2009 NBA Mock Draft - Projections

1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin, PF, 6'10, Oklahoma
The Clippers taking the athletic bruiser with major hops and insane work ethic just what this ill-fated franchise needs. Griffin needs to improve on the offensive end, both in terms of moves around the basket and willingness to take over, but he is only "sure" thing in this draft. Now everyone just holds their breath that the franchise's bad mojo does not get the best of the former Sooner boomer.
Other option available: Again, foregone conclusion

2. Memphis - Hasheem Thabeet, C, 7'3, Connecticut
If the Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals showed us anything it was that having a big man who can control the paint gives you a chance to win in almost any game. Thabeet is no Dwight Howard on the boards and like the Magic's center he needs major work on his low post moves, but his shot blocking presence gives the fledgling Grizz and their offensive oriented perimeter players a serious defensive weapon.
Other option: Tyreke Evans, Memphis

3. Oklahoma City - James Harden, SG, 6'5, Arizona State
In a perfect world, the Thunder would love to acquire a rugged, rebounding type big man with this pick to pair with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green. However, with Thabeet gone, that player does not exist this early, so the need at off-guard is addressed. Harden's herky-jerky, old school type game with range helped him ring up lots of points during his two collegiate seasons, but at times, his performance was underwhelming in the biggest moments. Not my fave.
Other option: Ricky Rubio, Spain

4. Sacramento - Ricky Rubio, PG, 6'4, Spain
Besides guard Kevin Martin, who has rung up three straight 20+ points per game seasons for the rudderless Kings, the potential on this team lie primarily in the frontcourt. That almost assuredly means Sacramento will take a point guard here and arguably the most ready-made one with the future star upside is the stylish Spaniard. Assuming his buyout with his current squad is resolved by draft day, the crafty Rubio is the call, but he appears to be losing momentum with the Kings. We'll see.
Other option: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse

5. Minnesota � Stephen Curry, PG/SG, 6'3, Davidson

6. Minnesota - Tyreke Evans, PG, 6-6, Memphis
After trading away their backcourt, the Timberwolves rebuild with back-to-back early picks. Curry's extraordinary accuracy from deep combined with his high basketball-IQ and solid point guard skills make him much more than a prissy little jump shooter. While Evans is more athlete than floor leader at this point, the skill set he flashed during his freshman year with the Tigers has NBA followers drooling. Thick, fast and sporting a 7'3 wingspan, Evans will not be overwhelmed physically in the pros and he has all-star potential once he gains experience. A true point guard is still needed, but this is an intriguing pair to start with.
Other option: Jordan Hill, Arizona

7. Golden State - Jordan Hill, PF, 6'10, Arizona
Franchises often take on the personality of the organization most prominent presence, so it should come as no surprise that the Warriors have become rather maddening of late with Don Nelson at the helm. Almost nothing they do here will come as a surprise, but for now, I will assume Monta Ellis is getting the point guard gig and they take the raw, but high-motored Hill.
Other option: Flynn

8. New York - Jonny Flynn, PG, 6'0, Syracuse
The buzz out of the Big Apple is that the Knicks are going for a point guard to run Mike D'Antoni's high-octane attack. I get the Curry and Evans talk, but not sure Jrue Holiday makes sense as the lead in a fast break attack. That leaves Flynn, the light on size but heavy on athleticism playmaker, who can hit from outside, get to the bucket, never gets tired and wants the ball in his hands down the stretch. Love this pick.
Other option: Jrue Holiday, UCLA

9. Toronto - DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF, 6'6, USC
Maybe I did not stay up late enough to watch tons of Trojans' games, but in my eyes, DeRozan's game is more style than substance. I have a hard time taking a swingman who shot only 16.7 percent from the college 3-point line. The Raptors do need a scorer on the wing and DeRozan has a solid mid-range game to go with his mad hops. Maybe going over the border will bring his overall underwhelming up a notch.
Other option: Holiday

10. Milwaukee - Jrue Holiday, PG, 6'4, UCLA
Another team with point guard on the brain, the Bucks could still lose Ramon Sessions in free agency despite the Richard Jefferson salary dump and need another ball handler to play with the never exciting Luke Ridnour. Holiday is either a budding playmaker who simply lacked touches in his one season with the Bruins (due to the presence of Darren Collison), or is stud athlete who may not have a true position. I tend to lean towards the latter, but youth is on his side and there is enough to like to warrant lottery status. I think.
Other option: Brandon Jennings, Italian League