KG's 2009 NBA Mock Draft

UPDATE -- 6/24, 4:04 p.m. -- I'll update my mock draft one final time tomorrow; but, the Blazers have dealt their 2009 First Round pick (24th overall) and two second round picks to the Mavs for the Mavs' 2009 First Round pick (29th overall).

UPDATE -- 6/24, 11:30 a.m.: With the deal between the Wizards and Timberwolves involving the 5th pick in the '09 Draft waiting to be official, I've modified my mock draft.

The 2009 NBA Draft takes place June 25. This is my mock draft which means these selections are who I believe the teams will pick. I believe trades will be made involving some of these draft picks; so, clearly, that will impact my choices. I may update it before Thursday.

This mock draft is only for the First Round.

UPDATED -- 6/24, 11:30 a.m.

1. Los Angeles Clippers -- Blake Griffin, 6'10", forward, Oklahoma, sophomore.
Comment: With Griffin's talent and tremendous work ethic, the sky's the limit. Too bad he'll be a Clipper.

2. Memphis Grizzlies -- Hasheem Thabeet, 7'3", center, Connecticut, junior.
Comment: Thabeet is a defensive force with limited skills on offense. He can dunk and not much else. He's working on a face up jump shot.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder -- James Harden, 6'5", guard, Arizona State, sophomore.
Comment: Harden's old school style hides his athleticism. His outside shot is solid; and, he'll get better.

4. Sacramento Kings -- Tyreke Evans, 6'5", guard, Memphis, freshman.
Comment: Evans is not a true point guard; but, his size and quickness allow him to get to the basket almost at will. He's a willing passer, too.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Washington) -- Stephen Curry, 6'3", guard, Davidson, junior.
Comment: Curry is the best shooter in the draft; but, he's also a very good passer. Needs to add strength.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Ricky Rubio, 6'5", guard, Spain.
Comment: Though he's only 18, Rubio has played professional ball overseas for four years. He's a dynamic passer with a below average perimeter shot. He'll make his teammates better.

7. Golden State Warriors -- Jordan Hill, 6'10", forward, Arizona, junior.
Comment: Hill's low post offense is better than people realize. He doesn't have to be prodded to compete.

8. New York Knicks -- Jrue Holiday, 6'4.25", guard, UCLA, freshman.
Comment: Point guard is his natural position. Confidence in New York could be a question.

9. Toronto Raptors -- DeMar DeRozan, 6' 6.25", guard, USC, freshman.
Comment: Great leaper. More athlete than ball player right now. Shaky perimeter game.

10. Milwaukee Bucks -- Jonny Flynn, 6'0.75", guard, Syracuse, sophomore.
Comment: 40-inch vertical leap. Solid point guard with scoring skills, too. Good defender, too.

11. New Jersey Nets -- Terrence Williams, 6'6.25", guard, Louisville, senior.
Comment: Jack-of-all trades. Needs to improve outside shot. Solid passer. Solid defender. Quirky.

12. Charlotte Bobcats -- Gerald Henderson, 6'5", guard, Duke, junior.
Comment: Very good hops. Inconsistent jump shot; Decent one-on-one game; good defender.

13. Indiana Pacers -- Brandon Jennings, 6'2", guard, Italy.
Comment: Skipped college and played overseas last season. A lot of upside. Hopefully, has substance to match his flash.

14. Phoenix Suns -- Earl Clark, 6'10.25", forward, Louisville, junior.
Comment: Questionable motor. Solid skill set is diminished by his lack of focus.

15. Detroit Pistons -- B. J. Mullens, 7'1.25", center, Ohio State, freshman.
Comment: Freshman numbers last season were nothing great. Very raw. Some question his attitude.

16. Chicago Bulls -- DeJuan Blair, 6'6.5", forward, Pittsburgh, sophomore.
Comment: Lacks height; but, tremendous wingspan compensates. Very physical around the basket. Concerns about knee problems in high school seem to be laid to rest.

17. Philadelphia 76ers -- Eric Maynor, 6'3.25", guard, VCU, senior.
Comment: Very good point guard skills. NBA-ready right now.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Austin Daye, 6'10.25", forward, Gonzaga, sophomore.
Comment: Only 192 pounds. Needs to add weight and strength and tougher. Very good perimeter skills.

19. Atlanta Hawks -- Ty Lawson, 6'0.5", guard, North Carolina, junior.
Comment: Exceptional floor leader. Very quick. Worked to improve outside shot. Tough-minded. Winner.

20. Utah Jazz -- Tyler Hansbrough, 6'9.5", forward, North Carolina, senior.
Comment: Better athlete than people realize. Exceptional work ethic. Very hard worker. Solid jump shot.

21. New Orleans -- James Johnson, 6'7.75", forward, Wake Forest, sophomore.
Comment: Versatile forward who should improve NOLA's woeful bench.

22. Dallas Mavericks -- Jeff Teague, 6'1.5", guard, Wake Forest, sophomore.
Comment: A bit inconsistent overall. Streaky perimeter shooter. Good floor leader.

23. Sacramento Kings (via Houston) -- Sam Young, 6'6.75", forward, Pittsburgh, senior.
Comment: Maybe too old, 24, for baby Kings; but, Young is skilled enough to contribute now.

24. Portland Trail Blazers -- Omri Casspi, 6'9.25", forward, Israel.
Comment: Needs to add weight; but, he's very, very tough. May stay overseas for a bit more seasoning.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via S.A. Spurs) -- Nick Calathes, 6'5, guard, Florida, sophomore.
Comment: Signed a contract to play in Greece. Very good passer. Solid stand-still perimeter shooter.

26. Chicago Bulls (via Denver) -- Wayne Ellington, 6'5.25", guard, North Carolina, senior.
Comment: Smooth jump shooter. Needs to work on creating own shot.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando) -- Chase Budinger, 6'7", forward / guard, Arizona, junior.
Comment: Very good leaper. Good perimeter shooter. Shaky defender.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Boston) -- Jonas Jerebko, 6'9", forward, Sweden.
Comment: T-wolves can let him stay overseas until he's ready for the NBA. Tough, physical, hard worker.

29. Los Angeles Lakers -- Toney Douglas, 6'2", guard, Florida State, senior.
Comment: Solid defender. Scoring guard. Streaky shooter. Tough.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers -- DaJuan Summers, 6'8.5", forward, Georgetown, junior.
Comment: NBA body (243 pounds). Solid perimeter game.