Now that we know the order for the 2010 Draft, what predictions can be made?
Most people assume that the lucky Wizards will select John Wall and find a way to pair him with Gilbert Arenas or trade the veteran. Wall is so immensely talented and such a natural leader that it is all but assured that the Wizards will make him the centerpiece of their next decade. Turner might be just as high on some draft boards but the younger, more explosive Wall should be the pick.
The Nets are still licking their wounds but when it's all said and done there will be a great prospect waiting for them at number three. The choice seems to be between Favors and Cousins and either one would add a big piece to the rebuilding in New Jersey. Devon Harris had a rough year but is still an extremely talented point guard and with Lee, Williams and CDR at the 2 and 3 positions the nets are doing just fine in their backcourt.
The Timberwolves came away with the fourth pick and will have a choice of one of the power forwards or small forward Wesley Johnson. A trade might be in the works, either to deal with the Ricky Rubio situation or a team looking to trade up and take Favors or Cousins. Either way the Wolves are in a great situation to get an impact player or perhaps two.
Seeing Wall or Turner play along side Tyreke Evans would have been sweet but the Kings are lucky that there appears to be at least five top prospects in this draft. If Cousins falls to this spot he would be a strong possibility but don't underestimate the talent and upside of Euro big man Donatas Motiejunas. Five might be earlier than most mock drafts have him going but he has the upside to become a special player.
The Warriors will add another solid piece to their rebuilding project. Motiejunas would be a perfect fit but either one of the athletic small forwards, Johnson or Al-Farouq Aminu would be a nice addition as well.
The Pistons should be looking to take the best player available. If one of the higher rated players falls to the 7 spot it could be a gift for the Pistons. Given all the talented big men available look for them to come away with a solid power forward or center from this draft, perhaps Hassan Whiteside.
The Clippers will have Blake Griffin back in action next year and could add a solid second option with this pick. A big man like Hassan Whiteside would make a lot of sense as would one of the steady role players Patrick Patterson or Greg Monroe.
At this point in the draft the sure fire prospects will have been taken but there will be lots of high upside, boom or bust type players still to select from.
The Jazz get to pick 9th and will likely follow form and take a solid player like Monroe, Patterson or Cole Aldrich. Avery Bradley could begin to garner some interest around this spot or if Montiejunas is still on the board he would be a nice fit.
At 10 the Pacers will be tempted by local hero Gordon Hayward but they would be wise to take the best player available. That could be one of the many PF,s like Ekpe Udoh or Ed Davis, or perhaps SG Xavier Henry. I think it's a little too high for Henry, who is a great outside shooter but has limited athleticism.
The Hornets pick 11th and should take the best non point guard available. At this point in the draft drafting for position becomes less important than simply finding a legit NBA player. There is plenty of talent still available and staying true to their board will serve these late lottery teams well.
Memphis seems like a perfect fit for Avery Bradley, if the youngster is still available. He would compliment OJ Mayo nicely and has the potential to surprise like a Russell Westbrook.
Toronto needs to hit on this pick to help replace the likely departing Chris Bosh. Ed Davis or Ekpe Udoh could be the pick here.
And the last of the lottery teams is the Rockets who are usually very active on draft day so a trade up, down or sideways could be in the works here. If they stay put we could see a player like a Daniel Orton or Larry Sanders be considered with this pick.
Stay tuned for updated Mock Drafts and a Final Mock Draft leading up to the June 24th draft!