First Round
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin (6'10" 250, Forward) Sophomore, Oklahoma
Analysis: Griffin is the unanimous number one pick; even the Clippers won’t screw this one up. Griffin averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds a game for Oklahoma during the 2008-09 season. Plus, his production in the NCAA Tournament cemented his status as college player of the year. There are some holes in his game, but everyone in this year’s draft class has question marks.
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet (7'3" 265, Center) Junior, Connecticut
Analysis: Ricky Rubio will probably be the pick here, but it won’t be made by Memphis. If Memphis is unable to find a trading partner, then expect the Grizzlies to go big and draft Thabeet. Hasheem is a project and will need to improve offensively to warrant this selection. His game and body structure is reminiscent of Samuel Dalembert.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Ricky Rubio (6'3" 180, Guard) DKV Joventut
Analysis: Ricky Rubio is a flashy player with a lot of potential, but he’ll need time to adjust to the NBA game. He doesn't make much sense for the Thunder and this pick has too much value not to be dealt. Expect a team already inside the top ten to make the move for Rubio. If the Kings, Wolves or Knicks want him this is where the deal's getting done.
4. Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans (6'6" 220, Guard) Freshman, Memphis
Analysis: Tyreke Evans is one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft. He has the court vision and distribution skills to play the point, and the height and scoring ability to play off guard. The Kings need a dynamic player to help renew fan interest in Sacramento, so this pick should come down to either Evans or Ricky Rubio.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Stephen Curry (6'3" 180, Guard) Junior, Davidson
Analysis: Stephen Curry is an explosive scorer from the perimeter, but at 6'3" he'll need to play the point in the NBA. His work outs have impressed most NBA teams, but questions still remain: Can he defend the lead guard position? Can he run an NBA offense? There are too many questions surrounding his game to consider Curry a can't miss prospect, but most NBA teams seem to be ignoring them.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Harden (6'5" 215, Guard) Sophomore, Arizona State
Analysis: James Harden is the safest pick in this year's draft behind Blake Griffin, but his "upside" is not as exciting as some of the players projected ahead of him. The biggest knock on Harden leading up to the draft was his athleticism, but his results at the Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago should have eliminated those concerns.
7. Golden State Warriors - Jordan Hill (6'10" 235, Forward) Junior, Arizona
Analysis: Can the Warriors really be interest in Jordan Hill after drafting, Brandon Wright and Anthony Randolph with their first round picks in 2007 and 2008? Hill is an athletic big man who runs the court well and can knock down the mid-range shot. He's still developing offensively and will need to get better with his back to the basket. Coincidently, the same can still be said about Wright and Randolph.
8. New York Knicks - Jrue Holiday (6'3" 180, Guard) Freshman, UCLA
Analysis: Jrue Holiday arrived at UCLA as one of the top prospects in the country, but a poor freshman season had some doubting his abilities. Apparently, those doubting Holiday’s collegiate production were not NBA scouts. Holiday projects as a point guard, but he’s more of a combo guard than a true pass first lead guard.
9. Toronto Raptors - DeMar DeRozan (6'7" 220, Forward) Freshman, USC
Analysis: DeMar DeRozan is a special athlete who is still learning the nuances of the game. He will need time to develop, but should provide the Raptors with solid production on both ends of the court. DeRozan has a quick first step and can knock down the mid-range shot, but needs to improve his perimeter shot. Defensively, DeRozan has many of the same physical tools that a young Shawn Marion possessed.
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jonny Flynn (6'0" 180, Guard) Sophomore, Syracuse
Analysis: Flynn is a fierce competitor and an excellent finisher around the basket. His stock peaked after leading Syracuse to the Championship Game of the Big East Tournament. Like many of the point guards in the draft, Flynn will need to improve his decision making and shot selection. His toughness will be appreciated by Scott Skiles in Milwaukee.
11. New Jersey Nets - Tyler Hansbrough (6'9" 250, Forward) Senior, North Carolina
Analysis: The Nets gambled and lost on some questionable personalities in previous drafts, but they hit the mark last year and Tyler Hansbrough seems like another solid addition. Hansbrough will go down as one of the most accomplished college players in history, but how does his game transfer to the NBA? Hansbrough will struggle with the athleticism and pace of play in the NBA, but he’ll never get out worked.
12. Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Henderson (6'4" 215, Guard) Junior, Duke
Analysis: Charlotte needs to get more athletic at off guard and Gerald Henderson will certainly help. Unlike some of the players projected ahead of Henderson, he should be able to come in and contribute immediately. Henderson’s athleticism has never been questioned, but his shot selection and perimeter shot were. He improved in both areas this season at Duke.
13. Indiana Pacers - Terrence Williams (6'6" 220, Guard) Senior, Louisville
Analysis: Williams can do a little bit of everything. He’s incredibly athletic, can handle the ball, rebound, distribute and finish around the rim, but he could slip on draft night because of his inconsistent perimeter shot and poor free throw shooting. Despite Williams’ deficiencies, he can provide the Pacers with versatility in the back court.
14. Phoenix Suns - Brandon Jennings (6'1" 170, Guard) Virtus Roma
Analysis: The Suns have officially thrown in the towel. Brandon Jennings is not ready to contribute immediately in the NBA, but Phoenix is now in a rebuilding mode so that's no longer a factor. Jennings has the physical tools to be a star, the only question is can he put it all together? Most agree his potential outweighs the immediate concerns, but his shot selection and decision making must improve.
15. Detroit Pistons - BJ Mullens (7'0" 275, Center) Freshman, Ohio State
Analysis: BJ Mullens is a raw center prospect, but his frame and athleticism have teams interested. NBADraft.net is reporting that if Mullens is on the board at 15 he's received a promise from Detroit. This is a weak draft, but drafting Mullens with the 15th pick still seems like a reach. Assuming this report is accurate, it's difficult to comprehend what Joe Dumars is doing in Detroit.
16. Chicago Bulls - DeJuan Blair (6'7" 265, Forward) Sophomore, Pittsburgh
Analysis: This year’s draft is filled with point guard prospects, but Chicago’s back-court is already crowded. Look for the Bulls to go big with this selection and draft DeJuan Blair. Blair has an excellent understanding of where to go on the court to be effective. He’s also a tenacious rebounder and will bring much needed bulk to an otherwise lanky Bulls front-court.
17. Philadelphia 76ers - Eric Maynor (6'3" 175, Guard) Senior, Virginia Commonwealth
Analysis: Maynor may be the most NBA ready point guard in the draft. He doesn’t possess the same amount of upside or potential as many of the younger lead guards in this class, but his game is steady, well-rounded and he’s a proven winner. If Andre Miller re-signs with Philly, it seems like a perfect situation for Maynor to learn from the savvy veteran.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Johnson (6'9" 245, Forward) Sophomore, Wake Forest
Analysis: Johnson may be one of the most talented players in this draft. He can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter and is relatively polished with his back to the basket, but teams seem concerned about his character. Reports are surfacing that his attitude may have contributed to Wake Forest’s poor late season play. If Rubio and Jennings are worth the risk so is Johnson.
19. Atlanta Hawks - Austin Daye (6'11" 200, Forward) Sophomore, Gonzaga
Analysis: With the newly acquired Jamal Crawford likely to step in as the starting point guard, Mike Bibby's days in Atlanta seem to be over. The Hawks could take a young point guard with this pick, but adding depth to a thin front court seems like a better value here at pick 19. Austin Daye has the length and skills necessary to peak the interest of all 30 NBA teams, however some teams have concerns about his ability to add bulk to his slender frame.
20. Utah Jazz - Sam Young (6'6" 220, Forward) Senior, Pittsburgh
Analysis: Sam Young may be the toughest player in this year’s draft. That alone should win over the heart of Jerry Sloan. In a workout session for the Toronto Raptors, Sam Young was impaled during a freak accident while performing a vertical leap test. The impressive part is that he worked out days later at the Chicago Pre-Draft Combine. Young is an explosive leaper and an efficient scorer. During the 2008-09 season, he shot over 50 percent from the floor and over 37 percent from behind the three point line. He plays the game with a high level of intelligence and possesses a devastating pump-fake. Defensively, Young has the foot speed, strength and athleticism to defend on the perimeter and in the low post. He’s not the most fluid player in the draft and he may struggle in the NBA creating shots off the dribble. Also, his shooting mechanics could use some fine tuning.
21. New Orleans Hornets - Wayne Ellington (6'4" 200, Guard) Junior, North Carolina
Analysis: The Hornets need athletes on the wings to run with Chris Paul in transition situations. Initially, some NBA scouts projected Ellington as a three point specialist, but he helped his own cause at the Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago. His timed results and measurements proved he’s more than just a perimeter threat. This pick could come down to Ellington or Marcus Thornton.
