Posted: Wednesday June 25, 2008 8:02PM; Updated: Thursday June 26, 2008 7:39PM
Ian Thomsen
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INSIDE THE NBA
Final Mock Draft
The top of the draft took shape less than two hours before the opening selection ...
1
PG
Derrick Rose
Memphis
Fr.
6-3
196
The Bulls need the leadership that Rose showed in the NCAA tournament -- along with his speed, size and court vision.
2
PF
Michael Beasley
Kansas State
Fr.
6-8
239
The Heat are investigating all trade possibilities, but it will take a major deal to dislodge Beasley.
3
G
O.J. Mayo
USC
Fr.
6-4
200
The Wolves are intrigued by Kevin Love, but Mayo is the better fit and the better value -- and he may yet attract a significant trade offer from a team moving up for him.
4
G
Russell Westbrook
UCLA
Soph.
6-3
192
The guess is that they choose Westbrook's defense and point-guard potential.
5
F/C
Kevin Love
UCLA
Fr.
6-9
255
Hard-nosed player has the skills to score and the smarts to create offense for others.
6
SF
Danilo Gallinari
Armani Jeans Milan (Italy)
--
6-9
221
If the Knicks don't move this pick, then Gallinari gives them size, skills and leadership at forward.
7
SG
Eric Gordon
Indiana
Fr.
6-3
222
Mike Dunleavy goes for an explosive scorer with ready-made NBA body.
8
SF
Joe Alexander
West Virginia
Jr.
6-8
220
One of the draft's toughest guys, Alexander will plug a hole at small forward and excel for new coach Scott Skiles.
9
C
Brook Lopez
Stanford
Soph.
7-0
258
The scoring center goes to a team that needs more help inside.
10
PG
D.J. Augustin
Texas
Soph.
5-11
171
The bet here is they take Augustin and send him to Portland in exchange for No. 13.