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2009 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1, Picks 1-15
2009 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2
2009 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: C | PF | SF | SG | PG
2010 NBA Mock Draft
Updated: June 25, 2009, 5:25 pm
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Chicago Bulls: DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh, 6-7, So. 
Blair’s stock has taken a hit lately as questions have come about regarding lingering knee injuries. The Bulls desperately need a physical low-post presence, and Blair would be a great fit. Though he is undersized, his strength and tremendous wingspan make him a force on the block and boards. Blair will need to work on his mid-range jumper to be effective at the next level. A shooting guard could also be an option since Ben Gordon is an unrestricted free agent.
Think: Craig Smith
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Philadelphia 76ers: Ty Lawson, PG, UNC, 5-11, Jr. 
With Andre Miller a free agent, the Sixers are almost certainly drafting one of the “teen point guards.” Lawson is a true floor general and ready to step in right away, if needed. Jeff Teague would be the other option here as would Maynor if he is on the board.
Think: Jameer Nelson
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Minnesota Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State, 7-0, Fr. 
I apologize to T-Wolves fans for sticking you with Mullens. But with their third first-round pick, why not? Minnesota doesn’t have a true center on its roster and is in no position to win right away. I guess I’ve sold myself that this pick, no matter how bad I think Mullens will be, makes sense.
Think: Spencer Hawes
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Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest, 6-1, So. 
I know the Hawks are likely acquiring a Teague-like player in Jamaal Crawford, but with only seven players under contract for next season, the Hawks still need to depth at every position and probably take the best available player. Teague would be a safety net in case Mike Bibby or Flip Murray don’t return, and could be a steal this late.
Think: Keyon Dooling
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Utah Jazz: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, UNC, 6-9, Sr.
With the likelihood of the Jazz losing either Carlos Boozer or Paul Millsap via free agency, the Jazz could use a back-up power forward. As has been documented a million times, Hansbrough is a tough kid with a great work ethic and would mesh well with Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan’s style of play.
Think: Eduardo Najera
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New Orleans Hornets: James Johnson, F, Wake Forest, 6-8, So.
The Hornets could really go in a number of different directions. They don’t have a true answer at the two spot, and need depth up front, and a backup for Chris Paul. With this pick, New Orleans is best served taking the player that could make the biggest impact, and that’s Johnson.
Think: Wilson Chandler
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Portland Blazers: Omri Casspi, F, Isreal, 6-9, 1988 
Word is the Blazers traded up to this spot with their eye on Casspi. It makes sense since the foreign product could bring some added toughness and hard work to the forward spot, whether it is next season or in a couple years.
Think: Andres Nocioni
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Sacramento Kings: Austin Daye, F, Gonzaga, 6-10, So. 
Daye is worth the risk at this point in the 2009 NBA Draft. His athleticism is off the charts for someone his height, but his extremely thin frame hurts his stock. A true point guard could also be an option. Think: a poor-man’s Tayshaun Prince/Devean George
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Dallas Mavericks: Patty Mills, PG, St. Mary�s, 6-0, So. 
Ballsy pick on my part… but with the Mavs willing to trade down two spots, I’m going with the logic that they are interested in someone whom not a lot of teams are considering late in the first round. Mills makes sense since Jason Kidd is a free agent.
Think: Ramon Sessions
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Oklahoma City Thunder: Demarre Carroll, F, Missouri, 6-8, Sr. 
Carroll has been described as a “junkyard dog” type player and would provide some needed toughness off the Oklahoma City bench. Picking a foreign prospect like Jonas Jerebko wouldn’t surprise me either.
Think: Dominic McGuire
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Chicago Bulls: Sam Young, G/F, Pittsburgh, 6-6, Sr.
If the Bulls address their need for a physical threat at No. 16, they should take a wing player here as insurance for the possible departure of Ben Gordon via free agency. Young is ready to contribute right away, making him the pick over guys like Wayne Ellington, Chase Budinger or Toney Douglas.
Think: Michael Finley
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Memphis Grizzlies: Toney Douglas, PG, Florida State, 6-2, Sr. 
Douglas would provide depth two-fold for the Grizzlies since he is a combo guard and Memphis doesn’t have a lot of depth in their backcourt. They could go for a shooter like Wayne Ellington or Chase Budinger.
Think: Flip Murray
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonas Jerebko, F, Sweden, 6-9, 1989
I can’t imagine the T-Wolves keeping all four first-round picks and wanting that many rookies on their roster next season. Drafting a foreign player like Jerebko or even Nick Calathes who they could keep overseas for a year or two is likely the route to go if Minnesota actually makes this pick.
Think: Joe Alexander
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New York Knicks: Nick Calathes, G, Florida/Greece, 6-6, So. 
The Knicks acquired this pick from the Lakers for $3 million, and could be looking to draft Nick Calathes.
Think: Sasha Vujacic
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Brown, SF, Xavier, 6-8, Jr. 
LeBron James doesn’t have a lot of help on the wing especially with Wally Szczerbiak entering free agency. Derrick Brown could come in and provide an immediate threat off the bench since he is ready to contribute right away. With Anderson Varejao probably opting out of his contract and Ben Wallace contemplating retirement this offseason, the Cavs could add a physical post player with this pick.
Think: Nicolas Batum
Go to 2009 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2
Back to 2009 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 1-15
Written by Paul Banks of NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: [email protected].
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]
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