With the 26th pick in the NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers hope to at least bolster their bench with their only pick in the draft.Obviously there are a lot of variables in play before getting down to the Pacers pick, but after the jump check out my first shot at a mock draft for the first round.
| 1 |
 |
PF |
|
Fr. |
6-10 |
220 |
|
Simply the easiest and likely the fastest pick here in the draft. It's already a lock: Anthony Davis will be on the New Orleans Hornets.
| 2 |
 |
SF |
| Michael Kidd-Gilchrist |
| Kentucky |
|
Fr. |
6-7 |
210 |
|
Even though the Bobcats got the bad luck of drawing second in the NBA Draft Lottery, they get a nice catch anyway with this pick in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Kidd-Gilchrist is more versatile than Davis and can play small forward, but can also be moved to guard or power forward in some cases. Even though Thomas Robinson is the toughness they need and the better fit in my opinion, it seems more likely that Charlotte will take the versatility of MKG over Robinson.
| 3 |
 |
SG |
|
Fr. |
6-3 |
207 |
|
Washington is in a tough spot here, do you fill a dire need by taking Thomas Robinson, or do you take the explosive scorer in Bradley Beal? According to I Am a GM, the Wizards prefer to take Beal or Kidd-Gilchrist. Whichever one is left once the third pick rolls around. So, Beal seems like the pick here to pair next to John Wall. Now that's a scary backcourt duo for the next decade.
| 4 |
 |
SF |
|
So. |
6-8 |
215 |
|
Cleveland will reportedly not let Harrison Barnes slip past them at the fourth pick. The Cavaliers would've taken Barnes at four last year if he would've declared. They have had a massive hole at small forward since LeBron James bolted for South Beach and Barnes could fill that with his great scoring ability. Pairing Barnes next to Kyrie Irving will be a dynamic duo in the Central Division.
| 5 |
 |
PF |
|
Jr. |
6-10 |
237 |
|
Sacramento needs a scoring forward who can bring toughness and they will take Thomas Robinson happily. The Kings could use a big man to pair next to DeMarcus Cousins. Robinson seems like the perfect fit in Sacramento. His winning-attitude and tenacity should be welcomed to the Maloof brothers.
| 6 |
 |
C |
| Andre Drummond |
| Connecticut |
|
Fr. |
6-10 |
270 |
|
Andre Drummond slips down to Portland here. Even though Drummond is one of the riskier picks in this draft, they have to fill a gigantic hole at center. Greg Oden didn't pan out at all due to injuries and the "Blazer curse: was put into effect. Drummond has that scoring and shot blocking ability that when paired next to LaMarcus Aldridge, they will be the best young big man duo in the NBA.
| 7 |
 |
PF |
|
So. |
6-11 |
235 |
|
| Golden State goes back to their roots of drafting on potential here by taking Perry Jones III. Even though Jared Sullinger provides the gritty rebounding and toughness, Jones could possibly be the best pick in this draft. His ability to drive to the rim is deadly when put to great use. In the Warriors Run N' Gun system, PJIII should thrive. He's just a better fit for the system than Sullinger. If he puts it all together, he could end up being better than Anthony Davis. |
| 8 |
 |
SG |
|
So. |
6-4 |
215 |
|
Waiters has the chance to blossom if put into the correct role. He is a great ball handler, defender, and all-around scorer. Don't be surprised at all if Waiters goes ahead of Jeremy Lamb here. Toronto is trying to trade this pick for a star forward in either Rudy Gay or Andre Igoudala, but we'll see if anyone bites on the offer. Waiters reportedly just got a promise from an anonymous team and cancelled all of his remaining workouts with other NBA teams. I have a feeling it was the Raptors who made that promise to Waiters.
| 9 |
 |
PF |
| John Henson |
| North Carolina |
|
Jr. |
6-10 |
210 |
|
Detroit simply needs defense and John Henson will surely provide that. Outside of Davis, Henson is the best shot-blocker in this class. His lanky build will be tough to handle for opposing players, but Henson will need to build his strength. Pistons fans have to be patient with Henson, however. He needs a few years before he truly blossoms into a star.
| 10 |
|
PG |
| Damian Lillard |
| Weber State |
|
Jr. |
6-2 |
185 |
|
It might be the best-case scenario for Lillard in the first place: he is the best scoring point guard in this class and his ability to score could take the load off of Davis and Eric Gordon with the New Orleans Hornets. Lillard will have to get used to passing more in the NBA, however. He was the main option at Weber State, averaging 24 points per game. Besides, who wouldn't want to throw lob-after-lob to Davis? We might be seeing the young pup version of "Lob City" forming down in New Orleans really soon.
