Post by nova on Jul 2, 2007 21:16:44 GMT -5
2009 UOSL Draft Review:
1. Minnesota Timberwolves - C DeAndre Jordan - For the second consecutive season, the Timberwolves won the lottery, and this time used it to select the best big man in the draft, DeAndre Jordan. Scouts have compared his game to that of Jermaine O'Neal's, and adding him to their team which already has some great young talent in Eric Gordon, Tyrus Thomas, and Chris Kaman really helps the TWolves and makes them a dangerous team for the future. They still lack a true star, but adding Jordan is a huge step in their rebuilding process.
2. Utah Jazz - PG Derrick Rose[/b] - After an extremely dissapointing season, Utah had some outstanding luck in the lottery, jumping up 6 spots to #2. Rose is a tremendous young PG who looks like he could be the "next big thing" and be a star for many years to come. Although Devin Harris is a very solid PG, you have to wonder what his future is in Utah with them drafting Rose. Adding Rose to an already solid team was a big move, but the true shocker of the 2009 draft came with the very next pick that was involved in a blockbuster trade.
3. Golden State Warriors - PF Patrick Patterson[rights traded to Utah Jazz][/b] - A pick that muzzled draft analysts at first as it had been widely reported that the Warriors were interested in Greg Monroe. However, just minutes after the selection, ESPN's Ric Buecher broke the news that Patterson would not be playing in Golden State. In a trade that sent superstar Kobe Bryant to Golden State, the Utah Jazz acquired Patterson, Rudy Gay, J.R. Smith, Patrick O'Bryant, and Brian Scalabrine. The Jazz are reportedly very high on Patterson as they love his shot-blocking ability and as most know, GM Nova is obsessed with defense, so adding the best shot-blocker in the draft and one of the best overall defensive players in the draft was a very solid move. Only time will tell whether Utah's draft day moves pay off, but the future is looking very bright in Salt Lake City.
4. Philadelphia 76ers - PF Greg Monroe - After the surprising selection of Patterson at 3, this selection became a no-brainer for Philly. As if this team needed any more great young talent with Raymond Felton, O.J. Mayo, Andre Iguodola, Andrea Bargnani, and Al Horford already on the team, they add another great young player in Greg Monroe. Arguably the best rebounder to ever enter the UOSL Draft, Monroe is raw in every other aspect of his game, but he has outstanding potential so he could very well end up being an elite big man for many years to come. He could make Utah regret on passing on him, either way, the 76ers just keep getting more talented.
5. New Jersey Nets - SG Tyreke Evans - After seemingly being infatuated with Al-Farouq Aminu leading up to the draft, the Nets surprised some people by selecting the sharp-shooting SG, Tyreke Evans. Although Evans is a defensive liability, his offensive potential is unbelievable. He could end up being a 25 ppg player, but the major question is whether he will ever develop into a solid defender. If he does, this is a great pick for New Jersey, but if he fails to improve his defense, this pick may have been a mistake.
6. Seattle Sonics - SF Al-Farouq Aminu - After Evans was taken at 5, the Sonics took the #2 player on their boards in Aminu. A very solid selection at 6, Aminu looks like he will be a tremendous defensive player in UOSL. He appears to have it all on the defensive end as he was a great shot-blocker and ball-stealer during his only season in college basketball. He will never be a 20ppg player, but his defense can really change a game. Great pick for Seattle as he is a solid player to build around.
7. New York Knicks - C Kevin Love - At this point in the draft, Love is the most logical selection. After having some bad luck in the lottery, the Knicks ended up picking 7th, where the talent takes a slight drop off. Love has the potential to be a great offensive player, but his major weakness is on the defensive end of the court. He will most likely be a 20-10 guy, but the question is whether he can ever become a solid defender. Still, at this point, this is a very good selection.
8. Sacramento Kings - PF Donte Greene[/color] - A risk/reward here in Greene. He's a solid player offensively and a very solid rebounder. However, he is an awful defensive player, and his potential is hard to gauage. In addition, there are concerns about his dedication to the game. He has been described as "lazy" by some scouts and seems to lack passion at times. However, if he does have great potential, he could end up being a Charlie Villanueva type player, but if he doesn't, he'll end up being a poor man's Mehmet Okur. It's a risky pick, but at this stage of the draft, this was probably the best pick for the Kings.
