Post by CC on Feb 6, 2024 10:01:28 GMT -8
1. Boston Celtics - Hedo Turkoglu SF 6'10'' 220 21 B- B- B C C A
With no clear cut #1 pick in this draft, I have the Celtics selecting the best talent available here in Hedo. Although they already have Rashard Lewis at the 3, Hedo provides an all around game that most prospects do not have in this draft. He can score, pass, and do a little bit of everything.
2. Houston Rockets - Kenyon Martin PF 6'9'' 234 23 B- D+ C- B C+ A
After blowing up the team and trading away Chris Webber, the Rockets replace him with a very nice young big man who can score inside and block shots. He may not be the next C-Webb, but he plays the same position and is a nice prospect to begin the Rockets rebuild.
3. Chicago Bulls - Joel Przybilla C 7'1'' 255 21 C D+ D B B B
The Bulls lack a big man so they select the best center prospect here in Pryz. He comes in BBS ready with elite strength that can board and block shots from day 1. Pairing him with Kittles gives the Bulls a very nice duo to build with.
4. Charlotte Hornets - Michael Redd SG 6'6'' 220 21 C B+ C- C C A
The Hornets can go many different ways here but I see them taking the best shooter in this draft. Redd may also be the best available player to select at this pick and Hornets can either keep him or trade him for a win now player.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Jamal Crawford SG 6'5'' 185 20 C+ B C+ C D+ A
Similar to Charlotte, the Wolves are another team stacking youth. I see them taking Jamal Crawford who will provide them with backcourt depth behind VC and Bibby. He might not be PG eligible, but he has solid handles which can be an upgrade over Bibby in that area.
6. Miami Heat - Darius Miles SF 6'9'' 210 19 B D+ D+ C+ C+ A
After selecting Rip Hamilton last season, I see them pairing him with another fun prospect in Miles. Heat is another team who just started a rebuild and Miles looks like a fun prospect to tank with and camp out. Only 19 years old, Heat will be very patient with him during their rebuild.
7. Detroit Pistons - Quentin Richardson SG 6'6'' 223 20 C+ B C- C C A
Pistons could use another SG so I see them taking Q-Rich at this pick. He has a good 3 pt shot and strength so he might be able to contribute right away after camps. Granted they have Mobley at the 2, but Q-Rich might be a better prospect than him.
8. Sacramento Kings - Chris Mihm C 7'0'' 265 21 C+ C- F+ C+ B B
Kings have been looking to deal Shaq and if they do, I see them taking Mihm as his replacement. He has elite strength that can board and block shots. Probably the second best big in this draft who could go higher as well. He will never be like Shaq, but I see Mihm contributing right away from day 1.
9. New York Knicks - Etan Thomas C 6'9'' 256 23 C+ D+ C- B- B B
Knicks might be looking to win soon so I see them selecting the next best big in this draft in Thomas. He is another player who can contribute right away and can easily crack the Knicks rotation on opening night. Brad Miller has been mid so far but Thomas looks like a player who might be able to replace him going forward.
10. Phoenix Suns - Speedy Claxton PG 5'11'' 166 22 C C B B C- B
The Suns have been lacking a starting PG so they select the best PG prospect here in Speedy. His notes look very good and he might be able to start from day 1. Camp his scoring / outside shot and he will give the Suns a very good floor general to pair with KG.
11. Houston Rockets (via Orlando Magic) - Desmond Mason SF 6'7'' 224 23 B+ C C C C+ B
After selecting K-Mart earlier, Rockets select a nice young wing prospect here in Mason. He looks like a fun prospect to build with and will likely appear in many dunk contests for years to come.
12. Charlotte Hornets (via San Antonio Spurs) - Jamaal Magloire C 6'11'' 259 22 C+ C- C B C+ B
Not knowing whether JO re-signs or not, the Hornets select Magloire who will provide them with insurance in the front court. Size matter in this league so I would imagine the Hornets will go big here after selecting Redd earlier. However, do not be surprised if the Hornets move this pick for win now talent as well.
13. Utah Jazz - Stromile Swift PF 6'9'' 225 21 C+ C- D B- C+ A
Jazz can go many different ways here but I see them selecting a shot blocker in Swift. Jazz are near the bottom in blocks so adding Swift helps them in that category. Barkley is likely up for retirement soon and Swift could be his replacement for now.
