My Mock Draft (6/12/09)

[NBAMAN2006]

This will be updated again 6 days before the draft and a final mock will be posted the night before the draft.

1. LA Clippers- Blake Griffin PF
WHY? He is by far the best player in this class.

2. Memphis- Ricky Rubio PG
WHY? Might not stay in Memphis, but there is no reason they shouldnt at least daft him to gain leverage in a deal. I think he ends up staying.

3. Oklahoma City- James Hardin SG
WHY? Most expect them to go with Thabeet. I think Presti is too smart for that. He takes the BPA and a guy who, with his handles/court vision, helps cover up the fact Westbrook is in no way a true PG.

4. Sacramento- Stephen Curry PG
WHY? Most Sac fans will hate this, but I think Curry is just too good to pass up. His shooting is not the only thing he brings to the table. He can distribute, slash, posesses an amazing mid-ranged game, and has an amazing work ethic and passion for the game. I dont see him ever becoming a prototypical PG, but rather something like Mike Bibby. A 18/6 guy.

5. Washington- Tyreke Evans G
WHY? Tereffic compliment to Arenas. Evans posesses the handles/vision to allow Arenas do what he does best, concentrate on scoring. His slashing is also quite impressive. A great fit in Washington IMO.

6. Minnesota- Demar DeRozan SG/SF
WHY? They would love to get Evans or Hardin but miss out. The next best thing is DeRozan, who has as much potential as anyone outside of Griffin. He may be a work in progress, but a rebuilding team like Minny can afford to wait.

7. Golden State- Brandon Jennings PG
WHY? Golden State can go in many directions in this draft, but I like Jennings fit on this fast paced team. He isnt the shooter than Nelly would want, but he can really, really push the tempo and get the ball to people in position to score. Not a great fit next to Ellis height wise, but the best choice overall.

8. New York- Hasheem Thabeet C
WHY? A dream come true for Walsh, who suposedly loves Thabeet. I think this fall will suprise many, but its not that odd to me. A lumbering C who can block shots but posesses few fundamentals and has an offensive game that resembles Diop. Still, he can be a great defensive anchor to this team.

9. Toronto- Jrue Holiday G
WHY? Nightmare scenario for TOR w/ Evans/Hardin/DeRozan gone. So, they target an athletic combo guard who can provide something no other guard on their roster provides, athletic defense and the ability to at least impose on faster players. I think he ends up a super sub at PG & SG. Also, his ability to slash and get to the line would be GREATLY appreciated in Toronto.

10. Milwaukee- Jordan Hill PF
WHY? They need a PF as Charlie-V is good as gone IMO. Hill is a tough PF who compliments Bogut's 'softer' game very well.

11. New Jersey- Earl Clark F
WHY? The Nets dont have a long term answer at SF or PF, and Clark will turn out to be good at one of those positions. I think that he is going to be a sort of Boris Diaw type, possibly a little better.

12. Charlotte- Gerald Henderson SG
WHY? Stereotypical Charlotte player. From a big school, 4 years, well rounded. He provides some athlecism at SG that they lost in the JRich trade, and in fact I would compare his game to a poor mand JRich. Also has the potential to be a very good defender.

13. Indiana- Jonny Flynn PG
WHY? I know they have Ford & Jack, but neither are anything special. Flynn has great measurables, and a rare balence between passing & scoring. He is also a decent shooter. Overall, I see him having as much potential as any PG in the draft. They would like a PF but there are none avaliable w/o being a huge reach.

14. Phoenix- James Johnson F
WHY? Excellent F prospect that provides the versatility they have been missing since dealing Diaw. He is an immediate contributer and falls skill wise somewhere between Diaw & Marvin Williams.

15. Detroit- Sam Young SF
WHY? Alot of people wont like this pick, but I think Young provides a great mix of immediate help and future development. The Pistons want to 'competitivley rebuild', and I think Young and whoever they sign w/ their cap room this summer allows them to do just that. The all around game of young is reminiscent of Jeff Green, but athletically/overall I would put rate him between Green and Gomes prospect wise.

16. Chicago- BJ Mullins C
WHY? Their roster is pretty crowded, and while many of their fans dislike Mullins. But, he has the potential to actually give them a legit sized center. Their overall depth allows them to grab a 2-3 year project.

17. Philadelphia 76'ers- Ty Lawson PG
WHY? Andre Miller is gone and Lou Williams is a SG. That leaves them with no PG what-so-ever. I think Lawson is quite underrated. He controlled a very talented team and managed a awesome stat line. Not to mention despite being small he is strong and athletic. I also like his NBA readyness on a team that needs a PG who can contribute immediatley.

18. Minnesota(From MIA)- Gani Lawal PF/C
WHY? A athletic rotation big to help compensate for the lack of shotblocking among Love, Smith & Al. I think in this day and age he is big/athletic enough to play backup C against most players also.

