Mock draft time is coming

[Jballer]

From draft.net ; this is updated post the March Tourney.


15 Boston Myles Turner 6-11 243 PF/C Texas
16 *Atlanta Frank Kaminsky 7-0 240 C Wisconsin
17 Milwaukee Tyus Jones 6-1 190 PG Duke
18 *Philadelphia Devin Booker 6-6 205 SG Kentucky
19 Washington Jerian Grant 6-5 205 PG Notre Dame
20 Toronto Montrezl Harrell 6-8 240 PF Louisville
21 *Chicago Delon Wright 6-5 190 PG/SG Utah
22 *Dallas Buddy Hield 6-4 215 SG Oklahoma
23 *Cleveland Jarell Martin 6-9 240 PF LSU
24 San Antonio Terry Rozier 6-2 190 PG Louisville
25 *BostonChris McCullough 6-10 220 PF Syracuse

I posted players 15 - 25 as theoretically any of these players can drop / rise up the rankings subject to team needs.

[Jballer]

Draftexpress... updated post tourney.

Slightly different take.

Dollar value represents CAP hold.

Again I included 15 - 25 as most likely as any can move up and down but not so likely from the actual "lottery" ~ all the way down to Raptor zone picks.

15 Indiana. Sam Dekker $1,600,000 SF Wisconsin
16 Boston. Jerian Grant $1,520,000 PG Notre Dame
17 Milwaukee. Devin Booker $1,440,000 SG Kentucky
18 New Orleans. Bobby Portis $1,370,000 PF Arkansas
19 Washington. Trey Lyles $1,310,000 PF Kentucky
20 Toronto. Kevon Looney $1,260,000 PF UCLA
21 Dallas. Tyus Jones $1,210,000 PG Duke
22 Chicago. Cameron Payne $1,160,000 PG Murry State
23 Portland. Montrezl Harrell $1,110,000 PF Louisville
24 Cleveland. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson $1,070,000 SF Arizona
25 Memphis. CariseVert $1,030,000 PG / SG Michigan

[Jballer]

Two repeat names start to jump out

Montrezl Harris the PF from Louisville.

Tyrus Jones the PG from Duke.

They jump out as being mentioned consistently around a Raptor zone pick and in theory address depth / team needs / observations of the media.

I am sure Masai and team have a very different out look :cheers:

[Jballer]

USA Today panel of experts....

15. Hawks: Trey Lyles, PF Kentucky
HT: 6'10" | WT: 235 lbs | AGE: 19
Playing most of the season out of position at small forward as a result of Kentucky’s depth, that experience could help Lyles develop into a face-up power forward in the NBA.

16. Celtics: Devin Booker, SG Kentucky
HT: 6'6" | WT: 206 lbs | AGE: 18
Booker’s strong outside shot, and his solid potential as a defender, make him a sought after commodity in the NBA.

17. Bucks: Jerian Grant, SG Notre Dame
HT: 6'5" | WT: 204 lbs | AGE: 22
A strong defender, leader, and decision maker, Grant’s stock improved big time with his play this year. A more consistent outside shot would help.

18. Rockets: Bobby Portis, PF Arkansas
HT: 6'11" | WT: 242 lbs | AGE: 20
A face-up power forward who hits the glass hard, Portis may not have star potential, but he should be a contributor down the line.

19. Wizards: Tyus Jones, PG Duke
HT: 6'1" | WT: 190 lbs | AGE: 18
Few in the college game got their offense into their half-court sets as well as Jones did, and his outside shot came along nicely. Size and athleticism are his biggest concerns.


20. Raptors: Cameron Payne, PG Murray State
HT: 6'2" | WT: 180 lbs | AGE: 20
Payne’s potential as a scorer off the pick and roll fits in well with what many NBA teams want out of their lead guards, and his improved outside shot helps his transition.


21. Mavericks: Christian Wood, PF UNLV
HT: 6'11" | WT: 220 lbs | AGE: 19
Wood’s size, athleticism, and emerging outside shot are tempting attributes for a potential face-up power forward.

22. Bulls: Delon Wright, SG Utah
HT: 6'5" | WT: 190 lbs | AGE: 22
Wright’s defense at the point guard position has a lot of fans in the NBA, but they’ll have to look past his very streak outside shot.

23. Blazers: Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville
HT: 6'8" | WT: 240 lbs | AGE: 21
Harrell’s physical play, hustle, and strong rebounding should make him a steady contributor in the NBA.

24. Cavaliers: R.J. Hunter, SG Georgia State
HT: 6'5" | WT: 190 lbs | AGE: 21
A smart, heady wing player with skill scoring the basketball, Hunter’s inconsistency shooting from the perimeter hurt him, although some of that may be attributed to the attention he drew from opposing team’s defenses.

25. Grizzlies: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF Arizona
HT: 6'7" | WT: 220 lbs | AGE: 20
The big question with Hollis-Jefferson is his outside shot, as his athleticism and defense are both well above average.

[Jballer]

.. a fan site called Tank Nation..interesting.. has Dekker falling pretty low.

Site claims to account for team needs.

