Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Tyus Jones waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2015 NCAA Men
21) Dallas Mavericks (Ben): Tyus Jones
It feels like the Mavericks haven’t used a first round pick since Dirk Nowitzki was drafted in ‘98. That trend should end on Thursday, though.
Rajon Rondo is a goner and J.J. Barea isn’t capable of starting. Even though Tyus Jones would struggle as the starting guard, if the Mavs could find another capable starter, it would help Jones develop for the future.
He’s aggressive, can shoot and isn’t afraid of the moment. If Jerian Grant was available, I’d take him, but Jones would be the second best option.
Mar 18, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) sits on the bench during practice before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
22) Chicago Bulls (John): Delon Wright
Former head coach Tom Thibodeau LOVED keeping Kirk Hinrich around as Derrick Rose’s backup.
Coach Thibs even stuck with Hinrich even when it wasn’t going so great for the veteran backup. Aaron Brooks, another backup point guard that was used in the rotation for the Bulls, will be a free agent and is expected to sign elsewhere. Which leaves a need for new Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg to start new with his own guys.
Delon Wright would be the point guard of the future for the Bulls to start fresh. Last season playing for the Utah Utes, Wright received the Bob Cousy award, which is given college basketball’s best point guard. While not terribly athletic, he’s has great defensive abilities and instincts (high basketball I.Q.) on the floor.
Some of the questions that surround Wright are: at 23-years-old, he would be considered an “old” rookie in a league that values (sometimes overvalues) youth. Plus, his jump shot isn’t great so defenses around the league could pack the lane (something that teams did and it doomed the Bulls) instead of honoring his jumper.
The Bulls would be lucky to be able to grab Wright this late in the first round as other teams that are looking for point guard help (possibly OKC) may snatch him up before the 22nd pick.
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
23) Portland Trail Blazers (Oz): Kevon Looney
At this point in the draft Kevon Looney is the best player available. For a team that is going into the offseason uncertain if their star big-man Lamarcus Aldridge is going to return, they need to best protect themselves.
Kevon Looney provides Portland with a skilled three/four who can stretch the floor and might be a dynamic player down the road with his perimeter savvy. My concern around Looney is that he could be a dreaded tweener.
It’s not bad for a small forward to be big enough to play some power forward, but it is bad in my opinion to be forced to play the small forward because you’re not big enough to play against the other 4s in the NBA.
Derrick Williams has had a similar hurdle in his transition to the NBA and Kevon Looney gives me some of that same trepidation.
Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
24) Cleveland Cavaliers (Ben): Rashad Vaughn (Traded to Milwaukee)
At 18-years-old, Vaughn is one of the youngest players in this year’s NBA Draft. However, unlike most young prospects, Vaughn will be capable of contributing right away.
He averaged just under 18 points per game, but more importantly, he possesses a sweet shooting stroke. More than ever, teams look for players that are capable of hitting the outside shot. Vaughn, if developed, can become a starting caliber shooting guard at the next level.
DJ: Continuing my quest to trade out of every pick I have, here’s a nice little win-win scenario.
Cleveland’s more than likely not keeping this pick anyway, and they not only get to dump Haywood’s deadweight contract, they get a perennially underappreciated scorer in OJ Mayo, who doesn’t seem to have much of a future in Milwaukee.
Meanwhile, the Bucks get a very promising young shooting guard in Rashad Vaughn. I’d actually be surprised if this trade, or something like it, doesn’t happen in real life.
Trade: Cleveland receives OJ Mayo for Vaughn and Brendan Haywood
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
25) Memphis Grizzlies (Ben): Jarell Martin
Martin has reportedly received a promise from a team with a late-first round pick.
The LSU forward was under-the-radar, but it didn’t take long for a team to recognize his talent. The Grizzlies could use an athletic front court player and Martin is one of the most explosive forwards in this year’s draft.
Zach Randolph will probably play less minutes next season and Martin would be a solid backup, especially in Memphis’ system.
Next: Picks 26-30 including another Wizards trade