2007 Mock NBA Draft

Making a mock NBA draft is fun again.
It seemed like half of the first round selections over the last few years were recent high school graduates, and all you had was a grainy highlight reel to judge a player’s talent.
Now, the NBA’s new 19-year old age minimum gives NBA teams and fans a chance to see (for at least one year) potential draftees in big-time situations.
Seven of the top eight players in my mock draft were on teams that advanced to the Elite Eight or further last year, and I think the quality of the NBA game will gradually increase due to that experience.
Whether the benefits of the age minimum will put more people in the seats or in front of the TV remains to be seen.
Here’s a look at how I think the first round will go down on Thursday, but keep in mind there are some blockbuster trade rumors out there involving Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Jermaine O’Neal and Paul Pierce that could throw some serious wrinkles in this draft.

1. Portland - Greg Oden (Ohio St., C, 7-7, 257): Taking Kevin Durant and his versatile game has to be tempting, but the Blazers can’t pass up the chance to get a franchise center.
2. Seattle - Kevin Durant (Texas, F, 6-10, 215): Should revive the Sonics’ franchise and be an All-Star for a very long time.
3. Atlanta - Al Horford (Florida, F/C, 6-10, 246): Will be a solid NBA rebounder and scorer in the post.
4. Memphis - Mike Conley (Ohio St., G, 6-1, 175): Can come in and start immediately at a crucial position.
5. Boston - Corey Brewer (Florida, F, 6-8, 185): Boston is a team with plenty ofneeds and Brewer can play several positions.
6. Milwaukee - Brandan Wright (North Carolina, F, 6-10, 200): Could be the piece the Bucks need to become a playoff team.
7. Minnesota - Jeff Green (Georgetown, F, 6-10, 228): Kevin Garnett probably won’t be with the Wolves much longer. Why not draft his replacement?
8. Charlotte - Joakim Noah (Florida, F/C, 7-0, 223): I still think the Bobcats will go after a free agent or two, and they may even move this pick. But if they stay, Noah gives them a proven winner that always plays hard.
9. Chicago - Yi Jianlian (China, F/C, 230): The Bulls would be thrilled if the big man slips this far.
10. Sacramento - Spencer Hawes (Washington, C, 7-1, 244): If he can stay healthy, will be a staple in the middle for a franchise in flux.
11. Atlanta - Acie Law (Texas A&M, G, 6-4, 186): The Hawks haven’t had a decent point guard since Mookie Blalock.
12. Philadelphia - Al Thornton (Florida State, F, 6-7, 221): ACC teams are glad to see this guy gone. The 76ers get an immediate starter.
13. New Orleans - Nick Young (USC, G, 6-6, 200): Best shooter in the draft to compliment point guard Chris Paul.
14. L.A. Clippers - Julian Wright (Kansas, F, 6-9, 220): Proves the depth of this draft if he’s the 14th pick.
15. Detroit - Javaris Crittenton (Georgia Tech, G, 6-5, 194)
16. Washington - Jason Smith (Colorado St., F/C, 7-0, 233)
17. New Jersey - Rodney Stuckey (E. Washington, G, 6-5, 207)
18. Golden State - Thaddeus Young (Georgia Tech, F, 6-8, 210): Probably a lottery pick if he stays with the Jackets one more year.
19. L.A. Lakers - Josh McRoberts (Duke, F/C, 6-10, 240): Might not be the piece that can keep Kobe in Tinseltown, but could contribute in the triangle offense.
20. Miami - Tiago Splitter (Brazil, F/C, 7-0, 245)
21. Philadelphia - Rudy Fernandez (Spain, G, 6-6, 172)
22. Charlotte - Alando Tucker (Wisconsin, G, 6-5, 210): Big 10 player of the year last year. Played in a great college system with Bo Ryan’s Badgers.
23. New York - Sean Williams (Boston College, F, 6-10, 230)
24. Phoenix - Nick Fazekas (Nevada, F/C, 6-11, 225): One of the sleepers in this draft.
25. Utah - Marco Belinelli (Italy, G, 6-5, 192)
26. Houston - Daequan Cook (Ohio St., G, 6-6, 203)
27. Detroit - Derrick Byars (Vanderbilt, G/F, 6-7, 215)
28. San Antonio - Jared Dudley, (Boston College, F, 6-7, 219)
29. Phoenix - Morris Almond (Rice, G, 6-6, 215)
30. Philadelphia - Arron Affalo (UCLA, G, 6-5, 215)