Rubio to Wizards: Latest NBA Mock Draft Update

A LayupDrill.com exclusive

View Part 1 Here or Part 2 Here.

As college basketball enters into the meat and potatoes of its season, the future pros and best young talent in the country are displaying their talents for scouts all over.

The landscape of the draft order(based on records) has changed a bit since our January Mock Draft update, yet the top prospects remain. Check out our latest lottery update.

1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin(PF-Oklahoma)

This pick makes absolutely no sense based on a number of things, I know. The Clippers, who have been hammered by injuries, are already overloaded in the front court with Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman, and Marcus Camby.

Though it is very possible Mike Dunleavy and the brass in Clipperland may look to trade one or two of those players before the trade deadline this month, L.A. will be in heaven even if they don’t and somehow win the lottery.

The fact that they have committed a big contract to Baron Davis rules out any point guard being selected at one as well, so many teams would be willing to talk to L.A. about trading up.

2. Washington Wizards - Ricky Rubio(PG-Spain)

I still see Rubio landing in D.C, though the potential to select Hasheem Thabeet or Greg Monroe to solidify the front court is tempting.

The Wiz, anticipating the return of Agent Zero to 100 percent health, would love to have an explosive point guard to help facilitate the offense. Imagine Rubio, Arenas, and Caron Butler running the fast break, with a healthy Haywood and Jamison in the post? Sounds like playoff potential in the nation's capital to me.

3. Sacramento Kings - Hasheem Thabeet(C-UConn)

Like I have said before, you cannot teach size. The Kings have their entire roster on the trading block, with the exception of shooting guard Kevin Martin. Brandon Jennings and James Harden are both options here as well, but Thabeet, along with Spencer Hawes, will be a nice frontcourt for the youth movement in Sacramento.

Brad Miller will probably be out before the trade deadline. If not, he'll definitely be gone after the season is over.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder - Greg Monroe(PF-Georgetown)

The Thunder, who have Jeff Green currently at the four spot, would surely not pass up on drafting another Hoya if Monroe drops this far. With Russell Westbrook at the point and Kevin Durant playing the three, the center spot is the obvious position the Thunder would look to draft. With the basis that Thabeet is off the board now, OKC takes the best available player.

5. Memphis Grizzlies - Brandon Jennings(PG-Italy)

The Grizzlies aren’t sold on Mike Conley; and with OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay already in place on the perimeter, Memphis uses their pick on the gamble of the draft. Five years from now we may say Jennings was either the steal of this draft or the biggest bust in years.

6. Golden State Warriors - Jeff Teague(PG-Wake Forest)

Don Nelson’s experiment of having Monta Ellis run the point will end after the season and Ellis will go back to his role as a scoring off guard. Expect Jamal Crawford to be moved, and a young, level-headed point in Teague to take over a rebuilding team.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Harden(SG-Arizona State)

If somehow Minnesota can get Harden this far down, watch out for Kevin Mchale’s young group next season. Al Jefferson will only get better, and Kevin Love will (hopefully) get some decent playing time. Having Foye and Harden on the perimeter could cause matchup problems for opponents. The Wolves may also look for point guard help here.

8. Toronto Raptors - Jordan Hill(PF-Arizona)

Assuming the Raptors move either Chris Bosh and/or Jermaine O’Neal by draft day, they will look to get younger in the frontcourt. Teaming up Andrea Bargnani with Jordan Hill could create a formidable duo in the future. If the Raptors don’t land Shawn Marion there will be a need for a scorer on the perimeter. Gerald Henderson will be around for this pick.

9. Indiana Pacers - Chase Budinger(SG-Arizona)

The Pacers have one legit star in Danny Granger and cap space for the future. Knowing that they won’t compete this season, and probably not next, they pick Budinger the tweener. He can play the SG or SF spot in the pros, and will be the beneficiary of the double-teams Granger receives.

10. Charlotte Bobcats - Al-Farouq Aminu(SF-Wake Forest)

Wake Forest has two lottery picks starting for them right now, which is two more than both Duke and North Carolina. Aminu is quickly rising on many scouts' wish lists, as he has displayed his willingness to defend and unselfishness when playing in the offense. Charlotte may have worries that Gerald Wallace will not fully recover to the level of play he was at prior to his injury and, just in case, take the best player available.

11. New Jersey Nets - Gerald Henderson(SG-Duke)

The selection of Henderson will mark the official end of the Vince-Carter-era in NJ.

12. Chicago Bulls - Demar DeRozan(SG-USC)

Chicago will look to move Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, and Larry Hughes between now and the draft. If they are successful, look for them to pair Derrick Rose with the young, streaky scorer DeRozan.

13.New York Knicks - BJ Mullins(C-Ohio State)

If the Knicks wind up re-signing David Lee, then Lee could move to the power forward spot and Mullins could be the center of the future. Mike D’Antoni may also opt to go with the best available scorer at this spot.  If that is the case, Earl Clark, Stephen Curry, or even Omri Casspi from Isreal could be chosen. My best guess is that the Knicks will be busy leading up to draft day. If they fall in love with a particular player, they will move up.