ROCKETS
25. Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland, 6’11”, 220 lbs
Capela is not your typical European big man. With his size, speed and athleticism, Capela draws some comparisons to Serge Ibaka – especially as a defender and rim protector. In time as his body matures, Capela should be able to play both big spots, but for now is mostly seen as a raw power forward. GM Daryl Morey is actively looking to pursue Carmelo or LeBron and in order to create the space will need to draft and stash here. Capela is a name that some teams say warrants lottery-consideration. Buzz is growing around the league that Capela is shooting up teams’ boards.
HEAT
26. Jordan Clarkson, PG, Missouri, 6’5″, 185 lbs
Anyone who watched the Heat this postseason knows that the PG situation was a mess, with the soon-to-be-departed Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole. Clarkson is a versatile guard with the length and athleticism to play and defend SGs or matchup with PGs. Clarkson’s stock has steadily risen during pre-draft workouts. Clarkson must improve as a shooter but is efficient in the pick and roll and his length could allow the Heat to preserve Dwyane Wade’s knees by strategically matching him up against smaller or slower guards. With the announcement of LeBron opting out there is pressure on Pat Riley to do something here in terms of trades or finding a diamond in the rough.
SUNS
27. Jordan Adams, SG, UCLA, 6’5″, 210 lbs
This pick is available to the highest bidder and I would be stunned if the Suns keep it on draft night. I am slotting Adams here as he is a bubble prospect that teams at the top of round 2 are hoping slips to them. Teams see Adams as a sparkplug off the bench with enough of an offensive arsenal to eventually be a starter in the league. While he is not an elite athlete or quality defender, teams are taking a flier on Adams for what he brings offensively.
CLIPPERS
28. Mitch McGary, PF, Michigan
The Clippers could go in many different directions on draft night but with DeAndre Jordan possible trade bait if the Clippers want to clear cap space, McGary could be a great addition. One year ago there was talk of McGary as a lottery pick but he lost the whole season due to injury and that he had an issue with marijuana. McGary has a relentless motor and is a hard worker and in time could develop more skills but could give a team some quality time as a rookie.
THUNDER
29. Walter Tavares, C, Spain, 7’3″, 265 lbs
Tavares is one of the hottest names in the draft as teams are intrigued by this 22 year old hulking C. Tavares is an excellent rebounder and rim protector because of his length and size. While he needs to work on his offensive game he is exactly the type of prospect Sam Presti loves to take a chance on and see if he develops in an asset. Tavares is probably a year or two away but he could be a great investment for down the road as Kendrick Perkins future is hazy and Nick Collison gets older.
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SPURS
30. Bogdan Bogdanovic, SF, Serbia 6’7″, 210 lbs
The Spurs could go big here or opt for a player like K.J. McDaniels but I have had Bogdanovic slotted here in several of my mocks and there appears indications that San Antonio prefers to go international and stash Bogdanovic overseas and let him come over once he is ready to contribute. This is the Spurs way and as reigning champions it is hard to argue. Bogdanovic is a reliable shooter that can handle the ball as well.
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Joe Kotoch is the Editor-in-chief of Pro Basketball Draft, a leading scouting service in the world of professional basketball. Before Joe created PBD he served as an NBPA & FIBA certified agent and scouted players all across the world. Born and raised in Cleveland, Joe also contributes to Fox Sports Ohio and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Follow Joe on Twitter @Probballdraft.
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