2009 NBA Mock Draft - RU's Version 2.0

by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 7:23 PM EDT in D-League Comment 99 comments

UPDATED 2009 NBA Mock Draft due to Patrick Patterson withdrawing from the draft.

Rumockdraft21_medium

Here is Ridiculous Upside's 2009 NBA Mock draft, version 2.0, as the lottery on May 19 will certainly bring more changes. As always, check out our Guide To Mock Drafts to answer any questions before any flambéing occurs. After the jump we provide brief analysis on all 30 picks, along with links to blogs about each team and player. Feel the excitement!!

Also, any issues? Leave feedback in the comments! Unless it's where I slotted a big man.. Then just know I hate them just as much as you do, but I did have reasoning for selecting them there. If your mock draft is better, post it in the fan shots and, if we like it, it could make the front page!

Pick	Team	Selection
1	Sacramento Kings	Ricky Rubio
2	Washington Wizards	Blake Griffin
3	Los Angeles Clippers	James Harden
4	Oklahoma City Thunder	Hasheem Thabeet
5	Minnesota Timberwolves	Brandon Jennings
6	Memphis Grizzlies	Jordan Hill
7	Golden State Warriors	Tyreke Evans
8	New York Knicks	Ty Lawson
9	Toronto Raptors	Demar DeRozan
10	Milwaukee Bucks	Jonny Flynn
11	New Jersey Nets	James Johnson
12	Charlotte Bobcats	Gerald Henderson
13	Indiana Pacers	Jrue Holiday
14	Phoenix Suns	Earl Clark
15	Detroit Pistons	DeJuan Blair
16	Chicago Bulls	Stephen Curry
17	Philadelphia 76ers	Jeff Teague
18	Minnesota Timberwolves	Terrence Williams
19	Atlanta Hawks	BJ Mullens
20	Utah Jazz	Eric Maynor
21	New Orleans Hornets	Tyler Hansborough
22	Dallas Mavericks	Patrick Mills
23	Sacramento Kings	Sam Young
24	Portland Trailblazers	Austin Daye
25	Oklahoma City Thunder	Darren Collison
26	Chicago Bulls	Gani Lawal
27	Memphis Grizzlies	Chase Budinger
28	Minnesota Timberwolves	Omri Casspi
29	Los Angeles Lakers	Nick Calathes
30	Cleveland Cavaliers	Wayne Ellington

1. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio PG (DKV Joventut)
Griffin has been the consensus number one overall, but according to Sactown Royalty, fans wouldn't be against Rubio either (They started Beno Udrih in many games last season, why would they be against finding a better PG?) Rubio's been getting hyped forever, and with good reason - ater a solid Olympic performance with Team Spain, scouts are drooling even more. Rubio's young, gifted and a true point guard. Plus, isn't this just a Maloof sexy pick waiting to happen after drafting bigs in the lottery the past two seasons? First Year D-League probabilty - 0%

2. Washington Wizards - Blake Griffin PF (Oklahoma Sophomore)
Griffin is a complete monster, shown via his domination of all things college basketball, including the ladies. Typically considered the top player of the draft, he falls to the Wizards based purely on team needs. Drafting Blake Griffin, I assume would be that the Wizards would go big with Butler at the 2 and Jamison at the 3 to fit Griffin in the starting lineup. There are some bullets in that lineup. FYDLP - 0%

3. Los Angeles Clippers -James Harden SG/SF (Arizona State Sophomore)

He is not the best athlete in the draft - he plays more like a crafty vet with high basketball IQ and strong fundamentals. I really like Harden, and the Clippers seem reasonably set for bigs. The wing though, could use some definite work - Ricky Davis looks like a starter as it stands. FYDLP - 0%

4. Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet C (UCONN Junior)
Thabeet is a rare player, a 7'3 center who blocks everything. Just his presence makes players flinch and blow easy lay-ups. He also can hit a 15-foot jump shot and is not a horrible FT shooter for a player of his size. The ThunderSonics have not had the greatest luck drafting 7-foot+ dudes (Mo Sene, Robert Swift, Johan Petro), but I think Thabeet would fit very well with this team. FYDLP -0%

5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Brandon Jennings PG (Lottomatica Roma, Italy)
Jennings was rated by some people as the #1 player in his high school class. He has tons of talent, but ended up in Italy after his grades didn't live to Arizona's standards. He didn't do anything special in Europe, but we think he'll be a better NBA player. Jennings is special and the Wolves desperately need a point guard. FYDLP - 0%

6. Memphis Grizzlies -Jordan Hill PF (Arizona Junior)
Hill is big, strong, athletic and willing to pound the glass and defend the post - you will have a man crush on him soon. He averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds per game this past season at Arizona - double-double's in college aren't easy to come by. Darrell Arthur, as he showed last season, is not the answer. Hill could be. My favorite part? He says himself he has "Ridiculous" Upside. FYDLP - 4%

7. Golden State Warriors - Tyreke Evans G (Memphis Freshman)
Evans began his freshman season as a 2-guard at Memphis, but exploded when John Calipari moved him to the point. The Golden State Warriors would be very happy to have him here, as he's big enough to play either position and can handle the ball. Hopefully his size would be able to offset what Monta Ellis brings to this team as his backcourt mate. FYDLP - 7%

8. New York Knicks - Ty Lawson PG (UNC Junior)
Mike D'antoni wants to play at high speeds and no one knows how to play fast better than Lawson. He's the type of point D'antoni likes - perfect for the Knicks. If Griffin wasn't the biggest no-brainer of the draft at the two-spot, this is. FYDLP - 5%

9. Toronto Raptors - Demar DeRozan SG (USC Freshman)

DeRozan is a pure scorer, as he can hit from deep or remind you of Vince Carter with his finishes at the rim. He was the best freshman coming into this draft and improved at USC as the season wore on. Could he one day evolve into the 2nd coming of Vince Carter for the Raptors? If he can find some handles and bring some defense, the Raptors will be getting a steal. FYDLP - 11%

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jonny Flynn PG (Syracuse Sophomore)
The Bucks will more than likely either be without Charlie Villanueva or Ramon Sessions next season. In a weak draft for forwards, it seems like a good idea to hold onto Villanueva and let Sessions find greener pastures. He actually has ridiculous upside and can be a stud in the NBA. The only thing that worries us is his shooting, but not enough to hurt his stock after his impressive Big East tourney. FYDLP - 16%

11. New Jersey Nets - James Johnson SF (Wake Forest Sophomore)
The Nets need a small forward. Johnson can play the small forward. He's got a big body, he's versatile, he can score, and he's only going to get better. He should be able to contribute right away. FYDLP - 9%

12. Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Henderson SG (Duke Junior)
Henderson is a stud. At defense anyway. Offensively, he's a bit questionable, but I think he can develop this aspect of his game. Raja Bell is an expiring contract for next season, meaning Henderson will be able to develop under him before pairing with Gerald Wallace as one of the better defensive tandems in the league. FYDLP - 21%

13. Indiana Pacers - Jrue Holiday (UCLA Freshman)
This is going to be a good pick for the Pacers, as they're looking for a player to shore up the point guard spot and I think Holiday could make a good filler. He plays great defense, he rebounds the ball well for his size, and he's quick enough to get to the rim and finish. FYDLP - 27%

14. Phoenix Suns - Earl Clark SF/PF (Louisville Junior)
This pick is basically best available, and I don't have any player better left on the board. Grant Hill and Matt Barnes are both expiring contracts, leading me to believe that they could possibly look for a small forward. Clark is more of a combo-forward at 6'9", he plays more like point-forward with his high basketball IQ. Not much of a shooter, but he's pretty well-rounded otherwise. FYDLP - 18%

