By Bruce Pearl, for NBA.com
Posted Jun 22 2009 7:28PM
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, part of NBA TV's and NBA.com's coverage of the NBA Draft, offers his "Super Seven" for the 2009 NBA Draft:
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Everyone knows this is a one-man draft. Blake Griffin will not only be the No. 1 overall pick, but he'll also be the Rookie of the Year -- just like Derrick Rose last season.
Today, I'm offering up my "Super Seven." Led by Griffin, these are the players who should be the first seven selected on Draft day.
With Griffin as the top selection, these next six players could go in any order after that.
Hasheem Thabeet
Thabeet is a tremendous shot blocker and has been fun to watch during his time at UConn. I don't think there's a player who's come farther in terms of development in the NCAA in the last two years.
James Harden
I'm impressed with this guy, and I'm clearly not alone on this one. Harden can shoot, he can handle the ball and is super athletic.
Ricky Rubio
I think most fans who are not really familiar with Rubio have heard about his passing and playmaking ability. But it's his vision that makes him so dangerous. He'll be a fine player for whichever team scoops him up.
Tyreke Evans
I can tell you firsthand, Evans is blessed with a rare kind of athleticism that makes him a nightmare for an opponent. He is gifted with fantastic strength and is so effective as a "big" point guard.
Stephen Curry
I'm not sure how many teams have him in their top seven (prospects), but they should. He led the nation in scoring, and has improved his draft status more than any other player over the last month.
Jordan Hill
I see a really big upside in Hill. He's got tremendous length, and is very athletic for a player his size.
 | Rockets vs. Grizzlies: First half Rudy Gay leads all scorers with 16 points as the Grizzlies lead the Rockets 52-43 at the half. |
 | Bombs Away Jose Calderon drops a deep three from downtown Toronto as the shot clock expires. |
 | Maxiell's Big Block Jason Maxiell hustles back on defense and gets the huge block. |
 | Parker to Jefferson Tony Parker throws the pinpoint alley-oop to Richard Jefferson for the dunk. |
 | Kings vs. Bulls: First half DaMarcus Cousins leads all scorers with 16 points, 10 rebounds but the Kings trail the Bulls 56-52 at the half. |
 | Jazz vs. Thunder: First half The Thunder have a 53-39 halftime lead over the Jazz behind James Harden's 12 points. |
 | Dalembert Denial Samuel Dalembert denies Marreese Speights at the rim. |
 | Perkins Runs Point Kendrick Perkins gets the steal, brings the ball up the floor and finishes the break by throwing the alley-oop to Russell Westbrook. |
 | Lin to Amar'e Jeremy Lin passes to Amar'e Stoudemire who finishes it on the inside plus the foul. |
 | Gibson Flush Luol Deng makes a sweet dish to Taj Gibson for the flush. |
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Bruce Pearl :: Head Coach :: University of Tennessee