2008 NBA Mock Draft

While I have no problem sitting here and telling you that I can do a NFL mock draft as well as any of the experts (and did this year), a NBA mock draft? Not so much. What I will do, however, is provide my mocked-up lottery selections for tonight's 2008 draft. Through sites like Sportsbook.com you can bet on these picks, so feel free to take my advice if you're a bit stuck.

Note: If the Seattle/L.A. Clippers trade goes through, expect Eric Gordon to go to the Clippers and Brook Lopez to the Sonics.

1. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Chicago needs two character attributes desperately on their team—leadership and speed. Rose has both along with ideal size and court vision for a point guard. They would be hard-pressed to do better in the draft, and that is not to mention getting a player from Chicago who wants nothing more than to be a member of the Bulls. The no-brainer of all no-brainers.

2. Miami Heat - Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State
Miami is not going to give Beasley away for free. There is enough value in him for them to gain some players they want while still getting a top draft pick. Look for them to trade down somewhere in the top five, but first they will have to make this selection.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - O.J. Mayo, SG, Southern California
While Mayo does not fill their biggest position of need, he is the third best player in this draft without question. There is a top tier and these three guys are in it. Minnesota is also considering Stanford C Brook Lopez (and will move Al Harrington to PF or trade him) but that looks doubtful.

4. "Seattle" Sonics - Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
Seattle is said to be very interested in UCLA PG Russell Westbrook, Indiana SG Eric Gordon and Lopez at this slot. In the end, while they need a PG to pair with Kevin Durant, I feel they will opt for the big man to sure up the middle and help provide Durant with an inside-out game.

5. Memphis Grizzlies - Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana
There was supposed to be a trade with the New York Knicks here, but it does not look like that is going to happen. Eric Gordon is the most talented shooter left in the draft while Kevin Love is the most versatile big man. Memphis will go with one of the two here, and I think they are shying away from Love.

6. New York Knicks - Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA
The Knicks need a PG to replace Stephon Marbury at year's end and defense. Westbrook satisfies both needs. GM Donnie Walsh actually wants Mayo and has been trying to trade up to No. 3 in order to get him. If that does not happen, 3-4 should be as projected here and Westbrook should fall to the Knicks. Otherwise, gasp, Danilo Gallinari or even Joe Alexander.

7. Los Angeles Clippers - Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona
Mark it down now: the Clippers are taking a PG. It just depends who is available.

8. Milwaukee Bucks - Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
Scott Skiles likes him and Alexander has been one of the easiest calls of the whole draft. He's tough, high-energy and knows Manderin so he can converse and be friends with Yi. Alexander is a bit rough around the edges but should work well in Milwaukee.

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Kevin Love, PF, UCLA
If the draft plays out as I've laid it out, Charlotte will be happy because one of the most talented and fundamentally sound players will fall into their lap. Larry Brown will be pacing until he is available and ecstatic that they grab a player with an old school mindset and drive.

10. New Jersey Nets - Danilo Gallinari, SF, Armani Milan (Italy)
If the Knicks pass on Gallinari, rumor has it he still has a guarantee to be drafted in the top ten. Is it from the Nets? Maybe. Could it be from another team with a deal in place to trade up (cough, Portland, cough)? More likely. Especially if they can get a PG in Jarrett Jack in return.

11. Indiana Pacers - Anthony Randolph, SF, LSU
After trading Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana wants to replace him in the middle. They are said to be looking at Randolph and Kosta Koufos. With Texas PG D.J. Augustin still available, they have a tough decision to make. Nevertheless, I see them going with Randolph here.

12. Sacramento Kings - D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas
Augustin won't have to wait too long. He still gets drafted in the lottery and for good reason; right now he is the best and most ready PG in the draft. The only negative is his height.

13. Portland Trailblazers - Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas
95% chance Portland trades out of this pick; they really want to move up for Augustin, Randolph or Gallinari. If they don't trade and the three aforementioned are gone, it is Rush in a heart beat. The Blazers will be able to contend next year and Rush is a defender and shooter.

14. Golden State Warriors - Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State
Some has Koufos off the board already, I do not. If he's gone, look for the Warriors to take Robin Lopez or Donte' Greene. Greene is the most talented, Koufos and Lopez fill a need for size and offense.

As for the rest, tune in to ESPN at 7:00 p.m. See you back here tomorrow! Feel free to leave comments or questions below!