GSRelyea
06-14-2005, 06:28 AM
Now that the Chicago predraft camp is over, it's time for our second mock draft of 2005.
The camp and team workouts have begun to weed out many of the young American and international underclassmen, and more space has been opened in the first round.
Based on what we're hearing from agents and team officials, we expect several first-round prospects, including Martynas Andriuskevicius, Nemanja Aleksandrov, Tiago Splitter, Marko Tomas and Rudy Fernandez will withdraw from the draft.
Therefore, we've taken them out of this mock draft, opening up five extra spots. If they get a promise between now and the June 21 deadline for underclassmen to withdraw, we'll add them back in when we run our next mock draft on June 22.
1. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Marvin Williams
NORTH CAROLINA | FRESHMAN | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 18
The Bucks appear to be leaning toward taking Andrew Bogut in the draft, but we're sticking firm to the belief that Williams is the best prospect on the board. Bucks general manager Larry Harris has said he will draft on talent, not position, and we think once Williams rolls into town for a workout on June 19, he'll change his mind.
Scouting report on Marvin Williams
2. ATLANTA HAWKS
Andrew Bogut
UTAH | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
Bogut told Insider Friday the Hawks told him they'd take him with the No. 2 pick if he was still on the board. The team is desperate for a center, so it makes sense. If Bogut ends up going No. 1, they've told Williams they'll take him No. 2.
Scouting report on Andrew Bogut
3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Gerald Green
GULF SHORES ACADEMY (TX) | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 19
This is a tough pick to project because the Blazers are shopping it hard. Most of the teams trying to get up to this spot are after Chris Paul. The Blazers are looking at Paul, too, but given their commitment to Sebastian Telfair in the lottery last year, look for them to fill another need and grab Green, a player many feel has the upside of Tracy McGrady.
Scouting report on Gerald Green
4. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Chris Paul
WAKE FOREST | SOPHOMORE | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 178 | AGE: 20
The Hornets' biggest need isn't at the point, but Paul is a big upgrade over Speedy Claxton and Dan Dickau. Suddenly the loss of Baron Davis doesn't sting as much. In fact, Paul's a better prospect than Baron was.
Scouting report on Chris Paul
5. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Deron Williams
ILLINOIS | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
The Bobcats are still trying to figure out a way to grab Paul or Marvin Williams. They'd trade No. 5 and No. 13 to get up to the second spot, but aren't willing to do it just to get to No. 3. If it doesn't work, they'll decide between Deron Williams, Raymond Felton and Danny Granger at this position.
Scouting report on Deron Williams
6. UTAH JAZZ
Fran Vazquez
SPAIN | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Jazz desperately need a point guard. But they also need more size and athleticism up front. The Jazz could move up a spot or two in the draft to grab Paul or Deron Williams, but they aren't high enough on Felton to pick him here. Vazquez is a safe pick who can step in and give them more depth in the paint.
Scouting report on Fran Vazquez
7. TORONTO RAPTORS
Danny Granger
NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 225 | AGE: 22
Granger's stock just keeps climbing. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and should have the Shawn Marion-type ability to play like a four while playing the three. He has a good handle and a dramatically improved 3-point shot, and he's unselfish. He also has a great body and big-time athleticism. He's already an upgrade from Jalen Rose at small forward. While the Raptors have greater needs at center and point guard, they'll settle this year for the best prospect on the board.
Scouting report on Danny Granger
8. NEW YORK KNICKS
Channing Frye
ARIZONA | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 22
The Knicks secretly worked out Frye on the West Coast about a week ago and walked away pretty convinced he was their guy at No. 8. Frye is a skilled, athletic big man who has improved his body and his athleticism the last few months. Odds are, he'd be the tallest decent player on the Knicks' roster next season. (Bruno Sundov, 7-2, averaged 1.2 points per game in his 21 games in 2004-05.)
Scouting report on Channing Frye
9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Ike Diogu
ARIZONA STATE | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 21
The Warriors wanted Frye or Granger, but if those two are off the board, they'll look for the next-best power forward. Sean May, Hakim Warrick and Chris Taft will all get looks here, as well. Diogu gets the nod because of his length (he has the reach of a 7-footer, a la Elton Brand) and shot-blocking ability.
