The Melo Backpedal

The 2007 NBA Draft is finally here, and for most of us, it’s been a blast following the player movement through various Mock Drafts over the last month or so. Interestingly enough, some last minute individual player workouts were still being conducted up until today, and you can bet teams will still be evaluating film for hours and minutes leading up to the draft.

The guys from TMB will be reporting live from the draft in New York City, covering every bit of action from start to finish. Be sure to check back for post-draft analysis and comments on every single pick. Following the draft TMB will post our grades for each team and tell you who were the winners and losers of the night. We will also talk about which players are most likely to be busts, and who the early candidates for Rookie of the Year are. But before we do all of that, we’d like to unviel our latest, and perhaps final, 2007 Mock Draft to the masses. This is certainly the most extensive look at the draft we’ve seen, and barring any last minute, unforseen changes, here’s how things could go as the draft proceeds. It’s never an exact science with so many knuckleheads serving as scouts and GMs these days, but hey, the unpredictable is what makes the draft so fun anyway! Enjoy the draft, and come back and see the complete follow up later.

1. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS:
GREG ODEN, 7′0″ 257, OHIO STATE, AGE 19

Our take: Eight of the last nine NBA titles have been won by either Shaquille O’Neal or Tim Duncan, so obviously having a dominant big man is the key to success in this league. Kevin Durant may be a better “player”, but when it comes to winning, Larry Bird is only one of a handful of dominant small forward’s who ever won anything, and his team was stacked. Don’t tell me Durant’s a shooting guard either, like Bill Simmons is doing, because it’s just not true. Even if he were, it still shouldn’t sway the Blazers from drafting Oden, who should have a Tim Duncan-like impact during his career.

Other possible options: Kevin Durant

2. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS:
KEVIN DURANT, 6′10″ 215, TEXAS, AGE 18

Our take: Short and Sweet: The Sonics will take whoever Portland doesn’t, and under this scenario it’s Kevin Durant. He’s by no means a second-class player, however. This is an easy call, but he should be a perennial All-Star, and should have a Carmelo-like rookie year. The Sonics simply can’t afford not to take him.

Other possible options: Greg Oden

3. ATLANTA HAWKS:
AL HORFORD, 6′9″ 249, FLORIDA, AGE 21

Our take: As of a few weeks ago, one of the hottest rumors floating around is that the Hawks like Horford here, and nothing has changed on that front. The only other option I see here is Mike Conley, who can help fans cope with the fact that they passed up D-Will and CP3 two years ago for Marvin Williams(somewhere in the back of my mind I can still hear Chad Ford repeatedly saying Marvin will be the best player from that draft). However, sources say they feel they can get a point guard at No. 11, so Horford should be the pick here; anybody else besides Horford and Conley would be a major shock to everybody.

Other possible options: Mike Conley

4. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES:
MIKE CONLEY, JR, 6′1″ 175, OHIO STATE, AGE 19

Our take: This is where thing really get interesting. There is so much uncertainty with this pick; do they like Noah or Conley? Will they trade the pick? Will they suprise everybody with a pick of a guy like Corey Brewer? The Grizzlies would love to grab Horford, who we had them taking in our first two Mock Drafts, but with the aging Damon Stoudamire as the starter at the point in Memphis, grabbing Conley here would make a whole lot of sense, especially since the Griz have to face each Tony Parker and Chris Paul four times per year.

Other possible options: Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer

5. BOSTON CELTICS:
YI JIAN LIAN, 7′0″ 247, CHINA, AGE 19

Our take: Although Corey Brewer or Jeff Green make a lot of sense here, Yi has worked out twice for Danny Ainge and company, both times to rave reviews. Easily the biggest factor with Yi going here, however, is the fact that several teams including the Warriors, Bulls, and Sixers, have explored ways to move up in the draft to get him. Although Boston denies the rumors, sources also say they are actually hoping to move the pick to add veteran help for Paul Pierce. Although Nick Young would be a stretch at No. 5, he did work out for the Celtics yesterday, and is a red-hot name at the moment.

