NBA Draft Projections (June 15, 2009)
PF - Blake Griffin (6'10" 250, Oklahoma So.)
1. Los Angeles Clippers
Highlight Video of Blake Griffin
Analysis: Griffin is the unanimous number one pick; even the Clippers won’t screw this one up. Griffin averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds a game for Oklahoma during the 2008-09 season. Plus, his production in the NCAA Tournament cemented his status as college player of the year. There are some holes in his game, but everyone in this year’s draft class has question marks.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Oklahoma | 35 | 33.3 | 0.654 | 0.375 | 0.590 | 14.4 | 2.3 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 22.7 |
C - Hasheem Thabeet (7'3" 265, Connecticut Jr.)
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Highlight Video of Hasheem Thabeet
Analysis: Ricky Rubio will probably be the pick here, but it won’t be made by Memphis. If Memphis is unable to find a trading partner, then expect the Grizzlies to go big and draft Thabeet. Hasheem is a project and will need to improve offensively to warrant this selection. His game and body structure is reminiscent of Samuel Dalembert.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Connecticut | 36 | 31.8 | 0.640 | 0.000 | 0.627 | 10.8 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 4.2 | 13.6 |
SG - James Harden (6'5" 220, Arizona State So.)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Highlight Video of James Harden
Analysis: A line-up including Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green should have fans in Oklahoma City ecstatic about the future. The biggest knock on Harden leading up to the draft was his athleticism, but his results at the Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago eliminated those concerns.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Arizona State | 35 | 35.8 | 0.489 | 0.356 | 0.756 | 5.6 | 4 .2 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 20.1 |
PG - Ricky Rubio (6'3" 180, DKV Joventut)
4. Sacramento Kings
Highlight Video of Ricky Rubio
Analysis: Ricky Rubio is Sacramento’s guy. They may have to trade up to get him, but if Memphis is unable to get a deal done and passes on Rubio with the second pick, he could fall right into the Kings open arms here at four. Rubio is a flashy player with a lot of potential, but he’ll need time to adjust to the NBA game.
| SEASON | TEAM | G | MIN | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | DKV Joventut | 25 | 22.1 | 0.400 | 0.417 | 0.806 | 2.7 | 5.8 | n/a | 2.2 | 0.1 | 9.8 |
SG - Tyreke Evans (6'6" 220, Memphis Fr.)
5. Washington Wizards
Highlight Video of Tyreke Evans
Analysis: Tyreke Evans is one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft. He possesses the court vision and willingness to distribute the ball, and has the size and scoring ability to play either guard position in the NBA. Washington needs a shooting guard, but may hedge their bets with Evans given Gilbert Arenas’ medical issues.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Memphis | 37 | 29.0 | 0.455 | 0.274 | 0.711 | 5.4 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 17.1 |
SF - DeMar DeRozan (6'7" 220, Southern California Fr.)
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Highlight Video of DeMar DeRozan
Analysis: DeMar DeRozan is a special athlete who is still learning the nuances of the game. Minnesota could draft a point guard here, but the thought of pairing DeRozan in the front court with Kevin Love and Al Jefferson may be too intriguing to pass up. Plus, the Timberwolves appear to still have faith in Randy Foye at the point.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Southern California | 35 | 33.4 | 0.523 | 0.167 | 0.646 | 5.7 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 13.9 |
PG - Brandon Jennings (6'1" 170, Virtus Roma)
7. Golden State Warriors
Highlight Video of Brandon Jennings
Analysis: Jennings has the physical tools to be a star, the only question is can he put it all together? Most agree his potential outweighs the immediate concerns, but like Rubio, don’t expect Jennings to step in and contribute immediately. His shot selection and decision making were consistently under scrutiny last season in Italy.
| SEASON | TEAM | G | MIN | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Virtus Roma | 27 | 17.0 | 0.377 | 0.207 | 0.645 | 1.6 | 2. 3 | n/a | 1.6 | 0.0 | 5.5 |
SG - Jrue Holiday (6'3" 180, UCLA Fr.)
8. New York Knicks
Highlight Video of Jrue Holiday
Analysis: Jrue Holiday arrived at UCLA as one of the top prospects in the country, but a poor freshman season had some doubting his abilities. Apparently, those doubting Holiday’s collegiate production were not NBA scouts. Holiday projects as a point guard, but he’s more of a combo guard than a true pass first lead guard.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | UCLA | 35 | 27.1 | 0.450 | 0.307 | 0.726 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 8.5 |
SG - Gerald Henderson (6'4" 215, Duke Jr.)
