Early mock draft for the 2008 NBA Draft next June.
With the Men's College Basketball tournament complete, several players have increased their NBA Draft stock. It's still a bit early to make fair assessments as to which players will be drafted by what teams, but it's still interesting to discuss. With that in mind, here's a best-guess mock draft updated in April with some assessments and hypotheses of what teams' rosters could look like at the start of the 2008-2009 NBA season.
- Miami Heat selects F. Michael Beasley (6-9 235lbs) - Derrick Rose's stock is rising, but Beasley's still the pick here. His ability to attack the basket and get to the foul line would be ideal for a team hurting for a second scoring option behind Wade. Rose can't shoot from the outside, which is already a big problem for the Heat.
- Seattle Supersonics selects PG. Derrick Rose (6-4 195lbs) - The Sonics need a lot of help. Last year's top pick, Kevin Durant, is the only scoring option on that starting rotation. Rose would bring athleticism and toughness to the point guard spot. Whether he'll don a Seattle uniform or Oklahoma City uniform is irrelevant. Rose will fit in well with this young team either way.
- Minnesota Timberwolves selects SG. OJ Mayo (6-5 210lbs) - Mayo has had locker room and attitude issues in the past, but he has NBA talent for certain and would help provide an offensive boost for the young Timberwolves. His ability to play both guard positions and get to the foul line will be too tough for teams to pass on.
- Memphis Grizzlies selects C. Brook Lopez (7-0 260lbs) - The Grizzlies need help in the middle and Lopez really improved his stock by playing well in the NCAA tournament. Some question his defensive toughness, but he'd certainly be an upgrade for them in the middle.
- New York Knicks selects PG. Jerryd Bayless (6-3 180lbs) - The Knicks are in dire need of a consistent point guard, especially with Stephon Marbury next in line to be booted out. Some wonder if Bayless can develop into more of a true point guard, rather than just a scoring point guard, but he will have a big learning curve to overcome. His stock rose when he was moved to the starting point guard position in Arizona's lineup after Nick Wise got hurt.
- Los Angeles Clippers selects SF. Danilo Gallinari (6-10 220lbs) - This young Italien star has made great strides overseas. He's versatile and his game should blend with any team. The Clippers need help in a few areas, but with Corey Maggette likely on the move, they could do worse than to get a versatile, long small forward to complement Chris Kaman and Elton Brand in the paint.
- Milwaukee Bucks selects PF. Blake Griffin (6-9 245lbs) - If the freshman declares for the draft, he'd be a great fit for Milwaukee. Sure, they already have Yi Jianlian and Charlie Villanueva at the four spot, but neither add much toughness to the middle. Griffin is a bruiser and would be able to help Bogut defend the lane.
- Charlotte Bobcats selects PF. Anthony Randolph (6-10 220lbs) - Some compare Randolph to a young Chris Bosh. He could help Emeka Okafor on the interior, though he needs to add toughness and strength. Randolph is a pick for the future.
- Chicago Bulls selects PG. Russell Westbrook (6-4 185lbs) - Westbrook could be the steal of the draft if he falls this far. At 6-4, Westbrook is capable of playing both guard positions very effectively. Moreover, he's a lockdown defender and a proven winner. Kirk Hinrich might be on the trade block and Chris Duhon's contract will expire soon, so they'll need insurance at the one spot.
- 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 PF/C Kevin Love (6-9 260lbs) - Love might fall even farther than this. He has all the tools to be an effective low-block scorer and defender, only his quickness and athleticism is in question. He's capable of hitting the open 20-footer, but is slow-footed once he gets off the block. This will probably scare some teams off.
- Sacramento Kings selects JaVale McGee (7-0 235lbs) - McGee's a work-in-progress, but his upside is tremendous. 7-6 wingspan always attracts the attention of NBA scouts. Can knock down a college three, but struggles from the foul line. Sacramento's getting younger, and with Spencer Hawes showing flashes his rookie season, adding McGee would give the Kings a future front court.
- Portland Trail Blazers selects SG Eric Gordon (6-4 220lbs) - Gordon deserves to go higher than this, but his size and inability to play the point guard position might work against him and cause him to fall. Portland would be thrilled to have him available here. Gordon is a pure scorer and could be an exceptional player at the NBA level. Keep in mind, the Blazers also have Greg Oden as a rookie this season.
- Golden State Warriors selects C DeAndre Jordan (7-0 240lbs) - 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.
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