This may go down as one of the worst drafts in history. I do expect there be some trade activity, mostly from teams that want to trade back or out of this draft. I do like this years crop of point guards though.
Barring trades here it is :
1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin F Oklahoma
This is a no brainer for LAC (I hope). In a draft such as this Griffin is the safe pick.
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet C UCONN
They could easily go with Rubio but Mike Conley picked it up last season and the Grizzlies think he is their PG of the future. They have time to develop a project such as Thabeet.
3. OK City Thunder - Ricky Rubio PG Spain
I cannot see Rubio slipping any further than this slot. Whether its OK City taking him or a trade develops. Rubio is the pick at # 3.
4. Sacramento Kings - Stephen Curry G Davidson
Assuming the Kings do not get Rubio, they take the next best thing : Stephen Curry.
5. Washington Wizards - Jordan Hill F Arizona
Wizards have a talented team but are looking for flexibility. Trading Jamison seems to be a lock so I'm going with Jordan Hill as the pick. Harden woould also be a very strong possibility if no Jamison trade is made.
6. Minnesota T'Wolves - James Harden G Arizona St
This would be a solid pick for a young team with a need for a scorer. The pieces are fitting for the T'Wolves, PG will be the focus next.
7. Golden State Warriors - Brandon Jennings PG Italy
Could be one of the steals of the draft. Jennings is not NBA ready but in year 2 or 3 the Warriors are going to be a force in the Western Conference.
8. NY Knicks - Tyreke Evans G Memphis
Upside pick here. Knicks are not in it to win this upcoming season so they can take a chance on Evans who may develop into a versatile PG/SG. He is not the Knicks # 1 choice at this point but they would be happy to have him slip to them at # 8.
9. Toronto Raptors - DeJuan Blair PF Pitt
Blair is a boom/bust type of pick. Toronto needs a banger down low and this is the best available at # 9.
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jonny Flynn PG Syracuse
Jonny Flynn has risen up draft boards all season long. # 10 seems about right for a player who has some holes but his strength, speed and ability to take to the rim are huge factors in his rise.
11. New Jersey Nets - Tyler Hansbrough PF UNC
NJ is looking for a "beast". With Blair gone they reach for Hansbrough. I do not like the pick but I'm buying the rumor on this one. Credit to Chad Ford for the leak.
12. Charlotte Bobcats - James Johnson PF Wake Forest
MJ will be phoning this one in from the clubhouse after his second round of 18. Johnson will provide frontcourt help that will Okafor & Diaw especially.
13. Indiana Pacers - Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest
I think Teague is the pick and he'll be backing up TJ Ford until TJ's next injury. This pick will also allow the versatile Jarrett Jack to play more off the ball.
14. Phoenix Suns - Gerald Henderson SG Duke
Solid pick here for Phoenix. Henderson is not flashy but he brings defense, toughness, and some scoring ability to a team that has potential to make a deep run if the team stays in tact and everyone remains healthy.
15. Detroit Pistons - BJ Mullens C Ohio St
There is a promise in place for the Pistons to take Mullens here. This makes some sense to me but I'm not a huge Mullens supporter. He is a long term project who really needed another year at Ohio State. With this pick Detroit is accepting the rebuilding stage of their franchise. What a great run they had though.
16. Chicago Bulls - Demar DeRozen SG USC
DeRozen slips to # 16. He had a disappointing year with the exception of the NCAA tourney. Too many question marks are what's preventing him from going higher, the talent is there but can he put it all together consistently?
17. Philadelphia 76ers - Jrue Holiday G UCLA
I'm torn on Holiday. He is all over the place when it comes to scouts opinions. Is his disappointing one season due to UCLA's system? Is he the next Russell Westbrook? I was hoping he would return to UCLA and prove himself worthy of a top five pick, he'll get his chance in Philly instead.
