An NBA mock draft -- Selecting the Top 13 players

Now that the NBA draft lottery has been completed, it's time to do a Mock Draft. Here's an early look at how the lottery picks of the first round could play out at the 2002 NBA Draft on June 26.

1. Houston: Yao Ming, 7-5, C, Shanghai Sharks (China)

Although many teams would probably pass on Yao, Houston isn't one of them. The Rockets desperately need some size, and nobody in the draft is taller than the Chinese import. According to P.J. Carlesimo, who conducted Yao's workout in Chicago earlier this month, Yao is a "more mobile Shawn Bradley." However, if that is the best thing you can say about Yao, he may not be worth the No. 1 pick.

2. Chicago: Jay (Don't call me Jason) Williams, 6-2, Jr., PG, Duke

Bulls GM Jerry Krause was probably relieved that his team did not get the No. 1 pick. After selecting high schoolers Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry in last year's draft, Chicago does not need another big, young player such as Yao. Williams should be a big hit in the Windy City, where he'll take some of the scoring pressure off Jalen Rose.

3. Golden State: Mike Dunleavy, 6-9, Jr., SF, Duke

If Dunleavy decides to stay in the draft, and the guess here is that he will, it's likely that the Warriors will select him. Although Dunleavy still needs to get stronger, he could potentially be the best player to come out of this draft.

4. Memphis: Dajuan Wagner, 6-2, Fr., G, Memphis

Jerry West would like to move up to grab one of the Big Three, but it's not likely to happen. Therefore, he'll go with Wagner, who could join White Chocolate in the backcourt or take his job at the point.

5. Denver: Caron Butler, 6-7, So., SF, Connecticut

Butler's stock soared during the NCAA Tournament, when he led the Huskies to the Elite Eight. He can score from everywhere on the court, which is something the Nuggets could not do this season.

6. Cleveland: Chris Wilcox, 6-10, So., PF, Maryland

The Cavaliers will also consider Drew Gooden, but he was thoroughly outplayed by Wilcox at the Final Four. Wilcox is a power player who can run the floor and finish, something that Cleveland sorely lacks.

7. New York: Drew Gooden, 6-10, Jr., PF, Kansas

The Knicks need a center, but the guess here is that they won't be able to pass on Gooden, who is the best rebounder in the draft. Besides, who needs a center in the Eastern Conference?

8. L.A. Clippers (from Atlanta): Curtis Borchardt, 7-0, Jr., C, Stanford

Borchardt would be a logical pick, because the Clippers aren't expected to resign free-agent starting center Michael Olowokandi. But it's doubtful that Borchardt will be any better than the Kandi Man.

9. Phoenix: Nikoloz Tskitishvilli, 6-11, SF, Benetton Treviso (Italy)

This is a crucial draft for the Suns, who would like their fans to forget that they ever traded Jason Kidd for Stephon Marbury. Tskitishvilli is still a project at 19 years old, but he can hit jumpers from all over the court and is coveted by a lot of teams. Don't be surprised if he's taken a little higher.

10. Miami: Qyntel Woods, 6-8, PF, Northeast Mississippi C.C.

The versatile Woods has been compared to Tracy McGrady. Although he's still a raw talent, Woods is definitely a scorer, and that is something that Pat Riley desperately needs.

11. Washington: Jared Jeffries, 6-10, So., SF, Indiana

Jeffries can play inside and out, but he needs to add some more muscle. He'll probably have to sit on the bench for a year or two, right next to Kwame Brown.

12. L.A. Clippers: Frank Williams, 6-3, Jr., PG, Illinois

The Clippers might select high schooler Amare Stoudemire with their second first-round pick, but the guess here is that they'll take a gamble on Williams, one of the most talented players in the draft. Williams is the type of player who could be an All-Star, or a complete bust.

13. Milwaukee: Amare Stoudemire, 6-10, PF, Cypress Creek (Fla.) H.S.

Because the Anthony Mason experiment didn't work out, the Bucks will be looking to grab a power forward. Stoudemire fits the bill nicely, and so would Marcus Haislip of Tennessee.