
What the title said. More to follow in this space...
01. Los Angeles Clippers: PF Blake Griffin [Oklahoma].
No surprise here. Griffin is easily the best player in this draft. The clock now begins to tick on how soon Griffin can get off this two-bit team and play for a real NBA franchise.
02. Memphis Grizzlies: C Hasheem Thabeet [Connecticut]
No shock here either. It's good to be tall. Thabeet will be a defensive force immediately and he'll hit his free throws. He needs to toughen up to rebound in the NBA, though, and I doubt his offense will ever be more than an afterthought.
03. Oklahoma City Thunder: SG James Harden [Arizona State]
Now the draft really begins and let it be known that DC Pro Sports Report called this one. I saw Harden as the best fit for the Thunder at 3 and I guess GM Sam Presti thought so, too. Harden is a very solid selection. He's a good shooter, good shot selection, and more of an athlete than people think. He will work hard and not be trouble for the coach. I like this pick.
04. Sacramento Kings: G Tyreke Evans [Memphis]
Well, this is not a good night for Ricky Rubio, is it? His unwillingness to work out for teams and his poor shooting are dropping him down in the draft. Evans is a super athlete and has the ability to be the second best player in this draft. He excelled as a point guard last year, though I'm not sure he can play 35 minutes a game at the point in the NBA. He's a real attacker and doesn't hesitate to use his amazing athleticism to attack defenses. Has good size and everything you could want in an NBA athlete. Definitely needs to work on his shot.
05. Minnesota Timberwolves: PG Ricky Rubio [Spain]
Ernie Grunfeld will now be known as the man who traded Ricky Rubio for Randy Foye and Mike Miller. Will that be a good thing or a permanent black mark on his otherwise respectable record? We'll find out. Rubio is an amazing passer and possesses uncanny court vision and awareness -- and he's only 18 years old! He's a lousy shooter, though, and may have defensive trouble in the NBA. He'll need a few years to develop.
06. Minnesota Timberwolves: PG Jonny Flynn [Syracuse]
Not sure I understand this one. The Timberwolves just took two straight point guards. Can Flynn play off the ball next to Rubio? I guess we'll find out. Rubio and Flynn are both good enough to go 5th and 6th overall, but I don't really get this. I guess Minny didn't like any of the shooters at this spot, including Stephen Curry.
07. Golden State Warriors: G Stephen Curry [Davidson]
People will doubt Curry's athleticism and size, but two things are true: He led the nation in scoring last year and he's the best shooter in this draft by far. In fact, he'll soon by one of the best pure shooters in the NBA, too. He loves to play, works hard, is a coach's dream, and will work hard to improve his decision-making. A very good selection by the Warriors. The Knicks wanted him badly. They'll probably settle for Jordan Hill now.
08. New York Knicks: PF Jordan Hill [Arizona]
Led Arizona in scoring, rebounding and shooting percentage last year. He's a solidly built power forward who is a bit raw, but possesses enormous athleticism. He can run the floor and has a good motor. He can block shots, but he needs to work on his post moves, like most young big men. He won't be a big difference-maker right away, but he should improve and could become a very solid player for the Knicks.
09. Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan [USC]
Well, I predicted this one -- and so did everyone else. Flashed amazing ability in his one season at USC and was MVP of the Pac-10 tourney. Can jump out of the gym and almost fly thru the air. Like Tyreke Evans, could be the second best player in this draft. Not a good shooter, but a stupendous finisher who runs the floor incredibly quickly.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: PG Brandon Jennings [Calif/Italy]
Not a shock here. The Bucks need a point guard, as they plan to re-sign Charlie Villanueva. An extremely quick southpaw who is a project and didn't play particularly well last year in Italy. Jennings could be the best point guard in this draft...or a complete bust. Or anything in between. He's got all the talent you want, but the production hasn't been there yet.
11. New Jersey Nets: Terrence Williams [Louisville]
Good passer, astounding athlete, very strong, can defend 3 positions and rebound for his size. Needs to improve shooting a lot, but he's got everything else. Could be a very special player. If he keeps his head on straight, could be a star in the NBA.
12. Charlotte Bobcats: SG Gerald Henderson [Duke]
Another predictable, safe and smart selection. Henderson addresses the problems the Bobcats have at shooting guard. Is a solid shooter and a decent rebounder for his size. A super athlete with a wingspan of 6'10". Really improved last year at Duke, has good range and is the top defender at his position in this draft. Small for a shooting guard and needs to improve his shot selection, but everything else is good.
13. Indiana Pacers: PF Tyler Hansbrough [North Carolina]
A very good pick. Can step out and hit mid-range shots. Will rebound pretty well. Extremely high motor who works as hard as possible on every single play. Not a great athlete, but a guy who outworks everyone and produces. Very good decision-maker. People who don't like Hansbrough don't know anything about hoops.
14. Phoenix Suns: G-F Earl Clark [Louisville]
A very long swing-man with a 7'2" wingspan. Pretty good ball-handler and shooter. Needs time to develop.
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