NBA Draft Preview: Can Stephen Curry Be the Next Reggie Miller?

As the NBA Draft quickly approaches, this year's crop of players seems to be more unpredictable than a game of poker. Apparently, with the exception of Oklahoma's Blake Griffin, the sports public has no idea what hand we're being dealt.

There are no Kevin Durants, Greg Odens, or Michael Beasleys. Just Blake Griffin, and that's it.

Or is it?

The interesting thing about this draft's group of players is that they also have the potential to feature many players with Xenon bright futures. We simply can't call it.

There's a shortage of sure things, but a plethora of possibilities as there's a lot of talent to go around.

Even some people are questioning whether Griffin will be as good as advertised primarily because his strength and quickness were his major assets at Oklahoma, but the NBA features many big men who can match those qualities.

Despite those claims, many of us can agree that Griffin, in this draft, is easily the consensus first pick and the player closest to a sure thing.

As much as people continue to forcefully shove Ricky Rubio into my face, I'm just not sold on the guy yet. When I watch the highlight reel they run of him, I just don't see the second pick written on his forehead.

It's not that he isn't good, but second-pick good? Every time I hear his name and the hype surrounding him, I just can't help but think of Darko Milicic.

Not that there's any Dwyane Wades or Carmelo Anthonys in this draft, but Rubio is largely unproven to many American sports fans.

Yes, we watched him help take the United States to its limit in the Beijing Olympics, but I had more fun watching Rudy Fernandez. Fernandez was a spark plug in that Gold Medal game, and the U.S had trouble with him.

Rubio was good, but Fernandez was better. Fernandez had a very solid rookie season in Portland, where he set a record for most made three-point field goals for a rookie, but he received little-to-no hype in 2007's draft when he was taken 24th.

Brandon Jennings, now known as the guy who said the truth about Rubio, doesn't particularly impress me either. Jennings was quoted as calling Rubio overrated, and I agree, but the problem is so is he.

I don't see much in Jeff Teague from Wake Forest, Jrue Holliday from UCLA, or James Johnson out of Wake Forest. All of those guys appear to be career role players at best.

I am seeing the light with Stephen Curry from Davidson, Jordan Hill from Arizona, and Demar DeRozen out of USC. I also like Hasheem Thabeet from Connecticut and Jonny Flynn out of Syracuse.

In trying to make sense of the 2009 NBA Draft's top prospects, there's one thing I use to try and understand what they may bring to the table: Current NBA player comparisons.

What better way to gauge what a player can offer than by looking at a possible NBA equivalent that already has shown us what kind of player they are?

Here are five players who are difficult to place based on their overall talent level. And no, Blake Griffin isn't on this list. Nor is Ricky Rubio. We've heard enough about them. These guys are potential darkhorses.

Jonny Flynn—Syracuse Orange, Sophomore

2008 stats: 17.4 PPG, 6.7 APG, 2.7 APG

Alter NBA Ego—Nate Robinson, New York Knicks

Flynn is an ultra-talented guard who proved to the nation last season that he was worthy of a top-10 pick. Leading Syracuse to the NCAA Tournament, Flynn's sheer athleticism and overall ability was too much for much of his competition.

He and Robinson share many characteristics including short-stature, extreme quickness off of the dribble, and ability to finish at the rim.

Much like Robinson leaving the University of Washington, Flynn has an erratic outside shot that he must improve if he's going to succeed on the pro level. One thing that is undeniable is his athleticism and ankle-breaking speed.

Biggest Pro—Athleticism

Biggest Con—Shooting

Gerald Henderson—Duke University, Junior

2008 stats: 16.5 PPG, 2.5 APG, 5.0 RPG

Alter NBA Ego—Caron Butler, Washington Wizards

Henderson isn't getting any attention in this draft, and with his humble spirit, he'd probably prefer it that way. Coached by the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, Henderson plays well in every facet of the game.

He improved his outside shooting to complement his slashing and finishing abilities to make him a consistent threat. A three-year starter at Duke, Henderson has improved steadily each year.

Like Butler, Henderson is a swing man with size and the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter. If Henderson continues to become a more viable shooting threat, and if he goes to the right team, he may surprise.

Biggest Pro—Slashing Ability

Biggest Con—Inconsistency

Demar DeRozan—USC, Freshman

2008 stats: 13.9 PPG, 1.5 APG, 5.7 RPG

Alter NBA Ego—Corey Maggette, Golden State Warriors

DeRozan clearly has talent, and nobody can question that. What we can question though, is DeRozan's overall versatility. He does everything good, but not one thing great, and that can be scary.

He's a budding scorer who will only improve with time, but he doesn't shoot the outside shot consistently; he isn't a great passer; and he doesn't rebound particularly well.

At 6'7" and 220 pounds, DeRozan needs to become a better rebounder. Just as Maggette was when he left Duke, DeRozan's an athlete with lots of scoring potential, but he must improve across the board to maximize his potential. But, I like his chances.

He can be a winner if he learns to play defense and can have the right attitude.

Biggest Pro—Potential

Biggest Con—Experience

Tyreke Evans—Memphis, Freshman

2008 stats: 17.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 5.4 RPG

Alter NBA Ego—J.R. Smith, Denver Nuggets

Evans is a very talented player who's receiving a little flack for starring at Memphis, a Conference USA school. Derrick Rose is doing pretty well, so that doesn't matter to me at all.

Evans is extremely versatile, can get in there and rebound a little, pass some, and bring the ball up the floor if needed. He shoots 27 percent from three and 46 percent from the field.

He's a raw talent much like J.R. Smith was when he entered the league. The ability and talent is there; the potential is there, but it's all about his attitude and willingness to learn from the veterans and work hard. If he does that, the moon's the limit for Evans.

Biggest Pro—All-around ability

Biggest Con—Consistency

Stephen Curry—Davidson, Junior

2008 stats: 28.6 PPG, 5.6 APG, 4.4 RPG

Alter NBA Ego—Reggie Miller, Indiana Pacers (retired)

Steph Curry is probably the biggest wild card of this year's draft. You love his huge numbers and outstanding shooting ability. The problem is, he put those numbers up for Davidson College.

Is that an issue? I'm not sure yet, but one thing I can tell you is I believe in this kid's ability.

Not only did he put on a show against the biggest competition two years ago in the NCAA Tournament, but he also lit up the likes of Duke University and Blake Griffin's Oklahoma Sooners this past season.

Reggie Miller was one of the deadliest shooters of all time; he could shoot off of the screen like nobody we've seen. Curry can shoot well off of the screen too, but he can also pull up his own shots.

What's forgotten about Curry is his driving ability and versatility. If he can keep those things consistent in the league, he may be another installment of "Miller Time."

Biggest Pro—Shooting

Biggest Con—Competition

There are many players in this draft who are consumed with potential, but that's all. This year's draft will be very interesting, as nobody really knows which players will emerge to be next season's Derrick Rose or O.J. Mayo.

One thing we can count on for sure, it will be fun to watch.

I know what I'll be watching come Thursday, June 25. Do you?