2009 NBA Draft Grades

Los Angeles Clippers-(Blake Griffin) A

The Clippers made one of the easiest decisions the draft has ever presented, but they get an A for walking away with the best talent available this year. They now need to thin out a crowded frontcourt: they’d love to get rid of Zach Randolph, but Marcus Camby is the more tradeable asset. The other big question in Clipper land is Baron Davis-if he returns to pre-LA form, the Clippers could be a playoff team.

Memphis Grizzlies-(Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll Sam Young) B+

The Grizzlies clearly went into the draft with the intentions of improving their defense, and they get an A+ for that. Sam Young is one of the draft’s best steals in the second round, and Carroll fits in well with what the Grizzlies are trying to do. I’m not as sold on their biggest investment, Hasheem Thabeet. He possesses great shot-blocking and rebounding abilities, and will be a strong defensive presence. I don’t think he has the potential to develop enough offensively to be worthy of such a high pick. Not a terrible pick by Memphis, but also not a great one.

Oklahoma City Thunder-(James Harden, B.J. Mullens, Robert Vaden) A-

Harden is a versatile scorer who is best described as crafty. He’ll fit in well with the Thunder’s young core, but it would have been quite an offense with Rubio running the point. They desperately need a true center, and Mullens has a chance of developing into one. I don’t see Vaden making the team. Overall, another good draft for the Thunder.

Sacramento Kings-(Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, Jon Brockman) B+

Tyreke Evans could turn out to be the draft’s best player, but I doubt he will. His lack of athleticism will limit his ceiling, and though Evans should make more of an immediate impact, the Kings should have chosen Rubio. Omri Casspi is a smart pick who will provide strong defensive toughness in a couple of years. Jon Brockman will stick in the league, but the Kings should have chosen Derrick Brown.

Minnesota Timberwolves-(Ricky Rubio, Jonny Flynn, Wayne Ellington, Nick Calathes, Henk Norel) C+

The Timberwolves had a chance to fill their backcourt holes with Ricky Rubio and Stephen Curry, but instead chose Rubio and Jonny Flynn. I love Flynn’s talent, but both he and Rubio are “give me the ball” point guards, not combo guards. They cannot co-exist on the same court, and 5 and 6 are not where teams should be looking for backups. Either the T-Wolves have some offensive scheme in mind that has never before been conceived, or they wanted to be sure they got a good guard. The bottom line is theyhad a chance to fill two holes, instead they blew up one. Wayne Ellington is a solid pick, and Nick Calathes is a good second round value, even if he is a point guard. By the way, if Minnesota wanted two point guards, they should have kept Lawson and drafted another position at 6.

Golden State Warriors (Stephen Curry) A

Curry is an outstanding pick for the Warriors. He is my pick (and apparently Dickie V.’s also) to win rookie of the year, and gives Golden State an excellent backcourt with Monta Ellis. He is also a versatile guard that can play the point if the Warriors and Ellis continue to squabble.

New York Knicks- (Jordan Hill, Toney Douglas) A-

The Knicks really wanted Curry, but Hill was the best player they could grab at 8. Toney Douglas is a underrated scorer, and for the cash the Knicks had to pay, a very nifty steal. Still, losing out on Curry could haunt the Knicks for years to come.

Toronto Raptors-(Demar Derozan) A

Derozan is another guy drafted on potential, but unlike the others, he showed more than flashes. He was one of the best players in the country towards the end of the season, and has the total package offensively. He is just the explosive wing scorer that the Raptors needed, and if they’re patient, he could turn into a special player.

Milwaukee Bucks-(Brandon Jennings ,Jodie Meeks) B

Brandon Jennings might be the most talented point guard in the draft, but talent isn’t the only thing that counts. Jennings didn’t put it together in Europe, didn’t show very well in workouts and has exhibited poor decision making throughout. He didn’t even show up on time to the draft. How is that even possible? You just have to wonder if he’ll ever figure it out, and the Bucks made a risky choice at 10, that could either pay off or hurt them down the road. Jodie Meeks is a capable scorer that needs to work on creating his own shot.

New Jersey Nets-(Terrence Williams) B+

Nets president Rod Thorn got his guy, and only time will tell if the GM was right about Williams. He had a great workout circuit, but was very inconsistent at Louisville. The Nets will have trouble replacing Vince Carter, and this will only add pressure on Williams to produce early.

Charlotte Bobcats-(Gerald Henderson, Derrick Brown) A

Gerald Henderson is an explosive scorer who has all the tools he will need to succeed at the next level: he is a mature player who grew up watching his dad play in the NBA, is an athletic finisher, an adequate shooter and is ready to contribute right away. Derrick Brown is a first round talent that the Bobcats were lucky to get in the second round. He should be a good backup to Emeka Okafor.

Indiana Pacers-(Tyler Hansbrough, A.J. Price) C+

Larry Bird must have seen a lot of himself in Tyler Hansbrough: he is a skilled passer, has an endless motor, plays with toughness and intelligence, is athletically limited and outworks everyone on the court. Unfortunately for Bird and Indiana, Hansbrough just does not have starter potential, and teams should expect that at 13. A.J. Price could be a solid backup point guard.

Phoenix Suns- (Earl Clark, Taylor Griffin, Emir Preldzic) A-

Earl Clark is a perfect fit for Phoenix: he can shoot, rebound and gives the Suns an infusion of athleticism. He should be able to do a lot of the things that Shawn Marion did for the Suns a few years ago, and should also provide needed flexibility. He can play and defend as a 3 or 4. Taylor Griffin and Emir Preldzic both seem headed for Europe.

Detroit Pistons-(Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers, Jonas Jerebko) A

Austin Daye is a huge project, and the Pistons are aware of his high bust potential. He is nevertheless a great pick for an aging Detroit team. Most of the players remaining when the Pistons picked have role player potential, and Detroit needs more than that to win. Daye has a chance, just a chance to be a superstar, but that is enough for a team whose window to win right now is gone. Second round picks DaJuan Summers and Jonas Jerebko are both first round talents and will someday be effective players for the Pistons. Jerebko may spend another year or two in Europe.

Chicago Bulls-(James Johnson, Taj Gibson) B-

James Johnson is a good pick for Chicago. He can play the 3 and 4, and will give them some offense and a safety valve depending on what happens with Luol Deng. He’ll be a very good bench option for a talented Chicago team. The Gibson pick is very puzzling: he was projected to go in the second round, and for good reason. He is skinny, and has a questionable work ethic and attitude. He was also very inconsistent at USC.

Philadelphia 76ers-(Jrue Holiday) A

Holiday is a top-8 talent whose lack of production at UCLA pushed him out of the lottery. His potential got him some looks throughout the early parts of the draft, (particularly 4, 10 and 13), but he was deemed too risky of a pick. At 17, his potential makes him a great choice, especially for a team in need of a point guard sooner or later.

Denver Nuggets-(Ty Lawson) A+

Denver went into the draft without a first round pick, and came away with a great point guard prospect. Lawson was the most productive player in the country last year at North Carolina, and his speed and decision-making will make him a good pro. He will also benefit from playing behind Chauncey Billups, and he will give Denver a nice change of pace off the bench. The pick that Denver gave up will likely be in the twenties, far below Lawson’s value.

Atlanta Hawks-(Jeff Teague, Sergly Gladyr) B

Jeff Teague is a talented point guard who gets to the basket so easily it seems like he has an escort. Still, he faded badly down the stretch at Wake Forest, and could be a bust. He is Bibby insurance in case the veteran guard bolts or gets too costly. Gladyr will probably stay in Europe.

Utah Jazz-(Eric Maynor, Goran Suton) C+

The Jazz didn’t lose to the Lakers because they didn’t have a good backup point guard. DaJuan Blair would have been a smart pick, especially since Carlos Boozer’s days in Utah appear to be numbered. Goran Suton is a long shot to make the team.

New Orleans Hornets-(Darren Collison, Marcus Thornton) B-

I like the Hornets’ second round pick more than their first. The Hornets have real frontcourt problems, and Collison is a backup point guard picked 8 slots too early. Thornton is a good perimeter player who could have been a first round pick.

