A Mockery Of The NBA Draft: The Top 25 NBA Ready Players From The 2009 NBA Draft Class

So the heads at S2D asked me to compile my own top 25 players in the 2009 NBA Draft. Not based on draft order, not based on common perception- but based on what I thought. I can only imagine they did this for one of two reasons: 1.) They must think I’m far smarter than I am, and that I actually deserve a chance to spout my basketball rhetoric all over the draft, 2.) They, like so many, are becoming tired of my contrived diatribes and smart ass dispositions, and know that this kind of article should fire up the most fervent in basketball fans, and it is likely I will end up burned at the proverbial stake somewhere in Internet Land’s town circle. Well…I needed some excitement before summer kicks into gear.

I hope you enjoy my list, agree with some of it, disagree with most of it, and tell me all about it. As Kanye would say at a time like this: “Haters, start your engines, I hear them gearin’ up.” Enjoy.

*Click On The Player's Name For Deeper Analysis*

1. Hasheem Thabeet C-

  Though he may be considered a “project” player, it would be all but completely ignorant to just pass up a 7’3, 260 Center who played on one of the best NCAA teams and averaged a double-double to go along with an obscene 3.7 BPG.

2. Blake Griffin PF-

   Even though I have Thabeet number one, that doesn’t mean I think Griffin will be a slouch by any means (it’s just…7’3). Griffin can both score and rebound with the best of them, and if he can translate his skill set into the pro game, he could be an all-star in a couple seasons.

3. Ty Lawson PG-

People may be drooling over Ricky Rubio like drools over granola and Teva’s, but I can’t get on that Holy Roman bandwagon. Give me the best college point guard, a guy who averages nearly 15 PPG and 7 APG, a guy who was a team leader and steps up in big games (even when injured), a guy who just lead his team to the championship game (and I HATE UNC) and won. Call me crazy.

4. James Harden SG-

Harden, who scores buckets like Madonna scores adopted kids, may be the most athletic lottery pick in the draft this year. He certainly has the potential to be a star, and if he learns to step up in big games and score with the big boys, he still has the potential to be the best pro in the draft.

5. Ricky Rubio PG-

There he is, you all can take a deep breath now, because I didn’t leave him out of the Top 5 (though I actually think he may be a bust). Rubio certainly has the chops and the experience to take the NBA PG pool by storm, but it’s just not an easy transition for a foreign talent, especially a PG, into the NBA. He still could be great, but I’m not ready to crown him the next Steve Nash just set.

 6. Jordan Hill PF-

Like James Harden, Hill is one of the most impressive specimens in the draft and has the sheer athleticism that could make him a competent NBA player without trying. The only thing that is holding Hill back from being higher on my list is that he is playing on a team with multiple other draft prospects- so he may be untested if he gets on a team expecting him to be the only go-to guy.

7. Tyreke Evans PG-

Evans has a skill set that would impress anyone, and he was able to take the helm at a strong Memphis program as a mere Freshman and lead them back into the title hunt. His one weakness is that he is a freshman, and playing on a team like Memphis sometimes makes it’s hard to transition. But then again, I remember saying the same thing about a certain Chicago Bull, so I expect Evans will do some good things.

8. Earl Clark SF/PF-

It’s easy to forget about Earl Clark on a Louisville team that was balanced with a plethora of talent- but he is something special and I hope I’m not the only one that is taking notice. He has the ability, at an athletic 6’9, to play nearly every position on the floor, and is a great defender- something that so many top talents lack these days.

9. Jeff Teague PG/SG-

Another sometimes forgotten talent on a team full of stars, Teague is a magnificent scorer and can break ankles with the best of them. His only issue is that he needs minimize his turnovers and protect the ball- oh and not face anyone from Cleveland State.

10. Dejuan Blair PF-

I know, I’ve heard it all before. He’s too short, he’s too big for his height, he’s not sized right for his natural position. What do I say to that? Watch tape of him taking down some of the Big East’s biggest, baddest bruisers and I think my point is made. You can’t teach tall- but you also can’t teach the kind of passion and grit Blair puts out on the court.

11. Stephen Curry PG/SG-

 Yeah…another surprise, eh? Honestly, I would rather take the chance on Curry then almost anyone in this draft just because of his ability to shoot and perform in big games. But if NBA teams want to devalue him so much he falss down to my Cavs- I can’t say I’d mind.

12. Demar DeRozan SG/SF-

I don’t think he’s as good as some give him credit for. But with that being said, he’s certainly not bad either, especially with his ability to be a factor on both ends of the court. Still, he’s pretty green and I honestly think he should stay in school for one more year- but what USC player does that anymore?

13. Gerald Henderson SG-

Gerald Henderson will likely make a good player in the NBA and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on an elite team helping his team win big games. But the issue with Henderson is that I don’t think he can become a team leader or a go-to guy, and is better suited to be up for the 6th man of the year award. And that’s a bit dangerous for a team trying to find a star who will sell jerseys and seats.