2010 NBA Draft

Yo!

I was going through my blog in the past couple of weeks, and found them kinda boring. Seems like I had considered myself being knowledgeable and tried to pretend to be an analyst rather than just a joker hanging around, making the mails getting unreadable.

OK, I will not try to pretend to be Jeff Van Gundy or Mark Jackson. I will give up any in-depth analysis, because you can always read those stuffs elsewhere. I will try to be cool and be like Chuck, Kenny and Ernie.

Here are my findings from the 2010 NBA Draft, pick-by-pick:

1. Washington – John Wall, 6’4”, PG, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Derrick Rose

Grand prize of this draft. Super quick and talented, has good size and huge potential. A taller version of Derrick Rose. Like Rose, he doesn’t have his jumper yet. Can’t wait to see him play. Most imminent right now, is for the Wizards to send away Agent Zero ASAP so that he won’t have any negative influence on Wall. Why would they still want a cancer in the locker room?

2. Philadelphia – Evan Turner, 6’6”, SG, Ohio Sts., Jr.

Comparison: Brandon Roy

Again no surprise. NCAA player of the year; a versatile and smooth scorer who could play both guard positions; not super athletic but most NBA-ready. Philly now has 2 combo guards, Jrue Holiday and Turner. They will shift Igoudala to SF and bring Nocioni off the bench. Dalembert is gone, but Speights and Hawes will man the paint. Not bad a team. Oops, I forgot they also have a 15-million-dollar 6th man, Brand.

3. New Jersey – Derrick Favors, 6’10”, PF, Georgia Tech., Fr.

Comparison: Antonio McDyess/Al Horford

The Russian Billionaire playboy owner had to make a tough choice between Favors (athletic big man), Johnson (versatile SF) and Cousins (true C). Favors is a long and explosive, a terrific rebounder and defender. He runs the floor quick and is a dunking machine. Yup, huge upside, but unpolished. But frankly, does it really matter whom they draft? They just need to get LeBron. Period.

4. Minnesota – Wesley Johnson, 6’7”, SF, Syracuse, Jr.

Comparison: Shawn Marion

A long and athletic SF who is terrific in transition, and can play on the defensive end, but lacks the ability to create shots. The Shawn Marion comparison concerns me. The Matrix is not exactly a star, although he himself might not agree. Does that mean that Minny is drafting a supporting cast with the No. 4 pick? Anyway, last time I checked, Minny has 5 centers and were starting Ryan Gomes at SF. Johnson should fill the needs while they are till waiting for Ricky Rubio.

5. Sacramento – DeMarcus Cousins, 6’11”, C, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Al Jefferson

Cousins is the most interesting guy in this draft. He is a rare true center with huge frame. He is super-skilled, has soft touch, and is able to score down low. He rebounds well too, and will probably be the best player in this class in a couple years’ time. People say he’s a better and taller version of Al Jefferson. The problem? Mental issues. He’s loose cannon. Read more:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2010/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&page=cousins-100620

6. Golden States – Ekpe Udoh, 6’10”, PF, Baylor, Jr.

Comparison: Jason Thompson

OK, we have our first awkward name draftee! Full name? Ekpedeme Friday Udoh! From ESPN’s Chad Ford: “can block shots and defend”. What? That’s it? More: “unfinished product”. But he’s 23. If you are still an unfinished product at 23, you are probably already finished. Man, I wish the Warriors good luck. Geez, when was the last time the Warriors had luck? Yeah, back when Wilt Chamberlain was playing.

7. Detroit – Greg Monroe, 6’11”, PF, Georgetown, So.

Comparison: Brad Miller

A skilled left-handed big man with great size and finesse game. Not very athletic therefore an average rebounder and defender. A good passer too. Yup, exactly what Brad Miller is. Detroit need a big man desperately. They can’t hang on with Kwame for too long, although everybody loves Kwame, including MJ. And he Lakers.

8. LA Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu, 6’8”, SF, Wake Forest, So.

Comparison: Josh Smith

Scout report: “athletic and super long combo forward, runs the floor and plays D, excellent rebounder. Excel in run-and-gun. Big upside but extremely young.” Reports are that the Clippers have given him the promise to take him at No. 8. No comment from me. Just good luck to his ACL.