Portland Trailblazers-(Victor Claver, Dante Cunningham, Jeff Pendergraph, Patrick Mills) B+

Victor Claver has lottery talent, and Portland will let him develop for two more years in Europe. Most scouts had Dante Cunningham going about 15 picks later, but he could work for the Blazer’s system. Jeff Pendergraph is a good-character guy whom Portland traded for, so they probably have some long-term ambitions for him. Patrick Mills is an intriguing prospect who has several deficiencies, but I still saw him going much higher: his name usually appears with the word “upside.”

Dallas Mavericks-(Rodrique Beaubois, Ahmad Nivins) B

Rorrique Beaubois is one of the more athletic international prospects in the draft, who elicits comparisons to Leandro Barbosa. Nivins is a still-developing player who seems like a good fit for the NBDL. He might play in the NBA eventually.

Los Angeles Lakers-(Chinemelu Elonu) Incomplete

The Lakers might be dealing with some seller’s remorse after they gave up the chance to draft DeJuan Blair, aka “the perfect Laker.” They also gave up their first second round choice, which was puzzling: why not draft Nick Calathes and let him stay in Greece for a season or two? Elonu is not going to make the team, but I can’t blame the Lakers for what they did. They don’t need any more players, and are already over the luxury tax without Odom, Ariza and Shannon Brown.

Cleveland Cavaliers-(Christian Eyenga, Danny Green) A-

Eyenga is years away from playing in the NBA, but that’s just fine for Cleveland. Danny Green is a great steal for the Cavaliers, and should be a nice replacement for Wally Sczerbiak.

Houston Rockets-(Jermaine Taylor, Sergio Llull, Chase Buddinger) A+

The Rockets went into the draft with no picks, and bought three players. If an owner is willing to do that, I have to give him a lot of credit, no matter who the players are. As it happens, the Rockets ended up with three good prospects. Taylor is an underrated scorer who went to a small college, but has huge offensive talent. Sergio Llull could be very strong after a few more years of seasoning in Europe. Chase Buddinger could have gone in the first round, and is a superb second round get. The Rockets really need a superstar foot doctor more than anything else though.

Miami Heat-(Patrick Beverly, Robert Dozier) B+

Miami did not have the picks to add any really good players, but they did well considering what they had. Patrick Beverly is a good point guard prospect who should make the team. Dozier will have to have a great pre-season to get a contract.

San Antonio Spurs-(DeJuan Blair, Jack McClinton) A+

The Spurs stole the draft by getting their starting power forward in the second round. McClinton could be a good scorer in a few years. With Jefferson and Blair, the Spurs should be a dangerous team.

Boston Celtics-(Lester Hudson) Incomplete

All Boston had was the 58th pick, and they couldn’t get a player there who could make their team. Hudson will be a good European player.

By: Jonah Rosenbaum

Lead NBA Draft Analyst for Scouting The Sports

NBA Draft 2009: Results

No. Team Player Pos.
1. Clippers Blake Griffin PF
2. Grizzlies Hasheem Thabeet C
3. Thunder James Harden SG
4. Kings Tyreke Evans SG
5. Timberwolves Ricky Rubio PG
6. Timberwolves Jonny Flynn PG
7. Warriors Stephen Curry PG
8. Knicks Jordan Hill PF
9. Raptors DeMar DeRozan SG
10. Bucks Brandon Jennings PG
11. Nets Terrence Williams SG
12. Bobcats Gerald Henderson SG
13. Pacers Tyler Hansbrough PF
14. Suns Earl Clark SF
15. Pistons Austin Daye SF
16. Bulls James Johnson PF
17. 76ers Jrue Holiday PG
18. Timberwolves Ty Lawson PG
19. Hawks Jeff Teague PG
20. Jazz Eric Maynor PG
21. Hornets Darren Collison PG
22. Trail Blazers Victor Claver SF
23. Kings Omri Casspi SF
24. Mavericks B.J. Mullens C
25. Thunder Rodrigue Beaubois PG
26. Bulls Taj Gibson PF
27. Grizzlies DeMarre Carroll PF
28. Timberwolves Wayne Ellington SG
29. Lakers Toney Douglas SG
30. Cavaliers Christian Eyenga SF

Round 2

No. Team Player Pos.
1. Kings Jeff Pendergraph PF
2. Wizards Jermaine Taylor SG
3. Trail Blazers Dante Cunningham PF
4. Nuggets Sergio Llull PG
5. Pistons DaJuan Summers SF
6. Grizzlies Sam Young SF
7. Spurs DeJuan Blair PF
8. Trail Blazers Jon Brockman PF
9. Pistons Jonas Jerebko SF
10. Bobcats Derrick Brown PF
11. Bucks Jodie Meeks SG
12. Lakers Patrick Beverley PG
13. Heat Marcus Thornton SG
14. Pistons Chase Budinger SG
15. Timberwolves Nick Calathes PG
16. Cavaliers Danny Green SF
17. Timberwolves Henk Norel PF
18. Suns Taylor Griffin SF
19. Hawks Sergiy Gladyr SG
20. Jazz Goran Suton C
21. Spurs Jack McClinton SG
22. Pacers A.J. Price PG
23. Spurs Nando De Colo PG
24. Bobcats Robert Vaden SG
25. Trail Blazers Patrick Mills PG
26. Mavericks Ahmad Nivins PF
27. Suns Emir Preldzic SF
28. Celtics Lester Hudson SG
29. Lakers Chinemelu Elonu PF
30. Heat Robert Dozier SF

2009 NBA Mock Draft Final Edition

Mock Draft Final Edition

1.Los Angeles Clippers- Blake Griffin 6’10 PF Oklahoma

There has been no movement at this spot, and there isn’t going to be.  So much of basketball is luck, and the Clippers got lucky.  Griffin is an ultra-talented big who can attack the rim with ferocious athleticism.  He is solid with his back to the basket, and plays with consistent energy and toughness.  It would serve him well to extend his shooting range and improve his on-ball defense, but his worst-case scenario is probably Amare Stoudamire. The Clippers were dealt pocket aces, but with a flop of Mike Dunleavy, Baron Davis and Al Thornton, they still have plenty of time to lose the hand.  Good thing nobody’s watching.

2. Memphis Grizzlies- Hasheem Thabeet 7’3 C UConn

At number two, the Grizzlies are my first team on trade watch.  They are not going to take Rubio, because teams have learned the hard way not to draft an international player against his will. (Yi Janlian, anyone?)  Hasheem Thabeet is the most viable option: he is an athletic big who can run the court, and will provide an instant defensive presence.  The problem is that Thabeet is a very imperfect player who does not possess a developed offensive game. He carries with him more question marks than teams expect to see this high in the draft, and has an alarming bust potential. Minnesota has four first round picks, (including five and six) and have not hidden their desire to draft Ricky Rubio.  I just don’t see Memphis picking here.

3.Oklahoma City Thunder- Ricky Rubio 6’3 PG Spain

If Minnesota trades their way ahead of Ok. City, Rubio won’t be here.  The Thunder would then have to choose between Thabeet and James Harden.  If Memphis stays put, the Thunder would be thrilled to take the Spaniard.  Westbrook would have to embrace an off the ball role, but a core of Rubio, Durant, Green and Westbrook would be a strong step to building a formidable team.

4.Sacramento Kings- Jonny Flynn-6’1 PG Syracuse

Flynn has soared above the crowded group of point guards (after Rubio) that will be filling up the green room this Thursday. He is lightning quick and an explosive leaper, an outstanding penetrator and a good floor general. He has a nice mid-range game, but his outside shot is inconsistent and he is slightly undersized.  Sacramento seems locked in on a point guard, and Jrue Holiday is the dark horse if the Kings decide against Flynn. Stephen Curry is also a possibility.

5.Minnesota Timberwolves (from Washington)-James Harden 6’4 SG Arizona State

This is really not a likely situation. Minnesota is not going to keep both the 5^th and 6^th pick, so I’ll give them the two best players available so the rest of the mock draft is not thrown off.  Harden is a crafty scorer who could go as high as number 3 to the Thunder. He is a smart, unselfish, and complete basketball player, who in one way or another, is an offensive catalyst.  He averaged four assists on an Arizona State squad not loaded with offensive talent, and was a model of efficiency, shooting nearly fifty percent from the field.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves- Tyreke Evans 6’5 PG/SG Memphis

Obviously, the T-Wolves are not going to take two shooting guards.  If they can figure out away to nab the second pick while keeping either the 5^th or 6^th ,(maybe 5^th and 18^th), then they’ll take either Evans or Harden. Evans is a combo guard with seemingly limitless potential.  He could go as high as 2, and the Kings will take a hard look at him at 4. To many, Evans is the second best prospect in the draft, with the ability to become a great scorer.  Evans demonstrated his intelligence with a flawless transition to the point at Memphis, but he struggled playing the 2, his projected NBA position.  My only other concern regarding Evans is that he does not have the elite athleticism that the best wing players possess. Still, Evans has all the tools to be a superstar.

