Can Danny?

The Tournament did not really create any rising stars. Last year, Stephen Curry shot up the ranks and this year he was shooting in the NIT. UNC won with a balanced attack of good but not great prospects while Louisville's talented do-everything forwards didn't really do anything to make them seem like Marvin Williams-level role players.

So what's the lotto looking like today?

1. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio

A lot would depend on how these guys perform in draft camps but right now Blake Griffin and Rubio seem pretty even and the Kings need a point guard more than a power forward. If they really believe in Griffin, they could take him and look to move Spencer Hawes or Jason Thompson for a point guard. Also, in these economic times, Rubio could be the bigger draw, especially for Kings fans who loved the White Chocolate era.

2. Washington Wizards - Blake Griffin

The Wizards need to make some moves and I wouldn't think twice about trying to deal Antawn Jamison. He's good but this is a team that needs help and 'Tawn ain't getting any younger. Ideally, they draft Griffin and then move Jamison for a combo guard who can complement Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler.

3. LA Clippers - Greg Monroe

The Clippers own this pick but they desperately need to use it to dump some of their current roster. I'm not sure what they'll be able to get but they need to do something. If they keep it, they should still take Greg Monroe and look to move either Z-Bo or Kaman.

4. OKC Thunder - James Harden

Harden had a terrible tournament but he's still a perfect fit in OKC. He's a good complement to both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant and he fill the void at the 2 guard.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Brandon Jennings

Who knows if Jennings is the real deal or just the next Bassy? The Wolves best move would be to trade down but I'm not sure how many teams are going to be all that interested in trading up. Although if Thabeet is available, I'm sure someone would make a run at the big man. The workouts could drop Jennings and vault someone else like Jeff Teague up here but for now we'll believe the hype and go with Brandon.

6. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet

Jordan Hill seems like the most logical choice here but I really don't like his game and he seems closer to Chris Wilcox than Chris Bosh. Yes, the Grizzlies have Marc Gasol but I think they need defense and that's what Thabeet provides. This move also gives Thabeet time to get used to the NBA game and doesn't throw him into the fire right away (which is good because he's not ready).

7. Golden State Warriors - Gerald Henderson

This pick should be traded, along with some of the talented youngsters on the Warriors roster, for a star player. Chris Bosh is the most likely target but they should really look for anyone to help give this roster some stability. If they keep the pick, I'm not sure what they do with it. Earl Clark was my first choice but they re-signed Stephen Jackson, have Corey Maggette, and are waiting on future star Anthony Randolph. Jordan Hill is an option but I'm really not sure if he's going to be better than Ronny Turiaf, nevermind Brandan Wright. Tyreke Evans makes some sense but they don't need a volume shooting guard next  to Monta Ellis. In the end, the choice is between Gerald Henderson or Derma Derozen and I'd go with the guy who knows how to actually play basketball and might actually be a nice complement to Ellis.

8. New York Knicks - Earl Clark

Clark seems like a Mike D'Antoni guy. The one problem seems to be his consistency but I think he can be a solid enough player and should be able to complement Danilo Gallinari or replace him if The Rooster is never healthy. One of the point guards could work their way up to this selection but right now I'd go with Clark.

9. Toronto Raptors - Demar Derozen

Derozen has ridiculous amounts of bust potential but he also could pan out to be a very good player. He has a lot to work on but, on the bright side, he definitely showed improvement during the season so a full year of working with an NBA coaching staff should help him immensely. Also, since the Raptors are likely going to have to move Chris Bosh this offseason, I think it's obvious that they are heading towards full on rebuilding so they have time to wait on Demar's progress.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jordan Hill 

One of the point guards would seem to fill a need but I'm a fan of Ramon Sessions and I'm not really sure if any of the point guards really have a) star potential or b) fit Scott Skiles's game plan. So they roll the dice on Hill to replace Charlie Villenueva at the power forward spot.

11. New Jersey Nets - Willie Warren

This is the spot where a high riser will likely go. The shooting guard class is pretty weak and a couple of good workouts could help vault someone up to the lottery. For now I'll put Warren here even though it appears that he is going to go back to school.

12. Indiana Pacers - Patrick Patterson

This will never happen. Coach Jim O'Brien isn't going to want a project and I'm sure scouts have other guys ranked higher. But I think Patterson is arguably the best available PF prospect available (if he even enters  the draft). Again, point guard could be an option here although I think the Pacers are either going to keep TJ Ford as their starter or move Ford and hand the reins to Jarrett Jack. Power forward seems to be the biggest spot of need and Patterson can learn from the bench while Troy Murphy handles the position next season.

13. Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Curry

Here's another spot where a smart, effective player could move up and take a spot. Or it's yet another pick that will be dealt.  For now, Curry seems to be a guy that Larry Brown might like at this spot. He can handle minutes at the two, adds another shooter to the lineup, and is an intelligent player. His defense isn't the greatest so another combo guard could steal this spot from him but he's got the spot right now.

14. Phoenix Suns - Tyreke Evans

It's hard to figure out the Suns pick because nobody knows who is going to be around. Amar'e seems like he's gone. Shaq might be on the outs. Nash is getting up there in years.  Evans might be the pick because he has the height to handle the shooting guard spot so he can play there or take over the point guard position if Goran Dragic doesn't improve.

So after the lottery, there is a chance that, like in 2001, most of the top point guard prospects could be available. This could lead to a flurry of activity in the middle of the round as people try to trade for or buy picks. I'm not sure if the Celtics would be willing to spend the money but they good find themselves a very solid backup if they are able to acquire a pick. Even with the late pick in the second round, there's a shot that Ainge could grab another worker like Leon Powe or Ryan Gomes.

While this is one of the more underwhelming drafts in recent memory, it also could be one of the most interesting as players will be moving up and down the boards and many teams will be looking to deal their picks or could be willing to dump their picks if it means cutting salary along with it.