By now, we all know the virtues of Blake Griffin. He’s a quick and explosive leaper, strong with the ball, and has excellent timing when going up for rebounds and blocks. Griffin’s jump shot is still in its embryonic stage, but has potential. His sneezes are more like thunderstorms, he was forged from steel and iron, and accidentally ripped the phonebook in half when he was searching the yellow pages for a decent place to play laser tag.
 
This is the Blake Griffin draft. There are no guarantees in this year’s class with the exception of the projected number one pick. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, plan A is to hope to win the NBA Draft Lottery and select Blake Griffin. Plan B is to use their collection of picks and other assets to try to acquire Griffin’s rights through a trade. Plan C is to simply draft a player wherever they’re slotted in the lottery.
 
Below I have ranked their options for Plan C.
 
 
1. James Harden, SG Arizona State
 
He’s shorter than most NBA shooting guards, but he has the crafty moves to get his shot off.
 
Comparison: A shorter Paul Pierce
 
2. Hasheem Thabeet, C UConn  

In Thabeet’s first few years in the league he will be exclusively a defensive player. But with Durant, Green, and Westbrook averaging 46 shots between them Thabeet won’t be relied upon for much offense. He has a ton of room for improvement (he’s only been playing basketball since he was 16) and his numbers have improved every year at UConn.
 
Comparison: Dikembe Mutumbo
 
3. Jordan Hill, PF Arizona 
 
He’ll be a good dirty work power forward. He won’t immediately be a guy who the Thunder can depend on to consistently score from the block.
 
Comparison: Jason Maxiell
 
4. Stephan Curry, PG Davidson 
 
If the Thunder can’t reach for a big man because Thabeet and Hill are off the board. Oklahoma City needs more three point shooters and Curry has NBA range. I would feel comfortable with Curry backing up Westbrook and leading the second unit.
 
Comparison: Janerro Pargo with better passing ability
 
5. Gerald Henderson, SG Duke 
 
Henderson has always had the athletic ability and this year he’s starting to knock down some shots.
 
Comparison: Poor Man’s Dwayne Wade
 
 
6. Eric Maynor, PG VCU 
 
Much should be made about Jeff Capel’s recruiting ability. Capel has landed four McDonald’s All Americans in three years (counting the class of 2009). If Maynor cracks the lottery, then Capel would have two of his former recruits go in the top 14.
 
Comparison: Rodney Stuckey
 
7. Chase Budinger, SF Arizona 
 
Last June after the Thunder drafted Westbrook I watched a UCLA vs. Arizona replay on ESPN Classic to get a better look at Westbrook. After the first half I sent one of my friends a text that said “If Westbrook is guarded by Chase Budinger every game of his NBA career then he’ll be a Hall of Famer.” The Thunder might have to hide Budinger on defense but he can flat out shoot.
 
Comparison: Wally Szerbiak
 
 
8. Jeff Teague, PG Wake Forest 
 
The only reason Teague is this low on the list is because the Thunder already have a Monta Ellis-type point guard.
 
Comparison: Monta Ellis
 
9. Greg Monroe 
 
I wouldn’t be too disappointed with the addition of another high character guy to a team full of high character guys. But he would need time to develop and I question whether he’s big enough to play center.
 
Comparison: Brad Miller
 
10. Ty Lawson, PG UNC 
 
He’s the fastest guy I’ve seen this year with the ball in his hands.
 
Comparison: A Thicker Speedy Claxton
 
 
Late 1st / Early 2nd Round Wish list
1. Jodie Meeks, SG Kentucky
2. Dionte Christmas, SG Temple
3. Robert Vaden, SG UAB
4. Terrence Williams, SF Louisville
5. Josh Heytvelt, PF Gonzaga ;

Dustin Talley can be reached at DTalley@oksportsreport.com