The 2009 NBA Draft is Thursday night so it’s time for the HAAP Mock Draft. We take a look at the first round and have three separate draft boards. Greg, our resident Haap NBA guru, Chris, our resident Haap College Basketball/Recruiting Expert, as well as Tim, our resident basketball superfan, will all take a stab at the picks. Feel free to criticize, because we’ll be back on Friday to judge our picks as well as the actual picks.

EDITOR’S NOTE: With the trade involving Minnesota and Washington, we were forced to revise our picks somewhat. New picks in red.

1. Los Angeles Clippers - Greg: Blake Griffin - Arguably the worst franchise in sports needs everything they can get.  At 6 feet 10 inches, 245 pounds, Griffin hopes to be the foundation of the franchise.  Blake Griffin is in a unique and rare position, he could be the most NBA ready player in the draft, and also have the most potential.  Chris: Griffin - In a questionable draft class, Griffin may be the only sure-fire top NBA talent. Tim: Griffin - The only pick I’m confident in, Griffin is the most complete player in the draft.

2. Memphis Grizzlies - Greg: Hasheem Thabeet - 7′3 Center Hasheem Thabeet saw his stock soar in his junior season as he became a dominant, game changing performer.  With athletic wings in O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay being the primary scorers, Thabeet will not be thrown into the fire immediately as a scorer.  He can play to his strengths as a defensive player and let his offensive game progress early in his NBA career. Chris: Thabeet - Thabeet is extremely raw offensively but is a game changer on defense. Plus if you’re going to make a mistake, make a big (7-3) mistake. Tim: Thabeet - Limited offensively, but too intriguing at 7′3″ to pass on.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Greg: Ricky Rubio - The flashy playmaker from Spain would be an outstanding compliment to Kevin Durant.  Second year player Russell Westbrook will move off of the ball and become more of a slasher scorer as Rubio will run the show from the point. Chris: James Harden - All the Thunder can try and do is continue to stockpile young talent and Harden is just that. Tim: Stephen Curry - Dynamic shooter has skyrocketed up draft boards; paired with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant for a great young core.

4. Sacramento Kings - Greg: Brandon Jennings - Like the Clippers, the Kings need to fill several holes.  Needing someone to control the ball and lead the team, Jennings is the fit.  Last seen in the United States in the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jennings will be slightly more polished than other possible point guards after playing professionally for a year. Chris: Ricky Rubio - Rubio will bring flash and substance to the point in Sacramento. Tim: Rubio - A dynamic floor general is exactly what the Kings need.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Greg: Jordan Hill - Hill is mostly potential at this point, but has the tools to be a nice NBA player. Chris: Stephen Curry - Curry continues to impress and is fun to watch. Tim: Tyreke Evans - NBA body, can play the 1 or the 2 and gives the T-Wolves some much needed talent.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Greg: James Harden - Left handed shooting guard James Harden brings a crafty perimeter scorer to the Timberwolves.  With a nice duo of young big men in Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, a perimeter threat like Harden would significantly help the TWolves. Chris: Brandon Jennings - The T-Wolves have a lot of holes to fill around Al Jefferson and go with solidifying the point. Tim: Harden - Adds more talent and playmaking to a depleted roster.

7. Golden State Warriors - Greg: Stephen Curry - The best shooter in the 2009 draft will get plenty of opportunities to fire it in Coach Don Nelson’s system.  Curry and Monta Ellis are both combo guards but should compliment each other well as Curry is a shooter with great court vision and Ellis is an athletic slasher. Chris: Jonny Flynn- Flynn a good fit in Nellie’s run-n-gun style. Tim: Jordan Hill - Talented big gives Golden State a presence down low.

8. New York Knicks - Greg: Jonny Flynn - Coach Dantoni looks for his Steve Nash in this years draft.  Flynn stands at just 6 feet tall but has the athleticism, quickness, and strength to be successful.  The fast paced tempo needs someone to run the show and Jonny Flynn fits the role. Chris: Jordan Hill - Hill should fit in nicely alongside David Lee, who led the league in double-doubles. Tim: Flynn - Knicks would love Curry, but Flynn gives them an elite point.

9. Toronto Raptors - Greg: Demar DeRozan - With the potential losses of Chris Bosh and Shawn Marion looming, the Raptors have plenty of needs.  Jose Calderon, one of the best passers in the NBA, is solid at the point.  DeRozan is another of the picks labeled as ‘potential’.  The athleticism and ability are there to make Demar an outstanding scorer and defender. Chris: Gerald Henderson - Henderson’s athleticism and shot-making ability give the Raptors plenty to work with. Tim: DeRozan - Elite athlete with potential to be a superstar.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Greg: Tyreke Evans - Can Tyreke Evans be a true point in the NBA? That is a question Milwaukee needs to answer.  Evans prefers to have the ball in his hands and is a solid distributor but also loves getting shots.  Can he be disciplined enough to pass first, especially with Michael Redd and Richard Jefferson on the wings.  The talent that Evans brings could take Milwaukee to the next level if he could fulfill the point guard role. Chris: Evans - Evans proved he could play the point for Memphis. He’ll have to prove it again at the next level. Tim: Jrue Holiday - Great athlete who can play point or 2 guard and is loaded with potential.

