NKYSportsWorld 2009 NBA Mock Draft

With the NBA Draft right around the corner on June 25th it is time for our first annual NBA Mock Draft. Thanks to writer Matt we had a successful NFL Mock Draft and I will take the reins for the NBA draft. Outside of the first few picks it is tough to prognosticate but I selected players based on need and talent level.

1. LA Clippers- Blake Griffin PF/C (Oklahoma)
Consensus #1 pick, no real doubts here.
2. Memphis Grizzlies- Hasheem Thabeet C (Connecticut)
Pair a dominating big man with OJ Mayo and they are making the right steps.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder- James Harden SG (Arizona St.)
Excellent scorer but even better floor general, will be a leader immediately.
4. Sacramento Kings- Ricky Rubio PG (Europe)
Rubio proved his worth in the Olympic games, only 18 years old so a lot of upside.
5. Washington Wizards- Jordan Hill- PF (Arizona)
Has bulked up at the PF position, similar to Chris Bosh, has good range.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves- Tyreke Evans PG/SG (Memphis)
Can play both PG and SG but would be most effective as a SG with the ability to run.
7. Golden State Warriors- Brandon Jennings PG (Europe)
Very athletic and very quick, he struggles at times with his jumper.
8. NY Knicks- Stephen Curry PG/SG (Davidson)
Can absolutely fill it up, he can spot or create off of the dribble.
9. Toronto Raptors- Jonny Flynn PG (Syracuse)
Very fast and deceptively strong, Flynn plays with great composure.
10. Milwaukee Bucks- Jrue Holiday PG (UCLA)
A lot of hype coming out of high school that was not completely realized at UCLA.
11. New Jersey Nets- DeJuan Blair PF (Pitt)
Big physical body, should be able to bang at this level and contribute for the Nets.
12. Charlotte Bobcats- Demar DeRozan SG (USC)
Very long and athletic, the prototypical NBA wing player, should thrive.
13. Indiana Pacers- Gerald Henderson SG/SF (Duke)
Very smart athletic player who will complement the personnel in Indy.
14. Phoenix Suns- James Johnson SF (Wake Forest)
Versatile player who can use his huge wingspan to both pull up and attack the rim.
15. Detroit Pistons- Jeff Teague PG (Wake Forest)
Quick and explosive, good defender, should fill a void in Detroit.
16. Chicago Bulls- BJ Mullens C (Ohio State)
The missing piece in Chicago, Mullens would be a good pickup for the Bulls.
17. Philadelphia 76ers- Ty Lawson PG (North Carolina)
Philly has been looking for the next Iverson and may have found it with Lawson.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves- Terrance Williams SG (Louisville)
I think one of the sleepers in this draft, Williams shoud contribute right away.
19. Atlanta Hawks- Tyler Hansborough PF (North Carolina)
Hansborough is smart and athletic, we will see if his game translates to the NBA.
20. Utah Jazz- Wayne Ellington SG (North Carolina)
One of the best shooters in this draft should help Utah immediately.
21. New Orleans Hornets- Earl Clark SF (Louisville)
A versital combo guard, good defense and good shot.
22. Dallas Mavericks- Darren Collison PG (UCLA)
Very high basketball IQ, will thrive working with veterans in Dallas.
23. Sacramento Kings- Omri Casspi SF (Israel)
The stereotypical tall foreign player with a good shot and gritty play.
24. Portland Trailblazers- Eric Maynor SG (VCU)
Extremely smart player, can score in droves, quick and smart player.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder- Damion Jones SF (Texas)
Very tall and athletic, can rebound the ball on both ends very well for his size.
26. Chicago Bulls- Marcus Thornton SG (LSU)
Four year player out of LSU, Thornton will be a solid role player for the Bulls.
27. Memphis Grizzlies- Derrick Brown SF (Xavier)
Tall and lanky for his position, left handed shooter who finishes well at the rim.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves- DaJaun Summers SG (Georgetown)
Great size for a SG can play both inside and out.
29. LA Lakers- Toney Douglas- PG (Florida State)
Strong and tough player, not very flashy but efficient, excellent body control.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers- Taj Gibson PF (USC)
Good length and athletic for his position soft touch around the rim.