2009 NBA Draft Picks

Here are the complete list of 2009 NBA Draft picks.

FIRST ROUND

PICK NO.	TEAM	THE PICK	REACTIONS
1		Blake Griffin A dominant physical presence with outstanding size and strength.	Fan Reactions
2		Hasheem Thabeet Imposing physical specimen who protects the basket.	Fan Reactions
3		James Harden One of the most complete players in the draft.	Fan Reactions
4		Tyreke Evans Excels at getting into the lane. Terrific ball-handler.	Fan Reactions
5		Ricky Rubio Processes the game a step ahead of everybody else.	Fan Reactions
6		Jonny Flynn Mature confident and quick point guard knows how to run a team	Fan Reactions
7		Stephen Curry Terrific off-balance shooter. Tremendous range.	Fan Reactions
8		Jordan Hill Productive scorer and rebounder who hasn’t maxed out his potential	Fan Reactions
9		DeMar DeRozan Swingman with top-flight athleticism and a high motor.	Fan Reactions
10		Brandon Jennings Rare quickness and leaping ability. Good in traffic.	Fan Reactions
11		Terrence Williams Can play point-forward with outstanding court vision.	Fan Reactions
12		Gerald Henderson Athletic scoring guard with a versatile offensive game.	Fan Reactions
13		Tyler Hansbrough Effort and intensity separate him from the pack.	Fan Reactions
14		Earl Clark Long and athletic forward with a good overall skill-set.	Fan Reactions
15		Austin Daye Shows great touch from all spots on the floor.	Fan Reactions
16		James Johnson Handles the ball well can shoot from distance.	Fan Reactions
17		Jrue Holiday Rebounds and blocks shots. Excellent team player.	Fan Reactions
18		Ty Lawson   (traded to Denver) Speedy and gifted ball-handler who excels in the open floor.	Fan Reactions
19		Jeff Teague Adept at creating his own shot. Excels in transition.	Fan Reactions
20		Eric Maynor Gets into the lane easily. Makes excellent decisions.	Fan Reactions
21		Darren Collison Great change-of-direction speed. Premier defender.	Fan Reactions
22		Victor Claver Athletic and runs the floor well. Possesses a good basketball IQ.	Fan Reactions
23		Omri Casspi Skilled forward who exhibits toughness on the boards.	Fan Reactions
24		B.J. Mullens   (traded to Oklahoma City) Has tremendous presence. Is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker.	Fan Reactions
25		Rodrigue Beaubois   (traded to Dallas) Long athletic and very quick. Terrific wingspan.	Fan Reactions
26		Taj Gibson Long and athletic with a developing inside-out game.	Fan Reactions
27		DeMarre Carroll Tenacious interior player with terrific physical ability.	Fan Reactions
28		Wayne Ellington Polished offensive player with picture-perfect form.	Fan Reactions
29		Toney Douglas   (traded to New York) Natural scorer with very good athleticism.	Fan Reactions
30		Christian Eyenga Athletic guard shows a quick first step.	Fan Reactions