15. Detroit Pistons - DeJuan Blair PF (Pittsburgh Sophomore)
The Pistons are potentially losing Rasheed Wallace, Jason Maxiell and Antonio McDyess. Needless to say, they could use a power forward. In a draft that is weak on bigs, Blair is the only player semi-deserving of this spot. He is, at least, big, if not quite tall enough. Hopefully he measures out as a lot longer than you'd assume. FYDLP - 32%

16. Chicago Bulls - Stephen Curry PG/SG (Davidson Junior)
The Bulls seem to be losing Ben Gordon this season - an unconcious shooter with a slight frame. Fortunately, at least in this version, Curry is going to be here, and be a scorer in the NBA. He is going to come into the NBA and hit shots, possibly filling in for Gordon and filling into a rotation at the point as well. I don't like Stephen Curry, but I like him here. FYDLP - 37%

17. Philadelphia 76ers - Jeff Teague PG (Wake Forest Sophomore)
Andre Miller's contract is up and it doesn't seem like he'll be back. Teague would have been a lottery pick earlier in the year - the Sixers are getting a steal as a replacement for Miller. Teague is very athletic and fun to watch - scorer first, but learning to be a distributor. FYDLP - 30%

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Heat) - Terrence Williams SF (Louisville Senior)
Williams can't shoot, but he can do pretty much everything else. He plays exceptional defense, he's strong, and he's one of the better athletes in this draft. His weaknesses come mainly from his basketball IQ, as he just doesn't seem to understand how to score on the offensive end. Regardless, kid can play. FYDLP - 70%

19. Atlanta Hawks - B.J. Mullens C (Ohio State Freshman)
Mullens is a long way way from contributing in the NBA. He is big and young though and can develop if he puts in work. Good hands, soft touch, and reasonably athletic raw big men have went much higher than this in previous drafts. Does that mean this will work out? Almost certainly not. Zaza's expiring this year though, and they don't have another center on the roster, so this might not be a bad pick. FYDLP - 82%

20. Utah Jazz - Eric Maynor PG (VCU Senior)
Most people haven't heard much about Maynor, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have talent. He's very quick, sees the floor well and is developing his jump shot (though it's not as bad as that sounds). He's a guy that lives for clutch situations - and does well when he gets into them. FYDLP - 42%

21. New Orleans Hornets - Tyler Hansbrough PF (UNC Senior)
The Hornets are weak up front. Hansbrough, if nothing else, is tough. With Sean Marks, Melvin Ely and even Ryan Bowen expiring this season, I don't think this is much of a reach. Regardless, I like this pick FYDLP - 74%

22. Dallas Mavericks - Patrick Mills PG (St. Mary's Sophomore)
Basically, Dallas is not going to find a starter in this draft. They just won't. With Kidd expiring though, they should be looking for a point guard, so why not take the best available. Mills is quick and knows how to play basketball. My only hope would be that they don't trade him right before he breaks out like they did Devin Harris. FYDLP -75%

23. Sacramento Kings (From Rockets)- Sam Young SF (Pittsburgh Senior)
For some reason, I really like Young. I don't think Sacramento would mind him either. While they started Francisco Garcia at small forward this season, he's more of an offensive specialist. Bringing Young off the bench as a lockdown defender would be a great scenario as he compliments Sacramento well with his defense. FYDLP - 68%

24. Portland Trailblazers - Austin Daye F (Gonzaga Freshman)

Daye could easily be a lottery pick because of his size and skill set as a 6'10 wing, but he could also be the next Jared Jeffries. I don't think he is ready yet for the NBA and needs to add some weight and another year of seasoning at Gonzaga. If he stays in, somebody will take a flyer on him, and probably higher than this. Plus, he's semi-local! Fun for the whole family! FYDLP - 88%

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Spurs)- Darren Collison PG (UCLA Senior)

