Re-drafting the Loaded 2009 NBA Draft: Many Stars, But More Busts
By Jason McIntyre
1. Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson. [Drafted 7th.] The NBA MVP in the 2014-2015 season is arguably the best 3-point shooter in NBA history, and he led the Warriors to 67-wins this season. Had a couple ankle problems earlier in his career, but he’s averaged over 21+ ppg and 6+ apg each of the last three years. Just turned 27 in March.
2. James Harden, SG, Arizona State. [Drafted 3rd.] Runner up to Curry for the MVP award. Started his career in OKC, and has exploded in Houston each of the last three years (25.4+ ppg). Passive defensive player, which is being generous. Only turns 26 in August.
3. Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma. [Drafted 1st.] Missed his rookie year due to injury, but has been a human highlight reel for the Clippers for the last five seasons. Has developed a nice mid-range jumper and improved as a passer in the last two years. In the midst of the best run of his career, with three triple-doubles in the last eight games. His Clippers have underwhelmed in the postseason the last four years, but perhaps this is the year they get to the Western Conference Finals. Turned 26 in March.
4. Jeff Teague, PG, Atlanta. [Drafted 19th.] In a draft where four point guards were taken in the Top 10, Teague has emerged as clearly the 2nd best. Played sparingly in his first two years out of Wake Forest, but helped lead the Hawks to the top seed in the East by averaging 15.9 ppg, 7.0 apg.
5. DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC. [Drafted 9th.] Has become a very good scorer in Toronto (17.2 ppg after six seasons), with the only weakness in his game being from deep (27 percent on 3-pointers).
6. Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy. [Drafted 10th.] Strange six seasons in the league with a lot of highs in Milwaukee, but a lot of lows before he was traded to Detroit. For his NBA career, he’s only hitting 39 percent of his shots, but 35 percent on 3-pointers. Can’t call a guy with career averages of 16.6 ppg, 6.2 apg a bust, and coming off an injury, don’t be shocked if he has a great season ahead with coach Stan Van Gundy.
7. Danny Green, SG, North Carolina. [Drafted 46th.] Spent time in the D-League, and was initially known as LeBron’s dance partner in Cleveland. Landed with the Spurs and was instrumental in helping them win two Titles (hell, he was nearly MVP of the 2013 Finals!). In the 2013 NBA playoffs, he shot 48 percent from deep, making 55-three-pointers in just 21 games. Turns 28 in June, and will get paid in July.
8. Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina. [Drafted 18th.] Lawson has turned into not only a very good scoring point guard (15+ ppg each of the last four years), but he was also a terrific passer (9.6 apg, 3rd in the NBA last season). If not for this incident in 2013, and this DUI in 2015, there’s an argument to probably have Lawson 5th or 6th.
9. DeMarre Carroll, SF, Missouri. [Drafted 27th.] He’s the prime example why you wait to do re-drafts. Flamed out in Memphis, Houston, Denver and finally played well as a reserve in Utah in 2012-2013 before really blowing up with the Hawks the last two years. Averaged a career-high 12.6 ppg and 39.5 on 3-pointers this season. Turns 29 in July, when he’ll get handsomely paid by someone.
11. Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis. [Drafted 4th.] Scoring machine since arriving in Sacramento, and won Rookie of the Year. Never developed a reliable 3-point shot; average defender at best. Might have had his most complete season (16.6 ppg, 30-percent 3-pointers, career-high 6.6 apg) as a player in 2014-2015 playing with Anthony Davis, but he still feels overpaid.
12. Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA. [Drafted 17th.] Tough to peg because he played so well in the 2012 playoffs when he was just 21 (41/40/86) and his future seemed bright. Then the 76ers fell apart and he was shipped to the Pelicans, where he’s struggled with injuries (played in just 74 games in two seasons). Turns 25 in June.
13. Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain. [Drafted 5th.] Arrived in the league late, has battled injuries, and after his best shooting season in 2013-2014 (38/33/90), he didn’t shoot well this past season coming off injury (and playing without Kevin Love). Hasn’t helped that he’s had a rotating door of coaches and teammates. Only turns 25 in October, still a phenomenal passer.
Just Missed.
Patrick Beverley, PG, Ukraine. [Drafted 42nd by LA Lakers.]
Darren Collison, PG, UCLA [Drafted 21st by New Orleans.]
Patty Mills, PG, Saint Mary’s. [Drafted 55th by Portland.]
Chase Budinger, SF, Arizona. [Drafted 44th by Detroit.]
Jonas Jerebko, PF, Italy. [Drafted 39th by Detroit.]