18. Minnesota T'Wolves - Ty Lawson PG UNC
The rebuilding of the T'Wolves backcourt continues with the seasoned PG out of UNC. I like the pick to bring in an experienced player who should be getting major minutes right away. Injuries with Lawson are a concern but to me this is a solid pick.
19. Atlanta Hawks - Eric Maynor PG VCU
With Lawson gone Maynor is the choice here at #19. There is talk of resigning Bibby which would allow Maynor to play a bench role and not be expected to contribute right away.
20. Utah Jazz - Austin Daye F Gonzaga
Big mystery as to what your going to get from Daye. I think with the veterans Utah has in place this would be a good fit for the versatile although inconsistent Daye.
21. NO Hornets - Wayne Ellington SG UNC
Hornets need someone who can step up and score. Ellington will get plenty of open looks and should contribute immediately.
22. Dallas Mavericks - Earl Clark F Louisville
Dallas is a team in full on middle of the pack mode. I think this pick comes down to either Clark or Casspi. I'm going with Clark as he is more NBA ready right now. Let's not forget that going into the season Clark was projected to be a top five pick. This could be a steal at # 22 for a team desperate for young talent.
23. Sacramento Kings - Omri Casspi SF Israel
After filling their backcourt need with Stephen Curry the Kings turn their attention to another need, scoring from the SF position. Can he step up right away? Probably not, but an intriguing prospect for the Kings future plans.
24. Portland TrailBlazers - Darren Collison PG UCLA
For the record I think Portland trades out of this pick. For mock draft purposes PG is the direction I assume they will take if they do not make a trade. Collison who was steady his entire career at UCLA (except in big games) could be the pick here. I projected him originally in the second round as I feel that where his value is, a first round selection and guaranteed contract seems like a reach for him.
25. OK City Thunder -Terrence Williams G/F Louisville
TWill is a solid pick this late in the first round. He does a lot of things to help but does not stand out in one particular area. Why does OK City take him here? I think he fits the backup SG/SF perfectly on this young team and his defense should get him on the floor rather quickly. OK City is building and this is going to be a fun team to watch next season.
26. Chicago Bulls - Toney Douglas G Florida St
With Ben Gordon potentially leaving the CHI with the their second pick Toney Douglas is their man. Toney is a seasoned ACC combo guard who really improved his stock in his final year at Florida State. Center is also a need for the Bulls but no real options here.
27. Memphis Grizzlies - Chase Budinger SF Arizona
Chase finds his way into the first round and may help the Grizzlies in a bench role. They need scoring help in the second unit, Chase may slide into that role.
28. San Antonio Spurs - Derrick Brown F Xavier
The SF position is a concern for the Spurs and Brown may be able to come in and at least seize a backup role right away.
29. LA Lakers -DaJuan Summers G Georgetown
The Lakers Championship team will be looking for bench help. With the lack of consistency from Sasha Vujacic,Shannon Brown, etc. I would expect the Lakers to go guard or combo guard with this pick. Ariza may be bolting LA as well.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Taj Gibson PF USC
The Cavs are in need of another big man. Taj Gibson out of USC is the pick. Jonas Jerebko is a scrappy forward out of Sweden who may be able to help in a year or two but in year two will Lebron still be a Cav?
Showing posts with label 2009 NBA MOCK DRAFT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 NBA MOCK DRAFT. Show all posts
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sunday, June 29, 2008
2009 NBA DRAFT - MOCK DRAFT! - LOTTERY AND MORE.......
Here is a quick glance at some of the top NBA prospects that are returning or will hit the college game in '09.(With the exception of Spain G Ricky Rubio.) The theme of this draft will be the amount of quality sophomores that will be drafted. Although, similar to this season there will be plenty of one and done freshman. The general consensus is this will be a weaker draft than 2008. Just a quick note, I've never been a quantity blogger and the delay in posts was not planned but my interest in hoops has not faded and I will continue to deliver the best unbiased NBA Draft info. Thanks for all the emails and concerns.
