Nba Draft Preview June 16, 2009

1) LA Clippers- Blake Griffin F/C Oklahoma
The Clippers are loaded in the front court but have already said that they will take Blake. I think he will be a Christian Laettner type player in the league. Averaging around 14 pts and 8 rbs over his career. It will be interesting to see how the Clippers will get Camby, Randolph, Griffin and Kaman minutes.

2) Memphis Grizzlies- James Harden SG Arizona State
Some people are picking the Grizz to take Thabeet. I think they are fairly loaded at C with Gasol, Gay and Arthur. Harden has a huge upside and could allow Mayo to move over to point. I don't think Conley will prove to be much in the league and Harden could start right away.

3) Oklahoma City- Hasheem Thabeet C UConn
I could see the 2nd and 3rd pick being switched. I don't think Oklahoma City necessarily wants Thabeet but I don't think they will pass him up if he is still here. I think Thabeet will be a Sam Dalembert type player. Don't see him with a huge upside. Swift and Rose are free agents and they could use some front court depth to help Collison and Kristic.

4) Sacramento- Ricky Rubio PG Spain
I think Rubio probably has the highest upside in the draft. I think he could be a Steve Nash type player. Bobby Jackson and McCants are both free agents this off season and if Rubio is available i think that the Kings snatch him. Rubio will give Kevin Martin and exciting backcourt partner.

5) Washington- Jordan Hill PF Arizona
If this pick gets traded it wouldn't suprise me. The Wizards are pretty much stacked at every starting position its just none of them can stay healthy. Rumours are swirling that Jamison and possibly Caron Butler are on the move. I think the Wizards take Hill because he has a huge upside. Hill is very capable of scoring from the block or the high post. He has a lot of potential and I'm not sure the Wizards will let him slip.

6) Minnesota- Tyreke Evans G Memphis
Their are rumours flying that Minnesota might trade Kevin Love to get the #2 and draft Rubio. If they stay at this spot I don't think they let Evans slip. Evans is a lengthy guard with ability to get to the line. Like most of the draft class the word potential is thrown around a lot. Evans and Foye could make a good backcourt combo. However, I think Twolves will move up and get Rubio.

7) Golden State- Steph Curry G Davidson
Many prospects aren't working out for Golden State because the way the franchise is going. I think they will end up taking another SG/PG combo who will be a defensive liability with Ellis in the backcourt with him. Curry is a Ellis clone and the way the Warriors are talking they won't let him slip past this spot if he is still here.

8) New York Knicks- Jrue Holliday G UCLA
If Curry or Jordan Hill are here the Knicks will take them. Holliday has been very impressive in workouts and could help cure the Knicks PG woes. It's unlikely Nate Robinson will get resigned and the Knicks will need a guard to help push Duhon for the starting job or be his back up. Holliday has a good wingspan and is a defensive stopper the Knicks desperately need.