--

15 Atlanta ATL via Brooklyn Trey Lyles PF KentuckyFreshman
16 Boston BOS Bobby Portis PF Arkansas Sophomore
17 Milwaukee MIL Montrezl Harrell PF Louisville Junior
18 Houston HOU via New orleans Jerian Grant PG Notre Dame Senior
19 Washington WAS Tyus Jones PG Duke Freshman 6'1" 184 19
20 Toronto TOR Sam Dekker SF Wisconsin Junior
21 Dallas DAL Delon Wright PG/SG Utah Senior
22 Chicago CHI Cameron Payne PG Murray State Sophomore
23 Portland POR Cliff Alexander PF/C Kansas Freshman
24 Cleveland CLE Jarell Martin PF LSU Sophomore
25 Memphis MEM Rondae Hollis-Jefferson SF Arizona Sophomore

[Jballer]

Sports Illustrated....

Again Dekker and Harrell in the mix. Interestingly no pure PG falls down this low.


15
ATLANTA HAWKS (VIA NETS)
JAKOB POELTL, CENTER*
UTAH, FRESHMAN | 7-0, 235
Poeltl played well in Utah’s loss to Duke, impressing scouts with his defense on Jahlil Okafor. Poeltl is mobile, finishes well around the rim and works hard on every possession. He will need to bulk up and his brutal free throw shooting (44.4%) will have to improve.
16
BOSTON CELTICS
KELLY OUBRE, G/F
KANSAS, FRESHMAN | 6-7, 200
Celtics GM Danny Ainge’s recent history suggests he is not afraid to take a flyer on a project. That’s Oubre, who was billed as Andrew Wiggins' heir at Kansas but struggled to put a complete season together. Oubre has a good looking jump shot and the physical tools to slide between either swing spot. He’s a D-Leaguer next season, but a Marcus Smart-James Young-Oubre core is a nice one for Brad Stevens to develop.
17
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
KRIS DUNN, GUARD*
PROVIDENCE, SOPHOMORE | 6-3, 205
Dunn has enjoyed a rapid rise up draft boards the last two months as scouts have gotten a closer look at the total package he was believed to be before injuries slowed his ascent. Dunn is a big time athlete, but needs to learn the nuances of playing point guard. Who better to teach him than Jason Kidd?
18
HOUSTON ROCKETS
SAM DEKKER, FORWARD
WISCONSIN, JUNIOR | 6-9, 220
Can Dekker be a consistent NBA three-point shooter? That’s a question Rockets GM Daryl Morey and others will have to decide. Dekker has an NBA body and is athletic enough to be a serviceable defender. But is he the shooter that powered Wisconsin to wins over Arizona and North Carolina? Or is he closer to the erratic player that couldn’t make a three against Duke? Dekker’s 33.1% season average won’t cut it.
19
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
MONTREZL HARRELL, FORWARD
LOUISVILLE, JUNIOR | 6-8, 240
Harrell lacks traditional size, but he is a relentless rebounder with superior athleticism that made some nice strides offensively this season. Harrell could fit in nicely behind Nene and Marcin Gortat in the Wizards frontcourt.

MORE NBA: Early entry list for 2015 NBA draft

20
TORONTO RAPTORS
BOBBY PORTIS, FORWARD
ARKANSAS, SOPHOMORE | 6-11, 240
The Raptors, predictably, got nothing from Bruno Coboclo, last year’s first-round pick who played sparingly in eight games this season. Portis isn’t particularly dynamic, but his offensive skills could help a Raptors team that gets the bulk of its scoring from perimeter players.

21
DALLAS MAVERICKS
CAMERON PAYNE, GUARD
MURRAY STATE, SOPHOMORE | 6-2, 180
Will Rajon Rondo return? Dallas’s fear of losing Rondo could lead the Mavs to taking another point guard in the draft. Payne is a good playmaker in a crowded field.
22
CHICAGO BULLS
JERIAN GRANT, GUARD
NOTRE DAME, SENIOR | 6-5, 202
Grant has put up strong numbers for two straight seasons, and is as NBA-ready as any point guard in this range. At 22, Grant is on the older side, but the Bulls didn’t hesitate to take 22-year old Doug McDermott last season.
23
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
R.J. HUNTER, GUARD
GEORGIA STATE, JUNIOR | 6-6, 190
The Blazers love the mid-majors, so why not grab another? Hunter didn’t shoot the ball particularly well last season but he has good size for a team that could need some help at shooting guard next season.
24
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON, FORWARD
ARIZONA, SOPHOMORE | 6-6, 220
The Cavs add a defensive-minded wing as insurance in case Iman Shumpert becomes too pricey to bring back.
25
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
CARIS LEVERT, GUARD*
MICHIGAN, JUNIOR | 6-7, 200
The Grizzlies need shooters—when don’t they?—and LeVert, who made 40% of his three’s in each of the last two seasons, is one of the best left on the board.

[Jballer]

Going out on a limb here ...

I predict that Masai will target a PG ~ a true PG.

Further we will move up or down in the draft to get one of two likely available in the 15 + range

Tyus Jones PG
Duke Freshman 6'1" 184 19

JERIAN GRANT, GUARD
NOTRE DAME, SENIOR | 6-5, 202

[Chamberlain]

Jakob Poeltl is returning to school this year, not sure why he's on SI's Mock Draft, unless it isn't current.

Portis would be a good fit. He's not overly athletic, but from what I read has a very high motor and work ethic. Post skills are top notch for a prospect.

