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The 2009 NBA Draft: How Many Point Guards Can One Team Pick?

Dan Smith by Correspondent Written on June 26, 2009
NEW YORK - JUNE 25:  NBA Commissioner David Stern poses for a photograph with the first overall draft pick by the Los Angeles Clippers,  Blake Griffin during the 2009 NBA Draft at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 25, 2009 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted four point guards. 

They did trade Ty Lawson and Nick Calathes. That still leaves them with the Spanish wonder kid Ricky Rubio and the former Syracuse player Jonny Flynn.

A rep from the Timberwolves said they could play them together, but we shall see.  They both should be good though so a back-court of Rubio and Flynn might not be a bad idea with guys like Al Jefferson and Kevin Love in the front court.

I have to say, I did not see any clear losers in last night's draft. The teams that are close to a title in 2009-2010 all made moves or seemed to have future moves put into motion.

Orlando picked up Vince Carter. Cleveland picked up Shaquille O'Neal. The Spurs picked up Richard Jefferson. The Lakers made a statement by trading their top two picks away. They seem to be saying that they will re-sign Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom.

They are also saying that it is hard to crack their playing rotation at this time. They sold one of their draft picks for crying in the bucket.

Since all of the teams went in with different agendas and they all stuck to them, it was clear that a few teams had a good day.

I like what Oklahoma City is building and adding James Harden to the mix of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook was a very good choice. 

I really like the Spurs grabbing DeJuan Blair in the second round. Tim Duncan might have to move to center soon and now they have a banger in Blair to be their next power forward. 

It is really amazing Blair dropped so far. The Spurs must be pinching themselves right now.

The Nuggets picked up Ty Lawson to strengthen their already strong point guard position. They saw the Spurs improve and already know that they need to improve to take down the Lakers. 

Maybe picking up Lawson and working on in-bounds plays will make the difference next year.

The Clippers have the right coach in place, They got a stud to be their power forward of the future with their only pick, and best draft in years, Blake Griffin. If only Donald Sterling would sell the team, then they might have a chance.

Teams like the Nets and Suns are preparing to lose a lot next year so they can be players in the big free agent class of 2010. If you are fans of those teams that white flag must be tough to see so early.

It is a good idea though. If you are not going to win a title next year with what you have, it only makes sense to start the re-building process next year so you can add to it the year after.

I was disappointed that Cleveland did not take Chase Budinger with the 30th pick. They picked up an athlete from the Congo that might prove to be a good pick, but it seems like they are close enough to take an athlete like Budinger who could help now.

They also passed on Blair and Sam Young out of Pittsburgh. Young wound up going to the Memphis Grizzlies who also picked up the 7'3" Hasheem Thabeet. They are another team that did very well in the draft and can look forward to improving next year.

There are going to be some teams that really lose out in the following summer. Who will the teams be that prepare to sign a big name free agent and do not get it done?

I sure hope the Knicks have a plan B. That's all I'm saying.

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written on June 26, 2009 Opinion

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