11. New jersey Nets - Greg: Terrance Williams - Point forward Terrance Williams brings an NBA ready body and unbelievable athleticism to New Jersey.  A potential defensive stopper could fit well with young players Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. Chris: Williams - Williams will be much better at the pro level than he was in the collegiate ranks (which was pretty darn good). Tim: Williams - Great athlete who could develop into defensive stopper as well as scorer with jumpshot work.

12. Charlotte Bobcats - Greg: Gerald Henderson - With DJ Augustin and Raymond Felton, the Bobcats have solid point guards that will benefit from an explosive two guard that can both shoot it and slash.  Henderson is a great fit for the Bobcats and would benefit from one of the greatest teachers in the NBA, Larry Brown. Chris: Demar DeRozan -Athleticism and potential at the next level. Tim: Henderson - Bobcats love Williams, but Henderson is similar if Williams is off the board.

13. Indiana Pacers - Greg: Jeff Teague - The hometown kid fills multiple needs for the Pacers.  Teague brings quickness and athleticism and a potential starting point guard to a team with those needs.  Graduating from Pike High School in Indianapolis, coming home would be a dream come true for Teague. Chris: Teague - Teague brings playmaking ability as well as shotmaking ability from the point guard spot. Tim: Brandon Jennings - Pacers need a lead guard, may opt for hometown Teague, but I like Jennings better.

14. Phoenix Suns - Greg: James Johnson - When the Suns signed Alvin Gentry to an extension, the up-tempo style came back to phoenix.  Freak athlete James Johnson can get up and down the floor and finish at the rim very well.  Should be a significant help to a team that lacked quality depth in 2008-2009. Chris: Earl Clark - This versatile forward is tailor-made for the Suns at 14. Tim: Clark - An ideal fit for the lanky, skilled forward. Rumor is Suns promised to draft Clark if he’s there.

15. Detroit Pistons - Greg: Austin Daye - Where ever Austin Daye gets drafted, it will be called a stretch.  Daye stands at 6′10 and just 190 lbs. but has a unique skill set for that size.  He can fill it up from the perimeter and handle the ball well.  Chris: BJ Mullens - If it were me, I would make a rule not to draft stiff, American-born 7-footers. I guess that’s me though. Tim: James Johnson - Skilled big who intrigues NBA scouts.

16. Chicago Bulls - Greg: Earl Clark - Clark has yet to live up to the talent he possesses.  Like Austin Daye, Earl can play the 3 or the 4 and is 6′10.  Plenty of room available for toughness and determination in Clark’s arsenal, but if it comes together, the sky high potential could be fulfilled. Chris: DeJuan Blair - Blair brings his brand of toughness to the block in Chicago. Tim: Blair - The Bulls can finally replace Elton Brand with a tough big who can board and score.

17. Philadelphia 76ers - Greg: Jrue Holiday - A combo guard who has top 5 pick hype.  Holiday was widely considered one of the top players in the country coming out of high school but has some what of an under-whelming freshman year.  The talent is there and Holiday could really help the 76ers.  Jrue would give Philly some options, they could let him mature and learn from veteran point guard Andre Miller, or use Miller as trade bait and let Holiday take over. Chris: Ty Lawson - I think Andre Miller’s days are numbered in Philly. Tim: Lawson - Dynamic speed gives the 76ers a lead guard to match with Iguadola for a fastbreak dynamo.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves - Greg: BJ Mullens - With their second pick of the first round, BJ Mullens would add depth to the front line of the Wolves.  Mullens could give Jefferson a breather at the 5, and allow Jefferson to play at what some say is his natural position, the 4. Chris: Wayne Ellington -After taking Jennings, the T-Wolves target Ellington, a perimeter scorer. Tim: Mullens - Underwhelming pick to me, but Mullens is huge and could develop.

19. Atlanta Hawks - Greg: DeJuan Blair - Blair does not match the athleticism that the Hawks have built the past few years, but provides much needed interior depth.  The Hawks played a small lineup a lot last year due to a lack of depth with their bigs.  DeJuan would provide the toughness that could get the Hawks to the next level, able to knock off the Magic, Celtics, or Cavs. Chris: Jrue Holiday - Holiday has the athleticism and guard skills to fly with the Hawks. Tim: Jeff Teague - Athletic point guard adds another scorer and depth to a talented roster.

