Draft Day: Big Board By Position

Top 5 Guards

1. Ricky Rubio – 6’4” 180 lbs. (Spain) – He has been a professional player since he was 14.  He did a number on many teams during the Olympics and throughout Spain.  A great pick.  However, teams will have to pay a lot to buyout his current contract.
2. Tyreke Evans – 6’5” 221 lbs. (Memphis – Freshman) – Left after his freshman year and leading Memphis to a great run.  Left before the huge Memphis problems and Calipari leaving for Kentucky.  Big time player who played huge minutes as a freshman.  Can lead a team and has big time potential a la Derrick Rose.
3. Stephen Curry – 6’3” 181 lbs. (Davidson – Junior) – Son of great all time shooter Dell Curry.  He can shoot the lights out.  Questions about his ball handling and strength as he lacks shooting guard size.  Will be asked to play both the Point and Shooting Guard positions.  Instant offense.  He has seen every defense through his time at Davidson.
4. James Harden – 6’5” 222 lbs. (Arizona State – Sophomore) – In 5 years, he may be the best player taken in the draft.  Player who plays bigger than his size.  He does all of the little things that fans and GM’s love. 
5. Jrue Holliday – 6’4” 199 lbs. (UCLA – Freshman) – Pure point guard with great size.  Has played against the best competition not only at UCLA but when he played for the Junior World Championships before his freshman year.  He can continue to learn and to use his speed and quick decision making to take over games.  Still needs to work on his range and to take over at the end of the game.

Top 5 Forwards / Centers

1. Blake Griffin – 6’10” 248 lbs. (Oklahoma – Sophomore) – The safest and best pick in the draft. A no brainer for the Clippers at #1. Teams say that he needs to work on his offensive game, but I disagree. He needs to work on his range, but is a tireless worker on both ends of the floor. Can grab lots of rebounds, and is strong enough to handle the rigors of the NBA game.
2. Hasheem Thabeet – 7’2” 267 lbs. (Connecticut – Junior) – Played in the best conference for basketball and knows what its like to play against the top competition. Fantastic defensively with rebounds and blocked shots while not getting into foul trouble. A liability on the offensive end. He needs to work on low post moves with his back to the basket as well as a jumper from 8-12 ft. Very coachable.
3. Jordan Hill – 6’10” 232 lbs. (Arizona – Junior) – Had a hard time initially with new coach. Developed well throughout the year with teammate Chase Budinger. Tireless worker who is very physical with an enforcer mentality. He can contribute offensively initially, but has to work on refining his shot selections throughout the game as he can play out of control at times.
4. Austin Daye – 6’11” 192 lbs. (Gonzaga – Sophomore) – Great shooting range and plays very long. Uses wing span well and can play the 3 or the 4 at the pro level. Needs to hit the weight room. He is the only player who could not do the 185 lb. bench press even 1 time. Can develop into being a Tayshaun Prince type of player. Better suited for a more up-tempo style of basketball. Needs to work on being aggressive as his lack of strength has been used against him this past season.
5. DaJuan Blair – 6’6” 277 lbs. (Pittsburgh – Sophomore) – Player of the year in the Big East. Plays bigger than his size. Works hard for rebounds. Does not get intimidated against bigger players. GM’s currently are worried about his weight (and him being another Robert Traylor), though he says that he will keep it where it is or lose a few more. Great inside game and has a very high basketball IQ.