2009 NBA Mock - Post Lottery (UPDATED 5/24)

[john2jer]

Why not the three headed monster of Hawes, Griffin, and Thompson? They're then set in the front court for the next 12 years. They're locked at the 2. Use cap space in 2010 or move some of their expirings and they could fill the PG spot.

[Krapinsky]

Why not the three headed monster of Hawes, Griffin, and Thompson? They're then set in the front court for the next 12 years. They're locked at the 2. Use cap space in 2010 or move some of their expirings and they could fill the PG spot.

This is similar to not taking Rose because you have Hinrich. Take the best player and figure it out later. I know Chicago must be happy they did it that way.

[Villanova1L]

Why not the three headed monster of Hawes, Griffin, and Thompson? They're then set in the front court for the next 12 years. They're locked at the 2. Use cap space in 2010 or move some of their expirings and they could fill the PG spot.

This is similar to not taking Rose because you have Hinrich. Take the best player and figure it out later. I know Chicago must be happy they did it that way.

Rose was taken 6 years after Hinrich, not THE year after.

I think people are putting too big a gap between Griffin and Rubio also, its not like the Kings are reaching for a marginal PG here (or even a Brandon Jennings/Tyreke Evans). Everyone seems to think Rubio is really special.

Also, Jason isn't a 3. Not even close.

[john2jer]

Why not the three headed monster of Hawes, Griffin, and Thompson? They're then set in the front court for the next 12 years. They're locked at the 2. Use cap space in 2010 or move some of their expirings and they could fill the PG spot.

This is similar to not taking Rose because you have Hinrich. Take the best player and figure it out later. I know Chicago must be happy they did it that way.

Rose was taken 6 years after Hinrich, not THE year after.

I think people are putting too big a gap between Griffin and Rubio also, its not like the Kings are reaching for a marginal PG here (or even a Brandon Jennings/Tyreke Evans). Everyone seems to think Rubio is really special.

Also, Jason isn't a 3. Not even close.

No one said he was a 3, where did you get that?

[Villanova1L]

Sorry thought you had it written Hawes/Griffin/Thompson, which I implied to be all of them playing at once. Also, I think there was some talk around draft time last year that Thompson could play some 3.

Even so, I dont think Thompson would like coming off the bench at all, and I don't think the Kings want to reduce his role.

[Krapinsky]

Why not the three headed monster of Hawes, Griffin, and Thompson? They're then set in the front court for the next 12 years. They're locked at the 2. Use cap space in 2010 or move some of their expirings and they could fill the PG spot.

This is similar to not taking Rose because you have Hinrich. Take the best player and figure it out later. I know Chicago must be happy they did it that way.

Rose was taken 6 years after Hinrich, not THE year after.

I think people are putting too big a gap between Griffin and Rubio also, its not like the Kings are reaching for a marginal PG here (or even a Brandon Jennings/Tyreke Evans). Everyone seems to think Rubio is really special.

Also, Jason isn't a 3. Not even close.

And this matters because? They're both still on the roster and have guaranteed contracts for three years. It's clear that Thompson is a serviceable player but he's not going to be an all star anytime soon.

[Winter Wonder]

I can definitely see us taking Evans, and I'd probably prefer it. He fits my other case of a PG with size. I just think Earl Clark is maybe 7th on our list at best.

1A. Griffin
1B. Rubio
3A. Evans
3B. Thabeet
5. DeRozan
6. Harden
7. Clark

This is why John2jer is a great basketball mind. Well, more likely, this is pretty much how I see it, though maybe putting Thabeet as 3A. The thing is, of picks 3-7, Harden is probably the safest pick. I am not saying he is the right pick, but he is the safest.

[Villanova1L]

Relevant because people think JT has a high ceiling, and will be a starter/all-star. That's what Sacto thinks of him. Hinrich had 6 years to prove he was an All-Star PG and didn't. Thompson had 28 minutes a game for one season.

Hinrich was who we thought he was (to quote Denny Green), and we still don't know who Jason is.