Scouting report on Ike Diogu
10. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Raymond Felton
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
This is a real steal for the Lakers if they can land Felton here. He has the potential to go as high as No. 5, and the Raptors will give him a strong look at No. 7. He's the fastest point guard in the draft baseline to baseline, has improved his outside shooting and is an excellent floor leader. A major upgrade over Chucky Atkins.
Scouting report on Raymond Felton
11. ORLANDO MAGIC
Martell Webster
SEATTLE PREP | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Magic could go several ways here, but after shipping their best shooter off to Sacramento for Doug Christie, they would find Webster has a skill they really could use. He's the best pure shooter in high school and one of the four or five best in the draft. He has great size for his position, is mature beyond his years and already has an NBA body. As far as high school guys go, he's the most ready to contribute right now.
Scouting report on Martell Webster
12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Antoine Wright
TEXAS A&M | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 21
There's talk that the Clippers are the team that promised Russian forward Yaroslav Korolev they'd pick him. However, it will be tough for the Clips to pass on Wright's versatility, perimeter shooting and athleticism. The Clippers have depth just about everywhere, but Wright will provide insurance should Donald Sterling decide not to pony up for free agents Bobby Simmons and Marko Jaric.
Scouting report on Antoine Wright
13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Joey Graham
OKLAHOMA STATE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 216 | AGE: 22
The Bobcats could go in a lot of different directions here. They would like to get tougher and more athletic, and Graham would be a great choice. He's a hard worker who can play both the three and the four. Reminds some of a bigger Corey Maggette.
Scouting report on Joey Graham
14. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Charlie Villanueva
CONNECTICUT | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Villanueva has the skills of a lottery pick but proved to be a bit lazy and unreliable at UConn. Still, after so many years without a lottery pick, the Wolves have to swing for the seats. If Villanueva will work hard and focus (Kevin Garnett will demand it), he'll be a nice addition to the Wolves' front line. Korolev is also rumored to be a real possibility here.
Scouting report on Charlie Villanueva
15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Hakim Warrick
SYRACUSE | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 22
He's not Kenyon Martin, but he's long, athletic and runs the floor, and he has the experience to contribute immediately. With Jason Kidd running the show, Warrick should get a lot of dunks.
Scouting report on Hakim Warrick
16. TORONTO RAPTORS
Sean May
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a tough scorer and rebounder in the paint, and May should be a perfect fit. Though he's a little undersized to play his natural position (center) in the pros, he should be fine paired next to Chris Bosh. Bosh's ability to dominate in the high post along with May's ability to finish around the rim should give Toronto an effective high-low punch in the paint. Jarrett Jack will also get a long look here by the Raptors.
Scouting report on Sean May
17. INDIANA PACERS
Rashad McCants
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
McCants might be the toughest guy in the draft to project. On talent, he's easily a top-10 pick, maybe top-five. But just about every team in the league has uncovered a number of red flags on the background check. He's going to have to prove to teams that whatever problems he had at North Carolina are behind him. If he does, he'll go higher. If he doesn't, he'll slip down to a team like Indiana, which is willing to take the risk on such a talent.
Scouting report on Rashad McCants
18. BOSTON CELTICS
Yaroslav Korolev
RUSSIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 17
Danny Ainge swears the Celtics aren't the ones who promised Korolev they'd draft him, and I believe him. However, I think Boston would seriously consider him if he were on the board. Korolev dramatically raised his stock in the junior tournament at the Final Four in Europe. He reminds me a little of a young Toni Kukoc. Turkish forward Ersan Ilyasova is another possibility here. The Celtics could use a long, lanky, skilled small forward, and both players fit the bill.
Scouting report on Yaroslav Korolev
19. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Julius Hodge
NORTH CAROLINA STATE | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 21
Hodge might not be the greatest shooter in the draft, but he has all the intangibles Jerry West loves in his players. He's tough and versatile, and he seems to want it more than most guys on the floor. The Grizzlies believe he'll be a point guard, at least part-time, in the pros. It looks as though they'll lose Earl Watson to free agency and wouldn't mind losing Jason Williams in a trade, so the position is a need. Hodge has earned good reviews in every workout and seems to have moved himself up with every one. West has a history of ignoring convention, which explains why a player like Hodge would go this high.
