The Orlando Magic made major moves this week by reacquiring the multifaceted Hedo Turkoglu from the Phoenix Suns. The move marks Turkoglu’s return to the team he led to the 2009 NBA Finals only to lose at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Orlando dispatched Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mickeal Pietrus to Phoenix in exchange for Turkoglu, Jason Richardson, and Earl Clark.

This deal is what a player such as Hedo Turkoglu desperately needed. He returns to where he had the most success and meaning as a player during in his career, a place where the fans loved him before, and will likely love him again.

Daddy is back in town guys, time to make the postseason matter again.

For Orlando this deal represents the franchise’s admission of failure in that they are reacquiring Hedo, a player they let walk after they should have paid him in the first place. He did lead them to the NBA Finals after all. You know, the place where every team wants to be, but only two lucky teams can go each season?

Hedo was a major reason Orlando performed well during the playoffs and even made the surge to the finals. He’s streaky but always has a knack for rising up in meaningful games.

Vince Carter has lost a step or two in recent years. He now joins another player who is undoubtedly on the decline, Steve Nash, to play together on a team in a tougher Western Conference. It’s hard to imagine that the two stars remain in Phoenix for the rest of the year.

Carter can post highly inflated stats playing out meaningless games as Phoenix tailspins into further futility, or he might find himself as the lone alpha dog surrounded by young new blood if Phoenix trades Nash to a team willing to give up enough for the Suns to make another move.

The winner in this trade is unquestionably the Orlando Magic.

The Magic get their catalyst back in Hedo, swap out Vince’s old knees and declining game for ultra-athletic Jason Richardson, and lose Marcin Gortat (and his whining for playing time) for a low risk high reward scenario in Earl Clark.

Mickeal Pietrus fits into this equation, but I am still not sure how, other than making the salaries work.

I believe that this deal could work out well for the Magic, and definitely more so for the Magic than it will the Suns. It’s hard to imagine that this would have happened if Steve Kerr still ran things for the Suns.

The Magic made a deal moving Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Gilbert Arenas that will also help Orlando. Orlando now has powerful offensive weapons in Arenas, Richardson, and likely a resurgent Hedo Turkoglu. They gain even more by means of subtraction in that they were able to ditch Lewis’ rediculously high contract to Washington.

Both trades in my opinion make the Magic stronger, however, in the bigger picture of the Eastern Conference, it won’t help them much in their attempt to get past Boston or Miami.

The Boston Celtics are on a serious roll right now. After destroying LeBron James’ Cavaliers while simultaneously ripping out the hearts of Cleveland fans, it is apparent after 2 games of the Easter Conference Finals that the Celtics are the team rising up and and on their way into the NBA Finals for the second time in 3 years.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Boston suffered during the playoffs last year as they were riddled by injuries. This year Boston wisely played it safe towards the end of the regular season, riding out some rough nights in order to rest the walking wounded. Pundits began questioning their ability, but the Celtics stuck to their plan and to their core players, only adding some reserves, and it is paying dividends in the post season.

The same cannot be said for the Orlando Magic. Orlando allowed Hedo Turkoglu to walk away while shipping out defensive sensation Courtney Lee and veterans Tony Battie, and Rafer Alston (The one player who actually could have led them to victory in my opinion. Dude was on fire, and led them to the Finals, only to lose his job to the coming off the injury Jameer Nelson. I still believe to this very day that Van Gundy should have been fired for that move.) for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson.

The philosophical difference regarding roster moves can be best taken in while analyzing the result of game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Doc Rivers had his front court burn through fouls on Dwight Howard the same way Antoine Walker spends money: plentifully and not thinking about tomorrow. Although Howard was effective, Boston’s team defense held Orlando’s other starters not named Howard to a meager 30.9% from the field. The remaining Magic, bench included,  shot a total of 19-58, good for 32%. Yikes.

You will unquestionably lose to a team as defensively sound as Boston shooting a percentage like that. It is critical in order to hang with Boston that you maximize your points for possessions.

Meanwhile Boston shot 45% from the field as a team which will usually lead to victory when your team is great on defense. Even though Kevin Garnett didn’t shoot well, he played well defensively. He found ways, other than scoring, to have impact the game.

