Here are the first 6 picks of the 2009 NBA Mock Draft, for the rest of the list click here
For all of Round two click here
Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma, 6-9, So.
Poor Blake Griffin. This has to be the worst case scenario for him. The Clips are are a destination where players just do not thrive. They already have some talented big man in Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, and Zach Randolph. Maybe Griffin can be the spark and hard worker the Clipper franchise has been longing for for the past decade-plus.
Think: Amare Stoudamire
#2 Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn, 7-3, Jr.
Since it looks like the Grizzlies are going to hang onto this pick, Thabeet is the best option. Memphis needs a defensive presence in the middle to complement their young talent on the wing. I still maintain that Ricky Rubio is the better long-term prospect, but it appears the Spanish sensation isn’t interested in playing for the Griz.
Think: Ben Wallace, but six inches taller
#3 Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden, SG, Arizona State, 6-5, So.
The former Sun Devil would be a nice backcourt complement to Russell Westbrook and provide an added scoring punch alongside Kevin Durant. Ricky Rubio could once again be an option but like Memphis, he doesn’t seem very interested in playing in Oklahoma City. Drafting Rubio would also mean shifting Westbrook to the two-guard spot which is not a great fit since he struggles with his outside shot.
Think: Paul Pierce
#4 Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain, 6-4, 1990
This is a dream situation for the Kings. All along, I have said that Rubio is a perfect match for a Sacramento team in need of a point guard and a face of the franchise. The Kings could royally screw up my 2009 NBA Mock Draft if they decide to take Jonny Flynn or Jrue Holiday instead – a rumor that is gaining steam.
Think: Steve Nash
# 5 Washington Wizards: Stephen Curry, G, Davidson, 6-3, Jr.
Rumors remain persistent that the Wizards are still actively shopping this pick with hopes of landing a veteran player. If they do end up staying put, Curry would make sense to pair with Agent Zero in the backcourt. Expect Curry or Jordan Hill to be the target if a team trades into this spot.
Think: Jason Terry
#6 Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis, 6-6, Fr.
I love Evans and think he would be the perfect fit for the T-Wolves who need a player that can attack the basket which is Evans’ strength. He can also play some point guard, a position that Randy Foye has never really taken over since arriving in Minnesota. The knock on Evans is his inconsistent outside shot, but that improves with time.
Think: Manu Ginobli
Here are the first 6 picks of the 2009 NBA Mock Draft, for the rest of the list click here
For all of Round two click here
For all of Round two click here
Dave’s Geek week begins!