סל ניוז

1 Nerlens NoelCleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: KentuckyAGE: 19HT: 7-0WT: 219POS: C
Analysis: Noel has been my top pick in every mock from 1.0 to 7.0. The Cavs, however, have yet to tip their hand. Various theories about Cleveland's attachment to Noel, Alex Len, Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Otto Porter and Victor Oladipo abound.

Here's what I know as of midnight Wednesday evening.

The Cavs' top option is to trade the No. 1 overall pick for a combination of a veteran plus a 2014 first-round pick. If they can pull that off, they'll move the pick. If they can't, they'll keep attempting to move whoever they draft until all their options have been exercised.

And if they keep the pick? General manager Chris Grant has been a Nerlens Noel guy all year. Other people in the front office are pushing for Len. I even heard, somewhat convincingly, that owner Dan Gilbert loves Oladipo!

With a split front office, the final decision comes to Grant. I think he's a Noel guy … but we'll all find out whether I'm reading the tea leaves correctly around 7:35 p.m.


2 Victor OladipoOrlando Magic
COLLEGE: IndianaAGE: 21HT: 6-4WT: 213POS: SG

Analysis: I continue to hear that if the Cavs pass on Noel, the Magic are leaning strongly toward selecting Noel with the No. 2 pick in the draft.

If Noel is off the board? Things get a little tougher. Some favor Oladipo. Others McLemore. While McLemore is a stronger offensive player, Oladipo's defense and his crazy motor hold a strong appeal for the Magic. Culture matters in Orlando and I think Oladipo trumps McLemore by an edge.


3 Otto PorterWashington Wizards
COLLEGE: GeorgetownAGE: 20HT: 6-9WT: 198POS: SF
Analysis: The constant that was Otto Porter has become less constant as several reports claim the Wizards now favor Anthony Bennett. I've heard both from inside the Wizards. Clearly, like most front offices in the league right now, there are two different factions. I continue to hear that Porter is the safer pick and better fits the team's culture and they will lean that way.



4 Ben McLemoreCharlotte Bobcats
COLLEGE: KansasAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 189POS: SG

Analysis: Some information is starting to trickle out of Charlotte. The team is looking at Len, Bennett, Porter and Cody Zeller. In fact, I think Zeller might be in the mix more than I once believed. But my most convincing source persuaded me the Bobcats won't pass on McLemore if he's here.


5 Alex LenPhoenix Suns
COLLEGE: MarylandAGE: 20HT: 7-1WT: 225POS: C
Analysis: The Suns' primary need is a scoring wing, but if Oladipo and McLemore are off the board, don't be surprised if the Suns grab Len here. New general manager Ryan McDonough is a fan of Len's, and with Marcin Gortat heading into the last year of his deal, Len quite literally could become the centerpiece of the franchise. Michael Carter-Williams and Zeller also are real possibilities here.


6 Michael Carter-WilliamsNew Orleans Pelicans
COLLEGE: SyracuseAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 184POS: PG

Analysis: The Pelicans might be tempted by Bennett, but they have a bigger need at point guard. While they like Austin Rivers, Carter-Williams is more of the pure point guard they think could be the perfect set-up man for Anthony Davis. Trey Burke is an option here as is C.J. McCollum, but it looks like Carter-Williams might be the best fit.


7 C.J. McCollumSacramento Kings
COLLEGE: LehighAGE: 21HT: 6-3WT: 197POS: PG

Analysis: The Kings are engaged in trade talks with a number of teams, and they might move this pick. If they keep it, McCollum makes sense. The team wants a point guard who can shoot the ball. That was supposed to be Jimmer Fredette two years ago, but it looks like the team might be moving on. I also wouldn't be surprised if Utah moved up to No. 7 to land McCollum.


8 Anthony BennettDetroit Pistons
COLLEGE: UNLVAGE: 20HT: 6-8WT: 240POS: PF

Analysis: For a third year in a row, the Pistons are hoping that one of the top seven players on the board takes a surprise dip on draft night. They might get their wish. While the team is after a point guard, Bennett might be too good to pass up. He can play both the 4 and the 3 and gives them another great scoring option in their frontcourt. Carter-Williams would be another serious option here.


9 Kentavious Caldwell-PopeMinnesota Timberwolves
COLLEGE: GeorgiaAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 204POS: SG

Analysis: Of all the picks in this mock draft, this is the one I'm most sure of. We've had Caldwell-Pope here for over a month and we're not moving him unless Minnesota trades up to No. 2, 4 or 5 to land Oladipo.


