2009 NBA Mock Draft (February 2009 Version): Brandon Jennings Wishes He Went to College

Please note there are two updated versions of this article. Check out the April version here.

At this early stage, Oklahoma Forward, Blake Griffin, looks to be a shoe in for the top pick in the 2009 NBA Draft next June. He's averaging 22.8 ppg ppg, 14.2 rbpg, while shooting an astounding 64% from the field. Here's a look at what might happen at the 2009 NBA Draft.

1. Sacramento Kings selects PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma -- Obviously, the Draft Lottery Drawing will determine which team selects first. As of now, however, the Kings have the league's worst record. Griffin would be a nice fit for Sacramento, as it recently traded veteran Center, Brad Miller, to the Chicago Bulls. Griffin would be a nice piece to develop alongside prospects Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson. NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer

2. Washington Wizards selects PG Ricky Rubio, International -- The Wizards need a big man more than anything, but it would be tough for them to pass on Rubio. Hasheem Thabeet might be an option, but Thabeet was recently dominated by Pittsburg's Dejuan Blair. Plus, he has a very limited offensive game. Rubio's star potential would likely be too great to justify taking Thabeet. NBA Comparison: Steve Nash.

3. LA Clippers selects PF Jordan Hill, Arizona -- The Clippers already have size, but have been challenged by injuries. The roster is split into aging veterans, such as Marcus Camby, Baron Davis, Ricky Davis, Zach Randolph and others, and prospects, such as Al Thornton, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, etc. Expect the Clippers to move more toward a youth movement at some point. With that in mind, Jordan Hill has the athleticism and work ethic to be a nice fit alongside Thornton, Kaman and Gordon. NBA Comparison: Poor man's Chris Bosh.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder selects C Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut -- The Thunder recently tried to acquire Center Tyson Chandler from the New Orleans Hornets, but backed out after Chandler failed his physical. GM Sam Presti seems hungry to add depth to the interior, and Thabeet is the best post defender, averaging 4.3 blocks per game, in the draft and a major reason for Connecticut's success this season. NBA Comparison: Dikembe Mutombo

5. Memphis Grizzlies selects F Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest -- The Grizzlies could really use size, but Aminu's upside might be too enticing. He's sort of a tweener, but he's athletic and long, and plays bigger than his frame. He also runs the floor very well, which would fit in with the team's athletic style of play. NBA Comparison: Luol Deng.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves selects SG James Harden, Arizona -- Harden continues to impress at Arizona State, averaging 21.3 ppg, 5.5 rbpg, 4.2 apg, while shooting 53% from the field. The Wolves have sufficient size, minus a shot blocker, in Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, and combo Guard, Randy Foye, continues to show promise. Harden would be a nice complement to what's already in place. NBA Comparison: Joe Dumars.

7. Golden State Warriors selects F Greg Monroe, Georgetown -- While Forward, Earl Clark, would be a better pick, the Warriors seem to be enamored by athletic power forwards who can run the court well and keep up with its quicker guards. This fits with Coach Don Nelson's style, and is evidenced by the past acquisition of Brandan Wright, and by drafting Anthony Randolph. It's also evidenced in the team's attempt to trade for Yi Jianlian a year or two ago. The Warriors are already interested in trading rookie Anthony Randolph, and drafting Monroe may mean Wright would also be on his way out. NBA Comparison: Poor man's Chris Bosh.

8. Toronto Raptors selects F Earl Clark, Louisville -- The Raptors are looking to become more like the Phoenix Suns before Steve Kerr took over as GM. That means running with a smaller lineup. Clark's versatility could be a major help in that case, especially with Chris Bosh's future in Toronto up in the air. NBA Comparison: Danny Granger.

9. Indiana Pacers selects C Cole Aldrich, Kansas -- Aldrich is turning heads as a freshman. He has a vast array of post moves and a great understanding of the game. The Pacers could use his fundamentals and leadership in the post. NBA Comparison: Spencer Hawes

10. Charlotte Bobcats selects PF Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech -- Lawal is a gifted athlete and has a 7" wingspan. He has tremendous upside, but limited offensive skill set at this point. NBA Comparison: Chris Wilcox.

11. New York Knicks selects GF Chase Budinger, Arizona -- Budinger's an athletic wing, who improved his shooting from last season, making him a good fit in Coach Mike D'Antoni's system. They could use a center, but aren't likely to find one worthy of taking with this pick. NBA Comparison: Brent Barry.

12. Chicago Bulls selects C B.J. Mullens, Ohio State -- Mullens isn't impressive much so far during his freshman season, but at this point the 2005 Draft is going to be hurting for big men in all likelihood. The Bulls are stocked with ones, twos and threes, and will either trade the pick, or opt for help in the paint. Trading for Brad Miller should help in the short term. NBA Comparison: Chris Kaman.

13. New Jersey Nets selects PG Jeff Teague, Wake Forest -- The Nets could opt for a legitimate scoring guard, like Gerald Henderson, as Vince Carter might be shopped again this summer, but Teague can provide great scoring as a combo guard, and might prefer him if he falls this far. NBA Comparison: Jason Terry.

