2009 NBA Mock Draft, V:1.0

Over 100 days still remain for the 2009 NBA Draft, but it still is not too soon to attempt to predict who will go where. Like all drafts, this one could be vital to certain franchise's futures, or, could simply add a piece they might need to get over the hump and contend.

I will be using the projected order currently on NBADraft.net to make my picks.

1] Los Angeles Clippers - Greg Monroe (Georgetown)

While the Clippers might be stacked up front with Marcus Camby, Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman and have a solid prospect already in DeAndre Jordan, Monroe's potential is too much to pass up, as is the possibility of a fully developed Jordan-Monroe combination up front to replace the current Randolph-Camby duo. 

2] Washington Wizards - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma)

Blake Griffin is a beast, plain and simple, and he will provide the post presence that will allow the Wizards' perimeter players (Gilbert Arenas, Nick Young, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison), with a low post threat, and take pressure off of them. On top of that, with McGee and Griffin, the Wizards could have a potent big man rotation.

3] Sacramento Kings - Brandon Jennings (Virtus Roma - Italy)

The Kings are in an interesting position as they have promising youth at every position throughout the depth chart, but what they seem to be missing greatly is a point guard who can run the offense. Enter Brandon Jennings, who was once coveted to be the best point guard prospect before bolting to Europe and playing against superior competition.

4] Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet (UConn)

When they were still the Sonics, the Thunder drafted three seven footers who were raw, and none of them panned out. Now, they have a chance to take one that will, at the very least, be a defensive presence, and redeem past mistakes. Thabeet will protect the paint and take defensive responsibilities off of Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

5] Memphis Grizzlies - Jordan Hill (Arizona)

Memphis adds the final piece to the puzzle with Hill, a solid young PF to go alongside Mayo, Gay and Gasol. If Hill can improve his decision making, it could make him one of the best in this class, and put the Grizzlies in a great position three years down the line.

6] Golden State Warriors - James Harden (Arizona State)

Harden, dropping this far, could be considered a steal by many. It would also be a surprise if the Warriors draft a swing man when they have plenty at the position. Personally, I see the W's moving this pick, but if not, Harden should be their choice since he is the best player available and would succeed Jamal Crawford.

7] Minnesota Timberwolves - Jeff Teague (Wake Forest)

Every young team needs a solid point guard to learn from, or grow with, which is what Teague will provide the T-Pups with in Minnesota. Although Teague is more of a scorer, rather than a distributor, the Wolves need a floor general to go alongside Sebastian Telfair.

8] Toronto Raptors - Al-Farouq Aminu (Wake Forest)

The Raptors' biggest problem is that they have no perimeter players to go alongside Chris Bosh down low and Jose Manual Calderon running the show. Enter Aminu, the young small forward out of Wake Forest. Aminu is still raw, but is oozing with potential and can become a better version of Chicago's Luol Deng.

9] Indiana Pacers - Gani Lawai (Georgia Tech)

Indiana adds a front court partner for Roy Hibbert by taking the athletic and explosive Lawai from Georgia Tech. Lawai will come in and fit nicely between Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert. He could also learn from veterans Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster.

10] Charlotte Bobcats - BJ Mullens (Ohio State)

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?