While many analysts believed that Baylor F Perry Jones III wouldn't slip past the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 12, it appears his representatives attempt to brand him as a small forward in the last few weeks have back-fired.
In the latest mock draft from SI.com, Sam Amick has the the Baylor star slipping to the very end of the lottery at No. 14 to the Houston Rockets:
The Rockets' front office is as calculated as they come. It has a habit of acquiring assets -- otherwise known as players -- that might not fit perfectly now but could come in handy later. But Jones, a top-10-worthy talent who has faced questions about his intensity level and inconsistent play, is both a good fit and a good asset (should the Rockets decide to trade him) if he falls this far. Though he's being billed as a small forward by his representatives, most teams see him as a power forward. He could play behind veteran forward Luis Scola while starting the process that he promises will take place: proving his critics wrong.
However, in many ways, Houston would be an excellent landing spot for Jones, especially since he wouldn't be losing all that much money in dropping two more slots to No. 14.
The Rockets are a solid, veteran team with an excellent young PG in Kyle Lowry and are a widely respected organization when it comes to player acquisition and development. Houston could afford to bring Jones along slowly while they also desperately need his star potential.
While everyone wants to be taken as high as they possibly can go in the draft, a lot of times, the situation where you land will have a much bigger effect on your career than your draft slot.
For more coverage on Baylor's NBA draft prospects, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas storystream and Our Daily Bears.