Game over, Carmelo – literally.

After tonight, there will be a NEW WIFE in sports – as NBA superstar and Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo “Melo” Anthony is tying the knot with TV personality Alani “LaLa” Vazquez.

It sounds like it promises to be quite an event, with plenty of well-known names attending,including newest unofficial member of the Miami Heat – and least favorite person in Cleveland – LeBron James.

The couple has been engaged since Christmas of 2004, and they have a son – Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, who was born in 2007.

It’s safe to say that a lot of us sports fans know who “Melo” is: key member of a national champion Syracuse team and later drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the third pick in the first round in the 2003 NBA Draft.

Since entering the NBA, Anthony has helped push his team to the playoffs every year.  Carmelo is also a three-time All-Star, winner of multiple Olympic medals and has scored 20+ plus points per game every season since entering the NBA.

But many ask the question, “Who’s LaLa?”

I know this because upon researching her, the majority of people can’t even spell her name correctly – including via this New York Post piece discussing their wedding.

Well, that’s the case if her official blog site is correct – which I assume that it would be.

Between “Lala” and “LaLa” or “Vasquez” and “Vazquez”, the options almost feel endless – but who is she, you may ask?

In a nutshell, Alani “LaLa” Vazquez is a former MTV VJ, a radio personality and a whole lot more, from producer to mother to aspiring actress.

On top of all that, she’s also quite striking – as you will see below in a pictorial presented by The Wife Hates Sports – in honor of the NEW WIFE in sports.

Well, officially new, at least.

LaLa Vazquez – Wife of Carmelo Anthony

 

Nice catch, Carmelo – and good luck to you both.

Image Credits: Bikini Shots SI.com – as you will see via the blown up images

LeBron James is headed to the Miami Heat, but there’s room in the state of Florida for another superstar – at least, there should be.

The Orlando Magic should aggressively counter Miami’s new and deadly trio of players (that have agreed to play for the Heat – with contract negotiations still pending).

LeBron is joining Bosh and Wade in Miami

The Magic now shift from being the 2^nd seed in the Eastern conference last season to arguably the 2^nd best team in the state.

That’s why Orlando needs to explore making a coiunter move – specifically adding a major piece that was mentioned in rumors around the time of the NBA Draft – and that was the talk of acquiring superstar point guard Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets.

Again, it remains to be seen if Chris Paul is even available via trade, as a number of the reports could just be misguided rumors.

Still, amidst the rumors emerging, Paul did chime in with a few thoughts on the matter.

“I want to win now,” Chris Paul said to John Reid of The Times Picayune late last week.

In another story, Paul went on to profess his love for the city of New Orleans, but reiterated a similar point – and a willingness to play elsewhere.

With Miami's new trio, Orlando should counter by trying to acquire Chris Paul

“My first choice is New Orleans,” Paul said in a story by Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine.  “I just want to make sure we’re committed to winning.  If we’re not committed to winning and trying to get better so we can contend with the Lakers, the Celtics and all these other top teams, then I’m open to being traded.”

Queue the Magic.

Orlando is in a winning position, what with reaching the NBA Finals two seasons ago and the Eastern Conference Finals this past season.

However, with the new duo of Chris Bosh and LeBron James soon to join Dwyane Wade just a few hours south of O-Town, it’s possible that the Magic’s elite postion in the Eastern Conference may be slightly in jeopardy.

With the Heat playing in the same division as Orlando, the Magic may lose a lot of home-court advantage, if they were to make it to the 2011 NBA Playoffs – which many feel they will.

That’s why Orlando should make a counter move, by adding a superstar that can push Miami harder than even the current Orlando roster can.

Enter Chris Paul.

Paul is open to a trade and he’d fit in quite well with Dwight Howard and the rest of the team.

As previously discussed, plenty of rumors have been mentioned involving Paul and a number of teams (including Orlando) – although it remains to be seen how much the Hornets would consider dealing away their superstar point guard – if at all.

That doesn’t mean that Orlando shouldn’t continue to explore such an option – and perhaps they are doing just that, especially after LeBron’s announcement came out Thursday night.

Among the rumors that have floated around in recent weeks included names like Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter being moved in such a deal.

Right now though, it’s not the names or the players that are involved, as Orlando certainly has the pieces that could be moved to New Orleans in exchange for a player like Chris Paul.