SECOND ROUND

PICK NO.	TEAM	THE PICK	REACTIONS
31		Jeff Pendergraph   (traded to Portland) Active and efficient around the basket.	Fan Reactions
32		Jermaine  Taylor   (traded to Houston) Absorbs contact and is able to finish.	Fan Reactions
33		Dante Cunningham Solid athlete who showed major improvement	Fan Reactions
34		Sergio Llull   (traded to Houston) Averaged 8.6 points with Real Madrid last season.	Fan Reactions
35		DaJuan Summers Shoots with range will rebound and bang from the wing.	Fan Reactions
36		Sam Young An aggressive defender and rebounder.	Fan Reactions
37		DeJuan Blair Freakish wingspan high motor productive on interior.	Fan Reactions
38		Jon Brockman   (traded to Sacramento) Plays the game with reckless abandon	Fan Reactions
39		Jonas Jerebko Solid athlete with great height at the forward spot.	Fan Reactions
40		Derrick Brown Long and explosive combo-forward with energetic style.	Fan Reactions
41		Jodie Meeks Shoots well standing still and coming off screens.	Fan Reactions
42		Patrick Beverley   (traded to Miami) Scoring guard who can light it up.	Fan Reactions
43		Marcus Thornton   (traded to New Orleans) Able to catch and shoot with a very quick release.	Fan Reactions
44		Chase Budinger   (traded to Houston) Uses vertical leap of over 40 inches to finish strong.	Fan Reactions
45		Nick Calathes Versatile playmaker with an excellent feel for the game.	Fan Reactions
46		Daniel Green Versatile wing performer with a nice feel for the game.	Fan Reactions
47		Henk Norel Terrific outside shooter for his size.	Fan Reactions
48		Taylor Griffin Has a chance to break out of his brother Blake’s shadow	Fan Reactions
49		Sergiy Gladyr Young shooter with incredible potential. Picture-perfect mechanics.	Fan Reactions
50		Goran Suton Strong positional rebounder	Fan Reactions
51		Jack  McClinton Prolific deep shooter with unlimited range.	Fan Reactions
52		A.J. Price Cerebral point who does a good job balancing the need to score and distribute.	Fan Reactions
53		Nando De Colo Posted 13.1 points in France last season.	Fan Reactions
54		Robert Vaden   (traded to Oklahoma City) Volume shooter	Fan Reactions
55		Patrick Mills Dangerous penetrator with terrific first step.	Fan Reactions
56		Ahmad Nivins Strong frame with good length and bounce	Fan Reactions
57		Emir Preldzic Loves to face the basket. Finds his teammates.	Fan Reactions
58		Lester Hudson Can switch to point guard slot and run an offense.	Fan Reactions
59		Chinemelu Elonu Active big man who crashes the boards.	Fan Reactions
60		Robert Dozier Extremely long and athletic	Fan Reactions

Source: NBA.com

Los Angeles Lakers Win 2009 NBA Finals: Rants and Raves

First of all, I would like to congratulate Los Angeles Lakers for winning the 2009 NBA Finals, burying the Orlando Magic 4-1, as I already predicted before.

The Lakers grab the Title on the road, defeating the Magic 99-86. Led by Kobe’s 30 points and 4 blocks performance, the Lakers glorious moment started in the second quarter, outscoring the Magic 30-18. Later on, Kobe also grabs the MVP Award.

I cannot help but to rant on the failure of my favorite team, the Magic, and to rave on the success of the Lakers.

My rants: Orlando Magic - Why experience matters

I am actually surprised that the Magic topped the Cavs in Eastern Conference Finals - LeBron is extremely dominant in the thriller series. I was happy for the Magic, but then I have my doubt on them, as the Team they are facing in the Finals are a much more experienced team than the Cavs.

The Lakers do look like the Cavs - Being led by a superstar in Kobe Bryant. However, I must say that the Lakers are a much different team than the Cavs - Something that Stan Van Gundy is failing to address in the 2009 NBA Finals.

Here are some points why the Magic fail:

1. Dwight is under-performing in the Finals. Sorry to say, but Superman Sr. (Shaq) is better than Superman Jr. (Dwight) in term of passing the ball to open teammates in double-team situation. Although Shaq is a total brick layer from the free throw line, Dwight is a less formidable scorer on offense. Even Gortat seems better than Dwight at times.
2. Jameer Nelson shouldn’t play as much minutes as he does throughout the Finals. I understand Stan’s decision to play Jameer on the Finals for some heroic reason, but I guess he ignore the fact that Mr. Alston is the one running the show throughout the Playoffs. Although Nelson is a better shooter than Alston, having Jameer around on crucial Playoffs games is something that his teammates need to get used to again. The Finals are NOT the time to test team chemistry!
3. Why on earth J.J. plays Kobe?! J.J. Redick is an excellent shooter, but he is a lackluster defender. Having J.J. to guard Kobe is ridiculous. Even Courtney Lee is way much better than J.J. Mickael Pietrus is Magic’s best bet for the job - He’s got the size and defensive capability to, at least, slow Kobe down. Mickael should play more minutes.