9. Toronto Raptors
Highlight Video of Gerald Henderson
Analysis: Toronto needs to get more athletic and Gerald Henderson will certainly help. Unlike some of the players projected ahead of Henderson, he should be able to come in and contribute immediately. Henderson’s athleticism has never been questioned, but his shot selection and perimeter shot were. He improved in both areas this season at Duke.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Duke | 37 | 29.7 | 0.450 | 0.336 | 0.761 | 4.9 | 2.5 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 16.5 |
PF - Jordan Hill (6'10" 235, Arizona Jr.)
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Highlight Video of Jordan Hill
Analysis: Jordan Hill would have been a top 5 pick had he not attended the Chicago Pre-Draft Combine. Hill’s dipping draft stock is the reason why top prospects continue to skip these events. Despite what the timed drills indicate, Hill is athletic. Those same measurements and timed drills also had teams concerned about Kevin Durant’s strength. Milwaukee will get a very good player at 10 if he slips that far.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Arizona | 34 | 35.7 | 0.537 | 0.000 | 0.654 | 11.0 | 1.5 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 18.3 |
PF - James Johnson (6'9" 245, Wake Forest So.)
11. New Jersey Nets
Highlight Video of James Johnson
Analysis: Johnson may be one of the most talented players in this draft. He can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter and is relatively polished with his back to the basket, but teams seem concerned about his character. Reports are surfacing that his attitude may have contributed to Wake Forest’s poor late season play. If Rubio and Jennings are worth the risk so is Johnson.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Wake Forest | 31 | 30.5 | 0.542 | 0.319 | 0.697 | 8.5 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 15.0 |
PF - Tyler Hansbrough (6'9" 250, North Carolina Sr.)
12. Charlotte Bobcats
Highlight Video of Tyler Hansbrough
Analysis: Tyler Hansbrough will go down as one of the most accomplished college players in history, but how does his game transfer to the NBA? If any lottery team is going to reach for Hansbrough, Charlotte seems the obvious choice. Hansbrough will struggle with the athleticism and pace of play in the NBA, but he’ll never get out worked.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | North Carolina | 34 | 30.3 | 0.514 | 0.391 | 0.841 | 8.1 | 1.0 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 20.7 |
PG - Stephen Curry (6'1" 180, Davidson Jr.)
13. Indiana Pacers
Highlight Video of Stephen Curry
Analysis: Indiana would love to see one of the top-tier power forward prospects fall to them, but with so few in this year’s draft, that’s unlikely to happen. If Stephen Curry is on the draft board, this pick could be traded. Portland is a team that has expressed interested in moving up to get Curry and has assets to trade
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Davidson | 34 | 33.7 | 0.454 | 0.387 | 0.876 | 4.4 | 5.6 | 3.7 | 2.5 | 0.2 | 28.6 |
PG - Jonny Flynn (6'0" 180, Syracuse So.)
14. Phoenix Suns
Highlight Video of Jonny Flynn
Analysis: The Suns expressed interest in Jonny Flynn shortly after his decision to enter this year’s draft. Flynn is a fierce competitor and an excellent finisher around the basket. His stock peaked after leading Syracuse to the Championship Game of the Big East Tournament. Like many of the point guards in the draft, Flynn will need to improve his decision making.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Syracuse | 38 | 37.3 | 0.460 | 0.317 | 0.786 | 2.7 | 6.7 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 17.4 |
SF - Earl Clark (6'9" 225, Louisville Jr.)
15. Detroit Pistons
Highlight Video of Earl Clark
Analysis: Earl Clark could be the wildcard in this year’s draft. He has enough talent and potential to be drafted inside the top 10, but teams are concerned about his production in college. Clark’s size and skill-set allows him to play both forward positions. He would be a valuable addition to a Pistons team that could use an offensively gifted front court player.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Louisville | 37 | 34.3 | 0.457 | 0.326 | 0.647 | 8.7 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 14.2 |
PF - DeJuan Blair (6'7" 265, Pittsburgh So.)
16. Chicago Bulls
Highlight Video of DeJuan Blair
Analysis: This year’s draft is filled with point guard prospects, but Chicago’s back-court is already crowded. Look for the Bulls to go big with this selection and draft DeJuan Blair. Blair has an excellent understanding of where to go on the court to be effective. He’s also a tenacious rebounder and will bring much needed bulk to an otherwise lanky Bulls front-court.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Pittsburgh | 35 | 27.3 | 0.593 | 0.000 | 0.605 | 12.3 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 15.7 |
PG - Eric Maynor (6'3" 175, Virginia Commonwealth Sr.)
