Clear 365 Blogs

NBA Draft: Winners and Losers

 

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin takes questions in the interview room after being selected Thursday by the Los Angeles Clippers as the No. 1 overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft  in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Draft Day Winners and Losers

Winners

L.A. Clippers: This one was a no brainer for Clipper’s GM and coach Mike Dunleavy.  Blake Griffin will be an immediate impact player in the NBA.  Griffin knew he would wind up in LA, and he seems to have the right attitude about playing for the struggling franchise.  All 30 general managers would have made this pick in a heart beat, so Dunleavy doesn’t deserve very much credit for selecting Griffin, but at least Clippers fans have something to be excited about.

New Orleans Hornets: This is one of my favorite picks from the entire draft.  Experienced guard Darren Collison will make a solid backup for Chris Paul, who played 40.6 minutes a game last season, and could use the relief.  Collison, who is lightning fast and a hard-nosed defender, elected to stay at UCLA for all four years and will certainly benefit from the experience. 

San Antonio Spurs: Dejuan Blair is an utter steal with the 37^th pick.  Blair should have gone late in the first round, and the Spurs are thanking their lucky stars that they were able to get him in the second round.  Blair slipped as a result of lingering injury concerns, but as a second round pick with no guaranteed contract is not a risk and has tremendous upside.  Blair has shown a definite toughness in his play, and will fit well with the Spurs defensive style.  Blair will help the spurs with rebounding and help to fill the defensive gap left by the loss of Kurt Thomas.  With this pick and the acquisition of Richard Jefferson, the Spurs had the best week of any team in the NBA.

Losers

Philadelphia: Jrue Holiday built a reputation in high school that made him a first round pick, despite an underwhelming year at UCLA.  Holiday’s mediocre jump-shot will severely limit his ability to be successful in the NBA. Additionally, nagging injury concerns make Holiday a risky pick.  His biggest asset as a pro will be his defensive quickness.  Holiday averaged 1.6 steals a game at UCLA, and will likely became an even savvier defender after a few years at the professional level.  Nonetheless, his poor freshman season should have served as a major red flag, and the 76ers  will regret passing on guards like Ty Lawson and Darren Collison, Holiday’s UCLA teammate. 

Memphis: How will Hasheem Thabeet and Marc Gasol share the paint?  Memphis needs a starting power forward and could have traded down to the sixth pick, where they could have selected Jordan Hill and acquired an additional first round pick from the Timberwolves.  Instead, Memphis will have to find a way for Marc Gasol and Hasheem Thabeet to share the rotation.  Thabeet likely won’t become a star in the NBA, but should develop into a modest starter and a great shot blocker.  However, the promise of 10-point 10-rebound games a few years out hardly merits the second pick of the NBA draft.  The Grizzlies’ other two selections, DeMarre Carroll and Sam Young address some of their needs, but are too little too late for the Grizzlies, who can expect to pick in the top 10 again next year.

Minnesota Timberwolves: It’s hard to have a bad draft when you have four first round picks, but Timberwolves GM Jim Stack seems to have found a way.  Selecting two pure point guards such as Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn with the fifth and sixth picks was a baffling move.  Minnesota’s backcourt will surely improve, but they are draft day losers because they failed to maximize the value of all those picks.  Furthermore, it now looks as if Rubio may choose to stay in Spain for another year or two.  Rubio says he will come to the NBA this year if there will be minutes available for him, but his father says that Rubio may elect to stay with his Spanish club, DKV Joventut, for several more years.  Trading Ty Lawson for a first round pick from the Nuggets was a sound decision in this remarkably shallow draft.

--Christopher Handel, Clear365 Sports

The Public Observer on upcoming news ... and a pictorial roundup

The Public Observer offers a look at upcoming news next week and presents a pictorial roundup of recent photographs by The Associated Press.

IRANIAN ELECTION FALLOUT
The fallout over the contested Iranian election will continue next week following a ruling cleric's warning today that protesters would be punished "without mercy." President Barack Obama has been more vocal of late over the protests in Iran and condemned the violence the against them.

U.S. TROOPS OUT OF IRAQI CITIES
U.S. troops face a Tuesday deadline of pulling out of patrols of Iraqi cities and afterward will be confined to their bases until called upon by Iraqi security forces. There's been an uptick in violence as the troop withdrawal deadline nears and an elite U.S.-trained Counter Terrorism Bureau of about 9,000 Iraqi soldiers will soon bear the brunt of targeting terrorists.

