2009 Draft Review

Now that it's over, can we all admit to ourselves that this was the weakest draft we've had in years? When Jrue Holiday-- a 6'4'', moderately athletic guard who averaged around 9 points in his one year at college-- is considered the "steal" of the draft, and 2 of the top 7 picks (Rubio and Curry) can't grow facial hair , something's not right. This is not to say that there weren't quality players in the draft, there were, it's just that many of them were overshadowed but a bunch of future NBDL-ers. A guy like Ty Lawson was drafted behind Terrence Williams and James Johnson. Christian Eyenga was drafted ahead of DaJuan Summers, Sam Young, and DeJuan Blair. The theme of this draft: familiarity breeds contempt. I usually dismiss anything that Dicky V says, but apparently he agrees with me on this. With this in mind, here are the best, and worst, pics of the draft.

Best Picks:
Tyler Hansborough, Indiana: A lot of people in Indiana might be upset today, but in 7 years when Earl Clark, Austin Daye, and James Johnson are out of the league and Crazy Eyes is still a big part of their team, they'll be happy to have him. People seem to forget that he is arguably the best Tar Heel of ALL TIME. To me, that is a far better indicator of what he'll be in the pros than a 40 inch vertical or a good work-out could ever be. Kudos to Larry Bird and Jim O'Brien for making the most unsexy, but possibly the safest, pick in the draft.

DeJuan Blair, San Antonio: Big Baby Blair was 9th on my list and 14 on Jay Bilas', yet somehow he slipped all the way to 37. He was by far the best offensive rebounder in the draft and will get a lot of minutes for the Spurs next year. Their draft, combined with the trade for Richard Jefferson, makes San Antonio the most improved team heading into July.

Johnny Flynn, Minnesota: After drafting Rubio, the Wolves could have shied away from Flynn. Instead, they got the best available player in a weak draft. Think of Flynn as a more athletic Jameer Nelson.

Sam Young, Memphis: Memphis might have had the best draft of any team. They were looking for solid, defensive minded players who could contribute immediately, and they got them. Young's game reminds me a lot of Trevor Ariza's--a long, athletic defender who can knock down the 3 consistantly.

Worst Picks:
Christian Eyenga, Cleveland: I'll admit that I don't know much about this dude. That being said, I'm going to go ahead and assume that he can't shoot and that he's not going to contribute this year. With that in mind, they could have landed a shooter like Sam Young, Jodie Meeks, DaJuan Summers, Chase Buddinger, or Jack McClinton. Any of those guys would have contributed to a Cavs championship run and been a great compliment to Prince James. Instead they wasted a roster spot.

James Johnson, Chicago: Chicago really needed a scoring guard and instead chose a big man who isn't going to see the court this year. They should have drafted Jrue Holliday, Ty Lawson, or Jeff Teague, with the 16th pick. Then, if they really loved this dude, they could've gotten him with the 26th pick. A wasted pick that could have really helped a team that is likely to lose Ben Gordon and/or Luol Deng.

Biggest D-Bag:
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee: I can't believe he had the nerve to show up 4 picks late, take the stage like everyone was waiting for him, and ruin Earl Clark's moment. Jennings reeks of douchebaggery.

With regards to the Manny news, all I have to say is this: the DEA must be VERY bored if they're investigating a couple dudes who sell woman's fertility drugs.