09 redraft..who’s #1?

1. Blake Griffin

2. James Harden

3. Stephen Curry

4. Demar Derozan

5. Ty Lawson

Just my opinion on the the top 5 if the draft was redone today. This season behind Lebron and KD, one can make the argument that Blake Griffin has been the 3rd best player. He really blossomed when Paul went down and is still doing his thing. Btw Curry and Harden are pretty interchangeable, cant go wrong with either.  

1. Blake Griffin

2. James Harden

3. Stephen Curry

4. Demar Derozan

5. Ty Lawson

Just my opinion on the the top 5 if the draft was redone today. This season behind Lebron and KD, one can make the argument that Blake Griffin has been the 3rd best player. He really blossomed when Paul went down and is still doing his thing. Btw Curry and Harden are pretty interchangeable, cant go wrong with either.  

Idk the clippers held up pretty well when Paul was out and Griffin had to lead them…

Idk the clippers held up pretty well when Paul was out and Griffin had to lead them…

Blake Griffin leads the Clippers in minutes (35.9), shot attempts (17), free-throw attempts (8.5) and points (24.1). There are many that would argue he’s a top three MVP candidate this season. 

It’s very arguable that he is the go-to player on the Clippers. 

Regardless, I think he’s shown enough this season to think that if the right team were put around him, he could lead them into the playoffs. He’s developing a complete game offensively and he makes his teammates better. 

Blake Griffin leads the Clippers in minutes (35.9), shot attempts (17), free-throw attempts (8.5) and points (24.1). There are many that would argue he’s a top three MVP candidate this season. 

It’s very arguable that he is the go-to player on the Clippers. 

Regardless, I think he’s shown enough this season to think that if the right team were put around him, he could lead them into the playoffs. He’s developing a complete game offensively and he makes his teammates better. 

True, but Blake has become a very good all around player now and who knows how much he can improve his ceiling is extremely high. Harden still only plays one side of the court and although curry does a lot of things great his injury history and questionable D still holds him back imo

True, but Blake has become a very good all around player now and who knows how much he can improve his ceiling is extremely high. Harden still only plays one side of the court and although curry does a lot of things great his injury history and questionable D still holds him back imo

 James Hardin is a flopper on both ends of the court I might add without referees and all those fake free throw attempts he wouldn’t be anything special

 James Hardin is a flopper on both ends of the court I might add without referees and all those fake free throw attempts he wouldn’t be anything special

 I like your top5 T-dot Baller but you have to remember what team needs were at that time. The Thunder already had Westbrook in 2009, so drafting Curry would have created a logjam at point. They wouldn’t know if was a point guard or a 2 guard and having Curry play a combo guard with Westbrook would changed our views on completely I think. And Rubio was not a bad pick by the Wolves either. Rememebr how he took the league by storm when he first came into the league? He’s not that bad now adays. So I don’t think Rubio was a bad pick either, but certainly Flynn was not the best option at 6. And the Grizzlies already had Mayo at this time and he was doing very well next to Gay, Conley, and Gasol. They had no way of knowing that Mayo would sluff off the next few years and underperform.

My top 6 with needs at that time included

1. Clippers: Blake Griffen
2. Grizzlies: James Harden (Yes they had Mayo by this time and he was doing well, but I think the Grizzlies bench was poor, so the Grizzlies could have Harden and Mayo compete for the starting 2 guard spot. Whoever loses is the first guy to come off the bench, and they would have quite a good 6th man.)
3. Thunder: Demar Derozan
4. Kings: Stephen Curry (I think the Kings had needs all across the board at this time, so I believe they just picked BPA, so Curry is my BPA. He’s also quite a leader too, the type of guy the Kings truly need. The Kings have been in the lottery for 5 years now! Never drafting the right guy, with Curry, they probably would have been close to making the playoffs this year. Now because they drafted whoever they felt like without a concern for team need or fit, they are stuggling to find a nucleus. Curry as their leader would not have had this and would round the team together and probably have them fighting for a playoff spot by now. Of course this is assuming that they would have picked right in the 2011 draft, and the 2012 draft too. My picks those two years would have been Knight in 2011, and Ross in 2010)
5. Wolves: Ricky Rubio
6. Wolves: Tyreke Evans (At this time Evans was considered either a 2 or a point. No one exactly knew. But we did know he was 6’6 so albeit a huge PG, a good guard none the less. Wolves knew they would have to wait for Rubio to come over, so they would need a PG in the meantime. This is why they drafted Flynn in the first place, they thought him and Rubio could coexist later on, didn’t end up working out for them. With Evans, the Wolves would have a PG while they waited for Rubio to come over and once he did come over they could easily move Evans to the 2 guard and be set at both guard spots. Now because they failed to do that in 2009, they have been struggling to find a 2 guard next to Rubio for 5 years now!)