9. Indiana Pacers - PG Bud Mackey[/color] - An interesting pick at this point since Indiana also drafted a PG last season in Petteri Koponen. Mackey is quite raw and he will need to improve his perimeter shooting and his perimeter defense. This a risk/reward pick as he could become a quality PG or could become a career journeyman. A lot will depend on whether he can become a better defender. If he does develop into the Pacers PG of the future, this is a terrific pick. However, it is more likely that he becomes a role player and a marginal starter.
10. Washington Wizards - SG Paul Harris[/color] - The first senior to be drafted, Paul Harris was a key part of Syracuse's Final Four Run in the 2009 NCAA Tournament. After averaging 17.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.1apg, and 1.2 spg last season, Harris was considered a lock to be picked in the lottery. He has potential to improve, but he does not have the sky-high potential that other players like Tyreke Evans have. If he pans out, he should be a very solid player in UOSL, averaging around 14.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.5apg, and 1.5spg At this point in the draft, Harris was probably the best player available, and with the Wizards just looking for young talent, this was a great pick for them.
11. Miami Heat - C Samardo Samuels[/color] - The Heat entered the draft with a great young trio of talent in Michael Beasley, Ben Gordon, and Mike Conley Jr. Entering the draft, Miami knew they needed to address their PF & C positions. They already have six big men on rookie contracts, but the only one who looks like he might be a starter in the future is Joakim Noah. Samuels is a terrific inside scorer, but aside from his ability to find the basket, his game is extremely raw. He will never be a very good defender, but he should be a solid rebounder. He could become an 18-9 type player, but his defense will hold him back from being a great player. Still, it's a very solid pick for the scoring-challenged Heat.
12. Los Angeles Clippers - PF Ed Davis[/color] - One of the more developed post players in the draft after Jordan & Patterson, Davis looks like he should be a solid player. He is a solid defender and one of the best rebounders in the draft. However, he is not a very good offensive player, and he likely never will be. In his prime, expect him to be a B- C- C- B+ B B type player - a solid starter, but someone who may be better suited to be a backup.
13. Atlanta Hawks - C J.J. Hickson[/color] - A bit of a reach at 13, Hickson is the definition of a risk/reward pick. He could end up being being a very productive big man, or he could end up being out of the league within a few years. He's a decent inside scorer, defender, and rebounder, but does not excel at any of them. In addition, he struggles to find open players and does not handle the ball well. Finally, he is one of the worst free throw shooters in the draft and has no outside game whatsoever. It's a decent pick at this point since the Hawks don't really need a player at any other position and Hickson is the best big man left on the board. His upside is terrific, and if he develops, it would be huge for the future of the Hawks.
14. Dallas Mavericks - SF Dominique Sutton[/color] - Another boom or bust pick, Sutton is probably the best pure athlete in this draft. He's a solid inside scorer and doesn't have any big-time weaknesses, but he also does not excel in any one area side from scoring in the paint. Something that scared some scouts away was the fact that he relied too much on his athleticism to succeed in college. The majority of his baskets came from dunks, and while that's fine and dandy, you can't just rely on your athletic ability to make it in the UOSL. In addition, some scouts are worried that he lacks passion as he often appears disinterested while on the court. If he can develop a defensive game, improve his rebounding & perimeter shooting, and develop a better post-up game, this is a great pick. However, the chances of him improving that much are slim, but then again who knows, stranger things have happened in this league.
15. Los Angeles Clippers - SG Austin Freeman[/color] - Arguably the most talented offensive player in the draft, Freeman will be a terrific scorer in the UOSL. Many scouts have gone as far as to compare him to a poor man's Michael Redd. The Clippers are a team in transition. They have two very good young players in Shaun Livingston & Luol Deng. However, aside from them, they have a group of undeveloped young talent. Freeman should give them a scoring spark, but his defense is going to be an issue. Scouts were turned off by his defense, and they do not expect him to improve much in the pros. However, if he can, he very well could be a poor man's Redd. If he can't, he'll be the next Morris Almond; a solid player, but doomed forever to be a backup.
