Mock Draft Monday: Are the Minnesota Timberwolves one good draft pick away from being good?

The most notable trade the Minnesota Timberwolves made at the trade deadline was the trade they made to land D'Angelo Russell from the Golden State Warriors. By getting a ball dominant All-Star level guard to play with their franchise center Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves feel they are back in business. Or at least close to being back in business.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski, the #Warriors are trading D'Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, and Omari Spellman to the #Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 protected first-round pick and a 2021 second-round pick. Wolves’ 2021 pick is protected to No. 3 & becomes unprotected in 2022. #NBA

— NBA Lord (@nba_lord) February 7, 2020

One other piece of the puzzle for the Timberwolves is whoever they draft in the 2020 NBA draft. At the moment, they are projected to get the #5 pick, which means there is the real possibility that they could land the #1 pick in the lottery. Even if they don't get the #1 pick, they're still positioned well to add a really talented player to their team next year. I like Georgia freshman guard Anthony Edwards a lot and think he would be a great addition to this young Wolves team. You give them a talented shooting guard alongside Russell and they really could be cooking with gas.

Of course, Edwards isn't the only rookie that could fill that need for them. Washington freshman small forward Jaden McDaniels is another great option for the Wolves that should be available if they are picking 5th. He would bring athleticism out on the wing and also play well alongside Russell in the backcourt.

                                          (Credit: Frank Gunn. Canadian Press) 

The Timberwolves injected some new life into their team by getting Russell and can now look ahead to the 2020 NBA draft with some additional excitement. Over these next few months, their front office needs to do their due diligence to make sure they find the right fit for their team and prepare for the likelihood that they don't get a top three pick. Provided they do that, their future looks to be very bright.

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Saturday Slam: Will Andrew Wiggins thrive in Golden State?

                                          (Credit: John Hefti-Associated Press) 


The biggest trade made at the deadline was the Minnesota Timberwolves trading Andrew Wiggins to the Golden State Warriors, getting D'Angelo Russell back in return.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski, the #Warriors are trading D'Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, and Omari Spellman to the #Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 protected first-round pick and a 2021 second-round pick. Wolves’ 2021 pick is protected to No. 3 & becomes unprotected in 2022. #NBA

— NBA Lord (@nba_lord) February 7, 2020

When the Warriors got Russell, many assumed he was going to be used as a trade chip due to the fact that they already had two other ball dominant guards in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Those assumptions turned out to be correct as the Warriors did in fact move him to get a better fit in Wiggins: Another wing that can play alongside Curry and Thompson.

In his 6th year in the NBA, Wiggins is averaging 22.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He's putting up solid numbers, but the Timberwolves felt a more ball dominant guard like Russell would be a better fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, who has emerged as their franchise player. The Warriors conversely felt Wiggins would be a better complimentary piece around the players that they already have.

Considering their recent championship success, Golden State is a perfect fit for Wiggins, who had been stuck in a losing environment in Minnesota. He gets to be around a winning culture and be more of a complimentary piece as opposed to dealing with the pressures of being the go-to player. Once Curry and Thompson come back, he'll give the Warriors a solid third/fourth option alongside Draymond Green, bring athleticism out on the wing, and solid defense. It'll be interesting to see how this goes once the Warriors are back to full strength.

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Wednesday Windmill: Which Eastern Conference teams should make a move before the NBA trade deadline?

The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. Yesterday I did a breakdown of which Western Conference teams should consider a move before the trade deadline (click here to check it out) and today I'll address the Eastern Conference. Same drill as yesterday, I'll address the teams in order of where they sit in the standings. Also, on the NBA Lord Twitter and Facebook pages, I will be providing updates on trades and all that jazz.

#1. Milwaukee Bucks (43-7): The Bucks have the best record in the NBA, led by the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo. Considering how well they're playing, I don't think they have much of a need to make a move. They do have a few guys on expiring contracts in Kyle Korver, Sterling Brown, and Pat Connaughton, so those are chips they could use in a trade if they so like. But, I would expect the Bucks to more or less stay the way they are. When you're the best in the league, why mess with what you have?

#2. Toronto Raptors (36-14): Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry, and Serge Ibaka are all on expiring contracts so in theory, the Raptors could go wild and unload their stars for future assets and all. But that would be a strange thing to do when they are once again a legit contender in the Eastern Conference. I would be very surprised if the Raptors made any major move before the trade deadline.

#3. Boston Celtics (34-15): The Celtics have Brad Wanamaker on an expiring contract. Aside from the players they have on two-way contracts (which I don't really count as expiring contracts), that's all they have in terms of players on expiring deals. That means the Celtics don't really have anyone to unload. Given that they are third in the East and that everyone seems to be gelling well, I expect the Celtics to stay as is come the trade deadline. If the Celtics were to make a move, it would be to shore up their front court. So perhaps, they do move Gordon Hayward or something along those lines, but I highly doubt it.

#4. Miami Heat (34-15): The Heat have Goran Dragic, Meyers Leonard, Derrick Jones, Jr., and Udonis Haslem on expiring contracts. Haslem is a Heat for life, so he isn't going anywhere. Dragic is one of their top players, averaging 16.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, so I don't see him getting moved. As for Leonard and Jones, maybe the Heat will move both of them in order to get a better player or land some draft picks for next year. But, I would expect those guys to stay put as well.

As for the rest of their roster, I'm sure the Heat would love to unload Dion Waiters, but I don't see them finding a home for him. He's pretty toxic. One name to keep an eye on KZ Okpala. The Heat are trying to develop him, but perhaps they can sell some other team on his upside and get some assets back for him. The bottom line is I'm not feeling a trade coming from the Heat, but there are enough possible routes for them that one may emerge.

#5. Indiana Pacers (31-19): The Pacers have a few minor players on expiring contracts in JaKarr Sampson, Alize Johnson, and Justin Holiday. Their big addition around this time of year is getting Victor Oladipo healthy. I don't see the Pacers making a move at the deadline, but given that they have some players on expiring contracts, maybe they move one of them.

#6. Philadelphia 76ers (31-20): The players who the 76ers have on expiring contracts are Kyle O'Quinn, Trey Burke, and Raul Neto. Similar to the Pacers, pretty minor players. Also like the Pacers, I don't find a trade likely for the 76ers. Maybe they move one of their more minor players on an expiring contract to get some assets back or something, but that's the extent of what I see them doing. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.

#7. Brooklyn Nets (22-27): Joe Harris is on an expiring contract as is Wilson Chandler. It's a possibility that the Nets move one of them, but in truth, the Nets are really eying next year and the return of Kevin Durant. Given that, I don't expect the Nets to be active at the trade deadline, but if they were to make a move, it would likely involve Harris or Chandler. Teams have been inquiring about Spencer Dinwiddie (21.3 points per game), but I find it unlikely that the Nets will move him. Once again, the Nets are looking ahead to next year. This isn't the year for them to get aggressive at the trade deadline.

#8. Orland Magic (22-28): D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams are both on expiring contracts, so it's possible that one of them gets moved. Aaron Gordon is another name that has popped up in trade rumors, offering more value than either Augustin or Carter-Williams. The Magic are in a weird spot where they're on the cusp of making the playoffs while also knowing that this season isn't a year where they're likely to make noise in the playoffs. One thing I will say is they have a lot of guards and both Augustin and Carter-Williams are guards. They could use some front court help, so maybe that's a direction they'll go. We'll see.

#9. Chicago Bulls (19-33): The Bulls have a couple players on expiring contracts in Kris Dunn and Shaquille Harrison. Neither player is doing much for the Bulls, but perhaps a change of scenery will do them good. Especially Dunn, a former top five pick. However, Dunn is out with an MCL sprain and that could ward off some teams from trading for him. Expect the Bulls to stay silent, but maybe they'll find Dunn a better situation and get some draft picks in return.

