The 2010 NBA Draft went according to plan with John Wall going first, and everyone else basically falling into place. Even the Golden State Warriors followed protocol making a horrible selection at 6. Alas, all is normal in the NBA.

But the biggest success came from the teams that were already involved in the NBA free agency class of 2010, and they made a bigger splash by using the draft to create more cap space using the addition by subtraction method of packaging players into draft day trades.

The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat made the most room, freeing massive cap space and taking the serious lead to make their teams title contenders this summer.

The Bulls sent Kirk Hinrich and the 17th pick to the Washington Wizards, freeing up enough space to sign two max free agents. They retained Luol Deng, so the Bulls can now immediately offer a major free agent a solid playoff ready supporting cast in Derrick Rose, Deng, and Joakim Noah.

The free agency power is in my hand!

LeBron James’ name and the Chicago Bulls seem to keep popping up in conversations and the rumor mills, but now you can start hearing things like “LeBron and Bosh” or “LeBron and Amare” emerging as the new conversational trend.

The Miami Heat, who were already poised to make some serious waves in free agency, shipped out Daequan Cook and the #18 pick to Oklahoma City Thunder,  clearing the space now for the Heat to resign Dwyane Wade, and sign two free agents.

Miami now can offer free agents the beach, Wade, and a lifestyle that is more desirable than almost any other NBA franchise location around (Note: Miami’s acronym= Minnesota).

For now, these two teams are the big winners as we waltz our way into the July 1st fiasco, however, once LeBron inks a deal, and the rest of the players fall into place with their teams, we wont really know.

As of now Miami sits at the top of the list of all franchises hoping to hit the free agent marketplace, perched and ready to make the most noise this summer.

Latavious Williams became the latest in a potentially long line of immensely talented young players forgoing collegiate careers in order to cash in on their talents. Williams declared he will not attend Memphis, opting for a professional experience in China instead. This new trend–started by Brandon Jennings and Jeremy Tyler–isn’t what the NBA had in mind when instituting an age minimum.

Expect Williams to eat well and train hard for the 2010 draft (Credit: Charles A. Smith)

Having spent a respectable portion of time in China over the past two years, I can assure first hand Latavious Williams is in for a treat. The Chinese are extraordinarily hospitable and ardent supporters of basketball.  He’ll receive star treatment while the fast-paced Chinese lifestyle will dictate a radical increase in his maturity.

Williams placed himself in a large market, and will be dominant, celebrated face in China. Expect endorsement deals with the folks of Li Ning. He could join Shaquille O’Neal, Jose Calderon, and Baron Davis as another NBA player with a Chinese made signature shoe.

Wil Latavious be the next face of Li Ning basketball products? (Credit: lining.com)

Latavious will make more cash during one year in China than a four-year tuition would cost. Which is the best Memphis University could offer him via the scholarship route.

The Chinese love their basketball. The NBA is constantly plotting expansion in China as a result. In the most obscure areas of China, you find more public basketball courts than in any major U.S. city. Games finds you.

You will not have to shoot jumpers on your own. Nor will you do something ridiculously sadistic like 1-on-1 full court with another Protect the Paint writer to attain your cardio. The Chinese are basketball crazed. Pick up games with long waits linger late into the night.

Congress and the NBA are “attempting” to make sense of this “must-be-19-years-old to-play” fiasco, doing more harm than good. They allow our talented youth pool to gett paid while experiencing cultures unavailable in college.

The NBA as a business should have a better training and support system in place for their employees, instead of using an age minimum to determine who can join the league.

At the age of 18, Latavious Wiliams can opt to enlist in the armed forces. His life could be cut short while serving his country. Also, he can be tried as an adult if he commits a crime.

That being said, how can the NBA force young and talented athletes to seek employment elsewhere?

Maybe congress and the NBA should start working on that.

Brandon Jennings has talked abundantly this summer. More than anyone has really cared to listen. He made claims stating he is better than Ricky Rubio. He traveled overseas and earned over six figures in endorsements instead of playing a year in the NCAA.

He constantly bucks the system and we are all guilty of shrugging off his words.

He walked in late to the draft to show up David Stern after announcing the 14th pick, Earl Clark. Jennings was the 10th pick. Here is a clip of Jennings bucking the system yet again.

