LarryB's Mock Draft

  1. Houston: Yao Ming 7-5/296 (China)
    The reports are that thee Chinese government and basketball officials are ready to sign off on Ming playing for the Rockets. More events could arise that change the Rockets confidence in Yao's availability, Dunleavy would probably be the pick of the Rockets are scared off.
    Other Options: Mike Dunleavy, Drew Gooden, Jay Williams.
  2. Chicago: Jay Williams 6-2/196 (Duke-junior)
    Clearly the second best prospect in the draft fits Chicago like a glove. There's no question he is at the top of their list.
    Other Options: Yao MIng, Mike Dunleavy, Drew Gooden.
  3. Golden State: Mike Dunleavy (6-9/220-Duke-junior)
    Golden State has a lot things they can do with this pick. Consensus has them choosing between Dunleavy and Gooden, with Nickoloz Tskitishvili and Caron Butler creeping up the charts and into their radar. I think Dunleavy is clearly the better pick and there has been recent indications, that although going to Memphis would be a dream job for him, he'd still play for anyone.
    Other Options: Drew Gooden, Nickoloz Tskitishvili, Caron Butler.
  4. Memphis: Drew Gooden 6-10/230 (Kansas-junior)
    Its no secret that they'd like to get Mike Dunleavy, but Drew Gooden has been impressive trying out for them too. They will not be dissapointed with whoever falls to them, and they really only have to have two names on their tryout list cuz they are guaranteed to get one of them.
    Other options: Mike Dunleavy, Caron Butler, Nickoloz Tskitishvili.
  5. Denver: Nickoloz Tskitishvili 6-11/220 (Georgia)
    Denver realistically will probably be considering 3 or 4 players come draft day. Nickoloz Tskitishvili is a hot property, skyrocketing up the boards. He's one of those raw talents with many tools waiting to be developed. Caron Butler is another distinct possibility, and possibly the best long-term talent in the draft. A couple of weeks ago Butler was hot hot hot, but now interest is waning due to some unspectacular, if not solid, workouts. These two will be the front runners unless Dajuan Wagner does something to change their minds (he very well could, and he would fit in with the team pretty well). In all likelihood the question will be, who is the hottest commodity come draft day: Tskitishvili or Butler. Right now I think they will go with the possible big payoff and high profile pick of Tskitishvili. I'll probably change my mind about every other day until then. My final take: 60% chance Nickoloz, 40% chance Caron.
    Other Optons: Caron Butler, Dajuan Wagner, Drew Gooden
  6. Cleveland: Caron Butler 6-7/235 (UConn-sophomore
    If Butler gets past Denver, it will be hard for Cleveland to take anybody else. If he's gone they will be able to pick between either Gooden, Tskitishvilior Wilcox and maybe an outside chance at Nene Hilario. Wilcox has been more than impressive in his workouts, and Nickoloz Tskitishvili, is still a gamble, although a hot property. Cleveland is shopping this pick and there are several teams that want a shot at Wilcox, Tskitishvili (if still around) and Hilario. Don't be surprised if Phoenix, Miami, New York or even Portland moves up to this pick.
    Other Options: Chris Wilcox, Nickoloz Tskitishvili, Nene Hilario.
  7. New York: Chris Wilcox 6-10/221 (Maryland-sophomore)
    Hopefully, the Knicks will try to grab the best talent. That could be either Dajuan Wagner or Wilcox. Wilcox fits their needs better. The Knicks brass were enamored with Wagner's play and the prospect of having a scoring PG, but they surely like Wilcox much better. They might be tempted by Borchardt, but he won't be dominating enough and that would be a mistake. Nene Hilario is turning heads....and growing, this could be where he gets grabbed...ahead of schedule as usual in recent years for international prospects. If it doesn't look like Wilcox will be available, the Knicks might move up with a deal with Cleveland. I'd say they have 3 realistic picks, in this order of availability: Wilcox, Hilario, Jeffries.
    Other Options: Jared Jeffries, Curtis Borchardt, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario.
  8. LA Clippers (from Atlanta): Dajuan Wagner 6-2/200 (Memphis-freshman)
    They have the luxury of simply taking the best player on the board. I wouldn't be surprised if they could get Wagner in a little bit of a slide. He would probably top their want list. Here's another pick that could be moved for teams looking for Hilario, Tskitishvili or maybe even Stoudamire.
