BRIGGS wrote:Im pretty simple down to this

#24 Mike Muscala--to me he is a no brainer pick if available--its rare to find a nearly 7 foot player will every skill across the board. This guy will be 245 within 1 year and an all star within 4. If he is nit there and Mitchell is Id go with him but I know my bust factor has risen quite a bit hes a gamble pick but a worthy one.

2nd pick one of Cannan Wolters McCallum or Green each has his own asset I like all. Wolters is the best pure PG after MCW(who I dont even like) and Burke. Cannan is one of the most lethal offensive players in this draft. Not a pure PG but he played the position and would be a nice addition. McCallum has been my darkhourse for the last 10 days Ive come to like him. Hes 6-2 athletic strong fast an end to end attacking PG who can help our transition game--he also has pedigree and a determination in his face. Green also has his own nice assets. If he was more athletic hed be a top 5 pick. Obviously we have no control BUT a numbers game suggest we could execute this scenario

Briggs u seem to know a lot about random prospects what did u think of Kostas Papanikolaou. Seems like the Knicks have been trying to get him back. Pap wants no part of of playing in Portland but would come over this season if he was with the Knicks. Knicks tried to offer a future 2nd and had it rebuffed. The Blazers want are 24th pick in exchange for Pap and the 39th pick. What are your thoughts. I know u like the Colorado state Center Iverson would you be into a deal where we get Pap and Iverson for the 24th pick. Does Pap stack up well these other prospects at 24? If he does it would seem logical to get 2 players that could help instead of 1. I wonder if he will be able to defend NBA 3's which will hurt are defense

BRIGGS wrote:

Jmpasq wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:Im pretty simple down to this

#24 Mike Muscala--to me he is a no brainer pick if available--its rare to find a nearly 7 foot player will every skill across the board. This guy will be 245 within 1 year and an all star within 4. If he is nit there and Mitchell is Id go with him but I know my bust factor has risen quite a bit hes a gamble pick but a worthy one.

2nd pick one of Cannan Wolters McCallum or Green each has his own asset I like all. Wolters is the best pure PG after MCW(who I dont even like) and Burke. Cannan is one of the most lethal offensive players in this draft. Not a pure PG but he played the position and would be a nice addition. McCallum has been my darkhourse for the last 10 days Ive come to like him. Hes 6-2 athletic strong fast an end to end attacking PG who can help our transition game--he also has pedigree and a determination in his face. Green also has his own nice assets. If he was more athletic hed be a top 5 pick. Obviously we have no control BUT a numbers game suggest we could execute this scenario

Briggs u seem to know a lot about random prospects what did u think of Kostas Papanikolaou. Seems like the Knicks have been trying to get him back. Pap wants no part of of playing in Portland but would come over this season if he was with the Knicks. Knicks tried to offer a future 2nd and had it rebuffed. The Blazers want are 24th pick in exchange for Pap and the 39th pick. What are your thoughts. I know u like the Colorado state Center Iverson would you be into a deal where we get Pap and Iverson for the 24th pick. Does Pap stack up well these other prospects at 24? If he does it would seem logical to get 2 players that could help instead of 1. I wonder if he will be able to defend NBA 3's which will hurt are defense

I do not know enough about the player other than he played well end of this year and that the Knicks were willing to easily dump him. It would be a media blunder trade a 2 to trade a 1 back for him? This is not the first time I have heard this.

Also no reason to panic buy--if he doesnt want to play in Portland--let it play out. Why pay a premium or their price thats bad business.

You only make that trade if you don't love anyone left in the 24 range. If you can make that trade and buy another 2nd round pick and come out with 2 2nd rounders plus the Greek player, it's not a bad draft. He would likely be a late first rounder in this draft anyways if he is willing to come over, and would be a rotation player right away. The only downside is he probably doesn't have the upside of some of the players that could be available at 24. But if you can pick up him, plus use an early 2nd rounder on Muscula or Wolters and number 37 on Iverson or L Brown for example, its a great draft that just got you a backup PG, a backup big man, and the Greek who is a stretch 3/4.

