2009 NBA Mock Draft

1. Sacramento Kings – PF Blake Griffin, Sophomore – Oklahoma

The 6’10″ 245 lbs power forward from Oklahoma is having an outstanding sophomore season after being a top 5 prospect in last years’ NBA draft.  This year Griffin is averaging 22 points and 14 rebounds a game.  He has tremendous size and strength with soft hands and very athletics.  Some negatives on him right now are lack of post moves, shaky jump shot, as well as free-throw shooting.

2. Washington Wizards – PG Ricky Rubio – Spain

His performance in the Olympics this summer caught the eye of many scouts that compare him to Pistol Pete Maravich.  He looks to be a top 5 draft pick in the 2009 NBA draft.  He posses great size for his  position and has a very high basketball IQ.  He is very crafty getting to the basket but needs to improve on his long range jump shot and also his strength.

3. Los Angeles Clippers - C Hasheem Thabeet, Junior – Connecticut

Like Blake Griffin, Thabeet could have come out last year and been a high draft pick but he chose to come back for his Junior year.  Currently he is averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks.  He is a major shot blocker as well as someone who changes shots.  He continues to improve his offensive skills and needs to get stronger but will be a very solid NBA player.

4. Memphis Grizzlies - PF Jordan Hill, Sophomore – Arizona

Hill has improved tremendously during his three years at Arizona.  This year he is averaging 18 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.  He continues to improve his offensive game but his rebounding skills have really opened scouts eyes.  If he can add some more strength he will continue to increase his NBA stock for the 2009 draft.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves – SG James Harden, Sophomore – Arizona State

In his freshman year he went under the radar but many scouts think that he will produce immediately in the NBA.  He is a great scorer who can get to the basket or hit the outside shot.  The only questions about Harden are his lateral quickness and his size at his position.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder – PF Ed Davis, Freshman – North Carolina

Has tremendous upside which could make him a top 10 lottery pick.  Very good length and great explosiveness.  Is very active on the defensive side as well as the offensive side.  Needs to continue to work on his offensive game especially his right hand.

7. Golden State Warriors – PG Willie Warren, Freshman – Oklahoma

One of the top freshmen in this years’ class.  He has great size for a point guard and is very athletic.  If he can continue to improve on his PG skills and on the defensive end his stock could rise towards the end of the season and be a middle lottery pick in the 2009 NBA draft.

8. Toronto Raptors - C Cole Aldrich, Sophomore – Kansas

Last year Aldrich only averaged 8 minutes a game on the championship winning Kansas team.  This year he is playing really well.  His offensive game continues to improve but is a great rebounder and has become a nice shot blocker.

9. New York Knicks – PG/SG Stephen Curry, Junior – Davidson

Curry is currently a candidate for National Player of the Year in NCAA.  He is one of the best scorers in college basketball and now that he has switched to PG this year, scouts believe his role in the NBA is a lot bigger.  His size is a downside to his game along with improving his quickness and strength.

10. New Jersey Nets – SF Earl Clark, Junior – Louisville

The Louisville small forward is a very versatile player.  He is a very gifted athlete with great length and explosiveness.  Still needs to add strength and work on making his outside jump shot more consistent.

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