Final 2008 NBA Mock Draft

The 2008 NBA draft is looking Bullish as Chicago jumps up from the 10th overall pick, all the way to the top spot. Seattle drops from 2nd to 4th. What does it all mean? Among other things, it means six point guards could go in the top ten picks on June 26th. The biggest change due to the Bulls 1.7% lottery buster is the new number one pick.

1. BULLS - Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

Potential to be a more athletic Chris Paul. Yes, Paul's a physical 'freak' but Rose is not from this planet. The fact that his earthly home is Chicago makes this a no-brainer top pick.

2. HEAT - Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State

This inside-outside stat filler is desperately needed to help fill a crater sized-hole left by Shaq. Oh yeah, he's needed on the outside too for the woeful Heat. Could form a "big three" with the Matrix and D-Wade.

3. TIMBERWOLVES - Brook Lopez, C, Stanford

Some Timber for the Timid-wolves. Lopez is sure to be an upper echelon center in the League, but never a superstar. The Wolves have no choice but to start with Lopez and build. Next stop, 2009 Lottery.

4. SUPERSONICS - Jerryd Bayless, PG Arizona

Now the Sonics can start dreaming playoffs again. Bayless and Durant make the Sonics a title contender by 2011. Bayless will battle and beat Beasley and Oden for rookie of the year. (Yes, Greg Oden is a rookie.)

5. GRIZZLIES - OJ Mayo, PG, USC

The whole world will root against him, driving this silver-spooned prodigy to do his best to outshine Rose and Bayless in this class. He won't, but will come close enough at times to make this a solid pick.

6. KNICKS - Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana

You would have an easier time riding a camel through the eye of a needle than making Gordon into a PG, which the Knicks will need to do to make this anything but the draft's first BUST.

7. CLIPPERS - Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy

They need an upgrade at both guard spots and with the four guards already taken this is very likely the first trade of the day. Otherwise, they'll pick up the young, but still NBA-ready Gallinari and his all-around potential.

8. BUCKS - Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA

Go Speed Racer! This could potentially be the steal of the draft. Westbrook is only scratching the surface of his potential. It's a couple years off but he could end up every bit as good as the stellar PG's drafted ahead of him.

9. BOBCATS - Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU

He has enough size, skill and athleticism to cut the Bobcats margin of defeat. Can score the ball and the clawless cats need someone down low with a nose for the rim. He needs to fill out though if he is to become Charlotte's best big man down the road.

10. NETS - DJ Augustin, PG, Texas

Marcus Williams will be gone to Denver or some other team before next season, traded for a player who can rebound the ball. DJ will be brought in to help back-up emerging star Devin Harris.

11. PACERS - Nicolas Batum, SF, France

At the last minute, Pacers will opt for a sleeper. At 6'8, he could actually play shooting guard. His boundless skill set could make a sudden impact in the league.

12. KINGS - Kevin Love, PF, UCLA

Sorry, Portland, your favorite son will be snatched away at the last second by a very smart King front office who wants some Love in the locker room.

13. TRAILBLAZERS - Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia

They needed this guy more than they needed Love. He's a more athletic Larry Bird as he can post up or hit six threes to go with double-digit boards. A perfect fit.

14. WARRIORS - Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

No-brainer. A 7'1 center with skill does not come around often outside the lottery.

15. SUNS - Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas

A true power forward who is agile and can run. Could he be a young mailman?

16. 76ERS - DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M

No-brainer, part two.Athletic seven footers do not often come this late.

17. RAPTORS - Donte Green, PF, Syracuse

He will end up as one of the best players in this draft when we look back in ten years.

18. WIZARDS - Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Memphis

Some needed size and scoring to help Gilbert & co. in the backcourt.

19. CAVALIERS - Darren Collison, PG, UCLA

The most painful team to watch in the NBA might dabble at using a real point guard.

20. NUGGETS - Chase Budinger, SG, Arizona

Let's cut to the Chase. This guy makes any team better. He does everything well.

21. NETS - Javale McGhee, C, Nevada

22. MAGIC - Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina

23. JAZZ - Ryan Anderson, PF, California

24. SUPERSONICS - Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown

25. ROCKETS - Robin Lopez, C, Stanford

26. SPURS - Brandon Rush, PF, Kansas

27. HORNETS - Alexis Ajinca, C, France

28. GRIZZLIES - Jason Thompson, C, Rider

29. PISTONS - DJ White, PF, Indiana

30. CELTICS - Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas