2009 NBA Mock Draft

June 16, 1:53 AMUtah Jazz ExaminerJeff Lockard

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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 - James Harden (6'5" 215, Guard) Sophomore, Arizona State
Analysis:  A line-up including Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green should have fans in Oklahoma City ecstatic about the future.  The biggest knock on Harden leading up to the draft was his athleticism, but his results at the Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago eliminated those concerns.

4. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio (6'3" 180, Guard) DKV Joventut
Analysis:  Ricky Rubio is Sacramento’s guy.  They may have to trade up to get him, but if Memphis is unable to get a deal done and passes on Rubio with the second pick, he could fall right into the Kings open arms here at four.  Rubio is a flashy player with a lot of potential, but he’ll need time to adjust to the NBA game.

5. Washington Wizards - Tyreke Evans (6'6" 220, Guard) Freshman, Memphis
Analysis:  Tyreke Evans is one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft.  He possesses the court vision and willingness to distribute the ball, and has the size and scoring ability to play either guard position in the NBA.  Washington needs a shooting guard, but may hedge their bets with Evans given Gilbert Arenas’ medical issues.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves - DeMar DeRozan (6'7" 220, Forward) Freshman, USC
Analysis:  DeMar DeRozan is a special athlete who is still learning the nuances of the game.  Minnesota could draft a point guard here, but the thought of pairing DeRozan in the front court with Kevin Love and Al Jefferson may be too intriguing to pass up.  Plus, the Timberwolves appear to still have faith in Randy Foye at the point.    

7. Golden State Warriors - Brandon Jennings (6'1" 170, Guard) Virtus Roma
Analysis:  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 like Rubio, don’t expect Jennings to step in and contribute immediately.  His shot selection and decision making were consistently under scrutiny last season in Italy.

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 - Gerald Henderson (6'4" 215, Guard) Junior, Duke
Analysis:  Toronto needs to get more athletic 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.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jordan Hill (6'10" 235, Forward) Junior, Arizona
Analysis:  Jordan Hill would have been a top 5 pick had he not attended the Chicago Pre-Draft Combine.  Hill’s dipping draft stock is the reason why top prospects continue to skip these events.  Despite what the timed drills indicate, Hill is athletic.  Those same measurements and timed drills also had teams concerned about Kevin Durant’s strength.  Milwaukee will get a very good player at 10 if he slips that far.

11. New Jersey Nets - 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.

12. Charlotte Bobcats - Tyler Hansbrough (6'9" 250, Forward) Senior, North Carolina
Analysis:  Tyler Hansbrough will go down as one of the most accomplished college players in history, but how does his game transfer to the NBA?  If any lottery team is going to reach for Hansbrough, Charlotte seems the obvious choice.  Hansbrough will struggle with the athleticism and pace of play in the NBA, but he’ll never get out worked.

13. Indiana Pacers - Stephen Curry (6'3" 180, Guard) Junior, Davidson
Analysis:  Indiana would love to see one of the top-tier power forward prospects fall to them, but with so few in this year’s draft, that’s unlikely to happen.  If Stephen Curry is on the draft board, this pick could be traded.  Portland is a team that has expressed interested in moving up to get Curry and has assets to trade.

14. Phoenix Suns - Jonny Flynn (6'0" 180, Guard) Sophomore, Syracuse
Analysis:  The Suns expressed interest in Jonny Flynn shortly after his decision to enter this year’s draft.  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.

15. Detroit Pistons - 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.  He would be a valuable addition to a Pistons team that could use an offensively gifted front court player.

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 - Jeff Teague (6'2" 180, Guard) Sophomore, Wake Forest
Analysis:  If Minnesota passes on Jennings and Curry with their first pick, Jeff Teague would be too good to pass up here.  The Timberwolves own the rights to three first round picks (6, 18 and 28) so it would be difficult to comprehend them not addressing their shaky point guard situation.  They obviously like Randy Foye, but will he ever meet their expectations?

19. Atlanta Hawks - BJ Mullens (7'0" 275, Center) Freshman, Ohio State
Analysis:  BJ Mullens is a very raw center prospect, but his frame and athleticism have teams interested.  Heading into the draft, the Hawks need to fill holes at point guard and center.  Mike Bibby should re-sign with Atlanta later this summer, so addressing the center position will likely take priority.  Mullens will be the best available when the Hawks pick at 19.

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.  Pittsburgh Tribune  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.  Sam Young Highlight Video

21. New Orleans Hornets - 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, however, he could slip on draft night because of his inconsistent perimeter shot and poor free throw shooting.  Despite Williams’ deficiencies, he can provide the Hornets with the athletic wing player they need.

22. 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.

23. Sacramento Kings - 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.  Sacramento’s proven they are not afraid to draft talented prospects from mid-major programs: Kevin Martin (Western Carolina), Jason Thompson (Rider) Brown could be the next.

24. Portland Trailblazers - Omri Casspi (6'8" 220, Forward) Maccabi Tel-Aviv
Analysis:  This is the first of Portland’s five picks in the 2009 NBA Draft.  Under GM Kevin Prichard, Portland has been extremely active on draft night so this pick could be moved.  If they keep the pick Omri Casspi seems like a logical selection.  Casspi is an excellent finisher in transition and unlike most young international prospects Casspi plays with a physical edge.

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 - Wayne Ellington (6'4" 200, Guard) Junior, North Carolina
Analysis:  Kirk Hinrich played well along side Derrick Rose during the Boston series, but the uncertainty surrounding Ben Gordon should entice the Bulls to bolster the off guard position.  Wayne Ellington was another player who helped his cause at the Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago.  His timed results and measurements proved he’s more than just a three point specialist.

27. Memphis Grizzlies - Austin Daye (6'11" 200, Forward) Sophomore, Gonzaga
Analysis:  Memphis could decide to draft an international player here, but they are far enough below the salary cap to absorb a late first round pick.  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.  At pick 27, he’s worth the risk.

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 - Jodie Meeks (6'4" 210, Guard) Junior, Kentucky
Analysis:  The Lakers say they’re committed to bringing everyone back, but even for the Lakers that’s a lot of payroll.  With only 10 days separating Game 5 and the NBA Draft, it’s unlikely LA’s front office has their free agent situation resolved.  The Lakers will be drafting best available rather than by need.  Jodie Meeks’ decision to stay in the draft indicates he feels good about his chances to land in the first round.  He averaged over 23 points a game and shoots the ball efficiently from two and three point range.  

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 - DeMarr Carroll (6'8" 225, Forward) Senior, Missouri
Analysis:  DeMarr 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 - 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.

35. Memphis Grizzlies - 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.

36. Detroit Pistons - 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.

37. San Antonio Spurs - 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. 

38. Portland Trailblazers - 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.   

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 - 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.

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 - 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.

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 - 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.

46. Cleveland Cavaliers - 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.  Jon Brockman Highlight Video

51. 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.

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 - 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.

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. Portland Trailblazers - 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 - Milenko Tepic (6'8" 200, Guard) BC Partizan
Analysis:  Milenko Tepic has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create for others off dribble penetration.  He’s currently listed as a guard, but will need to make the transition to small forward in the NBA.  If drafted, he will likely stay in Europe to develop.