17. Philadelphia 76ers
Highlight Video of Eric Maynor
Analysis: Maynor may be the most NBA ready point guard in the draft. He doesn’t possess the same amount of upside or potential as many of the younger lead guards in this class, but his game is steady, well-rounded and he’s a proven winner. If Andre Miller re- signs with Philly, it seems like a perfect situation for Maynor to learn from the savvy veteran.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Va. Commonwealth | 34 | 35.5 | 0.463 | 0.361 | 0.815 | 3.6 | 6.2 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 22.4 |
PG - Jeff Teague (6'2" 180, Wake Forest So.)
18. Minnesota Timberwolves
Highlight Video of Jeff Teague
Analysis: If Minnesota passes on Jennings and Curry with their first pick, Jeff Teague would be too good to pass up here. The Timberwolves own the rights to three first round picks (6, 18 and 28) so it would be difficult to comprehend them not addressing their shaky point guard situation. They obviously like Randy Foye, but will he ever meet their expectations?
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Wake Forest | 31 | 32.0 | 0.485 | 0.441 | 0.817 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 18.8 |
C - BJ Mullens (7'0" 275, Ohio State Fr.)
19. Atlanta Hawks
Highlight Video of BJ Mullens
Analysis: BJ Mullens is a very raw center prospect, but his frame and athleticism have teams interested. Heading into the draft, the Hawks need to fill holes at point guard and center. Mike Bibby should re-sign with Atlanta later this summer, so addressing the center position will likely take priority. Mullens will be the best available when the Hawks pick at 19.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Ohio State | 33 | 20.3 | 0.638 | 0.000 | 0.559 | 4.7 | 0 .3 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 8.8 |
SF - Sam Young (6'6" 220, Pittsburgh Sr.)
20. Utah Jazz
Highlight Video of Sam Young
Analysis: Young is an explosive leaper and an efficient scorer. During the 2008- 09 season, he shot over 50 percent from the floor and over 37 percent from behind the three point line. He plays the game with a high level of intelligence and possesses a devastating pump-fake. Defensively, Young has the foot speed, strength and athleticism to defend on the perimeter and in the low post. He’s not the most fluid player in the draft and he may struggle in the NBA creating shots off the dribble. Also, his shooting mechanics could use some fine tuning.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Pittsburgh | 36 | 31.8 | 0.502 | 0.372 | 0.740 | 6.3 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 19.2 |
SG - Terrence Williams (6'6" 220, Louisville Sr.)
21. New Orleans Hornets
Highlight Video of Terrence Williams
Analysis: Williams can do a little bit of everything. He’s incredibly athletic, can handle the ball, rebound, distribute and finish around the rim, however, he could slip on draft night because of his inconsistent perimeter shot and poor free throw shooting. Despite Williams’ deficiencies, he can provide the Hornets with the athletic wing player they need.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Louisville | 37 | 34.2 | 0.431 | 0.385 | 0.581 | 8.6 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 12.5 |
PG - Ty Lawson (5'11" 195, North Carolina Jr.)
22. Dallas Mavericks
Highlight Video of Ty Lawson
Analysis: Even if Jason Kidd returns to Dallas next season, he’s not the long-term answer at point guard. Jose Barea showed he belongs in the NBA, but look for the Mavericks to add some back-court depth. Ty Lawson may be the best point guard in the draft when pushing tempo, plus he improved his long-range shooting dramatically last season.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | North Carolina | 35 | 29.9 | 0.532 | 0.472 | 0.798 | 3.0 | 6.6 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 0.1 | 16.6 |
SF - Derrick Brown (6'8" 225, Xavier Jr.)
