2008 NBA Mock Draft & Predictions
June 15, 2008
Despite being a total long shot, the Chicago Bulls won the lottery and were thus given the right to the first pick of the 2008 NBA Draft. Just how long of odds did they have, try a 1.7% of receiving the first pick. Now that we know what order the teams will be drafting on June 26th, we have a pretty good idea of who we think is going to go where.
1. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose 6′3” PG Memphis Freshman
We like Rose to go to the Bulls. He’s from Chicago and also the best point guard in the draft. He is atheltic, he plays smart, and shown at Memphis that he is a team leader. Plus he fits into a missing piece on what could be a good Bulls team next year.
2. Miami - Michael Beasley 6′10” PF Kansas State Freshman
Beasley can score and is a good rebounder. He’ll provide a good front court teammate with Dwayne Wade in the backcourt. If the Bulls take Rose, then there isn’t much of a doubt the Heat end up with Beasley.
3. Minnesota - O.J. Mayo 6′4” SG USC Freshman
I see OJ Mayo heading to the Timberwolves with the third pick. He is a talented scorer who can handle the ball as well. It seems like this guy would be the Dwayne-Wade type of this draft.
4. Seattle - Jerryd Bayless 6′3” PG Arizona Freshman
Seattle is loading up on early draft picks and will go for a solid point guard here to go with Kevin Durant and Jeff Greene from last year’s draft.
5. Memphis - Brook Lopez 7′0” C Stanford Sophomore
Finally a non-freshman breaks through as Memphis looks to get bigger with the top center available. The Gasol trade left the Grizzlies depleted on the inside and Lopez can provide rebounding and a low post scoring threat.
6. New York - Danilo Gallinari 6′10” SF Italy
The Knicks need help all over but new coach Mike D’Antioni will look for someone who is a good passer, plays unselfishly, is smart, and is ready to go right away.
7. Los Angeles Clippers - Eric Gordon 6′4” SG Indiana Freshman
The best player left on the board also fills their position needs. Corey Magette and Cuttino Mobley will most likely be on their way out the door, and who knows if Shaun Livington ever recovers from that devastating knee injury.
8. Milwaukee - Anthony Randolph 6′10” PF LSU Freshman
The Bucks have a lot of talent up front, but Randolph is a raw project that could have huge upside. Allowing him to develop around and playing behind a deep group of forwards could let him reach his full potential down the road.
9. Charlotte - Kevin Love 6′9” PF UCLA Freshman
A lot of teams are getting scared away from Love because of his lack of athleticism, but I feel like his game will translate to the NBA nicely. He’s got great touch from the outside who can also score and pass from down low. He rebounds well as well, so he’s worth a shot here at no. 9.
10. New Jersey - Darrell Arthur 6′10” PF Kansas Sophomore
Arthus is big and has a lot of upside. He’s the most talented big guy left on the board right here and is above average in both scoring and rebounding so should fill a hole that’s been there since Kenyon Martin was traded.
11. Indiana - Russell Westbrook 6′4” PG UCLA Sophomore
Jamaal Tinsley has put together one full season in the last five years and even if he can stay healthy, the Pacers have to be fed up with his off-court shenanigans. Westbrook has good size and is a good shooter, which should have him ready right away for NBA action.
12. Sacramento - D.J. Augustin 5′11” PG Texas Sophomore
Augustin is undersized and is not the most polished point guard available, but he is a good leader and will fit in nicely with new head coach Reggie Theus.
13. Portland - Joe Alexander 6′8” SF West Virginia Junior
Portland needs a small forward and will get their shot at a pretty good one here with Alexander. Green is ready for the NBA right now and should fit in with this organization and where it’s headed since he’s a good character guy.
14. Golden State - DeAndre Jordan 7′0” C Texas A&M Freshman
Jordan is strong and athletic who will be a great shot blocker. He shot 62% in the Big 12 a year ago, which is no easy task.
