| 20 May 2009
After much consideration and a lot of thought, I've decided that I hate the idea of a Mock Draft. It's pretty stupid because none of us in fact know where a player is going until David Stern announces the pick. Even Chad Ford is just pontificating and waiting until a team representative tells him on draft day who they're leaning towards. So I'm abolishing calling this a "mock draft." Instead, it's going to be a Mock Draft/Draft Board hybrid that we'll call the Mock Draft Board. We're going to poll the teams' bloggers and fans throughout the next month to figure out who should be taken based on need. In the first version of this, it will be strictly my opinion. Here's the board:
1. Los Angeles Clippers- PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Reason: The Los Angeles Clippers are looking to ruin another possibly bright career because that hasn't happened in years. So they're going to take Griffin #1 and begin to slowly cut down his potential. If they were smart, they'd keep Zach Randolph the hell away from Blake and allow him to learn from guys like Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman. Griffin's talents are pretty much wasted with the Mike Dunleavy system of terrible game-planning. Griffin needs to be on a team that runs a lot and it's going to take Baron Davis choking out the coach for that to happen.
Next best pick - None. This is the guy for them.
2. Memphis Grizzlies- C Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Reason: Even though there's a better player on the board, this is one of the few times in which I'll promote drafting for need over talent. Hasheem Thabeet is better than just some tall guy with no basketball skill and clumsy feet. Hasheem Thabeet has blossomed into a pretty good player over the last three years and completely changed my view on him. When he was a freshman, I felt bad that Jim Calhoun "felt like he had to play this tall guy." Fast forward a couple of years and Thabeet is a really good shot blocker and a demonstrative rebounder. He will give Memphis what they need in the middle and allow guys like Gay, Mayo, and Conley to be more aggressive on the perimeter, knowing that the eraser at the basket has their back.
Next best pick - Ricky Rubio might be too good to pass up.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder- PG Ricky Rubio, Spain
Reason: This couldn't be a better situation for the Thunder. Sure, the hometown guys wanted the hometown product in Blake Griffin to fill a big hole in the paint. But Ricky Rubio could easily be the best player in this draft. Putting him next Russell Westbrook and allowing Westbrook to be an athlete on the floor instead of the general creates a huge mismatch for opposing teams. This would give the Thunder the BEST young backcourt in the league. With Westbrook attacking the basket and Kevin Durant getting great looks from a world-class passing point guard, Rubio could put the Thunder in the middle of the playoff seeding within three years.
Next best pick - Demar DeRozan might be too good of a prospect to pass up putting alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the perimeter.
4. Sacramento Kings- PG Jrue Holiday, UCLA
Reason: The Kings are reportedly already pretty high on Jrue Holiday and if they feel like they can wait a year to explode back into the playoff hunt, it might be the best pick for them. Jrue is a hell of a point guard prospect who had a disappointing freshman season and therefore has fallen down the draft boards since November. But Geoff Petrie is smarter than that and recognizes that the UCLA slow it down, grind it out style wasn't suited for Jrue. You can put the ball in his hands, keep him on a relatively tight leash and watch him flourish into a really good point guard. Kings fans are upset at the fourth pick but Jrue could ease that pain some.
Next best pick -Tyreke Evans is also a project at the point guard who could be another Derrick Rose or another Jamal Crawford.
5. Washington Wizards- SG James Harden, Arizona State
Reason: James Harden is probably the best shooting guard in the class and that's a hole that the Wizards have been unable to fill as of late. DeShawn Stevenson is an embarrassment to trot out as a starter every night and Nick Young can't seem to do enough good to stay on the court. Harden is such a dynamic scorer that he could have the same affect on the Washington offense that Latrell Sprewell had in Flip Saunders' system in Minnesota.
Next best pick - Jordan Hill is an intriguing big man prospect that would add to the youth movement in the Wizards' frontcourt.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves- PG Brandon Jennings, Italy
Reason: This may be a bit of a stretch but hopefully the Wolves figure out that Randy Foye is not a point guard in this league. So they need to put him next to an athletic, bigish point guard to create a chaos-driven backcourt. This is where Jennings fits in. Brandon Jennings could be a big difference-maker in the offense and get the Wolves to be more efficient in getting open jumpers. But Jennings also could be a bust that people assume he will be from his inconsistent play overseas (which can't be trusted because his game is better suited for the NBA). Are the Wolves willing to take the chance?
