The Hoop Doctors NBA Mock Draft 2009: “The Top Ten”

NBA Mock Draft 2009 | Top 10

April 17, 2009 – Dr. Dime

For more Mock Drafts from all sorts of Blogs and Analysts check out our NBA Mock Drafts Database!

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
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
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)
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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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Comments

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http://www.edthesportsfan.com Ed The Sports Fan

A couple of things…

#1. After the 1st pick, I don’t think anyone’s going to be really happy about who they drafted.

#2. I think James Harden is severely overrated, I don’t think he’s not going to be a good player in the draft, but I’m not sure what he did to be the #4 pick in the draft. What makes him better than Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson, Jeff Teague, or Jodie Meeks? I’m a Thunder fan (yeah I said it) and I’d rather trade down or go after Thabeet.

#3. I pray Ricky Rubio doesn’t go to the Clippers. He might spit in Dunleavy’s face and fly right back to Spain.

#4. Does Stephen Curry go that high at #9? I know folks are talking him up, but he’s still a tweener guard with not near as much explosiveness as Harden (who isn’t overly explosive) I wouldn’t feel comfortable with him playing PG full time, and with the #9 pick are you drafting a role player or a full time starter?

Other than that, loved the article!

-Ed.
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http://www.JumpStartHoops.com Coach Koran Godwin

Johnny Flynn is my guy. I think he is a poor man’s Chris Paul and with the right talent will turn out to be the sleeper of the draft.
Vince

This is a really great top ten list, The only change I would have is Ty Lawson for Ricky Rubio. He’s got so much upside potential. Anyone can post their own list to our site http://www.toptentopten.com/. The coolest feature is you can let other people vote on the rankings of your list.
Matthew Boyum

Jordan Hill to the T-Wolves? Are you kidding? If there is any position the Wolves are “set” at, it is both forward positions. I’d much rather have Brandon Jennings to pair with Foye in the backcourt. Jennings, Foye (next year’s most improved player), Mike Miller, Kevin Love, and Al Jefferson would be pretty sweet.
john king

One of the biggest sleepers in the NBA draft this year I believe is Curtis Jerrells. He controls the court on the pick and roll and can consistently get to the paint and finish or draw and dish. He will be an asset to any team looking for solid guard play.

What do you think?
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Alex

This is the wost mock draft i have ever see you are so wrong update now. Stephen Curry, Jordan Hill and Blake Griffin are the most talented players jennings is terrible he doesn’t think we got hes the ball. He always wants to be the hero.
shaulez

Jenning haha are you joking me, eric maynor is a much better pick then taking a huge risk with jennings, he wont go till 15-25, other then that not bad