Dwight Howard Will Not Sign With The Lakers

There is very little chance of Dwight Howard re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, according to sources close to the situation. Howard is willing to forgo the extra $30 million the Lakers can pay him to play for a coach and in a system he feels will better utilize his skill set, one source said.

More on the Lakers

The Lakers can offer Howard a five-year, $118 million contract while other teams can only pay him $88 million over four years.
Howard plans to meet with Dallas, Houston and Atlanta before meeting with the Lakers once teams are allowed to contact free agents beginning July 1, a source said. It appears that the teams will visit Howard in Los Angeles.
Howard is notoriously indecisive so the Lakers, while apparently major underdogs, should not be completely eliminated from contention. Before the 2011-2012 season, he repeatedly asked the Orlando Magic to trade him and then at midseason, he opted-in to the final year of his contract to remain in Orlando.
Howard's major problem with the Lakers is the system Coach Mike D'Antoni employs. Beyond that, he did not enjoy playing with Kobe Bryant, though he could manage to do so in a different system, a source said. Howard also does not want to be second fiddle to Bryant for several more seasons.
While many believe Houston is the Lakers' stiffest competition, sources say Howard finds Dallas just as appealing, if not more. Assuming the Mavericks are able to clear enough cap space to offer him a maximum-salaried contract, Howard is strongly considering joining Dallas. The Mavericks are trying to shed Shawn Marion's $9 million expiring contract to create the room to sign Howard, according to sources.
Howard likes the idea of being the top superstar of a franchise and with Dirk Nowitzki aging, Dallas would be viewed as Howard's team. Howard also believes the Mavericks can build a championship roster around him with the ample cap space they will have in the summer of 2014.
Some close to Howard believe signing with Houston is his best option. Howard has been in contact with Rockets players James Harden and Chandler Parsons, both of whom are heavily recruiting him.
Howard, however, has concerns about the Rockets' style of play, sources say. While he likes the idea of playing for Coach Kevin McHale, he sees that they play an up-tempo, perimeter-oriented style that does not feature post play.
To get Howard, the Rockets will have to convince him that they will play a style more conducive to his skills.
Atlanta, Howard's home town, is a long shot. As ESPN.com reported two weeks ago, Howard was willing to go to Atlanta with Clippers free agent Chris Paul. But the recent signing of Doc Rivers as the Clippers' head coach has assured that Paul will remain in Los Angeles.
Howard would love to do a sign-and-trade deal that would allow him to play with Paul and the Clippers, but neither he nor the Clippers believe the Lakers will agree to such a move, sources said.

New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez Aressted

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was taken into police custody Wednesday, a week after his friend's body was found about a mile away from his home.

Hernandez, wearing a white V-neck T-shirt, long red athletic shorts and black sneakers, was led around 9 a.m. ET from the front door of his mansion with his hands in handcuffs behind his back inside the shirt and placed into a police cruiser, which quickly drove away.
He casually spit into some bushes on his way to the car.
Hernandez remains at the center of an investigation involving the shooting death of 27-year-old acquaintance Odin Lloyd.
State police officers and dogs had searched Hernandez's home for more than 3½ hours Saturday.
ABC News on Friday reported that authorities were expected to execute an arrest warrant at some point for Hernandez for obstruction of justice. Michael Fee, an attorney for Hernandez, released a statement Monday night that read:
"Over the past week, our client, Aaron Hernandez, has been the subject of a relentless flood of rumors, misinformation, and false reports in the media. These include the repeated publication of a supposedly confirmed report that an arrest warrant had been issued for Aaron, a report that was exposed as untrue.
"None of these false reports come from official sources and we appreciate the professionalism and restraint shown by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office to date with regard to its public statements while its investigation is underway. Out of respect for that ongoing investigation, we will continue to refrain from commenting on its substance."
The arrest warrant was prepared last week after police discovered that the security system at Hernandez's home, along with his cellphone, were destroyed, sources told ABC News.
Surveillance video from the neighborhood shows Hernandez with Lloyd and two other people hours before Lloyd was killed last week, sources confirmed to ABC News late Thursday.

