2009 NBA Mock Draft: ATS Consultants

Comment: Harden is a very good player who can come in and play right away. He’s a smart player who lacks great athleticism, but knows how to use his body to get to the line. Similar to Mitch Richmond, assuming he improves his perimeter jumper.

8 ) New York PG Stephen Curry, Davidson, 6' 2", 185 lbs.
Comment: The Knicks are in love with Curry and it seems Mike D’Antoni sees a bit of Steve Nash in him. Not a great athlete or big, but very smart with a great jump shot, like his father Dell. But can he defend and become a true point guard?

9) Toronto PG Brandon Jennings, Lottamatica Roma, 6' 1", 170 lbs.
Comment: The Raptors may lose Chris Bosh to free agency next season or trade him away, but if Jordan Hill is not available, Jennings is the next best thing. He’s still raw and played overseas last year, but he can give the team a change-of-pace guard when Jose Calderon comes out.

10) Milwaukee PF DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh, 6' 7", 260 lbs.
Comment: One of the high-risers on the board. He has a 7' 2" wing span, which makes up for his lack of height. Blair adds rebounding and size inside to a team that needs to get more physical. Should be a good complement to Andrew Bogut.

11) New Jersey PF James Johnson, Wake Forest, 6' 9", 235 lbs.
Comment: One of the most talented big men in the draft, Johnson tended to disappear at times last year. Should not have much of a problem scoring. He’ll need to improve his defense and effort once he gets in the NBA.

12) Charlotte SF Earl Clark, Louisville, 6' 9", 220 lbs.
Comment: Michael Jordan has been too predictable in recent drafts. He usually goes for the best ACC player or fellow UNC grad (except for D.J. Augustin). The Bobcats need a shooting guard, but this is too high to take Wayne Ellington, they don’t need Ty Lawson and Chase Buddinger may bring back nightmares of Adam Morrison. Earl Clark can at least defend.

13) Indiana PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse, 6' 0", 190 lbs.
Comment: This is a difficult choice because there a lot of quality point guards in the draft. Flynn has the complete package. He’s very athletic, can shoot it from deep (but is actually around 5' 10") and runs a club pretty well. They could also go with a Lawson or Eric Maynor.

14) Phoenix SG Gerald Henderson, Duke, 6' 4", 215 lbs.
Comment: Some say this is too high for Henderson. We say it’s too low. He’ll come in as one of the best perimeter defenders and athletes. He lacks a consistent jumper, but at times, took over games for Duke. He’s not Grant Hill in his prime, but is very underrated.

15) Detroit PG Eric Maynor, VCU 6' 3" 175 lbs.
Comment: Here’s a player, like Curry, who went to a mid-major school, but can flat out play. He showed that two years ago against Duke in the NCAA Tournament. Maynor is a creator with the basketball and a true point guard. They can bring him off the bench or move Rodney Stuckey to the two.

16) Chicago SF Austin Daye, Gonzaga, 6' 10", 190 lbs.
Comment: Can you say Tayshaun Prince? They are almost the same size, but Daye has a better jumper. Could replace Luol Deng at small forward. Just needs to get stronger, which could take a few years.

17) Philadelphia PG Jrue Holiday UCLA 6' 3", 185 lbs.

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