The Milwaukee Bucks are giving their new “Fear the Deer” slogan some serious legs by posting a 11-3 record in March.  It was not easy either. The Bucks defeated the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, and Boston Celtics. Ladies and gentlemen, the Bucks are peaking at a time that is going to make them very dangerous to face in the playoffs.

It is highly likely with only 7 games remaining that the Bucks and Atlanta Hawks will meet in the 1st round. The Bucks just beat the Hawks 98-95 at hone on March 22nd.

John Salmons, who has experienced another resurgence after leaving Chicago (similarly to last year after being traded by Sacramento) tore the Hawks apart when going head to head against Joe Johnson with 32 points.

Brandon Jennings struggled mightily in the game but it is hard to imagine that he will be quiet during his first ever NBA playoff series. Even when Jennings is up and down, Luke Ridnour has stepped up whenever he has faltered. However, Jennings has raised his FG % in March to the highest since November.

Bogut has the Bucks rolling.

The key to Milwaukee’s “Fear the Deer” campaign lasting into the deeper rounds of the playoffs will rest on the shoulders of Andrew Bogut. Bogut has been monstrous this season while finally playing up to the level of a #1 overall draft pick. Will his flourishing game rollover into the worldwide playoff scene?

It remains to be seen, but Bogut has been nothing less than dominant this season.

When it comes to first round match ups nothing is clear, perhaps, but one thing is certain: Fear the Deer.

Tracy McGrady’s first game as a New York Knick exceeded expectations for both minute allotment and overall performance. T Mac played a staggering 32 minutes dropping in 26 points on a variety of jumpers, slashing moves to the lane, also adding 5 assists and 4 boards while shooting 58.8% from the field.

However, McGrady had to sit the majority of the overtime period due to (He admitted post-game) being exhausted.

Considering the duration of time missed over the past two years and how he was underutilized in Houston this season, it is unimaginable to have foreseen this type of breakout performance in his first outing for the Knicks.

McGrady is looking to make New York fans believers.

McGrady’s 32 minutes are the first true starter-caliber minutes he’s played since February 9th, 2009.

McGrady’s shocking and inspirational game combined with David Lee to form a competitive dynamic duo, producing one of the Knicks’ most memorable games. Unfortunately, they lost in overtime. They are still the Knicks.

Had McGrady not run out of gas, and played more during overtime, a different outcome might have halted OKC’s current 9-game winning streak. But hey, the guy missed a lot of time and is coming back from microfracture surgery, so 32 minutes in a close overtime loss is good enough for his first game.

The Knicks showed up and competed against OKC and are a better team with McGrady starting. The 1-2 punch of T Mac and Lee has the potential to make attending a game at the Garden a worthwhile experience again for Knicks fans.

What I wonder now, especially since T Mac opened all of our eyes wide open on Saturday, will be how well will he performs in Madison Square Garden tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks.

How well will he bounce back after logging heavy minutes against an extremely athletic Thunder team? Will muscle fatigue and soreness in his knee render the second game back a dud, cause a reduction in minutes, or can he “will” himself to a solid performance?

The Knicks match up against a competitive Milwaukee Bucks team currently hovering around .500 (26-28), who, like New York, completed a trade prior to the trade deadline, acquiring John Salmons from the Chicago Bulls.

Like McGrady, Salmons has paid dividends for the Bucks, averaging 19 points in his first 2 games for the Bucks, both wins.

If he continues to play pain free, and conditioning improves, McGrady will continue to regain the skills he possessed prior to his derailment from the knee injury. If so, look for T Mac to have consistent and solid performances over the final stretch run.

Brandon Jennings was fined $7,500 for tweeting  a message after the Milwaukee Bucks 108-101 win over Portland. The NBA is levying the fine because he posted the message during the prohibited post game time.

$7,500 for twitting to congratulate teamates: priceless! (Credit: ESPN)

The NBA has a rule against using social media during the duration of all games as well as 45 minutes prior and post game.

What did Jennings tweet? Nothing by any means controversial:

“Back to 500. Yess!!! “500″ means where doing good. Way to Play Hard Guys.”

Jennings plans to delete his account as a result of the $7,500 penalty for his twitter fine.

His tweet was a positive message of comradeship in celebrating a team achievement.  It is unfortunate that the NBA does not use better discretion in assessing these fines.

Just imagine if he tweeted a negative message about the officiating of the overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Naturally the fine would be larger and possible suspension could ensue.

