Jimbo's Official 2009 Draft Handbook (for those who want a quick draft summary)..

[jimboiitmac]

As you guys know I love the off-season of the NBA.

The moves fascinate me, trades, and the draft is the best part.

I love seeing where players end up and if you've read any of my other writeups you'd know I know a lot about NCAA players and follow basketball not only on the NBA level but NCAA, NBDL and High School as well as International.

So for those of you who don't have enough time or don't know much about the draft, the prospects etc - this writeup is just so you get caught up to speed!

So here it is:

2009 Draft Board

1. Blake Griffin (Clippers)
2. Hasheem Thabeet (Grizzlies)
3. James Harden (Thunder)
4. Tyreke Evans (Sacramento)
5. Ricky Rubio (Timberwolves)
6. Johnny Flynn (Timberwolves)
7. Stephen Curry (Warriors)
8. Jordan Hill (Knicks)
9. Demar DeRozan (Raptors)
10. Brandon Jennings (Bucks)
11. Terence Williams (Nets)
12. Gerald Henderson (Bobcats)
13. Tyler Hansbrough (Pacers)
14. Earl Clark (Phoenix)
15. Austin Daye (Pistons)
16. James Johnson (Bulls)
17. Jrue Holiday (Sixers)
18. Ty Lawson (Timberwolves traded to Nuggets)
19. Jeff Teague (Hawks)
20. Eric Maynor (Jazz)
21. Darren Collison (Hornets)
22. Victor Claver (Trailblazers)
23. Omri Casspi (Kings)
24. BJ Mullens (Mavericks traded to Thunder)
25. Rodrigue Beaubois (Thunder traded to Mavericks)
26. Taj Gibson (Bulls)
27. DeMarre Carroll (Grizzlies)
28. Wayne Ellington (Timberwolves)
29. Toney Douglas (Lakers traded to Knicks)
30. Christian Eyenga (Cavaliers)

Notable 2nd Rounders:
31. Jeff Penderagh (Kings traded to Trailblazers)
32. Jermaine Taylor (Wizards traded to Rockets)
33. Dante Cunningham (Trailblazers)
35. Dajuan Summers (Pistons)
36. Sam Young (Grizzlies)
37. Dejuan Blair (Spurs)
39. Jonas Jerebko (Pistons)
43. Marcus Thornton (Heat traded to Hornets)
44. Chase Budinger (Pistons traded to Rockets)
45. Nick Calethas (Timberwolves)
46. Danny Green (Cavaliers)
51. Jack McClinton (Spurs)
55. Patrick Mills (Trailblazers)

Winners of the Draft:

Los Angeles Clippers: (Blake Griffin, PF #1 Pick)
Blake Griffin is the only surefire dominant force in this draft, it's safe to say that the Clippers came away with the huge prize. He's a power forward who could go for 18/9 in his first season or better.

Memphis Grizzlies: (Hasheem Thabeet, C #2 Pick, Sam Young, SF #36 Pick)Thabeet is a 7'3 monster who can block shots and has been compared to Dikembe Mutombo. The Grizz already have Mayo and Gay on the wings with Marc Gasol in the middle. Adding Thabeet strengthens their frontcourt and adds to defense (which they sorely lack!). Sam Young is a huge pickup, one of the many 2nd round sleepers who was in the top 20-25 in most mock drafts. He's athletic, a good shooter and a strong competitor.

Minnesota Timberwolves: (Ricky Rubio, PG #5 Pick, Johnny Flynn, PG #6 Pick, Nick Calethas, PG #45 Pick, Wayne Ellington, SG #28 Pick)
The Timberwolves got flat out stacked. Like I said they have Kevin Love, Ryan Gomes and Al Jefferson. They just added Ricky Rubio, Johnny Flynn and Wayne Ellington who is arguably the best shooter in the draft. The only problem I have here, is why would you pick two point guards in the top 6?

Oklahoma Thunder: (James Harden, SG #3 Pick, BJ Mullens, C #24 Pick)
Harden will come in and contribute straight away. They added Mullens who was considered a top 5 pick before he floundered in his freshman season. Regardless his talent is undeniable. The Thunder just keep stacking up on young talent.