9. Utah – Gordon Hayward, 6’8”, SF, Butler, So.

Comparison: Mike Miller / Mike Dunleavy Jr.

The great hero for Butler’s championship run. An example of how a good tournament helped you going up the chart. As a SF, he has good size. A smart player who can create his own shots. Good team player but average athlete. A FUNDAMENTAL guy. Looks like a good fit for the Jazz. BTW, he absolutely looks like a nerd:

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/gordon-hayward

10. Indiana – Paul George, 6’7”, SF, Fresno St., So.

Comparison: Danny Granger

A strong athlete who can shoot, finish and defend. Huge upside potential but a long term prospect. Larry Bird picked the best talent available at #10. Yes, they are picking a guy who is similar to Danny Granger. It would be interesting to see 2 Grangers running down the floor at the same time.

11. New Orleans (traded to OKC) – Cole Aldrich, 6’11”, C, Kansas, Jr.

Comparison: Joel Przybilla

The Hornets traded this pick to OKC. Aldrich is a true center with terrific size and frame, a big time rebounder who plays physical defense. Good hands around the basket but really limited offense. I like these types of big men. They could be very valuable for teams with terrific perimeter scorers. Yes, someone like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. OKC’s GM has really done a good job accumulating talents and filling in all the missing pieces.

12. Memphis – Xavier Henry, 6’6”, SG, Kansas, Fr.

Comparison: Martell Webster

A swingman with good size and can really shoot. Not a great athlete and may struggle to create his own shots at pro level. Seems to me a straight complimentary player. The Grizz already have OJ Mayo so they don’t need Henry to start at SG. But the point is, is he the best choice at #12?

13. Toronto – Ed Davis, 6’9”, PF, UNC, So.

Comparison: Al Horford

A big man with nice frame and length, he has very high basketball IQ, and can be a great rebounder/shot blocker, though not very skilled. Davis was a top-5 recruit beginning this year but wrist injury has hurt his drafting position. Can be the steal of this draft. A nice consolation prize for the Raptors after they lose Chris Bosh.

14. Houston – Patrick Patterson, 6,8”, PF, Kentucky, Jr.

Comparison: Carl Landry

Third player from Kentucky. According to Chad Ford: “a meat-and-potatoes big man”. I am not sure it is good or not. And I am not sure the Carl Landry comparison is good or not either. Everybody loves Carl Landry. He hustles, works his ass off and plays all out. However, Carl Landry is also undersized with limited talent. Carl Landry is a steal at 31st pick (in 2007), but using a lottery pick to get a Carl Landry? I am not so sure. Plus, the Rockets just traded away their own Carl Landry last February.

That’s it for the lottery pick. I will be brief from now on.

15. Milwaukee – Larry Sanders, 6’10”, PF, VA Commonwealth, Jr.

Comparison: Theo Ratliff

A huge shot blocker with limited offense. Replacement of Dan Gadzuric as Bogut’s backup.

16. Minnesota (traded to POR) – Luke Babbitt, 6,9”, SF, Nevada. So.

Comparison: Keith Van Horn

The Wolves traded this pick to the Blazers for Martell Webster. He is a long-range shooter with good passing skills. Not sure he’s better than Webster or not.

17. Chicago – Kevin Seraphin, 6’9”, PF, France

Comparison: Jordan Hill

The Bulls traded this pick to Washington as part of the Kirk Hinrich deal. The only international player in the first round. A long, athletic big man but very raw. Likely to stay in Europe for a couple of years.

18. Oklahoma City (traded to LAC) – Eric Bledsoe, 6’1”, PG, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Keyon Dooling / Marcus Banks

Probably famous for being the teammate of John Wall. Fourth Wildcat in the draft. Extremely quick and athletic. Despite at 6'1”, he played at SG most of the time while Wall played PG at Kentucky. Looks like a career backup to me.

19. Boston – Avery Bradley, 6’3”, SG, Texas, Fr.

Comparison: Monta Ellis

Top high school player last year, but did not bode well in college. Undersized SG with quickness. A risky pick by Danny Ainge.

