NBA Draft Preview Part II

(Just a heads up, this is going to be a bit more abbreviated version compared to Part I.)

6) Jan Vesely, SF/PF - Washington Wizards

I went back and forth between Vesely and Kahwi Leonard plenty of times, but I think the Wizards go with Vesely here. He will likely replace the recently required, and aging, Rashard Lewis at the SF spot, and his ability to play both SF and PF will certainly aide the rebuilding Wizards. The potential is obviously there, and if he maximizes it, he and John Wall could eventually turn the Wizards into a playoff team.

7) Kemba Walker, PG - Sacramento Kings

It's becoming increasingly clear that Tyreke Evans isn't the point guard the Kings were looking for. Not to say Evans isn't a talent, he is. Selecting Walker here, and moving Evans to SG, would give the Kings a formidable back court to go along with promising young big man DeMarcus Cousins.

8) Kawhi Leonard, SF - Detroit Pistons

The Pistons need a consistent scorer for the future to go along with their extremely talented center, Greg Monroe. Not to mention current SF Tayshaun Prince isn't getting any younger. Leonard would be a great fit at this spot for the Pistons. (There are also rumors that the Pistons promised Leonard they would take him if he was available at this spot.)

9) Marcus Morris, SF/PF - Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats are desperate for some young talent, and Morris certainly looks capable of excelling on the next level.  Tristan Thompson is a player who I considered here, but he is more set in the PF position, a position the Bobcats are comfortable with because they already have PF Tyrus Thomas under contract. Morris is able to play both forward positions, and should help Charlotte almost immediately.

10) Klay Thompson, SG/SF - Milwaukee Bucks

With current SG's John Salmons and Michael Redd heading towards the twilight of their careers, the Bucks are looking to add a back court partner for PG Brandon Jennings. Thompson is an excellent shooter, a skill that will immediately benefit the Bucks while the rest of his game develops.


 11) Alec Burks, SG - Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis does not look like he'll be in Golden State for too much longer, so locking up a guard to play alongside Steph Curry is a smart move if the Warriors plan on getting back to the playoffs. A gifted slasher and athlete, Burks should compliment Curry well.

12) Chris Singleton, SF - Utah Jazz

Having already taken care of the point guard position, the Jazz can go in a number of ways here.  I like Singleton in this position as a great defender and solid athlete, and someone who likely can make an impact on this Jazz team right away.

13) Jimmer Fredette, PG - Phoenix Suns

With Steve Nash on the way out, either by trade or age, the Suns are looking to add another point guard along with Aaron Brooks.  Fredette is a terrific shooter, but has some question marks defensively.  Selecting him this high certainly runs a risk, but if Fredette can develop his defensive game, he will be a very effective PG in this league.

14) Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF - Houston Rockets

The Rockets are going to be looking to add another scorer to go along with Kevin Martin, and Hamilton appears to have the potential to provide them with solid production.  A safe pick in this spot.

A couple of quick notes:

- I thought about going beyond the lottery picks, but it was honestly a crapshoot. Various picks could go in a bunch of different directions, and to be honest, I wasn't about to invest an 6-8 extra hours of research. Sorry kids.
-  Trades are going to be plentiful tonight with the lockout looming, so a ton of these picks could be with different teams. There are already rumors that the Kings have a deal set to trade away the #7 pick.
- A couple notable exceptions off the list were Tristan Thompson and Jonas Valanciunas. I really just couldn't find the right place that fit with Thompson, despite his great talents. Certain teams may have worked for him, but I felt that other needs were more important. And the issue with Valanciunas is that he will be returning to Europe for at the least another season.  I didn't see a team taking that risk when other suitable options were available, but I wouldn't be shocked at all if he was selected in the first 14, he's an extremely talented big man.

Enjoy the draft, I know I will.