by Bennett Snyder

1st Round

1. Washington: John Wall 6’4 PG Kentucky – The prize of the 2010 NBA Draft. With his amazing speed, and athleticism, he looks to be another elite point guard in the NBA. He must improve his jump shot the way Derek Rose has. He won’t turn the Wizards into a championship contender right away but for an organization that was looking so grim, the future now is bright. If the Wizards can land a big time free agent and get rid of Gilbert Arenas, because he is now worth his nickname, Agent 0, look for Washington to make the playoffs in the weak eastern conference. NBA Comparison: Derek Rose/Rajon Rondo
Other possible picks: None

2. Philadelphia: Evan Turner 6’7 SG Ohio State – Not a bad consolation prize for the Sixers. Turner actually might be better fit for the Sixers than Wall because they already have young good point guard in Jrue Holiday. Turner has the look of a potential all-star with his size, and all around skill, although he is not an athletic freak like most of the top picks. He is the most complete player coming out of college and will give the Sixers that shooting guard they have been searching for since Iverson left. He, like Wall, must become more of a consistent outside shooter but Turner is the total package because besides scoring he can rebound, pass, and play defense. There are rumblings that Sixers are thinking about trading the 2nd pick if the price is right, and that is what bad franchises do, pass on a potential all-star. NBA Comparison: Brandon Roy/Grant Hill pre-injuries
Other possible picks: Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins

3. New Jersey: Derrick Favors 6’10 PF Georgia Tech- You could see on the face of the new Nets owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, how angry he was not to be getting one of the top two picks. Yes, that did hurt the Nets, but Favors has great potential in the pros. His athleticism and power will give the Nets a very formidable front court of Lopez and Favors. While he might not be John Wall or Evan Turner, Favors can be a solid pro and potential all-star. If he can expand his jump shot he could turn into a clone of another Georgia Tech alum in Chris Bosh. NBA Comparison: Al Horford – more athletic
Other possible picks: DeMarcus Cousins or Wesley Johnson

4. Minnesota: Wesley Johnson 6’7 SF Syracuse – DeMarcus Cousins might have a higher potential, but he doesn’t fit well for Minnesota because they already have Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. Evan Turner would be the perfect fit for Minnesota, and they are reportedly trying to trade up and get him. If they can’t, then Wes Johnson would be their number two choice. He plays more of a 3 than a 2 and they already have Corey Brewer, but there isn’t another shooting guard worth this high of a pick. He is an athletic freak and all around good basketball player. If he was more of a play maker, and could create his own shot, he might have went ahead of Turner. NBA Comparison: Andre Iguodala-worse driver, better shooter
Other possible picks: DeMarcus Cousins or Greg Monroe

5. Sacramento: DeMarcus Cousins 6’11 C Kentucky - An absolute beast in the post and can dominate the game at times. One of the more powerful forces down low in college, in quite a while. His ceiling is great, and the Kings would very fortunate if Cousins fell to them at this spot. Although his attitude, heart, and conditioning can come into question at times, the potential for him is top notch. The key word for all NBA draft picks is potential because rarely do teams draft on accomplishments anymore, just potential. With the addition of Cousins, they will have a very young and skilled front court with Jason Thompson playing along side him. Adding Cousins will only help budding superstar Tyreke Evans. NBA Comparison: Stronger version of Al Jefferson
Other possible picks: Al Farouq Aminu or Greg Monroe

6. Golden State: Greg Monroe 6’10 PF Georgetown – A perfect fit for the Warriors as they like to play the fast paced type of basketball. Monroe is the most highly skilled big man in this years draft class and excels in passing, dribbling and running the floor for his position. While he has all these skills, he tends to be very passive in games, and needs to become more aggressive, especially in Golden States offense, or he will never see a shot. He will however, bring a much needed defensive presence to Golden State. The tandem of Curry and Monroe could be one of the best future 1-2 punches in basketball. NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom -worse shooter
Other possible picks: Patrick Patterson or Al Farouq Aminu

7. Detroit: Patrick Patterson 6’9 PF Kentucky – The best player left available on the board. He might not fill Detroit’s need, since they already have Villanueva, but he does bring young skill to an aging Pistons team. Detroit is going to hope for Monroe or Cousins to fall because they really need a center, or they could take a chance on Whiteside. Patterson has a nice soft jumper from the outside, and is one of the more complete players in the draft. He does need to get stronger to become a better rebounder, because at it his size and athleticism he isn’t going to dominate the glass. NBA Comparison: Carl Landry
Other possible picks: Paul George or Ed Davis

