Playing the lottery

Here's our weekly look ahead to this spring's NBA draft and based on the standings as of Jan. 26th, how it all might unfold.

1. Charlotte -- Anthony Davis, 6-10, PF, Freshman, Kentucky.

Davis has already broken Kentucky's shot-blocking record and there is still a third of the season to go. A late growth spurt has translated into above-average passing and ball-handling skills.

2. New Orleans -- Harrison Barnes, 6-8, SF, North Carolina.

The Hornets could really use a point guard to replace Chris Paul but when you finish this low, you can draft the best player available and worry how they will fit in later. While Barnes still needs to develop more of a long-range game, most of his game is pretty well-rounded.

3. Washington -- Andre Drummond 6-10, PF/C, Freshman, UConn.

He had an easy time in high school as a man among boys, but Drummond is finding life a little tougher in the college game. He still has all of the tools to be a great NBA centre if he is willing to put forth the effort.

4. Detroit -- Jared Sullinger 6-10, PF, Sophomore, Ohio St.

Had Sullinger come out of college after his freshman season he likely would have been the first pick in the draft, but he will still be a Top 10 pick regardless. Sullinger is a throwback player who doesn't mind contact and is a force inside.

5. New Jersey -- Jeremy Lamb, 6-5, SG, Freshman, Sophomore, UConn.

Lamb's father Rolando was a first-round pick and it looks as though he has the good family genes. He played a strong second fiddle to Kemba Walker on last year's national title team while proving to be a strong defender and fearless shooter.

6. Sacramento -- Thomas Robinson, 6-8, SF/PF, Junior, Kansas.

The Nets could be looking for help in a lot of different places by the time next summer rolls around. Robinson will likely be a power forward as a pro and could be a decent one as he has all of the tools. He just needs to refine them.

7. Toronto -- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, 6-6, SF, Freshman, Kentucky.

Get ready to hear the term "long" constantly in association with Kidd-Gilchrist as he stands 6-6 and has the wingspan of a seven-footer. He is a hard-working youngster who is a great defender to boot. Third on a strong Kentucky team in scoring and second in rebounding -- just shows what a balanced game he has.

8. Utah Jazz (Golden State's pick) -- Brad Beal, 6-4, SG, Florida.

On a Gators team chalk full of veteran guards, Beal is leading the way in minutes and is second in scoring and third in rebounding. He needs to work on his ballhandling but is an outstanding shooter.

9. Phoenix -- Austin Rivers, 6-4 PG/SG, Duke.

Steve Nash is not going to be around forever in Phoenix and Doc's son looks unstoppable at times for Duke, although he may be more of a scoring guard by the time he graduates to the professional ranks.

10. Houston Rockets (New York's pick) -- Perry Jones, 6-11, SF/PF, Sophomore, Baylor.

Jones has all of the tools as he can play inside or out while possessing a nice handle and shooting touch. There are questions about his demeanor however as he has not really shown a willingness to take over a game or take much contact in the paint.