The Knicks and Timberwolves would also love to get their hands on Rubio, and are said to be diligently working the phones in order to move up. Although a deal isn’t likely until the actual day of the draft, it would not be surprising to see either team move up into the Top 3 to get their man. The Wolves would have to move their No. 6 pick, and possibly Kevin Love, to make it happen, while the Knicks would move their No. 8 pick, and possibly a guy like Wilson Chandler to seal the deal. Again, they aren't likely scenarios, but could easily happen, even if Love or Chandler are not part of the equation.

The odds
Barring any trades, the Clippers will take Griffin, the Grizzlies will take center Hasheem Thabeet, the Thunder will fill a need by taking shooting guard James Harden, and the Kings will take Rubio with the fourth pick of the draft.

It would be naive to think that a trade won’t possibly go down on draft day that could have Rubio going to any team currently with a Top 10 pick. But I get the sense that Rubio is going to be the starting point guard for the Kings next season.

Economics and the 2009 draft
Lastly, this draft is as unique in any in history because of two factors.

1. This draft class does not appear to be destined for greatness. Griffin is the only sure thing, meaning that trying to guess the remaining order requires more than a look at DraftExpress.com or Chad Ford, as even the experts are struggling to come to a consensus on what will happen after the Clippers pick.

2. Given the country’s economy, many of the teams holding a first round pick outside of the Top 10 don’t even want to keep the pick, as the cost likely outweighs the reward of the player they would get. Teams would just assume keep the $1.6 million or so dollars they’d have to spend to sign a first-round pick and use it on a talented veteran this year.

These two factors should mean we see more trades and draft-day movement than we’ve ever seen in the past. Despite the lack of star talent in this year’s NBA draft, we should be in for one of the wildest selection nights in history. Buckle your seatbelts.

Check me out on Twitter at docktora.

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