My point is instead that while many critics aren’t sold on the Miami Heat just yet, I do think the Magic should consider a counter attack to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference – just in case the trio of James, Bosh and Wade flourish on South Beach.

The Magic’s current roster – albeit very talented and explosive at times – didn’t have all the pieces in place to be able to handle a Boston Celtics team that had moments where it showed its age throughout the majority of the regular season.

Dwight Howard and the Magic are one of many powers in the Eastern Conference

Quite often the biggest pieces aren’t just superstars, but the ability to have a big man that can be a dominating presence, along with a scrappy point guard that can run the offense, while peppering in some scoring.

Dwight Howard is both the dominating presence and a superstar.

Jameer Nelson is that point guard.

But Chris Paul is that point guard – and then some.

That’s why this writer would like to see the Orlando Magic make this NBA offseason that much more interesting – by trying to find a way to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets.

Then we’ll see who will have the most “magic” on the court during the upcoming season – Superman and Co., or “The King” and his merry men.

If anything, it would make for great theater – and further shift the power of the NBA over to the Eastern Conference.

Once the clock hits midnight and its July 1^st, the dominoes can officially begin to fall in what is arguably the best free agency pool in the history of the NBA – and possibly all of sports.

Of course, saying that a bevy of contracts will be inked immediately when the doorway opens is like saying that Mikhail Prokhorov is a penny pincher.

That also goes for the fact that we know what’s really going on – because the rumors are flying – and I mean REALLY flying.

So let me get this straight, one report has LeBron James and Chris Bosh both signing with the Heat to join Dwyane Wade as part of a “super team” in Miami – correct?

Will the Miami Heat have a "super trio", or is it just another rumor?

That’s correct, and Stephen A. Smith also mentioned it as “highly likely” on the Dan Patrick Show recently.

Yet, ESPN’s Chad Ford (via his Twitter account) stated earlier today that the “Nets believe they’re in the lead for LeBron.”

OK, hold the phone – so one rumor has King James in Miami and another has him headed to the New Jersey Nets?

What about the Bulls?  Weren’t there rumors about LeBron following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan in the Windy City?

Well, sure there were – but Chicago has their eyes on others as well.  As reported by both Doug Thonus on Chicago Now’s “Bulls Confidential” and Chicago Breaking Sports, the Bulls plan to meet with Chris Bosh first, and then Dwyane Wade on Thursday.

If your head is spinning, don’t fret – K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune puts the Chicago Bulls free agency situation in full perspective.

So wait, does that mean that Wade is not a certainty to remain in Miami, as many have speculated?

Hey, every guy has the right to weigh his options.

Man, my head hurts.

So who has the real answers to all these free agency questions?

Well, no one yet – it’s just the media fighting to get the answer right before the other guy – but Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer has a bunch of answers to a lot of Cleveland’s NBA free agency questions.

Will Joe Johnson be in Atlanta next season?

Imagine what will happen with all the teams that lose out – and there will be losers once the dust has settled.  It could be the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Clippers, the New Jersey Nets – heck, it could be anyone.

As for the Knicks, Marc Berman of the New York Post mentions a source stating that New York plans to meet with Mike Miller and Joe Johnson.

Speaking of Joe Johnson, he’s an interesting case – especially considering that Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Hawks plan to offer Johnson a max contract.

Offering a max contract with all these other big names available?  That may be too hard to pass up.  Cunningham chooses not to toss in his additional two cents – but if he shares my thoughts here, I think Atlanta would be crazy to do that – and I’m talking crazy like “Lady GaGa in the Yankees clubhouse crazy”.

Maybe a surprise team will come out of the woodwork – or a surprise trade will occur.  After all, there have been the recent rumors involving another NBA power, the Orlando Magic – who have emerged in rumors for players such as Gilbert Arenas from Washington and Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets.

Sure those rumors are fine and dandy – but Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel seems to discard all of them, hinting that the Magic are likely to only have a few minor changes to pull out of their hat.

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Then, there’s the announcement by Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, who has stated that he will return to the bench next season.

What does this mean for “The Big 3” in Boston?

We know Garnett will be back, but Paul Pierce opted out of his contract and Ray Allen is a part of this uber-talented free agency pool.

