FanSided NBA mock draft 1.0

#16 Chicago Bulls – Jordan Clarkson, G Missouri

Picked by FanSided Editor Draft Panel

Clarkson is a combo guard and a safe pick for the Bulls, who need a backup point guard that can play at either position. Clarkson has developed into an offensive threat and could provide the Bulls with some offensive consistency that they’ve been lacking.

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard/forward

(1) shoots against Connecticut Huskies guard/forward

(5) in the second half during the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

#17 Boston Celtics – James Young, SG Kentucky

Picked by Rich Spalding, Hardwood Houdini

Young’s mix of size and athleticism will combine to make him a potent threat on offense, as he can shoot over smaller two-guards and finish at the rim in transition.  Defensively, he is a work in progress, but with the Celtics in rebuild mode and with Brad Stevens in charge, Boston has time to let this young stud cook.

Mar 20, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward

(5) dribbles against Delaware Fightin Blue Hens forward

(33) in the first half of a men

#18 Phoenix Suns – Adriean Payne,  C Michigan State

Picked by Eric Saar, Valley of the Suns

If the Suns are able to trade for a superstar and don’t use all their draft picks they will need to recover some depth. Payne would be key. A scorer is always useful. He has the toughness and scoring to replace Channing Frye eventually, who he is on the wrong side of 30. Payne will be able to contribute right away.

Since they still have Frye and Markieff Morris they don’t NEED someone. But people get hurt and in the event of a trade, they could need some depth here. Payne has everything they want. Someone who can score all over the floor, play some defense and get some rebounds. Rebounding was a pretty sore spot last year.

Nov 15, 2013; Fayetteville, Ar, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns guard

(2) and Arkansas Razorback guard

(00) battle for control of a rebound during the second half at Bud Walton Arena Arena. Arkansas defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 76-63. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

#19 Chicago Bulls – Elfrid Payton, PG Louisiana-Lafayette

Picked by FanSided Editor Draft Panel

If Payton is hanging around with 18 picks already submitted, then the Bulls have to pull the trigger on a player that many consider the next Rajon Rondo. He is a solid point guard with tough defensive principles and a love of getting teammates involved. Payton would be a good fit under such a structure offense like they run in Chicago.

Mar 18, 2014; Dayton, OH, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward

(24) dribbles past Xavier Musketeers forward

(20) in the second half of a college basketball game during the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

#20 Toronto Raptors – T.J. Warren, NC State

Picked by Brian Boake at Raptors Rapture

Pistons Palace Analysis — It doesn’t get better than what T.J. Warren was able to do offensively with N.C. State last season. The ACC Player of the Year continues to improve his game and despite having such a great season, he still has tremendous upside. What you have to love about his game is is grit. He gets to the bucket through traffic and isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder.