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16. HOUSTON (34-32, from New York)
PERRY JONES, F, BAYLOR
If the Rockets kept multiple picks, they could afford to take some risks. Jones has the talent to be gone before here if he'd ever figured out how to use it.
17. DALLAS (36-30)
TERRENCE ROSS, G, WASHINGTON
The Mavericks are much more interested in free agency, hoping to bring home Deron Williams to Dallas or land another big piece. In the meantime, getting younger sure would help, too.
18. HOUSTON (34-32, from Minnesota)
JARED SULLINGER, C, OHIO STATE
One more risk for the Rockets, if they're still at this spot, by taking a chance on the draft's biggest health concern. If Sullinger's back holds up, he'd be a steal here.
19. ORLANDO (37-29)
FAB MELO, C, SYRACUSE
Even if the Magic don't decide it's time to trade Dwight Howard, it would still be worth having another big man around while their All-Star center recovers from back surgery.
20. DENVER (38-28)
WILL BARTON, G, MEMPHIS
The Nuggets are so deep that's hard to tell exactly what they need. A player who fits multiple spots always works in that situation.
21. BOSTON (39-27)
ROYCE WHITE, F, IOWA STATE
While they await difficult decisions on Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the Celtics get back-to-back picks blend in some youth if their aging core sticks around.
22. BOSTON (39-27, from Clippers via Oklahoma City)
ARNETT MOULTRIE, F/C, MISSISSIPPI STATE
With no other options, the Celtics eventually moved Garnett to center last season. They may prefer to return to a conventional style whether he sticks around or not.
23. ATLANTA (40-26)
MOE HARKLESS, F, ST. JOHN'S
Josh Smith's name always seems to be linked to trade speculation, and if they do ever move him, the Hawks would want to have another athletic forward in place.
24. CLEVELAND (21-45, from Lakers)
ANDREW NICHOLSON, C, ST. BONAVENTURE
Small with their first pick, the Cavs look to the interior now.
25. MEMPHIS (41-25)
TONY WROTEN, G, WASHINGTON
After falling short against Chris Paul in the playoffs, the Grizzlies might want to look at adding another point guard for any future matchups.
26. INDIANA (42-24)
DRAYMOND GREEN, F, MICHIGAN STATE
Larry Bird, Donnie Walsh and Kevin Pritchard deciding on a pick? Whatever the Pacers do, there will certainly be some good thought being put into it.
27. MIAMI (46-20)
FESTUS EZELI, C, VANDERBILT
The Heat threw out the center position and went with Chris Bosh in the middle during their championship run. The search continues for a true man in the middle.
28. OKLAHOMA CITY (47-19)
DORON LAMB, G, KENTUCKY
Way easier said than done, but the Thunder needed a perimeter defender to cover LeBron James in the NBA Finals and keep Kevin Durant out of foul trouble. Better keep looking, because a finals rematch wouldn't surprise anyone.
29. CHICAGO (50-16)
MARQUIS TEAGUE, G, KENTUCKY
With Derrick Rose likely out all next season after tearing up his knee, point guard is the need for the Bulls.
30. GOLDEN STATE (23-43, from San Antonio).
EVAN FOURNIER, G/F, FRANCE
The Spurs have always been good at finding a quality international player around this spot, so perhaps the Warriors can do the same with San Antonio's pick.
[Associated Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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