Chad Ford

  (1:01 PM)

Aloha everyone and thanks for coming to the chat today. I know the NBA Finals are in full force, but our focus today is on the NBA Draft which is just 15 days away. Send in your draft questions and let's roll ...

Chris (Palo Alto)

I would think Beal should be lock at No. 2 because the Bobcats need guys who are guaranteed scorers. Why even consider MKG or Robinson...are their upsides that much better than Beal's?

Chad Ford

  (1:03 PM)

I think the Bobcats are happier with Gerald Henderson than they are most of the other players on their roster. I think they feel they need a bigger upgrade at the 3 or the 4. I still believe the Bobcats most likely trade this pick for either 2 draft picks or a player and a pick. They need to get multiple players out of this and aren't in love with anyone at No. 2.

Korry (Chalmette, LA)

Do you see Sullinger or Henson falling any based on their unspectacular combine numbers?

Chad Ford

  (1:05 PM)

Not a surprise with Sullinger ... so no. We were expecting bad, though his were even a little worse than expected. Henson might. Was pretty surprised that he measured just a 30 inch vert. You wouldn't normally think that Jimmer Fredette was more explosive than Henson. He had some ankle issues at the combine, wonder if that affected him.

CW (Pittsburgh)

How much do you weigh Harrison Barnes' measurables versus his inability to do anything against Ohio or Kansas without Kendall Marshall?

Chad Ford

  (1:06 PM)

It's just a piece of information. Barnes did struggle to create his own shot all year. He looked a step slow and clearly needs to tighten up his handle. He has lost some weight which I think has helped his explosiveness. How NBA teams use this information in conjunction with everything else will be interesting. I wonder if this will tip the scales for the Cavs at No. 4. I'm also hearing rumblings that Barnes may be in the mix with the Bobcats at No. 2.

Andrew (DC)

Do you see any way the wizards screw up and don't go with Beal or MKG at 3?

Chad Ford

  (1:08 PM)

No. I think those are the two guys. They do like TRob as well, but they just used their lottery pick last year on Jan Vesely who plays the same position. Not sure which way they'll lean between MKG and Beal ... but right now I'm going with MKG.

Jason (St Louis)

I was surprised to see only one foreign player and that he was so low on the mock. Is the talent overseas just lacking this year?

Chad Ford

  (1:09 PM)

It's a major down year. Evan Fournier is the only player with a serious shot at the first round. If another international player gets in, it will be a draft and stash type of prospect. Good news is next year looks a little better ... lots of scouts were at the Adidas Eurocamp last weekend and there were a few standouts there -- especially Rudy Gorbet who measured with a crazy 7-9 wing. But that's 2013 ... not 2012.

Cam (Toronto)

Any chance a Lamb or Lillard shoots up into the top 5?

Chad Ford

  (1:11 PM)

Outside chance for both. Cavs like Lamb. I hear the Kings like Lillard ... but unlikely for both. I think they're draft range starts at No. 6 unless a team trades up ahead of that.

Tye (Forshee)

As a GM do you draft for need or best player available?

Chad Ford

  (1:13 PM)

Both. You always draft best player ... but most teams draft in tiers. I'll write an article about this next week ... but for example. Anthony Davis is in Tier 1. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bradley Beal, Thomas Robinson, Andre Drummond and Harrison Barnes all in Tier 2. Within your tier, you draft for need. But you'd never reach outside your tier to get, for example, a Tier 3 point guard or center.

David (Montreal)

Any changes on your predictions for the Raptors' pick?

Chad Ford

  (1:13 PM)

No. I think they are seriously looking at trading the pick for a veteran three. If they can't ... I think it will be either Dion Waiters, Damian Lillard or Jeremy Lamb. Moe Harkless has an outside shot there as well.

Dave (Columbus, OH)

If Robinson goes top 2, and the Cavs have their choice between Beal and Barnes, where do they go?

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

Tough call. I personally think Beal is a little better prospect. But the Cavs have been infatuated with Barnes since last year. He's much bigger which works in his favor. Both are great people and hard workers. I'd give Beal the edge, but just a slight one.

