8. Detroit Pistons – Shabazz Muhammad, SG, UCLA (6’6, 17.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.8 apg)
The past few years, GM Joe Dumars has sat patiently and watched talented players drop to him in the middle of the lottery. That strategy has paid off as Dumars has arguably the NBA’s most talented young post duo in Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. This year, Dumars could use the same strategy and see Muhammad fall right into the his lap.
When on the court, Muhammad has shown he is a talented scorer and was solid for much of his freshman season. Unfortunately, he never dominated his opponents but has the skills and physique to do so.
Muhammad would add to an already impressive core and give the Pistons the scoring punch they need. While he has good bulk and a long wingspan Muhammad still seems undersized to be a full time small forward in the NBA.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves – C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Lehigh (6’3, 23.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 51.6% 3pt)
The Wolves missed the playoffs yet again. With Kevin Love inching closer to free agency, Saunders must do something to get this team closer to the playoffs.
I would not rule out the Wolves packaging this pick – which they actually must make this year – with Derrick Williams for a veteran. With center Nikola Pekovic breaking out, the Wolves could use more wing help.
But if they keep the pick, the Wolves can go in a number of different directions on draft night. Most chatter has them focusing on wing help. This is a team on the cusp of the playoffs and willing to make a bold move to add immediate help.
While McCollum is more natural as a point guard, his best skill is scoring. Adding his touch on the perimeter with Ricky Rubio could be lethal for a team that was at the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting and 20th in scoring.
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh (7’0, 7.2 ppg, 6.3 ppg, 2.0 bpg)
If you are Olshey, it will be hard to match last year’s home run selection of Damian Lillard. It does not appear the Blazers intend to re-sign J.J. Hickson. Is Meyers Leonard ready to step up? That’s what makes Adams a worthy pick.
Two of the main problem areas for the Blazers last year were rebounding and interior defense, which are Adams’ strengths. He is a great athlete with impressive hands and an improving offensive game.
Adams had a terrific combine, which should only improve his draft stock and vault him into the top 10. While reports are surfacing that Portland is open to moving up and selecting Oladipo, my sources say the Blazers prefer to move the pick for immediate help and depth.
11. Philadelphia 76ers – Cody Zeller, C, Indiana (7’0, 16.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg)
Coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to make the playoffs and are replacing coach Doug Collins, the 76ers have a few directions they can go.
With Andrew Bynum and his balky knees becoming a free agent and a high price tag likely to accompany him, the 76ers would be wise to draft insurance.
Prior to the season, Zeller was among the prospects in the conversation to be the top pick but was outperformed by Oladipo, his college teammate. Zeller is an energetic big who is skilled offensively but struggles with length and athleticism.
Zeller certainly surprised many in Chicago with his performance at the combine. But scouts and GMs need to dissect the tape and determine the cause of Zeller’s in-season struggles.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Toronto) – Rudy Gobert, C, Cholet (7’0, 8.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg)
The Thunder already have two promising bigs on their roster in Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones. What they lacked throughout the season was a presence inside, which Kendrick Perkins failed to give them.
GM Sam Presti, who isn’t afraid of drafting international players, reportedly is looking for inside help. Gobert is a long, athletic big could give opposing teams nightmares. He looked impressive in Chicago, especially with a 7-8 1/2 wingspan.
While Gobert will be 21 when the season begins and might need a year of development before he can contribute, the Thunder would be getting a prospect with tremendous upside who could man the middle for several seasons.
But again, if McCollum drops here, he’ll get snatched up.
13. Dallas Mavericks – Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse (6’6, 11.9 ppg, 7.3 apg, 4.9 rpg)
For the last few seasons, owner Mark Cuban has tried to rebuild the Mavericks under a new model. Given Dirk Nowitzki’s advancing age and the team’s cap room, this summer may be his best chance.
The Mavs will be looking for someone to play right away, and Carter-Williams can do just that. He will fill the large hole the Mavs have had at point guard and give them the distributor they’ve been lacking, having averaged over 7.0 assists per game at the ‘Cuse.
Carter-Williams should also be a matchup problem for smaller points. If he continues to improve as a shooter, he could be a steal.
14. Utah Jazz – Dennis Schroeder, PG, New Yorker Phantoms-Germany (6’1″, 8.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg)
Utah is loaded with bigs and wings right now but lacks a dynamic point guard, especially with Mo Williams headed to free agency.
In Schroeder’s case, he’s a still-developing point guard with loads of potential due to his physical tools and intriguing skill set. Schroeder is relentless at attacking the rim and not your typical European prospect.
Rumors around Chicago had Schroeder receiving a promise from a team. While I don’t think it was Utah, he will continue to soar up boards leading up to draft night.
