By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
Now that we know the pecking order, here's my first mock draft of 2005:
1. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Marvin Williams
NORTH CAROLINA | FRESHMAN | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 18
Most scouts feel Williams is the guy with the most upside in the draft and Milwaukee's roster puts the Bucks in good position to take him. While Andrew Bogut could help too, Williams gives the Bucks the best shot at being a contender someday.
2. ATLANTA HAWKS
Andrew Bogut
UTAH | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 20
Atlanta slips a spot in the lottery but still gets its guy. The team has nothing in the middle and Bogut should be able to anchor that position immediately. Bogut doesn't play the up-tempo style that GM Billy Knight likes to play, but they just can't pass on a legit center.
3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Gerald Green
GULF SHORES ACADEMY | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 19
The Blazers wanted Bogut but are happy at No. 3 because it guarantees they get Green. Chris Paul is rated higher, but the Blazers don't need another small point guard. Next to Marvin Williams, Green has as much upside as anyone in the draft.
4. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Chris Paul
WAKE FOREST | SOPHOMORE | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 195 | AGE: 20
The Hornets' biggest need isn't at the point, but Paul is a big upgrade over Speedy Claxton and Dan Dickau. Suddenly the loss of Baron Davis doesn't sting as much. In fact, Paul's a better prospect than Baron was.
5. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Deron Williams
ILLINOIS | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
The Bobcats were the biggest losers tonight. They wanted either Paul or Marvin Williams and got neither. Look for them to try to use the No. 13 pick to move up in the draft. If it doesn't work, they settle for the next best point.
6. UTAH JAZZ
Fran Vasquez
SPAIN | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Jazz desperately need a point guard. But they also need more size and athleticism up front. If Paul or Deron Williams were available, they'd go that route, but they aren't high enough on Raymond Felton to pick him here. Vasquez is a safe pick who can play.
7. TORONTO RAPTORS
Danny Granger
NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
Granger's stock just keeps climbing. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and should have the Shawn Marion-type ability to play like a four while playing the three. He has a good handle, a dramatically improved 3-point shot and he's unselfish. He also has a great body and big-time athleticism. He's already an upgrade from Jalen Rose at the three. While the Raptors have greater needs at center and point guard, they'll settle this year for the best prospect on the board.
8. NEW YORK KNICKS
Chris Taft
PITTSBURGH | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
At the beginning of the year, scouts had Taft penciled in as a potential No. 1 overall pick. A lackluster sophomore season hurt his stock, but he still has the tools scouts love. He's big, athletic and strong. If he played harder, he'd be atop the board. As it stands, he slips to the Knicks, who don't have a decent player on their roster taller than 6-foot-9.
9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Channing Frye
ARIZONA | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22
Two months ago we thought Frye would be a late first-rounder. But on second thought, Frye has the makings of a lottery pick. Great size, great athleticism and four years of experience. He would be perfect on a team like the Warriors. They need a young, athletic shot-blocker badly and Frye would be a safe and solid choice for Golden State.
10. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Raymond Felton
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 20
This is a real steal for the Lakers if they can land Felton here. He has the potential to go as high as No. 5 and the Raptors will give him a strong look at No. 7. He's the fastest point guard in the draft baseline to baseline, has improved his outside shooting and is an excellent floor leader. A major upgrade over Chucky Atkins.
11. ORLANDO MAGIC
Martell Webster
SEATTLE PREP | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Magic could go several ways here, but after shipping their best shooter off to Sacramento for Doug Christie, the Magic would find that Webster has a skill they really could use. He's the best pure shooter in high school and one of the four or five best in the draft. He has great size for his position, is mature beyond his years and already has an NBA body. As far as high school guys go, he's the most ready to contribute right now.
12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Martynas Andriuskevicius
LITHUANIA | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 19
Andriuskevicius could go much earlier than this, but it's hard to see him slipping past the Clippers. They have a robust international scouting department and have been high on him for several years. Andriuskevicius is 7-foot-3 but his game is closer to Dirk Nowitzki than it is to a traditional big man. He's a good athlete for his size and an excellent shooter and ball handler, but he's going to have to add 30 pounds of muscle before he can even step into the paint in the NBA. This is a long-term project for a team that doesn't have a lot of holes to fill, for once.
13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Antoine Wright
TEXAS A&M | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 21
Wright's versatility, perimeter shooting and athleticism make him a great fit in Charlotte. The Bobcats' front line is already set and if they land a point guard with their first pick, they can afford to address the swing position with the other.
14. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Joey Graham
OKLAHOMA STATE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 22
The Wolves could go in a lot of different directions here. Kevin Garnett is the only guy on the team who's safe at the moment. They would like to get tougher and more athletic and Graham would be a great choice. He's a hard worker who can play both the three and the four. Reminds some of a bigger Corey Maggette.
15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Hakim Warrick
SYRACUSE | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 22
He's not Kenyon Martin, but he's long, athletic, runs the floor, and has the experience to contribute immediately. With Jason Kidd running the show, he should get a lot of dunks.
16. TORONTO RAPTORS
Sean May
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a tough scorer and rebounder in the paint and May should be a perfect fit. Though he's a little undersized to play his natural position (center) in the pros, he should be fine paired next to Chris Bosh. Bosh's ability to dominate in the high post along with May's ability to finish around the rim should give the Raptors an effective high-low punch in the paint.
17. INDIANA PACERS
Rashad McCants
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
McCants may be the toughest guy in the draft to project. On talent, he's easily a top-10 pick, maybe top five. But just about every team in the league has uncovered a number of red flags on the background check. He's going to have to prove to teams that whatever problems he had at North Carolina are behind him. If he does, he'll go higher. If he doesn't, he'll slip down to a team like Indiana, which is willing to take the risk on such a talent.
18. BOSTON CELTICS
Nemanja Aleksandrov
SERBIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
Last year, many had Aleksandrov projected as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft. An average summer and season combined with recent knee surgery to repair a partially torn ACL have really damaged his stock. Chances are he'll withdraw and try again next year. If he doesn't, it will be hard for the Celtics to pass up on such a talent. Given that they've had five first-round picks in the past two seasons, they can afford to wait for Aleksandrov to develop in Europe for the next couple of years.
19. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Marko Tomas
CROATIA | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
Tomas is a sleeper who might move up if he could ever get to America for workouts. He absolutely dominated the Adriatic League this year. He has great size, can play three positions and plays aggressively. The Grizzlies have been shopping their first-round pick around. But if they keep it, they'll use it on a player such as Tomas, who can stay in Europe another year or two to develop.
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Rudy Fernandez
SPAIN | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-5 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
Last year, Fernandez was projected as a late lottery pick, but an injury-marred season has hurt his stock a bit. While no one questions his skills or athleticism, scouts wonder if his body can handle the rigors of the NBA. The Nuggets need a sweet-shooting two-guard badly and it would be tough to pass on a player with Fernandez's talent.
21. PHOENIX SUNS
Andrey Blatche
SOUTH KENT PREP | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
Blatche has been under the radar all year, in part, because he's insisted on not playing like a 7-footer in order to show NBA scouts that he's versatile. Most scouts shook their heads in disgust. But that ability is more appreciated in Phoenix. Blatche has been referred to as a poor man's Kevin Garnett and he should be a perfect fit in the Suns run-and-gun offense. He runs the floor well, can handle the ball, has 3-point range on his jumper and is an excellent rebounder. He may be a year or two away, but eventually he and Amare Stoudemire could be a great pair on the Suns front line.
22. DENVER NUGGETS
Ersan Ilyasova
TURKEY | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
With multiple picks, the Nuggets' plan is to leave at least one guy in Europe for a few years. Many believe that Ilyasova was the best young prospect in Europe before a severe ankle injury kept him out most of the year. He's now back and playing well in Turkey and the lucky scouts that have seen him play claim he's the real deal. If he pulls out of the draft, he has a shot at the lottery next season. If he stays in, the Nuggets get a steal whenever they decide it's time to bring him over.
23. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Charlie Villanueva
CONNECTICUT | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Villanueva has the skills of a lottery pick and the heart of an NBDL all-star. He has all the skills to be a perfect replacement for Chris Webber on the Kings front line. But will Rick Adelman, or whoever is coaching the Kings, ever be able to trust him? For all of his skills, Villanueva has always been a "me first" player. Then again, maybe that's what makes him the perfect replacement for Webber.
24. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Tiago Splitter
BRAZIL | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
It's probably a stretch that Splitter falls this far. He's got enough talent to warrant a late lottery selection. However, he isn't generating any buzz right now. Teams love his size, rebounding and toughness. But he's very raw offensively and is just starting to emerge in Spain. Another year in Spain would do him good and chances are, if he thinks he's slipping this far, he'll withdraw and try again next year.
25. SEATTLE SONICS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The same may hold true for Petro. He has the size and talent of a lottery pick, but he's been very slow to develop it, which has caused some NBA teams to worry. Petro is probably another year or two away from helping a team, even if he does develop. However, if he ever gets it, he and Robert Swift could turn into a nice center duo for the Sonics.
