We're getting close to one of the most exciting times of the NBA season for fans like myself. No, this isn't the NBA Finals here, which would be the most exciting time of the NBA season, we're taking a half step down and talking about the NBA draft. The draft lottery is only two weeks away, so now is a good time to do my pre-lottery mock draft. This takes into account team needs now and possibly in the future for every team involved.
The order will currently be based upon team record:
1. Sacramento Kings - Blake Griffin 6'10" 250 lb. PF
No matter who gets this pick, Griffin is the top talent in this year's draft. An extremely athletic big man with a highly underrated jump shot (although it doesn't go out past 15 feet or so), and just about every skill you could want out of a power forward in the league. Bringing almost every intangible doesn't hurt either. The clear cut top pick in the 2009 draft.
2. Washington Wizards - Ricky Rubio 6'3" 180 lb. PG
Rubio is easily the second best talent in this draft. Some would try to argue that he's a top talent, but Griffin has done more to prove himself at this point (sure, Rubio played in the Olympics and did well, but he was not even one of the top two players on the Spanish team at the time). Rubio is a point guard that has everything at this point outside of a reliable jump shot, which is the same thing that was said about Derrick Rose. Rubio doesn't have the same size either, and Rubio will be a bit of a project, but he has the potential to be a top 3-5 point guard in the league after only a few years. The biggest question here is where he will fit in with Arenas already there as the point guard. The best answer to that is that, first off, Arenas has had a couple of big health problems over the last couple of years and is not only not a sure thing to remain healthy, but there are also questions as to how well he'll play once he is back for an extended amount of time. Throw on top of that the fact that he plays more like a shooting guard and is in no way a true point guard and you realize that you can just push Arenas to the 2. One last thing is that Rubio may not be ready to start right away, so it isn't like you'll need to accommodate for him right away in the starting lineup.
3. LA Clippers - Jordan Hill 6'10" 235 lb. PF
At this point the Clippers have a number of choices. There's Hasheem Thabeet, the defensive monster from UConn as a center. There's James Harden, the star shooting guard from Arizona state, and there's another shooting guard in Demar DeRozan that top this list. Other possibilities include point guards Brandon Jennings and Jonny Flynn. However, the best pick for them would be Jordan Hill. The Clippers already seem to be stacked with big men. Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Zach Randolph, and DeAndre Jordan to name the main ones. Three of those guys are centers, which rules out Hasheem Thabeet, especially considering that the Clippers seem to be open to actually moving Kaman since Jordan has shown the potential to actually make a good center in the future. At power forward, however, outside of Randolph they have Brian Skinner, who is a good defender, but not much else, and Marcus Camby, who mainly plays center. Randolph himself has shown to bring failure to every team he goes to. He doesn't play a style that is conductive to good team basketball, and is overall someone they should be open to moving. This is why they should bring in Hill. He's a power forward who has a game that is much more team oriented than any other main power forward option the Clippers have (considering Camby mainly a center option). His game has been compared mostly to Chris Bosh, but Hill can also play some solid defense. He clearly makes the most sense for the Clippers at this point in the draft.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder - James Harden 6'5" 220 lb. SG
He's been compared to players like Manu Ginobili and Paul Pierce, but there really is somethin even different those two in Harden. He's athletic, his jumper from mid-range is deadly (although from further out he's a bit of a question), he's a very good passer, and he's got loads of potential. I'd still say that DeRozan has the potential to be the better player between the two, but Harden right now is the better player, and while DeRozan does have the edge, it is not an edge that is very large. On top of that, it's potential we're talking about, and year after year several teams shoot themselves in the foot by drafting completely based upon potential. Harden is not only a safe pick here, but a pick that also includes added potential as a bonus. Oklahoma City is set at point guard, shooting guard, and the forward spots for the future, their only questions are at shooting guard and center spots. Right now Harden looks like he'll be able to help the Thunder out more than Thabeet, and the Thunder do have Nenad Kristic at center along with Nick Collison and Robert Swift (if he's ever healthy), who don't make up some horribly fearsome group, but one that can at least not kill the team.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Demar DeRozan 6'6" 210 lb. SG
This is a really tough one to pick. The Timberwolves could really upgrade at almost any position outside of the 4 and 5 at this point in the draft. Sure, more backup would be desirable at those positions, but this is too early to be drafting for backups. Right now they have Mike Miller who is a good option to start at the 3, and Corey Brewer is coming along on offense to go along with his outstanding defense. That leaves the guard spots. Right now the main guards on the Timberwolves are Sebastian Telfair, Randy Foye, and Bobby Brown. Kevin Ollie is a good veteran, but it's tough to put him as a main option. Mike Miller and Corey Brewer can also play guard, but could be better used at forward for the majority of the time with this team. Bobby Brown and Sebastial Telfair are the main point guards. Telfair has come along as a solid point guard after not living up to expectations for the majority of his career thus far, and Brown is a good backup. Randy Foye is the main shooting guard option with Miller/Brewer backing him up. Bringing in DeRozan would give the Timberwolves a project at the 2 spot, but one who could come in right away with backup minutes. A rotation soon consisting of DeRozan, Telfair, and Foye at the guard positions (with Foye alternating) could soon make the Timberwolves into a team with a very good backcourt.
6. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet 7'3" 265 lb. C
It's even surprising to me to see Thabeet fall down this far, but it's a good possibility given the other team needs out there. The Grizzlies do already have Marc Gasol, who is a good center, without a doubt, but I just can't see them letting Thabeet fall any further. Another scenario could see them trading down with another team who is in need of a good center (New York? Toronto (especially if they trade Bosh and put Bargnani at the 4)?). However, the Grizzlies have a good backcourt with Conley and Mayo running things, and you don't know for sure if Brandon Jennings will be an improvement over either of them. Rudy Gay is there to stay at the 3 spot, and there isn't a power forward that they could even consider reaching for at this point (unless they make Earl Clark into a power forward, which would not play to his real talents), and while Marc Gasol is a very good option at the center spot, it never hurts to have an extra big man there, and Hasheem Thabeet at this point seems to be the clear cut best player available.
7. Golden State Warriors - Jonny Flynn 6' 185 lb PG
Putting Monta Ellis with Brandon Jennings in a starting backcourt would likely result in a chemistry disaster. While Jennings is likely a slightly better point guard prospect than Flynn, Flynn is the man who would do more to make Golden State a better team. Flynn really shot up the charts after some amazing performances late in the season with Syracuse, and while the backcourt with him and Ellis would be fairly undersized, but that's not entirely rare in the NBA at this point. Flynn has a drive and kick ability that could really do wonders in opening up both Ellis and Jackson for shots. While he's small, he has a style that resembles Damon Stoudamire and could really fit in well with this Golden State offense.
8. New York Knicks - Brandon Jennings 6'1" 170 lb PG
Jennings is a tough player to really figure out. He really is more of a scoring type of point guard, but he also is a very good passer. His game resembles that of a prime Stephon Marbury mixed in with a Kenny Anderson type of player. His main focus will likely be to score, but he'll always keep his eye out for the assist. Putting him in a Mike D'Antoni system could really work wonders for his career, and with how they burned Chris Duhon out so quickly last year it could really help to at least have him learn the ropes as a backup who can come in for good minutes.
9. Toronto Raptors - Earl Clark 6'10" 230 lb. SF
Toronto could use an upgrade at the small forward spot, and by bringing in Earl Clark this could be a very good upgrade. Not only would they get the unique and diverse skill set that Clark brings, but having a front line with an average height of 6'11" could really cover up for some of the softness that they really have down low. If they don't trade Bosh, that is.
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Gerald Henderson 6'5" 210 lb SG
Henderson brings the Bucks a guy who can come right in and be a very good contributor off the bench, but also someone who can be a solid starting shooting guard if Michael Redd goes down again. While the point guard position isn't entirely stable for the Bucks with the inconsistent Ramon Sessions and defenseless Luke Ridnour as the main two guys there, the Bucks could also use more stability backing up Redd, and that is what makes Henderson the best guy to pick right here.
11. New Jersey Nets - Chase Budinger 6'7" 218 lb SG/SF
Budinger is a player with an automatic jump shot and amazing athleticism. His only weaknesses are his defense, lateral quickness, and ball handling. Given who the Nets have as their starting guards, it doesn't look like he'll have to do much ball handling. The defense does hurt, but that can develop with age, and can be masked by other players ranging from the big men to the guards along with him. This is assuming that the Nets play him at the small forward position, which on this team is a position that he could come right in and start at. His ball handling especially won't be a problem, as his offensive game will likely include moving off the ball and getting open after either Carter or Harris drive and help to open him up. If the Nets decide to trade Carter then things could get a bit complicated, but as it stands, Budinger looks to be the best pick for the Nets.