NHL Mock Draft 2013 "Buffalo Sabres"

The NHL Draft is scheduled for Sunday, June 30. The following is one man's opinion on who gets drafted in the first round.
Pick: 1
Team: Colorado: Player - Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax), C
Notes: This is the pick that until recently everybody assumed Colorado would use to select defenseman Seth Jones. At first, it seemed like Joe Sakic and the Avalanche front office could've been bluffing about selecting a forward over Jones, but they haven't backed off that statement, so it's hard not to take them at their word. MacKinnon is a guy with high-end scoring ability and expects to play at the NHL level in 2013-14 and it appears the Avs covet his skill set over Jones.
Pick: 2
Team: Florida: Player - Seth Jones (Portland), D
Notes: MacKinnon, or another one of the top forwards, would fill a big need for the Panthers, but if Jones isn't snagged by the Avs then Florida GM Dale Tallon should be thrilled. Jones has the size, skill and poise to be an elite NHL defenseman and Colorado is taking a big risk if they let the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones fall to No. 2.
Pick: 3
Team: Tampa Bay: Player - Jonathan Drouin (Halifax), LW
Notes: Although MacKinnon is the more highly-regarded player overall, Drouin actually turned in a better season than his linemate in Halifax in 2012-13. Drouin was named the CHL's most valuable player this season after posting 105 points (41 goals, 64 assists) in 49 games. MacKinnon projects as more of a pure sniper at the NHL level, while Drouin is considered more of a creative playmaker. He's the kind of guy who could be an excellent fit alongside Tampa's resident sniper, Steven Stamkos.
Pick: 4:
Team: Nashville: Player - Aleksander Barkov (Tappara), C
Notes: The son of a former Russian national team player, this Finnish forward is the top-rated European prospect in the 2013 draft. Barkov already has NHL size at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and scouts believe he can be a valuable two- way pivot at the NHL level. The 17-year-old Barkov played among men in the SM- Liiga -- the top Finnish professional league -- in 2012-13 and finished second on Tappara with 48 points (21G, 27A) in 53 games. He could step in a play a role for the Predators as early as this season.
Pick: 5:
Team: Carolina : Player - Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie), D
Notes: Believed to be the second-best defensive prospect in this year's draft behind Jones, Nurse is the Canadian nephew of former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb. Listed by Central Scouting at 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Nurse is still growing and is said to have all the tools to be a two-way force in the NHL. Carolina desperately needs a difference-maker at the back end and Nurse could be that guy.
Pick: 6
Team: Calgary: Player - Sean Monahan (Ottawa), C
Notes: This is the first of three Calgary picks (6, 22, and 28) in the first round and the Flames may try to use that glut of early selections to move up in the draft. Although the Flames, who are clearly entering a rebuilding phase, may be better off using all three of them to restock the talent pool. Monahan, a centerman noted for his solid overall game, has been likened to Colorado forward Gabriel Landeskog and could fill one of Calgary's several immediate needs.
Pick: 7
Team: Edmonton: Player - Valeri Nichushkin (Chelyabinsk), RW
Notes: This is the first year since 2009 that Edmonton doesn't have the No. 1 overall pick, which the Oilers used to select three straight blue-chip forward prospects (Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov). Unless Oilers president Kevin Lowe can move up to get either Jones or Nurse, it looks like Edmonton will add another talented forward to an already impressive group. Nichushkin, however, plays a different style than Hall, Nugent-Hopkins or Yakupov, as he uses size more than finesse. Already 6-foot-4 and 202 pounds, the smooth skating Russian looks like a prototypical power forward and he could bring another dimension to Edmonton's already dangerous offense.
Pick: 8
Team: Buffalo: Player - Elias Lindholm (Brynas), C
