Blake Griffin to the NBA

[Chris Yates]

I'm shocked, shocked, by this decision! I guess being projected as the first pick in the draft makes it an easy decision.

http://ca.reuters.com/article/sports...5366RZ20090407

[illinois_hustle]

No one will say it, but ... Does anyone else see steroids in this kid's face? I really hope not, of course, but the raised bone around his eyes is sometimes an indicator. Not an accusation, but certainly a wish that he looks exactly like his dad.

I saw DeJuan Blair declared as well ... he's a beast but I don't think he's ready. He needs more variety to his game and better defense without fouling. He didn't ask me, though.

[illini4everjp]

I'm speechless! This come out of nowhere!

[Illest]

What's the kid thinking?!?!



Hustle, elaborate -- are you talking about something which doesn't occur in people who naturally just have a lot of testosterone?

[HeartofaChampion]

Originally Posted by illinois_hustle

No one will say it, but ... Does anyone else see steroids in this kid's face? I really hope not, of course, but the raised bone around his eyes is sometimes an indicator.

I have the same raised-bone look around my eyes, and I weigh 165 pounds soaking wet.

[You'veBeenJuiced]

Just a short checklist of players who have declared, per Chad Forde

Chase Budinger - Arizona
James Harden - Arizona State
Nick Calathes - Florida
Earl Clark - Louisville
Tyreke Evans - Memphis
B.J. Mullens - Ohio State
Blake Griffin - Oklahoma
DeJaun Blair - Pittsburgh
Greivis Vasquez - Maryland
Jodie Meeks - Kentucky

Just to name a few. Now, not all of these players may be drafted, since few if any have actually hired an agent, but it's a rough list of the best underclassmen that have a very good chance of staying in the draft.

btw the article, http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2...had&page=InOut mentions JaJuan Johnson, Chris Sims and Manny Harris as some names who might jump ship to the NBA. Several are listed as 50/50.

[Kasino81]

I hope Hansbrough is the first pick in the draft. He can't be worse then Greg "terrible" Oden

[UrbanIllini19]

Originally Posted by illinois_hustle

No one will say it, but ... Does anyone else see steroids in this kid's face? I really hope not, of course, but the raised bone around his eyes is sometimes an indicator. Not an accusation, but certainly a wish that he looks exactly like his dad.

I saw DeJuan Blair declared as well ... he's a beast but I don't think he's ready. He needs more variety to his game and better defense without fouling. He didn't ask me, though.

If you look at his brother he kinda has the same thing going on, so I think its more genetics.

[illinois_hustle]

Originally Posted by HeartofaChampion

I have the same raised-bone look around my eyes, and I weigh 165 pounds soaking wet.

Ah yes, but would you normally be 130 pounds soaking wet?

Griffin must have a LOT of testosterone; he's a beast on the court to be sure. I'm obviously just jealous of the young man's testosterone. And his future earning potential.

[aznsensation]

Blake Griffin won't do all that great in the NBA draft. He's just not strong enough. He's not big enough to be a center, so he'd probably play power forward, but not having a jump shot will make him average at best. I don't think this year's draft class is gonna be any good.

[I-RepJerseyCity]

Originally Posted by illinois_hustle

I saw DeJuan Blair declared as well ... he's a beast but I don't think he's ready. He needs more variety to his game and better defense without fouling. He didn't ask me, though.

DeJuan Blair can't really do better than this season. He could average 20/15 next year and not change is draft position.

[PLauderdale30]

Originally Posted by aznsensation

Blake Griffin won't do all that great in the NBA draft. He's just not strong enough. He's not big enough to be a center, so he'd probably play power forward, but not having a jump shot will make him average at best. I don't think this year's draft class is gonna be any good.

Griffin will be the 1st overall pick. I dont think he can do any better in the draft. As far as playing in the league he will be just fine. Im not quite sure how you figure he isnt strong enough. Have you seen the kid play? Hes an ox. And he is relentless when he turns it on. As far as not having a jump shot, there are plenty of power forwards who cant shoot that well. Carlos Boozer has done just fine with basically the same package, but I would say Griffin is more talented than that even.

