2009 NBA Mock Draft--Final Mock

1 Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
2 Grizzlies: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
3 Thunder: James Harden, Arizona State
4 Kings: Ricky Rubio, International
5 Timberwolves: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
6 Timberwolves: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
7 Warriors: Jordan Hill, Arizona
8 Knicks: Stephen Curry, Davidson
9 Raptors: Gerald Henderson, Duke
10 Bucks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
11 Nets: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
12 Bobcats: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
13 Pacers: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
14 Suns: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
15 Pistons: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
16 Bulls: James Johnson, Wake Forest
17 76ers: Brandon Jennings, International
18 Timberwolves: Terrence Williams, Louisville
19 Hawks: Jrue Holiday, UCLA
20 Jazz: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
21 Hornets: DeMar DeRozan, USC
22 Trailblazers: Derrick Brown, Xavier
23 Kings: Earl Clark, Louisville
24 Mavericks: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
25 Thunder: Eric Maynor, VCU
26 Bulls: Toney Douglas, Florida State
27 Grizzlies: DeMarre Carroll, Missouri
28 Timberwolves: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
29 Lakers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
30 Cavaliers: Chase Budinger, Arizona

*reminder: mock reflects not who teams will take but, rather, who they should take

2009 NBA Mock Draft -- Post-Lottery

You can check out Roundball Portfolio's earlier mock drafts here, here, here, and here.

1 Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
Now that Griffin has been measured as a legitimate 6-9 (6-10 in sneakers), it's hard to believe anyone would pass on the explosive power forward.

2 Grizzlies: Ricky Rubio, International
N/A 6-3 180 PG
I don't think Mike Conley is the answer in Memphis, but I'm also not sure if a Rubio-Mayo backcourt makes sense, as both seem to need the ball in their hands – and then there's the whole Rubio not wanting to play in Memphis thing.

3 Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
James Harden is a definite possibility here, but it's not every day you get a chance to add a 7-3 shot-blocking machine to your roster.

4 Kings: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 PG
Jordan Hill is an option for Sacramento, but the Kings need some star power (and a point guard).

5 Wizards: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
Hill adds length, athleticism, and toughness to the Wizards' underwhelming post rotation.

6 Timberwolves: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 OG
Harden would be a steal at six for a Minnesota team that needs to add perimeter scoring.

7 Warriors: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Jr 6-0 195 PG
I love the idea of the swift-footed Lawson directing Golden State's helter-skelter attack.

8 Knicks: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 OG
A point guard is a real possibility here (and wing DeRozan appears to be a popular pick on a lot of draft boards), but Henderson would provide the Knicks with a heady athlete that can defend.

9 Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, USC
Fr 6-6 210 OG
DeRozan won't contribute immediately, but his athleticism can't be ignored at the nine spot.

10 Bucks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
Teague's ability to score in the paint would aid a Milwaukee squad that lacks frontline firepower.

11 Nets: James Johnson, Wake Forest
Soph 6-8 235 PF
Johnson reminds me of former Michigan Wolverine and Los Angeles Clipper Maurice Taylor.

12 Bobcats: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Sr 6-6 220 OG
You're not going to find many mocks with Young in the lottery, but he would provide an offensive boost to a club that lacks a true perimeter scoring threat.

13 Pacers: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG
Even with the emergence of Danny Granger, Indiana needs a marquee name to rejuvenate a flagging fanbase.

14 Suns: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
Psycho T would add production and toughness to the Suns' thin frontcourt.

15 Pistons: Eric Maynor, VCU
Sr 6-3 180 PG
DeJuan Blair is a possibility here, but I'm just not convinced Rodney Stuckey is a point guard.

16 Bulls: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 280 PF
I like fellow Pitt Panther Sam Young here if he falls this far, but Blair would add some bulk to a frontcourt that features rail-thin Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.

17 76ers: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Soph 6-0 185 PG
With Andre Miller getting on in years, I don't think there's a better fit than Flynn-to-Philadelphia on the whole board.

18 Timberwolves: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
Soph 5-11 180 PG
I like Mills, who gets into the lane with ease, playing facilitator to Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.

19 Hawks: Brandon Jennings, International
N/A 6-1 170 PG
Jennings would eventually supplant Mike Bibby in Atlanta.

20 Jazz: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 OG
Jerry Sloan has to like the idea of the sharp-shooting Meeks (Jeff Hornacek) playing off of the Deron Williams (John Stockton)-Carlos Boozer (Karl Malone) pick-n-roll.

21 Hornets: Terrence Williams, Louisville
Sr 6-6 220 OG
With Chris Paul, T-Will, and Tyson Chandler in the lineup, no one will notice Peja Stojakovic's defensive inadequacies.

22 Mavericks: Jrue Holiday, UCLA
Fr 6-3 205 PG
There's a lot of buzz surrounding Holiday, and most seem to be willing to forgive his unimpressive freshman campaign.

23 Kings: Earl Clark, Louisville
Jr 6-10 230 SF
Clark will likely go higher, but the Kings would love to add the enticing (but often frustrating) Louisville product to its young frontline rotation.

24 Trailblazers: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Soph 6-10 200 SF
Daye's a project, but, considering his freakish length and shooting ability, it could very well pay off down the road.

25 Thunder: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 220 OG
A Westbrook – Budinger – Kid Nut Raven – Green – Thabeet lineup would be pretty tasty.

26 Bulls: Toney Douglas, Florida State
Sr 6-2 195 OG
Considering the speculation surrounding Ben Gordon's rumored departure, the Bulls should pick up Ben Gordon Lite.

27: Grizzlies: Derrick Brown, Xavier
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Brown has all the tools and could be an absolute steal.

28 Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
Athletic 7-footer will most likely come off the board sooner.

29 Lakers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Another offensive weapon to take the scoring pressure off Kobe.

30 Cavaliers: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Jr 6-7 245 PF
Go ahead and laugh, but, if anything, Gody should be higher.

