2008 NBA mock draft

1. Chicago- Michael Beasley, PF Kansas State

Most people think Derrick Rose will be the pick here, but if the Bulls are smart, they will take Beasley. Many are concerned with Beasley’s measurements in Orlando, but his standing reach is 8′11”, almost ideal for a power forward. He can score the ball inside and out, while Rose doesn’t really have an outside shot to speak of (Beasley, a power forward, had a better three point percentage than Rose, a point guard, this season). Also, a post player is a bigger need for Chicago than a guard. There have been rumors that Chicago could trade this pick to the Heat for Dwayne Wade, but the Bulls would have to give up more than just this pick, so if there is any deal on the table right now I think it will die by Thursday.

2. Miami- Derrick Rose, PG Memphis

 

 

Like mentioned earlier, Rose needs to improve his outside shot if he wants to be a superstar at the next level. Many people want to make the comparison to Chris Paul because Paul was not a great shooter coming into the league, but Rose does not have the passing skills that Paul has, and that is what makes Paul so effective. That said, I believe Rose’s athleticism is too impressive to be passed up at No. 2. He has great size at 6′3” for a point guard and his strength and quickness is going to give NBA point guards fits trying to keep him out of the paint. He must improve his shot to become a great player though.

3. Minnesota- O.J. Mayo, G USC

 

 

The man that started catching the eye’s of NBA scouts in the seventh grade. His talent is unquestionable. He can shoot the ball from long range, he can get to the rim and finish with ease, and he never backs down from a defensive challenge. I do have problems with his character, however. On top of allegations of receiving improper benefits from BDA Sports Management, check out this video of Mayo knocking down a ref in high school (you’ll have to wait until about the 1:05 mark to see it): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkt4YdLdXjM. Accident? I don’t know. But, I believe the talent outweighs the off the field issues when it comes to taking him with the No. 3 pick. The Timberwolves could try to trade out of this pick, but I believe Mayo will be the third pick regardless of who takes him.

4. Seattle- Jarryd Bayless, SG Arizona

 

 

Bayless’s stock has been rising over the last month and is now a legitimate top five pick. He has not been talked about nearly as much as other top freshmen in college basketball this year, but he has been very productive, scoring double figures in 27 of the 30 games he played in last season. An athletic guard, Bayless has a well-rounded game that should make him an effective scorer. His quickness should make him a good defender at the next level as well.

5. Memphis- Brook Lopez, C Stanford

 

 

Memphis needs a lot of help. But when your “forces” down low are Darko Milicic, Kwame Brown and Jason Collins, you better be looking to draft a big man. I think the Grizzlies are praying Brook Lopez falls to them at five, and I think God will answer those prayers on Thursday. A true 7-footer, Lopez is the post presence the Griz need. Since Pau Gasol was traded to the Lakers in mid-season, they have not gotten the production they need from their big men. Lopez is the man to replace Gasol.

6. New York- Anthony Randolph, PF LSU

 

Not many people heard of this guy before draft talk came around after the college season. Probably because he averaged 15 points a game for a terrible team. This is a risky top ten pick, but scouts are convinced that his versatility of playing inside and out will bring success in the NBA. I’m not sold on him. I think he is too thin to post up 4’s and not quick enough to get by 3’s. He is a power forward, but even if he is having success shooting from the outside, NBA teams will change their lineup to put a small forward on him that is used to guarding the perimeter. I am calling bust on Randolph, which is why I have the Knicks taking him. Ever since they took Renaldo Balkman in the top 20, I just expect them to screw up their first round picks.

7. Los Angeles (Clippers)- Kevin Love, C UCLA

 

I know the Clippers are reportedly interested in the Italian forward Danilo Gallinari, but I think if Love falls to them, they will go with the hometown boy from UCLA. Love is a very skilled and fundamental post player. He possesses great post moves, can step out and hit from distance and is an outstanding passer both from the post and with outlets down the court. Having a big man like Elton Brand next to Love would also really help his development.

