Official 2009 NBA Lottery Draft Thread

[Smills91]

Well it's 2 games in, and while I think we're better than what we've showed so far, it's apparant and has been since Ron got traded that this team is headed to the lottery. With college basketball around the corner I think it's appropriate to at least start(maybe sticky) a thread dedicated to future prospects as we see and learn more about these players. The Kings are going to be in the lottery most likely, and may even potentially have a top 5-7 pick.

Looking at the top 10 prospects back this far which are likely to change I see this:

Blake GRIFFIN is my pick for the #1 overall. I just think the guy is going to be a better version of Carlos Boozer's style.

Ricky Rubio: The jury's out on him in my opinion. He looks OKAY and the fact he's so young makes me feel better about him, but I'm weary that his game won't translate to a bigger, faster, more athletic NBA game.

BJ Mullens: To me he looks like a bigger, less skilled version of Spencer Hawes. I could be wrong though.

Brandon Jennings: Reminds me of a poor man's version of Allen Iverson. VERY POOR MAN'S.

Earl Clarke: LOVE THIS GUY. If he's there at a #7 pick for instance I think we need to grab this guy and look at a PG/C with our latter pick. This kid is a GREAT rebounding SF with a nice all-around game.

Hasheem Thabeet. I'd hate to use a lotto pick on a one-trick pony even if that trick is something we desperately need.

DeMar DeRozan: I hate USC and tend not to follow them so I'll plead ignorant hear even though he looks to be perhaps the BPA. Too bad, he plays the same spot as K$.

James Harden: See above. Don't know much about him.

Jrue Holliday: I hate UCLA too, not as much as USC - I hate basically all LA related sports. I hate that city. But I digress. This guy is intriguing and a potential target since he fills a need. Beno is pissing me off, BIG TIME.

Ty Lawson: May have been there this year for us, and is lightning quick. He'd be a nice fit to run a more uptempo offense with K$, JThomp and Hawes.

[_SRV_]

It's too early.
We've been starting horribly since forever (even in 05 and 06 where we did make the PO, and '07 where we reverted the bad start (and went on to screw it again), I watched glimpses of last game, and Kevin Martin isn't as bad as he's playing and he'll hopefully realize he's not playing his game, we're missing the first wing off the bench, and our best play maker and starting center.
Let them come back home, play with Brad, try to gain some confidence and momentum, and if this momentum doesn't happen, it's sky is falling time.
Regarding Rubio, I think everyone watched him in the Olympics, he's very young I know, but his ineptness as a scoring threat was very apparent and very disturbing, whoever wants to pick him needs to take a long, thorough look at that, he's not the quickest guy also, which means he's already starting behind against other competition at the spot, other aspects of his game are amazing even for someone 3 years older than he is.

[Dustin5566]

I am not sure we can get Griffin and after one year say that JT is not our future. JT has shown flashes that down the line he can be an absolute beast.

I think we need a SF or a PG. I dont know anything about Earl Clark but I will be looking out for him this year.

Brandon Jennings is someone I have never seen play and I know he is to stupid to get into college. call me old school but I tend to like smart PG.

All in all I am not that excited about next years crop ok draftees.

[deNIEd]

Haha, Never thought this thread would come from Smills,

But, I don't think its too early, its very clear that we will receive a lotto pick, from the looks of it now, it'll likely be top 5, but could very well end up 5-12.

The problem with next year's FA class, is that it appears that the strongest players will be at the wing position. (Martin, Garcia, Salmons, Donte) meaning it doesn't help us where we need the help the most (PG and PF/C) *(I put PF/C because quite frankly, we just need 1 star low post presence either on offense or defense, or hopefully both)

I've been impressed by Brandon Jennings a lot. He is extremely fast and a tremendous ball handler (also a lefty). I don't think he'll be as much of a scoring point, but from the clips that I have seen, he tends to hold onto the ball.

Rubio - Scouting reports all sound amazing, however, wasn't that impressed during Olympics (but still impressive considering his age) He is Euro, so I'm skeptical about that (nothing racist or anything, but Peja, Dirk, Gasol, Sasha, etc. etc. all turn out to be soft and choke during clutch times.)

Griffin - He seems legit, could very well be the "superstar" we need. Personally, I think if we are able to land him, our team is looking very nicely. Although Griffin may not be better than the other team's number 1 (Lebron, Bosh, Dwight, etc) But K.Mart is better than all the other team's number 2. KMart/Griffin combo would be extremely effective, and it would allow us to decide who compliments him/the team better between Thompson/Hawes or simply just have a deep bench.