 I like your top5 T-dot Baller but you have to remember what team needs were at that time. The Thunder already had Westbrook in 2009, so drafting Curry would have created a logjam at point. They wouldn’t know if was a point guard or a 2 guard and having Curry play a combo guard with Westbrook would changed our views on completely I think. And Rubio was not a bad pick by the Wolves either. Rememebr how he took the league by storm when he first came into the league? He’s not that bad now adays. So I don’t think Rubio was a bad pick either, but certainly Flynn was not the best option at 6. And the Grizzlies already had Mayo at this time and he was doing very well next to Gay, Conley, and Gasol. They had no way of knowing that Mayo would sluff off the next few years and underperform.

My top 6 with needs at that time included

1. Clippers: Blake Griffen
2. Grizzlies: James Harden (Yes they had Mayo by this time and he was doing well, but I think the Grizzlies bench was poor, so the Grizzlies could have Harden and Mayo compete for the starting 2 guard spot. Whoever loses is the first guy to come off the bench, and they would have quite a good 6th man.)
3. Thunder: Demar Derozan
4. Kings: Stephen Curry (I think the Kings had needs all across the board at this time, so I believe they just picked BPA, so Curry is my BPA. He’s also quite a leader too, the type of guy the Kings truly need. The Kings have been in the lottery for 5 years now! Never drafting the right guy, with Curry, they probably would have been close to making the playoffs this year. Now because they drafted whoever they felt like without a concern for team need or fit, they are stuggling to find a nucleus. Curry as their leader would not have had this and would round the team together and probably have them fighting for a playoff spot by now. Of course this is assuming that they would have picked right in the 2011 draft, and the 2012 draft too. My picks those two years would have been Knight in 2011, and Ross in 2010)
5. Wolves: Ricky Rubio
6. Wolves: Tyreke Evans (At this time Evans was considered either a 2 or a point. No one exactly knew. But we did know he was 6’6 so albeit a huge PG, a good guard none the less. Wolves knew they would have to wait for Rubio to come over, so they would need a PG in the meantime. This is why they drafted Flynn in the first place, they thought him and Rubio could coexist later on, didn’t end up working out for them. With Evans, the Wolves would have a PG while they waited for Rubio to come over and once he did come over they could easily move Evans to the 2 guard and be set at both guard spots. Now because they failed to do that in 2009, they have been struggling to find a 2 guard next to Rubio for 5 years now!)

 Hands down Harden because he is without a doubt the overall more well rounded player. Then I would definitley take Griffin at 2 because of his shear dunking ability and high upside, then most likley Curry for that 3 point shot. 

 Hands down Harden because he is without a doubt the overall more well rounded player. Then I would definitley take Griffin at 2 because of his shear dunking ability and high upside, then most likley Curry for that 3 point shot. 

1. Harden: Simply put, a 2 guard with his scoring/passing ability is extremely hard to find…

2. Griffin: Hard to not put him at #1…

3. Curry: Great shooter, improved passer…

4. Evans: Really feel he has been pretty overlooked over the past few years. He literally does everything on the court (look at his per 36 minute stats). His jumper has not improved much but his ability to pass and drive the lane has really helped out new orleans…

5. Derozan: Great improvement this year…

6. Holiday

7. Rubio

1. Harden: Simply put, a 2 guard with his scoring/passing ability is extremely hard to find…

2. Griffin: Hard to not put him at #1…

3. Curry: Great shooter, improved passer…

4. Evans: Really feel he has been pretty overlooked over the past few years. He literally does everything on the court (look at his per 36 minute stats). His jumper has not improved much but his ability to pass and drive the lane has really helped out new orleans…

5. Derozan: Great improvement this year…

6. Holiday

7. Rubio

1. Harden: Simply put, a 2 guard with his scoring/passing ability is extremely hard to find…

2. Griffin: Hard to not put him at #1…

3. Curry: Great shooter, improved passer…

4. Evans: Easily one of the most misused players in the NBA over the past few years. He literally does everything on the court (look at his per 36 minute stats). His jumper has not improved much but his ability to pass and drive the lane has really helped out the pels with holiday out…

5. Derozan: Great improvement this year…

6. Holiday

7. Rubio

1. Harden: Simply put, a 2 guard with his scoring/passing ability is extremely hard to find…

2. Griffin: Hard to not put him at #1…

3. Curry: Great shooter, improved passer…

4. Evans: Easily one of the most misused players in the NBA over the past few years. He literally does everything on the court (look at his per 36 minute stats). His jumper has not improved much but his ability to pass and drive the lane has really helped out the pels with holiday out…

5. Derozan: Great improvement this year…

6. Holiday

7. Rubio

1) Blake Griffin. He’s a guy getting you 24 10 and 4 essentially. Shoots a good % and now hitting free throws. Not a great defender but I think he’s getting better and let’s not act like anyone in this new top 5 is a lockdown guy. He’s a guy that can get a rebound and run a fast break. Back you down and get a little jump hook 2 feet from the rim. He can take a big guy off the dribble. Back the little guy down. Knock down the open 18 footer(much more anyway) and pass out of a double team which he commands almost all the time now. Think without a doubt the right choice was made at 1. 