19. Atlanta- Jeff Teague G
WHY? I think Teague is a great fit next to Joe Johnson. He doesnt have great facilitating skills, but is an awesome scorer. He would allow them to let Flip Murray walk and take his minutes.

20. Utah- Tyler Hansbrough PF
WHY? There is about a 5% chance that Utah keeps both Boozer & Millsap, so here they get a replacement for one of them. Tyler showed at the combine that he has NBA measurables, and his grit/toughness just scream 'Sloan' to me.

21. New Orleans- Terrence Williams SG/SF
WHY? Their team is full of shooters but after CP4, they lack any true rounded players. Thats what Williams would provide. An athletic, smart, versatile and unselfish wing.

22. Dallas- Derrick Brown SF
WHY? This guy is extremley underrated. Build like a brick but with a feathery touch, he posted great combine numbers and had an excellend season at Xavier.

23. Sacramento(From HOU)- Damion James SF
WHY? While they did get Greene last season as their future SF, Damion is a far more well rounded prospect with comparable potential. I think that they will attempt to move Fransico sometime in the future also, as he is a better fit at SF. James is a rock and his rebounding skills would help their relativley weak rebounding frontcourt.

24. Portland- DeJuan Blair PF
WHY? His stock is plumetting, as it has come out that he has the knees of a 86 year old cripple and has had an ACL tear on both legs in HS. Still, in Portland he will put very little wear & tear on his body/knees as he will be no more than a 15mpg backup. A very good match.

25. Oklahoma City(From SAS)- Danny Green SG/SF
WHY? Their team lacks depth on the wing, and Green provides just that. He plays like a veteran, making few mistakes, showing great defensive potential and excelling as a spot-up shooter. His stats were not very impressive because he was so unselfish and on such a talented team.

26. Chicago(From DEN)- Jonas Jerebko SF
WHY? They have a stacked roster, at least depth wise. So, they go for a European guy to stash. I am starting to really like this kids game. He is tough, athletic and has a versatile offensive game.

27. Memphis(From ORL)- Jeff Pendergraph PF/C
WHY? This kid is very, very underrated. He measures out better than Hansbrough and post's comparable stats in a far slower paced offense. I believe he would really help shore up the Grizzlies PF/C rotation, which is super thin right now.

28. Minnesota(From BOS)- Eric Maynor PG
WHY? A true PG. After netting a swingman and post player, they decide to take a very well rounded guy. Maynor is just a baller, and one of my favorite players in this draft. With Foye proving to be a combo guard and Telfair proving to be Telfair, they can use a PG prospect.

29. LA Lakers- Nick Calathes PG
WHY? A ideal fit in the triangle offense. He fits the bill for a Phil Jackson PG; tall, smart and a decent shooter. He is also going to be overseas for 1-2 seasons, so he wont take a roster spot on this crowded, talented team.

30. Cleveland- DaJuan Summers F
WHY? I see him as a Tim Thomas/Donyell Marshal type. A big, strong peremiter oriented player. They would prefer a post scorer, but in a post weak draft and this low thats not what they are going to get. Summers has the size and athlecism to score in the NBA and a great deal of range on his J.



31. Sacramento- Chase Budinger SG/SF
WHY? Easily BPA, and a potential steal in the 2nd round. He helps fortify their bench and gives Kevin Martin a great backup.

32. Washington- Omri Casspi F
WHY? Their roster is pretty crowded with players making large salaries, so they take a player to stash overseas. I think Casspi has the potential to be a more post oriented Nocoini. He comes over after Etan Thomas & Songalia leave.

33. Portland(From LAC)- Rodrigue Beaubois PG
WHY? Pritchard really likes this kid and tried to guarantee him in the 2nd round last year IIRC. Well, here he gets his wish. A raw but athletically/physically elite PG prospect. I think they leave him overseas for 2 or so years and see what they get.

34. Denver(From OKC)- Darren Collison PG
WHY? Their team really lacks a legit backup to Billups, other than Anthony Carter who really blows. Collison can learn from Billups and be a immediate defensive minded backup next season.

35. Detroit(From MIN)- Austin Daye F
WHY? A guy they are rumored to be interested in at #15 falls all the way to #35. Daye has great length, but stick figure frame and lack of great athlecism, along with a mentally weak game, cause him to plummet. Still, he is a great value here.

36. Memphis- Wayne Ellington SG
WHY? This team severley lacks SG/SF depth, and Ellington provides them with a very nice backup to Mayo. He is athletic and has a decent J. I see a very small chance that he doesnt develop into a great 7th or 8th man.

37. San Antonio(From SAS)- Marcus Thornton SG
WHY? Their SG/SF rotation is nearly ancient. While Thornton doesnt have great size, he is a excellent shooter and SAS loves sharpshooting wings. I like him as a backup for this team, and think he can contribute with his shooting right away.

