NBA Mock Draft Part 1

With the draft order finally set here is my first mock draft of the season.  The NBA Draft takes place on June 25.

1. Los Angeles Clippers- Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
This is a no-brainer pick for the Clippers.  The Clippers already have Zach Randolph at power forward and he has a big contract but that’s no reason to pass on Griffin.  Griffin dominated in college averaging 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds and winning every accolade you could.  Griffin has drawn comparisons to Carlos Boozer and some have even compared him to Karl Malone.

2. Memphis Grizzlies- Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
Rubio is considered one of the most talented prospects ever to come out of Europe and he is only 18 years old but doesn’t play like it.  Rubio isn’t a great shooter but has improved that area of his game and is a phenomenal passes and a great defender.  If the Grizzlies select Rubio they will more than likely look to move Mike Conely Jr.  The will also give a long look at Hasheem Thabeet here.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder- Hasheem Thabeet, C, UCONN
The Thunder will likely take whoever Memphis passes on being either Thabeet or Rubio.  Thabeet will give the Thunder an imposing interior presence.  His offensive game will take time to develop but the Thunder have plenty of that already.  With a nucleus of Thabeet, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook the Thunder have the making of a team that have a bright future.

4. Sacramento Kings- Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy
The Kings were hoping to land Blake Griffin but will have to settle for the number four pick and Brandon Jennings.  Jennings played last season overseas in Italy instead of playing college ball.  While Jennings did not receive a lot of playing time he earned invaluable experience playing in a professional league.  The Kings have a need at point guard making Jennings a good fit in Sacramento.  He possesses great speed and athleticism  He can be a great scorer at the next level but will have to work on his shot selection and his defense to become an elite point guard.

5. Washington Wizards- Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
Hill has improved every year in college and has made himself an elite prospect.  Hill stands  6-10 giving him ideal size to play the power forward position in the NBA.  Hill is very athletic and can run the floor well.  He is inconsistent at times and has only played basketball for a few years now.  Hill has great potential but may only end up as a Chris Wilcox type of player.  The Wizards will also give James Harden a long look here.

I’ll finish the lottery in Part 2 tomorrow.