2009 NBA Mock Draft - Version 1.0

by Rizzo23 on May 22, 2009 12:30 PM PDT

With the lottery completed and the order decided, it’s time to try my hand at an early mock for this year’s draft. There have already been some risers and fallers early on and I’m sure there will be more in the coming days. Some teams are looking to shop their picks, mostly in the late first round, but for now, I’ll just assume that there won’t be any trades. Of course, that means the Celtics won’t be drafting in the first round, but my rules are meant to be broken on draft day, so I’m sure Ainge will do just that. Let’s see how the first round of the draft could shake out.

1. Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin, F, Oklahoma

This is a no-brainer pick. He has been the #1 pick in this draft since last November and has won every Player of the Year award you can think of. I’ve already posted my thoughts on this pick for the Clippers, so I won’t go over it again. He’s got the potential to be a top power forward in the league in a few years, but also if he doesn’t develop much of an offensive game, could have already plateud. I don’t expect that to happen, so he will develop into a very good, borderline great, power forward in the league.

2. Memphis Grizzlies – Ricky Rubio, G, Spain

Rubio’s agent has already said they will do what they can to avoid him going to either Memphis or Oklahoma City, but the same agent tried to do this with Yi last year and failed. Ultimately, I think Rubio decides to play for whoever takes him and Memphis, with the #2 pick, should take the 2nd best talent on the board. People widely consider Rubio and Thabeet to round out the top-3 with Griffin, but I could see Memphis consider Jordan Hill at this pick if they do not want to stunt the growth of Mike Conley, Jr. In the end, Rubio is the pick and should embrace the chance to play with OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut

The Thunder have many holes and are not in a position to draft by, well, position. Other than Westbrook, Durant and Jeff Green have solidified their spots on this team. Nenad Krstic was a nice pickup last year, but he’s not a center you would want to build around. Thabeet would give them an instant upgrade in the defense department and if his offense ever comes around, he could become a really nice player. He must bulk up, but who in the draft doesn’t? Also considered James Harden and DeMar DeRozan at this spot.

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Comments

Ty Lawson :)

by guitarmouse35 on May 22, 2009 2:16 PM PDT reply actions

Is that the PG that Philly fans really want?

by Rizzo23 on May 22, 2009 2:19 PM PDT reply actions

This philly fan does.

It varies obviously but I’d take Lawson, then Flynn, then Maynor.

by guitarmouse35 on May 23, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

How is Andre Miller’s departure inevitable? Also if Jrue Holiday is still on the board(which I am not sure I think he will probably go higher) I think Stefanski would go with him.

by The Legend on May 22, 2009 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

I swear...

I hate waiting for the draft. Waiting for the Eagles draft was such a pain and I don’t think I can survive another wait.

by soman319 on May 22, 2009 6:08 PM PDT reply actions

Can’t buy any mock that lists Rubio at #2 – that ignores all the evidence

"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."

Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.

by jemagee on May 22, 2009 6:18 PM PDT reply actions

Are you talking about the “evidence” that says that Rubio doesn’t want to go to Memphis or Oklahoma City? Read around and you would see that many GMs around the league say if you pass on a player because they say they don’t want to come, you won’t be a GM much longer. Rubio’s agent is the same agent for Yi, and we all know he didn’t want to go to Milwaukee. Low and behold, Yi ended up playing for the Bucksand there wasn’t much backlash from Yi.

by Rizzo23 on May 22, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I think it’s more the evidence that Memphis will draft Thabeet at #2 instead of Rubio.

by wildcatlh on May 22, 2009 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions

The Ricky RUbio situation is different than the other players who have made the same statements – Rubio has an alternative, he makes a lot of money – and he has to pay a buy out to get out of his contract….I don’t care what the GMs say who aren’t involved the situation. It’s easy to say what you’d do to if it’s not your problem, but memphis can’t afford that kind of PR hit and NOT to improve their roster with the 2nd pick in the draft.

And if you’re believing all the other reports you should believe all the reports that say Heisly is in love with Thabeet

"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."

Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.

by jemagee on May 23, 2009 9:11 AM PDT reply actions