26. DETROIT PISTONS
Yaroslav Korolev
RUSSIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 17
Korolev is another young international player who could dramatically raise his stock in the next few years if he stayed in Russia. However, his stellar play in the junior tournament at the Final Four in Europe was enough to get him on every radar screen. He reminds me a little of a young Toni Kukoc. The Pistons, who have an eye for international talent, won't let him slip by.
Scouting report on Yaroslav Korolev Insider
27. UTAH JAZZ
Randolph Morris
KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The big kid from Kentucky should probably head back to school. One good year at Kentucky and he's in the lottery. As it stands, he won't slip past Utah, which is looking for a legit center to back up Mehmet Okur.
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Julius Hodge
NORTH CAROLINA ST | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 21
Hodge may not be the greatest shooter in the draft, but he has all the intangibles the Spurs love in their players. He's tough, versatile and he seems to want it more than most guys on the floor. He's earned good reviews in every workout and seems to have moved himself into the late first round.
29. MIAMI HEAT
Jarrett Jack
GEORGIA TECH | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
Jack could be off the board in the mid-first round, but it's conceivable that he slips all the way to the end of the round. He's a very good point guard prospect who just needs to cut down on his turnovers. With Damon Jones possibly hitting free agency this summer, Jack would be a great fit in Miami.
30. NEW YORK KNICKS
Andrew Bynum
ST. JOSEPH, N.J. | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 17
Bynum has the size to rise much higher in the draft if he works out well. Right now, the general consensus is that he's too big a project to take much higher than this. Still, the Knicks aren't likely to pass. They need size and upside and Bynum has both.
Other first-round possibilities: Monta Ellis, G, HS senior; Peja Samardziski, C, Serbia; Kennedy Winston, G/F, Alabama; Wayne Simien, PF, Kansas; Ike Diogu, PF, Arizona State; Nate Robinson, G, Washington; Roko Ukic, PG, Croatia; Ronny Turiaf, PF, Gonzaga; Francisco Garcia, G/F, Louisville; Matt Walsh, G/F, Florida; Linas Kleiza, F, Missouri; Mickael Gelebale, F, France; David Lee, F, Florida
Chad Ford is a senior writer for ESPN Insider.
ESPN Insider
Now that we know the pecking order, here's my first mock draft of 2005:
1. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Marvin Williams
NORTH CAROLINA | FRESHMAN | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 18
Most scouts feel Williams is the guy with the most upside in the draft and Milwaukee's roster puts the Bucks in good position to take him. While Andrew Bogut could help too, Williams gives the Bucks the best shot at being a contender someday.
2. ATLANTA HAWKS
Andrew Bogut
UTAH | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 20
Atlanta slips a spot in the lottery but still gets its guy. The team has nothing in the middle and Bogut should be able to anchor that position immediately. Bogut doesn't play the up-tempo style that GM Billy Knight likes to play, but they just can't pass on a legit center.
3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Gerald Green
GULF SHORES ACADEMY | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 19
The Blazers wanted Bogut but are happy at No. 3 because it guarantees they get Green. Chris Paul is rated higher, but the Blazers don't need another small point guard. Next to Marvin Williams, Green has as much upside as anyone in the draft.
4. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Chris Paul
WAKE FOREST | SOPHOMORE | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 195 | AGE: 20
The Hornets' biggest need isn't at the point, but Paul is a big upgrade over Speedy Claxton and Dan Dickau. Suddenly the loss of Baron Davis doesn't sting as much. In fact, Paul's a better prospect than Baron was.
5. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Deron Williams
ILLINOIS | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
The Bobcats were the biggest losers tonight. They wanted either Paul or Marvin Williams and got neither. Look for them to try to use the No. 13 pick to move up in the draft. If it doesn't work, they settle for the next best point.
6. UTAH JAZZ
Fran Vasquez
SPAIN | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Jazz desperately need a point guard. But they also need more size and athleticism up front. If Paul or Deron Williams were available, they'd go that route, but they aren't high enough on Raymond Felton to pick him here. Vasquez is a safe pick who can play.
7. TORONTO RAPTORS
Danny Granger
NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 22
Granger's stock just keeps climbing. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and should have the Shawn Marion-type ability to play like a four while playing the three. He has a good handle, a dramatically improved 3-point shot and he's unselfish. He also has a great body and big-time athleticism. He's already an upgrade from Jalen Rose at the three. While the Raptors have greater needs at center and point guard, they'll settle this year for the best prospect on the board.