Other possible options: Corey Brewer, Jeff Green, Nick Young

6. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: JEFF GREEN, 6′9″ 229, GEORGETOWN, AGE 20

Our take: Green is another red-hot name at the moment, and he’s showing everybody that he did the right thing by staying in the draft. The Celtics and Wolves are popular fits for Green, but we are hearing that if the Celtics pass, he won’t slip past the Bucks at No. 6, as long as Mike Conley’s off the board. Adding a talented, yet NBA-ready small forward like Green to Michael Redd, Charlie Villanueva, and Andrew Bogut, would dramatically improve what they have in Milwaukee.

Other possible options: Corey Brewer, Brandan Wright

7. MINNESTOA TIMBERWOLVES:
SPENCER HAWES, 7′0″ 245, WASHINGTON, AGE 19

Our take: The hottest names at No. 7 in most Mock Draft’s are Brandan Wright and Jeff Green, and even Joakim Noah. All three would be great fits, but we’re going out on a limb and saying that Hawes will get snagged here. Minnesota VP Kevin McHale loves Hawes, and even said he reminds him of himself during his playing days. Although this rumor has been shot down, Hawes is believed to have stayed in the draft because he may have received a promise from the Wolves. The fact that he fills a major need at center, and he’s easily a top ten talent, make it tough to refute.

Other possible options: Jeff Green, Corey Brewer, Brandan Wright

8. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS:
COREY BREWER, 6′8″ 185, FLORIDA, AGE 21

Our take: The multi-talented Brewer could certainly be off the board by now, (Boston, Milwaukee, Minnesota) but it’s very doubtful that he’ll slip past Charlotte at No. 8. Several sources say he had one of his best workouts with the Bobcats, and he fills one of the teams biggest needs at shooting guard. Factor in the fact that the Bucks could really use a wing man, and this pick makes almost too much sense.

Other possible options: Joakim Noah, Nick Young, Brandan Wright

9. CHICAGO BULLS:
JOAKIM NOAH, 6′11″ 223, FLORIDA, AGE 22

Our take: With Hawes and Yi off the board, it’s likely going to be between Noah and Brandan Wright. Noah is the older, more experienced, big man, while Wright probably has more upside. The Bulls already have a young power forward with upside in Tyrus Thomas, and Wright has been slipping on most draft boards as teams are discovering how far away he really is from contributing. Noah reportedly looked good in his Chicago workout, and because of his size, athleticism, and motor, he should be attractive to the Bulls and GM John Paxson.

Other possible options: Brandan Wright, Spencer Hawes, Yi Jian Lian

10. SACRAMENTO KINGS:
BRANDAN WRIGHT, 6′10″ 200, NORTH CAROLINA, AGE 19

Our take: The Hawks, Bucks, Wolves, and Bulls are rumored to seriously be considering Wright, arguably a top-five talent, but one or two players usually fall on draft day, and Wright is a prime candidate. We had him dropping before most people, and the information we’ve received over the past few days hasn’t changed that. He’d really fit in nicely in Sacramento, where there is a gaping hole at power forward, and can afford spend time developing him since they aren’t even close to making the playoffs.

Other possible options: Spencer Hawes, Julian Wright

11. ATLANTA HAWKS:
ACIE LAW IV, 6′3″ 187, TEXAS A&M, AGE 22

Our take: Law, who was rumored to have received a promise from the Clippers at No. 14, recently shut down his remaining workouts after showing his stuff in front of the Hawks, so now it seems like the Hawks are the ones who made the promise. If they don’t grab Conley at No. 3, they should look for a starting caliber point man with by drafting or trading for one using this pick. Law would be a fantastic fit there, and would be able to start immediately in this situation.