The Lost Mariner Speaks

* I received the following essay from the lost mariner, First Mate Ken Griffey, Jr. RBP looks forward to future contributions from our wandering brother when he finishes circumnavigating the globe on his book tour. First Mate Griffey also wanted me to let our overseas readership know that he will be spending the next couple days in Cape Town, SA. So, if you or any of your friends are going to be in or around the Cape of Good Hope this weekend, feel free to check out First Mate Griffey over at The Looking Glass Lounge and Bookery at the corner of 18th and Cauliflower. He will be reading choice excerpts from his new book, Edward Gorey: through Space and Time, on Friday at 7p, Saturday at 2p and then again at 8p, and Sunday at 3p.



Arrggghhh, This Draft Be Smellier Than Davy Jones’ Locker:
A Wayward Mariner’s Take on the 2009 NBA Draft Class
by First Mate Ken Griffey, Jr.

I may be eating my words in a few years, so I'll try to make this short so as not to choke should I have to ingest said words at a later date. Put simply, this draft class is horrible. Analysts have complained that it was weak, and I've reviewed plenty of mocks, but for some reason, the deficit of talent hasn't really hit me until now. Maybe it's because my previous reviews of the mocks have been mostly to see where Patterson and Meeks were going, and I haven't really paid attention to everybody else. Or maybe it took the Admiral's keen analysis to grab my attention. Whatever the reason, I find myself highly disappointed in this year's crop.

The first and second picks, while not otherwordly, could turn out to be solid NBA talent. However, once I saw Jordan Hill's name at the 3-slot, my stomach started to turn. I can't personally speak to Mr. Hill's talents as I've had few opportunities to see him play. I do know that prior to this season, he was barely on the draft radar, and, compared with previous players chosen at this spot in the draft, he seems sub-par. Just in the past few years, players like 'Melo, Ben Gordon, and O.J. Mayo were selected in the same position, and at this point, it's hard to argue that Hill is in the same league as those guys.



I could feel the bile rising in my esophagus when I saw big crazy stiff man's name at the 4-spot going to the Thunder. If I'm putting together an NBA Live team (which of course is how I would run a franchise if I were a GM) I definitely don't want this guy on my team! The Thunder (who should've been called the Barons) have the makings of a mouth-watering Live squad. They're young, they're long, they're athletic...in short, I really really like this team. But throw Thabeet in the middle, even with their need for a center, and the whole NBA-Live-running-dunking-crazyathletic thing is thrown out the window. Sidenote: I almost cried when the Chandler trade was rescinded. That could've been a thing of beauty.

So far then, we have a relatively unknown (to me) at the number 3 spot, an awkward mojo wrecker at the 4, and that brings us to the Timberwolves. It can't really be argued that James Harden is a bad player, unworthy of a 5th pick in the draft. No, my problem is not with Mr. Harden, but with the lack of point guard talent that comes to light when you reflect on 'Sota's obvious need for a floor leader at the 1, and then realize that none of the PGs in this draft, outside of Rubio, are worthy of being selected this high. I see Lawson at the next spot down, and I liked what I saw from him in the NCAAs, but the last time the T-Wolves selected a guard from UNC, he just threw up the Roc sign a whole bunch, and nobody’s heard from him in a while.

The remainder of the first round is littered with similar situations - teams with certain positional needs who will probably resort to taking someone at a position they already have filled, simply because there are no players at the needed position worthy of being taken at that particular spot. Further evidence of this unenviable situation is reflected by Admiral Sax’s repeated use of some form of this phrase: “X team needs a (fill in position), but...”

Certainly, there have been worse draft classes than the one at hand. For proof, go back and take a look at the 2006 picks. That awful class even lacks a redemptive 2nd round pick, unless you consider Paul Millsap as such. Still, even with the existence of similarly shallow draft pools in the not-so-distant past, it saddens me that one of my favorite sports days of the year will be somewhat diluted by the lack of available talent. A truly interesting read would be a study of why draft talent ebbs and flows like it does, but that’s for someone with more time and a bigger brain to dissect.

2009 NBA Mock Draft--Early Entrants

The following projections represent not who the NBA teams will likely pick but, rather, who they should select. It takes into account seniors and those underclassmen and international players that declared for the NBA Draft prior to the April 26 early entrant deadline. Feel free to compare these projections with my January draft prospectus and the pre-April 26 deadline mock drafts prepared by Commodore Finnegan and myself, which took into account all draft-eligible players, regardless of intent to enter the draft.

1 Kings: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
An explosive physical specimen. I can't imagine a scenario in which he doesn't go first.

2 Wizards: Ricky Rubio, International
N/A 6-3 180 PG
If Washington ever wants to contend, they need to find a real point guard. I enjoy Gilbert Arenas' antics as much as the next guy, but I don't think he's going to lead a team deep into the playoffs.

3 Clippers: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
With Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman at the five, the Clippers can afford to pass on Hasheem Thabeet. The scary thing about Hill is that he has room for development on both ends of the floor.

4 Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
I'm not convinced Thabeet is the next Dikembe Mutombo. Still, he's a game-changer on the defensive end and would be an excellent addition to a franchise that is assembling a roster that could be a force in the near future.

5 Timberwolves: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 OG
Minnesota needs a point guard, but they have three first-round picks, so there's no rush. Moreover, Harden would give Kevin McHale the go-to perimeter scorer he so desperately needs.

6 Grizzlies: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Jr 6-0 195 PG
Memphis needs a power forward, but all of the fours that are worthy of a top-6 selection are staying in school. Tyler Hansbrough may be the best option, but a Psycho T/Marc Gasol post tandem is pretty underwhelming in terms of athleticism.

7 Warriors: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 OG
Still trying to figure out whether Evans will be a one or two in the Association. Playing within the nonexistent confines of Nellie's position-less anarchy (shout out to freedarko) would all but negate that dilemma.

8 Knicks: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
Soph 5-11 180 PG
Has proven himself playing for the Australian national team on the international circuit. While he needs to improve his outside shooting, I really like Mills in Mike D'Antoni's system.

9 Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, USC
Fr 6-6 210 OG
The Raptors lack athleticism in the backcourt, and DeRozan has athleticism to spare. Still a project, but his play towards the end of the season got my attention.

