Chad Ford's latest, greatest, and final mock draft is out today [Insider], and as usual, there's a surprise or two in store. Jan Vesely's name and the Wizard's have been linked in the draft about as often as dawn and sunlight, so that's a fairly safe bet:
The Wizards need rebounding and would love it if Kanter was still on the board. They've also been huge fans of Vesely and would jump at the chance to take him here. His ability to run the floor would be a welcome fit alongside John Wall and JaVale McGee.
Tristan Thompson is the other player to watch here. The Wizards need help on the boards and Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft.
The Jonas Valanciunas buyout has given Enes Kanter's draft stock the edge, and smart money is he's gone before the fifth pick. No word about Vesely's off-ball movement working well with Washington's ball-dominant backcourt, but don't be surprised about the Tristan Thompson mention. After the Cavaliers put chum in the water about possibly taking Thompson at No. 4 and with the Wizards thinking big, Ford would be remiss not to mention the skilled big man.
The more surprising part, though, is that Ford has Alec Burks slipping all the way to No. 18.
Why is Burks, a player being considered as high as No. 7, sliding? It's a good question. He's one of the most promising players in the draft. His game is smooth, he gets to the basket and he has major upside. If the Wizards can steal him here, they'd walk away with a really great draft.
A question that shouldn't prove too difficult to answer. No prospect's draft stock has been hurt more due to Klay Thompson's stellar workouts and Jimmermania. Burks hasn't done anything wrong, but with Thompson shooting up draft boards and Jimmer Fredette drawing more media than Kyrie Irving, Burks has been lost in the shuffle.
Finally, Ford has the Wizards taking Jordan Williams at No. 34.
The Wizards added some flash with their first two picks in the draft. With the third one, they add some toughness and rebounding. [Jordan] Williams doesn't have ideal size, nor is he a great athlete. But he's a tough rebounder.
Likely to be a few mixed reactions upon drafting a the raw prospect from Maryland. The Wizards haven't had great luck with local alumni, but hey, what's the second round for?