10 Steven AdamsPortland Trail Blazers
COLLEGE: PittsburghAGE: 19HT: 7-0WT: 255POS: C

Analysis: The Blazers are hoping McCollum or Caldwell-Pope are on the board. But if they aren't? It will come down to Trey Burke, Steven Adams and Cody Zeller. It's a tough three-way race, but I give the edge to Adams. Given his size, Burke might struggle to play in the same backcourt as Damian Lillard. On the surface Adams might look a lot like last year's pick Meyers Leonard, but the Blazers could use more bigs, and Adams wowed them in workouts.


11 Cody ZellerPhiladelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: IndianaAGE: 20HT: 7-0WT: 230POS: C

Analysis: Zeller is getting a lot of buzz now with the Bobcats, Suns and Blazers. We've had him here in every mock draft, and this is the first time I feel like he won't be there. If the Bobcats or Suns swap picks with the T-Wolves, Zeller could be their guy. I'm told Sergey Karasev, Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee are options here, but probably only if Zeller is off the board.


12 Trey BurkeOklahoma City Thunder via Toronto Raptors
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 20HT: 6-1WT: 187POS: PG

Analysis: The Thunder have a lot of interest in Steven Adams, but in this scenario, he's gone. Sergey Karasev and Kelly Olynyk are other possibilities, but if Burke is here, he might be tough to pass on. With Russell Westbrook coming back from injury, Burke would give them a game-ready point guard who could play right away. This is a situation where the team simply can't pass on the talent.


13 Sergey KarasevDallas Mavericks
COUNTRY: RussiaAGE: 19HT: 6-7WT: 197POS: SF
Analysis: The Mavericks continue to lean heavily toward trading the pick (if they haven't already). According to various reports, one scenario floating around has them swapping picks with the Cavs. If that happens, it's almost certainly to be for Karasev. There are several other teams who are after Karasev, including the Bucks, Hawks and Nets, and they could be great trade partners. If the Mavericks keep the pick, Michael Carter-Williams and Dennis Schroeder also would be possibilities here.


14 Lucas NogueiraUtah Jazz
COUNTRY: BrazilAGE: 20HT: 7-0WT: 220POS: C
Analysis: Not much has changed here since the last mock. If C.J. McCollum, Trey Burke or Michael Carter-Williams (probably in that order) are on the board, the Jazz go point guard. If they're gone? The team isn't in love with any of the point guards left. They also need bigs (both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are free agents this summer) and it looks as if they're open to using the draft to help address that need. Nogueira isn't the only guy they'll look at here. Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee also have a shot. But I think Nogueira is the most intriguing of the group.


15 Shane LarkinMilwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: MiamiAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 171POS: PG
Analysis: If the draft plays out this way, the Bucks are looking at three names -- Larkin, Dennis Schroeder or Glen Rice Jr., who came in for a second workout Tuesday. It's hard to say which way the Bucks are leaning, but it looks like Larkin has the slight edge.


16 Kelly OlynykBoston Celtics
COLLEGE: GonzagaAGE: 22HT: 7-0WT: 234POS: PF

Analysis: The Celtics are in full rebuilding mode, but I'm not sure how that affects the draft. I keep hearing four names: Adams, Dennis Schroeder, Larkin or Olynyk. Over the course of the past 24 hours, it seems like Olynyk is gaining momentum there. He's a very skilled big man who would add size and scoring to the Celtics' front line.


17 Giannis AntetokounmpoAtlanta Hawks via Houston Rockets
COUNTRY: GreeceAGE: 18HT: 6-9WT: 215POS: SF

Analysis: I continue to hear Antetokounmpo's name here. The Hawks can stash him overseas, let him develop, and in a few years he could be the steal of the draft. Or we'll all forget they drafted him. Either scenario probably works for Atlanta.


18 Shabazz MuhammadAtlanta Hawks
COLLEGE: UCLAAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 222POS: SF


Analysis: There's a point at which a player's reward outweighs the risk. I'm not sure where Muhammad's floor is, but it has to be pretty close. Yes, there are flaws in his game, but at some point you can't ignore his scoring abilities. The Hawks have been doing a lot of research on Muhammad the past few days. Plumlee, San Diego State's Jamaal Franklin and Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. also are possibilities.


