For a many teams, this NBA season is essentially over. While a losing season and watching the playoffs from home is never any fun, the NBA draft lottery provides teams with a chance to drastically improve by landing a potential franchise player.
One needs to look no further than this past year's lottery in which the Chicago Bulls, with a 1.7% chance of landing the top pick, had the bouncing balls go their way and managed to land PG Derrick Rose who became the first Bulls rookie since Michael Jordan('84-'85) to score 10 points in his first 10 games.
2009 POTENTIAL LOTTERY PICKS
1) Blake Griffin F Oklahoma
He's athletic, strong, and is an imposing presence at 6'10, 250 lbs. A sure fire star in the draft if there is such a thing, and the consensus number one pick at this point. Think Carlos Boozer with way more hops.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3mM336_tY8
2) Ricky Rubio G Spain
Scouts marvel at the poise and skill set this young point guard has showcased in these past Olympics and in Europe. An international sensation following his play in the '08 Beijing Games, Rubio became the youngest player ever to play in an Olympic Basketball Gold Medal game. While Rubio lacks elite speed and athleticism, his poise and creativity with the ball along with his team first mentality have many drawing comparisons to a young Pistol Pete Maravich.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47VLce11WDM&feature=related
3) Greg Monroe F Georgetown
The top ranked freshman has wowed scouts with his skills, and has silenced critics by displaying a great motor and passion. At 6'11 and 250 lbs and sky high potential, the young freshman big out of Georgetown has an excellent chance of being the first freshman off the board on draft night. Think of a late career Chris Webber.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylS_54qSoBw
4) Hasheem Thabeet C Connecticut
As the old adage goes, you can't teach height. At 7'3 Thabeet will enter the NBA as the second tallest player in the NBA behind only 7'5 Yao Ming. Only a few years ago Thabeet appeared to be another clumsy, slow 7 footer unable to play up to his height. Now, as a junior Thabeet has become a shot blocking force as well as a terrific rebounder and an improving offensive player. If he continues to improve, the Dikembe Mutumbo comparisons may not be too far fetched.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dudxh2qZE8M&feature=related
5) James Harden G Arizona State
Harden is not the most explosive or the most athletic player in the draft, and lacks the "ideal" size for a shooting guard. That being said, Harden can score from virtually anywhere on the floor, and is the leader of a very good Arizona State squad. In other words, he may not be flashy but is extremely effective. Think of a bigger Manu Ginoboli.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H64rKHfSwww&feature=related
6) Jrue Holiday G UCLA
Holiday may be the most complete freshman in the nation, playing the point for a very talented UCLA team. Not only can Holiday handle the rock, but he can play both point guard and shooting guard and is a very good defender. If he chooses to make the jump to the NBA after this year, Holiday will most likely be a top 10 pick. Think of a more mature, more versatile Russell Westbrook.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXVuaMLcaTA&feature=PlayList&p=43D9C01A4554D43C&playnext=1&index=4
7) Jeff Teague G Wake Forest
Teague wasn't on anyone's preseason top 10 draft board, but has captured the attention of the NBA with his team, Wake Forest, ranked #1 and his stellar play at point guard. Teague is quick, athletic, and can shoot the ball making him an offensive force. Reminiscent of former Pheonix Suns star Kevin Johnson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWbZj4F8tds
8) DeMar DeRozan G USC
Standing at 6'6, 200 lbs, DeRozan has the size and height to be an elite shooting guard in the NBA. He already has an NBA body, and is an amazing athlete. However, DeRozan lacks the great basketball IQ and killer instinct necessary to thrive at the 2 in the NBA. If he can live up to his potential think of a young Vince Carter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3pvDEH0BQs&feature=related
9) Stephen Curry G Davidson
Able to play the point and shooting guard equally well, Curry is perhaps the most gifted scorer in the draft. Not only does Curry possess the floor vision and basketball IQ to run point in the NBA, he also has that killer jump shot that has shot Davidson onto the stage. Scouts have him pegged as a better version of his dad, former Hornets star Dell Curry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzAoxWEj8kY
10) Brandon Jennings G Italy
The former Arizona recruit and top high school player in the country, Jennings chose to bypass college and go to Europe for a year. He is eligible for the 2009 draft, and has proven his mettle by excelling in one of the top European leagues straight out of high school. A gifted athlete at the point, Jennings is right out of the Gilbert Arenas mold of point guards. One play he'll drain a long 3, and the next he'll blow past the defender on route to an easy dunk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW_MKMvckmY&feature=related
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