22. Portland Trailblazers - Derrick Brown (6'8" 225, Forward) Junior, Xavier
Analysis: Derrick Brown could very well be the steal of the draft. His numbers at Xavier are underwhelming, but his physical tools are impressive. Brown is a phenomenal finisher at the rim, and can shoot the three with high efficiency. Portland GM Kevin Pritchard is adamant that Travis Outlaw is not on the trading block, but a draft day deal is still a possibility.
23. Sacramento Kings - Earl Clark (6'9" 225, Forward) Junior, Louisville
Analysis: Earl Clark could be the wild-card in this year’s draft. He has enough talent and potential to be drafted inside the top 10, but teams are concerned about his production in college. Clark’s size and skill-set allows him to play both forward positions. His versatility will be a welcome addition in Sacramento under new head coach Paul Westphal.
24. Dallas Mavericks - Ty Lawson (5'11" 195, Guard) Junior, North Carolina
Analysis: Even if Jason Kidd returns to Dallas next season, he’s not the long-term answer at point guard. Jose Barea showed he belongs in the NBA, but look for the Mavericks to add some back-court depth. Ty Lawson may be the best point guard in the draft when pushing tempo, plus he improved his long-range shooting dramatically last season.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jonas Jerebko (6'9" 210, Forward) Angelico Biella
Analysis: It will be interesting to watch how the late first round unfolds. The poor economic climate could encourage teams to reach on international prospects with the intention of leaving them in Europe to develop. Jonas Jerebko has potential and the long, lanky build that intrigues NBA scouts, but he seems like a reach in the first round.
26. Chicago Bulls - Omri Casspi (6'8" 220, Forward) Maccabi Tel-Aviv
Analysis: The Bulls are rumored to be interested in Blair and Omri Casspi with the 16th pick. If things fall right on draft night the Bulls could walk away with Blair at 16 and Casspi with this selection. Casspi is a tough player who doesn't fit the typical "European" player profile. He should remind Bulls fans of Andres Nocioni, only more athletic.
27. Memphis Grizzlies - Jeff Teague (6'2" 180, Guard) Sophomore, Wake Forest
Analysis: At least one of the "top tier" point guards will slip and it appears Jeff Teague drew the short straw. Assuming Memphis passes on Rubio with the second overall pick, they should look to add depth at the lead guard position. Teague is more of a scorer than a true point guard, but has value if used in a role similar to Louis Williams in Philadelphia.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Victor Claver (6'10" 220, Forward) Pamesa Valencia
Analysis: Victor Claver falls into the same category as Jerebko. Assuming Minnesota keeps their two other first round picks, they could use this selection to stash a player overseas. Claver is extremely athletic and agile for his size, but will need to continue to refine his game. Another option for Minnesota could involve moving this pick. Would the Jazz be interested?
29. Los Angeles Lakers - Taj Gibson (6'9" 225, Forward) Junior, USC
Analysis: Taj Gibson is a player who is consistently over-looked and under appreciated. Despite playing out of position his entire collegiate career, he nearly single handedly carried USC’s defense each season. During USC’s NCAA Tournament run in 2007, Gibson as a freshman out played North Carolina’s front court before succumbing to foul trouble. Gibson could be an insurance policy if the Lakers are unable to re-sign Lamar Odom.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Chase Budinger (6'7" 220, Forward) Junior, Arizona
Analysis: It’s hard to believe that a player with the skills that Budinger possesses could fall this far in the draft. Budinger can do almost everything on the basketball court, but NBA teams seem concerned about a perceived lack of improvement while in college. Budinger will be one of many collegiate small forwards affected by the increased interest in international players.
Second Round
31. Sacramento Kings - DaJuan Summers (6'8" 235, Forward) Junior, Georgetown
Analysis: DaJuan Summers’ analysis reads very similar to that of Budinger. Summers is a multi-dimensional player who is good at many things, but fails to stand out in any one facet of the game.
32. Portland Trailblazers - DeMarre Carroll (6'8" 225, Forward) Senior, Missouri
Analysis: DeMarre Carroll may not have as high a ceiling as other players in this draft, but you know what you’re getting. Carroll is an athletic, high energy forward who has decent touch on his mid-range jump shot.
