~Official 2009 Mock Draft Thread~

[BigSlam]

I hear what you are saying misterglover - and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if LB took someone like Blair. He has been saying we need a "banger" type to help EO50 out.

I know that Williams was touted as a late 1st early in the season, but the way he came on in the 2nd half of the season and the fact that this draft is so thin now, I really think he's a lotto pick. He might even be gone when it comes to our turn to pick (GSW or Toronto spring to mind).

As far as LB not liking wings unless they are super stars go: He has a tremendous amount of love for Raja and he is far from being a super star.

One thing is for sure, it's a pretty hard draft to try and mock!! I could put 4 or 5 different combinations together easily justifying someone going as high as the top 10 even though I have them top 20 in this mock!

[misterglover]

True he values you Raja alot...guess thats the point I was tryin to make but didnt do a good job of doing...Raja earned that, he's earned his place in the league Larry basically found him in the YMCA gym and he's went on to become one the leagues best defensive wings...I was tryin to imply i dont see Larry really caring for young wings that havent proven anything to spend that high a draft choice on them especially when he's still trying to put his stamp on a team...Wings are kinda like the WR's of basketball the high maintenance big ego guys if you will and I dont think LB will be fond of a young hotshot like that coming in right now I think he'd rather get a still young veteran backup thru trade or free agency or draft a wing in the second rd, one with a chip on his shoulder or thats had a solid college career. Terrence Williams would be a good example of that in the 2nd rnd not the lottery...Im thinking more like a Wayne Ellington, Dionte Christmas, Danny Green, Marcus Thornton, Jermaine Taylor type of player

[fatlever]

if twill isnt the guy, as mg points out... i would welcome blair. i like what he brings. we need a bulldog. if we could still land danny green in the second round, i would be thrilled with that outcome. i think both guys could contribute early.

anyway..... great mock slam. you really put a lot of effort into that. i cant wait to see your tweaks as we get closer to the draft.

[BigSlam]

Totally see what you are saying mg. I could see LB being more geeked at signing someone like Anthony Parker in the off season that he would be drafting someone like Evans or DeRozan. In part I think that's why he would like someone like T.Will. He's a 4 year player who played under Pitino and I think that LB would respect him more - same could be said for Henderson.

If we did go with someone like Blair or Clark with #12 and want to use a 2nd rounder on a SG then someone like Christmas or Green would be perfect IMO.

I just hope that this year we draft someone we work out. Although it worked last year, I'm not a fan of drafting someone you haven't spent some time with.

[Walt Cronkite]

Nice work Slam. That was a very informative post.

[WaydownSouth]

Slam........ c'mon..... no love for Patty Mills late in the first round. I think he's a real chance to goto the Cavs with the last pick. I'd rate Mills over Collison.

[BigSlam]

Slam........ c'mon..... no love for Patty Mills late in the first round. I think he's a real chance to goto the Cavs with the last pick. I'd rate Mills over Collison.

Mate, I had him going late in the 1st for a while but at the end of the day, I think that missing a lot of ball last season hurt him a little (as does his shooting) and I think he'd best suited to go back to school for his junior season and really work on his play making.

Collison is a heady PG who is solid and a fantastic on ball defender. He'll have a Mario Chalmers type influence - and there is always room for guys like that in the NBA.

[WaydownSouth]

I think the way of the PG (probably better a new thread, but anyway), has changed in the past 12 months. I think franchises are now looking at the quicker PG and not necessarily the bigger PG. Height is always nice, and 6'3" will always be 6'3", but I think teams and now looking at speed. I doubt there is anyone quicker than Mills up and down the court.

I'm starting to think that with the majority of teams pushing the offense, and the lack of 1/2 court offence then speed is the way to go. What's easier, grinding out a 1/2 court game or racing the ball up the court and working on getting 3's on 4's etc etc. Mills isn't a shabby defender himself. Who would of though Aaron Brooks would of turned out as good. Hell, DJ is a quick as a flash, Devin Harris and do I go with CP3. They do get exposed on the defensive end, but hey..

I guess there is a little bit of love for Mills. He kicked my arse as a 14 year old playing here in Canberra. He was playing senior mens and killing people. His handle was off the charts, his J was a little unrealiable, but what 14 year olds isn't, but his BBIQ was awesome. Been watching Mills play for a long long time.

[BigSlam]

Didn't he shoot something like 40% from the floor and 30% from down town last season?

That's got to hurt his stock.

Like I said, I think that in a class that is balls deep with PG's, it would be in his best interest to go back to school next season then fight with Wall and Walker as the best PG in next years draft rather than being a 1st round bubble type guy this year.

[WaydownSouth]

I don't think St Mary's have a squad as strong as this season for next season.. Could also hurt his chances. I hope we'll all in for a pleasant surprise on draft day..

Agreed, his shooting was average this season which could hurt him. He hasn't got himself an agent yet, so there is every chance he'll return.