10 Bucks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
Teague's ability to get to the basket would complement Michael Redd's long-range game. Think Jason Terry with point guard skills.

11 Nets: James Johnson, Wake Forest
Soph 6-8 235 PF
The Nets need a four man to pair with Brook “The Forbidden Fruit” Lopez. While Johnson may end up playing a lot of three, he has an NBA-ready body to throw around in the post.

12 Bobcats: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
I must admit that I'm a little annoyed by the whole Chapel Hill-to-Charlotte pipeline, but this one just makes sense. Charlotte needs quality post players, and Psychotic Tyler is going to be productive.

13 Pacers: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 OG
Henderson is both a lockdown defender and, at times, an explosive scoring threat. The Pacers need both.

14 Suns: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG
An apprenticeship under Steve Nash is just what the doctor ordered for Curry. I'm not convinced he'll ever be much of a point guard, but, at the very least, he'll provide instant offense off the bench.

15 Pistons: Eric Maynor, VCU
Sr 6-3 180 PG
It's a toss-up between Maynor and Jonny Flynn at the 15 spot. Flynn's fiery, hard-as-nails approach would be a great fit in the Motor City, but Maynor's heady play and sweet stroke give him an ever-so-slight edge.

16 Bulls: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 280 PF
Blair may not have ideal size to play the four, but his 7-3 wingspan should allay any fears that he won't be able to defend at the next level. The wide-bodied Pitt product has his detractors, but he's going to add wins to whatever team selects him.

17 76ers: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Soph 6-0 185 PG
Flynn's an excellent defender and floor general, but his decision-making needs to improve. I like the idea of him learning at the feet of Andre Miller for a couple years before taking over the Sixers' uptempo attack.

18 Timberwolves: Brandon Jennings, International
N/A 6-1 170 PG
I'm not all that high on Jennings, but Minnesota's best option at point guard at the moment is Sebastian Telfair. Needless to say, the Wolves could use Jennings, a springy athlete with playmaking skills.

19 Hawks: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Sr 6-6 220 OG
Young would provide Atlanta with scoring punch off the bench. The Hawks needs a distributor, so they would likely pick up Jonny Flynn or Brandon Jennings if either should fall this far.

20 Jazz: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Soph 6-8 235 PF
With the impending departure of Carlos Boozer, Patterson would be a more than capable backup to Paul Millsap. Taking into consideration the fact that fellow power forwards Ed Davis, Greg Monroe, and Craig Brackins have decided to head back to school, Patterson may not be available this late in the first round.

21 Hornets: Terrence Williams, Louisville
Sr 6-6 220 OG
Imagine all the turnovers a Chris Paul-Terrence Williams backcourt would create. Moreover, New Orleans could use some bounce at the two spot, and T-Will is a top-shelf athlete.

22 Mavericks: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 OG
This may be a little high for the Kentucky junior, but Meeks is the draft's best shooter this side of Stephen Curry. Derrick Brown is also a possibility here.

23 Kings: Toney Douglas, Florida State
Sr 6-2 195 PG
Douglas isn't getting much love from the draft boards, but he's a deadly scorer who can defend. If Sacramento has doubts about Douglas' playmaking abilities, Jrue Holiday is an option.

24 Trailblazers: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Soph 6-10 200 SF
The rail-thin Daye is a few years away from contributing, but the Blazers have a loaded roster and can afford to stash him at the end of their bench for a spell. I also like Jerel McNeal for Portland.

25 Thunder: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 220 OG
Budinger's a great athlete with polished offensive skills. Plus, he's got a great build to play the two at the next level and possesses an excellent shooting touch.

26 Bulls: Earl Clark, Louisville
Jr 6-10 230 OG
Clark is a favorite of draft boards, but I'm not sold on the Louisville junior. He has a decent outside shot, but he needs a great one if he's going to hang around on the perimeter like he thinks he's the next Rashard Lewis.

27: Grizzlies: Derrick Brown, Xavier
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Brown has a great body and a developing game. He has tremendous potential but needs to play with more conviction.

28 Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
Mullens had a disappointing freshman season, but he's a seven-footer with athleticism. Plus, Minnesota has three first-round picks, so it makes sense to take a flyer on Mullens.

29 Lakers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Summers has a mature offensive game and can score in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, he appears disinterested on the defensive end and on the glass.

30 Cavaliers: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Jr 6-7 245 PF
With Lebron being a de facto second power forward when he's in the game, the Cavs' can afford to play the Gody alongside King James. Luke has a developing outside shot, and I think he can play some three at the next level as well.

Donald Sloan May Have Also Received Some Bad Advice

"Sloan would be lucky to make an NBDL team, let alone an NBA team. If he's staying in the draft, I hope he has a passport."

In no way do I intend to direct the negative light away from Eric Devendorf and onto Donald Sloan, but I found this quote from Chad Ford about Donald Sloan's status in the draft somewhat humorous. Ford wrote a piece for ESPN evaluating the prospects who are currently testing the waters, the prospects with "one foot in the [proverbial] door," and prospects who are "50-50." Check it out here. Chad Ford is the Todd McShay of the NBA draft. He has yet to embrace the Big Board.

Most of his evaluations seem pretty accurate, excepting that of Patrick Patterson. Ford describes Patterson as giving so-so defensive effort, but having elite athleticism. I've watched Patterson play for two years and never thought I would hear anyone describe his effort on either end as "so-so." As for his athleticism, Patterson is definitely strong and possesses a great motor, but is nowhere near an elite athlete.

Eric Devendorf May Have Received Some Bad Advice

"I have no idea why he came out. I have no thoughts on Eric Devendorf. He's not someone we even discuss."

Yahoo! Sports spoke with three NBA scouts in an attempt to ascertain whether various underclassmen had made the right choice in deciding to leave school early. A number of players that are "on the fence" are also profiled. The scouts' assessments form the basis of Jason King's article, which provides insider opinions on 29 of the nation's most tantalizing prospects...oh, and Eric Devendorf. Actually, it's more like 28 of the nation's most tantalizing prospects, since Greivis Vasquez has also managed to draw the ire of at least one NBA scout. Needless to say, I highly recommend this fantastic read.

