NBA Mock Drafts – Where Will Ross and Wroten Land?
Thursday’s NBA Draft will be a big day for the Dawgs and Lorenzo Romar. While he may wish that both of his former players had decided to stay another year, Romar must be proud that both Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten have the chance to chase their NBA dream and potentially have both selected in the first round. From the outside looking in, it’s a sign that Romar is bringing in elite talent to his program and preparing them for NBA success. It will definitely be something that the coaching staff can point to when recruiting future stars.
Also in the category of “good news”, Terrence Ross has been invited to the NBA Draft green room which usually means that the player has a good chance of being selected in the lottery. This will be even more exposure for the Washington program, especially with a pivotal 2013 recruiting class watching on TV.
With the draft a day away, it’s a great time to check out the mock drafts from all around the interwebz. Nothing is more exciting and pointless than NBA mock drafts BUT that doesn’t mean we can’t join in the speculation.
"Ross: 12 – Milwaukee. Ross worked out for the Bucks on Tuesday. I don’t think it was a game-changer, but if Tyler Zeller is off the board, I think they might opt for Ross over Meyers Leonard. Yes, they need a big man more, but they also need a big wing who can shoot the basketball and there is a lot of pressure in Milwaukee to win now. Leonard is a project. Ross can play right now.Wroten: 23 – Atlanta. The Hawks don’t have any depth behind point guard Jeff Teague. Sources say that, in the past few weeks, they’ve become enamored with Wroten. His shot is broken and he can be wild, but he has enormous upside as a big point guard who can see the floor and get to the rim."
"Ross: 18 – Houston. I initially had Ross here when I thought the Timberwolves would be drafting at No. 18, but Ross is a good fit for Houston as well (that is, if the Rockets end up keeping the pick). He is a good value at this point in the draft, and the team could use another wing following the trade of Chase Budinger. — David ThorpeWroten: 24 – Cleveland. Wroten isn’t really a need here, so much as I believe he’s the best player still left on the board. But I do think he can fit in Cleveland. He has the size to play the 2 and is a terrific slasher and defender. His shot is broken, but when playing alongside Kyrie Irving‘s shooting skills, I don’t think that’s as big of an issue. — Chad Ford."
"Ross: 7 – Golden State. Unlike last year when everyone knew exactly who the Warriors were targeting, Klay Thompson, this year GM Bob Myers has shrewdly kept it a mystery. It’s no secret this team needs a 3 and would love to see either MKG or Harrison Barnes slide to them. Ross is a talent with a legitimate chance to be the top wing prospect from this year’s draft class. He’s had tremendous workouts, so if the team really likes him it could be a risk to trade down 4-5 spots in the hopes of getting him. Ross is dangerous from outside, where he sports a clean release and sweet rhythm in catch and shoot opportunities. A smooth wing with NBA athleticism, Ross does an excellent job at stretching the floor by recognizing and occupying open space. He also shows a nice ability to pull up for mid-range shots. Ross’ strong finish to the season only helps his cause. NBA Comparison: Eddie JonesWroten: Not in first round."
"Ross: 18 – Houston. The Rockets dealt Chase Budinger for this pick and may package it — or one of their other first-round selections. If not, Ross may be too talented to pass up as an athletic wing who can shoot it.Wroten: 31 – Washington DC. He’s got the size and athleticism and is worth the risk early in the second round."
Bill Simmons and Chad Ford – Grantland.com
"Ross: 11 – Portland. With the 11th pick, I’m grabbing Terrence Ross for Portland and, more important, for the nitpicking lunatics on the Blazers Edge message board. In a league that’s moving in the direction of athletic swing guys who can shoot 3s and play multiple positions, it seems logical to spend a lottery pick on an athletic swing guy who can shoot 3s and play multiple positions, right? – Bill SimmonsWroten: Not chosen in mock (only 22 picks)."
Sam Amick – Sports Illustrated
"Ross: 17 – Dallas. This seems to be the floor for Ross, whom I’m told could go as high as No. 10 to New Orleans. The Mavs would be tempted to grab Marshall to help fill a potential hole at point guard (depending on what happens in free agency), but Ross — who was among the NBA’s 14 invitees to the green room on draft night — is too talented to pass up. He has phenomenal range, size and top-tier athleticism (37½-inch vertical jump). He averaged 16.4 points and shot 45.7 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three-point range as a sophomore.Wroten: 30 – Golden State. The talent is easily worth taking here, even with the red flags about Wroten’s decision making and lack of shooting range. He puts serious pressure on defenses and could be a potent option for coach Mark Jackson coming in behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson."
"Ross: 17 – Dallas. The emerging sophomore has signs of a big-time scorer, with range on his shot and athleticism, with the versatility to play either swing spot.Wroten: 30 – Golden State. The pick probably changes — to Miles Plumlee, Draymond Green or maybe Evan Fournier — if the Warriors go guard at No. 7."
"Ross: 13 – Phoenix. Last year, the Suns almost took Iman Shumpert in the first round before opting for forward Markieff Morris. They’ll get the guard they want this time with Ross, who has impressed a lot of teams during the interview process and who has caught Phoenix’s eye.Wroten: Not listed in first round."
What can we learn from all of this? First off, the general sentiment is that Ross probably won’t sneak past Dallas at 17 and that in no way is Wroten guaranteed a first round selection. If Wroten falls out of the top 30, would you consider his decision to leave early a smart one? What teams are most ideal for Ross and Wroten?
The bottom line is that there isn’t one. Thursday’s draft will be a fun one for Dawg fans and it will certainly be filled with drama and intrigue.