Official 2009 Draft Thread

[Ronin]

It looks like Curry is entering this years draft.

Word on the Street, April 20


by: Jonathan Givony - President April 20, 2009 • Stephen Curry Will Enter the 2009 NBA

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Draft

While as many as six potential lottery picks (Willie Warren, Cole Aldrich, Ed Davis, Greg Monroe, Al-Farouq Aminu and possibly Evan Turner) have already declared their intentions to return to college next season, one player who will not is Davidson’s Stephen Curry. Sources close to the situation tell us that Curry will call a press conference shortly to announce he is putting his name in the draft. From what we understand, it’s very likely he keeps it in too. Curry looks like a pretty solid bet to get drafted somewhere in the 8-15 area, with teams like the Knicks, Nets and Suns currently looking to be the most interested amongst that group. Curry very much wants to graduate from Davidson, and this decision wasn’t an easy one as you can probably tell by how long it took, but at the end of the day, the NBA was too enticing an option considering where his draft stock is at at the moment, and how stacked next year’s draft is already shaping up to be.

http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/#Word-on-the-Street-April-20-3188

 

[PhxGametime]

I'm starting to like Terrence Williams... Point-Forward like skills with nice athleticism.

 

[leclerc]

Any rumours on who/what position the FO likes?

When can we start bringing in players for workouts?

Time moves so slow when the Suns are on holiday and other teams are still playing!

 

[Folster]

I didn't realize this before, but the Suns have Orlando's second round pick this year via SEA/OKC as part of the KT trade this year. It looks to be the 57th pick in the draft, no big prize, but it's still a player. It looks like we'll be drafting 14,48, and 57. Perhaps if there's a player we like late in the first or early in the second we can package both seconds and move up.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Phoenix receives a 2009 conditional Orlando second-round pick (Kurt Thomas trade 072007). via Oklahoma City receives future Orlando second round pick (Rashard Lewis trade 071107).[/FONT][/FONT]

I mistakenly thought we traded KT and two unprotected first rounders for $8 million in cap relief. Little did I know that Kerr managed to swindle the fourth to last pick in the 2009 draft from them as well. The trade doesn't seem so bad now.

Seriously though, instead of getting a worthless second rounder from OKC, could Kerr have put a tiny bit of protection on our 2010 pick?

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Kerr, per Paul Coro's latest blog, indicates the Suns want a big man that can defend the pick and roll. Also the Suns should be able to get a third PG in the second round of the draft unless the Suns can get another first round pick later in the draft to fill that need.

Never can have enough PGs after years of not having a backup.

so kerr's planning on trying to redo his last draft?

 

[Mainstreet]

so kerr's planning on trying to redo his last draft?

I don't know about Kerr, but I would like a do-over. The Suns still need another defensive big man and I am not sold on Dragic just yet. Nash is not getting any younger and this is a PG rich draft.

In regard to Foster mentioning second round picks, Kerr blew it big time by sending this year's GS draft pick #37 (which Phoenix owned) to SA in the Dragic deal. I'm not that impressed that Phoenix got Orlando's second round pick being where it is slotted at #57. That KT trade is still a debacle.

 

[Mainstreet]

Patrick Patterson withdraws from NBA Draft to stay at Kentucky. This shrinks the talent pool for big men. He was projected around #18 by NBADraftnet.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4153040

 

[overseascardfan]

Patrick Patterson withdraws from NBA Draft to stay at Kentucky. This shrinks the talent pool for big men. He was projected around #18 by NBADraftnet.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4153040

Besides Hill, Thabeet and Griffin there are no big men that warrant the #14 pick. Patterson and Monroe have withdrawn from the draft, all that are left after the Big 3 are: Blair, Hansborough, Mullins, Lawal are who are left in NBA Draft Net's mock draft, unless we're interested in Pendergraph, Heytvelt or Gibson in the 2nd round.

 

[Ronin]

Draft Buzz

By Aran_Smith
Sun, 05/10/2009 - 10:00am
Curry to the Knicks?




A rumor that has been gaining steam is that the Knicks will select Stephen Curry with their 8th pick. We've received word that there could be truth to this from inside sources claiming that Curry chose to put his name into the draft this year based on the Knicks assuring Curry that they would use their lottery selection to draft him.

