Here’s the second half of the top 10. I’ll try to break the draft apart with 5 picks per post. My complete mock draft, which will updated as I continue to publish these posts, can be found on the “Mock Drafts” page.
6. Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky
The Lakers are in trouble and desperately in need of talent. Unfortunately, with only Kobe (who’s still hurt), 40-year-old Steve Nash and Robert Sacre guaranteed past this free agency period and several draft obligations owed to the Suns, they do not have much in the way of assets other than this draft pick. Should they stay at 6 (and not jump into the lottery), I think they end up deciding between Julius Randle and Noah Vonleh as a much needed front court player and replacement for Pau Gasol. Some have suggested Vonleh might be the better choice, as his outside shooting range fits better with Mike D’antoni’s system. However, I think Mike D’antoni is on his way out (if not this year, next year) and the Lakers organization would rather have a players who’s already put up big numbers in college, is a nationally known commodity and played on a winning team (helping Kentucky reach the National Championship), which would point to Randle.
I think this (mock) is far from the Laker’s ideal scenario and as we move closer the draft and the Draft Lottery happens, there will be a lot of talk about their pick. Those familiar with the shady history of the Draft Lottery would probably bet the Lakers somehow get into the top-3, as the league stands to gain the most by having their most popular franchise add another star. There’s also a very real possibility that they end up trading this pick for one of the stars (Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving) that they’ve been patiently waiting on to hit free agency and lure to LA. Ultimately though, I don’t think GM Mitch Kuptchak would swap this pick for one of those stars unless it is truly a good deal. With Kobe’s albatross of a contract extension, their cap flexibility is limited going forward; having a productive player with potential on a rookie deal would provide serious cap relief in addition to being a foundation for rebuilding.
7. Sacramento Kings: Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona
The Kings could go a number of ways with this pick. On one hand, they may need a replacement for point guard Isaiah Thomas, who’s a restricted free agent but likely to command more money than the Kings have room for on their tight salary cap budget. On the other hand, they may decide Thomas is worth it and retain him, which would allow them to address other holes in the roster, namely small forward. Although they have Rudy Gay there, his contract expires next season and he’s shown his inefficiency, poor shot selection and generally selfish play can actually hurt a team more than his sometimes prolific offensive abilities help it (see before/after of the 2013-2014 Toronto Raptors). By taking Aaron Gordon here, they get a player that can play both small and power forward (in small-ball lineups). His athleticism, great motor and defensive instincts should fill significant holes that have been hampering the Kings for years and further reiterate the team-first and leadership qualities coach Mike Malone has been trying to stress since his hire last summer.
Ideally, I think the Kings would prefer to snag Marcus Smart here if he falls, however if he’s taken I think they would prefer Aaron Gordon over top point guard prospect Tyler Ennis. Ennis has potential to be a solid point guard in the league due to his superior leadership qualities, consistency and mistake-free style of play, however his small size and not great athleticism limit his ceiling and may potentially hurt his ability to be as effective in the much faster and more physical NBA. Overall, I believe Gordon’s superior talent level, the possibility they may resign Isaiah Thomas and the solid play they got from back up point guard, Ray McCallum at the end of the season out places Gordon ahead of Ennis on the King’s draft board.
8. Detroit Pistons: Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse
After a failed season, the Pistons have two ways they could go with this pick. They could take power forward Noah Vonleh, who is the best player still available or go with Tyler Ennis to eventually become their franchise point guard. Vonleh would fit well next to Andre Drummond as a stretch-4 with good size, length and rebounding abilities. However, with Greg Monroe still currently on the roster and Josh Smith looking like one of the most immovable contracts in the NBA, there is already a serious log-jam in the front court. Should they opt to not restrict Monroe or possibly let him go via a sign and trade, Vonleh would make more sense, despite Smith’s insistence on being a stretch player even though he’s shown to have some of the worst shot selection and accuracy from long distance in the league. On the other hand, the Pistons have shown a considerable ineptitude on the team leadership front, which Vonleh, as one of the youngest and least proven players in the draft, would likely not improve. By taking a point guard here, specifically Ennis, the Pistons add leadership, consistency and maturity (despite his young age) that they currently lack with Brandon Jennings. While Jennings contract will be tough to move, the Pistons are in major need of team-first facilitator to run their team. Ennis gives them a player that brings an unselfish attitude, won’t make mistakes and that will help their crazy amount of young talent focus and produce. I think they take Ennis and figure out Jennings later.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers: Doug McDermott, SF, Creighton
The Cavs are another team that is coming off a total and complete mess of a season. Kyrie has quietly been trying to force his way out, their coach is still terrible, their players don’t match and their hope of creating a quality team to lure Lebron back has all but totally evaporated. That being said, they still have a significant number of talented young players on the roster, even if they have largely failed to meet expectations. With ball-dominant guards Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters and power forwards Anderson Varejao, Tristan Thompson and last year’s underwhelming number one pick, Anthony Bennett, supposedly all still in the team’s long term plans, their biggest needs are at center and small forward. The team is not expected to resign small forward Luol Deng or center Spencer Hawes, both of which they acquired mid-season to boost their misguided playoff hopes. Since there is really only one significant center prospect in the draft, Embiid, they will need to look to fill the small forward position by taking Doug McDermott. McDermott is a veteran college player with greater shooting range and decent scoring abilities. The Cavs were one of the worst teams at the small forward position last year, so this would immediately improve them at the position. Some might say the Cavs should take Vonleh, simply because he is the best player available. However, the Cavs already have a lot of talented immature guys (too many if you ask me) and his addition would be especially redundant as it would limit the growth and opportunities of all the other power forwards on the roster.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans): Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana
This is probably the Sixers’ dream scenario because if they can snag Vonleh here, they would land a player with serious potential; in other year’s of the draft he would probably go top-5, so getting him at 10 is a huge steal. He’s the best player left on the board by far and even though they do have Nerlens Noel and Thaddeus Young already in forward/center roles, neither have similar games to his. Thad might also not be on the roster too much longer, judging by the franchise’s direction. Even though the Sixers have a greater need at shooting guard, if Vonleh slips this far, he’s not the type of prospect to you don’t pass on for positional needs. If the draft shakes out differently and Vonleh isn’t there, I think the Sixers try to nab Aaron Gordon (if he too were to slip) or shooting guards Gary Harris or Nik Stauskas. Harris probably over Stauskas because of his athleticism and superior defensive skills. Both player’s would be good fits alongside Michael Carter-Williams as Harris would provide defensive capabilities while Stauskas would help shoulder some of the point duties and add a long-range threat on offense.