Scouting report on Julius Hodge
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Ersan Ilyasova
TURKEY | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
With multiple picks, the Nuggets plan to leave at least one guy in Europe for a few years. Many believe Ilyasova was the best young prospect in Europe before a severe ankle injury kept him out most of the year. His workouts went well enough in Chicago to secure his place in the mid-first round.
Scouting report on Ersan Ilyasova
21. PHOENIX SUNS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
Petro has the size and talent of a lottery pick, but he has been very slow to develop it, which has caused some NBA teams to worry. Petro is probably another year or two away from helping a team even if he does develop. However, if he ever gets it, he could be the perfect center in the Suns' system down the road.
Scouting report on Johan Petro
22. DENVER NUGGETS
Francisco Garcia
LOUISVILLE | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 190 | AGE: 23
The Nuggets opt for upside with their first pick and go with need for their second. The team needs perimeter shooting badly, and Garcia can deliver. He's not the greatest athlete in the world, but he can stroke it and plays with the passion George Karl likes in his players. High school guard Monta Ellis is also a possibility here. The Nuggets love him, but would Karl ever play him?
Scouting report on Francisco Garcia
23. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Chris Taft
PITTSBURGH | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
Taft has the size and strength of a lottery pick and the heart of an NBDL player. He has the physical tools to replace Chris Webber on the Kings' front line. But will Rick Adelman, or whoever is coaching the Kings, ever be able to motivate him?
Scouting report on Chris Taft
24. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Wayne Simien
KANSAS | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 22
The Rockets could use a tough rebounder with experience, and Simien fits the bill. Concerns about injuries and size are the only things keeping him out of the lottery. He's one of the few guys who isn't afraid to go inside and bang but also has a nice perimeter game. He has worked out really well just about everywhere.
Scouting report on Wayne Simien
25. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Jarrett Jack
GEORGIA TECH | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
Jack could be off the board in the mid-first round, but it's conceivable he could slip all the way to here. He's a very good point guard prospect who just needs to cut down on his turnovers. With Antonio Daniels set to bolt in free agency, the Sonics will have a strong need for a backup point guard with size and toughness.
Scouting report on Jarrett Jack
26. DETROIT PISTONS
Ryan Gomes
PROVIDENCE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22
Gomes is a skilled forward, an inside-outside scoring threat who reminds some scouts of Corliss Williamson. He started his career at the four, but played really well at the three this year. He's a good offensive rebounder, has extended his range to the NBA 3-point line and is a good passer. He also has a 7-foot-2 wingspan.
Scouting report on Ryan Gomes
27. UTAH JAZZ
Roko Ukic
CROATIA | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 21
He has had a great year in Croatia. A little wild for Jerry Sloan's taste, but he's long, plays defense, and is very tough and experienced. If he could shoot, he'd be a much higher pick. Look for the Jazz to leave him overseas for another season or two.
Scouting report on Roko Ukic
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
David Lee
FLORIDA | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Spurs have a history of going international and will also look at France's Mickael Gelabale here, but Lee fits the profile. He's tough, plays defense, runs the floor well and does all the little things Gregg Popovich appreciates.
Scouting report on David Lee
29. MIAMI HEAT
Randolph Morris
KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The big kid from Kentucky should probably head back to school. One good year at Kentucky and he's in the lottery. However, he's too big to slip all the way out of the first round if he decides to stay.
Scouting report on Randolph Morris
30. NEW YORK KNICKS
Andrew Bynum
ST. JOSEPH (METUCHEN, N.J.) | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 17
Bynum has the size to rise much higher in the draft if he works out well. Right now, the general consensus is that he's too big a project to take much higher than this. Still, the Knicks aren't likely to pass. They need size and upside, and Bynum has both. If he played two years at UConn, he'd likely be a lottery pick.
Scouting report on Andrew Bynum
Other first-round possibilities: Andray Blatche, PF, HS Senior; Monta Ellis, G, HS senior; Luther Head, G, Illinois; Kennedy Winston, G/F, Alabama; Nate Robinson, G, Washington; Ronny Turiaf, PF, Gonzaga; Matt Walsh, G/F, Florida; Linas Kleiza, F, Missouri; Mickael Gelabale, F, France; Jason Maxiell, PF, Cincinnati; Mile Ilic, C, Serbia; Peja Samardziski, C, Serbia
Chad Ford is a senior writer for ESPN Insider.
