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.