1. BJ Mullens C - Freshman Ohio St : Legit seven foot centers simply do not last long when it comes to the NBA draft. Mullens has been on scouts radar for a long time and his one year at Ohio St will more than likely solidify his standing as one of the top 3 picks in the draft. Should be one of the best rebounders in the nation and put up 12-14 pts a game as well.
2.Ricky Rubio PG - Spain : Think of Manu Ginobli as a PG. Has the same fearless, slashing type of game and is an all around pest on defense. Is one of the best players in the top Euro league, will contend for the # 1 pick in the draft. Does not possess great size or strength,may have problems defending the bigger guards in the NBA. Here are a couple YouTube vids for those who havent had a chance to see him play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqLGzkhRHN8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueL9046BDxQ&feature=related
3. Blake Griffin F - Sophomore Oklahoma : Strong, multi dimensional F who if healthy will be a first team All American for Oklahoma. Will be in the mix for the top 3 pick in the '09 draft. Good inside/outside player, does not force shots, can play within an established offensive system and put up consistent numbers. His recovery from the MCL will be a key. More effort on the defensive end is expected of Griffin this season.
4. Earl Clark F - Junior Louisville : Should be the first Junior considered (unless Thabeet jumps ahead,) # 4 may be high for Clark who really has not had a consistent full NCAA season. I see Clark improving his offensive game this season while playing on one of the top teams in the country. Clark is an absolute beast on the boards and at the very least is ready for defense and rebounding at the NBA level. As a focal point for Pitino this season expect an array of double doubles and plenty of drooling scouts courtside.
5. James Harden SG - Sophomore Arizona St : Expect a big second season from Harden in the PAC-10. Had a well rounded freshman season and showed his accurate 3 pt shooting and ability to rebound at the G position. Not the best athlete but finds ways to get er done.
6. Demar DeRozan SG - Freshman USC : USC fans may be mourning the loss of OJ Mayo after only one year but the mourning will stop the night of Midnight Madness when many will get there first look at Demar. Quite frankly the best athlete that will be in the '09 draft. If any of you saw Bill Walker play in high school you can get a good mental picture of the athleticism here. Great in transistion, will score on aggresive drives to the hole has good size and NBA ready body right now. Can he consistently hit the three and be an effective ball handler within an NCAA offense?
7. Haseem Thabeet F/C - Junior UCONN : Defense, Defense, Defense. I don't know how Calhoun convinced Haseem to come back for his Junior season but its going to help him immensely in his transition to the NBA. He came into UCONN as raw as sushi and still is, but you can see how much he has improved each season that makes you think of how good this guy can be. His range offensively is still limited but thats not what will get him drafted this high. He is the best big man defender coming out in '09 and if his rebounding improves he will be top ten pick. Any scoring is a bonus but 8-10 points a game is not out of the question in the NBA for Haseem
8. Patrick Patterson F - Sophomore Kentucky : Had a good first season in Lexington. Was one of the top prospects coming into 2008 but needs to improve his outside play to get drafted this high. Can score from the post with ease at the NCAA level, in the NBA not so much. He will need to add muscle to continue with the current skill set he has now or work hard to improve his outside shot. I think he will do both and be one of the top players in the country next season.
9.Ty Lawson PG - Sophomore North Carolina : Ok, so we know he likes to get his booze on and probably blew his chance to get drafted at # 20 to the Nuggets but another year(and probable NCAA championship) will not hurt Lawson. NBA execs love speed from the PG position and Lawson gives you that and more. Can score but needs to improve consistency from 3 and his defense is OK not great.
10. Austin Freeman SG - Sophomore Georgetown : Highly touted recruit out of the Greater DC area. Will have more responsibilty next season to show his game. Great scorer, can finish around the hoop as well as step out for the three ball. More minutes will result in NBA teams coming around on him. Needs to measure at least 6-4.
