My NBA Mock Draft

Everyone has got their own mock draft by now. So, I figured I should join the party. So here it is, my 2009 NBA Mock Draft:

1) LA Clippers- Blake Griffin

Why: This is pretty much the obvious pick because of Griffin's size, athleticism and potential. If he turns out to be what we all think he can be, he'll be averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds for the next decade.

2) Memphis Grizzlies- Hasheem Thabeet

Why: Most people think they'll take Rubio but I disagree. Mike Conley's a good point guard and their inside presence on the defensive end id terrible. Marc Gasol will have to move over to the 4 spot and Thabeet occupy the middle. With his length and defensive awareness he'll contribute defensively right away.

3) Oklahoma City Thunder- James Harden

Why: With Thabeet already drafted, the Thunder are kind of in a hole. They can't draft Rubio because they already got Russell Westbrook and it wouldn't work to switch Westbrook to the 2 guard. They can take Jordan Hill here and that would be a great pick but I feel that the Thunder will be tempted to take Harden because he's a true 2 guard who can drive to the rim and make it from 3 point range. He'll take pressure off Durant and help clear space for Westbrook to penetrate and convert.

4) Sacramento Kings- Jordan Hill

Why: He will bring the athleticism and length on offense the Kings have been missing since the days of Chris Webber. He won't be the next Chris Webber but he will give them a double-double season a couple of times but his real purpose is to be the second scoring option for the Kings because no one else other than Kevin Martin is reliable on the Kings in terms of their offensive attack.

5) Washington Wizards- Demar Derozan

Why: With James Harden gone to the Thunder, the Wizard who need a guard just in case Arenas gets injured again. So they should take Derozan because he'll be a change of pace with his athleticism and potential. He has a ways to go in term of his shooting ability but Flip Saunders will help him mature on the court and off it and help him develop into a pretty good player.

6) Minnesota Timberwolves- Ricky Rubio

Why: I know every one's wondering why I have Rubio drafted this low. I tell you why. The first five teams don't need point guards and Rubio's a risk anyway because Europeans don't usually don't grasp the NBA style of play for a couple of years. The Timberwolves have Randy Foye but more of a 2 guard so they need someone who'll be willing to pass the ball constantly. Rubio's jump shot is suspect but he has potential. He will have to mature quick but he can make an immediate impact.

7) Golden State Warriors- Brandon Jennings

Why: Jennings has been playing in Europe for the last year and that kind of makes him the most unreliable pick. He's been gone from the NBA system for a minute so he's a risk either way. But he's got great athleticism and quickness. Tends to shoot a lot but in this system it's necessary.

8) New York Knicks(My Team!!!)- Stephen Curry

Why: This is the only place Curry could truly shine because of the style the Knicks play. Mike D'Antoni will help develop as a point guard and help him learn how to run a team. But Curry's real talent has and always will be his shooting ability. In a system that'll call for fast breaks and 3 point shots, Curry will definitely make a statement early.

9) Toronto Raptors- Chase Budinger

Why: The Raptors are in dire need of some athleticism and scoring from the 2 guard position so Chase is the only real option here. They could look at Tyreke Evans but Budinger has a better shot and slightly better athletic skills. Not to mention he stayed in school for 3 years so his maturity is not in question which is good.

10) Milwaukee Bucks- Tyreke Evans

Why: Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva are free agent and the Bucks only have one. If they take Sessions then I recommend they choose Dejuan Blair to give them bulk inside and to replace Villanueva. But I think they'll keep Villanueva so that means they need to pick Evans solely because he can replace Sessions at point guard or back up Michael Redd at shooting guard or even plug himself in at small forward even though he'll have to battle Richard Jefferson for that spot.