Other possible options: Javaris Crittenton, Julian Wright, Brandan Wright

12. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS:
AL THORNTON, 6′7″ 224, FLORIDA STATE, AGE 23

Our take: This is a tough one because the Sixers have worked out more players than any team in the league, but Thornton seems like a popular choice. The Sixers are rumored to be the ones making the Amare Stoudemire comparisons with Sean Williams, but whether they have the guts to select him here is another story. Julian Wright and Nick Young would be a good selections here as well. I do like Thornton here because he has the size, scoring ability, and athleticism to create havok on the wing with Andre Iduodala in Philadelphia.

Other possible choices: Sean Williams, Nick Young, Julian Wright, Glen Davis

13. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS:
THADDEUS YOUNG, 6′8″ 218, GEORGIA TECH, AGE 19

Our take: I find it funny that Chad Ford recently reported that the Hornets have locked in on Thaddeus Young here. That’s old news. Although we originally had Nick Young going here to fill the void they have at two guard, once we heard that the Hornets were “wowed” by Young’s individual workout, we slotted him here. The fact that he’s originally from New Orleans certainly adds to the rumor. It could be a smokescreen so that they can get Nick Young, but it’s tough to tell. There is little doubt the former Georgia Tech star has the moxie, yet his game can eventually prosper because of his unquestionable physical gifts that would fit the Hornets up-tempo style.

Other possible options: Nick Young, Julian Wright

14. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS:
JULIAN WRIGHT, 6′9″ 212, KANSAS, AGE 20

Our take: Here’s a guy that’s really taken a hit because of his subpar workouts, but his upside and skill level are top ten worthy. Had he returned to school, he likely would have been a top five selection. Although he could certainly be off the board by now, his stock is so up and down, and this would be an ideal landing spot. He should be effective in various systems with his array of skills, and with the Clips shopping Corey Maggette, Wright would be a nice replacement. Javaris Crittenton could also be the pick, since Sam Cassell is about to start collecting social security and Shaun Livingston is coming off a serious knee injury.

Other possible options: Javaris Crittenton, Acie Law, Nick Young

15. DETROIT PISTONS:
RODNEY STUCKEY, 6′4″ 207, EASTERN WASHINGTON, AGE 21

Our take: I’m going against my better judgement and sticking with Stuckey here, even though a more talented shooting guard like Nick Young is still on the board. Chad Ford likes to believe that everybody is jumping on his Stuckey bandwagon, but the truth is, he’s only here because of the non-stop rumors that say he’s been given a promise by Joe Dumars and company. He’s being projected as a late lottery pick, but based on the fact that’s he’s only a sophomore and played his college ball in the Big Sky Conference, I’m not sold yet. I haven’t heard anything about Nick Young linked to the Pistons, so Stuckey remains the pick.

Other possible options: Nick Young, Julian Wright, Gabe Pruitt

16. WASHINGTON WIZARDS:
NICK YOUNG, 6′6″ 206, USC, AGE 22

Our take: I like Young here, although he could be long gone by now. He’d be a good fit in New Orleans, but he’s also a good fit in Washington with the Wizards needing a starting shooting guard. Washington fans are generally hoping for a big man like Jason Smith, Sean Williams, or Josh McRoberts, but with 6′11″ Andray Blatche and last year’s first round pick, seven-foot Oleksiy Pecherov, they already have a couple young bigs they’ll be developing. Young had a great workout in Washington and isn’t likely to slip past them.

Other possible options: Sean Williams, Jason Smith, Rodney Stuckey

17. NEW JERSEY NETS:
SEAN WILLIAMS, 6’10” 240, BOSTON COLLEGE, AGE 21

Our take: Williams, who has been all over the board, has top-ten talent, but has had off-the-court issues while in college. The league hasn’t been as discouraged with troubled players as the NFL has, but several sources are saying he may slide come draft night. As mentioned earlier, several NBA executives came away from a recent workout saying that he reminded them of Amare Stoudemire. “On talent, he’s a top-10 pick. Maybe higher.” one GM told Chad Ford. At this point, a team like the Nets, who desperately need size, will roll the dice because the talent is too good to pass on.