If the team is interested in a pure Point Guard, Tyus Jones, Cameron Payne and Jerian Grant are likely the only possible picks, as I doubt they'd be able to move into the Top 5 for Russell or Mudiay.

[Dr.Funk]

I want to trade the pick for help now.

[Jballer]

Jakob Poeltl is returning to school this year, not sure why he's on SI's Mock Draft, unless it isn't current.


Mock 1.0 on SI.com

Link was given yesterday in draft summary but there could be more current iterations.

Chris Mannix is usually the guy at SI who has it closest. He did not prepare this one.

[Jballer]

I want to trade the pick for help now.

Or maybe next years (1 of 2)??

We have 1 first rounder this year no second rounders.

Perhaps our picks next year (i.e. 20th and second rounder) plus a player might be better ?

Have not heard that this draft is "weak" nor "overly strong".

[Jballer]

Here is the first post lottery result I saw..

Bleacher Report CNN

A couple of interesting takes.. a few notes we start to read consistently.

~ perception Raptors will make a "safe choice" pick following Bruno last year.
~ more on Power forwards and every analysis suggests "because Amir" is old, gone, or both.

I frankly don't see it.

~ far from certain Amir is gone.
~ Masai never seems to play the safe pick
~ PF prospect from 2nd round last year. Patterson signed. PF Free agents seemingly abound - not the least of which is a certain young Canadian (restricted) playing in Cleveland right now contributing very well thank you

~ I still put my money on a true PG for the future assuming Klow will groom the guy; alternately a SF SG (Devin Booker??) that will put pressure TRoss Derozan

Question though : have we ever truly landed on Bruno's spot ? Is he a 3 or a 4 ??

___


15. Atlanta Hawks (via Nets): Kelly Oubre, Kansas, 6'7", SF, Freshman

16. Boston Celtics: Devin Booker, Kentucky, 6'6", SG, Freshman

17. Milwaukee Bucks: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, 6'5", SG, Junior

18. Houston Rockets (via Pelicans): Tyus Jones, Duke, 6'2", PG, Freshman

19. Washington Wizards: Bobby Portis, Arkansas, 6'11", PF, Sophomore

20. Toronto Raptors: Trey Lyles, Kentucky, 6'10", PF, Freshman

21. Dallas Mavericks: Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6'9", PF, Freshman

22. Chicago Bulls: Cedi Osman, Macedonia, 6'8", SG/SF, 1995

23. Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Anderson, Virginia, 6'6", SF, Junior

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Sophomore

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 6'8", PF, Junior

[barkleynash]

Trade idea for the raps. Trade Lowry and the rights to Daniels to Sacramento for Darren Collison and Derrick Williams and swap first round picks. Sac picks 20 and we pick 6th.

Who would the raps pick at 6?

In free agency we could go after two Canadians. Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph.

Trade Vazquez along with Demar and JJ to Portland for Batum and Myers Leonard and Will Barton

Collison, Joseph,
Ross, Barton
Batum, Bruno, Derrick Williams
Thompson, Patterson
Val, Leonard, Bebe

Plus we still have a #6 pick.

[Jballer]

Draft.net update

15 *Atlanta Kelly Oubre6-7 205 SF Kansas Fr.
16 Boston Bobby Portis 6-11 245 PF Arkansas So.
17 Milwaukee Frank Kaminsky 7-1 230 C Wisconsin Sr.
18 *Houston Jerian Grant6-4 200 PG Notre Dame Sr.
19 Washington Kevon Looney 6-9 222 PF UCLA Fr.
20 Toronto Montrezl Harrell 6-8 255 PF Louisville Jr.
21 Dallas Delon Wright 6-5 180 PG/SG Utah Sr.
22 Chicago Justin Anderson 6-6 230 SF Virginia Jr.
23 Portland Rondae Hollis-Je...6-7 210 SF Arizona So.
24 Cleveland RJ Hunter 6-6 185 SG Georgia St. Jr.
25 Memphis Tyus Jones 6-1 185 PG Duke

[Jballer]

SI.com by Chris Mannex ... This guy over at SI is usually right on the mark especially by his mock 5.0. He called out Cleveland's picks pretty well the last few years. Interestingly he doesn't opt for the PF and ranks some of those names thrown out above lower than others.


15
ATLANTA HAWKS (VIA NETS)
BOBBY PORTIS, F
ARKANSAS, SOPHOMORE | 6-11, 240
Portis’s greatest strength: He competes like crazy. Executives love his relentless motor, which complements a diverse skill set. Portis is terrific in transition and is a strong floor-spacing big man prospect. The Hawks also love perimeter shooting big men.
16
BOSTON CELTICS
SAM DEKKER, F
WISCONSIN, JUNIOR | 6-9, 220
Some intriguing freshmen are on the board here—Kevon Looney, Kelly Oubre—that could appeal to Celtics GM Danny Ainge. For now, pencil in Dekker, who tested extremely well athletically at the combine and, more importantly, shot well from three-point range. Dekker has an NBA body that executives love.
17
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
R.J. HUNTER, G
GEORGIA STATE, JUNIOR | 6-6, 190
A postseason appearance accelerated Milwaukee’s youth movement, but there are still holes. The Bucks need a pivot, though drafting a five here would be a stretch. Expect Milwaukee to grab a swingman like Hunter, one of the draft’s best shooters, a nice fit to develop behind Khris Middleton.
18
HOUSTON ROCKETS
KELLY OUBRE, G/F
KANSAS, FRESHMAN| 6-7, 200
Oubre is raw and struggled last season in the role of Andrew Wiggins' replacement. But he has tremendous physical tools and a shooting stroke scouts like a lot. In time, Oubre could develop into an elite defender. Oubre is likely destined for the D-League next season, but the Rockets have enough depth to wait for him to develop.
19
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
KEVON LOONEY, F
UCLA, FRESHMAN | 6-9, 220
Nene is 32 years old and entering the final year of his contract. Looney isn’t ready to play yet—the word “project” was attached to him by several executives at the combine—but he has tremendous physical tools and is a rugged rebounding prospect. Looney could be a nice long-term investment in D.C.

