Here’s my preview of Thursday’s NBA draft.  This isn’t a mock draft.  I ranked the top 30 player available.  I think the Clippers are ready to make an Michael Olowokandi sized mistake by drafting Blake Griffin.

1.       Ricky Rubio PG Spain.  He held his own against Americans in Beijing, playing through a broken hand in the gold medal game.   Averaged over ten points a game in Spain, against better competition than this year’s college products.

2.       Tyreke Evans PG, Memphis.  He came on late like last year’s top pick, Derrick Rose.  A 6’5 ball handler who can get to the tin.  The most versatile skill set in the draft.

3.       Stephen Curry SG, Davidson.  NBA-ready jump shot.  He can get his shot off the dribble.  His injury last season has hurt his stock.

4.       James Hardin SG, Arizona.  A bulk scorer.  He’s built like Paul Pierce.  A wider body that can get to the basket and can shoot from the perimeter.  Most complete finisher.

5.       Demar DeRozan SG, USC.  Freakish athletic ability.  Can defend at this level right away.  Nice looking jump shot that he’ll have to develop.

6.       DeJuan Blair PF, Pitt.  A bit undersized 6’6, but a brutish build.  Has polished moves around basket, and creates space with his body.  He’s more Elton Brand than Robert Traylor.

7.       Blake Griffin PF, Oklahoma.  Physically overpowered opponents.  He’s not Dwight Howard.  Offensive game is so raw.  A great talent, but he won’t be able to just dunk on people.

8.       Johnny Flynn PG, Syracuse.  Energy guard.  Excels in transition, despite small frame 6’0, he has the strength to finish inside.  Pass first point guard.  Needs to cut down turnovers.

9.       Terrence Williams SF, Louisville.  A classic point forward.  Someone who is more Gus Williams than Hedo Turkoglu.  His defense will get him minutes.

10.    Jordan Hill PF, Arizona.  A shot-blocker with a limited offensive game.  He won’t score much with his back to the basket.

11.    Earl Clark PF, Louisville.  Inconsistent college career.  A long body that can make jump shots.  He needs to be stronger with the basketball.

12.    Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy.  Was the nation’s number one high school prospect before spending a season playing professionally in Europe.  High on talent, real fluid looking jump shoot.   High risk, high reward.

13.     Gerald Henderson, SF, Duke.  Ready to contribute right away.  Can create his shot.  A shot-blocking 3.

14.    Hasheem Thabeet C, UCONN.  The speed of the NBA game will hurt him.  Can only score off put backs and dunks.   But he is 7’3 with years to learn.

15.    Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA.  Played out of position in college.  He has very good finishing ability.  Jump shot needs to come along.

16.    Omri Cassipi, SF Israel.  Shot over 40% from three for Tel Aviv, a European team that has beaten NBA teams during the exhibition schedule.  Is long, 6’8.

17.    James Johnson SF, Wake Forest.  At 6’8 can stretch a defense with his shooting ability.

18.    Sam Young SF, Pitt.   Shoots and defended well enough in college, but not sure he can make that jump.

19.    Patrick Mills PG, St Mary’s.  His health is the biggest concern.  Stout stature, but is a smart player.  Better than Andrew Bogut during Australia’s run in Beijing.

20.    Jermaine Taylor SF, UCF.  High-flyer who filled it up in college.  Youtube makes this guy look like a top five talent.  

21.    Chase Budinger, SF, Arizona.

22.    BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State.

23.    Tyler Hansbrough, PF UNC.

24.    Victor Claver, SF Spain.

25.    Jack McClinton, PG Miami.

26.    Dante Cunningham, PF, Villanova.

27.    Matt Thornton, SG, LSU.

28.    Ty Lawson, PG, UNC.

29.    DeJuan Summers, PF Georgetown

30.    Taj Gibson, PF, USC.