A mock up of the 2008 NBA Draft.
The biggest question surrounding the 2008 NBA Draft is which player - Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose - will be taken with the number one pick. If the Bulls opt for Rose, it would mean that at least some of Chicago's guards would be dealt. If the Bulls opt for Beasley, it would mean that they may have found the inside scoring presence they've desperately needed. However, there's still question as to whether or not Beasley will be a true power forward or whether he'll be more comfortable at the three spot. That being said, here's Suite101's Basketball Feature Writer's most recent NBA mock draft:
- Chicago Bulls selects F Michael Beasley (6-9 235lbs) - The Bulls are denying reports that they're looking to trade Point Guard Kirk Hinrich this off season. If they think Beasley can play at the power forward position, he's the logical pick here. He can score inside and out and has the ability to get to the foul line. Chicago's badly needed a post player who could score to open things up for their perimeter players, like Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Luol Deng.
- Miami Heat selects PG. Derrick Rose (6-3 195lbs)- This isn't necessarily the best fit for Rose or the Heat, but they do need a point guard. Dwayne Wade tends to dominate the ball, which may make it difficult for Rose to fit in. The Heat badly need some perimeter shooting and that is not Rose's strength. Still, his size, floor leadership and athleticism may make him a good candidate to play alongside Wade if the two can learn to co-exist. Acquiring perimeter shooters will be a must for Miami this summer.
- Minnesota Timberwolves selects SG O.J. Mayo (6-4 210lbs) - The Timberwolves already have a couple of talented combo guards in Randy Foye and Rashard McCants, but neither have been stellar on a consistent basis. The Wolves badly need a center, but many think Lopez could bust. His fluid offensively in the paint and is a nice shot blocker, but some question his toughness and wonder if he'll be able to dominate against NBA centers. Mayo has the most upside at this point in the draft and could provide a good scoring option to complement Al Jefferson in the paint.
- 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 C Brook Lopez (7-0 260lbs)- Memphis needs help in the middle since losing Pau Gasol and Lopez may be the most talented big man in the draft. Kevin Love and Anthony Randolph are viable options, as well.
- 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 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, Jordan's stock seems to be rising and the Nets will be looking for an inside presence for the future.
- 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 Joe Alexander (6-8 230lbs) - Alexander's a smart player who needs to improve his outside shooting. He's an excellent athlete and could fit in well playing under Coach Nate MacMillan. The Blazers could also look to draft a point guard with this pick, given the amount of point guards who should be available in the first round.
- Golden State Warriors 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 Warriors need some size in the middle and Speights' athleticism could make him a good fit.
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