The Bradley Beal Sweepstakes

Beal has become the second best prospect in this year's draft

Bradley Beal has emerged as arguably the second best player in this year's draft after Anthony Davis  but the Charlotte Bobcats are looking to move their number two overall pick as they have no interest in Beal since they already have DJ Augustin, Kemba Walker, and Gerald Henderson in the back court. The Bobcats will have some suitors for that pick as Bradley Beal is potentially the next Ray Allen. So, who could the Bobcats trade the Bradley Beal pick to?

Trade Proposal Number One
Washington Wizards send: First Round Pick 3, SF Trevor Ariza
Charlotte Bobcats send: First Round Pick 2
The Wizards could very well get Beal with the third pick if Charlotte stays at two but the Bobcats will most likely move this pick and the Wizards want to get Beal. Beal would allow the Wizards to go with a smaller starting lineup with John Wall and Jordan Crawford. Beal would give Wall another shooter to give the ball and having two sharp shooters in Beal and Crawford will be a hard thing challenge defensively for opponents. The Bobcats will get Trevor Ariza which will allow them to upgrade at small forward as Ariza is still only 26 and is still developing. A change in scenery is exactly what Ariza need and has already received once already since he is at least going to DC. This trade can work well for both sides as both teams can get the players they could use.

Trade Proposal Two
Cleveland Cavaliers send: First Round Pick 4, First Round Pick 24
Charlotte Bobcats send: First Round Pick 2
The Cavaliers have multiple picks that they can use in a trade for the second overal pick as they can send the Bobcats both of their own first round picks for the second pick. The Bobcats need a shooter that Kyrie Irving can drive and kick the ball out to and Beal is that player. The Cavs need a 2 guard and Beal is definitely the best  option in this year's draft. The Bobcats need picks and this can allow them to take Thomas Robinson or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist here, whichever one is still on the board and they can also get another role player later on in the draft. This trade fits well for both teams as this proposal would make the Bobcats think.

Trape Proposal Three
Toronto Raptors send: First Round Pick 8, SG/SF DeMar DeRozan
Charlotte Bobcats send: First Round Pick 2
The Raptors are not convinced about DeRozan and his future as a shooting guard as the Raptors could use him as a piece of a trade for the number 2 pick and Bradley Beal. Beal would give Toronto the sharp shooter from beyond the arc that they have been lacking. DeRozan can move to the three as he has the size to do that and that would give the Bobcats a young scorer at the three that can attack the basket and find his own shot. The Bobcats could look at Andre Drummond at the eigth pick as a high upside center as they could use a young center to put beside Bismack Byombo in the future. This deal would give the Bobcats a proven scorer while the Raptors would get a playmaking shooting guard that can make some big shots.

Trade Proposal Four
Indiana Pacers send: First Round Pick 26, SF Danny Granger, 2013 First Round Pick
Charlotte Bobcats send: First Round Pick 2
The Pacers have wanted to move Paul George to the three and have lookedd at trading Danny Granger as they look to gain more cap space so they can keep their stars and build a stronger team. Beal would give the Pacers a true 2 guard and anothr strong shooter from beyond the arc with Paul George. The Pacers cold also bring in Ray Allen to mentor Beal as Beal could have less pressure in that role while Allen would get to still be on a contender. Beal would also give them a guarantee  at shooting guard as it is unlikely that Eric Gordon will leave New Orleans for Indiana. Danny Granger could be a star in Charlotte as that would give Michael Jordan's team a veteran leader that is a proven scorer while they can also get a couple of first round picks that they can work with as they build this team for the future. This might be a longshot but Indiana could be the big sleeper in the Bradley Beal sweepstakes.

NBA Mock Draft 2

The NBA Draft is not too far away now as everybody is preparing for the draft on June 28 which could be one day after a possible game 7 in Oklahoma City. Now, here is our latest NBA mock draft. Remember, we will have live NBA Draft coverage Thursday night.

1. The New Orleans Hornets select Kentucky PF Anthony Davis.
Anthony Davis will be the number one pick as we all know that the Charlotte Bobcats are really on the clock with the number two pick. Davis will allow the Hornets to not worry about resigning Chris Kaman and it will also allow them to get rid of Emeka Okafor as he could end up having the amnesty clause used on him. Davis can be an immediate starter in New Orleans and his defense will impress fans and his teammates as he will be like Dwight Howard defensively. Davis still has soem work to do on his low post game on the offensive side of the game but Davis will be a star player in New Orleans for a long time.

2. The Charlotte Bobcats select Kentucky SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Many people have been thinking that Thomas Robinson will go here but that does not make any sense as Bismack Byombo is the power forward of the future. The Bobcats need a high energy small forward who can help turn around the Bobcats and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the right man for the job. Kidd-Gilchrist's high motor will make him a difference maker in the NBA as he will do tons of things that will not show up on the box score but will help the Bobcats win more games. Kidd-Gilchrist also is very good at attacking the basket and getting the easy points or kicking out to a wide open shooter. Kidd-Gilchrist needs to improve his mid-range game some but with his high work ethic, Kidd-Gilchrist will become a very good NBA player and could make an All-Star appearance or two in his career.