#10. Washington Wizards (17-32): Ian Mahinmi, Isaiah Thomas, and Davis Bertans are on expiring deals. Bertans is the most interesting one, having a breakout year with his 15.0 points per game. If the Wizards don't think they can re-sign him or afford him in the summer, good odds they move him and get something back for him. A lot of playoff level teams would love to add him. Don't be shocked if the Wizards unload Bertans. It would actually make a lot of sense for them to do so.

#11. Detroit Pistons (18-34): The Pistons and Suns were rumored to be discussing a deal sending Luke Kennard to Phoenix, but reports are now saying those talks have hit an impasse. Andre Drummond has also come up in trade rumors. Neither are on expiring contracts, so maybe the Pistons hold off on moving them for now. Reggie Jackson, Langston Galloway, Thon Maker, Markieff Morris, Christian Wood, Tim Frazier, and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk are all on expiring deals, giving the Pistons a lot of different options there. I would say odds are above 50 percent that the Pistons get involved in some move, but of what nature is hard to foresee.

#12. Charlotte Hornets (16-35): The Hornets have Bismack Biyombo, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams, Willy Hernangomez, Dwayne Bacon, and Ray Spalding on expiring deals. None of those guys have a ton of value, but there are decent odds the Hornets find a home for one of them. Especially if they are willing to help facilitate a three-team trade.

#13. New York Knicks (15-36): The Knicks have Marcus Morris, Allonzo Trier, Damyean Dotson, and Kadeem Allen on expiring deals. Morris (19.3 points per game) is their leading scorer, so he could offer a ton of value to a playoff contending team. If the Knicks can get a lot back for him, he would make sense to move. My intuition is the Knicks will look to make a deal at the deadline, but it will come down to what other teams want back, etc. Look for the Knicks do something if they can. I know they've been eying Warriors guard D'Angelo Russell. Maybe something happens there.

#14. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-38): Tristan Thompson, Brandon Knight, John Henson, Matthew Dellavedova, Ante Zizic, and Dean Wade are on expiring deals, so there's a lot of routes the Cavaliers can go. Kevin Love's name has popped up as well, but given his contract situation, I find it unlikely he gets moved. If the Cavaliers do make a move, it likely will involve one of the guys on an expiring deal. But you never know, maybe they'll do something unexpected with Love.

#15. Atlanta Hawks (13-38): The Hawks just made a move last night, acquiring Clint Capela from the Rockets in a 4-team, 12 player deal. Click here for details. Alex Len, Jeff Teague (who they traded for from Minnesota earlier this year), DeAndre Bembry, Damian Jones, Treveon Graham, Brandon Goodwin, Charlie Brown, Jr., and Vince Carter are all on expiring deals, so there's a lot of other moves they might make before this trade deadline is over.

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Tomahawk Tuesday: Which Western Conference teams should make a move before the NBA trade deadline?

The 2020 NBA trade deadline is later this week: Thursday, February 6 at 3:00 PM EST. In this blog post, I wanted to quickly go through each team in the Western Conference and the need they have to make a trade before the deadline. I will address each team in order of where they are in the standings at this moment. On Wednesday, I will address the Eastern Conference.

#1. Los Angeles Lakers (37-11): As the top team in the Western Conference, the Lakers shouldn't feel much of a need to make a trade. The only reason why they might consider a move is if they feel they don't have enough depth, relying too much on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

If the Lakers were to make a move, it would likely involve third year forward Kyle Kuzma, who is averaging 13.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He becomes a restricted free agent in the summer of 2021 and has a contract that wouldn't cost a team too much, paying him $1.9M this year and $3.6M next year. His qualifying offer in the summer of 2021 is $5.3M.

Kuzma is a talented player that doesn't cost much. A lot of teams might be interested in getting him and the Lakers could get some attractive pieces back for him. I don't know if I see the Lakers moving Kuzma, but if there's any move they make, I would expect Kuzma to be involved. We'll see what happens.

#2. Los Angeles Clippers (35-15): While I could see the Lakers possibly making a move, I don't see the Clippers making one. They have their core in Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Lou Williams, and Montrezl Harrell playing well and a solid supporting cast around them. Anything is possible at the trade deadline, but the Clippers are a team I expect to stand pat.

#3. Denver Nuggets (34-16): The Nuggets have a few guys on expiring contracts in Paul Millsap, Juan Hernangomez, Torrey Craig, Mason Plumlee, and Malik Beasley. I don't see Millsap being moved because he is making $30M this year and is a big part of what the Nuggets do. The other guys though could be moved in order to add a piece that they feel better helps them contend.

Do I see the Nuggets making a move? It's possible, but I don't expect anything major to happen. They'll more or less stay the same, but they could make an upgrade if the right opportunity presents itself.

#4. Utah Jazz (32-17): The Jazz already made a move earlier this year by trading Dante Exum to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jordan Clarkson. A move that appears to be working out well for them as Clarkson is averaging 14.9 points per game in a Jazz uniform. It's possible the Jazz make a minor move like trade a role player on an expiring contract (e.g. Emmanuel Mudiay), but I doubt it.

#5. Houston Rockets (32-18): There have been rumors of the Rockets moving Clint Capela, so that's something to definitely keep an eye on. They do have some minor players on expiring contracts in injured guard Gerald Green, Thabo Sefolosha, and Tyson Chandler, but those guys don't have much value. Either the Capela rumors have legs and they move him or they don't make a move. That's how I hedge things at the moment.

#6. Dallas Mavericks (31-19): The Mavericks have a few minor players on expiring contracts like J.J. Barea and Courtney Lee, but given how well they've been playing, I see the Mavericks staying put at the trade deadline. They also made a small move earlier as well in acquiring Willie Cauley-Stein from the Warriors, so there's good odds they feel they've already made their move. Similar to the Jazz.

#7. Oklahoma City Thunder (30-20): The Thunder are playing pretty well at the moment while also having a few guys on expiring contracts, most notably Danilo Gallinari (19.2 points per game). I don't see them moving Gallinari considering how well he's playing and Chris Paul, who everyone thought would be traded, seems to be enjoying life in OKC. I wouldn't be shocked if the Thunder made a move, but I think odds are good they stay as is.

#8. Memphis Grizzlies (25-25): The Grizzlies have several guys on expiring contracts in Solomon Hill, Jae Crowder, Josh Jackson, Dillon Brooks, and most notably Andre Iguodala, who Ja Morant and others on the team are quite frustrated with. If the Grizzlies are to move anyone, it should be Iguodala, who otherwise will sit out the rest of the season. I expect the Grizzlies to find a home for him and possibly one or two others as well.

#9. Portland Trail Blazers (23-27): The Trail Blazers have a few guys on expiring contracts, making a trade certainly possible. Hassan Whiteside is on an expiring contract and playing quite well, so it's possible they see him as a trade chip that they could get a lot back for. At the same time, if they want to make the playoffs and make a push, they probably should hang on to him.

The other guys on expiring contracts are Carmelo Anthony, Skal Labissiere, Caleb Swanigan, and Wenyen Gabriel. Anthony isn't going anywhere and has his contract guaranteed for the rest of the year. So that leaves the other three guys. It's possible one of them gets moved, but there isn't much back the Trail Blazers could get. That said, they could move them to get some draft picks back or something. The Trail Blazers are sort of a coin flip for me. We'll just have to see.

#10. San Antonio Spurs (22-27): The Spurs have a few guys on expiring contracts in Jakob Pöltl, Marco Belinelli, Bryn Forbes, Drew Eubanks, and Quinndary Weatherspoon. Making a move quite possible. The one with the most value is Forbes, who is averaging 10.9 points per game. If the Spurs feel they can get some decent assets back for him, maybe they move him. The same goes for others as well. The Spurs I see as another coin flip. I could see it going either way for them.

#11. Phoenix Suns (20-30): The Suns have a few guys on expiring contracts in Tyler Johnson, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, Jevon Carter, Jared Harper, and Tariq Owens. Given that, a trade is quite possible. They've been rumored to be interested in Pistons guard Luke Kennard, so that's certainly one direction they could go. Otherwise, I could see them doing something minor like unload a few expiring contracts to clear cap space and/or gather draft picks.