Sean (Sacramento)

What do the Kings do if Barnes, MKG, and Robinson are all off the board?

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

Andre Drummond and John Henson are both in the mix as is Lillard. But MKG or Robinson would go ahead of them.

Ben O (NYC)

Will having Jerry West prevent the Warriors from drafting Todd Fuller over Kobe Bryant again or will they reach for a small forward?

Chad Ford

  (1:17 PM)

Looks like they're reaching a bit for position. If Harrison Barnes falls to 7, I think it's a no-brainer that they take him. If he's not there ... I don't think either Perry Jones or Terrence Jones convinced the Warriors they are threes. Jared Sullinger is in the mix. Wonder if they could reach a bit for Moe Harkless? They also love Royce White.

oscar schmidt (south america)

Meyers Leonard or Tyler Zeller who do you prefer and why?

Chad Ford

  (1:18 PM)

Totally depends on your patience level. Leonard has much more upside. Bigger, longer, stronger and more athletic. However, he's still very raw and loses his focus. Zeller is more polished, runs the floor like a guard and has a soft touch in the paint. But he lacks length, explosiveness and toughness in the paint. I think Leonard has moved ahead of Zeller on the board ... however a team trying to make the playoffs next year might prefer Zeller.

Chad Ford

  (1:18 PM)

Totally depends on your patience level. Leonard has much more upside. Bigger, longer, stronger and more athletic. However, he's still very raw and loses his focus. Zeller is more polished, runs the floor like a guard and has a soft touch in the paint. But he lacks length, explosiveness and toughness in the paint. I think Leonard has moved ahead of Zeller on the board ... however a team trying to make the playoffs next year might prefer Zeller.

Joel (Grand Rapids)

Is there a likely scenario where Drummond falls to the Pistons?

Chad Ford

  (1:20 PM)

Not really. Too much upside. Pistons will have to move up to get him. They need him. Getting a big, athletic shot blocker is, by far, their biggest need. We have John Henson going there in our Mock, but I wonder if Meyers Leonard might not get the nod.

Jeff (CT)

Who's the best possible player who could slip to the hornets at #10?

Chad Ford

  (1:22 PM)

Best case scenario for them is probably Damian Lillard or Dion Waiters. They also really like Jared Sullinger to play alongside Anthony Davis.

Marcus (Rip City)

Big day for the Blazers holding their workouts today. Who do you think the Blazers should draft? Still Drummond at 6 and Lillard at 11?

Chad Ford

  (1:24 PM)

New mock coming today. Actually have them taking Lillard at 6 and Jeremy Lamb at 11 now. Drummond was off the board. I hear they are intrigued with Lillard and Lamb.

Joe (Seattle)

Why isn't Terrence Ross being considered higher in the lottery? Is the issue his ball handling?

Chad Ford

  (1:25 PM)

Yes. No in between game. But he's getting looks starting at No. 8. Don't think he slide past Minnesota at No. 18. In between, I think the Blazers at 11 and Suns at 13 are other options. Just seems like Waiters, Lamb and Rivers all have a little more buzz right now. But that can change ...

Gary (Simi Valley)

What will the Milwaukee Bucks do at #12?

Chad Ford

  (1:26 PM)

I predict they're going to try to swing for the fences. They've been stuck in the late lottery for years and really only have one guy -- Brandon Jennings -- to show for it. They need another big hit -- I suspect Meyers Leonard or Perry Jones could be the guy ...

Steve Urkel (Chicago)

How much of a concern is it that Austin Rivers could only do 1 bench press?

Chad Ford

  (1:29 PM)

Zero. Neither could Kevin Durant. Rivers actually had a pretty good week in Chicago. I hear he nailed the interviews, he measured a little taller than expected and had a very nice 37 inch vertical. His lateral quickness is really the question. I think the OJ Mayo comps aren't bad at all. Think he goes somewhere between 8 and 18 ... we have him going to the Suns at 13 in our latest Mock.

