King's 2009 NBA Mock Draft 1.5

        Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma

It's no secret that Blake Griffin is the consensus #1 pick for this year's NBA Draft. There are rumors floating around that the Clippers might trade this pick, but they're saying these rumors are false. Even if they happen to trade it Blake Griffin's postition won't change.

       Hasheem Thabeet C UConn

Here's where things start to get messy. Ricky Rubio was originally thought to go right after Griffin at the 2 spot, but Memphis won't want to deal with his huge buyout, and he has said he doesn't want to play in Memphis. There's still a good possibility that we can see teams wanting to trade up, but if not the Grizzlies may just opt to take Hasheem Thabeet. He has size at 7 foot 3, and can be a great defensive presence.

      James Harden SG Arizona State 

It was expected that Spain PG Ricky Rubio would be going here, but the Thunder have said they really like the idea of taking James Harden at #3. They want to continue to develop Russel Westbrook at PG, rather than Rubio (plus they really don't like his attitude), and build a team around what they already have started with Westbrook, Durant, and Green.  Harden's great ability to score combined with a high basketball IQ can be a nice asset for the Thunder, but he lacks great defense and is maybe not as athletic as you would like a SG to be.

        Ricky Rubio PG Spain

         Jordan Hill PF Arizona

The Washington Wizards have mentioned there interest in trading this pick, simply because they don't see much that they can benefit from at this stage. Unfortunately many other teams feel the same way so they may end up hodling on to this pick. Washington seems to have narrowed it down to James Harden and Jordan Hill, but it's looking like Harden will be of the board at this point so they'll have to go with Hill. Jordan Hill is actually one of the more talented players in the draft. He tends to be weak in the post sometimes, but if he can develop he could potentially be a great player.

         Tyreke Evans PG/SG Memphis

With the depth of the PG position in this year's draft GM's really have their hands full when deciding who to pick. Minnesota has a number of options when picking 6th, and somebody they're looking at is the Memphis Tiger's Tyreke Evans. If Tyreke Evans is still hanging around at this time Minnesota would gladly take him, as the T'Wolves would love to pair him up with Randy Foye for an impressive backcourt in the future. He has size and explosiveness, and while he's listed as a SG coming into the NBA, he can easily play both guard positions like he did in college. He is an excellent ballhandler, though a concern is that he can be selfish at times.

         Jonny Flynn PG Syracuse

Drafting Jonny Flynn could bring some great attributes to Golden State...his leadership and desire. The Warriors really like these things about Flynn and that's why he possibly their top prospect right now. Jonny Flynn is incredibly fast, and had the highest vertical leap at 40 inches. He is a great shooter, though his 3 can be inconsistent, and he's not afraid to get physical, although his lack of size and strength can hurt him.

         Stephen Curry PG Davidson

Since Stephen Curry played on Davidson he never faced much of a challenge, and scouts are afraid that he will fall apart when he gets to the NBA. The Knicks may be willing to take the chance though, because he could fit well into D' Antoni's system. He has an amazing jumper, just a great scorer from anywhere, and is a smart player. But he lacks size and strength and isn't a particularly great athlete. 

         DeMar DeRozan SG USC

With their only traditional SG, Anthony Parker, leaving for Free Agency, the Toronto Raptors are going to need some serious help at that position. If DeRozan is still left at the 9 spot it would be surprising for them to not pull the trigger on him. DeRozan has been showing some great stuff at workouts, and is one of the better athletes available this year. While he looks great on paper, some are worried about his inability to dominate games. He has some question marks surrounding his play, but he could become scary good if he reaches his full potiential.