#12. New Orleans Pelicans (20-31): There's some speculation that the Pelicans may move Jrue Holiday, so that is certainly something to look for. Also, they have a few guys on expiring contracts in Derrick Favors, E'Twaun Moore, and Brandon Ingram, so a trade is certainly possible with any of those guys. If the Pelicans can get a lot back for Holiday, good odds they make a move. At the same time, he's playing really well (19.7 points & 6.3 assists), so they may also want to keep him for the purposes of giving them a foundation to build around Zion Williamson. If Holiday was on an expiring contract, I would say he gets traded for sure, but since he's not, I think there's decent odds the Pelicans keep him. It'll be interesting to see what they do.

#13. Sacramento Kings (19-31): The most notable trade asset the Kings have is Bogdan Bogdanovic (14.6 points per game), who yup, you guessed it, is on an expiring contract. If the Kings can get some assets back for him, I bet they'll move him. Otherwise, I see them staying the same at the deadline.

#14. Minnesota Timberwolves (15-34): The Timberwolves need a lot of help and quite honestly need to hit the reset button. They've been rumored to be interested in Warriors point guard D'Angelo Russell, who many feel would be moved at the deadline to start the season. If the Timberwolves could land him, maybe that will give them the jolt of life that they need. I feel odds are good the Timberwolves make a move, but I'm not sure they'll be able to get Russell. It'll come down to what the Warriors want to do with him and what other offers they can field. Also, how much the Timberwolves are willing to give up.

#15. Golden State Warriors (12-39): I already touched on the Warriors above, but what they do with D'Angelo Russell is the big thing to look for. He's never been viewed as a long-term option for them and much more of an asset that they can use as a trade chip. If they can get a good offer from the Timberwolves or some other team, I say he's gone. However, what remains to be seen is how much other teams are willing to give up to get him.

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Tomahawk Tuesday: The Golden State Warriors should tank this season

After losing on Monday night to the Utah Jazz on their home floor by a final score of 122-108, the Golden State Warriors have fallen to 2-9 on the season. Stephen Curry is out 3+ months with a fractured hand, Klay Thompson is out for likely the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, and as a whole, this Warriors team looks nothing like they have in past seasons. Their starting lineup against the Jazz was D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Poole, Draymond Green, Glenn Robinson III, and Willie Cauley-Stein. Talk about a different looking lineup!

What makes this extra painful for the Warriors is the fact that they just moved into the Chase Center, their new arena in San Francisco. When you move into a new arena, you're beginning a new era and no team wants to begin a new era like this. Ideally, they would be playing competitive basketball and once again putting themselves in the mix to get a high seed in the Western Conference.

But alas, that is not the case. The Warriors are struggling and instead are on pace for the worst record in the Western Conference and possibly the NBA! It's crazy how much they've fallen from last year! The only silver lining in all of this is that with Thompson likely out for the year anyways, the Warriors were not going to win the NBA championship this year. This was going to be a rebuilding season, so if you're going to rebuild for a year, why not take it to the max and go full tank mode?

The Warriors' core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green is getting older and they won't be around forever. Getting a really talented rookie to add to the mix just might be what this team needs more than anything else, hence the need to tank. If they can somehow land a top three or even top five pick in next year's draft, the Warriors may bounce right back and once again be a contender within a year or two.

As much as the Warriors' front office doesn't want to swallow this pill, the best thing they can do is just ignore this year and be willing to lose as many games as possible. The higher the draft pick they get for next year, the better.

                                           (Credit: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press)

One major decision the Warriors have to make is what to do with D'Angelo Russell, who has shown some promise as is evident by his 52 point explosion against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He could be a nice piece for them to hang onto or he might be better used as a trade chip to help them rebuild. It's not obvious what the Warriors should do with him, so they better use these next couple of months to closely evaluate him. If there's one thing Warriors fans should watch for this season, it's what their team does with Russell. 

Given that they're already tanking the season without even trying to, the Warriors might as well embrace the current and flow with it. Fighting it and trying to salvage this season in the long run is the wrong thing to do. Their sights need to be set on next season and beyond. If they can have this perspective, things should work out alright for them. 

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Tomahawk Tuesday: Magic Johnson's time as Lakers president was a total failure

                                         (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) 

Earlier today, news broke of Magic Johnson's abrupt decision to step down as president of the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson held a press conference announcing his decision, saying that he wasn't having fun in his role as president. He wanted to go back to being more of an ambassador for the organization and game of basketball as whole. While it was a tough decision, he said this was the right thing for him to do.



Given all that he's done for the sport and the Lakers organization, it's tough to see Magic Johnson's time as Lakers president go toes up like this. As great of a player as he was, he was a pretty horrible president. When Johnson took over as president back in 2017, the Lakers finished the season 26-56. The hope was that with him now at the helm, the organization would finally get back on the right track. Instead, they went 35-47 in the 2017-18 season and then 37-45 this season. That's not exactly the type of growth they were looking for.

During his first summer on the job, Johnson made the decision to part ways with former #2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell, who has since flourished with the Brooklyn Nets. This season, Russell averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game en route to his first All-Star Game appearance, making Johnson look like a fool for trading him.

On top of parting ways with Russell, Johnson also made the decision to allow Julius Randle to enter the waters of unrestricted free agency. During his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Randle has averaged 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, once again making Johnson look foolish.

While Johnson does deserve some credit for getting LeBron James, the vibe I got is that James more or less recruited himself to Los Angeles. He wanted to be a Laker for the sake of being a Laker. I don't think the presence of Johnson played much of a role there. Even if it did, it's not like things got better with James on board. Injuries did play a role, but Johnson failed to put the right type of team around James, largely due to his decisions to part ways with Russell and Randle.

The bottom line is that Johnson's time as Lakers president was a total failure. The team struggled under him and he made personnel moves that were clearly ill-advised. Hopefully for the Lakers, they'll get someone in the front office that actually knows what they're doing.

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Skyhook Sunday: The Brooklyn Nets have been a pleasant surprise

One team that has been a pleasant surprise this season is the Brooklyn Nets, who are currently the #7 seed in the Eastern Conference at 36-36. Led by Magic Johnson castaway D'Angelo Russell (20.2 points & 6.7 assists), this Nets team is quietly becoming one of the more dangerous teams in the NBA. They have a solid backcourt composed of Joe Harris (13.4 points) and Spencer Dinwiddie (17.5 points & 4.8 assists) in addition to Russell, a sound big man in Jarrett Allen (11.1 points & 8.4 rebounds), a versatile swing man in Caris LeVert (13.8 points), and some solid role players like DeMarre Carroll, Shabazz Napier, and Allen Crabbe.

What's most exciting about this Nets team is their youth. Just about all the guys I listed are either still in their mid-20s or younger. With plenty of time to continue to grow and gel, this Nets team is expected to get even better in the coming seasons.

The feel good story from this Nets team is Russell, who was the #2 overall pick of the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2015. After having him for just two seasons, the Lakers decided he wasn't a legit franchise player and shipped him off to the Nets hoping to get back better assets. Rather than proving the Lakers right for giving up on him so soon, Russell is making the Lakers look like fools. He's having the best season of his career and was named an NBA All-Star earlier this season. When you consider the pedigree he had coming out of Ohio State (McDonald's All-American, Jerry West Award, and Consensus first-team All-American), it really is surprising that the Lakers wouldn't at least wait until his rookie contract is up before making a decision on him. Fortunately for the Nets, their decision to trade for Russell has paid off as they now have one of the brightest young stars in the league.

While the future looks bright, I don't expect this Nets team to do much in the playoffs this year, likely getting bounced in the first round by either the Raptors or the Bucks. Even if they do, this will still be a productive year for them. All teams have to take their lumps in the playoffs and the sooner they can take them the better.

The bottom line is that things are looking good for this Nets team. They have a star point guard, a talented young core around him, and plenty of years to develop. When talking about what teams to look out for in the coming the seasons, the Nets are definitely worthy of discussion.

