I promise this will be one of the more unpredictable drafts in years. With that said, I introduce my second and final mock draft...
Justin's Mock 2.0
1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin 6'10 PF Oklahoma
No doubt about this pick. This guy is clearly the best talent in the draft. Even with LA having a lot of depth down low, Griffin is a must with this pick. Congratulations Clippers--you win the draft. Sorry Griffin--you are headed to LA. Unfortunately it is to the wrong team. I guess if there is a bright side, Griffin and Eric Gordan could be a promising duo in the future. I agree with Bill Simmons with his advice to Blake. Run, run fast and far away!
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet 7'3 C Uconn
Very tough pick for Memphis. I think they are not in love with anyone this high, but ultimately go with the guy who could have a Dikembe Mutombo-like presence in the paint. But then again, we have seen many shot-blocking seven footers get drafted high and not pan out. Let's face it, Thabeet is offensively handicapped. But that's okay in this situation because Memphis has plenty of guys that like to shoot. I'm sure we have all heard Thabeet's story on his travel from Africa to the US and now he is looking like a top five pick. A guy with this story is destined to be successful. Soon enough he will make us all forget about how he was dominated on more then one occasion by the much smaller Dejuan Blair.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyreke Evans 6'5 PG/SG Memphis
First keep in mind Minnesota has a new GM, David Kahn. Since this is his first draft expect fireworks. He's already made one big trade, look for more moves on draft day. With all this said, Minnesota will move up to take the guy they want because they are in need of a playmaker outside of the paint, specifically a shooting guard. This is a young team with very few shooters. Tyreke Evans' shooting is questionable, but his 6'5 NBA-ready body, ability to play three positions, as well as guard three positions and knack for getting to the rim make him the pick at number six. Wolves, don't blow this one.
4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio 6'4 PG Spain
Kings are in need of a point guard. Rumor has it Kings are not sold on Rubio. I am calling their bluff. If Rubio falls to them, they have to take him based on all the potential and Steve Nash comparisons. His average workout for the Kings was pointless. Rubio excels in five on five basketball, not one on zero.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: James Harden 6'5 SG Arizona St
After a trade with Minnesota, OKC gets the player they wanted, James Harden, for less money and acquire a mid first round pick at 18. The crafty lefty is not a franchise player, but with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green already in place, Harden will fit right in.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stephen Curry 6'3 PG/SG Davidson
After taking Tyreke Evans, The Wolves will continue to build their young back court adding the sharp shooting combo guard, Stephen Curry. Curry and Evans give you the best of both worlds when it comes to scoring. Can either be an NBA point guard? We will soon find out.
7. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Hill 6'10 PF/C Arizona
Warriors have been talking point guard the whole off season, but if Hill falls to them they can not deny the fact that they must get tougher inside if they are going to compete in the West. Since Hill is a scrapper and likes to run, he should fit well with Andris Biedrins. Hill has not been playing basketball very long which gives him huge upside as he develops. Scouts are impressed with his short ranged jump shot and ability to face-up.
8. New York Knicks: Jonny Flynn 6'1 PG Syracuse
New York has stated that they want a point guard. Good thing for them, this draft is full of them. I believe this pick comes down to Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn or Brandon Jennings. It is a personal choice, but I think the Knicks like Flynn more. He is quick, very athletic and has a huge heart. Flynn already won much of New York over with his time at Syracuse. I guess the real question is how good will he be when he can't where a t-shirt under his jersey anymore.
9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar Derozen 6'6 SG USC
Toronto is in need of help on the wing. Derozen did not have the freshmen year we all expected, but he did come on late in the year. The comparisons to Vince Carter...I don't see...but he can develop into a very good player. If anything, Toronto needs to ask Chris Bosh who they should draft. That could be the only way they re-sign him after this season.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jrue Holiday 6'4 PG UCLA
With Jonny Flynn gone, and Milwaukee thinking about the future, they go with Jrue Holiday. He plays defense, looks like he's seen a weight room before and has tons of upside.
11. New Jersey Nets: Gerald Henderson 6'5 SG Duke
New Jersey loves Gerald Henderson and Tyler Hansbourgh. Tough decision but when it comes down to it, this is just too high to pick Tyler. It is also possible I'm just in denial and refuse to put Tyler this high in the draft.
12. Charlotte Bobcats: Terrence Williams 6'6 SG Louisville
Bobcats wanted Gerald Henderson, but since he is gone, they settle for Terrence Williams. This is one of my five players to watch and I think he will fit right in as the Bobcats try to create a identity.
13. Indiana Pacers: Dejuan Blair 6'7 PF Pittsburgh
Pacers have been saying they want a point guard. I think at this point in the draft, you go with the best player. Dejuan Blair, although very undersized at 6'7, has the wingspan of a seven-footer and the heart of a champion. There are questions about his knees, but the game film against Uconn this past season will put the medical issues to rest. Blair has lost over 20 pounds since the draft process has started. He is obviously committed. If this guy ever develops any kind of game outside of the paint, he will be scary.
14. 14. Phoenix Suns: Brandon Jennings 6'2 PG Italy
I like Earl Clark here, but the Suns realize the basketball gods are giving them a gift. Brandon Jennings no brainer. Sorry for Jennings, his Euro experiment, arrogant attitude and too many questions marks have scared most GM's away. He loses money but has the benefit of lowered expectations and the ability to play with a talented experienced team. Oh, and yes it is time for the Suns to admit they are one trade away from rebuilding. Chad you can now stop texting me about how you can't believe so many teams passed on your favorite player in the draft.