The camp and team workouts have begun to weed out many of the young American and international underclassmen, and more space has been opened in the first round.
Based on what we're hearing from agents and team officials, we expect several first-round prospects, including Martynas Andriuskevicius, Nemanja Aleksandrov, Tiago Splitter, Marko Tomas and Rudy Fernandez will withdraw from the draft.
Therefore, we've taken them out of this mock draft, opening up five extra spots. If they get a promise between now and the June 21 deadline for underclassmen to withdraw, we'll add them back in when we run our next mock draft on June 22.
1. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Marvin Williams
NORTH CAROLINA | FRESHMAN | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 18
The Bucks appear to be leaning toward taking Andrew Bogut in the draft, but we're sticking firm to the belief that Williams is the best prospect on the board. Bucks general manager Larry Harris has said he will draft on talent, not position, and we think once Williams rolls into town for a workout on June 19, he'll change his mind.
Scouting report on Marvin Williams
2. ATLANTA HAWKS
Andrew Bogut
UTAH | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
Bogut told Insider Friday the Hawks told him they'd take him with the No. 2 pick if he was still on the board. The team is desperate for a center, so it makes sense. If Bogut ends up going No. 1, they've told Williams they'll take him No. 2.
Scouting report on Andrew Bogut
3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Gerald Green
GULF SHORES ACADEMY (TX) | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 19
This is a tough pick to project because the Blazers are shopping it hard. Most of the teams trying to get up to this spot are after Chris Paul. The Blazers are looking at Paul, too, but given their commitment to Sebastian Telfair in the lottery last year, look for them to fill another need and grab Green, a player many feel has the upside of Tracy McGrady.
Scouting report on Gerald Green
4. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Chris Paul
WAKE FOREST | SOPHOMORE | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 178 | AGE: 20
The Hornets' biggest need isn't at the point, but Paul is a big upgrade over Speedy Claxton and Dan Dickau. Suddenly the loss of Baron Davis doesn't sting as much. In fact, Paul's a better prospect than Baron was.
Scouting report on Chris Paul
5. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Deron Williams
ILLINOIS | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
The Bobcats are still trying to figure out a way to grab Paul or Marvin Williams. They'd trade No. 5 and No. 13 to get up to the second spot, but aren't willing to do it just to get to No. 3. If it doesn't work, they'll decide between Deron Williams, Raymond Felton and Danny Granger at this position.
Scouting report on Deron Williams
6. UTAH JAZZ
Fran Vazquez
SPAIN | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Jazz desperately need a point guard. But they also need more size and athleticism up front. The Jazz could move up a spot or two in the draft to grab Paul or Deron Williams, but they aren't high enough on Felton to pick him here. Vazquez is a safe pick who can step in and give them more depth in the paint.
Scouting report on Fran Vazquez
7. TORONTO RAPTORS
Danny Granger
NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 225 | AGE: 22
Granger's stock just keeps climbing. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and should have the Shawn Marion-type ability to play like a four while playing the three. He has a good handle and a dramatically improved 3-point shot, and he's unselfish. He also has a great body and big-time athleticism. He's already an upgrade from Jalen Rose at small forward. While the Raptors have greater needs at center and point guard, they'll settle this year for the best prospect on the board.
Scouting report on Danny Granger
8. NEW YORK KNICKS
Channing Frye
ARIZONA | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 22
The Knicks secretly worked out Frye on the West Coast about a week ago and walked away pretty convinced he was their guy at No. 8. Frye is a skilled, athletic big man who has improved his body and his athleticism the last few months. Odds are, he'd be the tallest decent player on the Knicks' roster next season. (Bruno Sundov, 7-2, averaged 1.2 points per game in his 21 games in 2004-05.)
Scouting report on Channing Frye
9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Ike Diogu
ARIZONA STATE | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 21
The Warriors wanted Frye or Granger, but if those two are off the board, they'll look for the next-best power forward. Sean May, Hakim Warrick and Chris Taft will all get looks here, as well. Diogu gets the nod because of his length (he has the reach of a 7-footer, a la Elton Brand) and shot-blocking ability.
