The 2009 NBA Draft's Top 10 Players Who Fit Mike D'Antoni's System

Since turning Steve Nash into a MVP caliber player and turning the Suns into one of the most exciting teams in the NBA, many people have been attracted to Mike D'Antoni and his run-and-gun style of basketball. Now with the New York Knicks, D'Antoni is trying to recreate the kind of fun, winning basketball that he had in Phoenix. This year's first round pick by the Knicks could go a very long way towards shaping this team. Here is a look at the 10 players from this years draft class that I believe would fit best in Mike D'Antoni's system.

1. Ricky Rubio

Rubio gives D'Antoni and the Knicks exactly what they need to get D'Antoni's offense rolling, a pass first point guard. Rubiohas a special feel for the game and can make all the right passes. While many question his shooting and strength, strength will not be a huge issue in D'Antoni's offense and he is only 18 so he will have plenty of time to develop a good enough jumper to support his play making ability.

2. Stephen Curry

Curry would bring D'Antoni something that was missing from the offense this last year, a pure jumper. Curry can hit any shot from anywhere, and has a very quick release. Add to that the fact that many people think he is a very underrated point guard and could quickly develop into a great passer. His biggest weakness is easily his size, but as with Rubio his lack of strength is not something that will limit him much in D'Antoni's system.

3. Tyreke Evans

Evans brings great speed and size, and a pretty good jumper. He could be a great scoring two guard in D'Antoni's offense, and even run the point in spots, as he showed the ability to do this at Memphis.Would instantly be a dangerous scorer for the Knicks.

4. Eric Maynor

Maynor is the sleeper of the group. He already is a great point guard, and his shot has been slowly improving over the past two years. He is also a great defender. He would fit right into D'Antoni's system as long as his jump shot continued to improve.

5. James Johnson

Johnson could be the kind of jump shooting big man that can also take defenders off the dribble that D'Antoni loves. The question becomes whether or not he could defend other big men, and exactly what position he would play.

6. Jonny Flynn

No one gets in the lane and finishes or makes the right pass like Flynn. The problem is that Flynn lacks the kind of jump shot needed to be successful under D'Antoni. Flynn would be a great fit at the point, but would need scoring help around him to really allow D'Antoni's offense to flourish.

7. Jeff Teague

Teague would bring both the great scoring and a great jump shot to D'Antoni's offense. The problem is he is a tweener. Teague is considered undersized at the two guard, but is a far cry from the kind of pure point guard that the Knicks are looking for.

8. Ty Lawson

Lawson is the quick, speedy point guard that D'Antoni needs. He is a very disrupting defender as well. There is one large problem though, Lawson doesn't bring nearly enough scoring to the offense, as he is both undersized and lacks a great jumper from mid-range and long distance.

9. Sam Young

Young could provide D'Antoni with a very versatile small forward. He has outstanding athleticism, runs the floor very well, is a good rebounder for his size, and can knock down the occasional three. The only negative about Young is that he is not the pure shooter that D'Antoni would like to see in his offense.

10. Gerald Henderson

Henderson could bring D'Antoni a scoring two guard that can also defend and rebound. There are question about his consistency as he was very inconsistent for most of his Duke career and his jump shot is far from where D'Antoni would like it, especially for a two guard.