Next best pick -Demar DeRozan is a great prospect that the young Wolves could afford to wait on.
7. Golden State Warriors- PF/C Jordan Hill, Arizona
Reason: The Warriors really need a point guard to allow Monta Ellis to play the shooting guard and they need some competent big men. Andris Biedrins is far too inconsistent and insignificant in big moments and Anthony Randolph may be better suited for a power forward on the perimeter or a small forward position. So grabbing Jordan Hill here potentially fills that void. He's an inside threat that will play with his back to the basket and hopefully give the Warriors an option in the halfcourt offense.
Next best pick -Tyreke Evans would look pretty special alongside Monta Ellis.
8. New York Knicks- G Stephen Curry, Davidson
Reason: D'Antoni wants shooters and this seems to be who he's keying in on. I can't say that it doesn't really fill a need. They need good shooters to be effective with Mr. Pringles style of play. A guy like Brandon Jennings falling would be a better situation for them because they badly need an up-tempo type of point to run the show. Curry is the best shooter in the draft and they need shooters.
Next best pick - Instead of another pick idea, what about sign-and-trade deal with the Grizzlies to acquire the second pick in exchange for the 8th and David Lee? It gives the Knicks more cap space for next off-season and Ricky Rubio.
9. Toronto Raptors- G Tyreke Evan, Memphis
Reason: This is probably the best-case scenario for the Raptors. Evans falls and they can play him alongside Jose Calderon or deal Calderon away for some big man help. Evans' ability and potential might be enough after the first two months of the season to get Chris Bosh back on board with the retooling process. Evans has star potential and that's what the Raptors need to attract big name guys to come to Toronto (or stay as is the case with Bosh).
Next best pick -Demar DeRozan is still that big name freshman on the board with a lot of talent and a lot of potential to become a star player.
10. Milwaukee Bucks- SG Demar DeRozan, USC
Reason: At this point, the point guard pool would be a little thin to invest the 10th pick here and with DeRozan on the board, he's too good for a franchise like the Bucks to pass up. Michael Redd is still a nice player but he's definitely a movable part in the next year or two. And DeRozan would be the crowd-drawing beacon to make the Bradley Center rock again. Putting him with Andrew Bogut gives you a nice big man/little ma
n foundation to build on.
Next best pick - Well, since they do need a point guard, Jonny Flynn is the best available guy. He's undersized but he could either be Tim Hardaway or D.J. Augustin. Big risk to take with a top 10 selection.
11. New Jersey Nets- F James Johnson, Wake Forest
Reason: The Nets have options at the forward positions but none of them are irreplacable. James Johnson is another Josh Howard type of potential player who could really give the Nets a nice third option to put alongside Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. Vince Carter's scoring won't be there forever and the Nets need to keep building with young, versatile players.
Next best pick - If they're looking for a rough and tough player to put alongside Brook Lopez, DeJuan Blair would be an excellent option at the power forward spot.
12. Charlotte Bobcats- G/F Gerald Henderson, Duke
Reason: All the Bobcats ever seem to do is select guys from Tobacco Road to come and play for their team. Maybe it's an attempt to draw a local crowd that gets in a frenzy over UNC and Duke players. Maybe it's a terrible strategy due to poor management. Whatever the case is, Larry Brown will love a tough, hustling player like Henderson and it gives them a decent option on the wing with Raja Bell as a defensive duo.
Next best pick - I'd like to see a scorer like Terrence Williams or a bruiser like DeJuan Blair to put alongside Emeka Okafor.
13. Indiana Pacers- G/F Terrence Williams, Louisville
Reason: T-Will as his Twitter account is calling him is almost a no-brainer here for the Pacers. They need a point guard (sort of) but they also need competent big men and competent two-way players at the wing to go with Danny Granger. Having the option of going with either Williams or Brandon Rush at the two and playing small by putting Granger as the four is a threat that Jim O'Brien will drool over.
Next best pick - If they believe that Jonny Flynn will cure their point guard issues, he's a good option here.
