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2009 NBA Mock Draft #4

24 June 2009
Here’s my fourth 2009 NBA Mock Draft. (Updated 6/25)

1.  Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin
No doubt.
Previous pick:  Blake Griffin, Griffin, Griffin

2.  Mempis Grizzlies – Hasheem Thabeet
He’s slipping a little, but with such a short supply of big men, he’ll go #2 (maybe tot he Wolves) and learn to play Offense on the fly while he provides a defensive presence.
Previous Pick:  Jordan Hill, Hasheem Thabeet, Thabeet

3.  Oklahoma City – James Harden
Though he doesn’t fill an immediate need, Harden is a polished scorer who should take some pressure off of Durant.
Previous Pick:  Hasheem Thabeet, Jordan Hill, Hill

4.  Sacramento Kings – Ricky Rubio
The Wolves may trade up to get Rubio, but if he’s there at four, he’ll be a King.
Previous Pick:  Ricky Rubio, Rubio, Rubio

5. Minnesota Timberwolves – Tyreke Evans
If the Wolves hang onto this pick, I believe Evans will be the choice. After trading Foye and Miller, the Wolves have an opening at the 2.
Previous Pick:  James Harden, Harden, Harden

6.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Stephen Curry
New Wolves GM saw firsthand what a shooter like Reggie Miller brought to the table.  Curry can run the point for the Wolves and open things up inside with his outside touch. 
Previous Pick: Brandon Jennings, Brandon Jennings 

7.  Golden State Warriors – Ty Lawson
I am going back to Lawson here.  He’s looked good in workouts and his blazing speed will translate well in Nellie’s uptempo offense.
Previous Pick:  Ty Lawson, Jrue Holliday, Curry

8.  New York Knicks – Jordan Hill
I have gone PG with my earlier picks, but an athletic big man would be a nice fit in D’Antoni’s offense.
Previous Pick:  Jonny Flynn, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings

9.  Toronto Raptors – DeMar DeRozan
With Evans gone I go back to DeMar DeRozan.  He’ll throw down plenty of Jose Calderon’s lobs.
Previous Pick:  DeMar DeRozan, DeRozan, Tyreke Evans

10.  Milwaulkee Bucks – Brandon Jennings
Another team I’ve changed my mind on a few times.  Jennings has the most upside of the PGs.
Previous Pick:  Stephen Curry, Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holliday

11.  New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark
With Jefferson gone, the Nets could go for a wing player, but Clark’s size and athleticism make more sense here.
Previous Pick: DeJuan Blair, Blair, Earl Clark

12.  Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson
His Offense is great, but Larry Brown will love his Defense.
Previous Pick:  Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson, Henderson

13.  Indiana Pacers – Jrue Holliday
Holliday slides a bit, which makes the Pacers day.  Holliday will need to develop a bit, but his ceiling is high.
Previous Pick:  Eric Maynor, Maynor, Jonny Flynn

14.  Phoenix Suns – James Johnson
Poor man’s Shawn Marion.
Previous Pick:  Earl Clark,Clark, James Johnson

15.  Detroit Pistons –  Tyler Hansbrough
His energy and toughness should translate in the NBA.  Won’t be a star, but will do the little things.
Previous Pick:  Tyler Hansbrough, Hansbrough, Hansbrough

16. Chicago Bulls – DeJuan Blair
Blair gives the Bulls a big man that should be able to contribute right away.
Previous Pick:  Tyreke Evans, Evans, Blair

17.  Philadelphia 76ers – Johnny Flynn
Flynn gets to stay on the East Coast and gives the Sixers a PG that can run the offense and take the shot when needed to.
Previous Pick:  Jeff Teague, Ty Lawson, Lawson

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves – B.J. Mullens
Who knows what’s going to happen with this pick, but if the Wolves keep it they’ll take the big man here.
Previous Pick:  B.J. Mullens, Mullens, Mullens