Not to discredit Orlando, but these shooting figures clearly indicate just how tough and together Boston is right now. They fought for rebounds while keeping Howard to single digits figures in rebounding. Howard can usually sneeze a double double, but he was beaten mightily on the glass during game 2.

Game 1, half-man. Game 2, half-invisible.

Vince Carter’s atrocious shooting during game 2 devastated Orlando’s offense not unlike the depleted ozone layer is devastating our planet: 5-15 shooting, 16 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist. He did more harm than good, and jsut like the ozone, if something is not done about trying to reverse this soon, everyone wearing a Magic jerseyis in big trouble.

Carter did have 3 steals, but those were negated by the 3 turnovers. His poor performance was a major fallout from his solid performance in game 1 where he shot 50% from the field, scoring 23 points with 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

Wasn’t Carter supposed to be the messiah that pushed Orlando over the top in the Eastern Conference like a Sylvester Stallone semi-illegal arm wrestling move?

Is it safe to say Carter was pretty much owned by Orlando in game 2?

What the heck happened?

Has Boston figured out how to shut Carter down? If so, how does Orlando try to avoid being swept?

When Jameer Nelson is held to 4 assists, and Carter can muster up only 1, Orlando has to be missing those 5 assists and 5 rebounds a game Hedo Turkoglu averaged during the playoffs last year.

All hindsight aside, why would you tinker with a lineup that got you into the NBA Finals?

Somewhere out there in the world Hedo Turkoglu is recovering from a cold while partying in a nightclub, after watching these games, drinking expensive cocktails while thinking to himself that no matter how bad his year was, Orlando must know they were better off with him.

Turkoglu’s versatile game creates mismatches capable of poking holes in the strongest of defenses, and as a 6’10″ passer he allowed Orlando to more aptly explore these mismatches. He integrated well within their system, and helped Orlando by repeatedly stepping up during clutch moments, eventually leading the Magic to the NBA Finals last year.

Will Carter rise up to the occasion in Game 3 in Boston, or will he be owned once more?

Vince Carter claimed in article by the Orlando Sentinel that he is not concerned about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. He’s a scoring machine. A natural talent. Arguable the world’s greatest dunker of all time. But none of these intangible qualities that Carter possesses has ever lead to any significant results in the win column during the post season. You know, the part of the season that matters most? The part of a career that basically decides if you are worthy for the Hall of Fame or not.

When asked about his chances at making the Hall of Fame without a winning a ring, Carter (for no apparent reason whatsoever) throws Charles Barkley under the bus stating “I don’t know. I don’t think so. If I’m not mistaken, Charles Barkley got in.”

Vince has got to be kidding. Barkley made it to the NBA finals, and lost to the greatest NBA player of all time, Michael Jordan. Has Vince ever advanced out of the second round of the playoffs? Nope. Huge difference in Hall of Fame qualifications right there.

Are we going to try to win tonight? (Credit: picapp.com)

The main flaw in Carter’s interview, what truly represents the meat of the matter with this discrepancy, is that he says he would like to “try” to win a championship:

“I’ll just finish my career and hopefully, at the end of the day, it’s good enough. I don’t play the game for that reason. It’s an honor, but before that happens, I’d like to try to win a championship.”

What great players, hall of fame inductees, all stars, etc, have ever said they would like to “try” to win a championship? Most winners will say, straight away, that they want to win the championship. Nothing else matters to them.

You think Kevin Garnett is going to forget this quote come playoff time? That quote will be posted in the Celtics locker room somewhere, feeding the frenzy for the Celtics. Would LeBron say he wants to try to win a ring? How about Kobe? These guys will taunt Vinsanity the moment he steps on the floor.

“Hey Vince, you guys going to try to win tonight?”

This kind of comment would never be uttered by a true winner. Not even by mistake. Winners don’t let up, ever.

It is like Vince Carter is mailing it in before he has even played a single playoff game for the Magic. Already setting the table for failure. He has already committed the cardinal sin of basketball while once in his career while in Toronto, admitting he did not put forth his best effort to give his team a chance to win.