8. LA Clippers: Al-Farouq Aminu 6’8 SF Wake Forest – With Blake Griffin returning from injury the Clippers look to be much improved. They have Griffin and Kaman up front, and Baron Davis and Eric Gordon in the back court. That leaves the 3 position to be filled and Al-Farouq does just that. Adding Aminu to play with Griffin would lead to a very athletic front court. Aminu has that highlight real athleticism but lacks any real play making ability for himself. He isn’t a good outside shooter and needs to improve his ball handling. He can rebound, score inside, and play defense, so he would be a good fit for a team like the Clippers or Warriors. NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion- if he puts the hard work in.
Other possible picks: Patrick Patterson or Xavier Henry

9. Utah: Cole Aldrich 6’11 C Kansas – After watching the Jazz constantly lose to the Lakers in the playoffs, one thing is clear, they do not have the size to compete with them. Boozer and Millsap don’t have enough length, so Aldrich would seem like a great fit here. He has the look of a Jazz player. He might not be the most athletic and nimble of big men but he has a very sound all around game and Jerry Sloan will get the best out of him. NBA Comparison: Erick Dampier-with better jumpshot
Other possible picks: Patrick Patterson or Ed Davis

10. Indiana: Avery Bradley 6’2 PG Texas – The Pacers need so many different positions, Danny Granger seems to be the only threat on this roster. They did, however, just take Hansbrough in last years draft and Brandon Rush didn’t have a bad year. Roy Hibbert was one of the biggest surprises in NBA as he put up some big number games. This leaves the point guard position as their biggest need, and while Avery Bradley is flirting between point and shooting, he will best fill that Pacers need. Bradley right now lacks the skill to be a good NBA point guard, as he is not that good of a distributor, but it will be the Pacers job to turn him into one. NBA Comparison: Monta Ellis – not as quick
Other possible picks: Ekpe Udoh or Gordon Heyward

11. New Orleans: Ed Davis 6’10 PF North Carolina - The Hornets lack a shooting guard and power forward. Emeka Okafor just isn’t cutting it there as he needs help. Ed Davis is a skilled offensive player but needs to get stronger on the boards. He has a lot of natural gifts but he may never be able to put them together. If he does, then the Hornets will have got a steal at this pick, and CP3 should be able to help him get the most out of his abilities. NBA Comparison: Udonis Haslem
Other possible picks: Ekpe Udoh or Xavier Henry

12. Memphis: Donatas Motiejunas 7’0 PF Lithuania – If Memphis can hold their core group of guys together this would be a nice edition. He would immediately come there as their best 3 point shooter and at 7’0 has great size. However, it looks as if Rudy Gay might leave next year for greener pastures and while this would enable Mayo to take control of the team it would be a huge loss. NBA Comparison: Andrea Bargnani
Other possible picks: Paul George or Xavier Henry

13. Toronto: Ekpe Udoh 6’10 PF Baylor - With the potential departure of Chris Bosh, Toronto is going to need to cover their tail with this pick. If Bosh were to stay than this would be a wasted pick as they have much bigger needs elsewhere. However, Udoh is the closest thing to Bosh left on the board. Athletic freak, and great shot blocker. He is nowhere near as talented as Bosh on the offensive end but Udoh has good potential if he works hard. NBA Comparison: Marcus Camby
Other possible picks: Xavier Henry or Ed Davis

14. Houston: Xavier Henry 6’6 SG Kansas – Houston would ecstatic if Xavier were to fall to them at 14. With the return of Yao, the emergence of Aaron Brooks and the solid play of Scola and Ariza, the Rockets only real concern is at the 2 guard. They have deep bench with Kyle Lowry and Shane Battier as their main backups, and the Rockets should be able to make the playoffs next year. They recently traded for Kevin Martin but he doesn’t seem to fit that well there. Xavier is one of the purest shooters in the draft and is also strong enough to take it to the hole. If he can improve his ball handling ability which would enable him to get his own shot, he could be the steal of the draft. NBA Comparison: James Posey- more potential
Other possible picks: Ed Davis or James Anderson

15. Milwaukee: Paul George 6’9 SF Fresno St - This is a very high value at the 15th pick for the Bucks. George is very athletic and can shoot the ball pretty well. While he might not be able to get his own shot in the NBA, teaming up with Jennings and Bogut, he won’t have to. If Salmons ends up moving on George could be the perfect replacement player. NBA Comparison: Trevor Ariza
Other possible picks: Luke Babbitt or Gordon Hayward