Notes: Lindholm played the entire 2012-13 season for Brynas at the Swedish Elite level and was a finalist for Rookie of the Year in the country's top professional league. The Sabres were ranked 22nd in the NHL in offense last season and could use an influx of talent up front. Lindholm may not be a prolific scorer at the NHL level, but has a polished overall game and could help Buffalo out immediately.
Pick: 9
Team: New Jersey: Player - Hunter Shinkaruk (Medicine Hat), C/LW
Notes: The Devils went from a Stanley Cup finalist in 2011-12 to not qualifying for the postseason this season and could lose several forwards to free agency this summer. Shinkaruk is an undersized but versatile forward who can play either left wing or center. He has drawn comparisons to current NHL star Zach Parise, who the Devils lost to free agency last summer, for his ability to create in the offensive end while playing a responsible overall game. He could jump into the Devils lineup in the fall and contribute right away.
Pick: 10
Team: Dallas: Player - Rasmus Ristolainen (TPS Turku), D
Notes: This Finn expects to be the first European defenseman taken in this year's draft and boasts a similar skill set to Jones and Nurse. Listed at 6- foot-3, 201 pounds, Ristolainen has played among men for TPS of the SM-Liiga in each of the past two seasons and spent the entire season at Finland's top level in 2012-13. While he has similar size and offensive skill to both Jones and Nurse, those players are believed to further along than Ristolainen in terms of playing responsibly in their own zones. The Stars could use a two-way threat on their blue line and Ristolainen would be the likely play at 10.
Pick: 11
Team: Philadelphia: Player - Nikita Zadorov (London), D
Notes: The Flyers are infamously known for their aversion to Russian players, but beggars can't be choosers and Philly is still looking for someone who can replace Chris Pronger's sizeable presence on the blue line. Zadorov, a Russian playing for London of the OHL, is said to have a mean streak to his game like Pronger and he could fit the bill for Philadelphia GM Paul Holmgren.
Pick: 12
Team: Phoenix: Player - Bo Horvat (London), C
Notes: Although not an explosive skater with a dynamic skill set, Horvat is plays a strong two-way game and he could fit well under Dave Tippett's defense-first system in Phoenix. He does have the size and ability to be an above-average scorer in the NHL, but his play in his own zone, and his knack for winning faceoffs is what will attract Phoenix to Horvat.
Pick: 13
Team: Winnipeg: Player - Samuel Morin (Rimouski), D
Notes: Morin is listed by Central Scouting as 6-foot-6, 202 pounds, but this enormous defenseman is still considered to be a raw talent. Still, his size, physicality and skating ability could prove too difficult for Winnipeg to pass up.
Pick: 14
Team: Columbus: Player - Alex Wennberg (Djurgardens), C
Notes: Another player who played with much older players in Sweden last season, Wennberg ranked second among junior players in goals and assists in the country's No. 2 pro league. Probably needs to bulk up a bit before making the jump to the NHL, but at this spot he could be Columbus' best bet to improve its offense.
Pick: 15
Team: NY Islanders: Player - Ryan Pulock (Brandon), D
Notes: After losing defenseman Mark Streit to Philadelphia, the Isles could use a replacement on the blue line and Pulock, who possesses possibly the best slapshot of this year's defensive prospects, may be able to help in that regard.
Pick: 16
Team: Buffalo: Player - Max Domi (London), C
Notes: The son of former NHL enforcer Tie Domi is nothing like his father, as he relies on his skill, not his fists, to intimidate the opposition. At 5- foot-9, he is small player with a strong center of gravity and tremendous playmaking skills. He could prove to be another solid addition to Buffalo's sagging offense.
Pick: 17
Team: Ottawa: Player - Curtis Lazar (Edmonton), RW/C
Notes: Ottawa was one of the best defensive teams in the NHL this past season, but ranked 27th in scoring. Lazar is projected as a solid, two-way player in the pros, although there's is some question about his offensive upside. This would be safe pick, but the Sens have to like his all-around game and versatility.
