2009 NBA Mock Draft (December 2008 Version)

Blake Griffin Heads List of Prospects

© Phil Partington

Dec 29, 2008

At this early stage, the 2009 NBA Draft doesn't appear to feature a lot of high-end prospects. Other than Power Forward Blake Griffin, there isn't a single sure-fire All Star talent to speak of. That being said, there's a whole lot of upside.

2009 NBA Mock Draft (December Version)

1. Oklahoma City Thunder selects PF Blake Griffin, OklahomaGriffin is making a name for himself in Oklahoma, averaging 23.0 ppg, 14.1 rbpg, while shooting 68% from the field in the last 12 games. At 6-10 245lbs, Griffin's strength and athleticism make him an NBA-ready prospect.NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer
2. Minnesota Timberwolves selects PG Ricky Rubio, InternationalRubio's an assists machine, and was a leader on a deep Spanish team last summer in the Olympics. However, Rubio's missed much of this season with an injured wrist. If that affects his draft stock negatively, he may wait another year before entering the draft. Still, his passing and floor leadership, combined with his defense make him the best point guard in this draft by far.NBA Comparison: Steve Nash
3. Washington Wizards selects C Hasheem Thabeet, ConnecticutThabeet lacks an offensive game, but his size, maneuverability and defensive ability make him too tough to pass on for the center-deprived Wizards. At 7-3, Thabeet averages a double-double (14.8 ppg, 11.1 rbpg) to go along with 3.7 bspg (4.5 per game last season).NBA Comparison: Dikembe Mutombo
4. Sacramento Kings selects G Stephen Curry, DavidsonThere are a lot of question marks about Curry. Specifically, "Is he big and athletic enough to play shooting guard in the NBA?" and "Can he move to the point guard spot if he needs to?" The Kings need a point in the worst way, but the next best point guard prospects, though loaded with potential, aren't as mature as Curry. If the Kings can't get Rubio and if they're not comfortable taking Curry this high, they could trade down in this point guard-laden draft.NBA Comparison: Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf)
5. Golden State Warriors selects PF Jordan Hill, ArizonaHill has increased his stock more than anyone this season. He's still ruff around the edges, but he's gotten stronger and he's extremely athletic. He's averaged 18.9 ppg, 11.8 rbpg and 2.7 bspg in 11 games.NBA Comparison: Poor man's Chris Bosh
6. LA Clippers selects SG James Harden, Arizona StateHarden's an undersized and under-athletic shooting guard who could see his stock fall past this point. The Clippers could opt for a number of different options here. They have Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby at center, not to mention Zach Randolph at power forward. They have a prospect in Al Thornton at the small forward spot, and they have Baron Davis and Eric Gordon at the guard spots. Harden would give them depth at their weakest position.NBA Comparison: Joe Dumars
7. Charlotte Bobcats selects SF Earl Clark, LouisvilleClark's versatility and ability to play point-forward would be a great fit for the Bobcats who need to redefine their look. Ideally, they'd love to get a center to compliment Emeka Okafor, but if none's available, they'll look for the best available player. Clark would make Gerald Wallace even more expendable.NBA Comparison: Danny Granger
8. Memphis Grizzlies selects PF Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi StateAt 6-9 210lbs, Varnado is undersized for a power forward, but don't be surprised if Varnado's stock rises dramatically. He's averaging 14.3 ppg, 9.8 rbpg and 6.0 bspg in 12 games! Varnado's an incredible athlete, though a bit raw at the offensive end.NBA Comparison: Theo Ratliff
9. Indiana Pacers selects PG Jrue Holiday, UCLAHoliday's numbers aren't overly impressive, but he is partnered in the backcourt with another capable point guard in Darren Collison. Scouts love Holiday's upside and ability to run the point. He's an athletic combo guard with solid range and great upside.NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas
10. Toronto Raptors selects C Cole Aldrich, KansasAldrich is turning heads as a freshman. He has a vast array of post moves and a great understanding of the game. He's already averaging solid numbers against top competition (13.6 ppg, 9.9 rbpg and 2.4 bspg.NBA Comparison: Spencer Hawes
11. New York Knicks selects PG Brandon Jennings, International The Knicks could use another true point guard to go along with Chris Duhon in order to run Coach Mike D'Antoni's system more thoroughly. Jennings is as quick as lightning and has tremendous upside. He needs to work on his outside shooting, though.NBA Comparison: Kenny Anderson
12. Philadelphia 76ers selects SG Chase Budinger, ArizonaBudinger's an athletic shooting guard with a good basketball IQ. He's an effective scorer who improved his perimeter shot last summer, making him a good fit for a Sixers team that desperately needs perimeter shooting.NBA Comparison: Brent Barry
13. Milwaukee Bucks selects PF Patrick Patterson, KentuckyThe Bucks need toughness at the power forward spot in the worst way, and though Patterson's not huge, he's physical and a true back-to-the-basket player. He's averaging 19.6 ppg and 9.5 rbpg for the Wildcats.NBA Comparison: Xavier McDaniel
14. Dallas Mavericks selects SG DeMar DeRozan, USCDeRozan is often deemed the most athletic player in college basketball, but he needs to develop more of a killer instinct and an outside shot. On upside alone, he's a top five pick.NBA Comparison: Vince Carter

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