[Philly Boy]

Originally Posted by Kasino81

I hope Hansbrough is the first pick in the draft. He can't be worse then Greg "terrible" Oden

Kasino, you're implying Greg Oden is a bust so far in the NBA? I'm surprised to hear that. I haven't seen him play there bcs half of his games are on way late at nite in Chicago.

[Philly Boy]

I thought Thabeet with his Dikembe Mutombo-like physique and game, would be the first pick ahead of Griffin, since there are no questions about his ability to contribute at center with his shot-blocking. No one disputes this ability, and he'd be an instant contributor that way, you'd think.

BTW, speaking of jealousy (above), and Thabeet (here), did anyone notice the girl he was sitting with on TV while they were in attendance at the title game? Wow. Also, Tyler Hansborough's Mom (I know, I'm dating myself) was pretty hot, too. Shows how my attention wandered after UNC got up by 20 early.

[zogillinifan]

Originally Posted by aznsensation

Blake Griffin won't do all that great in the NBA draft. He's just not strong enough. He's not big enough to be a center, so he'd probably play power forward, but not having a jump shot will make him average at best. I don't think this year's draft class is gonna be any good.

Amare Stoudemire couldn't shoot when he got in the NBA either, and that didn't stop him from jumping over/around/through people to get to the basket and dunk it.

Originally Posted by PLauderdale30

Griffin will be the 1st overall pick. I dont think he can do any better in the draft. As far as playing in the league he will be just fine. Im not quite sure how you figure he isnt strong enough. Have you seen the kid play? Hes an ox. And he is relentless when he turns it on. As far as not having a jump shot, there are plenty of power forwards who cant shoot that well. Carlos Boozer has done just fine with basically the same package, but I would say Griffin is more talented than that even.

Boozer is a great shooter, if it wasn't for his jumper he wouldn't be in the league; he's not very good in the post and around the basket because he's relatively short (6'8") for a PF and doesn't have great athleticism.

Originally Posted by Philly Boy

I thought Thabeet with his Dikembe Mutombo-like physique and game, would be the first pick ahead of Griffin, since there are no questions about his ability to contribute at center with his shot-blocking. No one disputes this ability, and he'd be an instant contributor that way, you'd think.

I think if a team that was actually good somehow had the first pick then they might take Thabeet because, as you say, he'd for sure contribute immediately; however, Griffin will have much more of an impact offensively, and generally bad teams need a lot of scoring help.

[Serious Late]

Originally Posted by Kasino81

I hope Hansbrough is the first pick in the draft. He can't be worse then Greg "terrible" Oden

Yes he can... he can be a lot worse than Oden and will be worse than Oden. I doubt Hansbrough is a whole lot more effective for his team than a JJ Reddick or Adam Morrison, former college glamour players.

Oden has been hurt some, but still has a chance to star in the NBA, especially on an up and coming team like the Trailblazers.

It's a weak class, so I don't know exactly where Hansbrough will fall, but regardless, I don't see him being more impactful than a Joekim Noah type player (who was drafted waaaaaay to high by the Bulls, at pick 9(?))

[zoggle101]

I can't believe someone said he wasn't strong enough to play in the league.

Griffen is a big as anyone who is 6'8/9 and probably in the upper 90 percent as far as being a athlete goes. If big baby can get minutes just by being big, I don't see why Blake won't get more minutes being big and athletic. I can't really put a finger on anyone he reminds me of.

I know its been said but Boozer can shoot really good and is a decent athlete who is fairly strong.

Greg Oden not good the kids going to be a monster size 7'1, 270 with his athleticism, forget about it. Sure Pryz plays ahead of him but he is a really good center too. He was also a freshman who tore up the big ten along with K. Humpries while both each respectively played at Minny.

