Post by Piraeus on May 23, 2016 0:37:53 GMT
2005 ABCA MOCK DRAFT
***THE LOTTO***
#1. Belgrade KK Partizan - Dirk Nowitzki, Power Forward, Germany
KK is hitting the reset button and chooses to begin his franchise with the big man out of Germany. Dirk has a combination of height and shooting ability that is almost unmatched in the league currently (only Rasheed Lewis, Anatoly Myshkin and Kristaps Porzingis can probably claim the same talent), so it makes sense that he would be highly coveted. With both of the other top prospects also showing questionable defense in addition to Dirk, I can see why he chose the player he did. I am still nervous about taking a big without great strength or jumping, but Dirk has a skillset that will more than make up for it.
#2. Mexico City Titans - Paul Pierce, Small Forward, Kansas
I think that Roark will end up taking Pierce here, although it's very close. Vince has the elite jumping ability, but Pierce is more well rounded now, including as a better rebounder, passer, and shooter. He's not an ideal fit at shooting guard for them, so i think he'll end up at SF, and they'll trade Dischinger, Howard or Tripucka for a more traditional SG, or try to grab one later on.
#3. Barcelona Regal FC - Vince Carter, Shooting Guard, North Carolina
Barcelona gets to begin his rebuild with Vinsanity after trading away franchise cornerstore Kevin McHale. Vince might be the best jumper in the league, but he's just a so-so rebounder for the small forward spot and a mediocre defender. He'll probably enter the league scoring 20-25 ppg and this pick will look great. We'll have to see how he develops down the line, but he definitely has the offensive ability to be a #1 scorer in this league.
#4. Perth Wildcats - George McGinnis, Power Forward, Indiana
Here is where it gets interesting. After considering the talent and fit for this team, I think they should go McGinnis. He has a unique combination of offensive and rebounding ability coupled with the ability to generate steals, and whle he'll never be an elite post defender, he could end up very good. His height will allow him to get some blocks even though he has no natural ability in that regard. I think this is the best fit for the team, but I could also see a few other players chosen here.
#5. Newcastle Eagles - Mitch Richmond, Shooting Guard, Kansas State
Sources tell me that if the board were to fall this way, Newcastle would be a good bet to select Mitch Richmond here. He fits nicely next to Exum with good size and shooting ability. He gives Newcastle for offensive firepower that it lacks beyond McDyess, as well as someone who could develop into a very nice two-way player. I really like this pick for Newcastle, and I don't see Richmond falling past them here.
#6. Seattle Supersonics - Vladimir Pistalek, Point Guard, Czech Republic
Pistalek has been looking better and better in recent scouting reports, and Seattle would be a very interesting spot for him to land. He could start off by backing up Slavnic, and at just 18, he has more than enough time to hold down that spot until the elder Eastern European moves on from the team. Cosic is in play here too, but the team doesn't really need a big man with Sabonis, Saric, and others on the roster.
#7. Barcelona Regal FC - Kresimir Cosic, Center, Croatia
Cosic is older at 24, but he probably has the most talent of anyone left on the board here, so I think Barcelona would be wise to select him despite his age if the draft shakes out like this. He's a very solid all around player, and will deliver both offensively and defensively for the team. If nothing else, he'll be a solid trade chip for the team if they are looking at a longer-term rebuild.
#8. Chicago Bulls - Larry Kenon, Small Forward, Memphis
Kenon is a weird player, and for that reason, he could fall, but I really like the fit with Chicago. He is an excellent rebounder and scorer, with the potential to step in as a good defender at the 3 with a balance of post and perimeter defense. His main weakness there is his inability to shoot the three pointer. However, with Myles Turner manning the 5 for this team, that spacing is not as much of an issue as it would have otherwise been. I think this is a player that Chicago definitely has to consider here.
#9. Mexico City Titans - Anthony Mason, Power Forward, Tennessee State
There are a few shooters that Mexico could look at here, but probably a bit high, so I like Mason whose rebounding ability will definitely translate in the ABCA. He's a beast there and on defense and will be an excellent big to back up Karl Anthony Towns and Jeff Ruland. He also gives them the ability to defend the 3 when Pierce is on the bench with very solid perimeter defense for a guy his size.