Pick: 18
Team: Detroit: Player - Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert), D
Notes: At 6-feet, 186 pounds, Morrissey isn't the biggest defenseman, but he makes up for that lack of size with terrific skating ability. After losing Nicklas Lidstrom to free agency last summer, the Red Wings could use a defenseman and with guys like Jones and Nurse out of Detroit's reach, Morrissey could be the best available D-man left.
Pick: 19
Team: Columbus: Player - Adam Erne (Quebec), LW
Notes: A skilled offensive player who is still learning how to use his size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), Erne could play an important role on the Blue Jackets, provided he is developed properly.
Pick: 20
Team: San Jose: Player - Anthony Mantha (Val d'Or), RW
Notes: Has an NHL-ready frame at 6-foot-4, but could use a bit of seasoning and time to add weight. The Sharks don't need the help on offense immediately and could wait for Mantha's overall game to develop. And no, he is not related to former NHL journeyman defenseman Moe Mantha.
Pick: 21
Team: Toronto: Player - Frederik Gauthier (Rimouski), C
Notes: Although some scouts question Gauthier's offensive upside at the NHL level, he is a big kid with a strong skating stride who loves to help out on defense. The Leafs need help up the middle and Gauthier could be capable of playing a third or fourth-line role for the club in the near future.
Pick: 22
Team: Calgary: Player - Zach Fucale (Halifax), G
Notes: Whether of not the Flames can talk longtime goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff to put off retirement for another year, Calgary needs to add a netminder at some point in this draft. Fucale is not only the top goaltending prospect in this draft, he's also the most NHL-ready.
Pick: 23
Team: Washington: Player - Valentin Zykov (Baie Comeau), LW
Notes: Washington selected winger Filip Forsberg in the first round last year, but traded the Swedish prospect away to Nashville for forward Martin Erat at the most recent trade deadline. They could restock the pool with Zykov, a Russian winger who won the QMJHL's Rookie of the Year Award in 2012-13.
Pick: 24
Team: Vancouver: Player - Kerby Rychel (Windsor), LW
Notes: The son of former NHLer Warren Rychel is a relentless forechecker with the ability to knock guys off the puck. He could be a good fit for new head coach John Tortorella's system in Vancouver.
Pick: 25
Team: Montreal: Player - J.T. Compher (U.S. NTDP), C
Notes: The Canadiens have been criticized for a lack of grit at times and this American centerman could bring that element to Montreal. Scouts also rave about Compher's hockey sense, a good attribute to have when playing for the beloved Habs, who boast some of the smartest fans in the league.
Pick: 26
Team: Anaheim: Player - Morgan Klimchuk (Regina), LW
Notes: Said to be a pure sniper, Klimchuk jumped from 18 goals for Regina in 2011-12 to 36 markers last season. He could come in handy if the Ducks ever deal Bobby Ryan, who always seems to be on the trading block.
Pick: 27
Team: Columbus: Player - Ryan Hartman (Plymouth), RW
Notes: Despite being listed as 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Hartman's excellent physical game is what scouts talk of the most. Again, the Blue Jackets could use all the help it can get up front and Hartman could prove to be a valuable addition.
Pick: 28
Team: Calgary: Player - Madison Bowey (Kelowna), D
Notes: Bowey is a raw defenseman with tremendous skating ability and could be a few years from helping Calgary at the NHL level. With their rebuilding project still seemingly in the early stages, the Flames have time to wait for him to develop.
Pick: 29
Team: Dallas: Player - Emile Poirier (Gatineau), LW
Notes: The Stars acquired this pick in the deal that sent Jaromir Jagr to Boston and Poirier's offensive skill set could make him a bargain at No. 29.
Pick: 30
Team: Chicago: Player - Nicolas Petan (Portland), C
Notes: The recently crowned-NHL champions preach puck possession and Petan could fit easily into the Blackhawks' system. Listed at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, the highly-skilled centerman will only be available this late due to his lack of size