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Tomahawk Tuesday: Should the Los Angeles Lakers trade one of their guards?

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently the worst team in the Western Conference with a 16-32 overall record. They've lost 7 of their last 10 games and got absolutely destroyed by the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday by a final score of 122-73. They are still in rebuilding mode in the post-Kobe Bryant era with D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, and Julius Randle as their core trio for the future and while that trio appears to have a lot of potential, it feels as though the Lakers need to make some moves in order to better position themselves for success. 

When looking at the Lakers' roster, what really stands out is all the quality guards that they have. Lou Williams (17.9 points per game), D'Angelo Russell (14.3 points per game), Jordan Clarkson (13.9 points per game), and Nick Young (13.7 points per game) are all quality guards that can score the ball. It feels a bit redundant to have so many guys at the same position that produce at roughly the same level, which makes a trade a viable solution to the conundrum. 

Of the four guards to trade, Lou Williams or Jordan Clarkson make the most sense to move. Nick Young I feel doesn't have that much trade value given that he is a "chucker" and known for being a diva while D'Angelo Russell has got too much upside and is still very early in his career. 

The reason Lou Williams makes sense is that's he's a quality veteran guard who could help out a playoff contender at the trade deadline. Teams like the Celtics, Raptors, Hawks, and Clippers may be interested in making a move for him. Of course, it depends on what the offers are, but considering that Lou Williams will likely be past his prime by the time the Lakers actually become something indicates that he's a good player for them to unload. With him gone, the Lakers could give more minutes to D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, helping them develop one of the better young backcourts in the NBA. 

As for Jordan Clarkson, the reason it could make sense to trade him is that they could get a lot more for him. Considering his upside and potential, a lot of teams would be willing to make a move for him and could offer future draft picks, a big man, and other pieces. By trading Jordan Clarkson, the Lakers would be sending a firm message to D'Angelo Russell that he's their guy and that they are committed to building around him by getting better complimentary pieces. 

What will be interesting to see is how the Lakers handle their crowded backcourt and whether or not they start to engage in trade talks to solve the problem. The Lakers are slowly heading in the right direction and so I don't necessarily think they should feel pressured into making a trade right away. What they should be doing is putting their feelers out and seeing what the market is for Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson. If some team is willing to make a trade for either player that helps them form a more well-rounded team, they should absolutely pull the trigger. 

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Daily Dunks: 8/24-8/30

                                                    (Credit: Andy Melton. Click here for source) 

     Here is my Daily Dunks page for August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. Throughout the week this page will be updated with news from across the NBA until a new Daily Dunks page is created for the following week.

Monday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Rockets officially re-signed guard Jason Terry (Click here for details).

#2. The Utah Jazz signed center Jeff Withey to a two-year, partially guaranteed contract (Click here for details).

#3. The Suns will honor Steve Nash by inducting him into their "Ring of Honor" on Friday, October 30 (Click here for details).

#4. The Miami Heat extended their  D-League single-affiliation with the Sioux Falls Skyforce through the 2016-17 season (Click here for details).

#5. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has agreed to a four-year, $54M extension with the Hornets (Click here for details).

#6. The Lakers are thinking of bringing back Metta World Peace (Click here for details).

#7. Dario Saric plans to join the 76ers in the summer of 2016 (Click here for details).

#8. Power forward Jeff Adrien agreed to a one-year deal with the Pelicans (Click here for details).

#9. Phil Jackson: "The Knicks may struggle early" (Click here for details).

#10. Mavericks shooting guard Wesley Matthews says he'll be ready to go opening night (Click here for details).

Tuesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Heat officially signed Keith Benson (Click here for details).

#2. The Lakers officially signed guard Michael Frazier (Click here for details).

#3. The Clippers have been fined $250,000 for something they offered DeAndre Jordan that they shouldn't have offered him (Click here for details).

#4. Metta World Peace says there have been no contact between him and the Lakers (Click here for details).

#5. Lakers' coaches were pleased with D'Angelo Russell's Summer League performance (Click here for details).

#6. Andrei Kirilenko has been named the President of the Russian Basketball Federation (Click here for details).

#7. Report: The Wizards aren't willing to give Bradley Beal a max contract right now, even though he wants one (Click here for details).

#8. Greg Oden has officially signed in China (Click here for details).

#9. Henry Sims and Corey Jefferson have signed with the Suns for training camp (Click here for details).

#10. Stephen Curry wants to stay with the Warriors long-term (Click here for details).

Tuesday's WNBA Final Scores: 

Dream 71 Sun 57.

Wednesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Derrick Rose is being sued for drugging and gang raping an ex-girlfriend (Click here for details).

#2. LeBron James sold his home in Miami for $13.4M (Click here for details).

#3. The Hornets have signed Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a 4 year, $54M extension (Click here for details).

#4. Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (knee) is fine (Click here for details).

#5. The Heat are still shopping Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen (Click here for details).

#6. Ricky Rubio loves having Kevin Garnett for a teammate (Click here for details).

#7. Rafael Hettsheimeir, a big man from Brazil, is working out for the Spurs (Click here for details).

Wednesday's WNBA Final Scores: 
Sparks 81 Fever 79.

Thursday's NBA Daily Dunks: 
#1. Darryl Dawkins a.k.a Chocolate Thunder passed away from a heart attack (Click here for details).

#2. The Kings signed former Ole Miss guard Marshall Henderson for training camp (Click here for details).

#3. Josh Howard is attempting an NBA comeback (Click here for details).

#4. Russell Westbrook is marrying his longtime girlfriend this weekend (Click here for details).

#5. Derrick Rose issues a statement proclaiming his innocence (Click here for details).

#6. Kyrie Irving may not be back until January (Click here for details).

#7. Chuck Hayes is a still a free agent. He won't sign with the Rockets (Click here for details).

#8. The Suns signed guard Deonte Burton for training camp (Click here for details).

Thursday's WNBA Final Scores: 

Mercury 81 Sun 80.

Friday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Wizards signed guard Toure' Murry to a non-guaranteed contract (Click here for details).

#2. The Utah Jazz signed forward J.J. O'Brien to a non-guaranteed contract (Click here for details).

#3. The Hawks announced additions to their Athletic Performance Team (Click here for details).

#4. Hornets head coach Steve Clifford plans to play Jeremy Lin and Kemba Walker together (Click here for details).

#5. Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis "definitely" plans on shooting more threes this season (Click here for details).

#6. Nets forward Andrea Bargnani injured his ankle, but he continued to play on at Eurobasket (Click here for details)

#7. Kobe Bryant's NBA2K16 player rating is the lowest of his career (Click here for details).

#8. The Magic signed guard Jordan Siebert to a non-guranteed contract (Click here for details).

#9. Michael Jordan's original Space Jam uniform is available to own (Click here for details).

#10. Lakers Executive VP of Basketball Operations Jim Buss defends head coach Byron Scott (Click here for details).

Friday's WNBA Final Scores: 

Mystics 71 Mercury 63. Dream 90 Fever 84. Liberty 81 Lynx 68. Shock 76 Sparks 66. Storm 83 Stars 69.

Saturday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Warriors GM Bob Meyers is "focused and motivated" to get extensions done with Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli (Click here for details).

#2. Carlos Boozer reportedly won't head overseas before the NBA season starts. He is holding out in hopes of landing an NBA gig with a playoff team (Click here for details).

#3. Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic also injured his ankle in preparation for Eurobasket. He too says he'll be ok (Click here for details).

#4. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer rejected a $60M local TV deal. He may start an online streaming service instead (Click here for details).

#5. The Thunder signed forward Talib Zanna to a non-guaranteed deal (Click here for details).

#6. The Warriors signed swingman Jarell Eddie to a non-guaranteed deal (Click here for details).

Saturday's WNBA Final Scores: 

Liberty 80 Sun 66. Sky 98 Dream 96.

Sunday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Nigeria wins AfroBasket and qualifies for the Rio Olympics (Click here for details).

