EddieJonesFan 2009 Pre-Lotto Mock Draft w/explanations
Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 3:06 am
Try not to be too critical guys, I have feelings you know.
1.) Kings - PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
- I'm very tempted to put Rubio here, but I decided against it because there's such a small chance that anyone will have the guts to take Rubio with the number one pick. I think they might trade down for Rubio if the opportunity arose, but if it doesn't I think they're more than happy to get either one of them. I think there might be some in the Kings FO that actually like Rubio better because they are in desperate need for a shot creator, a leader, an entertainer, and most importantly he can give that team an identity. I think Rubio has the better chance to be a top tier player at PG than Griffin does at PF. Still, Griffin is a very helpful piece for the Kings, they could use the help with rebounding, and while Thompson and Hawes are very promising and talented neither of them bring the strength, toughness, and overall upside that Griffin can bring; he'd give them one of the best young frontcourts in the game. If they're comfortable with a Griffin/Hawes frontcourt of the future, perhaps they use Thompson to grab a young PG like Brandon Jennings.
2.) Wizards - PG Ricky Rubio, Spain
- I'm sure they'd love to work out a deal with the Kings in this scenario since Griffin would be the much better fit for them, but they're definitely happy with getting a top 2 pick. This would mean big adjustments for Arenas, but Rubio gives them someone who actually thinks about passing before anything else. Gives them someone with great basketball IQ, intensity, someone who will play hard on both ends of the court, great attitude, and leadership. Rubio is not very effective off the ball though, and Arenas/Butler/Jameson are mostly on-ball scorers; so there would be a big challenge for Saunders to figure this all out, but ultimately this is a dilemna they'd happily accept.
3.) Clippers - PF Jordan Hill, Arizona
- I wanted to pick James Harden here because regardless of Gordon and Davis, he'd fit the structure of that offense better than anyone else on the board. Since however they have to deal with having Davis on that team, Hill is the likely pick for them at this spot. He's a guy who is still early in his learning curve which can add to his upside, he'll give them activity, hustle points, and rebounds. I'm not really convinced he's anything special on either end of the court, a good role playing starter maybe, but a young guy they can be patient with and make their everyday PF once Camby and Randolph are gone.
4.) Thunder - C Hasheem Thabeet Connecticut
- It's tough to gauge what exactly the Thunder would be thinking, Westbrook was a pretty surprising move last year but they seemed to know what they were doing. With a very good core of perimeter players in Durant, Westbrook, and Green they need someone who can be an anchor defensively and do all the big man work. While I have doubts about Thabeet's upside and skills outside shot blocking, he should give them at least a Dalembert type player that will make up for a lot of their deficiencies at the C position. He has the potential to provide them what they wanted in Chandler, which was a shame for them that that deal couldn't be worked out.
5.) Timberwolves - SG James Harden, Arizona State
- I think Jennings is the best talent on the board at this spot, but they need some polished immediate talent that will flourish in a slow down half court offense. Harden's facilitating abilities and unselfishness at the SG position can balance Foye's scoring focus, but Harden will have to improve his off-ball play. There's no real ideal pick here for Minny, but Harden can give them someone who will play at the same pace of Love and Jefferson, and get the ball into them.
6.) Grizzlies - SF/PF Earl Clark Louiseville
- This is a tough one and honestly I don't feel well about this pick, but dammit they need help in the frontcourt and Clark is the only guy that you can rationally take this high that can somewhat pass for a PF. I'm not a big fan of Clark, I think he lacks a true position, not the greatest IQ, and jump shot sucks big time. On the positive side though, he gives them a guy with very high upside, good guard skills in a long 6'9 frame, very athletic, and has the tools to be a good defender. There are similarities to Lamar Odom, but I wouldn't predict he'd be as good as him.
7.) Warriors - PG Brandon Jennings, Italy
- This is a perfect fit for the Warriors and they should be partying if they get Jennings at 7. For Jennings it's a mixed bag though, he would be in the perfect offense for his game, but he's also still a raw player that needs time and a patient coach, which Don Nelson is not. No rookie should ever look forward to playing for Don Nelson.
