ESPN: Final Mock Draft along w/ 2nd Round

From our crappy reporter, Chad "I don't have a clue" Ford:

24. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Wayne Simien
KANSAS | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 22
Despite reports to the contrary, the Rockets likely will keep this pick. Houston could use a tough rebounder with experience and Simien fits the bill. Concerns about injuries and size are the only things keeping him out of the lottery. He's one of those few guys who aren't afraid to go inside and bang, but also has a nice perimeter game. He's a safe pick. Point guards Ukic and Luther Head could also be steals here.

Alternate Picks: Luther Head, Roko Ukic, Julius Hodge

---------------------------------------------------------------

Here's the rest:

Round One tough to predict
By Chad Ford

At 2:30 a.m., many NBA executives are still in their offices, sipping coffee and reviewing their mock drafts.

Millions of dollars worth of scouting, dozens of personal workouts and hours of breaking down film have come down to this.

When David Stern opens the draft for business today at 7:30 p.m. ET, teams are comfortable they know what's happening in the first five minutes. After that? Forget about it.

"Anyone who claims they know what's going to happen tomorrow is either a liar or a psychic," one NBA executive drafting in the mid-first round said Monday. "There are too many variables. Too much parity. Too many rumors floating around. We don't have a clue who's going to be on the board when we pick. And we get paid to do this."

That is the refrain around the league. The draft is deep. The gap between picks 10 and 30 isn't very large. The trade talk is rampant. Bad rumors are floating everywhere.

Throw some chicken bones on the floor and pass the Ouija board – here's our final mock draft with a look at who we think will be taken and a few alternatives should best laid plans go awry.


1. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Andrew Bogut
UTAH | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
This sounds like the only sure thing in the draft. The Bucks continue to maintain that they haven't made their decision but everyone believes that they'll select Bogut at No. 1. A mock draft is supposed to tell you who the Bucks are going to take … not who they should take. I still believe that Marvin Williams should be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Bogut's not a bad pick. He has the chance to be special and he's a low-risk player, but I'm still not convinced it's the right decision.

Alternate Pick: Marvin Williams


2. ATLANTA HAWKS
Marvin Williams
NORTH CAROLINA | FRESHMAN | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 18
This is very tough. The word coming out of Atlanta the past two days is that they're seriously considering bypassing Marvin and drafting either Chris Paul or Deron Williams. They don't need a small forward and desperately need a point guard. Both Paul and Deron worked out well. Marvin was just OK. Everything in the draft hinges on what the Hawks do here. If they pass on Marvin, get ready for a wild night.

Alternate Picks: Chris Paul, Deron Williams


3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Deron Williams
ILLINOIS | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 20
The chances of the Blazers' trading this pick are very high. If Marvin Williams is taken at No. 2, expect the Blazers to send the draft rights to Deron Williams along with Ruben Patterson and Sergei Monya to the Jazz for the Nos. 6 and 27 picks, Gordan Giricek and possibly Kirk Snyder. The teams have been in serious trade talks for days and the deal likely will be consummated on draft night if Marvin Williams is off the board. If the Hawks pass on Marvin Williams, all bets are off. Either the Blazers will keep the pick or they'll trade it to the Bobcats for Nos. 5 and 13.

Alternate Picks: Marvin Williams, Chris Paul


4. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Chris Paul
WAKE FOREST | SOPHOMORE | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 178 | AGE: 20
The Hornets also have been involved in trade talks but most have surrounded adding picks, not getting rid of this one. The Hornets like both Paul and Deron Williams and will take whoever is left. If they're both off the board, that means Marvin Williams falls to them – the best of all circumstances. If they trade down, Granger would be the guy. Their biggest need is at small forward and Granger, who's from Louisiana, would be a great fit.

Alternate Picks: Marvin Williams, Deron Williams, Danny Granger


5. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Danny Granger
NEW MEXICO | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 225 | AGE: 22
The Bobcats are trying to move up in the draft to get their hands on Marvin Williams or Paul. If Paul, Marvin and Deron Williams are off the board, the team will choose between potential (Green) and immediate impact (Granger). Given Bernie Bickerstaff's track record last year, don't be surprised if it's Granger.

Alternate Picks: Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Gerald Green, Martell Webster


6. UTAH JAZZ
Gerald Green
GULF SHORES ACADEMY | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 192 | AGE: 19
Picking the Houston high school player assumes that Utah will swap picks with the Blazers. The Blazers are high on Green, Martell Webster and high school center Andrew Bynum. However, we hear they'll grab Green if they land at No. 6. If the Jazz keep this pick, look for them to snag Channing Frye if both Chris Paul and Deron Williams are off the board.

