NBA Outsider Mock Draft: Memphis Grizzlies Select Ricky Rubio

NBA Outsider is hosting a 2009 NBA mock draft, where bloggers from all over come together in an attempt to project the draft results that will take place June 25th . 3 Shades of Blue's Chip Crain picks for the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 2. Despite the point guards' hopes the Memphis Grizzlies stick with Ricky Rubio out of Spain. Follow the mock draft here.Ricky Rubio - DKV Jovenot Memphis would love to trade this pick. Unfortunately everyone in the league knows this so the offers aren't that exciting for the 2nd pick in the draft. Throw on top of that the Grizzlies reputation as a team more interested in the bottom line than the Win-Loss column and offers to move up are not looking very good. That makes this a tough pick for the Grizzlies on many levels. Rubio doesn't appear to want to play in Memphis and his large buy-out means he doesn't have to accept whatever team selects him. Can the Grizzlies afford to draft someone only to have him remain in Spain? I think the Grizzlies can. If Rubio remains in Spain then the Grizzlies hold onto his draft rights for a full year AFTER his European contract ends. Since his buy-out is larger next season than this that may mean a two year wait but Memphis has Mike Conley who is developing. After two seasons the Grizzlies may not need the talented Spaniard and could more easily trade him. After all he'll only be 20 yrs old at that time. Rubio is a visionary point guard. Not often do teams get an opportunity to draft an 18 yr old experienced PG who looks to pass first and knows how to play defense. If this was any other team no one would even argue about taking Rubio with this pick. If the Grizzlies feel the risk is too great then James Harden and Hasheem Thabeet look to be the logical choices. If the Grizzlies do trade down look for them to acquire University of Memphis standout combo guard Tyreke Evans. Evans would be an excellent backcourt mate to Conley and Mayo plus could energize local fans.