NBA Mock Draft 2004
Version 2.0
The second of our three mock drafts finds the top of the draft unchanged but countless shifting throughout the rest of the first round. Due to various tie-breakers and trades these positions can (and will) change between now and June 24th. Team needs will also change after the Charlotte Bobcats conduct their expansion draft immediately following the NBA Finals. You can find the final mock draft posted here as soon as the expansion draft is completed.
1. Orlando Magic - Dwight Howard PF (6-11/ 230) Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy (HS)
- There are plenty of decisions that have to be made in Orlando. Not the least of which is what to do with Tracy McGrady. Management has said they will consider trading their star if he plans to opt out of his contract after next season. If McGrady sticks around and they can somehow trade Drew Gooden and/or Juwan Howard then Okafor will be their pick at the top. If McGrady will be traded or they can't make significant trades, Howard would make more sense because playing time wouldn't be a necessity.
2. Chicago Bulls - Emeka Okafor, PF (6-9, 240) Connecticut
- If the Bulls can't get Okafor, then look for GM Jim Paxson to try and trade down for additional picks. Bringing Emeka into the fold allows him to finally end the Tyson Chandler/Eddy Curry experiment and gives Chicago it's first consistent post presence since Elton Brand. Getting two great character players -- who can also contribute -- in as many drafts (Kansas' Kirk Hinrich last season) would give the franchise something solid to build around.
3. Washington Wizards - Luol Deng, SF (6-8, 200) Duke
- Deng would be absolutely crazy to go back to school. Too many kids leave school way too early, but his worst case scenario is 'falling' to the Bobcats at four. Deng would also immediately be able to financially assist people in his native Sudan, which he has previously stated is very important to him. His stock will never be higher.
4. Charlotte Bobcats - Shaun Livingston, PG (6-7, 175) Peoria (HS)
- When Deng is off the board, Bobcats GM/Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff will turn to one of the most promising point guard prospects in years. While building around a Duke player in Deng would be ideal, there's no shame in handing the keys to Coach K's top recruit. If they can somehow pick up a young point in the expansion draft, then a big body would make sense.
5. Atlanta Hawks - Josh Smith, SF (6-9, 210) Oak Hill Academy (HS)
- Other than Jason Terry, the Hawks don't have one starter penciled in for next season. And he might be traded over the summer. Which means no player would come as a surprise here. If they don't land in the top 2 and take local product Dwight Howard, then a trade isn't out of the question either. Smith is a Georgian who at the very least might put a few extra seats in the stands. Which would bring average attendance up to at least 25.
6. Los Angeles Clippers - Ben Gordon, PG (6-2, 190) Connecticut
- In the NCAA tournament, Gordon played himself from the back end of the lottery to somewhere in the top 10. He isn't a pure point and would benefit from a team that would allow him to play off the ball at times, but the Clips aren't sold with Marco Jaric as their floor leader. Gordon's perimeter skills would help ease the possible loss of Quentin Richardson.
7. Phoenix Suns - Pavel Podkolzine, C (7-5, 300) Varese (Italy)
- Despite their horrible record, this team has a ton of young talent. The inconsistent play of Leandro Barbosa might make the Suns think about one of the points left on the board, but it won't be an issue if they think they can talk Milos Vujanic (acquired in the Marbury trade) into finally coming to the states. Podkolzine is still a project, but you can't teach 7-5.
8. Toronto Raptors - Devin Harris, PG (6-3, 185) Wisconsin
- Someone has to get the ball into Vince Carter's hands and it certainly isn't going to be Milt Palacio. The sexier pick would be Sebastian Telfair, but the Raptors can't afford to draft a player with too much of a learning curve. Harris can step in right away and start for this club. Toronto has had plenty of problems with their stars mouthing off, which could be another reason Harris goes here since they know he'll play with his mouth shut and a smile on his face.
