Lester's 2009 NBA Mock Draft, Ver. 3
Lester's third 2009 NBA Mock Draft.
1. Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin
Blake is a lock for the No. 1 pick.
Previous Mock Pick: Blake Griffin, Blake Griffin
2. Mempis Grizzlies – Hasheem Thabeet
Thabeet’s defensive presence is too much for Memphis to pass up. They are set at Guard already with Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo so drafting Rubio or Harden doesn’t make sense.
Previous Pick: Jordan Hill, Hasheem Thabeet
3. Oklahoma City – Jordan Hill
Hill is an athletic big man that should be able to get out and run with Westbrook, Durant, and Green.
Previous Pick: Hasheem Thabeet, Jordan Hill
4. Sacramento Kings – Ricky Rubio
The Kings need Rubio’s star power in the worst way. Not to mention his ability to handle the rock. He could help bring Kevin Martin to the next level.
Previous Pick: Ricky Rubio, Ricky Rubio
5. Washington Wizards – James Harden
Harden’s smooth play should translate well with Jamison, Bulter, and company.
Previous Pick: James Harden, James Harden
6. Minnesota Timberwolves – DeMar DeRozan
Though a PG makes more sense, the Wolves need players who can play right away. DeRozan’s athleticism should get him minutes right away at 2 or 3.
Previous Pick: Brandon Jennings, Brandon Jennings
7. Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry
I keep changing my mind with Golden State’s intentions. Curry’s stock rises again. Curry and Ellis form an interchangeable backcourt.
Previous Pick: Ty Lawson, Jrue Holliday
8. New York Knicks – Brandon Jennings
Having missed out on Curry, the Knicks turn to a kid with the confidence to play PG in Madison Square Garden. Let’s just hope he has the game to match.
Previous Pick: Jonny Flynn, Stephen Curry
9. Toronto Raptors – Tyreke Evans
Tyreke is a big climber as well. He’ll look good alongside Jose Calderon in Toronto’s backcourt.
Previous Pick: DeMar DeRozan, DeMar DeRozan
10. Milwaulkee Bucks – Jrue Holliday
Jrue slides back a bit because of Evans’ leap, but remains in the top 10. Gives the Bucks a solid PG if Ramon Sessions bolts.
Previous Pick: Stephen Curry, Jonny Flynn
11. New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark
Concerns about Blair’s knees allow Clark to move up a few slots. The athletic big man is a nice fit alongside Lopez.
Previous Pick: DeJuan Blair, DeJuan Blair
12. Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson
Henderson is a good fit. Brings it on both ends of the floor.
Previous Pick: Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson
13. Indiana Pacers – Jonny Flynn
Flynn slides a bit to the Pacers. Flynn can get up and go in a hurry. Can penetrate and kick out to Granger.
Previous Pick: Eric Maynor, Eric Maynor
14. Phoenix Suns – James Johnson
With Clark gone, the Suns turn to another athletic forward in James Johnson. Could be a poor man’s Shawn Marion.
Previous Pick: Earl Clark, Earl Clark
15. Detroit Pistons – Tyler Hansbrough
I just like Hansbrough in this spot. Tons of energy and toughness.
Previous Pick: Tyler Hansbrough, Tyler Hansbrough
16. Chicago Bulls – DeJuan Blair
I had the Bulls going small in the first two mocks, but with Blair dropping a bit they add more size in the frontcourt.
Previous Pick: Tyreke Evans, Tyreke Evans
17. Philadelphia 76ers – Ty Lawson
Lawson would give Philly a ton of speed and should create havoc on defense.
Previous Pick: Jeff Teague, Ty Lawson
18. Minnesota Timberwolves – B.J. Mullens
I wanted to go PG here, but the Wolves could use B.J.’s size taking some pressure off of Al Jefferson down low.
Previous Pick: B.J. Mullens, B.J. Mullens
19. Atlanta Hawks – Eric Maynor
Maynor gives the Hawks a true PG to step in when Bibby leaves.
Previous Pick: Patrick Mills, Jeff Teague
20. Utah Jazz – Chase Budinger
Budinger gives the Jazz a solid Wing player that can stretch defenses with his outside shooting.
Previous Pick: Gerald Henderson, Terrence Williams
21. New Orleans Hornets – Jeff Teague
Teague gives the Hornets a solid backup to Chris Paul. His versatility should allow him to slide into the 2-guard spot if needed.
Previous Pick: Chase Budinger, Chase Budinger
22. Dallas Mavericks – Darren Collison
Collison gives the Mavs a polished PG to follow Jason Kidd.
Previous Pick: Jrue Holliday, Darren Collison
23. Sacramento Kings – Austin Daye
He will need time to develop. The Kings aren’t going anywhere for a while so they have the time.
Previous Pick: James Johnson, James Johnson
24. Portland Trail Blazers – DaJuan Summers
Summers gives the Blazers an athletic Wing player.
Previous Pick: Darren Collison, Austin Daye
25. Oklahoma City – Sam Young
Sam gives them a wing who can score and defend.
Previous Pick: Gani Lawal, Gani Lawal
26. Chicago Bulls – Omri Casspri
I still like Casspri for the Bulls. Gives them another outside threat.
Previous Pick: Derrick Brown, Omri Casspri
27. Memphis – Taj Gibson
Gives them frontcourt depth.
Previous Selection: Sam Young, Sam Young
28. Minnesota Timberwolves – Patrick Mills
They took a Wing and a Big Man. If they don’t trade away their any of their picks, they’ll likely grab a PG. Mills could develop into a good one.
Previous Pick: Terrence Williams, DaJuan Summers
29. Los Angeles Lakers – Derrick Brown
With Odom likely gone, the Champs could use Brown to soften the blow.
Previous Pick: Omri Casspri, Patrick Mills
30. Cleveland Cavaliers – Wayne Ellington
The Cavs need someone who can score to help King James.
Previous Pick: DaJuan Summers, Nick Calathes
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