Collison is a winner and stayed in school all four years - two qualities that are extremely compelling, but come draft time, nobody seems to be digging this. I do. While it'll make for a very slight backcourt in OKC, it'll also make for an exciting backcourt, pairing Collison with his former teammate at UCLA, Russell Westbrook. FYDLP - 71%

26. Chicago Bulls (From Nuggets) - Patrick Patterson PF (Kentucky Sophomore)
Patterson has good low post skills and can really finish, though he's undersized at what looks to me a generous listing of 6'8". As of today, there are rumors he'll return to Kentucky, though nothing official yet, so we're keeping him in. Patterson would be a steal for the Bulls if he falls this far, and would also be a great fit. Now if only VDN remembers he can use power forwards rather than four guards a center... FYDLP - 80% UPDATE: Since Patterson is going back to Kentucky, Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech PF is our new pick. VDN obviously doesn't like Tyrus Thomas, so by default, I'm giving him the best power forward available at this spot.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (From Magic) - Chase Budinger SF (Arizona Junior)

Budinger, even though his stock has fallen ever since winning the McDonald's dunk contest, wouldn't be a terrible pick here. I don't like him, but I feel he'll probably go higher than this. FYDLP - 84%

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Celtics) - Omri Casspi SF/PF (Maccabi Tel-Aviv)
Simply put, Minnesota probably won't bring all three picks in this season. Casspi could shore up the forward spot next season once they decide that Brewer and Gomes just aren't great options. I know this isn't a sexy pick, but I don't think it's a bad pick. FYDLP - 84%

29. Los Angeles Lakers - Nick Calathes PG (Florida Sophomore)
Calathes can play. He's tall, he has good court vision, and knows how to run an offense. Passing is what he do though. All the time, which ocassionally causes problems - like when he tries passes only Steve Nash could make - back in the day. FYDLP - 80%

30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Wayne Ellington G (UNC Junior)
Ellington can shoot the basketball for a living. He's got ice in his veins. Cleveland doesn't really have a position of need, meaning they're free to take the best player available. In this situation, it looks Ellington goes to the LeBron's - not a bad gig as a shooter off the bench. FYDLP - 80%

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Read More: 2009 nba mock draft, 2009 nba draft, nbadraft2009, ricky rubio, brandon jennings, nba draft 2009, nba mock draft, Blake Griffin (F - Oklahoma), Jordan Hill (F - Arizona), Hasheem Thabeet (C - UConn), James Harden (G - Ariz. St), Tyreke Evans (G - Memphis), Ty Lawson (G - North Carolina), DeMar DeRozan (F - Southern California), Jonny Flynn (G - Syracuse), James Johnson (F - Wake Forest), Gerald Henderson (G - Duke), Jrue Holiday (G - UCLA), Earl Clark (G - Louisville), Stephen Curry (G - Davidson), B.J. Mullens (C - Ohio St.), Jeff Teague (G - Wake Forest), Eric Maynor (G - Va. Commonwealth), Tyler Hansbrough (F - North Carolina), Sam Young (F - Pittsburgh), Chase Budinger (F - Arizona), Patrick Mills (G - St. Mary's (Cal.)), Austin Daye (F - Gonzaga), Wayne Ellington (G - North Carolina), Jarvis Varnado (F - Miss. St), Gani Lawal (F - Georgia Tech), Patrick Patterson (F - Kentucky), Darren Collison (G - UCLA), Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Charlotte Bobcats, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers

Comments

I definitely prefer Thabeet

To Jordan Hill. Nice to see an update there :p

Can’t wait until the Lottery….gotta hope to up that draft position!

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 8, 2025 5:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like Hill

He has a lot more upside Thabeet. I can’t really see Thabeet getting much better than he is right now.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

...wow

Kings to take Rubio eh? Gives Thunder fans hope for Griffin if the Kings get 1 and OKC Gets 2. The lottery changes everything.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 8, 2025 6:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate to us this..

