2009 NBA Lottery Mock Draft

1. Los Angeles Clippers—Blake Griffin

No further explanation is needed.

2. Memphis Grizzlies—Hasheem Thabeet

The 7'3" big man will provide interior defense and just enough offense to compliment O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder—James Harden

Adding Harden to the mix of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Jeff Green gives them a solid core PG, SG, SF, and PF.

4. Sacramento Kings—Ricky Rubio

Word on the street from Sacto is they're not enamored with the Spaniard, however, Rubio should be the pick if he drops down. In dire need of a point guard, Sacramento would be getting the best floor leader and passer out there.

5. Minnesota T-Wolves—Stephen Curry

Trading Randy Foye opens up the PG spot, and Curry is almost sure to be drafted by the Wolves if Sacramento passes on the silky smooth point guard.

6. Minnesota T-Wolves—Tyreke Evans

Compliment the sharp-shooting Curry to the slashing style of Evans, and you have a dynamic duo in the backcourt for years to come.

7. Golden State Warriors—Jonny Flynn

This is a coin toss between Flynn, Brandon Jennings, and Jordan Hill. However, Flynn gets the nod because he is NBA ready, a floor leader, and provides insurance in case Monta Ellis can't handle the PG role.

8. New York Knicks—Jrue Holiday

The Knicks would've loved to have Curry, however, Holiday is the choice here. Holiday can play either guard position, and has the potential to be a lockdown defender, an asset the Knicks sorely need.

9. Toronto Raptors—Jordan Hill

With Chris Bosh soon to be out the door after this season, Toronto will need someone to replace the all-star forward.

10. Milwaukee Bucks—Brandon Jennings

Jennings has as much potential as anyone in the draft. The Bucks need to go for gold, and I believe Jennings could be that guy. At the very least, he'll fill seats in Milwaukee with his stylish play.

11. New Jersey Nets—DeMar DeRozan

Vince Carter is not getting any younger, and DeRozan has the skill set to be similar to Carter. Although DeRozan is very raw, he would be a good fit in the backcourt with the athletic Devin Harris.

12. Charlotte Bobcats—Terrence Williams

According to various sources, Charlotte has promised to take Williams if he is on the board. Hence, the pick.

13. Indiana Pacers—DeJuan Blair

Look at the Pacers' starting frontcourt (Troy Murphy, Roy Hibbert)...they are both soft. Although Blair is a bit undersized for a power forward, he'll actually provide Indiana a tough, hard-nosed player up front.

14. Phoenix Suns—Ty Lawson

The Steve Nash era won't last forever, and Lawson would be a good fit in Phoenix's run and gun style of play. Lawson can learn from one of the best point guards for a few years, and take over when the time comes.