3. The Washington Wizards select Florida SG/SF Bradley Beal.
Bradley Beal has shown a strong ability to be an effective player on the wing as Beal showed some sgins of improvement from beyond the arc by the end of his season at Florida. Beal is a very similar player to Ray Allen in his shooting ability and his scoring ability reminds me a lot of Brandon Roy at his peak as he his very good at scoring from mid-range and attacking the basket. Beal will be allow the Wizards to move to a smaller, more athletic lineup with three guards starting in Beal, John Wall at the point, and Jordan Crawford at the two. A guy like Beal fits perfectly in DC as this gives John Wall another shooter that he can kick the ball out two.

4. The Cleveland Cavaliers select Syracuse SG Dion Waiters.
Reports have emerged that a team in the lottery has told Dion Waiters that they will take him and that team is high enough up that he will not do any more workouts. I think it is the Cavaliers as they need another scorer in the back and Waiters is exactly that player. Waiters might not have started for the Orange but Waiters knows how to score whether it be a pull-up jumper or if it is driving to the basket and getting a layup. Waiters would be a great pick hre as he can be a very good scorer that can get baskets in key moments from mid-range, at the basket, or beyond the arc.

5. The Sacramento Kings select Kansas PF Thomas Robinson.
The Kings need a power forward to put beside their young center DeMarcus Cousins as they look to build a dominant front court. Thomas Robinson might not be on the board at this point as teams are looking at trading up to snag the Kansas power forward but if their are not any trades before the fifth pick, then Robinson will be available and the pick here. Robinson is a well-developed big man that will be a very effective ply. Robinson can be a Al Jefferson type force in the post as he knows how to dominate the board and score easy points on post moves. Robinson also has a high-level of maturity which can definitely be used to help out the aforementioned DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings would love to get Robinson here as I think that could very well happen Thursday night.

6. The Portland Trail Blazers select Weber State PG Damian Lillard.
The Trail Blazers need a young point guard and Weber State's Damian Lillard can definitely be that as he already has the skills to start in the NBA from the first game. Lillard was a very dangerous playmaker last year at Weber State as he was one of the best players in all of college basketball last season despite playing in the weak Big Sky conference that has produced the Detroit Pistons' Rodney Stuckey. Lillard point guard that teams are looking for as he can definitely be at least as good as the Houston Rockets' Kyle Lowry. Lillard also is a good enough player that he can start from day one. Lillard can be a piece of a Portland team that could very well make a quick return to the postseason.

7. The Golden State Warriors select North Carolina SF Harrison Barnes.
Harrison Barnes was able to have success last year at North Carolina as a complementary player that Kendall Marshall was able to get the ball to when he had open, mid-range jump shots. Barnes is a good shooter that can be a solid NBA player as he can definitely be a fit at the Oracle Arena. Barnes can be an upgrade over Dorell Wright who is looking like a one year fluke. Barnes was one of the most highly-rated players coming out of high school but he has not shown the skills to be a star player and a leader for a team. Barnes can fit well as a complementary piece for the Warriors as he can help the Warriors build a playoff contender.

8. The Toronto Raptors select Conneticut SG Jeremy Lamb.
Jeremy Lamb is an all-around scorer as he has great explosiveness which allows him to create space to get mid-range or drive to the basket and get the easy layup. Lamb also is a decent three-point shooter as Lamb was key for UCONN this past season as they probably would have missed the NCAA Tournament if it wasn't for Lamb's season. Jeremy Lamb already knows what it takes to win from UCONN's national championship in 2011. Lamb is a great scorer and he can fit perfectly in Toronto's starting lineup at shooting guard with DeMar DeRozan at small forward as he has the size to play there. Lamb will be an excellent choice for the Raptors as he could definitely be an Eric Gordon-like scorer for the Raptors.

9. The Detroit Pistons select Kentucky PF Terrence Jones.
Terrence Jones lost his starting spot at the beginning of the season for the Wildcats but he regained it when they decided to use Darius Miller is a sixth man role. Jones was able to be a part of a dominant low post game for Kentucky with Anthony Davis. Jones has refined his post game over the last two years and he has been a good post player and rebounder. The Pistons need help at power forward as they already have a strong center in Greg Monroe. Jones can be a quality power forward in the NBA as he can be another piece to the puzzle in Detroit as they look to get back to the playoffs.

10. The New Orleans Hornets select Conneticut C Andre Drummond.
Kendall Marshall would be a good fit here as the replacement for Jarrett Jack at point guard but I think the chance to get a high ceiling center in Andre Drummond will be too tempting for the Hornets to pass up. Drummond has the potential to be a dominant center in the NBA as Drummond could be a complete NBA center that can do it all from score to rebound to block shots. However, Drummond is far from a sure thing as he will need to improve his work ethic or he will become a draft bust. Drummond is a gamble as the Hornets should really think about taking UNC PG Kendall Marshall over him. However, the prospects of Drummond will be too hard for New Orleans to resist.

11. The Portland Trail Blazers select North Carolina C Tyler Zeller.
The Trail Blazers are prepared to win now as long as they find the right center and Zeller can be an immediate impact starter for the Trail Blazers in the post. Zeller is already a well developed center as he is a very good scorer inill allow him to be effective since he will be playing beside an excellent post player in LaMarcus Aldridge. Tyler Zeller has been a key player in taking the Tar Heels to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament as he knows how to be an all-around post player. Zeller will be a very good fit as the Rose Garden as the Trail Blazers look to make a very quick return to the playoffs.