16. Minnesota: Daniel Orton 6’10 C Kentucky - After taking Wes Johnson with their first pick, they will add some more rebounding and defense with Orton. He should be a solid backup when Love or Jefferson is out of the game. He is a big body who can get rebounds and block a few shots. He does have potential but looks more to be a bust than a quality player. NBA Comparison: Kendrick Perkins
Other possible picks: James Anderson or Larry Sanders

17. Chicago: Larry Sanders 6’10 PF VCU - Chicago already has their core players in Rose and Noah. If they can add one or even two of the big time free agents which they have a good shot at doing they will be a title contender. Sanders would be a perfect fit here for that reason. He is a nightmare defensively, and has the athleticism to finish at the rim. With his shot blocking and rebounding ability, he should greatly help Noah, and be a very good role player for a team in title contention. NBA Comparison: Tyson Chandler or Theo Ratliff
Other possible picks: Paul George or Gordon Hayward

18. Miami:Hassan Whiteside 7’0 C Marshall . - While their focus will be on resigning D-Wade this summer, and perhaps bringing along one of his buddies, they still need to add some role players. Whiteside has tremendous athleticism and NBA potential. The Heat haven’t had a good center since Shaq left, and Whiteside, while he might be a project, could be their next big time center. He could be a great value at 18 if everything pans out. NBA Comparison: Tyson Chandler or Andrew Bynum
Other possible picks: Luke Babbitt or Gordon Hayward

19. Boston: Gordon Hayward 6’8 SF Butler - Let the Larry Bird comparisons begin. Same size, led his team from Indiana to the National Championship game. However, he is nowhere close to Larry Legend. He does have good size and can score under pressure. His defense will be exposed in the pros but with a good defensive team the mistakes can be erased. The big 3 are getting older and this could be Pierce’s replacement at the 3 guard. NBA Comparison: Mike Dunleavy
Other possible picks: Luke Babbitt or James Anderson

20. San Antonio: Luke Babbitt 6’9 SF Nevada – The Spurs are getting old now and looks like they’re at the end of the road. Luke Babbitt is a very skilled “tweener” with good potential. He gives the Spurs a new look 3 guard that can shoot the ball and score inside too. Richard Jefferson just isn’t that good anymore and Babbitt should replace him. Babbitt will, however, be useless defensively as he doesn’t have great athleticism or speed. NBA Comparison: Keith Van Horn
Other possible picks: James Anderson or Solomon Alabi

21. Oklahoma City: Solomon Alabi 7’0 C Florida State – The Thunder look like the best young team in basketball with the Durantula leading the way. Westbrook is an exciting young point guard and Jeff Green is good all around player. As good as Harden looked last year, the Thunder are kicking themselves because they could have had Steph Curry. They did get dominated up front by the Lakers and Alabi is going to try and help alleviate that problem. The really athletic center is a good defender and rebounder, and that is all the Thunder need at this point. His poor offensive game doesn’t really matter, as he will just be asked to get offensive rebounds and dunks. A pure project, but shows good potential. NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert- worse shooter
Other possible picks: Devin Ebanks or Stanley Robison

22. Portland: James Anderson 6’6 SG Oklahoma St. – This is just the Brandon Roy back-up plan. Portland is a very talented but always very injured team. If Roy were to get hurt again then Anderson could come in and pick up the scoring load. He was one of the most prolific scorers in the college game this past year, and Portland would hope it translates into the pros. Anderson does lack ball handling skills and is poor defensively. NBA Comparison: Rashad McCants
Other possible picks: Eric Bledsoe or Devin Ebanks

23. Minnesota:Elliot Williams 6’4 SG Memphis - Minnesota already took Wes Johnson and Orton, a backup center, so it is logical for them to get help at the 2 spot. While there is a plethora of 2 guards this late in the draft I think they will take Elliot Williams. He has very good quickness and his shot is improving. While, it wouldn’t surprise me if they took Bledsoe, Crawford, Warren, White, Jones or Stephenson, I do think they will end up going with Williams.
Other possible picks: Willie Warren or Lance Stephenson

24. Atlanta: Eric Bledsoe 6’2 PG/SG Kentucky - The fifth Kentucky player to go in the first round, its a wonder how they didn’t win it all. Coaching? Bledsoe might have the best upside behind Wall and Cousins but will likely drop in the draft because he is a tweener. A very solid all around player, and don’t know his full potential because he played second fiddle to John Wall. With Bibby getting old and Joe Johnson perhaps leaving, the Hawks need somebody who can handle the ball and score, which is Bledsoe. NBA Comparison: Lou Williams- stronger not as quick
Other possible picks: Stanley Robinson or Devin Ebanks