19 Reggie BullockCleveland Cavaliers via Los Angeles Lakers
COLLEGE: North CarolinaAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 200POS: SF

Analysis: If the Cavs grab Noel at No. 1, look for them to add a small forward or shooter with the second first-round pick. They would love to get their hands on Karasev if they could; they are trying to move up to grab him. Moving to No. 13 seems to be the consensus of where they need to get to, and it looks as if they are willing to eat Shawn Marion's salary for a year to get there in a trade with Dallas. If they can't get to No. 13, Bullock is another shooter on whom they really are high. Bullock shot 44 percent from 3-point range this season and has the size to play both wing positions.


20 Mason PlumleeChicago Bulls
COLLEGE: DukeAGE: 23HT: 6-10WT: 238POS: PF

Analysis: Every mock draft, we alternate between a big and a wing for the Bulls. They need both. Plumlee is an interesting case. Lots of teams like him, few love him. But I think it would be hard for the Bulls to pass on Plumlee's value at No. 20. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jamaal Franklin are other possibilities.


21 Isaiah CanaanUtah Jazz via Golden State Warriors
SCHOOL: Murray StateAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 188POS: PG

Analysis: If the Jazz pass on a point guard at No. 14, they have to be content with what's left at No. 21. This one might come down to Schroeder and Cannan. Schroeder is bigger, but Canaan is a much better scorer. It's really tough to pinpoint who they'd choose, but I think Canaan has the edge. Nogueira and France's Rudy Gobert also are potential picks here if the Jazz go with a point guard at No. 14.


22 Gorgui DiengBrooklyn Nets
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 23HT: 6-11WT: 230POS: C

Analysis: Dieng has slid in the draft thanks to concerns about his knees, but a number of teams in the 20s still seem willing to take the risk. With Minnesota in serious talks to swap this pick for the Nets' MarShon Brooks, I could see the Nets grabbing another big to fill out their front line.


23 Dennis SchroederIndiana Pacers
COUNTRY: GermanyAGE: 19HT: 6-2WT: 165POS: PG


Analysis: The Pacers are looking at point guards and bigs. If Schroeder falls, he seems like a no-brainer to the Pacers. He's long, young and athletic and can really get to the basket. He won't be ready to contribute for Indiana now, but in the long term, he could be their best pick here.


24 Jamaal FranklinNew York Knicks
COLLEGE: San Diego St.AGE: 22HT: 6-5WT: 191POS: SG

Analysis: Franklin is super-athletic and can play multiple positions. He's not a need pick per se. The Knicks could really use a power forward, but Franklin has more upside and adds a toughness that Knicks fans will love. Tony Mitchell also is a possibility here.


25 Tim Hardaway Jr.Los Angeles Clippers
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 199POS: SG

Analysis: The Clippers are going for it and are going to need all the help they can get. That might force them to take a veteran guard who can give them shooting and minutes. Hardaway is a coach's favorite, and I could see the Clippers thinking he'd make a great fit at No. 25.


26 Allen CrabbeMinnesota Timberwolves via Memphis Grizzlies
COLLEGE: CalAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 197POS: SG

Analysis: Minnesota wants shooting and they need help at the 2 and 3. I think they could grab another shooter, even if the take Caldwell-Pope at No. 9. Crabbe has the size to play the 3 and would add another target for Ricky Rubio. Rudy Gobert also is a possibility here.


27 Tony SnellDenver Nuggets
COLLEGE: New MexicoAGE: 21HT: 6-7WT: 198POS: SG

Analysis: The Nuggets are in danger of losing Andre Iguodalathis summer after he opted to become a free agent. What they really need is a shooter. Snell and Ricky Ledo are the best shooters left on the board.


28 Rudy GobertSan Antonio Spurs
COUNTRY: FranceAGE: 20HT: 7-2WT: 238POS: PF

Analysis: The Spurs need size and have never shied away from taking international players. What Gobert lacks in athletic ability, he makes up with extreme length for his position. The Spurs also can stash him overseas if they need the cash.


29 Ricky LedoOklahoma City Thunder
COLLEGE: ProvidenceAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 197POS: SG

Analysis: This might be a bit of a reach. But the Thunder have been looking for an elite shooting guard, and Ledo is as talented as several players in the lottery. He has lots of off-court issues, but the Thunder might try to rehabilitate him in their excellent D-League franchise.


30 Erick GreenPhoenix Suns via Miami Heat
SCHOOL: Virginia TechAGE: 22HT: 6-3WT: 178POS: PG

Analysis: Green was one of the best scorers in the country this season and some teams think he can make the transition to point guard in the pros. The Suns are down on last year's lottery pick Kendall Marshall. Green could provide some scoring punch to the backcourt.