         Jrue Holiday PG UCLA

The Bucks were hoping for a big man to compensate for the loss of Charlie Vilanueva, and they were hoping for Jordan Hill to drop to them, but now it's looking like they won't be that fortunate. The Bucks don't feel like there's any other PF worth taking this high, so they might go for another postion here. They'll also be losing PG Ramon Sessions, leaving them with only Luke Ridnour. While Holiday didn't put up mind blowing stats at thecollegiate level, scout's have been fond of his performances at the combine. He is one of the best defensive players in the draft, excellent basketball IQ, and just a great all-around player. Two areas of his game that could use improvement are his jump shooting and ball handling, but he has been training a lot in these areas lately. The Bucks may also look at DeJuan Blair, Earl Clark, and maybe Tyler Hansbrough, as well as the numerous other PGs available.

         DeJaun Blair PF Pittsburgh

The New Jersey Nets are looking to find a big man who can bang inside the paint in this year's draft. Though at 6-7 Blair is on the small side, he makes up with it with his incredible build and strength. If the Nets can decide that he is worth the risk of long-term knee issues, expect them to grab him here. They will also take a good look at Earl Clark, James Johnson, Tyler Hansbrough, and even Terrance Williams if they see him a bigger help then the big men.

         Gerald Henderson SG Duke

Bobcat GM Rod Higgins has said the teams needs in the 2009 draft are a backup SG and a reserve Forward. He expressed interest particularly in Duke SG Gerald Henderson who looks NBA ready, and the other players getting looks are James Johnson and Wayne Ellington, though 12 seems way too early for them. The Bobcats would love if a player like DeRozan fell to them, but they wouldn't mind getting Henderson. If they decide they don't like anybody on the board, Higgins said he is very open to trading the pick.

          Earl Clark SF Louisville

I came very close to putting PG Brandon Jennings at this spot, but the Pacers right now are looking more interested in Forwards. Earl Clark can provide a great spark for the Hoosier's post game, but they will have to be patient with him because he has some developing to do before he is ready to be able to truly battle with the Pros. He could be a good fit in Indiana if Granger is playing more PF. At 6-10, with some work on his post game he could even play the 4 and Granger could be the SF.

         Brandon Jennings PG Italy

It's almost unpredictable what Steve Kerrr will do with this pick, but if Jennings is still available at this point, it would be very hard to pass on him. Steve Nash is getting to the lower end of his career, so there's no better time to grab a great point guard and allow him to be a role player and learn from one of the best, and then he can become the PG of the Sun's future. Getting Brandon Jennings this late could really turn into a steal. It's amazing that scouts aren't higher on him, but I guess they haven't gotten a chance to see him as much as they'd like, especially with him skipping the Euro Camp. He is hands down one of the best talents in the draft. His only big downsides are sometimes poor decision making (that's where Steve comes in) and his size (he's only 165 lbs.). I think he might move up if teams see more of him, but if he does drop to 14, the Suns will be very lucky.

         Austin Daye SF Gonzaga

The Pistons are looking for someone who can play PF here. They'd like to get Earl Clark, but if he's not here they'll need to look elsewhere. James Johnson is possible, but another player to look at is Gonzaga's Austin Daye. His traditional position is SF, so he's not meant for post play, and he is very slim. But he is 6 foot 11 inches, and can get it done inside. Daye has an awesome jumper so he could be a deadly threat if the Pistons can work him into their offense.

          James Johnson PF Wake Forest

The Bulls are in a tough position at the 16th spot. The things they need just aren't going to be found. They already have solid role players all-around, but what they need to become a championship contender is an all-star caliber player/s to support Derrick Rose. While guys like Gilbert Arenas have proven you can find superstar talent late, the chances still aren't high that a team will have that luck. So the Bulls will have to settle with what they can and get a player like James Johnson to add some depth to their Forwards. He's a great athlete, has a NBA body and he's very skilled. He can play multiple positions on the floor and does a bit of everything on the offensive end. Johnson has some flaws, though. His basketball IQ is still fairly raw and he can get out of control at times.

       Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest

There's no doubt that Philadelphia will be looking to draft a PG with this pick with Andre Miller leaving for Free Agency. He has potiential, is a great athlete and shooter, but many scouts agree that he needs at least one more year in college before he's NBA ready. VCU's Eric Maynor and maybe Ty Lawson will be considered here as well.

