Luka’s Corner

The 2009 NBA Draft has come and gone, but it has not gone quietly. As usual, there will be prospects who will reward their respective teams and those who will disappoint. Here is my take on the potential rewards, busts, and steals in this year’s draft crop:

Rewards

Tyler Hansbrough: While many have criticized the Indiana Pacers for selecting the undersized power forward with pick #13 for that same exact reason, Hansbrough’s advantages should  not be forgotten. Hard-working players off the bench who can grab offensive rebounds and get to the line are indispensable. Anyone with the ferocity, determination, and ability to win that Hansbrough possesses will find a place for himself in the NBA, no matter his physical limitations. Look for “Psycho T” to establish himself as a dependable forward in the mold of a Leon Powe or Udonis Haslem.

Eric Maynor: Point guards who are not only quick or explosive, but make the right decisions, are hard to come by. Maynor, who was sometimes forgotten while playing for VCU, is just that type of point guard. He should fit in nicely as a backup behind Deron Williams because he has the ability to find open teammates and attack the rim. Expect averages of 8.0 PPG and 3.0 APG from Maynor off the bench and do not be surprised if you see the VCU product in crucial points of the game this upcoming season.

Busts

Hasheem Thabeet: Looking at the 7-3 center, the word fragile repeatedly comes to mind. Even injuring his shoulder during pre-draft workouts, Thabeet’s thin frame (only 263 lbs.) is just asking for an injury. And, while the big man out of Tanzania has proven that he can alter and block shots at the rim, he must learn how to consistently score if he wants to live up to the #2 pick. As of now, I do not see the offensively-challenged center acquiring a turnaround jumper or hook shot. Do not expect that Thabeet will reach the 10-point plateau anytime soon.

Stephen Curry: This might be surprising, but I predict that the Davidson guard will not even come close to his success in the college ranks. As a point guard and shooting guard for the Wildcats, Curry had the freedom to shoot whenever he wanted (he attempted nearly 2,000 shots in three years), which will not be the case on any NBA team. Also, Curry stands at only 6-3,  which is ideal for a point guard in the NBA, not a shooter. Just look at J.J. Redick, arguably the greatest shooter in collegiate history. He stands at only 6-4 and has been a bust for the Orlando Magic. Curry, like Redick before him, will prove that a great college player does not translate into a great NBA player.

Steals

Wayne Ellington: The former UNC Tar Heel was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2009 Final Four, surpassing his former teammates, Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson. Both Hansbrough and Lawson were drafted ahead of Ellington, but Ellington’s game has a better chance of translating to the NBA because of his size (he is a 6-5 shooting guard) and ability to shoot from distance. Do not be surprised if Ellington does reach averages of 10.0 PPG and and 45% shooting from downtown for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Also, the fact that Ellington will be playing alongside a terrific passer like Ricky Rubio will boost his statistics. 

Patrick Mills: The point guard out of St. Mary’s proved himself on the biggest stage (against the United States’ national team in 2008), so nobody can doubt that he can play against the best. While he will not be given that opportunity in Portland because Steve Blake, Brandon Roy, and Jerryd Bayless occupy the guard spots for the Blazers, do not be surprised if Mills makes a name for himself in a few years for a different team.

Chase Budinger: The athletic forward will be given the opportunity to bring scoring to the Houston Rockets because the team is so depleted at the forward and center positions. Especially if Yao Ming misses time due to injury (which he usually does), Budinger, who averaged 18.0 PPG this past season, could prove to be a reliable scorer off the bench. He has the touch from outside and necessary athleticism in the paint to make a name for himself in the NBA. Considering that the 6-6 Chuck Hayes is Houston’s most consistent reserve, playing time should not be too elusive for Budinger.

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