2009 NBA Draft Preview: Shooting Guards
Is there a Kobe in this draft?
Can anyone from this year’s class touch Kobe?
We’re unlikely to find any shooting guards that will ever reach Kobe Bryant-status, but it’s not crazy to think we can find a guy or two that could challenge Vince Carter.
There are probably 15 shooting guards in this draft that could start at the next level, and another five that could easily be in an NBA rotation.
However, the way the league works, not everyone gets a chance. That’s why they play the games and show-up at the workouts.
Read on to see who this year’s number-one SG prospect is:
10. Jerel McNeal, SG, Marquette
The only real knock on McNeal is that, at 6’3”, he’s a tad undersized for shooting guard.
Some would say, that with his exceptional ability on both ends, as well as solid athleticism, it wouldn’t be too far of a reach to try him at the point.
Regardless, McNeal has proven he can perform on a big stage (Big East) and be productive at a consistent and high level.
9. Alex Ruoff, SG/SF, West Virginia
Ruoff is a largely-overlooked talent, and could easily surprise some people by getting his name called earlier than expected on draft day.
Ruoff has a solid handle, excellent shooting ability, and better-than-advertised athleticism.
He won’t blow you away defensively, but does have the ability to cover elite guards, and also has exceptional passing ability.
With good size for the position, Ruoff could make for a fantastic steal if scouts see him the way he truly is.
8. Dionte Christmas, SG, Temple
If you could just set him up all day, Christmas would let it rain. For three straight seasons at Temple, he dropped in at least 19 points per game, while shooting no worse than 35 percent from trey-land.
Christmas is an exceptional offensive talent. The only problems are he has a weak handle, struggles with shot selection, and doesn’t offer a whole lot else to the team.
He has great size and solid athleticism for the position, and could easily be molded into a starter one day if he can improve on those weaknesses.
7. Terrence Williams, SG/SF, Louisville
Williams is a fantastic athlete with the ability to take over a game on either end of the court.
The problem? He just doesn’t do it that much.
Williams is a superbly well-rounded player, but isn’t necessarily great at any one thing.
He upped his three-point shooting to 38 percent in his senior season, and chipped in across the board with 12.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
Whether or not he can take his tools to the next level and become a star remains to be determined.
One thing is for sure, though. Whoever gets him will be getting a quality player that can help out in a number of ways.
6. Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
Henderson has improved each year in scoring, percentages, rebounding, passing, and overall defense.
He’s an underrated athlete that can defend most guards, and also doesn’t get enough credit for his timely scoring, as well as his clutch ability on both ends of the floor.
Henderson isn’t an electrifying player by any means, but in terms of fundamentals, working hard, and winning, there aren’t many better in this draft class.
5. Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina
Ellington was a huge piece of North Carolina’s run for the title last year, as well as a huge piece of the puzzle in his first two years.
At worst, Ellington is a terrific shooter off the bench, but as a starter, he can also help his NBA team defensively, as well as ensuring a fluid offense.
Ellington brings focus onto himself, which helps open up other teammates, and when he’s left open, can hit shots from anywhere on the floor with his limitless range.
4. Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
Evans has excellent athleticism and versatility, the type of blend that could see him trying out point guard at the next level, or dominating at either wing spot.
In just one season at Memphis, Evans displayed his scoring ability with 17 points per game, and also dropped in over five rebounds and nearly four assists per game.
He’s a well-rounded prospect who can fit in three different positions, and will still come out performing at a high level.
His main knock is his poor range on his jumper, as well as his only average free-throw shooting.
Regardless, any team looking for a shooting guard who can score and defend at a high level from the get-go, will definitely take Evans into consideration.
3. Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona
Quick: Name another athletic shooting guard who can shoot, has a decent handle, and dunks anytime they have a chance.
Oh, you came up with Brent Barry, too?
While Budinger continues to get the white-for-white comparison, he’s nothing like Barry, and is a much better player at this stage in his career.
Budinger has answered all the questions scouts had for him last season, as he’s stepped up in big games, increased his toughness, and has gotten better on defense.
With a beautiful stroke, great athleticism, and a sound overall game, Budinger could be a top-10 pick, and will certainly have his name called before the end of the first round.
2. DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC
DeRozan has been compared to Vince Carter countless times, as he has the same chiseled physique, and possesses great size at 6’6″ and 210 pounds.
In just one season at USC, DeRozan displayed his awesome athleticism, and electrifying vertical leap.
Unfortunately, DeRozan doesn’t have good range on his shot, and doesn’t appear to be ready to become a superstar at either level.
Regardless, he’s bound to be drafted in the top ten, simply because of his natural ability, combined with his ungodly athleticism.
At the same time, his seven-straight games of 16 or more points to end the season suggests he may be more ready than even he thinks.
1. James Harden, SG, Arizona State
Harden is too good to have his poor ending to his sophomore season kill his stock.
He has one of the best all-around games in college basketball, and can simply do it all.
Harden is a very athletic guard with good size, awareness, and an excellent stroke.
It’d be a shock if he wasn’t in the top five, or the first shooting guard off the board.