20. San Antonio – James Anderson, 6’6”, SG, Oklahoma St., Jr.

Comparison: Daequan Cook

Swingman with nice size and average athleticism. Good shooting skills but not a good defender. Not sure why Popovich picked him. I was expecting some interesting gamble by Pop.

21. Oklahoma City (traded to NOH) – Craig Brackins, 6’10”, PF, Iowa St., Jr.

Comparison: Jason Thompson

Part of the trade together with #11 pick. Goes higher than expected. Offensively talented and seems like that’s it.

22. Portland – Elliot Williams, 6’4”, SG, Memphis, So.

Comparison: Rodney Stuckey

Another athletic combo guard aka tweener aka undersized SG. I thought the Blazers had combo guard in Jerryd Bayless already. Why need another?

23. Minnesota (traded to WAS) – Trevor Booker, 6’7”, PF, Clemson, Sr.

Comparison: Brandon Bass

A PF who makes up his lack of size with hustles and strength. Hmm, well, I always admire such kind of player, but I probably wouldn’t want to have such a player for my first round draft…

24. Atlanta (traded to NJN) – Damion James, 6’7”, SF, Texas, Sr.

Comparison: Lou Mbah a Moute

Tough-minded SF that finished his college career being Big 12 Conference's all time leading rebounder. And it took him 4 years to do so. Can’t do much else.

25. Memphis (traded to DAL) – Dominique Jones, 6’4”, SG, S. Florida, Jr.

Comparison: Rodney Stuckey

Another “combo guard”, powerfully built and can score a lot but can’t shoot too well.

26. Oklahoma City (traded to NOH) – Quincy Pondexter, 6’7”, SF, Washington, Sr.

Comparison: Mickael Pietrus

Sent to the Hornets as part of the Cole Aldrich (#11 pick) deal. An athletic forward, can guard several positions and get rebounds.

27. New Jersey (traded to ATL) – Jordon Crawford, 6’4”, SG, Xavier, So.

Comparison: Flip Murray

Swapped with the Hawks for #24 pick. Probably most famous for his dunk on LeBron (see Youtube). Seems like a selfish and showcase player who only knows how to dunk.

28. Memphis – Greivis Vasquez, 6’6”, SG, Maryland, Sr.

Comparison: Goran Dragic / Zoran Planinic

Had a terrific college career with Maryland. I can smell some JJ Redick or Adam Morrison in him, aka successful college players who never manage to get to another level.

29. Orlando – Daniel Orton, 6’10”, C, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Branden Hayward

The fifth Wildcat in the first round. A true center body and has all the physical attributes, but very raw and could have used one more year in college.

30. Washington (traded to MIN) – Lazar Hayward, 6’6”, SF, Marquette, Sr.

Comparison: Ryan Gomes

Despite 6’6”, he spent most of the time playing PF at Marquette. Enough said.

That is it for the first round. This is one of the most boring drafts. No suspense, no surprises and no one is making any gutsy moves. Moreover, the players other than the top five are hardly worth-mentioning. And you know what? The GM know. That's why teams are so keen on trading their picks. The biggest story of the summer remains the free agency bonanza.

My prediction is:

(1) Wall and Turner to compete for ROY, but Cousins will post up some big stats in Sac-to to make a strong push;

(2) Favors will be a bust (at least for this year), with or without LeBron;

(3) OKC will be another notch better with the addition of Aldrich; and

(4) Ed Davies will be the ultimate sleeper.

Let the free agency begin!

A brief look at the 2009 NBA Draft

Let's take a look at one of the weakest drafts in recent years:

1. LA Clippers – Blake Griffin, 6'10”, PF, Oklahoma

No surprise here. He's the most established bona fide talent with good size. The Clips didn't screw up this pick, but it will be interesting to see how the Clippers play Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby and Griffin together. Hey, if Randolph loves to shoot the 3 that much, why don't they just start him at SG?

2. Memphis – Hasheem Thabeet, 7'3”, C, Uconn

As expected. Again, I'm not sold on Thabeet. I think his D is overrated. I think the Mutombo comparison is a joke. I don't think he will flourish in the league. He has a big chance to be a bust. But then, you can't really teach 7'3”. It would be interesting to see him play along with another 7-footer, Marc Gasol.