7. Golden State Warriors-Jordan Hill 6’9 PF Arizona

The Warriors have plenty of talent, but no direction or vision for their team.  Year after year, they take the most attractive prospect, instead of the one they need. They drafted Brandon Wright in 2007, and Anthony Randolph in 2008, which is sort of like a producer signing Mary Kate to play a part in a movie, and than after her poor performance, going after Ashley for the sequel. The Warriors have to make some hard decisions, most notably what to do with Monta Ellis. I don’t believe in letting troublemaking, motorcycle-crashing point guards run your team, but Ellis is the Warriors’ best player. If they draft a point guard, they will likely lose Ellis. There really is not a point guard that much better than Ellis in this draft, so the Warriors might just take their third power forward in as many years. Hill is very athletic, which pushes him towards the defensive specialist role, but ironically, defense was his greatest weakness is his defense.   Still, he has huge athleticism and was a monster in college.  His overall upside and his rebuilding ability make him worthy of this selection.

8. New York Knicks-Stephen Curry 6’3 PG Davidson

The Knicks locked on to Curry from almost day one, and are praying he is still on the board when they pick. They’ll have to hold their breath when Oklahoma City and Sacramento choose, but the real danger zone is the 5-6 slots,which could belong to a number of teams at this point. Curry is a great talent who would fit in well with the re-building project going on in New York. Sure he inflated his numbers against a collection of colleges that America has never heard of, but he also passed just about every major test he had in his stellar college career. He put up 25 points against eventual national champion Kansas in ‘08, 33 against Wisconsin in the sweet 16, 30 against Georgetown, and 40 against Gonzaga. That’s an average of over 30 points a game against four major programs. Curry had no trouble switching over to play the point, and will overcome his wiry frame to be a really good NBA player. Curry did what he did with every ounce of his opponent’s energy focused on him and that won’t be close to the case in the NBA. Well, actually, do the Knicks have another scoring threat?

9. Toronto Raptors- Demar Derozan 6’6 SG USC

This is a situation similar to the Curry one in New York. There is little question Derozan is the Raptors guy, and for good reason. They need a wing scorer, and Derozan could be the most athletic NBA swingman to call Canada home since Vince Carter. After taking a surprisingly long time to get adjusted to the college level, Derozan was one of the best players in the country by the end of the year. He has breathtaking athleticism and finishes above the rim. He has an NBA ready body, and hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential. Toronto is not the only team that sees this, and once again, the Raptors best chance of loosing him will come at 5 and 6. Golden State might also take a look at seven, and who knows what New York will do if Curry’s gone?

10. Milwaukee Bucks-Jrue Holiday 6’4 PG UCLA

With Jennings still on the board, the Bucks will have to chose between two risky playmakers. Jennings has done everything wrong since he took the SAT, and Holiday has an unimpressive freshman season. Neither player has blown scouts away during workouts, but the indications out of Milwaukee is that they are leaning towards Holiday, and hoping that Jonny Flynn is still on the board. With Ramon Sessions status in jeopardy, the Bucks are hopeful that Holiday can make the same transition that fellow Bruin Russell Westbrook made last year. Of course Westbrook was a star in college, and Holiday didn’t even crack double digits. Holiday has undeniable potential, but this is far from a safe pick.

11. New Jersey Nets-Terrence Williams 6’6 SG Louisville

Sometimes workouts matter more than actual college games, and Williams is a glowing beneficiary of that strange fact. After he slipped on an invisibility cloak during Louisville’s blowout loss to Michigan State, he worked his magic in front of scores of NBA scouts, coaches and general managers. Larry Brown fell in love with Williams, so much in fact, that Williams is ahead of Gerald Henderson (once Brown’s obvious choice) on Charlotte’s board. That might not matter, as several reports are indicating that the Nets have already decided on Williams. Rod Thorn wanted a post presence, but Dejuan Blair’s health pushed him out of consideration, and Tyler Hansbrough just didn’t make sense this high.

12.Charlotte Bobcats-Gerald Henerson 6’5 SG Duke

The Bobcats will likely have to settle for the guy who was their first choice just a week ago. Henderson is a polished scorer who will come in and contribute right away. He has suprising athleticism, and is a very smart player. This could be a shocking two straight years, where an MJ ran team made a smart first round selection. Look for the Bobcats to try and move Raymond Felton at some point this Thursday.

13. Indiana Pacers-Ty Lawson 6’0 PG North Carolina

This pick is really a coin flip. Weight, health and height make both Ty Lawson and Dejuan Blair slight stretches at 13. Both produced at a very high level in college, and both have the potential to be very good (especially Lawson). The Pacers need a bulky, tough post presence like Blair, but they also need a point guard. I think Lawson has a higher ceiling, so I’m giving him the edge by a hair. This pick really could go either way.

14. Phoenix Suns-Earl Clark 6’10 SF Louisville

The Suns are looking for a versatile forward, and Clark along with Wake Forest product James Johnson fits that bill. Clark is athletic enough to guard multiple positions, and possesses the quickness and explosiveness of a track star. He passes the ball incredibly well for someone his size, and if you back off him can knock down outside shots. Clark has all the tools to be a superstar, but it never added up at Louisville, making him a risky pick. He has poor shot selection, which results in a low shooting percentage, does not bring his best effort consistently, and may lack the toughness needed to succeed at the next level. The flip side of his versatility is that he is also a tweener, and may have trouble fitting in as a 3 or 4. One long shot here is Brandon Jennings. Nobody thought he would fall like this, but he is still a very talented guard who could be a successor to Steve Nash.

15. Detroit Pistons-Austin Daye 6’10 SF/PF Gonzaga

I said this in my last mock, but I’m going to say it again anyways. This is a grand-slam swing, with nobody on base. This pick makes a lot of sense, because Detroit’s time has shockingly slipped away, to the point where no player still available could help them win right now. Daye is far away from reaching his potential, but he could be the best player in the draft if he develops the way some credible scouts think he should. His bust potential is undoubtedly high, (he couldn’t dominate the Portland Pilots, so how is he going to dominate the Portland Trailblazers?) but the Pistons need to start taking chances.

16.Chicago Bulls-James Johnson 6’8 PF Wake Forest

Rumors that the Bulls had promised their pick to B.J. Mullens appear to be false, so I’m going back to the guy I had the Bulls taking a couple weeks ago. Johnson does not really fill any pressing need for Chicago, but he has the ability to be a very productive low post scorer, something that Noah and Thomas struggle with.

17.Philadelphia 76ers-Brandon Jennings 6’3 PG Italy

It’s hard to imagine Jennings dropping past here, but with Ty Lawson still available it is easily imaginable. Philly needs a point, (Lou Williams is really a combo guard) and Jennings has top-5 talent. He’s made terrible decisions from the day he walked into the SAT testing room, and recent criticisms directed at fellow prospect Ricky Rubio will only further aggravate character concerns. He did not produce in Europe, and he hasn’t worked out particularly well, but if he ever gets it together, he could emerge as the best point guard from this year’s draft. He blows by defenders, is the most athletic guard in the class and does a good job involving teammates most of the time. He’s a risky investment, but he could be special.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves- B.J. Mullens 7’1 C Ohio State

Minnesota would be slightly annoyed if they traded this pick, and then Mullens was still on the board. The 28^th pick really isn’t very attractive, and the T-Wolves are determined to have two lottery selections. If they get their way, they’ll give up the 5^th and 18^th pick for the 2^nd. They might be forced to trade the 5^th and 6^th, a steep price to pay for Ricky Rubio. They do need a true center, and though Mullens is a project, he has the potential to develop into just that. Minnesota would love to rotate Mullens, Love and Jefferson in their frontcourt, but there is a very good chance they don’t remain here.