#2. Robert Upshaw still hasn't signed his training camp deal with the Lakers. He is working through some personal issues (Click here for details).

#3. Shaq to Kobe: "I just want people to know that I don't hate you" (Click here for details).

#4. Wisconsin governor Scott Walker calls the $250M Milwaukee arena deal "fiscally responsible" (Click here for details).

#5. D'Angelo Russell complimented Tracy McGrady and idiot Lakers fans took it as a diss to Kobe Bryant (Click here for details).

#6. The Hornets want Frank Kaminsky to get stronger (Click here for details).

Sunday's WNBA Final Scores: 

Shock 76 Fever 70. Sparks 60 Stars 52. Sun 72 Sky 68. Lynx 71 Mercury 61. Storm 69 Mystics 59.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news 

2015 NBA Mock Draft: Rounds 1 & 2

     The wait is finally over! My two round mock draft for the 2015 NBA Draft has finally arrived! I want to give a special shout out to NBADraft.net and DraftExpress.com for helping me with my mock draft. Without NBADraft.net's amazing database of players, notes, and analysis on prospects, my mock draft wouldn't be what it is. Without the amazing YouTube videos by DraftExpress.com, which break down the strengths and weaknesses of nearly every prospect, I wouldn't have known the prospects nearly as well. After reading my mock draft, please check out the mock drafts on both websites and also make them your go-to destinations for everything NBA Draft related!

     Before I dive straight into my mock draft, I would like to explain how I am making my predictions. I am making my predictions using the following criteria: Best player available, team needs, what I think the team should do with the pick, and what I think the team will likely do with the pick. There is no weight or scale to which I give each of these areas of criteria. They are merely four factors that I consider before I make my prediction for the draft selection. 

     Also, it should be noted that my mock draft will not factor in trades which could of course shake up the entire draft. Doing so would be maddening and turn my mock draft into a frenzied guessing game with no rhyme or reason to it whatsoever. But all the same, do keep in mind that there will be trades. They are just as much apart of the draft process as anything else. But unfortunately for those of us creating mock drafts, it is tricky to factor them into the equation. And now, without further intro, here is my mock draft! Enjoy! 

FIRST ROUND

#1. Minnesota Timberwolves---Kentucky freshman center Karl-Anthony Towns (7-0, 250 lbs): Karl-Anthony Towns is undoubtedly the most talented prospect in this entire draft. He has great size for an NBA center, sporting a 7'3.5" wingspan, which makes up for the fact that he isn't the most explosive leaper. He moves really well on the floor and can do a wide array of things from an offensive standpoint. 

     He can knock down a shot from anywhere on the court to stretch the defense, grab an offensive rebound for a put back, and knock down his free throws. In addition, he is a solid passer. As for his defensive abilities, he isn't the most athletic guy, but his length is fantastic and he was able to block 2.3 shots per game during his freshman season. 

     Towns seems to be a guy who can do it all. He can score, he can rebound, he can block shots, and he isn't a liability at the foul line (81.7% foul shooter). Out of all the players in this draft, he seems to be the most sure thing in terms of turning into a fine NBA player. I don't see any way the Timberwolves pass on him. Especially since reports say they have already told him he's going #1. 

#2. Los Angeles Lakers---Duke freshman center Jahlil Okafor (6-11, 270 lbs): The Los Angeles Lakers would be very foolish to pass on Jahlil Okafor given his physical tools and abilities. The difference between Okafor and Towns is that Okafor is a more traditional big man. He's more physical, tough, and strong down on the block, but he lacks the offensive versatility that Towns possesses. 

     If one were to pick Okafor over Towns it would be because of his defense and rebounding. Okafor is bigger, stronger, and has an even more impressive wingspan (7'5"). There really is no concern about him getting bossed around in the paint by NBA big men. He seems to have the physical body to successfully battle down low with anybody in the NBA. He should have no problem grabbing rebounds and blocking shots from day one. 

     While Towns is the more offensively talented player, Okafor was actually the more efficient of the two, posting a +20.526 NBA efficiency rating to Towns' +15.84. While it is nice that Towns has more of the offensive pieces and versatility, it needs to be understood that big men are primarily supposed to battle down low, get rebounds, and block shots. Okafor does those things better, which means that the Lakers really shouldn't feel all that bad should they get Okafor instead of Towns. 

     

#3. Philadelphia 76ers---Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis (7-1, 220 lbs): If the Philadelphia 76ers are going to remain consistent with their "Go big or go home" draft philosophy, they will draft Kristaps Porzingis. He is promising big man with a ton of upside due to his athleticism, length, and mobility. He runs the floor really well and loves to crash the offensive glass. Like Karl-Anthony Towns, he has the potential to be a versatile offensive threat and has shown the capability to score the ball from beyond the arc. 

     He needs to improve his all around polish and become more refined, but that should be expected given that he is still growing into his body and is only 19 years of age. If there is anybody in the NBA past or present who I can compare him to, it is a bigger version of Andrei Kirilenko. Like Kirilenko, he has a high motor, has great length, and has tremendous offensive upside. If he lives up to his potential, he could be the best player in this entire draft. 

     The only reason the 76ers would pass on him is if they feel that somebody else had more potential than him. That is certainly possible, but unlikely. The other guys who the 76ers would consider ahead of Porzingis simply don't have the same upside and potential that he has. So, unless the 76ers decide to change their entire drafting philosophy, they will roll with the big man from Latvia. Note: Click here to view a great article about the 76ers' drafting philosophy. 

#4. New York Knicks---Ohio State freshman point guard D'Angelo Russell (6-4, 195 lbs): D'Angelo Russell is rated the best point guard in the draft, edging out Emmanuel Mudiay. Russell has great size for a point guard and is able to both score and distribute the basketball to his teammates, averaging 19.3 points per game and 5.0 assists last season. He also has tremendous upside on defense, getting 1.6 steals per game and has the size and length to become an effective defender in the NBA. 

     Probably his biggest strength is his ability to be effective in the pick and roll due to his size, ball handling, passing, and scoring. Out of the pick and roll, he can do a wide variety of things really well. He can attack the basket, find the roll man cutting to the basket, or he can pull up for a jump shot. 

     It's not entirely clear how well he fits with the triangle offense since the triangle traditionally doesn't feature dynamic point guards. But all the same, he has the size to play the shooting guard position if needed and ball movement is vital to any offensive scheme. Unless Phil Jackson has some crazy plan that we are unaware of, I see the Knicks taking D'Angelo Russell. 

#5. Orlando Magic---Duke freshman shooting guard Justise Winslow (6-6, 222 lbs): Justise Winslow is a dynamic swingman who plays really well on both ends of the floor. He has great size, strength, and length for his position, and should be able to make an impact right away with his defense. The Orlando Magic already have two point guards with Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton, so it would be very odd of them to draft Emmanuel Mudiay unless they make a trade. 

     Assuming they want to keep Oladipo and Payton, Justise Winslow makes the most sense for the Magic to draft. He can play the small forward position alongside both guards and instantly be inserted into the starting lineup. He would give them a fantastic defender on the perimeter and also a swingman who can score the basketball (12.6 points per game and 41.8% from three-point range last season). 

     One thing I did consider was how he would fit with Aaron Gordon, but I don't think that should be a concern. For one thing, it isn't at all clear that Aaron Gordon will pan out, and secondly, Gordon can slide over to the power forward position. If Gordon can live up to his potential, the Magic could really be cooking with gas defensively since Gordon was also praised for his high motor and intensity on defense coming out of Arizona. 

#6. Sacramento Kings---Guangdong point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (6-5, 200 lbs): The Sacramento Kings could go several directions with this pick, but if Emmanuel Mudiay is still available, I don't see any reason to think the Kings will pass on him. He is the best player available at this stage of the draft and he also plays a position that the Kings could use an upgrade at. 

     Like D'Angelo Russell, he has great physical tools for a point guard and is able to see over defenses to make plays for others. He thrives in transition and also plays really well in the pick and roll. His size and length (6'8.5" wingspan) should make him a fantastic player on defense as well as a really good rebounder (6.25 rebounds per game in China). 

