My favorite part of the NBA Draft is not the New York fans booing anything and everything. No, not the awkward hang shakes and bro hugs. Not even the ugly hats the draftees rock. By far my favorite part of the whole experience is hearing the Commissioner pronounce the foreign player's names. Try this one on for size: Chukwudiebere Maduabum. How about Donatas Motiejunas or Davis Bertans? I even learned that Beno (Ben-no) Udrih is not pronounced the same way as the gas relief drug. Although it was rather boring draft to watch there were still a few picks that surprised me.
Stretches
Tristan Thompson @ 4 Cleveland Cavaliers- I get it. The Cavs didn't want to wait on Valancinuans to resolve his contract buyout. They want to win now. But even with Irving and Thompson, the Cavs are still a long way from producing a plus 500 record.
- They already have Anderson Varejão to be that high activity role player. I don't see the point in drafting the high motor power forward that weighs in at 227 and shots 49% from the charity stripe.
- Cory Joseph @ 29 San Antonio Spurs
- After trading George Hill to the Pacers, the Spurs needed to fill the void and Joseph is a decent scoring guard. Joseph, however, did not crack a single first round of any Mock Draft. (Ranked 51st overall on ESPN's Big Board)
- Weren't a ton of other options here other than Shelvin Mack but the Spurs could have traded down and added picks for this year or future years. Just feel like this was a high pick for Joseph.
- Kyle Singler @ 33 Detroit Pistons
- Smart player that has some range to stretch the floor. Learned from the best in Coach Krzyzewski but lacks a true position. Is far too slow to guard a 2 or 3 and lacks the size to bang bodies with a 4 in the post.
- His jumper lacked consistency during his time with Duke where he was spoiled with open looks constantly. I believe his basketball IQ and work ethic will be the only attributes that can keep him in the league.
- Steals
- Chris Singleton @ 18 Washington Wizards
- The best on ball defender in this draft.
- If they are able to resign Nick Young, (not likely though) they could run with Wall, Young, Singleton, Vesely, and McGee. High tempo offense with three solid defenders on the floor. At the very least this would be a fun unit to watch.
Kawhi Leonard @ 15 San Antonio Spurs- Traded George Hill for his rights. Great trade for both teams. Pacers add depth to their back court.
- Rated about 7 positions higher on draft boards. Leonard adds youth and a defensive presence to a very old and slow 3 spot for the Spurs.
- Josh Selby @ 49 Memphis Grizzlies
- Selby, a first round talent that fell hard because of a drama filled season at Kansas and injury concerns. Never really got a chance to prove himself during the season.
- Has potential to be a versatile scorer in the NBA and gives the Grizzlies a solid option at the 1 or 2. Not having a first round pick can stunt a young team's growth but Selby should see minutes next year. Really like the value of Selby in the second round.
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