As the 2009 NBA Draft Lottery Looms…

As we near the 2009 Draft Lottery it is time for the Washington Wizards community to get serious about the future of the franchise.  There is an evident window of opportunity for the current squad, made clear by the hiring of Flip Saunders and the extension of Antawn Jamison.  It is Ernie Grunfeld’s belief that the Wizards are one piece away from making a deep run in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  One thing is clear, the Wizards need to add a player that can consistently contribute right away.  They don’t need another project big man or an offensive-minded guard who needs a few years to learn how to play defense, and they want to get something significant for the value that beholds a top five pick. 

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After all of the anticipation had mounted it was a surprising revelation to hear the Washington Wizards envelope be the fifth pick, the worst possible pick for the team to receive.  It instantly shattered to hopes for Blake Griffin or Ricky Rubio and started what will surely be a hectic guessing game for the next month.  Where do journalists start in predicting what the Wizards will do?  This draft class becomes increasingly hard to decipher after the second pick. 
Ricky Rubio is not a lock to go to Memphis but it is possible.  If they pass on the Spaniard it is unlikely Oklahoma City will select him to share minutes with Russell Westbrook.  Chad Ford’s first mock draft on ESPN argues that it is possible.  However, it seems impossible he will slip past Sacramento at four.  This morning Doug Gottlieb of ESPN predicted the top 7, here is what he said for the Wizards:

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According to Chad Ford of ESPN, the Wizards are in preliminary talks to discuss a trade with the team holding the no. 3 choice in the NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder.  It is said that Ricky Rubio's agent is somewhat driving a potential deal because his client would prefer not to play in Memphis or Oklahoma City.  It is the same agent as Yi Jianlin with the same desire, for the player to play in a larger market.  They see Washington and Sacramento as having fanbases more suitable for Rubio who is, I am assuming, looking for a latino population to attract to his games.  Fair enough, if this means the Wizards could get Rubio I am for it.  It is said that we would have to give up Javale McGee and our no. 5 pick but that may be worth it for Rubio.  I think Grunfeld is taking a chance on this because he really wanted Griffin or Rubio, the two players who are most likely to be All-Stars in the NBA.  I think ideally we would get a player that can contribute and for cheap on a rookie contract.  If this doesn't work out, many, including those at ESPN, think that Grunfeld will trade the choice for a veteran and/or cap relief.

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