23. Sacramento Kings
Highlight Video of Derrick Brown
Analysis: Derrick Brown could very well be the steal of the draft. His numbers at Xavier are underwhelming, but his physical tools are impressive. Brown is a phenomenal finisher at the rim, and can shoot the three with high efficiency. Sacramento’s proven they are not afraid to draft talented prospects from mid-major programs: Kevin Martin (Western Carolina), Jason Thompson (Rider) Brown could be the next.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Xavier | 35 | 29.5 | 0.504 | 0.433 | 0.741 | 6 .1 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 13.7 |
SF - Omri Casspi (6'8" 220, Maccabi Tel-Aviv)
24. Portland Trailblazers
Highlight Video of Omri Casspi
Analysis: This is the first of Portland’s five picks in the 2009 NBA Draft. Under GM Kevin Prichard, Portland has been extremely active on draft night so this pick could be moved. If they keep the pick Omri Casspi seems like a logical selection. Casspi is an excellent finisher in transition and unlike most young international prospects Casspi plays with a physical edge.
| SEASON | TEAM | G | MIN | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Maccabi Tel- Aviv | 27 | 25.3 | 0.576 | 0.386 | 0.754 | 4.8 | 1. 9 | n/a | 0.9 | 0.3 | 13.0 |
SF - Jonas Jerebko (6'9" 210, Angelico Biella)
25. Oklahoma City Thunder
Video of Jonas Jerebko
Analysis: It will be interesting to watch how the late first round unfolds. The poor economic climate could encourage teams to reach on international prospects with the intention of leaving them in Europe to develop. Jonas Jerebko has potential and the long, lanky build that intrigues NBA scouts, but he seems like a reach in the first round.
| SEASON | TEAM | G | MIN | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Angelico Biella | 34 | 25.3 | 0.512 | 0.343 | 0.766 | 5.5 | 0.7 | n/a | 1.6 | 0.4 | 9.1 |
SG - Wayne Ellington (6'4" 200, North Carolina Jr.)
26. Chicago Bulls
Highlight Video of Wayne Ellington
Analysis: Kirk Hinrich played well along side Derrick Rose during the Boston series, but the uncertainty surrounding Ben Gordon should entice the Bulls to bolster the off guard position. Wayne Ellington was another player who helped his cause at the Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago. His timed results and measurements proved he’s more than just a three point specialist.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | North Carolina | 38 | 30.4 | 0.483 | 0.417 | 0.777 | 4.9 | 2.7 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 15.8 |
PF - Austin Daye (6'11" 200, Gonzaga So.)
27. Memphis Grizzlies
Highlight Video of Austin Daye
Analysis: Memphis could decide to draft an international player here, but they are far enough below the salary cap to absorb a late first round pick. Daye has the length and skills necessary to peak the interest of all 30 NBA teams, however some teams have concerns about his ability to add bulk to his slender frame. At pick 27, he’s worth the risk.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Gonzaga | 34 | 26.3 | 0.477 | 0.429 | 0.706 | 6.8 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 12.7 |
PF - Victor Claver (6'10" 220, Pamesa Valencia)
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Highlight Video of Victor Claver
Analysis: Victor Claver falls into the same category as Jerebko. Assuming Minnesota keeps their two other first round picks, they could use this selection to stash a player overseas. Claver is extremely athletic and agile for his size, but will need to continue to refine his game. Another option for Minnesota could involve moving this pick. Would the Jazz be interested?
| SEASON | TEAM | G | MIN | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Pamesa Valencia | 18 | 22.4 | 0.575 | 0.370 | 0.700 | 4.5 | 0.6 | n/a | 1.2 | 0.4 | 7.6 |
PF - Gani Lawal (6'9" 235, Georgia Tech So.)
29. Los Angeles Lakers
Highlight Video of Gani Lawal
Analysis: The Lakers say they’re committed to bringing everyone back, but that remains to be seen. The most likely candidate to leave LA is forward Lamar Odom. Odom’s departure would create a hole in the front court, one that the Lakers might attempt to fill with Georgia Tech’s Gani Lawal. Lawal’s skills are unrefined, but he would bring energy and explosiveness to the Lakers front line.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008-09 | Georgia Tech | 31 | 29.6 | 0.556 | 0.000 | 0.559 | 9.5 | 0. 6 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 15.1 |
SF - Chase Budinger (6'7" 220, Arizona Jr.)
30. Cleveland Cavaliers
Highlight Video of Chase Budinger
Analysis: It’s hard to believe that a player with the skills that Budinger possesses could fall this far in the draft. Budinger can do almost everything on the basketball court, but NBA teams seem concerned about a perceived lack of improvement while in college. Budinger will be one of many collegiate small forwards affected by the increased interest in international players.
| SEASON | COLLEGE | G | MIN | FG % | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 2008- 09 | Arizona | 35 | 37.6 | 0.480 | 0.399 | 0.801 | 6.2 | 3.4 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 18.0 |
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