2009 NBA Draft: Who Should We Be Looking At?
Just about a year ago the names that were brought up for the 2008 draft were guys like Eric Gordon, Michael Beasley, and Brandon Rush. Now that the ones we thought, and some we did not, are going to the next level, who should we have our eyes on for next years draft?
Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma - Before his injury near the end of the season, Griffin was mentioned to be a top 10 pick. He was smart to stay in school for another year to heal and make way as the best player in college. He is a more athletic Carlos Boozer type of player. He should be one of the elite big men in college and will find himself a potential #1 pick.
Demar DeRozan SG USC - The kid from Compton can absolutely play. He has more of an upside over Vince Carter. He has all the makings to be the next star in the NBA.
Brandon Jennings PG Arizona - He is the smooth point guard out of California. He has a personality and play that will sell at the next level. He will be the best point guard in the draft next season due to his quickness, speed, and passing ability.
James Harden SG Arizona St - Was smart to go back for another year in college. He already got all the looks from scouts and will have an eye on him all season. He is a smooth Manu Ginobli type of player who offensively is almost unstoppable. If he works on his defense and gets more of a consistant 3 pointer, he will be a promising player.
Ricky Rubio PG Spain - I have been hearing about him for the last 3 years. What is so special about him? Well I saw him play and he is a better and taller version of Steve Nash. He sees the floor very well and can make any pass. Offensively a huge threat, but being like Steve Nash he needs to work on his defense. The name sounds good with a flow and so is his game. Look out for him.
BJ Mullins C Ohio St - He is next years big man to look out for. He has all the moves to be an effective low post scorer. He needs to hit the weight room, but when he does he could be the first center taken in next years draft.
Hasheem Thabeet C UCONN - He only gets better every game. At 7'3" and being very athletic how could you ever miss on him. He is going to be the next Dikembe Mutombo and be an effective shot blocker for many years in the NBA.
Patrick Patterson C Kentucky - Would have probably been the first center taken in this years draft, but had a season ending injury. He has an NBA ready body and physicalness many scouts love.
Al Farouq-Aminu SF Wake Forest - He is a lengthy forward who can be a better Luol Deng. He is very smart and athletic with a 7 foot wingspan. He can do everything, but like Mullins, needs to see the weight room. Has potential to be a top pick.
Jrue Holliday SG UCLA - The most NBA ready upcoming freshman. I think he will be the #1 overall pick if he can play to his max potential. He has enough upside to be a better Baron Davis. Look out for him to rise like Derrick Rose while he carries UCLA to a finals.
Stephan Curry PG Davidson - He made a name for himself in the last 2 NCAA tournaments and all eyes will be on him next year. This will be his first year as starting point guard. If can carry his success from last years tournament run, he will be a lottery pick. He can be a Jameer Nelson type of player.
