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2009 NBA Mock Draft - Projections

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11. New Jersey - DeJuan Blair, PF, 6'7, Pittsburgh
The Tyler Hansbrough buzz has picked up in recent days, but Blair is the best interior scorer in the draft, including Griffin. Probably my favorite player in the draft, the enthusiastic power player is going to be able to score inside despite his lack of ideal height thanks to a great set of hands and an assortment of low post moves. The concern over his previous knee injuries appears to be overblown and Blair needs to push away from the dinner table, but he is the physical threat the Nets need.
Other option: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina

12. Charlotte - Terrence Williams, SG, 6'5 Louisville
After Jason Richardson was shipped to Phoenix, the Bobcats realized their current options at off guard were not good enough. The quirky Williams is a do-everything wing player who might eventually make his mark on the defensive end. Shooting is not his strength, but the Bobcats reportedly fell in love with his ability to contribute in many ways so Williams gets the nod over Gerald Henderson in a nail biter.
Other option: Gerald Henderson

13. Indiana - Ty Lawson, PG, 5'11, North Carolina
The Pacers would love Blair to fall this far, but instead they will look to the add depth behind the oft-injured T.J. Ford. Lawson gets the nod over the more physically gifted Jennings due his stellar quarterbacking skills and ability to create shots. The former UNC star has also improved his jump shot more than enough range to keep defenses honest.
Other option: Jennings

14. Phoenix - Earl Clark, SF, 6'9, Louisville
Similar in style to Lamar Odom, Clark has a point-forward, jack-of-all-trades type game and is ready to contribute on the pro level. However, like the Lakers forward, Clark appears to lack focus and desire at times and there have been questions about his attitude. He is one of those players that GM's fall in love with because of his versatility, but also shy away from because of the question marks. Interesting player.
Other option: Austin Daye, Gonzaga

15. Detroit - B.J. Mullens, C, 7'0, Ohio State
The rebuilding begins in the Motor City, as Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson are not coming back. The Pistons need scoring help up front regardless and with Clark off the board, the sweet-shooting Mullens fills the bill, though this one-and-doner did not light up the Big 10 and he must bulk up in order to survive the NBA pounding.
Other option: Dave

16. Chicago - Gerald Henderson, SG, 6'5, Duke
The Bulls need low-post scoring, but unless they think Hansbrough is the man, they will likely go with best player available. That could mean a frontcourt scorer like James Johnson or Austin Daye, but drafting Henderson would provide an athletically and fundamentally sound big guard to pair with current Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose.
Other option: James Johnson, Wake Forest

17. Philadelphia - Eric Maynor, PG, 6'2, VCU
Considering Andre Miller could bolt via free agency, the Sixers are looking hard at the various point guard options. The experienced Maynor is a throwback type playmaker, with ability to slash to the hole, hit the open shot and the guts to make the big play in the clutch. He could be the surprise of this deep point guard class down the line. Jeff Teague is the call if the Sixers want a better scoring option.
Other option: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest

18. Minnesota - James Johnson, SF, 6'8, Wake Forest
With the second of three first-round picks, the Timberwolves can go in several directions. One of the most talented players in the draft, Johnson was an inside/outside dynamo for the Demon Deacons, but questions about his attitude has him dropping. Johnson's talent level is hard to pass on at this point in the draft and he could be a steal if his head is on right.
Other option: Package the pick to move into the top-5

19. Atlanta - Brandon Jennings, PG, 6'1, Italian League
Even if the Hawks feel that the Mike Bibby train will be pulling back into Atlanta next season, they are in a good position to draft a point guard for the future. The uber-confident and crazy-quick Jennings headed overseas to get a season of professional ball under his belt, but saw scant minutes. He can produce highlight passes, but fears about his decision-making process are sending him down draft boards.
Other option: Teague

20. Utah - Tyler Hansbrough, PF, 6'9, UNC
Hansbrough has been on TV more than Regis Philbin the past four seasons so his plusses and minuses are well documented. The Jazz are likely to lose either Carlos Boozer or Paul Milsap, so adding relentless power presence, albeit not a highly athletic one makes sense.
Other option: Sam Young, Pittsburgh

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