3. Oklahoma City – James Harden, 6'5”, SG, Arizona State

This is a safe bet. Apparently they are satisfied with Russell Westbrook at PG and therefore passed on Ricky Rubio. Harden fills their need at SG. Harden played badly in the Tourney and this probably is a sign of weakness. I don't think Harden will be great. Remember you read it here first.

4. Sacramento – Tyreke Evans, 6'5”, SG, Memphis

What the heck are the Kings thinking? They need a PG and they didn't pick Rubio? They've got Kevin Martin and Rashad McCants at SG already, why do they want another SG? Oh, they got Sergio Rodriguez from the Blazers via trade. But do they really think that Rodriguez is better than Rubio?

5. Minnesota (from Washington) – Ricky Rubio, 6'5”, PG, Spain

OK, the Wolves got 4 first round picks and here's the first one. They need a PG and they picked the best PG on board. They should thank the Kings for that. We have seen how good Rubio is in the Olympics. I especially like his game-making ability and his size.

6. Minnesota – Jonny Flynn, 6'1”, PG, Syracuse

The Wolves strangely picked 2 PGs in a row. While it's not announced yet, likely they will trade either one of them. Flynn is a flashy PG and people compare him with Telfair. Oops, that comparison doesn't look good to me.

7. Golden State – Stephen Curry, 6'3”, PG, Davidson

I like Stephen Curry since last year's NCAA Tourney. He's fearless and has superb leadership. Though Davidson did not make the Tourney this year, Curry has gradually developed playmaking skills and has silently transformed into a PG. The Knicks love him and he loves the Knicks, only that he is going to GSW. Too bad. He's NBA ready but he has to compete PT with Monta Ellis, Speedy Claxton, Corey Maggette, Stephen Jackson, CJ Watson, Acie Law, Azubuike, Belinelli and Anthony Morrow. Did I miss anyone?

UPDATE: ESPN reports that the Suns and the Warriors are discussing a possible trade of Amare Stoudemire for Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright and Curry. If that is the case, Curry would be a good protege to Steve Nash.

8. New York – Jordan Hill, 6'10”, PF, Arizona

So the Knicks failed to get the coveted Curry. Jordan Hill is actually quite a decent consolation prize. An atheltic forward who is good at rebounding, Jordan Hill would be a safe fall back plan should David Lee walk.

9. Toronto – DeMar DeRozan, 6'6”, SG, USC

Quick and athletic, people says he excels in transitional games. Good if the Raptors really decide to push the ball. A bit raw but has huge upside. GM Brian Colangelo has liked him for long. BTW, I really hate the trend of getting all the DeXXXX as first name. This is worse, “De” went in both first name and surname. Sick. I mean, you ain't no French, are you?

10. Milwaukee – Brandon Jennings, 6'2”, PG, Italy

Background info: Brandon Jennings skipped college and went to play for Roma in Italy last year. It is rumored that he cannot pass SAT. Anyway, he was hailed as one of the best PGs in the country before he left for Europe, however his stint with Roma did not impress people. His injury concern also scares some GMs away. Ultra quick and a big time scorer. But I just don't like kids dodging or failing SAT and skipped college. He needs to compete PT with Ramon Sessions and Luke Ridnour.

11. New Jersey – Terrence Williams, 6'6”, SG, Louisville

The Nets traded away Vince Carter and need replacement. One of the best athletes in the draft. But the problem is, he's a senior. This means he's either a late boomer or that he's really not that talented as nobody wanted him in the past 3 years. I'm more leaning on the latter. I'm not saying that I'm against “Stay In School”, but I seldom see a senior ended up becoming a bona fide star. The only exception may be Shane Battier, who is a real special and terrific player probably will never be voted as an all-star.

12. Charlotte – Gerald Henderson, 6'5”, SG, Duke

Here's the scout report: athletic shooting guard with versatile all-round game, smart and unselfish. He's from Duke. A guy who plays the right way. Yes, a perfect Larry Brown's guy, makes me remember of Raja Bell and Igoudala. He should fit in well in Larry Brown's system. His name already looks boring to me.