      B.J. Mullens C Ohio State

Like five other OSU Freshman in the past 3 years, Mullens will be leaving after just one year of college. Unfortunately he was too anxious to make it to the pros, because if he develped in school a bit longer he could've been a top pick in a future draft. The T' Wolves could use a true Center so they won't mind taking a chance with the 7-1 Mullens with this pick.

         Eric Maynor PG VCU

The Atlanta Hawks are in similar position as the Bulls, good but not great. It looks like with this pick they'll be wanting to acquire a back-up PG for Mike Bibby. Known for his performance to lead Virginia Commonwealth to upset Duke in the NCAA Tournament a few years back, Eric Maynor is looking like one of the most NBA ready players in the draft. He's a great all-around Point Guard with a few nags about his consistency, strength, and experience against great teams. Maynor appears to be one of the sleepers this year.

      Tyler Hansbrough PF North Carolina

The Jazz would love for UNC's Hansbrough to slip to number 20. With the probable loss of Carlos Boozer they could use him at the PF spot. Scouts have been questioning his rebounding and ability to score, and especially his athleticism. But some of the great assets of his are being overlooked like Tyler's experience and his hard work ethic. Teams are starting to warm up to him though so he might not end up being this far back when draft day gets closer.

         Terrence Williams SG Louisville

If there's one position New Orleans needs a boost at it's probably SG. T-Will would be able to give them a good showing off of the bench. His style of play is pretty comparable to Andre Iguodala's (though on a lower level). One aspect teams are worried about is off-court drama. Williams has a lot of upside though and if he can overcome some of his cons he could become a solid player in the league.

        Chase Budinger SG Arizona

We're kind of getting to the point of the draft where you just look at it as if you have nothing to lose, so you take a chance on a guy you like and hope he turns out good. Budinger is an explosive leaper, great shooter who is always looking to score, exceptional rebounder, and can play the 3 if needed. The rest of his game could use some refining though.

         DaJuan Summers SF Georgetown

Summers has a body that looks like it was built for the NBA ccomplemented by great shooting range. He's a bit one-dimensional, but could add some spark to the King's 3 and 4 spots.

         Sam Young SF Pittsburgh

Portland would like to trade the #24 pick away, but if they can't get a deal they wouldn't mind grabbing Panther SF Sam Young. He could end up going higher then this because Young is very promising prospect. His biggest issue is lack of toughness on the defensive end, but other than that he is great in all areas.

         Gani Lawal PF Georgia Tech

The Thunder don't really need another Power Forward, but Lawal is a tough and physical player who knows how to score down low. He's raw but worth OKC taking the chance and seeing how he develops.

         Omri Casspi SF Israel

Casspi looks like a decent player who might be able to fit well under the Bulls system. He's more than likely not ready yet so Chicago will be able to leave him overseas and hope he continues to improve.

      DeMarre Carroll PF Missouri

DeMarre Carroll is a very tough player on both ends of the floor, and he might turn into an energy player like for instance, Anderson Varejao of the Cavs. He's a bit undersized for PF, so he's trying to make the transition to SF.

      Ty Lawson PG North Carolina

It wouldn't be surprising to see Minnesota take two shots at PG. If Lawson is still around at the 28th pick they wouldn't mind taking a chance with him. He proved he knows how to lead a team as he did with the Champion Tar Heels, so we'll look to see how much of that he can bring with him to the NBA.

         Darren Collison PG UCLA

Derek Fisher is leaning towards his final years, so it would make sense for LA to look into a PG here. He has been questioned for his height, ballhandling, and sometimes choking in big games. However Collison is one of the few Seniors in this class which means he has experience, plus he has a lot of speed and great shooting ability.

          Derrick Brown PF Xavier

The team with the best record in the regular season could be losing both Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao this offseason, and in the playoffs it showed that they could use some help at PF. For the last pick in the first round, Brown is actually a very talented player. He's a good scorer both inside and out. Cleveland would like to have the chance to select Brown, and hey, I'm sure he would like staying in Ohio.