2005 NBA Draft Thread

Its time for an update of my mock draft: With the lottery set, I'll redo what I think the first round will be:

1.) Milwaukee Bucks- Andrew Bogut (C)
2.) Atlanta Hawks- Marvin Williams (SF)
3.) Portland Trailblazers- Chris Paul (PG)
4.) New Orleans Hornets- Deron Williams (PG)
5.) Charlotte Bobcats- Raymond Felton (PG)
6.) Utah Jazz- Gerald Green (SF)
7.) Toronto Raptors- Fran Vazquez (PF)
8.) New York Knicks- Charlie Vilanueva (PF)
9.) Golden State Warriors- Chris Taft (F/C)
10.) LA Lakers- Martell Webster (G/F)
11.) Orlando Magic- Tiago Splitter (PF)
12.) LA Clippers- Antoine Wright (SG)
13.) Charlotte Bobcats- Channing Frye (C)
14.) Minnesota T-Wolves- Joey Graham (SF)
15.) New Jersey Nets- Johan Petro (C)
16.) Toronto Raptors- Sean May (PF)
17.) Indiana Pacers- Hakim Warrick (PF)
18.) Boston Celtics- Danny Granger (SF)
19.) Memphis Grizzlies- Rudy Fernandez (SG)
20.) Denver Nuggets- Rashad McCants (SG)
21.) Phoenix Suns- Andrew Bynum (C)
22.) Denver Nuggets- Monta Ellis (PG)
23.) Sacramento Kings- Jarrett Jack (PG)
24.) Houston Rockets- Wayne Simien (PF)
25.) Seattle Supersonics- Andray Batche (C)
26.) Detroit Pistons- Ike Diogu (PF)
27.) Utah Jazz- Randolph Morris (C)
28.) San Antonio Spurs- CJ Miles (SG)
29.) Miami Heat- Ronny Turiaf (PF)
30.) New York Knicks- Kennedy Winston (SG)

Just missing first round: Fransico Garcia, John Gilchrist, Nate Robinson, Angelo Gigili, David Lee, Ryan Gomes, Salim Stoudamire, Louis Williams, Brandon Bass, Alan Anderson, Luther Head, Jawad Williams, Jason Maxiell, Donell Taylor and Julius Hodge.

If the Lakers draft Webster over Jarrett Jack, Channing Frye, Johan Petro and Sean May I will be following through with my planned bombing of STAPLES. I think the lottery has been bad for teams like New Orleans and Portland... Portland have Telfair but the BPA at that point is a point guard... New Orleans have Speedy and Dan but the best NC player at that point is a PG.

I wouldn't worry Jae, Lakers might be stupid, but they ain't that stupid....Webster makes no sense when they are already stocked at the 2 and the 3....

we might see May go at 10 to Lakers....I think that's who I've got in my preliminary 2nd edition of my Mock Draft....

on your mock draft Indy....I think Gerald Green will not fall past 5....I think he'll go either at 3 or 4....he could be traded though....Portland might want him but not at 3 and could trade down 2 picks....

I think Knicks seem locked on Taft or Villanueva....for some reason I think Villanueva will slide but we'll see....

I think Diogu could move a couple of spots higher....will depend on workouts and how the 1st half of the 1st Round pans out as far as PF and C picks....

I think Garcia will rise after workouts....he's versatile and could move up 10 spots on your board....should be interesting....

pretty solid Mock Draft though....will look forward to your Edition 3 prior to the draft....

I'll do my own version 2 sometime soon... to be honest I'd rather the Lakers didn't pick a big man in this seasons draft, I think they're alot more likely to get a good big man from trading Odom rather than drafting one in a draft with alot of PG talent.

it's a draft with talented PF's as well as talented PG's

but I would have to agree with you, Lakers should take a PG

This is really rough, I don't really have any idea on where anyone will go until the players are worked out etc... I mostly just used team needs.

