2009 NBA Draft: Shooting Guards

This year’s point guard class is a strong one with a number
of potential stars and good depth. While not as deep as the point guards, this
class

1. James Harden
6-5 222 SG Arizona St. So.

His stock took a slight hit down the stretch of the season, but we should not
forget that aside from Griffin, he was arguably the second best college player
all season taking the Arizona State program to new heights. The questions about
his size and athleticism have been answered with his surprising measurements at
the combine. He may not have the ceiling that some other players in this draft
have, but he is one of the few prospects that is NBA ready right now and can be
expected to contribute immediately. His outside shot has shown improvement, but
he will need to continue working on attacking with his weak hand.

2. DeMar DeRozan 6-7 211 SG USC Fr.

Struggled for most of the season, but had a good finish to the year where he showed
glimpses of the things that were expected of him coming in. In terms of getting
out on the break and finishing plays, there aren’t many players that can rival
him, but in terms of his overall game, he still has plenty to work on. His outside
shot was almost nonexistent and aside of hitting the occasional midrange shot,
DeRozan has yet to show that he has any sort of consistency. However, his biggest
weakness right now is his game off the dribble; if he can catch and go, making
one move he is pretty dangerous, but if he is forced to make a secondary move
or to attack a set defender he becomes uncomfortable. Due to his size and athleticism
he may have the highest ceiling at the position, but he will need time to develop
before he becomes a player that can contribute on a regular basis.

3. Gerald Henderson 6-5 215 SG/SF Duke
Jr.

Had a solid year where he was able to show an improved jumpshot as well as the
ability to attack off the dribble. He is an athletic specimen and is not afraid
to showcase his explosiveness by attacking the basket with regularity. Coming
from Duke, some question his ability to play the NBA game, but he proved that
he can operate in ISO situations as well in a pick and roll setting. He measured
at 6’5 in shoes, which is not the greatest size for an SG, but with a 6’10 wingspan
and his leaping ability he should be able to compensate without too many problems.
He has solid upside plus the ability to step in and perform immediately.

4. Wayne Ellington 6-5 202 SG North Carolina
Jr.

Made a good choice by coming back for his Jr season. A lot of his weaknesses were
exposed last year at the Orlando Pre Draft Camp where he struggled getting his
shot off as well as defending the bigger athletes. This year he played well throughout,
but came on even stronger during the NCAAs where his play earned him MVP of the
tournament. He is one of the best shooters in the class, but has also added some
game off the dribble which will allow him to create opportunities for himself.
He is still not the most complete one on one player and may struggle to defend
because of his light frame, but if he is put in the right system then he could
become a very good addition.

5. Tyreke Evans 6-5 221 SG Memphis Fr.

Played on and off the ball all season long, but showed the most potential when
he was the primary ball handler. At this point he still looks more suited to play
the two, but in the right system he could be both a scorer and a facilitator.
He has a nice feel for the game and his excellent handle and foots speed allow
him to get by people and get into the lane. Measured at 6’5 but his 6’11 wingspan
allows him to play much bigger and it also makes up for some of his athletic shortcomings.
His jumpshot is still a work in progress, as both his form and release need to
be tweaked in order for him to become a more consistent shooter. He has gotten
used to having the ball in his hands for the majority of the game, but he will
need to become more comfortable operating without the ball and by using screens.
He has a lot of tools to bring to the table, but he may need a few years before
he is truly ready.

6. Terrence Williams 6-6 213 SG/SF Louisville
Sr.

Physically and athletically he is as ready as anyone at the position to contribute
on the top level. He is the type of player that will not overwhelm in any particular
aspect, but he can bring a variety of things to the table. He is not the greatest
outside threat, but he can definitely knock down the open jumper and he can do
a little bit off the dribble. As a passer he is also very good, because he has
good vision, but he is also very unselfish and looks to get teammates involved.
If he is asked to create for himself or for teammates in ISO and end of clock
situations, he is not the right player for that, but if he is put in a spot where
he can do a little bit of everything using his athleticism, energy and passing
ability, then he can be very valuable. TWill could be the 5th player off this
list taken in the lottery.

7. Chase Budinger 6-7 206 SG/SF Arizona
Jr.

He is the type of player who will never be a star, but he can do enough to be
a key role guy on a successful team. He has become a more consistent shooter,
and can comfortably knock down shots coming off screens, spotting up and some
off the dribble. His game IQ is also very high and he understands where people
are, which helps him as a passer. In terms of leaping ability, he is in the upper
echelon, but his slow feet make it difficult for him to ever get a clear path
to the basket where he can showcase his athleticism. Off the dribble he struggles
because defenders can stay in front due to his slow first step. Overall, he has
good size and an improving body, but his mediocre quickness and limited perimeter
game will make it hard for him to ever become a go-to scorer.

8. Jermaine Taylor 6-5 207 SG Central Florida
Sr.

Has been under the radar for the duration of his career, but a big Sr. season
and a good showing at Portsmouth (predraft camp) have put Taylor on the fringe
of the 1st round. He has a finely chiselled body and more than enough athleticism
to battle with the guards on the next level. His shot has improved, and he has
become very good at using screens to set his shots up. Off the dribble he still
needs work as he is uncomfortable attacking quicker players, or when he is forced
to make counter moves. Slightly under 6’5 with shoes, he is a bit undersized,
but he has a near 6’9 wingspan and a 37′ max vert to compensate. His shot has
been on and off all season, but if he can continue to add consistency he has a
chance to become a reliable scorer.

9. Dionte Christmas 6-5 211 SG Temple
Sr.

A natural scorer who can fill it up from outside as well as with the drive. He
is not the most athletic player, but knows how to play the game and is a natural
scorer which allows him to get by people regardless. He understands the game as
well as what he can and cannot do, therefore he is very good at taking what the
defense gives him rather than forcing the action. He may not have played at the
top collegiate level, but for 3 straight seasons he was the go to scorer and he
performed on a consistent basis. His limitations are obviously his explosiveness
and the fact that he relies on the outside shot way too much, but with his maturity
and scoring ability he can be a nice addition for someone.

10. Marcus Thornton 6-4 194 SG LSU Sr.

He lacks the size and the ability to get by people off the dribble, but as a shooter
he is as dangerous as anyone in this draft class. He needs minimal separation
to release his shot, and his range goes well out to the NBA 3. Coming out of JUCO,
he was strictly an outside gunner, but in his last season at LSU he became better
at attacking the closeouts and doing some damage off penetration. At the next
level, his size and athletic limitations may make it difficult for him to create
for himself, but being such a versatile shooter, he could become a specialist
and a key piece to a winning team.

Honorable Mention:

Antonio Anderson, Michael
Bramos, Josh Carter, Lewis
Clinch, Lee Cummard, Mamadi
Diane, Weyinmi Efejuku, Courtney
Fells, Alonzo Gee, Sergii
Gladyr, Terrel Harris, David
Huertas, Markel Humphrey, Aaron
Jackson, Stefon Jackson, Wesley
Matthews, Jack McClinton, Jerel
McNeal, Jodie Meeks, KC
Rivers, Mike Rose, Alex
Ruoff, Josh Shipp, Kyle
Spain, Milenko Tepic, Dar
Tucker, Robert Vaden, Lorrenzo
Wade