The 2009 NBA Draft's Winners and Losers

Scribe 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 draft has come and gone, and the mock draft didn’t look good. Some teams came up big, and some teams didn’t, here’s my take.

The Winners

L.A. Clippers: Blake Griffin

Mike Dunleavy took the best player on the board. The Clippers are a team that can never really play to its potential. They got the best player, but now they have a minor problem, they will have to trade Chris Kaman, or Zach Randolph to make room for Griffin in the starting lineup.

Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden

Harden was the best fit. He reminds scouts of a less athletic Brandon Roy. Harden, a very versatile two-guard will fit in with a young core of Durant, Green, and Westbrook.

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry

The Warriors took my favorite player in the draft. The fans at the Garden booed as hard as they possilby could with their Knicks just one pick away from landing Curry. The Warriors got the best player left on the board.

New York Knicks: Jordan Hill

When Donnie Walsh was talking to the guys at ESPN, he said when it was Curry and Hill left, he couldn’t go wrong. He was right; the fans at the Garden didn’t know what they’re talking about as they booed carelessly. They have probably never seen Hill play.

The Knicks get a great shot blocker, who has a nice mid-range game, and is 6'10". Hill reminds a lot of people of a young Amare and he will be a great fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system.

Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan

Chris Bosh is probably leaving in two years so who will be the new face of the Raptors? Enter DeRozan. He has a lot of potential and may not contribute right away. However he reminds me of Vince Carter, very athletic and can lead his team in big moments. He had a monster Pac-10 tournament and was the sole reason USC made the tournament.

Philadelphia 76ers: Jrue Holiday

The 76ers were in dire need of a point guard, and I thought they would have to trade up if they wanted one from the higher tier. I was wrong. If you were watching the draft on ESPN, Holiday was No. 1 on Bilas’ best available for about seven picks. In my mock draft, I had Holiday long gone. Holiday is a lottery pick and they got a steal at 17.

Holiday isn’t ready yet, but he has a high ceiling and superstar potential. He only averaged 8.8 points per game, but he was playing out of position. If Andre Miller isn’t resigned he will get significant minutes instantly.

San Antonio Spurs: DeJuan Blair

The Spurs didn’t own a first round pick, and managed to snag DeJuan Blair, a player that was rumored to go in the 10-20 range. Apparently teams saw something wrong. It wasn’t his height because there have been some smaller posts who have had long careers. It was probably his knee problems; doctors couldn’t even find his ACLs. But the Spurs get a first-round talent at 37. Blair is a fearless rebounder who will bring toughness and strong rebounding off the bench.

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written on June 26, 2009 Opinion

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The 2009 NBA Draft's Winners and Losers

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