How underwhelming has the 2009 draft class been?

(Photo from EveryJoe.com)

Now that we're more than halfway in the season, let's compare how the draft class was expected to be, and how they actually are now.

1. Blake Griffin - LAC
Last year of college stats: 22.7 pts, 14.4 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.1 stl, 1.2 blk, 65.4% FG
Current rookie year in the NBA: N/A
What he was expected to be: Starting Forward, savior of a terrible team
What he has been: Injured, will not play this year, rookie next year ala Greg Oden

2. Hasheem Thabeet - MEM
Last year of college stats: 13.6 pts, 10.8 reb, .5 ast, .6 stl, 4.2 blk, 64% FG
Current rookie year in the NBA: 2.7 pts, 3 reb, 1.2 blk, 59.5% FG in 10:41 min a game. 0 games started.
What he was expected to be: A (and back then the probably ONLY) defensive presence who needed to work on his offensive game for a Memphis team that didn't know what to expect from Zach Randolph.
What he has been: A bench warmer averaging 10:54 minutes, hasn't started a game. Taking a back seat to an all star season by Randolph and great play by Marc Gasol.

3. James Harden - OKL
Last year of college stats: 20.1 pts on 48.9% FG, 5.6 reb, 4.2 ast, 3.4 TO, 1.7 stl. 1.7 3PTM on 35.6%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 9.7 pts on 38.6%, 3.2 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.3 TO, 1.0 stl, 1.2 3PTM on 37.8%, hasn't started a game.
What he was expected to be: The starting SG in the up and coming/add a new starter every year from great draft picks Oklahoma City Thunder.
What he has been: 6th man for the Oklahoma Thunder who are playoff bound. Streaky shooter having off nights (11 zero or one FGM games so far) and on nights (24, 25, and 26 pt games in Nov and Dec). Averaging 3FGM on almost 8 attempts this season, so far.

4. Tyreke Evans - SAC
Last year of college stats: 17.1 pts on 45.5% FG, 5.4 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.1 stl, 3.6 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 20.3 pts on 46% FG, 4.8 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.6 stl, 2.9 TO, starter in every game he's played.
What he was expected to be: A FAILURE. Everyone hated this pick, asking why they didn't draft a big man rebounder or Ricky Rubio. The Kings wanted a new PG to replace Beno Udrih and roll SG Kevin Martin.
What he has been: The savior of the Kings and ROY so far.

5. Ricky Rubio - MIN
Last year of ACB stats (22 games for DKV Joventut): 10 pts, 2.6 reb, 6.1 ast, 2.2 stl, 3.0 TO, 1.0 3ptm, 39.1% FG, 42.3% 3pt
Current rookie year in the NBA: N/A
What he was expected to be: Minnesota had their bigs (Al Jefferson, K. Love) and an underwhelming Corey Brewer so they went for the hyped Spanish Superstar in Ricky Rubio to make this team relevant again.
What he has been: Doing about the same in Spain: 6.8 pts, 2.3 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.5 stl, 1.7 TO, 1.0 3ptm, 45.7% FG, 43.5% 3pt

6. Jonny Flynn - MIN
Last year of college stats: 17.4 pts on 46.0% FG, 2.7 reb, 6.7 ast, 3.4 TO, 1.4 stl, 1.2 3ptm, 31.7% 3pt
Current rookie year in the NBA: 13.9 pts on 41.8% FG, 2.5 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.8 TO, 1.1 stl, .9 3ptm on 34.5% 3pt, starter in all games.
What he was expected to be: Ricky Rubio insurance. Rubio wanted to go to a big city. Minnesota knew Minnesota isn't a big name city and got Flynn in case Rubio pulled an Eli Manning on the San Diego Chargers.
What he has been: Really good insurance but the Wolves aren't winning. They still need a couple more good players (like Rubio!) and some defense. There's trade rumors re: Jefferson, Kurt Rambis is implementing the Triangle offense and it looks like it will take some getting used to.

7. Stephen Curry - GSW
Last year of college stats: 28.6 pts on 45.4% FG, 4.4 reb, 5.6 ast, 3.7 TO, 2.5 stl, 3.8 3ptm on 38.7% 3pt Current rookie year in the NBA: 14.4 pts on 45.5% FG, 3.7 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.6 TO, 1.8 stl, 1.6 3ptm on 42.3% 3pt, starter in 47 of 50 games, will be asked to do more with Monta out.
What he was expected to be: Another running and shooting guard for the running and shooting Warriors.
What he has been: Just that. Only the Warriors haven't been winning. Maybe it's not the players...

