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Leading up to the 2009 NBA Draft on June 25th, I'll post "Draft Talk" updates at least once a week so we can discuss the latest rumours, combine results and various draft news tidbits.
The first set of pre-draft prospect measurements have been released by Draft Express. Turns out DeJuan Blair is even shorter than we thought — he's 6'5.25" and 277 lbs. However, he does have a 7'2" wingspan and and 8'10.5" standing reach.
There is a lot of talk about the Raptors potentially looking at Blair with their pick, but I really can't fathom that anyone would think it's a good idea to draft a six-foot-five power forward at that spot. I really dig Blair's game and the Raptors could certainly use his rebounding and toughness, but his height and weight are obvious red flags.
(Maybe somebody can explain this to me in the comments: Does height really matter compared to reach and wingspan? I mean, you're not blocking shots and grabbing rebounds with the top of your head, right? If you've played basketball against "real" big men, maybe you can clue me in on this.)
Tyreke Evans measured out at a robust 6'4" and 221 lbs. — which is pretty damn nice for a 19-year-old shooting guard. I'm starting to suspect that he won't be available at the Raptors' pick. If he's not the first two-guard to go in the draft, he'll most likely be the second.
Demar Derozan is listed as 6'5.5" and 211 lbs. but I think most of us are eager to see how he compares to Evans and James Harden in the vertical, sprint and agility tests. Mind you, I wouldn't put too much stock into those results because Joey Graham dominated those tests in his combine and look how he turned out.
One guy I've slept on a little bit in the hype leading up the the draft is Louisville small forward Earl Clark. He's been compared to Shawn Marion and his athleticism, rebounding (8.7 per game) and size (6'8.5", 228 lbs.) make that seem like a reasonable comparison. If Marion doesn't re-sign with the Raptors and Clark's stock rises over the next month, he's certain to be in the mix for Colangelo.
My wife and I will be participating in the "Walk Now for Autism Ontario" on June 7th as part of "Team Maxwell" in honour of my three-year-old Autistic son, Max. If you'd like to make a donation to the cause of increased funding for support and treatment of Autism in Ontario, please click the "SUPPORT TEAM MAXWELL" graphic I'll display in the right column until after the event.
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