8. NEW YORK KNICKS
Chris Taft
PITTSBURGH | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
At the beginning of the year, scouts had Taft penciled in as a potential No. 1 overall pick. A lackluster sophomore season hurt his stock, but he still has the tools scouts love. He's big, athletic and strong. If he played harder, he'd be atop the board. As it stands, he slips to the Knicks, who don't have a decent player on their roster taller than 6-foot-9.
9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Channing Frye
ARIZONA | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22
Two months ago we thought Frye would be a late first-rounder. But on second thought, Frye has the makings of a lottery pick. Great size, great athleticism and four years of experience. He would be perfect on a team like the Warriors. They need a young, athletic shot-blocker badly and Frye would be a safe and solid choice for Golden State.
10. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Raymond Felton
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 20
This is a real steal for the Lakers if they can land Felton here. He has the potential to go as high as No. 5 and the Raptors will give him a strong look at No. 7. He's the fastest point guard in the draft baseline to baseline, has improved his outside shooting and is an excellent floor leader. A major upgrade over Chucky Atkins.
11. ORLANDO MAGIC
Martell Webster
SEATTLE PREP | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Magic could go several ways here, but after shipping their best shooter off to Sacramento for Doug Christie, the Magic would find that Webster has a skill they really could use. He's the best pure shooter in high school and one of the four or five best in the draft. He has great size for his position, is mature beyond his years and already has an NBA body. As far as high school guys go, he's the most ready to contribute right now.
12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Martynas Andriuskevicius
LITHUANIA | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 19
Andriuskevicius could go much earlier than this, but it's hard to see him slipping past the Clippers. They have a robust international scouting department and have been high on him for several years. Andriuskevicius is 7-foot-3 but his game is closer to Dirk Nowitzki than it is to a traditional big man. He's a good athlete for his size and an excellent shooter and ball handler, but he's going to have to add 30 pounds of muscle before he can even step into the paint in the NBA. This is a long-term project for a team that doesn't have a lot of holes to fill, for once.
13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Antoine Wright
TEXAS A&M | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 21
Wright's versatility, perimeter shooting and athleticism make him a great fit in Charlotte. The Bobcats' front line is already set and if they land a point guard with their first pick, they can afford to address the swing position with the other.
14. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Joey Graham
OKLAHOMA STATE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 22
The Wolves could go in a lot of different directions here. Kevin Garnett is the only guy on the team who's safe at the moment. They would like to get tougher and more athletic and Graham would be a great choice. He's a hard worker who can play both the three and the four. Reminds some of a bigger Corey Maggette.
15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Hakim Warrick
SYRACUSE | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 22
He's not Kenyon Martin, but he's long, athletic, runs the floor, and has the experience to contribute immediately. With Jason Kidd running the show, he should get a lot of dunks.
16. TORONTO RAPTORS
Sean May
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a tough scorer and rebounder in the paint and May should be a perfect fit. Though he's a little undersized to play his natural position (center) in the pros, he should be fine paired next to Chris Bosh. Bosh's ability to dominate in the high post along with May's ability to finish around the rim should give the Raptors an effective high-low punch in the paint.
17. INDIANA PACERS
Rashad McCants
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
McCants may be the toughest guy in the draft to project. On talent, he's easily a top-10 pick, maybe top five. But just about every team in the league has uncovered a number of red flags on the background check. He's going to have to prove to teams that whatever problems he had at North Carolina are behind him. If he does, he'll go higher. If he doesn't, he'll slip down to a team like Indiana, which is willing to take the risk on such a talent.
18. BOSTON CELTICS
Nemanja Aleksandrov
SERBIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
Last year, many had Aleksandrov projected as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft. An average summer and season combined with recent knee surgery to repair a partially torn ACL have really damaged his stock. Chances are he'll withdraw and try again next year. If he doesn't, it will be hard for the Celtics to pass up on such a talent. Given that they've had five first-round picks in the past two seasons, they can afford to wait for Aleksandrov to develop in Europe for the next couple of years.
19. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Marko Tomas
CROATIA | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
Tomas is a sleeper who might move up if he could ever get to America for workouts. He absolutely dominated the Adriatic League this year. He has great size, can play three positions and plays aggressively. The Grizzlies have been shopping their first-round pick around. But if they keep it, they'll use it on a player such as Tomas, who can stay in Europe another year or two to develop.
20. DENVER NUGGETS
Rudy Fernandez
SPAIN | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-5 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
Last year, Fernandez was projected as a late lottery pick, but an injury-marred season has hurt his stock a bit. While no one questions his skills or athleticism, scouts wonder if his body can handle the rigors of the NBA. The Nuggets need a sweet-shooting two-guard badly and it would be tough to pass on a player with Fernandez's talent.