Some expect Boston to keep the group intact and shoot for one last title run.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe adds more proof to this theory, reporting that Danny Ainge and the Celtics will be making Paul Pierce “one of our top priorities.”

Meanwhile, the rumors continue to fly throughout other major cities of teams that have a pantload of cap space – and therefore hope to court any (or multiple) big names.

LeBron James - The King of NBA Free Agency in 2010

These are just a sampling of recent rumors to hit the basketball world hard like a LeBron James slam dunk – but who could expect anything less with a group headlined by James himself, and also including the likes of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Dirk Nowitzki – among others.

Where do you stand on NBA free agency?  I’ll say this – and this is my opinion (with no sources influencing me, but just my gut talking):

-   The most likely to be on a new team is Chris Bosh – count on that, actually.

-   The most likely to stay with his own team – and this is aside from Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki (who many believe will stay) – is Dwyane Wade, who I feel will stay with the Heat.  On top of that, I think Miami will add a major piece to its championship puzzle, but it won’t be King James.

-   As for LeBron, my prediction is that King James will either stay in Cleveland or sign with the Bulls.

When it’s all said and done – this will certainly be remembered as one of the more interesting and fascinating free agency periods in sports history… and that’s even if the majority of the players decide to stay put – which I think a number of them will.

Let the games begin.

During my first mock draft at The Wife Hates Sports, I stuck with the standard selections at the top – with John Wall and Evan Turner being the first two players off the board.  While that slate (and a lot of it for that matter) remains the same, there are a few changes, which will be highlighted in GREEN where applicable for the players that moved up and in RED for those who have dropped (as well as discussing why each change was made).

In particular, Georgia Tech’s former big man Derrick Favors has continued to receive positive reports, and therefore has seen a boost in my latest mock draft.

There is also one new addition (and one dropped out), plus I’m sticking to my guns on a few selections that many have countered to be off base (e.g. Gordon Hayward).

But enough chit-chat, here’s my latest take on each and every one of the picks in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft – to be held on June 24^th:

KP’s 2010 NBA Mock Draft: First Round – Take Two

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall (PG, Kentucky)

Wall is freakishly fast and extremely athletic, showing consistent ability to make highlight reel plays.  He was the talk of college basketball throughout most of the season, and will likely be the very same if and when he heads to the nation’s capital.

2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner (SG, Ohio State)

Turner doesn’t just show the talent and ability, but also grit and guts – making it back from a nasty fractured back injury during the regular season.  Expect him to the most hyped up talent to play in the “City of Brotherly Love” since Allen Iverson.

3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors (PF, Georgia Tech) – STOCK UP

The word out of pre-draft camp in Chicago states that Favors is drawing comparisons size-wise to Orlando’s Dwight Howard.  With a body like that, it will be tough for a team to pass him up, especially when combining the type of talent and upside that he has.

Favors and his Dwight Howard-like frame will be too hard to pass up (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson (SF, Syracuse) – STOCK UP

Reports out of Minnesota are saying that head coach Kurt Rambis and president of basketball operations David Kahn have been quoted as saying that a high priority for the team is at the small forward or shooting guard position.  With this theory in mind and Turner already off the board, the most obvious choice left at pick four is Johnson, the former Syracuse star.

5. Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins (C, Kentucky) – STOCK DOWN

Many draft critics and prognosticators have referred to him as “unstable”, or having off-court red flags, and so on.  But with an NBA frame already, plus the ability to put up consistent double-doubles, I still see Cousins cracking the top five – though a few picks lower from my first mock draft.

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

Aminu fits the fast-paced “Nellie Ball” offense quite well due to his versatility and ability to score in bunches.  At Wake Forest, he frequently posted double-doubles and was considered by many to be a top ten selection last season – but decided to wait a year before coming out.

7. Detroit Pistons – Cole Aldrich (C, Kansas)

He’s fairly mobile for his 6’11” frame – and with some polish, Aldrich has the potential to provide legitimate assistance to an NBA team on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Greg Monroe (PF, Georgetown)

The Clippers were 27^th in the league in points per game during the regular season.  Adding another presence down low (that can also score) would be a need – and Monroe and his 16.1 PPG (plus 9.6 RPG) last season could result in a talented duo with Blake Griffin – who is returning from injury next season.