19.  Atlanta Hawks – Eric Maynor
I still like Maynor in this spot.  A PG that should be able to play right away.  Ceiling isn’t high on him though.  Even if the Jamal Crawford deal goes down, they’ll still need a long term answer at Point.
Previous Pick: Patrick Mills, Jeff Teague, Eric Maynor

20.  Utah Jazz – Terence Williams
Jerry Sloan will love T-Will’s toughness on D.
Previous Pick:  Gerald Henderson, Terrence Williams, Chase Budinger

21.  New Orleans Hornets – Jeff Teague
Teague gives the Hornets a combo guard who could backup CP3 or play alongside him.
Previous Pick:  Chase Budinger, Budinger, Jeff Teague

22.  Portland Trailblazers – Omri Casspri
The Blazers covet Casspri, which is why they moved up two spots to get him.
Previous Pick: Jrue Holliday, Darren Collison, Collison

23.  Sacramento Kings – Austin Daye
Daye won’t start out of the gate, but is a nice backup to Jason Thompson.
Previous Pick:  James Johnson, Johnson, Austin Daye

24.  Dallas Mavericks – Darren Collison
The Mavs still get their guy at a lower price and pick up a couple second round picks.  Not bad.
Previous Pick:  Darren Collison, Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers

25.  Oklahoma City – Sam Young
Young can defend and score.  Not a lot of upside, but should contribute right away
Previous Pick:  Gani Lawal, Lawal, Sam Young

26.  Chicago Bulls – Chase Budinger
Bulls get the athletic wing with good range after Omri moves up to the Blazers.
Previous Pick: Derrick Brown, Omri Casspri, Casspri

27.  Memphis – Taj Gibson
The bottom of the draft is a crapshoot, but Gibson would give Memphis depth in the frontcourt.
Previous Selection:  Sam Young, Young, Taj Gibson

28.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Derrick Brown
The Wolves added Guards and a Center, so adding an athletic Wing is all that’s left.
Previous Pick:  Terrence Williams, DaJuan Summers, Patrick Mills

29.  New York Knicks – Patrick Mills
The Knicks will take their PG with the pick they bought from the Lakers.
Previous Pick:  Omri Casspri, Patrick Mills, Derrick Brown

30.  Cleveland Cavaliers – Wayne Ellington
Ellington can score, which should help take some pressure off LBJ.
Previous Pick:  DaJuan Summers, Nick Calathes, Wayne Ellington

Previous Mock Drafts
Mock Draft #1:  5/21/09
Mock Draft #2:  6/11/09
Mock Draft#3:  6/17/09

2009 NBA Mock Draft #3

17 June 2009

 

Here’s my third 2009 NBA Mock Draft.  Click here for my latest 2009 NBA Mock Draft (6/24).

1.  Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin
Blake is a lock for the #1 pick.
Previous pick:  Blake Griffin, Blake Griffin 

2.  Mempis Grizzlies – Hasheem Thabeet
Thabeet’s defensive presence is too much for Memphis to pass up.  They are set at Guard already with Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo so drafting Rubio or Harden doesn’t make sense. 
Previous Pick:  Jordan Hill, Hasheem Thabeet

3.  Oklahoma City – Jordan Hill
Hill is an athletic big man that should be able to get out an run with Westbrook, Durant, and Green.
Previous Pick:  Hasheem Thabeet, Jordan Hill

4.  Sacramento Kings – Ricky Rubio
The Kings need Rubio’s star power in the worst way.  Not to mention his ability to handle the rock.  He could help bring Kevin Martin to the next level.
Previous Pick:  Ricky Rubio, Ricky Rubio

5. Washington Wizards – James Harden
Harden’s smooth play should translate well with Jamison, Bulter, and company.
Previous Pick:  James Harden, James Harden

6.  Minnesota Timberwolves – DeMar DeRozan
Though a PG makes more sense, the Wolves need players who can play right away.  DeRozan’s athleticism should get him minutes right away at 2 or 3.  
Previous Pick: Brandon Jennings, Brandon Jennings 