21. PHOENIX SUNS
Andrey Blatche
SOUTH KENT PREP | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
Blatche has been under the radar all year, in part, because he's insisted on not playing like a 7-footer in order to show NBA scouts that he's versatile. Most scouts shook their heads in disgust. But that ability is more appreciated in Phoenix. Blatche has been referred to as a poor man's Kevin Garnett and he should be a perfect fit in the Suns run-and-gun offense. He runs the floor well, can handle the ball, has 3-point range on his jumper and is an excellent rebounder. He may be a year or two away, but eventually he and Amare Stoudemire could be a great pair on the Suns front line.
22. DENVER NUGGETS
Ersan Ilyasova
TURKEY | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
With multiple picks, the Nuggets' plan is to leave at least one guy in Europe for a few years. Many believe that Ilyasova was the best young prospect in Europe before a severe ankle injury kept him out most of the year. He's now back and playing well in Turkey and the lucky scouts that have seen him play claim he's the real deal. If he pulls out of the draft, he has a shot at the lottery next season. If he stays in, the Nuggets get a steal whenever they decide it's time to bring him over.
23. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Charlie Villanueva
CONNECTICUT | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Villanueva has the skills of a lottery pick and the heart of an NBDL all-star. He has all the skills to be a perfect replacement for Chris Webber on the Kings front line. But will Rick Adelman, or whoever is coaching the Kings, ever be able to trust him? For all of his skills, Villanueva has always been a "me first" player. Then again, maybe that's what makes him the perfect replacement for Webber.
24. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Tiago Splitter
BRAZIL | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
It's probably a stretch that Splitter falls this far. He's got enough talent to warrant a late lottery selection. However, he isn't generating any buzz right now. Teams love his size, rebounding and toughness. But he's very raw offensively and is just starting to emerge in Spain. Another year in Spain would do him good and chances are, if he thinks he's slipping this far, he'll withdraw and try again next year.
25. SEATTLE SONICS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The same may hold true for Petro. He has the size and talent of a lottery pick, but he's been very slow to develop it, which has caused some NBA teams to worry. Petro is probably another year or two away from helping a team, even if he does develop. However, if he ever gets it, he and Robert Swift could turn into a nice center duo for the Sonics.
26. DETROIT PISTONS
Yaroslav Korolev
RUSSIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 17
Korolev is another young international player who could dramatically raise his stock in the next few years if he stayed in Russia. However, his stellar play in the junior tournament at the Final Four in Europe was enough to get him on every radar screen. He reminds me a little of a young Toni Kukoc. The Pistons, who have an eye for international talent, won't let him slip by.
Scouting report on Yaroslav Korolev Insider
27. UTAH JAZZ
Randolph Morris
KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
The big kid from Kentucky should probably head back to school. One good year at Kentucky and he's in the lottery. As it stands, he won't slip past Utah, which is looking for a legit center to back up Mehmet Okur.
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Julius Hodge
NORTH CAROLINA ST | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 21
Hodge may not be the greatest shooter in the draft, but he has all the intangibles the Spurs love in their players. He's tough, versatile and he seems to want it more than most guys on the floor. He's earned good reviews in every workout and seems to have moved himself into the late first round.
29. MIAMI HEAT
Jarrett Jack
GEORGIA TECH | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
Jack could be off the board in the mid-first round, but it's conceivable that he slips all the way to the end of the round. He's a very good point guard prospect who just needs to cut down on his turnovers. With Damon Jones possibly hitting free agency this summer, Jack would be a great fit in Miami.
30. NEW YORK KNICKS
Andrew Bynum
ST. JOSEPH, N.J. | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 17
Bynum has the size to rise much higher in the draft if he works out well. Right now, the general consensus is that he's too big a project to take much higher than this. Still, the Knicks aren't likely to pass. They need size and upside and Bynum has both.
Other first-round possibilities: Monta Ellis, G, HS senior; Peja Samardziski, C, Serbia; Kennedy Winston, G/F, Alabama; Wayne Simien, PF, Kansas; Ike Diogu, PF, Arizona State; Nate Robinson, G, Washington; Roko Ukic, PG, Croatia; Ronny Turiaf, PF, Gonzaga; Francisco Garcia, G/F, Louisville; Matt Walsh, G/F, Florida; Linas Kleiza, F, Missouri; Mickael Gelebale, F, France; David Lee, F, Florida
Chad Ford is a senior writer for ESPN Insider.
