http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-090610

Mock Draft: Version 4.0
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

The info about the 2009 NBA draft keeps pouring in. The 2009 Reebok Eurocamp, first-ever NBA draft combine and two major group workouts have finished. We now have official measurements, combine results, medical reports and interview results for virtually every prospect in the league.

The process is far from over, however. During the next week, underclassmen still sitting on the fence will have some major decisions to make. And many team workouts remain that will dramatically alter the face of the draft.

But for now, here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, about how the draft might play out June 25.

L.A. Clippers

Blake Griffin
Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 248 pounds
Age: 20
School: Oklahoma

Analysis: The Clippers brought in Blake Griffin for a public workout and continue to be on the path to select him with the No. 1 pick. Sources around the league say that trade talks with the Clippers are virtually nonexistent when it comes to Griffin. In other words, Griffin will be a Clipper. Meanwhile, the Clippers are focusing on finding a new home for Chris Kaman or Zach Randolph.

Memphis

Hasheem Thabeet
Position: C
Height: 7-3
Weight: 267
Age: 22
School: Connecticut

Analysis: The Grizzlies continue to be a bit of an enigma right now. They are talking to a number of teams about a potential trade, and teams including the Kings, Wizards, Knicks, Rockets and Celtics have shown interest. The Grizzlies continue to publicly pursue Ricky Rubio as well, though a well-placed source in Rubio's camp said it's likely (though not definite) that it will skip Memphis when Rubio goes on a three-city U.S. tour next week.

There also have been rumblings that Tyreke Evans is in the mix in Memphis. But when the dust clears, it looks as though the most likely scenario has Thabeet in Memphis on draft night if the Grizzlies keep the pick.


Oklahoma City

Ricky Rubio
Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Country: Spain

Analysis: The Thunder have been their typical quiet selves. GM Sam Presti has told a number of agents that he is interested in their players, but it has been difficult to ascertain the direction toward which they are leaning.

We continue to hear that the Thunder have expressed interest in Rubio, Thabeet, James Harden, Jordan Hill and Stephen Curry.

Rubio likely will make a visit to OKC sometime before the draft, but major questions exist about how he would fit there. The team sees Russell Westbrook as its point guard of the future and isn't sure how he would fare without the ball in his hands. Maybe more importantly, Presti is an opportunist. If he can get a couple of good assets in return for the No. 3 pick, he won't be afraid to pull the trigger.

But if he doesn't, and if Rubio is off the board, the team will have to make a tough decision. Thabeet would give the Thunder the shot-blocking they desperately need. Harden would give them the savvy of a veteran. Curry would give them shooting. Hill would give them rebounding and energy. Oklahoma City could use all those things, but our guess is that it will settle on Harden.


Sacramento

Tyreke Evans
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Age: 19
School: Memphis

Analysis: Another week, another player for the Kings. I think, ideally, the Kings will figure out a way to move up in the draft. They've had some preliminary discussions with the Grizzlies, but the price is high. Moving up two spots would cost them the No. 4 pick and last year's lottery pick, Jason Thompson. That's a high price for Rubio. Probably too high.

If they don't trade up and if Rubio doesn't fall to them, they will be in a tough position. The team needs a point guard, preferably a big one, and two players stand out. Jrue Holiday's combination of size and defensive ability are intriguing. However, his lack of production at UCLA is a big concern. Evans was much more productive at Memphis and has terrific upside as a scoring point. The other possibilities here include Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn and Curry.


Washington

James Harden
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 222
Age: 19
School: Arizona State
Analysis: As we've been reporting since draft lottery night, the Wizards continue to shop the pick. A source in Washington told me that they've had a number of interesting offers. Their goal is to get back a veteran who can play right now and to shed a few million dollars off their cap if possible.

A number of teams including the Knicks, Mavericks, Rockets and Pacers are all possibilities here. If they keep the pick, they'll have a tough choice between Harden and Hill. From the intel I've received, it sounds as though Harden may be slightly ahead.

Mock Draft: Version 4.0, Picks 6-30
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

Minnesota

Stephen Curry
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 181
Age: 21
School: Davidson

Analysis: The Wolves really need help at center and point guard. There aren't any centers left worth taking. They've been looking at Evans here, but in this mock draft, he's already off the board. Curry becomes an interesting prospect if Evans is gone.

He can play both positions on the floor and combined with Randy Foye could give the Wolves a pretty formidable backcourt. Curry's maturity, his dead-eye shooting and his name recognition all make this a pretty smart pick for the Wolves.