19.Atlanta Hawks-Jeff Teague 6’2 PG Wake Forest

I said in my last mock that Hawks would change their ways, and go the safe route (Eric Maynor). With just hours remaining until the draft, I realized it was the Hawks I was talking about. I’m not saying Teague would be a bad pick, just a risky one. The Hawks are a pretty good team, but they need another really good player to have a chance of contending in the East. They are close to trading Acie Law and Speedy Claxton to Golden State for Jamal Crawford, but that really does not solve anything. Maynor is a good bet to be a solid point guard, but Teague has a shot at being a star. Atlanta is a team that takes shots, and that’s why I think they’ll take Teague.

20.Utah Jazz-Tyler Hansbrough 6’9 PF North Carolina

Jerry Sloan gets to draft the son he never had at number 20. Utah and Hansbrough are a match made in heaven: he is the perfect blue collar workhorse for the Jazz, and will benefit from their slow, methodical offense.  Who knows, if Boozer bolts, Hansbrough might have a bigger role then expected, but he’d do best as an energy boost off the bench.

21. New Orleans Hornets-DeJuan Blair 6’7 PF Pittsburgh

This would be a precipitous fall for a guy who could go as high as 11 to the Nets. Still, that’s the life of the undersized, overweight off-injured big man, and Blair is going to have to get used to it. He could thrive in New Orleans, where he would be given the chance to do what he does best—bulldoze his way through the paint, provide a physical presence and eat up boards. Blair could still get selected earlier, but New Orleans could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for him.

22. Portland Trailblazers (from Dallas) -Omri Casspi 6’9 SF Israel

I had Portland down to Casspi and Georgetown guard Dajuan Summers. They wouldn’t trade up if Summers was their guy, so I’m pretty certain they’re going to draft Casspi. He could stay in Europe for a year or two, (they don’t need more rookies) and provide toughness and versatility when the Blazers decide to bring him back. The only other possibility is Eric Maynor, but that seems like a bit of a longshot. Kevin Pritchard is quick to make adjustments, and Jerryd Bayless isn’t really working out. However, I think Portland has to give Bayless a little more than a year, and they are more likely to get another point guard through free agency or trade than the draft.

23.Sacramento Kings (from Houston)- Sam Young 6’6 SF Pittsburgh

This is a bit of a fall for Young, which would mark a rough draft for both of the Pittsburgh prospects. Sacramento really has needs just about everywhere, and Young is a NBA ready player who could alleviate some of the perimeter-scoring load that Kevin Martin is single-handedly shouldering. His age (25) lowers his ceiling, but he should develop into a very solid player

24.Dallas Mavericks (from Portland)–Eric Maynor 6’3 PG VCU

Dallas would love Jeff Teague, but if he’s gone, Maynor would be a very capable alternative. The Mavericks never should have traded Devin Harris, but Maynor could dampen the pain of such a terrible transaction. Like I said earlier, he is not a good bet to develop into a superstar. He does have a great shot of becoming an above average point guard very quickly. He’s an intelligent, pass-first guard who can score when needed. He always plays hard, and has made himself into a lockdown defender as well.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder-Chase Buddinger 6’7 SG/SF Arizona

As much as the Thunder love Dajuan Summers, I don’t think they could say no to the talent Buddinger brings to the table. He can shoot, pass and he’s athletic. The Thunder don’t have much off the bench, and Buddinger would provide solid pop in that role.

26. Chicago Bulls-Nick Calathes 6’5 PG Florida

The Bulls are strongly considering moving this pick because they don’t feel the need to add a late first round pick to their roster. If they keep it, they’ll take someone who they can leave in Europe for a couple years. Calathes is the perfect fit: he’s a top-15 talent, who has a contract abroad. The Bulls can let him develop overseas, and they’ll get a very good player down the road.

27. Memphis Grizzlies-Darren Collison 6’2 PG UCLA

Collison is small, and struggled mightily against some of the bigger guards he faced (namely Derek Rose two years ago). Still, he’s a very speedy, smart guard who is capable of running an NBA offense. He’s a very accurate outside shooter, but his release will hinder his ability to get off shots.

28.Minnesota Timberwolves- Jonas Jerebko 6’9 PF Sweeden

Minnesota has four first round picks. They’ll probably trade two for one, which will give them a total of three. They don’t need three first round picks on their roster, and with several quality international players available, that seems like the sensible course here. According to several sources, the T-Wolves are leaning towards Jerebko, a physical post presence who needs a few more years of seasoning.

29.Los Angeles Lakers-Wayne Ellington 6’5 SG North Carolina

An inside source says the Lakers are very high on the Tarheel swingman. He’s a great shoter that the Lakers could use off the bench, (since the machine stopped working) and is a very good defender. He is also used to winning.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers-DeMarre Carroll 6’8 PF Missouri

Carroll can do a lot of the things that Ben Wallace was able to do a few years ago: rebound, block shots, defend and hustle. With Wallace departing, Carroll would be a strong pick.

Second Round

1. Sacramento Kings – Toney Douglas 6’2 PG/SG Florida State

Douglas is a good defender and can knock down outside shots consistently.  He was a great scorer in college, but will have to make a transition from a scoring 2, and play the point wherever he lands.

2. Washington Wizards – Danny Green 6′6 SG North Carolina

I love Danny Green.  He has good size, is a great shooter and plays defense.  He can’t create his own shot and he possesses limited athleticism, but few players can at this point.  Someone who can extend a defense the way Green can, and also is not a liability on D is rare at this point.  It is a weak draft overall, but Green and Buddinger are both first round talents.

3. Portland Trailblazers – Dajuan Summers 6′9 SF Georgetown

Portland would be ecstatic if they got Summers in the second round, as they are strongly considering taking him in the first. Summers would provide shooting and intelligence, and would be ready to play from day one.

4. Denver Nuggets – Patrick Mills 6′0 PG Saint Mary’s

I might just like the second round more than the first.   Mills has great speed and athleticism, and is one of the best shooters in the draft. He is an aggressive scorer for a point guard, who admittedly struggles with decision-making and shot-selection.  He might remind Nuggets fans of the nightmare that was Allen Iverson, but Mills is a less selfish answer.  He would be a nice change of pace off the bench from pass-first Chauncey Billups.

5. Detroit Pistons – Lorrenzo Wade 6’6 SG San Diego State

Don’t know who Lorrenzo Wade is?  You will.  One of the most underrated players in the draft might not go quite this high, but he stands a good chance of make=ing a first round level impact.  There aren’t a lot of players left worth getting really excited about, and Wade could fill a lot of teams’ needs for a backup shooting guard with the ability to contribute right away.  Don’t be shocked if a team nabs him around this spot so as not to risk losing him in the second round.

6. Memphis Grizzlies – Rodrique Beaubois 6′2 PG France

Beaubois is another European prospect that does not fit the international stereotype.  He has great explosiveness and shooting range (it is usually one or the other by the second round), and is a solid defender.  He does not have the complete skill-set required of a point guard, and projects as a good backup.

7. San Antonio Spurs – Jermaine Taylor 6′4 SG Central Florida

Slightly undersized, athletic scorer, who played for a mid-major school and hasn’t yet discovered the letter D…. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, and there is no denying that Taylor is a tossup. His upside is phenomenal though: he averaged 26ppg, and shot a shade under 50 percent. That type of offensive talent won’t go ignored in the second round, but Taylor needs to commit himself to defense if he wasn’t to see action on an NBA court.

8. Portland Trailblazers – Marcus Thornton 6′4 SG LSU

Thornton is an outstanding scorer who was asked to do much in Baton Rouge.  He is not built to be “the guy,” but he should provide great pop off the bench.  Probably not for the Trailblazers though, who will look to trade or sell their second round picks.

9. Detroit Pistons - Victor Claver 6′10 PF Spain

Claver is a safe bet to become a nice bench player, but he will have to spend a few more years in Europe to establish a clearer identity(he is stuck between the 3 and 4).  He has good shooting skills, a good feel for defense and is a strong rebounder.  Players taken this late need to leave their hearts on the floor every time out, and Claver does not.  There are also concerns that Claver will never be able to receive the money he can get in Europe, so teams risk not signing him.