9. Utah Jazz – Ekpe Udoh (PF, Baylor)

The Jazz may need someone to step in and replace Boozer quickly – and the best option with this pick is Udoh, who not only has shown that he can be a physical rebounder and shot blocker, but also could easily improve into a quality offensive player, too.

10. Indiana Pacers – Gordon Hayward (SF, Butler)

Many likely think Hayward will not crack the top ten, but his wide-ranged skillset plus the fact that he was a hometown darling during March Madness in Indy makes him a darkhorse to rise up to this slot.  Hayward and Butler drew so many comparisons to Bird and Indiana State, plus the movie Hoosiers – so why not keep him around?

11. New Orleans Hornets – Ed Davis (PF, North Carolina)

The Hornets were dead last in the NBA in blocks per game – and therefore could use a man down low to wreak some havoc.  The 6’10” Davis was a high-energy guy at North Carolina and has both great rebounding and shot blocking skills.

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Luke Babbitt (SF, Nevada)

The Grizzlies – a team set with more talented youth at the guard position – would be better off adding a frontcourt piece, but also was among the worst in the NBA from behind the arc.  This is why Babbitt makes sense, a 6’9” forward that hit nearly 43 percent of his 3’s during his freshman year and 41.6 percent from three-point land during his sophomore season.

13. Toronto Raptors – Daniel Orton (C, Kentucky)

Orton – who played limited minutes behind DeMarcus Cousins at Kentucky – is arguably the player in this draft with the most upside.  The 19 year-old big man would be a solid fit for a Toronto team that could very well be saying goodbye to Chris Bosh this offseason.

14. Houston Rockets – Hassan Whiteside (C, Marshall) – STOCK UP

The international player Motiejunas – who I originally had slotted here – has withdrawn from the draft, as reported here via ESPN’s Chad Ford.  Therefore, with him out of the picture, I still see the Rockets looking to a big man – and the highest rated big man available (who also sports the biggest wingspan in the draft) is Whiteside – originally slated to go 21^st to Oklahoma City.

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Patrick Patterson (PF, Kentucky)

The Bucks were among the worst in the league in turnover differential, and therefore a well-rounded player that can take care of the basketball makes sense here.  Patterson is that type of player – and does a little bit of everything, from rebounding, to blocking shots, to consistent scoring, all while not turning the ball over much.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves – Paul George (SF, Fresno State)

The Timberwolves should continue to use their extra picks adding depth to the frontcourt, and the focus here should be to add more offense.  George averaged 16.8 PPG last season, has great range and some have even compared him to stars like Joe Johnson or Tracy McGrady.

17. Chicago Bulls – Xavier Henry (SG, Kansas)

If selected here, the 19 year-old Henry – coupled with Derrick Rose – would put together arguably the most explosive and talented young backcourt in the NBA.  Certainly, if Henry is off the board, Chicago could choose to go after James Anderson, or maybe they’ll choose to go another direction and instead go all-in for LeBron James.

18. Miami Heat – Eric Bledsoe (PG, Kentucky)

The Wildcats once had a certain 6’1” guard who needed time to flourish in the NBA – and has done so tremendously, that being Rajon Rondo – surrounded by stars in Boston.  Bledsoe could end up being a similar story – stuck behind John Wall in college, but potentially placed around significant NBA talent – perhaps in Miami (depending on how free agency goes for the Heat).

19. Boston Celtics – James Anderson (SG, Oklahoma State)

With the “Big 3” aging, the Celtics should look to add a young talent that could replace Ray Allen, who could be the first to move on (due to free agency).  James Anderson is a scoring machine – averaging 22.3 PPG last season at Oklahoma State.

20. San Antonio Spurs – Avery Bradley (SG, Texas) – STOCK UP

There are a number of rumors swirling around regarding a potential trade that would ship Tony Parker out of San Antonio.  Therefore, a guy like Bradley could be a good fit – with his ability to score, coupled with his suffocating defense and speed that perhaps only John Wall can top in this draft.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Trevor Booker (PF, Clemson) – STOCK UP

It would be a wise move for the Thunder to add a young big man to compliment Westbrook and Durant for years to come – and therefore, a guy like Booker (pictured below) – who plays bigger than his 6’8” frame (and proved that during pre-draft camp), could wind up being a bargain selection at this point in the draft.  If not him, then perhaps Florida State’s Alabi with this pick.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

22. Portland Trail Blazers – Solomon Alabi (C, Florida State)

With Greg Oden beginning to teeter more towards being an injury-prone bust than a star, the Blazers should consider taking a talented, raw big man for depth – and Alabi would fit that mold with this pick.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jarvis Varnado (PF, Mississippi State)

Some critics would pipe in and say this is too early for Varnado – but when you look at Minnesota, they aren’t afraid to pick outside the lines.  Combine that with the fact that the team was tied for last in blocks per game (and Varnado led the NCAA in that category the last two seasons) – then this pick makes some sense.

