Whether it’s the Orlando Magic or the Los Angeles Lakers,
the NBA Finals
odds are coming to an end shortly and the focus will quickly shift to the
NBA Draft. Here’s a look at a mock draft with the top five picks.
1. Los Angeles
Clippers
NBA odds makers
favor: Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin is the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2009 NBA
Draft. The Los Angeles Clippers have all but announced this pick, and there’s
pretty much no better option for them to take. With players like Baron Davis,
Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Al Thornton and Eric Gordon, the Clippers have more
talent than people think, and with Griffin in the mix, this team has a chance
to go from outhouse to penthouse in the West next year.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
NBA odds makers
favor: Hasheen Thabeet
The Memphis Grizzlies have built up a decent roster and were
quietly competitive – by their standards – in 2008-09. But they still lack
front court depth and adding a big defensive like Hasheem Thabeet to the mix
makes a lot of sense. He’ll play alongside Marc Gasol to start, which should
give the Grizzlies their best frontcourt in years.
3. Oklahoma City
Thunder
NBA odds makers
favor: Jordan Hill
The Thunder are already a sexy, growing team in the NBA, but
if they could add another weapon – the right weapon – they might be able to
challenge for the eighth playoff spot. The Thunder need a big man, but Thabeet
and Griffin will likely be off the board. If that’s the case, Jordan Hill would
be a good option. If not, look for them to add some depth to the back court and
install a solid player like James Harden into their guard rotation.
4. Sacramento Kings
NBA odds makers
favor: Tyreke Evans
With Spencer Hawes and James Thompson, it looks like the
Kings’ front court is set. The Kings biggest need is a point guard, and Beno
Udrih simply hasn’t cut it as a starter. Tyreke Evans is an option but he will
likely be Plan B if Ricky Rubio is on the board, and if he declares. Either
way, the Kings need someone new to run the point and distribute.
5. Washington Wizards
NBA odds makers
favor: James Harden
James Harden is a polished scorer who can give them some
good minutes right off the bat, but the Wizards don’t have a need another
shooting guard. At this point, he’s pretty good value but look for another team
to trade up and get him. The Wizards could use help in their frontcourt so
trading up for Thabeet would make sense.