15. Detroit Pistons: BJ Mullens 7' C Ohio St
First of all I just want it to be known that BJ Mullens real name is Byron Mullens Jr. Now that I got that off my chest, with this pick, Detroit continues their rebuilding. I think they will try to move up to get a player that's ready to contribute right away, but if not, the choice is between Austin Daye, BJ Mullens or James Johnson. Knowing Joe Dumars likes toughness, even Austin Daye's 6'11 height will not get him drafted in Detroit. With all the potential, BJ Mullens is the pick.
16. Chicago Bulls: Earl Clark 6'10 SF Louisville
Earl Clark could go anywhere in this draft outside of the top 11. Bulls will be happy to take him here at 16. I've heard many comparisons for Clark. I still trying to figure out what exactly is his game. All I know is he can play. Bulls should appreciate his contributions.
17. Philedelphia 76ers: Jeff Teague 6'2 PG Wake Forest
Sixers are in need of shooting. This is why they made the trade for Kapono. They have also shown interest in drafting a PG. With Teague's athleticism and ability to score, he looks like a good pick. It does not hurt that he shot 44% from 3-point range last year. If Andre Miller re-signs he would serve as a great mentor for Teague.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves: James Johnson 6'8 PF Wake Forest
Whether the trade I mentioned earlier goes down or not James Johnson is the pick. The Wolves and Thunder can you his size and skills off the bench. If anything, he should be picked for being a black guy from Wyoming, that has already recorded a MMA victory.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Austin Daye 6'11 SF Gonzaga
This is an interesting pick. The Hawks are in need of point guard help, but with Austin Daye still on the board, its hard to pass him up. Daye is 6'11 190 pounds. I truly believed he needed another year of college ball to assure us that he is ready to compete at the next level. The recent trade that landed Jamal Crawford will push the the Hawks for Daye, instead of point guard help.
20. Utah Jazz: Tyler Hansbrough 6'10 PF UNC
Tyler has done nothing but prove himself from the moment he stepped on UNC's campus. At this point, his stock is rising but I see him going to the Jazz at 20. Boozer will probably not be returning next season, so Tyler will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself. Utah gets a winner with this pick.
21. New Orleans Hornets: Eric Maynor 6'3 PG VCU
Chris Paul is begging for more scorers. The need is at shooting guard. But I think they go with the best player left, Eric Maynor. Maynor is very underrated and was a dominant scorer in college. For all of you that have never heard of him, he averaged 22 pts, 6 asts, and 3 rebs this past season. Chris Paul is one of few NBA players that brings the best out of his teammates. Ask Tyson Chandler. Paul will find ways to get Maynor baskets.
22. Portland Blazers: Ty Lawson 6'0 PG UNC
Good chance Steve Blake does not return next year. If Portland can't land Steve Nash or Kirk Hinrich, Lawson will be a solid point guard for the future. Lawson will create for others. (Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Jerryd Bayless when he's ready and under achieving Greg Oden)
23. Sacramento Kings: Sam Young 6'7 SF Pittsburgh
The Kings take their point guard of the future with Rubio and now steal Sam Young at the end of the draft. I think Young has Mickael Pietrus potential coming off the bench for any team he plays for. He is better suited for a playoff contender but should be a contributor for the Kings. I hope Donte Greene works extremely hard over this summer, or he will see even fewer minutes next season when Young arrives.
24. Dallas Mavericks: Darren Collison 6'2 PG UCLA
Mavs need a point guard. Collison appears to be the best choice here. I have a feeling this is not good enough for Mark Cuban. Look for another deal to be made.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Omri Casspi 6'9 SF Israel
Omri has been compared to Luis Scola, but with a three point shot. OKC should fall in love with his toughness, if anything. He recently had a workout against Austin Daye where he was described as bullying Daye, pushing him around and even leaving him with a busted lip. It is not often an international player is praised for being tough. Durant will instantly become good friends with this guy.
26. Chicago Bulls: Marcus Thorton 6'4 SG LSU
Thorton plain and simple is a scorer. The Bulls have a lot of questions about their roster going into the free agency period. Thorton can provide help at guard and perimeter shooting.
27. Memphis Grizzlies: Toney Douglas 6'2 PG/SG
I'm unclear of the direction Memphis is going with their team. I predict they sell this pick to a suitor interested in Toney Douglas.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Chase Budinger 6'7 SF Arizona
After a very active forst round, Minnesota is in need of shooting. Chase Budinger is the perfect fit at this point. His size and shooting skills remind the Wolves of what Mike Miller should have been.
29. New York Knicks: Jack McClinton 6'0 PG/SG Miami
The Knicks are rebuilding and need guard help. The Knicks purchased this pick for a reason. I think they have their eyes on the scoring machine, Jack McClinton.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Wayne Ellington 6'5 SG UNC
The Cavs are looking for athletes down low and shooters. Wayne Ellington is a pure shooter inside and out. Not to mention, he was NCAA Final Four MVP. This guy is used to winning and is a great fit for the Cavs. Lebron should be pleased. Now if only they could bring Shaq to Cleveland...
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