Other possible options: Jason Smith, Glen Davis, Josh McRoberts

18. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS:
JAVARIS CRITTENTON, 6′5″ 194, GEORGIA TECH, AGE 19

Our take: Although Jason Smith would be a nice fit with Nellie-Ball in Golden State, the word out of Oakland is that they’d like to get a young point guard behind Baron Davis. Gabe Pruitt would be a nice fit as well. Nothing against Smith, but he’s more of a finesse player anyway, and what they really need is a banger to play on the low block. Crittenton really has a nice future ahead of him. Physically, he has the size to body up on defense and be effective in an up-tempo style attack like the one Don Nelson uses.

Other possible options: Jason Smith, Gabe Pruitt, Josh McRoberts

19. LOS ANGELES LAKERS:
JASON SMITH, 7′0″ 235, COLORADO STATE, AGE 21

Our take: The Lakers are likely to go for the best available player, and if Sean Williams is off the board, Smith fits the bill. He’s an offensive-minded player that they could develop for the future. If this pick ends up going somewhere else in a trade, he would be coveted as a seven-footer with size and range. Smith has a nice face-up game on offense and could be a “sleeper” pick if he falls to the Lakers.

Other possible options: Rodney Stuckey, Javaris Crittenton, Gabe Pruitt

20. MIAMI HEAT:
GABE PRUITT, 6′4″ 185, USC, AGE 21

Our take: In the market for a young point guard to backup or even replace Jason Williams, Pruitt seems to make a lot of sense here. Sources say if he’s available, he won’t slip past Miami. His ability to lead, combined with his size and skill level, means he could be a steady player for the Heat, and will even play both guard positions.

Other possible options: Rudy Fernandez, Derrick Byars, Rodney Stuckey

21. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS:
JOSH MCROBERTS, 6′10″ 240, DUKE, AGE 20

Our take: McRoberts was considered a top ten pick before he returned to Duke for a disappointing sophomore season, but has been working tirelessly to prove last season was a fluke. The only thing keeping McRoberts from slipping out of the first round is his combination of skill, size, and athleticism. His game is better suited for the NBA, so his lack of collegiate success may not be a huge deal.

Other possible options: Glen Davis, Nick Fazekas, Tiago Splitter

22. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS:
MORRIS ALMOND, 6’6” 215, RICE, AGE 22

Our take: Looking to snag another wing player with the possible departure of Gerlad Wallace to free agency, look for the Bobcats to snag a player like Almond, who tore up the competition while at Rice. He’ll be considered by several teams late in the first round, but Charlotte is siad to be the frontrunner at No. 22. Our only concern is, with little experience against top competition, whether of not he’ll be able to do it against NBA-type talent.

23. NEW YORK KNICKS:
WILSON CHANDLER, 6’8” 230, DEPAUL, AGE 20

Our take: The rumor surrounding Chandler is that he’s received a promise somewhere in the first round, and sources say it’s likely from the Knicks. Isiah Thomas prides himself on finding talent in little-know players, and Wilson could be his latest find. He would likely been a Lottery pick in ‘08 had he returned to school. He does have a nice game, and because he’s long, athletic, a good defender, he has loads of upside. He’s a small forward who really needs to work on his perimeter skills, but could be a very good player down the road.

24. PHOENIX SUNS:
RUDY FERNANDEZ, 6′6″ 175, SPAIN, AGE 22

Our take: Fernandez is a “highlight reel” player, and he has been injury-prone and finesse-oriented during his career, but the talent is too tough to pass on. Fernandez has a vertical leap like a circus freak, and has the proficiency to cut backdoor and throw down vicious alley oops in traffic. He’s also a very good outside shooter and has been one of the best players in Europe over the last year, and because of his buyout issues on his European contract, he’d likely have to stay overseas for at least another year or two, which is exactly what the Suns would like, based on their current salary cap situation.