[zoggle101]

Originally Posted by You'veBeenJuiced

Just a short checklist of players who have declared, per Chad Forde

Chase Budinger - Arizona
James Harden - Arizona State
Nick Calathes - Florida
Earl Clark - Louisville
Tyreke Evans - Memphis
B.J. Mullens - Ohio State
Blake Griffin - Oklahoma
DeJaun Blair - Pittsburgh
Greivis Vasquez - Maryland
Jodie Meeks - Kentucky

Just to name a few. Now, not all of these players may be drafted, since few if any have actually hired an agent, but it's a rough list of the best underclassmen that have a very good chance of staying in the draft.

btw the article, http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2...had&page=InOut mentions JaJuan Johnson, Chris Sims and Manny Harris as some names who might jump ship to the NBA. Several are listed as 50/50.

Chirs Sims? I know Texas had a Chris Sims who was always injured in the pros when he played for the Cavs and Lakers. Ah, just thought about it Deshawn Sims.

I know Joe Johnson who is WF pf is jumping to the pro's and I'm sure Aminu will go along with him. I would think Craig Brackens Iowa State would jump too. He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. Stanley Robinson is athletic enough to go this year. Wayne Ellington is probably gone and Lawson is surely to leave. Does Gerald Henderson and Kyle Singler come back? Duke is a title contender next year with those two plus Zoubeck, two Plumlee's, Cryz, and Kelly as a five headed center. A little better than McClure and Thomas this year. I'm not down on this years draft and will feature some good seniors.

The players Juice has mentioned IMO all have NBA size and skills.

[PLauderdale30]

Originally Posted by zoggle101

Chirs Sims? I know Texas had a Chris Sims who was always injured in the pros when he played for the Cavs and Lakers. Ah, just thought about it Deshawn Sims.

I know Joe Johnson who is WF pf is jumping to the pro's and I'm sure Aminu will go along with him. I would think Craig Brackens Iowa State would jump too. He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. Stanley Robinson is athletic enough to go this year. Wayne Ellington is probably gone and Lawson is surely to leave. Does Gerald Henderson and Kyle Singler come back? Duke is a title contender next year with those two plus Zoubeck, two Plumlee's, Cryz, and Kelly as a five headed center. A little better than McClure and Thomas this year. I'm not down on this years draft and will feature some good seniors.

The players Juice has mentioned IMO all have NBA size and skills.

The only Chris Sims at Texas was a quarterback. Chris Mihm played basketball there though and now plays with the Cavs I think it is.

James Johnson is the power forward at Wake.

I dont think this draft is that great overall. There are a couple players who will have good NBA careers but not many impact players in there. I saw a mock draft today that had Jordan Hill going #2 overall. Thats how weak the draft is.

[You'veBeenJuiced]

Originally Posted by zoggle101

Chirs Sims? I know Texas had a Chris Sims who was always injured in the pros when he played for the Cavs and Lakers. Ah, just thought about it Deshawn Sims.

I know Joe Johnson who is WF pf is jumping to the pro's and I'm sure Aminu will go along with him. I would think Craig Brackens Iowa State would jump too. He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. Stanley Robinson is athletic enough to go this year. Wayne Ellington is probably gone and Lawson is surely to leave. Does Gerald Henderson and Kyle Singler come back? Duke is a title contender next year with those two plus Zoubeck, two Plumlee's, Cryz, and Kelly as a five headed center. A little better than McClure and Thomas this year. I'm not down on this years draft and will feature some good seniors.

The players Juice has mentioned IMO all have NBA size and skills.

Yeah my bad DeShawn Sims not Chris Sims

I don't think that this class is "bad", I just think that this draft has a huge amount of questionmarks and many, many less "sure things" then previous years. This is not to say any one of the underclassmen declaring cannot be stars in the NBA; they can, but it also wouldn't be outrageous to say that NONE of these underclassmen will be stars in the NBA

[Kasino81]

Oden is an 8 and 8 career player
With Hansbrough's will to succeed he will be a 17 and 10 career player

Hansbrough is to Rik Smits as Greg Oden is to Eric Montross

[zoggle101]

Originally Posted by PLauderdale30

The only Chris Sims at Texas was a quarterback. Chris Mihm played basketball there though and now plays with the Cavs I think it is.

