NBA Draft: The Difference Makers

Every draft there are a handful of players who make a difference to their team. They may be superstars, or they may be role players, regardless of where they were drafted they are always there. Take the 2008 draft, Everyone knew Derrick Rose would make an impact, but to do it this quickly was a complete surprise. A second player would be Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who came in, played fantastic defence, and became a decent forward.

Initial impact may not be so commonplace this year, instead we will see players from this years draft make their actions felt in the coming years. Due this years draft being week it is remarkably top heavy with not many top talents after the first 15 picks.

My Impact Players for the 2009 NBA Draft are: Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio, Demar Derozan, Dejuan Blair, Earl Clark, BJ Mullens, Jermaine Taylor, Lester Hudson. 

At Center

This years centers are few and far between, and unfortunately not as talented as previous years. One player who could make his presence felt is BJ Mullens. Physically BJ may be one of the most promising centers to come into the NBA despite what his draft results say.

In an era of small ball where Aaron Brooks dominates, an athletic center may be the way of the future. His speed and athleticism will allow him to defend dynamic big men, and cover quick guards, and if he grows an offensive game his impact will be felt.

If the rumors were true and BJ Mullens was not given time to show his wares in college, the future may be even brighter for this young man. However this is all assuming that he is a hard, committed worker, and has a stable character.

At Power Forward

Blake Griffin is a no brainer here, being Amare Stoudemire's clone, with a jump shot. Hard working, and with no past drama's he will bring fans and ,in a ideal world, wins to the Clippers in the years to come. If he can extend his jump shot, expect a more athletic Karl Malone.

Dejuan Blair does one thing and one thing only that warrants him selection. He brings back the power in power forward. How often do you see a hard working, possible power lifter, with long arms and a take no prisoners attitude come into the NBA. Not often enough. If he can adapt to the NBA and gain a jump shot, expect trouble.

At Small Forward

Like so many other draftees Earl Clark gets by on potential. Whoever picks him will hope that this gifted athlete, will smooth out the kinks in his game and become what Marvin Williams was picked to be.

At Shooting Guard

The discussion surrounding Demar Derozan is what will he become. Will it be Kobe Bryant/Vince Carter or Gerald Green. His athletic abilities, and late season run scream superstar, but will he find stability in order to make an impact is the real question.

One word sums up Jermaine Taylor; Scorer, the phenom from Florida is ridiculously good at filling up the stat sheet, and this may not be a hindrance for teams like Cleveland, and San Antonio who are looking for someone who fits this category. Add to that his perfect body and athleticism, and start screaming sleeper.

Lester Hudson to some extent is a poor mans Jermaine Taylor, but what he lacks may be his greatest strength. Always being the underdog and then succeeding will give Hudson the hope and drive to succeed and to make an impact.

Natural, gifted, over hyped, these are some of the words people are throwing around about Ricky Rubio. All these adjective apply to Ricky Rubio, who may be the most gifted player in the 2009 draft.

He could come into the league, and if given the right circumstance and situation [falling to Sacramento?], could average 18 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals. With the guard-centric game that the NBA has become he may even exceed these.

However, if Ricky does not get into the right program, Darko Millicic may happen all over again. We can only hope for Sacramento