PGP's 2008 NBA Mock Draft

[PGPzilla]

1.
Michael Beasley-freshman sf/pf from Kansas state. 6-9 235 lbs.

Michael has been the projected top pick from the start of the college season. He dominated the NCCA as a freshman and led the nation in rebounding. He has an NBA ready body at only 19 years old. Very good footwork and back to the basket moves as well as nice range on his jumpshot. He can knock down the three at a good percentage. The Bulls have lacked a true superstar since the days of Jordan. Beasley is the closest thing to a garunteed allstar that there is in the draft. Remember, the last time the Bulls used a top pick on a guy named Michael? It worked out pretty well.

2.
Derrick Rose-Freshman PG from Memphis. 6-3 180lbs.

Its no secret that Miami wants Rose. He led Memphis to the national championship as a freshman. They did lose that game to Kansas but Derrick really helped his draft stock. Alot of people think he may even go #1 to Chicago. Derrick is not a great shooter but can knock down big shots when needed. He has exceptional ball handling skills and is an above average defender. Plays hard and gets his teamates involved. If Chicago takes Beasley then Rose is a LOCK to be in a Miami uniform nest season.

3.
O.J. Mayo-Freshman SG from USC. 6-4 195 lbs.

This may be a little bit high for Mayo but with his recent strong performances in the NBA pre-draft camps I think his stock is rising. One of the most hyped players ever coming out of highschool, he would would have already been in the league if it were not for the NBA Age limit rules. Mayo has a solid jumper and is very explosive. He penetrates well and passes well for a sg. Could end up playing some PG in the NBA. I see him as a Baron Davis type scoring pg. Minnesota already has a great young post player in Al Jefferson so they can use someone like Mayo in their backcourt. With those two together in a few years the Timberwolves could really have something special.


4.
Jerryd Bayless-Freshman PG from Arizona. 6-3 199lbs.

Seattle needs a PG. Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson are obviously not in the teams long term plans. Jerryd isn't the best defender in the world and may have problems on that end of the court at first but he is an excellent shooter with a sweet stroke. He has often been criticized for being too passive but he picks and chooses his spots to attack. Nice playmaking ability and can push the ball in an uptempo pace. Seattle would be wise to pair him with Durant.

5.
Brook Lopez-Sophmore Center from Stanford. 7-0 260 lbs.

Memphis has nice young wing players already in Rudy Gay and last years top pick Mike Conely. They lack a solid big man. Trust me, Kwame Brown is not the answer. Brook may be a bit overated at this point but with the lack of quality centers out there right now he would be a smart choice for Memphis. Very good finishing off the pick and roll and has good hands for a big man. Not the strongest center in the world but can hold his own. Very solid footwork and good shot select in the post. Can go to the drop step and hook shot to score.


6.
Danilo Gallinari-SF from Armani Jeans Milano in Italy. 6-9 209 lbs.

Considered one of the most talented players in Europe. Only 19 years old and has a great work ethic. Not very polished just yet but you can see the potential dripping off of him. Needs to improve his shooting but I have no doubt that he will. Would be a good fit in Mike D'Antoni's offense in NY. Compared to a young Hedo Turkoglu.

7.
Eric Gordon-Freshman SG from Indiana. 6-3 215 lbs.

Eric is a fireball of energy and is very strong. I think he should have stayed another year in school. At best he may be another Ben Gordon. Severely undersized for an NBA SG and lacks the handles and PG skills to be a PG. Nate Robinson is actually probably a better comparison of what he will be. If the Clippers can mold him into a PG it would really help because Sean Livingston has been hurt every year so far. Otherwise I see him as a little spark plug off the bench to provide instant offense. Any other year #7 would be high for Eric but this draft isn't the strongest one so he gets lucky and stays in the top ten.


8.
Kevin Love-Freshman PF from UCLA. 6-9 255 lbs.

Love is big and strong, two things that will help him on the next level. He has a nice touch around the basket and has the ability to take the contact and finish. Needs to improve his stamina and get in better shape, but they will do that in Training camp. Good court vision and can pass out of the post well. Working on his jumpshot and can occasionally hit the three. With Charlie Villanueva on the outs in Milwaukee I look for the Bucks to snatch up Kevin at number eight.

9.
Roy Hibbert-Senior Center from Georgetown. 7-2 272 lbs.

Michael Jordan has made a few questionable moves as a GM. I think he goes for another one here and takes Roy Hibbert out of Georgetown. In most mock drafts Roy is going much lower and thats a shame. He is a senior and very NBA ready. Very good on defense and showed that by averaging over 2 blocks a game last year in college. Nice back to the basket moves and is not a stiff. He has a few go to moves and can score if needed. Can score with hookshots from either side. Also has an improving jumpshot. Jordan isn't the type of guy to rebuild and be patient. He wants to win now. Hibbert and Okafor together form a tough front court.