20
TORONTO RAPTORS
TYUS JONES, G
DUKE, FRESHMAN | 6-1, 190
Jones was among the most impressive players in interviews at the combine, showing uncanny polish, a demeanor that mirrors Jones’s play on the floor. The Raptors targeted a point guard in the first round last season—Phoenix grabbed Tyler Ennis before they could—and will do the same this year.

21
DALLAS MAVERICKS
MONTREZL HARRELL, F
LOUISVILLE, JUNIOR | 6-8, 240
The Mavs need a point guard, and Utah’s Delon Wright is a candidate here. But Harrell—a high motor scorer/rebounder with an NBA body—could be tough to pass up for a team that will eventually need to start thinking of life after Dirk Nowtizki.
22
CHICAGO BULLS
CHRISTIAN WOOD, F
UNLV, SOPHOMORE | 6-11, 220
The rapidly developing Wood is a bit of a risk here—Justin Anderson or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, two defensive-minded players, are safer picks—but the Bulls need frontcourt offense and Wood has terrific inside-out potential. He won’t play much in his first year, maybe two, but he has an enormous upside.
23
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
RASHAD VAUGHN, G
UNLV, FRESHMAN | 6-6, 210
With Wesley Matthews' future uncertain and Aaron Afflalo headed for free agency, Vaughn, a solid scorer for the Rebels last season with a diverse offensive skill set, is a solid choice.
24
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON, F
ARIZONA, SOPHOMORE | 6-6, 220
The Cavs add a defensive-minded wing as insurance in case Iman Shumpert becomes too pricey to bring back next season.
25
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
JERIAN GRANT, G
NOTRE DAME, SENIOR | 6-5, 202
It’s tough to get a read on Grant’s stock. He’s polished and isn’t short on confidence. But he’s older (22) and teams don’t know if he’s a true point guard. He could go anywhere between 15-25. If he’s on the low end, Memphis will happily scoop him up and plug Grant into its backcourt rotation.

[Jballer]

Seemingly the biggest "threats" to the Raptors getting their man depending on who Masai wants :

Moving up:

1) Houston @ 18 pick is "fairly universally" expected to select a PG or PG/G combo with upside. So if Masai wants a certain guy he made need to try to trade up ahead of Houston who are looking for similar players as Toronto

Hard to predict how far up the Raptors could move and what the deal would be... Atlanta ? Boston? Utah ? Would hate to see a "stretch".


Moving Down:

Swap picks + Cash or better still a 2nd rounder to move down may make a lot of sense depending on who Masai's guy is. If for example ....JGrant / Montrezl / TJones start falling... and one of these were the targets.

1) Dallas @ 21 though is a threat again to take what Toronto wants. PF to groom for Dirk ? PG if Rondo doesn't sign ?

2) Memphis @ 25 also probably want a PG but likely don't need a PF. If they retain MGas (which is pretty likely) they may look for an international pick to stash off the cap sheet...

Moving down there are some potentially good options. Boston primarily with 28 and 33 picks. If you think you could get your guy and Boston (they have picks galore and a full roster) was willing to deal you might even have a chance for a PG to groom and a shot at the Christmas Kid from Syracuse... I think he is projected as high second rounder and it would be good to see his skill set developing with the Raps

[Jballer]

USA Today sports wire 9.0

~ the key observation here seems to be a replacement for Lou Williams. Not sure if this is grounded in fact or rumor.
~ again consistent names Tyus and Montrezl highlighted in purple for projections guess reasons

---

15. Hawks: Trey Lyles, PF Kentucky
HT: 6'10" | WT: 235 lbs | AGE: 19
For a team that values floor spacing and ball movement, Trey Lyles

[Jballer]

Okay assuming there is always cross fertilization of writer's ideas this is curious .

Draft Express and USA today have Raptors consistently on Rondae.

When you go through the other mocks around the internet thingy i.e Draft Express/ TSN.ca / ********* / CBS sports you start to see Rondae moving in the 20 range and pretty consistently picked...

I think I will absolutely wait for Chris Mannex and SI.com. His final mock draft is usually very close and the guy has his ear to the ground

But the more interesting thing out of the mocks is the newly consistent SF choice whereas before it was always PG or PF.