SUPREME COURT RECESS
The U.S. Supreme Court likely will recess next week and a key ruling involving a so-called "reverse discrimination" case ruled on by Obama court nominee Sonia Sotomayor could be handed down.

BERNIE MADOFF SENTENCED
The world's most notorious swindler, Bernie Madoff, will be sentenced Monday for running a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme. Madoff, 71, faces up to 150 years in prison for running a fraudulent investment service for decades. His lawyer has asked that he be sentenced to a dozen years in prison.

PICTORIAL ROUNDUP
Here's a look at some recent photographs taken by The Associated Press.

A sidewalk shrine of mementos, flowers, candles and notes adorns the star of Michael Jackson on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today in Los Angeles. Jackson died Thursday of an apparent heart attack. For the latest news and a look back at Jackson's career go to the Clear365 Special Report on Michael Jackson. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

U.S. Navy sailors fire 9mm pistols during target practice aboard the USS Arleigh Burke on Tuesday as they sail in the Indian ocean. The guided missile destroyer based out of Norfolk, Va., is currently on a training mission in the Indian ocean in conjunction with members of the Kenyan navy that is receiving training onboard with the goal of improving maritime safety and security for the area off the Horn of Africa, that has been plagued with piracy .(AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)

Actress Cameron Diaz poses during a ceremony Monday honoring her with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, just days before the premiere of her latest film, "My Sister's Keeper." (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

An elephant is decorated with paint Tuesday at the Lord Jagannath Temple on the eve of the 132nd annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot procession, in Ahmadabad, India. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

A youth passes by a bonfire Tuesday on the eve of John the Baptist day, in Karlovac, south of the capital of Zagreb, Croatia. In many regions of continental Europe, bonfires are made traditionally June 24, which is, for Roman Catholics the solemnity of John the Baptist. The rite is, however, older, and originally was a pagan celebration of the summer solstice and hence celebrated as "midsummer" on June 21. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Humanoid robot KOBIAN displays a surprised expression during a demonstration Tuesday at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. KOBIAN which can express seven programmed emotions by using its entire body, including facial expressions, has been developed by researchers at Waseda's Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, led by Prof. Atsuo Takanashi, and robot manufacturer tmsuk, based in Kitakyushu, southern Japan. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

--Paul Chavez, Clear365 News Editor

Remembering Michael Jackson: His music

Since he first drew attention as the adorable -- and amazingly talented -- little brother in the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson captivated audiences like few performers ever have. Here's a rundown of some of the songs that not only launched him to global fame, but transformed Michael Jackson into the 'King of Pop.'

With the Jackson 5

"I Want You Back," 1969
Even then, Diana Ross called them "the world's most fabulous group" ... watch one of their first TV appearances, and see what she meant

"ABC," 1970

"I'll Be There," 1970

"Rockin' Robin," 1971

"Never Can Say Goodbye," 1971

As a solo artist

"Ben," 1972
Quite likely the only love ballad to a rat destined for Billboard's #1 spot

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," 1979

"She's Out of My Life," 1979
Remember the way his voice cracked at the end? Eddie Murphy famously made fun of it, but really, it was perfect ... watch the video

"Rock With You," 1980

"The Girl Is Mine," 1982 (with Paul McCartney)

"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," 1982

"Thriller," 1982
The King of Pop, zombies and Vincent Price made the debut of this wickedly catchy song's video must-see TV ... watch it again

"Beat It," 1983

"Billie Jean," 1983
The song that introduced the world to the Moonwalk -- and had everyone trying to do it ... watch the video

"Say Say Say," 1983 (again with Sir Paul)

"We Are the World," 1985 (USA for Africa, co-written with Lionel Richie, and featuring performances by tons of musicians including Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Hall & Oates and especially Bob Dylan) ... watch MJ's recording session

"Bad," 1987

"The Way You Make Me Feel," 1987

"Dirty Diana," 1988

"Smooth Criminal," 1988
And more smooth dance moves: Michael Jackson defies gravity! ... watch the video

"Man In the Mirror," 1988

"Black or White," 1991

"You Are Not Alone," 1995
A beautiful song, with even more impact in hindsight ... watch the controversial video, featuring MJ's then-wife Lisa Marie

"You Rock My World," 2001

Craving some of Michael's music right now?

Preview and download these greatest-hits collections and more at the Clear365 music store:

'HIStory - Past, Present & Future,' released 2007

'Gold,' released 2008

'Love Songs,' released 2002

'20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection,' released 2000

'Anthology: The Best of Michael Jackson,' released 1995

ALSO ...