Perhaps the league places Jennings under the microscope because he has a history of not playing by NBA rules. Is David Stern stocking up ammunition against Jennings?

Probably not, but Stern must be happy the league can issue a fine or two in Jennings direction. Especially after Jennings put Stern on the spot on draft day.

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

It is clear the NBA administration has their eyes set on making an example out of Jennings, one way or another, after he trail blazed a way for young layers to skip college.

Somewhere in an office in New York you will find David Stern pacing around, contemplating what to do about this kid Brandon Jennings.

Jennings has already made a mockery of the NBA age statute, showed up late to the NBA draft and walked on stage in unprecedented fashion. He then dispelled the hype surrounding Ricky Rubio, calling him overrated.

Funny thing is, we are all paying attention to these things now that he is a borderline NBA star.

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

The kicker? Brandon Jennings tearing the league up leading the Milwaukee Bucks into prominent mainstream media for the first time in a long time.

Latavious Williams was one of the first players following in Jennings’ footsteps, deciding to play professionally in China rather than attending college. Jeremy Tyler then made his headlines by skipping of his senior year of high school.

Brandon Jennings circumventing NBA protocol and by receiving this much attention from his unbelievable start to his NBA career will surely blaze a trail for America’s youth to follow.

With the NBA on the verge of raising its age restrictions again, the Jennings phenomenon will likely become a viable option to high school players with NBA talent. Why go to college when you can get paid to play in a cultural Mecca like Europe?

Jennings came back more mature after 1 year of immersing himself in Italy. I heard the Italian food is pretty good over there as well.

Jennings has a shoe deal with Under Armor. He has exploded onto the scene. All the critics and the doubters who questioned his meager statistics while playing in Italy are backpedaling, and hopping on the bandwagon.

Jennings skipped out on college and secure himself a shoe deal. Take that David Stern! (Credit: brandonjennings.net)

What does all this mean?

It means that Brandon Jennings is the one man wrecking ball of anti NBA rules and establishment. He does not play by the rules, and if he keeps playing like he is, he will keep striking fear into the heart of David Stern. He is proving he is too good for anyone to second guess his moves.

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.

This summer marks the continuation of major spending reform (and not for the better) in the NBA. The Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, and Richard Jefferson deals exemplify that liquidating huge contracts for scrap (or crap) heaps, and aiming to win it all now, is THE popular trend–the rich getting richer. Ben Gordon, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, and many other free agents will land large deals, but who can afford to pay them?

Teams are preparing for next summer by dangling expiring contracts via trade to desperate teams.  Assessing the chances to land a marquee name–LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili–in 2010 is becoming commonplace, and as a result unthinkable trades are being made.

But let’s not forget, there is top-notch talent available this summer, and Protect the Paint will now evaluate who we think the most relevant free agent is for the teams with the most spending power. Lets face it, money talks, or else the free agent walks.

The teams with the most cap space are:

1. Memphis ($18 mil)
2. Detroit ($16.6 mil)
3. Atlanta ($14.8 mil)
4. Oklahoma City ($14.7 mil)

Other teams with significant room are:

1. Utah ($9.2 mil)
2. Portland ($8.1 mil)
3. Miami ($6.7 mil).

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Memphis is going to need every penny they have if they hope to lure a major free agent to play for the Grizzlies. We’re talking about a small market team and a perennial losing franchise. It is doubtful any free agent of substance would be willing go there. What’s the draw? Don’t say Mark Gasol. Beale Street is pretty nice though.

Whoever Memphis signs, they will likely pay more than that player’s true market value. Additional revenue is the only thing luring a player to the Grizzlies. The only destination less attractive may be Milwaukee where Brandon Jennings hardly looks (or sounds) like a savior.

BIGGEST NEED: New Location. If the Grizzlies were located in a larger market, we’ve got to believe more players would consider playing there. Until then, have your checkbook ready Griz. They do have the money to offer Hedo Turkoglu a salary he could not refuse. The combo of Turkoglu, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay is solid yet entirely unrealistic.

DETROIT PISTONS

Wednesday’s breaking news of head coach Michael Curry being fired implies Joe Dumars wants to insure free agents will want to come to Detroit. It is well documented that Curry ruffled more than just one player’s feathers. Apparently, Dumars plans to let Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace walk.

Iverson and Wallace are in the twilight of their careers, and locking either one of them into a long-term deal makes absolutely zero sense when the Pistons are building around Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Acquiring a third scoring option who is entering/closer to his prime is what Detroit needs.