He has had his academic humiliations of 3 low SAT scores, hype dating back to his McDonald’s All American game, and self-inflicted embarrassments while discussing his draft results.

We should listen to Brandon Jennings. The man has a huge chip on his shoulder.

Notwithstanding it’s a Summer League performance, the kid is on a tear. Through July 13th, he has 15.3 points and 8.3 assists a game. His steady improvement is evident every game.

Monday he finished with 14 assists, 7 steals, and 13 points on 5-13 shooting.

His overall 35% field goal percentage will improve with time.

Jennings called out Rubio, claiming he is the better player of the two. Although you might not agree, statistically, he is one of the best PGs in Summer League.

In a guard-rich draft bearing Rubio, Stephen Curry, Jonny Flynn, and Tyreke Evans, Jennings is rising to the top as the purest PG.

Should I tweet... facebook.....naw, I'll youtube this one! (Credit: picapp.com)

The speculation of where Rubio could be ranked amongst his peers is strictly speculative. His contract issue, as well as his issues with Minnesota, may prevent us from finding out.

We have definitely not seen/heard the last from Brandon Jennings. His predisposition to speak up and utterly make an ass of himself publicly will continue to entertain us.

Whether it is a tweet on twitter, a facebook message, or another youtube foul up, it is certain we have not heard the last of this kid.

We should all listen to what Jennings is saying. After all, he’s backing up his words with his game.

When the Golden State Warriors made Stephen Curry the 7th overall selection of the 2009 NBA Draft, Madison Square Garden erupted with booing and loud drones of disapproval. It was apparent why these fans howled in disdain: The best scoring prospect, capable of thriving in an up-tempo offense, will not be playing in New York next season. Instead, he will be thriving in Golden State’s run-and-gun offense.

Stephen Curry: NBA Rookie of the Year? (Credit: ESPN)

Don Nelson immediately addressed the media to muffle all trade rumors involving Curry as part of a multi-player deal to land Phoenix’s Amare Stoudamire:

“He can unpack his bags and relax,” Nelson said after welcoming Curry to Oakland. “He can buy a house. We drafted him because we think he’s a terrific player that fits right into our program. He ain’t going anyplace.”

Don Nelson has a reputation for being very tough on rookies, immediately yanking players for what he calls “dumb rookie mistakes”. Anthony Randolph is a great example of how a rookie can fall into Nellie’s doghouse swiftly. Randolph did not put forth the effort in practice that Nelson demanded, and quickly saw a dip in minutes during games. It was only after being mathematically eliminated from a playoff berth that Randolph saw the hardwood.

Based on Curry’s statements, the mentality ingrained into him by his father (16-year veteran Del Curry) will help him avoid such situations:

“I’m willing to learn and willing to take criticism and get something from it,” Curry said. “I know what I can do well and go out there and do it, and I’ll leave the rest to work itself out.” ESPN

Curry has all the crucial assets going for him to contend for Rookie of the Year.

He is a” lights out” shooter with unlimited range and great offensive creativity.
He is crafty beyond his years, and has a plethora of hesitation moves to shake defenders .
His off-ball movement and scoring impulses are excellent.
He fills passing lanes and finishes or passes to create shots for others.
His basketball IQ is the highest in the 2009 draft, and possibly the highest on Warriors roster.
He has a tenacious work ethic and his conditioning is strong.
Did we mention he is a “lights out” shooter?

Stephen Curry will have Warriors fans pumping their fists (Crdit: davissportsdelicom)

Stephen Curry’s conditioning, winning mentality, basketball IQ, clutch play, and NBA 3-point range are highlights of a solid NBA-ready resume–all attributes Don Nelson requires from of his guards. Having these intangibles will correlate directly to playing time. Based on these intangibles, Stephen Curry could very well start for the Warriors.

There is speculation how he and Monta Ellis can coexist as a back-court tandem for Golden State. Both have similar builds and styles of play. Neither of them are what you could call a true PG.

The unselfish attitude of Curry gives him distinct advantages over Ellis regarding the capacities of an effective point guard. He also appears to be a more vocal leader than Ellis, whom shies away from this role. Ellis has proven to be a black hole at times at the point. Offensive sets tend to start and finish with Ellis with few players getting touches.

