Blazersedge Draft Board: Shooting Guards

It's also a pretty baren year for obvious NBA-caliber shooting guards. Guys like Jeff Green and Corey Brewer could possibly be moved to the 2, but are still more naturally 3s.

If I had to make a top 5, I would say (with no pretense I know much about most of these guys):

1. Rudy Fernandez, Spain --- at 6'6" and 180 lbs, he sounds fragile, but also like he could be a great shooter. He could be a guy that comes off the bench and bombs away from the 3 (accurately), which is something we could really use. (outside lotto only)

2. Nick Young, USC --- top rated SG on most boards and a good scorer in college, he could either spell Roy or even team with him at times. A guy that can hit jumpers, which we badly need, especially if we take Oden.  (outside lotto only

3. Marco Belinelli, Italy --- I don't know anything at all about him except for some general references on websites to his "streaky" but "good" deep shot. Plus, he's a Euro, and they're always good for the role of the dice (LATE first or second only)

4. D. Cook, Ohio St. --- he had a bad tourney, but he's young and talented and if he's there in the second it would give Oden at least one former teammate.(2nd round)

5. Aaron Affalo, UCLA --- eh, why not.(2nd round)
   

OK, I know he played point in college, but he seems like a combo guard to me, and the best moments I saw from him at Texas A & M was making clutch shots, not passing.  He's about Jarrett Jack's size, I think.  Anyway, I like him, but not sure if the Blazers would bother with a 2 if they could score one of the talented 3's in this draft (assuming they don't draft Durant), given how many minutes Brandon Roy is likely to play during the year, regardless.  Course, Roy is somewhat likely to play quite a bit of point guard too, so one of the more effective compliments is a Jarrett Jack / Acie Law type.

He's been a pro for ever in Spain.  Intelligent and skilled but frail and skinny.  Can shoot the ball.  I think he's absolutely ideal as a late first round pick.  Put him on the second unit with Sergio and watch the magic.

they should be able to hit the three too.  The problem I have with Blake is that he's so cautious.  He won't make the pass that has a 25% chance of getting picked off, but if he makes it it's a certain dunk.

1. Rudy Fernandez - skilled shooter and slasher. Passes well, good defense, with steals and occasional blocks. He is smart, athletic, plays well in clutch situations, passionate about the game (I hear he already helps coach a kid's team). Undersized for driving in nba.

2. Nick Young - may go 1st. More of a shooter, good at creating his shot on perimeter (triple-threat game). Potent offensive player and good in clutch situations.

3-5. Marco Belinelli/Derrick Byars/Morris Almond  
 (not sure what order these guys might get picked in)
Marco is another good shooter; he is fast, athletic, and handles the ball well. However, his contract may need a buyout to play next year (his contract expires after next year, so could definitely come over in 2008).
Morris has been described as the best shooter in the draft and he is a good slasher. He has better size than the top two prospects and is smart at creating shots for himself. I could see him going in top 5 because he is such a potent scorer, although he is said to turn the ball over too frequently.
Derrick is a good shooter and a decent slasher. He is described as having all the intangibles(leadership, effort..), having good size, and good passing ability. Most mock drafts don't have him in top 5, but like Morris, I think some GM will recognize that these guys are well-rounded and have a lot of potential.