9. Philadelphia 76ers - Jameer Nelson, PG (6-0, 190) St. Joseph's
- It's too early for Nelson, but the Sixers are in desperate need for a good PR move and Nelson would make for one of the best. If AI is traded, then getting this pick right would become even more important to keep the fans from completely revolting. People worry about his size, but the same questions were posed about TJ Ford last season and he more than held his own for the Bucks.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers - Josh Childress, SF (6-8, 200) Stanford
- Even with a weak draft class next year, Childress probably doesn't jump much higher than this so he'd be wise not to return to school. LeBron has said he wants to be involved in personnel decisions and he would be flat out giddy if he could secure this kind of running mate for the immediate future. The Cavs would be throwing a huge lineup on the floor every night and giving every team in the East fits.
11. Golden State Warriors - Kosta Perovic, C (7-2, 240) Partizan Belgrade (Serbia-Montenegro)
- The Warriors are going to be in desperate need of a center and might go with Rafael Araujo or David Harrison, although it'd be way too early for the latter. He needs to play like he's 7-2, but that will come in time.
12. Seattle Supersonics - Rafael Araujo, C (6-11, 280) BYU
- There are rumors that Ray Allen could be on his way out, which would mean Seattle would be in the market for a guard and that would open to door for Andre Iguodala, Kirk Snyder or J.R. Smith. Araujo would be a solid pick either way for the Sonics, who desperately need someone to do the dirty work in the paint.
13. Portland Trailblazers - Sebastian Telfair, PG (6-0, 175) Lincoln (HS)
- Bassy would help GM John Nash continue to reshape the face of his franchise. His tattoo free body and big smile would be appealing to the masses in Portland, serving as the perfect marketing tool over the next few years. Damon Stoudamire is signed long term, but don't rule out a payment going to the Bobcats in return for them picking him in the expansion draft. There are questions about Telfair's size, but he'll have time to adjust his game.
14. Utah Jazz - Andre Iguodala, SG (6-6, 200) Arizona
- Jerry Sloan loves athletes and it doesn't get much better than Iguodala. Utah desperately needs a center, but have two more picks to take care of their needs in the post. Iguodala will give the Jazz much needed versatility in helping them get back to the playoffs.
15. Boston Celtics - Tiago Splitter, PF (6-11, 230) Tau Ceramica (Spain)
- Danny Ainge was right when he said the team would be better off losing games to get a better draft position, but he'll eat his words if Splitter fell to him here. With three picks, he might be able to work his way towards the top of the board, but either way the Celtics need more muscle inside.
16. Utah (from Phoenix via New York) - Andris Biedrins, PF (6-11, 240) BK Skonto Riga (Latvia)
- After taking a guard, they need to go big and Biedrins certainly fits that bill. Far from a force on the offensive side of the ball, but that won't matter in Jerry Sloan's system. Biedrins would be able to focus on rebounding and defense while his offensive skills are being refined. Could easily go top 10 and Utah would be happy to call it a day if they can pick him up here.
17. Atlanta Hawks (from Detroit via Denver through Milwaukee) - Ivan Chiriaev, SF (7-1, 240) St. Thomas Aquinas (HS)
- Talk about an unknown commodity. Sure, the buzz around him this past year has been off the charts. But the quality of his competition is very questionable. Chiriaev argues he didn't control the talent on opposing team, but it that doesn't change the fact that no one really knows what he is or can be. Who better than the Hawks to take a shot at him? It certainly couldn't make the team worse.
18. New Orleans Hornets - Luke Jackson, SF (6-7, 215) Oregon
- A small forward to take over the disgruntled (and perpetually injured) Jamal Mashburn is the Hornets' immediate need. Jackson is far from being a true NBA three, but he can do a bit of everything. Eventually he could turn into a valuable point-forward, allowing Baron Davis and his various ailments to play off the ball. Drives with authority, but is dangerous enough from long range to keep defenders honest. Probably won't ever be a star, although he has the skills to contribute for a long time.