33. Washington Wizards - Patrick Mills (6'0" 180, Guard) Sophomore, Saint Mary's
Analysis: Had Mills entered the draft following his freshman season, he would have been a first round pick. However, he struggled with his shot during 2008-09 season and seems likely to fall into the second round.
34. Denver Nuggets - Toney Douglas (6'2" 205, Guard) Senior, Florida State
Analysis: Douglas is a shooting guard with a point guard build. He’s the prototypical combo guard who can score in bunches. Unless he can improve his lead guard skills Douglas will see most of his minutes as instant offense off the bench.
35. Memphis Grizzlies - Josh Heytvelt (6'11" 260, Forward) Senior, Gonzaga
Analysis: Heytvelt is a big body who can run the court, but it’s his perimeter shot that makes him attractive to NBA teams. He had an up-and-down career at Gonzaga and some of those off-court issues have hurt his draft stock.
36. Detroit Pistons - Marcus Thornton (6'4" 205, Guard) Senior, Louisiana State
Analysis: Marcus Thornton is a player who could conceivably go as high as 21 to New Orleans. He’s one of the more polished two guards in this draft and would be able to step in and contribute immediately.
37. San Antonio Spurs - Darren Collison (6'0" 160, Guard) Senior, UCLA
Analysis: Like Thornton, Darren Collison could also move into the first round. Collison is an experienced lead guard who plays within himself, but tends to get over-shadowed by flashier prospects.
38. Portland Trailblazers - Nick Calathes (6'6" 195, Guard) Sophomore, Florida
Analysis: Calathes has already signed with Panathinaikos in Greece, but his contract contains provisions that would allow an easy return to the NBA. He's an above average shooter from distance and can handle the basketball. He played the point in college, but will likely transition to off guard in the NBA.
39. Detroit Pistons - Dante Cunningham (6'8" 230, Forward) Senior, Villanova
Analysis: Cunningham is an under-sized, athletic power forward who will earn a job by consistently knocking down 12-18 foot jump shots. In addition to his shooting touch, he’s also very active and plays with great emotion.
40. Charlotte Bobcats - Jermaine Taylor (6'4" 205, Guard) Senior, Central Florida
Analysis: Jermaine Taylor averaged over 26 points per game for Central Florida this season so there’s little question about his ability to score the basketball. However, in college he had a tendency to dominate the basketball.
41. Milwaukee Bucks - Jodie Meeks (6'4" 210, Guard) Junior, Kentucky
Analysis: Jodie Meeks averaged over 23 points a game and shoots the ball efficiently from two and three point range. He lacks the high level athleticism that most NBA teams look for in a two guard, but any player who can score 50 points in an SEC Conference game has talent.
42. Los Angeles Lakers - Rodrigue Beaubois (6'2" 180, Guard) Cholet Basket
Analysis: Rodrigue Beaubois is a long and athletic prospect, who plays more like an off guard than a lead guard. His offensive game is intriguing, but it’s his length and defensive ability that will impress at the NBA level.
43. Miami Heat - Curtis Jerrells (6'1" 200, Guard) Senior, Baylor
Analysis: Curtis Jerrells is a strong lead guard who is at his best scoring the basketball. He uses his quickness to get to the basket and can finish at the rim with either hand. He will need to improve his decision making and game management.
44. Detroit Pistons - Patrick Beverley (6'1" 180, Guard) Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk
Analysis: Patrick Beverley continues to play well in the pre-draft camps. Beverley was a scorer at Arkansas, but after spending a year in Ukraine working on his point guard skills, Beverley should have an edge over most of the combo guards in this draft.
45. Minnesota Timberwolves - Nando de Colo (6'5" 190, Guard) Cholet Basket
Analysis: Nando de Colo could be the best international prospect in this year’s draft, not named Ricky Rubio. While he hasn’t received the same hype as Rubio, his game has similar flare. He has the handle, court vision and fluidity to make a successful jump to the NBA.
46. Phoenix Suns - Danny Green (6'6" 210, Forward) Senior, North Carolina
Analysis: Danny Green was over-looked while at UNC, and he seems to be receiving the same treatment by NBA teams. Green has the size and athleticism to play in the NBA and he shoots the ball efficiently from the floor and the free throw line.
47. Minnesota Timberwolves - Joe Ingles (6'8" 200, Forward) Melbourne South
Analysis: Ingles helped his draft stock by performing well at the Chicago Pre-Draft Combine. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor and is a capable mid-range shooter. He needs to get stronger and should make the move from Australia to Europe to compete against better competition.
