Stubbs 2009 NBA Mock Draft
In the latest edition of the Binary Basketball 2009 NBA Mock Draft, Stubbs comes through with an in depth analysis of who will be picked in the first round giving descriptions of each player along with the team that will pick that player and why.
Mock Draft - 1st round
1. Clippers – Blake Griffin - PF - Oklahoma
I think everyone is certain that Commissioner Stern will walk out and read out the 1st overall pick for the night and will call out Blake Griffin’s name. Griffin will help out the Clippers on the boards, he will be able to help on offense and defense. He is a very talented athlete and is definitely the best player in this draft. This is the right choice for the Clippers. Maybe this team will have some luck for once.
2. Grizzlies – Ricky Rubio – PG - DKV Joventut
Some people think Rubio will slip to the Kings, and some people think he is all hype. But I think Rubio is the right pick for the Grizzlies. Rubio has widely been regarded as the best player in the world that’s not in the NBA. He sure has a lot of hype to live up to. Many people also think the Grizzlies will draft Hasheem Thabeet from Uconn, but I don’t really think they need to because they have a solid player in Marc Gasol, and they are struggling for PG’s with Mike Conley the only true PG on the roster. Rubio will bring excellent court vision and spectacular passing, but he does need to work on his jump shot, that might be the only chink in Rubio’s armour at the moment.
3. Thunder – Hasheem Thabeet – C - UConn
The Thunder are in desperate need of a young Center, they have Robert Swift but he is always injured. They also need shot-blocking help and everyone knows Thabeet is a master at that. Thabeet also has tremendous size (7 foot 2, with a 8 foot 1 armspan). He is also a good athlete and is quite fast for his size. But Thabeet needs to improve his post games and offense if he is going to be really dominant in the NBA.
4. Kings – James Harden – SG - Arizona State
The Kings will definitely be hoping Ricky Rubio slips to them because they desperately need some point guard help. But I think they’ll settle for James Harden who’s game suits the NBA very well, Harden can slash and shoot and is a very active defender. The only question is though, if the Kings draft Harden will they move Kevin Martin to the 3 or use the 6’5’, Harden at the 3 or use neither at the 3. Harden is also very unselfish so that will help the young Kings.
5. Wizards – Jordan Hill – PF -Arizona
The Wizards are very keen on Stephen Curry but in the end I think they might think #5 is a bit too high to pick him and go with a ‘safer’ option and choose Jordan Hill. The Wizards need a ‘classic’ Power Forward. They also need someone that can stay healthy. The Wizards will most likely use Antawn Jamison as trade bait this off-season possibly to bring in a Center or Shooting Guard. Hill will bring shooting, size and athleticism to the Wizards. He also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and go to the hoop. Hill is a liability of defense though. But I think the Wizards will be all too happy to snap up Hill.
6. Timberwolves – Tyreke Evans – SG - Memphis
I think the Wolves take Evans here, because this will give them a high-scoring and high-skilled wing player and will also allow Randy Foye to play the Point. He’s also a good ball handler and may be able to run some Point. Evans is a very clever passer and has excellent vision which should help him to succeed in the NBA. The only thing Evans will need to work on is his jump shot which can be erratic. He’s also a bit erratic defensively and that will need to improve in the NBA. But with Evans the potential is too good to pass on especially in a weak draft.
7. Warriors – Brandon Jennings – PG - Lottomatica Roma
Jennings has stated that he wants to play in a fast paced offense and the Warriors are the perfect team for that. They are also looking to draft a PG so Monta Ellis can play his more natural Shooting Guard. Jennings is a great athlete like so many other players in this draft. He’s also very quick and is a very good passer. Jennings should also be NBA-ready because he has played professional basketball for Roma. Jennings’ jump shot can be inconsistent. But that shouldn’t turn the Warriors away from Jennings’ tantalizing potential.
8. Knicks – Stephen Curry – SG - Davidson
Months ago the Knicks promised Curry they would choose him with the #8 pick in the draft and despite the Knicks needing a Point Guard, I think they will fulfill that promise. Despite being a NCAA giant killer Curry is a risky pick. Curry will need to rely on his quickness and jump shot if he wants to succeed in the NBA. He is quite small only weighing 181 pounds and will find it hard defending bigger 2 guards like Dwyane Wade, Tracy McGrady etc. The Knicks might choose to play Curry at Point Guard though. Curry should fit nicely with the Knicks’ run-n-gun offense, and could be a really nice choice at #8.