13. Indiana – Tyler Hansbrough, 6'10”, PF, UNC

The first Tar Heel picked in this draft. Again, he's a senior, which raises the red flag. He's tough, physical, but let's face it, he's not that talented. Doesn't look like a star to me, but should be able to contribute right away. Talking about the Pacers, I found that Larry Bird is conservative in draft picks, always opts for college stars and proven players. He likes to go with the consensus and seldom takes risks. Not sure it's good or not for a GM.

14. Phoenix – Earl Clark, 6'10”, SF, Louisville

Like I said, given the Amre-Biedrins trade is pending, it's a huge unknown for the Suns. Clark is a superb athlete, have potential. But a 6'10” SF? A bit too tall for me. Anyway, Grant Hill is old and the Suns need someone to spell him at SF.

15. Detroit – Austin Daye, 6'11”, SF, Gonzaga

Daye was projected to be a second rounder but Joe Dumars surprised everyone and pick him at #15. Again, 6'11” playing at SF doesn't sound right to me. Just checked his weight, 192 lb. Wow, 6'11” but 192 lb? Does he have any mustle at all?

16. Chicago – James Johnson, 6'8”, PF, Wake Forest

It is said that the Bulls had wanted James Johnson for a while. He's athletic, but his game is raw, and he's a tweener between SF/PF. We will see.

17. Philadelphia – Jrue Holiday, 6'4”, PG, UCLA

He is ultra talented, but also very raw. People said he would be a top-5 if he goes to the draft next year. Too bad he chose to enter this year's draft. Probably the top 3 PG in the pick in terms of talent (along with Rubio and Jennings), it's a big steal (or gamble) for the Sixers. He's definitely a work-in-progress though.

18. Minnesota (from Miami, traded to Denver) – Ty Lawson, 6'1”, PG, UNC

Another Tar Heel picked in the first round. Great leadership and good fundamentals. He helped the Tar Heel to win the Tourney. The only short fall is that he's a bit undersized (some reports say he's just 5'11”). A good backup for Billups, who currently has none.

19. Atlanta – Jeff Teague, 6'2”, PG, Wake Forest

No, he ain't no his alumni Chris Paul. He's a scoring PG, some said he's more an undersized SG rather than a pure PG. Not an ideal replacement for Bibby. If the Hawks fail to re-sign Bibby, once again they will have no pure PG, just like what they were before they got Bibby.

20. Utah – Eric Maynor, 6'3”, PG, VA Commonwealth

Another PG. Another senior. Well, a backup for Deron Williams.

21. New Orleans – Darren Collison, 6'2”, PG, UCLA

Another PG. Another senior. 6'2”, 166 lb. Another small guard for the Hornets? Well, Westbrook played off the bench last year and yet was drafted before Collison one year ago. Collison is steady, but upside is really limited. A career backup guy.

22. Portland (from Dallas) – Victor Claver, 6'11”, SF, Spain

The Blazers are packed with young players, so they go the Spurs way: picking a European player who has potential, let him play in Europe for a couple of years first. A good tactic.

23. Sacramento (from Houston) – Omri Casspi, 6'9”, SF Israel

Will be the first Israeli player in NBA history. People compare him with Nocioni, and he will back up Nocioni. Good.

24. Dallas (from Portand, traded to OKC) – B.J. Mullens, 7'1”, C, Ohio State

Finally another center picked in the draft. They said OKC's GM Presti has liked Mullens for long, but he remains a huge unknown and is a risky pick for them.

25. Oklahoma City (from San Antonio, traded to DAL) – Rodrigue Beaubois, 6'2”, PG, France

Bonjour! A PG from French? But he ain't no Tony Parker. He's quite undeveloped and likely will stay in France for a while.

26. Chicago (from Denver via OKC) – Tai Gibson, 6'10”, PF, USC

OK, I know nothing about him. But 6'10 and 214 lb, hmm another skinny PF for the Bulls?

27. Memphis (from Orlando) – DeMarre Carroll, 6'8”, PF, Missouri

Another DeXXX. Sick. Tough and energetic, a role player material.

28. Minnesota (from Boston) – Wayne Ellington, 6'5”, SG, UNC

OK, the third and final Tar Heel in the first round. He hit quite some clutch shots in the Tourney. An established shooter who can do not much else. People fear that he might be another JJ Redick.