Scouting report on Ike Diogu
10. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Raymond Felton
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
This is a real steal for the Lakers if they can land Felton here. He has the potential to go as high as No. 5, and the Raptors will give him a strong look at No. 7. He's the fastest point guard in the draft baseline to baseline, has improved his outside shooting and is an excellent floor leader. A major upgrade over Chucky Atkins.
Scouting report on Raymond Felton
11. ORLANDO MAGIC
Martell Webster
SEATTLE PREP | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Magic could go several ways here, but after shipping their best shooter off to Sacramento for Doug Christie, they would find Webster has a skill they really could use. He's the best pure shooter in high school and one of the four or five best in the draft. He has great size for his position, is mature beyond his years and already has an NBA body. As far as high school guys go, he's the most ready to contribute right now.
Scouting report on Martell Webster
12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Antoine Wright
TEXAS A&M | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 21
There's talk that the Clippers are the team that promised Russian forward Yaroslav Korolev they'd pick him. However, it will be tough for the Clips to pass on Wright's versatility, perimeter shooting and athleticism. The Clippers have depth just about everywhere, but Wright will provide insurance should Donald Sterling decide not to pony up for free agents Bobby Simmons and Marko Jaric.
Scouting report on Antoine Wright
13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Joey Graham
OKLAHOMA STATE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 216 | AGE: 22
The Bobcats could go in a lot of different directions here. They would like to get tougher and more athletic, and Graham would be a great choice. He's a hard worker who can play both the three and the four. Reminds some of a bigger Corey Maggette.
Scouting report on Joey Graham
14. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Charlie Villanueva
CONNECTICUT | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Villanueva has the skills of a lottery pick but proved to be a bit lazy and unreliable at UConn. Still, after so many years without a lottery pick, the Wolves have to swing for the seats. If Villanueva will work hard and focus (Kevin Garnett will demand it), he'll be a nice addition to the Wolves' front line. Korolev is also rumored to be a real possibility here.
Scouting report on Charlie Villanueva
15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Hakim Warrick
SYRACUSE | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 22
He's not Kenyon Martin, but he's long, athletic and runs the floor, and he has the experience to contribute immediately. With Jason Kidd running the show, Warrick should get a lot of dunks.
Scouting report on Hakim Warrick
16. TORONTO RAPTORS
Sean May
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a tough scorer and rebounder in the paint, and May should be a perfect fit. Though he's a little undersized to play his natural position (center) in the pros, he should be fine paired next to Chris Bosh. Bosh's ability to dominate in the high post along with May's ability to finish around the rim should give Toronto an effective high-low punch in the paint. Jarrett Jack will also get a long look here by the Raptors.
Scouting report on Sean May
17. INDIANA PACERS
Rashad McCants
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
McCants might be the toughest guy in the draft to project. On talent, he's easily a top-10 pick, maybe top-five. But just about every team in the league has uncovered a number of red flags on the background check. He's going to have to prove to teams that whatever problems he had at North Carolina are behind him. If he does, he'll go higher. If he doesn't, he'll slip down to a team like Indiana, which is willing to take the risk on such a talent.
Scouting report on Rashad McCants
18. BOSTON CELTICS
Yaroslav Korolev
RUSSIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 17
Danny Ainge swears the Celtics aren't the ones who promised Korolev they'd draft him, and I believe him. However, I think Boston would seriously consider him if he were on the board. Korolev dramatically raised his stock in the junior tournament at the Final Four in Europe. He reminds me a little of a young Toni Kukoc. Turkish forward Ersan Ilyasova is another possibility here. The Celtics could use a long, lanky, skilled small forward, and both players fit the bill.
Scouting report on Yaroslav Korolev
19. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Julius Hodge
NORTH CAROLINA STATE | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 21
Hodge might not be the greatest shooter in the draft, but he has all the intangibles Jerry West loves in his players. He's tough and versatile, and he seems to want it more than most guys on the floor. The Grizzlies believe he'll be a point guard, at least part-time, in the pros. It looks as though they'll lose Earl Watson to free agency and wouldn't mind losing Jason Williams in a trade, so the position is a need. Hodge has earned good reviews in every workout and seems to have moved himself up with every one. West has a history of ignoring convention, which explains why a player like Hodge would go this high.