| 11 |
|
SG |
|
So. |
6-5 |
185 |
|
Jeremy Lamb falls to Portland here, who need a scoring guard. They haven't been able to fill the hole of Brandon Roy when he retired due to injury before the season. Lamb can explode to the rim and hit the three-pointer as well. He has even been compared to Reggie Miller by scouts. With the big man in Drummond taken earlier, they go guard in Lamb. That's a great young duo right there, as they were both teammates as well at UConn. However, Portland may trade the sixth and 11th pick for the Bobcats' second as they have strong interest in Beal.
| 12 |
 |
PF |
| Jared Sullinger |
| Ohio State |
|
So. |
6-9 |
280 |
|
Jared Sullinger falls to Milwaukee and it could be the best situation for him. Milwaukee needs toughness down in the paint and Sullinger certainly provides that. He can also dominate games if you keep feeding him the ball. His 280 pound frame will benefit him on the next level. Sullinger will provide the Bucks a low scoring threat with toughness on the boards they didn't have since they traded Andrew Bogut to the Warriors for Monta Ellis and Ekpe Udoh.
| 13 |
 |
SG |
|
Fr. |
6-4 |
199 |
|
Austin Rivers is a nice fit with the Phoenix Suns. He has that scoring ability that the Suns will need once Steve Nash bolts for free agency. Rivers can play both guard positions if needed. Seems like a perfect fit here. Phoenix reportedly likes Dion Waiters and may have been the team that promised him, but they'll have to settle for the next best guard in Rivers.
| 14 |
 |
C |
| Tyler Zeller |
| North Carolina |
|
Sr. |
7-0 |
250 |
|
Tyler Zeller falls down to Houston as they get the center they haven't had since Yao Ming. Zeller can run the floor like a guard and can hit the jumper from 20 plus feet. Pairing Zeller next to Luis Scola could be a great duo in the West. The Rockets get lucky with Zeller falling to them.
| 15 |
 |
PF |
| Arnett Moultrie |
| Mississippi State |
|
Jr. |
6-11 |
225 |
|
Arnett Moultrie and the Philadelphia 76ers are a perfect match here. Head coach Doug Collins needs that length and a replacement for Elton Brand. Moultrie fills both. He's been questioned for effort issues, but this is a perfect fit in the City of Brotherly Love.
| 16 |
|
SG |
|
So. |
6-6 |
195 |
|
Ross is an explosive guard who could thrive down in Houston. Pairing him next to likely Goran Dragic in the backcourt will be fun to watch. Ross provides a scoring punch they haven't had at shooting guard in a while.
| 17 |
 |
PG |
| Kendall Marshall |
| North Carolina |
|
So. |
6-4 |
180 |
|
Kendall Marshall falls down to Dallas to maybe a perfect scenario. The Mavericks are going all-in on a run for Deron Williams, but if they get denied Marshall is nice insurance. Marshall's pass-first style should get Dirk open shots on the perimeter and down low. Marshall is a better fit now than Jason Kidd due to his age and abilities. If Dallas does land Williams they can have Marshall coming off the bench running the second unit, or they could trade him for more pieces. The Mavericks are an interesting team to watch in this year's draft.
| 18 |
 |
SF |
|
Fr. |
6-8 |
190 |
|
Minnesota would love to have a guard, but they'll settle for Moe Harkless here. Terrence Jones could also be an option, but with Kevin Love there is no need for another guard. Harkless is oozing potential. He really wowed the scouts on the first day of the NBA Draft Combine. He showed he can hit the jumper from far out and can explode to the rim. The Draft Combine could catapult Harkless up in to the top 20 and it has with me.
| 19 |
 |
PF |
|
So. |
6-9 |
252 |
|
Meyers Leonard could be a need for Orlando with Howard possibly leaving, but having a top ten talent in Terrence Jones fall here they have to pounce. Jones could make a scary frontcourt if Howard stays next season or become a 15 points plus per game scorer. Jones has been questioned for work ethic, but taking a risk here has to be made for the Magic.
| 20 |
 |
SF |
|
So. |
6-8 |
240 |
|
According to SI's Sam Amick, Denver is coveting Royce White. He would surely be a versatile player to have in Denver as they don't have much needs. White could play small forward or power forward and can even handle the ball sometimes. It seems like a nice match for White in Denver. White looked really good at the first day of the NBA Draft Combine showing off his true potential putting behind his anxiety issues.
| 21 |
 |
C |
|
So. |
7-0 |
240 |
|
Boston needs size, badly. They go with a potential steal here in Meyers Leonard. He's considered a lottery pick, but many even his former coach Bruce Weber called him immature. That could scare off some teams higher up. Leonard can bang in the post and can hit the ten foot jumper. He looked good on the first day of the NBA Draft Combine and possibly pairing him next to Kevin Garnett could be scary.