#10. Harlem Globetrotters - Rod Strickland, Point Guard, DePaul
Harlem is in a tough spot here. I'm not sure if there is one clear-cut player that I'd take. He could use a point guard, which is why I've mocked Rod Strickland to him here. I am not sure if he is my best player available, but he has a nice combination of size, offense, passing, and defense that you want to see in your point guard. Max Zaslofsky is another possibility here if he prefers shooting. There are no elite athletes available in this range.
#11. Perth Wildcats - Antawn Jamison, Small Forward, North Carolina
Jamison would be a nice compliment next to McGinnis, adding a pair of talented offensive forwards to defensive-minded Johnson and Hinrich. He can stretch the floor, and rebound excellently for a small forward, which is where I would play him. He's quick and strong enough to guard both power forwards and wings, though he won't lock down either of them.
#12. Barcelona Regal FC - Max Zaslofsky, Point Guard, St. Johns
Max is my type of player, and if Barcelona is picking with this board, I would say to scoop him up. He can shoot, pass, and defend, and there aren't that many players that do all three of those things well. Is he a tweener? Yes. Is he athletic? Not particularly. But he is a role player, and plays that role very well.
#13. Mexico City - Rick Smits, Center, Marist
I believe Mexico is high on Smits, even though he's not a great fit for his roster. This pick could lead to a Jeff Ruland trade, or Smits could simply be a placeholder for a future trade. There is a chance he goes Hawkins, Mobley, or Zaslofsky if he wants to take a guard here. I think Smits has more raw talent than most of those players, and I think Roark would choose him with this board.
#14. Vancouver Grizzlies - Hershey Hawkins, Shooting Guard, Bradley
Vancouver gets a nice player in Hawkins. He's similar to Zaslofsky, but he's limited to play the 2 guard because he really doesn't have a very good handle or ability to pass, which will lead to him being a spot shooter in the ABCA. He's also undersized to play 2 guard. That said, his combination of shooting and perimeter defense is attractive at this spot and Vancouver needs guards.
#15. Milan Olympia - Rashard Lewis, Small Forward, Alief Elsik (HS)
Lewis is probably considered by many to be top 10 material, and Milan scoops him up sitting here at 15. He's a bit like Jamison in that he's a long shooter without a position on defense, but he's not as strong of a rebounder, and a bit less athletic. I'd be more comfortable playing Jamison at PF/SF than Lewis. For this reason, he slips to 15, but Milan is happy to add him and have him spot up outside of Shaq for threes.
#16. Buenos Aires Boca Juniors - Cuttino Mobley, Shooting Guard, Rhode Island
The run on potential 2-way guards continues as Mobley comes off the board. He's a weak athlete, but he can shoot and defend, and his handle isn't as much of a liabiliy as Hawkins. With no other major needs besides point guard, and no top point guard available, I like him to potentially replace Afflalo off the bench to give Kevin Durant more spacing
#17. San Francisco Warriors - Caldwell Jones, Center, Albany State
The Warriors are eyeing a center with this pick, and I really like the defensive monstrosity Jones sitting next to Tommy Heinsohn. He'll provide some excellent defense in the paint, grab some boards, and allow Tommy to hang out on the perimeter like he enjoys. Jones appears to project better as a prospect than Olowkandi, who some may have in this spot. One concern is Jones's strength, as he weighs just 217 pounds.
#18. Guangdong Southern Tigers - Danny Manning, Small Forward, Kansas
Manning is a versatile defensive prospect with some post scoring ability that should provide Guangdong with a solid option off the bench to back up Tisdale and Randolph, and allow Stackhouse to play some time at the two spot. This big lineup led by Marc Gasol will be a terror on the boards.
#19. Zagreb KK Cibona - Dave Winfield, Power Forward, Minnesota
Winfield is a nice prospect who seems to have potential all over. An above average athlete, with good scoring, rebounding, and defensive potential, he's nice value here at #19. This is a value pick more than a need one, as I expect Zagreb should be aiming to rebuild soon having been stuck in neutral for the last few seasons.