12. Charlotte Bobcats - Wayne Ellington 6'5" 195 lb. SG
This is the point where you start drafting while considering backups who could be future starters. This makes Ellington perfect for the Bobcats. They have Raja Bell starting at the shooting guard spot, and a good starter at that. They also have their entire starting lineup pretty well filled with Felton (or Augustin), Bell, Wallace, Diaw, and Okafor. They have several backups in the frontcourt as well as either Felton or Augustin at the point guard spot. However, they really don't have a good shooting guard backup. This is what Ellington could start off as for the team. He's a guy with good all around shooting guard skills, but who isn't great at any single one of them, although some could still develop.
13. Indiana Pacers - Patrick Patterson 6'8" 235 lb PF
This may seem like a bit of a stretch at this point, but it's what the Pacers could really use for their team. Right now they have a starting lineup that consists of a lot of offense with little defense. TJ Ford is a very good offensive point guard, but is a poor defender outside of getting his steals. Mike Dunleavy is a very good offensive shooting guard (who can play the 3 as well), but hasn't ever even heard of defense. Troy Murphy is a very good offensive player and rebounder, but when it comes to defense he's very poor. Danny Granger is one exception as an overall good player, and Jeff Foster is a very good defender, but not much on offense. When you look at the backups though you see Jarrett Jack, who's a solid defender, and Marquis Daniels, another very good defender at the guard spots. Both guys bring offense to the table as well. They have a couple of solid options at center as well, but what they could really use is that banger type, that Patrick Patterson type at the power forward spot. He'll bring a real toughness down low and makes up for his lack of height with athleticism and a solid jumper out to mid range.
14. Phoenix Suns - Tyreke Evans 6'6" 220 lb SG
Evans brings an excellent backup for Jason Richardson who can compliment Barbosa very well when he's backing up Nash. While Barbosa is the scoring type of backup PG, Evans is a backup SG who can play more of a point guard role for the offense. Evans also has the ability to score in bunches, which is very good since it shows a high level of versatility. Eventually Evans could be a star in the league, but will be a bit of a project, so he does fit in well with the current Phoenix team.
15. Detroit Pistons - Stephen Curry 6'1" 180 lb PG/SF
Considering that it looks like Iverson is going to be on his way out with this Pistons (at least after his contract expires after next year), and likely won't be playing next year for them rather he's with them or not, Curry's a guy who the Pistons could bring in to fill his role, but fill it without the ego that goes along with Iverson. Curry also is a much better shooter than Iverson has ever been in his career, although not nearly as quick or as strong of a penetrator. He'll be a deadly weapon for the Pistons to have off the bench.
16. Chicago Bulls - BJ Mullens 7' 275 lb. C
Given the current situation on the Bulls, this is a no-brainer. While Mullens will be a project, he will have a great mentor in Brad Miller to help him out and help make him into the best player he can be. He's a center who not only brings great size, but also brings excellent athleticism, a good jumper out to at least 15 feet, through the roof potential, and actual down low post skills. Mullens has had his basketball IQ questioned recently, but has a history of showing a good basketball IQ, and most Ohio State centers get closed down in the system that Ohio State runs (which makes it amazing that for 3 years in a row they were able to get top recruits as centers). Mullens really seems to be a no-brainer with this pick.
17. Philadelphia 76ers - Eric Maynor 6'3" 180 lb PG
With Andre Miller going into free agency, it's not a sure thing that the 76ers will have a point guard who can run things next season. What Maynor brings may not be a point guard who'll come in and bring the same things that Miller brought to the table, but someone who can at least come in and play a true point guard style. Maynor's another one of those players who's good at everything, but not especially good at any single thing. The big thing that he does bring that Miller never brought to the 76ers is good defense. He's also someone who can be drafted at the 17 spot who can actually come right in and potentially start.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Johnson 6'8" 235 lb SF
It's much easier to pick for the Wolves at this point since the whole filling of needs thing becomes less important than getting the right player at this time (of course later when trying to get the steal to fill that one need things get a little more difficult again). The Wolves do have Mike Miller and Corey Brewer already at the 3 spot, but Johnson would be nice to have as insurance, especially if Brewer goes down again, Johnson would bring another excellent defender in. Johnson has solid offensive skills, but is as tough as nails on defense and is a great hustle player.
19. Atlanta Hawks - Ty Lawson 6' 195 lb PG
The Hawks are tough team to draft for, even at this point. They have Mike Bibby at the point with Acie Law backing him up. Law, for the most part, hasn't been what they had hoped he would be in Atlanta. That is why it really looks like picking up Ty Lawson is a good idea at this point. Bibby is now in his early 30's and won't be around forever. The Hawks had enough of a problem with the point guard spot before picking up Bibby in 2008 that they will likely make sure they have the position addressed for when he is gone. Lawson is not very big at all, but he brings great quickness and good fundamentals. He's good with passing and has a good jump shot, although he'll have to find ways to bring whatever he can to the table on defense.
