With the conclusion of the 2008 NBA Playoffs and the monstrous victory of the Boston Celtics we have something new to look forward to in the NBA. You guessed it, the NBA draft. The draft is always one of the most exciting parts of the NBA. Not only does it provide some wonderful betting opportunities with sportsbooks posting odds and prop bets, but we as fans have an opportunity to see who the future stars of the Game will be.
Last year we saw Ohio States Greg Oden taken as the #1 overall pick in the draft. His sheer size and raw talent elevated him to the top of his class. Was he the best player in the draft? I dont think so. The second selection in the draft, Kevin Durant, was in fact the best player. Durant proved an instant impact player going on to become the NBA rookie of the year. Meanwhile, Oden was injured before the season and didnt play one second. The third overall choice, Al Horford also proved invaluable for his team. He averaged a double double for the Hawks in their 3 playoff Games.
This years draft includes the likes of Derrick Rose, Micheal Beasley, OJ Mayo, and Kevin Love. Memphiss Derrick Rose is the early, and heavy betting favorite at 1-5 to be the first selection in the draft. Rose is a guard with great scoring ability. He will be exiting Memphis after leading them to the national championship Game in only his freshman year. Beasley who has been tabbed at betting odds of 5-2 to go as the first pick had a monstrous freshman year at Kansas State. Recruited by mastermind Bob Huggins, Beasley is a forward and he led his team with 26.2 PPG and 12.4 RPG. Those are truly epic stats! USCs Shooting Guard OJ Mayo can also shoot the ball. He scored a career high 37 points against Arizona State, sinking 7 of 10 three pointers. He has been set at 50-1 odds to become the first pick. Mayos cross town rival UCLA had fellow freshman Kevin Love. He averaged 17.5 PPG and 10.6 RPG. Love is quite a force in the paint! He has been tabbed at betting odds of 100-1 to become the first selection in the draft.
If youre a fan of college basketball, then you have probably heard of the Lopez twins. Brook, and Robin both attended Stanford. Brook is going to be headed to the NBA but Robin will stay for another year of college ball. Brook Lopez is a 7 foot 1 inch center who can shoot and rebound well. He averaged 19.3 PPG and 8.2 RPG in his final season with Stanford. You can get him for 100-1 odds to become the first pick in the draft. On the other hand, if you dont like any of the players I mentioned you can have the field at the lofty odds of 25-1!
Make sure to tune in to ESPN on June 26 for the NBA draft! My choice for the first pick is going to be Michael Beasley, at odds of 5-2. Regardless of who goes where, this is going to be one of the best drafts in a long time. Im sure in a few years time Mayo, Love, Beasley, Lopez or Rose will be a member of a national championship team. There is only one way to find out; watch…..and while your at it, if you like the odds, bet!