#20. Portland Trailblazers - Mike Bibby, Point Guard, Arizona
Portland has developed an identity of a team that likes to shoot the ball, so I decided to give them Bibby here as a solid PG that can shoot and pass for them. He should be able to come in and compete with Tinsley right away.
***REST OF FIRST ROUND***
#21. Rio De Janiero Flamengo - Raef LaFrentz, Power Forward, Kansas
Rio takes a big man that should be an excellent complement to Anthony Davis at power forward, providing some nice spacing as Davis attacks inside. Really nice fit and value at the #21 spot.
#22. Los Angeles Lakers - Jean Degros, Point Guard, France
The Lakers get late entry, Jean Degros, a new international prospect that not many are too familiar with at the moment. He looks like he has the capability to be a starting PG in this league, and with many holes on the roster, this is a nice value pick for LA.
#23. Cairo Zamalek - Bo Lamar, Lousiana-Lafayette
Cairo takes an guard who has some work to do to become a true PG, but his raw ability as an athlete makes him one of the more impressive players left in the draft. Lamar definitely strikes me as a nice candidate to be a future 6th man of the year candidate offensive punch off the bench.
#24. Boston Celtics - Dan Majerle, Small Forward, Central Michigan
Majerle is a great fit in Boston, providing some excellent defense to go along with shooting potential that Seer will hope to tap into as well. Majerle is probably higher on peoples boards than #24 so this is a great pick at this point.
#25. Madrid REAL - Grant Long, Power Forward, Eastern Michigan
Long is a very dependable looking power forward who gives the REAL more size in the post, currently with just Luc Lonley bigger than Grant Hill on the roster. He brings rebounding, inside scoring, and strength to this roster.
#26. Harlem Globetrotters - Larry Hughes, Shooting Guards, Saint Louis
Hughes is extremely raw but one of the best pure athletes in the draft. At 26, for a team not likely to make the playoffs in 2006, this is an excellent risk-reward type pick as the raw prospects start to come off the board.
#27. Beijing Aoshen - Jason Williams, Point Guard, Florida
Beijing doesn't need a starting point guard, but White Chocolate would be a solid addition here off of the bench for this team. Their starting lineup is in tack, and I think Williams gives them the best bang for their buck off the bench at the number 27 spot.
#28. Istanbul Anadolu Efes - Michael Olowokandi, Center, Pacific
The Andadolu Efes defnitely need to address their lack of size issues, so taking Olowokandi as a big man who can clog the lane and block a few shots is a nice pick up for this late in the first round. He'll provide some insurance for elder statemen Bob Rule and Hot Rod Williams.
#29. Chicago Bulls - Matt Harpring, Small Forward, Georgia Tech
With a late first rounder, and not projected to do much next year, the Bulls gamble on the project Harpring, who has some nice two-way potential but is currently pretty raw of a prospect.
#30. Toronto Raptors - Vernon Maxwell, Shooting Guard, Florida
With very few players who can give them meaningful minutes next year other than bigs, where they are well off already, the Raptors take who they hope to be their shooting guard of the future in Vernon Maxwell. With a good TC, he could compete for minutes in year 1.
#31. Brazil Franca BC - Jim Chones, Center, Marquette
This team needs all the help it can get at this point, so they go BPA, which happens to be a center who can backup Eddy Curry next year.
#32. Mikawa Aisin Seahorses - Alzhan Zharmukhamedov, Power Forward, Russia
Because this is the type of player that Mikawa seems to draft and then turn into a super stud after a few critical TC Jumps.
#33. Taipei Fubon Braves - Rony Seikaly, Center, Syracuse
Rony provides some good rebounding and size for a team that currently has Jeremy Kersey as its second tallest player.
#34. Moscow CSKA - Doug Collins, Shooting Guard, Illinois State
Moscow takes a chance on a high upside guy in Collins, who could turn into a pretty nice offensive player here.
#35. Tel Aviv Maccabi - Chris Morris, Small Forward, Auburn
Tel Aviv takes one of the better players available at a position where he could use some more depth.
#36. New York Knicks - Charles Smith, Power Forward, Pittsburgh
To cap off the first round, New York selects Charles Smith, who should probably go higher than he does here, given he's one TC jump away from being a starter.