Golden State

Jrue Holiday
Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 199
Age: 18
School: UCLA
Analysis: The Warriors don't have a traditional point guard and while Don Nelson would prefer a veteran I think it will be hard for them to pass on Jrue Holiday if he's still on the board. Holiday isn't nearly as polished as Flynn, but he gives them some much-needed size and defense in the backcourt next to Monta Ellis. I also expect that the Warriors will take a long look at Brandon Jennings here. But his lack of size hurts him a bit.

And while were at it, I'm hearing significant buzz that Louisville's Terrence Williams is also high on the board at Golden State. Seven seems too high, but don't be surprised if the Warriors are willing to do a swap to get him.

New York

Jonny Flynn
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 196
Age: 20
School: Syracuse

Analysis: The Knicks will be disappointed if Curry is off the board, but they still have a chance to really help their backcourt. The question is whether they go for experience or upside. Flynn has the ability to come in and play right away in New York. Jennings has more long-term upside. I think Jennings playing a year in Italy will make him intriguing to Mike D'Antoni, but Flynn is more of a pure point guard right now and that's what the Knicks need.

And while we're on the subject, don't count out one sleeper here -- Ohio State's B.J. Mullens. His combination of size and athleticism is intriguing. He's far from ready, but the Knicks need a big man and they are intrigued.

Toronto

DeMar DeRozan
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 211
Age: 19
School: USC
Analysis: The Raptors have some needs on the wing since Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion are hitting free agency. On talent alone, DeMar DeRozan is one of the most gifted players in the draft. His strong play at the end of the season combined with a confident performance at the combine could push him higher.

But if he's here, sources say the Raptors won't pass. If DeRozan is gone, they'll decide between Duke's Gerald Henderson and Holiday.

Milwaukee

Jordan Hill
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 232
Age: 21
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Bucks will jump for joy if this scenario happens. Hill is a top-five talent, but if the Wizards pass, he may slip here. None of the other teams are really after a power forward. Hill would be a godsend for the Bucks.

They face losing both of their free agents -- Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions -- this summer due to financial constraints. That loss could leave them wide open at both the point and the 4.

If Hill is gone, they'll try to find the best player among Flynn, Holiday, Jennings, Jeff Teague and Earl Clark.

New Jersey

Tyler Hansbrough
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 234
Age: 23
School: North Carolina
Analysis: Rod Thorn has said he needs a moose, but it won't be easy to find one here. The Nets have needs at both forward positions but the three best candidates, DeJuan Blair, Earl Clark and James Johnson, all have issues. Blair's medical reports have created major red flags about his knees. Johnson is carrying around some baggage from Wake Forest. And Clark isn't the physical player they're really looking for.

That has caused two new players to emerge on their list -- Tyler Hansbrough and Terrence Williams. Williams has his own set of issues that teams are sorting through which gives Hansbrough a legit shot at going this high. He isn't going to be a dominant player in the league, but he's been productive, is as tough as nails and has measured better, in size and athletically, than people predicted.

Charlotte

Gerald Henderson
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215
Age: 21
School: Duke

Analysis: Since shipping Jason Richardson to Phoenix in December, the Bobcats have some needs in the backcourt. Raja Bell can't hold down the fort forever.

While they hope a player like DeRozan or Evans falls here, they can settle for Henderson. Henderson isn't the best offensive 2-guard in the draft, but he's NBA-ready and can play lockdown defense.

Indiana

Austin Daye
Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Gonzaga

Analysis: The Pacers' biggest need is an athletic big man who can score and block shots. Unfortunately, there aren't any of those guys in the draft this year. They are also looking for a starting point guard. But if the draft plays out like this, the Pacers would have to reach.

The good news is that Daye could be a great fit, especially if they start playing Danny Granger more at the 4. Daye's shooting ability and upside remind some of, dare we say, Jonathan Bender.

They'll also give a long look to Jennings and Jeff Teague here.

Phoenix

Brandon Jennings
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 165
Age: 19
Country: Italy
Analysis: The Suns could go in a lot of directions depending on where GM Steve Kerr decides to take the team. There's been a lot of talk about Earl Clark here and I think he makes a lot of sense. But they may have a hard time passing on Jennings if he's still on the board.

Eventually, Steve Nash is going to slow down, and Jennings has the talent to be a big-time point guard down the road. With a year or two of tutoring from Nash, he could be a special player.

Detroit

Earl Clark
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
School: Louisville
Analysis: The Pistons will begin their summer makeover in the draft. They'd love to add a dominant low-post scorer, but there just isn't anyone available there. They'll have a tough decision between two upside guys. Clark could be the second coming of Lamar Odom if he's willing to put in the work.

The versatile forward can play both the 3 and the 4, is amazing in transition, is an excellent rebounder and an emerging shooter. And he has the capability (albeit not always the inclination) to play great defense.

James Johnson is smaller but tougher. He is also inconsistent but has major upside. Both guys have questions about their background.