Houston Rockets: (Chase Budinger, SG/SF #44 Pick)
The Rockets had no picks in the first round and managed to come up with Chase Budinger in a trade from Detroit in the 2nd round. Budinger moved from mock drafts between 12-20 this year and he is probably the biggest slip of the draft. He has a 40 inch vertical and is one of the top 5 perimeter shooters in the draft, Houston just did themselves a favour in terms of bringing in a player who has a bit of Tracy Mcgrady in him.

San Antonio Spurs: (Dejuan Blair, PF #37 Pick, Jack McClinton, SG #51 Pick)
Unbelievable. Dejuan Blair was a consensus All-American and is the toughest guy in the draft. He screams of Paul Millsap comparisons and was going in the lottery in all mock drafts, rumoured at #13 to Indiana. When they selected Hansbrough and Blair slipped, concerns about his knee prevented him being selected in the 1st round. The Spurs have just bolstered their wing with Richard Jefferson and now add a player who should have gone in the top 15. If the big 3 are healthy next year they will be in the Conference Finals. They also added Jack McClinton, the best shooter in the draft hands down but undersized (6'1) for a SG. He could be a specialty player for them.

Portland Trail Blazers: (Patrick Mills, PG #55 Pick, Jeff Penderagh, PF #31 Pick, Dante Cunningham SF/PF #33 Pick, Victor Claver, SF #22 Pick)
Portland keep stocking up on young talent. Mills is no doubt the steal of the second round, he is the quickest player in the draft but unfortunately concerns regarding his point guard ability's made him slip. He could prove doubters wrong and be the Mario Chalmers of this draft, however it remains to see how he gets playing time behind Steve Blake, Rodriguez and Bayless. Portland also brings in 3 solid guys from college adding to their young depth.

Surprises of the 1st/2nd Round?
- The Wolves picking two potentially starting point guards makes no sense?
- The Kings picking Tyreke Evans at #4 despite having an all-star class shooting guard in Kevin Martin raises questions, they clearly needed a point guard so why not pick Rubio or Flynn OR Jennings?
- The Warriors picking Stephen Curry? Sure they moved Crawford but they also have Jackson and Ellis at those spots right now, I suppose Jackson won't be around for very long..
- Miami Heat pick up Patrick Beverley at #42 and trade their #43 pick for future considerations. Why they would pick a point guard when Chase Budinger was on the boards is beyond me..

Smart Choices by teams?
- Tyler Hansbrough by Indiana at #13 is pure genius. He's not going to be a star but he's a hard worker and could fit in well there, good to see they believe in him
- DeMar DeRozan to Toronto is a great move, the kid has the most potential out of anyone in the draft and brings excitement to a deprived franchise. Hopefully he doesn't end up like Gerald Green...
- Terence Williams to the Nets seems eerily similar to their pick of Antoine Wright multiple years ago, that being said he's a great athlete, shooter and defender who could be a better replacement to Vince in 3-5 seasons...
- Bucks cash in on Brandon Jennings, the point guard with the MOST upside in the draft they are looking young and looking good!
- Jrue Holiday to the 76ers at #17 is a great pick considering there are rumours Iguodala will be gone. He's a combo guard who defends well and has skyhigh potential.
- Jeff Teague to Atlanta is a great pick, he's a sensational athlete who can really score the ball, with Bibby likely no longer around he is a safe and productive pick.
- Wayne Ellington to the Wolves in my opinion is one of the best picks late in the 1st round, if only they had picked a DeMar DeRozan or Jordan Hill instead of Flynn..
- Denver acquire Ty Lawson from the Wolves, they need someone to back up Chauncey and what better way to do that then by pairing Mr Big Shot with Lawson, two winners who both know what it's like to lead their teams. This move could be a real steal in the future..

