Five Questions on the NBA Draft, and the Answers to Four of Them

Hoops4life  by Analyst Written on June 29, 2009
NEW YORK - JUNE 25:  NBA Commissioner David Stern poses for a photograph with the fifth overall draft pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves,  Ricky Rubio 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)

Confused about the NBA draft? Need answers for some of the questions keeping you up at night? Luckily, here are a few to help you out:

 

Was Jordan Hill the right choice for the Knicks when they obviously wanted a guard?

The New York Knicks didn't try and keep it a secret that they wanted a guard. It became clear that they were intending to take Stephen Curry, who went a pick too early, and were also trying to trade up to have a chance to take Ricky Rubio (and are still trying to find a way to get him).

So it was clear that Donnie Walsh wanted a guard to either distribute or gun it in Mike D'Antoni's offense, and perhaps fill some of the minutes left by the Quentin Richardson trade.

So with Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, Ty Lawson and Jeff Teague still on the board, was it the right choice of Walsh to go with Hill?

 

Answer: Yes

D'Antoni seems to love Hill's game, comparing him to a "Young Amare Stoudemire." He hustles and brings a big body to bang around. With newly-acquired Darko Milicic and the possibly returning David Lee, the Knicks do have an intimidating front line.

Though the Knicks could have done with a guard, Hill was in no way a bad choice. He will be able to run the break, finish emphatically and rebound for this promising Knicks squad.

 


Was Tyreke Evans the right choice for the Sacramento Kings?

The Sacramento Kings, those of the worst record in the league, basically got screwed over and ended up with the fourth pick. Like the Knicks, most knew it was a point guard that the Kings desperately needed, and they had the pick of them all. By the time the Kings were on the clock no point guards had been chosen.

So with them all to choose from, Sacramento went with Tyreke Evans from Memphis, but was that the right choice?

 

Answer: it depends on what you want from him.

If you want someone who can sell some jerseys, provide many highlights and put some interest into a forgotten team with a dying fan base, then Evans is your man. He is quick, has great handles and hops, and has an exciting style.

He will easily be a fan favourite, and will be a Kings player who will be talked about at the water cooler next day...something that's been lacking in recent years.

If you want someone who will distribute the ball, play within the offense, be solid and be someone who can help rebuild the team and be a cornerstone...then Evans could be your guy.

He could become a great play maker. He has the skills, but hasn't shown much of the mindset. He could be someone the Kings team builds around and becomes a great piece of the puzzle. All these things are easily within Evans' grasp. It simply remains to be seen if he reaches out and takes them.

 

Was No. 3 too high for James Harden?

James Harden was certainly mentioned in the No. 3 spot a few times, but not as consistently as many other players. Ricky Rubio, the aforementioned Tyreke Evans, even Stephen Curry had been projected there.

Some raised eyebrows when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected James Harden of Arizona State...was it too high for him?


Answer: absolutely not

Single Page
(1)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

2 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

412
reads

2
comments

written on June 29, 2009 Sports

The best newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.