11. Darren Collison PG - Senior UCLA : Floor general for one of the top programs in the country. Expect a huge season from him, really had a chance to get drafted high in '08 but will be back for another run. Look for first team All American honors and an improvement in outside shooting.
12. Brandon Jennings PG - Freshman Arizona : Look for Jennings to help fill the departure of Bayless. Will not start right away but will contribute to a more steady Wildcat team from day one. Can distribute the ball to key scorers and can play the transition game. I'm not expecting big numbers though as from what I have seen he looks to be a little undersized and may not be ready right away offensively. He will declare and be one of those players who should return for a second season. We will see.
13. JaJuan Johnson F/C - Sophomore Purdue : Should be a double double machine in the Big Ten in his second season. Was a project coming into Purdue but has increased muscle and has been coached to have more of an impact on the defensive end. Very raw but his potential is what gets him drafted in this spot.
14.Nick Calathes G - Sophomore Florida : Very Active guard who is one of the more versatile players in the NCAA. Closer to 6-4 not the 6-6 listed on the Gator web site. Has good ball handling, can play PG for stretches but more of a 2 guard. Is a slasher, will be extremely effective at driving and dishing and running the pick and roll in the NBA.
That is the lottery as I see it right now. Now here are a few more names for you to research and tell me I'm crazy for not putting in the top 14!
Austin Dave F - Sophomore Gonzaga - Has really improved since he arrived on the Gonzaga campus. I think what you'll see this season is 18 points and 8 boards on a consistent basis. His size is really intriguing, if he can bulk up I would move him up a couple of spots.
Chase Budinger SF - Junior Arizona : Smooth forward with good size (height, not weight). Will float around in an offense and takes his looks when available. Not a dominant player. Great athlete, not a white stiff although he looks like one. HAs a chance to be the man in Zona next season, keep an eye out for him to move up a bit.
Stephen Curry G - Sophomore Davidson : Looks 12 years old and does not have ideal size by any means but is the best player in the NCAA. Many big time coaches are killing themselves over not taking a chance on this kid. NBA scouts are not yet sold on Curry because of the size/strength issue but he has heart, is a winner, and is the best pure shooter in the '09 draft. Good genes from long time NBA veteran Dell Curry doesn't hurt. Can he play the PG? If JJ Redick can get himself drafted (After a DUI, never less) Curry can and will also. Look for him to go in the 18-24 range.
Jrue Holiday PG - Freshman UCLA : One of the nations most sought after recruits stays close to his roots and lands at powerhouse UCLA. I'm not sure at this point what to expect in terms of minutes and what his role will be since Collison returned for his senior year. He can play the 2 guard well but what I think will get him in the lottery will be his ability to be a top PG. 2 years at UCLA will get him there.
Kyle Singler F - Sophomore Duke : Had an uneven first season at Duke. Admittedly needs to improve both on the offensive end and defensive end. Not a game changer but quietly fills the stat sheet. Plays like a Euro. May be a rotation player in the NBA if he can show ability to defend in the post and expand his game. Expect him to stay at Duke post '09, if not he should go in the 15-18 range.
Tyler Hansbrough PF - Senior North Carolina : Psycho T will be one of the few seniors taken which does not fare well for the senior class as a whole. We have all seen what he can do at this point so I wont bore you with the details. Will be a late first round pick to a top playoff team.
Tyrese Rice G - Junior Boston College - Scoring combo guard can heat up and take over a game offensively. How effective will he be in the NBA is the question? His size is an issue and is not a PG by any means. Will be a late first rounder.
Tyreke Evans SG - Memphis
Jerome Jordan C - Tulsa
Al-Farouq Aminu SF - Wake Forest
Nayal Koshwal PF - Depaul
Damion James SF - Sophomore Texas
Gerald Henderson G - Junior Duke
Jordan Hill PF - Arizona
Jeremy Pargo PG - Gonzaga
Omri Casspi F - Israel
1. BJ Mullens C - Freshman Ohio St : Legit seven foot centers simply do not last long when it comes to the NBA draft. Mullens has been on scouts radar for a long time and his one year at Ohio St will more than likely solidify his standing as one of the top 3 picks in the draft. Should be one of the best rebounders in the nation and put up 12-14 pts a game as well.