Obviously a lot could happen between now and the draft. The Knicks could always win the lottery (they're not using a top 3 pick on him) or trade their pick.

But it appears to be a legitimate possibility that if the Knicks have the 8th pick on draft night they will use it on Curry. Curry's game would fit extremely well in Mike D'Antoni's wide open style and his scoring ability would be enhanced.

http://www.nbadraft.net/node/5605

 

[Mainstreet]

Besides Hill, Thabeet and Griffin there are no big men that warrant the #14 pick. Patterson and Monroe have withdrawn from the draft, all that are left after the Big 3 are: Blair, Hansborough, Mullins, Lawal are who are left in NBA Draft Net's mock draft, unless we're interested in Pendergraph, Heytvelt or Gibson in the 2nd round.

James Johnson of Wake Forest who apparently can play both forward positions sounds intriguing at #14. I doubt the Suns go for DeJuan Blair PF/C, but I bet he will be a Milsap type player. However, what I really covet is another PG but the Suns probably need a big man more.

 

[187]

I like our .5% chance of winning the lottery this year. Ricky Rubio anyone?!

 

[Russ Smith]

James Johnson of Wake Forest who apparently can play both forward positions sounds intriguing at #14. I doubt the Suns go for DeJuan Blair PF/C, but I bet he will be a Milsap type player. However, what I really covet is another PG but the Suns probably need a big man more.

I like Johnson he's quite athletic, he's got an upside although he's still pretty raw.

Blair is a real tough guy to peg, he's clearly not as tall as listed and he's no great leaper, but he has REALLY long arms, great timing, and great lower body strength. The real problem on him is his history of injury at the weight he carries. He already has knee problems and at his weight you have to wonder how soon before those knees are a real concern? But he reminds me an awful lot of Charles Oakley, without the faceup shot that Oakley was pretty good at at. Very tough kid will play his butt off for whoever picks him.

I also think Taj Gibson if he stays in the draft, which he supposedly will, is going to surprise some NBA team and make the roster and play 4-5 years. he's a terrific defensive player, very long arms, blocks shots, can move his feet. he's not that strong and played 5 in college but will have to play 4 in the NBA, but I think he'll be the kind of kid that can give you 10-15 mpg for defense.

Also has a similar story to Michael Oher in the NFL draft where he qualified for school by very questionable methods(that's why he'll be 24 by the draft) but then when he got there, he apparently will graduate in 3 years.

One of the few USC players under Floyd I really grew to like.

 

[Mainstreet]

I also think Taj Gibson if he stays in the draft, which he supposedly will, is going to surprise some NBA team and make the roster and play 4-5 years. he's a terrific defensive player, very long arms, blocks shots, can move his feet. he's not that strong and played 5 in college but will have to play 4 in the NBA, but I think he'll be the kind of kid that can give you 10-15 mpg for defense.

Also has a similar story to Michael Oher in the NFL draft where he qualified for school by very questionable methods(that's why he'll be 24 by the draft) but then when he got there, he apparently will graduate in 3 years.

One of the few USC players under Floyd I really grew to like.

I overlooked Gibson as a first round pick because, for the longest time, DraftExpress and DraftNet did not list him in the first round. Now I notice DraftNet now has him listed at #28 in the first round. However, he is referred to in some write-ups as frail and thin. This is not good for a player that will be age 24 when drafted as he may not be able to carry much more weight. It would seem a reach for the Suns at #14 and he will undoubtedly not be around in the second round when the Suns pick. I sure wish the Suns had not given up the #37 pick in that Dragic trade with SA but I'm sure he will be long gone even then.

 

[Mainstreet]

Just another note. I'd promise Jonny Flynn the Suns 14th selection in the NBA draft if he falls that far. IMO, he is a safe pick with tremendous upside in a weak draft. I'm sure it would make some fans who are down on Nash salivate. There is a note about Flynn in the Draft Buzz section of NBADraftNet written by Aran Smith dated May 10th, 2009.