14. Phoenix Suns- PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Reason: If Flynn falls here, the Suns have quite a conundrum on their hands. They'll have their pick between two good point guards that excel in pushing the tempo. They'll pick Flynn over Lawson here because he's a better scorer. But someone to bridge the gap from Steve Nash to the next influx of Suns' runners is much needed here.
Next best pick - Or they go for Ty Lawson because he's a better defender and a steadier hand.
15. Detroit Pistons- PF DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Reason: What were the characteristics of the Pistons last two title teams? They were rough and physical in the paint. So I don't think Joe Dumars can afford to pass up on Blair if he falls here. He's so big, strong and tough that he'll be a nice throwback to the title teams of 5 and 20 years ago. His offense needs some work but all he has to do is give them the toughness that Ben Wallace gave them to succeed in Motown.
Next best pick - They need to rebuild their frontcourt so Gani Lawal might be the next best power forward option in the draft.
16. Chicago Bulls- F Earl Clark, Louisville
Reason: I think it's safe to say that the Bulls need help at the wing positions. With Luol Deng busting his own career (and new contract) and Ben Gordon threatening to take his ball and go elsewhere, the Bulls need scoring to go with their tough frontcourt and their stud point guard. Earl Clark will have the ability to be versatile on offense for the Bulls and provide them with a decent safety net in letting John Salmons walk after next season.
Next best pick - Sam Young is such a good scorer that he could be another option here. He doesn't have to be the man and finds a place in the offense.
17. Philadelphia 76ers- PG Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Reason: Without knowing whether or not Andre Miller will want to remain with the team, they have to begin the process of replacing him. Teague is a big enough point guard with a wide array of skills to run a team and be dangerous on offense. Philly needs that guy to distribute with scorers that are poor at creating their own shot.
Next best pick - Philly is also very disruptive on the defensive end of the court and grabbing someone like Eric Maynor may fit into that style the best.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami)- F DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
Reason: With Corey Brewer as a complete question mark and the other option being retaining Rodney Carney, Summers seems like a no-brainer here. He's very versatile and would provide the Wolves with a very dangerous and young front court. He would be able to fit in well with what Kevin Love and Al Jefferson do well.
Next best pick - Sam Young is again a great option. Assuming their point guard situation has been handled by grabbing Jennings earlier, they can focus on fulfilling a scoring option from the wing and Young does that for them.
19. Atlanta Hawks- C BJ Mullens, Ohio State
Reason: Just because Zaza Pachulia is reliving a Chris O'Donnell movie doesn't mean he's the long term answer at center. The Hawks can wait with Mullens and cultivate him during practice and in the D-Leauge. Mullens is strictly a project right now and offers no immediate help in the paint but a long term projection of him alongside Al Horford and Josh Smith doesn't sound terrible.
Next best pick - Ty Lawson is awfully good and hard to pass up here. Mike Bibby is a free agent and if he bolts, Lawson would be a great backup plan.
20. Utah Jazz- PG Eric Maynor, VCU
Reason: The Jazz need a tough, defensive-minded guy to spell Deron Williams for 15 minutes per game and Maynor fits that role perfectly. He create shots for himself and his teammates and causes a lot of problems with his ability to press for 94 feet. Brevin Knight hasn't been a real good fit in Utah and Ronnie Price is not a backup point guard in this league. Jerry Sloan would love someone with Maynor's fight.
Next best pick - Austin Daye seems like a nice option to eventually replace Andrei Kirilenko so him going here while the Jazz wait for him to develop is not a bad way to go.
21. New Orleans Hornets- PG Ty Lawson, UNC
Reason: Not everyone is sold on Ty Lawson being a legit starting point guard in this league and having him as the option behind Chris Paul is a great insurance plan for the Hornets. They have more pressing needs in the frontcourt but with nothing outstanding here at 21, they could fill the void behind Chris Paul that really hurt them last year. Plus a few years of learning under the best point guard in the league can only be good for Lawson, right?
Next best pick - If they DO have to grab a big man here, Gani Lawal would give them the best bang for their buck.
22. Dallas Mavericks- SF Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Reason: Having Gerald Green and Devean George as your backup plan for Josh Howard is a terrible decision. Grabbing Austin Daye and letting him grow in the Dallas system could be a great assett for the Mavs. And if he develops as a lot of scouts assumed he would a year ago, then you can jettison Howard away for some help at other positions.