Should Vince Carter be a member of the Hall of Fame? Absolutely not. He should be in the “Hall of Lame”, for not giving it his all every time he walked on the court? Absolutely!

Should every Orlando Magic fan brace themselves for a major failure by Vince come playoff time?

It is likely he might “try,” but trying is not good enough to cut it in the NBA. Boston or Cleveland will not try, they will win. Sorry Orlando, but Carter has set the table early.

I hope you can still “try” to like Carter after Orlando is eliminated in the playoffs.

This past week we have seen Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva join Detroit.

Ron Artest took a pay cut and is hoping to get his first ring playing for the world champion Lakers.

Hedo Turkoglu reneged on a Portland offer, selecting the Raptors instead.

Rasheed Wallace is now alongside Kevin Garnett in Boston.

Trevor Ariza maxed out his contract value and is Houston-bound.

And Finally, Jason Kidd is staying in Dallas instead of going to New York.

The free agent signings become official today, the first day that players are allowed to ink their verbal agreements. There are more deals to come involving free agents, and it is going to be interesting to see where everyone ends up.

We here at Protect the Paint will list some of the rumors/moves involving the available free agents.

REMAINING FREE AGENTS

Lamar Odom

Odom might be hugging members of the Blazers soon. (Credit: daylife.com)

Lamar Odom doesn’t seem to be thinking repeat. Instead he and his agent want to be shown the money in the neighborhood of $10 million per season. Odom appears to be going the Trevor Ariza route, cashing in elsewhere now that he has the ring. He sacrificed his stats to win and now wants to sign with a team that could offer him a starting position and big bucks. Should have a different address in 2009-10. The Blazers are reportedly interested. Championship experience on an up and coming squad never hurts.

Andre Miller

Looks like Miller is heading to Portland. Gives the Blazers the floor general they lacked last season and gives Miller a chance to win. Good match all the way around.

Brandon Bass

Bass would make a mistake going to Detroit. (Credit: ocregister.com)

Bass could be staying in Dallas, heading to Orlando, or possibly ending up in Detroit. It makes absolutely no sense for him to sign with the Pistons. With rumors circulating of Carlos Boozer being shipped there for Rip Hamilton, and Charlie Villanueva signing a 5-year deal, he would essentially be the third option at power forward. The Magic need help up front. Orlando would be a good fit.

Antonio McDyess

McDyess could get a ring if he heads to San Antonio. (Credit: ugplay.com)

McDyess is leaning towards San Antonio in the most recent rumor involving the veteran which would provide more depth in the Spurs front court. He’s a solid shooter and depenable on the glass averaging 9.6 ppg and 9.8 rpg last year for the Pistons. The Spurs would have a solid 1-2 post punch with McDyess and Tim Duncan giving them the size to contend with the Lakers huge frontline.

Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat is going to get paid big bucks this summer. (Credit: mlive.com)

Most likely headed to Dallas. We’ll see how he responds to more minutes and more responsibility. This is a huge loss for Orlando who now have lost the majority of their front line not named Dwight Howard–Tony Battie via the Vince Carter deal, Hedo Turkoglu to free agency, and Gortat. The Magic better hope Ryan Anderson is as good as Pat Williams thinks he will be.

Grant Hill

Hill should go to a contender rather than a pretender. (Credit: offsideswithfletcher.com)

There are rumors of Hill heading to the the Knicks. Finally healthy, his game resurfaced playing with Phoenix. He appeared in all 82 games for the Suns last season. It’s unfortunate that he would want to make the move to New York, especially when he could most likely ink himself onto another team with better chances of winning a title. Seems like he and fellow 1994 co-ROY Jason Kidd have more in common then we thought: Take the money, not the chance for a championship ring.

Channing Frye

Frye could play minutes that matter for the Cavs. (Credit: nike.com)

Frye is very interested in signing with Cleveland. The guy has been marred with the “wrong place, wrong time” syndrome during his career. He was buried behind David Lee in New York and then behind LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland. If Cleveland loses Anderson Varajao, Frye will have an immediate chance for big minutes at power forward for the Cavs. This is a good opportunity for both sides. Frye has showed he has a lot of game and could be a late bloomer if given the chance.

