The NBA draft is usually something to look forward to each year as a sports fan. It’s arguably the sport with the most recognizable names and faces, making for dramatic announcements and trades throughout the event. This year, however, once you got past Griffin, it started to go downhill pretty quick into obscurity. Nevertheless, there are some gems in the college basketball betting field that you’ll want to study and follow throughout their rookie season. If they don’t have an immediate impact on their team winning games this coming season, they just might during their sophomore year. Or, they might not. Hate to play spoiler, but there’s a whole lot of Sam Bowie potential in this year’s draft.
I’m actually going to start with Blake, because I think, while the basketball betting Clippers really had no choice, he’s nowhere near the game changer everyone seems to think he is. I can see him settling in as a nice Ron Artest, 14 points per game type guy, but in no way would I predict (or put money on) him rising to superstar, or even star, status. Bet on him being a role player that’s capable of creating his own shot when he needs to. His size gets him caught in-between positions, which could actually work out to be a good thing for him. He can muscle away some smaller forwards, but can’t really bang with the big guys down low. Don’t get caught up in the hype, avoid the Clippers as you normally would.
Hasheem Thabeet lands on the Grizzlies, a team still in search of a point. Not a point guard, just a point of existence. That aside, this athletic shot-blocker is a one-dimensional option who didn’t really deserve to go No. 2. I’m getting tired of NBA players who can’t score. It’s the big leagues, boys, you should be able to do everything, and really well. I don’t care how well you can jump for a rebound, leave the Ben Wallace’s, Joakim Noah’s and Thabeet’s at home and give me some more points. Defense might win championships, but offense wins fans, baby. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you Thabeet won’t have much of an impact on the Grizzlies’ winning percentage this year or the next.
And finally, Ricky Rubio. Yeah, for some reason the Wolves den is now crowded with rookie point guards, but Rubio will be the star, and he WILL impact the team’s winning percentage. Even at the ripe young age of 18, you can expect some flash and dazzle from him. Now, the Wolves were 24-58 last year, I wouldn’t exactly bank on them getting back to the playoffs (nor would they have a shot at escaping the first round even if they did). But a 9-10 game turnaround is not out of the question, nor is a .500 season the next year. If you’re watching the Wolves as either a team to bet on or against, you also have to wonder if a Jonny Flynn deal is actually going to come? And if not, how long until someone gets unhappy about playing time?