___


15.Sam Dekker SF (Wisconsin - Junior) 21.0 years old | 6'9" | 219 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (40 GP) 13.9 PPG 5.6 RPG 1.2 APG 25.9 PER

16.Bobby Portis PF (Arkansas - Sophomore) 20.3 years old | 6'11" | 246 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (36 GP) 17.5 PPG 8.9 RPG 1.2 APG 30.0 PER

17.Trey Lyles PF (Kentucky - Freshman) 19.5 years old | 6'10" | 241 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (36 GP) 8.7 PPG 5.2 RPG 1.1 APG 20.3 PER

18. Tyus Jones PG (Duke - Freshman) 19.0 years old | 6'2" | 185 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (39 GP) 11.8 PPG 3.5 RPG 5.6 APG 20.6 PER

19. Kevon Looney PF (UCLA - Freshman) 19.3 years old | 6'9" | 222 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (36 GP) 11.6 PPG 9.2 RPG 1.4 APG 22.4 PER

20.Rondae Hollis-Jefferson SF (Arizona - Soph)20.4 years old | 6'7" | 211 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (38 GP) 11.2 PPG 6.8 RPG 1.6 APG 22.3 PER

21.Jerian Grant PG (Notre Dame - Senior) 22.6 years old | 6'5" | 198 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (38 GP) 16.5 PPG 3.0 RPG 6.6 APG 25.7 PER

22. Justin Anderson SF (Virginia - Junior) 21.5 years old | 6'6" | 231 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (26 GP) 12.2 PPG 4.0 RPG 1.7 APG 24.2 PER

23. Montrezl Harrell PF (Louisville - Junior) 21.3 years old | 6'8" | 253 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (35 GP) 15.7 PPG 9.2 RPG 1.4 APG 25.2 PER

24. R.J. Hunter SG (Georgia State - Junior) 21.6 years old | 6'6" | 185 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (34 GP) 19.5 PPG 4.7 RPG 3.5 APG 26.0 PER

25. Robert Upshaw C (Washington - Sophomore) 21.4 years old | 7'0" | 258 lbs
2014-15 NCAA (19 GP) 10.9 PPG 8.2 RPG 0.5 APG 30.0 PER

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz3bohgCVmF
http://www.draftexpress.com

[Jballer]

From a "website that shall NOT be named here" :)

Again back to Montrezl.... shouldnt a guy name Montrezl actually play in Canada ! :cheers:

More interesting is the side note on the Christmas kid from Syracuse that is projected to be an early 2nd rounder.

Maybe you guys and gals not excited by 2nd rounders but I think the Christmas kid is potentially worth the move down the draft board if you get something you want in return.


---


15. Atlanta

[kmart]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGlJ7l4W0AEJV5E.jpg:large

Things to note from this draft workout.

- Dallin Bachyski and Maurice Walker were Canadian seniors on their respective college teams. Walker received lots of minutes, while Bachynski averaged lower minutes this year than his Junior year due to Utah having freshman Jokob Poeltl, a potential top ten pick next year.

- Jerian Grant could fit in as a 3rd guard behind, but his main asset is his playmaking. I'm not sure if the Raptors need another playmaker around Grant.

- Justin Anderson is a fit on the wing as a 3 and D player. He's highly coveted for his excellent defensive ability, he's also improved his 3 pt shooting in college as well. I'd be happy with him as the pick for the Raptors.

- RHJ is a excellent defensive player, however on the offensive side his skills are very limited. Not a fan if this was the pick.

[Chamberlain]

Anderson would be a great improvement over Ross, I feel.

[kmart]

Anderson would be a great improvement over Ross, I feel.

I am in the same opinion. He has the size to guard larger 3's and shoots the 3 at a good rate. I always think its good that players show excellent improvements in college, shows a lot about a players work ethic.

[Chamberlain]

If anyone cares, here's my early Mock Draft:

1
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky
Minnesota Timberwolves

2
D'Angelo Russell, SG, Ohio State
Los Angeles Lakers

3
Emmanuel Mudiay, SG, Guangdong Foshan (China)
Philadelphia Sixers

4
Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
New York Knicks

5
Kristaps Porzingis, FC, Baloncesto Sevilla (Spain)
Orlando Magic

6
Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
Sacramento Kings

7
Mario Hezonja, SG, FC Barcelona II (Spain)
Denver Nuggets

8
Justise Winslow, SF, Duke
Detroit Pistons

9
Stanley Johnson, G, Arizona
Charlotte Hornets

10
Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky
Miami Heat

11
Frank Kaminsky, F, Wisconsin
Indiana Pacers

12
Myles Turner, FC, Texas
Utah Jazz

13
Kevon Looney, F, UCLA
Phoenix Suns

14
Cameron Payne, G, Murray State
Oklahoma City Thunder

15
Trey Lyles, SF, Kentucky
Atlanta Hawks from Brooklyn

16
Justin Anderson, F, Virginia
Boston Celtics

17
Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Bucks

18
Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
Houston Rockets from New Orleans

19
Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas
Washington Wizards

20
Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas
Toronto Raptors

21
Jerian Grant, SG, Notre Dame
Dallas Mavericks

22
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona
Chicago Bulls

23
Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville
Portland Trail Blazers

24
R.J. Hunter, G, Georgia State
Cleveland Cavaliers

25
Rashad Vaughn, SF, UNLV
Memphis Grizzlies

26
Delon Wright, G, Utah
San Antonio Spurs

27
Robert Upshaw, C, Washington
Los Angeles Lakers from Houston

28
Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
Boston Celtics from L.A. Clippers

