2009 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

1. Los Angeles Clippers- Blake Griffin

Who else the consensus No. 1 overall pick, Griffin is extremely athletic has a great work ethic, extremely creative at getting to the rim, however lacks a jump shot, expect that to develop over the years. Expect the Clippers to try to get rid of Zach Randolph ad his contract.  

2. Memphis Grizzlies- Hasheem Thabeet

Obviously we have all heard the Mutumbo comparisons. Thabeet can come into the NBA and be a defensive presence immediately, he is seven feet and he changes the game defensively; however, offensively, he still has ways to go and lacks a go to post move, very raw but the Grizzlies need height and Thabeet will be the pick at No. 2, although they give Rubio a long hard look.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder-Ricky Rubio

Rubio is the best point guard in this year’s draft period. A great distributor, the whole package, great court vision, reminds me of a younger Steve Nash with a better defensive game. Expect Russell Westbrook to move to shooting guard and Oklahoma City will have a nice core of young players with Durant, Rubio, Westbrook and Jeff green.

4. Sacramento Kings- Jrue Holliday

Obviously, the big losers of the lottery, a bit of a surprise, but remember when the Kings were a contender; Jason Williams was the point guard and the Kings think they can get a point guard who will rejuvenate the franchise.

Coming out of high school Holliday was expected to be one of the top freshmen, but he had a disappointing season at UCLA, Holliday is an enigma, and very gifted.

He is long and athletic and impressed scouts with a nice touch at the combine in Chicago; however, Holliday did not play his true position at UCLA, scouts believe Holliday can be great due to his upside and in a weak draft the fourth pick is as good as the 10th pick so you go on upside from here on out.

However, expect the Kings to look at Jordan Hill, Brandon Jennings, and Tyreke Evans.

5. Washington Wizards-James Harden

Harden proved to be an elite scorer at Arizona State, extremely NBA ready due to his size (6'5" 225) and can be an elite shooting guard. Harden is s true playmaker and can take over the game.

Although Harden had a less than stellar tournament, however he would be a great fit with the Washington Wizards under new head coach Flip Saunders and would fit well with the Arenas, Butler and Jamison. Expect this southpaw to be among the rookie leaders in scoring.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan has great size for a 2 guard and has even drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant; DeRozan is not a great defensive player but a great mid range jumper. DeRozan is a shaky ball handler but expect him to fit in Minnesota with young players like Randy Foye and a future all star frontcourt with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love.

7. Golden State Warriors- Johnny Flynn

Flynn has completely shot up the boards from being a mid first rounder to a sure top ten pick. Scouts worry about his size but he did reach six feet at the combine.

8. New York Knicks- Stephon Curry

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