    Other Options: Nickoloz Tskitishvili, Nene Hilario, Curtis Borchardt.
  9. Phoenix: Maybyner "Nene" Hilario 6-11/260 (Brazil)
    Tskitishvili would be a dream come true if he was still on the board, he could very likely go to Denver or even Golden State, though. Hilario reportedly had a great workout for the team, and he grew since his last measurements, they will probably take him, if Nickoloz doesn't slide. They want someone big, but more importantly talented. They also were impressed with Jared Jeffries, so it could go between him and Hilario if Nickoloz is gone.
    Other Options: Jared Jeffries, Nickoloz Tskitishvili, Marcus Haislip.
  10. Miami: Jared Jeffries 6-10/234 (Indiana-sophomore)
    So far, on the early draft workout circuit, Jeffries has been more impressive than anyone. He has not only bulked up, but maybe even grown an inch, showing that he can play PF in the NBA. No doubt Riley likes his all-around potential and size to play either forward spot. They might have to really look hard at Qyntel Woods, but Jeffries stock is skyrocketing. Hilario is on the top of Miami's wish list, but unless he slides, no matter who else slides Jeffries is the pick.
    Other Options: Qyntel Woods, Curtis Borchardt, Nene Hilario.
  11. Washington: Qyntel Woods 6-9/230 (NE Mississippi CC-sophomore)
    Woods has been compared to Tracy McGrady, and his stock was high a few weeks ago with speculation he would go in the 3-5 range. Now the fires have cooled and he will be a low lottery pick. The Wiz will just be taking whoever falls to them from the top 10. They would love that player to be Dajuan Wagner, or even Jared Jeffries. I don't really see Borchardt as an improvement on who they have.
    Other Options: Jared Jeffries, Kareem Rush, DaJuan Wagner.
  12. LA Clippers: Amare Stoudamire 6-9/240 (Cypress Creek HS)
    His body is impressive and he has that dreaded tremendous upside. But he just has been killing his chances from day to day, with nagging injuries and declining workouts. I think teams are getting scared off of him. It is still highly likely that he will be a lottery pick though. There are also rumors that some teams want to move up to take him, so if he's available at 12 he will probably be gone one way or another. Look for the Clips to move this pick, maybe to Portland.
    Other Options: Curtis Borchardt, Kareem Rush, Melvin Ely.
  13. Milwaukee: Melvin Ely 6-10/256 (Fresno State) We know that the Bucks will be looking for the most talented, NBA ready big man that they can find. I don't see them gambling on Stoudamire this year. I think their wish list reads in this order: Hilario, Ely, Borchardt, Haislip.
    Other Options: Curtis Borchardt, Marcus Haislip, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario.
  14. Indiana: Kareem Rush 6-6/214 (Missouri-junior)
    They will be lucky if he falls to them here. Rush could post impressive rookie numbers. In a surprise move, Casey Jacobsen was invited to the draft. That means the NBA thinks he will be at least a mid first rounder. Speculation has him possibly going here, although Rush is a better prospect. You heard it hear first (or maybe second) the Pistons really like Darius Songaila, its is obviously a stretch to take him here, but stranger things have happened. My hunch is that their number one guy coming in is Melvin Ely. If he slips past Milwaukee then I'd say he's the guy in a Pacers uniform.
    Other Options: Darius Songaila, Casey Jacobsen, Melvin Ely.
  15. Houston (from Toronto): Bostjan Nachbar 6-8/220 (Slovenia)
    Its always hard to figure out who the Rockets are looking at. It seems like they always take the best player available...in their opinion that is. They will probably like the idea of grabbing Nachbar if he is still around, although they could be also thinking about gambling with Amare Stoudamire with the possibility of a high payoff.
    Other Options: Amare Stoudamire, Melvin Ely, Marcus Haislip.
  16. Philadelphia: Curtis Borchardt 7-0/240 (Stanford-junior)
    Interest in Borchardt is waning, he could very well fall into the Sixers lap, and that would be a gift indeed. If he's not there, they could pick between Haislip and Ely, whoever is left. They could go overseas and wait a year or two on a big European center prospect. This pick could go to the Warriors then it might be Welsch or Dickau.