Wising Up

In shocking news, Willie Warren and Greg Monroe have decided to return to Oklahoma and Georgetown, respectively, for their sophomore seasons. Monroe had somewhat of a disappointing year but would still have been selected in the first round. Warren had a tremendous year, claiming the Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors, and would also likely have been taken in the first round.

It's a smart move for both kids, but admittedly somewhat of a surprise. I think both can only improve their stock during sophomore years where each will be the featured player in the offense.

Austin Daye, a 6-10 sophomore from Gonzaga, has entered his name in this year's draft. It's a smart move for Daye who will likely be a potential pick as he projects to play the three in the NBA. Daye has a nice game, but needs to add some strength and develop a more reliable outside shot. Daye's size and skill set project nicely to the NBA, and I can see his stock rising over the next couple of weeks.

In other news, Club Trillion founder has decided to test the NBA waters after his junior season. He has decided not to hire an agent, thus keeping open the option of returning for his senior year. Though he boasted insane per minute stats over the past season, I expect The Shark to return for his senior year. He will have the opportunity to "dot" several more people before leaving school next year.

2009 NBA Mock Draft--Everybody in the Pool (Cmd. Finnegan Version)

The following projections represent not who the NBA teams will likely pick but, rather, who they should select. This exercise assumes all players are eligible to be drated, regardless of intent to enter the draft (thus, the title Everybody in the Pool). This is my opinion, but feel free to compare these projections with Admiral Jameson Sax's previous post.

1 Kings: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
As Sax said: a no-brainer in the top spot. He is likely the most talented, yet physically imposing player in a draft since Lebron. Acknowledging all the hype surrounding Griffin after his freshman year, I still came away thoroughly impressed from his sophomore campaign. I have a feeling NBA scouts feel the same.

2 Clippers: Ricky Rubio, Spain
N/A 6-3 180 PG
If it weren't for the Knicks, the Clippers managemenet and coaching failures would receive much more attention. They have some athletic, developing wings in Gordon and Thornton, but little else. Might as well take a chance on Rubio developing into a better scoring Steve Nash and hope to surround him with some more athletes.

3 Wizards: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
Thabeet spent his junior year proving many of his doubters wrong. He has shown he can compete at an extremely high level. His inability to consistently knock down an outside jumper will hamper his offensive abilities in the NBA, but he should be a defensive stalwart his first game on. He immediately improves the Wizards defensively and with the return of Gilbert Arenas to a core of Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, the Wizards don't need any more offensive firepower.

4 Thunder: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 SG
A guy who can score in a variety of ways but also set up Kevin Durant. He's also a good rebounder at the guard position and should free Kevin Durant up to get out in transition.

5 Grizzlies: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
Can't believe I went this high for Hansbrough, but seems like a perfect fit for a young Memphis Grizzlies team. They probably can't justify taking Hansbrough this high, but it negates any drawbacks from the Love for Mayo trade last year. Gives the Grizzlies a different look defensively than Darrel Arthur or Hakim Warrick

6 Timberwolves: Eric Maynor, VCU
Sr 6-3 180 PG
Reminds me a lot of Russell Westbrook. He excels in pressure situations and would defer to Jefferson and Love. I think he is the second best point guard prospect in the draft.

7 Warriors: Brandon Jennings, N/A
N/A 6-1 170 PG
An all-world talent at point guard. Top-ranked point guard in the 08 high school class. He is a west-coast kid who would thrive in Nelly's up-tempo offense.

8 Knicks: Greg Monroe, Georgetown
Fr 6-10 234 PF
Would provide the Knicks with some different lineup possibilities and a high potential player. Monroe often looked lost in Georgetown's Princeton offense, but showcased his passing ability out of the post. He gives the Knicks some lenth and athleticism on their front line.

9 Raptors: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
Largely a value pick at number nine, but makes any team much more athletic. He could play alongside Bosh and Marion nicely.

10 Bucks: Craig Brackins, Iowa State
Soph 6-10 230 PF
Needs to add some weight but could give the Bucks some frontline scoring help. Villanueva is about it at this point. Would also limit Dan Gadzuric's minutes as a backup which is always a good thing.

11 Nets: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 SG
Henderson gives the Nets another athletic wing who can get to the rim and finish in transition. He would be a nice pice with Harris and Lopez if Carter is shopped in the off-season.

12 Bobcats: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 PG, SG
Evans ability to play the point is of less concern to a team like the Bobcats with guys like Felton and Augustin. However, Evans gives the Bobcats another athletic ball handler who can defend bigger guards.

13 Pacers: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG, SG
Curry's ability to play the point guard at the next level is critical. However, I feel like he could easily shift to the two guard for stretches and knock down open jumpers off Granger double-teams. He was a tremendous passer on a down Davidson squad. He isn't a high tempo type guard, but the Pacers aren't exactly a high tempo team either.

14 Suns Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Soph 6-0 185 PG
Flynn gives the Suns a fast paced transition scorer who is also able to knock down the open three. He would allow Barbosa to stay at the two guard.

15 Pistons, DeMar DeRozan, USC
Fr. 6-6 210 SG
A burst of athleticism for a seemingly aging Pistons backcourt minus Stuckey. Afflalo is a nice young player, but doesn't give them the dynamic that DeRozan would.

16 76ers: Ty Lawson, UNC
Jr 6-0 195 PG
Really showed his ability to take over games towards the end of this season. I don't think UNC wins the tournament without him. Improved outside shot, but has unbeleivable strength to finish in the lane after contact. He could be a great asset to guys like Dalembert, Young, and Iguodala in transition.

17 Bulls: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Sr 6-6 220 SG
Young has the outside shot to make defenders respect him. He has tremendous athleticism, maybe in the top 3 of this draft with Griffin and DeRozan. He could also play at the three allowing the Bulls to play Rose, Gordon, Young, Thomas, and Noah. Very young, but a lot of promise.

