NBA Mock Draft: My First Impressions (Picks #1 through #7 preview included)

As the draft lottery has come and gone, once again, the worst team doesn’t have the first selection. A team that was in the playoff race for a decent majority of last season has the first overall pick. That doesn’t make much sense, but the lottery is another topic.

I am here to give my take on who I think the teams of concern should select with their draft pick. Obviously, it is still very early to say for certain what the safe and risky, smart and stupid, sleeper and can’t-miss picks are, but I’m going to fire up the simulator anyway.

#1 Overall Selection (Chicago Bulls) :

Derrick Rose-PG-Memphis

To me, this is a no-brainer. To the Bulls, it may not be that easy. Michael Beasley is going to get a long look, as the Bulls haven’t had a post-presence in some time. Rose is the guy here, however. He is an up-tempo player, who can create his own opportunities with his quickness and explosion, as well as create for his teammates by drawing attention.

Tyson Chandler was the beneficiary of a bevy of alley-oops via Chris Paul last season. A Derrick Rose-Tyrus Thomas combination could be just as deadly with Rose’s vision and Thomas’ ups on the same court. All Tyrus Thomas would have to do is run the floor on the break, play good defense to create those break opportunities, and get his hands ready to catch and slam.  That would be a legitimate source of solid production from the four and five positions. 

That’s two issues solved for the Bulls in one draft pick. Another reason for why I think Rose should go over Beasley is Aaron Gray, a nice young center out of Pittsburgh that most people aren’t aware of. He could develop into a solid post player on both ends of the floor.

That affirms my belief that point guard is the biggest need for the Bulls, and Derrick Rose is also the best player in this draft. That’s two drafting methods killed with one stone. Rose is Jason Kidd with a jumpshot, a classification used by UCLA coach Ben Howland during last season's NCAA Tournament. You know what, he isn’t too far off. Beasley IS close, but in the end I think Rose is the choice here.

#2 Overall Selection (Miami Heat) :

Michael Beasley-PF-Kansas State

I know Pat Riley is a big fan of Udonis Haslem, and Udonis Haslem currently plays power forward for the Miami Heat. So something has to give, right? What gives is the overall talent level of Michael Beasley. He is a freakishly good athlete, who is big, fast, quick, with good height (not as good as once thought, but hey!) that can hold his own on the perimeter and battle down low with the big boys.

I think of Beasley as a VERY (and I mean VERY) rich man’s Antawn Jamison. Beas(t)ley can score in any way you can think of, and will be an effective player on the defensive end as well. Beasley is the whole package, and as far as his impact on the game, he will be a match-up nightmare for every team that has to guard him.

Between him and Rose, I think they are a toss-up. The only reason I think Rose should go before Beas(t)ley is the fact he is a point guard, and with point guard being the most important position on the floor, Rose gets a slight edge. The Heat could play Beasley at the three, four or five next season. In my opinion, he is that skilled a player.

#3 Overall Selection (Minnesota Timberwolves) :

Brook Lopez-C-Stanford

Lopez is a legitimate 7-footer with a solid post game. Kevin McHale could improve his footwork and show him the ropes when it comes to great post-play. Lopez teamed with up-and-coming big man Al Jefferson would make a good front court to build off of.

Craig Smith coming off the bench behind the two would make for a good rotation at the four and five. Corey Brewer is also a guy who the T-Wolves have high hopes for, and if your starting three, four and five are Brewer, Jefferson and Lopez respectively, I think something could be made of that.

#4 Overall Selection (Seattle Supersonics) :

O.J. Mayo-PG-USC

Every position that Kevin Durant isn’t playing is an area of concern for Seattle. Jeff Green has the potential to be a nice player, so the three is not as big of a need for the Supersonics, but never the less, Kevin Durant could use some assistance next season.

Mayo and Durant would make a high-powered backcourt, and Mayo’s high ceiling is what will make the difference. Mayo and Durant, it just sounds good, doesn’t it? It also looks good on paper. The Sonics just need to develop or deal for another big man, then maybe they could become a competitive team at the very least with the selection of Mayo at #4.

#5 Overall Selection (Memphis Grizzlies) :

Kevin Love-PF-UCLA

The Grizzlies should concentrate on building around Mike Conley and Rudy Gay. Those are the two guys with enough potential to win you ball games down the road. The best player available that is not a one or a three to me is Kevin Love. Love is an excellent positional rebounder, passer, and has a good low-post game with excellent range. If K-Love dropped some weight and worked on his explosiveness (which early signs are showing that he is), he could be a surprisingly good NBA power forward.

#6 Overall Selection (New York Knicks) :

Eric Gordon-PG-Indiana

In Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, Eric Gordon could flourish, maybe even right away. He has the explosiveness off the dribble, can create contact and finish in the lane. EJ also has great touch from outside the arc, and can spread the floor effectively.

He may not be nearly as good a passer as Nash, but he will fit into D’Antoni’s system pushing the ball. Gordon also has outstanding instincts as a defender, especially off the ball. His steals on cross court passes are reminiscent of Larry Hughes. He is a better athlete than Steve Nash, and has the potential to be a superstar in the NBA under the tutelage of Mike D’Antoni.

#7 Overall Selection (Los Angeles Clippers) :

Jerryd Bayless-PG-Arizona

With Shaun Livingston still recovering from his severe knee injury, point guard is a question mark for LA. Bayless is a solid combo guard that will spread the floor and provide solid play-making ability. Bayless is one of the safest picks in this draft, and will fit nicely with the likes of Al Thornton, Elton Brand and Chris Kaman.

The Clippers could be back to a competitive level next year, and just need to make a pick to not kill them, instead of reaching for a player that may not pan out. There is no need to reach, so they should go with a “sure thing” rather than a risk.

Well, that is pick #1 through #7 for you, and more will come at a later time. Once again, it is very early, and developments will take place and the landscape of this draft may look totally different after a period of time. For right now, however, this is my first impression on the players available for this year’s draft.