24. Atlanta Hawks – Quincy Pondexter (SF, Washington) – STOCK DOWN

In my opinion, Pondexter is underrated – and has the type of game I can see filling a hole left behind by free agent Joe Johnson, who has stated that he will not return to Atlanta.  He plays bigger than his 6’7” frame inside, plus is a scrappy playmaker that can also score in bunches (19.3 PPG during his senior season with the Huskies).

25. Memphis Grizzlies – Stanley Robinson (SF, Connecticut)

Robinson is one of the many freakishly athletic players to be recruited by Calhoun and the Huskies.  On top of his streaky game and big-time talent, Robinson is also a 6’9” beast that has developed a solid three-point shot, which would be a welcome addition to the Grizzlies.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder – Larry Sanders (PF, Virginia Commonwealth)

Here’s yet another big talent that would fill a hole in the Oklahoma City frontcourt.  Sanders – and his 6’10” frame – already has plus-talent rebounding and blocking shots, but is raw and needs improvement on offense, which shouldn’t be a problem for the Thunder, who have multiple scoring threats in place already.

27. New Jersey Nets – Devin Ebanks (SF, West Virginia)

The Nets were one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA last season, and could use a guy with upper-tier rebounding skills, who is also a high-energy player.  That’s Ebanks – who is also originally from Queens, NY – not too far down the road.

28. Memphis Grizzlies – Elliot Williams (SG, Memphis)

It would be hard to resist the hometown kid, who also played for the Memphis Tigers last season and averaged nearly 18 points per game.  On top of that, he takes care of the ball (1.3 assists per 1 turnover) – which is a stat that the Grizzlies lacked in last season.

29. Orlando Magic – Jordan Crawford (SG, Xavier)

Forget dunking on LeBron and forget the fact that he’s often called too short at his position (6’4”).  Crawford can score, and if you saw him in the NCAA Tournament, you would know he hits a lot of clutch shots and makes a lot of plays happen.  After seeing the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, Orlando could use a young and exciting player with this skillset.

30. Washington Wizards – Damion James (SF, Texas)

The Wizards were ranked in the bottom 5 in both assists per game and points per game.  John Wall would help both by dishing out the ball, driving to the basket and feeding his teammates.  The next addition would be a hard-working, fiery scorer in the frontcourt, and why not James – who increased his points per game every season at Texas (18.0 PPG during his senior year).

* Also posted to KP’s Bleacher Report page

With the NBA Conference Finals being far from competitive, the most exciting news was last week’s lottery – which found the Washington Wizards – the franchise that arguably faced the most adversity during the regular season – sitting on top when all the dust settled and ping-pong balls dropped.

Second in line was Philadelphia – and it’s safe to say that both John Wall and Evan Turner will be selected by these two teams – but the question remains, where will all the other pieces fall?

In addition to that, where (and how many for that matter) will the handful of Kentucky Wildcats land in this year’s NBA Draft?

Here’s my take on each and every one of those questions… and more:

KP’s 2010 NBA Mock Draft: First Round – Take One

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall (PG, Kentucky)

Wall is freakishly fast and extremely athletic, showing consistent ability to make highlight reel plays.  He was the talk of college basketball throughout most of the season, and will likely be the very same if and when he heads to the nation’s capital.

2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner (SG, Ohio State)

Turner doesn’t just show the talent and ability, but also grit and guts – making it back from a nasty fractured back injury during the regular season.  Expect him to the most hyped up talent to play in the “City of Brotherly Love” since Allen Iverson.