38. Portland(From NYK)- Victor Claver F
WHY? Another guy that Portland has their eyes on. Claver is a high potential guy who falls due to an injury he sustained this season. I think his agent would actually prefer he get drafted in the 2nd due to not having a contract scale. Anyways, he is stashed overseas and allowed to develop.

39. Detroit(From TOR)- Sergio Llull PG
WHY? They need a 'true' PG to backup Stuckey eventually, and I think Llull can be that guy. He is like a poor mans Rubio, and can be stashed for a season then brought over as a backup. Reminds me of Raul Lopez.

40. Charlotte(From NJN)- Josh Heytvelt PF/C
WHY? I think they let the always injured Sean May walk and here they get a replacement. Josh isnt a traditional big, but his shooting abilities can make him a great compliment to Emeka.

41. Milwaukee- Curtis Jerrells PG
WHY? A bit of a suprise, as not many have Jerrells ranked as a 2nd rounder. But, I believe he is criminally underrated, and with Milwaukee taking a big at #10 they need some insurance for Sessions uncertaint status. Jerrells is a traditional PG who can both score and pass. I see him as a potential backup in the mold of Earl Watson.

42. LA Lakers(From CHA)- Taj Gibson PF
WHY? A great steal here, IMO. A guy like Gibson has Leon Powe potential, and the Lakers could really use a PF to replace Turiaf.

43. Miami(From IND)- Jermaine Taylor SG
WHY? The BPA at this point. Their SG rotation is crowded, but no other player on the board is nearly as talented.

44. Detroit- Milan Macvan PF/C
WHY? The Pistons really lack a strong PF/C rotation, and wile Milan isnt the answer he has a chance to be a backup. Kept in Europe for a while.

45. Minnesota(From PHI)- Henk Norel PF
WHY? With the number of players they have drafted so far, they almost have to take Euro's in the 2nd. Norel isnt anything special, but he is a active big who has a motor unlike most 7 footers. Kept overseas.

46. Cleveland(From CHI)- Jon Brockman PF
WHY? Insurance just in case Sideshow Bob gets an absurd contract and they let him go. Brockman is a freaking rock, and works as hard as anyone in this draft. His rebounding skills are unpecable. Even if they keep Sideshow, they will move Ben Wallace IMO and Brockman can take the place of designated rebounder, albeit in far fewer minutes.

47. Minnesota(From MIA)- Vladimir Dasic SF
WHY? Another Euro'stash. I like Dasic alot. He is versatile and more athletic than most European SF's. With Minnesota lacking a really good SF, they decide to try and get a steal in the 2nd. Stays in Europe.

48. Phoenix- Jeff Adrian PF
WHY? A rebounding & 'toughness' based PF, which Phoenix sorely lacks. Adrian is short, but has a long wingspan and really knows how to hustle. Will find a way onto their roster as a #3 PF.

49. Atlanta- Dante Cunningham F
WHY? Versatile & high enegry combo-forward who can back up SF & PF. Something like a poor mans James Johnson.

50. Utah- Toney Douglas G
WHY? A scoring combo-guard to eventually backup both guard positions. Douglas is an amazing value this late, and could end up being the steal of the 2nd round.

51. San Antonio(From NOH)- Alade Aminu PF/C
WHY? The Spurs lack athlecism from their frontcourt, and gain a bit here. Aminu isnt great, but he can run the floor and is decent at blocking shots. Will compete with Mahimi in training camp.

52. Indiana(From DAL)- Dionte Christmas SG
WHY? Takes over as their designated shooter off the bench. Can play a similar role to Steve Kerr.

53. San Antonio(From HOU)- Milenko Tepic SF
WHY? Their swingman spots are old, so they snag a European prospect to bring over in a year or two when Finley & Bowen join AARP.

54. Charlotte(From SAS)- Luke Neville C
WHY? I know they have like 200 million invested in the elite center duo of Nazr Mohommad & DeSanga Diop, but they could do good looking at a offensivley gifted C, which Neville is to an extent. He is Australian, so they likley let him go play in Aussie land for a while to see if his game develops.

55. Portland(From DEN)- Slava Kravtsov C
WHY? A team can never have too many centers. Slava is sort of like a very young Joel Pryz. A legit 7'0 with greatly proportioned weight (Sounds weird but is rare in a C) and a penchant for blocks. And no offense at all. Still, keep him overseas and see what happens.

56. Portland- Lester Hudson G
WHY? Sergio is gone and Beaubois is kept overseas so they draft a #3 PG to push Bayless in practice/training camp. Another player PDX was rumored to be interested in last draft.

