NBL Mock Draft 2007

[Infamousdane]

2007 NBL Mock Draft

1. Philadelphia 76ers-- Greg Oden C 7'0'' 260 19 B- D+ D+ A- B- A

Reason:
Pretty easy decision for the 76ers as the fall of Iverson now among them, they now acquire a new franchise player in Greg Oden. There future does look bright with Andre Iguodala, Louis Williams, Samuel Dalembert and Rodney Carney. Look for the 76ers to trade Allen Iverson, Chris Webber and other older players for some young talent this off season. A defense of Samuel and Oden will create an unstoppable defensive tandem. Finally, with Oden now aboard everyone is just waiting for the time when the 76ers become dominant maybe like the NBN 76ers were with Oden? or is it just a big coincidence? Either way the 76ers are now on the raise as they are expect to go with Oden.


2. Toronto Raptors--Joakim Noah PF 6'11'' 232 22 B C- C+ B B- A

Reason: The decision between Durant and Noah was tough, but in the end getting big men like Noah is just too difficult to pass up on. As well, a front line of Andrea, Noah and Bosh will be the best young front line in the league easily. Joakhim can do it all on the court, but even though his potential is A, he might be to good to be true. Either way, he looks like the second best talent available in this years draft.


3. Minnesota Timberwolves--Kevin Durant SF 6'10'' 205 18 C+ B C+ C+ C+ A

Reason: The Timberwolves being angry that they fell from 1 to 3 is an understatement, but in sims it usually happens. However, being able to draft Kevin Durant might bring a small smile to Aaron's face. Having a team filled with young talent Durant will be a welcome addition. Especially, with being able to being able to put Marvin Williams, Kevin Durant, Chris Wilcox, Devin Harris and Josh Howard (if he re-signs) all on the court. The Timberwolves consist of players who can do many things on the court at one time and Durant just fits this mole completely. On a side note I wouldn't be surprised if the Timberwolves decided to draft Brandon Wright instead of Kevin Durant as they do have issues at the PF/C position.


4. New Orleans Hornets--Julian Wright SF 6'8'' 210 20 B- C- C+ B+ C A

Reason: I'm not saying Julian is a top 4 talent, but I know these are the type of players Repole loves to have on his team. He has 2 other big man prospects in Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons who aren't as good as Brandon Wright, but I just don't see him going that way. Instead I see him drafting a guy like Julian who can play defense, score inside and handle the ball at the forward position. I'm really just taking a big guess here even though Marcus Williams and Brandon Wright might be more logical choices.


5. Memphis Grizzlies--Brandan Wright PF 6'10'' 210 19 B- C- C- B- C+ A

Reason: Brandan Wright is a top 3 talent, and him dropping the far might be to far fetch, but I believe on draft day he will drop this far even though he has the potential to be a Jermaine O'neal type player in his prime. Anyway, he has the speed and quickness like a SF, but has a great scoring touch inside. If his A potential is correct then him and Pau will cause havoc on other opposing big men around the league.

6. Atlanta Hawks-- Marcus Williams SG 6'7'' 205 20 C+ B C+ C+ C- A

Reason: The Hawks are filled with young talent, and almost every pick wouldn't make too much sense, but I think Marcus makes the most. As well, taking Walker or Young wouldn't make much sense because Josh Smith is years ahead of both developmental wise anyways. Anyways, drafting Marcus Williams gives the Hawks another shooting guard option if Foyle or McCants don't pan out. Of course, both are better however Marcus is 3-4 years younger and isn't much far off their ratings.

7. New Jersey Nets-- Thaddeus Young SF 6'8'' 215 19 B C C B- C A

Reason: The Nets look like they need to rebuild and starting it off with Young would be a good step to that direction. Their youngest SF Antonio Wright doesn't look like his future is bright, so drafting Young and hoping he turns into a younger version of Richard Jefferson would be the best choice. He is a high flier who is able to play a bit of defense and rebound well. Young is 19 years of age, so the Nets must be patient as its going to take 2-3 years before Young makes an impact in my opinion.

8. Denver Nuggets-- Tiago Splitter C 7'0'' 245 22 C+ C- D+ B C+ A

Reason: Tiago is the 2nd best center in the draft, and his great defense and 7'0 frame allows him to get drafted at the 8th position, which might be a big jump for his skill set. However, the Nuggets need big man help and they will go with either Tiago, Yi or Tyler at this spot. Tiago is a better fit right now because he has great defense and has the upside to develop his offense and rebounding skills. As well, Tiago looks to have a higher upside then Tyler, which is why I believe he will be picked here.