12. The Milwaukee Bucks select Iowa State SF Royce White.
Royce White was an excellent player for Iowa State last year especially in the biggest games in the NCAA Tournament as he was ver effective in the first two rounds. White is a well-rounded player that can distribute the ball to teammates which makes him a good fit with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. White is also effective at crashing the boards and that makes him a very big threat for Milwaukee. Most people are worried about White's anxiety but I do not think that will impact his NBA career as he will be taken near the end of the lottery and could be an immediate starter for Milwaukee.

13. The Phoenix Suns select North Carolina PG Kendall Marshall.
Kendall Marshall can be the point guard of the future for the Suns as Steve Nash will probably leave in his pursuit of a ring while Aaron Brooks will probably look to go to a contender with cap space like Orlando or Utah. Marshall is a great distributer that was able to turn North Carolina into a national title contender as they could have won it all if it wasn't for the injury Marshall picked up. At the end of the season, Marshall started to become an excellent scorer as he showed the explosiveness necessary to get to the basket to get easy layups. Marshall is still an old-school distributing point guard like John Stockton and that is exactly who Marshall can be like. Marshall has the tools to become a great point guard as his scoring is getting better but he knows how to bring the best out of his teammates.

14. The Houston Rockets select Illinois C Meyers Leonard.
Meyers Leonard has impressed at all of his workouts and the NBA combine as he has shown great arm length which is key to be a great shot blocker. Leonard was a very good shot blocker at Illnois and he can be an effective player for the Rockets. Leonard also was a good post player but he still has some developing to do offensively as he can be the Rockets center of the future. Leonard will get some time to develop as the Rockets will bring a veteran center in to allow Leonard to develop. Leonard can be a quality starting center in the NBA as he has all the potential to be the exact player Houston needs.

15. The Philadelphia 76ers select Baylor PF Perry Jones III.
Perry Jones III was key to the success of the Baylor Bears over the past two seasons despite the fact that he was never able to achieve his potential. Jones has a high ceiling but his post game is not that strong right now and the 76ers will definitely have to work with him on that. The 76ers need a power forward to replace Elton Brand in the near future as Jones would definitely be a good candidate. 76ers coach Doug Collins knows how to get the best out of his players and he will do that with Jones as he can be a perfect fit for Philly. Jones has work ethic concerns but Doug Collins and the 76ers will force him to get rid of that.

16. The Houston Rockets select Washington SG Terrence Ross.
Terrence Ross starred in this year's NIT as he showed how great of a scorer he was and what he could have done if Washington was in the NCAA Tournament. Ross was an effective shooter from getting the easy layups to making some big shots from beyond the arc. The Rockets need a replacement for Kevin Martin as he will be a free agent after next season and Ross can be that. Ross will get some time to develop but he can be a part of a young Rockets nucleus with Kyle Lowry, Chandler Parsons, Patrick Peterson, and Chase Budinger. Ross is the right fit for a Rockets team that will contend for a playoff spot next season.

17. The Dallas Mavericks select St John's SF Moe Harkless.
Moe Harkless was the star this year for St John's as he was able to be the lead scorer under interim coach (and new Bobcats head coach) Mike Dunlap. Moe Harkless was an effective mid-range shooter and he showed that again when he impressed many scouts at the NBA Combine in Chicago. Harkless is also a strong defensive player as he can fit right in with the veterans that the Mavericks already have. Harkless still has some developing to do as he can be a qaulity small forward that can replace Shawn Marion. Harkless can be a really good player and a great pick here at number 17.

18. The Minnesota Timberwolves select Duke SG Austin Rivers.
Austin Rivers has been rumored with lottery but he is not a lottery-caliber player and this would be a good fit at pick 18. The Timberwolves need a young shooting guard as Wayne Ellington has not gotten the job done and Rivers would be the right fit. Rivers has made some big shots on the wing but he is lacks a lot of explosiveness which could cause him problems. Rivers has also been used as a point guard but his court vision is not good enough for him to be there. Austin Rivers is a good player with tons of upside but he will have to become more explosive if he wants to become a bigger playmaker and elite shooting guard.

19. The Orlando Magic select Washington PG Tony Wroten Jr.
Tony Wroten Jr was an effective player at the point for the Huskies in his one and only season at Washington as Wroten showed tons of potential. Wroten is a very explosive player that knows how to attack the basket but that is about the end of his scoring ability. Wroten is a very raw prospect as he has to develop his overall shooting ability and his vision. Wroten will get some time to develop as he will have Jameer Nelson as a mentor in Orlando. Some people have Wroten falling into the second round but he has too much potential to fall down as the Magic need a point guard of the future.

20. The Denver Nuggets select North Carolina PF John Henson.
John Henson was a very good player last season for the North Carolina Tar Heels as he will be the fourth from that team to go in the first round of this year's draft. John Henson was an elite rebounder for the Tar Heels last season as he was also excellent defensively as a dominant shot blocker. Henson will be able to make an immediate impact defensively and he has a good post game that still could use some developing. Henson could fall here because he does not have the same upside as some top prospects but he can be a steal at this point in the draft. Henson's great work ethic will allow him to fit in immediately with George Karl's team as he will be an immediate impact player for Denver.

