A Look Back at the NBA Draft

Time to take a look back at the NBA draft with observations on how some teams improved themselves.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES – The Timberwolves focused most of their draft on point guards. But, their pick of North Carolina guard Ty Lawson was used in a trade. Many people are wondering why the T’wolves would use the fifth and sixth pick of the first round to take two point guards: Ricky Rubio of Spain and Johnny Flynn from Syracuse. Both players could be tremendous players in Minnesota. It is not inconceivable that the new coach in Minnesota can effectively use both players at the same time. Rubio has a chance to be a special talent someday. He is only 18 years old. Flynn is known for his outstanding leadership, toughness and character.

ATLANTA HAWKS – I love the moves made by the Hawks. Acquiring veteran guard Jamal Crawford from Golden State should be a great addition to the Hawks backcourt. And Jeff Teague is one of the best “sleeper” picks of the first round. He could be a better NBA player than college player. He also should step in and give the Hawks a “Devin Harris” type of backcourt players.

STEPHEN CURRY – The high scoring guard from Davidson was one of the more popular players in the draft. It is bad for the league this kid landed in Golden State where no one will see him play. No one! He is the type of quality Christian athlete and fresh face that the NBA needs. He writes scriptures on his shoes before every game. Knick fans were very disappointed he was not available when the Knicks made their number one pick. League officials would never admit it, but so was the NBA.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES – With the second pick the Grizzlies took U Conn center Hasheem Thabeet. Thabeet has a woeful offensive game. He is 7-2, but he may never be the player he is projected to be. Rumor has it that the G. M. of the Grizzlies Chris Wallace did not want to make the pick but was overruled by his owner and head coach.

PITT PANTHERS – This draft did not like college stars DeJuan Blair and Sam Young from the University of Pittsburgh. Both players fell out of the first round. I am not sure why. If Blair stays in shape, he has the toughness to be an overachieving post player in the league. Young has leadership potential. Time will tell if they can prove the skeptics wrong.

Frank Giardina