But it just feels right, ya know? They’ve spent early first-round picks on bigs the last two drafts, they started Beno Udrih this season, they just seem like they should take a PG.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It will be a fun month ...

… of speculation and debate if the Kings do get No. 1.

by Ziller on May 8, 2025 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

Mr. Ghostface Ziller himself. If it does happen, which camp are you in?

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Other teams

and Rubio lovin’ STR posters are on fooling themselves,
The Kings take Griffin.

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Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
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by lietothegirls on May 8, 2025 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?

Rubio’s much better than Udrih. Griffin is better than Thompson and Hawes, but not by nearly as wide of a margin. They’ve invested in bigs the past two lottery’s…

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If they get #1 the could trade down to 2 and let another team pay them for Griffin

Riley wanted to do that for O.J. Mayo at some point passing on Beasley, and it probably would have been wiser.

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True..

I saw this suggested somewhere else today. What would it take to move up? Their pick and taking Udrih’s contact? How much more?

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you spell Kenny T-h-o-m-a-s

"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley

by Bluejohn on May 10, 2025 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't trade Kenny Thomas

He was a stud for me in NBA 2k4/5.. The year after he helped my fantasy team. Don’t stop believin.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 10, 2025 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That isn't the issue I have Scott

I’m one of those “Rubio loving” StR posters. I don’t think Griffin will be a franchise player. Nothing suggests to me that he will be. If he were closer, I would very much be on the fence with it. He has the attitude, and the athleticism. He just doesn’t have the length or height.

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by pookeyguru on May 10, 2025 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I’m just not as sold on Rubio either. I need to see him run an NBA-system. He just has more… how do you say…. Ridiculous Upside. I don’t see Griffin being the next Karl Malone, so he has a ceiling. I don’t know what Rubio’s ceiling is.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 10, 2025 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was thinking about it this morning

(no idea why, so don’t ask).

Sam reasoning Scott gives passed by me… they just took Hawes & Thompson in consecutive years. Do they go with a 3rd big in 3 years, especially given that Hawes & Thompson have looked fairly good?

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say no

But look at that Udrih deal… 3 years for $21 million left.. It’ll be difficult to figure out what they do, but I’m not opposed to taking Rubio as he fills a bigger need..

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The draft is top-2 and then everyone else, right?

Maybe the Kings would rather not have the first pick?

PG would be good, but as you mention, Udrih’s contract is large. Maybe they find someone desperate enough to take him? (Some Philly fans would take him & Nocioni for Dalembert, as far as I’ve read.) If not, they could really use a 3 behind Nocioni.

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just realized

that Bobby Jackson is a FA. Maybe they go PG to replace him and eventually take the starting spot from Udrih?

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I'd prefer...

But Sacramento’s going to be short on back-up bigs after this offseason, more than likely.
It’s really a tough argument either way. I just think Rubio is much better than Udrih and it’d be tough to give up on the last two lottery picks this early, promising as they are. I don’t think it’d be hard to give up on Udrih, despite the contract. Worse players with bigger contracts have sat the bench..

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

coughAKcough

Latest news… the Jazz want AK to beef up.

I wish they’d just leave him alone and let him play his game.

True Blue Jazz
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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade him to the Warriors and get back Crawford and one of their seemingly dozen SFs

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the Jazz would rather have

C-Mag… they’ve been chasing after him for a while.
If they’d throw in Wright or Randolph, I’d bite (of course, more might be needed for salary cap reasons, not sure)

True Blue Jazz
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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

works

AK for Maggette, Wright & Belinelli

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good lord though

5 years left on his contract? That might not happen for that reason alone.

True Blue Jazz
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RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They panicked a bit when Baron Davis left

Can we blame Elton Brand for destroying the future of three teams? :)

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we can.

Duke players … :(

True Blue Jazz
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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Booze

could have the same effect this year.

True Blue Jazz
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't hate on Duke players....

Henderson can be good….um…Grant Hill is still a nice guy?