NBA First Round Mock Draft 2013

There will be overthought. With more than a full month between the order-determining lottery and Thursday's NBA draft (7 p.m. ET, ESPN), teams are sure to have put in many hours thinking and rethinking every player. That often leads to picks such as Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan or Michael Olowokandi first overall. So this mock draft takes a step back and tries to not to predict but project.
Here's USA TODAY Sports' common-sense approach to the 2013 NBA draft:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: SG Ben McLemore, Kansas
No one in this draft makes sense as a No. 1 pick. The talent at the top is weaker than any draft since at least 2006, when Andrea Bargnani was selected first overall by the Toronto Raptors. Moreover, none of the top prospects are ideal fits for the Cavaliers.
NORMAL MOCK: Who goes where?
ANALYSIS: Every team's draft needs
The best fit might be Otto PorterJr., but he lacks the upside to go first. That leaves McLemore, Anthony Bennett, Nerlens Noel and Alex Len. Noel and Len are centers with high upside, but both have leg injuries. Could a season defined by leg injuries lead to a draft headed by a player who can't even play yet because of one? That might be likely, but it doesn't make it right.
McLemore is the prospect who seems most likely to wind up an All-Star for years to come. He's a smooth scorer who doesn't force anything, an important factor for a guard playing next to Kyrie Irving. Dion Waiters, whom the Cavs drafted No. 4 overall last season, is more of a combo guard who could be better off the bench and could play next to McLemore in smaller lineups. McLemore also is ready to play for a team that could make a surprise playoff push next season.
2. Orlando Magic: C Nerlens Noel, Kentucky
McLemore would be the better fit here, too, but the Magic have the opportunity to take a risk with this pick because they're not going to be very good next season either way. Point guard is the biggest need, but Trey Burke would be a reach at this point. Noel, who is coming off knee surgery, could contrast with center Nik Vucevic to form a nice big-man pairing, playing together while also able to relieve each other.
NOEL: Knee injury will make him better, he says
3. Washington Wizards: SF Otto Porter Jr., Georgetown
The hometown pick makes too much sense to pass up here. Porter is a versatile wing with a great basketball IQ. He'll fit in perfectly with Bradley Beal and John Wall as the Wizards build a team that might be able to win now and definitely has a bright future. His upside is limited compared with other available options, but the safe pick makes sense.
4. Charlotte Bobcats: PF Anthony Bennett, UNLV
The Bobcats need a scorer. Kemba Walker attacks relentlessly, but he is not efficient enough to lead a team in scoring. Bennett has the look of a poor man's Carmelo Anthony, with natural scoring ability from either forward position. He contrasts sharply with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the high-energy No.2 pick of last year's draft who should form a nice combination with Bennett in the Bobcats' frontcourt of the future.
OH, CANADA: Basketball's future world power?
5. Phoenix Suns: C Alex Len, Maryland
Len could be the No. 1 pick, as the Cavaliers have shown interest in him. But he had surgery on a stress fracture in his ankle. The Ukranian big man has tremendous upside because of his athleticism and size, but he also is a project whose offensive skills come and go. Still, the Suns organization is undergoing a major overhaul this offseason, and Len is the best choice for a building block at this point in the draft.
6. New Orleans Pelicans: SG Victor Oladipo, Indiana
The Eric Gordon situation is a strange one, as no one is sure of the shooting guard's future. The Pelicans would be wise to move on, particularly with a playmaker of Oladipo's caliber available. He would take some of the pressure of Greivis Vasquez, who emerged as a reliable point guard last season, and run an explosive pick-and-roll with Anthony Davis.
7. Sacramento Kings: PG Trey Burke, Michigan

Michigan guard Trey Burke takes a layup on Louisville center Gorgui Dieng during the NCAA title game.(Photo: Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports)

