How the Draft Should Go: May 25th Edition

1. Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma

How will the Clippers screw this up?

2. Memphis Grizzlies – Ricky Rubio PG Spain

Even if Rubio doesn’t want to play in Memphis, he is way too good of a talent and asset to pass up. They could draft Rubio and try to trade him to any number of teams that would trip over themselves trying to grab him. An ideal partner would be the Kings. If the Grizzlies could get the Kings to part with one of their promising frontcourt players (Spencer Hawes or Jason Thompson) along with the number four pick, Memphis would be in much better shape than they would be if they just drafted Thabeet.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hasheem Thabeet C UCONN

Thabeet is a lot like Tyson Chandler, who was a Thunder (that doesn’t sound right) for a few hours before OKC rescinded the deal.

4. Sacramento Kings – James Harden SG Arizona State

Using the tier system the Kings have to take Harden because he is the best value available. If they fail to move up to get Rubio, there are a number of teams later in the lottery that would love to get their hands on Harden. The Kings could trade him; grab a point guard a few picks lower and another asset in the process, which would be tremendous value for the fourth pick.

5. Washington Wizards – Jordan Hill PF Arizona

After Harden, Hill is the next best fit for the Wiz. This could be a trade spot for a veteran.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves – Brandon Jennings PG Italy

Jennings is one of the many guards the Timberwolves will consider with this pick. Other than Rubio, he is the purest point guard and has the most potential, which makes him the best possible selection. The Wolves may also try to trade up to draft Harden.

7. Golden State Warriors – Tyreke Evans SG Memphis

Evans played point guard in college and could probably pull it off in Don Nelson’s system next to Monta Ellis. If they really want a true point guard, they should trade down to maximize value.

8. New York Knicks – Stephen Curry PG Davidson

As discussed in the other mock, Curry is a great fit.

9. Toronto Raptors – Demar Derozan G/F USC

Another pick that overlaps with the actual mock, Derozan is the best player available.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – DeJuan Blair PF Pittsburgh

If the draft goes accordingly, Hill will be off the board already. Blair is the best post player and value at this pick.

11. New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark SF Louisville

If Blair is available, I think the Nets would take him. Clark would make a lot of sense personnel wise for the Nets.

12. Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson SG Duke

Discussed in the other mock.

13. Indiana Pacers – Jrue Holiday PG UCLA

This pick is discussed in the other mock, although it is a much more difficult decision with Flynn still on the board.

14. Phoenix Suns – Jonny Flynn PG Syracuse

This is a dream scenario for the Suns.

15. Detroit Pistons – Eric Maynor PG VCU

This is strictly a value pick. Maynor is the best available player even if their most promising young player plays the same position.

16. Chicago Bulls – James Johnson F Wake Forest

Yet another pick that overlaps with the true mock.

17. Philadelphia 76ers – Ty Lawson PG North Carolina

I have a hard time seeing Lawson slip this far but if he did the Sixers would be ecstatic. He also happens to be the best value at this pick.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Miami) – Terrence Williams SG Louisville

There are two players in this next tier, Williams and Teague. Williams is a better fit if the Wolves take a point at six.

19. Atlanta Hawks – Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest

Best value available and also a tremendous fit for the Hawks.

20. Utah Jazz – Tyler Hansbrough PF North Carolina

Seriously, is there any way Hansbrough doesn’t end up in Salt Lake City?

21. New Orleans Hornets – Wayne Ellington SG North Carolina

Ellington, wide open for the three!

22. Dallas Mavericks – Patrick Mills PG St. Mary’s

I think that the Mavs should take a point guard. Mills had a good career at St. Mary’s and burst onto the scene last year in the Olympics.

23. Sacramento Kings (from Houston) – Austin Daye SF Gonzaga

Daye is going to get picked a lot higher than he probably deserves. This is a good spot for him.

24. Portland Trailblazers – Nick Calathes G Florida

I discussed this in the other mock.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (from San Antonio) – Chase Budinger SG Arizona

I think this would be a really good value and personnel pick for the Thunder.

26. Chicago Bulls (from Denver) – B.J. Mullens C Ohio State

I really, really dislike Mullens as a player but I am willing to acknowledge that he is more than likely going to be a first rounder.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando) – Gani Lawal PF Georgia Tech

Memphis needs to draft a frontcourt player; it’s as simple as that.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Boston) – Danny Green G/F North Carolina

As discussed earlier, I doubt the Wolves keep this pick. Green (Young too) would be a good fit.

29. Los Angeles Lakers – DeJuan Summers SF Georgetown

The Lakers need to draft a three.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers – Sam Young SF Pittsburgh

Young, like Green in the other mock, would be good value picks for the last pick in the draft