16. Utah Jazz - SG Jrue Holiday[/color] - This pick originally belonged to Detroit, but they sent it to Utah in a deal which netted the Pistons Richard Jefferson. Holiday is probably the rawest guard in the draft, but he may also have some of the highest upside in the draft. Holiday is only 19 years old, and he has shown flashes of being a very good young player. However, if he wants to make it in the UOSL, he's going to have to become more consistent, and improve his scoring and defense. Utah is now loaded with youth, and if these guys all develop, this team will be very dangerous in the future.
17. New York Knicks - PG Nick Calathes[/color] - For the second straight year, the Knicks take a PG with one of their 1st round picks. However, it does make sense. Javaris Crittenton is not the ideal PG as he's more of a combo guard. Calathes has the pure point guard skills that scouts love, and he was easily the best player left on the board. Calathes will most likely start as a rookie, and although the Knicks have had some bad luck in the draft, Calathes falling to them was lucky, as he does have the talent and potential to one day be a solid starting PG in the UOSL.
18. Golden State Warriors - PF Marreese Speights[/color] - Arguably the biggest reach of the draft, Speights was projected as a late-1st rounder or early-2nd rounder. He's a decent inside scorer, but every other aspect of his game is extremely raw. His upside is considered limited by scouts, and is more likely than not going to be a career back-up. The pick surprised almost the entire league, but who knows, maybe Golden State knows something about Speights that no one else does. However, at this point in time, this pick is considered a big-time reach.
19. Seattle Sonics - SG Jerryd Bayless[/color] - After losing their top guy in Calathes to the Knicks, the Sonics settled on Jerry Bayless. Scouts are on both sides of the fence about Bayless. Some love his athleticism and his potential and think he will end up being a quality player. Others think his upside is limited and that he will never develop into anything more then IR fodder. The Sonics are in rebuilding mode, and adding a high-upside guy in Bayless was a solid pick. If he develops, it would definitely help in the Sonics rebuilding process.
20. Phoenix Suns - PF Taj Gibson[/color] - At this point, the draft goes from drafting potential starters to drafting solid backups. Gibson is still raw, and while his inside scoring is solid, he really needs to improve the rest of his game. If he can improve his defense and rebounding, he should be a solid backup for the Suns, if not, he'll likely be out of the league within a few seasons.[/font]
1. Minnesota Timberwolves - C DeAndre Jordan - For the second consecutive season, the Timberwolves won the lottery, and this time used it to select the best big man in the draft, DeAndre Jordan. Scouts have compared his game to that of Jermaine O'Neal's, and adding him to their team which already has some great young talent in Eric Gordon, Tyrus Thomas, and Chris Kaman really helps the TWolves and makes them a dangerous team for the future. They still lack a true star, but adding Jordan is a huge step in their rebuilding process.
2. Utah Jazz - PG Derrick Rose[/b] - After an extremely dissapointing season, Utah had some outstanding luck in the lottery, jumping up 6 spots to #2. Rose is a tremendous young PG who looks like he could be the "next big thing" and be a star for many years to come. Although Devin Harris is a very solid PG, you have to wonder what his future is in Utah with them drafting Rose. Adding Rose to an already solid team was a big move, but the true shocker of the 2009 draft came with the very next pick that was involved in a blockbuster trade.
3. Golden State Warriors - PF Patrick Patterson[rights traded to Utah Jazz][/b] - A pick that muzzled draft analysts at first as it had been widely reported that the Warriors were interested in Greg Monroe. However, just minutes after the selection, ESPN's Ric Buecher broke the news that Patterson would not be playing in Golden State. In a trade that sent superstar Kobe Bryant to Golden State, the Utah Jazz acquired Patterson, Rudy Gay, J.R. Smith, Patrick O'Bryant, and Brian Scalabrine. The Jazz are reportedly very high on Patterson as they love his shot-blocking ability and as most know, GM Nova is obsessed with defense, so adding the best shot-blocker in the draft and one of the best overall defensive players in the draft was a very solid move. Only time will tell whether Utah's draft day moves pay off, but the future is looking very bright in Salt Lake City.