8.) Knicks - PG/SG Stephen Curry, Davidson
- I've been thinking they're a perfect fit for awhile now. I think Curry is going to surprise a lot with his ability to play the PG in the NBA. Sure he's probably not going to be a pure PG, but I think he's got at least Mike Bibby ability in him. He got so much attention from the defense but yet still managed to improve his assists and a/t ratio. He's a deadly shooter, clutch, and I think he has the versatility to play off the ball as well. Yes, he's probably not going to be much of a defender not having a great wingspan or lateral quickness, but he reads the passing lanes well and can get some steals. Not a great athlete, lacks a bit with his first step, but a good enough shooter and crafty enough athlete to get where he needs to go.
9.) Raptors - SG Tyreke Evans, Memphis
- I think this is a good fit here, the Raptors shore up their SG position, which is very thin, and they add a guy who can create off the dribble and get to the basket. His J, shot selection, and IQ are question marks for him, but he gives Toronto the kind of 2 guard they need, a guy who has the potential to be a good perimeter scorer with some passing ability. I see a lot of Larry Hughes in him though, but we'll see.
10.)Bucks - PG Ty Lawson, North Carolina
- It's really hard to tell what Milwaukee plans to do with this pick since they have question marks with whether they can re-sign Sessions, and whether they're going to trade Jefferson. Unless they can work some magic with Jefferson's contract it's not looking like they can afford to bring back Sessions, so I've decided that they're going to take the best available PG. Lawson is considered the top PG at this point. He'll give them a guy who can facilitate well in transition, he's unselfish, can handle the ball well, and can hit a set shot pretty well. Lacks ability to play at multiple tempos and lacks a mid range game.
11.)Nets - SF DeMar DeRozan, USC
- Easy move for NJ at this point. They aren't very deep at the 3 spot and DeRozan gives them the best upside there, someone who can score off the ball and play solid D. He lacks the wingspan and guard skills to be the star player people expected him to be, but he seems to be a hard worker, and he knows his limitations.
12.)Bobcats - SG Gerald Henderson, Duke
- I wouldn't make this pick if I were them, but he's someone who can be a Raja Bell type and they don't have great depth at the SG position.
13.)Pacers - SG/SF Terrence Williams, Louiseville
- BPA on the board at this point IMO. Has great defensive tools and versatility to guard the 2 and 3. Very athletic, has a streaky shot right now but it's decent and has potential to improve, very good rebounder, unselfish, and he's a good passer. Lacks ball handling, go-to scoring ability, and he can be too passive at times.
14.)Suns - PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
- They finally get their young PG prospect that they've needed to back up Nash and take over when he's gone. Didn't watch him that much, but seems to have good potential as a scorer and passer, brings energy. Short and needs to improve J.
15.)Pistons - PG/SG Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
- This was a close one between Teague and Mullens, but I think Teague's upside wins over here. He doesn't fit a great need for them since they have good guard depth, but he's the best available. They need a center but Mullens is probably very far away from contributing and is very risky.
16.)Bulls - C B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
- Pretty solid at all positions, they can get a project big who can be a decent low post guy down the road. Things may change here if they don't re-sign Gordon, but they'll have Salmons as a backup plan, and there will be decent guards at their second first rounder.
17.)76ers - PG/SG Jrue Holiday, UCLA
- They need a PG for the future and Holiday has the highest upside here and is the best PG available.
18.)Timberwolves - SF/PF James Johnson, Wake Forest
- Best available talent here, can add some scoring to their SF position. May be a little redundant with Gomes, but I think he'll be considered BPA at this point.
19.)Hawks - PG Eric Maynor, VCU
- Hawks try their luck again on another PG, he's similar to law, but he's a true PG, he can shoot, and is best available PG here.
20.)Jazz - PF DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
- Hard to say, Boozer can leave and Korver can opt out (I believe). They could use a backup PG, but if Boozer Leaves they could use another guy who can bang down low. I'm going to assume Boozer is gone, so I'll go with Blair.
21.)Hornets - PF/C Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech
- They need a lot of help, but they take Lawal because they're desperate for some frontcourt depth. Lawal is long, athletic, and has upside as a banger/rebounder/shot blocker, may be a little redundant with Armstrong and Chandler but Chandler's health is so unreliable and West isn't a post player.
22.)Mavericks - SF Austin Daye, Gonzaga
- I think Dallas swings for the fences here, take the project who probably has the best upside on the board. Daye has a lot of question marks, especially with his weight and athleticism. He should go back to school.
