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Draft Analysis: Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala are similarish in style and the roster could use a shooter and possibly a springy big forward. Still, unless a trade comes out of the woodwork, expect Turner to be a Sixer.
Analysis: Several mock drafts have flip-flopped Derrick Favors and Wesley Johnson, with the latters supposedly chosen then a big time post player signed off the free agent market. I've been a believer this is just for show and the Nets are locked into Favors. Point guard remains the biggest area of concern.
Analysis: This has been where Wesley Johnson will go for weeks now and if New Jersey does take him, the Wolves will grab Derrick Favors - who is the better prospect anyway. More interesting at this point is whether Al Jefferson gets dealt on Draft day.
Analysis: DeMarcus Cousins will not go lower than #5 and for the second year in a row, the King get a steal. No big man has more talent in the Draft and a frontcourt of Jason Thompson, Carl Landry, Samuel Dalembert and Cousins is impressive.
Analysis: We've been hearing for days the Warriors aren't sold on the high post, finesse game of Greg Monroe, but Ekpe Udoh is a bit of a surprise here. Ed Davis would seem to be the defender-shotblocker next on their list, but Udoh is a supreme interior defender and emerging scorer.
Analysis: Detroit lacks frontcourt talent and when it looked like Golden St. would nab Greg Monroe, Ed Davis appeared a nice fit. Now Joe Dumars has to think a bit and the more polished Monroe offers a better offensive option early with less defense and rebounding.
Analysis: For months I've had Al-Farouq Aminu to the Clippers, so why change? Unless Sacramento swaps with Detroit and grabs Aminu at #7, I think this is a great fit for both sides.
Analysis: Figured Utah would pick a wing forward here, but if Ed Davis falls to #9, Utah gets their Carlos Boozer replacement and a much needed lengthy rim protector with huge upside down the road. Luke Babbitt and Gordon Hayward are top alternatives if the big forwards are gone.
Analysis: Indiana is still trying to land a young point guard, so this pick is a good be moved - possibly to Oklahoma City for Eric Maynor and the #18 and #21 picks. The Thunder have been working hard to get in the Lottery, so it's safe to say Sam Presti likes someone. Cole Aldrich is the best big left on the board and a perfect defensive fit for either the Pacers or Thunder.
Analysis: New Orleans has to go big and couldn't hope for more than having the likes of Cole Aldrich still on the board, but Gordon Hayward gives CP3 a gifted running mate who some believe could develop into something special.
Analysis: If Rudy Gay is staying, as owner Michael Heisley says he is, drafting a wing here isn't a must. Point guard might be the spot GM Chris Wallace wants to upgrade, but that's a reach here unless Avery Bradley is considered. Paul George showed the ability to play the two and is a great fallback if Gay does bolt.
Analysis: Toronto may have frontcourt issues if Chris Bosh doesn't re-sign - and if another big isn't acquired via sign and trade. A wing to replace the likely departing Hedo Turkoglu is a solid choice and Luke Babbitt has impressed with his offensive arsenal. The Raptors may also deal this choice as well.
Analysis: Include Houston among those teams itching to move up. The roster is a healthy Yao Ming from being a title contender, but could always use another solid big man and Patrick Patterson offers a mature game on both ends and the ability to step outside and hit jumpers.
Analysis: So much for the Bucks grabbing a wing here after the acquisitions of Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas-Roberts. Maybe John Hammond didn't give Larry Sanders a promise, but it sure looks like the roster is shaping up for a young, athletic big who can keep up with Brandon Jennings in transition.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (from Charlotte via Denver)
Analysis: It looks like Memphis will pick here and send Minnesota the 25th and 28th picks. The Grizzlies could end their point guard interests with Eric Bledsoe, but until it's official, the Wolves own the pick and a sliding Xavier Henry isn't a need, but another upgrade
Analysis: Looks like this will now be a second of three Washington first rounders by virtue of taking Kirk Hinrich's contract. Washington could use a wing and frontcourt depth.