Alternate Picks: Martell Webster, Andrew Bynum, Channing Frye


7. TORONTO RAPTORS
Martell Webster
SEATTLE PREP | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 235 | AGE: 18
The Raptors have been in serious talks with the Hornets about trading No. 7, and possibly No. 16, to New Orleans for Jamaal Magloire. If that trade happens (and it might if both Green and Granger are off the board), the Hornets likely would select Frye. If the Raptors keep the pick, they have a tough choice between Frye and Webster. Webster has the upside, Frye fits a need. It's a tough call between the two.

Alternate Picks: Gerald Green, Danny Granger, Channing Frye


8. NEW YORK KNICKS
Channing Frye
ARIZONA | SENIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 245 | AGE: 22
Isiah Thomas can breathe a sigh of relief. Insider first reported three weeks ago that the Knicks made a promise to Frye and shut down his workouts. Since then, both the Jazz and Raptors have flirted with taking him. Frye and his agent, Rob Pelinka, have told both teams that he doesn't want to play in Utah and Toronto. That could be enough to scare them off. Given the Knicks' lack of size, Frye is the obvious choice. If he's off the board, high school center Andrew Bynum and Spanish forward Fran Vazquez are possibilities.

Alternate Picks: Andrew Bynum, Sean May, Fran Vazquez, Hakim Warrick


9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Hakim Warrick
SYRACUSE | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 22
If both Granger and Frye are off the board, it appears the Warriors have narrowed their list to Warrick, Ike Diogu and Sean May. Sources claim they've been leaning toward Warrick, a long, lean athletic forward who should be able to run the floor with Baron Davis and Jason Richardson.

Alternate Picks: Ike Diogu, Sean May, Fran Vazquez


10. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Charlie Villanueva
CONNECTICUT | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
This is awfully high for Villanueva, but under the scenarios above, most of the players the Lakers like are off the board. The Lakers like Villanueva because he's a great fit in the triangle, but they're going to have to get rid of some logjams if he's going to get any minutes next season. If Villanueva doesn't go here, the Bobcats and Pacers are also high on him.

Alternate Picks: Andrew Bynum, Sean May, Fran Vazquez


11. ORLANDO MAGIC
Joey Graham
OKLAHOMA STATE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 216 | AGE: 22
The Magic could go in many different directions here. They've also been looking hard at Webster, Warrick and May. Orlando would like to get tougher and more athletic and Graham would be a great choice. He's a hard worker who can play both the three and the four. He reminds some of a bigger Corey Maggette. Antoine Wright is also a very strong possibility here.

Alternate Picks: Martell Webster, Antoine Wright, Hakim Warrick, Sean May


12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Antoine Wright
TEXAS A&M | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 21
There's talk that the Clippers are the team that promised Russian forward Yaroslav Korolev they'd pick him. However, as we reported in Treviso, Italy, it's a soft promise contingent on certain players not being on the board. Is Wright one of them? It will be tough for the Clips to pass on Wright's versatility and perimeter shooting. The Clippers have depth just about everywhere, but Wright will provide insurance should Donald Sterling decide not to pony up for free agents Bobby Simmons and Marko Jaric. The Clips also are very high on Rashad McCants, though concerns about his attitude and stomach problems may cause them to pass.

Alternate Picks: Yaroslav Korolev, Rashad McCants


13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Raymond Felton
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
This is a real steal for the Bobcats if they can land Felton here, assuming they don't nab a point guard at No. 5. Felton's the fastest point guard in the draft baseline to baseline, has improved his outside shooting and is an excellent floor leader. If Felton is gone, look for the Bobcats to trade this pick to either the Pacers or Nuggets. The Bobcats could also package this pick along with No. 5 to move up to get Marvin Williams. If that happens, the Blazers would likely take Bynum here.

Alternate Picks: Charlie Villanueva, Sean May, Fran Vazquez, Andray Blatche


14. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Francisco Garcia
LOUISVILLE | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 190 | AGE: 23
I think the Wolves are giving new "consultant" Rex Chapman more power than they're letting on. If that's true, look for the Wolves to grab Garcia, a player Chapman (and the rest of the Suns staff) have been high on all year. Garcia's a terrific shooter and could be a nice replacement for Latrell Sprewell.