CrushAlot wrote:The Blazers have 3 second round picks. If the Knicks could get Kostas and two of those picks for their first it might be a good move.

I agree.

martin wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:The Blazers have 3 second round picks. If the Knicks could get Kostas and two of those picks for their first it might be a good move.

I agree.

those other 3 picks are so freakin low 39, 40, 45... who would you realistically target that would make it worthwhile?

BRIGGS wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:The Blazers have 3 second round picks. If the Knicks could get Kostas and two of those picks for their first it might be a good move.

I agree.

I would say it again. You dont draft a plyer in the 2nd round just to trade for him back using a 1st rounder in 6 months?????????????????????? This makes no sense. On top of which he doenst want to play for Portland--why do the Knicks see the need to try to pay top $ for everything? It gets them in hot water. guess what multiple players drafted in or around 24 will be mUCH better players than this Greek kid. And if you wanted him that bad--shouldve kept him. iTs this stupid way the Knicks do business. forget him and move on.

callmened wrote:^^^^tell us how you feel BRIGGS. Ia gree 100%

What happens is every time you make a deal--you devalue the deal by overpaying. In essence this would be trading the Greek kid other assets and a #1 for ray felton. ray Felton didnt even show up in the playoffs and they did not want to retain him....teams are using our salary position against us and on principle for the team --this must stop.

round 1
1Nerlens NoelCleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: KentuckyAGE: 18HT: 7-0WT: 206POS: C
Analysis: Yes, for the sixth straight mock draft, I have Noel at No. 1 despite a consensus among NBA bloggers that Maryland's Alex Len is going to be the top pick. I wrote a long post on TrueHoop Monday night on why I think the Cavs are leaning toward Noel.

Here's the short version: While I think Len and Anthony Bennett also are in play for the top pick, Noel appears to be a better fit with the criteria the Cavs are using this year and have used in the past for the lottery. The team itself has remained tight-lipped -- in part because a number of different trade scenarios it is exploring could alter the composition of the Cavs -- but I think it's going to be Noel.

PLAYER CARD
2Victor OladipoOrlando Magic
COLLEGE: IndianaAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 213POS: SG

Analysis: If the Cavs pass on Noel, the Magic are leaning strongly toward selecting him with the No. 2 pick. If Noel is off the board? Things get a little tougher. The Magic have explored a number of trade options, and if nothing can be worked out, it appears they are eyeing Oladipo over Ben McLemore. While McLemore is a stronger offensive player, Oladipo's defense and crazy motor hold a strong appeal for the Magic. Cody Zeller is a dark horse at No. 2.

PLAYER CARD
3Otto PorterWashington Wizards
COLLEGE: GeorgetownAGE: 20HT: 6-9WT: 198POS: SF
Analysis: With so much up in the air in this draft, Porter to the Wizards at No. 3 remains a constant. He's appeared here in every mock and I think it's unlikely we move him. While the Wizards have a lot of interest in Anthony Bennett, sources say they are now leaning toward taking Porter at No. 3. He fits a need, fits their culture and, like Oladipo, is viewed as a sure thing by many NBA GMs and scouts.

PLAYER CARD

4Alex LenCharlotte Bobcats
COLLEGE: MarylandAGE: 19HT: 7-1WT: 225POS: C

Analysis:There is essentially zero information coming out of Charlotte right now. That's how the Bobcats like it. Even Michael Kidd-Gilchrist didn't know he was going to the Bobcats until they called his name on draft night. We appear to be in a similar situation here. Len, Bennett and McLemore are the three most obvious fits. While there seems to be some movement toward Len, this one is more of a guess. Indiana's Cody Zeller also has fans in Charlotte, too.

PLAYER CARD
5Ben McLemorePhoenix Suns
COLLEGE: KansasAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 189POS: SG

Analysis: I'm struggling with where to place McLemore. He's struggled in workouts in Cleveland, Orlando and Phoenix. Everyone loves the talent, but teams are clearly wary of him and the workouts have given pause. I know the Suns would prefer Oladipo, and sources say there's strong support in the front office for Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams and Indiana's Zeller, as well. We're keeping McLemore here at No. 5, but I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up going a few spots lower in Mock 7.0 on Thursday.