    Other Options: Amare Stoudamire, Bostjan Nachbar, Melvin Ely.
  17. Washington (from New Orleans): Jiri Welsch (6-6/205-Czech Republic)
    Washington just dealt for this pick on the eve of the draft. Either they have someone in mind, or think someone will slip. Welsch is the only player in this range that had a really good workout for them, so they might be looking to snag him.
    Other Options: Dan Dickau, Frank Williams, Marcus Haislip.
  18. Orlando: Frank Williams 6-3/205 (Illinois-junior)
    Currently the Magic are taking heavy long looks at PGs, trying to actually get one in this draft that can crack their rotation. They will consider the best available player if someone like Haislip or Ely slides, but I think they will be picking amongst the PGs. Other Options: Dan Dickau, William "Smush" Parker, Carlos Boozer.
  19. Utah: Carlos Boozer 6-9/270 (Duke-junior)
    I wouldn't be surprised if they went overseas again, unless they see a little of Karl Malone in Carlos Boozer or if Haislip, Ely or Jeffries make a slide. I think their first choice is Welsch, but he could be gone. Now the buzz is that Boozer is ahead of Haislip on Utah's draft board. Haislip might be slipping.
    Other Options: Casey Jacobsen, Melvin Ely, Marcus Haislip.
  20. Toronto (from Seattle via NY): Dan Dickau 6-0/170 (Gonzaga)
    Will Toronto finally get the PG that they have coveted since Stoudamire left?
    Other Options: Frank Williams, Carlos Boozer, Jiri Welsch.
  21. Portland: Marcus Haislip 6-10/230 (Tennessee-junior)
    Portland always looks to add a big body being in the Western Conference. They might take Lazaros Papadopoulos or Fatih Solak too, but I think they are still a reach.
    Other Options: Dan Gadzuric, Fatih Solak, Lazaros Papadopoulos.
  22. Phoenix (from Boston): John Salmons 6-7/200 (Miami-FL)
    They might reach for a combo guard backup like Juan Dixon, Fred Jones or Roger Mason Jr. If one of the PG prospects like Dickau or Williams slides they will take him. John Salmons worked out well for them, but I think he's a reach, but I'm going with him as of now..
    Other Options: Dan Dickau, Caey Jacobsen, Carlos Boozer.
  23. Detroit: Casey Jacobsen 6-6/215 (Stanford-junior)
    I think they will try to add a versatile shooter, that can also get some minutes at point, or they could go for a big stiff to clog up the middle. They aren't terribly interested in this pick, though. Logan has helped himself out, and this might be the smartest thing the Pistons do with a pick they don't care about. Casey was invited to the draft, so the NBA thinks he's a top pick. Rumor has it Detroit and New Jersey both like him.
    Other Options: Fred Jones, Steve Logan, Juan Dixon.
  24. New Jersey: Juan Dixon 6-3/165 (Maryland)
    I see the Nets taking a player that can help their team in the immediate future. Believe it or not, the Nets have drafted smart the last few years. They might go overseas and wait on a player. Fred Jones is one of the guys I see sneaking into the first round and he might go here. Casey Jacobsen has been invited to the draft, this is the lowest I think that the NBA thinks that he will go. I'd say their list reads Jacobsen, Dixon, Jones.
    Other Options: Casey Jacobsen, David Andersen, Fred Jones.
  25. Denver (from Dallas): Dan Gadzuric 6-11/240 (UCLA)
    Denver probably won't be able to take anyone that would really help their team. Gadzuric could turn out okay for them though. They might take Juan Dixon if he is still around.
    Other Options: Frank Williams, Chris Jefferies, Juan Dixon.
  26. San Antonio: Nenad Krstic (7-0-Yugoslavia)
    Its highly likely that either David Andersen or Lazaros Papadopoulos will get the call. I originally thought that Chris Jefferies might just be the swing man that they need to help they get to the next level, if his defense is as good as its advertised and those Scottie Pippen comparisons are justified. They say they like Nenad Krstic, so who am I to argue?
    Other Options: Luis Scola, David Andersen, Lazaros Papadopoulos.