Analysis: It would appear Sam Presti wants to use this pick to move up, with Indiana the most likely trade partner. Regardless of who's picking, if Avery Bradley slips here it's a steal even if he doesn't develop into a full time point guard.
Analysis: With an aging roster, Danny Ainge needs to find some young legs capable of playing right away - especially up front. The Celts wouldn't mind dealing this pick, but Minnesota, Memphis and Oklahoma City all have multiple picks in the same part of the Draft and can sell cheaper. James Anderson can't slide too much farther and is an option if Ray Allen doesn't return.
Analysis: Word is Tiago Splitter may finally be ready to come over from Europe and that would leave the wing as the team's biggest need. Damion James, while a tweener, is athletic and ready to play from day one.
Analysis: The Thunder are stuffed to the gills with talent, so their first rounders could be dealt. There are quetions about Hassan Whiteside's maturity and he will be a project, but the ceiling his high and if he develops Sam Presti is a genius again.
Analysis: Word out of Portland is that they want Elliot Williams, but probably not a #22. There are plenty of picks in the 20s for sale and at this point, the Trailblazers can draft an extremely talented big forward in Kevin Seraphin and stash him overseas for a year or two.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (from Utah via Philadelphia)
Analysis: It's hard to imagine David Kahn keeping all three (or four) first rounders and this is a spot where someone may overpay for a chance to grab a late first rounder. For now, it's the Wolves pick and a sliding Daniel Orton is the perfect high upside type who could pay big in a few years.
Analysis: Atlanta's point guard situation remains a question mark and despite taking Jeff Teague last year, Eric Bledsoe is too good a talent to pass this far down the board.
Analysis: Assuming Derrick Favors goes #3, New Jersey may look to bolster the backcourt after dealing Chris Douglas-Roberts. Jordan Crawford is a bit of a tweener and tabbed with the uncoachable label, but can score and maybe someday run a team. Regardless, he's worth a shot late in Round 1.
Analysis: Memphis won't keep all three first rounders, but anyone would love to grab a player ready to insert in the rotation here and Quincy Pondexter is a solid all around player.
Analysis: Orlando needs something to push them over the Eastern Conference hump, but likely won't find it here. Darington Hobson has NBA athleticism, size and talent, plus can play three positions. If he develops, Hobson could be one of the league's top glue guys.
Analysis: The first round begins and ends with Washington. At this point, a talent like Devin Ebanks is a potential steal if he develops and at worst should be a sound defender and rebounder.
1 - Utah traded Keon Clark and Ben Handgloten to Phoenix for Tom Gugliotta and future New York first-round pick.
2 - Milwaukee traded Joe Alexander and Hakim Warrick to Chicago for John Salmons and 2010 and 2011 second round picks. Additionally, Milwaukee has the option in NBA Draft 2010 of switching first round picks with Chicago (top 10 protected).
3 - Minnesota traded #18 selection in 2009 NBA Draft (Ty Lawson) to Denver.
4 - Minnesota assumed contracts of Rodney Carney, Calvin Booth, a first round draft pick and cash from Philadelphia for a conditional second-round draft pick.
5 - Memphis received Steven Hunter and a protected 2010 first round pick from Denver for a future conditional second round pick.
6 - Oklahoma City traded a conditional second round pick to Phoenix for Kurt Thomas and Phoenix 2008 and 2010 first round picks.
7 - New Jersey traded Jason Kidd, Antoine Wright and Malik Allen to Dallas for Devin Harris, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, DeSagana Diop, Keith Van Horn, first round draft picks in 2008 and 2010 and cash considerations.
8 -Memphis traded Pau Gasol and a 2010 second round draft choice to Los Angeles Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, Marc Gasol and first round picks in 2008 and 2010.
9 - Washington traded Antawn Jamison to Cleveland for Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the draft rights to Emir Preldzic and their 2010 first round pick. Additionally, Washington received Al Thornton from the Los Angeles Clippers for Drew Gooden, with Sebastian Telfair going to Cleveland from the Clippers.
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