2009 NBA Draft

With the 2009 NBA draft coming up Thursday night on ESPN, I thought it would be a perfect time to preview and speculate on what may happen at the draft and in the future.

But first I want to talk about a subject near and dear to my heart. Every year there is a draft, and you really cannot underestimate the comedy factor of some of the player’s suits. Some guys go classy, and keep it G, while others look like they are the backup dancers to one of the Puffy and Mase video’s from back in the day.

Who can forget Joakim Noah’s sweet bow tie? You stay classy Joakim!

Or what about Jalen Rose’s delightful red number; Hey Jalen this red suit defined your career, a lot of flash but ultimately not that great.

But the greatest Draft day suit is hands down the Mailman’s unbelievable suit from the 1985 draft. Karl Malone, wow, I mean just where in the world do you find a suit like that? From the Waterboy’s Closet?

Look at the awesome skinny half-tie. Check out the Miami Vice style white pants. Dark Blue Jacket over a light blue shirt. And look at the Machismo that is just dripping off Malone. It does not get any better than this.

This magnificent suit will never be topped, especially in this day and age, so just sit back and marvel at the Greatest Draft Day Suit Ever.

Anyways, back to the draft.

This year’s draft is headlined by Blake Griffin, who may or may not be the first African-American Ginger. Griffin is a stud despite maybe not having a soul (I keed, I keed), and should make the Clippers who have the first pick, jump from a 15 win team to a 25 win team, which means the Clips will still suck.

Too bad Griffin is going to NBA hell, because he is a really talented player, who has a very quick first step for a man of his size. Think of him as a cross between Kenyon Martin and Karl Malone. Look for him to leave the Clippers in 4 years once his rookie contract expires, just like Lamar Odom did.

Memphis has the number two pick and most people are speculating that they will take the 7’3” giant from UCONN, Hasheem Thabeet.

Thabeet is a stellar shot blocker, who can block a shot with either hand, (which is a rarity) and really take over a game with his defensive presence.

The downside with Thabeet , is that he has little to no offensive game at all, which is not a good thing if you are picking him at number two.

The hope is that because Thabeet is so raw, (He came to America from Africa when he was still in his teens) that maybe his offensive game grows as he matures.

Oklahoma City has the next pick at 3, and they could go in a number of different ways. If Thabeet falls to three I would expect them to grab him, because they do need a center. If Memphis takes Thabeet, then OKC could go for a shooting guard like James Harden from Arizona St. or for 18 year old Ricky Rubio from Spain.

This draft has been hailed as an underwhelming group to pick from by draft experts, but I disagree. I think the very top of the draft is what is weak this year. There really is no Lebron, or Kobe or D-Wade or even Derrick Rose in this draft and that’s why people may be down on the draft this year.

But I believe there are many solid players in this draft, who will be in most teams 8 man rotations for years to come.

A player like Brandon Jennings, who left high school last year and went to play for a pro team in Italy, will be a very good player. You cannot underestimate how much playing against older professionals will help this kid’s game in the long run.

I also like Gerald Henderson of Duke. This is a guy who’s father played in the NBA, which means he has had the best training, food, coaching and whatever else available, because his father had the means and knowledge of what it takes to make it to the Association.

Henderson has a killer jump shot, can drive and get to the hole pretty well, and has played in a ton of big games while at Duke. Look for him to be a leading candidate for rookie of the year next year.

Another guy that I think will do well is Jonny Flynn from Syracuse. Flynn, who is a point guard, has a lighting quick first step, and is a great floor leader.

Also keep an eye out for point guards, Stephon Curry who can flat out shoot the rock, Jrue Holliday who is an uber athelete, Ty Lawson who is a very talented player, but who is injury prone, and Tony Douglas from FSU, who is a great defender and a player who can get really hot, really quick on the offensive side of the game.

On the big guys, I like Tyler Hansbrough, even though most draft experts do not. I think if you can average a 20 and 10 for 4 years in the ACC, then you can be a quality player in the NBA. I also like Dajuan Blair from Pitt. I think he will be a Paul Millsap type of player who can get you rebounds and blocks, and a guy who has a sneaky offensive game.

Lastly make sure to keep an eye on what Washington does with their pick at number 5. They have been trying to shop it around, and there are rumors that Phoenix could trade Amare Stoudemire for the number 5 pick and maybe Antwan Jamison.

The Knicks are also looking to move up from the number 8 pick, and they too may make a run for Washington’s spot.