8. Jordan Hill - NYK
Last year of college stats: 18.3 pts on 53.7% FG, 11 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.9 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 4.1 pts on 47.1% FG, 2.5 reb, .3 ast, .5 TO, 10 minutes a game in 22 games-none started
What he was expected to be: A consolation prize for not getting Stephen Curry.
What he has been: Bench warmer averaging 10 minutes in 21 games. Tall forward who can't get past Wilson Chandler, David Lee, Danilo Gallinari, Al Harrington.

9. DeMar DeRozan - TOR
Last year of college stats: 13.9 pts on 52.3% FG, 5.7 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.1 TO,
Current rookie year in the NBA: 8.3 pts on 47.1% FG, 3.0 reb, .7 ast, .9 TO, starter in all games played.
What he was expected to be: Athletic forward who had potential (all the "sure things" had come off the board already).
What he has been: Starting guard/forward for the 28-23 Raptors and plays solid defense.

10. Brandon Jennings - MIL
Last year of Euro League stats on Roma: 7.6 pts on 38.7% FG, 1.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.2 stl, 1.2 TO, .7 3ptm, 26.8% 3pt
Current rookie year in the NBA: 17.1 pts on 37.6% FG, 3.5 reb, 6.3 ast,1.2 stl, 2.5 TO, 1.8 3ptm on 38.2% 3pt, starter in all games.
What he was expected to be: The best PG on the board with the most upside so let's roll the dice. Plus, Ramon Sessions might not sign with us again and Luke Ridnour isn't starting and we need a guard to roll with Michael Redd and Bogut.
What he has been: Well he's led the Bucks to 9th place in the east so far at 23-26 without Michael Redd. He's doing great statistically, he's flashy, and despite his twitter problems, the team is close to .500. He's keeping the Bucks afloat and might make the playoffs and could be ROY.

11. Terrence Williams - NJN
Last year of college stats: 12.5 pts on 43.1% FG, 8.6 reb, 5.0 ast, 2.3 stl, 2.3 TO, 1.5 3ptm on 38.5%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 6.3 pts on 36.6% FG, 3.7 reb, 2.0 ast, .6 stl, 1.5 TO, .3 3ptm on 28.1% 3pt, 20 minutes a game in 47 games
What he was expected to be: Drafting best possible talent and we don't need a center or a point guard. Let's see how he does.
What he has been: Bench player for a bad team. Showed flashes of goodness with 11 double digit scoring games but has leveled off.

12. Gerald Henderson - CHA
Last year of college stats: 16.5 pts on 45% FG, 4.9 reb, 2.5 ast, 1.2 stl, 2.2 TO, 1.1 3ptm on 33.6%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 2.5 pts on 34.4% FG, 1.1 reb, 8 minutes a game in 28 games-none started
What he was expected to be: A shooting guard when the Bobcats had Raja Bell. Bench player?
What he has been: He didn't get steady minutes in the beginning, then the team traded Raja for Stephen Jackson and Flip Murray backs him up. Can't crack a steady rotation slot for the Bobcats who are 7th in the Eastern Conference.

13. Tyler Hansbrough - IND
Last year of college stats: 20.7 pts on 51.4% FG, 8.1 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.2 stl, .4 blk, 1.9 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 8.5 pts on 36.0% FG, 4.8 reb, 1.0 ast, .7 TO, .6 stl, .3 blk in 17:36 minutes a game - 29 games
What he was expected to be: Solid bench player because although he was a star at UNC, it was widely assumed his game wouldn't transfer to the NBA. After 4 years in college, not much upside so he is what he is. Plus the team had Troy Murphy and Roy Hibbert starting already.
What he has been: A solid bench player but he hasn't been playing recently because of an inner ear infection and dizziness. He had a nice December though where he got a lot of playing time and scoring 19+ three times.

14. Earl Clark - PHO
Last year of college stats: 14.2 pts on 45.7% FG, 8.7 reb, 3.2 ast, 1.0 stl, 1.4 blk, 3.2 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 2.8 pts on 37.1% FG, 1.1 reb in 8:24 minutes a game for 36 games-none started
What he was expected to be: Insurance in case they traded Amare Stoudemire. 6'10 forward who could have some upside.
What he has been: A bench player struggling to find time behind Amare who hasn't been traded (yet?), Channing Frye (who was signed shortly after the draft), Robin Lopez (who has filled in nicely for an injured Channing Frye at center) and Louis Amundson.

15. Austin Daye - DET
Last year of college stats: 12.7 pts on 47.7% FG, 6.8 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.1 blk, 2.1 TO, 1.1 3ptm on 42.9%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 4.7 pts on 45.6% FG, 2.5 reb in 13 minutes a game in 43 games-2 started
What he was expected to be: Long lanky 6'10" forward with upside. They didn't need guards but with Rasheed Wallace gone, they needed a forward. By now, teams are picking best possible talent.
What he has been: A bench player playing limited minutes in limited games. After the draft they signed Chris Wilcox, Ben Wallace and Charlie Villanueva so time at the forward position has been scarce with Tayshaun Prince starting and Jerebko playing really well (2nd rounder!)