PLAYER CARD
6Trey BurkeNew Orleans Pelicans
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 20HT: 6-1WT: 187POS: PG

Analysis: Here's where things really get tricky. If Porter or Len still are here at No. 6, I believe the Pelicans will draft either one of them. If both players are off the board, the team has to move onto Plan B. While Bennett might be tempting, the Pelicans do need depth at the point guard position and will struggle to let Burke slide. Michael Carter-Williams also could be in the mix here.

PLAYER CARD
7C.J. McCollumSacramento Kings
COLLEGE: LehighAGE: 21HT: 6-3WT: 197POS: PG

Analysis: The Kings continue to be all over the place. Every day a new prospect; this reflects a young front office, an inexperienced head coach and owner and very little time to prep for the draft. McCollum, Bennett, Shabazz Muhammad, Steven Adams are all possibilities here. Ditto for Carter-Williams.

However, after his second workout there, McCollum's name is beginning to surface as a potential selection. The Kings also are exploring trades right now. Two sources told ESPN.com that they're using Jimmer Fredette as trade bait to pick up another first-round pick in the mid- to late first round so they can grab either Tim Hardaway Jr. or Tony Snell. The Jazz, in particular, have been looking to move up and like McCollum, so that's one plausible scenario.

PLAYER CARD
8Anthony BennettDetroit Pistons
COLLEGE: UNLVAGE: 20HT: 6-8WT: 240POS: PF

Analysis: If Bennett slides to No. 8, Pistons GM Joe Dumars will be grinning ear to ear. For the last three years one of the top-ranked players in the draft has slid to the Pistons. In 2010 it was Greg Monroe. In 2011 it was Brandon Knight. In 2012 it was Andre Drummond. If Bennett is there, the Pistons would grab him. He can play both the three and the four, can both stretch the floor and play in the post. The Pistons have other needs, including point guard, but Bennett is too much of a talent to pass up. Burke and Carter-Williams are the other two possibilities in Detroit.

PLAYER CARD
9Kentavious Caldwell-PopeMinnesota Timberwolves
COLLEGE: GeorgiaAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 204POS: SG

Analysis: There seem to be three constants in our mock drafts: Noel at No. 1, Porter at No. 3 and Caldwell-Pope at No. 9. He's been up here for the last three mocks and makes the cut here, as well. While the T-Wolves have interest in other players (Zeller has his fans in Minnesota), Caldwell-Pope has been a favorite of Flip Saunders. The only way this pick probably doesn't happen? If Minnesota finds a way to package the No. 9, No. 26 and maybe Derrick Williams to move up, then they'll grab Victor Oladipo.

PLAYER CARD
10Michael Carter-WilliamsPortland Trail Blazers
COLLEGE: SyracuseAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 184POS: PG

Analysis: The Blazers drafted a point guard last year, but they wouldn't hesitate to do it again if Carter-Williams slides. They'd prefer McCollum or Caldwell-Pope, but Carter-Williams would do. He has great size for his position, which should allow the Blazers to play both him and Lillard on the floor together. Zeller and Steven Adams are also possibilities here.

PLAYER CARD
11Cody ZellerPhiladelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: IndianaAGE: 20HT: 7-0WT: 230POS: C

Analysis: Zeller is the fourth constant on this mock. He's appeared at this spot on all six versions. Why? The 76ers need size and athleticsm in their front court and Zeller provides both. I'm told Sergey Karasev, Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee are options here but probably only if Zeller is off the board.

PLAYER CARD
12Steven AdamsOklahoma City Thunder via Toronto Raptors
COLLEGE: PittsburghAGE: 19HT: 7-0WT: 255POS: C

Analysis: Adams has also sat at this spot since the NBA Draft Combine. The Thunder are another team that are notoriously tight lipped, but what little information I can get have Adams, Karasev and Olynyk on their board here. Adams has the most upside so he's at 12, though I wouldn't be shocked if either Karasev or Olynyk went here.