Jonny Flynn has a lot of competition at the point guard position in this year's draft. But there's a good chance he will end up in the late lottery since the Phoenix Suns are so enamored with the young point guard.

http://www.nbadraft.net/node/5605

 

[overseascardfan]

I overlooked Gibson as a first round pick because, for the longest time, DraftExpress and DraftNet did not list him in the first round. Now I notice DraftNet now has him listed at #28 in the first round. However, he is referred to in some write-ups as frail and thin. This is not good for a player that will be age 24 when drafted as he may not be able to carry much more weight. It would seem a reach for the Suns at #14 and he will undoubtedly not be around in the second round when the Suns pick. I sure wish the Suns had not given up the #37 pick in that Dragic trade with SA but I'm sure he will be long gone even then.

Obviously the effect of Patterson withdrawing. In the second I liked both Gibson & Heyvelt, Gibson is more defense oriented while Heyvelt is more polished offensively. If we somehow get another 1st rounder I would be interested in Gibson, Jonny Flynn is my pick at #14.

 

[Russ Smith]

Obviously the effect of Patterson withdrawing. In the second I liked both Gibson & Heyvelt, Gibson is more defense oriented while Heyvelt is more polished offensively. If we somehow get another 1st rounder I would be interested in Gibson, Jonny Flynn is my pick at #14.

gibson is a poor man's Rodman, pretty wiry thin but he held up in college on a team that often had a 2 playing the 4 next to taj. He's a great shot blocker, long arms, great timing. Won't be the NBA player Rodman was, but I think he'll be a solid NBA player.

turns out he's 7 classes short of graduating but everyone thinks he's in the draft to stay now that USC is in even more trouble with the NCAA.

I think Heytvelt is a tease, big guy, shoots the 3 pretty well, athletic, but he's a very up and down guy and since he got in trouble for shrooms last year I wonder if NBA teams trust him?

Has the talent to be a pretty decent player but never has been consistent at Gonzaga.

I also wonder if Daye is staying in the draft, very talented kid but way too weak. really needs to go back to school.

 

[HooverDam]

Anyone else hoping that if the Suns dont win the lottery (which we won't) that OKC does? I want it to happen just so the tinfoil hat crowd goes crazy.

Im still horrified that the Suns will take Budinger at 15, Flynn would make me happy though.

 

[Mainstreet]

Anyone else hoping that if the Suns dont win the lottery (which we won't) that OKC does? I want it to happen just so the tinfoil hat crowd goes crazy.

Im still horrified that the Suns will take Budinger at 15, Flynn would make me happy though.

Not me, I want the Suns to win the lottery.

No Budinger or Harden at #15. I give Flynn a thumb-up.

 

[HooverDam]

Not me, I want the Suns to win the lottery.

No Budinger or Harden at #15. I give Flynn a thumb-up.

You'll notice I said if the Suns don't win the lottery. Obviously I want the Suns to win the lottery but it ain't going to happen.

Also I know you dont like Harden, but there ain't no chance of him being around when the Suns pick at 14, so you don't need to worry. Budingner on the other hand could be around and Im petrified the Suns will take him.

 

[binkar]

Suns apparently have interest in Blair...

"And believe it or not, Suns GM Steve Kerr has been taking a close look at Blair, according to sources. The Suns don't at first blush appear to be a fit, but since Kerr trying to give them a more defensive identity, Blair could be exactly what they need to pair alongside Amare Stoudemire in their frontcourt."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=PreDraftTour-090518

 

[leclerc]

So today is lottery day and we've got a 0,5% chance. Good luck everyone!!

Draft day is still more than a month away. If we stay at #14 and nbadraft.net is somewhat accurate, I'd like us to grab one of the following in no particular order:

• Jonny Flynn
• Tyreke Evans
• James Johnson
• Ty Lawson
• Jrue Holiday
• or Blair I guess...

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Jrue Holiday would be a good fit based on what Kerr wants to run and the fact that he could play behind Nash for at least 1 more year. Add in the fact that Holiday would allow Barbosa to play the 2 in the back court with him and i think you have a good match.

Holiday is going to rise up the draft boards after his workouts. He is a PG, not a SG, and being a SG in Howland's system really hurt him, because it took away what he is best at; playing and setting up his teammates with the ball in his hands.

 

[jagu]

I guess today we'll find out which lottery position we will get in order for Kerr to select another bust of an NBA player.

 

[binkar]

I guess today we'll find out which lottery position we will get in order for Kerr to select another bust of an NBA player.

So are we already determining Dragic and Lopez as complete busts after year one? Did you not think Dragic showed any progress at all?

 

[jagu]

Get Earl Clark , no European garbage....