4. Philadelphia 76ers - PF Greg Monroe - After the surprising selection of Patterson at 3, this selection became a no-brainer for Philly. As if this team needed any more great young talent with Raymond Felton, O.J. Mayo, Andre Iguodola, Andrea Bargnani, and Al Horford already on the team, they add another great young player in Greg Monroe. Arguably the best rebounder to ever enter the UOSL Draft, Monroe is raw in every other aspect of his game, but he has outstanding potential so he could very well end up being an elite big man for many years to come. He could make Utah regret on passing on him, either way, the 76ers just keep getting more talented.
5. New Jersey Nets - SG Tyreke Evans - After seemingly being infatuated with Al-Farouq Aminu leading up to the draft, the Nets surprised some people by selecting the sharp-shooting SG, Tyreke Evans. Although Evans is a defensive liability, his offensive potential is unbelievable. He could end up being a 25 ppg player, but the major question is whether he will ever develop into a solid defender. If he does, this is a great pick for New Jersey, but if he fails to improve his defense, this pick may have been a mistake.
6. Seattle Sonics - SF Al-Farouq Aminu - After Evans was taken at 5, the Sonics took the #2 player on their boards in Aminu. A very solid selection at 6, Aminu looks like he will be a tremendous defensive player in UOSL. He appears to have it all on the defensive end as he was a great shot-blocker and ball-stealer during his only season in college basketball. He will never be a 20ppg player, but his defense can really change a game. Great pick for Seattle as he is a solid player to build around.
7. New York Knicks - C Kevin Love - At this point in the draft, Love is the most logical selection. After having some bad luck in the lottery, the Knicks ended up picking 7th, where the talent takes a slight drop off. Love has the potential to be a great offensive player, but his major weakness is on the defensive end of the court. He will most likely be a 20-10 guy, but the question is whether he can ever become a solid defender. Still, at this point, this is a very good selection.
8. Sacramento Kings - PF Donte Greene[/color] - A risk/reward here in Greene. He's a solid player offensively and a very solid rebounder. However, he is an awful defensive player, and his potential is hard to gauage. In addition, there are concerns about his dedication to the game. He has been described as "lazy" by some scouts and seems to lack passion at times. However, if he does have great potential, he could end up being a Charlie Villanueva type player, but if he doesn't, he'll end up being a poor man's Mehmet Okur. It's a risky pick, but at this stage of the draft, this was probably the best pick for the Kings.
9. Indiana Pacers - PG Bud Mackey[/color] - An interesting pick at this point since Indiana also drafted a PG last season in Petteri Koponen. Mackey is quite raw and he will need to improve his perimeter shooting and his perimeter defense. This a risk/reward pick as he could become a quality PG or could become a career journeyman. A lot will depend on whether he can become a better defender. If he does develop into the Pacers PG of the future, this is a terrific pick. However, it is more likely that he becomes a role player and a marginal starter.
10. Washington Wizards - SG Paul Harris[/color] - The first senior to be drafted, Paul Harris was a key part of Syracuse's Final Four Run in the 2009 NCAA Tournament. After averaging 17.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.1apg, and 1.2 spg last season, Harris was considered a lock to be picked in the lottery. He has potential to improve, but he does not have the sky-high potential that other players like Tyreke Evans have. If he pans out, he should be a very solid player in UOSL, averaging around 14.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.5apg, and 1.5spg At this point in the draft, Harris was probably the best player available, and with the Wizards just looking for young talent, this was a great pick for them.
11. Miami Heat - C Samardo Samuels[/color] - The Heat entered the draft with a great young trio of talent in Michael Beasley, Ben Gordon, and Mike Conley Jr. Entering the draft, Miami knew they needed to address their PF & C positions. They already have six big men on rookie contracts, but the only one who looks like he might be a starter in the future is Joakim Noah. Samuels is a terrific inside scorer, but aside from his ability to find the basket, his game is extremely raw. He will never be a very good defender, but he should be a solid rebounder. He could become an 18-9 type player, but his defense will hold him back from being a great player. Still, it's a very solid pick for the scoring-challenged Heat.
12. Los Angeles Clippers - PF Ed Davis[/color] - One of the more developed post players in the draft after Jordan & Patterson, Davis looks like he should be a solid player. He is a solid defender and one of the best rebounders in the draft. However, he is not a very good offensive player, and he likely never will be. In his prime, expect him to be a B- C- C- B+ B B type player - a solid starter, but someone who may be better suited to be a backup.