20. Utah Jazz - Greg: Tyler Hansbrough - One of the greatest college players of my generation, Hansbrough has faced a lot of criticism about his NBA potential.  Tyler showed at the combine he has the numbers and ability to be successful on the next level.  With Carlos Boozer possibly heading out of town, Hansbrough could fit right in with the Jazz. Chris: Hansborough - Hansbrough will fit in for a number of reasons in Utah. Tim: Hansborough - Let’s be honest, the Jazz always take the best white guy available, plus Psycho T has the toughness the Jazz and Jerry Sloan love.

21. New Orleans Hornets - Greg: Eric Maynor - The loss of Janero Pargo significantly hurt the Hornets this past season.  Maynor would step into that role. Chris: Maynor - The Hornets are looking for a back-up to Chris Paul and Maynor fits the bill at No. 21. Tim: Austin Daye - I know the Hornets would like to get depth behind Paul, but they need so much more help.

22. Dallas Mavericks - Greg: Ty Lawson - Mark Cuban could use Ty Lawson as the point guard of the future and hope Lawson eases the pain of losing Devin Harris to the Nets.  Lawson would have time to improve his perimeter jump shot and learn from an all-time great point guard, Jason Kidd. Chris: Chase Budinger - Budinger’s perimeter game will upgrade the Mavs. Tim: Eric Maynor - Kidd is getting old, the Mavs could use a point guard for the future.

23. Sacramento Kings - Greg: Chase Budinger - The Kings second pick of the round gives them the chance to significantly improve their team.  Budinger could be a great pick for them, with the athleticism and perimeter jump shots he has. Chris: James Johnson - At 6-9, 250 pounds, Johnson will provide some toughness to the Kings interior. Tim: Sam Young - I think Young is highly undervalued, and the Kings always seem to draft someone to replace my boy Francisco Garcia.

24. Portland Trailblazers - Greg: Derrick Brown - I do not buy into the claims of the Blazers needing a point guard, as i think Jarred Bayless could prove to be a solid starting point guard at some point.  Portland has been known to take the most talented player available, and that very well could be Derrick Brown here.  Brown worked out very well at the combine. Chris: Austin Daye - At 6-10, Daye has a very unique skill set but needs to bulk up from 190 pounds. Tim: Chase Budinger - With no great point guard left, Blazers opt for an athlete who can score inside and out.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Greg: Wayne Ellington - Ellington provides depth in the back court for the Thunder.  A nice perimeter jump shot and the ability to slash and set others up, Ellington would be a nice addition. Chris: Omri Casspi - Casspi has a ton of talent and is the best player available. Tim: Ellington - Thunder need talent, and Ellington is a underrated athlete who can shoot it.

26. Chicago Bulls - Greg: Sam Young - The player I labeled as the ‘most underrated player’ in the nation this past season.  Young is extremely productive day in and day out and will be a steal in the draft. Chris: Jodie Meeks - The Bulls liked Meeks in his workouts and he could provide scoring from the perimeter. Tim: Toney Douglas - Pure scorer with an NBA body who could eventually replace Ben Gordon if he leaves.

27. Memphis Grizzlies - Greg: Taj Gibson - The Grizzlies need all the depth the can get.  Gibson is an athlete that could play the 3 and 4.  Gibson is versatile enough to provide minutes and productivity in different ways. Chris: Marcus Thornton - Pure scorer from the guard position. Tim: Omri Casspi - Grizzlies need a lot, and he looks to be the best available at this point.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Greg: Nick Calathes - Third pick of the first round.  Calathes has unbelievable court vision and can fill a stat sheet.  Randy Foye and Nick Calathes would be a nice duo at the point. Chris: DaJuan Summers - Great size for someone who feels comfortable away from the basket. Consistent shooter beyond the arc and explosive from the wing. Tim: Summers - Long and versatile, can score in many ways.

29. Los Angeles Lakers - Greg: Omri Casspi - The Lakers are the most talented team in the NBA and have little to no holes.  If Ariza and/or Odom leave via free agency, there could be room for a small forward/power forward.  Casspi worked out well and is said to have serious talent. Chris: Patty Mills - Must be nice to be the champs. Mills could pick up nicely for Derek Fisher–who has had trouble defending smaller, quicker guards. Tim: Marcus Thornton - The Lakers really don’t need help, but Thornton would give them a strong guard who can defend.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Greg: Patty Mills - I expect the Cavs to make a deal draft day or soon after.  Would not surprise me to see the Calaiers trade up to get an atheltic power forward or a big guard.  At this point, i am giving them the player i see as the best available.  If Patty Mills can return to the form of his international play last summer against Team USA and the rest of the world, he will be successful.  Mills only played college for two years but has international experience that will prove to be valuable. Chris: Taj Gibson - Just what the doctor ordered for the Cavs: a capable scorer either on the block or with the face-up game. Tim: Derrick Brown - Elite athlete who with time could develop into a star.

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