29
Jarell Martin, F, LSU
Brooklyn Nets from Atlanta

30
Norman Powell, SG, UCLA
Golden State Warriors

[kmart]

If anyone cares, here's my early Mock Draft:

1
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky
Minnesota Timberwolves

2
D'Angelo Russell, SG, Ohio State
Los Angeles Lakers

3
Emmanuel Mudiay, SG, Guangdong Foshan (China)
Philadelphia Sixers

4
Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
New York Knicks

5
Kristaps Porzingis, FC, Baloncesto Sevilla (Spain)
Orlando Magic

6
Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
Sacramento Kings

7
Mario Hezonja, SG, FC Barcelona II (Spain)
Denver Nuggets

8
Justise Winslow, SF, Duke
Detroit Pistons

9
Stanley Johnson, G, Arizona
Charlotte Hornets

10
Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky
Miami Heat

11
Frank Kaminsky, F, Wisconsin
Indiana Pacers

12
Myles Turner, FC, Texas
Utah Jazz

13
Kevon Looney, F, UCLA
Phoenix Suns

14
Cameron Payne, G, Murray State
Oklahoma City Thunder

15
Trey Lyles, SF, Kentucky
Atlanta Hawks from Brooklyn

16
Justin Anderson, F, Virginia
Boston Celtics

17
Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Bucks

18
Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
Houston Rockets from New Orleans

19
Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas
Washington Wizards

20
Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas
Toronto Raptors

21
Jerian Grant, SG, Notre Dame
Dallas Mavericks

22
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona
Chicago Bulls

23
Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville
Portland Trail Blazers

24
R.J. Hunter, G, Georgia State
Cleveland Cavaliers

25
Rashad Vaughn, SF, UNLV
Memphis Grizzlies

26
Delon Wright, G, Utah
San Antonio Spurs

27
Robert Upshaw, C, Washington
Los Angeles Lakers from Houston

28
Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
Boston Celtics from L.A. Clippers

29
Jarell Martin, F, LSU
Brooklyn Nets from Atlanta

30
Norman Powell, SG, UCLA
Golden State Warriors

Okafor dropping to 4, yikes! Very possible though. This may be a sleeper pick, but I think the Raptors may consider Robert Upshaw with their 20, if they can put aside the off court problems. Masai Ujiri loves players with long arms , like Cabloco and McGee, and Robert Upshaw is extremely long.

[Jballer]

Things to note from this draft workout.

- Dallin Bachyski and Maurice Walker were Canadian seniors on their respective college teams. Walker received lots of minutes, while Bachynski averaged lower minutes this year than his Junior year due to Utah having freshman Jokob Poeltl, a potential top ten pick next year.

- Jerian Grant could fit in as a 3rd guard behind, but his main asset is his playmaking. I'm not sure if the Raptors need another playmaker around Grant.

- Justin Anderson is a fit on the wing as a 3 and D player. He's highly coveted for his excellent defensive ability, he's also improved his 3 pt shooting in college as well. I'd be happy with him as the pick for the Raptors.

- RHJ is a excellent defensive player, however on the offensive side his skills are very limited. Not a fan if this was the pick.


Great post :cheers:

I assume tho that other players who wouldn't or couldn't come to Toronto for a work out (i.e. at 20) are in consideration. Some due to scheduling conflict and other cause they think they are going higher or dont want to come to Toronto.

It happens

RHJ does standout as being here and being in projections. Same for Grant.

[Jballer]

Nice mock Chambs...

I should try to scribble one together too.

I "dont think" Bobby Portis falls below (1) Atlanta .. but ya never know. Unless he has suddenly issued a statement on micro surgery I think Portis is the best high energy big after Trey from kentucky.. and Atlanta will pick big as insurance for Mislap etc.

SI reports Cameron Payne moving up the boards too.

My head tells me "draft a G" even a playmaker cause PF / SF can be bought in free agency.

My gut tells me Masai is moving down the draft or stockpiling for next year.

[Chamberlain]

The only reason I have Okafor dropping to 4 is that, in this scenario I have the Lakers taking Russell, and I don't think there's any way Philly takes a big. To me the #2 pick is between Russell/Okafor, and if its Russell, Okafor drops an extra spot.

[Jballer]

Jballer Mock

1) T-Wolves Jahil Okafor

2) Lakers K-A Towns

3) 76ers D

[Chamberlain]

Trey Lyles #4?

[Jballer]

Trey Lyles #4?

LOL sorry away for a while.

Yep admittedly a stretch but I think this is they way the Knicks will go with the triangle offence.

May update in the next few days to firm up.

[Jballer]

Nope nothing really makes me change my mind yet. Unless I see a rap sheet or something.

Looking down the list I still have that belief that Trey Lyles and other big men will climb the lists.

My usual experience is many experts put a lot of analysis into stats, talent, upside... and even though the "game has supposedly changed" - in general terms:

1) Big men always seem to climb up the rankings on draft day
2) SG SF tend to fall back some

There are unique talent exceptions (Wiggens) and weak drafts. But the only team that seemed to break this mold was the Cavaliers of the past few years. The Suns also went shooter heavy but generally through trade (though they did get a certain Canadian talent and latter traded him).

This is what made Colangelo's stretch pick TRoss a head scratcher... in all likelihood he could have traded down and got TRoss.