18 Timberwolves: Terrence Williams, Louisville
Sr 6-6 220 SG
Another option on the wing for the Timberwolves, but a guy who can create his own shot, but has the passing ability to drop it off for Love or Jefferson when slicing to the rim. He'll also play defense.

19 Hawks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
An ultra-athletic floor general who takes over behind Bibby. He has the body to play some off guard as well, and could relieve Joe Johnson in some instances.

20 Jazz: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Soph 6-8 235 PF
It does just make too much sense. Willing to do anything asked of him on the court and will obey Sloan's road trip curfew rules

21 Mavericks: Patty Mills, St. Mary's
Soph, 5-11 180
Another option at point guard and one that can still get into the lane to open up the many shooters on this team.

22 Hornets: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 SG
A spot up two guard to knock down open shots from Paul's penetration. A clutch performer and free-throw shooter who knows how to draw a foul at the rim. Tremendous upper body strength.

23 Thunder: Wayne Ellington, North Carolina
Jr 6-5 195 SG
Mid-range shooter who developed into a much more controlled player as a junior. Good but not great athleticism.

24 Trailblazers: Cole Aldrich, Kansas
Soph 6-10 250 PF
Steering clear of any more Ohio St. 7-footers, the Blazers have to be seeking another big man. Aldrich is a polished scorer, rebounder, and defensive player. He's a big boy who, a la Rudy Fernandez, enjoys telling people he will put points on faces. See Kansas State cell phone debacle.

25 Kings: DaJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 285 PF
Terribly undersized but could be a difficult matchup for a lot of NBA players. He is wide and a tremendous rebounder. He executes a pick and roll extremely well.

26 Bulls: James Johnson, Wake Forest
Soph 6-8 2335 PF
Athletic body to lurk in the post for a while. Questions about his defensive skill set are there, but this is a potential pick, and Johnson has as much as almost anyone in this draft class.

27 Grizzlies: Earl Clark, Louisville
Jr 6-10 230 SF
Another potential pick for a team waiting on potential to develop. He needs to get away from the three point shot and develop a nice 15 foot jumper for defenders to respect. His best years may be what Beasley produced as a slow-to-adjust rookie.

28 Timberwolves: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 218 SF
Can knock down a mid-range jumper off of a curl screen but has otherwise shown a very slow to develop skill set. He is crafty around the rim, but seems to lack any sort of specialized skill set that shows he can stick around this league. If he becomes a deadlier three-point shooter, he would be a really dangerous player.

29 Lakers: Damion James, Texas
Jr 6-7 225 SF
If a top level point guard is still available at this point I see the Lakers going in that direction, but believing most of it to be off the board at this point, the Lakers simply need to make a pick on potential. James was considered a top five pick in drafts past but inconsistent play and a lack of focus showed themselves during this three years at Texas. He is a great rebounder from the three spot, but must become a more polished player to see any real clock in the NBA.

30 Cleveland: BJ Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
A top ranked player out of high school, but like most big men rarely put in the effort needed to take over a game. Lacks leadership and nerve in pressure situations (see two missed free throws) but stays in state to provide a big body in Cleveland's post.

2009 NBA Mock Draft--Everybody in the Pool

The following projections represent not who the NBA teams will likely pick but, rather, who they should select. This exercise assumes all players are eligible to be drafted, regardless of intent to enter the draft (thus, the title Everybody in the Pool). Feel free to compare these projections with my January draft prospectus.

1 Kings: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
Explosive physical specimen is a no-brainer in the top spot.

2 Clippers: Ricky Rubio, International
N/A 6-3 180 PG
The Baron Davis experiment has been a failure, so it's time to bring in the Spanish Pistol Pete.

3 Wizards: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Arizona junior is the fact that he is both a physical presence in the paint and a gazelle in the open floor.

4 Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
May get pushed around at the next level, but it's hard to ignore a coordinated seven-footer with preternatural shot-blocking instincts.

5 Grizzlies: Ed Davis, North Carolina
Fr 6-9 225 PF
I like Davis more than previous UNC freshman sensations Marvin Williams and Brandan Wright.

6 Timberwolves: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Jr 6-0 195 PG
There was a point in time at which I thought Lawson might not be anything more than a change-of-pace point guard, but his stunning assist-to-turnover ratio tells me he could be special.

7 Warriors: Greg Monroe, Georgetown
Fr 6-10 230 PF
The talented but sometimes soft Monroe was one of my favorites at the season's mid-point, but he sort of fell off towards the end of the year.

8 Knicks: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 PG
While it's not clear if he's going to play the point or the two, Evans is one of the few players in this draft class that can take over a game.

9 Raptors: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 OG
Probably too low for this strong two-guard with an expansive offensive repertoire.

10 Bucks: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
Soph 5-11 180 PG
Reminds me of Tony Parker in his ability to dictate pace, get into the lane, and find open teammates in traffic.

11 Nets: Craig Brackins, Iowa State
Soph 6-10 230 PF
Brackins flew under the radar in Ames (despite dropping 42 on Kansas), but the Cyclones' power forward has a great deal of upside and already has a pretty nice range of post and face-up moves.

12 Bobcats: DeMar DeRozan, USC
Fr 6-6 210 OG
Super-athletic frosh started to show signs of his vast potential at the end of the season.

13 Pacers: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
The fiery Teague, an Indianapolis native, has a scorer's mentality but can also play the role of floor general.

14 Suns: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
Psycho T's new-found ability to knock down the open jumper is going to serve him well on the next level.

15 Pistons: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Soph 6-0 185 PG
With Iverson on his way out, the gritty Flynn would be a nice fit on a veteran Pistons roster.

16 76ers: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG
I'm still not sure Curry makes the transition to the pro game, but, if he can play the point, he could have a nice career.

17 Bulls: Cole Aldrich, Kansas
Soph 6-10 250 PF
Aldrich would be a nice fit on a Bulls frontline that lacks maturity and toughness.

