2008 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

The draft is pretty far away with trades and free agency bound to take place before the draft begins. But here is who I think (not should) each team will draft NOW.

1. Chicago Bulls - Michael Beasley - Getting the hometown kid Derrick Rose would be ideal, but John Paxson may think Drew Gooden, Tyrus Thomas, and Joakhim Noah are not the answers. Hinrich, Gordon, Hughes, and Duhon are all solid guards and a scoring foward will help them out.

2. Miami Heat - Derrick Rose - This is what Pat Riley wants. Rose and Wade will make this a dominant back court and if Marion stays, Marion and Haslem will make the front court very intruiging. Zo should be returning, but they can land a free agent like Jermaine ONeal or Elton Brand to help them down low.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - Brook Lopez - Al Jefferson had a really unappreciated season. He is going to become one of the best PF in the NBA. He needs someone other than Antoine Walker next to him. A solid 7 footer who knows the game in Lopez will help. This will make this a good future front court for many years to come. With Telfair having a good season last year, he can lead point along side with Foye and McCants. Jaric, Brewer, and Gomes will make this team deep and may surprise some people next season.

4. Seattle Sonics - Jarryd Bayless - Durant, Green, Wilcox, and Collision are all solid players for the future. Only problem is Luke RIdnour and Earl Watson at point. They need a point guard and Bayless is next best behind Rose. He is versatile and reminds me of Chauncy Billups.Sonics are building in the right direction.

5. Utah Grizzlies - DeAndre Jordan - This team is full of talented guards. They need a big man down low not Darko. Jordan has enough upside to be the next Dwight but can also be the next Kwame. Worth the risk. He would fit perfectly this uptempo team.

6. New York Knicks - Danillo Gallinari - His dad was the body guard for coach DAntoni when he was in Italy so there is a connection between the two. Quentin Richardson is not the answer for them as a small foward. Gallinari is probably the most NBA ready and plays like a veteran. This could help out DAntoni. Monta Ellis has been rumored to go to the Knicks to run point and with Crawford and Wilson Chandler there is no need for OJ Mayo.

7. Los Angeles Clippers - OJ Mayo - I personally think he is the best player in the draft. Had some issues with taking money, but who cares in the NBA. He has a complete offensive game and is a really good defender. With Livingston or Dicau at point and Mayo this team may get back in playoffs with Brand, Thornton, and Kaman.

8. Milwaukee Bucks - Anthony Randolph - Randolph has so much upside. He reminds me of Lamar Odom. With Bogut, Yi, Redd, and Williams the Bucks may finally live up to their expectations. Scot Skiles was a good hire.

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Kevin Love - Okafor needs help down low. May returns but not sure how he will be after a tough injury. Love is a player Larry Brown will like. He can ignite fast breaks and can shoot. Only problem is if he can  cover NBA power fowards.

10. New Jersey Nets - Joe Alexander - the white Shawn Marion. He is really athletic. An upgrade over Kristic. Him and Boone will be a good combo and with Harris, Carter, and Jefferson, Nets may live up to their expectations.

11. Indiana Pacers - Eric Gordon - Larry Bird said they would have drafted him out of high school. I think he is going to be a very effective NBA player. Has great vision, can get to the basket, and already has an NBA 3 pointer set. Before he hurt his wrist he was the best player in college. This is a steal. Pacers will be in the playoffs with him. A special player to build with Granger and Dunleavy.

12. Sacramento Kings - DJ Augustine - The best point guard all season in college until he started to disappear. Can be a Jameer Nelson due to him being 5'11" but that is an upgrade. Udrih is a good backup.

13. Portland Blazers - Russel Westbrook - The most athletic player in the draft. Can defend and has a versatile game. Him and Roy are the future back court with the most talented future in the NBA.

14. Golden State Warriors - JaVale McGee - Has potential to be a Andrew Bynum. The  fast pace no D method won't get them far. Nelson won't be around much longer and they need a solid center not Biedrins. Got all the peices to get back to playoffs.

15. Phoenix Suns - Nicolus Batum - has hyped a lot last year. Reminds me of Rudy Gay. They need a solid back up to Bell and he is the man. Really talented that can come in and play.

16. Philadelphia 76ers - Darrel Arthur - Stock has been rising. Compared with Antonio McDyess. Dalembert needs a player next to him and Arthur fits right there. Bright future team.

17. Toronto Raptors - Roy Hibbert - A top ten pick last year. All they need is a center and Hibbert is the best over all. Reminds me of Ilgauskas. Can shoot midrange and is the best passing big man in game. Helps with all the shooters Raptors have. A steal.

18. Washington Wizards - Chase Budinger - A Grant Hill type of player who can be a really good backup to Caron Butler. Was a top ten pick last year so this may be a steal. The veterans Wizards have will be a good fit to teach Budinger. Another steal (potentially--New coach hurt him last season)

19. Cleveland Cavaliers - Maureese Speights - Has enough upside to be better than Al Horford. Should have stayed another year, but for the Cav this is a great pick. Yet another steal (potentially again).

20. Denver Nuggets - Donte Greene - Again I gotta say it. Steal! Another top ten talent who really shined at the end of last season. A huge upside to his game. Gifted young player who will start over Kenyon Martin.

21. New Jersey Nets - Chris Douglas-Roberts - The true leader of the Memphis Tigers in college. Really talented. Can back up or even replace Carter if he gets traded. NBA ready to make an impact on the talented Nets.

22. Orlando Magic - Bill Walker - Out of high school a top 5 pick. His knee problems hurt him but if he can get back to old form consistently this has to be the biggest steal. Has more upside than Vince Carter. A dominant guard who can really play.

23. Utah Jazz - Brandon Rush - really hurt himself coming out another year but did win a national championship. Complete and NBA ready. Can start over Brewer next season and make an impact. Will be a solid NBA defender.

24. Seattle Sonics - Kosta Koufos - Okur type of player who has upside to his game. Can be a good player to spead the court. Can be a solid back up for a couple of years.

25. Houston Rockets - Robin Lopez - They need a back up to Yao. Mutombo up there in the years and Lopez can come in the league and be a solid rebounder and shot blocker. Has all the gifts of his brother Brook, but the scoring mentality part.

26. San Antonio Spurs - Davon Jefferson - This is Horry's last season and Brent Barry is not getting any younger. A player with all the skills. A good system for him to build on.

27. New Orleans Hornets - Mario Chalmers - Pargo might be out of the door to get a bigger role on another team. Chalmers fits in perfectly as a back up to Paul. Can come in and defend and lead a team.

28. Memphis Grizzlies - Nathan Jawai - Aussie Shaq is all I need to say.

29. Detroit Pistons - Wayne Ellington - Just need future players now. Stuckey is a future point guard and Ellington can learn from Hamilton.

30. Boston Celtics - Ty Lawson - the fastest player in college. A huge drop for him. Size was a problem but has a lot of upside. Can be a good back up to Rondo if Cassel retires.