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		NBA Draft follows pretty much as expected By Joe Cronin June 25, 2009

	Teams in the NBA saw available players in much the same way, at least through the first dozen choices in the NBA college draft. Blake Griffin, the power forwar from Oklahoma, Hasheem Thabeet, the 7-3 center from UComm, James Harden, the shooting guard from Arizona State, Tyreke Evans, guard from Memphis, and Ricky Rubio, the very young point guard from Spain, were the top five. The T-Wolves then got Jonny Flynn, the super quick point guard from Syracuse, and, at seven, the Golden State Warriors opted for Stephen Curry, Dell Curry's great shooting son, Indiana then went for Jordan Hill, power forward from Arizona with loads of athleticism, At nine, the Raptors got DeMar DeRozan, great USC shooting guard. Rounding out the top ten was point guard Brandon Jennings, an American playing in Italy, by the Milwaukee Bucks. Power Forward DeJuan Blair of Pittsburgh was expected to go around this time, but he lasted until number 37, in the second round. Blair is thought to have knee problems. San Antonio probably got a bargain, most observers think he is going to be a long time NBA player. The Golden State Warriors drafted Stephen Curry with their pick at number 7. He will be a terrific scorer and around the league for ten or so years. The Sacramento Kings had a good day. Tyreke Evans, at number four, was the best player available. Evans has good size, and can play eith point or shooting guard. At number 23, the Kings picked Omri Casspi, a small forward from Israel, who they can keep in Europe until they think he can contribute. This might make better bagels available in the Sacramento area, at the very least. He's the first player from Israel taken in the first round. Not to be outdone, the Kings made a trade with Portland. The Kings number 31 pick, who was forward Jeff Pentergraph, 6-10, 240, of Arizona State, to Portland. The Kings received the number 38 choice, plus point guard Sergio Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a point guard from Spain now in his fourth year. He's small at 6-3, 168, and still learning his craft. The number 38 pick was John Brockman, the 6-7, 255, center at the University of Washington. He is a tough rebounder, he'll make the Kings a more physical team. Most people think that's exactly what the Kings need. This draft brings four players that should make spots much more competitive. A team on the way up.