10. Charlotte Bobcats – Sergei Gladyr 6′5 SG Ukraine

Gladyr is one of to prospects in this draft coming from the less-known Ukraine professional league.  He has high potential because of his shooting and athleticism, but his ball-handling skills, defense and decision making are all subjects of concern

11. Milwauke Bucks – Josh Heytvelt 6′11 PF Gonzaga

Heytvelt has a nice shot both inside and outside of the paint.  He is reasonably athletic and is a productive rebounder.  He will struggle defending NBA power forwards, and he does not know how to score with his back to the basket.  His off the court struggles are also a concern.

12. Los Angeles Lakers – Derrick Brown 6′7 PF Xavier

Assuming the champs re-sign Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, they have great depth at every position. They really don’t have the room to sign a second round pick, so I’d expect them to get rid of this pick.  Brown will find a team eager to accept his services: he is a complete player who can score like a wing, or post player.  His height is a problem, but he largely offsets this with incredible athleticism and an excellent wingspan.

13. Miami Heat – Jeff Pendergraph 6′9 PF Arizona State

Pendergraph is a consistent forward who boasts great on-court intelligence and a tremendous work ethic.  He gets everything out of what he has, but his skillset and athleticism are not great.  He has limited upside, but could work his way onto a team as an effort role player.

14. Detroit Pistons – Sergio Lull 6′3 PG Spain

The Pistons have three second round picks, but it’s unlikely that more than one will see the motor-city this year.  Detroit will probably take a second international player and let him develop for a few years in Europe. Lull is a smart, pass-first point, but he might lack the athleticism to create for his teammates in the NBA.  He is not a scoring threat.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves – A.J. Price 6′2 PG UConn

Price is a prototypical point guard; he is an unselfish passer, a solid shooter, and has winning experience.  He suffered a gruesome knee injury two years ago, and has never fully recovered.   He lacks the explosiveness he once had, and is not as dangerous or complete a player as he was prior to the injury.

16. Cleveland Cavaliers – Dante Cunningham 6′8 PF Villanova

Cleveland would love to draft Demarre Carroll to fill the void left by Ben Wallace.  If Carroll’s gone, they might go for someone like Cunningham.  While he is not the defender that Carroll is, Cunningham is slightly more athletic, a far superior shooter and a solid rebounder.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Taj Gibson 6′9 PF USC

I’d be surprised if Minnesota kept this pick, but Gibson is one of the best talents left in the draft.  He has great touch near the basket, is a nice rebounder and is surprisingly athletic.  Gibson does not always put forth his best effort, and his weak frame could leave him vulnerable to some of the bulkier post players.

18. Phoenix Suns – Jodie Meeks 6′4 SG Kentucky

Meeks could have really boosted his stock by returning to Lexington, and being the best player on a top-5 Kentucky team.  His decision to enter the draft is very puzzling, considering he is a consensus second round pick.  Meeks is a pure scorer with a great outside shot, but he is not very athletic and is a liability defensively.

19. Atlanta Hawks – Alade Aminu 6′10 PF Georgia Tech

Aminu’s Georgia Tech teammate Gani Lawai made a smart decision to return to school.  Aminu should have followed.  Both are raw, but Lawai is considerably more talented.  He has high potential, but nobody would be surprised if he became a NBDL veteran.

20. Utah Jazz – Ahmad Nivins 6′9 PF St. Josephs

Nivins is featured in the best sports book ever written, The Miracle At St. Anthony. He has a nice shot from ten feet out, and is relatively athletic.  His outstanding effort makes him a decent rebounder and defender, and Nivins has the potential to be a solid backend bench player.

21. San Antonio Spurs – Jack McClinton 6′1 PG Miami

McClinton seems like the type of player who will struggle making the transition from a scoring point guard to an NBA player.  It’s fine to be a score-first one, but McClinton does not know how to distribute and his scoring abilities might not translate.  He has enough talent to take a chance on, but he is not a Spurs-type player.  I expect San Antonio to trade this pick.

22. Indiana Pacers – Jerel McNeal 6′3 SG Marquette

McNeal has all the tools to be a good NBA shooting guard, but his strength and height will make it difficult for him.  Not too many shooting guards are 6′3, and he might not be able to guard some of the bigger guards.

23. San Antonio Spurs – Nando De Colo 6′5 PG France

The Spurs need to add some depth and they are not going to be able to do it this late.  I expect them to get rid of their second round picks, but De Colo is a nice long term fit for the team.  They would leave him in Europe for a few years, and hope he could develop as well as some of their other international players did.

24. Charlotte Bobcats – Patrick Beverly 6′1 PG Ukraine

Beverly is an athletic guard who was dismissed from Arkansas for alleged cheating.  He was a nice scorer in Ukraine, but played mostly of the ball.  I don’t know if he has the ability to become an NBA level point guard.

25. Portland Trailblazers – Paul Harris 6′4 SF Syracuse

Harris is undersized and old (22), a combination that screams Europe.  Many were surprised when Harris elected not to return to Syracuse, but unless the doctors in New York could have figured out a way to make a 22 year old grow, he would not have boosted his draft stock much.  Harris is a very skilled player, but he does not have the shooting ability to play the 2, or the height and athleticism to play the 3.

26. Dallas Mavericks (from Portland) – Jon Brockman 6′7 PF Washington

Brockman is undersized, but he is a huge body and can run the floor. Some projections have him in the first round, but I don’t see that happening, especially considering he refused to workout. He will make it somewhere though.

27. Phoenix Suns – Jeremy Pargo 6′2 PG Gonzaga

Pargo was talked about as a possible first rounder after his junior year, but a very disappointing senior season sent him freefalling to the back off the draft.  He is a very athletic guard, but his numbers got progressively worse every year of his college career.  Some team might take a chance on him returning t his old form, or he may sign as an undrafted free agent.

28. Boston Celtics – Lee Cummard 6′7 SG BYU

Cummard is a great shooter who can defend his position, and he hits the glass very well for a guard.  He is 24 years old, so he might not have much room to improve.  He also needs to bulk up quite a bit.

29. Los Angeles Lakers – Milan Macvan 6′9 PF Serbia

Macvan could develop into a first round talent if he’s given a couple more years to develop, either in Europe or the NBDL.  He is a great shooter for his size, but he is also a tough, bulky post presence.  He could be an effective bench player down the road.

30. Miami Heat – Dionte Christmas 6′5 SG Temple

I can’t finish a mock draft without my favorite player, Dionte Christmas.  He was an unbelievable scorer at Temple, but nearly 2/3’s of his shot attempts were 3’s, and he shot only 35% from long range.  If he works on his ability to get to the basket, he could have a shot at a contract.

2009 NBA Mock Draft – 4th Edition

1.  Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin 6′10 PF Oklahoma

Still no drama here.  Not only the most talented player in the draft, but also the safest.  Griffin has the highest ceiling, and is the best bet in this unpredictable class to reach his full potential.  Great passion, great athleticism and scary size when you consider his skill set.  If he develops a jump shot and works on his back to the basket defense, he could be special.  You know you’re getting a player when his worst-case scenario is Amare Stoudamire.  Griffin could elevate the Clippers to a borderline playoff team if his arrival rejuvenates Baron Davis, and silences Mike Dunleavy.

2.  Memphis Grizzlies – Hasheem Thabeet 7′3 C UConn

Ricky Rubio is making it clear that he does not want to take his game to the city that less than graciously shooed out fellow Spaniards Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro, and New Jersey’s finest Yi Jianlian is a clear example that it’s not a good idea to draft an international player after he says, “Don’t draft me.” Rubio’s presence in this draft is also in jeopardy at this point; his Spanish team is asking for an exorbitant buyout that Rubio is not willing to pay.  Finally, Memphis seems ok with Mike Conley running point, and prefers a big man to run with Mayo and Gay.  Thabeet could do just that, and will provide an immediate defensive presence; he has a chance to crack the top ten in boards and blocks as a rookie, but he might be towards the bottom ten in scoring.  His lack of offensive skills are a concern, as he scored most of his points at UConn on dunks and put-backs, a game that won’t translate.