2) James Harden. As much as I love Curry think James Harden is the better player in my mind. Even when his jumpshot isn’t falling he’s gonna get you 20 by getting to the line putting pressure on the D. Gonna get you 5 boards and assists as well. 

3) Stephen Curry. Great shooter and good passer. Have him at 3 as he is basically a combo guard. Great player gonna get you to the playoffs but does his game translate to playoff wins? Think we still need to see that part of his game. Close with Harden though. After these 3 it’s a drop off. 

1) Blake Griffin. He’s a guy getting you 24 10 and 4 essentially. Shoots a good % and now hitting free throws. Not a great defender but I think he’s getting better and let’s not act like anyone in this new top 5 is a lockdown guy. He’s a guy that can get a rebound and run a fast break. Back you down and get a little jump hook 2 feet from the rim. He can take a big guy off the dribble. Back the little guy down. Knock down the open 18 footer(much more anyway) and pass out of a double team which he commands almost all the time now. Think without a doubt the right choice was made at 1. 

2) James Harden. As much as I love Curry think James Harden is the better player in my mind. Even when his jumpshot isn’t falling he’s gonna get you 20 by getting to the line putting pressure on the D. Gonna get you 5 boards and assists as well. 

3) Stephen Curry. Great shooter and good passer. Have him at 3 as he is basically a combo guard. Great player gonna get you to the playoffs but does his game translate to playoff wins? Think we still need to see that part of his game. Close with Harden though. After these 3 it’s a drop off. 

Blake’s improvement from the stripe and the perimeter cannot be understated. If you watch Clipper games, defenders are starting to contest his J a lot more.. simply because he’s making more shots. Combined with his passing ability & explosiveness, we could just be witnessing the beginning.

Clearly he’s no lockdown defender, but he can absolutely hold his own on that end of the court. What he lacks in length/wingspan, he makes up for with good instincts, bounce, quickness, and help tactics.

I would still take him #1 over Harden and Curry. This year has also illustrated that there’s more upside to his game as well, and we may see even more improvements in the playoffs and next year. Absolutely love what Griffin’s done this season, special talent

Blake’s improvement from the stripe and the perimeter cannot be understated. If you watch Clipper games, defenders are starting to contest his J a lot more.. simply because he’s making more shots. Combined with his passing ability & explosiveness, we could just be witnessing the beginning.

Clearly he’s no lockdown defender, but he can absolutely hold his own on that end of the court. What he lacks in length/wingspan, he makes up for with good instincts, bounce, quickness, and help tactics.

I would still take him #1 over Harden and Curry. This year has also illustrated that there’s more upside to his game as well, and we may see even more improvements in the playoffs and next year. Absolutely love what Griffin’s done this season, special talent

1. Griffin – He’s developing a complete game offensively… His shooting is improving. He’s a big man who can not only draw a double team, but makes the right passes out of them. He’s arguably the best passer at his position. Defensively, he’ll never be a stopper, but he’s getting better under Doc Rivers. 

2. Curry – He doesn’t have Harden’s physical gifts and doesn’t get to the line as much, but he scores just as well and I think he’s a better overall offensive player. Curry gets the edge offensively because he’s great on or off the ball, which allows him to play well off of just about any player. He’s a better passer than Harden and an equal rebounder. Defensively, they both leave much to be desired. 

3. Harden – He’s a gifted scorer who can get to the line at will it seems, which is always a great skill to have when jumpshots aren’t falling. However, I think he’s very ball dominant and despite averaging 6 assists, I think the ball stops too much while in his hands. He also can settle for too many deep shots it seems. Defensively, he’s weak, which is sad considering his physical gifts. 

1. Griffin – He’s developing a complete game offensively… His shooting is improving. He’s a big man who can not only draw a double team, but makes the right passes out of them. He’s arguably the best passer at his position. Defensively, he’ll never be a stopper, but he’s getting better under Doc Rivers. 

2. Curry – He doesn’t have Harden’s physical gifts and doesn’t get to the line as much, but he scores just as well and I think he’s a better overall offensive player. Curry gets the edge offensively because he’s great on or off the ball, which allows him to play well off of just about any player. He’s a better passer than Harden and an equal rebounder. Defensively, they both leave much to be desired. 

3. Harden – He’s a gifted scorer who can get to the line at will it seems, which is always a great skill to have when jumpshots aren’t falling. However, I think he’s very ball dominant and despite averaging 6 assists, I think the ball stops too much while in his hands. He also can settle for too many deep shots it seems. Defensively, he’s weak, which is sad considering his physical gifts.