The 2009 NBA Draft is in the books, and the verdict may not be known for years from now, there was plenty of drama surrounding it. We saw players fall big time(DeJuan Blair to the 2nd round), and some players go earlier than expected(Tyler Hansborough). The Minnesota Timberwolves surprised everyone by selecting three point guards in the first round, and throughout the night many expected two of them to be traded. Ricky Rubio might never play a game in a Timberwolves uniform, if you believe some sources overseas. Many expected a deal to be worked out between the Knicks and the Wolves, but according to NY Newsday and other sources, there was never one in the works to start.
1-10:
1. Clippers – Blake Griffin
2. Grizzlies – Hasheem Thabeet
3. Thunder – James Harden
4. Kings – Tyreke Evans
5. Wolves – Ricky Rubio
6. Wolves – Jonny Flynn
7. Warriors – Stephen Curry
8. Knicks – Jordan Hill
9. Raptors – DeMar DeRozan
10. Bucks – Brandon Jennings
Review:
The rumors around the Warriors and Suns Amare Stoudemire deal could include Steph Curry being headed to Phoenix. Rubio and Flynn had me raise my eyebrows, almost certain we would hear a trade of one of them, but all night reports were stating that the Wolves were going to keep both and make their back court similar to the old Pistons of Isiah Thomas/Joe Dumars. I love the Thunder and Kings’ picks, and DeRozan going to Toronto will do wonders for their fan base.
11-20:
11. Nets – Terrence Williams
12. Bobcats – Gerald Henderson
13. Pacers – Tyler Hansborough
14. Suns – Earl Clark
15. Pistons – Austin Daye
16. Bulls – James Johnson
17. Sixers – Jrue Holiday
18. Wolves(Nuggets) – Ty Lawson
19. Hawks – Jeff Teague
20. Jazz – Eric Maynor
Review: The Louisville pair of Clark and Williams will each do well in their destinations long term. Pacers taking Hansborough at 13 was surprising, stating they already have front court help and we heard they were looking at bringing in a guard. Sixers get a steal with Holiday at 17, while the Jazz taking Eric Maynor at 20 was huge.
21-30:
21. Hornets – Darren Collison
22. Blazers – Victor Clever
23. Kings – Omri Cassipi
24. Mavs – B.J Mullens
25. Thunder – Rodrigue Beaubois
26. Bulls – Taj Gibson
27. Grizzlies – DeMarre Carroll
28. Wolves – Wayne Ellington
29. Knicks – Toney Douglas
30. Cavaliers – Christian Eyenga
Review: Some casual fans may not be familiar with names like Beabois, Eyenge, or Clever, but in a few years, they may be solid role players in the league. Taj Gibson and Toney Douglas going before DeJuan Blair was interesting.
2nd Round Notables:
We may never know why players like Chase Buddinger, DeJuan Blair, Sam Young, Derrick Brown, or Marcus Thornton slipped as much as they did, but the 2nd round offered up some true talent at a bargain for many teams.
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I was puzzled why the Cavs didn’t pick Sam Young. I thought he could bring something to their team. At his height, he could defend ont he perimeter and providing some outside scoring on the wing. I like his toughness plus he is a mature players. The Cavs blew an opportunity to get some height to help depend some of the bigs on the perimeter. They also missed the opportunity to sign Artest and Ariza so we will see how things play out.
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