NBA Mock Draft Part 1: The lottery

Time for some real sports that people give a shit about.

1. Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin-Forward, University of Oklahoma

This draft is almost identical to the 2007 draft. You have a can’t miss power forward from a Big 12 school, then you have a huge stiff center. I thought Kevin Durant over Greg Oden was a no brainer, but I guess it wasn’t. This pick has to be Blake Griffin. The Clippers are in a precarious position where they have Zach Randolph and Al Thorthon who play the same position as Griffin, and a coach that may not be able to juggle this crowded frontcourt.

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Hasheem Thabeet-Center, Connecticut

This is without a doubt a need based pick. The Grizzlies have several guards so there is really no need to take a player like Ricky Rubio. Mark my words, this is a HUGE mistake. After watching Thabeet in the Big East for three seasons, it’s very clear what he is, a tall, soft, space eater with no offensive game. When thinking about taking Thabeet, Memphis should look at this or or this and take a real big man.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

Ricky Rubio-Point Guard, Spain

This is a draft where there seems to be a consensus top three, then everyone else. Rubio is in my opinion the 2^nd best player in this draft and despite them having Russell Westbrook, their 1^st round pick last year, the Thunder will not pass up on Rubio. From what I’ve read and heard, Rubio has a lot of Steve Nash in him.

4. Sacramento Kings

Johnny Flynn-Point Guard, Syracuse

Looking at the Kings roster, they seem pretty set in the front court with Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson and Donte Greene. Kevin Martin, their best player, is a shooting guard and needs someone to get him the ball with opportunities to score. Flynn’s a great athlete and a good passer so I feel like he’s the perfect fit for them. Demar Derozan would also be a popular pick here, however I can’t see them reaching that far for a guy that for being so highly touted, has shown nothing.

5. Washington Wizards

Stephen Curry-Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Davidson

Now I don’t know if there are enough basketballs to go around for Curry to play with Gilbert Arenas but I think this would be a huge attraction to bring basketball back in D.C. With Curry and Arenas they’d be able score a ton. I’d love to see this backcourt.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

I honestly cannot figure out what Minnsota is going to do here. They have a very good front court of the future with Love and Jefferson along with Corey Brewer. Some of the players they are working out make absolutely no sense at six. I’m going to say they trade down to eight.

New York Knicks

Jordan Hill-Power Forward, Arizona

The Knick love Steph Curry and would take him in certainly every scenario. Since he’s gone, I think they move up and grab another guy they’re taking a hard look at. I think Hill’s the pick here. When this guy plays to his capability, he’s a very good player (see NCAA tournament).

7. Golden State Warriors

Tyreke Evans-Point Guard, Memphis

I just feel like he fits great into their run and gun offense and they will not pass up on him here.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves (VIA NY Knicks)

James Harden-Shooting Guard, ASU

Harden’s free fall ends here with the Timberwolves. Harden is just too much talent to pass up there. Instead of taking Harden at 6, the Wolves added a few future picks and take him at 8.

9. Toronto Raptors

Demar DeRozen-Small Forward, USC

This is clearly the pick here. DeRozen is the only guy that has worked out for the Raptors. Here is a guy though, like former Raptor Vince Carter, who plays when he wants to play. DeRozen came into USC as one of the most highly touted prospects in the country, but only spent one disappointing year with the Trojans. This wouldn’t surprise me at all, considering Toronto’s tendency for head-scratching draft picks

10. Milwaulkee Bucks

Brandon Jennings-Point Guard, Italy

With Flynn almost certain to be gone, I see the Bucks going for the highest rated point guard left. I think this is a very easy pick for the Bucks to take the former Arizona recruit here.

11. New Jersey Nets

DeJuan Blair-Power Forward/Small Forward, Pitt

The Nets are hungry for toughness and rebounding and there is no one more equip to bring that to them than Big East Player of the Year and Naismith Finalist, DeJuan Blair. After going through the rigors of the draft workouts, the Nets are also getting a much slimmer Blair.

12 Charlotte Bobcats

Gerry Henderson-Shooting Guard, Duke

Another link in the chain of former Dukies with no NBA potential. When Henderson isn’t busy playing dirty or choking, he made his reputation as a pretty good dunker. Ask Rodney Carney about being a dunker that can’t shoot or play defense. The ‘Cats also have a long reputation for draft mistakes like taking this toolbag and not taking this guy. Good luck MJ, you may be the best player to touch a basketball, but as a GM you’re a lost cause.

13 Indiana Pacers

Jeff Teague-Shooting Guard, Wake

I honestly have no idea what the Pacers do here. They were in the playoff hunt for a while last year until Danny Granger got hurt. They have one scorer in Granger, and not much else. I feel like they want a point guard, but with Jennings gone, I can’t see them reaching for Ty Lawson or Eric Maynor. In Teague were talking about a guy that was in the Naismith race for a while last season. I think he goes here.

14. Phoenix Suns

Earl Clark-Power Forward, L’ville

I’ve seen Clark for a few years, he’s a guy like DeRozen, that when he wants to play can be the best player on the floor. He’s developed a jump shot and can handle most guys down low. Clark just seems like a Steve Kerr kind of guy.

to be continued tomorrow.