[Villanova1L]

Front page

[Krapinsky]

Relevant because people think JT has a high ceiling, and will be a starter/all-star. That's what Sacto thinks of him. Hinrich had 6 years to prove he was an All-Star PG and didn't. Thompson had 28 minutes a game for one season.

Hinrich was who we thought he was (to quote Denny Green), and we still don't know who Jason is.

Eh, I'll buy that one. I think THompson can play spot minutes at center though, so I don't see any negatives about a Hawes/Thompson/Griffin big man rotation

[Villanova1L]

Jason definitely down the line can play minutes at center. For now I don't think he has the body to do it. I like Griffin a lot, but I like the idea of Rubio more for the Kings when they've invested 2 lottery picks in big men (and both have shown signs). Can't wait for the lottery to actually happen and the Kings get #4 and this all becomes irrelevant.

[Villanova1L]

1. Sacramento - Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma (Might not be a great fit, but I assume they get a package from whoever is at 2. If they like Rubio in workouts I still think he's very much in play)

2. Washington - Ricky Rubio PG International (Not the best fit, but again BPA)

3. LA Clippers - Jordan Hill PF Arizona (I don't like him, but I think he's the best fit for the Clippers and a safe pick)

4. Oklahoma City - Hasheem Thabeet C UConn (Huge upside and an immediate difference maker on D)

5. Minnesota - Tyreke Evans G Memphis (Will be able to play PG for them and is the most dynamic guard in this draft.)

6. Memphis - Brandon Jennings PG Italy (BPA at this point and provides home run potential coupled with Gay and Mayo)

7. Golden State - Earl Clark F Louisville (I know some people dont like this pick, but Clark does a lot of things well and can play the 3 for GS right away)

8. New York - James Harden SG ASU (Most well rounded scorer and BPA)

9. Toronto - Demar DeRozan SG USC (Best SG available and one of the top 2 BPA with Clark. Fits a need and makes Rap fans happy)

10. Milwaukee - Jonny Flynn PG Syracuse (One of my favorite players in the draft and has the ability to become a super star in the league.)

11. New Jersey - Terrence Williams G/F Louisvilile (Has been an absolute monster in workouts so far and his ability to play D and rebound will make him a lottery pick)

12. Charlotte - Gerald Henderson SG Duke (SG there fans want so bad. Solid contributor for years to come)

13. Indiana - Jrue Holiday G UCLA (Pacers will be looking for a PG for the future here)

14. Phoenix - Steph Curry (Great shooter with a lightning quick release. Will benefit from Nash's last year with the Suns while being groomed to play PG.)

15. Detroit - Wayne Ellington SF UNC (Guy who can spread the floor and create some offense.)

16. Chicago - BJ Mullens C Ohio State (Project who has a ton of value here)

17. Philadelphia - Eric Maynor PG VCU (Good size in the backcourt and probably best PG available here)

18. Minnesota - Chase Budinger G/F Arizona (BPA although doesn't fit a need for Minnesotta)

19. Atlanta - Ty Lawson PG UNC (Ready to contribute right away and lack of size is covered up by team defense Atlanta has)

20. Utah - James Johnson F Wake Forest (BPA - Guy who can fill a lot of positions for the Hornets, whether it be backing up West at 4 or playing along with him at the 3)

21. New Orleans - DaJuan Summers SF Georgetown (Can contribute right away and was greatly under used at Georgetown in their system)

22. Dallas - Jeff Teague G Wake Forest (PG that creates his own offense, would provide a scoring threat off the bench)

23. Sacramento - Omri Casspi F Israel (Bit of a mystery, but this is definitely the range he'll end up in)

24. Portland - DeJuan Blair PF Pitt (Goes to a team with a need for a backup PF)

25. Oklahoma City - Gani Lawal PF Georgia Tech (If you told OKC they could get a player like Lawal in the 20's when the season started they would have told you you're crazy. Gives them another body up front)

26. Chicago - Dionte Christmas SG Temple (People are seriously sleeping on his game, and not having him in the mock draft is inexcusable. Having him in the first might be a reach, but I feel like the Bulls need an outside shooter and he provides that)