This past Thursday, Hedo Turkoglu–who opted out in Orlando after vastly improving his stock during the Magic’s run to the finals–announced he would sign a fat deal with the Portland Trailblazers, good for $50 million over 5 years. Sounds good.

Then on Friday, Turkoglu reneged on this agreement to come to the pacific northwest and decided to head about as far north as you can go in the NBA to the Toronto Raptors for $53 million over 5 years. Either way, these two offers for Hedo dwarf the Orlando offer ($35 million over 4 years).

The $3 million more Toronto is offering–which is nothing to sneeze at–may have more to do with placating Mrs. Turkoglu than anything else?

In Portland, Hedo would have joined All-Star Brandon Roy on the up and coming team in the super-competitive Western Conference. Instead, Hedo opted to join a far weaker Toronto Raptors team as part of Bryan Colangelo’s last ditch effort to retain Chris Bosh past 2010. Winning doesn’t appear to be priority number one for Hedo.

Hedo is joining a weaker team in a weaker division for $3 million more (Credit: streetball.com)

In being outbid for Hedo by teams with more cash to spend, and opting to allow Courtney Lee go in the deal that brought Vince Carter to Florida, Orlando has now lost two vital cogs in the rotation that got them to the finals. As a result, the Magic become slower and older. Rarely the elixir for NBA success.

Protect the Paint will now view the pros and cons of Turkoglu selecting Toronto over Portland.

PROS

Hedo's passing skills will be useful for Toronto (Credit: sportsagentblog.com)

Hedo is an amazing passer/ball-handler for a guy his size. There are very few 6’10” players who can drop in 20 points and 10+ assists on any given night. Hedo is one of the few.

Turkoglu will instantaneously make life easier on Chris Bosh. The floor spacing of Hedo, Jose Calderon, and Andrea Bargnani should allow Bosh to have more of an impact late in games when it really matters. Look for a huge spike in production and desire out of a rejuvenated Bosh. No one knows if this will this be enough to keep in him in Canada for years to come, but you have to give the Raptors’ front office and A for effort.

Turkoglu is one of the best at finishing games and his play in the 4th quarter should dramatically help Toronto in close games.

Brandon Roy almost had Turkoglu at his side (Credit: nike.com)

CONS

Adding Turkoglu to the team almost certainly results in Toronto not being able to retain Shawn Marion–a tireless rebounder and full of hustle. This results in the Raptors becoming a much weaker rebounding team.

Boozer started the trend of breaking verbal agreements (Credit: nike.com)

Turkoglu’s reputation takes a hit here. Hedo is now the latest to pull off a Carlos Boozer. It’s not quite the same scenario. Boozer was let of a deal and then hosed the Cavs. Hedo opted out. He’ll say he didn’t use the Blazers offer as leverage for something better. We’ll never know for sure.

Hedo will take extra money and justify it by saying he can be in a more international, multi-cultural city. Although there may be a Turkish community up there, there is no Championship-caliber basketball team. This indicates where Hedo’s head and heart are, or maybe better put, where they’re not–not concerned with winning. If they were, he would choose Portland by a landslide. Gotta keep the wife happy though.

SYNOPSIS

Hedo’s arrival in Toronto will result in a 7-8 playoff seed. That’s better than last year, but it is doubtful they will go any further as they will lose Marion, Anthony Parker, and possibly more in order to pay his salary, in addition to stockpiling the money needed to resign Bosh. The Raptors are now good enough to get in the playoffs, but will be ‘one and done’ once they get there as rebounding and tough defense keeps you alive in the post-season.

Bosh will have 1 year with Turkoglu to decide to stay in Toronto (Credit: cbcnews.com)

Bosh will not be able to carry this load. He will be frustrated his team won’t advance past the first round, and sign elsewhere (in America) in 2010. At least Hedo will have his international city, and Turkish community, and oh yeah, the $53 Million. That kind of coin always helps ease the sting of losing.

Seems like Portland managed to dodge the bullet of signing a player more focused on money and living situation over winning.

Click here to vote for the best free agent move of the summer!

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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