21-30
21. Jazz- Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil #35 Sao Goncalo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Lucas Nogueira was a prospect that nearly burned himself out 2 years ago. Now he is physically and mentally more mature and can handle the rigors of the NBA schedule. The Jazz may opt to keep him in Spain for another year and then bring him over later, but if they so choose, they can bring him in now to get acclimated to the United States. Hes perhaps the most intriguing center prospect of this draft simply because he possesses NBA all-star tools but its taking him a long time to show off his skills. With potentially both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap leaving via free agency, Nogueira can definitely replenish their deep big man core.
22. Nets- Rudy Gobert, C, France #15 Saint-Quentin, Aisne, France
The Nets dont have many other ways to fix their team, so they need to make sure that this pick gives them a big contribution (then again, whos to say that they will play?) Jason Kidd should understand the value of having big men to feed easy buckets to. Rudy Gobert can touch the basket on his tiptoes. While still generally learning how to play basketball, the potential of one day having a Brook Lopez /Rudy Gobert frontcourt is too tantalizing to abandon. Gobert can stay overseas as he keeps learning, but for a team getting up there in age at some spots, an infusion may be what the Nets need. Hopefully new head coach Jason Kidd can hire a good scouting and player development department.
23. Pacers- Erick Green, G, Virginia Tech #11 Winchester, VA
I have no idea why experts keep putting Erick Green out of the first round. He is the ACC Player of the Year. As far as Im concerned that is a first round guarantee in of itself. Hes a good combo guard that can give the Pacers a different look on the court. He improved every year he played at Virginia Tech and was an offensive machine. The Pacers as we know are a sound defensive team, but at times they can go through long stretches without scoring. With Green in there, those long runs could be cut short significantly. Targeting a PF or C is also an option here, but I think the Pacers will want more experienced bigs.
24. Knicks- Tony Mitchell, F, North Texas #13 Dallas, TX
Carmelo Anthony started most of their games at PF. While it allowed Carmelo Anthony to win the NBA scoring title, it might not have been ideal as they lacked size in the postseason. While Tony Mitchell is a tweener, he has the size and speed to be able to play either position. The North Texas sophomore could have easily been a lottery pick, but a subpar season in the Sun Belt conference doomed his chances. While he has questionable effort at times, his skills can help a contending team, and with the Knicks needing youth to come through for them, Mitchell is a guy that can make a big difference for them as they try to beat teams like the Heat and Pacers.
25. Clippers- Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga #13 Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
This was a tough guess. The Clippers for as talented as they are, arent so deep. If they make a trade that sends out Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler for Arron Afflalo, theyd be set at SG but thin at PG. The Clippers tried to trade for Kevin Garnett but to no avail. Their big man core is thin. Kelly Olynyk may be the odd man out as I think he takes a slide. Olynyk is talented, but probably doesnt possess the type of upside other players have, and in a draft considered to be weak, players with lower ceiling may slide. He may be one of them, but it may help that the Clippers could use more offense from their bench. I think the Clippers can fill their guard void through other means.
26. Timberwolves- Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville #10 Kebemer, Senegal
If the Timberwolves keep this selection, I actually think they stash this pick away as Rick Adelman would be reluctant to bring in two more rookies. Then again, Dieng wouldnt be a typical rookie. Hes 23 years old with a National Title at Louisville to his credit. He doesnt have major upside but he can be a rim protecting third big at the next level. Those qualities may impress Rick Adelman enough to play him should the Wolves get a chance to keep this selection. Double-dipping at SG /SF was also up for consideration, but with Andrei Kirilenkos status up in the air and their desire to pursue O.J. Mayo in free agency, they may run into having too many guards. Dieng falling this far could be a steal for someone because if he were healthy, I think hes lottery quality.
27. Nuggets- Erik Murphy, F, Florida #33 Southborough, MA
Every year, there is a player that inexplicably jumps into the late first round. Miles Plumlee last year to Indiana, Cory Joseph to San Antonio 2 years ago, Craig Brackins in 2010 and so on. This year, I think Erik Murphy can be that guy. After a sketchy first couple of seasons in Florida, Murphy found his stride and became a very good outside shooter, rebounder, and passer on a good Florida program. New head coach Brian Shaw may or may not use the triangle offense, but any team would like to see bigs on the team that can pass. With the Nuggets having solid depth at guard, Murphy can fill a need at backup PF and still provide the Nuggets with more outside shooting.
28. Spurs- Tony Snell, F, New Mexico #21 Riverside, CA
The Spurs came within 5 seconds of winning an NBA title, but ultimately lost in 7 to the Miami Heat. In the aftermath of the loss, the Spurs have to answer some real questions about their future, particularly that of Manu Ginobili. While Ginobili might not retire this summer, the time has come to at least begin the process of replacing him. Tony Snell possesses very good size for a SG and can guard some small forwards as he can add more weight to his frame. He has a very sweet jumpshot and while the New Mexico Lobos were stunned by Harvard in the NCAA Tournament, Snell in that Spurs program can get him open shots and confidence from Gregg Popovich to play in big games. The Spurs could also draft a big man, but Tim Duncan showed he still has something left in the tank.
29. Thunder- Marko Todorovic, C, Montenegro #14 Podgorica, Montenegro
With three picks in the top 32, the Thunder are in an advantageous position to hoard talent and stash them away if need be. Marko Todorovic is a prime target for Sam Presti to keep overseas for a couple of years as he develops. He could be this years version of Nikola Mirotic, a player who will remain stashed away, but over time his stock grows to where he can either be a major trade chip or a significant piece of your future. At 610 and 240 pounds, Todorovic is a mobile big who can flat out finish in the low post. In 2013, Marko Todorovic may not be a justifiable first round talent, but in 2015, he could be the guy everyone would want back in a rebuilding package.
30. Suns- Ricky Ledo, F, Providence #1 Barrington, RI
He may be the biggest enigma in this draft. Ledo never played a single minute for the Providence Friars due to being academically ineligible. He has immense scoring ability, but his effort has been questioned. He has shined through the interview process but some coaches will tell you hes the worst person theyve ever come across. He defines high risk /high reward. Character concerns aside, the Suns are a team that can afford to take as many chances as possible, hoping to strike gold in order to accelerate the rebuilding process. Fact, though, is that he hasnt played a competitive game since high school and would otherwise be a project that needs to be handled with kid gloves. This can be Ryan McDonoughs first true test to see whether he can change the culture around in Phoenix.