NBA Mock Draft
01 - Clippers - Blake Griffin - PF - 6,9
Griffin is a workhorse on the block, strong and athletic with All NBA potential. He runs the floor as well as any power forward in the world and is developing a mid range game to complement his unstoppable drives to the basket. He is a team first player with a good head on his shoulders and should provide leadership as well has a go to presense in the post for the lowly Clippers. Player comparisons: Karl Malone, Amare Stoudemire
02 - Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet - C - 7,3
At 7,3 Thabeet patrols the lane and makes even the most explosive wings think twice about
driving to the rim. His offensive game is just developing but has good potential, while his defensive presence can be game changing. Thabeet has a very high up-side but also a long way to go before he reaches that potential. He would provide the suspect Grizzlies defense with a true identity and prove more meaningful than his modest numbers suggest. Player
comparison: Dikembe Mutombo
03 - Thunder - James Harden - SG - 6,5
Adding James Harden to the young core of players on the OKC Thunder roster could make them into contenders. Harden himself is not a superstar but he makes his teammates better and could help the other youngsters like Durant, Westbrook and Green form a cohesive unit. With questions about his size and athletic ability behind us, Harden is moving back up draft boards and represents a safe pick at #3. Player comparison: almost Brandon Roy.
04 - Kings - Ricky Rubio - PG - 6,4
The hapless Kings could use a shot in the arm. At 18 years of age Rubio might not be ready to
lead them to victory but he will create a buzz in sleepy Sacramento. His passing skills and play making ability are becoming legendary but Rubio will have a big adjustment to make playing against the top competition in the world. It may take some time but if all goes well the Kings could have their lead guard of the future and a marketing mavin to boot. But there is also a down side risk of Rubio proving to be too slow to be an elite guard. Player Comparison: Steve Nash/Jose Calderon.
05 - Wizards - Jordan Hill - PF - 6,10
A smart choice. The Wizards select the solid and ever improving Hill who should develop into a valuable low post player, perhaps even an All Star caliber player. Hill has could hands and developing fundamentals (has only been playing basketball for a few years) and good upside. Passing on potential stars in DeRozan, Evans and Jennings could come back to bite the Wizards but given the uncertainty of those young players the Wizards would do well to land the more mature Hill. Player comparison: Brain Grant
06 - Timberwolves - DeMar DeRozan - SG/SF 6,7
After a slow start to his Freshman year DeRozan turned it up a notch in the second half of the season, displaying the skills and potential that has had scouts drooling for years. A high flyer who also possess an advanced mid range game, DeRozan should be a highlight machine in the NBA and could blossom into a superstar. Despite his relative inexperience he could step right into the lineup and provide energy and excitement in Minnesota. He seems to understand the game and stays within himself and within the flow of the game. Player comparison: Vince Carter.
07 - Warriors - Brandon Jennings - PG -6,1
With Monta Ellis returning to full health the Warriors could have rare speed in the backcourt
if they add Jennings. A year in Europe has, if nothing else, matured this young point guard and taught him the many ups and downs of a professional basketball season. Passing on college prospects Curry and Flynn is tough but Jennings has the higher upside and the potential to be a dynamic guard in the league. The Warriors love their shooters so Curry or even Evans could be an option but I think the selection here is Jennings.
08 - Knicks - Stephon Curry - PG - 6,1
I'm not completely sold on Curry as an NBA player but all the hype points to the Knicks drafting him here. An incredible shooter with good basketball sense, Curry could develop into a nice point guard or fill a role like the overhyped JJ Redick. If the Knicks are able to steal Lebron from the Cavs Curry would be a perfect fit alongside the superstar but don't look for Curry to single-handedly carry a franchise. Player comparison: Shawn Respert, Mark Price.
09 - Raptors - Tyreke Evans - SG 6,5
At 6,5 with point guard skills Evans has a chance to emerge as one of the stars from this draft. A superior ball handler with decent basketball I.Q. and an NBA ready body he could be an impact player from day one. He is used to the high expectations and being the go to guy but might have to adjust to NBA sets and learn to be more of a team player. With decent form on his jump shot Evans has the chance to improve his long range game and round out his offensive repertoire. On defense his length and athleticism have carried him in the past but he has a ways to go before he can hold his own against top NBA guards. Player Comparison: Latrell Sprewell.
10 - Bucks - Jonny Flynn - PG - 6,0
A strong and explosive player, Flynn is moving up draft boards and could land in the top ten. While not a great outside shooter he can get to the rim with ease, makes his teammates better and is an emotional leader on the floor. The bucks have some decisions to make at PG and could choose to go with a rookie rather than resigning Sessions or Ridnor. Player Comparison: Kyle Lowry/Baron Davis
11 - Nets - Jrue Holiday - G - 6,4
12 - Bobcats - Gerald Henderson- SG - 6,5
13 - Pacers - Jeff Teague - 6,1
14 - Suns - Ty Lawson - PG - 6,0
15 - Pistons - Austin Daye - F - 6,10
16 - Bulls - Wayne Ellington - SG - 6,5
17 - 76ers - Eric Maynor - PG - 6,3