PLAYER CARD
13Sergey KarasevDallas Mavericks
COUNTRY: RussiaAGE: 19HT: 6-7WT: 197POS: SF

Analysis: The Mavericks continue to lean heavily toward trading the pick (if they haven't already). According to various reports, one scenario floating around have them swapping picks with the Cavs. If that happens, it's almost certainly to be for Karasev. There are several other teams who are after Karasev including the Bucks, Hawks and Nets, and they could be great trade partners. If the Mavericks keep the pick, Carter-Williams and Dennis Schroeder also would be possibilities here.

PLAYER CARD
14Lucas NogueiraUtah Jazz
COUNTRY: BrazilAGE: 20HT: 6-11WT: 218POS: C
Analysis: Not much has changed here since the last mock. If McCollum, Burke or Carter-Williams (probably in that order) are on the board, the Jazz go point guard. If they're gone? The team isn't in love with any of the point guards left on the board. They also need bigs (both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are free agents this summer) and it looks like they're open to using the draft to help address that need as well. Nogueira isn't the only guy they'll look at here. Olynyk and Plumlee also have a shot. But I think Nogueria is the most intriguing of the group.

PLAYER CARD
15Shane LarkinMilwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: MiamiAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 171POS: PG
Analysis: If the draft plays out this way, the Bucks are looking at three names -- Larkin, Schroeder or Glen Rice Jr., who's coming in for a second workout on Tuesday. It's hard to say which way the Bucks are leaning, but it looks like Larkin has the slight edge.

PLAYER CARD
16Dennis SchroederBoston Celtics
COUNTRY: GermanyAGE: 19HT: 6-2WT: 165POS: PG

Analysis: The Celtics are in the process of blowing up the team which makes it even harder to project what they are doing. Four names to keep an eye on here: Adams, Schroeder, Larkin or Olynyk. If the Celtics can convince Schroeder to stay overseas one more year (thus getting him off their cap and letting him develop) he's probably the guy.

PLAYER CARD
17Giannis AntetokounmpoAtlanta Hawks via Houston Rockets
COUNTRY: GreeceAGE: 18HT: 6-9WT: 215POS: SF

Analysis: I continue to hear Antetokounmpo's name here. The Hawks can stash him overseas, let him develop and in a few years, he could either be the steal of the draft. Or we'll all forget they drafted him. Either scenario probably works for Atlanta.

PLAYER CARD
18Shabazz MuhammadAtlanta Hawks
COLLEGE: UCLAAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 222POS: SF

Analysis: There's a point where a player's reward outweighs the risk. I'm not sure where Muhammad's floor is, but it has to be pretty close. Yes, there are flaws in his game, but at some point you can't ignore his scoring abilities. Olynyk, San Diego State's Jamaal Franklin and Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. also are possibilities.

PLAYER CARD
19Reggie BullockCleveland Cavaliers via Los Angeles Lakers
COLLEGE: North CarolinaAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 200POS: SF

Analysis: If the Cavs grab Noel at No. 1, look for them to add a small forward or shooter with the second first-round pick. They would love to get their hands on Karasev if they could; they are trying to move up higher in the draft to grab him. Moving to No. 13 seems to be the consensus of where they need to get to, and it looks like they are willing to eat Shawn Marion's salary for a year to get there in a trade with Dallas. If they can't get to No. 13, Bullock is another shooter they really are high on. Bullock shot 44 percent from 3-point range this season and has the size to play both wing positions.

PLAYER CARD
20Mason PlumleeChicago Bulls
COLLEGE: DukeAGE: 23HT: 6-10WT: 238POS: PF

Analysis: Every mock draft we alternate between a big and wing for the Bulls. The Bulls need both. Plumlee is an interesting case. Lots of teams like him, few love him. But I think it would be hard for the Bulls to pass on Plumlee's value at No. 20. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jamaal Franklin are other possibilities.