1: MIL - Andrew Bogut (Obvious choice I think)
2: ATL - Marvin Williams (Unless they trade down)
3: POR - Gerald Green (They haven't shut up about him since he declared)
4: NOR - Chris Paul (I don't want them to pick a PG, but he's definitely BPA)
5: CHA - Raymond Felton (They get the NC product and fill in a position need)
6: UTA - Deron Williams (Player who would probably suit them well, pos. need)
7: TOR - Fran Vasquez (They need a C and I've read alot of good about Vasquez)
8: NYK - Chris Taft (It's between him and Villanueva, I think Taft will get it)
9: GSW - Channing Frye (I read something about him having a guarantee with them)
10: LAL - Jarrett Jack (It's more of a hope pick, either that or Felton slides)
11: ORL - Tiago Splitter (Makes sense I think. Apparentely he's a game changer defensively)
12: LAC - Sean May (It's safe to say Wilcox isn't going to be around much longer)
13: CHA - Antoine Wright (I could possibly see McCants here but I'm really not sure)
14: MIN - Joey Graham (Spree's going to be gone, Hassell/Wally isn't enough)
15: NJN - Charlie Villanueva (He'd fit well I reckon with the 4 other spots filled)
16: TOR - Hakim Warrick (Athletic highlight reel player to fill the gap made by VC)
17: IND - Johan Petro (Jermaine O'Neal's been going on about wanting a C for ages)
18: BOS - Danny Granger (I think he could slide just purely due to draft depth)
19: MEM - Rudy Fernandez (He'd get to play with Gasol + Bonzi's probably gone)
20: DEN - Martell Webster (Hmm... they need a shooter plus he has stacks of potential)
21: PHO - Wayne Simien (No brainer if he's available I think, although a PG is another thought)
22: DEN - Andray Blatche (Someone to back up Camby, someone competent that is)
23: SAC - Roko Leni-Ukic (Big point guard with alot of skills.. Mobley says he'll leave)
24: HOU - Randolph Morris (I know nothing about him but Retardo's not getting younger)
25: SEA - Kennedy Winston (Good outside shooting player, probably depends on Ray Allen)
26: DET - Ronny Turiaf (Solid choice and a good backup for Ben Wallace I think)
27: UTA - Mickael Gelabale (Euro they can leave over there for a while)
28: SAS - Ike Diogu (Just to strengthen the PF position on the bench)
29: MIA - Francisco Garcia (I think he could slip to the 2nd round with Miami taking a big man, but for now this is where I put him)
30: NYK - Rashad McCants (I don't know, it just seems destined to happen. I think he'll be picked higher when all's said and done.

That's version 2, version 3 will come after everyone's been worked out and version 4 will come right before the draft

7: TOR - Fran Vasquez (They need a C and I've read alot of good about Vasquez)

I'm not too sure about this one. I would say they'd take Splitter if not for the big buyout he has with his team. I definately wouldn't take Frye or Taft at the 7th pick either. It's tough, I just hope on of the PG's drop and the Raps can take him.

Yeah I can't see them taking Taft or Frye, for their sakes I hope not anyways. Apparentely Vasquez is the most NBA ready of most of the guys in the draft, which is kinda what the Raptors were going for in Araujo.

Oh please don't mention Araujo, that was just stupid. You know Babcock never actually saw his workout for the Raps. I still cry everyday that we missed out on both Iguodala and Biedrins, I really do.

I would've thought he could've at least added up the year he was born and realized he was nearly 25 years old

I said the Lakers will pick Webster because I don't think Deavan George, Tierre Brown or Chucky Atkins will be there next year.

I see the three of them being traded for Jason Williams or someone like that. I think they like Webster as a backup for Kobe to start next year.

Webster? The Lakers are looking at C's, PF's, and PG's.

At SG/SF they first of all have Kobe, and then Caron Butler. Even Odom is a PF/SF, why in the world would they draft a SG/SF? Those are the positions they should definately not draft.

Also Webster is not in their range right now, he's currently predicted as a 20th or so pick, not in the lottery.

www.nbadraft.net has him going 11th to the Magic. He will be a lottery pick, I'm almost sure of it.

Lakers are really a better team than their position in the draft...don't be surprised if they draft based on potential. Even if they would get the 2nd or 3rd best PG, are they really going to start him when guys like Antonio Daniels and Larry Hughes are out there?