     Probably the only concern for him is that he played in China as opposed to Division 1 for his year after high school. The fact that he went this route makes him somewhat of an enigma to teams, but the Chinese Basketball Association is one of the best professional leagues overseas. He played very well over there and appears ready to make the jump to the NBA. 

     In short, there really isn't anything he should struggle with as a point guard. He can score, facilitate, defend, and rebound to go along with his great size. In many ways, it would be a surprise to see him fall to #6, but all the same, the guys ahead of him are fantastic prospects as well. The Kings should consider themselves lucky to be picking this high because no matter who they pick, they'll be getting somebody good. 

#7. Denver Nuggets---Arizona freshman small forward Stanley Johnson (6-6, 242 lbs): Stanley Johnson has all the tools to be an elite small forward in the NBA. He has great size, strength, and mobility to go along with an ability to score the basketball (13.8 points per game, 44.6 FG%, and 37.1 3-point %). He sports a 6'11" wingspan and is really quick for his size. He should be an excellent perimeter defender in the NBA and make plays in transition since he excels at finishing through contact. 

     To be honest, I don't see much of a difference between him and Justise Winslow. Like Winslow, he is an explosive athlete who should be a great two-way player at the small forward position. The only reason why Winslow gets the nod is that Winslow was a better shooter from three-point range. 

#8. Detroit Pistons---Murray State sophomore point guard Cameron Payne (6-2, 185 lbs): There has been some talk of the Pistons trading Brandon Jennings, which would mean that they would be in search of a point guard. Cameron Payne will definitely be available at #8 and could be the guy to replace Brandon Jennings. Payne is a really good scorer (20.2 points per game) and had an impressive +20.4285714 NBA efficiency rating due to his great foul shooting (78.7 FT%) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.4-1). 

     Payne seems to have the potential to be a really good point guard in the NBA. The only concern for him is his size and the lack of competition he faced at Murray State. His size forced him to shoot more floaters than he can get away with in the NBA and there are questions about his ability to finish through contact and length at the NBA level.

     But at this point in the draft, you need to be less picky and there is a lot to be excited about with Cameron Payne. His scoring ability is really a plus and he has shown NBA-range in his shooting. If the Pistons want to draft a guy who can play well in the pick and roll with Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, they'll roll with Cameron Payne. 

#9. Charlotte Hornets---FC Barcelona small forward Mario Hezonja (6-8, 215 lbs): Mario Hezonja is a terrific talent with a great NBA build. He can shoot the ball, slash to the rim, and has great defensive upside because of his athleticism and body frame. He is very quick and explosive as he dunks the basketball and seems to get up with ease. He certainly will be a great NBA dunk contest candidate! His three-point percentage was solid last season (39.1%) and he shot a good percentage from the foul line (76.7%). 

     The only real concern with him is his attitude. He wasn't always willing to listen to his teammates and he has a big ego. It's unclear how well of a "team player" he can be since he doesn't project to be a first-option player in the NBA. But assuming he is able to mature and learn to be more open, he should be a great fit in Charlotte. 

#10. Miami Heat---Kentucky freshman power forward Trey Lyles (6-10, 240 lbs): Trey Lyles is the first projected lottery pick who doesn't project to be a great two-way player. Offensively, he has a lot of great tools to work with, but defensively there are some question marks. He scores the ball well, passes the ball well, and also showed the humility to be a role player at Kentucky. 

     He was willing to grab rebounds, do the dirty work, and let the offense come to him. One of his big strengths is that he moves well on offense and has great footwork. He could very well become a solid offensive player in the post with some more seasoning. 

He doesn't project to be a very good defender in the NBA since his lateral quickness isn't all that good. He also doesn't do a great job at preventing guys from getting position in the paint. But while those things are all concerns, his offensive upside makes him worth the risk. Especially since he can learn from Chris Bosh, one of the most offensively talented big men we have ever seen. To give you a better sense of what kind of player he could become, NBADraft.net compares him to Carlos Boozer. 

#11. Indiana Pacers---Texas freshman center Myles Turner (6-11, 240 lbs): Myles Turner has great size and length for an NBA big, sporting a 7'4" wingspan. He rebounds really well (6.5 rebounds per game) and blocks shots really well (2.6 blocks per game). He could be a nice replacement for Roy Hibbert in the event that the Pacers decide to part ways with him. He needs to improve his offensive polish, but he has a nice stroke and the pieces are there for him to be effective on offense as well (83.9% foul shooter). A lot of teams are interested in him, so don't be surprised if some team trades up to get him. 

#12. Utah Jazz---Wisconsin junior small forward Sam Decker (6-9, 220 lbs): The Utah Jazz don't really need anything. They have a point guard, they have a shooting guard, they have a small forward, they have a power forward, and they have a center. With that in mind, I see them taking Sam Decker because of his versatility to play a number of different positions as well as his versatility on both offense and defense.

     Decker averaged 13.9 points per game last season and shot 33.1% from three-point range, which isn't bad for a guy of his size. He is really good in transition due to his mobility and athleticism and can also shoot well off the dribble. He can do a lot of things well and be a nice role player for the Utah Jazz in the event that he doesn't quite live up to expectations. 

#13. Phoenix Suns---Kentucky junior center Willie Cauley-Stein (7-0, 242 lbs): Willie Cauley-Stein is a player who is the exact opposite of his teammate Trey Lyles. He has terrific defensive potential, but offensively he is quite limited. He averaged 1.7 blocks per game last season, but in his sophomore season he averaged 2.9 blocks per game. His potential to be an elite shot blocker (7'2" wingspan) makes him an intriguing prospect, but his lack of offensive polish after three seasons at Kentucky is why he isn't going to be a top-ten pick. 

     However, Phoenix could use his defense. They have plenty of guys who can score, but they simply lack a defensive presence inside. If Alex Len can continue to mature, they could have a nice front court that is able to collectively score the ball, rebound, and block shots. 

#14. Oklahoma City Thunder---Kentucky freshman shooting guard Devin Booker (6-6, 205 lbs): Devin Booker's main strengths are his shooting, size, and age. He uses his size well to shoot over defenders and can shoot well off the bounce as well as in catch and shoot situations (41.1% from 3-point range). Due to his size, he should be able to develop into a solid defender as well. As for his age, he doesn't turn 19 until October 30, so he is one of the youngest players in this entire draft. 

     The Thunder will certainly be getting a kid who can help them out for a very long time. He does have issues finishing at the rim and creating his own offense, but playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant should help him a ton as both of those guys do a great job creating easy looks for others. 

#15. Atlanta Hawks--- Notre Dame senior point guard Jerian Grant (6-4, 200 lbs): During his senior season at Notre Dame, Jerian Grant had a knack for making big plays in key moments. He averaged 16.5 points per game and was more than comfortable being the go-to guy in the clutch. The Atlanta Hawks could use another guy with a killer instinct in tight situations and that is exactly what Jerian Grant can bring to the table. He is a capable point guard who can also slide over to the shooting guard position if needed. It's unclear how he would fit with Jeff Teague and Dennis Schröder, but I think they could find a use for him. 

#16. Boston Celtics---Kansas freshman small forward Kelly Oubre (6-7, 205 lbs): Kelly Oubre is a talented swingman with a lot of upside due to his athleticism. He has great physical tools for his position and if he develops a more consistent offensive game, he could be scary. At this point in the draft, you want to look for diamonds in the rough and Kelly Oubre could be one of them. 

#17. Milwaukee Bucks---Arkansas sophomore power forward Bobby Portis (6-11, 245 lbs): With Larry Sanders gone, the Bucks could use another talented big man. Bobby Portis would be a perfect guy to fill that need because of his physical package, offensive abilities, and energy. He blocked a solid amount of shots last season (1.4 blocks per game) and he also rebounded the ball really well (8.9 rebounds per game). Lastly, he showed a capability to knock down the three ball (46.7%). His only weaknesses are his lack of really good post moves and explosiveness. He isn't the best defensive rebounder, but I think he can improve on that. All in all, he could wind up being a steal in the draft. 