48. Phoenix Suns - Sergio Llull (6'3" 180, Guard) Real Madrid
Analysis: Llull is a throw-back type point guard who’s adept at playing in a half court system. At this point in his career he’s more effective creating shots for others than for himself. One major concern is his tendency to shy away from contact.
49. Atlanta Hawks - AJ Price (6'2" 180, Guard) Senior, Connecticut
Analysis: AJ Price is a vocal leader and can effectively run an offense. He’s quick, but he’s not a sensational athlete. Price improved his perimeter shot as a senior, but could have trouble finishing around the rim against NBA athletes.
50. Utah Jazz - Jon Brockman (6'7" 255, Forward) Senior, Washington
Analysis: Brockman was a work-horse while at Washington, averaging a double-double in points and rebounds his junior and senior seasons. Historically, NBA teams hesitate to draft undersized power forwards, but his production in college indicates he’s capable of success despite his height. If the Jazz lose Carlos Boozer to free agency, Paul Millsap will likely slide into the starting line-up. The addition of Jon Brockman would certainly ease that transition. He’s a tenacious rebounder, and should be able to score because he’s technically sound around the basket.
51. San Antonio Spurs - Jeff Pendergraph (6'9" 240, Forward) Senior, Arizona State
Analysis: Jeff Pendergraph is an athletic power forward who plays with great energy and toughness. He knows where to be on the court to utilize his skill set. He has limited offensive moves in the post so he struggles creating his own shot.
52. Indiana Pacers - Jeff Adrien (6'8" 245, Forward) Senior, Connecticut
Analysis: “Heart and Soul” is the phrase most closely related to Jeff Adrien. His biggest attribute may be his leadership. Despite his toughness and effort he could struggle in the NBA as he’s listed at 6’8”and is probably closer to 6’6”.
53. San Antonio Spurs - Wesley Matthews (6'5" 220, Guard) Senior, Marquette
Analysis: Matthews is an above average athlete who can score and defend. He averaged over 18 points a game his senior season, but may struggle in the NBA because his jump shot can be inconsistent and his ball handling is suspect in traffic.
54. Charlotte Bobcats - Alade Aminu (6'10" 225, Forward) Senior, Georgia Tech
Analysis: Aminu is listed between 6’10” and 6’11,” but possesses a 7’3” wingspan. He’s only a decent rebounder for his size, but has excellent timing when blocking shots. His struggles this season at Georgia Tech could scare teams off.
55. Portland Trailblazers - Ahmad Nivins (6'9" 240, Forward) Senior, Saint Joseph’s
Analysis: Nivins had a fantastic senior season at St. Joseph’s, averaging 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Despite his impressive statistics, most scouts have question about his athleticism and explosiveness at the NBA level.
56. Dallas Mavericks - Dionte Christmas (6'5" 205, Guard) Senior, Temple
Analysis: Christmas has the prototypical size and body type to play shooting guard in the NBA. He has a high basketball IQ and is an excellent scoring option coming off of screens, but he’ll need to work on his ball handling.
57. Phoenix Suns - Robert Dozier (6'9" 220, Forward) Senior, Memphis
Analysis: Dozier is a long, lean forward who excels in transition. Offensively he can step out and knock down perimeter shots, but will need the right situation to consistently contribute. He falls into the dreaded “tweener” category.
58. Boston Celtics - Lee Cummard (6'7" 190, Forward) Senior, Brigham Young
Analysis: Lee Cummard is a player that does everything efficiently. He’s a player that just seems to make the right play at the right time. His biggest obstacles are the speed of play in the NBA and adding weight to his slender frame.
59. Los Angeles Lakers - Jack McClinton (6'1" 185, Guard) Senior, Miami (FL)
Analysis: McClinton may be the best three point shooter in the draft. He can handle the ball and defend well enough to play reserve minutes the point, but he’s getting drafted because of his perimeter shot. He’s reminiscent of Eddie House.
60. Miami Heat - Leo Lyons (6'9" 235, Forward) Senior, Missouri
Analysis: Leo Lyons’ footwork and body control are excellent for a player his size. He’s fluid and can score the basketball in a variety of ways, but NBA scouts are concerned about his effort and ability to play defense.
For a comprehensive list of NBA Mock Drafts please check out DCProSportsReport or TheHoopDoctors.
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