20. Utah Jazz - Terrence Williams 6'6" 220 lb SG/SF
Williams is a freakishly athletic, defensive minded wing player. His offense is very raw at this point, but he brings something to Utah that they haven't seemed to have in ages, excitement. Nothing against Deron Williams, who is at least the second best point guard in the league, but Williams has that ability to make that play that makes you jump out of your seat in disbelief. On defense he'll be a real gem for the Jazz. If his offensive game ever comes around he could wind up being a steal this low in the draft.
21. New Orleans Hornets - Jrue Holiday 6'3" 205 PG/SG
Obviously the Hornets do not need a point guard by any means, but having someone who can come in there and not only give Paul occasional quality backup minutes along with playing the 2 is something that could really benefit the Hornets.
22. Dallas Mavericks - DeJuan Blair 6'6" 285 lb PF
Blair is very short for the power forward position, nobody can argue that. However, he's a guy who adds a world of toughness, and that is something that the Dallas Mavericks could really use. Playing in a frontcourt that will otherwise pretty much be Dirk and Josh Howard, he could be very useful in there by adding his toughness. He won't bring much more, as while he does have long arms, he has very little athleticism and pretty much no jumper to talk about either, but just by bringing some toughness to the forwards of the Dallas Mavericks.
23. Sacramento Kings - Patrick Mills 5'11" 180 lb PG
This pick comes down to either Mills or Teague. Either one would be a very good pick at this point and even a potential starter by the end of the season. Both are very quick, but Mills just seems to have the better passing skills and has done more to really show that he can improve an entire team at this point than Teague, who was on a team with plenty of other very good players while Mills, when healthy last season, pretty much carried that St. Mary's team. Outside of that, he nearly single handedly embarassed the entire US Olympic team as part of the Australian team over the summer. The Kings can really use a better point guard than Beno Udrih, and Mills can easily be that guy.
24. Portland Trailblazers - Jeff Teague 6'2" 175 lb PG
I wasn't kidding when I said it was a close call between Mills and Teague. Teague has a very similar skill set, maybe not as quick or as good at passing, but it's fairly close. Also, Teague doesn't have the Olympics performance that Mills had either, but other than that, the guy does have a skill set that is very comparable, and the Trailblazers could use someone to challenge Steve Blake at point guard, who's good, but just not the guy you really want as your starter.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Gani Lawal 6'9" 233 lb PF
As a backup power forward Lawal can bring some athleticism and strength to really help bring some toughness to the front line for the Thunder.
26. Chicago Bulls - Sam Young 6'6" 220 lb SF
This is basically between Young and Darren Collison. With the Bulls addressing their frontcourt situation earlier in the draft with Mullens and otherwise looking to have a strong frontcout, the two thing they look at here are either another wing player or a backup point guard who can relieve Rose so that Rose doesn't burn himself out. Young winds up being the pick here just due to being the better player and someone who can bring a high level of toughness to the team as well.
27. Memphis Grizzlies - Tyler Hansbrough 6'8" 245 lb PF
Hansbrough is a bit short of the PF spot in the NBA, but he has a good jumper out to mid range and brings a level of toughness and intensity that can help any team in the league. Given that the Grizzlies are worst at the small forward position, he's at least someone to give a shot there as well.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Darren Collison 6' 170 lb PG
Well, in case Telfair implodes and Brown for one reason or another isn't there, having Collison there can possibly provide someone at point guard that at least knows how to play the game.
29. LA Lakers - Omri Casspi 6'8" 225 SF
A small forward with the potential to be something in the NBA, but nothing is for sure. The Lakers have enough talent that they can take some risks, and Casspi is one that could very well pay off.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jeff Pendergraph 6'9" 230 lb PF
The Cavaliers are fairly old as far as their bigs go, and with a possible retirement from Zydrunas Ilgauskas coming in the not so distant future along with Ben Wallace's contract running out after the 2010 season, it wouldn't hurt to at least to try to find someone who could possibly come in, learn from those two while they're there, and then at least try to stand in for them until the Cavaliers get someone else.
At this point it's too early to call the second round. The second round mock draft will come along with the third and final mock draft. The next mock draft will be the post lottery draft, which is not likely to see any major changes from this mock draft outside of the first fourteen picks.
No comments:
Post a Comment