25. Memphis: Devin Ebanks 6’8 SF West Virginia – As previously mentioned, Rudy Gay might be leaving after next year, so Devin Ebanks could be his replacement. A very athletic player with a good amount of upside. While he is a better rebounder and defender than Gay, he is nowhere close offensively. They will lose some talent if Gay leaves, but if Mayo can step up, Ebanks should be able to help do all the little things to help them win without Rudy. NBA Comparison: Corey Brewer- better rebounder
Other possible picks: Stanley Robinson or Damion James

26. Oklahoma City: Stanley Robinson 6’8 SF UCONN - While he doesn’t possess the ideal size OK City was hoping for, he would add a lot of energy, rebounding, and defense off the bench. He is more of an athlete than a basketball player, so his offensive game hurts along with his court awareness. Would be a good backup to give Jeff Green and Durant some rest. NBA Comparison: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Other possible picks: Craig Brackens or Gani Lawal

27. New Jersey: Jordan Crawford 6’4 SG Xavier – He showed in the NCAA tournament that he is a big time player. He can get his own shot and has unlimited range. He also has good athletic ability. He isn’t the best defensively and also struggles when he doesn’t have the ball in his hand. This late in the draft it could be the steal for Nets. NBA Comparison: Jamal Crawford
Other possible picks: Willie Warren or Dominique Jones

28. Memphis: Damion James 6’7 SF Texas - While Memphis will probably trade one of these two picks away because they don’t really need two small forwards, they are in need of one. James or Ebanks will end up staying while the other one goes. James is a little better offensively, both are equal rebounders, Ebanks has the edge defensively, they both have equal athleticism, but Ebanks has a little better size so he goes higher and probably stays. NBA Comparison: Darius Miles
Other possible picks: Gani Lawal or Quincy Pondexter

29. Orlando: Dominique Jones 6’4 SG USF - Orlando struggled because nobody on their team besides Jameer and Vince can get their own shot. Vince, however, comes up pathetically small in big time situations so they can’t rely on him. Dominique Jones is one of the few player left on the board that can get his own shot, and he goes to the hole hard. While he isn’t a good outside shooter, Orlando already has enough, and he could be a perfect fit here. NBA Comparison: Rodney Stuckey
Other possible picks: Willie Warren or Elliot Williams

30. Washington: Gani Lawal 6’9 PF Georgia Tech – John Wall is going to need some role players to compliment him. Gani could be the perfect one. He can hit a mid range jumper, and has the size/athleticism to excel in hte NBA. Derrick Favors front court mate sometimes dominated the game more than Favors himself. NBA Comparison: Chris Wilcox
Other possible picks: Craig Brackins or Quincy Pondexter

2nd Round

31. New Jersey: Quincy Pondexter 6’7 SF Washington
32. Oklahoma City: Craig Brackins 6’9 PF Iowa State
33. Sacramento: Armon Johnson 6’3 PG Nevada
34. Golden State: Willie Warren 6’4 SG Oklahoma
35. Washington: Lance Stephenson 6’6 SG Cincinnati
36. Detroit: Jarvis Varnado 6’9 PF Miss State
37. Milwaukee: Trevor Booker 6’7 PF Clemson
38. New York: Greivis Vasquez 6’6 PG Maryland
39. New York: Terrico White 6’5 SG Ole Miss
40. Indiana: Samardo Samuels 6’8 PF Louisville
41. Miami: Jerome Jordan 7’1 C Tulsa
42. Miami: Matt Bouldin 6’5 SG Gonzaga
43. LA Lakers: Sherron Collins 5’11 PG Kansas
44. Portland: Dwayne Collins 6’8 PF Miami
45. Minnesota: Luke Harangody 6’7 PF Notre Dame
46. Phoenix: Darington Hobson 6’6 SF New Mexico
47. Milwaukee: Derrick Caracter 6’9 PF UTEP
48. Miami: Lazar Hayward 6’6 SF Marquette
49. San Antonio: Mikhail Torrance 6’5 SG Alabama
50. Dallas: Dexter Pittman 6’11 C Texas
51. Oklahoma City: Hamady Ndiaye 7’0 C Rutgers
52. Boston: Jerome Randle 5’10 PG California
53. Atlanta: Charles Garcia 6’10 PF Seattle
54. LA Clippers: Jon Scheyer 6’5 PG Duke
55. Utah: Art Parakhouski 6’11 C Radford
56: Minnesota: Latavious Williams 6’8 PF USA
57: Dallas: Dennis Clemente 6’0 PG Kansas State
58: LA Lakers: Tiny Gallon 6’10 PF Oklahoma
59: Orlando: Scottie Reynolds 6’0 PG Villanova
60: Phoenix: Brian Zoubek 7’1 C Duke