14. Phoenix Suns selects PG Brandon Jennings, International -- Things haven't been as great as Jennings thought they might be when he opted to play overseas rather than going to college. Still, his talent is unquestioned and the Suns might want insurance in case Steve Nash leaves. NBA Comparison: Kenny Anderson.

The copyright of the article 2009 NBA Mock Draft (February 2009 Version) in NBA is owned by Phil Partington. Permission to republish 2009 NBA Mock Draft (February 2009 Version) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Feb 21, 2009 6:43 AM

Guest :

where is stephen curry?

Mar 12, 2009 5:40 PM

Guest :

steph curry cant guard anybody in the nba
if the bulls draft mullins i will shoot myself in the face

Mar 18, 2009 10:09 PM

Guest :

Jonny Flynn?

Mar 21, 2009 6:07 PM

Guest :

Why can't a namd like mine be in the NBA Russell Mead or at least a mead

Mar 24, 2009 9:28 AM

Guest :

The worst mock draft ever!!!!!!

Mar 24, 2009 11:08 AM

Phil Partington :

And why do you say that?

Mar 24, 2009 10:23 PM

Guest :

wheres brackins?

Mar 27, 2009 11:50 AM

Guest :

this mock blows no way the knicks take a small forward three years in a row. They need a shot blocking big man like cole adrich

Mar 27, 2009 12:17 PM

Phil Partington :

"This mock blows"...ah, words to live by.

First, if you knew anything about Mike D'Antoni, you'd know that bigs aren't really his thing. He'll gladly play the small ball lineup he has. How long did the Suns desperately need a big man? It took GM Steve Kerr stepping in to force the trade for Shaq. I guarantee you that wasn't D'Antoni's idea.

Even if they went with a shot blocking big, who'd be available there? If you look at my March version (which came out before you made your post), you'd note that I have Aldrich going ahead of the Knicks' pick. So, would they take BJ Mullens, who averaged 8 or so ppg and 4-5 boards? Not likely.

I expect the Knicks to shake things up, which means they'll take the best player available in the draft that fits D'Antoni's system. It just so happens that there are a lot of point guards, combo guards and small forwards available in this version of the mock. They could very well trade down, but there's a whole lot more to consider than just what you're considering.

Mar 27, 2009 12:20 PM

Phil Partington :

For those wondering where Brackins is on this mock, I caught that mistake and added him to the newest version (March version).

To those who wondering where Curry is...I'm not certain he'd be a lottery pick. I know, I know...he's a stud, but the draft isn't determined by pure ability. Team's look at a lot of things, and probably overthink most of those things. Athletic ability and upside are often more important to scouts than what the player did in the tournament. Height and size and injury proneness play important roles.

People were shocked when Dwayne Wade was drafted as high as the fifth pick, because he was only 6-4 at the shooting guard spot. I said at the time that he was a steal at the 5th spot, even though he was projected to go between 7-12, and only that high because he dominated the CHicago draft camp.

Make no mistake about it, ability alone won't get you drafted high. There are a lot of question marks with Curry. Can he play the one spot? If not, is he big enough to be a starting two in the NBA? Plus, he's now thinking he might not declare.

Mar 28, 2009 12:54 AM

Guest :

Tyler Hansbrough?
Stehphen Curry?
Ty Lawson?

Mar 28, 2009 10:04 AM

Phil Partington :

Noone who knows anything about the draft expects Hansborough, Curry or Lawson to be lottery picks. One may slip in with a great, and I mean great, draft camp, but don't count on it.

I bet you were one of those who thought JJ Redick should be a top three pick, too.

Mar 29, 2009 11:11 AM

Guest :

Blake griffin is the worst player in ur mock y #1

Apr 8, 2009 3:30 AM

Guest :

ur crazy as hell
lawson is the best point guard in the draft.
He WILL be a lottery pick...mark my words

Apr 8, 2009 7:07 AM

Phil Partington :

And here come the UNC bandwagoners. Couldn't have said that before the tourny?

This draft is filled with point guards, and while there doesn't seem to be a Chris Paul in this draft, there are a lot of potential starters, and guys with potential.

Apr 10, 2009 4:09 PM

Guest :

Terrence Williams????

Apr 10, 2009 4:11 PM

Phil Partington :

Terrence Williams isn't projected to go until the 20s at least. He's very talented and athletic, and I think he could be a steal potentially, but shooting 39% from the field is not going to get you picked in the lottery.

Apr 29, 2009 1:36 PM

Guest :

What happened to Tyreke Evans,Demar DeRozan,Gerald Henderson,Wanye Ellington,Jonny Flynn,Stephen Curry, and Ty Lawson? Where are all the guards you are forgetting? U got Chase Budinger and Jeff Teague on here but there not better than Demar, Gerald, Tyreke or Stephen Curry. And u know it!