Updated NBA Mock Draft

In this version, I will go over best and worst case comparisons, and talk about the draft range and fits for each player.  In the past, I have done a lot of talking about what a player brings, so, I will be slightly moving away from that for this edition.  The NBA Draft is tomorrow at 4pm (West Coast), which means the first pick will be around 430.

1. Cleveland- Nerlens Noel PF/Kentucky- Best Case: Ben Wallace, Worst Case: Larry Sanders, Range on Draft night: 1-2.  Noel fits better with Orlando, next to Vucevic, but Cleveland should take him because he is the best player in the draft.  Alex Len is my #5 player, and should not go #1.
2. Orlando- Victor Oladipo SG/Indiana- Best Case: Dwyane Wade, Worst Case: Better Tony Allen, Range on Draft night: 2-5.  Oladipo probably doesn't become the next Dwyane Wade, but it would not surprise me if he becomes an All-Star at some point in his career.  He and Noel have the best shot at it.  McLemore could be a fit here as well.
3. Washington- Anthony Bennett PF/UNLV- Best Case: Larry Johnson, Worst Case: Draymond Green, Range: 3-8.  For the record, I would not take Bennett in the top 7- he is ranked 9 on my board.  I am hearing that John Wall wants Bennett, and that management is afraid of Porter's lack of elite attributes.  It could be a smoke screen, but it sounds like Bennett will be the pick.  If not Bennett, then Porter will be chosen here.
4. Charlotte- Alex Len C/Maryland- Best Case: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Worst Case: Robert Swift, Range: 1-6.  Len fits best in a role where he can earn instant minutes, and Charlotte fits that bill.  They need a low post scorer, and Len is a versatile offensive player.  He is a definite project, but the Bobcats are in a position to be patient.  Don't be surprised to see Minnesota trade for this pick, McLemore and Porter will be in play if available.
5. Phoenix- Cody Zeller PF/Indiana- Best Case: Chris Bosh, Worst Case: Josh McRoberts, Range: 4-11.  Zeller has been linked to Phoenix as a potential trade partner with Portland involving Gortat.  With reports of Zeller moving up in mocks, Phoenix may just take him at 5.  He fills a need as a low post scorer, though other experts will say they need perimeter scoring more.  I think drafting Zeller is a progressive step, and would keep Michael Beasley off the court.
6. New Orleans-  Otto Porter SF/Georgetown- Best Case: Sane Ron Artest, Worst Case: Jared Dudley, range: 3-6.  Porter is a versatile player who could fit with any team, Phoenix and New Orleans among them.  The Pelicans needs a capable small forward, and Porter fits the bill- AND he is not a combo forward, of which the Pelicans have too many  Expect McLemore to get a long look here if available.
7. Sacramento- Ben McLemore SG/Kansas- Best Case: Ray Allen, Worst Case: Brandon Rush, Range: 2-7.  McLemore hasn't worked out well for many teams, but that won't defer Sacramento, who needs a competent shooting guard not named Tyreke Evans.  McLemore is passive, which could work well with Cousins in that locker room.  Burke and Carter-Williams will get looks here.
8. Detroit- Trey Burke PG/Michigan- Best Case: Ty Lawson, Worst Case: Aaron Brooks, Range: 6-8.  I think Burke's draft range is very comfortable- New Orleans, Sacramento or Detroit.  With Sacramento and New Orleans passing, Burke falls into their laps, and Detroit can have another attempt at landing a point guard of the future after Rodney Stuckey and Brandon Knight could not hold down the spot.  If they pass on Burke, it is because they prefer Carter Williams or McCollum, though all signs point to Burke.
9. Minnesota- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope SG/Georgia- Best Case: Sane JR Smith, Worst Case: Corey Brewer, Range: 7-15.  Unless Minnesota trades up, or lands Marshon Brooks, expect this pick to be a shooting guard.  While sources indicate Shabazz Muhammad is in the mix, Minnesota needs outside shooting and perimeter defense more than slashing and guard post-ups.  KCP fits very well.
