The lottery results are in, the final measurements are in, and each team has gotten to examine each player both on and off the court. Teams are closing in on candidates for there draft picks. Usually by this time of year we have a very good sense of where each player will be playing next season, especially at the top. This year hasn’t been the same case. We have a consensus that Blake Griffin will be the no 1 overall pick. After that, it’s is a mess. Teams seem to have interest in many different guys, some who don’t appear to be the right fit. Teams will be trading all over the place to get a specific player. That brings up the question, “To stay, or to go??”
The Grizzlies and Thunder pretty much control the way the rest of the lottery goes. They both have promising young point guards who they picked very high in previous drafts. That’s were the interesting part comes in. Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio is considered to be the second best prospect in this draft by many. Sitting right behind them are the Sacramento Kings who are in desperate need of a point guard. The Grizzlies are less likely to take Rubio because they already have an established back court while the Thunder have the possibility of moving Russel Westbrook to the 2.
The Kings have another first rounder and the first pick in the second round. That’s an intriguing package for both teams noting that the Kings could also throw in a big upside guy in Donte Greene also. So why hasn’t there been anything on a deal close to being agreed on? Both the Grizzlies and Thunder have shown a lot of interest in Hasheem Thabeet and could both use him. The Grizzlies could move Marc Gasol down to the 4 and play him along side Thabeet as they did with Darko. The Thunder could obviously use some length to improve that shaky front court that wasn’t completely healed by Nenad Kristic. At worst he provides solid depth off the bench while providing them with an intriguing prospect with a huge potential.
James Harden has also been considered a possibility for both teams. The guy thought most likely to slip has held his own through the combine. He was thought to be to small and not athletic enough but he was very impressive. He measured in very well at 6′5 with a long wingspan and showed that he’s without a doubt the best true shooting guard in this guard heavy draft. The Grizzlies don’t really have a big need for him but he could become a solid sixth man or a nice asset to OJ Mayo if they want to deal Conley to Portland. The Thunder could move him into the starting 2 spot very early if they decide to take him. He would add to there dynamite core of Westbrook, Durant, and Green.
Both teams each have a wild card pick also. The Grizzlies are high on Tyreke Evans and are rumored to be willing to take him at 2. He could make a great addition to the Grizzlies back court and make a very nice 3 guard rotation, or he could have the same effect that Harden could. They could most likely get him safely at 4 before the Wizards, but the Wizards are completely different situation. The Grizzlies seem to be down to 3 guys, Rubio, Harden, and Thabeet with Jordan Hill as a distant possibility.
The Thunder’s wild card is baby-faced Stephen Curry. He would fit nicely along side Westbrook. Curry is a little raw playing point guard but so is Westbrook. 2 play makers won’t hurt. Westbrook is explosive and athletic while Curry is quick and has a deadly jump shot coming off screens. They have also been rumored to have been in talks for the no 1 pick. They may be willing to throw the kitchen sink and bring in Jeff Green to move up 2 spots. Griffin is the local prospect but that’s a bit too much. Their candidate’s are Rubio, Thabeet, Harden, Curry, and Hill.
As I said before, the Wizards are another interesting situation. they don’t want a rookie they want a vet. The guy teams will be trading up for could be anyone, Hill, Harden, Evans, Curry, or even Thabeet if he slips. The Mavs have a huge interest in Hill but they don’t really have that vet the Wizards are looking for. The Spurs could be dealing Manu Ginobli. The deal would also include the services of Etan Thomas and Nick Young. The Celtics have been listening to offers for both Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. It would be interesting to see who the Celtics pick as they try to get younger but stay a contender.
Let’s review. The Grizzlies haven’t made any deals yet. With all the interest they could probably get a deal done. The Thunder have been in talks with the Clippers for Blake Griffin but that appears to be a long shot. The Kings want Rubio and are willing to trade up. They have the pieces but neither team has pulled the trigger. It’s still early, but if no deal is done while they’re on the clock could Rubio slide past both teams? Rubio has already stated that he will only play for the Kings or the Clippers, so does either team have the balls to take him? Anyway, the Wizards pick will be dealt. They’ll get an established player who will help them as they try to make noise in the playoffs next season.
With all this talk, what picks are being traded? Big names could be moved. T-Mac, Shaq, and Ginobli could all be moved on draft day. David Kahn wants to make a big splash on his first draft day. He’s talking to everyone. There’s a possibility that they could move up to 2 without using the no 6 pick. They would trade kevin love to the Grizzlies for what would ultimately be Ricky Rubio. Then they could snag another guy like Hill, or Derozan and have a super draft like the Blazers did when they got both Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge on the same day. Speaking of the Blazers, does anyone really expect them to stay at 23? They got a nice prospect in Jerryd Bayless who could be moved. He obviously showed that he can’t play point guard but there’s a reason a lot of people had him going 4 to the Thunder last year instead of Westbrook. He can score at will and some team would love to have him and use him properly. Every organization will burn up the phone lines on draft night. they will each be faced with the question, “To stay, or to go?”
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