21. The Boston Celtics select Syracuse C Fab Melo.
The Celtics need a young center that can replace Kevin Garnett and Fab Melo has the potential to be exactly that. Fab Melo has a lot of raw talent as he was key for the Orange this season as without him, Syracuse was not the same team. Melo knows how to crash the boards and be an all-around big man but he was limited in game appearances due to his academic problems. This could be a red flag as it could be a sign of a bad work ethic. However, Doc Rivers is one of the best coaches in the game and he get the best out of all of his players so Fab Melo can fit in Boston. Fab Melo has the potential to be a big time center especially on the defensive side of things.


22. The Boston Celtics select Vanderbilt SG John Jenkins.
John Jenkins is a very similar player to Ray Allen as he was one of the best three-point shooters in college basketball last season. Jenkins has already shown his skill from beyond the arc from his time at Vanderbilt as he is one of the best three-point shooters in the draft. Jenkins can make an immediate impact because of his abilities to shoot the three as he could be a very solid 2 guard in the NBA. Jenkins also is a player you want in at the end of games as he can make the big three or make a couple free throws to ice a game. Jenkins is a similar player to Ray Allen and seems like a good fit for the Celtics.

23. The Atlanta Hawks select Kentucky PG Marquis Teague.
The Hawks need help at point guard as Jeff Teague has not proven himself to be a NBA starting caliber point guard. Marquis Teague would give them a good distributer who can definitely be a starter in the NBA for multiple years. Marquis Teague also is good at getting to the basket and getting easy shots but his explosiveness is not elite as he will have some developing to do if he wants to become a quality NBA point guard. However, Teague has the work ethic to be a solid starting point guard as he will be a good player for the Hawks.

24. The Cleveland Cavaliers select Mississippi State PF/C Arnett Moultrie.
The Cavaliers need a young center who can play beside Tristan Thompson in the future and Moultrie is exactly that player as he can also make an immediate impact in this league. The Cavs do not have a long term center to replace Anderson Varejao and Moultrie can be that replacement as he was a very successful player at Mississippi State that was able to be a dominating force in the post. Moultrie can be an immediate impact player in the Cavs rotation as his skills are refined enough to make an impact off the bench. Moultrie can be a very solid starting big man in the NBA for Cleveland as they look to get back to the playoffs.

25. The Memphis Grizzlies select Memphis SG Will Barton.
The Grizzlies are going to need a shooting guard as OJ Mayo has not been able to have success in Memphis while Tony Allen is more of a defensive specialist and not much of an offensive force. Will Barton si an explosive player that knows how to attack the basket and score. Barton was very effective for the Memphis Tigers as he was able to be very dangerous in a speedy Tigers team. Will Barton also knows how to attack the glass and get rebounds as he is an impressive rebounder for a shooting guard. Will Barton will be a very good player for the Grizzlies as he can make a huge impact in Memphis, this time in the NBA.

26. The Indiana Pacers select Ohio State PF Jared Sullinger.
The Pacers need a long term power forward to pair up with Roy Hibbert as Tyler Hansbrough is not the answer at that position. Jared Sullinger has taken a huge slide down many draft boards after he was medically red flagged by NBA doctors for back concerns. Sullinger is still a talented big man and someone will take a chance on Sullinger. The Pacers make sense as they need a young power forward and Sullinger is a player that they can take a chance on and see what happens. There might be surer things available like Andrew Nicholson but Sullinger has a much higher ceiling and is worth the risk at this point in the first round.

27. The Miami Heat select St. Bonaventure PF Andrew Nicholson.
Chris Bosh has been playing more at center this season as the Heat have had success while doing that as LeBron has proven his verstility as a forward. Andrew Nicholson would give the Heat another scorer off the bench as he already has a very good mid-range shooting ability and is a very refined player with high energy and that knows how to score. Nicholson can become a starter after a couple of seasons in Miami and he can make this team even better then the current Miami Heat that just won the NBA title.

28. The Oklahoma City Thunder select Baylor SF Quincy Miller.
Quincy Miller porbably should have returned to Baylor to polish his game more as he is a very raw prospect that could have been a lottery pick in next year's draft. The Thunder have shown tons of patience in the past in developing players as that is a lot of the reason why the Thunder made the NBA Finals this year. In a year or so, Miller can be an impact player off the bench and if Kevin Durant moves to power forward, Miller could start at small forward or move to the four while Serge Ibaka moves to center as teams are looking at smaller, faster lineups. Miller is the type of player that the Thunder will look at as they look to keep this team a consistent winner just like San Antonio.

29. The Chicago Bulls select France SG Evan Fournier.
Fournier will probably not come over to the NBA for a couple seasons as he will get the chance to develop overseas before coming across the pond to the NBA. The Bulls currently have Richard Hamilton at shooting guard and they do not need to find a replacement for him that is ready next season so Fournier is a guy that can start overseas before coming over to America. Fournier is a fairly unknown player but he can be a NBA starter as he will get the playing time he needs to develop overseas before coming to the NBA.