Other possible candidates: Daequan Cook, Morris Almond, Marco Belinelli

25. UTAH JAZZ:
MARCO BELINELLI, 6′6″ 205, ITALY, AGE 21

Our take: Belinelli being available here typifies the depth of the 2007 NBA Draft. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan recently commented how he would love to see Belinelli in a Jazz uniform, and he certainly has some say in who the Jazz pick here. Belinelli was recently in Salt Lake City, and all reports are saying that the workout was a big success. Add that to the fact that the Jazz desperately need a shooter of his caliber and you could have a nice match.

Other possible candidates: Morris Almond, Derrick Byars

26. HOUSTON ROCKETS:
GLEN DAVIS, 6’9” 290, LSU, AGE 21

Our take: Davis recently measured a legit 6-foot-9 in shoes, and though he weighs in at around 290, he has only about 11 percent body fat. That’s great news for a guy who has Lottery talent, but weight concerns have caused him to slip. Davis has worked out for the 76ers, Nets, Bulls, Wolves, Rockets, Sonics and Wizards. “He can really shoot the basketball. From a skills standpoint, I think he’s one of the three or four best big guys in the draft,” one GM told Chad Ford.

Other possible candidates: Nick Fazekas, Jared Dudley, Tiago Splitter

27. DETROIT PISTONS:
TIAGO SPLITTER, 7′0″ 245, BRAZIL, AGE 22

Our take: Needing help up front, it’s hard to see the Pistons passing on a Euroleague veteran like Splitter, who would provide some inside presence to an aging front line. Splitter would be a great pick here, as he can come in and contribute from Day 1. What they need is a solid big man who can come in and contribute right away, and that’s Splitter.

Other possible candidates: Daequan Cook, Derrick Byars

28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS:
PETTERI KOPONEN, 6′4″ 194, FINLAND, AGE 19

Our take: Rumors are linking Koponen to the Spurs, and while we had him going to them early in the second, they will likely snag him before any of the other suiters hanve a chance to. That’s they way those pesky Spurs work. According to Chad Ford, the fact that he’s staying in probably means he got a team to commit. Most GMs believe Koponen will get serious consideration in the late first round and from several teams early in the second round.

Other possible candidates: Derrick Byars, Jared Dudley, Kyrylo Fesenko

29. PHOENIX SUNS:
KYRYLO FESENKO, 7’1” 270, UKRAINE, AGE 20

Our take: According to sources, Fesenko is getting quite a bit of buzz right now for the late first round. He measured out at 7-1½ in shoes at a recent workout, and has a 7-foot-4 wingspan. He’s an excellent athlete with a low-post game resembling Golden States Andris Biedrins. He’s already worked out for the Suns, and could be a nice piece to their thin front line.

Other possible candidates: Daquan Cook, Jared Dudley, Nick Fazekas

30. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: DAEQUAN COOK, 6’5” 203, OHIO STATE, AGE 20

Our take: Cook should certainly get some looks in the first round, but could be the latest guy to suprisingly slide into the second round. Cook could have returned to school, but has received such good feedback that he decided to stay in. Cook’s former High School assistant coach Albert Powell said he’s basically been “assured” in discussions with NBA teams that Cook will be a first-round draft pick. “It’s looking good for me,” Cook said. “Teams around picks 24 to 27 feel like I’m not going to be there when they pick.”

Other possible candidates: Alando Tucker, Tiago Splitter, Derrick Byars

*****************2ND ROUND SELECTIONS ***************************

31. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS: DERRICK BYARS, 6’7” 230, VANDERBILT, AGE 23

Our Take: Following a very good senior year and NCAA tournament run, Byars finally got some recognition with NBA scouts. He should have attended the Orlando pre-draft camp to solidify his spot in the late first round, but failed to do so. His workouts have been going fairly well, and his combination of experience, leadership, shooting, and physicality would be a huge help to somebody, even if it isn’t in the first round.