31 Mike MuscalaCleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: BucknellAGE: 21HT: 6-11WT: 230POS: C
Analysis: Muscala will have to make the transition from college center to NBA stretch 4, but he's one of the most skilled big men in the draft and a steal at No. 31.


32 Alex AbrinesOklahoma City Thunder
COUNTRY: SpainAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 195POS: SG

Analysis: With two picks in the first round, I doubt the Thunder are adding a third player capable of making the roster in the second round. Abrines has a lot of talent and is getting to play against elite competition in Spain. The Thunder can afford to be patient.


33 Pierre JacksonCleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: BaylorAGE: 21HT: 5-11WT: 176POS: PG
Analysis: Jackson is one of the more intriguing guards left in the draft. He's got a ton of talent; he's just undersized. Jackson can shoot it, get to the basket and find his teammates. Might be an ideal backup for Kyrie Irving.



34 Glen Rice Jr.Houston Rockets
COLLEGE: NBDLAGE: 22HT: 6-6WT: 211POS: SF

Analysis: It would be poetic justice if Rice slips out of the first and lands here. He played for the Rockets' D-League team, the Vipers. They love him. He could go as high as 15 to Milwaukee, but I think this is his floor.


35 Jeff WitheyPhiladelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: KansasAGE: 23HT: 7-0WT: 222POS: C

Analysis: The Sixers want size. They got the stretch 4 in Zeller in the first round and here they get an elite shot-blocker in the second. Withey is a steal at 35.


36 C.J. LeslieSacramento Kings
COLLEGE: N.C. StateAGE: 22HT: 6-9WT: 209POS: SF
Analysis: Leslie is an intriguing guy. He had the fastest agility scores of anyone in the draft combine. He's an elite athlete, just a tweener. If he ever locks down on defense, he'll be really good.


37 Archie GoodwinDetroit Pistons
COLLEGE: KentuckyAGE: 18HT: 6-5WT: 189POS: PG

Analysis: Goodwin was billed as a poor man's Russell Westbrook coming into Kentucky. He struggled mightily, but the raw talent is there. He's got elite speed and athletic abilities. If he ever figures out a jumper, he's got a lot of upside.


38 Phil PresseyWashington Wizards
COLLEGE: MissouriAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 177POS: PG

Analysis: Pressey actually is getting a few looks in the late first round, but if he slides into the second, the Wizards could use a backup point guard for John Wall and Pressey provides both speed and great floor vision.

 
39 Grant JerrettPortland Trail Blazers
COLLEGE: ArizonaAGE: 19HT: 6-10WT: 232POS: PF

Analysis: Jerrett left school too early, but the truth is he's a very intriguing prospect as a stretch 4. A good get for the Blazers at No. 39.


40 Nemanja NedovicPortland Trail Blazers
COUNTRY: SerbiaAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 200POS: SG

Analysis: GM Neil Olshey may not love international players, but he's not adding more than two rookies to his roster. Nedovic is a great athlete and could be a nice addition down the road.


41 Andre RobersonMemphis Grizzlies
COLLEGE: ColoradoAGE: 20HT: 6-7WT: 206POS: SF

Analysis: How do you predict a John Hollinger pick? I just went over to Kevin Pelton's draft rater and looked to see who was highest on his board. Roberson actually was ranked at No. 3 -- in the whole draft! The Grizzlies can't pass on that at 41.


42 Tony MitchellPhiladelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: North TexasAGE: 21HT: 6-9WT: 236POS: PF

Analysis: Mitchell could go as high as No. 24 to the Knicks, but there still are a lot of teams that are wary of him. Given his athleticism and rebounding abilities, he's a great fit in Philly and shouldn't slide much further than this.


43 Lorenzo BrownMilwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: NC StateAGE: 22HT: 6-5WT: 189POS: PG
Analysis: In our first-round mock we have the Bucks taking the smallest point guard in the draft. We offset it here by having them take one of the biggest. Brown isn't a great shooter, but he's got great size and a feel for the game.


44 Deshaun ThomasDallas Mavericks
COLLEGE: Ohio StateAGE: 22HT: 6-9WT: 220POS: SF
Analysis: Thomas is one of the best scorers in the draft and has a mature game that should allow him to play right away. He's a bit of a one-trick pony, but few players in this draft can get buckets the way he can.