7.  Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry
I keep changing my mind with Golden State’s intentions.  Curry’s stock rises again.  Curry and Ellis form an interchangeable backcourt.
Previous Pick:  Ty Lawson, Jrue Holliday

8.  New York Knicks – Brandon Jennings
Having missed out on Curry, the Knicks turn to a kid with the confidence to play PG in Madison Square Garden.  Let’s just hope he has the game to match. 
Previous Pick:  Jonny Flynn, Stephen Curry

9.  Toronto Raptors – Tyreke Evans
Tyreke is a big climber as well.  He’ll look good alongside Jose Calderon in Toronto’s backcourt.
Previous Pick:  DeMar DeRozan, DeMar DeRozan

10.  Milwaulkee Bucks – Jrue Holliday
Jrue slides back a bit because of Evans’ leap, but remains in the top ten.  Gives the Bucks a solid PG if Ramon Sessions bolts. 
Previous Pick:  Stephen Curry, Jonny Flynn

11.  New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark
Concerns about Blair’s knees allow Clark to move up a few slots.  The athletic big man is a nice fit alongside Lopez.
Previous Pick: DeJuan Blair, DeJuan Blair

12.  Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson
Henderson is a good fit. Brings it on both ends of the floor.
Previous Pick:  Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson

13.  Indiana Pacers – Jonny Flynn
Flynn slides a bit to the Pacers.  Flynn can get up and go in a hurry.  Can penetrate and kick out to Granger.
Previous Pick:  Eric Maynor, Eric Maynor

14.  Phoenix Suns – James Johnson
With Clark gone, the Suns turn to another athletic forward in James Johnson.  Could be a poor man’s Shawn Marion.
Previous Pick:  Earl Clark, Earl Clark

15.  Detroit Pistons –  Tyler Hansbrough
I just like Hansbrough in this spot.  Tons of energy and toughness.
Previous Pick:  Tyler Hansbrough, Tyler Hansbrough

16. Chicago Bulls – DeJuan Blair
I had the Bulls going small in the first two mocks, but with Blair dropping a bit they add more size in the frontcourt.
Previous Pick:  Tyreke Evans, Tyreke Evans

17.  Philadelphia 76ers – Ty Lawson
Lawson would give Philly a ton of speed and should create havoc on defense.  
Previous Pick:  Jeff Teague, Ty Lawson

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves – B.J. Mullens
I wanted to go PG here, but the Wolves could use B.J.’s size taking some pressure off of Al Jefferson down low.
Previous Pick:  B.J. Mullens, B.J. Mullens

19.  Atlanta Hawks – Eric Maynor
Maynor gives the Hawks a true PG to step in when Bibby leaves.
Previous Pick: Patrick Mills, Jeff Teague

20.  Utah Jazz – Chase Budinger
Budinger gives the Jazz a solid Wing player that can stretch defenses with his outside shooting.
Previous Pick:  Gerald Henderson, Terrence Williams

21.  New Orleans Hornets – Jeff Teague
Teague gives the Hornets a solid backup to Chris Paul.  His versatility should allow him to slide into the 2-guard spot if needed.
Previous Pick:  Chase Budinger, Chase Budinger

22.  Dallas Mavericks – Darren Collison
Collison gives the Mavs a polished PG to follow Jason Kidd.
Previous Pick: Jrue Holliday, Darren Collison

23.  Sacramento Kings – Austin Daye
He will need time to develop.  The Kings aren’t going anywhere for a while so they have the time.
Previous Pick:  James Johnson, James Johnson

24.  Portland Trail Blazers – DaJuan Summers
Summers gives the Blazers an athletic Wing player.
Previous Pick:  Darren Collison, Austin Daye

25.  Oklahoma City – Sam Young
Sam gives them a wing who can score and defend.
Previous Pick:  Gani Lawal, Gani Lawal

26.  Chicago Bulls – Omri Casspri
I still like Casspri for the Bulls.  Gives them another outside threat.
Previous Pick: Derrick Brown, Omri Casspri