16. James Johnson - CHI
Last year of college stats: 15 pts on 54.2%, 8.5 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.4 stl, 1.5 blk, 2.4 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 2.9 pts, 1.6 reb in 9:30 minutes in 39 games-none started.
What he was expected to be: Bench player with upside.
What he has been: Bench player averaging 9 minutes. Lot of forwards on this team: Deng, Tyrus Thomas, John Salmons, plus fellow rookie Taj Gibson (24th pick) has been playing really well and starting.

17. Jrue Holiday - PHI
Last year of college stats: 8.5 pts on 45%, 3.8 reb, 3.7 ast, 1.6 stl, .8 3ptm on 30.7%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 5.4 pts on 38.2% FG, 2.0 reb, 2.7 ast, .8 stl, 1.4 TO
What he was expected to be: Andre Miller's replacement in the starting lineup? Jrue was supposed to be top 12ish and slipped down to 17 so Philly snatched him right up. He played out of position at UCLA so his stats didn't indicate what he was really worth.
What he has been: Bench player. Louis Williams started at PG and Iguodala started at SG to start the season. Later on in the season, Iverson came back. He's back in the starting lineup for now while Iverson deals with family issues and is away from the team and they're on a 5 game win streak so far...

18. Ty Lawson - MIN (traded to DEN)
Last year of college stats: 16.6 pts on 53.2%, 3.0 reb, 6.6 ast, 2.1 stl, 1.9 TO, 1.5 3ptm on 47.2%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 9.6 pts on 51.2% FG, 2.2 reb, 3.4 ast, 1.3 TO, .8 stl, .6 3pt on 43.5% 3pt. 22:30 minutes in 48 games - 8 started
What he was expected to be: Another guard for Minnesota in case Rubio didn't work out? Nah... he was traded on draft day to Denver to be Chauncey Billups' backup. At 5'11" he was considered too short to be a starting point guard for lottery teams even though he was a big part of UNC's championship run.
What he has been: A solid back up for Chauncey Billups and when Billups doesn't play, he starts and his stats double to 17 points and 6 ast (but a 3-8 record as a starter). Good steal at the 18th pick for Denver and it only cost them a future first round pick (originally the Charlotte Bobcats').

19. Jeff Teague - ATL
Last year of college stats: 18.8 pts on 48.5%, 3.3 reb, 3.5 ast, 1.9 stl, 3.4 TO, 1.5 3ptm on 44.1%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 2.9 pts, .9 reb, 1.7 ast in 9:41 minutes per game, 45 games-none started.
What he was expected to be: Bench player for now with upside. A scoring PG.
What he has been: Bench player. Joe Johnson, Bibby and Crawford take up a lot of time at the guard spots. Hopefully this doesn't turn out to be another Acie Law story.

20. Eric Maynor - UTH (traded to OKC 26 games in)
Last year of college stats: 22.4 pts on 46.3%, 3.6 reb, 6.2 ast, 1.7 stl, 3.0 TO, 1.9 3ptm on 36.1%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 4.8 pts on 40.8% FG, 1.6 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.1 TO, 14:30 minutes in 50 games - 2 started
What he was expected to be: Best possible talent with upside, coming off the bench for Deron Williams.
What he has been: Bench player who went from backing up entrenched PG Williams to entrenched PG Russell Westbrook on Oklahoma.

21. Darren Collison - NOH
Last year of college stats: 14.4 pts on 50.9% FG, 2.4 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.5 TO, 1.6 stl, 1.2 3pt on 39.4%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 8.5 pts on 43.7% FG, 2.0 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.0 TO, .8 stl, .4 3ptm on 34.0% 3pt
What he was expected to be: Back up point guard for Chris Paul. Best possible talent available.
What he has been: An OK sub for Paul (only 13 minutes as a reserve) but when Paul is out as he has been and will be for a couple months, Collison lights it up and averages 16.4 pts and 7.8 ast. In 15 games as a starter, the Hornets have gone 7-8.

22. Victor Claver - POR
Last year of Eurocup league (9 games) stats: 9.1 pts on 43.8% FG, 5.3 reb, 2.1 ast, .7 stl, 2.1 TO, 1.2 3ptm on 39.3% 3pt
Current rookie year in the NBA: N/A
What he was expected to be: In Spain, gaining experience due to the Blazers' already set roster.
What he has been: In Spain, gaining experience.