Byron (Portland, OR)

Aren't you posting Mock 7.0 today? Why are you chatting first, and not after?

Chad Ford

  (1:30 PM)

Sorry ... lots of content in today. Our editors are swamped. It's out now ... go have a look. Mock Draft 7.0: http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/story?id=8045488 (insider)

Ted (Houston)

Any ideas what Daryl Morey is gonna do for my Rockets?

Chad Ford

  (1:33 PM)

They've been stuck at 14 the past few years and have played it safe. With 14 and 16, I think they'll swing for the fences with one of those picks and play it safe with the other. I'd be shocked if one of the two picks wasn't a center like Tyler Zeller, Meyers Leonard or Arnett Moultrie. With the other pick I could see them taking a chance on Perry Jones, Moe Harkless or Austin Rivers.

Gabe (Naperville)

There are rumblings from several local reporters that the Bulls may be looking to move into the Top 10. Have you heard anything to that extent?

Chad Ford

  (1:35 PM)

Only way I could really see that happening is if the Raptors settled for Luol Deng there. A deal of Deng and No. 29 for Calderon and No. 8 might work for both sides.

Austin (Greensboro)

Anyone going to take a chance on Kendall Marshall in the lottery?

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

Very possible. Hornets at 10, Blazers at 11, Suns at 13 all possibilities. Don't think he slips past the Mavs at 17.

Ryan (Cleveland)

Who's the best PG that will go in the 2nd round?

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

Scott Machado or Jared Cunningham.

Hugh (Philly)

The buzz around Philly is that the Sixers want to add a post presence and a shooter, and will use Iguodala as a trade chip and amnesty Brand to get those two things. Do you see the sixers using #15 and Iggy to move up, or will they stay at 15 and take the BPA?

Chad Ford

  (1:40 PM)

Both very possible. Iggy has been on the block the past 2 summers and hearing it again. Might be an option for a team like the Bobcats or even the Wizards ... think both teams could use multiple assets. At No. 2 -- would be interesting to see what Sixers do. Could see Thomas Robinson, Bradley Beal or Andre Drummond there.

Tim (Seattle)

What position do you see Terrance Jones playing in the NBA and where do you see him going?

Chad Ford

  (1:42 PM)

Given that he measured 6' 9.5' in shoes, weighs 252 lbs, has a 7' 2" wing ... that all screams power forward. Besides, I don't think he's a good enough shooter or laterally quick enough on defense to be a full time three. I think his measurements should make teams a lot more comfortable about drafting him as a full-time 4.

Jake R (durham, NC)

Why are the Jazz still scheduling a draft party at ESA when they don't have a 1st round draft pick?

Chad Ford

  (1:42 PM)

Have you seen some of the players they've gotten at 47 in the past? If they can get another Paul Millsap or Mo Williams, that's worth a party.

Ryan (ABQ)

Do you know what the Magic plan to do this draft? Typically they trade their picks and this last year was unpredictable.

Chad Ford

  (1:43 PM)

When you don't have a GM, scouts or a head coach ... it makes it sort of tough ... right?

Patrick (MinneSNOWta)

Any chance someone with the TWolves is smart enough to build a package around Derrick Williams to move up and grab Bradley Beal? Or are the Wolves just better hoping a guy like Ross falls to them to be a sniper alongside Rubio and Love?

Chad Ford

  (1:44 PM)

I think they have to do something and I think packaging Williams to move up to No. 2 would be a pretty good move. I agree Bradley Beal would be a great get for them.

Brian (Sunny D Cali)

Who will be this years Isaiah Thomas?

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

Could be a lot of them. I think this draft is REALLY deep. Lots of players at the Chicago camp have a good shot of making the league.

Zach (OR)

How do you rate players in your top 100?

Chad Ford

  (1:47 PM)

Based on the consensus of NBA GMs and scouts.

Royce White fan (Seattle)

Disappointed that Royce didn't test. Does he have a promise, get injured? He seems much faster than Anthony Mason or Diaw. Poor man's Lebron?

