But it's time to put that past us and enjoy the upcoming NBA Draft.
This year's class is loaded. From 1-60, you can easily find a star. Here is my early look at how the draft lottery should go according to needs and rumors.
1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis - F/C - Freshman - Kentucky
The clear-cut #1 pick. Plain and simple, Ant is a one in a lifetime player. His length and overall size are essential to his game. He can knock down a mid-range jumper and is a good free throw shooter. He will beef up throughout the next few years and will be a force to be reckoned with.
2.. Charlotte Bobcats - Thomas Robinson - F - Junior - Kansas
The Bobcats got screwed out of the number one pick because of the lottery. But they got the next best thing -- the second pick. Losing out on Ant will be huge, but Robinson can bring a lot to the table. Slightly undersized at around 6'9", he still rebounds like a monster. In the National Championship game, he pulled down 17 rebounds against Kentucky. Outstanding numbers. Offensively he is a work in progress, but has the energy and work ethic to get where he needs to be. Robinson thinks he should be the #1 pick over Davis, but everyone knows he won't be. Whether it is good confidence or cockiness, it is still good to see he believes in himself.
3. Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal - G - Freshman - Florida
The Wizards have a plethora of athletic guards. However, Bradley Beal is not easy to pass up. Sure, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would suffice, but Beal has too much pure talent to skip out on. His high-IQ and deep shooting range make him the player he is. A good selection for the Wizards and finally gives John Wall someone to kick the ball out to for a shot.
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| How many Wildcats will be selected in the first round? |
The first thing you hear on every scouting report of MKG is his motor. For good reason. He will fit well with Kyrie Irving. If not for the fact Kentucky had 6 possible first round picks, MKG's number would have been much better. But he played efficient all year. Another step towards rebuilding for Cleveland.
5. Sacramento Kings - Andre Drummond - C - Freshman - Connecticut
Drummond was a part of Connecticut's dreadful season last year. Andre wasn't exactly great last year, but in a few games he shined and showed why he is projected to be a top pick. He is a big boy! Hard to get around. He needs to put his mind on being a star and he has all the intangibles to do so. The Kings are in need of another big man. Hopefully they are not pulling in another DeMarcus Cousins. Talent-wise, that would be okay. But attitude and work ethic wise -- not good.
6. Portland Trail Blazers - Harrison Barnes - G/F - Sophmore- North Carolina
Barnes and Portland will love this pick. The Trail Blazers received this pick from Brooklyn. Barnes will get to go to a place where he can win more and have better fans than probably any other lottery team. I didn't see what was so great about Barnes until late last season. He is insanely athletic and can play any spot on the floor. He can push the ball, pull up, or attack. Portland can use an athletic mid-range shooter. Here he is Portland, take him.
7. Golden State - Perry Jones III - G/F - Sophmore - Baylor
PJ3 really impressed me this season. He is the typical do-everything guy. He is a fantastic shooter. He can bang around in the post. Once he puts on more muscle, he will be great. He has the fundamentals to be a much-lesser Tim Duncan. I do not mean to say he will be any where as close to Tim Duncan, but just to give an idea of how he can play.
8. Toronto Raptors - Jared Sullinger - F - Sophmore - Ohio State
Undersized? Yes. But that doesn't phase Sully. He is still probably the best rebounder and low-post scorer in the entire draft. The Raptors need a true post player and they have him with Sully. He can also step out for a 10-15 foot jumper.
9. Detroit Pistons - Tyler Zeller - F/C - Senior - North Carolina
Has been compared to a poor-man's Pau Gasol. He doesn't do many things great, but does a lot of things well. Him and Greg Monroe down low can cause some problems for opposing teams. A small step towards getting Detroit back to where it belongs in the basketball world.
10. New Orleans Hornets - Dion Waiters - G - Sophmore - Syracuse
The only knock on Waiters is a consistent jumper, which he lacks. He is slightly undersized for a shooting guard, but it doesn't affect how hard he plays. I wasn't sure what to think when I heard teams like Waiters in the top 10, but now that I look deeper into it, I agree. He is sneaky, strong, quick, confident. Everything you want in an attitude for a basketball player, Dion has. He has the potential to be a point guard. Don't be surprised if he is near the top of Rookie of the Year voting next season.
11. Portland Trail Blazers -Jeremy Lamb - G - Sophmore - Connecticut
He is very athletic and his arms are freakishly long. About a 7-foot wing span for a 6'5" guard. His jumper is a little inconsistent, but he does have the range to put up the 3-ball. Gazelle-like runner, he is just very smooth down the floor. Also, his long arms attribute to his tough defense.
12. Milwaukee Bucks - Meyers Leonard - C - Sophmore - Illinois
Do NOT question this kid's heart. Incredible passer out of the post, runs the floor well, extremely quick and athletic for a big man, great rebounder and shot blocker. He does what a shot blocker should do. Waits for the ball to leave the shooters hand, then goes up and gets it. Probably the most potential of all players in the draft. He is a little raw offensively, but once he gets stronger it will come to him. He is still an above average shooter for a center. He fits the Bucks perfect after dealing Andrew Bogut away.
13. Phoenix Suns - Damian Lillard - G - Junior - Weber St.
Damian Lillard is the annual "do we take a risk on him?" guy. Because of where he played, many teams are not sure if Lillard is reliable enough to be consistent. That alone is probably the only knock on Lillard. He is a pure scorer. Can shoot the ball, penetrate, dish it out. On the court, he is the guy who doesn't make mistakes. I will stretch it and say Damian Lillard is the "perfect basketball player". A risk on him will pay off.
14. Houston Rockets - Terrence Jones - G/F - Sophmore - Kentucky
Another do-everything well guy. Rebounds well, shoots even better, can handle the ball. Very versatile. I love watching him play. Houston can use an athletic forward. If he does fall to 14, Houston will not pass up on him.
Many reports have teams such as the Chicago Bulls trying to trade up into the Lottery. We will see how it all plays out. But this is how I picture it going.
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