2009 NBA Mock Draft: Draft Week Edition Ver. 4.0

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

This mock draft can also be found on: 5qsports.com

First Round

1. LA Clippers: Blake Griffin, F, Oklahoma

The team with the first pick in the NBA draft always has a lot of thinking to do. This year will be no exception, however, there is not much depth this year behind Griffin, resulting in a little less contemplation. The 2008-2009 NCAA player-of-the-year is a clear-cut choice to go first overall.

The Clippers have announced that they will choose the 6’10” big man first overall to save much drama in later months. Griffin will be a fan-drawer the second team in LA. The aging Clippers should look to shop some of their front line in order to make more playing time room for Griffin.

Griffin was a flat-out stud at Oklahoma. He averaged a shade under 23 PPG while grabbing well over 14 RPG. An athletic big man such as Griffin does not come often. Griffin scored and rebounded with ease in college, and also has plenty of room for improvement at the next level. With games of 40, 35, 33(2), and 32 points, respectively, Griffin has proven skill that will make him a great NBA forward.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: James Harden, F/G, Arizona State

James Harden was an outstanding player in college as just a freshman, he has proven in just one year that he is a true scorer. The 6’4” lefty can flat-out put the ball in the hoop. 20 PPG, 5 RPG, and 4 APG is an impressive line.

Harden can provide energy and the obvious scoring ability to any team in the draft. Crafty is an ideal adjective for Harden in that he can get to the rim at will, or pull up and hit the outside shot, as well as finish in transition. He does not have a set position that he would fulfill in the NBA yet. He also will need to gel to the NBA game, and learn how to run offense through other players.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut

Thabeet is the best Center in this year’s draft, and has plenty of size for the position. Standing tall at 7’3”, Thabeet is a monster of a load in the paint. The Co-Big East player-of-the-year is much like a less-athletic version of Dwight Howard in that he will block almost anything that comes in the paint. He also has an offensive game that is improving, and can get him to the free-throw line. There is one thing that is certain with Thabeet, if you get him the ball close to the rim, it will pay off.

4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio, G, DKV Joventut

Ricky Rubio is well known for his play in the Beijing Olympics for Spain. He started against the U.S.A. as just a seventeen year-old. He displayed endless skill at the point guard position.

The 6’3”, 18-year-old Rubio has a game that is shaped around his incredible ball-handling ability, phenomenal passing, keen court awareness, and quick-handed defense. His weaknesses include his need to strengthen his offensive game. If you look to Rubio for offense, you’re in trouble. However, Rubio turns just nineteen in October giving him ample time to improve. Just like any other international star, Rubio will need time to get affiliated with the NBA, but when he does, he will be a very good player.

5. Washington Wizards: Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis

Tyreke Evans had an outstanding freshman season at Memphis, where he started the year as a shooting guard, and ended as a point guard under coach John Calapari. The transition was clean that proves his versatility that will pay off in the NBA.

The 6’5” freshman was a high-energy scorer in college at 17.1 PPG. He energized the crowd by getting to the rim at will, resulting in an acrobatic lay-in or a high-flying dunk. His shooting form might look unorthodox, but he can dial in from long distance. There are a few kinks in his game that he will iron out in the league. He will need to establish his true position, and when he does, he will be exciting to watch in the NBA.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stephen Curry, G, Davidson

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