This has long been considered a weak Draft, but we won’t really know that for a few years, once the careers of some of these guys have played out. Whether it’s weak or not, the 2009 NBA Draft is strongest at one particular position: point guard.

After the Clippers get their man with the top pick — forward Blake Griffin is the consensus No. 1 — six point guards could go to lottery teams, with perhaps two more selected in the top 20.

Do that many teams need point guards? Not really. But taking the best player available has proven to be the best Draft strategy over the years. And point guard is the most important position on the floor. A team can do worse than having two good floor leaders.

Of course, some teams do need point guards … desperately. Here are the lottery teams that need a point the most (first-round pick in parentheses).

Under contract: Beno Udrih

For some reason, the Kings gave Udrih a five-year deal last summer, thinking he was the guy to run their team after they dealt Mike Bibby to Atlanta. But in his first full season as a starting point guard, Udrih was somewhat underwhelming, one of many reasons the Kings finished with the worst record in the league. They’re in need of someone they can really build around, and at pick No. 4, they will have plenty of choices. Ricky Rubio should be at the top of their list.

Under contract: Chris Duhon

The Knicks signed Duhon to a two-year deal last summer in order to keep the team as financially flexible as possible in 2010. He was a solid leader for Mike D’Antoni, but obviously isn’t at Steve Nash’s level when it comes to running the seven-seconds-or-less attack. The Knicks need a more potent point to run their offense for the long term. Nate Robinson (a restricted free agent) is certainly more potent, but he can’t be trusted to run the show full-time. Even if New York doesn’t get Stephen Curry at the eighth pick, it could get its floor general of the future.

Under contract: Luke Ridnour

The Bucks made strides this season on defense, but injuries kept them from making a real run at the Playoffs. Ramon Sessions has shown flashes of brilliance offensively, but he isn’t as steady as Ridnour, and is a restricted free agent this summer. Ridnour, while steady, is a lower-level starting point guard in the East. The Bucks will likely get someone with a higher ceiling at pick No. 10.

Under contract: Monta Ellis

Ellis is not a point guard, but in the Warriors’ system, he can pretend to be one. Golden State could use a more traditional point that can push the tempo and distribute the ball, but the Warriors may settle for another combo guard if that’s what’s available when their pick comes up.

Under contract: Randy Foye, Sebastian Telfair

Foye was solid this season, but he isn’t a true point. The Timberwolves could be looking at another combo guard like Tyreke Evans or Stephen Curry with their first pick, because once Rubio is gone, the next pass-first guy may be a bit of a reach at No. 6.

Under contract: Gilbert Arenas, Javaris Crittenton, Mike James

The remaining nine lottery teams are seemingly set with a starting point guard. Of those nine, though, the Wizards are most in need of a reliable backup. If they really believe they can be a contender, they need someone other than Crittenton or James to spell Arenas, whose health is always a concern.

7. Los Angeles Clippers (1) — Mardy Collins and Mike Taylor back up Baron Davis.
8. Memphis Grizzlies (2 and 27) — They have Mike Conley, but could use a backup.
9. Indiana Pacers (13) — Backup Jarrett Jack is a restricted free agent.
10. Phoenix Suns (14) — Steve Nash is a free agent next summer.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (3 and 25) — Russell Westbrook could move over to the two spot if they like Rubio enough to take him with the third pick.
12. Charlotte Bobcats (12) — Raymond Felton is a restricted free agent, but they drafted D.J. Augustin last year.
13. New Jersey Nets (11) — Devin Harris missed 13 games this season and Keyon Dooling just had hip surgery.
14. Toronto Raptors (9) — They’re seemingly set with Jose Calderon and Roko Ukic, but could use some more defense in the backcourt.

Philadelphia (17) — Andre Miller could be gone via free agency, leaving the Sixers with just shoot-first Lou Williams at the point.
Atlanta (19) — Mike Bibby is an unrestricted free agent, and even if he returns, the Hawks could use someone off the bench.
Utah (20) — Brevin Knight and Ronnie Price are free agents, and Deron Williams needs a backup.

(nba.com)

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