30. The Golden State Warriors select Norfolk State C Kyle O'Quinn.
The Warriors need to add some depth in the front court as Andrew Bogut has been injury-plagued recently and Kyle O'Quinn would be a solid, refined player for the Warriors to draft here at the end of the first round. O'Quinn knows how to crash the boards as he proved that last year at Norfolk State and he showed the country how good he is when he led Norfolk State to the first round upset of Missouri in the NCAA Tournament. O'Quinn will be a good, solid pick for the Warriors at the end of the first round as he will be a good rotational player in the NBA.

More Great Articles on This Year's NBA Draft
For More Mock Drafts:  http://dcprosportsreport.com/mocks/NBAMocks.htm
For Three Underrated Draft Prospects: http://thetruefansports.blogspot.com/2012/06/nba-draft-sleepers.html
For Three Overrated Draft Prospects: http://thetruefansports.blogspot.com/2012/06/overrated-nba-draft-prospects.html
Will the Bobcats Trade The Number Two Pick: http://thetruefansports.blogspot.com/2012/06/bradley-beal-sweepstakes.html

Overrated NBA Draft Prospects

The NBA Draft is less then a week away now as all of the basketball world's attention is on it after the Heat won the NBA Championship in game five of the NBA Finals. We have already talked about some of the underrated players in this year's NBA Draft so which players are overrated. Also, we will have live NBA Draft coverage this Thursday.

North Carolina SF Harrison Barnes
A lot of scouts think Barnes can be a strong player that can create his own shots and can be a prolific scorer but his time at North Carolina proved otherwise. When the Tar Heels had a weak point guard in Larry Drew Jr, Barnes was forced to create most of his opportunities and he struggled to do that. Barnes was awful at creating his own opportunities and he has shown a poor ability at attacking the basket. Barnes has not developed any sort of post game which a lot of starting NBA small forwards have. A good defender can contain Barnes on the wing as he is most effective in the 15 to 20 feet shooting range. Barnes did better when he had a strong point guard in Kendall Marshall who knew how to set up Barnes. Barnes can be a solid small forward in the NBA with the right point guard but he is definitely not a top five pick.

Ohio State PF Jared Sullinger
Jared Sullinger was one of the most successful basketball players in Ohio State's history as Sullinger was a good college player but there are problems that make him a gamble for NBA teams. Sullinger was medically red flagged by NBA doctors for a bad back which is a major problem for a post player who needs a strong back to post up on defenders. Any concerns about back problems can cause him to be hesitant on the floor as he could very well have tons of back injuries. Sullinger also plays small for his size as his post game has shown tons of weaknesses. Sullinger is going to need a lot of developing and taking a chance on a somewhat raw power forward with back problems is not worthy about a top 20 first round pick.

Duke SG Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers made some big shots for Duke this year as Rivers is not a true shooting guard but he soes not have the skills set to be a point guard. Rivers is a good perimeter player but Rivers is not the best at getting to the basket and being an all-around scorer. Rivers also is not a distributer which is why he is not a point guard and Rivers also lacks the explosiveness to get to the hoop which makes him very containable for defenders. Rivers is a true perimeter player and many teams will be able to contain Austin Rivers. Rivers is not a great three-point shooter either and he should not be picked in the lottery. Rivers has a high ceiling he should not be a lottery pick as he will take some time to develop. Dion Waiters and Jeremy Lamb are better options at shooting guard as Rivers would be a huge mistake if he was taken in the lottery.

NBA Mock Draft

The New Orleans Hornets won the lottery as the draft order is now set for this year's NBA Draft. This year's draft is loaded with talent as their could be a few future all-stars in this draft.

1. The New Orleans Hornets select Kentucky PF Anthony Davis
No surprise here, Davis will get to play professional basketball in the city where he won the NCAA Championship this year and in the building where Kentucky lost to Vanderbilt in the SEC Championship. Davis will be an immediate impact player for the Hornets as he can form a very dangerous duo with star guard Eric Gordon. Davis's defense is excellent and his post game is rapidly improving as Davis will make plenty of All-Star appearances. With the tenth pick also in this draft, the Hornets will be able to build a very dangerous team as Gordon and Davis are the building blocks for success in the Big Easy.

2. The Charlotte Bobcats Kentucky SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
The Bobcats were disappointed to not win the number one pick in the lottery as they are looking to move the number two pick now though they might just want to stay here. If they do, the Bobcats will take Anthony Davis's teammate, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Kidd-Gilchrist is a great player to have as he knows how to do the little things that may not show up in the box score and he always goes 100% every single game which will be key for a Charlotte turnaround. Kidd-Gichrist will be a good pick at the number two slot.

3. The Washington Wizards select Florida SG Bradley Beal.
The Wizards have been debating between taking Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Bradley Beal as this third pick will allow that choice to most likely be made for them. Beal will be the one left and can book a ticket for the nation's capital to meet up with John Wall and company. Beal has tons of ability to be a dangerous wing scorer as he has some shooting ability from beyond the arc. Beal also has the potential to be able to slow down guards on the wing as he could be a Wesley Matthews type player or even better. Beal will be a quality NBA starter for a long time as the Wizards look to climb out of futility.