Best Steals of the Draft?
- Holiday slipping to #17 is a goldmine for the 76ers if he works hard and gets his attitude sorted out
- Rubio at #5 is a major steal for the T'wolves, thank God as they were trying all week to trade up to #2 in order to get their man
- BJ Mullens at #24 and to the Thunder, he's huge on potential, a Deandre Jordan type from last season he could prove to do great things..
- Dejuan Blair at #37 is without a doubt the BIGGEST STEAL in the draft, how a championship calibre team manages to pickup the third best PF in the draft is beyond me..
- Patrick Mills at #55 is a major steal for the Trailblazers, I just wish another team had picked him up because he won't see major playing time..
- Chase Budinger at #44 is a huge steal for Houston, he should have gone in the top 20.
- Sam Young at #36 for the Grizzlies strengthens their wings, Young is 24 already (ironic) and will make a big splash..

 

[Verse1]

Re: Jimbo's Official NBA Draft 2009 Summary/Notes

Thanks for the write up mate.
Helps guys like me who don't have as much time these days to go through 100's of web pages to get a brush up on whats going down.

 

[jimboiitmac]

Re: Jimbo's Official NBA Draft 2009 Summary/Notes

Thanks for the write up mate.
Helps guys like me who don't have as much time these days to go through 100's of web pages to get a brush up on whats going down.

no worries chief - i like to talk about NBA things and helping out fellow members at the same time simplifies it too.

 

[nzwarriors#1]

Thanks mate. I was surprised Mills didnt go earlier i would have to say the 2 pittsburgh players are the steals of the draft young and blair. I watched the draft and the looks on the knicks fans faces when Curry went to golden state at 7, when the knicks were the next on the clock were hilarious. Jordan Hill is a big man that the knicks need, especially when e curry cant handle the pace of d antoni's run and gun style. Minnesota was interesting I thought after the first two picks they made were guards, i thought 18 they would look for another forward. Perhaps Corey Brewer will be healthy. Man am I loving the Blazers, the whole team just about is young and there is a real deep roster.

C Oden, Pryzbilla, Pendergraph
PF Aldridge, Frye, D Cunningham
SF Webster, Outlaw, Batum and Claver will be left in Europe for at least a year like Rudy
SG Roy, Bayless, Fernandez
Pg Blake, Mills

Who have I missed. Sergio Rodriguez got traded to the Kings. I hope Mills gets a chance to play this season I really like the kid.

 

[Matt26]

Nice write up....thanks for sharing!!

 

[jimboiitmac]

Nice write up....thanks for sharing!!

no worries mate - i like to do my bit contributing around here!

these fast typing skills aren't going to waste!

 

[exzibit3]

Jimbo...nice job on the summary! Any good SG's with Kobe/Jordan comparisons this year?

 

[Chowpei]

- The Kings picking Tyreke Evans at #4 despite having an all-star class shooting guard in Kevin Martin raises questions, they clearly needed a point guard so why not pick Rubio or Flynn OR Jennings?

Because this is the year Sergio rodriguez gets to play!!! #$%# jason thompson, beno udrih, sergio rodriguez.. that's like my team!! add koufos in there and i'd move to sac...

need to know something about tyreke though as i didn't see him play, is he a westbrook kind of combo who might play pg or is he just a shooter/scorer type?

 

[loafic]

pretty good summary overall jimbob!

the major thing i agree with... that dejuan blair was a steal, quality player, undersized yes but lots of heart and ability, will have fabulous teachers and role models to learn from

the major thing i disagree with... that patrick mills was a steal, dont know bout that one, likely not to get much playing time overall and may be buried on the bench similar to sergio rodriguez, i think we as aussies are talking more emotionally rather than rationally, yes hes exceptionally quick but he is obviously majorly undersized at the pro level

 

[jimboiitmac]

Jimbo...nice job on the summary! Any good SG's with Kobe/Jordan comparisons this year?

Not really mate.

DeMar DeRozan has some Vince Carter comparisons in him as a freak athlete but he's very raw. Probably has better work ethic and commitment than Gerald Green though (his most likely comparison).

This year the draft is really centered around Blake Griffin and a whole stack of point guards. Couple of good seniors from the NCAA but that's about it.

In terms of Kobe/Jordan/Lebron hype, Tyreke Evans was probably the most hyped coming out of high school - and he's a pretty good scorer. Similar kind of player to OJ Mayo except he gets to the ring a lot better.