***THE LOTTO***
#1. Belgrade KK Partizan - Dirk Nowitzki, Power Forward, Germany
KK is hitting the reset button and chooses to begin his franchise with the big man out of Germany. Dirk has a combination of height and shooting ability that is almost unmatched in the league currently (only Rasheed Lewis, Anatoly Myshkin and Kristaps Porzingis can probably claim the same talent), so it makes sense that he would be highly coveted. With both of the other top prospects also showing questionable defense in addition to Dirk, I can see why he chose the player he did. I am still nervous about taking a big without great strength or jumping, but Dirk has a skillset that will more than make up for it.
#2. Mexico City Titans - Paul Pierce, Small Forward, Kansas
I think that Roark will end up taking Pierce here, although it's very close. Vince has the elite jumping ability, but Pierce is more well rounded now, including as a better rebounder, passer, and shooter. He's not an ideal fit at shooting guard for them, so i think he'll end up at SF, and they'll trade Dischinger, Howard or Tripucka for a more traditional SG, or try to grab one later on.
#3. Barcelona Regal FC - Vince Carter, Shooting Guard, North Carolina
Barcelona gets to begin his rebuild with Vinsanity after trading away franchise cornerstore Kevin McHale. Vince might be the best jumper in the league, but he's just a so-so rebounder for the small forward spot and a mediocre defender. He'll probably enter the league scoring 20-25 ppg and this pick will look great. We'll have to see how he develops down the line, but he definitely has the offensive ability to be a #1 scorer in this league.
#4. Perth Wildcats - George McGinnis, Power Forward, Indiana
Here is where it gets interesting. After considering the talent and fit for this team, I think they should go McGinnis. He has a unique combination of offensive and rebounding ability coupled with the ability to generate steals, and whle he'll never be an elite post defender, he could end up very good. His height will allow him to get some blocks even though he has no natural ability in that regard. I think this is the best fit for the team, but I could also see a few other players chosen here.
#5. Newcastle Eagles - Mitch Richmond, Shooting Guard, Kansas State
Sources tell me that if the board were to fall this way, Newcastle would be a good bet to select Mitch Richmond here. He fits nicely next to Exum with good size and shooting ability. He gives Newcastle for offensive firepower that it lacks beyond McDyess, as well as someone who could develop into a very nice two-way player. I really like this pick for Newcastle, and I don't see Richmond falling past them here.
#6. Seattle Supersonics - Vladimir Pistalek, Point Guard, Czech Republic
Pistalek has been looking better and better in recent scouting reports, and Seattle would be a very interesting spot for him to land. He could start off by backing up Slavnic, and at just 18, he has more than enough time to hold down that spot until the elder Eastern European moves on from the team. Cosic is in play here too, but the team doesn't really need a big man with Sabonis, Saric, and others on the roster.
#7. Barcelona Regal FC - Kresimir Cosic, Center, Croatia
Cosic is older at 24, but he probably has the most talent of anyone left on the board here, so I think Barcelona would be wise to select him despite his age if the draft shakes out like this. He's a very solid all around player, and will deliver both offensively and defensively for the team. If nothing else, he'll be a solid trade chip for the team if they are looking at a longer-term rebuild.
#8. Chicago Bulls - Larry Kenon, Small Forward, Memphis
Kenon is a weird player, and for that reason, he could fall, but I really like the fit with Chicago. He is an excellent rebounder and scorer, with the potential to step in as a good defender at the 3 with a balance of post and perimeter defense. His main weakness there is his inability to shoot the three pointer. However, with Myles Turner manning the 5 for this team, that spacing is not as much of an issue as it would have otherwise been. I think this is a player that Chicago definitely has to consider here.
#9. Mexico City Titans - Anthony Mason, Power Forward, Tennessee State
There are a few shooters that Mexico could look at here, but probably a bit high, so I like Mason whose rebounding ability will definitely translate in the ABCA. He's a beast there and on defense and will be an excellent big to back up Karl Anthony Towns and Jeff Ruland. He also gives them the ability to defend the 3 when Pierce is on the bench with very solid perimeter defense for a guy his size.