  27. LA Lakers: Tayshaun Prince 6-9/215 (Kentucky)
    They don't really care who they will be taking...yet...but when draft day arrives they will find a good one.
    Other Options: Sam Clancy, Fred Jones, Casey Jacobsen.
  28. Sacramento: David Andersen (7-0/242-Australia)
    Don't be surprised if they can find someone from Europe to fit their need at center. They need a big body...thats about it. I think he's the fastest rising big man from Europe.
    Other Options: Lazaros Papadopoulos, Fatih Solak, Jason Jennings.
  29. (Minnesota forfeits their first round pick again)

    Second Round

  30. Golden State: Tito Maddox (6-4/190-free agent)
  31. Chicago: Fred Jones (6-4/210-Oregon)
  32. Memphis: Sam Clancy (6-7/240-USC)
  33. Denver: Lazaros Papadopoulos (6-11/225-Greece)
  34. Milwaukee: Roger Mason Jr. (6-5/201-Virginia-junior)
    Look for Milwaukee to trade at least one of these picks.
  35. Cleveland: Steve Logan (6-0/198-Cincinatti)
  36. New York: Jason Jennings 7-0/250 (Arkansas St.)
  37. Atlanta: Ronald Murray 6-4/190 (Shaw Univ)
  38. Miami: Fatih Solak 7-0/270 (Turkey)
  39. Washington: Darius Songaila 6-9/245 (Wake Forest)
  40. Washington: Chris Jefferies (6-8/216-Fresno State-junior)
  41. LA Clippers: Marcus Taylor 6-3/195 (Michigan State-sophomore)
  42. Milwaukee: William "Smush" Parker 6-4/180
  43. Portland: Rod Grizzard (6-8/205-Alabama)
  44. Chicago: Ryan Humphrey 6-8/225 (Notre Dame)
  45. Philadelphia: Luis Scola 6-9/230 (Argentina)
  46. Memphis: Chris Christoffersen 7-2/300 (Oregon)
  47. Utah: Ernest "J. R." Bremer 6-2/185 (St Bonaventure)
  48. Milwaukee: Aaron McGhee 6-8/250 (Oklahoma)
  49. Seattle: Mladen Sekularac (6-8/202-Yugoslavia)
  50. Boston: Jamal Sampson 6-11/225 (California-freshman)
  51. Portland: Predrag Savocic 6-6/225 (Hawaii)
  52. Minnesota: Lonny Baxter 6-7/264 (Maryland)
  53. Houston: Vincent Yarbrough 6-7/210 (Tennessee)
  54. New Jersey: Matt Barnes 6-7/230 (UCLA)
  55. Dallas: Juan Carlos Navarro (6-4/193-Spain)
  56. San Antonio: Mario Stojic (6-6/198-Croatia)
  57. San Antonio: Udonis Haslem 6-7/260 (Florida)
  58. Sacramento: Andy Ellis 6-11/225 (Texas Tech)
Underclassmen in italics

Not knocking on the door anymore (probably not gonna get the call): Kelly Wise, Maurice Baker, Lenny Cooke, DeAngelo Collins, Kevin Lyde.

Knocking on the door (most likely to be second rounders in this order): Kei Madison, Randy Holcomb. Rasual Butler, Lynn Greer, Lubos Barton, Tamar Slay, Reggie Evans, Brooks Sales, Robert Archibald, Corsley Edwards.