9. Raptors – Demar DeRozan – G/F - USC
The Raptors are in desperate need of a high scoring wing and Demar DeRozan will be there #1 choice to fill that void. DeRozan is has great athleticism and has a good jump shot, something the Raptors need a shooter especially with the loss of Jason Kapono. DeRozan also has good size (6’6, 220 lb) and willl be able to match up well with bigger shooting guards. If Tyreke Evans is not on the board, DeRozan is the right option for the Raptors.
10. Bucks – Jrue Holiday – G - UCLA
The Bucks are really in a position where they can draft the best player available, they have no real glaring position of need apart from a stronger Power Forward, but they could also afford to get stronger at the Point Guard position and with Jrue Holiday, they get a good combo guard with tones of potential. Holiday is not outstanding at any one thing but he is a good ball handler and has a lot of moves in his arsenal that will keep defenders guessing. He is also a solid on-ball defender which will help the Bucks backcourt.
11. Nets – Earl Clark – SF/PF- Louisville
This draft is very strong for PG’s but the Nets don’t need one they need a small forward or big man, and in Earl Clark they get a Small Forward that has length (6’10’) and can also play PF. They also get a good athlete but a player that needs to improve on his jump shot. Clark will be able to create mismatches for opponents with his size and versatility. Clark is an above average defender though, something every team could do with.
12. Bobcats – Gerald Henderson – SG - Duke
There have been rumors lately that the Bobcats might trade this pick but assuming they don’t I think they’ll select Gerald Henderson at #12. They need a Power Forward and I’m sure they’ll look at DeJuan Blair but ultimately I think they will draft Henderson to help out in the back court. Henderson is best known for his scoring and his explosiveness. He is also a decent defender. Henderson has improved his shot lately but it can still be quite inconsistent at times. Henderson should fit in well with the Bobcats young players and won’t be a chemistry killer because he is unselfish and is a good leader.
13. Pacers – Jonny Flynn –PG - Syracuse
The Pacers will be looking to draft a shooting guard but they might just miss out. I think the Pacers will draft Jonny Flynn from Syracuse because they will look to get the best available player. Flynn can help the Pacers back court out and will join Jarrett Jack in the Pacers back court. I think the Pacers would be very happy at getting Flynn because many people consider him a top 10 prospect. Flynn is another great athlete. He’s also very fast and will be able to draw away defenders for more open shots for Danny Granger. Flynn is not afraid of taking the big shots. The only things that go against Flynn are his size and jump shot. But he is definitely a very attractive prospect for most teams and I am sure some teams would think he’s the second best if not best PG in this draft.
14. Suns – James Johnson – SF/PF- Wake Forest
The Suns have no real glaring position of need but they just need to get younger so with that in mind they will probably take the best player available. I think they’ll take James Johnson from Wake Forest. If so Johnson will join NBA vets Grant Hill, Matt Barnes at the small forward spot and will need to work hard for his minutes. Johnson has very good size for a SF (6’8’, 257) and will use that his advantage in the NBA. He is also very strong and has a 7’1 wingspan. He also excels in the point forward role similar to the Orlando Magic’s Hedo Turkoglu or the Detroit Pistons’ Tayshaun Prince. This will give Phoenix another capable ball-handler when Steve Nash is out of the game. Johnson sometimes goes missing in games though and sometimes has an errant jump shot.
15. Pistons - B.J. Mullens – C - Ohio State
The Pistons are in need of a big man and they will probably get the second best Center prospect in the draft. This draft is very weak for Centers. Mullens didn’t have a great freshman season at Ohio State, he played backup a lot of the time. But despite that Mullens is a very athletic big man for his size (7’0, 258 lbs). He is quite fundamentally sound. He scores a lot of pick & rolls and put-backs, and handy tool for most NBA teams. Mullens should fit in very well for the Pistons at Center and could even start if they get rid of Rasheed Wallace or Antonio McDyess.
16. Bulls – DeJuan Blair – PF - Pittsburgh
DeJuan Blair is an under-sized Power Forward (6’6). But he is very strong and he’s a very good rebounder. He averaged a staggering 5.offensive rebounds a game for Pitt. He lives off physical contact and should be like a Paul Millsap. The Bulls will presumably be looking for upgrades at Power Forward and Shooting Guard and Blair fills one of those voids. The only concern about Blair is his ability to stay in shape, he currently weighs 277 pounds. Even though he’s undersized at 6’6, he has a 7’1 wingspan which should help him in the NBA.
