With the 2009 NBA Finals underway, several teams watch from the sidelines, patiently awaiting this month's draft. While many consider the 2009 NBA Draft to be weak, with exception to Oklahoma Forward, Blake Griffin, there's no question that there's a lot of talent and potential. Overloaded with guards, don't be surprised to see several teams make trades to move up, down or even out of the draft altogether.
1. LA Clippers selects PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma -- It would be a bit of a shock if the Clippers traded this pick. Griffin is regarded as a player who can step in the NBA and shine right away. That being said, don't be surprised if the Clippers are busy making other deals on draft day. They'd very much like to be rid of Zach Randolph's large contract.
2. Memphis Grizzlies selects PG Ricky Rubio, International -- Hasheem Thabeet makes sense in Memphis, too, but they wouldn't pass on Rubio. Some think he's the best up-and-coming point guard in the world. He says he doesn't want to play for Memphis, but teams typically don't shy away from such threats.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder selects C Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut -- This would be a match made in heaven. GM Sam Presti is trying to build a defensive-minded squad. They attempted to trade for Tyson Chandler during the season, but rescinded the deal after Chandler didn't pass his physical.
4. Sacramento Kings selects PG Jrue Holiday, UCLA -- Holiday played out of position at UCLA, and his stock has risen significantly with some solid workouts. At 6-4 200lbs, he has good size, too.
5. Washington Wizards selects SG James Harden, Arizona State -- The Wizards need size, but the best available big, Jordan Hill, needs to get stronger. Harden would make Nick Young's future in Washington in question.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves selects SG Tyreke Evans, Memphis -- Evans' stock is steadily rising, so don't be surprised if he gets picked higher than this. The Wolves need someone who can play alongside Randy Foye, and since both Evans and Foye are combo guards, they could get along quite well.
7. Golden State Warriors selects PG Brandon Jennings, International -- Golden State needs a big man in the worst way, but they could also use a pass-first point guard. Jennings' speed would be a great fit for Nelson.
8. New York Knicks selects G Stephen Curry, Davidson -- The Knicks love Curry, and while there's been mention of them trying to trade up for Thabeet, Curry seems the logical pick.
9. Toronto Raptors selects SG DeMar DeRozan, USC -- DeRozan could use a bit of polish, but few in this draft have more raw upside than him. The Raptors like to get out and run, which would serve DeRozan well.
10. Milwaukee Bucks selects PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse -- Rumor has it that the Bucks really like Flynn. Luke Ridnour was disappointing last season and Ramon Sessions was inconsistent.
11. New Jersey Nets selects PF Jordan Hill, Arizona -- Most mocks have Hill going in the top five, but don't be shocked to see him slide. He has great upside, but he's not yet strong enough to seriously compete against the NBA's top power forwards. This would be a steal for New Jersey.
12. Indiana Pacers selects PG Jeff Teague, Wake Forest -- Word is that the Pacers are looking for a point guard with this pick. Eric Maynor or Ty Lawson are possibilities, but Lawson's height is working against him and Maynor doesn't have nearly as much upside as other point guards in this draft.
13. Charlotte Bobcats selects SF Earl Clark, Louisville -- His stock seems to be slipping a bit, but he's very talented. At 6-10 or so, Clark has great versatility and could be a steal if he falls this far.
14. Phoenix Suns selects SG Terrence Williams, Louisville -- Williams shot under 40% from the field last season, but there's no questioning his toughness or versatility. GM Steve Kerr is trying to make this team tougher, and Williams could be a good fit.
15. Detroit Pistons selects F Austin Daye, Gonzaga -- Daye has tremendous upside and skill, but isn't nearly as strong as he needs to be. This pick would be for the future.