Scouting report on Julius Hodge
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Ersan Ilyasova
TURKEY | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
With multiple picks, the Nuggets plan to leave at least one guy in Europe for a few years. Many believe Ilyasova was the best young prospect in Europe before a severe ankle injury kept him out most of the year. His workouts went well enough in Chicago to secure his place in the mid-first round.
Scouting report on Ersan Ilyasova
21. PHOENIX SUNS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
Petro has the size and talent of a lottery pick, but he has been very slow to develop it, which has caused some NBA teams to worry. Petro is probably another year or two away from helping a team even if he does develop. However, if he ever gets it, he could be the perfect center in the Suns' system down the road.
Scouting report on Johan Petro
22. DENVER NUGGETS
Francisco Garcia
LOUISVILLE | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 190 | AGE: 23
The Nuggets opt for upside with their first pick and go with need for their second. The team needs perimeter shooting badly, and Garcia can deliver. He's not the greatest athlete in the world, but he can stroke it and plays with the passion George Karl likes in his players. High school guard Monta Ellis is also a possibility here. The Nuggets love him, but would Karl ever play him?
Scouting report on Francisco Garcia
23. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Chris Taft
PITTSBURGH | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
Taft has the size and strength of a lottery pick and the heart of an NBDL player. He has the physical tools to replace Chris Webber on the Kings' front line. But will Rick Adelman, or whoever is coaching the Kings, ever be able to motivate him?
Scouting report on Chris Taft
24. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Wayne Simien
KANSAS | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 22
The Rockets could use a tough rebounder with experience, and Simien fits the bill. Concerns about injuries and size are the only things keeping him out of the lottery. He's one of the few guys who isn't afraid to go inside and bang but also has a nice perimeter game. He has worked out really well just about everywhere.
Scouting report on Wayne Simien
25. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
Jarrett Jack
GEORGIA TECH | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
Jack could be off the board in the mid-first round, but it's conceivable he could slip all the way to here. He's a very good point guard prospect who just needs to cut down on his turnovers. With Antonio Daniels set to bolt in free agency, the Sonics will have a strong need for a backup point guard with size and toughness.
Scouting report on Jarrett Jack
26. DETROIT PISTONS
Ryan Gomes
PROVIDENCE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22
Gomes is a skilled forward, an inside-outside scoring threat who reminds some scouts of Corliss Williamson. He started his career at the four, but played really well at the three this year. He's a good offensive rebounder, has extended his range to the NBA 3-point line and is a good passer. He also has a 7-foot-2 wingspan.
Scouting report on Ryan Gomes
27. UTAH JAZZ
Roko Ukic
CROATIA | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 21
He has had a great year in Croatia. A little wild for Jerry Sloan's taste, but he's long, plays defense, and is very tough and experienced. If he could shoot, he'd be a much higher pick. Look for the Jazz to leave him overseas for another season or two.
Scouting report on Roko Ukic
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
David Lee
FLORIDA | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Spurs have a history of going international and will also look at France's Mickael Gelabale here, but Lee fits the profile. He's tough, plays defense, runs the floor well and does all the little things Gregg Popovich appreciates.
Scouting report on David Lee
29. MIAMI HEAT
Randolph Morris
KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The big kid from Kentucky should probably head back to school. One good year at Kentucky and he's in the lottery. However, he's too big to slip all the way out of the first round if he decides to stay.
Scouting report on Randolph Morris
30. NEW YORK KNICKS
Andrew Bynum
ST. JOSEPH (METUCHEN, N.J.) | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 17
Bynum has the size to rise much higher in the draft if he works out well. Right now, the general consensus is that he's too big a project to take much higher than this. Still, the Knicks aren't likely to pass. They need size and upside, and Bynum has both. If he played two years at UConn, he'd likely be a lottery pick.
Scouting report on Andrew Bynum
Other first-round possibilities: Andray Blatche, PF, HS Senior; Monta Ellis, G, HS senior; Luther Head, G, Illinois; Kennedy Winston, G/F, Alabama; Nate Robinson, G, Washington; Ronny Turiaf, PF, Gonzaga; Matt Walsh, G/F, Florida; Linas Kleiza, F, Missouri; Mickael Gelabale, F, France; Jason Maxiell, PF, Cincinnati; Mile Ilic, C, Serbia; Peja Samardziski, C, Serbia
Chad Ford is a senior writer for ESPN Insider.