The Kings haven't had a good point guard since Mike Bibby was at his peak nearly a decade ago. Burke should be as good or better than Bibby. He would have had a decent shot at going in the top five, but five of the top six teams already start young and talented point guards. Isaiah Thomas is a fine scorer off the bench, but he's not the future for the Kings. Burke could help lead that organization into a new era.
BURKE: Point guard sizes up his draft stock
8. Detroit Pistons: PG Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse
Brandon Knight is not a point guard. The Pistons found that out as they tried to use the 2011 draft's No.8 overall pick at the position last season. But Knight can be a valuable contributor, particularly if paired with a bigger point guard. Carter-Williams is the most gifted passer in this draft and, at 6-5, can defend shooting guards. He will open up things for big men Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe while gaining chemistry with Knight.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves: SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia
The T'wolves played Luke Ridnour and J.J. Barea at shooting guard much of last season, which simply doesn't cut it. Caldwell-Pope is a prototype at the position, a lanky gunner who can slash. He should make Ricky Rubio's life much easier by draining his three-pointers on a consistent basis.
10. Portland Trail Blazers: SF Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA
The Blazers relied on their starting lineup more than any other team in the NBA last season, and it showed as they wore down during the stretch and faded from playoff contention. Muhammad gives them a scorer off the bench. The biggest immediate need is at center because of J.J. Hickson's free agency, but they already have a big man for the future in Meyers Leonard, so depth makes more sense in the draft.
MUHAMMAD: Why he says he's underrated
11. Philadelphia 76ers: C Cody Zeller, Indiana
Entering last season, Zeller was a favorite to be the top pick in this draft. It's not so much that he disappointed as a sophomore but that he didn't show the kind of expected growth required. Zeller is a remarkable athlete for a 7-footer and has a polished face-up game. He also fills a need in the wake of the Andrew Bynum fiasco that dominated the Sixers' season.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: G C.J. McCollum, Lehigh
The Thunder need a playmaker. They need a scoring shooting guard for the long run. They need a better backup point guard. They need someone ready to contribute to a title run. McCollum, a versatile combo guard, checks off every requirement.
BIG DREAMS: What players have to do to get noticed
13. Dallas Mavericks: C Lucas Nogueira, Brazil
The Mavericks aren't bringing many players back for next season and have almost no one under contract for 2014-15. That gives them great positional flexibility here. Nogueira is enormous and has every physical tool to become a force inside at either post position. He is a contrast to Dirk Nowitzki because of his athleticism and defensive potential, though that hasn't been fully realized. "Bebe" is more polished than many projects, and he could contribute in a small role quickly.
14. Utah Jazz: PG Shane Larkin, Miami (Fla.)
The Jazz relied on Jamaal Tinsley and Earl Watson to start 36 games last season while Mo Williams was out. That's an obvious problem for a team that nearly reached the playoffs. Williams isn't a true point guard, either, and Larkin, the son of Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, could allow him to slide over to shooting guard at times. The Jazz also need help on the wing, but this is more pressing.
15. Milwaukee Bucks: SG Tony Snell, New Mexico
NBA teams are desperate for players who can shoot three-pointers and defend both wing positions. Snell is the exemplar in this draft. The Bucks didn't get much offensive production out of their small forwards and might lose both of their top shooting guards (Monta Ellis and J.J. Redick) in free agency. Snell is ready to step in for a playoff team.
16. Boston Celtics: C Steven Adams, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh center Steven Adams dunks against Notre Dame.(Photo: Vincent Pugliese, USA TODAY Sports)

