Cream of the Crop
Derrick Rose – A wonderful prospect who thinks he could be a franchise player. Questions persist about his outside shot and his defense but overall he seems like he will at least provide a significant upgrade for either the Bulls or the Heat at the point with his insane athleticism and ability to create for others.
Michael Beasley – Dominant offensive player who was a great rebounder at the college level. He measured at only 6’7” ½ after having been listed at 6’10” during his year at Kansas State. Height is of course no indication of skills but it would make him a bit undersized to play in the post for the NBA and I believe that he will have a hard time guarding quick small forwards because of a lack of commitment and foot speed on the defensive end. With that said he looks like he has the ability to score on anyone, I feel like he may be in the Carmelo Anthony mold which is not to shabby.
The Next Cut
O.J. Mayo – a shooting guard with a sweet stroke and great athleticism. Looks like an NBA player and he might be a good player to bet on to win the rookie of the year award next year. He should be an immediate impact player as a wing and will get some time at point guard.
Brook Lopez – A solid big man with relatively few wholes in his game. Not great athletically but he seems to use his size well on both ends of the court. Has good and polished post moves. Projects to be starting center though I would put his ceiling as a good Chris Kaman.
Russell Westbrook – My favorite of the combo guards. Thrives on the defensive end with the ability to disrupt the game reminiscent of Rajon Rondo using his quickness and instincts to get in passing lane and pressure the ball handler. His intensity is another exciting quality which I think will help ease his transition. If he can continue to grow as a point on the offensive end could end up being a top 3 or 4 players in this draft.
Some Questions
Jerryd Bayless – Will be the first of many combo guards selected, gifted athletically with the ability to run the point. Always worrisome when a tweener guard seems to make questionable decisions and relies on athleticism. With that said he seems to have all the tools it just a question of bringing it all together
Eric Gordon – Another Combo Guard. More of a pure scorer than a point and projects to be an undersized two in the pros. His shooting was very poor at Indiana but speculation is that he was bothered by the coaching circus that was going on there.
Kevin Love – The UCLA center who seems to polarize more basketball people than any other person in this draft. I see Love being a solid to very good pro but, he needs to be in a good situation where he can ease into the pro game and be a third or fourth option (read not Memphis which is rumored to have interest in him). He does some stuff very well as he is an exceptional rebounder, passing, and shooting big man. His athleticism and size are questioned but without much justification. He was a brilliant and at times dominant big man in college and he should step in help immediately.
Joe Alexander – Supremely athlete tic and made great strides in his time at West Virginia. Lacks a true position as he lies somewhere between a small and power forward and one must wonder who he will handle defending either of these positions. With that said seems to play with a real fire and is reportedly a “gym rat” much like Westbrook. Has to become a more consistent outside shooter to be a three in the pros which will end up being his position where he can best utilize his talents.
The Gambles
Anthony Randolph – Loaded with talent but also built about as strongly as piece of paper. At 6’10 and 197 lbs he will not be able to play in the post with any great success in the NBA. A project that will need time but because of his overall game is rather raw although promising.
Danilo Gallinari – Another point forward type player. Reminds me a bit of Toni Kucoc and has a very solid shot. With that said there is always a question of a European player adapting to the speed and physicality of the NBA.
Lower Lottery
DJ Augustin – the other true point guard prospect behind Rose. Lacks size but is gifted at setting up his teammates.
DeAndre Jordan – Classic big man loaded with talent…..But he does not play hard. Has bust written all over him.
Donte Greene – smooth forward from Syracuse. Would love to see him on Phoenix or Golden State as his versatility would be of great value.
Marreese Speights – Classic power forward who projects to a solid pro career.
Nicholas Batum – the second international player who will be selected, great athlete but questions about his overall game.
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