes off, and I personally guarantee that he has a higher ceiling than Travis Diener.
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12th Overall: Sacramento Kings
Last Year 1st Rnd: Spencer Hawes, 10th
Team Needs: Point Guard/Power Forward
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My Pick: Roy Hibbert -- It doesn't seem like Hibbert has the skills to become the next legendary Georgetown big man, but he's got great potential. After a shaky season last year, Hibbert saw his draft stock plummet. I'd say the Kings benefit and with this pick become a legit playoff threat.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Roy Hibbert
PinballClemens: Mario Chalmers -- The Kings need to solidify their back court and Mario Chalmers looks like the man who can help. He can come in and play PG with Beno Udrih adding depth from the bench. If Danilo Gallanari is still on the board at this spot expect him to be grabbed up also.
Toddler84: Roy Hibbert -- Sac needs a center, other than Brad Miller (Mikki Moore doesn't count).
NBADraft.net: Roy Hibbert
DraftExpress.com: Anthony Randolph
Chad Ford: Mario Chalmers -- Another option for the Kings is Roy Hibbert. Like Chalmers, Hibbert wouldn't be an upside pick. But he would be able to step in right away and contribute.
Bill Simmons: Roy Hibbert -- If I were running the Kings, I'd go with Roy Hibbert here over forcing a point guard pick.
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13th Overall: Portland Trail Blazers
Last Year 1st Rnd: Greg Oden, 1st
Team Needs: Forward/Center
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My Pick: Kosta Koufos -- This might be a stretch, but the Blazers could use a back-up for Oden. If Hibbert is drafted No. 12 to Sacramento, I see the Blazers reaching for Koufos -- who had he returned to school might have been a top 5 pick a year from now.
MilwaukeeBaller32: Joe Alexander
PinballClemens: Brandon Rush -- I see the Blazers more than likely trading away this pick and to No. 15 Phoenix Suns for a trade in which they offer some of their young forwards to Phoenix and the No. 13 pick in exchange for Leandro Barbosa and the No. 15 pick. The Suns should select Brandon Rush or Mario Chalmers (if available) with this pick.
Toddler84: Brandon Rush -- Rush and Roy could feed off each other and exploit smaller match-ups.
NBADraft.net: Brandon Rush
DraftExpress.com: Alexis Ajinca
Chad Ford: Alexis Ajinca -- Ajinca is a long, athletic big man who is pretty skilled. He doesn't fill a need for the Blazers, but Pritchard loves to gather assets.
Bill Simmons: Brandon Rush
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14th Overall: Golden State Warriors
Last Year 1st Rnd: Marco Belinelli, 18th
Team Needs: Forward/Shooting Guard
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My Pick: Darrell Arthur -- The Kansas National Champ has an NBA ready game, he could have helped the Jayhawks next season's repeat attempt, but the Warriors are glad he decided to forgo his Junior year.
MilwaukeeBaller32: DeAndre Jordan
PinballClemens: Kosta Koufos -- I see the Golden State Warriors drafting the versatile big man Kosta Koufos (Ohio State) to play center in a part-time role while he bulks up. Koufos can run and gun and shoot the ball decently from mid-range. He also has some shot blocking ability. Don't be surprised if Nellie decides to trade B-Diddy and the pick for a lower pick as well if the offer is right.
Toddler84: Anthony Randolph -- His athletic ability would go well with the Warriors run-and-gun style.
NBADraft.net: Kosta Koufos
DraftExpress.com: Donte Greene
Chad Ford: Kosta Koufos -- By all accounts, Koufos has been excellent in workouts and could have become a top-five pick had he waited until 2009.
Bill Simmons: Kosta Koufos
Comments and predictions from Ford and Simmons came from ESPN.com.
Leave your predictions as a comment!
The NBA Draft is Thursday June 26th at 7pm ET
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