2009 NBA Mock Draft Ver. 2.0: The Lottery

(Left: Yeah, he's the man.)

Even before the lottery took place, it was safe to assume everyone knew who would be going No. 1.

Heck, even before Griffin declared to the draft, many still speculated that he'd go first if he came out.

Here he is, ready to go to battle with the NBA's elite, and the only questions is—who's more scared?

Griffin, or the rest of the league?

But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

Believe it or not, there's plenty of other players in this draft that could make some noise in their first year, and the talent pool has been a bit under-appreciated.

In fact, I've even been guilty of not mentioning guys who could make big impacts, as well as including guys that are no longer part of the equation.

With that said, I apologize for excluding Jodie Meeks from my shooting guard rankings, and am now well aware that Nick Calathes is headed for Greece.

Without further apology, continue on and see how the rest of the first round will shape out after the Clippers select Griffin.

1. L.A. Clippers: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma

(Left: No, he won't be doing cartwheels.)

Griffin probably doesn't care too much where he goes. He just wants to play.

And play, he shall.

The Clippers already have quite the logjam at power forward and center, which means some cutting and trading will undoubtedly be done on their part.

Griffin is too big, strong, and athletic to slip past the top spot, and there isn't much preventing him from succeeding from day one.

He still has some work to do as far as his shot goes, but as far as his body and athleticism goes, he shouldn't have too much trouble adjusting to the NBA.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn

(Left: It's Thabeet or Rubio.)

The Grizzlies could easily give up on Mike Conley and opt for the more hyped and exciting Rubio, but addressing their inside game is probably a more glaring need.

The fans would like to see an offensive adjustment, however, Conley still has the potential to develop into a great point guard.

On the other hand, if they took Rubio and he didn't pan out, they'd be passing on Thabeet, a guy who can rebound well, and change the game with his unreal ability to block shots.

Thabeet's offensive ability is ridiculed quite a bit, but his moves inside the paint aren't nearly as bad as advertised.

Thabeet is an offensive project, but would make an immediate impact on the glass and making shooters work for their shots.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona

(Left: Hill's a top-five lock.)

Hill has exceptional offensive skills, and very good athleticism for a big man. He's very fluid with or without the ball, and is a relentless force on the glass.

All of these qualities are things the Thunder severely lack inside the paint.

Nick Collison and Co. simply aren't getting it done, and since the Thunder already have their PG, SG, and SF of the future, the next piece would either be grabbing up Thabeet, or getting Jordan Hill.

Either would be a sound addition, but Hill brings very good offense on the inside, as well as solid defense.

4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain

(Left: Beno Udrih ain't got nothing on Rubio.)

Rubio is flashy and cocky, and has warned Memphis and Oklahoma City that he won't play for them if they draft him.

Big words for an 18-year-old kid with an unpolished game.

However, Rubio does have great size and athleticism for the position, and is an absolutely sensational playmaker. He also can get to the basket with ease, and is excellent at finishing at the rim in a number of ways.

If Rubio does in fact drop to the fourth pick, Beno Udrih's days as the starter are over.

5. Washington Wizards: DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC

(Left: Is he better than James Harden?)

It's arguable that James Harden would be the better option, and still could be the better prospect, but DeRozan's athleticism and potential is too tempting to pass up.

Washington could really use an upgrade at guard, as well as an injection of quality youth to it's aging overall talent.

DeRozan isn't completely polished, but has the makings of an offensive nightmare, and showed glimpses of realizing his potential at the end of the college season.

At the same time, if Jordan Hill or Thabeet fall to this spot, they'd be difficult to pass up.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: James Harden, SG, Arizona State

(Left: Harden's game is polished.)

Minnesota has all the young pieces it needs to start making a push for the playoffs, except of course, a quality starter at shooting guard.

With Mike Miller regressing last year, it's time for Minnesota to look to the future at the guard spot, and a well-rounded Harden looks to be the best option available.

Another possibility is moving Randy Foye to SG, and grabbing Brandon Jennings.

7. Golden State Warriors: Brandon Jennings, PG, USA

(Left: Jennings has the experience college couldn't teach him.)