Thay also differ most noticeably regarding their shooting range. Ellis simply cannot shoot the 3, while Curry is a long-range marksman. Curry seemingly possesses a dominant advantage when viewed through Don Nelson’s 3-point-lust-filled-eyes.

The bottom line is if these two players coexist, which is very possible, both should have solid seasons. Curry should see enough time to project anywhere from 15-17 PPG, 4-5 APG, a steal or two, and a very high FT%. Expect a high foul and turnover rate, but that usually is the case for any rookie in the NBA.

Curry has displayed his poise and leadership by putting a weak Davidson team on his back and carrying them to the NCAA tourney in 2008. Surround him with NBA talent and  no more triple teams will only make his life easier.

Look to see Curry put the “Warrior” back into “Warriors” soon, capturing the hearts of fans at Oracle Arena, and across the globe.

The 2009 NBA Draft is in the books begging the question: What teams added the piece that will help them out of the lottery and into the playoffs next year? The Bulls, Heat, and Blazers—lottery teams from 2008—made the playoffs, replaced this year by Phoenix, Toronto, and Washington (who traded their pick to Minnesota). Below is Protect the Paint’s grades for what this year’s lottery teams did with their lottery pick and a prediction of their lottery-status for next season.

Blake Griffin should start immediately (Credit: ESPN)

#1     Los Angeles Clippers        Blake Griffin            Grade: A

No surprise here. Look for the Clippers to make some roster moves to insure Griffin a starting spot and get rid of some locker room headaches. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be better, but the Western Conference is stacked, so back to the lottery.

Can Thabeet develop an offensive game? (Credit: ESPN)

#2     Memphis Grizzlies        Hasheem Thabeet        Grade: B

The next Dikembe Mutombo? Thabeet should be an immediate impact player on the defensive end. Luckily for him, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo will be taking most of the shots. Lookout if he develops an offensive game. He should be in the league for his D alone for years to come. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

James Harden might be the best player of the draft class (Credit: ESPN)

#3    Oklahoma City Thunder    James Harden            Grade: B

The Thunder eliminated their biggest weakness and gave Russell Westbrook a running mate in the backcourt. The combination of Westbrook, Harden, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant is downright frightening for what the future has in store for the Thunder. Look for this team to dramatically improve their win total (23) from last year. NEXT YEAR: much improved, but back to the lottery.

The Kings surprised everyone by selecting Evans over Rubio (Credit: ESPN)

#4    Sacramento Kings        Tyreke Evans            Grade: D

This was a shocker. It seemed every mock draft, rumor, or news report had Ricky Rubio coming to Sac-town. Evans has flaws in his overall game. He is raw, but there is an abundance of raw, young talent in Sacramento. In three years, one must question where Evans will be in comparison to Rubio. Low grade is for not selecting Rubio. The kid displayed abilities and poise years beyond his age in the Olympics against the redeem team. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Ricky Rubio will likely be dealt or play next season in Europe (Credit: ESPN)

#5    Minnesota Timberwolves    Ricky Rubio            Grade: B
The T-Wolves got their man with Rubio. Flynn (see 6th pick) is an athletic, charismatic type player whom will lift his teammates on and off the court. However, he is one of 5 guards selected by Minnesota. We here at Protect the Paint envision Rubio emerging as a superstar in this league. Look for multiple moves in the near future from Minnesota. A good question is if Rubio even plays in the NBA this year. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Jonny Flynn has the talent to star in Minnesota for years to come (Credit: ESPN)

#6    Minnesota Timberwolves    Johnny Flynn            Grade: B-
Guard #2 of 5 selected by Minnesota. It will be very interesting to see who is dealt and who is kept. With Minnesota’s luck, it is a safe bet the guy dealt experiences greater NBA prosperity. Right now, Rubio has far more trade value. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Stephen Curry: NBA Rookie of the Year? (Credit: ESPN)

#7    Golden State Warriors        Stephen Curry            Grade: A+
The Warriors high-octane offense just acquired a serious scoring threat. Scouting reports knocked his defense and decision-making. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Bay Area. The only disclaimer in Oakland: the brass told Monta Ellis they would not select a PG. If the two can get along, the Warriors could be quite dangerous when going small. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Hill is the Knicks consolation prize after Curry was taken at 7. (Credit: ESPN)