James Johnson is the power forward at Wake.

I dont think this draft is that great overall. There are a couple players who will have good NBA careers but not many impact players in there. I saw a mock draft today that had Jordan Hill going #2 overall. Thats how weak the draft is.

Thanks for the correction. Mihm played with TJ Ford and who was that 6'5(mouton maybe or was he after those two?) shooting guard they had around then?

Of course its James Johnson because Joe is the sg for the Hawks. My fault. Too many guys with the same last name, first, or similar.

There's always spots for guys like J. Hill. I think he 6'10, excellent athlete and doesn't demand the ball. It couldn't be worse than taking Milicic could it? Don't count of all the seniors out there. Matthews from Marquette, Brockmon from Washinton, Gibson at USC, Collison and Maybe even Shipp at UCLA, I want to say Jeff Pendergraph at ASU, Stanford has its either Hill or Goode, Bryon Eaton at OSU, Jerrels or Dugat at Baylor, Abrams at Texas, Carter at A&M, Tony Douglas at FSU, Hansborough of course, Tyrese Rice BC, Costner is an underclassman at NC state who could go, Flynn is another underclassman, Stephon Jackson, Eric Maynor, and Lester Hudson are guys noone has really heard, Varnado at MSU but he is an underclassmen, KC Rivers at Clemson and Sykes, Efuke at Providence, Dionte Christmas and the Center(from spain) from Temple, Alonzo Gee is still at Bama and a good one, T. Williams should be gone if he isn't a senior along with Clark and Samuels, L. Fields should get a shot, Sam Young is a lock at 6'10 being a sf, Harongody will get drafter maybe even McAlarney, Cunningham from Nova, Price from UCONN along with THabeet, Ardien, and Robinson......... I'm not so sure the big ten will have any seniors get drafted but at the top of the list in no particular order are Craig Moore, Cornely, Suton, and Landry. I don't see guys like Al Nolen, Lawrence McKenzie, Stanley Pringle, Travis Walton, or Joe Krabbenhoft making the NBA.

I agree there might not be a "super star" but some very good players and I see some guys that could be starters eventually. Overall it will be a good draft esp. when you throw in underclassmen.

[zoggle101]

Originally Posted by Kasino81

Oden is an 8 and 8 career player
With Hansbrough's will to succeed he will be a 17 and 10 career player

Hansbrough is to Rik Smits as Greg Oden is to Eric Montross

Rick Smits was really, really good. Oden will be a 20-10 guy, start for team USA when its all said and done. He's sic with his size and athletic ability. Don't forget he is only 21.

I can see it know Lebron running point, Durant being the sg, Melo at sf, Dwight at pf(or Amare) and Oden(Dwight) at Center. Throw is guys like Dwill, CP3, Mayo, Igoudala, Beas(t)ley and whoever else you want to on that team.

[zoggle101]

Here's a list of guys. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...c.php?t=536080

The only one who surprised me was Patrick Christopher. Christopher started off having a great season along side back court teammate from Chicago Jerome Randle. At one point a month ago Christopher was struggling so much Cal was starting Theo Robertson in his place. With Guiterez and Robertson it shouldn't hurt much losing Christopher. The kid from Hawaii Flemming is making the jump. He as the juco transfer who was a leaper. I'm still looking to see how good the kid from Detroit is and if he'll play pro ball. Remember he had the high top box fade like the early 90's?

I forgot to mention three more seniors and the counless other on so called mid majors. Hevtfeldt, Pargo and Downs. We should get a list together and have a mock draft. See how close we come to the real thing. Mike Washington from Arkansas is another guy with a big upside. It seems like Arkansas has a breakout guy each season.

[DaytonIllini]

How about Lawson? That kid looks like he could be a high lottery pick to me.