In no other league do players get overhyped and over-analyzed like the NBA Draft, and this year’s class is hard pan proof. It’s always easy to get excited about an influx of fresh faces and fresh talent in the NBA, but it’s no secret that the 2009 draft is a class that nobody is excited about.
The reason is two-fold. First, nobody cares about any player not named “Blake Griffin”, who has already been told he’s going first-overall to the Los Angeles Clippers. Secondly, nobody outside of the major markets is willing to take on contracts right now. Rookies in the top-10 get a minimum of $2.1 million and are on the books for at least three seasons. That’s a lot of dough to spend, considering that some NBA teams are on the verge of utter bankruptcy.
So with lack-luster players, teams desperate to shed contracts and only one serious impact player on the market, what the hell are you looking forward to at the draft? Here’s what I’m keeping my eyes on:
1. Who’s Gambling On Ricky Rubio?
You’ve all heard by now that Ricky Rubio, from Spain, is destined to be a top-3 pick. The teenager is being touted as a Spanish Magic Johnson, who has shown a desire to win and incredible court vision. He’s both creative and passionate, and his skills seem to be up there when you watch game tape of him holding his own in the Spain vs. USA game from the Olympics.