This article is stupid and you’re clearly not aware of how trades work in the nba. Rule number 1, never trade a franchise power forward for a center who has a torn ACL and has a lower ceiling than what the power forward is already giving you. Minnesota has taken Kevin love off the table and at this point Cleveland could offer all four of their picks plus Tristan Thompson and the wolves would hang up. Adding picks on the wolves side is something that wouldn’t make sense to even a casual observer of the nba, you should really take this post down, it’s an embarrassment.
To be fair to both CLE and MIN, Love is an all-star, top ten player; Irving will be an all-star and top ten player. This is the only trade that makes sense. Look at OKC what happens when you trade a proven talent (which is in high demand in the NBA) like Harden for basically potential — rookies and draft picks. Sorry, no Love for draft picks.
Uncle Drew and Wes the early years
There is no way that the Cavs trade Irving. They just keep the pick if that is the case (which I hope they use on McLemore).
I think a fair trade would be Williams for the #1 pick. Actually, I’d throw in Williams, #9, and either JJ Barea or Luke Ridnour for the #1 pick and an early 2nd rounder.
Only way the Wolves give up Love is if Cleveland first signs LBJ, and then we trade Love & Williams for LBJ.
Probably will not happen, just like the one proposed in this article. BTW, I do not fault the journo for publishing this. If it is actual noise coming from Cleveland FO, it should be reported.
“I think a fair trade would be Williams for the #1 pick.” You be lucky to get #19 for Williams.
As a Cavs fan, I’d love to see Kevin Love come to Cleveland, but this makes no sense. At face value, the article says Minnesota doesn’t have a 2014 first round pick, yet later says the Wolves would trade Love plus their ’14 first round. If you assume a typo, the deal still isn’t possible with the Cavs sending their 2014 pick because it’s prohibited by the Stepein Rule to trade your first round pick two years in a row.
You are a fucking idiot.
On no planet (regardless of he said-she said bs with his contract) is any player in this draft worth love.
Please tell me you didn’t go to Journalism School…..
Love will be a Laker next season, not a Cav
good luck on that
Sheridan hoops, ” for intelligent readers”! Good thing that doesnt count for the writers. Apply for a job for nbatraderumors.com instead kotosch, Even they would laugh at this horrible idea. U just lost all credabilty!
In other news, if Howard wants to play for the league minimum, the Bulls would consider signing him.
Is this site for real? I feel like they’re just trolling readers at this point.
Such a bad trade. This trade would basically put the wolves back into REBUILD mode. Start From Scratch AGAIN. Such a rip off. Cavs will switch position with wolves from being a lottery team to a contender and wolves who are a 7th, 8th seed contender (when healthy) will be put back into another lottery years again
this is effing hilarious…we’re trading Love, the best PF in the game, for a center with a torn ACL…all so we can resign our other center at a premium. “basketball reasons”
In fairness to the author, I think the Wolves go with the best 2 guard in the draft if they do this. Obviously, Cleveland would have to give up more than just this year’s number one and the Wolves would have to feel like Williams is ready to take his next step..
They would have to give A LOT more than just the #1 pick, at least Thompson and Miles plus the #19 and the first round pick next year, and of course Minny would keep their first round picks…. In fairness to the author…. well, no fairness it´s plain and simple stupidity
I agree that Minny would keep its picks (assuming it wants all those picks) and even reserve the right to trade places with the Cavs in next year’s draft. It really depends on three issues from the Wolves perspective: (1) How high are they on McLemore (I think he is the best player in this draft not Noel); (2) How concerned are they about losing Pecovic for nothing (and the implications that might have on Love’s decision to stick around); and (3) How confident are they that Williams might be ready to make that next step (which is why I’m not sure they even want Thompson). I basically think it comes down to this: When you watched the Wolves last year without Love, were they good enough to compete in the playoffs with McLemore at the 2 without Love?
See your point here but. (1) No matter how high they are on McLemore it´s won´t be by any means a franchise centerpiece like Love, who also is one of the best players in the league. But I agree that McLemore is the best player and the best fit to Minny in this Draft (Tough Oladipo could be great also) (2) I don´t see Minny very concerned about losing Peko, he is RFA. If they really want him they just have to match the offer. (3) In this point you´re absolutely right, Williams should be part of the deal going to Cavs. It won´t make any sense for them having both. And for your question, no, I can´t see this team with a Rookie (wich is still developing) instead an All-Nba competing in WC.
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That’s a smart way of looking at the world.
BION I’m impressed! Cool post!
There’s nothing like the relief of finding what you’re looking for.
You’ve really helped me understand the issues. Thanks.
Is that really all there is to it because that’d be flabbergasting.
We could’ve done with that insight early on.
Well put, sir, well put. I’ll certainly make note of that.
That’s an intelligent answer to a difficult question xxx
If I were a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, now I’d say “Kowabunga, dude!”