17. 76ers – Ty Lawson – PG -North Carolina
The 76ers will be looking at drafting a point guard, which is good because this draft is very strong for PG’s. I think the 76ers will be very happy getting Lawson at 17 because I believe he’s a top 15 type talent. With Andre Miller most likely leaving the 76ers, Lawson is a good choice. They get a super-quick PG and one that can shoot unlike Miller. The only minor concern may be the health of Lawson, he was a bit injury prone with the Tarheels but I think Lawson will be the best PG available.
18. Timberwolves – Chase Budinger – G/F -Arizona
The Wolves had 5 total picks and 3 in the first round, so I think he will choose either the best player available or the player that best suits their system. Budinger is a superb athlete and will need to rely on that to be a good NBA player. The Wolves don’t need big men because they already have Kevin Love and Al Jefferson patrolling the paint, so presumably they’ll go for PG’s, SG’s or SF’s in the first round. By getting Budinger the Wolves get a guy that can play both SG and SF so the Wolves will like his versatility. Budinger also has a nice jump shot and is a good passer. One thing Budinger will need to improve to be a good NBA player is his one-on-one play. He’s also not a good ball-handler, but I think he is what the Wolves want/need so I think they will chose Budinger.
19. Hawks – Eric Maynor –PG - Virginia Commonwealth
The Hawks need help at Point Guard and Center and since there aren’t many top Center prospects in this draft I think they will draft a point guard. I think they will take Maynor because he’s a very crafty PG and he has a winning pedigree, he single-handedly made VCU relevant. He’s a good clutch player and is a fairly good ballhandler. The only knocks on Maynor are that he’s very skinny (167 lbs) and will need to bulk up, he’s also not the quickest PG and he doesn’t have a quick first step, but I still think the Hawks see him as their next replacement for Mike Bibby.
20. Jazz – Tyler Hansbrough – PF -North Carolina
Hansbrough was a dominant college player at North Carolina, but the big question is will he be able to translate his college basketball talents to the pros. He has a lot of doubters but most people think the 2007-08 National Player of the Year will be able to be a solid contributor for a team. Hansbrough is a good athlete but perhaps the best facet of his game is his hustle, and desire to win and get the basketball. He also makes good decisions with the ball in the post. Hansbrough is 6 foot 8 and may have a tough time defending the bigger Power Forwards such as Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Garnett etc. Hansbrough should fit perfectly with the Jazz’s hard-nosed approach to basketball.
21. Hornets – Terrence Williams – SG - Louisville
The Hornets really need help for CP3 and David West mainly in the scoring department, and Terrence Williams should help them all-round, he averaged 12 ppg along with 8 rebounds a game and 5 assists a game. He’s a very skillful defender and athlete but he needs to improve his jump shot. Williams has excellent court vision and passing skills for a Shooting Guard, which will help get more open shots for David West and Peja Stojakovic. Williams improved his 3 pt shooting in his senior year from 31% to 38% but he will need to continue his improvement if he wants to succeed in the NBA.
22. Mavericks – Jeff Teague – PG - Wake Forest
The Mavs will be looking for a PG and a tough player and they should get one of them at #22. I think they will take Wake Forest’s Jeff Teague because they need another PG because Jason Kidd might leave this off-season and he’s not getting any younger. I think Teague would be a very good pick at #22. He’s very quick and explosive, he’s a natural scorer and plays hard all game which would suit any team. At times Teague can be a bit reckless. His weight might also be a disadvantage in the pro’s, he only, 175 lbs. But overall I think the Mavs will be delighted to draft Teague.
23. Kings – Omri Casspi – SF - Maccabi Tel Aviv
I think the Kings will take Omri Casspi with the 23rd pick. Any team that takes Casspi will need to try and convince him to come to America instead of playing another year in Europe. Many people don’t know anything about Casspi but he is a 6’9, 211 Small Forward from Israel. Casspi has improved his offense and defense in the last year and attacks the basket more now. Casspi is very athletic and has good size. Casspi lacks body strength though and will have a tough time guarding stronger players.
24. Blazers – Sam Young – SF - Pittsburgh
The Blazers are in search of a point guard, small forward and a strong power forward, and my drafting Sam Young they’ll fill one of those needs. Surely Portland will hope that a point guard will fall to them but they’d be very lucky to get a good one at 24. Sam Young is a good combo for the Blazers, they get an athletic and strong Small Forward, who can actually shoot. He’s also a very good defender, all things Portland are looking for.
25. Thunder – Wayne Ellington – SG - North Carolina
The Thunder will likely take the best player available with their second pick, they would probably like a power forward but I think they’ll settle with Wayne Ellington to help out Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. Ellington is a great shooter so that should really help Durant and Green more open looks. The good thing is Ellington is willing to be a role player so he could be a very valuable member to the Thunder who are young and should be contenders in the West in 5-8 seasons assuming they keep their core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green and their 3rd draft pick in tact.