8. Milwaukee- Eric Gordon, SG Indiana

 

Milwaukee’s last two first round picks have been big men- Andrew Bogut and Yi Jianlian. Putting a well-rounded guard beside Moe Williams and shooter Michael Redd is just what the Bucks need, and that’s what they would get if they picked Eric Gordon. Gordon is an incredible talent: he can blow by you and get to the rim and then keep you honest by getting hot from behind the arc. Although he did have some poor games this season at Indiana, Gordon will perform more consistently when he doesn’t have to be one of only two guys that score on the entire team. Many people have Joe Alexander going here, but I think that is too much of a reach and Gordon is just more talented.

9. Charlotte- Russell Westbrook, SG UCLA

 

In his first draft with the Bobcats, Larry Brown is going to want to start the rebuilding process… sorry, I mean the building process… with defense. Westbrook is good value at No. 9 and he is one of the best defenders in this draft class. He has great upside. He is an extremely explosive player that handles the ball and passes well. This would be a good, safe pick for Larry Brown, who said that drafts scare him in an interview after a workout with various prospects earlier this week.

10. New Jersey- Danilo Gallinari, F Italy

 

I’m going to be honest. I don’t know anything about this guy because he is not American. I’m not going to try to put a bull crap analysis when I don’t know what I am talking about. But from what I have heard, the Nets are interested in Gallinari and picking him tenth is good value, so it makes great sense to put him here at this point in the mock draft. I also have read that he shoots a good mid-range jumper and that he has a good basketball IQ.

11. Indiana- D.J. Augustin, PG Texas

 

Augustin is probably the best floor general in this draft. The Pacers have got to get someone like Augustin to put with Jermaine O’Neal. They need someone to add confidence and leadership to this team and take a little pressure off O’Neal. Another great value pick here; I just can’t see Augustin going any lower than this.

12. Sacramento- Darrell Arthur, PF Kansas

 

I love this guy. He is a beast down low; he can score from the post and can knock down mid-range shots over defenders at a high percentage. Arthur is also a great shot blocker. His stock has been rising, and for good reason. I think if he gets out of the lottery, the teams at the bottom of the lottery are going to regret not taking him a couple years down the road.

13. Portland- Joe Alexander, SF West Virginia

 

Alexander came on very strong at the end of the college season and led the Mountaineers to the sweet 16. He has great shooting touch and can create mismatches because he plays like a guard at 6′8”. Many people have him going No. 8 to Milwaukee, but I just don’t see him as a top ten player. He is very talented, but I am not sold that he can be consistent night in and night out.

14. Golden State- Alexis Ajinca, C France

 

Again, I’m not really up to date on my European players. But from what I have heard, much of Ajinca’s game is facing the basket and knocking down mid-range jumpers. He has a freakish wingspan and is a great shot blocker. He is an excellent finisher around the rim and is a good passer. He will need to add some weight and is only an average rebounder right now.

15. Phoenix- Brandon Rush, SF Kansas

16. Philadelphia- DeAndre Jordan, C Texas A&M

17. Toronto- Robin Lopez, PF/C, Stanford

18. Washington- Kosta Koufos, C Ohio State

19. Cleveland- Donte Greene, F Syracuse

20. Denver- Marreese Speights, PF Florida

21. New Jersey- JaVale McGee, C Nevada

22. Orlando- Courtney Lee, SG Western Kentucky

23. Utah- Jason Thompson, PF/C Rider

24. Seattle- Mario Chalmers, PG Kansas

25. Houston- J.J. Hickson, PF NC State

26. San Antonio- Roy Hibbert, C Georgetown

27. New Orleans- Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG/SF Memphis

28. Memphis- Ryan Anderson, PF Cal

29. Detroit- Nathan Jawai, PF/C Australia

30. Boston- Richard Hendrix, PF Alabama