The Rookies of the 2009 NBA Draft Part 2 of 3
Welcome back.
Last time, we took on who we thought as the top three dogs of the 2009 NBA Draft. This time, we’re going to take on the rest of the field who we think should also have an impact in the NBA next season.
First we have DeMar DeRozan, taken no.9 overall by the Toronto Raptors. With a ton of hype entering his freshman season following in the footsteps of O.J. Mayo, DeRozan struggled a bit out of the gates in USC. However, he turned it on late in the season and had many scouts salivating over the potential that he brings to the floor every time out.
DeMar DeRozan is a solid 6-6 guard and fits the mold of a prototypical NBA shooting guard that should at least give the Toronto Raptors solid production from the position again since losing Vince Carter. 
After all, the guy does have VC’s uncanny vertical leap, problem is, ”DeRozanity” still doesn’t sound right.
Next we have Tyreke Evans. Taken no.4 overall by the Sacramento Kings, Evans’ selection was a surprise considering that Ricky Rubio was still available and the Kings needed a point guard.
Tyreke Evans definitely has strengths and weaknesses in his game but one thing the Sacramento Kings should definitely be happy about is his size. He’s a solid 6’5”, 210 pounder and has a 7’3” wingspan. He also possesses a lethal first step. When he would commit to the strong drive he is very hard to stop, but he is much better going to the hoop in the full court game than the half court.
Next is a guy taken no.17 overall, Jrue Holiday. Not many people think this guy is ready to play now after the shoulder injury he suffered last season. When the Philadelphia 76ers finally took him, his face read RELIEF.
Jrue Holiday is another big name freshman who entered last season with a lot of hype for a big national powerhouse. Similar to Russell Westbrook in many respects, Holiday has the same body and was often the off-guard in the UCLA offense next to Darren Collison. His game translates well to the pros as an elite point guard prospect and his 6-4 frame will give him the ability to see over smaller guards on offense and create havoc on the defensive end for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Last but not the least for this edition of our so-called ”rookie series” is James Harden. Taken no.3 overall by the Oklahoma Thunder, Harden should give Kevin Durant that much needed help on the offensive side of the ball.
The wrap on Harden is that he’s perhaps the most polished offensive scorer in this year’s draft and for a team like the Oklahoma Thunder that needs points, BAD, it should be a perfect fit. He has the maturity and resonance of a wily veteran, despite being only 19.
Which team will win the 2010 NBA Finals? SPORTSBETTING.COM has the early odds.
Orlando Magic 7-1
Boston Celtics 5-1
Denver Nuggets 12-1
Want more odds? Visit SPORTSBETTING.com for more basketball betting odds. Want to watch the NBA live? Get NBA tickets online now.
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