Alternate Picks: Yaroslav Korolev, Fran Vazquez, Roko Ukic


15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Rashad McCants
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-4 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 20
McCants may be the toughest guy in the draft to project. On talent, he's easily a top-10 pick, maybe top five, but just about every team in the league has uncovered a number of red flags on the background check. Between his attitude problems and his stomach issues, there's a lot to be concerned with. But if the Nets don't take him, the Pacers likely will at No. 17. The team has also focused seriously on adding a big and Warrick (if he slipped), May and Diogu are all real possibilities here. Look for the Nets to be active tonight, either moving up (packaging this pick with a future first) or down for multiple picks.

Alternate Picks: Hakim Warrick, Sean May, Ike Diogu, Andrew Bynum


16. TORONTO RAPTORS
Sean May
NORTH CAROLINA | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 21
The Raptors need a tough scorer and rebounder in the paint and May should be a perfect fit. Though he's a little undersized to play his natural position (center) in the pros, he should be fine paired next to Chris Bosh. Bosh's ability to dominate in the high post along with May's ability to finish around the rim should give the Raptors an effective high-low punch in the paint. The Raptors have also been seriously looking at Croatian point guard Roko Ukic.

Alternate Picks: Roko Ukic, Ike Diogu, Andrew Bynum, Jarrett Jack


17. INDIANA PACERS
Yaroslav Korolev
RUSSIA | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 215 | AGE: 17
The Pacers were high on Villanueva, McCants, Garcia and May. If all of them are gone, don't be surprised if the Pacers go for the best future prospect. Korolev has all the skills to be a Toni Kukoc-type player in the future. They're just going to have to wait on him.

Alternate Picks: Charlie Villanueva, Rashad McCants, Francisco Garcia, Sean May, Fran Vazquez


18. BOSTON CELTICS
Roko Ukic
CROATIA | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 218 | AGE: 21
Look for Danny Ainge to go international if Graham is off the board. Ukic's had a great year in Croatia. He should be able to come in and immediately help the Celtics. He's long, plays defense and is very tough and experienced. If he could shoot, he'd be a much higher pick.

Alternate Picks: Joey Graham, Yaroslav Korolev, Ike Diogu, Andray Blatche, Monta Ellis


19. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Fran Vazquez
SPAIN | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
Vazquez's stock has dropped like a rock since rumors surfaced two weeks ago that he wants to stay in Spain next year. Combine that with two so-so group workouts for NBA executives and he's in trouble. Still, he has way too much talent to slip too far in the draft and would be a nice complement on the front line to Pau Gasol. Jerry West is also a huge fan of Julius Hodge, so he could be the pick here if Vazquez goes earlier. The Grizzlies have also been shopping this pick. The Cavs, Pistons and the Blazers (who are looking for a second No. 1) are in the mix.
Alternate Picks: Julius Hodge, Ike Diogu, Andrew Bynum, Jason Maxiell


20. DENVER NUGGETS
Ike Diogu
ARIZONA STATE | JUNIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 21
The Nuggets really wanted to get their hands on either McCants, Wright or Garcia and have tried to package their two first-round picks in an effort to move up. If it doesn't happen, it's tough to see Diogu slipping past here. The Nuggets could use another big body and the addition of Diogu could free them up to use Nene as trade bait to get a big-time two-guard in a trade.

Alternate Picks: Rashad McCants, Francisco Garcia, Julius Hodge, Luther Head

21. PHOENIX SUNS
Johan Petro
FRANCE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 19
Petro has the size and talent of a lottery pick, but he's been very slow to develop, which has caused some NBA teams to worry. Petro is probably another year or two away from helping a team, even if he does develop. However, if he ever gets it, he could be the perfect center in the Suns' system down the road. Don't be surprised if Nate Robinson also gets a look here. He's a perfect fit in their super-speed offense.

Alternate Picks: Nate Robinson, Martynas Andriuskevicius, Andray Blatche, Ersan Ilyasova


22. DENVER NUGGETS
Andrew Bynum
ST. JOSEPH, N.J. | H.S. | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 300 | AGE: 17
The Nuggets have decided to either trade this pick or use it on a project. If Bynum (from Metuchen, N.J.) falls this far (talk about knee problems may be sinking his stock at the moment), something will happen. Either a team will cut a deal to grab him or the Nuggets will take him themselves and develop him as a long-term replacement for Marcus Camby.

Alternate Picks: Monta Ellis, C.J. Miles, Martynas Andriuskevicius, Ersan Ilyasova


23. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Chris Taft
PITTSBURGH | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
Taft has the size and strength of a lottery pick and the work ethic of an NBDL player. Still, he's a steal once teams begin drafting in the 20s. He has the physical tools to replace Chris Webber on the Kings' front line. But will Rick Adelman ever be able to motivate him?

