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Unlike some other posters, I'm going to stick my neck out with my mock draft and make some bold predictions. Every draft has at least a few surprises, whether it's a player being picked too soon or a player sliding further than expected. In my opinion, we'll see talented big men such as Roy Hibbert and Nikola Pekovic drafted a lot higher than people expect. We'll see sharp-shooting NBA-ready talent like Brandon Rush, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Wayne Ellington getting early looks. Successful college players like Kevin Love, Darrell Arthur and Joey Dorsey will also turn some heads. Meanwhile, some slept-on Euros like Anton Ponkrashov will get a look in the 2nd round. But I predict an equal number of slippery-sliders. Russell Westbrook's tweener skills will see him fall out of the lottery. The bust potential of players like Anthony Randolph, JaVale McGee and Serge Ibaka will see them slip further than expected, etc.

WillC's Mock Draft:

1. Miami - Michael Beasley (6

Nice to see someone agrees with me regarding Westbrook. I have him falling further than you, into the mid/late teens. Some people see a big PG I guess, others see an undersized SG.

Few other random thoughts... I see DeAndre Jordan falling to the tail end of the lottery. And I don't think Charlotte would take him, considering the emphasis they seem to place on college success in their recent picks.

I think Robin Lopez falling to the 2nd round is interesting. He's a first round talent, but with the glut of center prospects it certainly wouldn't surprise me.

Roy Hibbert I think will continue to fall. Sad, because I think he'll surprise people, but NBA teams are way too concerned he won't be able to keep up with the speed of the game, and they'll choose other C prospects instead.

Milwaukee absolutely can't let Westbrook get by them. It doesn't matter if he's a PG or SG.

DrugBust wrote:Milwaukee absolutely can't let Westbrook get by them. It doesn't matter if he's a PG or SG.

Westbrook would be a giant reach at #7 in my opinion.

Love it for Detroit. Finally!! Someone who actually listens and doesn't have the Pistons taking guards or a PF.

I'm not sure Portland would take Arthur since they already have Aldridge, Frye and Outlaw at the 4. Especially if Batum and Westbrook are available. Those two players really fit a need a lot more.

Then again, there is no way Portland keeps their picks anyway

WillC wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Westbrook would be a giant reach at #7 in my opinion.

Strong, huge upside and the best defender in the draft. I could see him going higher than #7.

I really like Roberts for Orlando, I have had a man crush on him for a little while, however if Dorsey is still on the board I would have a tough time picking...

DrugBust wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Strong, huge upside and the best defender in the draft. I could see him going higher than #7.

He's like Luther Head but without the jump shot. Woo hoo.

theTHIEF wrote:I really like Roberts for Orlando, I have had a man crush on him for a little while, however if Dorsey is still on the board I would have a tough time picking...

CDR seems to fit the Magic's system. He'd fit in nicely on the perimeter with Lewis and Turkoglu.

Minnesota's D could look quite solid with Lopez and Weaver.

dennistokyo wrote:Minnesota's D could look quite solid with Lopez and Weaver.

Yeah I predict the Wolves will have a great draft. Obviously they have a high lottery pick but they also have some nice picks at the end of the 1st round/early 2nd round, and I think some good players will slip to them at that point.

WillC wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Yeah I predict the Wolves will have a great draft. Obviously they have a high lottery pick but they also have some nice picks at the end of the 1st round/early 2nd round, and I think some good players will slip to them at that point.

Keep in mind Kevin McHale is still running the show there...

Assuming Portland has their pick there is zero chance Westbrook would slip past them.

I agree.

If PLand keeps their pick then they have to take Westbrook. He's going to be a good player, and they have a great amount of weapons for his disposal.

While the first pick is ok the Nets need a backup SG for Vince and won't pick another big with 21 .

And it looks like we'll be picking an euro with the 2nd rounds and store him for a while in Europe we don't need 3 rookies ...

Ah... umm why would the heats select beasley when they already have shawn marion? I think derrick rose would be a perfect fit with the heats since jason williams isn't as good as he use to be.

And Jason Alexander is way too low o.o?! He's probably like the top 15 propects in this years draft.

The Lopez twins reminds me a whole lot of Jason and Jarron Collins for some reason.

Shawn Marion is a SF. Beasley is a PF.

On another note, Marion has great potential as a trade chip or cap space as the Heat would most like to land someone big in 09 or 10.

ph1sh55 wrote:Assuming Portland has their pick there is zero chance Westbrook would slip past them.

I hate Westbrook so good luck with him. However, you could be right - he'd be a good pick for the Blazers at #13.

enIIgma_chan wrote:Ah... umm why would the heats select beasley when they already have shawn marion? I think derrick rose would be a perfect fit with the heats since jason williams isn't as good as he use to be.

And Jason Alexander is way too low o.o?! He's probably like the top 15 propects in this years draft.

The Lopez twins reminds me a whole lot of Jason and Jarron Collins for some reason.

Beasley makes perfect sense for the Heat. So does Rose. They can't really go wrong if they get a top two pick.

I'm not sure who this Jason Alexander is to which you refer....