Thanks for that! It’s just the answer I needed.
That’s a subtle way of thinking about it.
That insight’s just what I’ve been looking for. Thanks!
We could’ve done with that insight early on.
THX that’s a great answer!
Your’s is the intelligent approach to this issue.
I’ve been looking for a post like this forever (and a day)
That’s a smart answer to a tricky question
Mr. Kotoch you lost it, Love for #1 #19 and 2014 would be a robbery but you tweak it and propose Love PLUS #9 PLUS #26 for #1 and a 2014 1st round. BRAVO. Not even the worst delusional fan in B/R comments section could it better.
Uhh, yeah
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Furrealz? That’s marvelously good to know.
That’s a shrewd answer to a tricky question
I’m out of league here. Too much brain power on display!
I’m impressed! You’ve managed the almost impossible.
Great insight! That’s the answer we’ve been looking for.
We’ve arrived at the end of the line and I have what I need!
That’s really thinking of the highest order
That kind of thinking shows you’re on top of your game
Frankly I think that’s absolutely good stuff.
It’s great to find someone so on the ball
Gee willikers, that’s such a great post!
We could’ve done with that insight early on.
It’s a joy to find someone who can think like that
At last, someone comes up with the “right” answer!
When you think about it, that’s got to be the right answer.
That’s a nicely made answer to a challenging question
Hey, you’re the goto expert. Thanks for hanging out here.
I’m out of league here. Too much brain power on display!
I’m so glad that the internet allows free info like this!
I’m grateful you made the post. It’s cleared the air for me.
You’re on top of the game. Thanks for sharing.
That’s a nicely made answer to a challenging question
OK, I’m a Wolves fan, so may be a bit biased, but WTF? Minnesota wouldn’t trade Love ALONE for the #1 overall pick, let alone throwing in 3 additional picks.
What a misguided, delusionally uninformed fool.
Good f***ing lord. Is this serious? Or is this a mockery of a mock draft (if there even is such a thing)?
This site peaked when it launched but has gone consistently downhill ever since. Piss-poor layout, obnoxious ads, and some of the absolute worst content I’ve ever read (prime example above). I could find better analysis on any NBA message board and half of those are filled with 12 year olds.
The Love deal you mention should embarrass you. Sheridan was well a well respected member of the media, but this should embarrass him as well since his name is on the site. A site that is no better than BleacherReport.
I’d like a blowie from Kate Upton and to flip a 2nd rounder for LeBron, but it doesn’t mean I should put it into writing and release it on the Internet.
Wow, you are a fooking idiot. “And if the Timberwolves are willing to surrender Kevin Love, the No. 1 pick is available to them, sources tell SheridanHoops.com.” Really, wow what a great deal for the Wolves. I have a source too that says the Timberwolves #9 pick is available to Miami for Lebron James. You try and write like you have any credibility but this is just like Bleacherreport, fan masterbation at absurd trade fantasies.
I’m a Cavs fan, so this sounds great and all, but I agree with Matt that the proposed offer is crazy – no way the Wolves would ADD picks to Love to get the #1 in this year’s draft; it would have to be the other way around. Maybe Kotoch meant that the Cavs would give up the #1 pick this year plus their 2014 first for Love? In fact, it almost has to be that this is what he meant, since the Wolves’ 2014 first is already owed to the Suns (albeit with some protections).
“Would an offer of Love and a ’14 No. 1 pick, along with picks 9 and 26, in exchange for Cleveland’s No. 1 constitute overpaying?”
Seriously? Kevin Love is better than every player in this years draft and you think offering three #1’s along with him in plausible? Minnesota should be asking for FAR more than the #1 pick for Love.
He said Minnesota didn’t have a 1st rounder in ’14, so I’m guessing he meant to say Cavs ’14 No. 1 along with the top pick this year to Minnesota plus we’d have to send players (Verejao?) to match salary.
Maybe he should proof his article before posting then…
Doesn’t matter Saunders isn’t trading Love this off-season when his value is at a low point, or be absolutely blown away by an offer. Love plus 9 and 26 for 1 and 2014 1st gets the dial tone.
Love, #9, and #26 for #1 and a 2014 1st should get a punch in the face. The #1 pick in this draft holds about the same value as a mid-lottery pick in most drafts.
If you want more than a dial tone, it’d have to be Love for Thompson, Waiters, #1, and 2014 #1 unprotected (+salary fillers).
If the Wolves do this I think it is because they want McLemore so I don’t think Waiters would work. I could see this year’s pick, next year’s pick, the Heat/Sacramento pick and Thompson and Zeller. Not sure you need the salary fillers. As a Cavs fans this would make me nervous because Love is a free agent in two years.
You don’t need contracts to match when the team taking on the salary (in this case Cleveland) in under the cap enough to take on that salary.