Mayo was ready.
Both Eric Gordan and O.J. Mayo had only one year of college in them, yet that’s all they needed.
The difficult questions is-are there two more players in this draft that could come close to their potential?
Maybe, maybe not.
But there are definitely some guys in this draft that, one way or another, should be able to make an immediate impact, as well as some others that could surprise some people.
1. Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
Griffin is an absolute beast inside offensively, and regardless of nagging scout’s concerns, he is a much better defender than advertised.
Griffin has a solid handle for a big man, can score in a variety of ways around the basket, and is easily the best “finishing” big in this draft.
It’d be a shock if Griffin didn’t go to the Clippers with the first pick, and even if they did trade the pick, he’d still go number one, overall.
Upon his arrival, L.A. will have to figure out who they can live without-Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, or Zach Randolph-my money in on the latter.
One of those player’s departures will open up a spot for the former Sooner, and a mild double-double is not out of the question for his rookie year.
2. Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn
Thabeet’s offensive game is nowhere near NBA-ready, but the media is hyping that down far too much.
He’s still a tower in the paint, and even against NBA bigs, should be able to muster up enough offense to keep his defensive play-making skills on the floor.
Thabeet can change games by altering player’s shots or forcing teams to shoot long jumpers, while also helping out on the boards.
He may begin his career as an offensive liability, but then again, that’s now why he’s being drafted.
Thabeet is a strong candidate for over 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game in his first year, provided he gets good minutes.
3. James Harden, SG, Arizona State
Harden has one of the draft’s more complete offensive packages, as he is a solid shooter with good range, and is athletic enough to create for himself and get to the hole.
While Harden is mainly regarded as a potentially elite offensive threat, he is actually a very capable defender, as well.
Harden’s movements aren’t always as fluid as scouts would like, but they said the same thing about Michael Redd.
In his first year, double-digit scoring and a filled-out stat sheet is very likely.
4. Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
Scouts have mixed views on Hill.
Some feels he lacks a strong work ethic and doesn’t have a real go-to move that can be dominant in the NBA.
The again, several others say the exact opposite.
Regardless, the one thing we do know about Hill is that he’s, at worst, a solid player at both ends of the floor.
Two teams that are starving for inside help, Washington and Oklahoma City, are rumored to be targeting him.
Hill needs to get stronger inside, as well as develop more effective moves, but he has enough touch on his shot and is good enough on defense to be effective in his first year.
5. Ty Lawson, PG, UNC
Lawson may lack ideal height, but if that’s all scouts can really come up with as for a knock for this kid, they should just give up.
Lawson is a terrific shooter when he’s on, and is a tremendous leader with the experience needed to guide an NBA team.
He’s unselfish, can clearly play with injury, and excels on both ends of the floor.
The rumor is that Milwaukee is pondering taking him with the 10th pick, and rightfully so, as he would fit Scott Skiles’ defense and offense perfectly.
6. Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
Henderson is one of the most underrated athletes/players in this year’s draft.
He was the glue that held one of the stronger ACC squads together, as he was incredibly clutch several times throughout the season, and also put up solid numbers across the board.
Henderson has a solid handle, is adept at creating for himself, and is a capable defender.
He should surprise some people by going earlier than he “should”, and could easily start in his first year.
He’s undersized for the shooting guard position, but with his skill level and versatility, he could even run as a combo guard for some teams.
7. Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
Like Lawson, Flynn lacks the ideal height and size for the point guard position. However, unlike Lawson, Flynn is a freak athlete with a ridiculous wing span, combined with out-of-this-world athleticism.
He can rise above defenders, while his long arms help him get after rebounds, as well.
Flynn has a ways to go as far as managing an NBA team on the floor, but he has a solid stroke, can penetrate with the best of them, and is good at getting to the line.
These are all qualities of an elite point guard in the making.
8. Stephen Curry, PG/SG, Davidson
Curry isn’t going to rise up and dunk on your seven footer. He may not even be able to take it to the hole as well as he did in college.
And if you’re asking him to guard the opposing team’s best player, my money is on him allowing at least 20.
However, no one in this draft shoots the ball like Curry does, with such great range and consistency.
Curry is an underrated athlete, too. He can get around defenders with deceptive quickness, and can pull his shot off at any time, regardless of where he is.
That ability to shoot all over the floor will get him on the court, if as nothing more than a decoy.
But he’s more than that. Curry could have a big rookie year like O.J. Mayo did. The only question is-is he J.J. Redick, or Mayo?
9. Tyler Hansbrough, PF, UNC
Hansbrough is the “definition” of NBA-ready.
He has slightly less than ideal size for the NBA power forward position, and his athleticism, albeit solid, isn’t quite up to par with NBA standards.
However, nobody outworks “Psycho T”.
Hansbrough has an engine that needs to fuel, as he’s constantly putting forth more energy and strength than the opposition.
Hanbsrough plays much better defense than he’s credited for, is a beast on the boards, and has an offensive game that continues to grow.
Nobody scores 20 points per game in the ACC for almost an entire college career and flops in the NBA.
At least not this time.
10. DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh
Blair is physically completely ready to take on the rigors of the NBA. He’s made for life inside the paint.
The only problem is, he’s barely 6’6”.
So, he won’t be any good, right?
Tell that to Charles Barkley.
Much like Hansbrough, few work as hard as Blair does, and despite his height, he put up a double-double average on the season in the Big East conference.
He even had a game with 22 points against Hasheem Thabeet of UConn.
The guy can play, and once we get past the height and weight excuses, we’ll see that a little guy can wreak havoc in the paint. Yes, even in the NBA.
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