9. Indiana Pacers (from Knicks)-- Ronald Steele PG 6'2'' 185 21 C B B- B- D+ B

Reason: I was going to choose Bill Walker, however the Pacers are filled with athletic wing players and don't have a solid point guard to run the team. I believe Ronald Steele would be a great pick here at the 9th spot. He obviously will fall because of his B scouted potential rating, but I believe he has a chance to be really good in this league. As well, Steele is easily the best PG in the draft and grabbing him here would be a steal in my opinion.

10. Milwaukee Bucks-- Bill Walker SG 6'6'' 225 19 B C C- C C A

Reason: Bill Walker looks like a major project which is why he falls down to the 10th spot. His high flying ability will get him into the dunk contest a couple of times, but will it be good enough to make him an all-star? Who knows, but with the Bucks looking to trade Redd, having a combo of Bogut, Charlie V and Bill Walker will be great for the future. I believe Yi Jianlian gets some consideration here, but I believe Yi's rebounding ability is just too weak for him to be drafted 10th.


11. Orlando Magic-- Yi Jianlian PF 7'0'' 230 19 B- B- C C C- A

12. Los Angeles Lakers-- Tyler Hansbrough PF 6'9'' 245 21 B+ C- D+ C C+ B

13. Portland Trailblazers-- L.R. Mbah a Moute SF 6'7'' 224 20 C+ C C- C+ B- A

[Infamousdane]

Just did it for fun and took some guess... Don't take it to personal.

[repole]

I'm having a tough time deciding who to take when my pick comes, but at this point i'd be leaning away from Julian. I like Players like Julian who are big and can play PG, but at this point that position doesn't seem like an issue .

[Infamousdane]

repole said:

I'm having a tough time deciding who to take when my pick comes, but at this point i'd be leaning away from Julian. I like Players like Julian who are big and can play PG, but at this point that position doesn't seem like an issue .

Yeah, I thought so thats why I said I was taking a guess. Not really sure who you take, but I would think Brandon Wright.

[nybombers3]

Well, anyone I select will be part of a glut one way or another. Center I have Zaza and POB. PF I have Gooden and Williams. SF has Smith and Graham. SG has Foye and McCants. PG has Telfair and Calderon. I dunno. Gotta really see who's avaliable.

[repole]

I have no clue who I'll take I'd love it if there were big time wing scorer in this draft (possibly Durant could be that, but even he is no lock...) but aside from PG nothing on my team is really set in stone...

[WillC]

Great job Dane. It's nice to see an indepth mock draft like this.

I think your mock is pretty accurate. I hadn't even thought of the Oden/76ers connection - that's freaky.

This draft is stacked, both at the high end and throughout the draft. The great thing is, I have no clue how good half these players will be.

[Infamousdane]

repole said:

I have no clue who I'll take I'd love it if there were big time wing scorer in this draft (possibly Durant could be that, but even he is no lock...) but aside from PG nothing on my team is really set in stone...

Kevin Durant has a chance of falling but it matters what the Wolves do... Either draft Durant or Wright. They have a stack of SF's so I would think Wright is the way they go. I just picked Durant as he is the best player available and thats what I think people should be drafting by.

[Infamousdane]

admin said:

Great job Dane. It's nice to see an indepth mock draft like this.

I think your mock is pretty accurate. I hadn't even thought of the Oden/76ers connection - that's freaky.

This draft is stacked, both at the high end and throughout the draft. The great thing is, I have no clue how good half these players will be.

Thanks same here man. I like this draft as its strong, but is very mysterious. Usually, in most drafts you know the players that are going to be good and the ones that aren't but right now man I can't even tell.

[jahallstar]

Good Job. I might keep AI around now though. AI/Iggy/Webber/Dalem/Oden might be a force next year.

[ducky]

Really good mock, The one thing I don't see happening is Bill Walker in lotto. The fool can't do shit except jump.

And I personally don't like Hansbrough a whole lot, I wouldn't take him in lotto, but I could see it happening cuz of his B+ inside.

[jahallstar]

I thought if anything Hansbrough was a little low.

[bentlegen]

I'd be disappointed if the Raptors didn't trade down to #3 - Noah makes no sense on the Raptors, and Durant makes no sense for the Wolves.

[Infamousdane]

ducky said:

Really good mock, The one thing I don't see happening is Bill Walker in lotto. The fool can't do shit except jump.

And I personally don't like Hansbrough a whole lot, I wouldn't take him in lotto, but I could see it happening cuz of his B+ inside.

I think Bill does get drafted in the lotto for sure as well as Hansbrough but thanks

[Infamousdane]

bentlegen said:

I'd be disappointed if the Raptors didn't trade down to #3 - Noah makes no sense on the Raptors, and Durant makes no sense for the Wolves.

Well your gonna be dissappointed because Noah is going to be a Raptor unless I am able to pull a deal. As well, Andrea looks like he is going to be a SF more then a PF for a long time.