Draft...the day after, Speculation time.

With the NBA Draft over and done with albeit hugely overshadowed by other world events in the last day, we can now take a look at who came out winners and who stuffed it up.

Winners:

Denver Nuggets-Ty Lawson was a steal with the 18th pick draft and trade deal. He will provide solid backup to Billups and Anthony and eventually become the teams leader from the point.

LA Clippers-Taylor Griffin was the stud of this years draft and the Clippers were right in taking him. He will have time to adjust and will have a healthy Kaman and Camby up front to help shoulder the load. Will this be enough for the Baron to return to being a productive team first player?

Memphis Grizzlies-Drafted well and could get immediate help from Carroll and Thabeet will be a dominant defensive force in the years to come. Young was also a second round steal.

Orlando Magic-though they had no draft picks, the trade to bring Vince carter back to the Sunshine state will make all parties happy. The loss of Tukoglu may not be as tough as it once seemed.

San Antonio Spurs-No first round picks, no worries!! The Spurs made out like Bandits whether or not they keep or trade Blair, Jack McClinton can score with the best of 'em and the acquisition of Jefferson helps the team transform itself into more of a threat.

Philadelphia 76ers-The Sixers got a still when a lottery pick Jrue Holliday fell into their hands at pick 17.

Losers:

Chicago Bulls-Questions surround Johnson & Gibson.

Minnesota Timberwolves-Either a bad Chemistry experiment or stocking the shelves for a fire sale?? They are building, but what are they building??

Other Notes:

Shaq will again don the number 33 for the first time since his college days for his Cleveland debut next season.

Rubio did not show up at a Wolves press conference.

Turkoglu opts out of Orlando contract.

Next week I will start looking at the upcoming Under 19 World Championships, the WNBA, the local Aussie scene and a few other things.

Nelson says the Warriors will not trade Curry.

'til then ... shoot 'em if you're open and if not, drive and dish!!

The Diesel pulls into Cleveland, hooks up Championship train!!

Shaquille O'Neal has left the building in Phoenix and headed for Cleveland in hopes of winning another title before hanging up the big boots. In a Draft Eve trade O'Neal was sent to the Cavs in exchange for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic and a 2010 second round draft pick. The combonation of the big Diesel with King James has Cav fans rejoicing in the streets.

In another big trade, Vince Carter has gone home to Florida after a trade by the New Jersey Nets sent him to the Magic along with Ryan anderson for Rafer Alston, who will return to the NYC/Mix Tape area where he is a cult figure, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. A healthy Carter could be the slasher the Magic are looking for in their quest for finals glory next season.

I will have a complete wrap up of todays draft and other trades in tomorrows blog...'til then, happy speculating.

Back to the Prospects

After yesterday's trade excitement, I will get back to having a look at more of the drafts top prospects.

Look for:

DeMar DeRozan (SG): Following O.J. Mayo's footsteps as a one and done from USC to the NBA, could follow his lead as a prime rookie performer in say...Toronto.

Jonny Flynn (PG): A fearless leader from the point will go to the hoop, pull up or dish with the best of them from this years draft, may become a Buck.

Stephen "Son of Dell" Curry (G): Definitely has the curry DNA though a bit shorter than his dad, could end up playing in Charlotte which would be friendly hometown confines.

Chase Budinger (G/F): Yes, white men can jump as this former volleyballer will prove, look for him to stay local and hop onto the roster of the Suns.

Eric Maynor (PG): A true floor general who has unquestionable floor leadership skills and smarts to bring to the table. May become a Philly favourite.

Biggest Bust:

Austin Daye (F): While intriguing with height for a big guard/small forward and with pedigree, should have taken another year or two to bulk up and hone his skills at 'Zaga. With that said look for Detroit to possibly be the ones to take a chance on him.

'Til tomorrow fans, we wait anxiously for the results and unpredictable outcomes of this years draft, while it is said to be a weak one, it is rather strong for back court players and deep at the PG position. As for Australia's own Patrick Mills, another year in the NCAA would not have hurt but look for him to go anywhere from late first round to not drafted at all. thus is the nature of the beast of Draft day 2009.

Two Shopping Days 'til Draft Day!!!

For NBA General Managers and die hard fans around the globe, the time is nigh, draft day is upon us!! On Thursday, Friday morning for us in Australia the suspense will build to a crescendo. So far all is quiet but expect moves to be made leading up to the draft in the form of trades. There are several rumours around with Shaq, Yao Ming, Chris Bosh and , Josh Smith being the hottest. As for what your team gets under their tree, here is my look at the notables.

Blake Griffin (PF): raw power and attitude, a pure NBA power forward, don't see the Clippers going past him, needs to develop mid range game.

Hasheem Thabeet (Goes On) (C): I have already given him the addition to his name because now that Matumbo has retired, "Thabeet goes on", get it!! Seriously though he may develop a vit more of an offensive game than Matumbo had. Along with the next few names could end up anywhere from pick 2-7. Oklahoma City widely predicted to take him at number three.

James Harden (SG): he shoots well, he handles well and he's athletic. Could be bound for New York if not taken sooner.

Ricky Rubio (PG): may continue the Spanish invasion of Memphis.

Jordan Hill (PF): another power forward of note, he may be a King for more than a day in Sacremento.

Tyreke Evans (PF): a tall athletic point guard who will cause nightmares for defenders and coaches in a few years time, could be off to mystify them in Washington.

DeJuan Blair (PF): a smallish power forward but a big dog in any fight under the basket, could be roughing them up on the Jersey Shore.

I will mention more in my next edition tomorrow as the time nears, until then, happy speculating!!