#8    New York Knicks        Jordan Hill            Grade: C+
The Knicks lost out big time by not being able to draft Stephen Curry but are satisfied with Hill. Hill provides immediate relief if David Lee leaves. Pundits believe he will thrive in Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun style of play. Will the Knicks ever be good again? NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Can DeRozen make Chris Bosh reconsider leaving Toronto? (Credit: ESPN)

#9    Toronto Raptors        DeMar DeRozan        Grade: A-
This is possibly the best pick the Raptors could have hoped for. DeRozen is freakishly athletic.  Will be a key piece in forcing Chris Bosh to consider staying, If Bosh leaves, Toronto has a solid component to build around for the future. NEXT YEAR: if they keep Chris Bosh, this should be a playoff team in 2010.

Brandon Jennings appears poised to excel for the Bucks (Credit: ESPN)

#10    Milwaukee Bucks        Brandon Jennings        Grade: B-
It will be interesting to listen, watch, and read about how coach Scott Skiles and his new point guard get along. It could be like dynamite and nitro glycerin. With Richard Jefferson gone, and rumors of Luke Ridnour being on the block, Jennings and Ramon Sessions will form the nucleus of a young Bucks backcourt. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Terrence Williams joins a crowded backcourt in New Jersey (Credit: ESPN)

#11    New Jersey Nets        Terrence Williams        Grade: B
Williams will fit into a young backcourt rotation of Devon Harris, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Courtney Lee now that Vince Carter is headed to Orlando. If he learns to be consistent as a pro he will be fun to watch. It is a safe bet New Jersey might hold a higher pick in next years draft with their youth movement officially set in motion. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Michael Jordan drafted archrival school Duke's Henderson (Credit: ESPN)

#12    Charlotte Bobcats        Gerald Henderson        Grade: C-
Wow, Michael Jordan drafted a Dukie. At least he didn’t draft fellow UNC alum Tyler Hansbrough (see next pick). Henderson is super-athletic a very good defensive player. Will need to develop more of an offensive game or he could become the next Bruce Bowen (minus the corner three). Weird pick with Earl Clark still on the board. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be a better team, but back to the lottery.

Indiana failed heinously selecting Tyler Hansbrough (Credit: ESPN)

#13    Indiana Pacers            Tyler Hansbrough        Grade: F*
Hansbrough might be a tough guy—a blue-collar worker whom Indiana fans will appreciate—but he appears to be a man without a position in the NBA. Lacks the foot speed and athleticism to succeed at this level. Indiana blew it. This organization already misses Donnie Walsh. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

*F grade due to who was selected at pick #14.

Brandon Jennings stepped in late on behalf the 14th pick Earl Clark (Credit: ESPN)

#14    Phoenix Suns            Earl Clarke            Grade:  A
The Suns are obviously in a rebuilding mode. Earl Clark is a shooting guard in a big man’s body and will give the team versatility. Good ball handler for his size (like a right-handed Lamar Odom). Needs to improve his range. If the rumors about his lack of work ethic prove unfounded, Phoenix could have the steal of the 2009 NBA Draft. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

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The Orlando Magic  rose out of the Southeast division into the NBA finals this year. The possible return of Josh Childress to Atlanta (they still have his rights as a restricted free agent), roster moves made by Miami, and the future of Hedo Turkoglu’s free agency ventures all will factor into this summers moves.

There is plenty of  room for teams to rise and fall in this division. If Washington starts the season healthy they are Protect the Paint’s choice to have the biggest turnaround year, possibly turning a 19 win last season into a 50 win season.

Jordan Hill’s game would be a nice fit in Washington. (Credit: ESPN)

Washington Wizards (19-63)  With the  #5 pick  Jordan Hill or James Harden looks like the most promising for the Wizards. Adding someone with size and or scoring ability is a good contingency plan for an injury riddled roster.

At the 32 pick it is not too far-fetched to see someone like Patrick Mills or Darren Collison being  selected for additional depth at PG. This might be a wise choice as Gilbert Arenas’ knee is an unknown factor.

