LENN ROBBINS’ MOCK DRAFT
On a night that could be dominated by blockbuster trades, including Kevin Garnett, Amare Stoudmire, Shawn Marion, Jermaine O’Neal and the swapping of draft picks as high as Nos. 3 and 5, tonight’s NBA Draft could turn out to be one of the most exciting and intriguing in recent memory.
Here’s a look at what might happen if none of the wheeling and dealing works out:
1. Trail Blazers
Greg Oden
C, 7-0, Ohio State
25 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots against Florida’s NBA frontcourt in the NCAA title game.
2. SuperSonics
Kevin Durant
PF, 6-9, Texas
Combines Kevin Garnett’s creativity around the basket and Dirk Nowitzki’s outside game.
3. Hawks
Al Horford
PF, 6-10, Florida
Remember regal and relentless Buck Williams? A throwback NBA power forward.
4. Grizzlies
Mike Conley
PG, 6-1, Ohio State
Not as strong as Baron Davis or as polished as Chris Paul, but could get there in a hurry.
5. Celtics
Yi Jianlian
PF, 6-11, China
This will not make Paul Pierce, or any Shamrock-wearing fan, very happy in the short term.
6. Bucks
Jeff Green
SF, 6-9, Georgetown
A young frontline of Andrew Bogut, Charlie Villanueva and Green could work.
7. Timberwolves
Joakim Noah
PF, 6-11, Florida
So much depends on whether Kevin Garnett remains in Minnesota.
8. Bobcats
Corey Brewer
SF, 6-9, Florida
Adam Morrison scored a lot of points, missed a lot of shots, played no defense.
9. Bulls
Spencer Hawes
C, 7-0, Washington
Big Ben Wallace isn’t getting any younger, and Hawes is a banger.
10. Kings
Brandon Wright
PF, 6-9, North Carolina
After Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, Wright may have the biggest upside. Or he could be the biggest bust.
11. Hawks
Acie Law
PG, 6-4, Texas A&M
Tough, tenacious and a winner – when is the last time you heard that about a Hawk?
12. 76ers
Julian Wright
SF, 6-9, Kansas
Has wowed scouts with his feel for the game and Philly should be thrilled he’s available.
13. Hornets
Nick Young
SG, 6-6, USC
Chris Paul drives and finds this sharpshooter on the perimeter – sweet.
14. Clippers
Javaris Crittenton
PG, 6-6, Georgia Tech
Sam Cassell is running out of life, and Shaun Livingston has run out of time.
15. Pistons
Al Thornton
SG, 6-6, Florida State
Assuming they re-sign Chauncey Billups. Thornton is NBA ready.
16. Wizards
Rodney Stuckey
SG, 6-4, E. Washington
If Gilbert Arenas comes back healthy, they need a player who can swing from SG to PG.
17. NETS
Sean Williams
C, 6-10, Boston College
If you’re going to make a mistake, make a big mistake; the Nets need an inside defensive presence.
18. Warriors
Jason Smith
PF, 7-0, Colorado State
Don Nelson can’t help himself: A big man who runs the court and shoots.
19. Lakers
Thaddeaus Young
SF, 6-8, Georgia Tech
If Kobe Bryant approves, of course.
20. Heat
Gabe Pruitt
PG, 6-4, USC
Dwyane Wade needs someone to ease the burden of ball-handling and scoring.
21. 76ers
Josh McRoberts
PF, 6-10, Duke
The Sixers get lucky again: A power forward who can pass.
22. Bobcats
Glen Davis
PF, 6-9, LSU
They need more inside. In Davis, they could get Charles Barkley, or Oliver Miller.
23. KNICKS
Wilson Chandler
SF, 6-9, DePaul
In Isiah Thomas, Knicks fans trust; we think.
24. Suns
Tiago Splitter
PF, 7-0, Brazil
The Suns don’t need help now, and Splitter has one-year left on his Euro-deal.
25. Jazz
Morris Almond
SG, 6-6, Rice
Deron Williams drives and finds this sharpshooter on the perimeter.
26. Rockets
Nick Fazekas
PF, 6-11, Nevada
Fantastic hands and great feel compensate somewhat for a lack of athleticism.
27. Pistons
Marco Belinelli
SG, 6-6, Italy
That Manu Ginobili guy (yes, we know he’s Argentinean) worked out pretty well in San Antonio.
28. Spurs
Jared Dudley
SF, 6-7, Boston College
Teach me everything, Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley, and I’ll polish your rings.
29. Suns
Petteri Koponen
PG, 6-4, Finland
The Suns stash him overseas for another year and see if he continues his fast-track development.
30. 76ers
Daequan Cook
SG, 6-6, Ohio State
Last in the first round; next year he may have been a lottery pick.