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They all

love signing huge contracts & then getting hurt. Or just sucking from the get go

True Blue Jazz
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RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch....why Utesfan, why....?

I thought we were friends….and now, you bash my Duke guys. OKay, they do kind of suck. Grant Hill was awesome before 2000. And then there was… ummm, someoneee… (foot step sounds/running away)

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Sorry.
Booze has left a bad taste in my mouth (and most Jazz fans & all Cavs fans).
Hill got his money from the Magic, then disappeared.
Then Brand his money and the Clippers/Sixers/Warriors are all suffering as a result.

Booze is due up again. Who makes the mistake now?

Not a bad overall group of players from Duke (C-Mag is one of them too), but it’d be nice if they could stay healthy.

True Blue Jazz
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RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think most Blazer fans hate Austin Daye precisely because they know him quite well (Spokane - Portland not that far away)

Can you maybe give us Patterson or Collison in the next revision :)

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate him myself

And hopefully he announces he’s going back to Gonzaga by lottery time.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

austin daye is scary talented
and scares the hell out of me because he hasnt gotten one bit better since he got to college. 2nd round pick only for me
by GreatOden’sRaven on May 5, 2025 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Austin Daye will be a bust in the NBA.
by AK1984 on May 5, 2025 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he has good D-League potential if he enters now :)

Austin Daye is the type of player we should draft this year. He is very raw but has excellent potential. He could spend a year or two in the d-league to develop while not messing with our rotation or making our rotation any younger. We need to go get some experience for our holes now. The draft for the next few years should be about getting projects that may develop into good players. We are not going to be able to get players to fill rotation holes where we will be drafting.
by malarky on May 5, 2025 2:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even better

That was my plan. Have the Blazers draft someone to send to the D-League so the BEdger’s are forced to come to RU. Actually, I really wanted Victor Claver or Omri Casspi here, but I think it’d be tough to pass on Daye if the Blazers stay with this pick..

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A la Sergio Rodriguez, I doubt Claver or Casspi would be stoked to get sent "down" to the DL

They would probably remain in Europe if a team drafts them now and has no immediate need. As for the Blazers, they have seen Casspi play against Batum, and I suppose they have decided on one vs. the other. It would surprise me a bit if they take him, but I wouldn’t be against it. Both guys can ball for sure.

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't plan on them coming over right away...

Just seemed like a Blazers pick. Stash em ‘til they’re ready.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think the Blazers stay with that pick though.

With Sergio wanting out and a bunch of second round picks, I think it makes more sense to move up or move out.

by KitIsh on May 8, 2025 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a possibility as well...

“Furthermore, while we love trades and pretty much any element of roster fluidity, we won’t be addressing the possibility of trades within the mock drafts unless they’ve already been finalized. We won’t hypothesize about a team needing to trade their pick and will instead simply assume they use their assigned draft pick.”

From the Guide to Mock Drafts linked on the front page.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have James Johnson going pretty high compared to most mock drafts. Convinced of him?

Same for Hansbrough, who I don’t buy anymore. I compare him to Darius Songaila :)

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like James Johnson..

Chad Ford has him slotted there as well, just for posterity’s sake.
Nobody buys Hansborough, but they should be looking for a PF after losing one of their two and he seems like a Jazz/Sloan guy.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Darius Songaila is a solid player

As someone who’s watched him for the last few years, I think Songaila has some definite strengths. Jumping and playing center just aren’t two of them.

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by Jon L on May 8, 2025 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll vouch for him pre-Washington

I like him with the Bulls… Though for reasons unknown. But I liked him.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I liked him in Sacramento

Haven’t really followed his career since.

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by pookeyguru on May 10, 2025 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I here he's a hell of a Checkers player....

but yeah…Center and jumping are not his strongest points.

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't he originally

a combo forward? Or supposed to be?

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He and Austin Daye both.....

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Austin Daye will never be confused as a center

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe if we put him in a fat suit?

which for him would be a regular person suit?

