2009 NBA Draft Grades: Round One

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Hello everyone. This is my first article ever so bear with me here as I offer my opinions on the NBA Draft.

1. L.A. Clippers—Blake Griffin

Grade: No brainer, A+

Was there really any doubt that Blake Griffin would go number one? I guess even the Clippers couldn't screw that up. Thank you, Clippers, for wasting five minutes of my life, by the way.

2. Memphis Grizzlies—Hasheem Thabeet

Grade: B-

I would have preferred the Grizzlies move this pick for whoever wanted Ricky Rubio that badly, but obviously they didn't get an offer they couldn't refuse. While Hasheem Thabeet has incredible defensive abilities, I doubt he will ever be a low post scorer.

He somewhat reminds me of Tyson Chandler. I hope Memphis is prepared to play four on five on offense.

Also, what do you do with Marc Gasol now?

3. Oklahoma City Thunder—James Harden

Grade: B+

James Harden actually complements Russell Westbrook's lack of shooting quite well. I feel like he is going to be a solid pro with decent upside. However, I still feel they could have made it work with Rubio and Westbrook in the back court together.

I wonder how much influence Westbrook being adamant about playing point guard and not moving to the two had on OKC not drafting Rubio?

4. Sacramento Kings—Tyreke Evans

Grade: C+

The first pick I really didn't like with Rubio on the board. The Kings started the legendary Beno Udrih last season and they're due for an upgrade.

I am not convinced that Evans is a point guard.

He isn't a great passer as a point guard and not a good shooter as a two. Furthermore, the two is pretty crowded with Kevin Martin and Rashad McCants needing minutes. However, he is a talented scorer as a slasher who will relentlessly attack the basket.

I still feel Rubio should have been the pick here.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves—Ricky Rubio

Grade: A

A steal for the Wolves. Washington must be kicking itself for giving up Rubio for Randy Foye, Mike Miller, and a salary dump.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves—Johnny Flynn

Grade: D to Incomplete

Flynn is not a bad player. This is not a bad pick if he's traded.

I don't care what Timberwolves GM David Kahn says—you can't start the tiny Rubio and Flynn together in the back court. One of the two has got to go. Period.

This only makes sense if Khan does not think he can get Rubio to play for the Wolves because of buyout issues and only drafted Rubio as a trade chip.

7. Golden State Warriors—Stephen Curry

Grade: A

New York fans were really, REALLY mad about this pick. On the flip slide, this is perfect for Golden state. The best shooter in the draft for the shot-happy Warriors? That is a match made in heaven.

What, you say Stephen Curry is too small to pair with Monta Ellis in the backcourt and can't play defense?

That's ok, Don Nelson really doesn't care about that anyway.

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