45 Livio Jean-CharlesPortland Blazers
COUNTRY: FranceAGE: 19HT: 6-9WT: 217POS: PF
Analysis: Again, the Blazers don't have any more roster spots and are best served by drafting guys and leaving them overseas. Jean-Charles impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit, but he needs more time to develop.


46 Nate WoltersUtah Jazz
COLLEGE: South Dakota St.AGE: 22HT: 6-5WT: 196POS: PG


Analysis: The Jazz would be thrilled if Wolters was still on the board here. He was under consideration at No. 21 and brings size and floor vision to the table.


47 Bojan DubljevicAtlanta Hawks
COUNTRY: SerbiaAGE: 21HT: 6-10WT: 242POS: PF
Analysis: The Hawks have multiple first-round picks. They're probably not going to mess with second-rounders. The Serbian big man can really shoot the lights out.


48 Myck KabongoLos Angeles Lakers
COLLEGE: TexasAGE: 20HT: 6-3WT: 180POS: PG

Analysis: There was a time when Kabongo was mentioned as a potential lottery pick. He's a steal here for the Lakers, and in time he could earn a spot in the rotation.


49 Alexandre ParanhosChicago Bulls
COUNTRY: BrazilAGE: 21HT: 6-8WT: 241POS: SF
Analysis: Paranhos was discovered by Leandro Barbosa. (There's a great story on TrueHoop about him.) The Bulls are one of the few teams that have worked him out. Lots of intrigue surrounding a 6-foot-8 NBA athlete who can shoot the rock.


50 Raul NetoAtlanta Hawks
COUNTRY: BrazilAGE: 21HT: 6-2WT: 179POS: PG

Analysis: The Brazilian point guard impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit. He has a bright future down the road.

 
51 Ray McCallumOrlando Magic
COLLEGE: DetroitAGE: 18HT: 6-2WT: 191POS: PG

Analysis: The Magic could use help everywhere and McCallum brings a lot to the table as a heady point guard who can run a team and get to the rim.


52 Marko TodorovicMinnesota Timberwolves via Brooklyn Nets
COUNTRY: SerbiaAGE: 21HT: 6-11WT: 245POS: SF
Analysis: With multiple first-round picks, the Wolves likely will go international at this point. Todorovic is big and can play inside and outside. A great draft-and-stash prospect.


53 Jackie CarmichaelIndiana Pacers
SCHOOL: Illinois StateAGE: 23HT: 6-9WT: 241POS: PF

Analysis: Carmichael is one of the toughest forwards in the draft. He's a great athlete and very experienced; the Pacers would really be able to use him right away, and he'd have a great mentor in David West.


54 Erik MurphyWashington Wizards
COLLEGE: FloridaAGE: 22HT: 6-10WT: 240POS: PF
Analysis: Stretch 4s are always in demand and Murphy can really stroke the basketball from deep.


55 Angelo SharplessMemphis Grizzlies
COLLEGE: Elizabeth CityAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 190POS: SG

Analysis: This super-athletic 2-guard who played at Elizabeth City is under the radar, but he's had a series of impressive workouts for teams.


56 Solomon HillDetroit Pistons
COLLEGE: ArizonaAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 226POS: SF

Analysis: The Pistons could use a small forward and Hill is a player who doesn't excel in any one area, but is a leader on the floor. A perfect fit with a team like the Pistons.


57 Richard HowellPhoenix Suns
COLLEGE: NC StateAGE: 22HT: 6-8WT: 250POS: PF

Analysis: The Suns are soft. Howell is not. End of story.


58 Oleksandr LypovyySan Antonio Spurs
COUNTRY: UkraineAGE: 21HT: 6-8WT: 200POS: SF

Analysis: The Spurs always find these gems late. Lypovyy was the star at the Eurocamp in 2012, but regressed a bit last year. He's worth taking a shot on at 58.


59 Vitalis ChikokoMinnesota Timberwolves
COUNTRY: GermanyAGE: 22HT: 6-10WT: 219POS: C

Analysis: Chikoko is a long, athletic big man from Zimbabwe who has been playing in Germany. He's not ready for the NBA, but given his size, length and burgeoning skill level, he could be a nice draft-and-stash type player.


60 D.J. StephensMemphis Grizzlies
COLLEGE: MemphisAGE: 22HT: 6-6WT: 194POS: SF

Analysis: I'm hoping Hollinger will do me a favor here. The best athlete in the draft. Crazy motor. Just undersized and underskilled. I love him. Played for Memphis. If nothing else, he'd put on a hell of a halftime show. Please, John?