---------- Post added at 10:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------

Because this is the year Sergio rodriguez gets to play!!! #$%# jason thompson, beno udrih, sergio rodriguez.. that's like my team!! add koufos in there and i'd move to sac...

need to know something about tyreke though as i didn't see him play, is he a westbrook kind of combo who might play pg or is he just a shooter/scorer type?

I wouldn't say he's like Westbrook.

Westbrook is far more athletic, less polished and a worse shooter.

Tyreke Evans is okay, pretty solid prospect he can play both 1 and 2 but seems to be more primarily a 2 - hence my scepticism regarding the pick. A pure point guard would have been a better option, especially with Rubio still on the block.

Evans is by no means a point guard, I'm not sure he can become one? For starters he's 6'5 and while he's quick he's not lightning quick. He's athletic and strong but he's more suited physically to play SG/SF. Most sites had him compared to a Larry Hughes/Jamal Crawford type player, so obviously guys who can drive and dish but not real distributors..

---------- Post added at 10:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------

pretty good summary overall jimbob!

the major thing i agree with... that dejuan blair was a steal, quality player, undersized yes but lots of heart and ability, will have fabulous teachers and role models to learn from

the major thing i disagree with... that patrick mills was a steal, dont know bout that one, likely not to get much playing time overall and may be buried on the bench similar to sergio rodriguez, i think we as aussies are talking more emotionally rather than rationally, yes hes exceptionally quick but he is obviously majorly undersized at the pro level

From a personal standpoint I'm not saying Mills was a major steal.

But the fact that after his Olympics performance he was ranked in the lottery on most mock sites (#13-#15) and then following a solid season when he was the averaging 19 and 4 almost he was sitting comfortably within the #18-#28 range.

Nobody really anticipated him slipping any lower than #35-37, so from that standpoint #55 is a major slip.

But honestly, it is a steal at #55.

Remember Brad Newley? He got picked #57 by Houston and he probably won't ever get to the NBA.

Mills on the other hand could walk into most gyms and play right now. Sure aspects of his game have doubters worrying if he can be a true floor general, but he can definately play with the best. Realistically from a non-Aussie biased viewpoint I would have expected him to go #40th at the most.

 

[A_Iverson_I]

Awesome write up Jimbo.... you really should look at starting a blog up mate!

 

[WoobieZarz]

Jim, what can you tell me about Terence Williams #11 pick for the Nets?

Also, is there any further updates on Rubio playing in Europe and not the NBA?

 

[jimboiitmac]

Jim, what can you tell me about Terence Williams #11 pick for the Nets?

Also, is there any further updates on Rubio playing in Europe and not the NBA?

Mate might be a bit biased about Williams because I happen to be a HUGE FAN of his!

He might be my favourite player from the draft.

11th is probably about the highest he could have gone, because he's a real solid guy - but nothing in his game lead to enough speculation for him to be a higher pick.

You know how in the draft they tend to go for things that are unusual instead of always picking guys who are solid and all-round just consistent.

Anyway Terence Williams is a 6'6 SG/SF he's a freak athlete. By freak I mean pretty good by NBA standards he'll get up there and put you on a poster. He's got a chiseled NBA-ready body he drew some comparisons to a Corey Maggette type player when playing in Lousville (who by the way was a great team, the kid is a winner!)

He's a very well rounded player he can handle the ball decently well for a wing and he's a great rebounder and a good passer. His biggest asset is probably his defense he's a terrific perimeter and on-ball defender.

The biggest glaring hole in his game is a streaky outside shot he shot 38% from the 3 in his senior season but generally when he can't get his shot going he struggles offensively.

Big upside though, strong athlete and defender with the right body to be an offensive machine if he can get his J going.

Btw just did a quick stat search, he's pretty versatile. In his senior season 8.6 boards per game, 5.0 assists and 2.3 steals from the SG/SF position.

As for Rubio it sounds increasingly certain that he'll be staying in Europe.

His father and agent don't like the sounds of him having to contend with Johnny Flynn for time - which in my opinion is why drafting back-to-back point guards was a massive backfire plan.

