In the 2009 NBA Draft, Let the Guessing Games Begin

With 36 days to go until the Draft, it's already old news that L.A. Clippers are taking it "easy" with their # 1 draft choice, Blake Griffin. This Oklahoma Sooners sophomore forward was everyone's favorite at the college awards. Clippers were third in draft lottery, with only a 17.7% chance of getting to make that first pick, but that's the way the ping pong balls bounced. Clippers are making much better use of the first choice then they did last time they had first pick. That was in 1988, when they chose Michael Olowokandi.

At 6'10", Griffin is a sort of Big Guy. It sort of makes a person wonder what Clipper management will do with the big men currently on the roster (Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby). Still, its nice to see the Clipper management seemingly headed toward a right decision. Maybe it's the beginning of a trend? Probably not.

Last year Memphis Grizzlies used their number 5 pick to take Kevin Love and their number 28 pick for Dont'e Greene. This year they moved up from #6 to #2 in the draft lottery. This makes it easy for them to pick up Rubio, who is only 18 and as poised as many players 5 years older. Memphis needs a good point guard, and Rubio has the potential to be someone who could bring excitement to FedExForum. His outside shooting needs a lot of work, but he's so young, and its wierd watching him play. He seems practically ambidextrous.

#3 Draft Pick Oklahoma City doesn't seem to have any chance at keeping Blake Griffin in his home state. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti sounded like he might want to trade his pick during a news call right after the draft. He also pointed out that being # 3 is still better than being #4. Head coach Scott Brooks showed the news reporters a good luck bracelet he was wearing that his daughter had made him. Maybe that's why they're not #4.

So what will they do with that # 3? Who knows. Maybe James Harden, the Arizona State shooting guard, nice pair-up for point guard Russell Westbrook. Maybe Uconn's Hasheem Thabeet, who has great defensive ability, good size at 7'3'', but not the best offensive skill and doesn't always play as hard as NBA stars should. On the other hand, Memphis could sure use some size, so maybe they'll surprise us and take Thabeet instead, and then Rubio will be the easy choice for Oklahoma. Rubio and Westbrook would make a great backcourt pair, and with Kevin Durant shooting, they'd probably be much lower in the draft next year.

The big draft losers are the Kings, unless you count poor Blake Griffin, who's stuck with the Clippers. The Kings fell to #4 pick. Again, James Harden wouldn't be the worst choice they could make. They're more like to pick Jrue Holiday, though, and James Harden would probably be happier in pick #5's Washington Wizards lineup. He'd make a good backcourt pairup with Arenas there.

Harden is ready for NBA play. Jordan Hill would be a good choice for either team, as well. He's got a lot of energy and endurance, and both teams could use some frontcourt help as well. However, USC's Freshman DeRozan is a truly talented shooting guard. He'll need some serious seasoning, but we're talking 4th, 5th and 6th picks here, and the obvious superstars will already be gone.