2008 NBA Mock Draft - Projections

The question for underclassmen _ to go or not to go _ has been answered. The North Carolina trio of Ty Lawson, Danny Green and Wayne Ellington are heading back to school, along with Arizona's Chase Budinger and Memphis' Robert Dozier. While somewhat surprising that Lawson and Budinger _ both projected to be first-round picks _ opted to go to class over training camp, the opposite can be said for Alabama's Richard Hendrix and UCLA's Luc Richard Mbah a Moute decision to remain in the draft despite few if any assurances that they will not slide to the second round. They will be joined by in the draft by fellow underclassmen Joe Alexander (West Virginia), Bill Walker (Kansas State) and J.J. Hickson (N.C. State).

1. Chicago - Derrick Rose, Memphis, PG
All things being equal, the Windy City's own Derrick Rose is the player I would select first overall. Point guards like Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Tony Parker have dominated the NBA playoffs this season and the lightning fast and powerful Rose could join that elite group in short order. Playing in one's hometown is not always a plus and the Bulls would likely need to move Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon, but it is looking like they will take Rose and figure out the rest.

2. Miami - Michael Beasley, Kansas State, PF
The Heat are hoping that Rose will slide to them, but the 6-9 Beasley is far from a mere consolation prize. Though he might lack the overall skill set to be a true game changer, Beasley will be able to score and rebound at a high level right away. If Shawn Marion does not opt out of his contract and Wade is healthy, that trio could have the Heat back in the playoffs.

3. Minnesota - O.J. Mayo, USC, SG
The T-Wolves would prefer to take a frontcourt banger to provide some inside help for Al Jefferson, but the buzz on Mayo gets stronger with each passing day. The power guard may not have totally lived up to the uber-hype with the Trojans, but Mayo flashed his scoring touch on drives and long bombs while showing a solid all-court game.

4. Seattle - Jerryd Bayless, Arizona, PG
Point guard has been a weakness for the Sonics, but the speedy and creative Bayless should fill that need, though some question if he is a true floor general. In his lone Pac-10 season, the sweet shooting Bayless put up strong numbers and should be a nice fit with the reigning rookie of the year Kevin Durant.

5. Memphis - Kevin Love, UCLA, C
Love entered college with professional fundamentals, from his low post moves to his highly touted outlet passes, and should help the Grizzlies offset the loss of Paul Gasol inside. Already a solid rebounder and a physical presence inside, Love is rumored to be working hard at getting his somewhat doughy physique in NBA shape, which should also help with his perimeter shooting. He will not be able to single handily turn the Grizzlies into contenders, but Love will be a leader from day one and an All-Star caliber player for years to come.

6. New York - Danilo Gallinari, Italy, PF
Consider this pick a placeholder as the Knicks new brain trust tries sort out this mess of a roster left over by Isiah Thomas. The selection of Gallinari, a strong shooter and passer, is a nod to Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's days in the Italian League, but there might not be a better fit among the available players, though Anthony Randolph could be the best high potential option.

7. L.A. Clippers - Eric Gordon, Indiana, SG
With Corey Maggette possibly outing of his contract, the Clippers draft some insurance in Gordon. Scoring was not his problem with the Hoosiers as Gordon hit from long range and has the frame to take it to the basket, but he will not fill the Clippers point guard need.

8. Milwaukee - Russell Westbrook, UCLA, SG
With the Michael Redd trade rumors growing louder and louder, the Bucks will look for backcourt help. Gordon would be an ideal fit as a scorer, but the versatile Westbrook can fill many needs. A great leaper and solid ball handler, Westbrook has the ability to play both guard spots and his intangibles likely will have him in the starting lineup for years to come. Now that Joe Alexander has decided to stay in the draft, keep an eye on him for the Bucks, especially if they deal Charlie Villanueva.

9. Charlotte - Brook Lopez, Stanford, C
The range on Lopez is anywhere from three to late in the lottery, but the Bobcats would be happy to select him at nine and add another banger down low. Lopez has ability to score down low and Bobcats GM Michael Jordan will like his mean streak, but he needs to work on his rebounding to be effective against NBA big men.

10. New Jersey - Anthony Randolph, LSU, PF
The Nets continue their rebuilding in the post J-Kidd era with perhaps the rawest of the freshman crew. Randolph has generated buzz with his athleticism and should flourish if the Nets stay up-tempo, but he lacks strength down low and needs a go-to move. Gallinari is likely the next option if he is still around.