Next best pick - Jason Kidd might not be around next year and Darren Collison would be a good guy to move into the backcourt of the Mavs. He's a good defender and a decent enough point guard at running the show.
23. Sacramento Kings (via Houston)- SF Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Reason: At this point in the draft, the Kings have addressed a problem at point guard with Holiday and can now move towards rebuilding their wing positions. Sam Young is a very good and co
nsistent scorer that would fit nicely between Hawes in the post and Martin on the other wing. Adding a player like Young would be a great step back towards prosperity for the Kings.
Next best pick - If the Kings want to save a little money now by stowing a player in Europe, Omri Casspi would be a good small forward to grab and stash across the pond.
24. Portland Trailblazers- PG Darren Collison, UCLA
Reason: This doesn't solve the Blazers problems at the point guard position completely but at worst it gives them their backup for the next decade. Collison could be very disruptive on a team where he can overplay his man, knowing that Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge are waiting behind him to block the shot.
Next best pick - Patrick Mills is more of a scorer at the point guard position and since Brandon Roy handles the ball more anyway, the Blazers might want that scorer playing alongside him in the backcourt.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via San Antonio)- PF Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech
Reason: There isn't really a center here that will wet Sam Presti's appetite so going with Lawal to beef up the frontcourt would be an excellent plan. You've already grabbed Rubio with the third pick and now have a chance to fill another need with a solid player that could play for a decade as a key guy off the bench.
Next best pick - Presti came from the Spurs school of genius and they could land a steal here by selecting Victor Claver from Spain and keeping him in Europe to develop. Claver is a top international pick and Presti learned how to properly run this type of pick selection in San Antonio.
26. Chicago Bulls (via Denver)- SG Toney Douglas, FSU
Reason: If Ben Gordon goes, this probably has to be the pick for the Bulls. Douglas is a good scoring option who could add a little depth to the Bulls backcourt. John Salmons has the capability of moving to the two when Luol Deng is healthy and having Douglas as the backup is much needed depth that the Bulls haven't had at shooting guard for a long time.
Next best pick - Chase Budinger is also a solid option this late in the first round. He was a lottery consideration two years ago and his athleticism off the bench is something they miss without Thabo Sefolosha on the team.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando)- PF Tyler Hansbrough, UNC
Reason: The Grizzlies have successfully rebuilt their frontcourt in the last year with acquiring Marc Gasol, Darrell Arthur, Hasheem Thabeet and now Tyler Hansbrough. Say what you want about how he's not that good or he looks awkward playing but Hans is a tough guy who can play with his back to the basket, absorb contact and score the ball. That's a much needed weapon off the bench for a team like Memphis.
Next best pick - Perhaps finding a better backup option for Mike Conley is what the Grizz go with here. Patty Mills and Nick Calathes would both be good options here.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Boston)- SF Omri Casspi, Spain
Reason: Minnesota already has a lot of committed money for next year so grabbing Casspi to develop in Europe while saving themselves from paying a guaranteed first round wage is the kind of penny-pinching to expect from such a dolt of an owner in Glen Taylor. Glad to see that the incompetence of the past decade didn't stem from McHale but it went all the way to the owner. Let's never forget that.
Next best pick - The Wolves were a terrible outside shooting team last year and adding someone like Wayne Ellington off the bench is definitely a solid way to go here.
29. Los Angeles Lakers- PG Nick Calathes, Florida
Reason: Derek isn't getting any younger and since Shannon Brown is in the discussion at point guard in the playoffs, it's probably time to look at that position. Calathes is the type of big point guard that Phil Jackson loved during the second half of the 90s. He has a great ability to shoot the ball and is a good passer. He'd fit in perfectly in the Lakers system and push Jordan Farmar to produce.
Next best pick - Derrick Brown would be a solid option to put in the rotation for the Lakers frontcourt. He could easily go here and beef up the muscle in case Odom leaves.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers- PG Patrick Mills, St. Mary's
Reason: The Cavs have made it their mission to surround LeBron James with shooters. Patty Mills doesn't necessarily fill a need but he's such a good scorer and shooter that it would be hard for them to pass up. Maybe it gives them more reason to get rid of Daniel Gibson as well.
Next best pick - Danny Green from UNC might be a good way to go here as well. Good shooter from outside and gives them some size at the shooting guard position.
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