I think these days teams pick based on potential not immediate impact (unless you're like Charlotte) and they can always trade for position. That's what Paxson did when grabbing Gordon against everyone's expectations instead of Deng, and he still got Deng in the long run. And if anybody knows what to do with a draft pick, it's Paxson.

Even if they would get the 2nd or 3rd best PG, are they really going to start him when guys like Antonio Daniels and Larry Hughes are out there?

Where are the Lakers going to get the cap space to sign either of those guys? No one that good is going to sign with them for the MLE, Shaq was the big draw card for free agents in the past but very few would probably be reluctant to play with Kobe. The draft is the best area for the team to improve.

It's been about 2 months since my 1st version of my Mock Draft....time for Version 2 I guess....

X's 2005 MOCK DRAFT (Version 2)

Basically, I'm basing this mock draft on the fact that I believe certain prospects (Andriuskevicius, Aleksandrov Bargnani and a couple of other players will pull out of draft)....here it is....version 2....next version will probably come after the underclassmen deadline to withdraw from the draft....

1. Milwaukee: C/F- Andrew Bogut (steady)
Bucks hit jackpot in the lottery, but now have a tough decision on their hands. This pick comes down to 2 prospects, Aussie Andrew Bogut and UNC frosh Marvin Williams. Williams will likely end up as better pro but Bucks won't be able to pass up on a talented big man like Bogut as he will go No. 1.

2. Atlanta: F- Marvin Williams (NR)
The Hawks will select the player that Milwaukee doesn't pick. In my scenario that is Marvin Williams, who will provide another athletic body for the struggling Hawks. Hawks could trade this pick down, perhaps for the Bobcats' two 1st Round picks or somewhere else. Either way, Williams won't fall past 2.

3. Portland: G/F- Gerald Green (up 3)
In my version 1, I had the Blazers grabbing Green at 3. After moving up in the draft, I still think the Blazers like Green too much to pass on him for another PG. Either Green gets picked here at 3 or he gets picked at 4 or 5 and Blazers either trade down for Green or out of the draft. If the pick is for someone else, then Chris Paul could go here, but at the mo, Green seems to be the pick for Portland.

4. New Orleans: G- Chris Paul (down 2)
Hornets will probably grab whoever the Blazers don't and that means Chris Paul in this mock draft. They need a top quality PG as Claxton and Dickau (as much as we all luv him) are not going to get it done as starters. Paul could wind up winning ROY if he is picked up by either Hornets or Bobcats. A good selection here. There is always the chance that the Hornets will go for Deron Williams but I have a feeling they'll want Paul a little more.

5. Charlotte: G- Deron Williams (down 2)
I was close to following Jae's lead and having Raymond Felton at this spot for sentimental reasons, but I'm playing it safe on this pick. Bobcats need a PG and barring a trade up, they will take either Paul, Williams or Felton at this pick (provided Green is gone by this pick). Can't lose with this pick I don't think.

6. Utah: F/C- Fran Vazquez (up 1)
Jazz will be hoping that Bobcats jump on Tarheels' product Raymond Felton. If they do take Felton, Jazz will jump on Williams quicker than anyone's mum. If Williams is gone, as he could be, the Jazz won't like the look of Felton and take a quality big man like Euro Fran Vazquez to shore up the frontline.

7. Toronto: G- Raymond Felton (up 2)
Something has got to give with Rafer Alston. If not, the Raptors still need a quality backup PG. Felton is their man. If Bobcats or Jazz snap up Felton then Raptors will probably go with either Vazquez.

8. New York: F/C- Channing Frye (up 15)
This is going to be the shock pick of the draft. Golden State has reportedly made a promise to take Frye with the No. 9 pick. Whether it's a smokescreen or not, I'm not sure, however the Warriors usually live up to their promises. I think this is half a dozen or so picks too high for Frye, however his stock is climbing and provided he works out well, this could happen.

9. Golden State: F- Tiago Splitter (down 4)
With the Warriors shocked by the Knicks' pick, they will look at other big men. Taft's attitude will cause him to slide further down as the Warriors select Tiago Splitter. I think Splitter will be good, like many of his South American counterpaths. Warriors probably wanted more of an immediate impact, but they might not be able to pass on Splitter's upside. Pick might not look so good with Biedrins in the fold, but I just think Taft will slide.