3.  Oklahoma City Thunder – Ricky Rubio 6′3 PG Spain

This would be a dream scenario.  The Thunder could push Westbrook to his natural SG position, roll the baby faced Rubio out at the point, and pair the two with the NBA’s most underrated duo in Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.  They still need a center, but that is a very good foursome to build around.  Rubio takes a lot of heat like most international players do, but here is what makes him different: we all saw him more than hold his own against the “Redeem Team,” which is an impressive feat in itself, but more importantly, Rubio did not change his style, or who he is as a player. He did not knock down a flurry of threes that padded his stats, he played his game– the same game that made him an international superstar at the same age that John Wall was breaking and entering. He does not have overwhelming athleticism, but he has fearless desire and energy, good size, rare basketball IQ, and professional experience.

4. Sacramento Kings – Jonny Flynn 6′1 PG Syracuse

The word from Sacramento is that the Kings are no longer (or possibly never were) interested in Jordan Hill at number 4. Jonny Flynn is to many scouts the best point guard prospect in the draft. He is lightning quick and an explosive leaper, an outstanding penetrator and a good floor general. He has a nice mid-range game, but his outside shot is inconsistent and he is undersized and small. What most concerns me about Flynn is the fact that the ball rarely left his hands at Syracuse, and point guards don’t control the ball in the same way at the next level.

5. Washington Wizards – James Harden 6′4 SG Arizona State

According to several sources the Wizards love Harden.  They also love the idea of trading this pick, so they will have to make a choice as to which direction they want to head.  Harden could be a higher pick, if only his athleticism wasn’t comparable to Dick Bavetta’s.  That being said, Harden has an uncanny ability to score from anywhere on the court, and has a great three point shot. He is a crafty driver and evades defenders rather than running by them or jumping over them.   He is a smart, unselfish, and complete basketball player, who in one way or another, is an offensive catalyst.  He averaged four assists on an Arizona State squad not loaded with offensive talent, and was a model of efficiency, shooting nearly fifty percent from the field.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves – Tyreke Evans 6′5 PG/SG Memphis

Evans is a combo guard with seemingly limitless potential.  He could go as high as 2, and the Kings will take a hard look at him at 4.  If he’s still around here, I’d be stunned to see the Timberwolves pass.  To many, Evans is the second best prospect in the draft, with the ability to become a great scorer.  Evans demonstrated his intelligence with a flawless transition to the point at Memphis, but he struggled playing the 2, his projected NBA position.  My only other concern regarding Evans is that he does not have the elite athleticism that the best wing players possess. Still, Evans has all the tools to be a superstar.

7. Golden State Warriors – Brandon Jennings 6′2 PG Italy

After the Warriors ousted GM Chris Mullin, I expected the team to take a new approach to drafting.  The Warriors drafted Brandon Wright in 2007, and Anthony Randolph in 2008, which is sort of like a producer signing Mary Kate to play a part in a movie, and than after her poor performance, going after Ashley for the sequel.  Instead, the Warriors entrusted their team’s future to professional-motorcyclist Monta Ellis.  If Ellis gets his way, he will ensure that the team does not draft a point guard.  If the Warriors realize that no team has ever won a championship with a star like Ellis, Jennings would be a nice replacement.  He was considered a possible number one pick before he put up unspectacular numbers in Italy and Blake Griffin became a monster. Still, international numbers don’t mean much (Ricky Rubio averages 10 ppg and Josh Childress is actually averaging 3 points less in Greece than he did with the Hawks). Jennings may be the most athletic guard in the draft, has a polished outside shot, is smooth with the ball in his hands and has good court vision.  He has a high ceiling, but will have to work hard to reach it.  Jonny Flynn (if still available) and Stephen Curry are also possibilities here.

8.  New York Knicks – Stephen Curry 6′3 PG Davidson

The Knicks seem to have locked on to Curry, who would be a great value at this point.  If I were a GM, I would take Curry as high as third. Sure he inflated his numbers against a collection of colleges that America has never heard of, but he also passed just about every major test he had in his stellar college career. He put up 25 points against eventual national champion Kansas in ‘08, 33 against Wisconsin in the sweet 16, 30 against Georgetown, and 40 against Gonzaga. That’s an average of over 30 points a game against four major programs. Curry had no trouble switching over to play the point, and will overcome his wiry frame to be a really good NBA player. Curry did what he did with every ounce of his opponent’s energy focused on him and that won’t be close to the case in the NBA. Well, actually, do the Knicks have another scoring threat?

9.  Toronto Raptors – Demar Derozan 6′6 SG/SF USC

Derozan is really too good to fall past 9, and the Raptors need a wing scorer. He could be the most athletic NBA swingman to call Canada home since Vince Carter. After taking a surprisingly long time to get adjusted to the college level, Derozan was one of the best players in the country by the end of the year. He has breathtaking athleticism and finishes above the rim. He has an NBA ready body, and hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential. He needs to improve his outside shot, and get over his stubborn refusal to go left.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – Jrue Holiday 6′4 PG UCLA

With Ramon Sessions’ status in jeopardy, the Bucks are looking for a point guard.  If Flynn is still here, then they’ll take him, but Holiday is an attractive alternative.  Though he did not crack double digits in scoring while at UCLA, his top-5 talent and the success of fellow Bruin Russell Westbrook, (who made the same transition that Holiday will have to undergo) make Holiday too enticing to pass up, especially for a team in need of a point guard.

11. New Jersey Nets – Jordan Hill 6′9 PF Arizona

Hill does not belong in the top 5, but he is a nice grab at 11. He is very athletic, which pushes him towards the defensive specialist role, but ironically, defense was his greatest weakness is his defense.   Still, he has huge athleticism and was a monster in college.  His overall upside and his rebuilding ability make him worthy of this selection.  The Nets were interested in DeJuan Blair, but health concerns make him too big of a stretch this high in the draft.

12.  Charlotte Bobcats- Gerald Henderson 6′5 SG Duke

The Thunder have officially eclipsed the Bobcats as the NBA’s future good team. The Bobcats made what seemed like great selections year after year, but were left with Adam Morrison, two undersized point guards, Emeka Okafor (who has shocked the state of North Carolina with his refusal to improve), and 0 perimeter scorers.  I think Henderson will be able to put up relatively good numbers offensively and is a safe pick at number 12.  Still, he does not have star potential, and will need a lot of help to solve years of poor drafting.  Here’s a look at a sample starting lineup of MJ drafted players, including number one and number three overall selections: Raymond Felton, Adam Morrison, Kwame Brown, Emeka Okafor and D.J. Augustine.

13. Indiana Pacers – Dejuan Blair 6′7 PF Pittsburgh

I went back and forth on this pick between Blair and Gonzaga forward Austin Daye. I don’t feel very confident with either one, but Blair fits what Indiana needs.  He is a tough bulldozer who will never be a scorer, but he is a bruising presence that the Pacers sorely lack.  Because of his height and his previously mentioned health concerns, this is still close to an Al Davis level stretch.

14.  Phoenix Suns – Earl Clark 6′10 PF Louisville

Clark is a hard player to figure out. He has great versatility, is athletic enough to guard multiple positions, and possesses the quickness and explosiveness of a track star. He passes the ball incredibly well for someone his size, and if you back off him can knock down outside shots. Clark has all the tools to be a superstar, but it never added up at Louisville, making him a risky pick. He has poor shot selection, which results in a low shooting percentage, does not bring his best effort consistently, and may lack the toughness needed to succeed at the next level. The flip side of his versatility is that he is also a tweener, and may have trouble fitting in as a 3 or 4.

15.  Detroit Pistons – Austin Daye 6′10 SF/PF Gonzaga

This would be a grand-slam swing, but the Pistons have nobody on base.  How this team only won one championship is beyond me, but they are well past the point where a good role player would make them a contender.  Daye has superstar potential, but he also has a high bust potential (he couldn’t dominate the Portland Pilots, so how is he going to dominate the Portland Trailblazers?)  The Pistons really only have one starter they can count on as a building block (Rodney Stuckey), so this looks like a risk they have to take.

16. Chicago Bulls – B.J. Mullens 7′1 C Ohio State

According to an ESPN.com report, the Bulls have made a promise to the Ohio State center.  The Chicago organization is no doubt enamored by Mullens’ potential to be a “true center,” not just an athletic big like Tyrus Thomas and Joaquim Noah.  Mullens is similar to DeAndre Jordan in that he began the year as a likely top five pick, and then watched his stock plummet over the course of a disappointing season. He nonetheless might have just too much potential to pass up.  He also looks to me like he could be the second coming of Adam Morrison.