'Michael Jackson X-Posed: The Interview,' released 2005

Michael Jackson: A look back in photos

In this 1972 file photo, singer Michael Jackson at age 13, the youngest member of the singing group Jackson Five, sings in his home in Encino, Ca. (AP Photo, file)

In this Dec. 1, 1984, file photo, pop artist Michael Jackson, center, is shown onstage at opening night of his Victory Tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon, file)

In this Jan. 16, 1984 file photo, actress Brooke Shields, left, and singer Michael Jackson are full of smiles as they arrive for the 11th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Doug Pizac, file)

In this March 5, 2009 file photo, Michael Jackson announces that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July 2009, which he announced at a press conference at the London O2 Arena. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)

In this Aug. 25, 1993 file photo, American pop star Michael Jackson performs during his "Dangerous" tour in Bangkok. (AP Photo/Jeff Widerner, file)

In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006 picture, Michael Jackson, center, wears an abaya, the traditional Arabic women's veil and all-covering gown, and holds the hand of one of his children, Prince Michael II, also veiled, as they walk toward their car behind a shopping mall in Manama, Bahrain. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)

In this Sept. 8, 1994 file picture, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson acknowledge applause from the audience after coming out onstage to open the 11th Annual MTV Video Music Awards at New York's Radio City Music Hall. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

In this May 14, 1984, file photo, Michael Jackson , center, stands with President Ronald Reagan, left, and first lady Nancy Reagan on the south lawn of the White House prior to receiving an award from the president for his contribution to the drunk driving awareness program. (AP Photo/Scott Stewart, file)

In this Feb. 16, 1998 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor arrives with pop singer Michael Jackson at the Pantages Theater in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles for a birthday celebration for Taylor. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)

In this Jan. 31, 1993 file picture, Michael Jackson performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)

A look back at Michael Jackson interviews and music videos

U.S. stuns Spain

 

USA's Jozy Altidore celebrates Wednesday after a 25th minute goal, earning a yellow card in the 2009 Confederations Cup Semifinal. (AP Photo/Paul Thomas)

After limping in to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, the United States shocked world number one Spain with a 2-0 defeat.  The U.S. nearly missed advancing past the group stage, requiring an unlikely confluence of events to advance.  The US dropped their first two games in the group stage, but was able to beat African champions Egypt 3-0 in their third and final game of group play.  Brazil beat Italy 3-0 leaving the U.S. and Italy with 1-2 record and equal goal deficits, but the U.S. won the tiebreaker category: total goals scored.

Spain, the reigning European champions were the heavy favorites in the semi-final match, but failed to get on the board against the U.S.  Prior to this match, the U.S. was 1-7-1 all time against teams ranked number one internationally.  Spain had gone 35 consecutive games without a loss, one short of the FIFA record.

Goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey secured a commanding victory for the United States, and one that many will look to when they return to South Africa for the World Cup in 2010.  Altidore’s goal in the 25^th minute came at the expense of Villarreal teammate Joan Capdevila when he muscled his way to the top of the box, fooling Spanish keeper Iker Casillas with a head fake and depositing the ball in the left corner.  Dempsey’s goal in the 73^rd minute came after Landon Donovan’s shot on goal was deflected to Sergio Ramos, who sloppily attempted to trap the ball rather than clearing it away from the goal.  Dempsey was able to slide through the ball, rolling it lazily into the goal.

Although the U.S. had an excellent offensive performance, the American defensive players were the stars of this match.  Spain outshot the U.S. 29-9, but Tim Howard and the American back line frustrated Spanish forwards Fernando Torres and David Villa at every turn.  The Americans were thankful for the return of injured captain Carlos Bocanegra, who played a fantastic game at center back.

Spain briefly saw a window of opportunity when midfielder Michael Bradley, son of coach Bob Bradley, drew a red card for a late sliding tackle in the 87^th minute.  The controversial call gave Spain an opportunity to go on the offensive, and Spain managed to control the ball for the remaining minutes of the match.  However, despite several crosses into the American penalty box, the Spanish forwards were unable to convert.  When the whistle blew after the 93^rd minute, the American players jubilantly stormed the pitch.  Several of the Spanish players, including Fernando Torres, were visibly shocked.  Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque acknowledged that the Spanish team had not anticipated a strong performance from the U.S. and were surprised by the intensity of the American attack.

