Son of JayJamJah

Draft Thoughts:

I love Blake Griffin. He'll be one of the top six players in the NBA within four years. His game in college reminds me of Charles Barkley and Karl Malone in their early NBA days when their jump shot was streaky but they overwhelmed people physically. The best thing about him is that he's a sure thing because he's so natural. He understands the game, loves the game and works hard because he wants to. I don't buy the stuff about his wingspan, he has an above average wingspan for a human being, it's just below average by NBA standards. But still at 6'8.5" wing a 7'0+" wingspan is only slightly less the ratio then Tayshaun Prince (a notoriously "long" player) who is 6"8.5" with a 7'2" wingspan. Either way he'll adjust slightly if he has to it won't burden him.

I don't like Thabeet at #2. I agree with the idea of him having a better offensive game then Mutumbo, but he's not nearly as agile as Mutumbo in his prime let alone his Gerogetown days. I think he's a top 10 guy in this draft, but to me best case scenario he's a third best player on a playoff team, I'd have traded the pick for either 3,4 or 5 if I could have.

To me the second most valuable player in this draft is Rubio. He's another sure thing in my opinion. He's only 18, still developing physically and potentially growing and instead of coming here and sitting the bench or playing an overly expanded role on a bad team he gets to play in the real NBA minor leagues, European Professional Ball.

What I like about Rubio is similar to what I like about Blake Griffin. He's a natural. His passing and court vision is special, you just don't see people doing that anymore. One scout exaggerated and said he's already a better passer then Steve Nash. The big thing is his defense though. Chris Paul called him the best defender he's ever faced. His sampling was against a 17 year old Rubio at the '08 Olympics.

His jump shot needs to improve and it will, he has 6'0" speed and quickness in a lanky 6'5" frame, that could make him a special finisher in the NBA when he matures. He will be a top five NBA PG within one year of his arrival (if he's not rushed to the NBA).

I like Harden, but thing he's really over valued in this draft, He is smooth though, should be an instant impact player too which is nice.

Evans I don't like, he's a guy who should be good, but doesn't have the discipline or desire to reach his own potential. He's a very mediocre effort guy defensively. I liken him to a Corey Maggette\Larry Hughes type who'll have flashes of excellence, but overall be a third or fourth tier valued player, a sixth man on a good team a go-to-guy on a lottery team.

Flynn is a guy I like but have concerns with his transition to the pros. I think he'll be good, but probably a fringe top five PG below the class of Paul, Williams, Parker, Rose and Rondo.

Stephen Curry is the other sure thing in this draft to me. I love guys who can shoot and handle the ball. He is a said to be a much better defender then I would have thought, Jerry West loves this guy and said he'd take him #2. That's all I need to hear.


Here's an overall breakdown of my opinions

Sure Things: Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry

Potential Stars: Gerald Henderson, Brandon Jennings, James Harden, Hasheem Thabeet

Solid Picks: Jordan Hill, Tyler Hansbourgh, Ty Lawson, James Johnson, Jeff Teague, Jonny Flynn

Disappointments: Terrance Williams, DeMar DeRozan, BJ Mullens, Darren Collison, Tyreke Evans

Busts: Earl Clark, Austin Daye, Victor Claver

Steals: Danny Green, Jrue Holliday, Eric Maynor, Sam Young, DeJaun Blair

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