4. The Cleveland Cavaliers select Connecticut SG Jeremy Lamb
This is where the draft starts to get interesting as the best player left on the board, Thomas Robinson, is not a fit for the Cavs while a guard or small forward is a better fit. The Cavs will definitely have to look at two players, SF Harrison Barnes and SG Jeremy Lamb. I think Lamb is a slightly better player and is the ideal pick here for the Cavaliers as he can form a very dangerous back court with rookie of the year Kyrie Irving. Lamb is a very dangerous scorer and can improve the Cavs offense even more. The Cavaliers may not be too far away from a return to the postseason.

5. The Sacramento Kings select Kansas PF Thomas Robinson.
Robinson is one of the best players in this year's NBA Draft and is very much a sure thing as he is a very refined power forward. The Kings would love a very refined player like Robinson to put beside DeMarcus Cousins. Robinson also brings a high motor and can help pass that along to Robinson which can help the Kings in the long term. Robinson and Cousins can also become a great rebounding tandem on the offensive and defensive boards and this can allow the Kings to get more second chance points. Robinson and the Kings are a great match for each other.

6. The Portland Trail Blazers select Connecticut C Andre Drummond.
The Trail Blazers have a very strong young corps of players with LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, and Wesley Matthews. Drummond is a very raw talent that could be the next Kwame Brown or worse, the next Hasheem Thabeet if he is not developed properly and if he does not have the right work ethic. However, Drummond has tue build of a potential star at center just like the Lakers' Andrew Bynum. Drummond is a hit or miss prospect and the Trail Blazers will probably to intrigued to pass it up.

7. The Golden State Warriors select North Carolina SF Harrison Barnes.
The Warriors are building a fairly strng lineup and Barnes would be the perfect addition as Dorrell Wright is semming like a one-year fluke for Golden State. Barnes is more of a natural wing player and could really fit in well with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the perimeter. Barnes is a good mid-range shooter and could be effective in a high-scoring Golden State offense. Barnes can be a good rotation player that becomes a starter after a year for the Warriors.

8. The Toronto Raptors select Weber State PG Damian Lillard.
The Raptors have an aging point guard in Spaniard Jose Calderon as Damian Lillard could be groomed to replace Calderon after a season or Steve Nash after two years if he goes to Toronto. Lillard dominated in the Big Sky conference for Weber State as Lillard showed a lot of talent and the ability to be a starting point guard in the NBA. Lillard has a proven ability in getting to the basket and scoring which will allow him to be very effective in the NBA. Lillard can be the Raptors point guard of the future.

9. The Detroit Pistons select Ohio State PF Jared Sullinger.
The Pistons need a young power forward as Jason Maxiell is not a long term answer for the Pistons. Sullinger would be the perfect fit as he is not much of a risk and can be a quality NBA player as he knows how to score points. Sullinger lack of size and strength is a concern as it could allow him to only be a rotational player and not a starter. However, Sullinger is not that much of a gamble and will be a good pick at number nine.

10, The New Orleans Hornets select North Carolina PG Kendall Marshall.
The Hornets need to find a young point guard as Jarrett Jack is more of a temporary fill in to put alongside Eric Gordon in the backcourt. Kendall Marshall is the perfect choice as he reminds me a lot of another NBA point guard that is having a really good career, Rajon Rondo. Like Rondo, Marshall has shown an ability to make excellent decisions and make sure the ball is in the hands of the right player at the right time. Marshall has also shown some ability to attack the basket as Marshall is a fairly complete player as Marshall, Gordon, and Anthony Davis could form a samll big three.

11. The Portland Trail Blazers select North Carolina C Tyler Zeller.
Yes, the Trail Blazers have already picked a center but Drummond is more of a developmental player while Zeller can be an immediate impact player for a Portland team that could be dangerous in the Western Conference. Zeller is already a very refined player and is a very strong scorer in the post as Zeller could be an immediate starter for Portland. Zeller can be a very effective player at center until Drummond is ready or he can be the permanent replacement if Drummond does not work out. Zeller gives the Trail Blazers a little security at center.

12. The Milwaukee Bucks select Washington SG/SF Terrence Ross.
Dion Waiters might be a better fit here but the Bucks need someone who has the size to be a three and Waiters is not that so the next option that is a fit is Washington guard Terrence Ross who has the size to fit in for Milwaukee. Terrence Ross is still a pretty good player as he was excellent in the NIT for the Huskies and showed off his excellent scoring ability. Ross will be able to be a strong scorer in the NBA as the Bucks will put up tons of points in the NBA next year.

13. The Phoenix Suns select Baylor PF Perry Jones III.
The Suns are looking to build for the future as Steve Nash seems set to leave the desert in search of a NBA Champiosnhip for a team like Miami or the Lakers. Jones can be a part of this team for the future as Jones has tons of upside and has some range for a 6' 11' power forward. Jones still needs to develop a low post game but I think he could be the starting power forward in a year or two for the Suns as a frontcourt of Jones and Marcin Gortat with Markieff Morris on the bench has the potential to be really good. Jones would be the optimal pick for the Suns.