This unexpected loss comes at a terrible time for the Spanish team, who had already begun to look forward to next summer’s World Cup.  Spain has performed poorly in international competition, winning last years UEFA Euro Cup to end a 44-year drought in international play.  Despite having La Liga, one of the strongest club soccer leagues in the world, Spain has never won a World Cup.  After going undefeated in 15 consecutive matches, including the entire UEFA Euro Cup, many analysts had predicted Spain would win their first World Cup in 2010.  Del Bosque must not allow this loss to kill Spain’s momentum if they hope to pursue a World Cup victory next summer.

The U.S. faces an unfamiliar setting in South Africa, never before having advanced to the finals of a FIFA tournament.  The U.S. will match up against either Brazil or South Africa.  Brazil, who are heavily favored, earned a commanding 3-0 victory over the U.S. in the group stage.  Brazil’s squad includes international superstars Robinho, Ronaldinho, and Kaka.  Brazil also has the support of a legacy of international dominance that includes seven World Cup titles, more than any other nation. It would take another spectacular performance for the United States to get past a star-studded Brazilian squad. 

--Christopher Handel, Clear365 Sports

NBA Trade Rumors

Former Milwaukee Bucks player Richard Jefferson, left, is fouled by New Orleans Hornets' Rasual Butler in this March 2009 file photo. Jefferson was traded to the San Antonio Spurs yesterday for three players. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

The NBA is swirling with trade rumors in anticipation of Thursday’s draft, with many teams looking to clear large salaries from their payrolls. The Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves have already reached a deal that will send talented guards Mike Miller and Randy Foye to Washington in exchange for the expiring contracts of Etan Thomas and Oleksiy Pecherov, as well as veteran forward Darius Songaila and the fifth pick in tomorrow’s draft.

The Timberwolves are now in possession of four first round picks, including two lottery picks. This trade allows the T-Wolves to implement an aggressive draft strategy that will allow new general manager Jim Stack to have his pick from the cream of this year’s crop.  The Wizards addressed their deficient backcourt with the acquisition of 3-point shooter and likely starter Foye.  The Wizards look to be a legitimate playoff contender next year with a roster that includes a wealth of offensive talent that includes a potentially healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, and the newly added Foye.

The San Antonio Spurs reached an agreement yesterday to send Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto’s expiring contract to the Milwaukee Bucks, in exchange for Richard Jefferson.  The Spurs took on nearly $7 million towards their cap figure, ensuring that they will be over the luxury cap next year.  San Antonio’s front office hopes that the acquisition of Jefferson will boost ticket sales and make the Spurs legitimate contenders for their fourth NBA title of this decade.  It is not clear how Jefferson’s high-flying style will fit in with Gregg Popovich’s infamously slow defensive style.  The decision to trade Bowen, an eight time all-defensive team small forward could signal a shift towards a faster offensive tempo.  Furthermore, the loss of center Thomas will leave the Spurs with an undersized lineup favoring an up-tempo form of small ball.

The Bucks will improve on defense with Thomas and Bowen, but will struggle offensively, with Michael Redd as their only legitimate play-maker.  The Bucks did not keep Oberto for long, flipping him nearly immediately to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Amir Johnson, an under performing four-year veteran power forward.  The Spurs are the clear winner in this trade, while Milwaukee fans will be disappointed to see their franchise dump talent in order to save money.  It is also possible that the Bucks will buy out Bowen’s contract, saving $2 million in cap space.

Other players on the trading block include Shaquille O’Neal, Danny Granger and former second overall pick Darko Millicic.  Rumors about Shaq’s departure from Phoenix have centered on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are trying desperately to acquire more talent in order to retain Lebron James when his contract expires after next season.  The Phoenix Suns seem unwilling to accept purely financial offers centered around Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic, whose expiring contracts would help put the Suns under the luxury cap.  Few teams seem willing to offer more for O’Neal’s mammoth $21 million contract, despite recent improvements in his play.

The Memphis Grizzlies have entered an advanced stage of negotiations with the New York Knicks over Millicic’s expiring contract that will likely send swing-man Quentin Richardson to Memphis. The Knicks, who have steadily reduced their payroll over the last twelve months, still have the most expensive team in the NBA. Years of poor decisions that included trading for Zach Randolph’s six-year, $84 million contract in 2007, have left the Knicks with the most under-performing team in the NBA. The Knicks are in a slash and burn phase, focusing on eliminating outlandish contracts before trying to rebuild the team.