27.  Memphis – Taj Gibson
Gives them frontcourt depth.
Previous Selection:  Sam Young, Sam Young

28.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Patrick Mills
They took a Wing and a Big Man.  If they don’t trade away their any of their picks, they’ll likely grab a PG.  Mills could develop into a good one.
Previous Pick:  Terrence Williams, DaJuan Summers

29.  Los Angeles Lakers – Derrick Brown
With Odom likely gone, the Champs could use Brown to soften the blow.
Previous Pick:  Omri Casspri, Patrick Mills

30.  Cleveland Cavaliers – Wayne Ellington
The Cavs need someone who can score to help King James.
Previous Pick:  DaJuan Summers, Nick Calathes

Previous Mock Drafts
Mock Draft #1:  5/21/09
Mock Draft #2:  6/11/09

 

2009 NBA Mock Draft #2

11 June 2009
Here’s my second 2009 NBA Mock Draft.  Click here for my latest 2009 NBA Mock Draft (6/24).

1.  Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin
Nothing has changed here. 

Previous pick:  Blake Griffin

2.  Mempis Grizzlies – Hasheem Thabeet
The Grizzlies have a Center in Marc Gasol, but as I said in the first mock, Thabeet is a game-changer on defense.  It would be better to slide Gasol to the 4 or bring him off the bench to give them some toughness on the defensive end of the floor.
Previous Pick:  Jordan Hill

3.  Oklahoma City – Jordan Hill
With their stars on offense, it would have been nice to see Thabeet wind up in OKC.  This draft is short on bigs and Hill is the best available.
Previous Pick:  Hasheem Thabeet

4.  Sacramento Kings – Ricky Rubio
I know that everyone has Rubio going earlier, but to me it wouldn’t make sense for Memphis or OKC to take a PG when they have young ones already.  It just makes sense to me that the Kings get Rubio. 
Previous Pick:  Ricky Rubio

5. Washington Wizards – James Harden
No change here.  Harden is NBA ready and could help immediately on a NBA Playoff caliber team.
Previous Pick:  James Harden

6.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Brandon Jennings
Most have the Wolves taking a wing player, but that isn’t a primary need.  They need a PG and a C most of all.  There isn’t a C worthy of the sixth pick, so they go with a PG with a high ceiling.
Previous Pick: Brandon Jennings

7.  Golden State Warriors – Jrue Holliday
While I think Lawson would be fun in Nellie’s system, I think a PG with more size makes more sense.  Monta could move to the 2, which is a better fit.
Previous Pick:  Ty Lawson

8.  New York Knicks – Stephen Curry
Curry can flat out shoot and is a good fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system.  Knick fans may revolt if they went elsewhere. 
Previous Pick:  Jonny Flynn

9.  Toronto Raptors – DeMar DeRozan
Still a great fit for the Raptors.  A Wing with off the charts athleticism.

Previous Pick:  DeMar DeRozan

10.  Milwaulkee Bucks – Jonny Flynn
If they can lock up Ramon Sessions, they will go in a different direction, but if they lose him, Flynn will be a nice replacement. 
Previous Pick:  Stephen Curry

11.  New Jersey Nets – DeJuan Blair
The Nets stick with the stout PF from Pitt.
Previous Pick: DeJuan Blair

12.  Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson
UNC fans aren’t going to like my flip-flop here as I swap out a Ellington for Henderson. 
Previous Pick:  Wayne Ellington

13.  Indiana Pacers – Eric Maynor
This pick depends on what they decide to do with Jarrett Jack, but as much as I tried to find someone else for the Pacers to take, I ended up back with Maynor.  He can create for others and has good range. 
Previous Pick:  Eric Maynor 

14.  Phoenix Suns – Earle Clark
James Johnson seems to be the trendy pick, but I like the defensive presence Clark brings.
Previous Pick:  Earle Clark

15.  Detroit Pistons –  Tyler Hansbrough
Endless energy, willing to do the little things, ready to contribute right away. 
Previous Pick:  Tyler Hansbrough