Chad Ford

  (1:48 PM)

Not sure we want to use LeBron next to anyone. But he plays a little like that ... but without the elite athletic ability. Boris Diaw seems like a better comp. He did great in the interview section. We've moved him up our Mock to No. 22 to the Celtics. But he could go higher. Not sure why he refused to test.

Jeff (CT)

Who's the player most likely to go undrafted but have a long career in the NBA?

Chad Ford

  (1:48 PM)

If we knew that ... we'd all have him 30 spots higher on our Top 100 and Mock!

AJ R (Portland, OR)

Miles Plumlee seems to have helped himself a lot lately, where might he go?

Chad Ford

  (1:49 PM)

A ton. Looks like he's the most athletic big man in the draft. His 40.5 inch vertical was crazy but so was his agility testing. I think he's got a shot of cracking the late first.

gregg (dc)

in order, who do you think has the better career: fab melo, festus ezili, leonard myers?

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

1. Leonard. 2. Ezeli 3. Melo

gregg (dc)

how do talent evaluators reconcile beal's pedestrian #s in college? it seems like if you're taking a wing player that high in the lottery, you'd want to see more production

Chad Ford

  (1:51 PM)

Great rep out of high school. Team was messed up. Played out of position. Got dramatically better toward the end of the season. That shooting stroke of his is picture perfect.

Anthony (Montreal)

Favorite player that most likely will go in the 2nd round?

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

Think teams are sleeping on Will Barton out of Memphis. Very good athlete. Excellent shooter with mid range game. Very productive this year at Memphis as a sophomore. Draft is deep, but in my mind he's a first round pick. Has some Rip Hamilton to his game.

Eric (MKE)

Do you think DJO or Jae Crowder are getting drafted?

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

Yes. But second round for both.

Mike (Cicero, IL)

Player thought highly of, top 10 type material, that may drop at the last minute come draft time?

Chad Ford

  (1:53 PM)

Perry Jones, Tony Wroten, Quincy Miller all sliding right now. Huge talents. All have some pretty glaring flaws and just aren't wowing the way they need to at camp and workouts.

Alex (Indy)

What do you see the Pacers doing. Are they a trade up or trade out scenario or do you expect them to use the pick?

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

I think they need to clean-up the front office fiasco first. But once that's settled, I wouldn't be surprised to see them offer Danny Granger for a very high pick or Darren Collison for a late lottery pick to keep the rebuilding going.

Big P (Bedford)

Would packaging 21 & 22 be enough to get the Celtics in the late lottery?

Chad Ford

  (1:56 PM)

Don't think so. But there will be good players there. I have them getting Andrew Nicholson and Royce White at 21 and 22. Both of those guys could be major building blocks for them down the road.

ryan (NYC)

Last year i heard about Reggie Jackson being guaranteed to be picked in the first round if he didnt work out with other teams. Is anyone in this years draft in that camp?

Chad Ford

  (1:57 PM)

Dion Waiters for sure. He packed up and left Chicago before the physicals and canceled all of his workouts. Not sure if it's Portland, Toronto or Phoenix. Also hearing the same may be true of Austin Rivers.

John (Dallas )

How far can you see Perry Jones falling.

Chad Ford

  (1:57 PM)

He's at 19 in our latest mock.

Chris (Oregon)

If you were Portland would you make a max offer to James Harden in the offseason?

Chad Ford

  (1:58 PM)

Can't see OKC letting him go ... especially if they win the title.

Chris (Oakland)

What is Dion Waiters' ceiling and floor?

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

Think he could go as high as No. 6 to the Blazers ... don't think he gets past Phoenix at 13. I think he's sort of a little better version of Monta Ellis.

Daniel (Boston)

Andrew Nicholson has the look of a slow guy. His length is surprising though. Is he an athletic player that could run with rondo?

Chad Ford

  (2:00 PM)

Not a great athlete. But he's long, can really shoot it and he defends.

Chad Ford

  (2:00 PM)

Gotta run everyone. Enjoy Mock Draft 7.0 and we'll do this again next week!