#10. Harlem Globetrotters - Rod Strickland, Point Guard, DePaul
Harlem is in a tough spot here. I'm not sure if there is one clear-cut player that I'd take. He could use a point guard, which is why I've mocked Rod Strickland to him here. I am not sure if he is my best player available, but he has a nice combination of size, offense, passing, and defense that you want to see in your point guard. Max Zaslofsky is another possibility here if he prefers shooting. There are no elite athletes available in this range.
#11. Perth Wildcats - Antawn Jamison, Small Forward, North Carolina
Jamison would be a nice compliment next to McGinnis, adding a pair of talented offensive forwards to defensive-minded Johnson and Hinrich. He can stretch the floor, and rebound excellently for a small forward, which is where I would play him. He's quick and strong enough to guard both power forwards and wings, though he won't lock down either of them.
#12. Barcelona Regal FC - Max Zaslofsky, Point Guard, St. Johns
Max is my type of player, and if Barcelona is picking with this board, I would say to scoop him up. He can shoot, pass, and defend, and there aren't that many players that do all three of those things well. Is he a tweener? Yes. Is he athletic? Not particularly. But he is a role player, and plays that role very well.
#13. Mexico City - Rick Smits, Center, Marist
I believe Mexico is high on Smits, even though he's not a great fit for his roster. This pick could lead to a Jeff Ruland trade, or Smits could simply be a placeholder for a future trade. There is a chance he goes Hawkins, Mobley, or Zaslofsky if he wants to take a guard here. I think Smits has more raw talent than most of those players, and I think Roark would choose him with this board.
#14. Vancouver Grizzlies - Hershey Hawkins, Shooting Guard, Bradley
Vancouver gets a nice player in Hawkins. He's similar to Zaslofsky, but he's limited to play the 2 guard because he really doesn't have a very good handle or ability to pass, which will lead to him being a spot shooter in the ABCA. He's also undersized to play 2 guard. That said, his combination of shooting and perimeter defense is attractive at this spot and Vancouver needs guards.
#15. Milan Olympia - Rashard Lewis, Small Forward, Alief Elsik (HS)
Lewis is probably considered by many to be top 10 material, and Milan scoops him up sitting here at 15. He's a bit like Jamison in that he's a long shooter without a position on defense, but he's not as strong of a rebounder, and a bit less athletic. I'd be more comfortable playing Jamison at PF/SF than Lewis. For this reason, he slips to 15, but Milan is happy to add him and have him spot up outside of Shaq for threes.
#16. Buenos Aires Boca Juniors - Cuttino Mobley, Shooting Guard, Rhode Island
The run on potential 2-way guards continues as Mobley comes off the board. He's a weak athlete, but he can shoot and defend, and his handle isn't as much of a liabiliy as Hawkins. With no other major needs besides point guard, and no top point guard available, I like him to potentially replace Afflalo off the bench to give Kevin Durant more spacing
#17. San Francisco Warriors - Caldwell Jones, Center, Albany State
The Warriors are eyeing a center with this pick, and I really like the defensive monstrosity Jones sitting next to Tommy Heinsohn. He'll provide some excellent defense in the paint, grab some boards, and allow Tommy to hang out on the perimeter like he enjoys. Jones appears to project better as a prospect than Olowkandi, who some may have in this spot. One concern is Jones's strength, as he weighs just 217 pounds.
#18. Guangdong Southern Tigers - Danny Manning, Small Forward, Kansas
Manning is a versatile defensive prospect with some post scoring ability that should provide Guangdong with a solid option off the bench to back up Tisdale and Randolph, and allow Stackhouse to play some time at the two spot. This big lineup led by Marc Gasol will be a terror on the boards.
#19. Zagreb KK Cibona - Dave Winfield, Power Forward, Minnesota
Winfield is a nice prospect who seems to have potential all over. An above average athlete, with good scoring, rebounding, and defensive potential, he's nice value here at #19. This is a value pick more than a need one, as I expect Zagreb should be aiming to rebuild soon having been stuck in neutral for the last few seasons.