23. Omri Casspi - SAC
Last year of Euro league stats: 8.8 pts on 50.5% FG, 3.1 reb, .4 ast, .8 stl, 1.1 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 12.1 pts on 47.0% FG, 5.0 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.4 TO, .7 stl, 1.2 3ptm on 37.7% 3pt
What he was expected to be: A solid role player. This team had a lot of holes and Casspi was solid in the euro league. According to scouts, he was a tall SF with good face up skills.
What he has been: A welcomed surprise. Starting forward who provides solid scoring and rebounding.

24. BJ Mullens - OKC
Last year of college stats: 8.8 pts on 63.8% FG, 4.7 reb, 03 ast, .5 stl, 1.1 blk, 1.5 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 1.1 pts, .9 reb in 4 minutes and 9 games
What he was expected to be: A Center project. They were set with their other positions and have Nenad Krstic and Nick Collison.
What he has been: In the D-League! And recently barely getting off the bench.

25. Rodrigue Beaubois - DAL
Last year of French league stats: 10.0 pts on 47.3% FG, 2.5 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.1 stl, .4 blk, 1.9 TO, 1.3 3ptm on 31.7% 3pt
Current rookie year in the NBA: 5.1 pts on 49.3% FG, 1.1 reb in 10 minutes and 34 games - 13 games started
What he was expected to be: French player with upside?
What he has been: Bench player but filled in OK for Shawn Marion in November.

26. Taj Gibson - CHI
Last year of college stats: 14.3 pts on 60.1% FG, 9.0 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.0 stl, 2.9 blk, 2.1 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 8.1 pts on 48% FG, 6.5 reb, .7 ast, .6 stl, 1.1 blk, 1.3 TO
What he was expected to be: A solid bench player? No one expected him to be successful and everyone thought Tyrus Thomas was going to start. Plus he was drafted at 24 years old... so many things going against this guy yet...
What he has been: A starting forward providing solid play for a struggling Bulls team. He's started 39 games out of 50 and has been starting for the past two months. Plays hard.

27. DeMarre Carroll - MEM
Last year of college stats: 16.6 pts on 55.8% FG, 7.2 reb, 2.2 ast, 1.6 stl, 1.5 TO
Current rookie year in the NBA: 3.4 pts, 2.2 reb in 12 minutes and 48 games
What he was expected to be: Drafting best possible talent, trying to fill out their bench.
What he has been: Bench player who got some decent minutes in November but has since fell off.

28. Wayne Ellington - MIN
Last year of college stats: 15.8 pts on 48.3% FG, 4.9 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.6 TO, 2.2 3ptm on 41.7%
Current rookie year in the NBA: 6.3 pts on 42.8% FG, 2.2 reb, 1.0 ast, .9 TO, .7 3ptm on 35.5% 3pt
What he was expected to be: Shooting guard to go with the PGs they already picked. They weren't expecting Corey Brewer to be anything special so they were looking ahead.
What he has been: Well Corey Brewer showed up so he's been a bench player coming in for Brewer.

29. Toney Douglas - NYK
Last year of college stats: 21.5 pts on 44.6% FG, 3.9 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.8 stl, 2.5 TO, 2.4 3ptm on 38.5% 3pt
Current rookie year in the NBA: 6.3 pts on 48.4% FG, 1.1 TO in 12 minutes and 29 games
What he was expected to be: Originally drafted by the Lakers but sold to the Knicks for cash. Knicks needed some talent to get through this season and he was young, had upside and is cheap.
What he has been: Bench player and hasn't been playing lately.

30. Christian Eyenga - CLE
Last year of eurocup stats (9 games): 3.3 pts, 1.4 reb in 10.3 min
Current rookie year in the NBA: N/A
What he was expected to be: Project to stay overseas.
What he has been: Overseas

Notable 2nd rounders: DeJuan Blair starting at Center for the Spurs, Jonas Jerebko starting at forward for the Pistons.

So in an already known weak draft, not even the highly touted #1 pick or the young Spanish PG have played a single game. This draft is weak and weaker with 9 of the 14 lottery teams drafting players who don't start due to injury, playing abroad, or lack of talent. The Clippers REALLY won the lottery and drafting the only SURE SURE thing and yet he gets injured. Rookie class fail.

In conclusion, the rookies are about to get stomped on Friday night by Russell Westbrook (triple double threat every night), Brook Lopez (only good thing about the Nets), Kevin Love (double double machine), Eric Gordon (scoring machine), Michael Beasley (also a scoring machine), OJ Mayo (also a scoring machine) and Marc Gasol (another daily double double machine). And too bad Derrick Rose is an all star so he won't be playing so they replaced him with 3pt specialist (yet not in the 3pt contest) Anthony Morrow.

All stats from DraftExpress.com