23.)Kings - PG Darren Collison, UCLA
- They need to shore up their PG position since Udrih is stinking it up. Collison is the best PG here IMO. Not a lot of upside, but he can give you good D (although his size will hurt him at the next level), a good 3 pt shooter, and has good passing and IQ. Same type as Chalmers and Duhon, can't say he'll be quite as successful though, should be a solid backup and a decent fill in starter from time to time.
24.)Blazers - PF Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
- Knowing the Blazers they're probably going to be all over the place on draft night and this pick will probalby end up getting traded 5 times. Assuming they keep it, they could use a solid backup PF who can rebound and bring some toughness, I guess Hansbrough does that.
25.)Thunder - SG Chase Budinger, Arizona
- I have a hard time seeing Budinger fall this far. Thunder take him because he's clearly BPA.
26.)Bulls - SG Wayne Ellington, North Carolina
- So much depends on what happens with Gordon, but they could use a shooter and Ellington would probably be the most highly thought of one at this point. Personally, I'd prefer Thornton but the Bulls aren't as smart as me so I'm not going to give them the benefit of the doubt MUAHAHAHA
27.)Grizzlies - SF/PF Sam Young, Pittsburgh
- They could use a backup for Rudy Gay. Hard worker, good rebounder, good perimeter defender, with work can become a decent spot up 3 pt shooter. Potential Posey type.
28.)Timberwolves - PG/SG Nick Calathes, Florida
- I have no idea why, so stop asking! Three picks in the first round is lunacy anyways.
29.)Lakers - SG Marcus Thornton, LSU
- If the Lakers don't trade up they probably grab a shooter and add some depth to their SG position since Sasha hasn't done so great lately. Thornton is a big sleeper IMO, good off-ball shooter/scorer, should be a decent defender.
30.)Cavaliers - SG/SF Danny Green, North Carolina
- Patrick Mills misses the first round
go back to school son! Cavs could use an extra backup 2/3 and Green gives them a good role player who can hit the 3, defend the 2/3, and pass. Battier-lite?
I think I'm gonna do a simulated lottery after this, but I'll probably just do the lottery teams.
1.) Kings - PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
- I'm very tempted to put Rubio here, but I decided against it because there's such a small chance that anyone will have the guts to take Rubio with the number one pick. I think they might trade down for Rubio if the opportunity arose, but if it doesn't I think they're more than happy to get either one of them. I think there might be some in the Kings FO that actually like Rubio better because they are in desperate need for a shot creator, a leader, an entertainer, and most importantly he can give that team an identity. I think Rubio has the better chance to be a top tier player at PG than Griffin does at PF. Still, Griffin is a very helpful piece for the Kings, they could use the help with rebounding, and while Thompson and Hawes are very promising and talented neither of them bring the strength, toughness, and overall upside that Griffin can bring; he'd give them one of the best young frontcourts in the game. If they're comfortable with a Griffin/Hawes frontcourt of the future, perhaps they use Thompson to grab a young PG like Brandon Jennings.
2.) Wizards - PG Ricky Rubio, Spain
- I'm sure they'd love to work out a deal with the Kings in this scenario since Griffin would be the much better fit for them, but they're definitely happy with getting a top 2 pick. This would mean big adjustments for Arenas, but Rubio gives them someone who actually thinks about passing before anything else. Gives them someone with great basketball IQ, intensity, someone who will play hard on both ends of the court, great attitude, and leadership. Rubio is not very effective off the ball though, and Arenas/Butler/Jameson are mostly on-ball scorers; so there would be a big challenge for Saunders to figure this all out, but ultimately this is a dilemna they'd happily accept.
3.) Clippers - PF Jordan Hill, Arizona
- I wanted to pick James Harden here because regardless of Gordon and Davis, he'd fit the structure of that offense better than anyone else on the board. Since however they have to deal with having Davis on that team, Hill is the likely pick for them at this spot. He's a guy who is still early in his learning curve which can add to his upside, he'll give them activity, hustle points, and rebounds. I'm not really convinced he's anything special on either end of the court, a good role playing starter maybe, but a young guy they can be patient with and make their everyday PF once Camby and Randolph are gone.