18 Timberwolves: James Johnson, Wake Forest
Soph 6-8 235 PF
Johnson is not as post-oriented as Chris Webber or as perimeter-oriented as Billy Owens, but that unique skill-set is definitely there.

19 Hawks: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 OG
There's a hint of Kobe in Henderson's game, but he also has a tendency to play more like fellow Dukie Dahntay Jones.

20 Jazz: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Soph 6-8 235 PF
Patterson's workman-like approach to the game would be a perfect fit in Jerry Sloan's no frills system.

21 Mavericks: Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
Fr 6-8 210 SF
Used to remind me of Lamar Odom and now reminds me of a more perimeter-oriented Boris Diaw.

22 Hornets: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 280 PF
I don't like him quite as much as Big Baby Davis (who I loved), but I like him more than Tractor Traylor.

23 Thunder: Terrence Williams, Louisville
Sr 6-6 220 OG
T-Will is going to have to improve his ball-handling skills, but the selfless stat-stuffer would be a nice running mate for Kevin Durant, the NBA's star of the future.

24 Trailblazers: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 OG
The Kentucky junior needs to work on his ball-handling and passing, but his shooting ability is simply off the charts.

25 Kings: Devin Ebanks, West Virginia
Fr 6-8 205 SF
Could end up being a Gerald Wallace-type player with a more sophisticated offensive game.

26 Bulls: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Sr 6-6 220 OG
The Pitt senior has a great stroke from the outside, and he has a mature body that's going to allow him to get to the rim at the next level.

27 Grizzlies: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 220 OG
Has the skills to go much higher, but to say he doesn't have a great motor is putting it mildly.

28 Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
Mullens has the tools to contribute eventually, so he's not a bad pick at twenty-eight for a team with three first-round picks.

29 Lakers: Earl Clark, Louisville
Jr 6-10 230 SF
Clark has a diverse skill-set and ideal athleticism, but he lacks focus and turns the ball over far too often.

30 Cavaliers: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Jr 6-7 245 PF
Gody is the Rodney Dangerfield of mock drafts.

A Wednesday Between Night Class Post

A Draft Analysis

This analysis compares UNC Power Forward Tyler Hansbrough and Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair. Most project Blair to be off the board by the end of the lottery and Hansbrough as a late first round to mid second round choice. Who's the better prospect? I'm not sold on Blair's draft status as being much higher than Hansbrough.
College Success. Despite Hansbrough's incredible accomplishments in college, many feel his skill set won't translate well to the NBA game. Adm. Sax is not one of those many. It is hard to find a more decorated college player than Tyler Hansbrough. Blair was a first-team All-American by most accounts of people who matter. However, Blair had relatively no tournament success. The edge is obviously to Hansbrough, but luckily for Blair this category means very little to predicting NBA success. Advantage: HANSBROUGH
Size. This is all the rave, because as many people tell me on the television: You can't teach it. Blair lists as 6-7 at 265 pounds, and I'd suspect that is about spot on. Hansbrough is 6-9 at 250 pounds, which also seems accurate. It's hard to give an advantage to either, because they are both vertically undersized to guard most big men in the NBA. It's likely they will make up for the lack of height in strength, and Blair would get the nod. Ultimately, I see Blair being able to add a lot more muscle than Hansbrough at this point. He's two years younger and his body still looks a little doughy - I suspect he could possibly get much stronger. If not, this is really a draw. BLAIR (slightly)

Athleticism. This has been the one true knock on Hansbrough's game since he joined the draft discussion each post-season since his freshman year. Frankly, I don't see a clear disadvantage for Hansbrough athletically on the defensive side of the ball. He's not a big that's going to be able to switch off on guards or even threes, but I don't think he's going to get pushed around in the post either. Blair isn't what you would refer to as a superior athlete either. His game is much like Hansbroughs in that it relies on pick and rolls and one handed finishes over smaller opponents. Utlimately, I think both of their offensive games will suffer in the NBA because of their athleticism. They will have trouble scoring. DRAW

Jump Shot. Hansbrough's jumpshot has developed nicely since his freshman year. Originally, he was able to knock down baseline 12 footers, but he has really extended his game this year. He can knock down an open three, and although most prefer he wouldnt' take them, it's still an indicator of his shot. Blair's shot is still coming along. HANSBROUGH

Defense. Neither Blair nor Hansbrough alter many shots throughout the game. Blair averages over a block a game, however. Both play good help defense, but Blair has the tendency to get in foul trouble. DRAW
Rebounding. Blair pulled down over 12 boards a game this year. Hansbrough pulled down 8, with his best year (as a Junior) pulling down ten a game. Most of Hansbrough's work is done on the offensive glass, which I think he could be really effective at in the NBA. However, Blair's width and strength are going to dominate on the defensive glass. BLAIR

Free-Throw Shooting. Hansbrough gets to the line almost as much as anyone in college basketball history, and he makes over 75 percent of his attempts there. It's a knock on his offensive production in some minds, but it's nice to know he's smart enough to draw a foul and talented enough to knock the shot down. HANSBROUGH
Potential. Arguably, Hansbrough has peaked as a basketball player. His numbers declined this year, although a lot of that has to do with the emergence of Ed Davis, Deon Thompson, and the short-lived season of Tyler Zeller. Blair is the younger, and in a best case could become a poor man's Elton Brand in the NBA. Hansbrough is already a Udonis Haslem. He would excel on a team where he is not the first or second option, and can focus on crashing the offensive boards and knocking down open jumpers off a pick and roll. It's hard to imagine Hansbrough not being a success in the NBA. But, I think Blair conceivably has the higher upside. BLAIR
This is an extremely rough sketch of what could play into one's head when addressing a big man need for the next several years. I don't think either are starters for the majority of the league, but would receive significant minutes on almost every team. Blair has more upside, but a team knows exactly what they are getting with Hansbrough. The direction to go in depends on the team, but I don't think that means lottery has to draft on potential. Hansbrough is good enough to go in the lottery. The point of this was to try and see if there really was much difference between the two players. Honestly, I don't see much of one. Blair really only has the upperhand in potential and rebounding. Hansbrough is a better shooter, better from the line, and lets a team know exactly how they will improve with him on the team.

