Hoop thoughts from the 2009 NBA draft.
Tremendous dissapointment to see Stephen Curry drafted by the Golden State Warriors, one spot before the Knicks could grab him. When Minnesota took Flynn, I thought the knicks had a 50/50 chance between Curry and Jordan Hill, who they ended up getting. I admit I haven't seen Hill play a lot over his college career, but like the MSG theatre audiencce, I was not impressed. I would've much rather seen them take Brandon Jennings (Milwakee at 10) or Gerald Henderson (Charlotte at 12).
I did like the trade of sending Q Richardson to Memphis for Darko Milicic. Darko was the# 2 pick of the 2003 draft behind Lebron and in front of Carmelo, Wade and Bosh. He was drafted as a talented athlete with great basketball tools, but also drafted as a project. He's had a few years in the league now, maybe the Knicks got him at the right time. I thought it was worth the gamble. Toney Douglas from Florida state has potential to be a taller Nate Robinson with better defense, a good pick in the event that they lose Robinson in free agency.
The Nets made a good choice in Terrence Williams but again I would've much rather taken Henderson. Meanwhile, the trade that sent Vince Carter to the Magic made no sense to me and felt his value was greater than Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston. Tony Battie can get cut asap.
Other reactions: Loved the Pacers draft. Hansbrough, may not duplicate the honors he received in college, but he'll be a really solid player that rebounds, hustles and plays the game the right way. A.J. Price, in addition to Hansbrough is another nice experienced college player that could become a starter in this league. I'd be happy with a nucleus of Danny Granger, Brandon Rush, Hansbrough and Price, add one more superstar through free agency and the Pacers should be an instant contender in the East. I also liked the Spurs draft. They got better talent with second round picks than some teams did with first rounders.
Unfortunately, there's still nothing to get too excited about with the Knicks and Nets. The Nets are clearly rebuilding and this will be a tough year for them. As for the Knicks, we need to hope that Donnie Walsh can make a few more moves to set a nice supporting roster for the addition of one of those top free agents that come into the fold after this season. Good luck Donnie, but so far, not impressed.
Tremendous dissapointment to see Stephen Curry drafted by the Golden State Warriors, one spot before the Knicks could grab him. When Minnesota took Flynn, I thought the knicks had a 50/50 chance between Curry and Jordan Hill, who they ended up getting. I admit I haven't seen Hill play a lot over his college career, but like the MSG theatre audiencce, I was not impressed. I would've much rather seen them take Brandon Jennings (Milwakee at 10) or Gerald Henderson (Charlotte at 12).
I did like the trade of sending Q Richardson to Memphis for Darko Milicic. Darko was the# 2 pick of the 2003 draft behind Lebron and in front of Carmelo, Wade and Bosh. He was drafted as a talented athlete with great basketball tools, but also drafted as a project. He's had a few years in the league now, maybe the Knicks got him at the right time. I thought it was worth the gamble. Toney Douglas from Florida state has potential to be a taller Nate Robinson with better defense, a good pick in the event that they lose Robinson in free agency.
The Nets made a good choice in Terrence Williams but again I would've much rather taken Henderson. Meanwhile, the trade that sent Vince Carter to the Magic made no sense to me and felt his value was greater than Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston. Tony Battie can get cut asap.
Other reactions: Loved the Pacers draft. Hansbrough, may not duplicate the honors he received in college, but he'll be a really solid player that rebounds, hustles and plays the game the right way. A.J. Price, in addition to Hansbrough is another nice experienced college player that could become a starter in this league. I'd be happy with a nucleus of Danny Granger, Brandon Rush, Hansbrough and Price, add one more superstar through free agency and the Pacers should be an instant contender in the East. I also liked the Spurs draft. They got better talent with second round picks than some teams did with first rounders.
Unfortunately, there's still nothing to get too excited about with the Knicks and Nets. The Nets are clearly rebuilding and this will be a tough year for them. As for the Knicks, we need to hope that Donnie Walsh can make a few more moves to set a nice supporting roster for the addition of one of those top free agents that come into the fold after this season. Good luck Donnie, but so far, not impressed.