19. Miami Heat - Peja Samardziski, C (7-0, 245) Partizan Belgrade (Serbia-Montenegro)
- Sure, they wouldn't mind upgrading at shooting guard, but Eddie Jones and his bloated contract isn't going anywhere. Plus, if Samardziski is sitting here Stan Van Gundy will do back flips. Peja's only 18, so it'll take a while before he can put in quality minutes, but with Brian Grant still around, he won't have to.
20. Denver Nuggets - David Harrison, C (7-0, 260) Colorado
- Harrison really shouldn't be in the draft. He would've been much better off going back to Colorado for his senior year, but he's signed an agent, thus there's no going back. Luckily for him the Nuggets need a center and it's slim pickins this far back. His attitude has always been a question, but he has stated the Nuggets would be one of his preferred destinations, so maybe he'll come in with the right frame of mind.
21. Utah Jazz (via Houston) - Ha Seung-Jin, C (7-3, 300) Yongesi (South Korea)
- The more big bodies the Jazz can pick up, the better. Seung-Jin has been training tirelessly to make sure he's ready for the draft and Sloan will love that kind of work ethic. Has shown the ability to play at long stretches without major fatigue, something Yao has yet to accomplish. However, Ha has never had to face the likes of Shaq and Tim Duncan on a nightly basis, so there will still be a steep learning curve.
22. New Jersey Nets - J.R. Smith, SG (6-6, 210) St. Benedict (HS)
- Smith came out of nowhere over the last couple months and the Nets would be smart to give his family a guarantee that he won't fall past them here. There isn't anywhere on the floor he can't hit from and he's still raw. I had the pleasure of first seeing him as a sophomore, before he transferred to St. Benedict, and he could drain from near half court even then. With such a pure shot and endless potential, the Nets would be wise to groom him to be Kerry Kittles' replacement. Keeping him near home wouldn't hurt either.
23. Portland Trailblazers (via Memphis) - Sergei Monya, SG (6-8, 220) CSKA (Russia)
- Monya won't blow anyone away with his offensive game, but he could be a role player right now strictly for his defense. Might be too much of a tweener -- not quite a shooting guard, not quite a small forward -- but the talent is unmistakable.
24. Boston Celtics (via Dallas) - Kirk Snyder, SG (6-6, 225) Nevada
- The Celts would be better off taking three big men and sorting through them when training camp rolls around, but if Snyder is here, he'd be too attractive to pass up. He can do a little bit of everything is one of the most polished players in the entire draft. Could be the Josh Howard-type steal of this year's draft.
25. Boston Celtics (via Detroit) - Robert Swift, C (7-1, 245) Bakersfield (HS)
- Swift is the true center the Celtics need. Given they'll have to wait a few years -- like most high school prospects -- for any payoff, but that's a risk you gladly take with your third pick in the first round.
26. Sacramento Kings - Kris Humphries, PF (6-8, 240) Minnesota
- I don't imagine he'll last near this long and could go as high as 15. There are questions about what position he fits into on the pro level. If he can improve his mid-range game to go along with his rebounding, he could dominate at the three.
27. Los Angeles Lakers - Al Jefferson, PF (6-9, 260) Prentiss (HS)
- Jefferson is an absolute monster. If he were three inches taller, he'd be a lock for the lottery. He could take the beating of the NBA right now, but he needs to improve his overall game before he can be ready to contribute quality minutes. Karl Malone and Shaq would be the perfect duo to teach him the game. That is, if Malone doesn't opt out of his contract.
28. San Antonio Spurs - Hakim Warrick, PF (6-8, 205) Syracuse
- Similar to Humphries, he could end up right outside the lottery, but the same questions that plague Kris are following Hakim around. His athleticism is obvious and the Spurs have the depth and coaching staff to turn him into a great pro.