10. Portland- CJ McCollum PG/Lehigh- Best Case: George Hill, Worst Case: Jimmer Fredette, Range: 5-12.  McCollum is a terrific shooting point guard who can play both positions- and add depth that Portland desperately needs.  Assuming trade rumors for Aldridge are indeed just rumors, I would be surprised if Portland took a big man unless Zeller slides.  If McCollum goes 9, Caldwell-Pope could easily go 10.
11. Philadelphia- Michael Carter-Williams PG/Syracuse- Best Case: Shaun Livingston, Worst Case: Kendall Marshall's rookie year, Range: 7-14.  Carter-Williams would be the top PG prospect if he could shoot.  Because Philadelphia already has Holiday- and because MCW can play both guard spots- the fit here is very good.  Adams does not make sense as a project center here, as MCW can find rotation minutes right away.
12. Oklahoma City- Steven Adams C/Pittsburgh- Best Case: Shot Blocking BJ Mullens, Worst Case: Patrick O'Bryant, Range: 11-16.  Supposedly Portland has some interest, though I don't think he goes at 10.  Oklahoma City fits well because they have a need at backup center.  Adams is also a solid long term project- and one OKC can afford to gamble on.  This pick could be in play to trade up.
13. Dallas- Sergey Karasev SF/Russia- Best Case: Rudy Fernandez, Worst Case: Steve Novak, Draft Range: 7-15.  I think Karasev could be a surprise pick to Sacramento- if there is any team most likely to reach it is them- but he goes here to Dallas in an unsurprising move.  He is a terrific shooter who can be stashed overseas for a year, and will preserve cap space.
14. Utah- Kelly Olynyk PF/Gonzaga- Best Case: Andrea Bargnani, Worst Case: Fabricio Oberto, Range: 11-22.  Olynyk is coveted because he is very skilled, though is he not a great athlete.  Utah has a need for a skilled power forward, and they can afford to pass on a PG until 21, as all of the PG's in the tier above are now gone in this mock draft.
15. Milwaukee- Shane Larkin PG/Miami- Best Case: Nate Robinson, Worst Case: Patty Mills, Range: 14-21.  I would have to think Utah would be his ceiling and floor, but they'd most likely try to snag him at 21 rather than 14.  Larkin fits in Milwaukee well, who could lose their starting backcourt.  Larkin also adds needed outside shooting, and could pair well with JJ Redick if he is retained.  Shabazz Muhammad could also go here.
16. Boston- Dennis Schroeder PG/Germany- Best Case: Darren Collison, Worst Case: Jeremy Pargo, Range: 14-23.  Schroeder had a big Nike Hoop Summit, and has been compared to Rondo due to his athleticism and length.  Boston doesn't shy away from players with character concerns, which makes Ricky Ledo another potential target, and Rondo's ACL means Boston could use one more PG.
17. Atlanta- Shabazz Muhammad SF/UCLA- Best Case: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Worst Case: Al Thornton, Range: 9-20.  Muhammad has a wide draft range, beginning with Minnesota at #9.  He fits in Atlanta as a scorer on the wing who can compliment Al Horford, and he has a drive to win that many prospects above him don't have.  With two first round picks, Atlanta can afford to take a gamble here.
18. Atlanta- Giannis Antetokounmpo SF/Greece- Best Case: Nicolas Batum, Worst Case: Division II Basketball Player, Range: 12-29.  His draft range is wide, but I think a team falls in love with him on draft day- and his enormous potential.  His ceiling is very high, and his floor very low.  I don't know how he can help Atlanta in the next few years, but the promise he offers will be too much to pass up- especially for a team with two picks.  For similar logic, Gobert or Noguiera could be picked here as well.
19. Cleveland- Tony Mitchell SF/North Texas- Best Case: Paul George, Worst Case: James Singleton, Range: 15-24.  I believe Mitchell projects better as a small forward, which puts him into contention for Cleveland's #19 pick (though it may very well be traded).  Their biggest need, Mitchell offers a high ceiling- and Cleveland is not afraid to take risks.  Safer picks could involve Reggie Bullock or Mason Plumlee.
