With the NBA draft only 24 hours away, it’s time for a Mock Draft. The draft is always unpredictable and impossible to forecast, but I’ll do it anyway. Here are my NBA 2008 draft predictions:
Chicago Bulls – The Bulls claim they are undecided as to whom they will select with the first pick –Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley. They’re lying. Rose, the talented freshman point guard out of Memphis will be the first name called by Commissioner David Stern on Thursday. Not only are his talent and leadership undeniable, his character has never been questioned. Oh, and he’s a Chicago kid, born and raised. What’s not to like?
The Pick: Derrick Rose
Miami Heat – Despite reports that Miami is not sold on Michael Beasley’s personality and have fallen in love with O.J Mayo, there is probably no way that the Heat actually draft Mayo with the second pick and leave the freakishly talented Beasley on the board. With that said, the second pick of the draft will be Michael Beasley…the only question is who will make the pick. If Miami is able to trade out of the pick (likely to the Supersonics), then another team will draft Beasley, if not the Heat will (maybe even reluctantly) pick Beasley and reap the rewards of a future All-Star.
The Pick: Michael Beasley
Minnesota Timberwolves – The best player available is O.J Mayo and the Timberwolves are too bad to think about their “needs” on draft day. The ‘Wolves are years away from playoff contention, so this pick is an easy one… just like that decision to not trade Garnett to the Celtics for nothing. Wait…
The Pick: O.J Mayo
Seattle Supersonics – Although the Sonics want to move up to the second pick and draft Beasley, they would be content staying at 4 and drafting a point guard. Two possibilities are Arizona’s Jerryd Bayless and UCLA’s Russell Westbrook. Every year, drafts seem to be affected by current events in the NBA and with the Celtics winning the championship with Rajon Rondo at the helm, the Sonics will probably select Westbrook, whose aggressive, but sometimes reckless, play is Rondo-esque.
The Pick: Russell Westbrook
Memphis Grizzlies – Kevin Love is an NBA-ready power forward right now. His rebounding, passing, and midrange shooting will allow him to step on the floor and contribute from day one. There are questions about his overall long-term potential. I can’t say I’m sure he’ll lead a team to a championship, but he does all the little things it takes to win every night and would a great addition in Memphis.
The Pick: Kevin Love
New York Knicks – The Knicks were praying for the first or second pick in this year’s draft, but since that never happened they’re stuck with the 6th pick in the draft. Luckily for them, there are clearly two tiers of top ten caliber players – the first 3, and then everybody else - so there is really no disadvantage drafting 6th as opposed to 4th. Many experts expect the Knicks to select the Italian teen, Danilo Gallinari, because of the hire of new Italian coach Mike D’Antoni. Although, Gallinari would make a lot of sense here, the Knicks really need a floor general for the future. D’Antoni, who made a name for himself winning all those games in Phoenix behind Steve Nash, understands more than most the importance of a good point guard. Jerryd Bayless would be the best point guard available at this point in the draft, so picking him here would be a good start to the P.I.J (post Isaiah joke) era in New York.
The Pick: Jerryd Bayless
Los Angeles Clippers – Eric Gordon makes a lot of sense here. He’s a shooting guard who can handle the ball, attack the basket and shoot from everywhere on the floor with confidence. Despite the late season struggles with his jump shot at Indiana, he is still one of the best pure shooters in the draft. The Clippers believe they can compete for a playoff spot next season and this pick would go a long way towards those aspirations.
The Pick: Eric Gordon
Milwaukee Bucks – Reports are that the Bucks are extremely interested in West Virginia’s Joe Alexander. He’s a 6-8 forward who can play both inside and out. There are questions about his defense, but offensively he could develop into a very dangerous player.
The Pick: Joe Alexander
Charlotte Bobcats – The Bobcats need another talented big man to match-up with Emeka Okafor in their frontcourt. Brook Lopez would be the best big man available at this point in the draft. I’m not sold on his NBA potential, but Lopez did have an impressive year last year at Stanford.
The Pick: Brook Lopez
New Jersey Nets – The Nets are likely to take the Italian 19 year-old talent Danilo Gallinari. He can play many different positions on the floor and is a tough player, often the biggest concern when drafting European players. He shoots well, gets to the free throw line, and is mature beyond his years. Quality pick.
The pick: Danilo Gallinari
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