Top 70 (or so) Prospects


Not who is gonna pick 'em
  1. Yao Ming 7-6/296 (China)
  2. Jay Williams 6-2/196 (Duke-junior)
  3. Drew Gooden 6-10/230 (Kansas-junior)
  4. Mike Dunleavy (6-9/220-Duke-junior)
  5. Caron Butler 6-7/222 (UConn-sophomore)
  6. Chris Wilcox 6-10/221 (Maryland-sophomore)
  7. Nickoloz Tskitishvili 6-11/220 (Georgia)
  8. Maybyner "Nene" Hilario 6-10/253 (Brazil)
  9. Kareem Rush 6-6/199 (Missouri-junior)
  10. Jared Jeffries 6-11/230 (Indiana-sophomore)
  11. Dajuan Wagner 6-2/200 (Memphis-freshman)
  12. Qyntel Woods 6-9/213 (NE Mississippi CC-sophomore)
  13. Curtis Borchardt 7-0/240 (Stanford-junior)
  14. Kareem Rush 6-6/199 (Missouri-junior)
  15. Melvin Ely 6-10/240 (Fresno State)
  16. Bostjan Nachbar 6-9/221 (Slovenia)
  17. Amare Stoudamire 6-10/233 (Cypress Creek HS)
  18. Marcus Haislip 6-10/221 (Tennessee-junior)
  19. Carlos Boozer 6-9/258 (Duke-junior)
  20. Frank Williams 6-3/205 (Illinois-junior)
  21. Dan Dickau 6-0/170 (Gonzaga)
  22. Jiri Welsch 6-6/205 (Czech Republic)
  23. Juan Dixon 6-3/165 (Maryland)
  24. Casey Jacobsen 6-6/215 (Stanford-junior)
  25. John Salmons 6-7/200 (Miami-FL)
  26. Dan Gadzuric 6-11/240 (UCLA)
  27. Fred Jones 6-4/210 (Oregon)
  28. David Andersen (7-0/242-Australia)
  29. Tayshaun Prince 6-9/215 (Kentucky)
  30. Nenad Krstic (7-0-Yugoslavia)
  31. Lazaros Papadopoulos (6-11/255-Greece)
  32. Jason Jennings 7-0/250 (Arkansas St.)
  33. Roger Mason Jr. 6-5/201 (Virginia-junior)
  34. Sam Clancy 6-7/240 (Southern California)
  35. Steve Logan 6-0/207 (Cincinatti)
  36. Tito Maddox (6-4/190-free agent)
  37. Darius Songaila 6-9/245 (Wake Forest)
  38. Chris Jefferies (6-8/216-Fresno State-junior)
  39. Rod Grizzard 6-8/205 (Alabama-junior)
  40. Ryan Humphrey 6-7/223 (Notre Dame)
  41. Vincent Yarbrough 6-7/210 (Tennessee)
  42. Aaron McGhee 6-8/250 (Oklahoma)
  43. Ronald Murray 6-4/190 (Shaw Univ)
  44. Chris Christoffersen 7-2/291 (Oregon)
  45. Pedrag Savocic 6-6/212 (Hawaii)
  46. Marcus Taylor 6-2/181 (Michigan State-sophomore)
  47. Luis Scola 6-9/230 (Argentina)
  48. Lonny Baxter 6-8/264 (Maryland)
  49. William "Smush" Parker 6-4/180 (Fordham-sophomore)
  50. Ernest "J. R." Bremer 6-2/185
  51. Fatih Solak 7-0/270 (Turkey)
  52. Andy Ellis 6-11/225 (Texas Tech)
  53. Juan Carolos Navarro (6-4/193-Spain)
  54. Udonis Haslem 6-8/250 (Florida)
  55. Jamal Sampson 6-11/235 (California-freshman)
  56. Lynn Greer 6-1/175 (Temple)
  57. Matt Barnes 6-8/226 (UCLA)
  58. Randy Holcomb 6-8/225 (San Diego State)
  59. Lenny Cooke 6-6/214 (Northern Valley Regional-HS)
  60. Kelly Wise 6-10/221 (Memphis)
  61. Kei Madison 6-9/220 (Okaloosa-Walton CC-sophomore)
  62. Brooks Sales 6-10/232 (Villanova)
  63. Elvin Mims 6-5/205 (Southern Miss.)
  64. Lubos Barton 6-8/221 (Valparaiso)
  65. Robert Archibald 6-11/250 (Illinois)
  66. Corsley Edwards 6-9/285 (Central Connecticut State)
  67. Maurice Baker 6-1/175 (Oklahoma State)
  68. Tamar Slay 6-8/203 (Marshall)
  69. Reggie Evans 6-8/245 (Iowa)
  70. DeAngelo Collins 6-9/230 (Inglewood High School-CA)
  71. Kevin Lyde 6-9/278 (Temple)
Underclassmen are in italics
indicates player is hot
indicates player is falling fast
Last updated June 26, 2002

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