16. Chicago Bulls – Tyreke Evans
Could go much sooner, but if he sticks around, the Bulls will nab him.
Previous Pick:  Tyreke Evans

17.  Philadelphia 76ers – Ty Lawson
The Sixers grab the speedy Lawson.  He gives them tons of speed and a floor leader.  .
Previous Pick:  Jeff Teague

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves – B.J. Mullens
The Wolves still need that Big Man.
Previous Pick:  B.J. Mullens

19.  Atlanta Hawks – Jeff Teague
Teague may not be a true PG, but with Joe Johnson on board, he doesn’t need to be.
Previous Pick: Patrick Mills 

20.  Utah Jazz – Terrence Williams
Williams can do a bit of everything, which will fit Jerry Sloan’s plans nicely.
Previous Pick:  Gerald Henderson

21.  New Orleans Hornets – Chase Budinger
Chase can play either Wing position, and should be deadly knocking down 3′s from CP3′s dishes. 
Previous Pick:  Chase Budinger

22.  Dallas Mavericks – Darren Collison
Collison gives the Mavs a polished PG to follow Jason Kidd.
Previous Pick: Jrue Holliday

23.  Sacramento Kings – James Johnson
James Johnson still seems like a good fit to me.
Previous Pick:  James Johnson

24.  Portland Trail Blazers – Austin Daye
The Blazers are pretty set so why not go with best available and allow Daye to develop his game.
Previous Pick:  Darren Collison

25.  Oklahoma City – Gani Lawal
Lawal gives OKC another banger.
Previous Pick:  Gani Lawal

26.  Chicago Bulls – Omri Casspri
The Bulls have the luxury of selecting a talented Wing player and allowing him to develop.
Previous Pick: Derrick Brown

27.  Memphis – Sam Young
Still looks like a good fit with the Grizzlies.
Previous Pick:  Sam Young

28.  Minnesota Timberwolves – DaJuan Summers
I don’t see Corey Brewer cutting it so the Wolves add the athletic Summers to challenge Ryan Gomes for the 3 spot.
Previous Pick:  Terrence Williams

29.  Los Angeles Lakers – Patrick Mills
The Lakers need to upgrade their PG situation.  Mills could develop into a solid one.
Previous Pick:  Omri Casspri

30.  Cleveland Cavaliers – Nick Calathes
The Cavs need a lot to keep LBJ in Cleveland.  Calathes will help LeBron by creating for others, taking some of that burden away.
Previous Pick:  DaJuan Summers

Previous Mock Drafts
Mock Draft #1:  5/21/09

2009 NBA Mock Draft

21 May 2009
This is my first 2009 NBA Mock Draft.  Click here for my latest 2009 NBA Mock Draft (6/24).

1.  Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin
This one is a no-brainer.  He oozes talent.  Even though they have Zach Randolph, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman, and DeAndre Jordan, they will add another big.  Griffin is too good to pass up.

2.  Mempis Grizzlies – Jordan Hill
The popular pick is Point Guard Ricky Rubio, but Memphis has Mike Conley.  With O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay, they can’t move one to off-guard.  Thabeet doesn’t make sense because they have Marc Gasol at Center.  The logical choice becomes Hill to play Power Forward.

3.  Oklahoma City – Hasheem Thabeet
Rubio would again slide simply because there is no room for him.  Like Memphis, Oklahoma City is set with Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Jeff Green.  Unless they can trade down they’ll take Thabeet, who will give them a game-changer on defense.  With the scorers they already have in place, this could end up being better than getting Griffin.

4.  Sacramento Kings – Ricky Rubio
Sacramento got screwed by the lottery system, which is totally flawed, but are happy to find Ricky Rubio fall into their laps.  He gives them a playmaker they have missed since Bibby left town. 

5. Washington Wizards – James Harden
The Wizards are much better than they played last year.  Adding a polished scorer like Harden to go along with Arenas (if he can ever get health), Butler, and Jamison makes perfect sense.
 