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True..

Call him up, see if he’s interested in being the next Darius Songaila failed center expirement.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, we'll even use that acronym but not tell him what it stands for....

NDSFCE

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hansbrough

And I weep.

AK can’t play the 4 in the sense that he can’t exactly man up on your average 4, but he’s much better back-to-the-hoop than shooting the jumper. Much, much better. And a Okur/The Koof duo would be solid… Koufos can play inside, and Okur can be the jump-shooting 4. Not as much of an inside presence, I admit, but still workable with the Jazz offense. The pick-and-pop would work well too… 2 semi-competent jump shooters.

Like I said, I’d rather see a PG (like Mills, who you have going 2 spots later). Or maybe Terrance Williams? He plays well defensively, which the Jazz really need. And if they do end up trading AK (those are the current rumors), another wing defender would be nice. Especially given that CJ has shown nothing.

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm leaving him there for now

If AK is traded, I like Williams there (I’d prefer him higher, actually).
I soured on the point guard. Don’t ask why, but I just don’t see them drafting a guy that will forever be a backup in the first round.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I don’t either. Still hopeful though.

Hansborough just frightens me though. Hopefully either I see something that changes my mind, or someone else does and picks him a lot higher.

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What don't you like about him?

Everyone hates him in the NBA, but I don’t. I don’t necessarily like him, but I don’t hate him.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not so much hate

as don’t like.

Though he does eventually rub off the wrong way (a la Devedorf), and that I hate.
Or maybe it’s just that he kinda reminds me of Harpring (not quite sure why) and I hate that.

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He runs like his feet are stuck in cement. Flop flop flop flop flop.
He doesn’t have a high release point
So it’s questionable if he can get his shot up if he sees bigger quicker opponents every night
It’s questionable if his shot stretches out to the NBA three point line
His pace adjusted rebounding numbers are not really good
He didn’t improve in his years in college. He is pretty much the same player he was as a freshman or sophomore
I would expect him (and Blake Griffin) to be measured out smaller than they are listed in pre-draft camp

I think he will be a decent rotation player (see Songaila comparison) that opposing fans hate while he grows on his fans for ten years and not an outright bust; but not much more.

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like Harpring!

(That last part at least, about the growing on… though Harpring wearing off now too)

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will forever hate him and his shuffling ass game...

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good call — Patrick Mills would be a really nice backup for Deron Williams. I’d love to see that happen.

NBA Roundtable

by NBR on May 8, 2025 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

UPDATED

I was emailing with a few different people and decided that LA is pretty well set for bigs, but need a wing pretty badly. This altered about six other picks. I also gave the Jazz their point guard, as it’d be crazy if Maynor fell past them at 20…

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice

I can live with that.

Terrence Williams just jumped the Jazz. He’s on my early list of guys that seem like they could fit the Jazz.
Maynor seems like a PG that seems to fit the Jazz, though I haven’t done too much research on him yet.

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really like Williams

Great defender and awesome rebounder for his size.

As for Maynor, I like him. Some people do, most people don’t. Will be interesting to see where his stock goes as we keep moving toward the draft.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

and he really seems to fit the Jazz (Williams that is)… especially if AK goes (or does in fact bulk up and become a 4).

Just curious, is Maynor getting knocked down because of where he played college ball?

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defense

In the last game I watched him play (UCLA), his defense just didn’t seem up to par. Granted he was defending either Jrue Holiday or Darren Collison the entire game, but they looked good. It’s more that his defensive basketball IQ needs to improve, as he gambles too often for my liking. Offensively though, he’s a stud.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does this mean you're not sold on Weaver as OKC's point guard next year?

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by Jon L on May 8, 2025 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not Weaver... Not at the point.

I think Livingston could be decent, but still think they could do alright with Collison as well…

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you mean Westbrook?