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The UK Revolving Door

With the arrival of the Knight in Shining Hair Gel, the University of Kentucky roster for next year has become almost a complete unknown. Graduation destroyed the roster with the departure of Jared Carter. Michael Porter graduated, and though had another year of eligibility, chose to spend time with his family, rather than play for UK next year. Jodie Meeks has entered his name in the draft, with the possibility of returning for his senior year. Patrick Patterson is suspected to do the same. GJ Vilarino was released from his letter of intent, and it is suspected Daniel Orton may do the same. Demarcus Cousins verbally committed last night, and Xavier Henry, John Wall, Nolan Dennis, and Eric Bledsoe are all still considered Kentucky for next year.

Here is a worst-case scenario rotation:

Point Guard: Liggins and Galloway
Off Guards: Miller, Hood, and Razor
Big Men: Cousins, Stevenson, Pilgrim
Here is a best-case scenario rotation:

Point Guard: Wall and Dennis (Liggins/Galloway)
Off Guards: Meeks, Henry, Miller, Hood,
Big Men: Patterson, Cousins, Orton, Pilgrim

Here is an unusual, but possible roster:
Point Guard: Liggins and Bledsoe
Off Guards: Henry, Nolan Dennis, Miller, and Hood
Big Men: Patterson, Cousins, Orton

That is a young team with only two players receiving significant minutes from last year's team.

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Picture of the Week

"Stunting is a habit"

Boo Radley Loves Greg Monroe's Upside, Hates Sunlight

I'm usually not a fan of Seth Davis' writing. But his latest contribution to SI includes a fascinating compilation of multiple scouts' assessments of this year's crop of NBA prospects. Due to the apparently clandestine nature of the scouting profession, Davis uses the pseudonym "Finch," as in Scout Finch, to refer to his undisclosed sources. While I don't agree with all of the evaluations, the article should make for good conversation at the very least.

2009 NBA Draft Prospectus

The following projections represent not who the NBA teams will likely pick but, rather, who they should select. Draft order is based on NBA records as of Jan 16. This exercise assumes all players are eligible to be drafted, regardless of intent to enter the draft.

1 Thunder: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
The Oklahoma City native is a perfect fit for the newly-minted Thunder. An explosive, crowd-pleasing big man who is a beast on the glass and plays physical defense, Griffin has an NBA body and possesses elite athleticism. His post presence would open things up for superstar-in-the-making Kevin Durant.

2 Wizards: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 OG
Harden possesses an extremely mature offensive repertoire. Reminds me of a more powerful but not as smooth Brandon Roy. Plays longer than his height suggests. Would be an excellent fit with the Wizards regardless of what they do with Gilbert Arenas.

3 Clippers: Ricky Rubio, International
N/A 6-3 180 PG
Chris Paul sings his praises, and that's just about good enough for me. Has excelled playing against more mature European players for years. Would give the Clippers a marquee attraction and help the fanbase move past the heartbreak of Shaun Livingston's unfulfilled potential. Plus, a backcourt of Rubio and Gordon looks quite nice moving forward. The Baron Davis experiment has been a failure thus far, and, while B-Diddy may find success elsewhere, there's no point in delaying the parties' inevitable separation.

4 Kings: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
An absolute competitor. Equally adept at driving to the hoop and scoring from long-range. Reminds me of Gilbert Arenas and not just because he wears number zero in Agent Zero's honor. Beno Udrih's not going to cut it as a starting point guard in the Association, and Teague's the type of player that raises the level of play of those around him.

5 Warriors: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
Surprised? While his vertical might be lacking, Pyscho T runs the floor well, is extremely strong, and has better lateral quickness than he gets credit for. Plus, if you haven't noticed, he has quite the motor. The all-time leading scorer in Tar Heels history may not be an All-Star caliber talent, but he's going to be effective. As Nellie-ball is more often than not small ball, Hansbrough would be an interesting fit in the Golden State system.

6 Grizzlies: Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
Fr 6-8 210 SF
Long-armed and uber-talented, Aminu also has an extremely high basketball I.Q. and a natural feel for the game. There's some Lamar Odom to Aminu's game.

7 Timberwolves: Greg Monroe, Georgetown
Fr 6-10 230 PF
Like Aminu, there is a preternatural ease to Monroe's game. And while Monroe isn't as athletic as Aminu, he's bigger and even more cerebral. One would be hard-pressed to find a post player more adept at handling the rock and finding the open man. Would provide Minnesota with a nice alternative to their present behemoths of the post, Al Jefferson and Kevin Love.

8 Pacers: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
Hill's game is still developing, but scout's can't deny his potential. A long athlete, who's not afraid to bang, Hill is a rotation post player at worst.

9 Bobcats: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
Should be higher but has a tendency to dominate against the weak and disappear against the talented. Still, his shot-blocking abilities warrant a Top 10 pick. At times, Thabeet looks very quick to the hoop but has yet to exhibit any semblance of consistency on the offensive end of the floor. With Thabeet and Okafor patrolling the paint, the lane would be a perilous place to venture for Charlotte opponents.

10 Raptors: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 OG
Yes, Evans has shot selection issues, and he can come across as a gunner. Still, despite his detractors, it is difficult to deny his ability to impose his will on the game. A top-shelf athlete who is quick with the ball in his hands, Evans would add much needed athleticism to a Raptors club full of shooters.

11 Knicks: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 220 SF
After the Gallinari disaster, New York fans may not be thrilled with the selection of another white small forward -- particularly one who doesn't play defense and doesn't seem to be able to will his team to victory. But Budinger can score buckets in bunches (in a variety of ways), and it's this talent that will allow him to thrive in D'Antoni's Seven Seconds or Less system.

12 Bulls: Damion James, Texas
Jr 6-7 225 SF
The rugged small forward would be a nice fit on any team. Solid but not spectacular in every facet of the game. There are much flashier players but not many that are as effective or as versatile.