27. Memphis - Sam Young SF Pitt (Guy who won't force the offense on a team with a few guys who need to get there's. I think Young would be a very serviceable back up to Gay)

28. Minnesota - Austin Daye F Gonzaga (BPA, although definitely a project)

29. LA Lakers - Tyler Hansbrough PF UNC (Hustle guy that is a decent passer and great when he gets to the line, also is still developing range which could really help him out. Lakers like guys with motors, see Turiaf, Ronnie)

30. Cleveland - Derrick Brown F Xavier (Absolutely showed he could transition to the wing this year and is the type of player that can fit whatever team drafts him)

[Villanova1L]

1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma (Semi-loaded front court, but can't pass on BPA)

2. Memphis - Ricky Rubio PG International (Not the best fit, but again BPA)

3. OKC - Hasheem Thabeet C UConn (Defensive Center anchors this team that already can score)

4. Sacramento - Brandon Jennings PG Italy (Would much rather take Rubio/Thabeet, but odds are they address biggest need w/ best fit for their style)

5. Washington - James Harden SG ASU (Shooting guard that can play off the ball with Gilber handling)

6. Minnesotta - Tyreke Evans PG/SG Memphis (BPA to me at this point and big PG to play w/ Foye)

7. Golden State - Jrue Holiday PG/SG UCLA (Guard of the future to pair in the backcourt with Ellis)

8. New York - Demar DeRozan SG USC (One of the best scorers and biggest upside players in the draft)

9. Toronto - Stephon Curry PG/SG Davidson (Sweetest stroke in the draft, can run point part time)

10. Milwaukee - Jordan Hill PF Arizona (Obviously lower than a lot of people have him, would make Villanueva expendable)

11. New Jersey - Terrence Williams G/F Louisvilile (Do it all guy who doesnt demand the ball to be affective, making him a good compliment for Carter/Harris)

12. Charlotte - Gerald Henderson SG Duke (SG the fans want so bad. Solid contributor for years to come)

13. Indiana - Earl Clark SF/PF Louisville (BPA here, can play 3 with Granger at 2 or help with athleticism at the 4 instead of Troy Murphy)

14. Phoenix - Jonny Flynn PG Syracuse (PG of the future who has ability to play in a variety of systems)

15. Detroit - BJ Mullens C Ohio State (Toughest pick to project, but I think he has biggest upside)

16. Chicago - DeJuan Blair PF Pittsburgh (Don't see the upside others do, but adds toughness to front court)

17. Philadelphia - Ty Lawson PG UNC (Biggest need and a player with a proven record)

18. Minnesota - Chase Budinger G/F Arizona (BPA although doesn't fit a need for Minnesota)

19. Atlanta - Eric Maynor PG VCU (Good size at PG and 4 year college player w/ good stats)

20. Utah - James Johnson F Wake Forest (BPA - Guy who can play the 3 and a backup 4 adds depth for Utah)

21. New Orleans - DaJuan Summers SF Georgetown (Really good size and build. Can contribute right away and was greatly under used at Georgetown in their system)

22. Dallas - Wayne Ellington SG/SF UNC (Can back up Terry or Howard and adds an outside shooter)

23. Sacramento - Austin Daye SF/PF Gonzaga (Would play the SF for them and they could go really big with Thompson/Hawes/Daye)

24. Portland - Gani Lawal PF Georgia Tech (If you told Portland they could get the backup PF they need in the 20's and it'd be Lawal when the season started they would have told you you're crazy.)

25. Oklahoma City - Jeff Teague PG/SG Wake Forest (Good scorer who can back up Westbrook or play the 2 if they go small)

26. Chicago - Sam Young SF Pittsburgh (Brings a lot to the table and takes nothing off it)

27. Memphis - Tyler Hansbrough PF UNC (Tough player who can play backup PF right away)

28. Minnesota - Omri Casspi SF Israel (True SF fills a position of need)

29. LA Lakers - Nando de Colo PG/SG France (Lakers could be looking for a player to keep in Europe for a few years. Should shine in Treviso and could play this year or play in a year or two.)

30. Cleveland - Marcus Thornton SG LSU (Can hit open jumpers and a good fit for them)