Because Kyle Weaver didn’t play much (none that I can remember) point guard last year, except during his few games in Tulsa with the 66ers.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 8, 2025 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Patrick Patterson withdraws to go back to Kentucky

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4153040

Too bad, he was one of my potential targets if we don’t get Blair

by Norsktroll on May 8, 2025 6:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And there goes the Big man depth in the draft....

there isn’t going to be a player taller than 6’6" after the top 5 this year. Pathetic.

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hansbrough

I think he measures taller than 6’6"…

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 8, 2025 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In high heels, on a ladder

I hate him so much….why do you bring him up. People say, but you’d love him if he was on your team. But no I wouldn’t. I would think he was a pompous a-hole who was overhyped, just like JJ Redick.

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought

you were a Duke-guy

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am....

but I can admit when a guy is overhyped. JJ was his senior year and heading into the draft. Hansbrough was this year. I still love JJ, but he was certainly overhyped and bit too cocky for my taste at times.

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you're going on record he'll measure no taller than 6'6?

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 9, 2025 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No of course not....

I’m sure he’ll be somewhere around 6’7.5"

by IcemanCometh on May 9, 2025 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Scott,

Are you guys going to do a full 2 round mock draft? I’m curious where some of the guys in THIS POST will end up. Surely none of them are first rounders. What do you think, give us some insight.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 8, 2025 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Way too early

But yeah, once we feel comfortable with our first round after the lottery, we’ll give it a shot. Always a crap shoot though, because I don’t know enough about the overseas players. Aside from Claver or Casspi ,who have been talked about for awhile, I’m not familiar with anyone overseas.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 9, 2025 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The first round is extremely difficult, I can only imagine trying to do that alone, much less both rounds. I was just curious/looking forward to it.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 9, 2025 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

...and we should put together

Some kind of SBNation wide Mock draft with site managers making picks each day leading up to the draft. That’d be awesome.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 8, 2025 11:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I love this idea....

it makes it more valid and individual sites can even vote on it.

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate it

If I’m not valid enough, go to their sites. Everyone else on SBN is stupid.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 9, 2025 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No you're valid....

but it would give others a chance to weigh in….more voices….even stupid ones. hahaha

by IcemanCometh on May 9, 2025 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't want to make RU stupid

I like us staying valid and unstupid. Kind of our motto.

There are plans for this, but much closer to the draft….

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 9, 2025 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought the motto was.....

where we converse with recently fired mascots?
Or
Where we start and end beefs with Brandt Andersen.

by IcemanCometh on May 9, 2025 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's why I said kind of

And I never started a beef with Brandt.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 9, 2025 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes but I tried to....

with no success.

by IcemanCometh on May 9, 2025 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's bigger than that.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 9, 2025 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA!!

burn….

by IcemanCometh on May 9, 2025 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO...

It wouldn’t be a replacement to RU Mock Drafts it would be in addition too and still hosted on RU. Come on dude, its a chance for you to rape all of our sites for traffic. Think bigger picture scott, I’m disseminated in you!

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 9, 2025 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL…I clicked the wrong spell correct for disappointed…that’s okay, disseminated sounds hilarious!

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 9, 2025 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds dirty, but I like it regardless...

by IcemanCometh on May 9, 2025 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a fan

even though I’m not a SBN blogger.

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by UtesFan89 on May 8, 2025 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that's how you know it's a good idea....

Utesfan, always with the honesty.

by IcemanCometh on May 8, 2025 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This was done last year

If I remember corretly, I think the Wizards picked Roy Hibbert. I was pissed when he was picked before 18, and we ended up with a guy with tons more RIDICULOUS UPSIDE in JaVale McGee. Upside galore that is.

Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!

by Evander holyfield on May 10, 2025 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Javale

I’m not a big fan of Hibbert. Those guys would go plenty high in this draft, though. Javale would be mid-lottery.

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by Ridiculous Scott on May 10, 2025 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

...oh and that's a sweet graphic

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 8, 2025 11:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs