Mock Draft: Current NBA Players

Shawn Hale by Contributor Written on June 04, 2009

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 15:  (L-R) Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, members of the women's and men's gold medal winning USA Olympic basketball teams, wave to the crowd during half time of the 58th NBA All-Star Game, part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

This is a mock draft of every player currently in the NBA. The incoming draft class was not considered in this mock draft.

The order of the teams were decided based on market, fans, history, success, and also current/past rivalries. To keep the conferences competitive, the teams rotate from Eastern Conference to Western Conference.

The players are selected based on age, personality, and talent. Salaries play no role.

I am curious in your feedback because obviously every choice could be debated.

I gave a brief description of each pick. I hope you enjoy.

New York Knicks: Pick #1

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26:  LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOT

Lebron James: No surprise here.

Los Angeles Lakers: Pick #2

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 30:  Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic celebrates on the court after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 30, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO

Dwight Howard: The most dominant big man in the game right now and likely for the next ten years.

Chicago Bulls: Pick #3

DENVER - APRIL 29:  Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets awaits action against the Denver Nuggets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 29, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defe

Chris Paul: An absolute game changer and a one of the best leaders in the NBA. A triple double threat every night. Averaged nearly 3 steals a game plus 11 assists.

San Antonio Spurs: Pick #4

MIAMI - APRIL 27:  Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat reacts with less than a minute to play in the game against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2009 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena on April 27, 2009

Dwayne Wade: Injury concerns causes him to drop a pick or two but there is no denying he is one of the most complete players in the league, just behind Kobe in my book.

Boston Celtics: Pick #5

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 27:  Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against the Denver Nuggets in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 27, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO

Kobe Bryant: The best player in the NBA falls to #5 based only on his age. The definition of a complete player and my favorite player.

Utah Jazz: Pick #6

HOUSTON - APRIL 26:  Center Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets during play against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO

Yao Ming: Most skilled big man in the league and gets better every year. I believe he will answer every question regarding his toughness before his career is over.

Detroit Pistons: Pick #7

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 27:  Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 27, 2009 in Los Angeles, Ca

Carmelo Anthony: Raised his level of play this year to all new heights. Kobe said he was stronger than Lebron on the block. He also has a smooth stroke and is extremely clutch. I'm curious if his career lasts longer than Lebron's based on his ability to knock down the open jumper and play with his back to the basket.

Houston Rockets: Pick #8

OKLAHOMA CITY - OCTOBER 29:  Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watches a free throw against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Ford Center on October 29, 2008 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Bucks defeated the Thunder 98-87.  NOTE TO USER: User expres

Kevin Durant: My second favorite player in the NBA. Long, fast, and a deadly shooter. His numbers through the 1st half of last year were outrageous. I expect him to blow up in 2009-2010. I don't see a ceiling for him right now. I wish I got to watch the Thunder more on TV.

Philidelphia 76ers: Pick #9

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 20:  Chris Bosh #4 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after being called for a foul in the second half against the Orlando Magic in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on April 20

Chris Bosh: A lefty post player with great feet. Continues to get better and proves why the 2002 draft may end up being the deepest in history.

Sacramento Kings: Pick #10

CHICAGO - MAY 07:  Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls acknoledges the crowd prior to dropping the puck for the ceremonial face off prior the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Vancouver Canucks during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinal Round of the

Derrick Rose: This kid is a stud. I love his game, his attitude and his ability to win games by himself. Extremely smart player also. Takes pride on both ends of the floor.

Miami Heat: Pick #11

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 6:  Peja Stojakovic #16 of the New Orleans Hornets shoots over Amare' Stoudemire #1 of the Phoenix Suns on February 6, 2008 at US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

Amare Stoudemire: I struggled with this one a bit. A tough, fierce player, yet has a bad attitude. That would likely change though if he was the man on his team. It is still hard to pass up his size, strength and overall skill set.

Phoenix Suns: Pick #12

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21:  Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE T

Deron Williams: Has the skill set to play 15 years in the league. Stong, quick and a great shooter. Finishes at the basket and competes on both ends of the floor. Also, a great leader and extremely confident.

Toronto Raptors: Pick #13

DALLAS - APRIL 25:  Forward Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs during play against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 25, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.

Tim Duncan: The greatest power forward in the league. T.D.'s fundamentals should allow him to remain effective for another 5 years. An absolute winner with the rings to prove it.

Dallas Mavericks: Pick #14

BOSTON - NOVEMBER 26: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics goes through his pregame ritual of screaming before the tipoff against the Golden State Warriors on November 26,2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

Kevin Garnett: It was hard for me to put KG and TD behind Amare but with the age factor that's my only real reason. KG is tough, fierce and relentless. Probably the most intense player ever to play the game.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Pick #15

HOUSTON - APRIL 30:  Guard Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 30, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Brandon Roy: Absolutely effective every single night. Complete game. Plays at a smooth pace and is also a very smart player. He raised his game in the post season and averaged 22/5/5 throughout the regular season.