14. The Houston Rockets select Syracuse SG Dion Waiters.
The Rockets have a very good shooting guard in Kevin Martin but he will be a free agent next year and the Rockets need to find his replacement as he could be a target for the Nets or Jazz after next year. Waiters would be the perfect replacement as he knows how to score and could be effective off the bench in his rookie season as he is used to a sixth man role from his time at Syracuse. Waiters is a true scorer as he will be able to be like Kevin Martin except he is slightly better at getting to the basket then Martin. Waiters would be the perfect fit in Houston.

15. The Philadelphia 76ers select Kentucky PF Terrence Jones.
Elton Brand is aging and Craig Brackens does not seem like the replacement in the long term for Brand. Terrence Jones could be that replacement as he will fit in immediately with the 76ers due to the fact that he understands his role will not be as a starter at first just like it was at the being of this past college basketball season. However, Jones has a high ceiling as he already has some refined big man skills due to his two years at Kentucky. Jones is the right fit for the 76ers here in the middle of the first round.

16. The Houston Rockets select Illinois C Meyers Leonard.
The Rockets are lacking a long term center as Meyers Leonard is a high upside player that could use some developing but could become a really good NBA center. The Rockets do not have a long term plan at center as they can use Marcus Camby as the starter while Leonard becomes a NBA starting center. Leonard has impressed at the NBA Combine and he has the potential to be a regular starter in the NBA.

17. The Dallas Mavericks select Iowa State SF Royce White.
Dallas needs to get younger as they have tons of veterans who showed their age this season after getting swept in the playoffs by the youthful Oklahoma City Thunder. Royce White has had concerns about his anxiety issue but he eased those problems in interviews at the combine. White is a proven scorer who helped take the Iowa State Cyclones back to the NCAA Tournament. White can help the Mavs build a strong team for the future and for now as he could even be an immediate starter.

18. The Minnesota Timberwolves select Duke SG Austin Rivers.
The Timberwolves currently lack a true shooter on the wing as Wesley Johnson, Wayne Ellington, and Martell Webster are not that true shooter. Rivers has been known for making some big threes in college and despite the fact that he probably should of stayed at Duke, he entered the draft but he is still a very good young prospect. Rivers is still very raw but he can become a strong shooter on the wing just like Utah's CJ Miles. Rivers can be a solid pick for the T-Wolves.

19. The Orlando Magic select Washington PG Tony Wroten Jr.
Jameer Nelson is getting up in age and the Magic are currently lacking a young point guard that can replace Nelson. Wroten is that developmental player that could be the long term replacement as he has the explosiveness to become a Ty Lawson type point guard after a couple seasons. Wroten is more of a layer for the future in Orlando but this could end up being a hit or a miss.

20. The Denver Nuggets select North Carolina PF John Henson.
The Nuggets need someone that can backup Kenneth Faried and be a dominant player off the bench and Henson is exactly that. Henson is a dominant player defensively as he knows how to shut down big man and block tons of shots just like he did at North Carolina. Henson is not the best offensively but George Karl can use Henson's great work ethic late in close games on defense to shut down opponents. Henson will be a the right fit for Denver if the Nuggets decide to choose him here and if Henson is still on the board.

21. The Boston Celtics select Mississippi State PF/C Arnett Moultrie.
The Celtics could bring back Kevin Garnett next year as they look for a big man to develop behind Garnett and Moultrie would be an excellent fit. Moultrie was a dominant post player at Mississippi State as he could become an effective starting big man in the starting lineup for Boston in a year or two. Moultrie should be an impact rotational player immediately and can be a starter down the road when Garnett leaves or retires.

22. The Boston Celtics select St John's SF Moe Harkless.
Moe Harkless could of been a higher pick in the draft next year if he would have stayed at St John's but Harkless has impressed at the NBA Combine and could be a steal at this point in the draft. Harkless showed a strong shooting ability but he is still a raw player that has a high ceiling but could be a bust if he is not developed properly. Harkless is a long term replacement for Paul Pierce that could be a Pierce type shooting small forward or a huge bust.

23. The Atlanta Hawks select Memphis SG Will Barton.
The Hakw shave moved Joe Johnson to more of a small forward role and they need and explosive shooting guard that can get to the basket and score, and create more space for guys like Johnson, Al Horford, and Josh Smith. Will Barton is that player as he has some great speed and knows how to get to the basket and score. Barton can be a steal at this point in the draft as he the all-around game to be a more explosive version of Jamal Crawford. Barton will be a very good NBA player and is an example of how deep the draft is this year.

24. The Cleveland Cavaliers select Syracuse C Fab Melo.
Anderson Varejao is past his peak and Semih Erden is not the long term answer at center for the Cavs. However, Fab Melo can be that center that the Cavs need as Melo has been developing a strong post game and could be an effective NBA center. However, Melo does carry some red flags due to the suspensions he has had in the past at Syracuse. Melo is a huge risk and a project but he is worth the pick at this point in the draft as he could form a dangerous pairing in the frontcourt with Tristan Thompson.