20. Chicago- Gorgui Dieng C/Louisville- Best Case: Marcus Camby, Worst Case: Hasheem Thabeet, Range: 17-26.  Chicago needs a shooter and a big man who can fill the role Omer Asik had.  Given the number of shooters available in free agency, and the cost of big men, Dieng may be a better pick here for Chicago.  Other options could be Reggie Bullock, Allen Crabbe and Jeff Withey.
21. Utah- Isaiah Canaan PG/Murray State- Best Case: Mo Williams Worst Case: Norris Cole, Range: 21-35.  Canaan is loved by the Jazz front office, which means he could be the pick here at his ceiling.  The Jazz need a long term option at the point guard spot, and Canaan shoots the ball well enough to hope he develops.  Other options could be Larkin or Schroeder if they fall.
22. Brooklyn- Lucas Nogueira C/Brazil- Best Case: Larry Sanders, Worst Case: Hasheem Thabeet, range: 14-23.  Nogueira is raw and rail thin, but at 7'0 and long he offers lots of potential.  Brooklyn is capped out, and is an option to stash overseas for a few years.  Other picks could be Rudy Gobert or Mason Plumlee.
23. Indiana- Rudy Gobert C/France- Best Case: Dikembe Mutumbo, Worst Case: Shawn Bradley, Range: 12-30.  Some teams love Gobert, others wouldn't touch him.  I think Gobert lands closer to the Shawn Bradley end of the spectrum, but he does have tremendous upside.  Kevin Pritchard has a history of liking European players, and, expect this pick to be stashed if it isn't traded (rumor: #23 and Gerald Green for Jimmer Fredette).
24. New York- Jamaal Franklin SG/San Diego State- Best Case: Kawhi Leonard, Worst Case: Sam Young, Draft Range: 17-35.  Franklin can offer defense and energy, but his offensive game is very raw.  Given his age, he has to develop a jump shot or be stuck on the end of a bench.  New York will take the plunge, as they need perimeter defenders.  They could take Jeff Withey as a backup 5 as well.
25. LA Clippers- Erick Green PG/Virginia Tech- Best Case: Monta Ellis Worst Case: Toney Douglas, Range: 23-37.  When I compare Green to Ellis, it has nothing to do with attitude.  Green is a great scorer, and the Clippers need guard scoring to replace Chauncey Billups and potentially Eric Bledsoe.  His ability to play both guard spots is a plus as well.  They could go big with Plumlee or Withey as well.
26. Minnesota- Jeff Withey C/Kansas- Best Case: Omer Asik, Worst Case: Greg Stiemsma, Range: 19-30.  I have a hard time believing Withey does not go in the first round.  He is already 24, but will be a 10 year backup center as his floor.  He blocks shots, which Minnesota needs.  Darko didn't work out, Withey should be a better choice in the post Kahn-era.  This pick has been rumored to be involved in trade talks.
27. Denver- Mason Plumlee C/Duke- Best Case: Brandan Wright, Worst Case: Miles Plumlee, Range: 16-27.  I think this is Plumlee's floor.  He is athletic, low usage, and does the dirty work.  Denver doesn't have much of a need for him, but he is the best player available, and adds to their already deep bench.  They could opt for Bullock or Crabbe as well.
28. San Antonio- Allen Crabbe SG/California- Best Case: JJ Redick, Worst Case: Anthony Morrow, Range: 15-30.  Crabbe can shoot- we all know that.  Can he do more?  Given the poor-ish guard play from Ginobili and Green in games 6 and 7, they may want to add some competition into the mix from Crabbe.  The rich get richer here.