3. New Jersey Nets – DeMarcus Cousins (C, Kentucky)

Many draft critics and prognosticators have referred to him as “unstable”, or having off-court red flags, and so on.  But with an NBA frame already, plus the ability to put up consistent double-doubles, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the adventurous new Nets owner make sure he’s the pick.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Derrick Favors (PF, Georgia Tech)

It’s likely a blessing in disguise that the Wolves didn’t win this year’s lottery – considering the point guard frenzy that went on in Minnesota last year.  An inside presence would make the most sense here – and the talented former Yellow Jackets power forward Favors would be a solid add.

5. Sacramento Kings – Wesley Johnson (SF, Syracuse)

Johnson has range and versatility – and with Cousins and Favors already off the board, he would make the most sense with this pick.  To succeed in the NBA, he’ll likely need to add some bulk to his 6’7”, 198-pound frame.

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

Aminu fits the fast-paced “Nellie Ball” offense quite well due to his versatility and ability to score in bunches.  At Wake Forest, he frequently posted double-doubles and was considered by many to be a top ten selection last season – but decided to wait a year before coming out.

7. Detroit Pistons – Cole Aldrich (C, Kansas)

He’s fairly mobile for his 6’11” frame – and with some polish, Aldrich has the potential to provide legitimate assistance to an NBA team on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Greg Monroe (PF, Georgetown)

The Clippers were 27^th in the league in points per game during the regular season.  Adding another presence down low (that can also score) would be a need – and Monroe and his 16.1 PPG (plus 9.6 RPG) last season could result in a talented duo with Blake Griffin – who is returning from injury next season.

9. Utah Jazz – Ekpe Udoh (PF, Baylor)

The Jazz may need someone to step in and replace Boozer quickly – and the best option with this pick is Udoh, who not only has shown that he can be a physical rebounder and shot blocker, but also could easily improve into a quality offensive player, too.

10. Indiana Pacers – Gordon Hayward (SF, Butler)

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Many likely think Hayward will not crack the top ten, but his wide-ranged skillset plus the fact that he was a hometown darling during March Madness in Indy makes him a darkhorse to rise up to this slot.  Hayward and Butler drew so many comparisons to Bird and Indiana State, plus the movie Hoosiers – so why not keep him around?

11. New Orleans Hornets – Ed Davis (PF, North Carolina

The Hornets were dead last in the NBA in blocks per game – and therefore could use a man down low to wreak some havoc.  The 6’10” Davis was a high-energy guy at North Carolina and has both great rebounding and shot blocking skills.

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Luke Babbitt (SF, Nevada)

The Grizzlies – a team set with more talented youth at the guard position – would be better off adding a frontcourt piece, but also was among the worst in the NBA from behind the arc.  This is why Babbitt makes sense, a 6’9” forward that hit nearly 43 percent of his 3’s during his freshman year and 41.6 percent from three-point land during his sophomore season.

13. Toronto Raptors – Daniel Orton (C, Kentucky)

Orton – who played limited minutes behind DeMarcus Cousins at Kentucky – is arguably the player in this draft with the most upside.  The 19 year-old big man would be a solid fit for a Toronto team that could very well be saying goodbye to Chris Bosh this offseason.

14. Houston Rockets – Donatas Motiejunas (PF, Italy)

He’s a 19 year-old 7’0” kid that has drawn comparisons to overseas NBA talents such as Pau Gasol and former Bulls star Toni Kukoc.  But he’s one of those players that likely wouldn’t arrive immediately, which is why a team like the Rockets make more sense – as he’s not an immediate need, but one that could pan out down the road.

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Patrick Patterson (PF, Kentucky)

The Bucks were among the worst in the league in turnover differential, and therefore a well-rounded player that can take care of the basketball makes sense here.  Patterson is that type of player – and does a little bit of everything, from rebounding, to blocking shots, to consistent scoring, all while not turning the ball over much.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves – Paul George (SF, Fresno State)

The Timberwolves should continue to use their extra picks adding depth to the frontcourt, and the focus here should be to add more offense.  George averaged 16.8 PPG last season, has great range and some have even compared him to stars like Joe Johnson or Tracy McGrady.

17. Chicago Bulls – Xavier Henry (SG, Kansas)

If selected here, the 19 year-old Henry – coupled with Derrick Rose – would put together arguably the most explosive and talented young backcourt in the NBA.  Certainly, if Henry is off the board, Chicago could choose to go after James Anderson, or maybe they’ll choose to go another direction and instead go all-in for LeBron James.