Regardless of what happens with Kevin Garnett, the Celtics need a young center. Adams, a New Zealander, has ideal size and athleticism. He's raw and might have been better off staying in school but has the potential to be special.
17. Atlanta Hawks: PG Dennis Schroeder, Germany
18. Atlanta Hawks: C Mason Plumlee, Duke
The Hawks are rebuilding their roster this offseason, with only three players under definite contracts for next season. That allows them to go with the best players available for the most part. Schroeder is a lightning-quick point guard with good instincts, and he would serve as a nice complement or replacement to Jeff Teague, who is a restricted free agent. Plumlee is a polished, athletic big man who works hard and could pair well with Al Horford.
FULL COVERAGE: Everything you need about the NBA draft
19. Cleveland Cavaliers: C Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga
After rounding out a high-potential guard rotation with McLemore, the Cavs can go for the more stable hand down low. Olynyk has a smooth jump shot and should be able to score with Irving, McLemore and Waiters feeding him the ball. He would also be a nice contrast from Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson.
20. Chicago Bulls: SG Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan
The Bulls have a few tricky decisions about their backcourt this offseason, but they might find themselves starting fresh. Hardaway plays nothing like his father, former All-Star point guard Tim Hardaway Sr.. He is a polished wing player who would fit well alongside Derrick Rose.
21. Utah Jazz: F Tony Mitchell, North Texas
With Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson both free agents, the Jazz frontcourt could look very different next season. But they don't need another true post player with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter waiting. Mitchell would allow them to play small at the power forward spot or big as a small forward. He also adds explosive athleticism to a team that lacks it.
22. Brooklyn Nets: SF Giannis Adetokoubo, Greece
The Nets would love if Adetokoubo fell this far. For one, he has as much potential as anyone outside the top seven, with an enormous wingspan and a natural feel for the game. He also might stay in Greece, which would be great for the Nets, who are over the salary cap. Adetokoubo would be a great long-term replacement for Gerald Wallace, whenever he comes aboard.
23. Indiana Pacers: SG Allen Crabbe, California

California guard Allen Crabbe watches a free throw during the NCAA tournament vs. UNLV.(Photo: Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports)

The Pacers really could use a high-scoring combo guard, but Erick Green and Nate Wolters would be reaches this high. Crabbe is a very polished off guard who will complement Lance Stephenson well. He also provides the Pacers with their biggest need: shooting.
24. New York Knicks: C Rudy Gobert, France
The aging Knicks could use someone with upside. Gobert is the only barefoot 7-footer in the draft and has a record-breaking 7-9 wingspan. He's ridiculously big, in other words. He also is raw and needs to hit the weight room. Backing up Tyson Chandler, who developed slowly into a defensive force, should be a good experience for Gobert, who turns 21 the day before the draft.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: SF Sergey Karasev, Russia
The Clippers already lost Grant Hill to retirement and might lose Matt Barnes in free agency. Adding a small forward should be a priority, and adding one who can shoot like Karasev, particularly this late in the first round, is a steal. He might be the best marksman in the draft.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves: F Livio Jean-Charles, France
As mentioned earlier, the Timberwolves need to add athleticism. Jean-Charles is raw but can play both forward spots and uses his athletic talents well. He would make a good complement to Kevin Love down the road.
27. Denver Nuggets: SG Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State
Andre Iguodala will opt out of his contract, leaving the Nuggets without a defensive-minded wing player. Franklin is a perfect replacement this late in the draft, a guy with great athleticism and tenacity who will play well off Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Evan Fournier. His greatest asset might be his rebounding, which will help the Nuggets continue to play small ball.
28. San Antonio Spurs: SG Ricardo Ledo, Providence
The Spurs are known for pulling guys from nowhere, and Ledo fits. He didn't play a single college game, failing to get eligible after a tumultuous recruitment. But he has great talent and could help replace aging free agent Manu Ginobili, now or in the future.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: C Gorgui Dieng, Louisville
The Thunder might decide to use the amnesty clause to cut Kendrick Perkins. Even if they don't, they could use more size inside. The Memphis Grizzlies exploited them in the paint. Dieng has the potential to be a dominant defender and would pair with Serge Ibaka for an unmatched shot-blocking duo.
30. Phoenix Suns: SF Glen Rice Jr., NBA Development League
With Len already locked up, the Suns should target a wing player. Luckily, there are many to choose from. If they don't like Rice, there's always Ricardo Ledo or Reggie Bullock or James Ennis. Rice has more than NBA pedigree, though, because he was battle-tested last season after leaving Georgia Tech. He led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a D-League title, averaging 25 points in six playoff games.