Random Draft Thoughts...

Some Random Draft Thoughts... With both the NHL and NBA entry drafts going down this weekend, I thought I would throw my two cents out there and evaluate how the Leafs and Raptors fared with their first round pick: The Raptor's drafted DeMar DeRozan, an athletic wingman who has shown he can play defence, and who's offensive game has a lot of upside. He will be allowed to develop over his rookie year, expected mostly to contribute energy and quality minutes in a supporting role. Verdict: The Raptors needed an athletic winger, (read: someone who can make their own shot) so they went out and drafted one. The USC product will have his ups and downs next season I'm sure, but there is a lot of potential here, and he fills one of the teams more pressing needs. The Maple Leafs drafted Nazem Kadri after failing to move up to draft one of the more hyped players. (Good bye dreams of John Tavares in the blue and white!) The second London Knight off the board is a much bigger gamble, he does posses impressive offensive abilities, but I had a chance to watch him play twice last year, and he definitely struggles with defence and consistency. Hmmmm defence and consistency.... Aren't these the two words Brian Burke and Ron Wilson have been hyping so much since arriving in town? (Well, that and toughness.) Kadri will be a project. He will almost assuredly get another year in the OHL, and playing for the Knights, that is not a bad thing. But like Burke said this draft won't be able to properly be judged for a few seasons. Was Nazem Kadri a good pick for the Leafs? We'll get back to you. Who made some good picks and got the "steals" of the draft? One name jumps out at me from each league. They aren't exactly sleeper picks, but we are still going to mention them, just so we look good when these guys are on all star teams in the future. NHL: Nashville Predators take Ryan Ellis from the Windsor Spitfires with the 11th pick. I know the Leaf's felt they needed offence, but I was disappointed they let this guy go past them. He just keeps winning big games, and winning is what it's all about. Like Phoenix, Nashville's future may be the subject of much speculation, the future of Ryan Ellis will not be. He will be a quality player in the league for a good chunk of years. NBA: In the league where rookies can turn around a franchise the one pick I like was Stephan Curry to the Golden State Warriors. Now I know what your thinking: Curry is too small, he lacks toughness, he is going to Golden State - where promising careers go to die. But like Ellis, Curry is a special player. What he did for Davidson is nothing short of spectacular. In a weaker draft year this will be the player that stands out in the future.