10.
DeAndre Jordan-Freshman Center from Texas A&M. 7-0 260 lbs.

New Jersey is in complete rebuilding mode from what I can see. They are shopping Richard Jefferson and moved Jason Kidd late in the season. Jordan is a raw talent that is not ready to contribute too much from the start but has alot of potential. Kind of reminds me of Andrew Bynum. Needs to show alot more love for the game and a better work ethic to impress me. Wasn't even a starter in college so that hurts but 19 year old 7 footers don't come around to often.

11.
D.J. Augustine-Sophmore PG from Texas. 5-11 175 lbs.

The perfect selection for the Pacers. If he falls to them here they will love it. Tinsley's off the court problems have been wearing thin with Indy brass and they have been searching for a replacement pg. D.J. was quite arguably the best PG in the NCAA last season. Has good court vision and pushes the ball very well, making good decisions. Solid shooting ability and can hit the pull up 3 on the break. Very good at making things happen off the dribble. Very good pick for Indy if they can get him.


12.
Anothony Randolph-Freshman PF from LSU. 6-11 220 lbs.

Very good athlete with the ability to put it on the floor and attack off the dribble. Doesn't have much of a jumper at all which hurts but that can improve with time. Only 18 years old. Good rebounder and is still growing. Needs alot of work and takes bad shots but that will improve with age and experiance. Good fit in Sacramento.


13.
Russell Westbrook-Sophmore PG from UCLA. 6-3 187 lbs.

Nice mid-range jumpshot and perhaps the most improved player in the country last year. Outstanding first step which helps him beat alot of guards off the dribble. Smart player that isn't selfish and will find the open man. Never panicks and doesn't try to do more then he is capable of. Doesn't force things. Should fit nicely in Portland. Jarrett Jack and Steve Blake don't look to be the future for the Blazers so if they select Westbrook he may compete for the starting job right away.

14.
Kosta Koufos-Freshman Center from Ohio State. 7-1 245 lbs.

Kosta had a solid freshman year and impressed alot of people. He has a GREAT shot for a big man and is a finesse player. Another player with loads of potential. May turn out to be the best center in the draft after a few seasons. Very mobile for his size and that will help if he ends up playing for Don Nelson. His range extends out to the three point line so that is another plus for him. He may not last till #14.


15.
Brandon Rush-Junior SF from Kansas. 6-7 211 lbs.

Big game player coming of off a national championship victory. That will greatly boost his stock. I think the is one of the most underated players coming out this year. Is very strong and shooting the NBA 3 should be no problem for Rush. Good basketball knowlege and and defend very well. Also very good in transition and if he plays with Steve Nash that will come in handy.

16.
Joe Alexander-Junior SF/PF from West Virginia. 6-8 230 lbs.

Another raw talent here. Only been playing organized basketball for about 5 years now so has alot to learn. Very nice mid range jumper and solid post moves. Allaround game makes him a very attractive prospect. Good passing ability. Outstanding work ethic. Won't have to be pushed to improve and work on his game. Needs to extend his range if he is going to play the SF position in the NBA.

17.
Chase Budinger-Sophmore SF/SG from Arizona. 6-7 190 lbs.

One of my personal favorites in this years draft. Chase will most likely be a shooting guard in the NBA. Very good shot and deep range. Can handle the ball and finish well in transition. Major struggles on the defense end of the court will keep him from going any higher. Should be an outstanding 6th man/role player on the next level. Has alot of tools that just need a little bit of refinement. Adam Morrison clone.


18.
Darrell Arthur-Sophmore PF from Kansas. 6-9 215 lbs.

Another prospect who will be helped greatly by coming off of a national championship win. Very young at only 20 and has alot of talent. Inconsistency drives coaches crazy. Shows flashes of brilliance but then has stretches of medeocrity. Not the smartest player. He does have a very good turnaround jumper and the ability to score in the post. Good athlete with good quickness for the PF position.


19.
Marreese Speights-PF from Florida. 6-10 245 lbs.

Cleveland needs a PF desparately. Ben Wallace is not very good. Period. Marreese has the ability to score. He can knock down the 15 foot jumpshot with ease and is very agile. Facing the basket is his strong suit but he can score in the post as well. Solid passer and is somewhat underated. Could end up being a big steal if he lives up to his potential.


20.
JaVale McGee-Sophmore Center from Nevada. 7-0 237 lbs.

Marcus Camby is not getting any younger and Denver is going to need a replacement. Nene has had a plethora of medical problems so the Center position in Denver is not set in stone. JaVale is a very good athlete who can run the floor very well. With Iverson and Melo there then running the floor is a must. He reminds me of Tyson Chandler.