I think Clark gets the edge based on size. He's big enough to be a full-time 4 in the NBA.

Chicago

DeJuan Blair
Position: PF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 277
Age: 20
School: Pittsburgh
Analysis: There's been talk that the Bulls may take a look at Hansbrough. He definitely is a John Paxson-type of player. However, we now have him off the board. The Bulls will have a tough choice here between Blair, James Johnson and B.J. Mullens.

Johnson is a talent who could give the Bulls an offensive lift at the 4. Mullens has the most long-term upside at a position where the Bulls need help. But Blair, even with his long-term knee issues, looks like the right fit in Chicago. He's physical, a beast on the boards and gives the Bulls some much-needed toughness on the frontline.

Philadelphia

Eric Maynor
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 164
Age: 21
School: VCU

Analysis: With Andre Miller hitting free agency this summer, look for the Sixers to address the point guard position. Lou Williams is nice but not really a lead guard.

Maynor would give Philly the total package as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Teague will also get a look here, but he's more of a combo guard and the Sixers have that in Williams.

Minnesota
(via Miami)

B.J. Mullens
Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 258
Age: 20
School: Ohio State

Analysis: The Wolves don't have a true center, and Mullens is likely to be the best one remaining on the board. At the beginning of the season, he was ranked in our top five, but he slipped because, although his talent remains, he's years away from being ready. However, a lottery team with lots of first-round picks such as Minnesota can roll the dice and pray the gamble pays off.

Atlanta

Jeff Teague
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Age: 20
School: Wake Forest
Analysis: The Hawks have blown it repeatedly when they've needed a point guard in the draft. They passed on Chris Paul to draft Marvin Williams and passed on Rajon Rondo to draft Shelden Williams.

Then, two years ago, when they finally got around to picking a point guard, they took Acie Law ahead of Rodney Stuckey.

The choice here likely will come down to Teague and Ty Lawson. Lawson has the experience and leadership credentials, but Teague has the sizzle and upside.

Utah

Sam Young
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 223
Age: 24
School: Pittsburgh

Analysis: The Jazz are hoping that Hansbrough slips to them here. But if he's off the board, they'll likely be deciding between James Johnson, Sam Young and Toney Douglas.

Johnson will be more of a fit in Utah. With it likely that Carlos Boozer is gone this summer they'll have a lot of need in their frontcourt. The question is whether they can put up with Johnson's sometimes difficult on-court personality.

Douglas is the type of combo guard the Jazz currently lack. He shoots it, plays defense and could be a credible backup at both positions for Utah.

However, Young is the type of tough, grizzled veteran the Jazz love. He's ready to step in and play right now and give them minutes at both the 2 and the 3.

New Orleans

James Johnson
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 258
Age: 22
School: Wake Forest
Analysis: Johnson is a steal if he falls this far. His range is anywhere between 11 and 21, but there have been enough background concerns about Johnson's role in Wake Forest's demise to have him slide just a bit.

If he falls this far, the Hornets have to thrilled. He gives them some much-needed athleticism on their frontline and should be able to get some minutes at both the 3 and 4.

Dallas

Terrence Williams
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 213
Age: 21
School: Louisville

Analysis: The Mavs have been willing to take a chance on big-time athletes with a questionable background. It worked for them with Josh Howard and it might work again with Williams. He has lottery talent, and if he can focus and improve that jump shot, he could be a long-term replacement for Jerry Stackhouse. Ty Lawson is also a possibility here.

Sacramento
(via Houston)

Ty Lawson
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 199
Age: 21
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Kings are already taking one combo guard with their first pick, but after last year's debacle at the point, they can afford to take another one and hope that they can find a new home for Beno Udrih.

Portland

DaJuan Summers
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 21
School: Georgetown

Analysis: The Blazers are looking at trading this pick. But if they keep it, the Blazers can add another forward who can play both the 3 and the 4. Summers already has an NBA body and has that shooting ability the team really covets.


Oklahoma City
(via San Antonio)

Chase Budinger
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Thunder would love to get their hands on a center, but there isn't anyone worth really gambling on at this point in the draft. If the team doesn't address its needs at the 2 earlier in the draft, Budinger could be an option. His shooting ability would be a nice complement in the backcourt to Russell Westbrook.


Chicago
(via Denver)

Toney Douglas
Position: SG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 184
Age: 23
School: Florida State
Analysis: Douglas is an insurance policy should Ben Gordon bolt this summer. He's not as talented a shooter, but he's good enough to play both backcourt positions in Chicago and his defense will earn him minutes right from the get-go.


