Top 5 2007 NBA Mock Draft Version 1

1. Portland Trailblazers – Greg Oden, Center, Ohio State

Although many people hope that Durant goes first, everyone knows that it is going to be Oden.  For us, it would be a no-brainer.  Portland needs to think about it.  They have Randolph and Aldridge inside, so do they need another big man?  No, but it is still too tempting to take a once in a lifetime seven foot true center.  What would you prefer, Jack/Roy/Miles/Randolph/Oden, or Jack/Roy/Durant/Randolph/Aldridge?  That’s the big question.

2. Seattle – Kevin Durant, Small Forward, Texas

Seattle has the easy job, they sit back and take whoever falls to them at 2.  If it is Oden, they will be ecstatic, if it’s Durant they will be less ecstatic, but happier than a lot of teams.  If Seattle takes Durant (which will more than likely happen), it will makes Rashard Lewis less expensive in a sign and trade, maybe allowing to go to Boston for Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, and a future (lottery protected) first.

3. Atlanta – Al Horford, PF/C, Florida

Although Atlanta was tempted to take Mike Conley here, it no longer looks like they will be, as they more than likely promised to select Acie Law IV at 11.  This will prevent them from making the dumb mistake, and they will be able to select the third best player available, which is Al Horford.

4. Memphis – Mike Conley Jr, PG, Ohio State

If Jerry West has influence, this pick will be Joakim Noah.  If not, it will be Mike Conley.  Although four is a little high for Conley, Memphis is looking for a point guard of the future, so this is where he will go.

5. Boston – Corey Brewer, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Florida

This pick strongly depends on if the Celtics think they can get Rashard Lewis in a sign and trade.  If Lewis is a viable option, Yi Jianlian is the way to go.  Either way, Danny Ainge is going to have a hard time passing on Yi.  But I think when he sees Corey Brewer on the board, he knows he’ll have to pick him.  Defensively, Corey Brewer is a beast.  His 7′ + wing span allows him to block shots, stick to defenders, makes steals, etc.  He may be the only viable option in this draft that can guard guys in the east like Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.  If the Celtics decided to turn to the rebuilding route, he may be a good bet to replace Paul Pierce.  Brewer might not makes as many shots (although his offensive game is pretty good), but he will make such an impact defensively, that it won’t matter.  Another option here is Jeff Green, the 6-9 forward from Georgetown.  Green is stronger player in the low block, has a smoother shooting touch, and is a good team player.  But in my opinion, he isn’t as good defensively, isn’t as up-tempo, and isn’t as willing to take over a game as Corey Brewer is.  Doc Rivers also hinted that the Celtics were looking at the two players with the highest basketball IQ, and those two players would be Corey Brewer and Jeff Green.