32. BOSTON CELTICS:
MARC GASOL, 7′0″ 255, SPAIN, AGE 22

Our take: He does need to work on his conditioning, but has a great basketball IQ and a wonderful basketball pedigree. Some say Gasol is a young Vlade Divac, and could be more with a few years in the league. Gasol is a winner over in Europe and would be a nice young inside presence for some lucky team. The Celtics could get a steal here if Gasol is still available.

33. SAN ANTONIO SPURS:
JARED DUDLEY, 6’7” 220, BOSTON COLLEGE, AGE 21

Our take: The word out of Dudley’s camp is that he “badly” wants to be the Spurs first round selection. He’s raised his stock to the point to the point that sources say Dudley has been red-hot shooting the ball in workouts. He’s worked out for the Rockets, Nets, Knicks, Heat, Sixers, Bulls, Bobcats, Sonics and Suns. He could end up a sleeper in the late 20s, but more than likely will be a early second rounder.

34. DALLAS MAVERICKS:
DEMETRIS NICHOLS, 6’8” 210, SYRACUSE, AGE 22

Our take: Nichols was the leading scorer in the Big East this year, and has been wowing scouts and GMs during his play at the pre-draft camp and in individual workouts. A team that loves good offense, like the Mavs, should give him a long look as he could contribute immediately off the bench.

35. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS:
ALI TRAORE, 6’10” 245, FRANCE, AGE 22

Our take: Seattle already has two French players on their roster, with believe it or not, a French player being drafted in the last seven NBA Drafts; most in the first round. He could be a real sleeper for a team willing to develop him. Several teams are hoping he’ll slip to them, but it’s tough to see him slipping past the Sonics, who love French players, and could really use what he brings to the table.

36. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS:
TAUREEN GREEN, 6’0” 175, FLORIDA, AGE 21

Our take: Green was a three year starter at Florida and won two national titles, so he has experience, knows how to win, and is a bit of an underrated shooter. In the NBA today, scoring point guards are becoming a hot commodity, so Green could be a solid point guard off the bench on the right team.

37. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS:
ALANDO TUCKER, 6’5” 220, WISCONSIN, AGE 23

Our take: Tucker slid out of the first round of our Mock Draft because of the players rising in their individual workouts, not because of the garbage that is floating around the web about his “lack of a position” or anything of the sort. Portland would be able to make this guy into a player, and mark my words, he will find a spot in the league somewhere.

38. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS:
NICK FAZEKAS, 6’11” 229, NEVADA, AGE 22

Out Take: Fazekas has been rumored to be getting serious consideration from the Rockets and Sixers in round one, but I’m not sure if he’s done enough to garner that. I really like this guy, even though he put up big numbers against a mediocre conference, because of his length and inside-outside scoring ability. He needs to strengthen himself in the post or improve his overall perimeter skills before he can handle the full-time rigors of the NBA.

39. ORANDO MAGIC:
AARON AFFLALO, 6’6” 225, UCLA, AGE 21

Our take: Despite getting knocked by some experts, the former Pac-10 Player of the Year has done very well in workouts. He measured 6-foot-6 in socks, had a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is a muscular 225. That’s much bigger than the 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds everybody had him listed as. Afflalo worked out for about a dozen teams in Orlando. He’s also done individual workouts with the Lakers, Suns, Sixers and Jazz. He could even go late in the first round at No. 25 to Utah, No. 29 to the Suns or No. 30 to the Sixers, so getting him here could be a steal.

40. LOS ANGELES LAKERS:
MARCUS WILLIAMS, 6’7” 205, ARIZONA, AGE 20

Our take: Williams could either be the poster boy for entering the draft too early or could be the next great second rounder to go on and make GMs cry for passing on him. He has the physical skills to be successful, and I’m not sure why guys like Chad Ford were telling him he was a potential Lottery pick at this time last year, but he should have returned to school, few people will argue that.

41. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES:
AARON GRAY, 7’1” 270, PITTSBURGH, AGE 22

Our take: Gray has really improved his stock since he started working out for teams, and should get a serious look by several teams early in the second round. He has size, physicality, and can score in the paint, so he’s going to fit in somewhere. Even if Minnesota drafts Hawes in round one, size in the middle will be huge.

42. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS:
REYSHAWN TERRY, 6’8” 232, NORTH CAROLINA, AGE 23

Our take: Terry, who came from a great system that doesn’t put up huge numbers for individual players, knows how to play, has a very lean body, and can play the up-tempo game very well. He played against very good competition each night in college and should be able to crack an NBA roster very soon.

43. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS:
TREY JOHNSON, 6’6” 218, JACKSON STATE, AGE 22

Our take: Johnson was one of the nation’s top scorers over the last two years, and while he’s been incredibly impressive, he’s doing it against poor competition. He’s a good athlete who played minor league baseball for the Kansas City Royals organization, and is certainly worth the gamble in the second round, but I don’t see anything more than that.

44. MIAMI HEAT:
ZABIAN DOWDELL, 6’3” 202, VIRGINIA TECH, AGE 22

Our take: Dowdell, a four-year starter at Virginia Tech, is really getting a lof of buzz early in the seond round. Word on the street is that Miami wants to get him in the second round. He really came on strong during his senior year as he led his team to the NCAA Tournament. He’s not a pure point guard, but somewhat like Leandro Barbosa, has point guard skills and can really hit the outside shot with consistency. He could go Undrafted, but would be invited to a training camp as soon as the draft were over.

45. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS:
CHRIS RICHARD, 6’9” 260, FLORIDA, AGE 22

Our take: His play in the NCAA Tournament and at the Orlando pre-draft camp earned him a spot in the second round somewhere, and the Clippers could use some backup help on the low block behind Elton Brand. Richard is likely an NBDL player waiting to happen, but has potential to be more, and that should be enough to get him drafted.

46. NEW JERSEY NETS:
STANKO BARAC, 7’1” 235, BOSNIA, AGE 20

Our take: Since Barac decided to stay in the draft, he’s likely to be drafted higher than this, but we haven’t heard much about Barac recently. He has, however, been getting some buzz from scouts around the league as a second round sleeper, and size tends to rise on draft day. Look for him to head to a team that can develop him overseas for a year or two.

47. WASHINGTON WIZARDS:
BOBBY BROWN, 6′2″ 170, CS FULLERTON, AGE 22

Our take: Brown is an underrated point guard, and although that may not be a major position of need, sources close to the team has expressed that GM Ernie Grunfeld has been impressed with what he’s seen in Brown.

48. LOS ANGELES LAKERS:
JAMESON CURRY, 6’3” 190, OKLAHOMA STATE, AGE 21

Our take: Curry, who probably should have returned to school following his junior year, has the long-distance shooting NBA teams are looking for, and could be a Steve Kerr-type shooter who would greatly benefit from Kobe’s double and triple teams. Although he might not have the size, he can also handle spot duty running the point in the triangle offense from time to time.

49. CHICAGO BULLS:
JR REYNOLDS, 6′3″ 190, VIRGINIA, AGE 22

Our take: Few will doubt Reynolds scoring ability after watching him play a few times like us DC-based guys. He can play the point at times, can get his shot off when he wants to, and has the ability to be a big-time clutch shooter in the mold of Ben Gordon. He’s worth the gamble.

50. DALLAS MAVERICKS:
BRAD NEWLEY, 6’7” 205, AUSTRALIA, AGE 21

Our take: Newley should generate a lot of interest from teams around the league because of his ability to score, along with his combination of size, athleticism, and hard-working mentality. Probably not a star in the NBA, but has a great shot at being a solid rotational player in the right system.