26. Bulls – Jermaine Taylor – SG - Central Florida
The Bulls are looking at getting a backup for Ben Gordon, and I think Taylor will go higher than people expect, he’s predicted to be a early to mid second rounder but he is probably the next best SG available. Taylor is a very good jump shooter, he’s also quite athletic. Taylor needs to improve his defense and ball handling though. Taylor can also play at Small Forward but is undersized at 6’4. Taylor is a bit of a risk but in a weaker draft he’s a risk worth taking for Chicago.
27. Grizzlies – Taj Gibson – PF - USC
The Grizzlies will probably look to draft a big man with their 27th pick and I think they’ll go with USC’s Taj Gibson. Gibson is a consistent player, he has a soft touch around the basket He has a nice jump shot and a really good faceup game. He’s a very active player especially on the boards. Gibson has good size (height) but is a bit frail (only 214 lbs) and sometimes becomes unsure of what he wants to do with the ball.
28. Timberwolves – Darren Collison – PG - UCLA
The Wolves will probably be looking for a PG somewhere in this draft and I think they will take a bit of a reach and pick Darren Collison. Collison is a super-quick guard, he is one of the best shooters in college ball and he can run a team, all attractive things for the Wolves. He also has a high basketball IQ and rarely turns the ball over. Collison does need to bulk up his 166 pound frame if he wants to be successful though, especially if he wants to defend stronger PG’s.
29. Lakers – Derrick Brown – SF - Xavier
The Lakers will probably look at drafting either a small forward or point guard with their 29th pick, and with most of the top PG prospects I think they’ll settle for Derrick Brown, they will look at a SF because Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza are FA’s this off-season. Derrick Brown has very good size 6’8, 225 lb. He’s a very good athlete and has a good enough jump shot to succeed in the pros. He has a very affective jab and pump fake to go with his unorthodox style of game. The one area Brown lacks in is having a go-to move. But should be a good pick at 29 for L.A.
30. Cavaliers – Jeff Pendergraph – PF -Arizona State
This Cavs are lacking a bit in the power forward area. I think they will take the next best Power Forward available and that is Jeff Pendergraph. Pendergraph is a very good shooter and he’s a fierce competitor and isn’t afraid of contact. He’s a good athlete, a good rebounder and he possessed good upper body strength, all things the Cavs could use. Pendergraph doesn’t have a very good post game, he’s too predictable and always goes to his left shoulder, he also struggles to get his shot off against bigger defenders but the Cavs can’t really lose much with this pick so why not?
Mock Draft - 2nd Round
31. Kings – DeJuan Summers – SF - Georgetown
32. Wizards - Marcus Thornton – SG – LSU
33. Blazers – Austin Daye – SF – Gonzaga
34. Nuggets – Jeff Adrien – PF – UConn
35. Pistons – Victor Claver – SF – Pamesa Valenica
36. Grizzlies – Josh Heytvelt – PF – Gonzaga
37. Spurs – Jonas Jerebko – SF – Angelico Biella
38. Blazers – Toney Douglas – PG – Florida State
39. Pistons – Dionte Christmas – SG – Temple
40. Bobcats – Patrick Mills – PG – St. Mary’s
41. Bucks – Leo Lyons – PF – Missouri
42. Lakers – Nick Calathes – PG – Panathinaikos
43. Heat – Danny Green – SF – North Carolina
44. Pistons – Jon Brockman – PF – Washington
45. Timberwolves – Chris Johnson – PF/C – LSU
46. Cavaliers – Dante Cunningham – SF/PF – Villanova
47. Timberwolves – Curtis Jerrells – PG – Baylor
48. Suns – Tyrese Rice – PG– Boston College
49. Hawks – DeMarre Carroll – SF/PF – Missouri
50. Jazz - Vyacheslav Kravtsov – C -BC Kyiv
51. Spurs – Henk Norel – PF/C – DKV Joventut
52. Pacers – Wesley Matthews – SG – Marquette
53. Spurs – Milenko Tepic – PG/SG – Partizan Belgrade
54. Bobcats – Robert Dozier – SF/PF – Memphis
55. Blazers – A.J. Price – PG – UConn
56. Blazers – Garret Siler – C – Augusta State
57. Suns – Jerel McNeal – SG – Marquette
58. Celtics – Nando De Colo – PG/SG - Cholet Basket
59. Lakers – Alade Aminu – PF/C – Georgia Tech
60. Heat – Vladimir Dasic – SF - Buducnost Podgorica
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