So this or my final mock will be biased by the likelihood of big men front heavy in the selections.

[Jballer]

Re: Knicks at 4 ~ SI.com have Knicks moving for Portzingis to get that "4" man for the Triangle or move down.

I never considered the Knicks grabbing a Euro player and perhaps project but was confident they would take the best big having Melo.

[Jballer]

New Mock Draft by Mannix at Si.com

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/06/10/nba-mock-draft-emmanuel-mudiay-kristaps-porzingis-karl-anthony-towns-jahlil-okafor

Some names batted around here like Montrezl and J Grant are gone now from the Raps pick as they climb the rankings.

Mannix says:


TORONTO RAPTORS
KELLY OUBRE, G/F
KANSAS, FRESHMAN| 6-7, 200
Oubre is another player whose stock is all over the place. He could go as high as the late teens or as low as the end of the first round. Oubre

[kmart]

http://mlse.digital/raptors/predraftworkout-img-061815.gif

Draft workout today for the Raptors.

Players that stand out for me:

RJ Hunter
He's an older player, but he can shoot the ball. However, he shot a low shooting percentage in a relatively easy division, some atrribute this to him being the main shot creator on his team. He's got excellent length for his position for a potential 3 and D type of player.

J.P Tokoto
Player that does a little bit of everything, problem is he can't shoot. If the Raptors pick him they'll be looking to develop his shot. He's got potential to be a second round pick for the Raptors.

[kmart]

[QUOTE=Jballer]New Mock Draft by Mannix at Si.com

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/06/10/nba-mock-draft-emmanuel-mudiay-kristaps-porzingis-karl-anthony-towns-jahlil-okafor

Some names batted around here like Montrezl and J Grant are gone now from the Raps pick as they climb the rankings.

Mannix says:


TORONTO RAPTORS
KELLY OUBRE, G/F
KANSAS, FRESHMAN| 6-7, 200
Oubre is another player whose stock is all over the place. He could go as high as the late teens or as low as the end of the first round. Oubre

[Jballer]

Great post on workouts.

RJ Hunter.

Looks like an intriguing pick but "I think" he projects at the very bottom of the draft. Draft.net has him at 22 or lower.The fact the Raps scheduled a work out and he is here speaks volumes. Maybe he is a 20 range guy but internet sports experts all proclaim him lower.

That may infer Masai and Management are looking to move down.

--

If Kelly O / Jerian Grant / Montrezl are not available ~ I fully support - hope the Raps moving down the draft order especially if they could parley another 2nd rounder out of it next year

The team has a decent core and should be able to attract help on the FA - RFA market. We have already mentioned tons of names (Tristan T, Monroe at a price, Mislap etc) at the 4 position.

There are also talented guys the Raps could potentially bring back from Euroball they had that were credible at the PG. Ben U and the kid we had some San Antonio for a year. Forget the exact spelling of names but to essential "back up Klow" with more consistency should be available.

Would it be fantastic if the Raps went into "All Star year" 2016-7 :

1) Core signed for a couple more years (Klow, Derozan, Val, +)
2) Cap space
3) 2 first round picks
4) 2 second round picks

That would be a team ready to challenge!

[kmart]

Great post on workouts.

RJ Hunter.

Looks like an intriguing pick but "I think" he projects at the very bottom of the draft. Draft.net has him at 22 or lower.The fact the Raps scheduled a work out and he is here speaks volumes. Maybe he is a 20 range guy but internet sports experts all proclaim him lower.

That may infer Masai and Management are looking to move down.

--

If Kelly O / Jerian Grant / Montrezl are not available ~ I fully support - hope the Raps moving down the draft order especially if they could parley another 2nd rounder out of it next year

The team has a decent core and should be able to attract help on the FA - RFA market. We have already mentioned tons of names (Tristan T, Monroe at a price, Mislap etc) at the 4 position.

There are also talented guys the Raps could potentially bring back from Euroball they had that were credible at the PG. Ben U and the kid we had some San Antonio for a year. Forget the exact spelling of names but to essential "back up Klow" with more consistency should be available.

Would it be fantastic if the Raps went into "All Star year" 2016-7 :

1) Core signed for a couple more years (Klow, Derozan, Val, +)
2) Cap space
3) 2 first round picks
4) 2 second round picks

That would be a team ready to challenge!

I'm not a fan of moving down to grab a couple more second round picks. Personally, I think second round picks hardly every turn out to be excellent players. Also, the Raptors have Bruno, Bebe, and DeAndre Daniels (potentially) taking up roster space on this team, having two more picks will make 5 projects on the roster limit of 15. While, I like the concept of having young players on the end of the bench I don't think having 5 projects wouldn't do well for the depth of this team. If injuries ever happened we would be trouble.

[Jballer]

I'm not a fan of moving down to grab a couple more second round picks. Personally, I think second round picks hardly every turn out to be excellent players. Also, the Raptors have Bruno, Bebe, and DeAndre Daniels (potentially) taking up roster space on this team, having two more picks will make 5 projects on the roster limit of 15. While, I like the concept of having young players on the end of the bench I don't think having 5 projects wouldn't do well for the depth of this team. If injuries ever happened we would be trouble.

I hear you on the second rounders... I here ya mate.

Especially projects.

True most teams rarely get a Ginobli - Alex English - Gilbert Arenas - Dany Ainge out of #2.