29. Oklahoma City- Nemanja Nedovic PG/Serbia- Best Case: Goran Dragic, Worst Case: Petteri Koponen, Range: 28-45.  Nedovic is an uber-athletic guard who could stay overseas for a year or two.  He is more of an offensive player, and has potential at 21 years old.  I love him as a prospect, and expect either San Antonio or Oklahoma City to take him on draft day.
30. Phoenix- Ricardo Ledo SG/Providence- Best Case: Marcus Thornton, Worst Case: Marshon Brooks, Range: 16-38.  Ledo has significant red flags- the only thing keeping him from a prosperous career in the NBA.  He can really score the ball, and is worth the risk for Phoenix
    
31. Cleveland- Reggie Bullock SF/North Carolina.  Best Case: Jared Dudley, range: 19-32
32. Oklahoma City- Mike Muscala C/Bucknell.  Best Case: Channing Frye, range: 27-40
33. Cleveland- Alex Abrines G/Spain.  Best Case: Marco Belinelli, range: 28-40
34. Houston- Tim Hardaway Jr. SG/Michigan.  Best Case: Wesley Matthews, range: 20-35
35. Philadelphia- Tony Snell SF/New Mexico.  Best Case: Jared Cunningham, range: 24-38
36. Sacramento- Nate Wolters PG/South Dakota State.  Best Case: Steve Blake, range: 26-39
37. Detroit- Glen Rice Jr. SF/Rio Grande Vipers.  Best Case: Gerald Green, range:  20-40
38. Washington- CJ Leslie F/NC State.  Best Case: Dante Cunningham, range:  30-45
39. Portland- Archie Goodwin SG/Kentucky.  Best Case: Lance Stephenson, range: 31-45
40. Portland- Livio Jean-Charles F/France.  Best Case:  Dante Cunningham, range: 28-40
41. Memphis- Andre Roberson F/Colorado.  Best Case:  Landry Fields, range:  37-50
42. Philadelphia- Colton Iverson C/Colorado State.  Best Case:  Joel Pryzbilla, range: 40-60
43. Milwaukee- Pierre Jackson PG/Baylor.  Best Case: Isaiah Thomas (UW), range: 31-44
44. Dallas- Lorenzo Brown PG/NC State.  Best Case:  Kendall Marshall, range 42-53
45. Portland- Jackie Carmichael PF/Illinois State.  Best Case:  Carl Landry, range: 31-50
46. Utah- Carrick Felix SG/Arizona State.  Best Case:  Corey Brewer, range: 45-und
47. Atlanta- Ray McCallum PG/Detroit.  Best Case:  Jerryd Bayless, range: 45-und
48. LA Lakers- Grant Jerrett PF/Arizona.  Best Case:  Josh McRoberts, range: 40-und
49. Chicago- Brandon Paul SG/Illinois.  Best Case:  Jordan Crawford, range: 45-und
50. Atlanta- Bojan Dubljevic PF/Montenegro.  Best Case:  Joel Freeland, range: 35-50
51. Orlando- Trevor Mbakwe PF/Minnesota.  Best Case:  Nick Collison, range: 45-und
52. Minnesota- James Ennis SG/Long Beach State.  Best Case:  Corey Brewer, range: 45-und
53. Indiana- Peyton Siva PG/Louisvilla.  Best Case:  Cory Joseph, range: 50-und
54. Washington- Raul Neto PG/Brazil.  Best Case:  Sergio Rodriguez, range: 50-und
55. Memphis- Erik Murphy PF/Florida.  Best Case:  Matt Bonner, range: 50-und
56. Detroit- Marko Todorovic PF/Montenegro.  Best Case:  David Andersen, range: 50-und
57. Phoenix- Daniel Theis PF/Germany.  Best Case: Lou Amundson, range: 50-und
58. San Antonio- Oleksandr Lypovyy SF/Ukraine.  Best Case:  Marquis Daniels, range: 50-und
59. Minnesota- Augusto Lima PF/Brazil.  Best Case:  Reggie Evans, range: 50-und
60. Memphis- Vander Blue G/Marquette.  Best Case:  Sundiata Gaines, range: 50-und