21.
Chris Douglas Roberts-Junior SG from Memphis. 6-7 200 lbs.

Arguably the best player on Memphis last season. Very mature game and great strength. Tough player who can create his own shot. Finishes well with good scoring instincs and has alot of confidence in his abilities. Had back to back 25 point games in the Tourny helping to get Memphis into the title game last season. NBA ready game at this point. With Richard Jefferson on the block and Vince always in limbo CDR would be a solid pick this late in the draft for New Jersey.


22.
Mario Chalmers-Junior PG from Kansas. 6-1 190 lbs.

Mario gets himself into the first round with his heroics in the National Championship. He really isn't a pure pg but will have to learn because there is no way he can play SG in the NBA. Great stroke from outside. I actually played with him a few times in Alaska when he was in highschool. Good at breaking down people off the dribble and hitting the pullup jumper. Orlando may be about to give up on Jameer Nelson so Chalmers may be the safe pick at #22.

23.
DeVon Hardin-Senior Center from Californial. 6-11 250 lbs

Tough rugged center. Perfect player for Jerry Sloan. Mehmet Okur is not a physical center. DeVon can come in and change the pace up and give the defense a different look. He is very explosive and is a team player. A project player but could get some minutes in the Utah rotation.


24.
Robin Lopez-Sophmore Center from Stanford. 7-0 255 lbs.

With Robert Swift's injury status unclear, Seattle may opt to take Robin Lopez with the second first round pick that they own. Robin is not as good as his brother Brook but is still a solid prospect. Big soft hands and is fairly physical. He can block shots and rebounds well. More of a defensive minded center but this low in the first round your not going to get the next Patrick Ewing.

25.
Ty Lawson-Sophmore PG from North Carolina. 5-11 175 lbs.

If Ty falls this far in the draft Houston would be smart to select him. Rafer Alston is ok but I don't see them really going places with him at the helm. Ty comes from a big time program that played against big time competition. He is a true PG with very good court vision. Plays hard D and puts alot of pressure on the ball. Nice ball handling skills and is lightning quick.


26.
Courtney Lee-Senior SG from Western Kentucky. 6-5 200 lbs.

The Spurs could use some youth on thier bench. Michael Finley may not be back next season and Lee could step in and provide some scoring and energy off the bench. He is in very good shape and can shoot the ball well. Very athletic defender who plays the passing lanes. Any infusion of youth will do the Spurs good at this point.



27.
Bill Walker-Freshman SG from Kansas State. 6-6 225 lbs.

Due to injuries early on Walker is widely thought of to be a second round pick. I think he has TONS of talent and if he does good in workouts can move up to the first round. He is a very strong and solid SG. Smart player who takes good shots and can physically dominate other SGs. His shot is ever improving and when he is at 100% health he will be a huge steal for whoever takes a chance on him.


28.
D.J. White-Senior PF from Indiana. 6-9 230 lbs.

Memphis isn't very good. D.J. could see some minutes there if they draft him. Solid post scoring skills and shoots a great fg%. Finishes well and is a very good rebounder. Not afraid to throw his weight around and bang down low.

29.
Jason Thompson-Senior Center from Rider. 6-11 250 lbs.

Starting to be slim pickings this late in the first round. Jason did average 20-12 last season but for a very small school. Has good potential but I don't see him playing many minutes in Detroit right off the bat. Very physical and sometimes needs to tone it down a bit. May be foul prone in the NBA.


30.
J.J. Hickson-Freshman PF from N.C. State. 6-9 242 lbs.

Will be hard for J.J. to make Boston's roster. One of the best players left as far as the first round selections go but still, when your being drafting this far down nothing is garunteed. Has a solid NBA frame and is very aggresive. He looks to dunk almost everything. Wants to be a big time scorer. Only 19 years old so he will have a nice future for whoever does draft him.


More...

[Chubz]

Lets get this going

[Crono139]

Speights has hired an agent (Andy Miller), so he's NBA-bound.

It's sad that he wasn't as motivated at Florida like he is now. Hell, he was knocking down 3s with ease in one of his workout videos that I saw.

[Larry Brown]

i'm not spamming here because darius can tell you I am a regular poster and supporter of this site but my mock draft is on nbadraftpress.com. It is updated with recent players opting in or out of the draft. If this is a problem listing the site where my mock draft is, I can just copy and paste it....

[Darius Ali]

Looking more and more like Im right about where Mayo will go. Also I think Rose is for sure going to Chicago now. I think the Heat are taking Beasley no matter what they say, unless they trade him.

[cruzg24]

crap i rlly wish the knicks get a good player and put this franchise in the right direction.

[Darius Ali]

I think Gallinari goes to NY but I don't see him being very good at first.

[Darius Ali]

One more day. We better get Beasley dammit. I want him so bad. If we get Rose then Im curious to see what we get for Kirk and Ben though.

[G.O.D.F.A.T.H.A.]

Boston will get Nikola Pekovic. He will someday become a solid center in the NBA.

[deluxbucs]

I think the BUlls keep Gordan HInrich though will be gone and could net something solid.