25. The Memphis Grizzlies select Vanderbilt SG John Jenkins.
OJ Mayo is a restricted free agent this offseason for Memphis as he will probably leave while Tony Allen is not the best shooter on the wing and more of a tough, defensively strong guard. John Jenkins is an ideal fit here witht he 25th pick as he is a great shooter from beyond the arc and could be a player that the Griz can kick the ball out to. Jenkins knows how to shoot and this can allow him to challenge for a starting spot at some point in his rookie season. Jenkins has been rising up into the end of the first round for good reason.

26. The Indiana Pacers select St. Bonaventure PF Andrew Nicholson.
Nicholson fits in very well with Indiana as he can become a Paul Millsap type player for Indiana as he has an excellent mid-range shooting game. Nicholson can make an immediate impact as he could take David West's spot in the lineup after next season. Nicholson is a well-rounded power forward that has the potential to be a dominant force for a while as the Pacers will be getting a very good power forward.

27. The Miami Heat select Baylor SF Quincy Miller.
Quincy Miller has been falling down some draft boards as the Heat could use a young developmental player that can improve the bench. The Heat could look for a center or a point guard but the Heat have two young point guards already and the Heat will want to improve their bench so Miller is the perfect fit. Miller has a lot of things he needs to work on but he can become a very solid role player for the Heat by the end of next season and a good sixth man in the long term.

28. The Oklahoma City Thunder select West Virginia PF Kevin Jones.
The Thunder need some more depth in the frontcourt as Nick Collison is not that good and Cole Aldrich is turning into a bust of a prospect. Kevin Jones would be the perfect answer to that problem as he is a strong post player that is an excellent rebounder. Jones can definitely be an impact player off the bench in his rookie season as he the potential to be a dominant big man in the long term for OKC.

29. The Chicago Bulls select France SG Evan Fournier.
Fournier is a good young player that will probably stay in Europe for another year or two before he comes to Chicago as he will be able to replace Richard Hamilton. Fournier is a high upside player that the Bulls will not have to worry about developing themselves for a couple of years. Fournier is the right pick for the Bulls as they can get a long term developmental guard.

30. The Golden State Warriors select Norfolk State C Kyle O'Quinn.
O'Quinn became a well-known name across the country after Norfolk State upset Missouri in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. O'Quinn has had a very successful college career and is a good fit in Golden State as he can give the Warriors some more depth in the frontcourt where they could use it with the previously-injured Andrew Bogut and the aging David Lee. O'Quinn is a solid pick for the Warriors here at the end of the first round.

Notable players on the outside of the first round
Michigan State SF Draymond Green
Green is a good leader and knows how to dish the ball around but he isn't a good scorer and that could prevent him from not being much more than a 10 minutes a game type player. Green could go to a team like Charlotte, Washington, Cleveland, or Sacramento as the Kings need some leadership among the players.
Knetucky guards Marquis Teague and Doron Lamb
Teague is the best player not in my first round but he could go to Orlando but Wroten is a more explosive player which causes him to fall down. Miami could take him but they have Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole already. Lamb is a similar player to John Jenkins but is not as good and will fall into the early part of the second round. Teague could get some interst from Toronto, Portland, and maybe Charlotte (if they move Kemba Walker to shooting guard); while Lamb could end up with Washington, Sacramento, Toronto, or Denver.

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NBA Draft Sleepers

This year's NBA Draft is one of the best in a while as there are so many players that can be future starters in the league. There are a few players, however, that are underrated and will be impact players in the NBA. So who are these sleepers in this year's draft?

The North Carolina Tar Heels were struggling during the middle of the 2010-2011 college basketball season so they made a change. They replaced struggling point guard Larry Drew III with Kendall Marshall and the Tar Heels never looked back. Marshall became arguably the best point guard in college basketball as he will fight with Weber State's Damian Lillard to be the first point guard off the board. Marshall reminds a lot of another point guard that knows how to distribute the basketball to his teammates, Celtics PG Rajon Rondo. Marshall has that keen edge to know exactly where the ball should go and can be a great leader in the backcourt just like Rondo. Marshall also has the explosiveness and the smarts to be able to get the basket and score when that is the best option. Marshall will become one of the best point guards in the NBA and teams like Toronto at 8, New Orleans at 10, Portland at 11, and Phoenix at 13 as they could all be candidates to take the Tar Heel point guard in the draft lottery. Marshall will be a steal in this year's draft.

St. Bonaventure was one of the biggest surprises in the Atlantic 10 as they won the A-10 Conference Tournament. The Bonnies would not have been nearly as successful if it wasn't for their star power forward Andrew Nicholson. Nicholson was a very talented scorer as he showed a strong adeptness at making mid-range shots. Nicholson can be an effective NBA player and he could be as good as Paul Millsap while his mid-range shooting is very similar to that of Kevin Garnett's shooting. Nicholson also has a high work ethic which will allow him to excel in the NBA as any team in the non-lottery picks would love to have a player like Nicholson.

West Virginia had a good season this year and made the NCAA Tournament but all this would not have been possible without their star power forward Kevin Jones. Jones was a very dominant force in the paint scoring and racking up tons of rebounds as he plays much bigger then his 6' 8'' frame would suggest. Jones can be a dominant rebounder in the NBA and an effective scorer. Jones can be a breakthrough rookie just like Kenneth Faried was for the Denver Nuggets as Jones will be a steal at the end of the first round and in the early part of the second round.