Tyreke Evans - Evans is a guy that we should possibly look out for. He is a 6'5 PG/SG freshmen at Memphis right now. Extremely good iso player, great ball handler, great scoring ability and athleticism. However, again, he is kind of a selfish player but can create his own shot.

Patrick Mills - Sophmore PG, is a player that I've seen a little of, compared to the other PG's I mentioned, he relys on PG skills instead of athleticism. Good distributor and ball handler, other than that, I don't know much about him.

The problem with Evans/Jennings right now is, its hard to tell if their selfish play is ingrained into their system or not. Chances are, when in HS, it was hard for them to pass the ball simply because of the huge talent dropoff, therefore, the best chance of winning was for them to hold onto the ball and create something for themselves. Once they begin to play with other equally talented players, it'll be a new situation and all depends on how they adjust.

[Smills91]

I tell you what, I think Earl Clarke is going to be a STUD in the NBA. I go to UofL. Also Samrdo Samuels looks like a very good player here too, he's a frosh.

[Cruel_Ruin]

I'm a big fan of Jrue Holiday. We need that kind of drive-and-kick game and steadiness from the PG position.

[dozencousins]

though i am a huge kings fans like most are on this board i did not see the kings as being anything but a lottery team this year

that said 2 games into this season for us to have a discussion about the lotto is pathetic at this point their should be nobody on any teams board that should be talking about this after 2 games i can see as early as 20 games into the season or at the halfway point but to talk about it now is crazy


but while i am here let me say stepnon curry out of davidson is a point guard that is one of the best point guards that will be in the draft and he is 1 0f the 10 best that should be available in the draft next year

[rpa]

I jumped on the Ricky Rubio bandwagon the minute the Kings didn't score Rose in the lottery. Great D, forces turnovers, amazing ball handling, good shooter, crazy quick, great vision, and he's REALLY young.

Griffin would probably be my second choice even though that means moving Thompson to the 3 where he's more of an unknown in terms of fit. Plus picking Griffin means we're still without a capable PG (Beno sucks, period).

[SacKingZZZ]

Uh, we're headed to the lottery without Ron??? What the hell were we with Ron!? Haha. Just maybe now we won't beat up on teams late in the season to worsen our draft chances.

I like Blake Griffin but I am not totally sold on him. I watched him play numerous times last year and didn't really understand all the hype. I also doubt that he's 6'10" or maybe even 6'9". I will definitely be watching him this year to see if he improves upon last years showing.

[SacKingZZZ]

I am not sure we can get Griffin and after one year say that JT is not our future. JT has shown flashes that down the line he can be an absolute beast.

I think we need a SF or a PG. I dont know anything about Earl Clark but I will be looking out for him this year.

Brandon Jennings is someone I have never seen play and I know he is to stupid to get into college. call me old school but I tend to like smart PG.

All in all I am not that excited about next years crop ok draftees.

I think the idea should be that we go for talent above all else. If Griffin is that talent then oh well. Another thing is that because Jason is so versatile he could be a great player coming off the bench and maybe still average starters minutes. When you have a guy that is full sized and can play the 3, 4, and the 5 you have something very, very rare.

[mobiuseinz]

I tell you what, I think Earl Clarke is going to be a STUD in the NBA. I go to UofL. Also Samrdo Samuels looks like a very good player here too, he's a frosh.

I thought you were a working 30+ yo man

anyways, i think that Rubio has the brains to run an offense. Rarely do you see a kid with such high IQ for the game. I think that he is a player who will play composed in pressure situations, and who can find the open man... just look at some of the videos on youtube. He played decent in the Olympics against the best team in the world. He is good at stealing the ball, just needs more discipline defensively.

I'm all for Rubio

[SacKingZZZ]

I tell you what, I think Earl Clarke is going to be a STUD in the NBA. I go to UofL. Also Samrdo Samuels looks like a very good player here too, he's a frosh.

I have been a fan of Clarks for awhile but I don't think he is anything more than a mid to late lotto pick talent at best. If we are top 3 he shouldn't be considered unless he comes out this year and shocks the hell out of everyone and their mothers. I still think he is a PF in the NBA, not so much a wing but can play there as well. That may hurt his value to a degree.

I was really underwhelmed with Samardo Samuels when I saw him. He is a little stubby and pretty dang slow. He does look to have a developed post game but the other things really concern me. We'll see how he translates to the college game.

[pillwenney]

Uh, we're headed to the lottery without Ron??? What the hell were we with Ron!?

Barely in the lottery and and probably capable of making the playoffs in the East.