10. LA Lakers: F- Sean May (NR)
Jae won't like this pick, but for some reason I think Lakers will see something in May and pick him. If not May, then probably Chris Taft. Unfortunately Jae, they won't bite on Jack this early and Felton will be gone by the time they are on the clock.

11. Orlando: G/F- Martell Webster (NR)
After scoring big with high schooler Howard, Magic will roll the dice again as they take high schooler Martell Webster. They might also take a big man like Chris Taft or Charlie Villanueva.

12. LA Clippers: F/G- Danny Granger (up 2)
Insurance for Bobby Simmons as he might bolt for free agency. Kittles won't be resigned so an extra swingman could be a fit. We could also see Taft, Villanueva and Petro at this spot.

13. Charlotte (from Cle): G/F- Antoine Wright (down 3)
Bobcats and everyone seem to like him and his upside. This pick makes sense.

14. Minnesota: F/C- Chris Taft (down 3)
Taft has fallen far enough as the T'wolves are in dire need of help in the middle and at this point, it's not much of a gamble rolling the dice on Taft. Other possibilities here are Petro, Villanueva and Granger (if he slides another couple of spots).

15. New Jersey: F- Charlie Villanueva (up 4)
Villanueva could go as high as 8 to the Knicks and probably no lower than 15 or so. Nets go with best talent with this pick and hope he helps the improving Nets. Nets could also go with Petro at this spot.

16. Toronto (from Phi): C/F- Johan Petro (steady)
Raptors need help in middle and Petro is best available at this juncture.

17. Indiana: F- Joey Graham (down 2)
With all the injuries that the Pacers seem to have in the frontcourt, the Pacers will pick a forward. It's either Graham or Simien here, but I think the Pacers will go with Graham who is a bit more versatile than Simien.

18. Boston: F- Hakim Warrick (down 1)
Athletic forward with potential who can play either at the 3 or 4. Will be an energy player as a rookie but could develop.

19. Memphis: F- Wayne Simien (up 10)
Looking for more frontcourt help, Simien will definitely help in that regard and provide a bit of insurance for the fragile Gasol and Swift.

20. Denver (from Was): G- Rudy Fernandez (steady)
Nuggets have 2 of the next picks, so they'll use one of them on a foreigner who they'll probably leave in Europe for a season or two. Fernandez is a combo guard who could help the Nuggets team a year or two from now.

21. Phoenix (from Chi): G- Roko Leni-Ukic (NR)
Phoenix will grab more insurance in the backcourt with this pick. He could be stashed away for a year, but with the Suns' apparant lack of depth, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see him in Suns' colours next year.

22. Denver: F/C- Andray Blatche (NR)
Nuggets take a big man with potential. They could go with another SG here or a proven college PF.

23. Sacramento: G- Rashad McCants (down 11)
Kings grab extra scoring punch off the bench.

24. Houston: G- Jarrett Jack (down 11)
Rockets need a PG in the worst kind of way, and if Jack falls this far, then Houston would be wise to snap him up. He could step in right away and help the Rockets.

25. Seattle: G- Francisco Garcia (down 7)
If the Sonics are going to continue with their 3pt gunning style of play then they might select Garcia who is a good outside shooter and is a versatile player who can play multiple positions. If Garcia doesn't stick here or with Miami's pick, then he's bound for the 2nd Round.

26. Detroit: G/F- CJ Miles (NR)
Pistons take a punt. Let's see if he works out.

27. Utah (from Dal): F- Angelo Gigli (down 1)
It's almost become a tradition for Jazz to use a late 1st Rounder each year on a Euro and stash him away or trade his rights to another team.

28. San Antonio: F- Ike Diogu (down 6)
This pick makes a lot of sense. Spurs bring in extra toughness and insurance in the frontcourt. Diogu could go a few picks higher or a few lower, but he will be able to contribute for the Spurs.

29. Miami: F/G- Mickaël Gelabale (up 1)
They apparantly like him, and he's versatile and could fit in. They might also look at Kennedy Winston or Ronny Turiaf at this pick.Probably would have taken whichever PF was available between Turiaf and Simien, but both are gone, so Heat go with French swingman with last pick of 1st Round.