29. Indiana Pacers - Sasha Vujacic, PG (6-7, 195) Udine (Italy)
- Vujacic would be a perfect fit for Indiana. Great size and already showed scouts at last years camp that he's NBA ready. Another solid pre-draft showing means he won't be here for the Pacers to take. Which would mean they need to take the next best available point. Chris Duhon? Blake Stepp?
*The Minnesota Timberwolves forfeit their 2004 first round pick*
:: Ryan 3:54 AM
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The Envelope Please...
2003-04 NBA Awards
Most Valuable Player
Who Should Win: Tim Duncan
- Timmy has done everything the team has asked of him, including carrying them on his back all year. Sure, he still isn't the sexy pick here, but no one is more deserving.
Who Will Win: Kevin Garnett
- I don't understand why everyone needs KG to win this award. If he didn't win it last year, why does he win now after he was given Sprewell, Cassell and Co.?
Pre-Season Prediction: Tim Duncan
- I picked him then and I'm sticking to my guns.
Rookie of the Year
Who Should Win: LeBron James
- He entered the league with more expectations than any other player in history. Not only did he meet every single one of those expectations, but in many cases he exceeded them.
Who Will Win: LeBron James
- See above.
Pre-Season Prediction: Carmelo Anthony
- Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine just how successful James would be. Any other season 'Melo runs away with the award.
Defensive Player of the Year
Who Should Win: Andrei Kirilenko
- Not only was he the Jazz' MVP, but his defensive stats are comparable with those of Ron Artest. The two are almost dead even in steals. Kirilenko is third in the league in blocks. Artest didn't crack the top 50.
Who Will Win: Ron Artest
- There are about five different deserving players, but Artest has the reputation and that will get him the award.
Pre-Season Prediction: Kenyon Martin
- I picked the Nets to win the title in part because I thought Martin would finally enter the elite level of defenders. That never happened and it's only one of many reasons why they won't win it all.
Coach of the Year
Who Should Win: Jerry Sloan
- The Jazz were generally thought of as the worst team in the league when the season started. Yet Jerry kept them in the playoff hunt until the last week of the season. Stan Van Gundy, Hubie Brown and Terry Porter also did an amazing job considering each of their situations, but Sloan overcame the most.
Who Will Win: Hubie Brown
- Hard to argue with this one.
Pre-Season Prediction: Jeff Van Gundy
- At least I got the last name right.
Sixth Man
Who Should Win: Al Harrington
- Jermaine O'Neal gets all the attention (and rightfully so), but Harrington has been a rock for this team all season long.
Who Will Win: Antawn Jamison
- Four of five guys could walk away with this award, but Jamison is the most high profile. The sleeper could be Manu Ginobili, who came off the bench most of the season for the Spurs and was just as effective as Jamison.
Pre-Season Prediction: Troy Hudson
- Injuries limited him to 29 games on the court, otherwise he'd be mentioned in the same sentence as Jamison, Ginobili and Harrington.
Most Improved Player
Who Should Win: Carlos Boozer
- Boozer went from solid role player to pure monster this season. Sure, LeBron's the star, but Boozer took care of all the nasty the Cavs needed.
Who Will Win: Zach Randolph
- Unlike Boozer, Randolph was the focus of his team's offense. He's a star and stars tend to get the most votes.
Pre-Season Prediction: Eddy Curry
- I'm done trying to understand the potential of Eddy Curry.
Executive of the Year
Who Should Win: Jerry West
- The logo proved why he's still the best. Go ahead and take a look at Memphis' roster. On paper they look like a 35 win team. Well, West saw a 50 win team and that's just what he got.
Who Will Win: Kiki Vandeweghe
- It's hard to ignore what KiKi has done with the Nugget franchise. From the league's worst record to 43 wins.
Pre-Season Prediction: Mitch Kupchak
- Well, he did convince Gary Payton and Karl Malone to play in Lake town.
:: Ryan 1:40 AM
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