#20. Portland Trailblazers - Mike Bibby, Point Guard, Arizona
Portland has developed an identity of a team that likes to shoot the ball, so I decided to give them Bibby here as a solid PG that can shoot and pass for them. He should be able to come in and compete with Tinsley right away.
***REST OF FIRST ROUND***
#21. Rio De Janiero Flamengo - Raef LaFrentz, Power Forward, Kansas
Rio takes a big man that should be an excellent complement to Anthony Davis at power forward, providing some nice spacing as Davis attacks inside. Really nice fit and value at the #21 spot.
#22. Los Angeles Lakers - Jean Degros, Point Guard, France
The Lakers get late entry, Jean Degros, a new international prospect that not many are too familiar with at the moment. He looks like he has the capability to be a starting PG in this league, and with many holes on the roster, this is a nice value pick for LA.
#23. Cairo Zamalek - Bo Lamar, Lousiana-Lafayette
Cairo takes an guard who has some work to do to become a true PG, but his raw ability as an athlete makes him one of the more impressive players left in the draft. Lamar definitely strikes me as a nice candidate to be a future 6th man of the year candidate offensive punch off the bench.
#24. Boston Celtics - Dan Majerle, Small Forward, Central Michigan
Majerle is a great fit in Boston, providing some excellent defense to go along with shooting potential that Seer will hope to tap into as well. Majerle is probably higher on peoples boards than #24 so this is a great pick at this point.
#25. Madrid REAL - Grant Long, Power Forward, Eastern Michigan
Long is a very dependable looking power forward who gives the REAL more size in the post, currently with just Luc Lonley bigger than Grant Hill on the roster. He brings rebounding, inside scoring, and strength to this roster.
#26. Harlem Globetrotters - Larry Hughes, Shooting Guards, Saint Louis
Hughes is extremely raw but one of the best pure athletes in the draft. At 26, for a team not likely to make the playoffs in 2006, this is an excellent risk-reward type pick as the raw prospects start to come off the board.
#27. Beijing Aoshen - Jason Williams, Point Guard, Florida
Beijing doesn't need a starting point guard, but White Chocolate would be a solid addition here off of the bench for this team. Their starting lineup is in tack, and I think Williams gives them the best bang for their buck off the bench at the number 27 spot.
#28. Istanbul Anadolu Efes - Michael Olowokandi, Center, Pacific
The Andadolu Efes defnitely need to address their lack of size issues, so taking Olowokandi as a big man who can clog the lane and block a few shots is a nice pick up for this late in the first round. He'll provide some insurance for elder statemen Bob Rule and Hot Rod Williams.
#29. Chicago Bulls - Matt Harpring, Small Forward, Georgia Tech
With a late first rounder, and not projected to do much next year, the Bulls gamble on the project Harpring, who has some nice two-way potential but is currently pretty raw of a prospect.
#30. Toronto Raptors - Vernon Maxwell, Shooting Guard, Florida
With very few players who can give them meaningful minutes next year other than bigs, where they are well off already, the Raptors take who they hope to be their shooting guard of the future in Vernon Maxwell. With a good TC, he could compete for minutes in year 1.
#31. Brazil Franca BC - Jim Chones, Center, Marquette
This team needs all the help it can get at this point, so they go BPA, which happens to be a center who can backup Eddy Curry next year.
#32. Mikawa Aisin Seahorses - Alzhan Zharmukhamedov, Power Forward, Russia
Because this is the type of player that Mikawa seems to draft and then turn into a super stud after a few critical TC Jumps.
#33. Taipei Fubon Braves - Rony Seikaly, Center, Syracuse
Rony provides some good rebounding and size for a team that currently has Jeremy Kersey as its second tallest player.
#34. Moscow CSKA - Doug Collins, Shooting Guard, Illinois State
Moscow takes a chance on a high upside guy in Collins, who could turn into a pretty nice offensive player here.
#35. Tel Aviv Maccabi - Chris Morris, Small Forward, Auburn
Tel Aviv takes one of the better players available at a position where he could use some more depth.
#36. New York Knicks - Charles Smith, Power Forward, Pittsburgh
To cap off the first round, New York selects Charles Smith, who should probably go higher than he does here, given he's one TC jump away from being a starter.