Regardless Ricky will be in Europe for 2 years max, but can opt to have a buyout at any time (i believe) that he wants.

This is what his father said -

Four and 10 in the morning, Esteve Rubio, Ricky's father, serves MARCA.com call to give their first impressions of what happened in the 'Draft'. Y lo deja bien claro: "Con esta elección, es posible que juegue un año o dos más en Europa". And it makes clear: "With this election, it is possible to play a year or two in Europe."

El padre del jugador lo tiene claro: "Puede ir ya, puede quedarse un año... y hasta dos. Todo está abierto, aunque lo más probable es que siga en Europa algún tiempo. Tenemos que hablar con la gente de Minnesota... y ver lo que pasa, porque, a estas horas, podemos estar en Minnesota o en otra parte", declaraba. The father of the player is clear: "You can go now, one can stay for up to two years .... Everything is open, although it is likely to continue for some time in Europe. We need to talk to the people of Minnesota .. . and see what happens, because, at this time, we may be in Minnesota or elsewhere, "he said.

If he opts to stay in Europe and Flynn turns out to be the real deal it's likely Rubio will never play in Minny.

 

[wolves_fan82au]

wolves drafted 2 pg cause flynn was thebest available at the time
you dont pick on need you pick the best talent you can get

and flynn will be a superstar and so will rubio ,so yeh wolves have some great trade pieces

 

[ducky_poo]

wolves drafted 2 pg cause flynn was thebest available at the time
you dont pick on need you pick the best talent you can get

and flynn will be a superstar and so will rubio ,so yeh wolves have some great trade pieces

explain that to memphis who passed on rubio to get thabeet

 

[wolves_fan82au]

explain that to memphis who passed on rubio to get thabeet

well it aint my fault they have a stupid gm who has no idea what hes doing

 

[ducky_poo]

on a side note a very good read jimbo. you have some good skills.

 

[jimboiitmac]

well it aint my fault they have a stupid gm who has no idea what hes doing

Mate your kidding yourself if you think Flynn was the best player available.

Maybe down the road he will be one of the top players from the draft, but at this current moment, when the draft occurred, he was definately not the best player available.

Majority of mocks, and that means all reputable US scouting sites didn't have him going until at least #8.

Stephen Curry and Jordan Hill are/were definately better prospects for the wolves.

Curry had a better season in the NCAA than Flynn and many would argue he is a better player.

Hill is not really comparable as he is a power forward but he slipped in many regards as he was expected to go top 4.

Both these players are just as good if not better than Flynn and would have been a better fit for the Wolves.

If anything Flynn was a reach at #6 as a lot of general managers even expected he would be the 3rd point guard off the board with Brandon Jennings having more potential and being far more talented.

You only draft on best available - when there is a CLEAR CUT best available. Flynn was not that when you put him up against other prospects. The only clear cut above the rest were Griffin, Thabeet and Rubio - after that the others are all comparable, so Flynn at #6 is not the best available.

 

[w1rri0r]

Any chances of Danny Green becoming at least a role player for the Cavs in the upcoming season mate? Also, I've heard that Austin Daye has been compared to Tayshaun Prince. Does he have the skills?

 

[Dream34]

Not a bad review Jim, you picked up on some good points,
but you forgot to mention how weak this draft is, like 2000 draft and many players will not play many mins and be role players at best even know there is a few special talents in the draft that have an opportunity to be stars.

Any good SG's with Kobe/Jordan comparisons this year?

Not a chance at that happening,

still hate the fact the spurs got Dejuan Blair so late even with his dodgy knees it not a risk with that late of a pick!!!!

Mills must be disappointed slipping that far in such a weak draft but very PG heavy! His hand injury really hurt his draft stocks.

Love what my rockets got out of the draft with some tmac and wafer insurance in Jermaine Taylor and Chase Budinger. But was very surprised that we didn't go after Mills and got Sergio Llull instead when Mills was available(as Mills has more of an all around game, and has played more mins the last two years). Llull is like what we already have in brooks (but with a bit more size) but I suppose they can keep him overseas for a year or two or trade him (hopefully for Mills down the track).