My raves: Los Angeles Lakers - Master Zen is what other teams don’t have

The Lakers are dominant throughout the season. Period. I foresaw that the Lakers will win the 2009 NBA Champs, for some reason:

1. Master Zen is here. Phil Jackson is what the Lakers need, regardless the talents on the team. His approach in trusting his players to play through adversities reaps the result: The Lakers’ players are mentally tough and ready to take the team to the highest level.
2. Kobe’s unselfish game. I hated Kobe - He always want to take the shot, but he simply couldn’t do what MJ has done (LeBron is better in changing the game direction than Kobe, IMO.) But I respect him this year - By being a huge factor without shooting the ball that often, he often made himself a decoy, that leads his teammates to easy scoring. Kudos!
3. Pau Gasol is the real MVP. You gotta admit - Without Pau, the Lakers won’t win the Champs. He plays 4 and 5 well, and although he seems lack strength, his skills are excellent, especially on the offensive-end of the game. What’s more, he takes his second-man role in Lakers pretty well (unlike Shaq.)
4. Derek Fisher is the best trade the Lakers do. Like wine, Derek’s quality improves with age. Fisher is the major factor of Lakers success in changing the game situation. He hits deadly clutch shots in the Finals, costing the Magic the Title.
5. Trevor Ariza steps up. Ariza is not only a threat on defensive-end these days. He changes the game direction to favor the Lakers through his not-typical three point shooting. Master Zen did well in grooming Ariza.

Again, congrats to the Lakers!

Los Angeles Lakers 2, Orlando Magic 0: Is the 1995 NBA Finals’ Sweep Haunting the Magic?

I remember the day that Nick Anderson missed free throws after free throws that possibly, single-handedly, costing the Magic the 1995 NBA Finals series - The Magic is clean swept by the Rockets 0-4.

After watching the Magic lost to the Lakers in OT, that memory is instantly coming back to me.

Losing in one of the NBA Finals Series in over time is very devastating. What’s more, losing in the second game that way is like rubbing salt on an open wound to the Magic.

On the other end, the Lakers did a great job on defense, causing the Magic missed tons of shots on Game 1. On game 2, the Lakers show maturity, handling pressure well despite Kobe’s less-than-stellar game (note his 7 turnovers.)

Will the Lakers sweep the Magic? I personally don’t think so - I would predict that the Magic is taking 2 games at home, only to lose to the Lakers 2-4. But the 4-0 sweep is very possible, considering the Magic poor Finals performance so far, despite better performance by Hedo, Rashard and Dwight.

Your take?

Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard: Top 10 Plays from 2009

This is the video compilation of Kobe’s and Dwight’s 2009 Top 10 action. The are ready for the Finals. ‘Nuff said.

Kobe Bryant Top 10 Plays

Dwight HowardTop 10 Plays

2009 NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic

Finally, the series we have been waiting for so long are right here, right now.

The Lakers banish the Nuggets from the 2009 NBA Playoffs 4-2, and the Magic survives the Cavaliers, also with 4-2.

For the Lakers, they have the opportunity to revenge their loss to the Celtics in 2008 NBA Finals.

L.A. Lakers analysis

For the Lakers, the Western Conference Title seems apparent - Denver, despite finding their stability in Chauncey Billups, loses to a more complete, experienced and prepared team, lead by the Zen Master Jackson and (as usual) Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers have deep and talented squad this year - Especially with the rising star in Trevor Ariza. Gasol brings stability to the team, and pull some pressure off Kobe. Despite I am a long-time fan of Orlando Magic, I honestly fave the Lakers to win 2009 NBA Finals and grab the coveted NBA Championship Title.

Orlando Magic analysis

For the Magic, they are finally in the NBA Finals again after the embarrassing loss of the Shaq-Penny-led young Magic squad to Olajuwon-led Houston Rockets by 0-4 in 1995 NBA Finals.

