The Mixtape Monster's 2010 NBA Mock Draft

Every year here at TheMixtapeMonster.com, I do a mock draft. People hate on me, disagree with me, and worship me over it. It’s pretty fun. Admittedly, I’m rarely right, but I use my mock draft as more of an “If I Was GM, I would take…” than a “Team A will probably take” (which is what you get from Chad Ford and the boys at ESPN, etc). I think it’s cooler that way.

Also keep in mind the draft is Thursday night, and over 48 hours away, so trades, etc could change the order and thus change my thoughts. But as things stand right now, if I got to play GM for each time, this is how I’d roll…(hit the jump!)

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall, Kentucky

This is a no-brainer. I’m not really a fan, but he’s the best player in the draft right now. To not take him would be crazy. Plus, it gives you another excuse to get rid of Agent Zero PT.

2. Philadelphia Sixers – Evan Turner, Ohio State

The most complete player in the draft. Large skill-set and NPOY. Solid pick for a struggling franchise. Plus, he single-handedly carried my friend sliz through Fantasy College Basketball this year. Take this pick to the bank.

3. New Jersey Nets – Greg Monroe, Georgetown

When it comes to swingmen and guards, the Nets have bocu options. What they need is another big main to pair with Brooks Lopez, who has played well. A lot of people see them drafting Derrick Favors here on potential. If I was the GM, I’d take Monroe. His passing is the best I’ve seen in a big man since Chris Webber. He’d be more likely to contribute right away. He also has a better jumpshot than Favors currently. The Nets have too many young bucks to mold, they need someone who needs less molding, with a high IQ. Monroe > Favors.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson, Syracuse

Minnesota has a history of questionable picks, especially as of late. Johnson is a lenghty player who really came on last year. His stock couldn’t be any higher after the season he had. With Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and about 3 other 7 footers on the current roster, I don’t see them going for another big man. Johnson’s defense and length separate him from the pack here.

5. Sacramento Kings – Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech

Favors has incredible potential. The Kings may have better use for other players (Aldrich, Babbitt, Aminu, Cousins) but they won’t let Favors slip past them.

6. Golden State Warriors – Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest

One of the best big men at running the floor in the ACC, and possibly the country last year, should fit in perfect with Golden State’s tempo.

7. Detroit Pistons – Luke Babbitt, Nevada

Another complete player like Johnson, whom scouts are very high on. The Pistons take pride in the small things and are a prime place for him to hone his skills.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky

On talent/potential alone, he should probably be a top 3 pick. When you include his attitude and immaturity, he drops. This will cost him in the draft I think. However, what better place for a player like that than the Clippers. He’ll either become a star and leave in 3 years, or fade into obscurity.

9. Utah Jazz – Patrick Patterson, Kentucky

I’ve seen several mock drafts that say Aldrich here, but I don’t think Cole can handle the intensity that Jerry Sloan has. It takes a special player to play for guys like Bobby Knight and Jerry Sloan, and Patterson looks like he has that type of rough-and-tumble attitude.

10. Indiana Pacers – Ed Davis, North Carolina

The Pacers love Hansbrough and what they got out of him last year. Expect them to draft another man with a Carolina pedigree.

11. New Orleans Hornets – Cole Aldrich, Kansas

The Hornets need another big man to pair with Okafor (story of the Bobcats the last few years), but get a shot at a legit BIG one here. Don’t expect them to pass up Aldrich if he is still on the board here.

12. Memphis Grizzlies – James Anderson, Oklahoma State

Most don’t think Anderson gets taken in the lottery. The Monster disagrees. Dude can play.

13. Toronto Raptors – Gordon Hayward, Butler

Played himself into the draft after a great tournament run for the Bulldogs. Big game player, big time skill set.

14. Houston Rockets – Xavier Henry, Kansas

When it comes to guards, this dude is a beast. Run him in the backcourt with the now legit Aaron Brooks and you have a great 1-2 punch.

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Avery Bradley, Texas

GREAT at getting to the rim and creating in the paint. Not skilled enough to be the number 1 point guard though. This makes him perfect to pair with Jennings and Ridnour in the backcourt when the Bucks wanna get things movin’.

Monster Sleepers: Craig Brackins, Damion James, Lazar Hayward, Sherron Collins