4.) Thunder - C Hasheem Thabeet Connecticut
- It's tough to gauge what exactly the Thunder would be thinking, Westbrook was a pretty surprising move last year but they seemed to know what they were doing. With a very good core of perimeter players in Durant, Westbrook, and Green they need someone who can be an anchor defensively and do all the big man work. While I have doubts about Thabeet's upside and skills outside shot blocking, he should give them at least a Dalembert type player that will make up for a lot of their deficiencies at the C position. He has the potential to provide them what they wanted in Chandler, which was a shame for them that that deal couldn't be worked out.
5.) Timberwolves - SG James Harden, Arizona State
- I think Jennings is the best talent on the board at this spot, but they need some polished immediate talent that will flourish in a slow down half court offense. Harden's facilitating abilities and unselfishness at the SG position can balance Foye's scoring focus, but Harden will have to improve his off-ball play. There's no real ideal pick here for Minny, but Harden can give them someone who will play at the same pace of Love and Jefferson, and get the ball into them.
6.) Grizzlies - SF/PF Earl Clark Louiseville
- This is a tough one and honestly I don't feel well about this pick, but dammit they need help in the frontcourt and Clark is the only guy that you can rationally take this high that can somewhat pass for a PF. I'm not a big fan of Clark, I think he lacks a true position, not the greatest IQ, and jump shot sucks big time. On the positive side though, he gives them a guy with very high upside, good guard skills in a long 6'9 frame, very athletic, and has the tools to be a good defender. There are similarities to Lamar Odom, but I wouldn't predict he'd be as good as him.
7.) Warriors - PG Brandon Jennings, Italy
- This is a perfect fit for the Warriors and they should be partying if they get Jennings at 7. For Jennings it's a mixed bag though, he would be in the perfect offense for his game, but he's also still a raw player that needs time and a patient coach, which Don Nelson is not. No rookie should ever look forward to playing for Don Nelson.
8.) Knicks - PG/SG Stephen Curry, Davidson
- I've been thinking they're a perfect fit for awhile now. I think Curry is going to surprise a lot with his ability to play the PG in the NBA. Sure he's probably not going to be a pure PG, but I think he's got at least Mike Bibby ability in him. He got so much attention from the defense but yet still managed to improve his assists and a/t ratio. He's a deadly shooter, clutch, and I think he has the versatility to play off the ball as well. Yes, he's probably not going to be much of a defender not having a great wingspan or lateral quickness, but he reads the passing lanes well and can get some steals. Not a great athlete, lacks a bit with his first step, but a good enough shooter and crafty enough athlete to get where he needs to go.
9.) Raptors - SG Tyreke Evans, Memphis
- I think this is a good fit here, the Raptors shore up their SG position, which is very thin, and they add a guy who can create off the dribble and get to the basket. His J, shot selection, and IQ are question marks for him, but he gives Toronto the kind of 2 guard they need, a guy who has the potential to be a good perimeter scorer with some passing ability. I see a lot of Larry Hughes in him though, but we'll see.
10.)Bucks - PG Ty Lawson, North Carolina
- It's really hard to tell what Milwaukee plans to do with this pick since they have question marks with whether they can re-sign Sessions, and whether they're going to trade Jefferson. Unless they can work some magic with Jefferson's contract it's not looking like they can afford to bring back Sessions, so I've decided that they're going to take the best available PG. Lawson is considered the top PG at this point. He'll give them a guy who can facilitate well in transition, he's unselfish, can handle the ball well, and can hit a set shot pretty well. Lacks ability to play at multiple tempos and lacks a mid range game.
11.)Nets - SF DeMar DeRozan, USC
- Easy move for NJ at this point. They aren't very deep at the 3 spot and DeRozan gives them the best upside there, someone who can score off the ball and play solid D. He lacks the wingspan and guard skills to be the star player people expected him to be, but he seems to be a hard worker, and he knows his limitations.
12.)Bobcats - SG Gerald Henderson, Duke
- I wouldn't make this pick if I were them, but he's someone who can be a Raja Bell type and they don't have great depth at the SG position.
13.)Pacers - SG/SF Terrence Williams, Louiseville
- BPA on the board at this point IMO. Has great defensive tools and versatility to guard the 2 and 3. Very athletic, has a streaky shot right now but it's decent and has potential to improve, very good rebounder, unselfish, and he's a good passer. Lacks ball handling, go-to scoring ability, and he can be too passive at times.