They are a better shooting team than the Lakers, but, in my opinion, they lack experience (badly) and consistency. Hedo has to be more consistent from the field, despite his brilliant passing. Rashard’s too. Dwight has to face the rotation of Gasol, Odom and Bynum, and has to let other take his offensive role off him. So many questions need answering, and it’s up to their teamwork and how badly they want to thwart the 1995 NBA Finals’ curse.

Orlando Magic - Fingers crossed. Good luck in taking the NBA Champs crown off the Lakers.

Rajon Rondo: 2009 NBA Playoffs MVP?

For those of you who fan Rajon Rondo, you are probably the happiest group of people these days.

Rajon Rondo put up all-star performances throughout the 2009 NBA Playoffs, helping the Celtics to minimize the effect of losing KG from the lineup.

Despite his occasional turnovers, if he continued to perform the way he did so far, he could be your 2009 NBA Playoffs MVP! (Of course, the Celtics have to defeat the Magic on game 7 and challenge the-highly-probable-opponent, the Cavs in Eastern Conference Finals.)

He delivers spectacular numbers so far - In 13 playoffs games, he averages 41.5 minutes per game, 10.0 rebounds per game, 9.8 assists per game, and 17.4 points per game - Yep, he almost averages a triple double each game!

Let’s hope for the Celtics to go all the way to 2009 NBA Finals - Rondo could be the biggest surprise in this year’s playoffs.

Image source: http://sportsfortruefans.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/rajon-rondo.jpg

Posterize Your NBA Playoffs Action

Not many surprises on 2009 NBA Playoffs - The Cavs and The Lakers thrive, while Houston and Celtics are struggling without T Mac and KG (especially for Houston - Yao’s injury salts Houston’s already open wound - maybe next year, guys?)

For those of you who are fortunate enough to be able to watch the action live, court side (I wish I could go to Magic Playoffs games), here’s a tip for you to make sure your NBA “celebs” sighting worthwhile (and you can brag about it later.)

You must’ve taken some pictures of the game… Now bring this a step further - Posterize your fav ballers posterized their opponents - get it?

You can find custom poster printing services from reliable provider such as PSPrint, and have your favorite basketball moments printed in large. In PSPrint case, you can turn any digital NBA actions image from your digital camera into a high gloss custom poster. And oh, you can print a poster as large as 27″ x 39″ - cool!

Maybe you should print LeBron and the Cavs’ in-action posters and sell them on eBay - That will surely make you some money, as the Cavs will reign in 2009 NBA Playoffs as 2009 NBA Champions of the World! (And yes, I’m with Pres. Obama on this…)

Image by Army.mil.

Derrick Rose is 2009 NBA Rookie of The Year

Finally, as predicted, Derrick Rose of Chicago Bulls grabs the 2009 NBA ROY award.

To me, this is not a surprise - throughout the season, I respect Derrick’s leadership and maturity he is showing on every game he plays. His 6.3 assists per game rank first among rookies, while his 16.8 points per game rank second.

I totally agree to what Andrew Seligman, AP Sports Writer said about Rose being “the franchise’s first true cornerstone since Jordan.”

Is that too much? Yes, I guess so. But come to think of it - Andrew is probably right. No Bulls player has the leadership quality of Derrick Rose. Not even Kirk Hinrich. Ben Gordon? Nah.

Anyway, congrats to my man, Derrick Rose - The League is always open for extraordinary Point Guard, and Derrick is here to stay!

Image by SlamOnline.com.

2009 NBA Playoffs are Here: A Complete First Round Schedule

Finally, finally! 2009 NBA Playoffs are here - Let the battles begin!

