1. Cavaliers:
Kyrie Irving, 6-13/4, 191, Fr., Duke. Who said he’s small? If he’s no Derrick Rose, Irving’s a quarter-inch taller and very good besides.
2. Timberwolves:
Derrick Williams, 6-73/4, 248, So., Arizona. With no one offering a center, GM David Kahn will play him in the middle and speed up for Ricky Rubio.
3. Jazz:
Enes Kanter, 6-93/4, 259, Fr., Kentucky. If they need a shot-blocker, he makes the front line as wide as a mountain range.
4. Cavaliers:
Jonas Valanciunas, 6-91/2, 240, Lithuania. Stock moving up even if he’s not ready now.
5. Raptors:
Brandon Knight, 6-13/4, 177, Fr., Kentucky. Sharpshooting point to replace Jose Calderon.
6. Wizards:
Jan Vesely, 6-91/2, 240, Czech Republic. Smaller Anderson Varejao whose hustle will be an inspiration or a puzzler for their young knuckleheads.
7. Kings:
Kemba Walker, 5-111/2, 184, Sr., Connecticut. Unless they trade for Tony Parker and the Spurs use this pick for Klay Thompson.
8. Pistons:
Tristan Thompson, 6-71/4, 227, Fr., Texas. With a new owner, GM Joe Dumars forgoes gamble on “next Ben Wallace” Bismack Biyombo, takes this Tyrus Thomas type with a better head.
9. Bobcats:
Bismack Biyombo, 6-81/4, 245, Congo. Michael Jordan rolls the dice on a player who isn’t huge or skilled but is explosive, blocking 10 shots against top U.S. preps at Hoop Summit.
10. Bucks:
Klay Thompson, 6-53/4, 206, Jr., Washington State. In one of the biggest pre-draft rises ever, Mychal’s son is now the top-rated shooting guard.
11. Warriors:
Alex Burks, 6-5, 193, Jr., Colorado. Jerry West, dying for Klay Thompson, takes the former top-rated shooting guard.
12. Jazz:
Jimmer Fredette, 6-03/4, 196, Sr., BYU. Wasn’t in the top 20 but burned up the pre-draft circuit, convinced his hometown team he isn’t just a local yokel.
13. Suns:
Marcus Morris, 6-7, 230, Jr., Kansas. Undersized power forward for a team in mid-transition — or starting over if it moves Steve Nash.
14. Rockets:
Kawhi Leonard, 6-6, 227, Jr., San Diego State. Projected in the top 10 but drops. Tough small forward who can handle the ball and make plays. If he learns to shoot, he can be special.
15. Pacers:
Chris Singleton, 6-73/4, 230, Sr., Florida State. Big forward rated the top defender in the draft.
16. 76ers:
Nikola Vucevic, 6-101/4, 260, Jr., USC. This is who coach Doug Collins wants instead of Chris Kaman.
17. Knicks:
Iman Shumpert, 6-41/2, 222, Sr., Georgia Tech. Big, athletic point has the same agent as Amare Stoudemire.
18. Wizards:
Donatas Montiejunas, 6-101/2, 215, Lithuania. Looks like a young Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
19. Bobcats:
Kenneth Faried, 6-6, 225, Sr., Morehead State. Not big or skilled but an animal rebounder.
20. Timberwolves:
Marshon Brooks, 6-41/4, 195, Sr., Providence. Blossoming shooting guard projected to go in the teens.
21. Trail Blazers:
Reggie Jackson, 6-11/2, 208, Jr., Boston College. Powerful point guard canceled all his workouts to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.
22. Nuggets:
Jordan Hamilton, 6-63/4, 228, So., Texas. Big-time shooter projected in teens but drops.
23. Rockets:
Jeremy Tyler, 6-9, 262. Retains promise at 20 after skipping senior year at San Diego High School and bombing in Japan.
24. Thunder:
Nikola Mirotic, 6-81/2, 210, Montenegro. Would be in the lottery if he weren’t under contract with Real Madrid through 2016. GM Sam Presti’s kind of move.
25. Celtics:
Markieff Morris, 6-73/4, 241, Jr., Kansas. Jeff Green type, in case the real Jeff Green wants a lot of money.
26. Mavericks:
Davis Bertans, 6-8, 210, Latvia. Latest “next Dirk Nowitzki” played well at Hoop Summit, stayed in the draft, suggesting he has promise.
27. Nets:
Kyle Singler, 6-73/4, 228, Sr., Duke. Hard-nosed player won’t be a star but will be all he can be.
28. BULLS:
Justin Harper, 6-8, 228, Sr., Richmond. Made 45 percent of 3s last season, just what they need.
29. Spurs:
Nolan Smith, 6-11/2, 188, Jr., Duke. Can back up George Hill if Spurs pull off trade of Tony Parker for a lottery pick.
30. BULLS:
JaJuan Johnson, 6-9, 220, Sr., Purdue. Hoping for Taj Gibson II.