30. New York (from Pho): G/F- Kennedy Winston (down 9)
Knicks could go big here, but due to the selection of Frye, I think they'll try and find a replacement for the always injured Allan Houston. Winston is a nice offensive player and could develop and is a strong pick this late in the draft.

Last out: F- Ronny Turiaf, G- Monta Ellis, F- Vladimir Veremeenko, C/F- Randolph Morris, F- Ryan Gomes, G- Salim Stoudamire


The list of last out just demonstrates how deep this draft is. I'm hoping a few drop out as it would be wise to go back to school.

Okay, that is my version 2 of how I see the draft going. I know there are a couple of shock picks (Knicks - Frye) plus another couple falling, but that's how the draft pans out. We'll see how it goes. I'll do a third version before draft sometime.

Let me know what you think....

What? Would Portland want another High Schooler?

Now they'll have Green, Telfair, Miles, Outlaw, Randolph, and Ha-Seung Jin is HS caliber.

What? Would Portland want another High Schooler?

Now they'll have Green, Telfair, Miles, Outlaw, Randolph, and Ha-Seung Jin is HS caliber.

Randolph played a year at Michigan State

as for your question, they might....but it could be a smokescreen....I think Blazers will pick either Green or Paul with their pick and trade it away....they don't need another PG, and Green is the only non-PG prospect in the 3-5 range....so a trade could be on the cards....

Bobcats need a PG

Actually, I would like the bobcats to stay with Brevin Knight. He is a teriffic passer, and a very good defender. If i was the Bobcats i would those something young, as noone expects them to compete for a championship for the next couple of years.

I think Blazers will pick either Green or Paul with their pick and trade it away....they don't need another PG, and Green is the only non-PG prospect in the 3-5 range....so a trade could be on the cards....

There's word on the web that the Cats and the Jail Blazers will trade their #5 and #3 picks, along with something extra being thrown to Portland to even up th eexchange. This way Charlotte probably gets Paul and Portland still grabs Green at the 5.

yep, that could definitely happen dweaver....

and grusom, I think the Bobcats will resign Brevin Knight, but he can only hold the fort for so long, and he is injury-prone....if the 'Cats draft Paul, then Knight will likely be his backup....

10. LA Lakers: F- Sean May (NR)
Jae won't like this pick, but for some reason I think Lakers will see something in May and pick him. If not May, then probably Chris Taft. Unfortunately Jae, they won't bite on Jack this early and Felton will be gone by the time they are on the clock.

I don't mind it too much to be honest, although if it was Chris Taft that'd be another story. I could definitely stomach May if Felton isn't available. Another one is Tiago Splitter, I've read some good things about his defense changing games which could be a nice thing to have around.

Hey Jae, X... the lakers pick the best guy still available on the board and trade up for someone else... you never know!

Trading up is a good idea, particularly since the top 5 consists of 2 really good PG's (Williams, Paul) the high schooler with massive potential (Green), the athletic player also with stacks of potential (Williams) and the big man the team needs (Bogut)... so they can't really lose I guess.

yep, Lakers have a plethora at the 3....do an NBA Live-like trade and deal Devean George for a 1st Rounder

but in all seriousness, the No. 10 pick and say, Caron Butler, could be enough to move up to about 4 or 5....Lakers might need to throw in something extra, but who knows, they could get it done as they have some pieces....

Lamar Odom and the No. 10 is too much IMHO for one of the high picks....I still rate Lamar....he just has to be in the right system....

maybe Hornets could deal down from 4 to 10 now that they know they won't get Marvin Williams or Bogut....who knows....Hornets would get a starting SF in Butler and use the No. 10 pick on someone like Splitter or Villanueva....

don't know, but at the moment the Lakers are kinda sitting in no man's land....I think they can get the exact same talent at 15 or 17 as they can at 10, depending on who they are looking at....if they wanted a PG and Jack was there man then they should move down to late teens and grab him and get something else....

either way, I've marked July 1 (Aussie time) at work off for NBA Draft
the draft is on June 30 US time is it not?!?