Alternate Picks: Luther Head, Ersan Ilyasova, Monta Ellis, David Lee


24. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Wayne Simien
KANSAS | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 255 | AGE: 22
Despite reports to the contrary, the Rockets likely will keep this pick. Houston could use a tough rebounder with experience and Simien fits the bill. Concerns about injuries and size are the only things keeping him out of the lottery. He's one of those few guys who aren't afraid to go inside and bang, but also has a nice perimeter game. He's a safe pick. Point guards Ukic and Luther Head could also be steals here.

Alternate Picks: Luther Head, Roko Ukic, Julius Hodge


25. SEATTLE SONICS
Jarrett Jack
GEORGIA TECH | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 200 | AGE: 21
Jack could be off the board in the mid-first round, but it's conceivable that he slips all the way to here. He's a very good point guard prospect who just needs to cut down on his turnovers. With Antonio Daniels set to bolt in free agency, the Sonics have a strong need for a back-up point guard with size and toughness.

Alternate Picks: Ersan Ilyasova, Luther Head, Roko Ukic, Angelo Gigli


26. DETROIT PISTONS
Julius Hodge
NORTH CAROLINA ST | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 21
Hodge may not be the greatest shooter in the draft, but he has all the intangibles Joe Dumars loves in his players. He's tough, versatile and he seems to want it more than most guys on the floor. The team is also looking strongly at Ryan Gomes, a Corliss Williamson-like forward and Jason Maxiell, the mini-Ben Wallace.

Alternate Picks: Ryan Gomes, Nate Robinson, Jason Maxiell


27. UTAH JAZZ
Martynas Andriuskevicius
LITHUANIA | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-3 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 19
This pick assumes that the Jazz are swapping with the Blazers. Portland once considered taking Andriuskevicius in the lottery and would be ecstatic to get a player of his talent this low in the draft. If Utah keeps the pick, it's tough to argue that they'd do it differently, though they could go for Roko Ukic if they didn't get a point guard earlier.

Alternate Picks: Roko Ukic, Ersan Ilyasova, Jason Maxiell


28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Ersan Ilyasova
TURKEY | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 18
The Spurs have a history of mining international diamonds in the rough late in the first round. Ilyasova would be no exception. He's big, athletic, and very skilled. The only reason he slips this far is because an ankle injury r****ded his development this year. Miles is also a real possibility here.

Alternate Picks: Julius Hodge, Mickael Gelebale, C. J. Miles


29. MIAMI HEAT
Luther Head
ILLINOIS | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 22
Head may be the biggest steal in the draft if he lasts this long. Teams will start seriously considering him in the mid first round. He'd be awesome in the Miami backcourt next to Dwyane Wade. There's also talk that the Heat are high on local product Matt Walsh along with rumors that the Heat may have promised Serbian center Mile Ilic.

Alternate Picks: Matt Walsh, Mile Ilic, Chris Taft, Wayne Simien


30. NEW YORK KNICKS
Andray Blatche
SOUTH KENT PREP (Conn.)| H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 18
Blatche has been under the radar all year, in part because he's insisted on not playing like a 7-footer in order to show NBA scouts that he's versatile. Blatche has been referred to as a poor man's Kevin Garnett. He runs the floor well, can handle the ball, has 3-point range on his jumper and is an excellent rebounder. He may be a year or two away, but eventually he and Channing Frye could be a great pair on the Knicks' front line.

Alternate Picks: Monta Ellis, Mile Ilic

Almost everyone in the NBA agrees that this may be the deepest draft in the last 20 years. With so many college underclassmen, high school seniors and international players keeping their names in this year, there are literally 30 more players who could actually make the NBA next season – especially with the new minor league set to take off.

Pay attention closely to the second round. Many of these players would have been late first-rounders in past drafts, and several of them have the potential to be very good players.


31. ATLANTA HAWKS
Monta Ellis
LANIER (Miss.) | H.S. | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 176 | AGE: 19
Ellis could very well go in the first round, but if he's still on the board, the Hawks will jump on him – especially if they don't get a guard in round one. Ellis has a ton of talent, but he's probably years away. Could be the second coming of Chauncey Billups.


32. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Nate Robinson
WASHINGTON | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 5-8 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 21
Robinson will get a look from both the Suns and the Pistons, but if he slips, he won't last long. He'd be great on an up-tempo team like the Clippers, which has two big point guards in Shaun Livingston and Marko Jaric, and could afford to play Robinson at the two.


33. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Ryan Gomes
PROVIDENCE | SENIOR | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 22
Gomes also is in the mix with Detroit and San Antonio, but if he slips, it's hard to see him getting by the Hornets, who are desperate for a versatile small forward like Gomes.


34. UTAH JAZZ
David Lee
FLORIDA | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
The Jazz could go a number of ways here, but it would be tough to pass on Lee – the most athletic power forward at the Chicago combine.


35. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Mile Ilic
SERBIA | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-1 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 21
The Blazers have been high on Ilic and can afford to leave him in Europe for the next few years and let him continue to develop over there.


36. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Jason Maxiell
CINCINNATI | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 260 | AGE: 22
The Bucks get the finesse with Bogut and the ferocity with Maxiell, the strongest and most aggressive big man in the draft. He's undersized, but next to Bogut, he'll be just fine.


37. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Dwayne Jones
SAINT JOSEPH'S | JUNIOR | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 242 | AGE: 22
Jones is a little undersized to play center, but he's long and a great shot blocker, things the Lakers could really use.


38. ORLANDO MAGIC
Matt Walsh
FLORIDA | JUNIOR. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 205 | AGE: 22
If Walsh doesn't go to Miami at No. 28, he won't last too long in the second round. One of the draft's best shooters will help the Magic with their perimeter woes.


39. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Axel Hervelle
BELGIUM | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 22
Hervelle has picked up the rep as the Dennis Rodman of Europe for his glass-cleaning skills. This is a down-the-road pick who could develop nicely over time.


40. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Brandon Bass
LSU | SOPHOMORE | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 20
Bass would be a mid-first rounder if he were a little taller. The big man does a little of everything. Good rebounder with an improving perimeter game.


41. TORONTO RAPTORS
C.J. Miles
SKYLINE HIGH | H.S. | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 18
Miles has a few interested parties in the first round (like Denver) but chances are he slips a little bit. He's the type of kid who did everything well, but nothing great – in high school in Dallas. A project who could pay off big with a little patience.


42. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Deji Akindele
CHICAGO STATE | SOPHOMORE | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-11 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 22
He was horrible at the Chicago predraft camp, but teams are still intrigued by his strength and size. He is a long term project who will likely spend the next two years playing in the D league.


43. NEW JERSEY NETS
Lucas Tischer
BRAZIL | FORWARD-CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 270 | AGE: 22
The mysterious Brazilian has shocked the teams he's worked out for with his athleticism. He's still very raw offensively, but given his size and athletic ability, worth a reach at this point in the draft. Another likely D leaguer.


44. ORLANDO MAGIC
Randolph Morris
KENTUCKY | FRESHMAN | CENTER
HEIGHT: 6-10 | WEIGHT: 250 | AGE: 20
Morris will get some consideration in the later first round, but slipping this far isn't inconceivable. He's a little undersized, lacks athleticism and is a long way away from helping anyone. The Magic are starved for centers, so they'll take a risk.


45. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Sean Banks
MEMPHIS | SOPHOMORE | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 206 | AGE: 19
Last year, he was a lottery pick. This year, he's a steal if he can get his act together. Had a big performance in Chicago and is a prototypical small forward prospect.


46. INDIANA PACERS
Kennedy Winston
ALABAMA | JUNIOR | GUARD-FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 20
One of the better shooters in the draft may slip a little bit. Still, he can stroke it which could help the Pacers replace what they're losing with Reggie Miller.


47. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Mickaël Gelebale
FRANCE | SMALL FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-7 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 22
This athletic swingman really started to develop in Real Madrid this season. The Wolves can leave him overseas, and in a year or two he could be an impact player for Minnesota.


48. SEATTLE SONICS
Angelo Gigli
ITALY | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 22
The Italian big man is a decent athlete who showed some surprising perimeter skills. Sonics can keep him overseas to develop.


49. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Ronny Turiaf
GONZAGA | SENIOR | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 240 | AGE: 22
The Wizards need toughness in the paint and that's something Turiaf can provide. With Kwame Brown heading into free agency, he could actually get some minutes next season.


50. BOSTON CELTICS
Linas Kleiza
MISSOURI | SOPHOMORE | FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-8 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 20
Kleiza will actually get a serious look by several teams in the first round. He's very skilled, but just doesn't quite have a position. He's convinced some NBA executives that he might be able to make the switch to the three in the pros. He has a Lithuanian passport which means the Celtics can send him overseas for seasoning for a few years.