2.Ricky Rubio PG - Spain : Think of Manu Ginobli as a PG. Has the same fearless, slashing type of game and is an all around pest on defense. Is one of the best players in the top Euro league, will contend for the # 1 pick in the draft. Does not possess great size or strength,may have problems defending the bigger guards in the NBA. Here are a couple YouTube vids for those who havent had a chance to see him play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqLGzkhRHN8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueL9046BDxQ&feature=related
3. Blake Griffin F - Sophomore Oklahoma : Strong, multi dimensional F who if healthy will be a first team All American for Oklahoma. Will be in the mix for the top 3 pick in the '09 draft. Good inside/outside player, does not force shots, can play within an established offensive system and put up consistent numbers. His recovery from the MCL will be a key. More effort on the defensive end is expected of Griffin this season.
4. Earl Clark F - Junior Louisville : Should be the first Junior considered (unless Thabeet jumps ahead,) # 4 may be high for Clark who really has not had a consistent full NCAA season. I see Clark improving his offensive game this season while playing on one of the top teams in the country. Clark is an absolute beast on the boards and at the very least is ready for defense and rebounding at the NBA level. As a focal point for Pitino this season expect an array of double doubles and plenty of drooling scouts courtside.
5. James Harden SG - Sophomore Arizona St : Expect a big second season from Harden in the PAC-10. Had a well rounded freshman season and showed his accurate 3 pt shooting and ability to rebound at the G position. Not the best athlete but finds ways to get er done.
6. Demar DeRozan SG - Freshman USC : USC fans may be mourning the loss of OJ Mayo after only one year but the mourning will stop the night of Midnight Madness when many will get there first look at Demar. Quite frankly the best athlete that will be in the '09 draft. If any of you saw Bill Walker play in high school you can get a good mental picture of the athleticism here. Great in transistion, will score on aggresive drives to the hole has good size and NBA ready body right now. Can he consistently hit the three and be an effective ball handler within an NCAA offense?
7. Haseem Thabeet F/C - Junior UCONN : Defense, Defense, Defense. I don't know how Calhoun convinced Haseem to come back for his Junior season but its going to help him immensely in his transition to the NBA. He came into UCONN as raw as sushi and still is, but you can see how much he has improved each season that makes you think of how good this guy can be. His range offensively is still limited but thats not what will get him drafted this high. He is the best big man defender coming out in '09 and if his rebounding improves he will be top ten pick. Any scoring is a bonus but 8-10 points a game is not out of the question in the NBA for Haseem
8. Patrick Patterson F - Sophomore Kentucky : Had a good first season in Lexington. Was one of the top prospects coming into 2008 but needs to improve his outside play to get drafted this high. Can score from the post with ease at the NCAA level, in the NBA not so much. He will need to add muscle to continue with the current skill set he has now or work hard to improve his outside shot. I think he will do both and be one of the top players in the country next season.
9.Ty Lawson PG - Sophomore North Carolina : Ok, so we know he likes to get his booze on and probably blew his chance to get drafted at # 20 to the Nuggets but another year(and probable NCAA championship) will not hurt Lawson. NBA execs love speed from the PG position and Lawson gives you that and more. Can score but needs to improve consistency from 3 and his defense is OK not great.
10. Austin Freeman SG - Sophomore Georgetown : Highly touted recruit out of the Greater DC area. Will have more responsibilty next season to show his game. Great scorer, can finish around the hoop as well as step out for the three ball. More minutes will result in NBA teams coming around on him. Needs to measure at least 6-4.