#18. Houston Rockets---Louisville junior power forward Montrezl Harrell (6-8, 255 lbs): Montrezl Harrell has a terrific motor and rebounds the ball really well for a guy of his size. He is a very good athlete who can catch lobs in transition for easy dunks due to his ability to run the floor. He lacks offensive polish and there are question marks surrounding his overall upside. But the Rockets have plenty of guys who can score and they could use another scrappy big guy to grab rebounds and clean up the glass on offense. Dwight Howard can't do it all on his own. 

#19. Washington Wizards---UNVL freshman center Christian Wood (6-10, 215 lbs): If you are looking to hit a home run late in the first round of the draft, Christian Wood is your best option. He has great size and has a solid 7'2" wingspan. He averaged 15.2 points per game, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game last season. His NBA efficiency rating was an impressive +20.6363 and he has the tools to be a really good big man in years to come. I saw him play live against San Jose State University and I was impressed with what I saw. Playing behind Nene and Marcin Gortat could do wonders for his game. 

#20. Toronto Raptors---Wisconsin senior center Frank Kaminsky (7-1, 230 lbs): Frank Kaminsky is one of the best players in this entire draft (+23.51 NBA efficiency). What brings him down is that he is one of the older players in the draft and there are questions about his upside. But I think those questions overshadow just how good he is. He moves well for his size, has tremendous offensive versatility, and has a great feel for the game which one would expect from a senior. If the Raptors are looking to add a solid player to help them compete for an Eastern Conference championship, Frank Kaminsky would be a terrific addition to their squad. 

#21. Dallas Mavericks---Louisville sophomore point guard Terry Rozier (6-2, 190 lbs): If Monta Ellis is indeed leaving the team, Terry Rozier would be a nice pick up for the Mavericks since he scores the ball really well (17.1 points per game), hits the three ball, and is a capable defender (2.0 steals per game). He is a bit undersized for even the point guard position, but he displays potential to adapt to the point guard role permanently. The Mavericks could go a lot of different directions here. It'll certainly be interesting to see what they do. 

#22. Chicago Bulls---Virginia  junior small forward Justin Anderson (6-6, 230 lbs): Justin Anderson is basically a B grade version of Justise Winslow and Stanley Johnson. He has a great physical profile, upside on defense, and the potential to become an effective scorer. He just hasn't been as consistent as those guys. But if he can be more consistent and improve his feel for the game, he could be a steal in the draft. Also, he is fairly versatile due to his size, so the Bulls could use him in a number of different ways. 

#23. Portland Trail Blazers---Utah senior point guard Delon Wright (6-5, 180 lbs):  You might be wondering why I have the Trail Blazers selecting a point guard when they already have Damian Lillard. The reason is because Delon Wright has the versatility to play the shooting guard position and is also a more prototypical point guard, who averaged 6.1 assists per game last season. He uses his size to see over defenders and he is good at distributing the ball. He can certainly help create more "flow" to the Trail Blazers' offense. 

#24. Cleveland Cavaliers---Casajol Sevilla center Guillermo Hernangomez (6-11, 250 lbs): I'm not sure if the Cavaliers want to pay a guaranteed contract to a rookie this season, so I have them taking Guillermo Hernangomez, a center from Spain who may not come over for a couple of seasons. He has a lot of potential and could be useful in a couple of seasons. 

#25. Memphis Grizzlies---Georgia State junior shooting guard R.J. Hunter (6-6, 185 lbs): The Grizzlies need more guys who can shoot the ball from beyond the arc and that is exactly what R.J. Hunter does so well. He also has good physical tools and the ability to pass the ball, so he can do other things besides hoist threes. 

#26. San Antonio Spurs---Duke freshman point guard Tyus Jones (6-1, 185 lbs): Tyus Jones is a very talented point guard who plays the point guard position the right way. He is great in the pick and roll, makes good decisions, and is a pass-first guy. He is also very confident and not afraid to take big shots. He has all the tools to be effective in the Spurs' system. The only thing that could hold him back are physical limitations, but Tony Parker should be a good mentor to help him over come those challenges. 

#27. Los Angeles Lakers---Arizona sophomore forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (6-7, 210 lbs): He has the athleticism and physical profile to be really good in the NBA. He just doesn't have the offensive polish. If he can figure out how to become a better basketball player and not just rely on athleticism, he could be really good. The reason I see the Lakers taking him is he has a ton of potential and the Lakers need more of that. 

#28. Boston Celtics---UCLA freshman power forward Kevon Looney (6-9, 222 lbs): Kevon Looney's main strength is his rebounding ability. He averaged 4.2 offensive rebounds per 40 minutes and has potential to become a solid rebounding big man. While he only averaged 11.6 points per game, he did make 41.5% of his three point shots, so offensively there might be some hope. 

#29. Brooklyn Nets---UNLV freshman shooting guard Rashad Vaughn (6-5, 200 lbs): Vaughn averaged 17.8 points per game last season and shot 38.3% from three-point range. His scoring is definitely his strength.  He has a solid NBA body frame with a 6'7" wingspan and he is really young at just 18 years of age. If can develop other parts of his game, he could wind up being really good. 

#30. Golden State Warriors---Syracuse freshman forward Chris McCullough (6-9, 200 lbs): 

If it wasn't for a torn ACL, Chris McCullough would have been a lottery pick due to his athleticism, mobility, and potential to be really good on both ends of the floor. The fact that he runs the floor really well and plays really good defense (2.1 blocks per game) leads me to believe he could be an interesting addition to the Warriors' small ball lineups.  He has a TON of upside. It's just a matter of how much the torn ACL will hurt him. 

SECOND ROUND 

#31. Minnesota Timberwolves---UCLA senior shooting guard Norman Powell (6-4, 215 lbs): NBADraft.net compared Norman Powell to Tony Allen, which means he could be a great pick this late in the draft. He plays really good defense, attacks the basket well, is really athletic, and finishes well around the rim. He lacks a quality shot and is small for his position, but pairing him with Andrew Wiggins could give the Timberwolves a really nice perimeter defensive unit. 

#32. Houston Rockets---North Carolina junior shooting guard J.P. Tokoto (6-6, 195 lbs): J.P. Tokoto is really athletic. He can jump out of the gym and is certainly an NBA-level athlete.  He definitely has potential to be really good on defense. He just can't hit a shot to save his life and he lacks offensive polish. If he can learn to play basketball and not just rely on his athleticism, he could be a steal in this draft. 

#33. Boston Celtics---LSU sophomore power forward Jordan Mickey (6-8, 240 lbs): Mickey has an NBA-level body and scored decently well last season (15.4 points per game). His NBA efficiency rating of +20.1935484 is also impressive as are his 3.6 blocks per game. Defensively, he has a ton of potential. 

#34. Los Angeles Lakers---Westchester Community College forward Luis Montero (6-7 180 lbs): Luis Montero is truly the mystery player of this draft. People who say it is Kristaps Porzingis are just too lazy to do their homework. There is a lot of info on Porzingis if you go to NBADraft.net and watch the DraftExpress videos. But as for Montero, the same cannot be said. He played at Westchester Community College, which is completely off the radar, but he mysteriously is rising up the draft boards. From what I saw on YouTube, he appears to be an NBA-level athlete with a lot of "potential." I see the Lakers rolling the dice on him in hopes that he becomes something special. 

#35. Philadelphia 76ers---Bowling Green senior power forward Richaun Holmes (6-9, 245 lbs): Richaun Homes is a big guy who is good around the basket (56.3 FG% and 8.0 rebounds per game). He also knocked down 41.9% of his shots from beyond the arc. He is an intriguing guy who the 76ers should be interested in bringing in to training camp. 