29. LA Lakers (traded to NYK) – Toney Douglas, 6'2”, SG, Florida State

No idea. The Lakers doesn't want no rookie, probably to save money to re-sign Odom and/or Ariza.

30. Cleveland – Christian Eyenga, 6'6”, SF, Congo

He's from Congo but plays in Spain. A teammate of Rubio. Words are, the Cavs will go Spurs way by letting Eyenga play in Spain for a few years before bringing him to the US.

That is it for the first round. Overall not much surprise, not much drama, and not many trades too. The only highlight is that two supposedly lottery bound kids, Sam Young (SF) and DeJuan Blair (PF), both from Pittsburgh, failed to make it to the first round. Young went to Memphis at #36 and Blair went to San Antonio at #37. It's a steal for the Spurs, once again.

Yawn.

March Madness 2009

I do not follow college basketball much. First, I do not have that much time to follow so many sports, and I would rather stick with the NBA. Second, I did not go to college in the US so I do not have much history or ties or even hates with any college at all (rivalvies included). Third, college basketball games are not shown in Hong Kong until at the late stage of the Tournament, and it is very difficult to follow something that you do not have a chance to watch. Last but not least, I find it difficult to attach any emotion to any college team, since under the current system, almost all college star players are “one and done” type. Good players always opt for NBA draft after their freshman year. That is, just when you are getting some feeling about them during their first Tourney, and after the summer, they will be donning a Clippers’ or Grizzlies’ or Timberwolves’ jerseys. That is the most frustrating of all.

Anyway, each year, I always start to pay attention to college basketball when March Madness begins. One reason is that I have to maintain conversation with my hoop friends. Most of them are from US colleges and pay so much attention to the Tourney that nobody is listening to me or arguing with me about the NBA during that one-month period, especially after the All-Star Game and the trade deadline when things are mostly settled.

I mean, the Tourney is intriguing. The one-and-out elimination format is always exciting. People always pull for any underdogs, and it's always fun reading bloggers/fans trashing Duke. Every year. That's really something. I mean, it's OK for you to hate the Yankees. It's OK for you to hate the Knicks or the Lakers. It's OK for you to hate the USA or George W. Bush. However, why do you hate a college team? C'mon, these are just kids! The Duke players do not deserve to be hated! What happen to these people?


Back to this year's Tourney. I have quickly looked at the bracket this year. There are many familiar teams, big names like Duke, UCLA, UNC, Memphis, UConn, or usual suspects like Pittsburgh, Michigan, Syracuse, Arizona, Texas, LSU, Wake Forest, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, South California, Louisville, Tennessee, etc. Too bad we wouldn’t be seeing Stephen Curry and his Davidson Wildcats this year for another Cinderella run; or any impossible run by George Mason. The only story that is worth mentioning maybe is the surprise early exit of #4 seed Wake Forest, who was knocked out by Cleveland State in the first round.

As of today, first weekend’s games were finished. Not many upsets so far, as we see all 4 first seeds as well as all 4 second seeds reached the Sweet Sixteen. UNC, Louisville, Pittsburgh and UConn are the favorite picks of the Final Four so far. Let's see if there is any more surprises from now on.

In fact, the most important reason for me to follow the college games is that I need to prepare myself for the upcoming NBA Draft. That is why I always watch or follow the college games (the Tourney) like a scout instead of a fan. I seldom take note of who’s winning and who’s losing. Instead, I focus on the performance of individual potential draftees. This year’s draftees, according to ESPN’s Chad Ford, are not that great, where the talent level drops significantly after the top 3 or top 5 picks. However, we all know that the Tourney can boost up the stock of the players dramatically. Like the way Derrick Rose jumped from top-5 to unanimous #1 pick last year after an impressive Tourney performance. Or the championship team of Florida, led by Joakim Noah and Al Horford, all the members saw them did pretty well in the draft after their repeat. I know it's a bit late, but here are the potential stars in the Tourney that will likely be seen in the Green Room in June’s draft this year:

Blake Griffin, PF, 6'10", Sophomore, Oklahoma (Comparison: Carlos Boozer)

- consensus No.1 pick this year. Griffin simply dominated at the college level this season. His NO.1 status is so locked up that not even a disappointing tournament would hurt his chance.