11. Darren Collison PG - Senior UCLA : Floor general for one of the top programs in the country. Expect a huge season from him, really had a chance to get drafted high in '08 but will be back for another run. Look for first team All American honors and an improvement in outside shooting.
12. Brandon Jennings PG - Freshman Arizona : Look for Jennings to help fill the departure of Bayless. Will not start right away but will contribute to a more steady Wildcat team from day one. Can distribute the ball to key scorers and can play the transition game. I'm not expecting big numbers though as from what I have seen he looks to be a little undersized and may not be ready right away offensively. He will declare and be one of those players who should return for a second season. We will see.
13. JaJuan Johnson F/C - Sophomore Purdue : Should be a double double machine in the Big Ten in his second season. Was a project coming into Purdue but has increased muscle and has been coached to have more of an impact on the defensive end. Very raw but his potential is what gets him drafted in this spot.
14.Nick Calathes G - Sophomore Florida : Very Active guard who is one of the more versatile players in the NCAA. Closer to 6-4 not the 6-6 listed on the Gator web site. Has good ball handling, can play PG for stretches but more of a 2 guard. Is a slasher, will be extremely effective at driving and dishing and running the pick and roll in the NBA.
That is the lottery as I see it right now. Now here are a few more names for you to research and tell me I'm crazy for not putting in the top 14!
Austin Dave F - Sophomore Gonzaga - Has really improved since he arrived on the Gonzaga campus. I think what you'll see this season is 18 points and 8 boards on a consistent basis. His size is really intriguing, if he can bulk up I would move him up a couple of spots.
Chase Budinger SF - Junior Arizona : Smooth forward with good size (height, not weight). Will float around in an offense and takes his looks when available. Not a dominant player. Great athlete, not a white stiff although he looks like one. HAs a chance to be the man in Zona next season, keep an eye out for him to move up a bit.
Stephen Curry G - Sophomore Davidson : Looks 12 years old and does not have ideal size by any means but is the best player in the NCAA. Many big time coaches are killing themselves over not taking a chance on this kid. NBA scouts are not yet sold on Curry because of the size/strength issue but he has heart, is a winner, and is the best pure shooter in the '09 draft. Good genes from long time NBA veteran Dell Curry doesn't hurt. Can he play the PG? If JJ Redick can get himself drafted (After a DUI, never less) Curry can and will also. Look for him to go in the 18-24 range.
Jrue Holiday PG - Freshman UCLA : One of the nations most sought after recruits stays close to his roots and lands at powerhouse UCLA. I'm not sure at this point what to expect in terms of minutes and what his role will be since Collison returned for his senior year. He can play the 2 guard well but what I think will get him in the lottery will be his ability to be a top PG. 2 years at UCLA will get him there.
Kyle Singler F - Sophomore Duke : Had an uneven first season at Duke. Admittedly needs to improve both on the offensive end and defensive end. Not a game changer but quietly fills the stat sheet. Plays like a Euro. May be a rotation player in the NBA if he can show ability to defend in the post and expand his game. Expect him to stay at Duke post '09, if not he should go in the 15-18 range.
Tyler Hansbrough PF - Senior North Carolina : Psycho T will be one of the few seniors taken which does not fare well for the senior class as a whole. We have all seen what he can do at this point so I wont bore you with the details. Will be a late first round pick to a top playoff team.
Tyrese Rice G - Junior Boston College - Scoring combo guard can heat up and take over a game offensively. How effective will he be in the NBA is the question? His size is an issue and is not a PG by any means. Will be a late first rounder.
Tyreke Evans SG - Memphis
Jerome Jordan C - Tulsa
Al-Farouq Aminu SF - Wake Forest
Nayal Koshwal PF - Depaul
Damion James SF - Sophomore Texas
Gerald Henderson G - Junior Duke
Jordan Hill PF - Arizona
Jeremy Pargo PG - Gonzaga
Omri Casspi F - Israel
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