57. Phoenix(From ORL)- Nando De Colo G
WHY? Versatile SG who is sort of like a guard version of Luke Walton. Stays overseas as Phoenix has a crowded roster.

58. Boston- Jack McClinton G
WHY? Great value at #58. His PG skills are lacking, but he has legit NBA scoring skills. A great shot, gets to the rim and shoots an amazing FT%. Battles with Pruitt for who stays the developmental PG.

59. LA Lakers- Greivis Vasquez G
WHY? Is of Spanish descent, so he goes overseas to play in Europe for a while. Still, he is the type of guard that Phil Jackson loves. Tall, versatile and truly has a gritty/competitive/winning attitude.

60. Miami(From CLE)- Artem Zabelin F
WHY? Touted as a 7'1 SF. What that really means is that he is probably a jump shooting PF but at #60 he provides some intrigue.

[RTM]

Sam Young at 15 is awful. If Detroit wanted him, we'd wait and see if he's around at 35 (he might be) or trade down. a reach that big is awful.

Daye at 35 is equally ridiculous for a whole different reason. He'll go top 20, he's got too much potential. Having Daye and Young switch spots makes a lot more sense than your order.

[noobcake]

Your Daye and Curry draft positions are collosal **** ups.

[BigSlam]

Hendo is nothing like JRich...........but I would be ok with drafting him at #12

[Dr Positivity]

Sam Young would be Joey Graham 2.0 if he went at 15... Daye won't fall that far with the weak SFs in this class. Sac at 23 is probably the lowest he'll go. No way Damion James and Jerebko go over him...

[NBAMAN2006]

Sam Young would be Joey Graham 2.0 if he went at 15... Daye won't fall that far with the weak SFs in this class. Sac at 23 is probably the lowest he'll go. No way Damion James and Jerebko go over him...

While I still think Young will be a better NBA player than Dayne, I can see the logic behind swithcing the DET picks. Dayne will be like Anjica. A twig that goes higher than he should due to his length.

[RIPskaterdude]

NO to Curry at 4.

[KF10]

NO to Curry at 4.

[Wisedude42]

patrick Mills was left out of the draft but he will be selected somewhere.

[djthesonicsfan]

Really good job.

At #25 I think Presti's looking PG, especially if Maynor, Mills or Beaubois are still on the board.

I agree Brockman is climbing. Isn't he just the kind of player that would help the Spurs?

[NBAMAN2006]

NO to Curry at 4.

Im going to possibly move Tryeke to #4 in my next mock, but I still like the Curry fit in Sacramento. If SAC had a SG who was good at passing/had great handles, I could see the Tryeke fit. But, as great as Kevin is, he isnt the type of player that would flourish alongside a combo-guard like Tyreke. Curry may not be a prototypical PG, hell who is other than Rubio, but his handles/court awareness/passing make him a better fit than Tyreke.

patrick Mills was left out of the draft but he will be selected somewhere.

I think Mills pulls out. He is going to be a lower 1st rounder this year, but if he waits for the 2010 draft, with a far crappier PG crop, he will be a middle to upper teens pick IMO.

At #25 I think Presti's looking PG, especially if Maynor, Mills or Beaubois are still on the board.

I can see that, but I think OKC should wait and see what they have in Livingston. I think he takes over the backup spot from Watson next season. Meanwhile, other than Thabo they have no wing depth. I watched a few games and while Weaver is a nice hustle player with good D, he isnt a quality backup all around IMO. More like a Greg Buckner type that gets overrated early on, overpaid mid career and eventually unwanted.

[Bac2Basics]

Kings would take Holiday or Evans over Curry.
Curry will be a solid rotation player, Holiday & Evans have the potential to be more.

[bigricho12]

No Mills based on your opinion that he will pull out? Put him in there dude, he stays now. The guy has been all over the world competing in workouts and he has told Australian media that he is in for good.

[djthesonicsfan]

At #25 I think Presti's looking PG, especially if Maynor, Mills or Beaubois are still on the board.

I can see that, but I think OKC should wait and see what they have in Livingston. I think he takes over the backup spot from Watson next season. Meanwhile, other than Thabo they have no wing depth. I watched a few games and while Weaver is a nice hustle player with good D, he isnt a quality backup all around IMO. More like a Greg Buckner type that gets overrated early on, overpaid mid career and eventually unwanted.

I agree. From the few games I saw Livingston play at the end of last season he's worth waiting for another summer. Even still, 100% guarantee both Watson and Atkins are gone by the trade deadline. They either get traded or released. Which leaves a spot on the roster for a third PG which is always a very good guy to have.

The reason Beaubois intrigues is because Presti is the guy that found another French PG, Tony Parker. Not saying that he's going to be anything close to what Parker has become, but Beaubois measured out really long with excellent hops. And the speed/quickness is there for sure. Might be worth a #25 pick. I don't know. We will see in 10 days.