13 Bucks: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Soph 6-8 235 PF
Speaking of rugged, Patterson is that rare post player who is gifted athletically (though 2PAT is not a top-tier athlete) and yet has a blue-collar approach to the game. Patterson in Milwaukee just makes sense. At worst, a rotation post-player but potentially an excellent fit on a small-forward heavy and soft Bucks team.

14 Mavericks: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
Jr 6-8 225 SF
An adequate defender and rebounder, Summers really excels on the offensive end of the floor as a versatile scorer. Coming out of the Hoyas' Princeton offense, it's difficult to predict what Summers' ultimate output will be. Still, the guy's a winner, and his presence would allow Dallas to move Josh Howard.

15 76ers: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG
Not entirely sure Curry is a sure-thing at the next level, but the kid keeps proving his detractors wrong. Quick release and extreme range will minimize the ability of defenders to take advantage of his small stature. Would be a nice fit with a Sixers team in need of outside shooting.

16 Nets: Derrick Brown, Xavier
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Extremely athletic and talented small forward with room for growth. Yet another in a long line of underrated Xavier forwards (Tyrone Hill, Aaron Williams, Brian Grant, James Posey, David West). The only knock on Brown is a question concerning his focus.

17 Timberwolves: Patrick Mills, St. Mary's
Soph 5-11 180 PG
If you haven't seen Mills play, you're missing out. Shades of Tony Parker. Waterbug quick and great at scoring in the paint despite his lack of size. Has proven himself on the international level playing for the Australian national team so it's not as if Mills has just been beating up on WCC foes.

18 Jazz: Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech
Soph 6-9 235 PF
Long and active big man cleans the glass and has a developing post game. With the impending departure of Carlos Boozer, Lawal would be a nice fit as Paul Milsap's backup.

19 Pistons: Willie Warren, Oklahoma
Fr 6-4 210 PG
A physically imposing guard, Warren already has a polished game. Still, if Warren learns to use his body in a Deron Williams-type fashion, the sky is the limit. Joe Dumars likes big combo guards who know how to win, and Warren fits the bill.

20 Kings: Dionte Christmas, Temple
Sr 6-5 190 OG
Christmas reminds of a less athletic, less versatile Paul Pierce. However, he's a better shooter at this point in his career than Pierce was. Like Pierce, Christmas has mastered the jab step, the most underrated tool in the scorer's bag of tricks. The Kings could use a true power forward here, but there aren't any available that warrant this high a pick.

21 Hawks: Lester Hudson, Tennessee-Martin
Sr 6-2 190 PG
The 24-year old point guard knows how to fill up a stat sheet (only member of the D-I quadruple double club, although the feat occurred against a non-D-I opponent). An excellent rebounder and defender, Hudson needs to work on his decision-making. That being said, he's a scorer and plays longer than his measurements suggest. The Hawks need a true point guard (since Mike Bibby stopped playing the point during about his fourth NBA season), and Hudson would be a nice pickup.

22 Suns: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 OG
A pure scorer, Meeks has incredible range and a natural stroke. While he's a little short-limbed for a two guard at the next level and lacks the lateral quickness needed to be a superior defender, Meeks has more athleticism than your average pure shooter, has a NBA-ready build, and is fast with the ball in his hands. Would probably be even more effective in D'Antoni's frenetic system as a sort of Quentin Richardson-type three-point specialist but would also provide a boost to Terry Porter's sometimes stagnant halfcourt set.

23 Trailblazers: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Jr 6-0 195 PG
Will be interesting to see how Lawson adjusts outside of the Tar Heels secondary break pace. However, Lawson is used to facilitating a talented cast on the offensive end. He's virtually impossible to turn over and rarely makes poor decisions. An improved outside shot and excellent speed/quickness means he will be effective on the offensive end. Real question is his ability to guard larger guards (witness Jeff Teague's manhandling of Lawson this season).

24 Hornets: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 OG
Top-level athlete that hasn't really clicked in the Duke system. That being said, he's had a really nice collegiate career, plays excellent defense, rebounds well, and is a solid passer. The NBA game will allow him to take advantage of his athleticism in one-on-one situations. Hornets have lacked athleticism at the two since the dawn of time, so Henderson is a nice fit. May never be anything more than a rotation player, but I think Henderson has upside.

25 Thunder: Tyler Smith, Tennessee
Jr 6-7 220 SF
See entry for Damion James.

26 Thunder: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
Years away from being able to contribute in the Association (which means that historically he's exactly what the Supersonics/Thunder is/are looking for). Possibly even another year or two away from being a solid college player. Still, it's hard to ignore a 7-footer with athleticism and coordination. If the Thunder take Blake Griffin with the first pick and Tyler Smith at 25, they can reach with Mullens here.

27 Timberwolves: Jrue Holiday, UCLA
Fr 6-3 205 PG
Holiday should stay in school for another year, but, if he comes out, he'd be a nice pickup at this point in the draft. Has a nice feel to his game and plays longer than his measurements. Appears to have potential to be a lockdown defender. Just a matter of time before Holiday is able to contribute at the next level.

28 Magic: Brandon Jennings, International
N/A 6-1 170 PG
Jennings doesn't appear to have exactly wowed the European scene. However, the bouncy Jennings has excellent playmaking skills and is committed to being a pass-first point guard. The Magic have lingering doubts as to whether Jameer Nelson is the long-term answer at the point, so they'd love to see Jennings this late in the draft.

29 Cavaliers: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Jr 6-7 245 PF
Like Hansbrough, Harangody gets no respect from scouts. While he may not be a star at the next level, Harangody has great skills, plays hard, and has underrated athleticism. Lacking an impressive vertical, Harangody is a bowling ball in the paint and possesses a decent long-range game. Would be a nice fit with a Cavs team that always has a second power forward on the floor in Lebron James. Possible that Harangody will end up playing some three in the Association.

30 Lakers: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 280 PF
A monster on the boards with a developing face-up game. One of those guys who is going to add wins to your team. Barkley-like without the bounce. Much like Jason Maxiell, his wingspan means he plays longer than 6-6.