Gordon's offensive skills would help Detroit (Credit: chi-ball.com)

GREATEST NEED: Ben Gordon or Hedo Turkoglu. Ben Gordon is ideal for Detroit. He is a young, capable scorer who would give the Pistons a solid trio of offensive weapons to build a bright future around. Turkoglu might not make sense with Rip Hamilton and Stuckey already there, but he is a major factor why Orlando went to the finals and the Pistons can afford him.

ATLANTA HAWKS

After recently acquiring Jamal Crawford from Golden State, it raises questions if Atlanta will re-sign Mike Bibby. Crawford gives Atlanta another 4th quarter scoring threat, easing the defensive pressure on Joe Johnson.

Atlanta can let 30-year-old Bibby walk, and re-sign key reserves Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray. Retaining Pachulia gives Atlanta depth in the post, which is a necessity for playoff basketball.

Will Childress play another year in Greece? (Credit: lowposts.com)

GREATEST NEED: Keeping what they already have (re-signing Pachulia and Murray). These two players are too valuable and affordable not to re-sign and the Hawks need to save their coin for Johnson who can opt out next summer. Josh Childress returning from Greece would give them back-court flexibility.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

OKC cannot afford to spend too much on a major free agent. The Thunder need to spend frugally in order to retain the core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook. It is an unconditional must. This being said, signing a mid-level free agent would be the wise move for OKC and there are several available. One in particular would fit nicely with the Thunder’s nucleus.

Millsap would thrive playing with the Thunder (Credit: deseretnews.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Paul Millsap would immediately add a tough rebounding presence and the blue-collar attitude that the young Thunder need. Adding Millsap makes the playoffs a possibility, especially considering Yao Ming’s injury in Houston puts the Rockets 2010 playoff hopes in major jeopardy opening up a spot for another Western Conference team. Millsap gives any team he’s on many second (and often third) chance opportunities on the offensive end. If Boozer opts out of Utah, then expect the Jazz to match any offer made on Millsap.

UTAH JAZZ

The Jazz faced potential free agency disaster, but both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided against opting out and will stay. Luckily for Utah, Boozer’s injury-plagued 2008-09 season and lingering questions of his ability to stay healthy is most likely all that prevented him from bailing and receiving a large offer elsewhere. Does he care about money more than winning? He did bail on LeBron. That should answer that question.

Okur–a big man who can shoot–must believe his best chance for another title (he won a ring in Detroit) lies in Salt Lake City.

Mehmet Okur won't abandon the Jazz. (Credit: nba.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Staying healthy. A healthy Jazz are as good as any team in the NBA. Re-signing Milsap as insurance for the fragile Boozer would be huge, but chances are good a team with more cap room will nab him.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Portland is a young team on the rise. They made the playoffs, and in doing so, exposed their greatest weakness.  Depending on which players they decide to retain the rights to, they could go as far as $15-30 million under the cap. They will not advance past the 1st round with Steve Blake as the starting PG. The Blazers have a solid leader in two time All-Star Brandon Roy, but they need a savvy veteran who can bring the ball up court.

Andre Miller is a massive ugrade to Steve Blake (Credit: ESPN)

BIGGEST NEED: Andre Miller or Jason Kidd. Miller would instantly bring leadership and make Portland a title contender as the Blazers mature. Miller has a lot of game left in the tank, and with $8 million to spend in cap space, they could afford to sign him.

With Jason Kidd coordinating the offense, there is no telling where the Blazers could go. Odds are Kidd remains in Dallas or signs with the New York Knicks. Kidd is already in New York and ready to begin negotiations.

MIAMI HEAT

Miami obviously has no interest in spending any money this summer. Their top priority is re-signing Dwyane Wade. The irony might end up being that in not making moves to secure talent around Wade they may lose him. Wade has made it abundantly clear in the media that he wants players provided for him now, not later. What Miami really needs is a low post presence. A solid center would immediately seal up a lot of loose ends for the Heat.

Marcin Gortat can start and make a difference in MIami (Credit: pablonasportowo)

BIGGEST NEED: Marcin Gortat or Anderson Varejao. With Orlando recently acquiring Vince Carter, Orlando will have trouble matching offers for Gortat. With Cleveland making the O’Neal trade they have no chance of paying Varajao the money he wants. Gortat has proven to be a solid performer when filling in for foul-prone Dwight Howard, and could be an affordable solution to fill the void in the middle in Miami. Varejao’s athleticism and defensive prowess might be the better move for Miami. He can give them what last year Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t.

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 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.