The Grizzlies are also considering trading down from the second pick in tomorrow’s draft, because they have little need for a second center with raw offensive skills like Hasheem Thabeet. Memphis hopes 7-foot-1-inch Marc Gasol will realize his enormous upside and become a franchise player, leaving little room for Thabeet.  The other possible pick in the second spot, Ricky Rubio, has refused to visit Memphis and has made it clear that he does not want to play for the Grizzlies.  The Timberwolves have expressed an interest in the pick, and are willing to trade two of their first-round choices in exchange. 

--Christopher Handel, Clear365 Sports

6/24: I'm a BLVR

June 24, 2009

BLVR covers the Bruins, Lakers, Vikings and Reds who by fate or destiny became the favorite teams long ago of a young kid growing up in Southern California.

BRUINS

The man who allegedly sucker-punched UCLA tennis player Jeffrey "Jake" Fleming -- leaving him in a medically-induced coma -- has turned himself in to authorities. Chancellor Jay Hutcheson, 18, of Plano, Texas, was wanted for the June 13 incident that occurred in a parking lot after a Rascall Flatts concert in Dallas. Fleming, a redshirt freshman, remains in a coma. In an open letter, Hutcheson's attorney claimed that his client acted in self-defense and denied that Fleming was sucker-punched.

The NBA Draft will be held tomorrow and UCLA guard Jrue Holiday, who declared after just one rather disappointing season as a Bruin, has been projected as a solid lottery pick. Holiday is part of a draft class loaded with point guards, including Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings and Ty Lawson.

Darren Collison, who graduated after playing guard on three Final Four teams, is a late first-round projection. Fifth-year senior Josh Shipp, who also recently earned his diploma, has been working out for teams, incling the Portland Trail Blazers and New Jersey Nets.

On the football recruiting front, Coach Rick Neuheisel on Tuesday received a commitment from Northern California senior quarterback Brett Nottingham. The 6-foot-4-inch QB threw for 3,164 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior.

LAKERS

Still basking in the afterglow of victory. The hometown rag has a special "Lakers Commemorative Section" that's worth checking out. 

Not much buzz about the Lakers and their draft picks, which is logical considering they just won the championship and have a fairly young team. The hometown rag did have a funny blog piece on the Lakers draft picks.

The only major "news" coming out of Laker land lately has been about Coach Phil Jackson and whether he'll be healthy enough to return to coach the world champs next season. Jackson in a radio interview said that he will decide by early July if he'll return and also said the team is exploring the possibility of letting assistant coach and Lakers fan favorite Kurt Rambis coach more road games.

VIKINGS

The waiting game over Brett Favre continues. My friend Jessica, who is a former Minnesotan, Vikings cheerleader and diehard fan, agreed with me two nights ago that Favre is not the answer. She mostly doesn't want him because he's a Packer; I concur and will add that he's also Damaged Goods and an old man.

I'll give Favre credit, what he does or doesn't do gets people all riled up. The national editor at Forbes wrote a blog posting citing an erroneous television station report that Favre had signed with the Vikings and then postulated that it meant owner Zygi Wilf was going to sell the team. No wonder we're in a recession. Stick to the ethereal world of finance, Forbes, because you don't know what you're talking about. Here's the report by the St. Paul Pioneer Press shooting down the erroneous story that Favre had signed with the Vikings. I'm officially tired of this Favre stuff.

The only player the Vikings have signed this week is their seventh-round draft pick Jamarca Sanford.

REDS

Glad to see first baseman Joey Votto returning to the lineup. Votto (.357, 33 RBIs) needed time away from the game to deal with lingering grief and anxiety over the death last August of his 52-year-old father, Joseph Votto. His teammates didn't know what was wrong until Votto spoke with them last week. Votto had to leave a few games in May and press reports cited dizzy spells, but Votto acknowledges now that he was suffering from anxiety attacks. Votto went 1-for-4 last night when he returned in his hometown of Toronto.

The Reds went 8-13 with Votto out and their scoring fell by more than one run per game. The Blue Jays won last night, 7-5, and the Reds are currently one game under .500 and 4.5 games out of first.

--Paul Chavez, BLVR

Sex tapes, unpaid taxes & 'Mamma Mia' dreams

Sex tapes, lawsuits, tax evasion: There's fresh trouble brewin' in Tinseltown, and we've got the details in today's Media Circus ...

The legitimaticy of a homemade sex video that appears to feature 'Gossip Girl' star Leighton Meester in an array of compromising positions was already the talk of the blogosphere -- but now the "playfully racy" vid itself has sparked an online bidding war. (You won't believe the going rate for "Upper East Side girl gets down-and-dirty" footage.)

