2009 NBA Mock Draft - Version 2.0

A week and a half after publishing Version 1.0,
it’s time to edit the first round of the draft. There will be many
picks that don’t change, but there are definitely some risers and
fallers and that will be depicted in this version.

1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin, F, Oklahoma

This is a no-brainer pick. He has been the #1 pick in this draft
since last November and has won every Player of the Year award you can
think of. I’ve already posted my thoughts on this pick
for the Clippers, so I won’t go over it again. He’s got the potential
to be a top power forward in the league in a few years, but also if he
doesn’t develop much of an offensive game, could have already plateud.
I don’t expect that to happen, so he will develop into a very good,
borderline great, power forward in the league.

2. Memphis Grizzlies - Ricky Rubio, G, Spain

Rubio’s agent has already said they will do what they can to avoid him going to either Memphis or Oklahoma City,
but the same agent tried to do this with Yi last year and failed.
Ultimately, I think Rubio decides to play for whoever takes him and
Memphis, with the #2 pick, should take the 2nd best talent on the
board. People widely consider Rubio and Thabeet to round out the top-3
with Griffin, but I could see Memphis consider Jordan Hill at this pick
if they do not want to stunt the growth of Mike Conley, Jr. In the end,
Rubio is the pick and should embrace the chance to play with OJ Mayo
and Rudy Gay.

Memphis’ brass has been over in Spain interviewing this kid and Marc
Gasol, fellow Spaniard, has talked to him as well and it seems as if
Rubio is coming around to the idea of being in Memphis.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut

The Thunder have many holes and are not in a position to draft by,
well, position. Other than Westbrook, Durant and Jeff Green have
solidified their spots on this team. Nenad Krstic was a nice pickup
last year, but he’s not a center you would want to build around.
Thabeet would give them an instant upgrade in the defense department
and if his offense ever comes around, he could become a really nice
player. He must bulk up, but who in the draft doesn’t? Also considered
James Harden and DeMar DeRozan at this spot.

4. Sacramento Kings - Brandon Jennings, G, Italy

The Kings have drafted big men in the last two drafts with Spencer
Hawes and Jason Thompson. Both of them look as if they will grow into
good players in the league. Add to those two Kevin martin and Andres
Nocioni, the lack of a playmaking point guard really holds this team
back. Beno Udrih was given a horrible contract
and the Kings will be eating that while Jennings runs the show. Though
Jennings isn’t a pure point guard, his scoring ability will be greatly
welcomed by the Kings.

5. Washington Wizards - Jordan Hill, F, Arizona

The Wizards are actually trying to shop the pick, but if they keep
it, I think Hill will be a great pick at #5. I think that Hill will be
the 3rd best prospect in the draft behind Blake Griffin and DeMar
DeRozan. Hill has developed his game to a higher level after every
season at Arizona and should only keep getting better. If he can add
more weight and some refined post moves, he’ll be a very productive
player in this league.

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