2009 NBA Mock Draft March 2009 Version
Cole Adrich Making a Case in 2009 NCAA Tournament
Mar 25, 2009
2009 March Madness is underway and college players are jockeying early for NBA Draft status. After Oklahoma Forward, Blake Griffin, the pool of talent is wide open. Here's what the 2009 NBA Draft might look like if it occurred today.
2009 NBA Mock Draft (March Version)
1. Sacramento Kings selects PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma -- 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. Memphis Grizzlies 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. He's also deceptively athletic. Memphis has a young, run-and-gun team, and should be pleased with rookie big man, Marc Gasol. However, beefing up the interior would probably be wise for the Grizzlies. NBA Comparison: Spencer Hawes
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Golden State Warriors selects F Earl Clark, Louisville -- The Warriors badly need size, but if Earl Clark is available, they may opt for his versatility. He also has the ability to play bigger than his size and fill the Power Forward position. NBA Comparison: Danny Granger.
8. Toronto Raptors selects F Craig Brackins, Iowa State -- With Chris Bosh's future with the Raptors up in the air, Toronto may be looking to add insurance in the middle. Though Brackins is more of a perimeter player in a power forward's body, he'd be a nice fit with Toronto's run-and-gun style. NBA Comparison: Shareef Abdul-Rahim.
9. New York Knicks selects F Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest -- The Knicks 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.
10. Indiana Pacers selects F Greg Monroe, Georgetown -- Indiana is looking to the future and could use some size to go alongside Troy Murphy (who prefers shooting from the perimeter anyway). Monroe's not especially polished, but there's no denying his upside. Indiana might have the time to develop him. NBA Comparison: Poor man's Chris Bosh.
11. New Jersey Nets selects F DuJuan Blair, Pittsburg -- At this point in the draft, there will likely be a lot of point guards available. The Nets, however, won't need a point guard after Devin Harris' breakout season. What the Nets will need is a bruiser to protect rookie Brook Lopz in the paint, and Blair's just the prospect to fill that role. At 6-6 to 6-7, Blair relies mostly on brute strength rather than height. Yet, at 330lbs, he's deceptively mobile and should be able to adjust to the rigors of the NBA just fine. NBA Comparison: Paul Millsap.
12. Milwaukee Bucks selects PG Brandon Jennings, International -- The Bucks will have several point guards to choose from if they go that route. Yet, despite limited minutes playing in Europe, Jennings still has more upside than the others. Luke Ridnour and Ramon Sesssions have been mediocre this season. It's time for a shake up. NBA Comparison: Kenny Anderson.
13. Charlotte Bobcats selects GF Chase Budinger, Arizona -- Budinger's an athletic wing, who improved his shooting from last season. The Bobcats could use athleticism on the perimeter if they can't land a suitable center. Ideally, they could find a center in order to move Emeka Okafor to the power forward position. NBA Comparison: Brent Barry.
14. Phoenix Suns selects PG Eric Maynor, Virginia Commonwealth -- The Suns may want insurance at the point guard position in case Steve Nash leaves town. Maynor's probably not destined for stardom, but he's a heady player who performs well in the clutch. NBA Comparison: Chris Duhon.