Memphis
(via Orlando)

Gani Lawal
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 19
School: Georgia Tech

Analysis: Lawal is raw, but he's the type of athletic, rebounding machine the Grizzlies currently lack. He's not going to give you too much on the offensive end, but that's what Marc Gasol and Darrell Arthur are for.


Minnesota
(via Boston)

Victor Claver
Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 217
Age: 20
School: Spain

Analysis: It seems doubtful that the Wolves would keep three rookies on their roster next season, which gives them an interesting choice of international players. Omri Casspi would be an obvious choice. He's tough, physical and can keep developing overseas.

But Claver has more long-term upside and, in a few years, could be a great pick if he continues to develop in Spain.


L.A. Lakers

Darren Collison
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 166
Age: 21
School: UCLA

Analysis: Collison is a small guard, something Phil Jackson isn't a big fan of. But he's super fast, has a smooth jumper and can get after it defensively. With Derek Fisher winding down his career, he's worth a gamble here.


Cleveland

Derrick Brown
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Xavier

Analysis: The Cavs could lose both Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao this summer. And after getting bested by the Magic, the need for them to have some athletic 4s who can guard players on the perimeter is paramount.

DeMarre Carroll is a real possibility here, but after having his physical red-flagged, he may slip out of the first.

I wouldn't be destroyed if Flynn is a Knick and I've liked him for a while. I just have second thoughts about a passionate Flynn type player Vs. a heady Curry or Rubio type player. I think in Mikes system I'd go with the latter but Flynn is a hell of a player and could help us from the get go. (Again - it's gonna be fun to see the trades and what not that we do and probably draft night.)

EMS

Posted by NYKBocker:

I hope we get Sergio and then draft DeRozan. This fixes a lot of our problems.

interesting.

I'm guess I'm just not entirely clear how DeRonzan is the most ideal fit for the Knicks.

Have we even read anywhere that the Knicks are even looking at DeRonzan as a top choice?

Not that I have heard of.

The knicks have another workout tomorrow with guys we might pick if we get a 2nd rounder:

Connecticut guard Craig Austrie, Georgia Tech forward Alade Aminu, Texas forward Connor Atchley, Talladega center Jeral Davis, Gonzaga guard Micha Davis and Pittsburgh guard Levance Fields.

and then there's a 3 day workout the Nets are hosting, with multiple teams coming to look at some prospects:

Austin Daye, Eric Maynor, Chase Budinger, DaJuan Summers, Nick Calathes, Wayne Ellington, Luke Harangody and Danny Green.


[Edited by - PresIke on 06-10-2009 4:14 PM]

Chad Ford is never right.

Posted by EnySpree:

Posted by nyk4ever:

Posted by NYKBocker:

I hope we get Sergio and then draft DeRozan. This fixes a lot of our problems.

Sounds pretty solid to me.

this is what i'm hoping for...Sergio is still young and he has proven nba experience....

Hey wanna get silly?...everyone has Jordan Hill slipping...what if the Knicks trade for Sergio and draft Jordan Hill? Let Lee walk or trade Lee to get more help. Scary **** I tell you...knicks are in the mix with alot of potential scenerios.

Man I'm just not that enamored with Jordan Hill.. reminds me too much of Mikki Moore.

You know I agree with you about Sergio though.. if we came away with Sergio/DeRozan, I'd be ecstatic.

I would hate Flynn. Nothing special there. I would much rather see what Nate looks like at PG for half the year than take Flynn. Whats the point? "pure PG" god if I hear that anymore I will puke. Nate is a good player and deserves a chance to the PG before we go drafting mediocre talent that will never be anything beside a complimentary player.

Just go get Derozan or Mullens or some prospect.

I would take Curry or Rubio out of this draft because I think they can be special players. Otherwise I would look to resign Nate or let him play out is QO

Posted by fishmike:

I would hate Flynn. Nothing special there. I would much rather see what Nate looks like at PG for half the year than take Flynn. Whats the point? "pure PG" god if I hear that anymore I will puke. Nate is a good player and deserves a chance to the PG before we go drafting mediocre talent that will never be anything beside a complimentary player.

Just go get Derozan or Mullens or some prospect.

I would take Curry or Rubio out of this draft because I think they can be special players. Otherwise I would look to resign Nate or let him play out is QO

Based on scouting reports, Flynn is slightly taller but less of a scorer than Nate. He does have more pg skills though. They both have out of this world athleticism and jumping ability, although Nate is probably a slightly better athlete. While I think Flynn has potential, I agree with you Fishmike that there is no reason to draft essentially Nate-redux, when we have Nate on the team already.

Posted by nyk4ever:

Posted by NYKBocker:

I hope we get Sergio and then draft DeRozan. This fixes a lot of our problems.

Sounds pretty solid to me.

Co-sign... now get me a shot-blocking center.