6.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Brandon Jennings
Forget about using Randy Foye at Point Guard.  Telfair still can’t shoot.  Adding a top notch Point Guard with crazy upside makes too much sense.  Thankfully Kevin McHale isn’t drafting or they’d take another undersized Shooting Guard.

7.  Golden State Warriors – Ty Lawson
I know he’s rated out much lower, but adding Lawson to a team that loves to get out and run makes too much sense.  He isn’t going to worry about his shots, instead getting the ball to the likes of Stephen Jackson, Monta Ellis, and company.  If he gets the minutes, he’ll be among the league leaders in steals.

8.  New York Knicks – Jonny Flynn
Flynn knows what it’s like to play on the big stage of Madison Square Garden.  He can get out and run, but has great vision.  Should be a great fit in the Knicks’ system. 
 
9.  Toronto Raptors – DeMar DeRozan
Toronto could use DeMar’s explosiveness and athleticism at SG/SF.  Jose Calderon would have a field day tossing alley-oops to him.

10.  Milwaulkee Bucks – Stephen Curry
Curry can flat out score.  He’s probably a tweener at the NBA level, but too talented to pass up. 

11.  New Jersey Nets – DeJuan Blair
While he lacks ideal size, he is a big body to bang down low with Brook Lopez. 
 
12.  Charlotte Bobcats – Wayne Ellington
The Bobcats lack a pure shooting guard and they don’t have to go far add one. 
13.  Indiana Pacers – Eric Maynor
The bigs in this draft aren’t great outside of the first couple, and the Pacers could use some help at Point Guard as Jamaal Tinsley’s days are likely numbered.

14.  Phoenix Suns – Earle Clark
The good Point Guards are gone so the Suns turn to a big SF who can make an immediate difference on D.

15.  Detroit Pistons –  Tyler Hansbrough
The Pistons need bigs badly.  In a normal draft, Hansbrough would probably slide further, but this draft is lacking in size.  Hansbrough is a tireless worker who seems to thrive when he’s disliked.  Sounds a little like Laimbeer.

16. Chicago Bulls – Tyreke Evans
Memphis was a good place to find last year’s top pick, why not go back for seconds.  Not a bad option if Ben Gordon walks.
 
17.  Philadelphia 76ers – Jeff Teague
The Sixers’ PG cupboard is bare, even if they are to re-sign Andre Miller making Teague an attractive pick.

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves – B.J. Mullens
The Wolves take a true Center that should allow them to slide Al Jefferson to the 4 at times when Kevin Love is out.  

19.  Atlanta Hawks – Patrick Mills
If Mike Bibby leaves, the Hawks would be left without a Point Guard.  Even if he does return, the Hawks could groom Mills to be his replacment.  Acie Law doesn’t appear to be the guy. 

20.  Utah Jazz – Gerald Henderson
The Jazz are pretty set, assuming Okur and Boozer are back.  They could use a solid Shooting Guard, and Henderson fits the bill.

21.  New Orleans Hornets – Chase Budinger
Chase gives them versatility as he can play the 2 or 3. 

22.  Dallas Mavericks – Jrue Holliday
If Kidd leaves and Terry slides to point, the Mavs will need a SG. At this point Holliday could be the best option.  He could log minutes at both guard positions.
 
23.  Sacramento Kings – James Johnson
The Kings are fortunate again as SF James Johnson slides to them.
 
24.  Portland Trail Blazers – Darren Collison
The Blazers are pretty well set  Why not add a playmaker like Collison?
 
25.  Oklahoma City – Gani Lawal
They added Thabeet earlier.  Adding Lawal would give them another big body.

26.  Chicago Bulls – Derrick Brown
They took a SG with their first pick and a SF with their second.

27.  Memphis – Sam Young
Memphis falls for Young’s versatility.
 
28.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Terrence Williams
The Wovles finish off a solid draft with a SG to go with the PG & C they took earlier.

29.  Los Angeles Lakers – Omri Casspri
Gives them another outside threat and they can afford to let him develop.

30.  Cleveland Cavaliers – DaJuan Summers
Summers rounds out the first round.

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