17.  Philadelphia 76er’s – Ty Lawson 6′1 PG North Carolina

Lawson is one of the fastest point guards I’ve ever seen, has scary strength, is a superb defender and a good distributor, and has improved his three point shooting considerably. And, oh yeah, he’s 5′11.  And out of shape.  When his height was the only knock on him, Lawson was a backend lottery pick.  When you enter in questions about his weight, work ethic and maturity, 17 is generous and possibly even unrealistic.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves – Terrence Williams 6′6 SG Louisville

The Timberwolves would love to take a center, but in this mock there are none worth taking this high.  Minnesota has three first round choices so they would love to trade at least one of them to fill the post.  If Chicago takes B.J. Mullens, this would be the most tradable pick for them.  They have real needs to address with their first choice, and they won’t get much for the 28^th pick.  If they do hold this choice, Williams could provide some wing depth and versatility, with his ability to play both the 2 and 3.

19.  Atlanta Hawks – Eric Maynor 6′2 PG VCU

I don’t think Acie Law is ever going to get it done at the point, which gives the Hawks a choice between Maynor and Wake Forest guard Jeff Teague.  The Hawks have gone the risky route with Marvin Williams (instead of Chris Paul), and clearly that didn’t work out for them.  Maynor should get take care of things as a solid NBA point guard, whereas Teague has a higher ceiling that he showed only flashes of reaching.

20.  Utah Jazz – Tyler Hansbrough 6′9 PF North Carolina

Jerry Sloan does not smile often, but he must when he watches Hansbrough play.  He really is the perfect blue collar workhorse for Utah, and will benefit from their slow, methodical offense.  Who knows, if Boozer bolts, Hansbrough might have a bigger role then expected, but he’d do best as an energy boost off the bench.

21.  New Orleans Hornets – Chase Budinger 6′7 SG/SF Arizona

Offensively, Budinger is a skilled and polished player. He is fundamentally sound, is a dangerous offensive player, and can be an explosive finisher. His unselfish play and crafty passing reminds me of former Wildcat Luke Walton, but he is considerably more athletic than the Laker sub. Budinger is not a good defender, but has the ability to be a solid scorer, and will provide a solid spark off the bench for whoever drafts him.

22.  Dallas Mavericks – Jeff Teague 6′2 PG Wake Forest

Teague has a higher potential then you would expect to see this late in a weak draft, but there is an abundance of first round caliber point guards, which pushes Teague and his inconsistencies out of the lottery.  The Mavericks never should have traded Devin Harris, and Jason Kidd is obviously not the future.  Teague might be, but he should have gone back to school.

23. Sacramento Kings – James Johnson 6′8 SF/PF

Johnson is a similar player to Clark in that both pack the skills of a shooting guard into the body of a forward. Johnson does not have the athleticism of Clark, but displays a true knack for scoring. He is an active defender, yet has poor fundamentals and might not have the physical skills to score consistently at the next level. Johnson will play the 3, which at best will make him a mismatch potential, and at worst a slow liability. Johnson is also 22 years old, which elicits some concern about his ceiling.

24.  Portland Trailblazers – Omri Casspi 6′9 SF Israel

I’m not ready to call Jerryd Bayless a bust, but I have my doubts as to whether he’ll really work in Portland.  Brandon Roy would do better with a pass-first point guard, rather than a scorer like Bayless, and Kevin Prichard is quick to make adjustments.  Still, Portland has enough young talent and they might try and pick up a point guard via trade or free agency.  Like I said, they don’t need more rookies, so they could keep Casspi in Europe for a few years and bring him over when he’s ready.  Casspi is a tough workhorse, and could be a nice talent in a few years.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder – Dajuan Summers 6′9 SF Georgetown

This late in the draft, teams look for role players who can help satisfy specific needs.  Summers could provide shooting and intelligence that the Thunder are missing.

26.  Chicago Bulls – Sam Young 6′6 SF Pittsburg

Sam Young looks old enough to be his own father, and at 24 his age is a bit of a concern. Young has a relentless work ethic, which he couples with great athleticism and a nice jumper. He is yet another tweener in this year’s draft, and he does not demonstrate very sound ball-handling skills. Still, his productivity makes him a good pick this late in the draft, and he could be an immediate help as a backup to Luol Deng.

27.  Memphis Grizzlies – Darren Collison 6′1 PG UCLA

Collison is a quick point guard who knows how to intelligently run an offense. He’s a strong defensive player, but got beat up against some bigger guards, namely Derek Rose in the Final Four. He will have trouble finishing, and his slow release will prevent him from being the effective 3-point shooter he was at UCLA. Still, this late in the draft Collison is a nice pick. He has the potential to be a really good back-up point guard, or a starter for a team that can handle his limited upside and offensive potential.

28.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Toney Douglas 6′2 PG Florida State

Douglas is a good defender and can knock down outside shots consistently.  He was a great scorer in college, but will have to make a transition from a scoring 2, and play the point wherever he lands.

29.  Los Angeles Lakers – Lorrenzo Wade 6′6 SG San Diego State

Don’t know who Lorrenzo Wade is?  You will.  One of the most underrated players in the draft might not go quite this high, but he stands a good chance of make=ing a first round level impact.  There aren’t a lot of players left worth getting really excited about, and Wade could fill a lot of teams’ needs, including the Lakers, for a backup shooting guard with the ability to contribute right away.  Don’t be shocked if a team nabs him around this spot so as not to risk losing him in the second round.

30.  Cleveland Cavaliers – Wayne Ellington 6′5 SG North Carolina

There are a few players who would make sense at this spot.  Arizona’s Chase Buddinger, Missouri’s Demarre Caroll and Ellington’s Tarheel teammate Danny Green could all be solid choices, but Ellington might be the best fit.  Wally Szczerbiak isn’t coming bac (do we say this efvery year?)k, and Ellington could fill the outside shooting vacuum left by his departure.  Ellington is a smart competitor used to winning.

Second Round

1. Sacramento Kings – Nick Calathes 6′5 PG Florida

The Kings could end up with a steal here if they are willing to take a gamble on Calathes. Even though Calathes is going to be playing in Greece over the next few seasons, the Kings could still end up a winner down the road.

2. Washington Wizards – Danny Green 6′6 SG North Carolina

I love Danny Green.  He has good size, is a great shooter and plays defense.  He can’t create his own shot and he possesses limited athleticism, but few players can at this point.  Someone who can extend a defense the way Green can, and also is not a liability on D is rare at this point.  It is a weak draft overall, but Green and Buddinger are both first round talents.

3. Portland Trailblazers – Jonas Jerebko 6′9 SF Sweeden

Jonas Jerebko is a victim of international bias, and another one of my favorite draft sleepers.  If his name was John Jereb, he would be a first round pick.  He has the toughness that many of his European counterparts lack, but also has their finesse.  He is a bit of a tweener, and does not have great athleticism or explosiveness.

4. Denver Nuggets – Patrick Mills 6′0 PG Saint Mary’s

I might just like the second round more than the first.   Mills has great speed and athleticism, and is one of the best shooters in the draft. He is an aggressive scorer for a point guard, who admittedly struggles with decision-making and shot-selection.  He might remind Nuggets fans of the nightmare that was Allen Iverson, but Mills is a less selfish answer.  He would be a nice change of pace off the bench from pass-first Chauncey Billups.

5. Detroit Pistons – Jermaine Taylor 6′4 SG Central Florida

Slightly undersized, athletic scorer, who played for a mid-major school and hasn’t yet discovered the letter D….  Sounds like a recipe for disaster, and there is no denying that Taylor is a tossup.  His upside is phenomenal though: he averaged 26ppg, and shot a shade under 50 percent.  That type of offensive talent won’t go ignored in the second round, but Taylor needs to commit himself to defense if he wasn’t to see action on an NBA court.

6. Memphis Grizzlies – Rodrique Beaubois 6′2 PG France

Beaubois is another European prospect that does not fit the international stereotype.  He has great explosiveness and shooting range (it is usually one or the other by the second round), and is a solid defender.  He does not have the complete skill-set required of a point guard, and projects as a good backup.

7. San Antonio Spurs – DeMarre Carroll 6′8 PF Missouri

Carroll is an ultra-competitive forward who throws his body all over the court.  His poor size and subpar athleticism will make it nearly impossible for him to be a starter, but the Spurs love tough players in Carroll’s mold.

