Tuesday, June 23, 2009

NBA Draft: Mock Draft Top 10

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin-PF

This pick is about the only sure thing in the draft this year. It doesn't look like the Clippers are even listening to offers at this point for the top pick. Griffin will fit in well in L.A. and give the Clippers another piece to a young core that features Al Thorton and Eric Gordon.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Haseem Thabeet-C

This pick could very well end up with another team like Minnesota or New York, but for the purposes of this mock draft we will say they keep the pick. If they keep it Thabeet should be their pick. While Thabeet isn't the second best player in this draft, he is the best center, and can give some solid minutes from day one. Thabeet will be a good compliment to Marc Gasol, and allow the Grizzlies to have two 7 footers on the floor at the same time.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden-SG

Rubio or a trade are options here, but in the end I think the Thunder go with Harden. Westbrook can run the point and Durant and Green have the forward spots handled. The Thunder need a true center and a shooting guard. With Thabeet off the board grabbing a guy like Harden makes the most sense. Harden is a good fit, with a refined offensive game and a good work ethic.

4. Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans-G

Rubio is the better fit as the Kings could use a true point guard but I think Sacramento goes with the upside of Evans. Evans is a combo guard at best, and will probably end up being more of a shooting guard. The Kings don't really need another shooting guard but have seemingly fallen in love with Evans.

5. Washington Wizards: Ricky Rubio-PG

The Wizards are probably trading this pick one way or another, but wouldn't mind adding Rubio if he falls to them. Rubio would be a good fit for the Wizards as he'd let Arenas play the 2. The Wizards are a good fit for Rubio as well. They already have established scorers, allowing Rubio to do what he does best; set up the offense.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stephen Curry-PG

The T-wolves will be looking to move up to get either Thabeet or Rubio, but will be quite happy with Curry if they can't move up. Curry will give Minnesota a very mature player, who can be a top offensive threat. He's not the most athletic point guard in this draft, but he's probably the most advanced.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jonny Flynn-PG

Jordan Hill is an option here, but Flynn makes plenty of sense for the Warriors. He fits their fast paced, high powered offense. Flynn's quickness will be a major asset for the Warriors, and give a perfect back court compliment to Ellis. A true point guard will allow Ellis to become a bigger scoring threat.

8. New York Knicks: Jordan Hill-PF

The Knicks will look to trade up to get either Curry or Rubio, if they can't make a deal Hill will be their pick. Hill can fill a size deficit in New York. Hill is a bit unrefined but he has plenty of upside. He should help the Knicks on the boards from day one, though he will need to work on his offensive game.

9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan-SG

DeRozan is a bit of a project, but he has NBA size and athleticism. He has plenty of upside and that is what the Raptors will be banking on here. Toronto has a need at guard so DeRozan does fill a need as well.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings-PG

Jennings or Holiday seem like the most likely picks here. Both are young with plenty of upside. I think Jennings might be the better fit here. His speed and quickness give him the edge on Holiday right now for a number of teams. I'm not super high on Jennings but I don't think he falls any further than 10.

Check back tomorrow for the rest of the first round.

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