April 17, 2009 – Dr. Dime
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These are only my choices and not the consensus picks of all of The Hoop Doctors writers, with that said here is my Top 10 Projected Picks based on the expected draft order at this time:
**Update** For the full mock draft click here
| Draft Order | Team | Projection | Position | Stat Line |
1. |
Sacramento Kings |
Blake Griffin | PF | 22.7ppg, 14.4rpg, 1.2bpg |
| When it comes to the number one pick in this year’s NBA Draft there is no point in even discussing the teams ‘needs’. What every team needs is a future franchise player and potential superstar. That player in the draft this year is Blake Griffin. Considering the guy’s athleticism and work ethic he has a chance to be a top ten player in the NBA someday, and is most certainly going to be the fastest player from this year’s class to become an all-star caliber player. College Team – Oklahoma |
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2. |
Washington Wizards |
H.Thabeet | C | 13.6ppg, 10.8rpg, 4.2bpg |
| A lot of people are going to think that the second pick is too high to pick the giant Thabeet. I would agree, and that’s why I think the Wizards may try to trade down to the 3rd or 4th pick to take Thabeet. The Wizards have made it clear they are going to give it another shot with Arenas, Butler, and company if they can stay healthy next year. They have always been seeking a defensive presence to anchor the paint and a 7’3″ athletic beast like Thabeet is just the guy to do it. College Team – UConn |
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3. |
LA Clippers |
Ricky Rubio | PG | 9.8ppg, 5.7apg, 1.9spg |
| Rubio is the best point guard prospect in this draft. He has eyes on the back of his head and has shown in Euro and World play that he has substance to go with that flash. He’s still young, but his experience playing in Europe should ready him for playing in the league. You might be thinking “the Clips already have Baron Davis at the point”, but then on sober second thought you’ll realize he rarely plays more than half a season. Plus the Clippers have always craved a solid point guard for the future. Remember Livingston? College Team – N/A (Euro) |
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4. |
OKC Thunder |
James Harden | SG | 20.1ppg, 4.2apg, 5.6rpg |
| Harden is probably the most well rounded player in this upcoming draft. He’s a stat stuffer, he does it all. The Thunder are starting to put together the youngest yet most talented core in the entire league. With Westbrook at the point, Durant at SF, and Jeff Green at PF, the perfect fit for Harden would be with this young crew of superstars that might take the league by storm in 2-4 years. College Team – Arizona State |
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5. |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
Jordan Hill | PF | 18.3ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.7bpg |
| Hill is super athletic, freakish really. A lot of NBA teams drool all over guys with this kind of athleticism and forget about their lack of fundamentals and skills. Sort of reminds me of Tyrus Thomas in that he’s super athletic so teams will be all over his potential and forget about his shortcomings. Hill has limited post moves and often turns the ball over to good defenses. But based on pure potential with his size, strength and speed he’s one of the top picks regardless. College Team – Arizona |
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6. |
Memphis Grizzlies |
Brandon Jennings | PG | 7.6ppg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg |
| If I had to pick “the most talented” player in this year’s draft it would far and away be Brandon Jennings. This guy is a pure point guard in every sense. He is one of the most imaginative players, and loves to distribute the rock. Although playing professionally in Europe should give him an advantage at being “NBA Ready”, a lot of teams will question his drive, defense, shot selection, and careless turnovers. Playing in the NBA may just rejuvenate Jennings focus for the game however. College Team – N/A (Euro) |
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7. |
G.S. Warriors |
Tyreke Evans | PG/SG | 17.1ppg, 3.9apg, 5.4rpg |
| There is still a lot of uncertainty about Monta Ellis and the Warriors, but with so many talented guards in the draft this year, the Warriors will no doubt be looking at taking Tyreke Evans at the 7 spot. Evans has been a star well known to NBA Scouts since he was still in his early years in High School. Evans can play both the 1 and 2 spots as he has great ball handling ability but is also an excellent scorer. Sometimes criticized for his shoot first mentality, Evans can get to the free throw line at will, and sort of reminds me of a Gilbert Arena’s type guard when he’s on his game. College Team – Memphis |
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8. |
New York Knicks |
Ty Lawson | PG | 16.6ppg, 6.6apg, 2.1spg |
| Ty Lawson is a winner. The New York Knicks have been everything but a winner for the last few years. They will undoubtedly want a guy like Lawson who works his ass off, plays solid defense, and can score and pass with the best of them. Not many people will be looking at Lawson in the top ten of their draft, but i’m sure his NCAA Championship will bump his status. College Team – North Carolina |
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9. |
Toronto Raptors |
Stephen Curry | SG | 28.6ppg, 5.6apg, 2.5spg |
| Would it be too corny if Stephen Curry played for the Toronto Raptors like his Dad? I doubt it will make a difference, as the Raptors are sure to want a scoring guard of Curry’s caliber. The guy can flat at put the ball in the bucket at will. He’s a great outside shooter, and although his 3pt % dropped a bit this year, he was getting to the line a lot more showing his speed, and played the point more showing his passing abilities. College Team – Davidson |
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10. |
Milwaukee Bucks |
Demar DeRozan | SG/SF | 13.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.5apg |
| DeRozan finished the year very strong, and shot the ball consistently well all year. He has excellent form and shooting mechanics. Match that with his athleticism and all sorts of NBA clubs will be looking to land this guy past the top ten. His ball handling abilities leave something to be desired, but he’s an adequate defender and rebounder. In the NBA where quality consistent shooters are at a premium, this guy just has too much potential to fall out of the top ten in this year’s draft. College Team – USC |
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