And speaking of ... looks like we could be in for another 'night in Paris.' Find out why globe-trotting heiress/Middle East peace-keeper Paris Hilton was left feeling "violated" after security personnel performed a routine check of her Dubai hotel room.

Crazy in loath? Despite her ongoing popularity, it seems Beyonce isn't everyone's favorite singer/actress/hip-hop mogul's wife: She's been threatened with a $1 million lawsuit for suddenly pulling out of a New York nightclub show. Who's got a beef with Miss B?

Fact or fiction? Samuel L. Jackson has 'Mamma Mia' dreams ... Jack Black thinks the Bible's a load of hogwash.

Poor Kevin Federline: Not only has the formerly toned back-up dancer packed on the pounds since splitting with Britney, he now reportedly owes the IRS more than $14,000 in federal taxes. Was K-Fed too 'Caught Up in Being a Rapper'to bother with his 1040 forms?

Want more? We've got it! For the latest celebrity news and gossip, click over to ClearEntertainment.

-- Ted Goslin, Clear365 Blogger

NBA Draft Rundown

Blake Griffin, right, The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year and a top NBA draft prospect, plays basketball with Barry Labendz, left, of Manhattan, during a promotional event Tuesday sponsored by Subway sandwiches in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)  

When David Stern first approaches the podium during Thursday's NBA draft, there will be little suspense over the Los Angeles Clippers' pick. Unlike last year, when the Chicago Bulls seriously considered drafting Michael Beasley instead of Derrick Rose, the Clippers' declared their intentions to draft Blake Griffin weeks ago.  Griffin, a highly touted power forward from the University of Oklahoma, has said that he is capable of turning around the abysmal Clippers' franchise.  With Griffin off the board, the remaining teams are struggling to identify a clear number two.

Hasheem Thabeet, a 7-foot-3-inch center from the University of Connecticut, is the likely candidate for the second overall pick.  Although his offensive skills are considered raw at best, his size and prototypical shot-blocker's build may prove too much for the Memphis Grizzlies to turn down.  Thabeet fills a need for Memphis, which has struggled defensively and in the low-post since trading Pau Gasol to the Lakers in 2008. 

Recently, Thabeet has struggled with a shoulder injury that has caused him to cancel scheduled workouts, including one with Memphis, the team that holds the second overall pick.  The injury is considered relatively minor, but could hurt his prospects nonetheless.

Spanish player Ricky Rubio is another possible candidate for the second overall pick, although this is unlikely unless the Grizzlies decided to trade down. Rubio has repeatedly refused to visit Memphis or workout in front of the coaching staff. He is one of the most controversial players in this year's class, because of his age.  Rubio will turn 19 days before the beginning of the 2009-2010 NBA season, but is eligible under the NBA's ''one and done'' rule.

His family had previously stated a preference that he stay in Spain until his 20^th birthday, but have reversed their position in order to capitalize on his rising stardom.  It's not clear that Rubio will be able to play in the NBA next year due to a contract with his current team, DKV Joventut. Joventut is demanding a $6 million dollar buyout, but NBA rules allow his future team to pay a maximum of $500,000 towards that figure. The NBA's rookie pay scale limits Rubio to about two to three million dollars in his first year, making the buyout prohibitive.

Rubio is renowned for his brilliant court vision and many have called him the most talented prospect ever to come out of Europe.  His slight 190-pound body set on a 6-foot-5-inch frame could prevent him from making an immediate impact in the NBA.  Despite his underdeveloped body, Rubio’s upside and high basketball IQ will almost certainly make him a top five pick.

Despite an underwhelming college season at UCLA, Jrue Holiday has decided to remain in the NBA draft.  Holiday is looking to capitalize on a reputation developed largely during his high school career.  Holiday will almost certainly be a lottery pick, but is a risky choice.  GM's considering Holiday look to his high basketball IQ and defensive intensity to fuel his NBA career, but many are skeptical of his ability to perform at a higher level.

During his disappointing freshman year, Holiday started at shooting guard for the UCLA Bruins.  Holiday will likely move to the point in the NBA, because he is too small to play the traditional swing man role of an NBA two-guard.  Many analysts are concerned that Holiday, who has never run an offense, will flounder in his first few years playing point guard in an NBA game that is considerably faster than UCLA's defensively-minded tempo.

Another potential lottery pick, Brandon Jennings, is the first U.S. player to go from high school to professional basketball in Europe instead of college as a result of the NBA’s one and done rule.  Jennings, whose SAT scores were inadequate to attend the University of Arizona, opted to play in Italy.

--Christopher Handel, Clear365 Sports