| 22 |
|
SF |
|
Fr. |
6-9 |
210 |
|
Boston goes with Quincy Miller here. I thought Kevin Garnett would be the one possibly leaving this summer, but it looks like it will be either Allen or Pierce. Miller came out to the surprise of everyone and it could cost him badly on draft night. Miller has a positive though, he has great potential. Miller can drive to the rim with force and can make a jumper from 20 plus feet. Quincy is a risk that should be taken for Boston. They could have a future star in Miller. Pierce can develop Miller along or they can move Pierce.
| 23 |
 |
PG |
| Tony Wroten Jr. |
| Washington |
|
Fr. |
6-6 |
205 |
|
When was the last time Atlanta had a true point guard? The last great Hawks point guard I can think of was Spud Webb. Yes, it's been that long folks. Tony Wroten Jr. has lottery-like talent that could thrive at the Highlight Factory. Having Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Josh Smith on the team will help a lot. Wroten looks like a star in the future if he's put in the right situation. I think Atlanta is a perfect scenario. Even though Jeff Taylor and Marquis Teague are still on the board Wroten's height at 6-5 for a point guard is great. Look for Wroten to thrive in Atlanta and possibly be a steal if picked here. Wroten Jr. was measured at the NBA Draft Combine at 6-6. Pretty good for a point guard.
| 24 |
|
C |
|
So. |
7-0 |
274 |
|
Cleveland takes Fab Melo here. The Cavaliers need size and Melo will surely provide that. Andrew Nicholson might be an option too, but they already have their forward in Tristan Thompson. Melo can block shots and rebound, but he isn't an offensive weapon. When Melo matures, he looks like he could be a menace on defense in Cleveland.
| 25 |
 |
SG |
|
Int. |
6-7 |
206 |
|
According to ESPN's Chad Ford, he's hearing Memphis want to draft an international player and keep them in Europe for a few years. Evan Fournier seems like the logical pick here. Even though a lot of talent is on the board, you can always trust Ford and his NBA draft knowledge. Fournier to the Grizzles it is.
| 26 |
 |
SF |
| Draymond Green |
| Michigan State |
|
Sr. |
6-6 |
235 |
|
Indiana has a lot of talent left on the board. Do they go wing, big man, point guard, or somewhere else? The Pacers really have no big needs, so taking one that fits their locker room seems logical. Draymond Green would be a nice choice here. Even though Marquis Teague, Andrew Nicholson, and Jeff Taylor are still on the board, Green just seems like a Larry Bird kind of player. He has a great motor and could play small forward or power forward on the next level. Green is an energy player you can never go wrong with and he doesn't bring that much risk either. He's a very well-rounded and polished prospect that's use to winning. Don't be surprised at all if Bird pulls a shocker like this on draft night. He's done it many times before. Update: Draymond Green is taken over Nicholson due to his motor and I'm hearing he dominated his workout in Indiana against Nicholson, Royce White, and Mike Scott.
| 27 |
 |
PG |
|
Fr. |
6-2 |
178 |
|
The Miami Heat might've gotten the luckiest draw in this mock draft. Marquis Teague falls all the way down to them here at 27. Point guard is an issue that needs to be resolved. Mario Chalmers is good, but he's more suited to be a sixth man off the bench. Teague could give you 15 points per night if given the chance. The Heat just keep getting great talent here if they get the Kentucky guard.
| 28 |
 |
PF |
| Andrew Nicholson |
| St. Bonaventure |
|
Sr. |
6-9 |
222 |
|
Oklahoma City always seems to draft well. They get a nice steal here with Andrew Nicholson. He can make the three-pointer and is considered the best jump shooting big man in the class. Oklahoma City is connected to Nicholson and are reportedly in love with him. He can be a great role player for Oklahoma City and possibly a starter if they can't keep Serge Ibaka for money reasons down the road. Great value pick by the Thunder here.
| 29 |
 |
SG |
|
Jr. |
6-4 |
220 |
|
Chicago has two players in Doron Lamb and John Jenkins that can shoot the lights out. It's been a coin toss for me on who to pick here. They go with the better value pick and better overall player here in Jenkins. He slips a little and the Bulls benefit. He can explode to the rim and make it rain from behind-the-arc. Great pick here for Chicago. It only gets better when Derrick Rose gets healthy and Jenkins has wide-open shots. This also creates a scary duo in the backcourt.
| 30 |
|
SF |
|
Sr. |
6-7 |
225 |
|
Jeff Taylor slips to Golden State again here. The Warriors can't let Taylor slip farther. He has ball handling issues and is considered a one year wonder by some scouts. Taylor can hit the three-pointer as he was 42% from there. Also, he can drive to the rim with force. Taylor fills a small forward need for Golden State. Great value-pick by the Warriors to end my first mock draft.
Do you think that's who Indiana will draft at 26 come draft night? Is Draymond Green a good fit with our current roster?
Leave a comment down below about who you want the Pacers to pick.
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