Charlotte Bobcats (35-47)  Charlotte is stacked at the forward position. They should focus to find smart, athletic and defensive minded guards that can play for Larry Brown. With the 12th pick look to see Charlotte selecting Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, or Terrance Williams.

It is a possibility that Raymond Felton Leaves leaving the Bobcats with DJ Augustine and little else at the point. This philosophy should hold up with the 40th pick as well, and North Carolina Tarheels’ Wayne Ellington and Danny Green could be available this deep.

Ty Lawson is a champion in the NCAA. Can that translate to the NBA? (Credit: themixtapemonster.com)

Atlanta Hawks (47-35) In a deep draft for guards, a PG reserve for Mike Bibby would not be bad with both  the 19th and 49th pick. Marvin Williams and Josh Childress are restricted free agents.

Rumors for Josh Smith being moved also can play into Atlanta moving up in draft order.  With people worrying Ty Lawson might be injury prone, look for him to still be available at pick 19.

Joe Ingles could surprise the NBA (Credit: draftexpress.com)

Miami Heat (43-39) holds the 43rd and 60th (via Indiana). Vastly improved with a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade. The heat must ask if Mario Chalmers is the long term answer at the point, and if Michael Beasley is a more natural fit at the 3. The Heat could look for a big like Joe Ingles or Josh Heytvelt.

If all quality bigs are gone by pick #60, look for Miami to have another “steal of the draft” type Guard in Jodie Meeks or international players Rodrigue Beaubois (France), Nando De Colo (France), or Patrick Beverly (Ukraine).

Orlando Magic (59-23) Orlando has no picks in this years draft and will make retaining free agent Hedo Turkoglu their main objective. Look to see potential trades involving Rafer Alston including picks or future picks. Other than that, the Magic stand pat (no pun intended, Pat Williams)

The division featuring the 2008-09 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers will have other teams in the division seeking out immediate help to contend during the 2009-10 season. Look out for a healthy Los Angeles Clippers roster with Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon leading the way to contend this season as the best in the west.

Yup, we said it. The Clippers.

Griffin will make an immediate impact in the NBA (Credit: northwesternwins.com)

Los Angeles Lakers (65-17)     The Lakers could lose Lamar Odom, and Trevor Ariza to free agency. Although highly unlikely, it is a possibility. The only real weakness the defending champs will have is depth at point guard.  Jordan Farmar has not proven his worth as a long-term solution. Look for LA to see what is left on the table with the 29th pick. Perhaps they will stay local and draft another UCLA alum in Darren Collison. If not, they would need to go for the best available player like Marcus Thornton.

Phoenix Suns (46-36)    With a team full of veterans and no room on the roster, we suggest you keep your eyes on the trade market as with only $7 Million of salary on Goran Dragic, Jared Dudley, Robin Lopez, Louis Amundson and Alando Tucker,  With Dragic expected to see an increase in tim t his year, It might be a stretch, but Chase Budinger would be a nice local fit after playing down at the road at Arizona last season.  If not Budinger, perhaps James Johnson is another suitable option at SF.

Jennings has 1 year of pro experience in Europe. (Credit: Rueters)

Golden State Warriors (29-53)    The Warriors are at a crossroads. Their most glaring need is a true point guard. Monta Ellis is supposed to be their 1, but he is absolutely a pure 2 in a 1’s body.  Even though Ellis was promised by management a PG would not be drafted, look for the Warriors to select either Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn or Stephen Curry. Curry would fit into Nelsons offense almost immediately. If the Warriors draft Curry, watch out for trades coming out of Oakland in the immediate future.

Los Angeles Clippers (19-63)    This is a no brain decision. Blake Griffin. Look forward to having two franchises in Los Angeles at the top of this division very soon. With Eric Gordon having starters minutes and a healthy roster from the start of the year, look out for Blake Griffin and the Clippers

RIcky Rubio is a hot NBA draft commodity (Credit: panaramio.com)

Sacramento Kings (17-65)    The Kings need one position desperately filled in the Sactramento: a solid PG. If  not available with the 4th overall pick, it is within reason to see the Kings making draft day moves to secure Ricky Rubio as their long term investment at PGs. If Rubio is not available,  look for Jonny Flynn, Brandon Jennings, and as a long shot we have Jeff Teague.