13. Atlanta Hawks - C J.J. Hickson[/color] - A bit of a reach at 13, Hickson is the definition of a risk/reward pick. He could end up being being a very productive big man, or he could end up being out of the league within a few years. He's a decent inside scorer, defender, and rebounder, but does not excel at any of them. In addition, he struggles to find open players and does not handle the ball well. Finally, he is one of the worst free throw shooters in the draft and has no outside game whatsoever. It's a decent pick at this point since the Hawks don't really need a player at any other position and Hickson is the best big man left on the board. His upside is terrific, and if he develops, it would be huge for the future of the Hawks.
14. Dallas Mavericks - SF Dominique Sutton[/color] - Another boom or bust pick, Sutton is probably the best pure athlete in this draft. He's a solid inside scorer and doesn't have any big-time weaknesses, but he also does not excel in any one area side from scoring in the paint. Something that scared some scouts away was the fact that he relied too much on his athleticism to succeed in college. The majority of his baskets came from dunks, and while that's fine and dandy, you can't just rely on your athletic ability to make it in the UOSL. In addition, some scouts are worried that he lacks passion as he often appears disinterested while on the court. If he can develop a defensive game, improve his rebounding & perimeter shooting, and develop a better post-up game, this is a great pick. However, the chances of him improving that much are slim, but then again who knows, stranger things have happened in this league.
15. Los Angeles Clippers - SG Austin Freeman[/color] - Arguably the most talented offensive player in the draft, Freeman will be a terrific scorer in the UOSL. Many scouts have gone as far as to compare him to a poor man's Michael Redd. The Clippers are a team in transition. They have two very good young players in Shaun Livingston & Luol Deng. However, aside from them, they have a group of undeveloped young talent. Freeman should give them a scoring spark, but his defense is going to be an issue. Scouts were turned off by his defense, and they do not expect him to improve much in the pros. However, if he can, he very well could be a poor man's Redd. If he can't, he'll be the next Morris Almond; a solid player, but doomed forever to be a backup.
16. Utah Jazz - SG Jrue Holiday[/color] - This pick originally belonged to Detroit, but they sent it to Utah in a deal which netted the Pistons Richard Jefferson. Holiday is probably the rawest guard in the draft, but he may also have some of the highest upside in the draft. Holiday is only 19 years old, and he has shown flashes of being a very good young player. However, if he wants to make it in the UOSL, he's going to have to become more consistent, and improve his scoring and defense. Utah is now loaded with youth, and if these guys all develop, this team will be very dangerous in the future.
17. New York Knicks - PG Nick Calathes[/color] - For the second straight year, the Knicks take a PG with one of their 1st round picks. However, it does make sense. Javaris Crittenton is not the ideal PG as he's more of a combo guard. Calathes has the pure point guard skills that scouts love, and he was easily the best player left on the board. Calathes will most likely start as a rookie, and although the Knicks have had some bad luck in the draft, Calathes falling to them was lucky, as he does have the talent and potential to one day be a solid starting PG in the UOSL.
18. Golden State Warriors - PF Marreese Speights[/color] - Arguably the biggest reach of the draft, Speights was projected as a late-1st rounder or early-2nd rounder. He's a decent inside scorer, but every other aspect of his game is extremely raw. His upside is considered limited by scouts, and is more likely than not going to be a career back-up. The pick surprised almost the entire league, but who knows, maybe Golden State knows something about Speights that no one else does. However, at this point in time, this pick is considered a big-time reach.
19. Seattle Sonics - SG Jerryd Bayless[/color] - After losing their top guy in Calathes to the Knicks, the Sonics settled on Jerry Bayless. Scouts are on both sides of the fence about Bayless. Some love his athleticism and his potential and think he will end up being a quality player. Others think his upside is limited and that he will never develop into anything more then IR fodder. The Sonics are in rebuilding mode, and adding a high-upside guy in Bayless was a solid pick. If he develops, it would definitely help in the Sonics rebuilding process.
20. Phoenix Suns - PF Taj Gibson[/color] - At this point, the draft goes from drafting potential starters to drafting solid backups. Gibson is still raw, and while his inside scoring is solid, he really needs to improve the rest of his game. If he can improve his defense and rebounding, he should be a solid backup for the Suns, if not, he'll likely be out of the league within a few seasons.[/font]