51. CHICAGO BULLS:
RAMON SESSIONS, 6′4″ 185, NEVADA, AGE 21

Our take: With Chris Duhon on the block, the Bulls could really use a heady, pure point guard with the talent level of Sessions. He’s likely a guy who can contribute, but won’t be a star, on a veteran playoff team, and will be a nice player down the road.

52. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS:
DJ STRAWBERRY, 6’5” 205, MARYLAND, AGE 22

Our take: Strawberry is a fantastic perimeter defender, and that could be enough to get him on an NBA roster. Like Bruce Bowen, he’s not much of an offensive player, but can knock down jumpers when needed. He plays with a lot of poise and energy, and that should only help his stock.

53. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS:
RENALDAS SEIBUTIS, 6’6” 185, LITHUANIA, AGE 21

Our take: Renaldas had a very strong showing at the Orlando pre-draft camp, and should be given a long look here in the second round. He has great length on the perimeter and really knows how to play the game. I doubt he’ll become a star, but based on his upside and overall ability, he could be a very solid rotational player.

54. ORLANDO MAGIC:
JARED JORDAN, 6’2” 185, MARIST, AGE 22

Our take: I was very skeptical about Jordan, mainly because I hadn’t seen this guy play before, but he’s a baller. I certainly believe small school players can succeed, and his collegiate credentials are obviously impressive. Although I worry about his lack of explosive speed and athleticism at the position, he’s a lot like Steve Blake of the Nuggets and will find a home.

55. UTAH JAZZ:
KYLE VISSER, 6′11″ 245, WAKE FOREST, AGE 22

Our take: Visser, who was a late bloomer in college, really came on strong during his senior year at Wake Forest, and was one of the nation’s top collegiate big men this year; he’s a whitey who can fill in as a backup center, and he will add some much-needed size. He’s likely an NBDL guy, but could certainly be more.

56. MILWAUKEE BUCKS:
JERMAREO DAVIDSON, 6’10” 232, ALABAMA, AGE 22

Our take: Davidson is a very accomplished player who has had his fair share of off-the-court issues, but he’s not considered a bad apple because of it. He reminds me of a poor man’s PJ Brown, if you will, because of his size, length, and ability to defend, yet isn’t a great offensive player.

57. DETROIT PISTONS:
HERBERT HILL, 6’10” 242, PROVIDENCE, AGE 23

Our take: From what we saw this year, Hill’s mobility isn’t on the same level as other “athletic” big men his size, and he needs to work of his free throw shooting. However, he’s an excellent shot blockers, rebounder, and low post scorer who could be a gem later on down the road.

58. SAN ANTONIO SPURS:
BRANDON HEATH, 6′3″ 185, SAN DIEGO STATE, AGE 21

Our take: Heath has been a very good basketball player on the collegiate level for four straight years, and whether he gets drafted or not, he will likely find himself on and NBA roster in the fall. He has a great first step and is a very unselfish scoring point guard who can play at the next level.

59. PHOENIX SUNS:
SUN YUE, 6’9” 210, CHINA, AGE 21

Our take: No, we don’t have Sun Yue going to the Suns because of his name; he would be a great fit in Mike D’Antoni’s international flavor rotation and is in the mold of Boris Diaw, just in case they wanted to move Diaw to create cap flexibility, as rumored, this summer. He does the dirty work, and isn’t afraid to get physical.

60. DALLAS MAVERICKS:
RUSSELL CARTER, 6’4” 220, NOTRE DAME, AGE 22

Our take: Carter has incredible athleticism, mobility, and leaping ability, but is still a bit raw as a two-guard. His shooting really improved during the course of his collegiate career, but his NBA 3-point range is still a bit streaky. He can get to the rim with ease, but his handle is still below average, and his length isn’t great for his position.

Be sure to check back next week on Draft Day (June 28th) for the final TMB Mock Draft…