[RoyalCourtJestr]

Right now, considering what we have (you know i'm not a BPA kinda guy) -

1. Rubio
2. Holiday
3. Griffen
4. DeRozen

I know it's FAR to early to be talking this, but draft/draft players is one of my favorite aspects of basketball.

Oh, and anyone who thinks Patrick Mills is leaving, IMO he won't. I'm the Sports Editor/Beat Writer for the Saint Mary's BBall team here and I know him. Not that he's talked to me bout the league, but I doubt he'll leave.

His defense and shooting skills may be rookie ready, but for him to seriously go in the first round he needs to REALLY work on his ball handling and I don't think he's NBA passing ready. He's to short to play SG but he needs PG skills. Someone said he relys on passing ability over athletisium isn't really correct. He's a decent jumper but he is LIGHTNING quick. Kobe/Paul both said he was faster then them. But he needs to work on his passing and running a team offense.

And if he does go (and I honestly won't expect him to until 2010), I hope we nab him with the Rockets pick. He needs to work on his passing skills but he will be when it''s all done a Tony Parker player IMO.

[SacKingZZZ]

Uh, we're headed to the lottery without Ron??? What the hell were we with Ron!?

Barely in the lottery and and probably capable of making the playoffs in the East.

And to steal a phrase from Sir Charles, "...and if my aunt had onions."

[darkadun]

This brings me to the question. Do you draft the best player on the board or do you draft according to team needs at the time/future?

To me, PF, C, and SG are locked up for the future.
- Martin is obviously the 4 of the future unless he declines rapidly which I don't see happening.
- Hawes has shown that he is going to be a good, maybe great Center for the kings for many years.
- Thompson has blown away any expectations of him in this early season, and if he continues to
develop, there is no reason he shouldn't be the PF of the future with his passing, athleticism,
shooting, defense. His hustle is what really impresses me...but anyways...

So that leaves, PG & SF. Beno can be a good backup but I don't see him as the future of the kings.
Greene is a project and I can see him being a great player, but you really never know and he is only 19 right now.

So what do you do? Who knows what pick the kings have next year, but do you draft a Griffen or DeRozan when you already have future players there? Or do you draft maybe a less talented player to fill your void on the team. Its hard to say.

I've gone back and forth on this but I say grab what your team needs at the time, especially with a high draft pick and grab the best prospect you can with your late draft pick.

[Smills91]

This brings me to the question. Do you draft the best player on the board or do you draft according to team needs at the time/future?

To me, PF, C, and SG are locked up for the future.
- Martin is obviously the 4 of the future unless he declines rapidly which I don't see happening.
- Hawes has shown that he is going to be a good, maybe great Center for the kings for many years.
- Thompson has blown away any expectations of him in this early season, and if he continues to
develop, there is no reason he shouldn't be the PF of the future with his passing, athleticism,
shooting, defense. His hustle is what really impresses me...but anyways...

So that leaves, PG & SF. Beno can be a good backup but I don't see him as the future of the kings.
Greene is a project and I can see him being a great player, but you really never know and he is only 19 right now.

So what do you do? Who knows what pick the kings have next year, but do you draft a Griffen or DeRozan when you already have future players there? Or do you draft maybe a less talented player to fill your void on the team. Its hard to say.

I've gone back and forth on this but I say grab what your team needs at the time, especially with a high draft pick and grab the best prospect you can with your late draft pick.

I'm typically for the BPA, almost always.

[cdt3]

We need a PG #1. If Blake stumbled into our laps it would be possible, but our biggest need is a PG. A Dwayne Wade or Bibby or Paul like 20/10 guy impact guy. No matter the size we just need Udrich is not the Mikki Moore of point guards he is solid but no more. Maybe things will get better but I think we are pretty similar to Chicago last year. A difference maker PG would be the big need. I would trade our 2 picks to move up and take a winner point guard.

[RIPskaterdude]

Plain and simple, we should have never gave Beno the deal he got. We should have realized that this year was a 100% rebuilding year, and gave a player like Brown a chance to make it in the league. I'm fairly confident that with playing time, Brown can be and will be a better overall player than Beno (and at a MUCH MUCH cheaper price).

[PaKwAn]

Plain and simple, we should have never gave Beno the deal he got. We should have realized that this year was a 100% rebuilding year, and gave a player like Brown a chance to make it in the league. I'm fairly confident that with playing time, Brown can be and will be a better overall player than Beno (and at a MUCH MUCH cheaper price).

+1

That's probably the weakness that petrie has (signing average players to mle type deals)