PLAYER CARD
21Isaiah CanaanUtah Jazz via Golden State Warriors
SCHOOL: Murray StateAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 188POS: PG

Analysis: If the Jazz pass on a point guard at No. 14, they have to be content with what's left at No. 21. In this mock draft, both Schroeder and Larkin are off the board already. But that's OK. I think they like Canaan just as much as those other guards. While he's not quite McCollum, but Canaan's another dynamic scorer who can shoot and get to the basket. Nogueria and Rudy Gobert are also potential picks here if the Jazz go with a point guard at No. 14.

PLAYER CARD
22Kelly OlynykBrooklyn Nets
COLLEGE: GonzagaAGE: 22HT: 7-0WT: 234POS: PF

Analysis: Olynyk might have one of the largest ranges of anyone in the draft. He'll get looks as high as No. 11 to the Sixers and No. 12 to the Thunder, but he also could work his way down here. Gorgui Dieng and Tony Snell are other options for the Nets at 22.

PLAYER CARD
23Jamaal FranklinIndiana Pacers
COLLEGE: San Diego St.AGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 191POS: SG

Analysis: The Pacers are looking at point guards and bigs, but something tells me if Franklin is on the board at No. 23, they'll have a hard time saying no. He's not the shooter they covet, but he's versatile, tough and is a bit like a smaller Kawhi Leonard. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pacers move this pick. They also have some interest in the Kings' offer of Jimmer Fredette for a first-round pick.

PLAYER CARD
24Tony MitchellNew York Knicks
SCHOOL: North TexasAGE: 21HT: 6-8WT: 220POS: SF

Analysis: Mitchell's been at this spot for three mocks and I continue to hear the Knicks like him. He has all the physical tools to succeed in the NBA. Strengh, length, elite athletic ability. And the Knicks really need help on the front line.The Knicks also like Franklin, and South Dakota State's Nate Wolters is a sleeper here.

PLAYER CARD
25Tim Hardaway Jr.Los Angeles Clippers
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 199POS: SG

Analysis: The Clippers are going for it and are going to need all the help they can get. That might force them to take a veteran guard who can give them shooting and minutes. Hardaway is a coach's favorite, and I could see the Clippers thinking he'd make a great fit at No. 25.

PLAYER CARD
26Gorgui DiengMinnesota Timberwolves via Memphis Grizzlies
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 23HT: 6-11WT: 230POS: C

Analysis: Dieng has slid in the draft thanks to concerns about his knees, but a number of teams in the 20s still are willing to take the risk. With the T-Wolves in serious talks to swap this pick for the Nets' MarShon Brooks, I could see the Nets grabbing another big to fill out their front line.

PLAYER CARD
27Allen CrabbeDenver Nuggets
COLLEGE: CalAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 197POS: SG

Analysis: The Nuggets are in danger of losing Iguodala this summer after he opted to become a free agent. What they really need is a shooter. Crabbe seems like a great fit for this team. Ricky Ledo is another possibility here as is Tony Snell.

PLAYER CARD
28Rudy GobertSan Antonio Spurs
COUNTRY: FranceAGE: 20HT: 7-2WT: 238POS: PF

Analysis: The Spurs need size and have never shied away from taking international players. What Gobert lacks in athletic ability he makes up with extreme length for his position. The Spurs also can stash him overseas if they need the cash.

PLAYER CARD
29Ricky LedoOklahoma City Thunder
COLLEGE: ProvidenceAGE: 23HT: 6-6WT: 197POS: SG

Analysis: This might be a bit of a reach. But the Thunder have been looking for an elite shooting guard, and Ledo is as talented as several players in the lottery. He has lots of off-the-court issues, but the Thunder might try to rehabilitate him in their excellent D-League franchise.

PLAYER CARD
30Tony SnellPhoenix Suns via Miami Heat
COLLEGE: New MexicoAGE: 21HT: 6-7WT: 198POS: SG

Analysis: The Suns can go a lot of different directions here, but adding one shooter in McLemore might not be enough. Snell has great length for his position and could give the Suns two athletic shooters on the wing.