18. Miami Heat – Eric Bledsoe (PG, Kentucky)

The Wildcats once had a certain 6’1” guard who needed time to flourish in the NBA – and has done so tremendously, that being Rajon Rondo – surrounded by stars in Boston.  Bledsoe could end up being a similar story – stuck behind John Wall in college, but potentially placed around significant NBA talent – perhaps in Miami (depending on how free agency goes for the Heat).

19. Boston Celtics – James Anderson (SG, Oklahoma State)

With the “Big 3” aging, the Celtics should look to add a young talent that could replace Ray Allen, who could be the first to move on (due to free agency).  James Anderson is a scoring machine – averaging 22.3 PPG last season at Oklahoma State.

20. San Antonio Spurs – Quincy Pondexter (SF, Washington)

In my opinion, Pondexter is underrated – and has the type of game I can see on a Spurs team.  He plays bigger than his 6’7” frame inside, plus is a scrappy playmaker that can also score in bunches (19.3 PPG during his senior season with the Huskies).

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hassan Whiteside (C, Marshall)

It would be a wise move for the Thunder to add a young big man to compliment Westbrook and Durant for years to come – and therefore, a guy with upside like Whiteside would be a bargain selection at this point in the draft.  If not him, then perhaps Florida State’s Alabi with this pick.

22. Portland Trail Blazers – Solomon Alabi (C, Florida State)

With Greg Oden beginning to teeter more towards being an injury-prone bust than a star, the Blazers should consider taking a talented, raw big man for depth – and Alabi would fit that mold with this pick.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jarvis Varnado (PF, Mississippi State)

Some critics would pipe in and say this is too early for Varnado – but when you look at Minnesota, they aren’t afraid to pick outside the lines.  Combine that with the fact that the team was tied for last in blocks per game (and Varnado led the NCAA in that category the last two seasons) – then this pick makes some sense.

24. Atlanta Hawks – Avery Bradley (SG, Texas)

It appears that the Hawks will have a hole left at the shooting guard postion by Joe Johnson, and therefore, a guy like Bradley could be a good fit – with his ability to score, coupled with his suffocating defense and speed that perhaps only John Wall can top in this draft.

25. Memphis Grizzlies – Stanley Robinson (SF, Connecticut)

Robinson is one of the many freakishly athletic players to be recruited by Calhoun and the Huskies.  On top of his streaky game and big-time talent, Robinson is also a 6’9” beast that has developed a solid three-point shot, which would be a welcome addition to the Grizzlies.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder – Larry Sanders (PF, Virginia Commonwealth)

Here’s yet another big talent that would fill a hole in the Oklahoma City frontcourt.  Sanders – and his 6’10” frame – already has plus-talent rebounding and blocking shots, but is raw and needs improvement on offense, which shouldn’t be a problem for the Thunder, who have multiple scoring threats in place already.

27. New Jersey Nets – Devin Ebanks (SF, West Virginia)

The Nets were one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA last season, and could use a guy with upper-tier rebounding skills, who is also a high-energy player.  That’s Ebanks – who is also originally from Queens, NY – not too far down the road.

28. Memphis Grizzlies – Elliot Williams (SG, Memphis)

It would be hard to resist the hometown kid, who also played for the Memphis Tigers last season and averaged nearly 18 points per game.  On top of that, he takes care of the ball (1.3 assists per 1 turnover) – which is a stat that the Grizzlies lacked in last season.

29. Orlando Magic – Jordan Crawford (SG, Xavier)

Forget dunking on LeBron and forget the fact that he’s often called too short at his position (6’4”).  Crawford can score, and if you saw him in the NCAA Tournament, you would know he hits a lot of clutch shots and makes a lot of plays happen.  After seeing the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, Orlando could use a young and exciting player with this skillset.

30. Washington Wizards – Damion James (SF, Texas)

The Wizards were ranked in the bottom 5 in both assists per game and points per game.  John Wall would help both by dishing out the ball, driving to the basket and feeding his teammates.  The next addition would be a hard-working, fiery scorer in the frontcourt, and why not James – who increased his points per game every season at Texas (18.0 PPG during his senior year).

*Also posted to my B/R page

Kevin Paul’s second NBA mock draft features some updates and changes from this original posting.