51. UTAH JAZZ
Marcin Gortat
POLAND | CENTER
HEIGHT: 7-0 | WEIGHT: 230 | AGE: 21
Gortat is actually one of the more athletic centers in the draft. He's still raw, but has a lot of upside. Utah would likely leave him in Germany for a year or two.


52. DENVER NUGGETS
Salim Stoudamire
ARIZONA | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 180 | AGE: 23
The best shooter in the draft slips because of attitude and size issues. Denver really needs him. They also like Milan Majstorovic and Ian Mahinmi a lot and could go that route if Stoudamire is off the board.


53. BOSTON CELTICS
Rawle Marshall
OAKLAND | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 186 | AGE: 23
He's long, athletic and he's learned how to shoot. A real draft sleeper who could help the Celtics down the road after a stint in the D league.


54. NEW YORK KNICKS
John Gilchrist
MARYLAND | JUNIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 195 | AGE: 21
Gilchrist was considered a first-rounder before blowing it this year. He repaired some of the damage with a very nice performance in Chicago. He has good size and toughness for the position and should remind Isiah a little of Stephon Marbury.


55. SEATTLE SONICS
Amir Johnson
WESTCHESTER HIGH | H.S. | POWER FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6-9 | WEIGHT: 210 | AGE: 18
An athletic power forward from Los Angeles who should've gone to college, but he didn't have the grades and was forced into the draft. He's long, athletic and very raw. Would be a nice pick here to go and do his thing in the D league for another couple of years.


56. DETROIT PISTONS
Anthony Roberson
FLORIDA | JUNIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 170 | AGE: 22
Roberson doesn't really have a position, but he's tough and has a nice stroke.


57. PHOENIX SUNS
Daniel Ewing
DUKE | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 185 | AGE: 22
The Suns are looking for someone who can run the floor, play defense and relieve Steve Nash for a few minutes every night. Ewing's far from a pure point guard, but he should be able to push it up the floor, shoot and defend.


58. TORONTO RAPTORS
Travis Diener
MARQUTTE | SENIOR | POINT GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 165 | AGE: 23
He's a fiery competitor who can stroke it and play the point.


59. ATLANTA HAWKS
Will Bynum
GEORGIA TECH | SENIOR | GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 188 | AGE: 22
Is he a point guard? Probably not. But he's a fantastic athlete who defends, is super quick and really tough.


60. DETROIT PISTONS
Alan Anderson
MICHIGAN STATE | SENIOR | SHOOTING GUARD
HEIGHT: 6-6 | WEIGHT: 220 | AGE: 22
He was a star in Chicago because of his ability to get to the line and score. He defends and is the type of player the Pistons like. Too bad he can't shoot.


Other potential draftees: Filiberto Rivera, UTEP; Chris Thomas, Notre Dame; Aaron Miles, Kansas; Orien Green, Louisiana-Lafayette; Marcelo Huertas, Brazil; Cenk Akyol, Turkey; Von Wafer, Florida State; Kelenna Azubuike, Kentucky; Bracey Wright, Indiana; Tiras Wade, Louisiana-Lafayette; Nikolaos Zissis, Greece; Alex Acker, Pepperdine; Jackie Manuel, North Carolina; Milan Majstorovic, Serbia; Dijon Thompson, UCLA; Mindaugas Katelynas, UT-Chattanooga; Jawad Williams, North Carolina; Eddie Basden, Charlotte; Quemont Greer, DePaul; Mike Bell, Florida Atlantic; Omar Thomas, UTEP; Stefano Mancinelli, Italy; Erazem Lorbek, Skipper Bologna (Italy); Lawrence Roberts, Mississippi State; Chevon Troutman, Pittsburgh; Ivan McFarlin, Oklahoma State; Jeremiah Massey, Kansas State; Chuck Hayes, Kentucky; Taylor Coppenrath, Vermont; Juan Mendez, Niagara; Drago Pasalic, Croatia; Uros Slokar, Slovenia; Mustafa Al-Sayyad, Fresno State; D'or Fischer, West Virginia; Mohammed Kone, Southern Idaho (juco); Edu Hernandez-Sonseca, Spain; Luke Schenscher, Georgia Tech; Matt Nelson, Colorado State; Ioannis Bourousis, AEK (Greece); Moussa Badiane, East Carolina; Milan Pupovic, Serbia; Rob Rothbart, France; and Ante Tomic, Croatia.