2009 NBA Mock Draft: Who Will Fall in the Top Five and Why?

In fewer than eight hours, the 2009 NBA Draft Will be here.  So much action is going on now, as we just saw two trades—Shaq going to the Cavs and the T-Wolves trading up in picks for Mike Miller and Randy Foye.

Experts are calling this a weaker draft.  Apparently, this draft will exceed most of the owners expectations.  I, on the other hand disagree with that statement. I feel that even if you do have a later pick, you can still select a great player.

1. Clippers select Blake Griffin 

Griffin proved himself last year. Griffin is clearly the best player in the NBA Draft this year. He has every little thing that could and will make him the one of the most dominant players this year, just look. He has size, power, and potential. If the Clippers do not select Blake Griffin, they should be gone from the NBA.  

Confidence—99 percent

Blake Griffin, PF/C, 6-10, 250, Oklahoma, Sophomore, 22.7 ppg, 14.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.2 bpg, 65.4% FG

ESPN: Griffin

NBADraft.net: Griffin

InsideHoops: Griffin

2. Grizzlies select Hasheem Thabeet

Late in the season Hasheem Thabeet showed the entire world how and why he was dominant.  Thabeet's a shot-blocking defender who can add size, but not a ton of offense. He has limited basketball experience.  

Thabeet will probably not be an impact at center when he joins the NBA, but he's the only true center to go after, since this pick could make or break the Grizzlies. Thabeet is still a great pick, though, because he is young and is great at getting back on defense.  

Confidence—85 percent

Hasheem Thabeet, C, 7-3, 265, Connecticut, Junior, 13.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 0.5 apg, 4.2 bpg, 64.0% FG

ESPN: Thabeet

NBADraft.net: Thabeet

InsideHoops: Thabeet

3. Thunder select James Harden

Makes great sense here. The Thunder need a shooting guard.  I don't see how Kyle Weaver is starting as it is. Also, the Thunder just drafted a great point guard who has tons of potential, and is already proving himself, Russell Westbrook.  

That eliminates the possibility of Rubio, Curry, or Flynn. Harden is a bulldozer shooting guard who reminds most of Paul Pierce.  Harden is a scorer, who isn't afraid to drive.  I think he may have the best shot in the draft. Harden also seems to have a leader quality in him.

Confidence—60 percent

James Harden, SG, 6-5, 220, Arizona State, Sophomore, 20.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 48.9% FG, 35.6% 3FG

ESPN: Rubio

NBADraft.net: Rubio

InsideHoops: Harden

4. Kings select Ricky Rubio

Rubio is a young point guard who has made a splash, but unlike most of the draftees, he didn't play in the NCAA, he's international. Rubio has great passing skills.

Rubio has dominanted at his age, but he might have trouble adjusting to the "NBA Ready Mode". Ricky has a decent shot, which could be better. Most of the experts and insidehoops compares Rubio's play to "Pistol" Pete Mararvich.

Confidence—77 percent

Ricky Rubio, PG, 6-4, 180, International

ESPN: Curry

NBADraft.net: Flynn

InsideHoops: Rubio

5. Timberwolves select Stephen Curry

Curry was the best scorer in college. Curry is basically a scoring phenom who can shoot lights up from three, and can get points in no time. Curry is a scoring guard, and like many others in the draft isn't a true point guard.

When Curry is struggling, double teamed, etc. he can create and make things happen for other players. One question and thing that stopped Curry from going No. 1 in this draft was his size. Curry is very small, but I think he'll do well.  

Confidence—60 percent

Stephen Curry, G, 6-3, 185, Davidson, Junior, 28.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.6 apg, 45.4% FG, 38.7% 3FG

ESPN: Evans

NBADraft.net: Harden

InsideHoops: Evans

Cudi - VSN Writer

http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/