NBA Mock Draft- Picks 1-5

The NBA Draft is a month away, June 27th, and now that the lottery process (very confusing) has been completed, I will be doing my first ever Mock Draft in any sport. So, here we go!

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

For the 2nd time in 3 years, Dan Gilbert (Cavs owner) sent his son to the draft lottery and his good-luck charm claimed the Number 1 overall pick. After securing their franchise player, Kyrie Irving, this draft seems much different than 2 years ago. This draft presents, in my eyes, only one immediate superstar. Ben McLemore out of Kansas I think will have the most immediate impact, yet for the Cavs he doesn't fit their needs. With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt, the Cavaliers really need a wing that can space the floor with shooting but then playing lock down defense on the other end, this is why I believe the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick will select Georgetown's Otto Porter.

2. Orlando Magic 

The Magic actually owned the best chances at owning the number 1 pick but much like their season, they lost it to the Cavs. But fortunately for the Magic, I don't think Porter would have been their guy anyways. The Magic don't have much anywhere but they are mostly lacking a point guard. With Jameer Nelson way past his prime, the Magic are going to select the top Point Guard in the draft, Trey Burke from Michigan. This is a scary pick in my mind. I love Burke, as a Michigan fan, but his draft stock has sky-rocketed purely because of a tournament run. This may or may not be a fair judge on Burke but this is a high-risk high-reward pick for the Magic. For an analogy, imagine if Joe Flacco's pass hadn't sailed over Rahim Moore's head in the AFC Divisional round. Does Flacco really get the $20 Million he earned after claiming a World Championship? No one knows, just like no one knows where Burke would have been drafted if he doesn't hit a 30 footer to tie the game against Kansas in the tournament. Just saying.


3. Washington Wizards 

The Wizards have a similar backcourt to the Cavaliers, in that they possess John Wall and Bradley Beal, two very strong guards. Also like the Cavs, they lack that wing player that is an integral part to the team. From my studying, I feel that the Wiz are leaning towards Antony Bennett. He's a 4 man out of UNLV currently recovering from injury. This is a perfect fit for both players but I feel that at number 3, Kentucky big man, Nerlens Noel, might be too good to pass up. So my prediction for Washington will be, if they don't trade back a few spots to grab Bennett, they'll settle for Noel. And when I say settle, I'm saying they'll gladly select the player with the biggest upside in the draft.

4. Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats were not the main laughing stock of the NBA this season which is an improvement from the year before but holding the #4 pick usually means they didn't have a great season. I'll keep this prediction short and sweet. The Bobcats have Kemba Walker and Kidd-Gilchrist, need a 2 man. Ben McLemore is a 2 man. Perfect fit, no brainer, biggest superstar in the draft, book it. The Bobcats franchise will be ecstatic if McLemore falls to them at #4.





5. Phoenix Suns 

With the final prediction of my first Mock Draft, the Phoenix Suns have a lot of options. They could really use a player at any position which is why I think they'll take the best player remaining on the board in Victor Oladipo out of Indiana. While Oladipo may be a 3 year project, the least he'll do in his rookie season is lock down your top guard and bring highlight plays. The Suns actually are in the worst position out of any of these top 5 teams amazingly but I think Oladipo can help the healing process.

Sportacular Sport's NCAA Men's Basketball Predictions

College Basketball is back and who isn't excited. Even though we have tons of exciting games remaining in the NFL season, everyone gets ready for the College Basketball Season.

College Basketball Preseason Rankings

To no surprise, Indiana is the ranked #1 in the preseason. They return a ton of their main players from last season led by preseason All-American Cody Zeller. The defending-champion, Kentucky Wildcats, aren't ranked number 1 because of all the players they lost this off-season. After a trip to the Final Four and returning many players, Louisville ranks at #2. Rivals, Ohio State and Michigan, round out the top 5 containing 3 Big 10 clubs.

Indiana Hoosiers-#1, Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Cody Zeller-C

Christian Watford-PF

Will Sheehey-SF

Victor Oladipo-SG

Jordan Hulls-PG

Led by Sophomore, Cody Zeller, the Hoosiers return their starting lineup from last season. All but Zeller are either a Junior or Senior. They have the leadership and the star-player. For some reason though, I don't see Inidiana winning a National Championship. Something says, Indiana's lack of athleticism will catch up to them against my projected National Championship, Louisville.

Louisville Cardinals-#2-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Peyton Siva-PG

Wayne Blackshear-SG

Luke Hancock-SF

Chane Behanan-PF

Gorgui Dieng-C

After a Final Four exit last season, Louisville returns many key players from their run last season. Peyton Siva should be the most dynamic PG in all of College Basketball this season. Gorgui Dieng is an unbelievable shot-blocker and will protect the rim well for the Cardinals this season. Co-captain, Luke Hancock, can do it all while Chane Behanan was excellent off the bench in the Tournament last season. The Cardinals have all the assets to win a Championship and could clinch a 1-seed with a weaker Kentucky team this season. My early prediction is the Cardinals winning the Championship this season.

Kentucky Wildcats-#3-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Ryan Harrow-PG

Archie Goodwin-SG

Alex Poythress-SF

Kyle Wiltjer-PF

Nerlens Noel-C

Kentucky looks to defend their National Championship. But look above and see how many starters they return. 0. They also lost senior, Darius Miller. Their 7th best player is finally in the starting lineup with the addition of freshman stud Nerlens Noel. While his hair is awesome, this freshman class will not be able to live up to the hype from last year's team. Expect a deep run in the tournament, only for the lack of Senior leadership to catch them this year.

Ohio State Buckeyes-#4-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Aaron Craft-PG

Shannon Scott-SG

Lenzelle Smith Jr.-SF

Deshaun Thomas-PF

Amir Williams-C

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a ton of promise this upcoming season. Even with the loss of big-man Jared Sullinger, O-H-I-O returns stud, Aaron Craft, and Deshaun Thomas. Aaro Craft can do it all for the Buckeyes which is why I believe they'll win the Big 10. He brings leadership, can spread the ball effectively, and even score buckets when necessary. Not to mention, Lenzelle Smith Jr. is an excellent player, this trio could lead the Buckeyes to a promising season.

Michigan Wolverines-#5-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Trey Burke-PG

Tim Hardaway-SG

Glen Robinson III-SF

Mitch McGary-PF

Jordan Morgan-C

The Michigan Wolverines have an excellent backcourt this upcoming season. Led by Sophomore Trey Burke and Junior Tim Hardaway. The Wolverines will play with the loss of dual-threat Evan Smotrycz but bring in Freshman Mitch McGary. The Wolverines are an excellent team in an extremely tough Big 10. I think they'll finish 3rd in the conference. Going further than their first round exit last season, the Wolverines will play in the Elite 8 but fall to eventual champions, Louisville.

The season is just beginning and much will change but everyone should get pumped for the start of another College Basketball season.