Everything scouts were saying about Jennings a year ago is still true, but now the kid has experience playing in the pros. All the more reason to draft him.

Talent-wise, it's crazy that he's still available after six guys were selected before him, but that's how it works when you combine necessity with talent.

Jennings could come in and start at the point for Golden State, while Monta Ellis could slide over to SG, his more natural position.

We all know Don Nelson loves those small lineups.

Stephen Curry is another option here that wouldn't be the least bit surprising.

8. New York Knicks: Stephen Curry, PG/SG, Davidson

(Left: This boyish man can score.)

The Knicks are without a face for their franchise, so who better than college's most dominant scorer?

Curry brings solid versatility, as he can play both guard spots at a high level, and has range for days.

He's perfect for the Knicks offense, and has enough skills to man the point, while having enough size to start at SG, if needed.

9. Toronto Raptors: Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis

(Left: SG is the Raptors weak link.)

If they plan on bolstering their inside game, it will have to wait.

The Raptors have their point guard and small forward, and as long as they hold onto Chris Bosh, only need a quality shooting guard to put together a playoff-contending squad.

Evans has the versatility and athleticism to help out in multiple areas, and could potentially fill-in at three different positions.

He excels at pushing the ball, getting to the rim, and has the makings of a solid NBA stroke.

If, for some reason, a quality inside presence is available, Toronto might bite. A reach for someone like Ohio State's B.J. Mullens isn't totally unrealistic, either.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina

(Left: Lawson is the complete point guard the Bucks lack.)

The jury is still out on whether Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva will return, but either way, the chance to grab an elite point guard may be too hard for Milwaukee to pass.

The Bucks could enter the 2009 season with Sessions and Ridnour again, but adding a leader like Lawson would make them stronger for the future.

Lawson is a proven winner, and is capable of impacting a game on both sides of the ball.

He doesn't have ideal height, but makes up for it with sound shooting, as well as better-than-average athleticism.

11. New Jersey Nets: Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona

(Left: Budinger is perfect for New Jersey.)

Budinger is a fantastic athlete with a solid set of offensive skills.

If the Nets are looking for a future replacement for Vince Carter, or even a running mate at small forward, they'd find it in Budinger.

After answering all the doubters last season, Budinger displayed better defense and toughness, showed his versatility on the boards, and improved his passing skills.

12. Charlotte Bobcats: Earl Clark, SF/PF, Louisville

(Left: Clark could start immediately.)

After leading his team to a No. 1 ranking, as well as a solid run in the NCAA tournament, Clark showed he has the experience and talent to make the leap to the next level.

His college stats aren't jaw-dropping, but his athleticism and versatility are.

Clark is a solid shooter with the natural fluidity to be an effective small forward, as well as the toughness to bang inside.

13. Indiana Pacers: Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke

(Left: Henderson continues to improve.)

The Pacers are still unsure what they have at point guard, so grabbing an elite floor general is a strong possibility.

However, with injuries to Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger last year, adding depth to it's backcourt seems to be a must.

Henderson is athletic and versatile, and at worst, he can start off as an energy player for the Pacers.

14. Phoenix Suns: Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse

(Left: Dude's excited.)

Few other point guards in this draft can take a game over with their athleticism like Flynn can, as he has the quickness and explosiveness to create against any defender, as well as get to the rim.

He's a polished ball-handler and finisher, and his freakish athleticism allows him to soar above the rim and attack taller defenders.

The Suns could definitely use his vision at the point, considering the consensus is Steve Nash won't be around for much longer.

Flynn could come in and run the high-octane offense Phoenix fans have grown to love, while being able to lock down opposing guards, and brings exciting, athletic plays to the desert.

15. Detroit Pistons: DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh

(Left: Where Jason Maxiell failed, Blair will thrive.)

Blair is ridiculously short for the NBA power forward position, but has great bulk and strength, as well as solid, reliable post moves.

His work ethic has been praised by many, and his lack of height isn't as much of a concern as it normally would be, considering his insane wingspan that measures over 7 feet.

While he won't jump out of the gym, and he's not going to get any taller, Blair brings a raw toughness to his new NBA team, combined with exceptional low-post skills.

He's exactly what Detroit is looking for.