James Harden, SG, 6'4", Sophomore, Arizona State (Comparison: Manu Ginobili)

- mostly viewed as an undersized SG, Harden is a projected top-5 pick and is one of the best scorers in college. He's a lefty, together with the fact that he is a solid defender renders him the Ginobili comparison. It's hard to see him getting past Griffin, but a big Tourney would give him a safe No.2.

Jordan Hill, PF, 6'9", Junior, Arizona (Comparison: Chris Wilcox)

- Super athletic with huge upside. Already projected as a Top-5 pick, Hill may further solidify his Top-3 status with a big Tourney.

Hasheem Thabeet, C, 7'3", Junior, Connecticut (Comparison: Samuel Dalembert)

- The saying is, you can't teach 7'3". However, there's a reason why Thabeet did not come out of college for the past 2 years. He's just not that talented. This draft will give him the best chance because of the lack of big men as well as another productive year in UConn.

Jeff Teague, G, 6'2", Sophomore, Wake Forest (Comparison: Monta Ellis)
Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, 6'8", Freshman, Wake Forest (Comparison: Josh Smith)

- Teague is said to be Top-10 while Aminu is lottery bound. Would the surprise early exit of the Demon Deacons hurt their values? While both are talented, on the downside, scouts said Teague is no CP3 in terms of pure-PG plays while Aminu is a bit raw.

Willie Warren, G, 6'4", Freshman, Oklahoma (Comparison: Jason Terry)

- excellent athlete and probably the best freshman in the country. He's a SG right now, but people would like to see if he can display some playmaking ability in order to boost him to Top-5.

Gerald Henderson, SG, 6'5", Junior, Duke (Comparison: Courtney Lee)

- He has a versatile all-round game and is so far projected to be mid-to-late-first round pick. The problem is, he is perceived as a streaky shooter. Can he benefit from a big Tourney to sneak into the lottery?

Earl Clark, SF, 6'9", Junior, Louisville (Comparison: Marvin Williams)

- long and athletic, Clark can also play PF. Perceived as an inconsistent player, the Tourney can determine whether he is mid-first round pick or Top-10.

Ty Lawson, PG, 5'11", Junior, UNC (Comparison: Raymond Felton)

- a mid-first round pick, but if UNC could go as far as the Final Four or further, Lawson may have a chance to go to the lottery.

Tyreke Evans, G, Freshman, Memphis (Comparison: Larry Hughes)

- an excellent scorer who has just been transformed into a PG. While the Derrick Rose comparison is not fair to him, Evans is so far mid-to-late-first round pick. A good Tourney hopefully could boost his value, like Rose last year, to say lottery.

DaJuan Blair, PF, 6'7", Sophomore, Pittsburgh (Comparison: Paul Millsap)

- an undersized PF in pro level, but a big Tourney run will help him to go from late-first round to top 10.

DeMar DeRozan, SG, 6'6", Freshman, USC (Comparison: Gerald Green)

- one of the most athletic guys in the Tourney. Already lottery bound, the success of the Trojans will help DeRozan to boost up to Top-10.

Cole Aldrich, C, 6'11", Sophomore, Kansas (Comparison: Kevin Love)

- one of the rare centers in this draft. This year's draft does not have too many top big men, so a good Tourney would give him a chance to crack the lottery, if not the Top-10.

Jrue Holiday, PG, 6'3", Freshman, UCLA (Comparison: Delonte West)

- He is the most intersting case. He's the most talented player in the team, but is very raw. While most scouts would like him with another year in college (and become a Top-3 pick in 2010), a big Tourney could convince GMs that he's NBA ready. Pure on talent, he's for sure lottery bound.

***

Here are the potential lottery picks not participating in the Tournament:

Greg Monroe, PF, 6'11", Freshman, Georgetown (Comparison: Pau Gasol)

- old school, fundamentally sound. He's not strong enough to play big in the pro level, but nonetheless is Top-5 locked.

Stephen Curry, PG, 6'3", Junior, Davidson (Comparison: Mike Bibby)

- I think Curry should have come out of college after a terrific run last season. However, his stock are still high despite Davidson missing the Tourney this season. Fearless, with strong leadership and a superb scoring skills, people like the way he's transformed into a PG. A Top-10 pick.