8. Portland Trailblazers – Marcus Thornton 6′4 SG LSU

Thornton is an outstanding scorer who was asked to do much in Baton Rouge.  He is not built to be “the guy,” but he should provide great pop off the bench.  Probably not for the Trailblazers though, who will look to trade or sell their second round picks.

9. Detroit Pistons - Victor Claver 6′10 PF Spain

Claver is a safe bet to become a nice bench player, but he will have to spend a few more years in Europe to establish a clearer identity(he is stuck between the 3 and 4).  He has good shooting skills, a good feel for defense and is a strong rebounder.  Players taken this late need to leave their hearts on the floor every time out, and Claver does not.  There are also concerns that Claver will never be able to receive the money he can get in Europe, so teams risk not signing him.

10. Charlotte Bobcats – Sergei Gladyr 6′5 SG Ukraine

Gladyr is one of to prospects in this draft coming from the less-known Ukraine professional league.  He has high potential because of his shooting and athleticism, but his ball-handling skills, defense and decision making are all subjects of concern

11. Milwauke Bucks – Josh Heytvelt 6′11 PF Gonzaga

Heytvelt has a nice shot both inside and outside of the paint.  He is reasonably athletic and is a productive rebounder.  He will struggle defending NBA power forwards, and he does not know how to score with his back to the basket.  His off the court struggles are also a concern.

12. Los Angeles Lakers – Derrick Brown 6′7 PF Xavier

Assuming the champs re-sign Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, they have great depth at every position. They really don’t have the room to sign a second round pick, so I’d expect them to get rid of this pick.  Brown will find a team eager to accept his services: he is a complete player who can score like a wing, or post player.  His height is a problem, but he largely offsets this with incredible athleticism and an excellent wingspan.

13. Miami Heat – Jeff Pendergraph 6′9 PF Arizona State

Pendergraph is a consistent forward who boasts great on-court intelligence and a tremendous work ethic.  He gets everything out of what he has, but his skillset and athleticism are not great.  He has limited upside, but could work his way onto a team as an effort role player.

14. Detroit Pistons – Sergio Lull 6′3 PG Spain

The Pistons have three second round picks, but it’s unlikely that more than one will see the motor-city this year.  Detroit will probably take a second international player and let him develop for a few years in Europe. Lull is a smart, pass-first point, but he might lack the athleticism to create for his teammates in the NBA.  He is not a scoring threat.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves – A.J. Price 6′2 PG UConn

Price is a prototypical point guard; he is an unselfish passer, a solid shooter, and has winning experience.  He suffered a gruesome knee injury two years ago, and has never fully recovered.   He lacks the explosiveness he once had, and is not as dangerous or complete a player as he was prior to the injury.

16. Cleveland Cavaliers – Dante Cunningham 6′8 PF Villanova

Cleveland would love to draft Demarre Carroll to fill the void left by Ben Wallace.  If Carroll’s gone, they might go for someone like Cunningham.  While he is not the defender that Carroll is, Cunningham is slightly more athletic, a far superior shooter and a solid rebounder.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Taj Gibson 6′9 PF USC

I’d be surprised if Minnesota kept this pick, but Gibson is one of the best talents left in the draft.  He has great touch near the basket, is a nice rebounder and is surprisingly athletic.  Gibson does not always put forth his best effort, and his weak frame could leave him vulnerable to some of the bulkier post players.

18. Phoenix Suns – Jodie Meeks 6′4 SG Kentucky

Meeks could have really boosted his stock by returning to Lexington, and being the best player on a top-5 Kentucky team.  His decision to enter the draft is very puzzling, considering he is a consensus second round pick.  Meeks is a pure scorer with a great outside shot, but he is not very athletic and is a liability defensively.

19. Atlanta Hawks – Alade Aminu 6′10 PF Georgia Tech

Aminu’s Georgia Tech teammate Gani Lawai made a smart decision to return to school.  Aminu should have followed.  Both are raw, but Lawai is considerably more talented.  He has high potential, but nobody would be surprised if he became a NBDL veteran.

20. Utah Jazz – Ahmad Nivins 6′9 PF St. Josephs

Nivins is featured in the best sports book ever written, The Miracle At St. Anthony. He has a nice shot from ten feet out, and is relatively athletic.  His outstanding effort makes him a decent rebounder and defender, and Nivins has the potential to be a solid backend bench player.

21. San Antonio Spurs – Jack McClinton 6′1 PG Miami

McClinton seems like the type of player who will struggle making the transition from a scoring point guard to an NBA player.  It’s fine to be a score-first one, but McClinton does not know how to distribute and his scoring abilities might not translate.  He has enough talent to take a chance on, but he is not a Spurs-type player.  I expect San Antonio to trade this pick.

22. Indiana Pacers – Jerel McNeal 6′3 SG Marquette

McNeal has all the tools to be a good NBA shooting guard, but his strength and height will make it difficult for him.  Not too many shooting guards are 6′3, and he might not be able to guard some of the bigger guards.

23. San Antonio Spurs – Nando De Colo 6′5 PG France

The Spurs need to add some depth and they are not going to be able to do it this late.  I expect them to get rid of their second round picks, but De Colo is a nice long term fit for the team.  They would leave him in Europe for a few years, and hope he could develop as well as some of their other international players did.

24. Charlotte Bobcats – Patrick Beverly 6′1 PG Ukraine

Beverly is an athletic guard who was dismissed from Arkansas for alleged cheating.  He was a nice scorer in Ukraine, but played mostly of the ball.  I don’t know if he has the ability to become an NBA level point guard.

25. Portland Trailblazers – Paul Harris 6′4 SF Syracuse

Harris is undersized and old (22), a combination that screams Europe.  Many were surprised when Harris elected not to return to Syracuse, but unless the doctors in New York could have figured out a way to make a 22 year old grow, he would not have boosted his draft stock much.  Harris is a very skilled player, but he does not have the shooting ability to play the 2, or the height and athleticism to play the 3.

26. Portland Trailblazers – Jon Brockman 6′7 PF Washington

Why does Portland have 4 second round picks?  Whoever the Trailblazers could draft here would have little shot of making the team, so the Blazers will probably trade or sell the pick.  Brockman is undersized, but he is a huge body and can run the floor.  He might make it somewhere.

27. Phoenix Suns – Jeremy Pargo 6′2 PG Gonzaga

Pargo was talked about as a possible first rounder after his junior year, but a very disappointing senior season sent him freefalling to the back off the draft.  He is a very athletic guard, but his numbers got progressively worse every year of his college career.  Some team might take a chance on him returning t his old form, or he may sign as an undrafted free agent.

28. Boston Celtics – Lee Cummard 6′7 SG BYU

Cummard is a great shooter who can defend his position, and he hits the glass very well for a guard.  He is 24 years old, so he might not have much room to improve.  He also needs to bulk up quite a bit.

29. Los Angeles Lakers – Milan Macvan 6′9 PF Serbia

Macvan could develop into a first round talent if he’s given a couple more years to develop, either in Europe or the NBDL.  He is a great shooter for his size, but he is also a tough, bulky post presence.  He could be an effective bench player down the road.

30. Miami Heat – Dionte Christmas 6′5 SG Temple

I can’t finish a mock draft without my favorite player, Dionte Christmas.  He was an unbelievable scorer at Temple, but nearly 2/3’s of his shot attempts were 3’s, and he shot only 35% from long range.  If he works on his ability to get to the basket, he could have a shot at a contract.

By: Jonah Rosenbaum

Lead NBA Draft Analyst for ScoutingTheSports.com

Rumors: Knicks Want Curry or Rubio

The Knicks have not given up hope on Ricky Rubio and are still trying to interview the 18-year-old Spanish point guard phenom this week before Thursday’s NBA Draft, according to a source. Rubio will be in New York for the draft but hasn’t worked out for teams. Rumors are circulating that Rubio could fall because of the complexity of his $6 million buyout and the Kings are no lock to take him at No. 4. Rubio has sued his Spanish club and a court hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. A Spanish source said he would not be surprised if Rubio starts the preseason in Spain. If the Kings pass, Rubio, some people in the league predict, could fall as low as eight to the Knicks, who are trying to trade up for Stephen Curry or the Spaniard.

New York Post

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