There is a lot of PJBrowns from the 2nd round.

I guess implicit in my point was move down to a lower 1st round this year and get a very high 2nd rounder. High level 2nd rounders tend to stick and have careers off the bench.

But also I am thinking of stock piling multiple draft picks in a given year or short period. 4 draft picks in 2 rounds next year would most certainly potentially a "big draw card" for a team that decided to "blow it all up" vis a vis 76ers / Celtics but also want a jump start on the rebuilding. High and low first rounders with 2 high 2nd rounders have to be attractive to such a team.

I am not predicting that Oklahoma will do a sign and trade for Durant "4 example" but it puts Toronto squarely into every conversation if even a 3 team deal gets entertained. Its one way of getting a "perennial all star added to this roster".

As you say we already seem to have some depth. Add in a Development League team solely owned by Toronto and you could bring back " BenU < guys like him> and a few of those coveted bubble guys playing Euro or Chinese off shore ball.

That gets me very excited because your projects play with talent !

Masai seemed to work this way in Denver ala the original Melo - Ike - Bynum deal.

[kmart]

http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/draftworkout-061915

Probably the last pre-draft workout for the Raptors today.

- Richaun Holmes, very interesting type of player that has the quickness to stay infront of 3's and the size to play with 4's. Offensively he has a decent 3pt shot. He is a Draymond Green type of player and the importance of that kind of player is really emphasized in today's NBA. He projects to be in the late first round of the draft, but with Masai we know we can expect a shocker at 20.

- Stefan Nastic, Canadian playing at Stanford. Really raises the question of how much Masai wants a Canadian on the Raptors.

[Jballer]

Jballer Final:


1) T-Wolves K-A Towns

2) Lakers Jahil Okafor

3) 76ers D

[kmart]

Draft is one day away!

[Chamberlain]

Nice mock, J. I've been travelling the past 16 days, but I've done my best to keep up with everything. I'll post my final mock soon.

[kmart]

Players I see the Raptors drafting today are Hollis-Jefferson, RJ Hunter, Kevon Looney, Tyus Jones, and Sam Dekker (if he falls).

I could see Masai pick up a second rounder for Dakari Johnson or Johnathon Holmes.

[Chamberlain]

1. Minnesota - Karl Anthony Towns

2. LA Lakers - Jhalil Okafor (I think this gets traded)

3. Philadelphia - D'Angelo Russell

4. New York - Emmanuel Mudiay

5. Orlando - Justise Winslow

6. Sacramento - Kristaps Porzingis (I think this gets traded)

7. Denver - Mario Hezonja

8. Detroit - Stanley Johnson

9. Charlotte - Frank Kaminsky

10. Miami - Devin Booker

11. Indiana - Cameron Payne

12. Utah - Myles Turner

13. Phoenix - Trey Lyles

14. Oklahoma - Bobby Portis (I think this gets traded)

15. Atlanta - Sam Dekker

16. Boston - Willie Cauley-Stein

17. Milwaukee - Rashad Vaughn

18. Houston - Tyus Jones

19. Washington - Montrezl Harrell

20. Toronto - Kelly Oubre

21. Dallas - Jerian Grant

22. Chicago - Kevon Looney

23. Portland - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

24. Cleveland - Terry Rozier

25. Memphis - Jarell Martin

26. San Antonio - Guillermo Hernandez

27. LA Lakers - Justin Anderson (I think this gets traded)

28. Boston - Jordan Mickey

29. Brooklyn - Delon Wright

30. Golden St. - RJ Hunter

[BRabbiT]

19. Washington - Montrezl Harrell

20. Toronto - Kelly Oubre

21. Dallas - Jerian Grant




Oubre's ok. But if Grant's available at #20, he's the better pick, imo

[Chamberlain]

Oubre's ok. But if Grant's available at #20, he's the better pick, imo

Very possible. I think Grant is a safer pick, but Oubre can be an All-Star if he puts it together. I feel like the Raptors are more apt to take a Forward than a Guard because they would sooner trade away Ross than any of their guards.

[Jballer]

Not too much right with my mock - not too much wrong with my Mock.

Knicks did make moves albiet not with Nets LOL

[Jballer]

Final Score :cheers:

4 of 30 with 2 half points for trades moves up reasonably close. Say 5

Picks 1, 4 , 11 , 23 correct

Trade at 4 and 23 incorrect but New York did move.

I was pretty close on Trey Lyles rising.

I got Chris McCullogh rising.

Big men usually do.

Shockers. I surprised Bobby Portis fell. I am surprised neither Washington nor Atlanta took him ~ Washington when they traded in.. both teams are potentially loosing what he brings i.e. in Pierce or Mislap.

Surprised Montrezl fell to the second round.

Big Shocker Kaminsky as high as he is. If any guy fell to the bottom I thought it would be Kaminsky. I could very well be all wrong but I dont think has big 10 college game brings it in the NBA. Andreas Bargnani 2.0. Hornets had better choices in my mind.

Disappointed: Chicago, Cleveland, Knicks got more than they deserved. i.e. I hate the competition getting good results.

I am not sure I am disappointed in Wizards getting Oubre ; his talent cieling may be high but it almost looks a little like Demar Derozan 2.0 ~ there is going to be a few seasons of shot development before I consider him a "steal"