14.)Suns - PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
- They finally get their young PG prospect that they've needed to back up Nash and take over when he's gone. Didn't watch him that much, but seems to have good potential as a scorer and passer, brings energy. Short and needs to improve J.
15.)Pistons - PG/SG Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
- This was a close one between Teague and Mullens, but I think Teague's upside wins over here. He doesn't fit a great need for them since they have good guard depth, but he's the best available. They need a center but Mullens is probably very far away from contributing and is very risky.
16.)Bulls - C B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
- Pretty solid at all positions, they can get a project big who can be a decent low post guy down the road. Things may change here if they don't re-sign Gordon, but they'll have Salmons as a backup plan, and there will be decent guards at their second first rounder.
17.)76ers - PG/SG Jrue Holiday, UCLA
- They need a PG for the future and Holiday has the highest upside here and is the best PG available.
18.)Timberwolves - SF/PF James Johnson, Wake Forest
- Best available talent here, can add some scoring to their SF position. May be a little redundant with Gomes, but I think he'll be considered BPA at this point.
19.)Hawks - PG Eric Maynor, VCU
- Hawks try their luck again on another PG, he's similar to law, but he's a true PG, he can shoot, and is best available PG here.
20.)Jazz - PF DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
- Hard to say, Boozer can leave and Korver can opt out (I believe). They could use a backup PG, but if Boozer Leaves they could use another guy who can bang down low. I'm going to assume Boozer is gone, so I'll go with Blair.
21.)Hornets - PF/C Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech
- They need a lot of help, but they take Lawal because they're desperate for some frontcourt depth. Lawal is long, athletic, and has upside as a banger/rebounder/shot blocker, may be a little redundant with Armstrong and Chandler but Chandler's health is so unreliable and West isn't a post player.
22.)Mavericks - SF Austin Daye, Gonzaga
- I think Dallas swings for the fences here, take the project who probably has the best upside on the board. Daye has a lot of question marks, especially with his weight and athleticism. He should go back to school.
23.)Kings - PG Darren Collison, UCLA
- They need to shore up their PG position since Udrih is stinking it up. Collison is the best PG here IMO. Not a lot of upside, but he can give you good D (although his size will hurt him at the next level), a good 3 pt shooter, and has good passing and IQ. Same type as Chalmers and Duhon, can't say he'll be quite as successful though, should be a solid backup and a decent fill in starter from time to time.
24.)Blazers - PF Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
- Knowing the Blazers they're probably going to be all over the place on draft night and this pick will probalby end up getting traded 5 times. Assuming they keep it, they could use a solid backup PF who can rebound and bring some toughness, I guess Hansbrough does that.
25.)Thunder - SG Chase Budinger, Arizona
- I have a hard time seeing Budinger fall this far. Thunder take him because he's clearly BPA.
26.)Bulls - SG Wayne Ellington, North Carolina
- So much depends on what happens with Gordon, but they could use a shooter and Ellington would probably be the most highly thought of one at this point. Personally, I'd prefer Thornton but the Bulls aren't as smart as me so I'm not going to give them the benefit of the doubt MUAHAHAHA
27.)Grizzlies - SF/PF Sam Young, Pittsburgh
- They could use a backup for Rudy Gay. Hard worker, good rebounder, good perimeter defender, with work can become a decent spot up 3 pt shooter. Potential Posey type.
28.)Timberwolves - PG/SG Nick Calathes, Florida
- I have no idea why, so stop asking! Three picks in the first round is lunacy anyways.
29.)Lakers - SG Marcus Thornton, LSU
- If the Lakers don't trade up they probably grab a shooter and add some depth to their SG position since Sasha hasn't done so great lately. Thornton is a big sleeper IMO, good off-ball shooter/scorer, should be a decent defender.
30.)Cavaliers - SG/SF Danny Green, North Carolina
- Patrick Mills misses the first round
go back to school son! Cavs could use an extra backup 2/3 and Green gives them a good role player who can hit the 3, defend the 2/3, and pass. Battier-lite?I think I'm gonna do a simulated lottery after this, but I'll probably just do the lottery teams.