The Chicago Bull won the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery and they badly need a post player and point guard. Here's an early NBA mock draft (post Lottery).
With the 2008 NBA Lottery Drawing just a couple days away, it's time to take a closer look into what teams need and which players best fit those needs. While it's certain that forward Michael Beasley and point guard Derrick Rose will be the top two picks of the draft, the rest remain a mystery. That being said, here's Suite101's Basketball Feature Writer's most recent NBA mock draft:
- Chicago Bulls selects PG. Derrick Rose (6-3 195lbs)- The Bulls desperately need an offensive-minded post player to draw double teams, but Michael Beasley is more of an inside-outside small forward. Plus, there's much talk that Chicago might be looking to shop Kirk Hinrich this summer, and Chris Duhon is a free agent this summer. That means, the Bulls will be looking for a new point guard and Derrick Rose's size and athleticism would be a perfect fit.
- Miami Heat selects F Michael Beasley (6-9 235lbs)- Shawn Marion's contract is up after the 2008-2009 season and the Heat will likely be looking to capitalize on the extra $17 million cap space. Despite the team's need for a point guard, Beasley is a better fit for Miami than Rose. The Heat lack shooters and Rose is weak in that area. Plus, Dwayne Wade dominates the ball too much for Rose to be most effective. On the other hand, Beasley's ability to play inside and out, as well as get to the foul line would give the Heat another scorer to compliment Wade rather than compete with him.
- Minnesota Timberwolves selects C Brook Lopez (7-0 260lbs) - Mayo might've been the pick here had he not run into recent off court issues with the NCAA. Lopez makes sense for Minnesota and would allow Al Jefferson to move to his more natural position at power forward.
- Seattle Supersonics selects PG Jerryd Bayless (6-3 195lbs)- The Sonics are looking for another young building block to compliment Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. Luke Ridnour had a disappointing season and Earl Watson isn't going to lead them into the future.
- Memphis Grizzlies selects G O.J. Mayo (6-4 210lbs)- Memphis needs help in the middle since losing Pau Gasol. However, Mayo's NBA-compatible game and upside might be too tough to pass on. Rudy Gay is capable of moving to the small forward position, Mike Conley is their point guard of the future, they seem hellbent on trading Mike Miller, which leaves an open spot at the two guard position.
- New York Knicks selects F. Danilo Gallinari (6-10 220lbs)- If Isiah Thomas was still holding the reins, Gallinari would probably be the last pick considered. However, it's Mike D'Antoni and Donnie Walsh's show now, and Gallinari is the long, versatile, shooting forward that D'Antoni likes to advantage.
- Los Angeles Clippers selects G Eric Gordon (6-4 220lbs) - Gordon is undersized at the shooting guard position and hasn't learned to be an effective point guard of yet, but with Cuttino Mobley getting older and Shaun Livingston's future in question, Gordon could provide the offensive punch the Clippers badly need on the perimeter. Chris Kaman and Elton Brand, if healthy, make for a solid interior foundation, and even though Corey Maggette may be on his way out, Al Thornton has proven himself more than capable to hold up the three spot.
- Milwaukee Bucks selects PF Anthony Randolph (6-10 200lbs)- Randolph really isn't the ideal pick for Milwaukee. They already have two overly-soft power forwards in Yi Jianlian and Charlie Villanueva. They really need a bruiser to help protect Andrew Bogut. However, Randolph's upside might be too much to pass on this late, and would make Villanueva attractive trade bait.
- Charlotte Bobcats selects PF. Kevin Love (6-9 260lbs) - Love has some glaring weaknesses that may make him fall in this draft. He's not very quick and doesn't get high off the ground. Also, he has trouble guarding quicker players on the perimeter. Yet, he's a hard worker, strong rebounder and smart player and would give the Bobcats some depth in the middle in case Sean May gets hurt again.
- New Jersey Nets selects PF. Marreese Speights (6-10 250lbs) - Speights doesn't have a lot of experience, but has shown amazing athleticism and great ability in the time he has played. The Nets are looking toward the future now, and Speights could fit what they're looking for.
- Indiana Pacers selects PG Russell Westbrook (6-3 195lbs) - Westbrook will likely raise his stock above this, but Indiana would love it if he fell this far. They haven't been happy with Jamaal Tinsley's leadership, despite his stints of great play on the court. Westbrook can play both guard spots and is a great lock-down defender.
- Sacramento Kings selects PG DJ Augustin (5-11 180lbs) - Augustin's tiny, but he's quick as lightning and a great leader. With Mike Bibby gone, the Kings will be looking for someone to run the show. The talent's there for the Kings, but getting a prospect point guard will be important in their development.
- Portland Trail Blazers selects SF Nicolas Batum (6-8 210lbs)- Batum's versatility and potential have caught the attention of many NBA scouts. He's still a little rough around the edges, but the Blazers are a young team and could bring him along slowly.
- Golden State Warriors selects C DeAndre Jordan (7-0 250lbs) - Another project, but one with tremendous upside. Jordan, at times, is brilliant. At other times, he looks like and isn't able to do much at the offensive end. Still, Golden State needs help defending the paint.
The copyright of the article June 2008 NBA Mock Draft in NBA is owned by Phil Partington. Permission to republish June 2008 NBA Mock Draft in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