Denver Nuggets: Pick #16

BOSTON - APRIL 28:  Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics celebrates his shot against the Chicago Bulls in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on April 28, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. Th

Paul Pierce: The Truth.... amazing foot work and makes everyone around him better. Clutch shooter and very durable.

Orlando Magic: Pick #17

DALLAS - MAY 11:  Forward Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a shot against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 11, 2009 in Dallas,

Dirk Nowitzki: 7 Foot and can shoot it from anywhere on the floor. Underrated rebounder and a great teammate. As good as anyone in the league on the offensive end of the floor.

Golden State Warriors: Pick #18

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 01:  Al Jefferson #25 of Minnesota Timberwolves takes a shot in the first half against the Boston Celtics on February 1, 2009 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Al Jefferson: A personal favorite of mine, old school player who does everything well. Could likely end up being the best power forward in the league in the next three years.

New Jersey Nets: Pick #19

DENVER - MAY 29:  Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in front of Nene #31 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on May 29, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO U

Andrew Bynum: Young and strong with a very developed offensive game. Without the injury concerns, he jumps way up the list.

Portland Trailblazers: Pick #20

LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 4:  Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during free throw against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 4, 2006 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

Danny Granger: All the talent in the world, and his game will continue to develop. Averaged 26 points a game and was the best player on the floor many nights.

Indiana Pacers: Pick #21

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Brook Loopez #11 of the New Jersey Nets rests during a break in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 25, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 120-93.   NOTE TO USER: User expressly

Brook Lopez: Game transferred to the NBA better than I expected. Played all 82 games and nearly averaged a double double.

New Orleans Hornets: Pick #22

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 14:  Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics sets up the offense in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on May 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  NOTE TO USER: User

Rajon Rondo: His length and quickness causes problems for every point guard. Has quickly developed into a leader on a veteran team.

Washington Wizards: Pick #23

LOS ANGELES - APRIL 12:  O.J. Mayo #32 of the Memphis Grizzlies sets on the court aganst the Los Angeles Lakers on April 12, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.   NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

OJ Mayo: This kid has a bright future, I personally love his game. Has an NBA body and can play 3 positions if needed. Can score from all over the floor.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Pick #24

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 27:  Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 27, 2009 in Los Angeles, Califor

Pau Gasol: One of the more underrated players in the league. Plays hard and tough with his back to the basket. A solid passer and definitely a player that you can build around.

Milwaukee Bucks: Pick #25

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 14:  LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the  Portland Trail Blazers takes a jump shot against the New Orleans Hornets during the game at the New Orleans Arena on November 14, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Hornets defeated the Trail Bla

LaMarcus Aldridge: Averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in their first round series. Extremely talented with a developing game. Quicker than most 4's, yet can still score with his back to the basket.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Pick #26

OKLAHOMA CITY - OCTOBER 29:  Jeff Green #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Ford Center on October 29, 2008 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Bucks won 98-87.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly

Jeff Green: This is probably high for him, but I love his game and he is a player you can build a team around. A solid foundation player, not to mention he is a 6'9" and can handle the ball. Very strong defensive player and works hard. I actually may have just talked myself into moving him up the list.

Atlanta Hawks: Pick #27

SALT LAKE CITY - APRIL 25:  Carlos Boozer #5 of the Utah Jazz comes down with a rebound in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Energy Solutions Arena on April 25, 2009 in Salt La

Carlos Boozer: 20/10 guy when he is healthy. However, I wouldn't want him on my team for many reasons.

Los Angelese Clippers: Pick #28

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 21:  Devin Harris #34 of the New Jersey Nets dribbles against the New Orleans Hornets on January 21, 2009 at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Nets 102-92.   NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

Devin Harris: A player that can win games by himself. Lightning quick and can score in bunches.

Charlotte Bobcats: Pick #29

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 14:  Paul Milsap #24 of the Utah Jazz waits under the basket during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats on November 14, 2008 at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Bobcats won 104-96.  NOTE TO USER: User

Paul Millsap: Tough and competitive, slightly undersized but doesn't effect him. Solid rebounder and seems to be someone any one would love to play with. I haven't seen him much, but everything I hear is good.

Memphis Grizzlies: Pick #30

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 6:  Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 6, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Joe Johnson: The final player on the list, and I'm sure you can interchange the last 10 players with many others. However, Johnson is a complete player and averaged 21 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. He fills the stat lines.

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written on June 04, 2009 Rankings/List

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