My initial reaction to this year’s draft was that there
weren’t a lot of high impact players out there.
Upon reflection, it will probably be better than I had first
anticipated, but this is still far from the great draft of 2003. The rookie class is made a little better by
the addition of guys like Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez, Marc Gasol and a handful
of other players who had been drafted in the past and only now are getting
their chance. Projecting this kind of
thing can be especially problematic because a lot of rookie performance has to
do with opportunity. A relative unknown
on a lousy team will get more minutes, and therefore put up bigger numbers,
than a more-talented guy on a good team.
But I’ll dive in anyway. Here are
the rookies I think will make the biggest impact this season:
1. O.J. Mayo, Memphis
The real deal. He’ll
make Memphis his team early on. The only
question is will it go to his head. The
rise of a superstar.
2. Greg Oden,
Portland
Defense and rebounding force for the massively talented
Blazers. He’ll be even better next year,
but still the anchor in the middle for a solid playoff team.
3. Derrick Rose,
Chicago
By the end of the season, Rose will have adjusted to the NBA
game and we’ll see how good he can be running a team with an array of talent
around him.
4. Eric Gordon, L.A.
Clippers
Will score in bunches for the newly reconstituted Clippers,
helping them get back into playoff contention.
5. Michael Beasley,
Miami
He’ll be solid, but will struggle at times. With little depth or useful big guys on the
Heat, Beasley may end up shooting too many jumpers to keep from getting pounded
on inside. Fortunately, he’s a
respectable shooter.
6. Chris
Douglas-Roberts, New Jersey
The Nets have few scorers, and he’ll get a chance to play
lots of minutes, and put up solid numbers on what will be a bad team.
7. Brandon Rush,
Indiana
Could earn solid minutes for the Pacers, but fly a little
under the radar because they are the Pacers.
If he played for the Lakers or the Knicks, he could be one of the
favorites.
8. Rudy Fernandez,
Portland
Aggressive, athletic and impressive range all add up to
another explosive component to Portland’s
future. Like they needed one.
9. Marc Gasol,
Memphis
Is this actually a real center from Europe instead of a
seven footer who would rather play guard?
Gasol is big and strong and surprisingly nimble if he keeps away from
the buffet.
10. Kevin Love,
Minnesota
He’ll be pretty good playing opposite Al Jefferson, but it
will take a season or so before he’s truly NBA ready.
Others To Watch: Joe
Alexander, Milwaukee; Darrell Arthur, Memphis; Brook Lopez, New Jersey;
Courtney Lee, Orlando; Mario Chalmers, Miami; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
spanishjam
I liken the NBA Draft to that of a beauty pageant. But without the swimsuits and variety competition.
But at the end of the day it all comes down to the expediency and knowledge of the GM's and their respective coaching staffs.
Well I think we need a guy with long hands who's 6' 10" and who can play the game. What do you think Donnie ? I think you're an as#shole but that's just my opinion.
I've brought Mike in to make this team a winner if it's the last thing I do on this earth. And now Mike'll be taking questions at this juncture. Hey Mike what makes you think that you can lead the Knicks to the Promise Land if you couldn't do so in Phoenix ?
However what does that tell you about the Knicks as an organization over the last five years ?
I am an actual professional writer (hard to believe, I know, but I do earn a living at it) who even owns my own publishing company in Maryland. I am a proud drop-out from the University of Maryland and still a life-long Terp fan. My blog is named in honor of my favorite former NBA player, Tim Hardaway, without all the homophobia. I just loved the guy and his game. I only hope he doesn't kick my #### for saying that.