#36. Minnesota Timberwolves---Nebraska junior small forward Terran Petteway (6-6, 210 lbs): Terran Petteway can score the ball really well (18.2 points per game last season). His three point percentage 31.3% is lower than one would like, but assuming he takes better shots and plays within a system, those numbers should go up. He could be a nice fit in Minnesota as an off the bench scorer of sorts. 

#37. Philadelphia 76ers---Anadolu Efes small forward Cedi Osman (6-8, 215 lbs):  Cedi Osman has a lot of potential due to his size and length. He likely stays with Anadolu Efes for a couple more years, which means he is a draft and stash guy. A couple more years of playing overseas would do him some good. His free throws (66.7%) and three-point shooting (30.3%) need work. 

#38. Detroit Pistons---Kentucky sophomore center Dakari Johnson (7-0, 260 lbs): Dakari Johnson has great size for an NBA big man and is a very hard working player. Offensively he is rather limited, but he can still become a solid backup center in the NBA due to his impressive size. He could certainly be a good fit as a backup center behind Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. 

#39. Charlotte Hornets---Kansas freshman power forward Cliff Alexander (6-8, 240 lbs): He has all the physical tools to succeed in the NBA. He has a 7'2" wingspan, etc. The question is can he develop a good enough offensive game to become a serious threat. He is another one of those really athletic dudes with a ton of "potential". I wouldn't be surprised if somebody reached for him late in the first round. 

#40. Miami Heat---Boston College junior point guard Olivier Hanlan (6-4, 185 lbs): Hanlan can really score the ball (19.5 points per game) and he facilitates nicely, dishing out 4.2 assists per game last season. With Norris Cole gone, there might be a place for him in Miami. 

#41. Brooklyn Nets---LSU sophomore power forward Jarell Martin (6-9, 240 lbs): Jarell Martin averaged 16.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season. He even developed a bit of a three-point game, though it wasn't very reliable (26.9%). He would be a bit of a project, but there is potential. His NBA efficiency rating of +19.1818182 is impressive.  

#42. Utah Jazz---Oregon senior point guard Joseph Young (6-2, 185 lbs): Joseph Young won Pac-12 player of the year honors for his ability to score the ball (20.7 points per game) and step up in crunch time. Given that Dante Exum isn't the most reliable scorer and needs improvement on his shot, Joseph Young could be a nice fit as a point guard who can come off the bench and light up the scoreboard. 

#43. Indiana Pacers---Syracuse senior power forward Rakeem Christmas (6-9, 245 lbs): Rakeem Christmas had a huge senior year, scoring 17.5 points, grabbing 9.1 rebounds, and blocking 2.5 shots per game. He has a 7'3" wingspan and certainly could be a steal this late in the draft because of his physical package. The reason he is not a first round player is because he is a senior. If he was putting up these numbers as a freshman he'd be a lottery pick for sure. 

#44. Phoenix Suns---KK Partizan center Nikola Milutinov (7-0, 225 lbs): Milutinov is a hard working young man who has great physical tools to work with. He just lacks offensive polish. The fact that he won't come over for a couple of years makes him an intriguing draft and stash option for the Suns. If he starts to develop a better offensive game, he could be a nice asset for them. 

#45. Boston Celtics---Notre Dame shooting guard Pat Connaughton (6-5, 215 lbs): Pat Connaughton is an interesting prospect. He has a 44" max vertical leap, which means he is an NBA-level athlete. He has some interesting tools to work with given his athleticism and three-point shooting ability (42.3%). 

#46. Milwaukee Bucks---France center Mouhammadou Jaiteh (6-11, 250 lbs): Mouhammadou Jaiteh is a big guy with great physical tools to work with. He has good rebounding instincts and is definitely a guy worth gambling on at this point of the draft. The only concern is that he hasn't developed as much over the last two years as one would hope. Two years ago, there was discussion of him being a lottery pick. 

#47. Philadelphia 76ers---Stanford senior small forward Anthony Brown (6-7, 210 lbs): Anthony Brown is a very talented wing player who can shoot the ball from beyond the arc and attack the basket in transition. He definitely has NBA-level athleticism and was a good team player at Stanford. The 76ers could use a high character guy like Brown as they try to change the course of their franchise. 

#48. Oklahoma City Thunder---Texas senior power forward Jonathan Holmes (6-9, 245 lbs): Jonathan Holmes has a nice physical profile and is versatile on both ends of the floor. He just isn't all that explosive and he lacks upside due to his age. 

#49. Washington Wizards---Kentucky sophomore guard Andrew Harrison (6-6, 215 lbs): Andrew Harrison didn't pan out like we all thought he would at Kentucky. Still, the Wizards may feel there is enough talent there to take a small gamble on late in the second round. 

#50. Atlanta Hawks---Arizona sophomore power forward Brandon Ashley (6-8, 230 lbs):  Brandon Ashley is an NBA-level athlete with a nice 7'3" wingspan. He can knock down the three at a 33.3% clip and could prove to be a steal because of his physical tools and offensive potential. 

#51. Orlando Magic---Zalgiris Kaunas power forward Arturas Gudaitis (6-10, 255 lbs): Arturas Gudaitis is a big guy with a good NBA body. He is a good offensive rebounder and has proven capable to score the ball in the Euroleague (8.56 points per game). His problem is he really has no jump shot. Just 17 of his 394 shots were jumpers. 

#52. Dallas Mavericks---Washington sophomore center Robert Upshaw (7-0, 260 lbs): Ever since he got kicked off of Washington's team, there have been questions about his character. But there is no denying that his physical tools make him worth the risk this late in the draft. 

#53. Cleveland Cavaliers---Wyoming senior power forward Larry Nance, Jr. (6-9, 230 lbs): Larry Nance, Jr. was born in Akron, OH. That alone should make the Cavaliers draft him. Plus, he is an athletic player who can do a little bit of everything: 16.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 1.2 steals, and 33.3% from three-point range were his numbers from last season. 

#54. Utah Jazz---Michigan State senior power forward Branden Dawson (6-7, 230 lbs):  Branden Dawson blocked 1.7 shots per game last season and has a high motor. The question is can he overcome his physical limitations. He isn't that big for a power forward and he lacks the skills to be a small forward. His 3-point percentage is N/A. 

#55. San Antonio Spurs---UTEP sophomore small forward Vince Hunter (6-7, 210 lbs): Vince Hunter has good springs and scored 14.9 points per game last season. He's still pretty young and might have some potential because of his body frame and three-point shooting (40% on 10 attempts). 

#56. New Orleans Pelicans---Stanford senior point guard Chasson Randle (6-2, 180 lbs): Chasson Randle can score the basketball really well (19.6 points per game) and is a high character player. The only concern with him is that he is undersized for a point guard and played more like a shooting guard at Stanford. He averaged just 3.0 assists per game last season. However, his shooting ability is enticing and he could be a good fit in New Orleans given that Jimmer Fredette hasn't exactly panned out. 

#57. Denver Nuggets---Michigan State senior point guard Travis Trice (6-1, 170 lbs): Travis Trice has the skills one would want for an NBA point guard (15.3 points and 5.1 assists per game). If he can overcome his size, he could be nice pickup for the Nuggets. They could use a backup point guard. 

#58. Philadelphia 76ers--- Iowa State senior shooting guard Bryce Dejean-Jones (6-6, 205 lbs): Bryce Dejean-Jones has a good NBA body and is an athletic finisher. Given that he is a senior he may not have much upside, but his athleticism should get him drafted. 

#59. Atlanta Hawks---Florida junior shooting guard Michael Frazier (6-5, 200 lbs): Michael Frazier's draft stock is rising and he appears likely to be drafted. His free throw shooting percentage is excellent (87.1%), indicating that he has the ability to shoot the ball. 

#60. Philadelphia 76ers---UConn senior point guard Ryan Boatright (5-11, 170 lbs): Ryan Boatright is very small for an NBA point guard, but he is lightning quick and can really score the ball (17.4 points per game). He dished out 3.8 assists per game last season and averaged 1.4 steals per game. He shows promise as a facilitator and also as a defender. 

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news. Also, like my Facebook page NBA Lord Nation.