The NBA \ Mock draft

1. L.A. Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma, PF

He’s the only sure thing in this draft; an athletic and rugged power forward. Will the Clippers trade one of their other big men?

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut, C

It’s what he does, not how well he does it; he’s the only defensive center in this first round.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ricky Rubio, Spain, PG

Would pair with Russell Westbrook in a blowout backcourt.

4. Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans, PG

Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn is also a strong possibility here.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves: James Harden, Arizona State, SG

Remaking the backcourt following the trade with the Washington Wizards.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stephen Curry, Davidson, PG

Buy a good parka, Steph; you’re not in Charlotte anymore.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Hill, Arizona, PF

Unorthodox Warriors can live with Hill’s lack of bulk at the position.

8. New York Knicks: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse, PG

The Knicks want Curry, but Flynn’s dribble-penetration fits what coach Mike D’Antoni wants to do.

9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, Southern Cal., SG-SF

They need wing players and DeRozan is a great athlete, but he needs to improve his jump shot.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings, European pro, PG

They would love for Flynn to get to them, but that seems unlikely.

11. New Jersey Nets: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina, PF

Terrence Williams is also on the Nets’ short list.

12. Charlotte Bobcats: Terrence Williams, Louisville, SG-SF

They’ll be happy if either Williams or Gerald Henderson is still there to back up Raja Bell.

13. Indiana Pacers: Ty Lawson, North Carolina, PG

DeJuan Blair also makes some sense at this spot.

14. Phoenix Suns: Gerald Henderson, Wake Forest, SF

A value pick at this spot in the draft.

15. Detroit Pistons: DeJuan Blair, Pitt, PF

They get the best rebounder in a draft short on big men.

16. Chicago Bulls: James Johnson, Wake Forest, SF

He has a wide spectrum of offensive skills.

17. Philadelphia 76ers: Jrue Holiday, UCLA, PG

They need a playmaker; they’d love for Lawson to get to them.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Earl Clark, Louisville, SF

Continuing the mass makeover of the Timberwolves’ roster.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest, PG-SG

Ideally, Teague evolves into a Flip Murray-like combo guard.

20. Utah Jazz: Sam Young, Pitt, SF

He’s just the sort of tough, gritty player coach Jerry Sloan has always valued.

21. New Orleans Hornets: Eric Maynor, VCU, PG

The Hornets would be open to selling this pick to avoid another guaranteed salary.

22. Dallas Mavericks: Chase Budinger, Arizona, SF

Mavericks are in win-now mode, so no rookie figures to play much.

23. Sacramento Kings: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State, C

He’s a center, but he’s a long way off from being an NBA rotation player.

24. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Daye, Gonzaga, PF

He has plenty of skill, but needs to fill out his body considerably.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Derrick Brown, Xavier, SF

Still assembling talent, so they could go for any position with this pick.

26. Chicago Bulls: Wayne Ellington, North Carolina, SG

Bulls could lose backcourt scoring if Ben Gordon leaves in free-agency.

27. Memphis Grizzlies: Toney Douglas, Florida State, PG

Not yet a true point guard, but he has the makings of an NBA player.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Marcus Thornton, LSU, SG

He’s small for his position, but this guy can flat-out shoot and score.

29. Los Angeles Lakers: Omri Casspi, Israel, SF

They could leave him overseas to continue developing on another team’s payroll.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown, SF

Good luck finding much time, playing behind LeBron James.

McClatchy-Tribune