The 2009 NBA Playoffs contestants are as follow:

Western Conference

#1 Lakers vs. #8 Jazz
#2 Nuggets vs. #7 Hornets
#3 Spurs vs. #6 Mavs
#4 Blazers vs. #5 Rockets

Eastern Conference

#1 Cavaliers vs. #8 Pistons
#2 Celtics vs. #7 Bulls
#3 Magic vs. #6 Sixers
#4 Hawks vs. #5 Heat

And here’s the complete 2009 NBA Playoffs schedule:

Eastern Conference

Cleveland vs. Detroit
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Detroit at Cleveland 3:00PM ABC
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Detroit at Cleveland 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Cleveland at Detroit 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Cleveland at Detroit 3:30PM ABC
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Cleveland at Detroit TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD

Boston vs. Chicago
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Chicago at Boston 12:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Mon April 20 Chicago at Boston 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 Boston at Chicago 8:00PM TNT
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Boston at Chicago 1:00PM ABC
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Chicago at Boston TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Boston at Chicago TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Chicago at Boston TBD TNT

Orlando vs. Philadelphia
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Philadelphia at Orlando 5:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Philadelphia at Orlando 7:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Orlando at Philadelphia 8:00PM ESPN2
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Orlando at Philadelphia 6:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Philadelphia at Orlando TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Orlando at Philadelphia TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Philadelphia at Orlando TBD TNT

Atlanta vs. Miami
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Atlanta at Miami 6:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD

Western Conference

L.A. Lakers vs. Utah
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Utah at L.A. Lakers 3:00PM ABC
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Utah at L.A. Lakers 10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 L.A. Lakers at Utah 10:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Sat April 25 L.A. Lakers at Utah 9:00PM ESPN
Game 5 * Mon April 27 Utah at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 L.A. Lakers at Utah TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Utah at L.A. Lakers TBD TNT

Denver vs. New Orleans
Game 1 - Sun April 19 New Orleans at Denver 10:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 New Orleans at Denver 10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Denver at New Orleans 1:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Denver at New Orleans TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 New Orleans at Denver TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Denver at New Orleans TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 New Orleans at Denver TBD TBD

San Antonio vs. Dallas
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Dallas at San Antonio 8:00PM ESPN
Game 2 - Mon April 20 Dallas at San Antonio 9:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 San Antonio at Dallas 8:30PM NBATV
Game 4 - Sat April 25 San Antonio at Dallas 4:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Dallas at San Antonio TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 San Antonio at Dallas TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Dallas at San Antonio TBD TBD

Portland vs. Houston
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Houston at Portland 10:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Houston at Portland 10:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Portland at Houston 9:30PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Portland at Houston 9:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Houston at Portland TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Portland at Houston TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Houston at Portland TBD TNT

Note: * if needed.

Game on!

Source: NBA.com.

2009 NBA Playoffs Participants are Finally Decided

Although the regular season has not ended yet, the 16 NBA teams that will go to 2009 NBA Playoffs has already been decided. Now, the NBA Playoffs participating teams will fight for higher seeds for home court advantage.

The teams that are currently still in the race for home court advantage are:

Eastern Conference: Philadelphia Sixers (with 40-39 win-loss record) and Chicago Bulls (40-40) for the 6th place.

Western Conference: Denver Nuggets (53-27), Houston Rockets (52-28), Portland Trailblazers (52-28) and San Antonio Spurs (51-28) for 2nd to 5th seed and New Orleans Hornets (48-31), Dallas Mavericks (48-31) and Utah Jazz (47-33) for 6th to 8th seed.

Here are the list of NBA Teams playing in 2009 NBA Playoffs:

Eastern Conference: Cleveland Cavaliers (64-15), Boston Celtics (60-19), Orlando Magic (58-22), Atlanta Hawks (46-34), Miami Heat (41-38), Philadelphia Sixers (40-39), Chicago Bulls (40-40) and Detroit Pistons (39-41)

Western Conference: Los Angeles Lakers (63-17), Denver Nuggets (53-27), Houston Rockets (52-28), Portland Trailblazers (52-28), San Antonio Spurs (51-28), New Orleans Hornets (48-31), Dallas Mavericks (48-31) and Utah Jazz (47-33).