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From today’s b the paper…

Everyone loves mock drafts, and I’ll make a mockery of this one, especially with a bevy of trades expected. The only prediction I’d put money on is that I’ll get pick No. 1 right. After that, all bets are off:

1. Chicago: Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis: Kirk Hinrich better pack his bags; Chicago is upgrading the point guard position. Rose will be handed the keys to the offense, but can he get the Bulls back to their championship-winning ways?
2. Miami: Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State: It might not be the Heat, but someone will be drafting Beasley here. Miami GM Pat Riley isn’t in love with Beasley’s work ethic, so the Heat could trade down to take O.J. Mayo or Jerryd Bayless. That’s too bad, because Beasley is the best player in the draft.
3. Minnesota: Kevin Love, PF, UCLA: The T-Wolves need a lot of things, size being one of them. Plus, Love’s ability to start the break with his passes could ignite their offense.
4. Seattle: O.J. Mayo, SG, USC: Pairing Mayo with Kevin Durant would create a dynamic young backcourt.
5. Memphis: Brook Lopez, C, Stanford: He’s tall. He’s overrated. And he’s going to end up being a big-time bust.
6. New York: Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona: New coach Mike D’Antoni covets an athletic point to run his offense.
7. L.A. Clippers: Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA: The Clippers don’t have to look far to find their next point guard.
8. Milwaukee: Joe Alexander, SF, WVU: This raw, athletic swingman is on the rise.
9. Charlotte: Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana: The Bobcats will be thrilled if Gordon is still on the board at No. 9.
10. New Jersey: Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy: He’s a project, but no worries. The Nets won’t contend anytime soon.
11. Indiana: D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas: He’ll never be an All-Star, but he should be a solid contributor for the next decade.
12. Sacramento: Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas: The Kings have plenty of time to develop this young, versatile big man.
13. Portland: Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas: Add Rush to an impressive stable of young talent. Portland in 2012!
14. Golden State: Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State: He’s not a big European stiff. He’s actually from Ohio. Same difference.
15. Phoenix: Donte Greene, SF, Syracuse: Steve Nash just got himself a new running partner.
16. Philadelphia: Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU: Ladies and gentlemen, Tyrus Thomas 2.0!
17. Toronto: Alexis Ajinca, PF, France: Sounds like a hot chick, but he’s actually a soft Euro big man.
18. Washington: Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown: The Wiz fill a need.
19. Cleveland: Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas: LeBron can’t take every single crunch-time shot.
20. CHARLOTTE: Marreese Speights, C, Florida: Already a better option than Nazr Mohammed.
21. New Jersey: DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M
22. Orlando: Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Memphis
23. Utah: Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
24. Seattle: Serge Ibaka, PF, Congo
25. Houston: Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky
26. San Antonio: Nicolas Batum, SF, France
27. Portland: J.J. Hickson, PF, NC State
28. Memphis: D.J. White, PF, Indiana
29. Detroit: Bill Walker, SF, Kansas State
30. Boston: JaVale McGee, C, Nevada

Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. Contact him at matt@bthesite.com.

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